Tampa has been hit with the highest unemployment rate this past month in the last thirty years at 13.1 percent. While over 300,000 jobs in Florida have been lost in this past year, the construction industry by itself had laid off 90,700 workers. With all the talk of job loss and economy in the tubes, some might ask, which jobs remain untouchable?
The sad truth is that there is no clear answer that question. However an employment breakdown of the Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties provided by the Highlands Today shows the percentage of employment in each industry. For example, the industries of trade, transportation and utilities are at 17 percent, government employment is at 16.5 percent, agriculture 16.1 percent, education and health services are at 13.8, leisure and hospitality 7.1 percent, professional and business services 6.5 percent, and construction is at 3.9 percent.
Ron Rae, columnist of “The Rae Way”, featured in Hernando Today, recently wrote about how hurricane season should hopefully bring in some construction jobs. As awful an idea at that sounds, it would most likely decrease the unemployment rates, even if it’s only temporary.
Another disheartening fact about the jobs that are hiring is that they most likely will be filled by overqualified employees who will be accepting a pay cut. Branch manager Joe Badalamenti for Manpower, located on 5625 W. Waters Ave told News Channel 8’s Krista Klaus that salaries have fallen between 10 to 20 percent since the unemployment controversy.
While it’s difficult to say which jobs are currently hiring, it’s easier to say which job markets are taking the biggest hit. And even among the jobs opportunities currently available, it’s not promised to continue that way for very long.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Career Services working hard in this economy
It’s no secret that the Tampa Bay area is suffering from the highest unemployment rate in the state. At 13.1%, unemployed citizens of the area are in need of resources and information on how to obtain jobs, internships, or start building connections again. Luckily for The University of Tampa student body, they have all these options right on campus. The Office of Career Services, located in the Riverside Building, has every possible workshop, event, and program that will assist in helping students survive in this dwindling economy.
Every year, the office provides a day long event geared towards graduating seniors. Life After UT, begins with a panel of UT alumni, who give tips and tricks on what to do about applying for jobs, internships, and insider information to successfully transition from school to the real world.
Mark Colvenbach, manager of employer development, opened the program saying, “It’s a touch job market, but there are jobs that you can uncover.”
The panel gave the students some raw advice on staying ahead after school. Josh Taylor, who went right into grad school, gave the perspective on waiting it out in this economy. They discussed everything from resume hints, to networking with people. But Jessie Holder, put it best when she said her best advice would be, “Always have your resume. And never burn bridges”.
The main consensus of the panel was to make connections, and remember it’s a small town so keep your relationships positive.
Aside from Life After UT, Career Services offers 5 or more programs each week that students can take advantage of. This includes having employers come on campus for job interviews. Also, their database HireUT gives students an assortment of jobs and internships they can apply for. These jobs aren’t just for Florida, but they are located everywhere in the nation. This small office does big things for the future of their students.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Reporting to Yourself
It’s no secret that millions of Americans are without jobs. It’s no secret that 13.1 % of residents in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area are unemployed. Since it is difficult to find a well paying job during these hard economic times, people are starting to turn their shoulder on the idea of working up a company ladder and instead, work for themselves. According to the US census, there are about 10.4 million self-employed workers in the United States which is a 300,000 person increase since 2001.
Hillsborough County had one of the highest self-employment rate increases in the country. According to the census, the amount of people who worked at non-employer establishments in Hillsborough County jumped up 8.3 percent from 2004 to 2005. Out of the nearly 1,180,000 residents in Hillsborough County, approximately 59,000 of them were self-employed as of 2008, according to city-data.com.
There are many reasons that can explain why people are stepping away from big companies to work for themselves. One example could be the older generation of professionals that are fired daily because their salary is too big. In a company’s eyes, why pay the old guy a fat pay check when we can get a brand new college graduate and pay him close to nothing? Once that ‘old guy’ is fired, he’ll have to search for a new job and probably settle for a significantly reduced pay cut. Why bother? This is why many people start their own business and use the skills they’ve gained over their career to make a legitimate amount of income. Whether they do freelance work or open up their own company, self-employment is becoming a popular trend this day in age. In some cases, people who start their own business and find success may be better off as opposed to working for a big corporation.
25 year old Cameron Fulks, a part-time University of Tampa student and full-time self-employee, realized that working a part time job for a bar-and-club promotion company wouldn’t pay off his bills and support the life style he lives. In 2008, Fulks decided to leave his part-time job and start his own promotion company. “Starting Edge Entertainment was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I make great money, I don’t have to report to anyone, and I love my work,” said Fulks.
Working for yourself and starting your own business isn’t an easy thing to do. In many cases, people fail and end up in a worst place then where they started. Some call it an investment; others will call it a gamble. Some have found great success with starting their own business and other have not. The only thing certain these days is that if you don’t pay taxes, you’re going to jail.
Hillsborough County had one of the highest self-employment rate increases in the country. According to the census, the amount of people who worked at non-employer establishments in Hillsborough County jumped up 8.3 percent from 2004 to 2005. Out of the nearly 1,180,000 residents in Hillsborough County, approximately 59,000 of them were self-employed as of 2008, according to city-data.com.
There are many reasons that can explain why people are stepping away from big companies to work for themselves. One example could be the older generation of professionals that are fired daily because their salary is too big. In a company’s eyes, why pay the old guy a fat pay check when we can get a brand new college graduate and pay him close to nothing? Once that ‘old guy’ is fired, he’ll have to search for a new job and probably settle for a significantly reduced pay cut. Why bother? This is why many people start their own business and use the skills they’ve gained over their career to make a legitimate amount of income. Whether they do freelance work or open up their own company, self-employment is becoming a popular trend this day in age. In some cases, people who start their own business and find success may be better off as opposed to working for a big corporation.
25 year old Cameron Fulks, a part-time University of Tampa student and full-time self-employee, realized that working a part time job for a bar-and-club promotion company wouldn’t pay off his bills and support the life style he lives. In 2008, Fulks decided to leave his part-time job and start his own promotion company. “Starting Edge Entertainment was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I make great money, I don’t have to report to anyone, and I love my work,” said Fulks.
Working for yourself and starting your own business isn’t an easy thing to do. In many cases, people fail and end up in a worst place then where they started. Some call it an investment; others will call it a gamble. Some have found great success with starting their own business and other have not. The only thing certain these days is that if you don’t pay taxes, you’re going to jail.
From Scholars to Soldiers
The depleted economy is all that most Americans can think about these days, and here in Tampa we are seeing very harmful effects with the unemployment rate. Tampa’s 13.2% is among the highest in the state of Florida. The scarcity of jobs around the metro area is forcing students to make hot and heavy decisions upon their graduation. As an incentive, certain branches of our military can offer to pay for student loans in full. Considering the difficulty of finding a fulfilling occupation around Tampa, is it more practical for graduates to have the government pay for school and serve their country in the process? Many students whether in an ROTC program or not, seem to be considering the armed forces as an option. Some of the students feel it will give the initiatives being implemented by the white house time to turn the economy around creating new jobs all around the country. Others students want to wipe out student loan bills mainly to take pressure off themselves financially so they can afford houses, cars, and other vital things for a normal day to day life. Tom Sawicki, a UT senior and member of the universities ROTC program thinks that currently, the military is a sensible option for graduates to partake in. “The military can offer a feeling of accomplishment, confidence, and maybe even turn on young people to making the military a lifelong career,” said Sawicki.
Other people find that enlisting is only a way to run away from the high unemployment rate in Tampa and the entire country. John Robbins a UT senior thinks that to enroll in a branch of the military, you must have somewhat of a passion for serving. “You can’t just go in to avoid looking for a real job after graduation. You have to want to serve the country and have enthusiasm about it,” said Robbins. “I have all the respect in the world for our countries military men and women because that is what they truly want to be doing,” added Robbins. The opinions of students around campus definitely seem to be diverged as these two are. Yet the high unemployment rate is a still a very realistic and scary thing for this years graduates. So what is the best plan of attack for students rapidly approaching commencement? Researching and weighing your options is always a good approach. Students can use resources like the Internet; employ UT, and internship opportunities to fast track their way into a paid position. If the military were still an option, than meet with a recruiter to find out more about military positions that would be suitable for someone with a college degree. The most important decision for students to make is one that ensures stability and safety in our society.
Work Sharing and Coping Job Cutbacks
The recent state of the US economy has had a tremendous effect on lives of Americans causing higher unemployment, lower job security, and an uncertain future for American workforce and the state of Florida is no exception. The state of Florida’s unemployment percentage reached a record high 12.2 percent this month according to The Miami Herald, with the city of Tampa hitting a high of 11.7 percent, with rising unemployment many companies are cutting back hours from workers and asking them to take more vacation days.
Many businesses around Tampa are cutting back the amount of hours their employees are working to cut down of the out flow of cash in this downed economy, fewer and fewer people on shifts that used to be fully stacked, this all in an effort to save the companies money. Donald Johnson of the government funded Florida Department program “Clean City” had this to say, “They keep cutting back our hours, at first I was O.K. with it I thought good I get some more time to relax, but then we began to start hearing about how they might be firing a lot of people, I mean I don’t mind time off here and there but I need to have a job”. The firing gossip turned out to be nothing, but the cut back at hours still stand.
To prevent job loss and help stop unemployment a process called “work sharing” has been developed according to the St. Petersburg Times, It’s an effort to cut back on layoffs by cutting down on workers hours and splitting them up, for instance instead of a an employee working five days a week they would work four and the extra day of hours would be split up to other workers. The Times goes on to describe that employees can then gain unemployment benefits for the hours they have lost, the work sharing idea makes sense and seems to work in the favor of people the employer and the employees. The employer gains by not having to lay-off valuable and experienced employees and the employees benefit by not take a detrimental loss to their hours worked, according to the St. Pete Times. Yet process is only described as a short time solution to what appears to be a long time problem though, the work sharing program falls under the “Short-Time Compensation” program developed by Florida state officials.
So what exactly is the long term solution to this problem of unemployment? Workers will eventually need their regular hours back to continue to live the way they did before the work sharing because the benefits of unemployment do not match their normal salaries and employers need to keep the costs of running their business to a minimum if they hope to make a profit. The only real solution to this problem is for the market to swing back to normal again so that people will start spending like they used too, but in the meantime hopefully work sharing will save a few people from losing their jobs.
To find out more about the work sharing program in Florida visit www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/uc_prog_stc.html.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Unemployed staying close to home
Wyoming, D.C. and Alaska could be your new home if you’re a resident of the sunshine state. More and more people from Florida are flocking to these states where these small population areas are producing large percentage gains.
According to the St. Petersburg times, the state of Florida has lost about 400,000 jobs since last August, bringing the number of people looking for work to a staggering 1.13 million. With numerous people losing their jobs every day, it is no surprise that the unemployed are looking elsewhere for work.
In the Tampa/Clearwater area alone, the unemployment rate is an astounding 13.1 percent. Ironically, according to Tampa Bay Online, as the unemployment rate rises, the number of jobs in Florida actually rose by 26,300 from January to February. The last time there was an increase in jobs from month to month was over 2 ½ years ago.
People who are most affected by the loss of jobs are foreign-born workers who are leaving Florida and returning to their home countries. Their jobs are being snatched up by natives who are becoming desperate and will take any job.
The diversity lottery states that for the first time since 2004, the unemployment rate for immigrant workers is higher than that of native workers.
Allegra Belliard is the program director at Catholic Charities. Her organization helps hundreds of legal refugees adapt into an American lifestyle. Last year her organization placed 24 clients a month in a stable working condition. This year, the average is 14 clients a month.
Belliard credits the large pool of applicants, especially those who speak English fluently, who are taking the jobs that these refugees once held. About 153,000 Florida immigrant workers appear to have lost their job and left the state in the past two years.
If anything Floridians are leaving the state because of the housing market crash. The population hasn’t dropped this much since the late 1940s. The state of Florida has been one of the biggest strugglers in the United States because Florida relies on rapid growth. However, with the recession, Americans are unable to sell their homes and move as quickly as they used to.
For the first time in years, three of the nation’s largest moving companies say they’re transporting more customers out of Florida than into it, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Higher insurance, utilities and property taxes are making Florida less and less attractive. Statistics show that those who are moving are those who are in the middle and upper class that can afford to hire these moving companies.
The trend seems to be that Floridians simply don’t have the funds to leave the state. They are taking jobs that were once taken by immigrants and refugees. The unemployment rate has skyrocketed over the past few years however jobs in the Tampa area have seen a steady increase.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Governments Efforts Towards Improving The Economy
It is no question that the current economy is at an all time low: 12.2 percent to be exact, according to tampabayonline.com. The question that is going around people’s minds is, what actions is the government taking in order to pull Florida out of this unemployment slump?
According to Tampabayonline.com, some economists are saying that the unemployment rate is not going to drop to 6 percent, still a high number, until 2018. There are other economists that don’t feel comfortable making a projection, but agree that the economy is on a long road to recovery.
In President Obama’s first State of the Union address on January 28, he cataloged his efforts in trying to rescue the economy. He made it clear that creating more jobs was his first priority in 2010. According to CNN.com, Obama says, “we extended or increased unemployment benefits for more than 18 million Americans.” He also talked about cutting taxes, stating, “We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses.”
According to CNN.com, in the State of the Union address, Obama also talked about The Recovery Act, or the stimulus bill, something that he is hoping will add another 1.5 million jobs by the end of the year.
Obama also revealed in the address, that in Tampa, FL, he would inflict a high-speed railroad, which is financially available through the stimulus bill.
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, according to tampabayonline.com, urges support for the mass transportation system, which she says, “will allow Tampa to retain a competitive edge in attracting companies and jobs.”
For the Tampa-Orlando line, a federal grant of $1.25 billion dollars will allow the rail line to happen.
The mass transportation system will create many new jobs for the unemployed in the Tampa and Orlando areas, seeing as many workers will be required for the successful execution of this project.
Only time will tell what the effect of the high-speed railroad will have on the unemployment rate. The first rail line may not be up and running until 2015, according to nytimes.com.
In his State of the Union address, Obama also urged the senate to pass the jobs bill that he and the house had already passed. The bill slashes “the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America.”
According to tampabayonline.com, Iorio also pointed out companies that are choosing Tampa to hold their business such as IKEA, a Swedish furniture retailer that came to Tampa last year. The retailer currently employs 400 workers.
Hopefully, other companies will follow in IKEA’s footsteps so Tampa can continue to grow and prosper with many new job opportunities.
Many economists disagree on when and how the economy is going to recover. Although it is a universal prediction that it will take a long time to get the economy back to where it was in the mid-2000s.
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Giant Leap Towards a Healthy America
On Sunday, March 21, the House passed the health care bill that has created sincere animosity between Democrats and Republicans. For the most part, Republicans have strong views against the passing of this bill for reasons that are somewhat reasonable, but mostly ignorant. They feel that American will be losing billions of dollars through taxes during a time that is already ridden with significant debt, which may be partly true. What they don’t seem to understand is that millions of Americans are suffering each year financially, physically, and mentally because they cannot afford health care. Reality and statistics show that some Americans simply don’t have the same opportunities as others which can lead them to working jobs that don’t provide a health plan. Should these Americans suffer by the price of death? Absolutely not, but unfortunately that is what’s happening every day.
I have seen firsthand how the health system works and how ‘accommodating’ hospitals can be if a person doesn’t have health insurance. Hospitals will treat patients initially regardless if they’re covered or not, but will turn their shoulders on them later if they can’t provide a means of payment. If someone can’t afford their medications that will keep them alive, then who’s to blame? The answer is Ms. Liberty and the naysayers in congress that feel a public health care plan is a ‘bad idea.’
One of the arguments against health care reform is that doctors will be losing money from their salary. Does this complaint not seem similar to the ones that were voiced by the Wall-Street CEO’s when they were crying about their salary bonuses? This case is obviously on a lesser scale but seriously, people need to be less materialistic and start looking out for their countrymen. We hear stories every day about children dying in their hospital beds because they are uninsured. If people took a deeper look at this issue, they would certainly be less naïve and have a little more sympathy for their neighbors.
The bill passed on Sunday was a significant victory for the American people. According to the New York Times, Democratic Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina said, “This is the civil rights act of the 21st century.” I couldn’t agree more with his statement. New doors are about to be open for millions of Americans. Not only will this health care reform provide us with a healthier America, but it will give us a more productive America. No longer will citizens have to work just to pay off their hospital and prescription bills. No longer will families worry about their children being denied an organ transplant. Better days are upon us, it is time to embrace change.
I have seen firsthand how the health system works and how ‘accommodating’ hospitals can be if a person doesn’t have health insurance. Hospitals will treat patients initially regardless if they’re covered or not, but will turn their shoulders on them later if they can’t provide a means of payment. If someone can’t afford their medications that will keep them alive, then who’s to blame? The answer is Ms. Liberty and the naysayers in congress that feel a public health care plan is a ‘bad idea.’
One of the arguments against health care reform is that doctors will be losing money from their salary. Does this complaint not seem similar to the ones that were voiced by the Wall-Street CEO’s when they were crying about their salary bonuses? This case is obviously on a lesser scale but seriously, people need to be less materialistic and start looking out for their countrymen. We hear stories every day about children dying in their hospital beds because they are uninsured. If people took a deeper look at this issue, they would certainly be less naïve and have a little more sympathy for their neighbors.
The bill passed on Sunday was a significant victory for the American people. According to the New York Times, Democratic Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina said, “This is the civil rights act of the 21st century.” I couldn’t agree more with his statement. New doors are about to be open for millions of Americans. Not only will this health care reform provide us with a healthier America, but it will give us a more productive America. No longer will citizens have to work just to pay off their hospital and prescription bills. No longer will families worry about their children being denied an organ transplant. Better days are upon us, it is time to embrace change.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Weekly Reflection 6
Spend some time looking at this report on the current state of the media industry. Eager to hear your thoughts ... Please post in the comments below.
Spring Break
Have you heard about the new law that requires universities to have a two day recovery period for students returning from spring break?
No? Well that’s because there isn’t one, but you GWA majors and future politicians should really get on that. Why? Well because right about now, students all over the nation are feeling the aftereffects of spring break, and desperately need a little recuperation session. It’s common knowledge, when you get back from Panama City, Daytona Beach, Miami, wherever, you need a break from spring break. I know, I know, traditionally that break falls on the first two days of classes, right? Well of course, I mean, I have missed four classes in a row now. But wouldn’t it be more efficient if there was just an official recovery session? It’s almost as if students are being punished for missing these post-spring break classes that we can’t possibly be expected to attend. I know that I myself have missed a quiz, a couple of assignments, and god knows what else, and my grades will suffer because of this, all because those cold-hearted academics hiding in their bookcase-lined offices enjoy sucking all of the fun out of college with their assignments, tests and most especially, participation grades.
Now, since the all of the administration, professors, parents, hell probably even the cleaning crews know that students will use these extra few days to prolong the partying, I propose all of the above-mentioned parties (maybe not the cleaning crews) have some sort of committee and come up with a clever plan to force or fool us into using our hypothetical two-day post-spring break break to recuperate. Maybe hand out cash rewards for students that remain sober for both Monday and Tuesday. Or just surprise us every year by giving us the days off at the last minute. I don’t know exactly what the best plan would be, but you administration types seem to always think you know what’s best for us anyway, so come up with something. It’s your job.
And yes. I understand that my dreams of a post-spring break break will never be realized, but I do think professors should stop handing out assignments that are due after spring break. Maybe if you curmudgeons would just take a quick trip down memory lane and think about your college days, you wouldn’t be so cruel. Don’t you remember what it was like to have fun? Can’t you remember the days of the beach and parties? Oh that’s right, you were all off fighting World War I or growing victory gardens. Well just know, you may have the power to put a damper on our spring break fun, but out of principle, we all give you bad professor reviews at the end of the year. That’s karma you cranky old bitches.
No? Well that’s because there isn’t one, but you GWA majors and future politicians should really get on that. Why? Well because right about now, students all over the nation are feeling the aftereffects of spring break, and desperately need a little recuperation session. It’s common knowledge, when you get back from Panama City, Daytona Beach, Miami, wherever, you need a break from spring break. I know, I know, traditionally that break falls on the first two days of classes, right? Well of course, I mean, I have missed four classes in a row now. But wouldn’t it be more efficient if there was just an official recovery session? It’s almost as if students are being punished for missing these post-spring break classes that we can’t possibly be expected to attend. I know that I myself have missed a quiz, a couple of assignments, and god knows what else, and my grades will suffer because of this, all because those cold-hearted academics hiding in their bookcase-lined offices enjoy sucking all of the fun out of college with their assignments, tests and most especially, participation grades.
Now, since the all of the administration, professors, parents, hell probably even the cleaning crews know that students will use these extra few days to prolong the partying, I propose all of the above-mentioned parties (maybe not the cleaning crews) have some sort of committee and come up with a clever plan to force or fool us into using our hypothetical two-day post-spring break break to recuperate. Maybe hand out cash rewards for students that remain sober for both Monday and Tuesday. Or just surprise us every year by giving us the days off at the last minute. I don’t know exactly what the best plan would be, but you administration types seem to always think you know what’s best for us anyway, so come up with something. It’s your job.
And yes. I understand that my dreams of a post-spring break break will never be realized, but I do think professors should stop handing out assignments that are due after spring break. Maybe if you curmudgeons would just take a quick trip down memory lane and think about your college days, you wouldn’t be so cruel. Don’t you remember what it was like to have fun? Can’t you remember the days of the beach and parties? Oh that’s right, you were all off fighting World War I or growing victory gardens. Well just know, you may have the power to put a damper on our spring break fun, but out of principle, we all give you bad professor reviews at the end of the year. That’s karma you cranky old bitches.
Deadly Glow
The educational programs and large number of opportunities within the city of Tampa are not the main reason UT recruits a high number of Northeastern students. They come for the sunshine lifestyle. Students may miss class and take off from work, but due to the packed crowds fleeing to the pool daily, students are not missing out on getting their wonderful golden tans. “No reason to go back to Connecticut for Spring Break, said Junior Jennifer Caputo. I am staying here to planning on baking in the sun all week long.”
Recent studies continue to show evidence proving individuals can physically become addicted to tanning. American Academy of Dermatology found tanners have withdrawal symptoms when they were exposed to naltrexone, a drug that blocks a narcotic-like substance produced in the skin during tanning. “When I have no coloring I feel and look unhealthy,” said Senior Casey Harvey. Psychologically tanners get a high from the endorphins they receive from their skin, said researcher Mandeep Kaur, MD, a dermatologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Obsessive tanners share some of the same characteristics of substance abuse addicts. “I tanned every day, sometimes twice a day throughout my junior and senior years of high school, confessed Carolyn Walburgh, a 20 year old student. I spent around three thousand dollars and at 18 years old I was diagnosed with skin cancer.” Walburgh now prefers her health over her bronzed skin. Even with the increasing knowledge proving the effects of tanning, statistics continue to be on the rise for individuals developing skin cancer.
Both guys and girls are always looking to have a perfect tan because it boosts their physical confidence. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but young adults have a hard time looking at how their actions now will drastically affect their future. First priority many students have when returning back to Florida is to immediately get their tan on.
This past season has been unseasonably cold; therefore students have fled to the indoor tanning beds to get their fix. Even though we are in the Sunshine State you can easily find a tanning salon within every few blocks. Unfortunately the indoor fake bake is more damaging than the sun giving off more UVA rays.
With the recent return of students from Spring Break you commonly find many covered with burnt faces and intense tan lines. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports only about 70% percent of the population use any form of skin protection products. It is insane that even with all the open knowledge this generation has of the dangerous effects of tanning; it just keeps becoming an increasing trend within our society.
Recent studies continue to show evidence proving individuals can physically become addicted to tanning. American Academy of Dermatology found tanners have withdrawal symptoms when they were exposed to naltrexone, a drug that blocks a narcotic-like substance produced in the skin during tanning. “When I have no coloring I feel and look unhealthy,” said Senior Casey Harvey. Psychologically tanners get a high from the endorphins they receive from their skin, said researcher Mandeep Kaur, MD, a dermatologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Obsessive tanners share some of the same characteristics of substance abuse addicts. “I tanned every day, sometimes twice a day throughout my junior and senior years of high school, confessed Carolyn Walburgh, a 20 year old student. I spent around three thousand dollars and at 18 years old I was diagnosed with skin cancer.” Walburgh now prefers her health over her bronzed skin. Even with the increasing knowledge proving the effects of tanning, statistics continue to be on the rise for individuals developing skin cancer.
Both guys and girls are always looking to have a perfect tan because it boosts their physical confidence. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but young adults have a hard time looking at how their actions now will drastically affect their future. First priority many students have when returning back to Florida is to immediately get their tan on.
This past season has been unseasonably cold; therefore students have fled to the indoor tanning beds to get their fix. Even though we are in the Sunshine State you can easily find a tanning salon within every few blocks. Unfortunately the indoor fake bake is more damaging than the sun giving off more UVA rays.
With the recent return of students from Spring Break you commonly find many covered with burnt faces and intense tan lines. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports only about 70% percent of the population use any form of skin protection products. It is insane that even with all the open knowledge this generation has of the dangerous effects of tanning; it just keeps becoming an increasing trend within our society.
Tiger's Long Awaited Return
Tiger Woods is returning to golf, finally. Many would be unhappy with that statement after his recent 4 month sex scandal and the whirlwind of controversy surrounding Tiger and his family. However others feel it is a long awaited act that needed to happen sooner rather than later due to the fact that these days, Tiger Woods is Golf. In the 4 months since Tiger has been absent from the game, ratings for televised golf events have dropped 20%. Could be there be a connection? I would say undoubtedly yes. Tiger has brought a whole new fan base to the game with his incredible play and the fact that he seems invincible with a club in his hand. No doubt the powers that be in golf today are greatly looking forward to his return not merely for the fact that it will bring their revenue back, but because the drama surrounding Tiger may soar their income to new heights. The game is not only about Tiger and can he come back as good as he was the day he left, but about how the emotional aspect of it all will affect him on the course. At golf’s biggest event, The Masters, he will make his return on the biggest stage in front of the most cameras and golf’s most hardcore fans. Is it a recipe for disaster or for a huge success? That answer will come on April 8-11 when Tiger steps out to take his first swing. For ratings his return will be nothing short of spectacular because there is now that soap opera sort of drama following him out onto the course. That day there are sure to be fans in great support voicing it at the height of their lungs. However there will no doubt be hecklers looking to see if Tiger will fold under the pressure of the media and its incredible scrutiny. While the PGA has made assurances that any negative onlookers will be swiftly dealt with, everyone knows it will be impossible to stop a few from getting their opinions across during the course of the game. That will be the test many both for and against Tiger will be waiting on the edge of their seats to see. How will Tiger react? So far when questioned by the media he has done nothing but shown a veil of confidence when asked about his return to Augusta. “The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played.” said Tiger on Monday. It’s true that he seems quite comfortable there after having won 4 green jackets. If he wins a 5th on his return, all the naysayers will be silenced rather quickly.
Single Professional In The City
Young professionals think that they have it all-- a nice apartment, a car, their own money and a new leash on their career. Well, after putting in long hours at their 9-5’s and couple of paychecks later start to realize that life isn’t what they planned it to be once the newness of graduating from college wears off.
It’s quite funny to think that the world was going to open its arm and welcome the young professional. But, the reality is that you’re on your own and it can be summed up by saying “ The world owes you nothing and it’s time that you learn how to play the game of life .”
Now that the game pieces are given to the young professional, it’s a matter of juggling work, social life and dating.
Work. Work dominates the life of a young professional. Get that paycheck, [they say] and save money. When the 40 hours plus over time each week builds up to that hefty paycheck, the young professional realizes that its time for some recreational play. But, wait- he or she has spent so much time at work that they are unfamiliar with the social scene.
It’s their first time back onto the social scene. Its funny how something so familiar could be so strange. The young professional goes on this shopping spree of buying new Jimmy Choo shoes, an Elizabeth Carson Racker party dress, accessories, the new evening make-up line from Mac cosmetics and a touch of Jadore’ perfume. Now, the professional is set for the reentry to the once familiar scene. One evening turns into three outings or more and eventually the professional has become the social butterfly.
With all of the events that the young professional, or should I say Social Butterfly has attended, contacts with party promoters, DJ’s and valet are made. VIP entry is a must and mingling with other (single) professionals is the norm. One would have concluded that it will be easy to snag a date.
Well, dating can be tricky, Now that dating has presented itself, the young professional/social butterfly has to think quickly. Do I give up all of the fun to spend a few moments with him/her or do I just wing it and go on the date and see where it goes? Dating is meant to be fun. It allows the professional to meet a lot of individuals to get a feel for what they want. However, dating can become tricky, the perfect one may show great signs at first, but later turn out to have other issues that you’d rather not get involved in.
It all comes back to not being that work-a-holic and learning to get out and meet others. There is more to the single life than just being the so-called Single Professional!
It’s quite funny to think that the world was going to open its arm and welcome the young professional. But, the reality is that you’re on your own and it can be summed up by saying “ The world owes you nothing and it’s time that you learn how to play the game of life .”
Now that the game pieces are given to the young professional, it’s a matter of juggling work, social life and dating.
Work. Work dominates the life of a young professional. Get that paycheck, [they say] and save money. When the 40 hours plus over time each week builds up to that hefty paycheck, the young professional realizes that its time for some recreational play. But, wait- he or she has spent so much time at work that they are unfamiliar with the social scene.
It’s their first time back onto the social scene. Its funny how something so familiar could be so strange. The young professional goes on this shopping spree of buying new Jimmy Choo shoes, an Elizabeth Carson Racker party dress, accessories, the new evening make-up line from Mac cosmetics and a touch of Jadore’ perfume. Now, the professional is set for the reentry to the once familiar scene. One evening turns into three outings or more and eventually the professional has become the social butterfly.
With all of the events that the young professional, or should I say Social Butterfly has attended, contacts with party promoters, DJ’s and valet are made. VIP entry is a must and mingling with other (single) professionals is the norm. One would have concluded that it will be easy to snag a date.
Well, dating can be tricky, Now that dating has presented itself, the young professional/social butterfly has to think quickly. Do I give up all of the fun to spend a few moments with him/her or do I just wing it and go on the date and see where it goes? Dating is meant to be fun. It allows the professional to meet a lot of individuals to get a feel for what they want. However, dating can become tricky, the perfect one may show great signs at first, but later turn out to have other issues that you’d rather not get involved in.
It all comes back to not being that work-a-holic and learning to get out and meet others. There is more to the single life than just being the so-called Single Professional!
Traditional Workout Alternatives
Interval Training is a new practice quickly gaining praise in the fitness community, with our busy world people are finding that they have less and less time to spend working on their bodies in turn, fitness experts have begun implementing faster, more intense workouts to help people stay in shape and in most cases their new training methods are producing terrific results.
These new alternative training styles focus on high intensity workouts for short periods of time with limited time for rest, one of the most well known forms of interval training is High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT, HIIT workout sessions normally last less than 20 minutes without taking into account warming up and cooling down as stated from intervaltraining.net. When perform a HIIT session it is important to focus on larger muscle groups such as legs or back to allow as many muscles as possible to work, thus expending more energy, and burning more calories. When you perform a HIIT session your goal is to perform periods of high intensity workouts in rapid secession, for example running or sprinting for 30 seconds followed then by jogging for 30 seconds followed again by sprinting for another 30 seconds this would continue for the duration of the workout of a 10 to 15 minute workout not including warm up or cool down. HIIT benefits the exerciser because it’s high intensity and heart rate elevation does more work and burns more calories in less time, the if you were to say jog on a treadmill at a set speed for extended periods of time.
Another popular form of interval training is called Tabata Training and intervaltraining.net claims it to be single most effective type of high intensity interval training and the most intense form of interval training. Tabata training is training to at High Intensity for short period of time followed by a quick rest for half that period of time, for example you would perform a relatively hard exercise such as push ups or squats for 20 seconds straight as fast as you can while maintain proper form and then rest for 10 seconds, you would then repeat the cycle until a time of 4 minutes is reached. Since the training is at a level of such high intensity the workouts are usually extremely short, but highly effective.
Interval training is constantly be refashioned and adapted in different ways, programs such as the P90X infomercial workout program use a variation interval training to produce their results, and fitness groups such as CrossFit and various body boot campus also uses different forms of interval training in their workouts. So if you’re looking for a fun new way to get in shape and do not want to spend a particularly long time doing it, try interval training but just remember to mix things up because no matter how intense a workout might be your body will adapt to it eventually.
These new alternative training styles focus on high intensity workouts for short periods of time with limited time for rest, one of the most well known forms of interval training is High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT, HIIT workout sessions normally last less than 20 minutes without taking into account warming up and cooling down as stated from intervaltraining.net. When perform a HIIT session it is important to focus on larger muscle groups such as legs or back to allow as many muscles as possible to work, thus expending more energy, and burning more calories. When you perform a HIIT session your goal is to perform periods of high intensity workouts in rapid secession, for example running or sprinting for 30 seconds followed then by jogging for 30 seconds followed again by sprinting for another 30 seconds this would continue for the duration of the workout of a 10 to 15 minute workout not including warm up or cool down. HIIT benefits the exerciser because it’s high intensity and heart rate elevation does more work and burns more calories in less time, the if you were to say jog on a treadmill at a set speed for extended periods of time.
Another popular form of interval training is called Tabata Training and intervaltraining.net claims it to be single most effective type of high intensity interval training and the most intense form of interval training. Tabata training is training to at High Intensity for short period of time followed by a quick rest for half that period of time, for example you would perform a relatively hard exercise such as push ups or squats for 20 seconds straight as fast as you can while maintain proper form and then rest for 10 seconds, you would then repeat the cycle until a time of 4 minutes is reached. Since the training is at a level of such high intensity the workouts are usually extremely short, but highly effective.
Interval training is constantly be refashioned and adapted in different ways, programs such as the P90X infomercial workout program use a variation interval training to produce their results, and fitness groups such as CrossFit and various body boot campus also uses different forms of interval training in their workouts. So if you’re looking for a fun new way to get in shape and do not want to spend a particularly long time doing it, try interval training but just remember to mix things up because no matter how intense a workout might be your body will adapt to it eventually.
Monday, March 15, 2010
We Live Where You Spring Break?
“What are you doing for spring break, Charlotte?”
“Oh, I’m just going to stay on campus I think, I might go home.”
“Oh. Alright, have fun with that.”
“….Thanks?”
Two weeks later I woke up and took the elevator down to the first floor of my building. There it was, to my horror, “Stadium Center is closed for Spring Break 2010!”
“Oh crap,” I thought to myself, “Spring Break. “
The University of Tampa campus is normally very lively. However, when breaks in the semester come up, it’s a completely different story.
Not only was the first floor of Stadium Center shut down for the week, but it was also closed on the Friday before spring break. This had outraged many people I encountered that day. While many UT students pride themselves on their three to four day weekend, some of us have class on Fridays. As a matter of fact, some of us even had exams to take that particular Friday. Not only was I stressed out over an American Lit exam, but on top of that I couldn’t even get my Jazzman’s caffeine fix (which is something I look forward to daily).
Monday morning rolled around and I had my heart set on getting to the Vaughn cafeteria early and nabbing a famous omelet. But no, the international station was closed. Keeping my hopes high, I was still looking forward to picking up The New York Times, which I read religiously. But that was taken away from me as well. Apparently time stands still here at UT over spring break.
The McNiff Fitness Center was also closed for the 2010 Spring Break, allowing limited options for exercise to the students who stayed on campus. This had led me to take myself and my weak knees over to the track, which I wouldn’t call a successful workout (I made it three laps before I had to call it quits).
My flight up to gloomy and cold New England weather started to look more appealing by the minute.
This unfortunately isn’t the first time I’ve personally felt kicked to the curb during a break here at UT. Thanksgiving last semester shared a similar tone, with not much activity on campus as well. I felt like every aspect of this school I take advantage of (and pay for) was stolen away from me over night.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, which is exactly why our school needs to plan accordingly and become more considerate of the students who choose to stay on campus during time off class such as spring break. Students shouldn’t have to feel unwelcome at a place they call home.
“Oh, I’m just going to stay on campus I think, I might go home.”
“Oh. Alright, have fun with that.”
“….Thanks?”
Two weeks later I woke up and took the elevator down to the first floor of my building. There it was, to my horror, “Stadium Center is closed for Spring Break 2010!”
“Oh crap,” I thought to myself, “Spring Break. “
The University of Tampa campus is normally very lively. However, when breaks in the semester come up, it’s a completely different story.
Not only was the first floor of Stadium Center shut down for the week, but it was also closed on the Friday before spring break. This had outraged many people I encountered that day. While many UT students pride themselves on their three to four day weekend, some of us have class on Fridays. As a matter of fact, some of us even had exams to take that particular Friday. Not only was I stressed out over an American Lit exam, but on top of that I couldn’t even get my Jazzman’s caffeine fix (which is something I look forward to daily).
Monday morning rolled around and I had my heart set on getting to the Vaughn cafeteria early and nabbing a famous omelet. But no, the international station was closed. Keeping my hopes high, I was still looking forward to picking up The New York Times, which I read religiously. But that was taken away from me as well. Apparently time stands still here at UT over spring break.
The McNiff Fitness Center was also closed for the 2010 Spring Break, allowing limited options for exercise to the students who stayed on campus. This had led me to take myself and my weak knees over to the track, which I wouldn’t call a successful workout (I made it three laps before I had to call it quits).
My flight up to gloomy and cold New England weather started to look more appealing by the minute.
This unfortunately isn’t the first time I’ve personally felt kicked to the curb during a break here at UT. Thanksgiving last semester shared a similar tone, with not much activity on campus as well. I felt like every aspect of this school I take advantage of (and pay for) was stolen away from me over night.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, which is exactly why our school needs to plan accordingly and become more considerate of the students who choose to stay on campus during time off class such as spring break. Students shouldn’t have to feel unwelcome at a place they call home.
Working Towards A Healthier Runway
Every year during fashion week, top designers send out wafer thin models to walk the runways and display their latest clothing collections. People are often left wondering what type of message these models are sending out, and furthermore, should these designers be hiring these women who often go to unhealthy and extreme lengths to stay thin?
According to theredpages.com, the Council of Fashion Designers America’s Health is Beauty campaign is reaching out to designers, casting designers and stylists and encouraging them not to employ underage models, girls that are too thin and to be more ethnically aware.
According to 5resolutions blog, Vogue Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour and designer Donna Karan were among many in the CFDA Health Initiative discussion.
Michael Kors, an extremely successful and well-known designer, reminded the audience that designers should stay away from child size models, unless the clothing is meant for children. Kors pointed out that the selection of models the fashion industry hires effects women and influences girls everywhere.
Victoria Beckham had some things to say about the issue when she was hosting the TV show, The View. Beckham says, “I think designers are listening. I had a casting last week and had some terribly thin girls come in and it wouldn't have worked.” Beckham goes on to say, “I think that some of these girls, most of these girls are naturally thin and I don't think we should be discriminating against someone because they're too thin, too curvy or too large."
Although anyone that has seen pictures of Beckham would wonder if this was actual opinion on the matter, as she is thinner then a lot of the models that this campaign is trying to drown out.
Lately, models everywhere have been rallying together and speaking out about their personal experiences. Some, who have switched to plus-size modeling are speaking out about their experiences when they were thinner models. The extremities that these models endured are getting press, and people are starting to realize if this is really worth it?
Some people believe the designer’s preference of the wafer thin shape of women is starting to fade, while other believe that it is getting more popular each year.
Hopefully in the near future, most, if not all designers will follow healthy guidelines while selecting their models, and there will continue to be growth in preventing unhealthy models from working the runways.
We should work towards putting healthy, curvy, and relatable models to everyday women on the runways. Unfortunately, that day may never come.
According to theredpages.com, the Council of Fashion Designers America’s Health is Beauty campaign is reaching out to designers, casting designers and stylists and encouraging them not to employ underage models, girls that are too thin and to be more ethnically aware.
According to 5resolutions blog, Vogue Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour and designer Donna Karan were among many in the CFDA Health Initiative discussion.
Michael Kors, an extremely successful and well-known designer, reminded the audience that designers should stay away from child size models, unless the clothing is meant for children. Kors pointed out that the selection of models the fashion industry hires effects women and influences girls everywhere.
Victoria Beckham had some things to say about the issue when she was hosting the TV show, The View. Beckham says, “I think designers are listening. I had a casting last week and had some terribly thin girls come in and it wouldn't have worked.” Beckham goes on to say, “I think that some of these girls, most of these girls are naturally thin and I don't think we should be discriminating against someone because they're too thin, too curvy or too large."
Although anyone that has seen pictures of Beckham would wonder if this was actual opinion on the matter, as she is thinner then a lot of the models that this campaign is trying to drown out.
Lately, models everywhere have been rallying together and speaking out about their personal experiences. Some, who have switched to plus-size modeling are speaking out about their experiences when they were thinner models. The extremities that these models endured are getting press, and people are starting to realize if this is really worth it?
Some people believe the designer’s preference of the wafer thin shape of women is starting to fade, while other believe that it is getting more popular each year.
Hopefully in the near future, most, if not all designers will follow healthy guidelines while selecting their models, and there will continue to be growth in preventing unhealthy models from working the runways.
We should work towards putting healthy, curvy, and relatable models to everyday women on the runways. Unfortunately, that day may never come.
Splendors of Singapore
Tired of the craziness of Panama City? Looking for something a little classier to do for spring break? Come and indulge in all the luxury that Singapore has to offer. I’ve lived in Singapore for the past three years now and I couldn’t think of a better place to experience the never-ending party life, 5-star restaurants, and beautiful beaches.
Singapore lies among the beautiful southeast islands of Asia. Just minutes from Malaysia and Indonesia, this small city-state has become a culturally diverse melting pot.
If you’re looking to meet a few fun people and to grab a drink or two, look no further than Clarke Quay. This historical riverside hot spot is home to some of the greatest restaurants and clubs that Singapore has to offer. Attica, a notorious nightclub for the beautiful is a great place to dance the night away. Stop by on Friday and Saturday and pay a cover of $28 including two drinks. Every other night the cover is only $12.
Choose from Hooters or fine dinning especially seafood. There are a number of brew houses that will be happy to serve Singapore’s most famous beer, Tiger beer. Come and enjoy some of the most spectacular views from many of the top restaurants. If you’re looking to dine like the locals, enjoy the numerous ‘hauker’ otherwise known as the food court. Here you can enjoy the typical Singaporean cuisine including Indian, Chinese and Thai food.
If the nightlife isn’t for you and you would just like to soak up some rays at the beach, then head to the ever-popular Sentosa beach and resort where one day isn’t enough time to spend there. Sentosa isn’t only a beach; it is a playground for the young and old alike. Ride down to the beach in style by taking the luge down for just $7. While there enjoy the bird park, dolphin lagoon or butterfly garden. Looking for a little more of an adrenaline rush? Lucky for you, Universal Studios opened its theme park doors this month with over 24 attractions sprawled across the 49 acres. Unless you’re a four-year-old fascinated with corny music and water effects I suggest you stay away from Songs of the Sea, which to me, was a waste of time and money.
Parents and friends won’t be too happy with you if you come home without presents. Downtown Singapore, also known as Orchard Road, is often compared to the ever-busy New York City. Find some of the most prestigious stores: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Hermes and so much more. This is also where most of the hotels are.
Come ready to have the time of your life. Public Transportation is at every street corner and the taxis are the cheapest around. Ride the tallest Ferris wheel in the world or enjoy a show at the esplanade. Spend time with family or friends but know that Singapore is always there to welcome you.
Singapore lies among the beautiful southeast islands of Asia. Just minutes from Malaysia and Indonesia, this small city-state has become a culturally diverse melting pot.
If you’re looking to meet a few fun people and to grab a drink or two, look no further than Clarke Quay. This historical riverside hot spot is home to some of the greatest restaurants and clubs that Singapore has to offer. Attica, a notorious nightclub for the beautiful is a great place to dance the night away. Stop by on Friday and Saturday and pay a cover of $28 including two drinks. Every other night the cover is only $12.
Choose from Hooters or fine dinning especially seafood. There are a number of brew houses that will be happy to serve Singapore’s most famous beer, Tiger beer. Come and enjoy some of the most spectacular views from many of the top restaurants. If you’re looking to dine like the locals, enjoy the numerous ‘hauker’ otherwise known as the food court. Here you can enjoy the typical Singaporean cuisine including Indian, Chinese and Thai food.
If the nightlife isn’t for you and you would just like to soak up some rays at the beach, then head to the ever-popular Sentosa beach and resort where one day isn’t enough time to spend there. Sentosa isn’t only a beach; it is a playground for the young and old alike. Ride down to the beach in style by taking the luge down for just $7. While there enjoy the bird park, dolphin lagoon or butterfly garden. Looking for a little more of an adrenaline rush? Lucky for you, Universal Studios opened its theme park doors this month with over 24 attractions sprawled across the 49 acres. Unless you’re a four-year-old fascinated with corny music and water effects I suggest you stay away from Songs of the Sea, which to me, was a waste of time and money.
Parents and friends won’t be too happy with you if you come home without presents. Downtown Singapore, also known as Orchard Road, is often compared to the ever-busy New York City. Find some of the most prestigious stores: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Hermes and so much more. This is also where most of the hotels are.
Come ready to have the time of your life. Public Transportation is at every street corner and the taxis are the cheapest around. Ride the tallest Ferris wheel in the world or enjoy a show at the esplanade. Spend time with family or friends but know that Singapore is always there to welcome you.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Campus Hauntings
In the early 1900s the Tampa Bay Hotel was a popular destination. Now Plant Hall, guests’ spirits are said to haunt the building. Although there are no official records of ghost sightings, students and faculty have claimed to witness apparitions and strange disturbances. Historical figures lodged at the old hotel where two suicides were committed. Theodore Roosevelt was a guest and his presence is allegedly felt in the current science wing.
The next time you’re bored in class, take a look around the room. Notice any sinister decorations? According to local mystics, the chill you may feel is not necessarily coming from the window.
Supernatural figures are rumored to walk the halls. A man dressed in a brown three-piece suit once walked toward a student with glowing red eyes as she ascended to the second floor. A second student saw this “brown man” on the staircase drinking from a cup. Both students described the gentleman as older and out of place. Of course, the students’ eyesight and sanity should not be ignored.
A dark skinned man with boots and a straw hat apparently still resides in the science wing. Once a hotel caretaker, several students reported seeing his apparition. The creaky wheels of the servants’ carts have also been heard in the science wing.
Security guards who roam the building at night have had their share of strange occurrences. One guard felt a force on the doorknob he was trying to secure and moments later a flashlight was knocked from his hand. Knocked by a transparent figure or his clumsy coworker?
Falk Theater across the street was built in 1928 and is home to the infamous Bessie Snavely’s ghost. The visiting actress discovered her husband was cheating on her with another member of the troupe. In despair, she hung herself on a stairwell behind the stage. Rumor has it her spirit is angered by the color red. Red costumes were mysteriously ruined and one actress could not physically wear a red skirt on stage. The Speech, Theater and Dance department at UT considers Bessie a friendly presence. Despite occasional door slams, footsteps and singing she is quiet. Some believe she saved a stagehand from falling to his death off a scaffold.
On-campus presences are generally forgotten until an apparition is reportedly seen. Paranormal individuals like Bessie are welcome; any theater student could use a friend on set.
Admittedly, the aging buildings are eerie at night and it is easy to believe the mystifying minarets could be haunted. With Tampa Bay Hotel guests ranging from the Prince of Wales to Babe Ruth, a ghost encounter would be welcome.
The next time you’re bored in class, take a look around the room. Notice any sinister decorations? According to local mystics, the chill you may feel is not necessarily coming from the window.
Supernatural figures are rumored to walk the halls. A man dressed in a brown three-piece suit once walked toward a student with glowing red eyes as she ascended to the second floor. A second student saw this “brown man” on the staircase drinking from a cup. Both students described the gentleman as older and out of place. Of course, the students’ eyesight and sanity should not be ignored.
A dark skinned man with boots and a straw hat apparently still resides in the science wing. Once a hotel caretaker, several students reported seeing his apparition. The creaky wheels of the servants’ carts have also been heard in the science wing.
Security guards who roam the building at night have had their share of strange occurrences. One guard felt a force on the doorknob he was trying to secure and moments later a flashlight was knocked from his hand. Knocked by a transparent figure or his clumsy coworker?
Falk Theater across the street was built in 1928 and is home to the infamous Bessie Snavely’s ghost. The visiting actress discovered her husband was cheating on her with another member of the troupe. In despair, she hung herself on a stairwell behind the stage. Rumor has it her spirit is angered by the color red. Red costumes were mysteriously ruined and one actress could not physically wear a red skirt on stage. The Speech, Theater and Dance department at UT considers Bessie a friendly presence. Despite occasional door slams, footsteps and singing she is quiet. Some believe she saved a stagehand from falling to his death off a scaffold.
On-campus presences are generally forgotten until an apparition is reportedly seen. Paranormal individuals like Bessie are welcome; any theater student could use a friend on set.
Admittedly, the aging buildings are eerie at night and it is easy to believe the mystifying minarets could be haunted. With Tampa Bay Hotel guests ranging from the Prince of Wales to Babe Ruth, a ghost encounter would be welcome.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Spring Fashions
Dust off your denim shorts, and search for those long lost sundresses because spring weather has finally arrived in Tampa. The Sunshine state is reclaiming the weather is it known for, so let’s shed our cold weather gear and reclaim our fabulous fashions too.
Floral patterns:
How typical, I know. Floral for spring! But, the variety of apparel you have to choose from gives florals a whole new vibe. You can wear this pattern in thigh-skimming dresses, short skirts, and even trendy shorts.
For a casual dress, try Forever21’s ‘Fab Rose Knit Dress’ ($11.50), this short-sleeved darling dress is perfect for the warm weather. Or, for an evening outfit, pair the ‘floral cocktail dress’ ($28) or ‘Eight Sixty Ruffled Silk Dress’ ($98, Nordstrom.com) with Coach ‘new stefanie heel’ ($188) in black.
You can also try floral in other pieces as well. The ‘Silence & Noise Floral Zip Back Racerback’ ($28, urbanoutfitters.com) is a fabulous tank-top blouse that has the allure of innocence with the flowers, but becomes edgy with an expose zipper running down the back. This shirt can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels, or paired with a pair of shorts for a daytime look.
Ruffles and Tiers:
Tiered dresses, skirts and shirts are not only fashionable, but they’re flattering as well. Tiered dresses are versatile in their range from edgy vibrant colors to elegant lace pieces. For a sleeveless black dress check out ‘Rumor Mesh Tiered Dress’ ($24.80,forever21), which is simple but edgy. Or for a sweeter and lighter style, look at ‘Swept Away Dress’ ($38, lulus.com), which would be perfect with sandals for a beautiful daytime outfit.
Also tiered shirts go fabulously with sleek black pants or jeans. Victorias Secret has a great sleeveless option for $48, ‘Tiered silk georgette shell’ comes in black, very berry, or citronella. Also, ‘Silence & Noise Lace Tiered Zipper Tank’ ($38) from Urban Outfitters is classic because of the lace, but updated with the exposed zipper. Another option is JCrew.com, which carries a lovely t-shirt version in sandstone or wild blackberry, ‘Tulle tiered blouse’ is now on sale for $60.
Another option to wear the tiered style is in a skirt form. J Crew also has a variety of skirts. ‘Tiered brique skirt’ ($128) or the ‘Whisper chambray tiered skirt’ ($138) are both very elegant and classic skirts that would look perfect with black pumps and a blouse tucked in. For a more vibrant option, look at the ‘Hanna G Layered Skirt’ ($68), available at nordstrom.com in cobalt, black or pink.
Sequined and Studded Tanks & Tees:
Liven up that plain old tee with something a bit more rebellious. Studded tees add an edgy look to your plain jeans and cut off shorts. Three options from Victoria’s Secret include the loose fitting t-shirt version, ‘Studded tee’ ($48.50) in tropical turquoise; a tank top version, ‘Studded v-neck tank’ in black or jazzberry (68.50); or a fancier version ‘Embellished cotton & cashmere sweater’ that has jewels and studs across the neck.
Studded mini skirts look great paired with a plain t-shirt. Bluefly.com’s ‘Romeo & Juliet Couture Black Studded Stretch Mini’ ($68) or ‘Silence & Noise Studded Menswear Waistband Skirt’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $68) are both great choices.
Other options for adding studs in a subtly way can be through shoes and accessories, such as the Report Signature ‘Malin platform Pumps’ ($117), Matiko ‘Ashley Platform Wedges’ ($98), Hype ‘Taylor Studded Clutch’ ($90) or Priorities ‘The Loraine’ boyfriend blazer ($117), all available at Bluefly.com.
Tribal prints:
The hint about wearing tribal prints is to downplay the rest of your outfit. If you are going for intense tribal inspired jewelry, then wear a subtle shirt and plain bottoms. These patterns can have a lot going on, so when wearing them as a shirt or dress, you then in turn want to downplay your accessories and the rest of your outfit.
For a top you can wear with cut-off shorts and flip flips, look at ‘Tribal Foil Tank’ (forever21, $12.80), ‘Tribal Scoopneck Tank’ (forever21, $12.90), or ‘Truly Madly Deeply Heart Tribe Tunic’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $28).
For a dress try ‘Woven Tube Tunic w/ Belt’ (Forever21,$15.80), or two options from Lulus.com, ‘Sweet by Miss Me Orleans Iris Day Dress ‘ ($80) and
‘Color Theory Dress’ ($35). All three dresses can be worn casually with sandals or flip flops.
Shoes are also a great option for adding a touch of tribal gems to your wardrobe. Nordstrom.com has a few great sandals to choose from including, ‘Fergie 'Escape' Sandal’ ($100), ‘L.A.M.B. 'Vail' Sandal’ ($299), ‘Vince Camuto 'Emily' Platform Sandal’ ($118), or REPORT 'Calla' Sandal ($60).
Light weight trench coat:
Every season we have a jacket we need to invest in. For spring, a lightweight trench coat is necessary. The versatility to wear this coat dressed up or down makes it that much more appealing. Try to buy a cream colored trench. This is a good color because it is light for spring, but not overpowering to your lively outfits.
Michael Kors has a great coat available at Nordstrom that hits at the thigh and also has a hood, which updates the classic trench coat. ‘Michael Kors Belted Trench Coat’ is $138, and with a coat like this, the best choice is to go for a durable designer brand.
If you feel the classic isn’t exciting enough for you, add some spunk to it, like the ‘Miss Sixty Studded Trench’ ($118). Also available at Nordstrom.
There are many different options for a trench coat including fit, length, and style. Try on a few and see what works best for you.
Floral patterns:
How typical, I know. Floral for spring! But, the variety of apparel you have to choose from gives florals a whole new vibe. You can wear this pattern in thigh-skimming dresses, short skirts, and even trendy shorts.
For a casual dress, try Forever21’s ‘Fab Rose Knit Dress’ ($11.50), this short-sleeved darling dress is perfect for the warm weather. Or, for an evening outfit, pair the ‘floral cocktail dress’ ($28) or ‘Eight Sixty Ruffled Silk Dress’ ($98, Nordstrom.com) with Coach ‘new stefanie heel’ ($188) in black.
You can also try floral in other pieces as well. The ‘Silence & Noise Floral Zip Back Racerback’ ($28, urbanoutfitters.com) is a fabulous tank-top blouse that has the allure of innocence with the flowers, but becomes edgy with an expose zipper running down the back. This shirt can be dressed up with skinny jeans and heels, or paired with a pair of shorts for a daytime look.
Ruffles and Tiers:
Tiered dresses, skirts and shirts are not only fashionable, but they’re flattering as well. Tiered dresses are versatile in their range from edgy vibrant colors to elegant lace pieces. For a sleeveless black dress check out ‘Rumor Mesh Tiered Dress’ ($24.80,forever21), which is simple but edgy. Or for a sweeter and lighter style, look at ‘Swept Away Dress’ ($38, lulus.com), which would be perfect with sandals for a beautiful daytime outfit.
Also tiered shirts go fabulously with sleek black pants or jeans. Victorias Secret has a great sleeveless option for $48, ‘Tiered silk georgette shell’ comes in black, very berry, or citronella. Also, ‘Silence & Noise Lace Tiered Zipper Tank’ ($38) from Urban Outfitters is classic because of the lace, but updated with the exposed zipper. Another option is JCrew.com, which carries a lovely t-shirt version in sandstone or wild blackberry, ‘Tulle tiered blouse’ is now on sale for $60.
Another option to wear the tiered style is in a skirt form. J Crew also has a variety of skirts. ‘Tiered brique skirt’ ($128) or the ‘Whisper chambray tiered skirt’ ($138) are both very elegant and classic skirts that would look perfect with black pumps and a blouse tucked in. For a more vibrant option, look at the ‘Hanna G Layered Skirt’ ($68), available at nordstrom.com in cobalt, black or pink.
Sequined and Studded Tanks & Tees:
Liven up that plain old tee with something a bit more rebellious. Studded tees add an edgy look to your plain jeans and cut off shorts. Three options from Victoria’s Secret include the loose fitting t-shirt version, ‘Studded tee’ ($48.50) in tropical turquoise; a tank top version, ‘Studded v-neck tank’ in black or jazzberry (68.50); or a fancier version ‘Embellished cotton & cashmere sweater’ that has jewels and studs across the neck.
Studded mini skirts look great paired with a plain t-shirt. Bluefly.com’s ‘Romeo & Juliet Couture Black Studded Stretch Mini’ ($68) or ‘Silence & Noise Studded Menswear Waistband Skirt’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $68) are both great choices.
Other options for adding studs in a subtly way can be through shoes and accessories, such as the Report Signature ‘Malin platform Pumps’ ($117), Matiko ‘Ashley Platform Wedges’ ($98), Hype ‘Taylor Studded Clutch’ ($90) or Priorities ‘The Loraine’ boyfriend blazer ($117), all available at Bluefly.com.
Tribal prints:
The hint about wearing tribal prints is to downplay the rest of your outfit. If you are going for intense tribal inspired jewelry, then wear a subtle shirt and plain bottoms. These patterns can have a lot going on, so when wearing them as a shirt or dress, you then in turn want to downplay your accessories and the rest of your outfit.
For a top you can wear with cut-off shorts and flip flips, look at ‘Tribal Foil Tank’ (forever21, $12.80), ‘Tribal Scoopneck Tank’ (forever21, $12.90), or ‘Truly Madly Deeply Heart Tribe Tunic’ (urbanoutfitters.com, $28).
For a dress try ‘Woven Tube Tunic w/ Belt’ (Forever21,$15.80), or two options from Lulus.com, ‘Sweet by Miss Me Orleans Iris Day Dress ‘ ($80) and
‘Color Theory Dress’ ($35). All three dresses can be worn casually with sandals or flip flops.
Shoes are also a great option for adding a touch of tribal gems to your wardrobe. Nordstrom.com has a few great sandals to choose from including, ‘Fergie 'Escape' Sandal’ ($100), ‘L.A.M.B. 'Vail' Sandal’ ($299), ‘Vince Camuto 'Emily' Platform Sandal’ ($118), or REPORT 'Calla' Sandal ($60).
Light weight trench coat:
Every season we have a jacket we need to invest in. For spring, a lightweight trench coat is necessary. The versatility to wear this coat dressed up or down makes it that much more appealing. Try to buy a cream colored trench. This is a good color because it is light for spring, but not overpowering to your lively outfits.
Michael Kors has a great coat available at Nordstrom that hits at the thigh and also has a hood, which updates the classic trench coat. ‘Michael Kors Belted Trench Coat’ is $138, and with a coat like this, the best choice is to go for a durable designer brand.
If you feel the classic isn’t exciting enough for you, add some spunk to it, like the ‘Miss Sixty Studded Trench’ ($118). Also available at Nordstrom.
There are many different options for a trench coat including fit, length, and style. Try on a few and see what works best for you.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Corey Smith, Country Straight Out the Bottle
Corey Smith is a somewhat new country artist who’s begun to bloom in the county scene recently, his approach to country is a bit rougher around the edges then tradition country super stars though. Smiths songs sound more like the story of an outlaw on the run, or a drunken frat boy then most country ballads, Just check out his hit “F--- the PO, PO” which is a song that seems to be about a run in that Smith might have had with the police, or “Drinkin’ Again” a twang type ballad about getting started on another weekend of what seems to be pretty heavy drinking.
All this coming from a 32 year old father from Atlanta, Georgia, his music sound to be a new age mix of Lynyrd Skynyrd, acoustic melodies, and a dash of grunge. His early work are songs that you will be sure to be hearing college students singing along to for ages, Smith’s first album “Undertones” captures the atmosphere of fun and free loving music geared toward a crowd not worrying much about tomorrow and more concerned with filling their bellies with alcohol and just drinking the night away with good friends.
With the release of Smith’s new album “Keeping Up with the Joneses” it seems Smith has hit the big time with air time on CMT.com and other massive country music outlet. “Keeping Up with the Joneses” shows how Smith has begun to hone his skills, master his craft and truly matured as a musician, it’s music may not have the same allure to younger generations as his first CDs but it will earn his a place on the country countdown charts without a doubt.
To find out more about Corey Smith or to purchase his music head to CoreySmith.com
All this coming from a 32 year old father from Atlanta, Georgia, his music sound to be a new age mix of Lynyrd Skynyrd, acoustic melodies, and a dash of grunge. His early work are songs that you will be sure to be hearing college students singing along to for ages, Smith’s first album “Undertones” captures the atmosphere of fun and free loving music geared toward a crowd not worrying much about tomorrow and more concerned with filling their bellies with alcohol and just drinking the night away with good friends.
With the release of Smith’s new album “Keeping Up with the Joneses” it seems Smith has hit the big time with air time on CMT.com and other massive country music outlet. “Keeping Up with the Joneses” shows how Smith has begun to hone his skills, master his craft and truly matured as a musician, it’s music may not have the same allure to younger generations as his first CDs but it will earn his a place on the country countdown charts without a doubt.
To find out more about Corey Smith or to purchase his music head to CoreySmith.com
Corey Smith's new take on American Music
It’s no wonder why Corey Smith can pack out clubs and small venues all across the country. Landing mostly in college towns, Smith’s Live Album doesn’t let the “feel good” listener down one bit. His set scattered with songs about parties, spring break, and not acting your age is like a magnet for anyone who enjoys some down and dirty music Americana. Smiths colorful guitar chops and original vocals being the focal point of the show, are for the music enthusiast who’s not sure if they enjoy a little country twang yet? Smith seems to be one of the few artists that are successful at blending original acoustic rock style, but also embraces his southern roots that come through in each song. One song that is a must at any Smith show is crowd favorite tune inappropriately named F*** the Poe Poe. It tells a story about Smiths run in with some corrupt police in Georgia. The songs fast paced riffs and poetic lyrics force you to bob your head or tap your foot. It also might make any off duty police officers in the audience feel a little down. For a shower capper, smith tore through his song “Drinkin Again”. I sat in amazement as Smith spat out a few verses that seemed to almost be “raps”. This definitely contributes to the overall originality of Corey’s hybrid breed of country/rock/hiphop style. One thing is for certain about Corey Smith. His live act is a force to be reckoned with and his live album proves that.
Corey Smith: The Future of Country
An emerging star in the country music world may be destined for a great future. Corey Smith’s music has captured the hearts and minds of young college fans across the country. His laid back attitude and call-it-how-he-sees-it mentality has become a popular trend in the country oriented music crowd. His sold-out shows are proof that this man is destined for a great career as a country-singing artist.
Though it may be a bit early to say, but perhaps Corey Smith will be the new face of country music. This could turn into a “Lady-Gaga” effect, as I’d like to call it, where one moment an artist is unknown then the next they are the face of their music genre. On the other hand, he may just be another country musician with pretty decent music, who knows?
If one thing is certain, it’s that the fans have spoken and they want more Corey Smith! His new album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” took several months to make, according to Yes Weekly, and consists of some of his best songs. His ambition and eagerness to mature as a musician may very well lead him to the path of success with his millions of fans following.
Though it may be a bit early to say, but perhaps Corey Smith will be the new face of country music. This could turn into a “Lady-Gaga” effect, as I’d like to call it, where one moment an artist is unknown then the next they are the face of their music genre. On the other hand, he may just be another country musician with pretty decent music, who knows?
If one thing is certain, it’s that the fans have spoken and they want more Corey Smith! His new album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” took several months to make, according to Yes Weekly, and consists of some of his best songs. His ambition and eagerness to mature as a musician may very well lead him to the path of success with his millions of fans following.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Corey Smith
Corey Smith, a new face in "Modern Country," should crawl back into whatever dank, whiskey scented hole from which he crept and leave the country music industry with what little dignity it has. His album, "Outtakes from a Georgia Theatre," is a 17 track piece of gag reflex-triggering garbage that features Smith's forgettable voice, only complemented by his cliche lyrics. With songs such as "Let me love you on a back road" and "F--- the Po-Po," Smith managed to take what little potential the album had and wedge it squarely into whichever hole-in-the-wall bar toilet bowl his U of Georgia 'Dawgs fans were vomiting their Pabst into. "Let me love you on a back road" could have been a slightly worse version of Nickelback's "Animals" (I know, I know, hard to imagine, right?), and "F-- the Po-po was a horrifying hybrid of rap and country.
This man, who defames the names of Nirvana and Lynyrd Skynyrd by calling them his influences, assaults the ears with "Outtakes from a Georgia Theatre" and promises to do no better in "Keeping up with the Joneses," an album which is probably the most unoriginally named CD since whichever band most recently named their album after a color.
Corey Smith, you call all of your listeners your friends, so please let us have an intervention for you. You need to abusing music like this. Just go away.
This man, who defames the names of Nirvana and Lynyrd Skynyrd by calling them his influences, assaults the ears with "Outtakes from a Georgia Theatre" and promises to do no better in "Keeping up with the Joneses," an album which is probably the most unoriginally named CD since whichever band most recently named their album after a color.
Corey Smith, you call all of your listeners your friends, so please let us have an intervention for you. You need to abusing music like this. Just go away.
Corey Smith: The New Face of Country Music
Move over Toby Keith and Garth Brooks! Country Music has a new face and it belongs to Cory Smith. Smith, a native of Jefferson, Georgia has a way of making country music more appealing to the college age audience. The album Out Takes From The Georgia Theatre has a soulful, hippy, and modern sense of appeal. Smith, who has been playing for 10 years in bars around Athens, Georgia has managed to bridge hip-hop, blues and country music together to provide a new joy in listening to country music.
His music is like a recap of his life in lyric form. On track 13-Party, expresses that partying is the only cure for the daily troubles. He goes on and on with the chorus of Party, Party, Party! I think that we the listeners get it. Smith, also touches on being a young man in love with track14-Let me love you on a back road, brings you to think about the movie ”Sweet Home Alabama” where young love is so innocent , but yet so loving with reckless moments with sex in the car on a dirt road.
As you listen to track 15-F---the PoPo, I’m quickly thinking that he has had a run in with the law at some point in his early adulthood. The vide of the song sends a connection of words mixed a modern sound that is relatable to everyday life among young people.
One can gather that Country Music is taking off to greater heights by providing a more appealing sound to the younger audience, long as Cory Smith keeps his passion of making music.
His music is like a recap of his life in lyric form. On track 13-Party, expresses that partying is the only cure for the daily troubles. He goes on and on with the chorus of Party, Party, Party! I think that we the listeners get it. Smith, also touches on being a young man in love with track14-Let me love you on a back road, brings you to think about the movie ”Sweet Home Alabama” where young love is so innocent , but yet so loving with reckless moments with sex in the car on a dirt road.
As you listen to track 15-F---the PoPo, I’m quickly thinking that he has had a run in with the law at some point in his early adulthood. The vide of the song sends a connection of words mixed a modern sound that is relatable to everyday life among young people.
One can gather that Country Music is taking off to greater heights by providing a more appealing sound to the younger audience, long as Cory Smith keeps his passion of making music.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Corey Smith: Bringing Country to Another Level
Former high school Social Studies teacher turned country singer and is now grossing over $4 million dollars this past year in ticket sales. These days it is not to be to be Corey Smith, headlining sell out concerts all around the South.
Known for his approachable swearing mouth, Smith appeals mainly to the college scene. He gained rights to create his first album after winning a songwriting competition. His style is a creative blend of country, rock and blues. What makes Smith’s success different from most of his competitors is his lack of any label and publicity backing. He is popularity is completely self made through internet sites such as MySpace.
His original lyrics come from true life experiences he has had over his years. The young audiences easily relate to his songs of drinking, relationship problems and police run-ins. Smith knows no sensor, dedicating a song to police offers he had past problems with called, “F--- the Po-po.
You can hear the full range of Smith’s style by downloading “Outtakes from the Georgia Theater” available now on iTunes. Once you give this soundtrack a chance you will get completely sucked into this soulful southern voice. For those of you that do not have a chance to witness Smith in person this live soundtrack is the next best thing. You are able to hear the lack of barriers he has with his audience.
Corey Smith is admirable because he has truly brought a new sense of style onto the scene. This independent singer has brought country music to a new level.
Known for his approachable swearing mouth, Smith appeals mainly to the college scene. He gained rights to create his first album after winning a songwriting competition. His style is a creative blend of country, rock and blues. What makes Smith’s success different from most of his competitors is his lack of any label and publicity backing. He is popularity is completely self made through internet sites such as MySpace.
His original lyrics come from true life experiences he has had over his years. The young audiences easily relate to his songs of drinking, relationship problems and police run-ins. Smith knows no sensor, dedicating a song to police offers he had past problems with called, “F--- the Po-po.
You can hear the full range of Smith’s style by downloading “Outtakes from the Georgia Theater” available now on iTunes. Once you give this soundtrack a chance you will get completely sucked into this soulful southern voice. For those of you that do not have a chance to witness Smith in person this live soundtrack is the next best thing. You are able to hear the lack of barriers he has with his audience.
Corey Smith is admirable because he has truly brought a new sense of style onto the scene. This independent singer has brought country music to a new level.
Sorey Cmith
Corey Smith’s live album is a twangy, upbeat cross of country and rock n’ roll; the indie singer-guitarist is also a bawdy, yet thoughtful lyricist. The tracks on this album are marked with playfulness and reflect personal experience.
One such track is a rhythmic song called “Party,” in which an enthusiastic swarm of fans can be heard chanting the tune’s catchy chorus: “party…party…party!” You can imagine several tracks of this album were recorded in a country bar of some sort, brimming with loud, drunken Corey Smith fans, not unlike the thousands who’ve caused his live performances to sell out.
He’s a soulful, homegrown rocker who, in fact, began his career performing in Georgia bars and at college parties. It’s hard not to picture him guitar-strapped, singing ballads at a rustic weenie roast.
Nor at all is it hard to notice his brazenness. “F--- the Po-Po” pays tribute to dirty cops of his youth, and “Let Me Love You on a Back Road” encapsulates a four-wheeled, “hot and heavy” fantasy. Having said that, this album is certainly not for the fainthearted although Smith’s southern, limp vocals may be of interest, for he also began his career as an acoustic performer. Think Elvis Presley... no, Lynyrd Skynyrd or some other southern rock band.
The quick, snappish vocals on “Drinkin Again” are quite impressive, as are the guitar strings which are played just as swift. This piece is sung in one breath it seems; the lyrics run over each other as they do in a rap song. Fans are sure to embrace this album with the same energy.
-Tillman
One such track is a rhythmic song called “Party,” in which an enthusiastic swarm of fans can be heard chanting the tune’s catchy chorus: “party…party…party!” You can imagine several tracks of this album were recorded in a country bar of some sort, brimming with loud, drunken Corey Smith fans, not unlike the thousands who’ve caused his live performances to sell out.
He’s a soulful, homegrown rocker who, in fact, began his career performing in Georgia bars and at college parties. It’s hard not to picture him guitar-strapped, singing ballads at a rustic weenie roast.
Nor at all is it hard to notice his brazenness. “F--- the Po-Po” pays tribute to dirty cops of his youth, and “Let Me Love You on a Back Road” encapsulates a four-wheeled, “hot and heavy” fantasy. Having said that, this album is certainly not for the fainthearted although Smith’s southern, limp vocals may be of interest, for he also began his career as an acoustic performer. Think Elvis Presley... no, Lynyrd Skynyrd or some other southern rock band.
The quick, snappish vocals on “Drinkin Again” are quite impressive, as are the guitar strings which are played just as swift. This piece is sung in one breath it seems; the lyrics run over each other as they do in a rap song. Fans are sure to embrace this album with the same energy.
-Tillman
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Corey Smith: Keeping it Real
Corey Smith is a musician originating from Georgia who appeals to all, which must be why his concerts sell out so quickly. His songs vary from partying, his encounter with corrupt police officers with the song “F--- the Po Po”, and basically just living his life. This relatable artist ended the night with his song, “Drinkin’ Again,” which he wrote about his return to alcohol abuse.
The 32-year-old high school teacher turned country star’s lyrics are catchy and full of spirit. Smith seems to have no boundaries when it comes to his songs, which is probably why he is so popular. The father of two children can easily connect to his audience on stage, which is evident with all of the cheering his fans do. His fan base is targeted towards the college scene, but in reality it targets a much larger demographic.
Smith is an honest man that shares his life stories through his raw lyrics. It is clear that he doesn’t try to be anyone he is not. Corey Smith’s music seems to parallels his personality, real and down to earth.
The 32-year-old high school teacher turned country star’s lyrics are catchy and full of spirit. Smith seems to have no boundaries when it comes to his songs, which is probably why he is so popular. The father of two children can easily connect to his audience on stage, which is evident with all of the cheering his fans do. His fan base is targeted towards the college scene, but in reality it targets a much larger demographic.
Smith is an honest man that shares his life stories through his raw lyrics. It is clear that he doesn’t try to be anyone he is not. Corey Smith’s music seems to parallels his personality, real and down to earth.
Country Corey
Growing up in a moderate Georgia community, it is obvious that Corey Smith raised havoc. As a 32-year-old father of two you would expect him to be more of a role model for the younger generation, however, his concert reminded me of reminiscing about his good ole college days- beer, partying and girls.
Smith is stuck in his 20s. Some of his lyrics were vulgar and a lot of them were about past experiences that happened to him while living in Jefferson. His song “F--- the Po-Po was a prime example of this. His concert was lacking in substance and variety. Sure a song or two about passing out drunk is ok, but after that it just becomes annoying.
The beginning of his concert was a lot more tolerable than the latter part. I’m not a big fan of the country genre and as the last song came through the mike I could definitely hear more of his country twang.
Putting his young persona aside, as a college student I did find that some of his songs were catchy and enjoyable. It is clear that what he is aiming for is to appeal towards the college crowd. Many college students can relate to his lyrics. He has a way of making the hardships in life humorous.
Overall the Corey Smith Concert, though country, gave me a greater appreciation of acoustic music and it’s always great to hear of a ‘Cinderella story’ of a small town boy selling out in major cities across the U.S.
Smith is stuck in his 20s. Some of his lyrics were vulgar and a lot of them were about past experiences that happened to him while living in Jefferson. His song “F--- the Po-Po was a prime example of this. His concert was lacking in substance and variety. Sure a song or two about passing out drunk is ok, but after that it just becomes annoying.
The beginning of his concert was a lot more tolerable than the latter part. I’m not a big fan of the country genre and as the last song came through the mike I could definitely hear more of his country twang.
Putting his young persona aside, as a college student I did find that some of his songs were catchy and enjoyable. It is clear that what he is aiming for is to appeal towards the college crowd. Many college students can relate to his lyrics. He has a way of making the hardships in life humorous.
Overall the Corey Smith Concert, though country, gave me a greater appreciation of acoustic music and it’s always great to hear of a ‘Cinderella story’ of a small town boy selling out in major cities across the U.S.
Keeping up with Corey Smith
With his sweet southern drawl, and guitar skills that rival John Mayer’s, Corey Smith’s music is surprisingly inviting. Like any old country singer, he tells stories in great detail of life lessons, everyday realities, and good old memories. It’s when he starts to passionately sing “F--- the Po-Po,” that we know his music is just a bit different from his country acquaintances.
The songs on “Outtakes from the Georgia Theater” are a combination of country, blues, and soul. But instead of being a mash up of musical genres, Smith somehow blends his love for hard rock and rap into an engaging musical story-time. If this performance is any indication of his newest album, Keeping up with the Joneses, we are sure to be in for a good time with an “$8 Bottle of Wine.”
Listening to Smith sing about getting drunk and having sex, I would never imagine him standing in front of a classroom, teaching high school social studies. But that is just what he did. It is evident that his passion pushed him to continue pursing music, and shy away from the student body. And I am happy he did, because now I want to enjoy a Corey Smith concert in the best way possible, with a beer in one hand, flicking off the cops with the other.
The songs on “Outtakes from the Georgia Theater” are a combination of country, blues, and soul. But instead of being a mash up of musical genres, Smith somehow blends his love for hard rock and rap into an engaging musical story-time. If this performance is any indication of his newest album, Keeping up with the Joneses, we are sure to be in for a good time with an “$8 Bottle of Wine.”
Listening to Smith sing about getting drunk and having sex, I would never imagine him standing in front of a classroom, teaching high school social studies. But that is just what he did. It is evident that his passion pushed him to continue pursing music, and shy away from the student body. And I am happy he did, because now I want to enjoy a Corey Smith concert in the best way possible, with a beer in one hand, flicking off the cops with the other.
Weekly Reflection, due March 5
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Corey Smith: Singer/Songwriter
Corey Smith sings about getting a real job. He gave one up as a social studies teacher, and his musical talent doesn’t suggest that singing should be his only profession.
However, Smith has a great relationship with fans and his lyrics have a carefree, f--- authority attitude. The singer/songwriter describes nights on the town and anecdotes from his life with a country twang. A fan, Diego G., says on Smith’s website, “"It's like listening to your friend talk about what you did last night."
After a modest start playing at bars in Athens, Georgia, Smith now plays for sold-out concerts with young audience members. College students can relate to his drunken antics and value of friendship.
While his songs are catchy and fun, Smith’s vocal and guitar skills are average. His music is the type one could play with the car windows down on a slow day. Each track is acoustic and his voice is especially smooth on select tracks.
No matter how smooth, no one wants hear the phrase “maybe next year” or “there’s a party” repeated twenty times. A few songs drag on long after the theme is well-emphasized. His more heartfelt lyrics relate to genuine problems in his life, such as a troubled history with drinking.
Compared to other singer/songwriters, Smith perhaps has less talent but equal heart. His songwriting can be appreciated for subject matter and the occasional striking chorus.
Smith hopes to “mature artistically”. If this is achieved, his relatable lyrics could be taken to the next level. For now, his “high-energy” live performances are true to spirit.
However, Smith has a great relationship with fans and his lyrics have a carefree, f--- authority attitude. The singer/songwriter describes nights on the town and anecdotes from his life with a country twang. A fan, Diego G., says on Smith’s website, “"It's like listening to your friend talk about what you did last night."
After a modest start playing at bars in Athens, Georgia, Smith now plays for sold-out concerts with young audience members. College students can relate to his drunken antics and value of friendship.
While his songs are catchy and fun, Smith’s vocal and guitar skills are average. His music is the type one could play with the car windows down on a slow day. Each track is acoustic and his voice is especially smooth on select tracks.
No matter how smooth, no one wants hear the phrase “maybe next year” or “there’s a party” repeated twenty times. A few songs drag on long after the theme is well-emphasized. His more heartfelt lyrics relate to genuine problems in his life, such as a troubled history with drinking.
Compared to other singer/songwriters, Smith perhaps has less talent but equal heart. His songwriting can be appreciated for subject matter and the occasional striking chorus.
Smith hopes to “mature artistically”. If this is achieved, his relatable lyrics could be taken to the next level. For now, his “high-energy” live performances are true to spirit.
Rising Artist Corey Smith
Corey Smith is a creative artist with a unique skill of making country sound bearable for just about every type of music lover. He gives his work a type of upbeat feel that makes it almost impossible for any listener not to want to jump up and start throwing down on the dance floor. He sings about the simple things in life but the type of things you want to remember forever and the type of experiences you’ll never forget. Originally starting by playing in bars around Athens, Georgia Corey quickly grew more and more popular and his audience soon began to exceed just his college peers. Today his fans number in the hundreds of thousands to millions and his shows are constantly sold out and packed to capacity. Yet through all of it he says fame is not what he’s all about. He keeps to his roots as a musician and continues to strive to make better and better music that people can relate to and fall in love with. Fame is just a side note bonus to him so perhaps that’s the reason for his success. His new album Keeping up with the Joneses is a great taste of the type of finished and polished sound Corey is creating today. On it he works with some big name artists and talented musicians. The album overall is an edgy upbeat feel that has no holds barred profanity and feeling that comes out strong in his music. He gives country a new feel that may be able to attract a whole new crew of listeners to country that before wouldn’t think twice about this type of music. All in all Corey Smith is an exciting new artist whose rise should be an interesting thing to watch.
Corey Smith's Album is Lackluster with the Help of an Advil
Corey Smith’s live album, From the Georgia Theater, is as lackluster as his lyrics (extremely). Trying way too hard to fit in with the college crowd, Smith sings songs such as “Party”, which is so redundant it gives me a headache.
From Georgia, Smith sings country music that the world would never miss if he had never gotten in the music scene. Useless and just plain boring, Smith misses his college days so much, he is trying way too hard to tell stories that he thinks make him seem cool to the college crowd. No one cares about when the police were corrupt during his college days in a small town in Georgia that no one has heard of.
Smith talks about a total of three things in his songs: the bible, drinking and getting arrested. These three things are brought up way too much in his songs and make me wonder whether or not he just ran out of material for his lyrics. The songs tell some of the most uninteresting stories I have ever heard. Maybe the only reason the audience is getting so drunk at his concerts is to drown out the redundant guitar notes and his country-boy and downright annoying voice.
Instead of “getting drunk and obnoxious”, like track 12 says, I find myself wanting to fall asleep and take an Advil to get rid of the ringing in my ears and the pounding headache. Smith’s voice could pass for any other country singer in a small town bar in Alabama.
“Maybe next year”, we won’t have to hear another one of Smith’s dull and monotonous albums.
From Georgia, Smith sings country music that the world would never miss if he had never gotten in the music scene. Useless and just plain boring, Smith misses his college days so much, he is trying way too hard to tell stories that he thinks make him seem cool to the college crowd. No one cares about when the police were corrupt during his college days in a small town in Georgia that no one has heard of.
Smith talks about a total of three things in his songs: the bible, drinking and getting arrested. These three things are brought up way too much in his songs and make me wonder whether or not he just ran out of material for his lyrics. The songs tell some of the most uninteresting stories I have ever heard. Maybe the only reason the audience is getting so drunk at his concerts is to drown out the redundant guitar notes and his country-boy and downright annoying voice.
Instead of “getting drunk and obnoxious”, like track 12 says, I find myself wanting to fall asleep and take an Advil to get rid of the ringing in my ears and the pounding headache. Smith’s voice could pass for any other country singer in a small town bar in Alabama.
“Maybe next year”, we won’t have to hear another one of Smith’s dull and monotonous albums.
Outtakes from Georgia
Corey Smith is a pop country singer from Georgia who spent the early part of his career playing around bars in Georgia slowly creating a fan base that appreciates his music about trials and tribulations that go on through people’s lives, specifically those from the country. The concert starts out with the sound of a rougher more backcountry Jack Johnson on guitar, with the twang of any generic country singer. The lyrics don’t do him any justice either, with a typical array of feelings of regret, hopefulness, reminiscing, white t shirts and blue jeans; he doesn’t get far from the same general subject. It is classical sing along music with catchy choruses and light background guitar riffs, to slowly fade out into nothing. Not much substance to the music but is easy to connect with because of his constant relations to easily comprehendible concepts (mainly drinking). Encouraging the crowd and communicating with them between songs seems to be his way of connecting his crowd with his music, often giving the crowd of a preview of the upcoming song almost warming up the crowd for whatever he about to say. He reaches out to college kids and talks about subjects that would inspire any group of drunken college kids to scream in recognition and acceptance. Overall he accomplishes the image he portrays when you think about what is involved in a Corey smith concert.
Florida's Tax Free Week for the 2010-2011 School Year Remains Pending.
Many parents throughout the state of Florida have depended on the Florida's Tax-Free Week since 2007 to purchase their children's school supplies. The Tax free week is held for 10 days , the beginning of the second Friday after the first Tuesday in August. Unfortunately for parents, the 2009-2010 school year tax-free week has been discontinued.
Law makers are doing a disadvantage to the parents of school aged children by discontinuing the tax free week. Due to the unstable economy, parents were depending on the tax free week, but were disappointed. According to About.com writer Jennifer Wolf, "In the past, the sales tax holiday was voted upon in the state legislature, but the measure was not brought up for a vote this year(2009)." It’s a burden on parents to ensure that their children have the necessary school supplies to start off the school year. May of these parents are going through a major hardship with keeping their homes and now to add on to the preexisting battle is trying to provide supplies.
After reviewing the bill 212.08 titled Related to Taxes on Sale, Use, and Other Transactions, it specifies a period during which the sales of books, clothing, and school supplies is exempt from the tax. The bill also specified the type of clothing and school supplies that are tax exempt. For example, wearable apparel, footwear, backpacks, wallets, handbags and diaper bags having the sales price of $100 or less were exempt. This would be a great help to those families that have 2 or more children. The tax exemption, however, excluded to briefcases, suitcases, other garment bags, watches, skis, swim wear and watches.
For many parents, having the tax free week helped with the cost of purchasing school supplies and clothes that would have cost twice the amount of money at retail prices. Florida schools provide a list of needed school supplies to retail stores such as Staples, Office Depot, Target and Wal-Mart. These stores are frequently by parents.
The state of Florida would benefit well with keeping the tax free week, because it will allow a new flow of revenue to uplift the sinking economy.
Supplies valued at $10 or less, fell under the tax exemptions. Items essential to any student such as pens, paper, compasses, calculators, erases, pencils, crayon, note books, note book paper, markers, folder, poster boards, compositions books, poster paper, rulers, scissors, tape glue and paste were all included on the list of tax exempt items.
Florida parents are hoping not to foot the bill for school supplies for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year.
The Florida State Legislature is schedule to review the bill March 2010 for the 2010-2011 school year.
Many parents throughout the state of Florida have depended on the Florida's Tax-Free Week since 2007 to purchase their children's school supplies. The Tax free week is held for 10 days , the beginning of the second Friday after the first Tuesday in August. Unfortunately for parents, the 2009-2010 school year tax-free week has been discontinued.
Law makers are doing a disadvantage to the parents of school aged children by discontinuing the tax free week. Due to the unstable economy, parents were depending on the tax free week, but were disappointed. According to About.com writer Jennifer Wolf, "In the past, the sales tax holiday was voted upon in the state legislature, but the measure was not brought up for a vote this year(2009)." It’s a burden on parents to ensure that their children have the necessary school supplies to start off the school year. May of these parents are going through a major hardship with keeping their homes and now to add on to the preexisting battle is trying to provide supplies.
After reviewing the bill 212.08 titled Related to Taxes on Sale, Use, and Other Transactions, it specifies a period during which the sales of books, clothing, and school supplies is exempt from the tax. The bill also specified the type of clothing and school supplies that are tax exempt. For example, wearable apparel, footwear, backpacks, wallets, handbags and diaper bags having the sales price of $100 or less were exempt. This would be a great help to those families that have 2 or more children. The tax exemption, however, excluded to briefcases, suitcases, other garment bags, watches, skis, swim wear and watches.
For many parents, having the tax free week helped with the cost of purchasing school supplies and clothes that would have cost twice the amount of money at retail prices. Florida schools provide a list of needed school supplies to retail stores such as Staples, Office Depot, Target and Wal-Mart. These stores are frequently by parents.
The state of Florida would benefit well with keeping the tax free week, because it will allow a new flow of revenue to uplift the sinking economy.
Supplies valued at $10 or less, fell under the tax exemptions. Items essential to any student such as pens, paper, compasses, calculators, erases, pencils, crayon, note books, note book paper, markers, folder, poster boards, compositions books, poster paper, rulers, scissors, tape glue and paste were all included on the list of tax exempt items.
Florida parents are hoping not to foot the bill for school supplies for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year.
The Florida State Legislature is schedule to review the bill March 2010 for the 2010-2011 school year.
Improper Sentence For Hit and Run Offenders
Tragedies are an inevitable part of life that most people will encounter, even if the tragedy didn’t affect them directly. There is often little we can do to prevent devastating tragedies from occurring, the only thing we can do is pray that we see as few as possible in our lifetime. On Saturday, November 21 2009, the University of Tampa faced a tragedy that affected hundreds of students. Erik Nicoletti, a University of Tampa junior, was struck by a vehicle and killed on an early Saturday morning, a morning that will never be forgotten. The only thing worse than a preventable tragedy is seeing the person responsible not getting the proper punishment they deserve.
The Florida Senate’s bill, 0210: Relating to Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC], discusses the penalties and actions that must take place if an incident, such as the one that happened to Nicoletti, ever occurs. Under this bill, a driver who is convicted of fleeing the scene of a crime that results in a death will face up to 10 years in prison. Call me crazy but a 10 year sentence doesn’t seem justifiable given the horrid nature of the crime. If a person takes a life while driving and continues to drive away as their victim lies on the pavement bloody and hopeless, they should face a much longer sentence.
Legislation needs to reconsider the improper sentencing that goes with this tragic crime. 10 years doesn’t compensate for a life that will never be seen again. 10 years won’t take away the agony that the families of these victims face day-to-day knowing that their loved ones will never return. 10 years is a pathetic sentence for a crime that has the potential to affect hundreds if not thousands of lives.
It will be disappointing if this bill is passed, and the sentence time isn’t increased for those who flee the scene of a crime that results in a lost life. Legislation needs to realize the number of life’s that are affected by a single death and come up with a more realistic punishment for these offenders. Perhaps they would see things differently if they all had the chance to sit down with a family member or close friend of an innocent victim like Nicoletti, then maybe they will see the pain inflicted and come up with a better punishment.
The Florida Senate’s bill, 0210: Relating to Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC], discusses the penalties and actions that must take place if an incident, such as the one that happened to Nicoletti, ever occurs. Under this bill, a driver who is convicted of fleeing the scene of a crime that results in a death will face up to 10 years in prison. Call me crazy but a 10 year sentence doesn’t seem justifiable given the horrid nature of the crime. If a person takes a life while driving and continues to drive away as their victim lies on the pavement bloody and hopeless, they should face a much longer sentence.
Legislation needs to reconsider the improper sentencing that goes with this tragic crime. 10 years doesn’t compensate for a life that will never be seen again. 10 years won’t take away the agony that the families of these victims face day-to-day knowing that their loved ones will never return. 10 years is a pathetic sentence for a crime that has the potential to affect hundreds if not thousands of lives.
It will be disappointing if this bill is passed, and the sentence time isn’t increased for those who flee the scene of a crime that results in a lost life. Legislation needs to realize the number of life’s that are affected by a single death and come up with a more realistic punishment for these offenders. Perhaps they would see things differently if they all had the chance to sit down with a family member or close friend of an innocent victim like Nicoletti, then maybe they will see the pain inflicted and come up with a better punishment.
Violence Against the Homeless
The homeless have become a class of people discriminated against. There is little regard for their existence, and least of all, their dignity. The House of Representatives proposed Bill HB 11: Crimes Against Homeless Persons. If passed, the bill will “reclassify offenses evidencing prejudice based on homeless status of victim.”
Authorities often view the homeless as a burden, which increases public animosity. Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, said, “…there are increasingly punitive actions taken by cities against homeless people. So that also sends a message that these people are less human and that attacking them is okay.”
That is exactly what homeless discrimination has escalated to: physical attacks. 2006’s video Bumfights forced homeless people to brutally fight each other. The homeless are targeted for violent crime because they are not considered equals. In 2008 TIME Magazine deemed homeless brutality a potential hate crime. A few years ago the National Coalition for the Homeless reported over one in four attacks result in murder.
We as a community, state, country and even world need to take action against this tragedy. A homeless California native was doused with gasoline and burned to death in 2008. His sister, Susanne McGraham-Paisley, said of his killer, “That person had so many opportunities to change [his] mind and … didn’t.”
The fact that a bill would need to exist to end these crimes reflects very poorly on our society. Legislation already exists for violence against the homeless, yet clearly more is needed. Government’s ultimate aim is to house the homeless and provide social services. Bill HB 11 would ensure homeless persons’ safety during this process.
The homeless deserve more respect than they are shown. We should acknowledge their misfortune rather than any inconvenience they may cause.
The bill’s effective date is October 1, 2010. We can hope the House of Representatives does not choose to ignore the brutality occurring on the streets of their own cities.
Authorities often view the homeless as a burden, which increases public animosity. Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty, said, “…there are increasingly punitive actions taken by cities against homeless people. So that also sends a message that these people are less human and that attacking them is okay.”
That is exactly what homeless discrimination has escalated to: physical attacks. 2006’s video Bumfights forced homeless people to brutally fight each other. The homeless are targeted for violent crime because they are not considered equals. In 2008 TIME Magazine deemed homeless brutality a potential hate crime. A few years ago the National Coalition for the Homeless reported over one in four attacks result in murder.
We as a community, state, country and even world need to take action against this tragedy. A homeless California native was doused with gasoline and burned to death in 2008. His sister, Susanne McGraham-Paisley, said of his killer, “That person had so many opportunities to change [his] mind and … didn’t.”
The fact that a bill would need to exist to end these crimes reflects very poorly on our society. Legislation already exists for violence against the homeless, yet clearly more is needed. Government’s ultimate aim is to house the homeless and provide social services. Bill HB 11 would ensure homeless persons’ safety during this process.
The homeless deserve more respect than they are shown. We should acknowledge their misfortune rather than any inconvenience they may cause.
The bill’s effective date is October 1, 2010. We can hope the House of Representatives does not choose to ignore the brutality occurring on the streets of their own cities.
Water Treatment in Florida
Being an environmentally sound community is one issue that Americans may be beginning to take more seriously. Specifically, Rep. Joeseph Gibbons (Dem) has proposed a bill within the House of Representatives for wastewater treatment facilities. The law would require the treatment plants to meet specific reuse requirements when providing water to businesses that have ocean outfalls. Essentially, this bill makes water treatment plants and their customers more conscious about conserving the water that is treated and recycling it.
The sewage bill is like many other proposed laws across America. It is a call to arms for American citizens to be more environmentally conscious. This is one issue that we need to keep in the front of our minds. Environmental problems will continue to intensify. This is why businesses and homes need to become more efficient. President Obama stressed to voters on his campaign trail the importance of being environmentally conscious.
“We cannot afford more of the same timid politics when the future of our planet is at stake. Pollution is not a someday problem, it is now.”
Even though the sewage bill wont directly affect most of the citizens across the sunshine state, it is another small step that we can all support in the fight to preserve our environment. Along with supporting this particular bill there are many other organizations and foundations for people who feel passionate about sustaining a clean ecosystem. MyFloridaclimate.com and Florida Department of Environmental Protection are forums for environmental activism.
Environmental consciousness is an important part of sustaining a comfortable way of life for generations to come. Supporting Rep. Gibbon’s bill for wastewater reuse is a necessary step in creating a cleaner Florida for everyone. To show support or comment on the Sewage Disposal Facilities bill please visit MyFloridaHouse.gov.
The sewage bill is like many other proposed laws across America. It is a call to arms for American citizens to be more environmentally conscious. This is one issue that we need to keep in the front of our minds. Environmental problems will continue to intensify. This is why businesses and homes need to become more efficient. President Obama stressed to voters on his campaign trail the importance of being environmentally conscious.
“We cannot afford more of the same timid politics when the future of our planet is at stake. Pollution is not a someday problem, it is now.”
Even though the sewage bill wont directly affect most of the citizens across the sunshine state, it is another small step that we can all support in the fight to preserve our environment. Along with supporting this particular bill there are many other organizations and foundations for people who feel passionate about sustaining a clean ecosystem. MyFloridaclimate.com and Florida Department of Environmental Protection are forums for environmental activism.
Environmental consciousness is an important part of sustaining a comfortable way of life for generations to come. Supporting Rep. Gibbon’s bill for wastewater reuse is a necessary step in creating a cleaner Florida for everyone. To show support or comment on the Sewage Disposal Facilities bill please visit MyFloridaHouse.gov.
NoTexting and Driving Bill
We the people of the United States, in order to maximize efficiency, choose to eat, sing, change our clothes and most importantly, talk and text on our cell phones while driving our cars. But, one of these seemingly unalienable rights is becoming more and more alienable with every passing session of state congresses across the country. Nineteen states have already fallen to the outrageous claim that “texting while driving is dangerous,” and a bill before the Florida House of Representatives threatens to make Florida the twentieth.
If Bill 41 passes, we will be prohibited from operating a vehicle while “reading, manually writing or typing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless communications device.” Exceptions are made for reporting illegal activity, preventing injury, or summoning help in the event of an emergency, but there will be no emails, no texting, no mobile Facebook.
Sure theoretically the law makes sense. Sure it’s might be a little bit safer to have both eyes on the road. And sure, most of us know at least one person who has been in an accident that involved text messaging, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have spent years practicing steering with our knees and don’t want to see that carefully honed skill go to waste.
We have to put a stop to all this babble about “distracted driving.” We have to ensure that our right to coordinate our weekend plans with our friends, while flying down the interstate at 75 miles an hour, is not torn from us.
But what can simple college students do? Go to www.myfloridahouse.gov and find the contact information of a Florida Representative. We all can find the two minutes to call, email or text our representatives to let them know how we feel. Hey, you can even do it while driving. At least until Oct. 1, 2010.
If Bill 41 passes, we will be prohibited from operating a vehicle while “reading, manually writing or typing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless communications device.” Exceptions are made for reporting illegal activity, preventing injury, or summoning help in the event of an emergency, but there will be no emails, no texting, no mobile Facebook.
Sure theoretically the law makes sense. Sure it’s might be a little bit safer to have both eyes on the road. And sure, most of us know at least one person who has been in an accident that involved text messaging, but that doesn’t change the fact that we have spent years practicing steering with our knees and don’t want to see that carefully honed skill go to waste.
We have to put a stop to all this babble about “distracted driving.” We have to ensure that our right to coordinate our weekend plans with our friends, while flying down the interstate at 75 miles an hour, is not torn from us.
But what can simple college students do? Go to www.myfloridahouse.gov and find the contact information of a Florida Representative. We all can find the two minutes to call, email or text our representatives to let them know how we feel. Hey, you can even do it while driving. At least until Oct. 1, 2010.
Parole for Children
Parole for adolescent offenders may be in effect if the HB 23 bill for the Florida House of Representatives passes. This bill will give children, ages 15 and younger, the chance at redeeming their life outside the suffocating prison bars. Fortunately, this bill provides an understanding that children sometimes make mistakes, and do not have the proper support system to know any better.
According to the bill, the guidelines for parole of a sentence that is supposed to be for 10 years or more, includes them having no past criminal record before this crime was committed, serving the minimum 8 years, going through an interview process, and completing a GED program.
The bill’s main purpose is to give that second chance that so many children deserve. We believe that the conditions of some people’s lives aren’t always stable to make good decisions, especially in an age where vulnerability is at it’s highest.
The outcome of creating this program will be positive. It will allow children to get an education, and hopefully create a more promising future for themselves than if they were to stay in prison.
With the interview process being a mandatory evaluation of eligibility of parole, it will allow the state to see if there is regret or knowledge of mistake in the prisoners mind. This is important because it assists in showing there is more than just a criminal to the child at hand.
Residents of Tampa agree with us too. Addison Largent said, “It’s sad that someone younger than 15 would get 10 years to life for a crime. But depending on their background they may not know better, so I do think they should get the chance to grow up and realize their mistakes.”
The bill has already been voted in favor to pass at the Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee, hopefully other committees will pass it too and we will soon see more children with a brighter future.
According to the bill, the guidelines for parole of a sentence that is supposed to be for 10 years or more, includes them having no past criminal record before this crime was committed, serving the minimum 8 years, going through an interview process, and completing a GED program.
The bill’s main purpose is to give that second chance that so many children deserve. We believe that the conditions of some people’s lives aren’t always stable to make good decisions, especially in an age where vulnerability is at it’s highest.
The outcome of creating this program will be positive. It will allow children to get an education, and hopefully create a more promising future for themselves than if they were to stay in prison.
With the interview process being a mandatory evaluation of eligibility of parole, it will allow the state to see if there is regret or knowledge of mistake in the prisoners mind. This is important because it assists in showing there is more than just a criminal to the child at hand.
Residents of Tampa agree with us too. Addison Largent said, “It’s sad that someone younger than 15 would get 10 years to life for a crime. But depending on their background they may not know better, so I do think they should get the chance to grow up and realize their mistakes.”
The bill has already been voted in favor to pass at the Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee, hopefully other committees will pass it too and we will soon see more children with a brighter future.
State Increases Consequences for Distributing Alcohol to People Under 21
Among college students, underage drinking is popular and widely accepted. Although, after this bill has been proposed, we may want to think twice before distributing the substance. The house is putting forth a bill that increases the consequences of a second-time offender giving, selling or serving alcoholic beverages to people under the age of 21.
Every weekend, we are constantly bombarded with where to go out at night, and every single place involves bars and clubs. Something that goes hand in hand with bars and clubs: drinking. No underage person wants to go to these places and be the only sober person there.
For some people, “pre-gaming” or drinking before we go out at night, seems like the only option. Students under the age of 21 ask older people to buy them their alcohol. This bill is not going to have an impact on people’s decisions to buy, give or sell alcohol to underage people.
Brittany Winebrenner, a sophomore and advertising and public relations major says, “They are going way overboard with the underage drinking.”
Only a small number of people on campus actually get caught selling, giving and serving alcohol, and when they do, most of the time it is in the dorms and the person either gets kicked off campus, or written up. This is an extremely different punishment from the bill that is being proposed in front of the house. Unless in extreme circumstances, most of the time, police are not called when students get caught serving alcohol to other students under the age of 21.
The University of Tampa student handbook states, “Students are expected to observe campus policies, which prohibit: (1) any person under 21 years of age from possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, (2) any person from selling, distributing, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age.”
While the bill does not revise the consequences for committing this crime for the first time, it does revise and increase the penalties for committing the crime a second time. The bill states “a person who violates this subparagraph a second or subsequent time within 1 year after a prior conviction commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.”
The staff analysis of this bill states, “the bill may have a fiscal impact upon county government because of potential jail bed impact.”
The bill is due to take effect on July 1, 2010.
Every weekend, we are constantly bombarded with where to go out at night, and every single place involves bars and clubs. Something that goes hand in hand with bars and clubs: drinking. No underage person wants to go to these places and be the only sober person there.
For some people, “pre-gaming” or drinking before we go out at night, seems like the only option. Students under the age of 21 ask older people to buy them their alcohol. This bill is not going to have an impact on people’s decisions to buy, give or sell alcohol to underage people.
Brittany Winebrenner, a sophomore and advertising and public relations major says, “They are going way overboard with the underage drinking.”
Only a small number of people on campus actually get caught selling, giving and serving alcohol, and when they do, most of the time it is in the dorms and the person either gets kicked off campus, or written up. This is an extremely different punishment from the bill that is being proposed in front of the house. Unless in extreme circumstances, most of the time, police are not called when students get caught serving alcohol to other students under the age of 21.
The University of Tampa student handbook states, “Students are expected to observe campus policies, which prohibit: (1) any person under 21 years of age from possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, (2) any person from selling, distributing, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age.”
While the bill does not revise the consequences for committing this crime for the first time, it does revise and increase the penalties for committing the crime a second time. The bill states “a person who violates this subparagraph a second or subsequent time within 1 year after a prior conviction commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.”
The staff analysis of this bill states, “the bill may have a fiscal impact upon county government because of potential jail bed impact.”
The bill is due to take effect on July 1, 2010.
Florida Driving Distractions
Like many other states in the U.S. Florida is trying to adopt the "no cell phones" rule while driving. The bill is HB 41 and states that it "Prohibits operation of moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing or typing, or sending message on electronic wireless communications device; provides exceptions & penalties". Although many states have seen this bill before, florida's is different in that you ca still talk on your cell phone but everything else is prohibited. This seems like a useless and minor attempt at reducing the number of car crashes. One website listed talking on the phone or text messaging to be the second to last reason for someone to get distracted in a car right behind exceeding the speed limit and changing the radio station. Although distractions in cars should be recognized, the attempt to crack down on cell phone users will not lower the accident rate. People will be talking on their phones regardless, the only thing it might do is put more money towards the government in tickets. It seems that the idea of not paying attention to the road has less to do with what your doing on a cell phone but rather how distracted your mind actually is. There is no telling exactly how distracted different actions on a cell phone can make you, but it seems like if you are going to ban certain aspects of a phone while driving, you should either ban using a cell phone all together or not even attempt a bill in the first place. Focuses should be made toward controlling the speed limit, or making cars safer so that in the event of a crash less damage will occur. It would be very hard, or nearly impossible to stop people from talking on their phones, it is the most common form of communication, and in the age of technology it is necessary to stay ahead in your business.
Public Schools Concerning Human Sexuaity
Florida House has proposed Bill 169 in hopes to make adjustments to the current sexual education departments in public schools which will take effect July 1, 2010. These programs would address age appropriate decision making for sexual issues.
Currently Florida is the sixth highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation as well as the third highest rate for AIDS. The high percentages of these problems are within the youth population. Florida paid over $8.1 billion taxpayer dollars from 1991 to 2004 to address teen pregnancy problems.
Bill 169, “Education in Public Schools Concerning Human Sexuality,” hopes to be enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida. This will require all public schools that receive state funding adjust their current sexual education problems to incorporate the bill’s additional requirements.
A University of Florida research team performed a case study in 2007 analyzing the content being enforced in Florida public school systems. The results showed an overwhelmingly high number of teachers who educate “abstinence only until marriage” as the only way to prevent teen’s sexual problems. For this generation is it naïve to think an abstinence only curriculum will be successful, because in reality young people will more than likely look to explore their hormonal urges.
It is important to understand these adjustments are not teaching the youth to practice underage sex, but rather educating them on responsible decision making. A main reason the younger generations are the leading number of unwanted sexually transmitted diseases is due to lack of knowledge about the consequences of their outcomes.
The Florida House plans to start educating at the 6th grade level, emphasizing the value of self-esteem. Young adults are so impressionable it is very easy for them to be taken advantage of. Lines 99-102 specify the need to teach students how to identify inappropriate situations, such as unwanted verbal and sexual abuse.
Currently Florida’s sexual education allows parents to interfere as they see fit. Some programs require parental consent for the student to participate, while others may require the parents’ participation as well. It is common parents do not feel comfortable with the idea of their child have sexual relations; therefore they prefer to disregard the topic all together. “The Florida Healthy Teens Act” does not ignore the parents’ right to be involved with their child’s sexual education. Line 113-140 deal specifically with what a parent/guardian of a child should do if they are unsatisfied with the actions taken place in their program.
Florida’s sexual youth problems are on a continuous rise. This bill could instate the actions that need to be put in place to make the changes necessary.
Currently Florida is the sixth highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation as well as the third highest rate for AIDS. The high percentages of these problems are within the youth population. Florida paid over $8.1 billion taxpayer dollars from 1991 to 2004 to address teen pregnancy problems.
Bill 169, “Education in Public Schools Concerning Human Sexuality,” hopes to be enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida. This will require all public schools that receive state funding adjust their current sexual education problems to incorporate the bill’s additional requirements.
A University of Florida research team performed a case study in 2007 analyzing the content being enforced in Florida public school systems. The results showed an overwhelmingly high number of teachers who educate “abstinence only until marriage” as the only way to prevent teen’s sexual problems. For this generation is it naïve to think an abstinence only curriculum will be successful, because in reality young people will more than likely look to explore their hormonal urges.
It is important to understand these adjustments are not teaching the youth to practice underage sex, but rather educating them on responsible decision making. A main reason the younger generations are the leading number of unwanted sexually transmitted diseases is due to lack of knowledge about the consequences of their outcomes.
The Florida House plans to start educating at the 6th grade level, emphasizing the value of self-esteem. Young adults are so impressionable it is very easy for them to be taken advantage of. Lines 99-102 specify the need to teach students how to identify inappropriate situations, such as unwanted verbal and sexual abuse.
Currently Florida’s sexual education allows parents to interfere as they see fit. Some programs require parental consent for the student to participate, while others may require the parents’ participation as well. It is common parents do not feel comfortable with the idea of their child have sexual relations; therefore they prefer to disregard the topic all together. “The Florida Healthy Teens Act” does not ignore the parents’ right to be involved with their child’s sexual education. Line 113-140 deal specifically with what a parent/guardian of a child should do if they are unsatisfied with the actions taken place in their program.
Florida’s sexual youth problems are on a continuous rise. This bill could instate the actions that need to be put in place to make the changes necessary.
The State Cracks Down on Cell Phone Use While Driving
The state of Florida seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of banning the use of cell phones while driving. State House Bill 41 states, “No person shall operate a moving motor vehicle while reading, manually writing or typing, or sending a message on an electronic wireless communications device.” This will go in effect starting October 1, 2010. With fourteen states already banning texting while driving, this issue is not new. Even so, most college students can be found guilty one time or another of violating the law.
Due to the increased variety of distractions while driving, should cell phones really be the lead target? Florida House members joined forces Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tallahassee to discuss the new bill. Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, believes that this bill has the right idea, but is going too far, stating, “There’s lots of different things that we could lump into the same category of significant distractions,” he said. “If we’re going to deal with this particular issue, then I suggest that we also look at the laundry list of other issues and make a conscious decision on where to draw the line with a group of things as opposed to just picking out one specific issue.”
Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami Beach disagrees with Precourt, showing the familiarities of texting while driving to drunk driving. Steinburg states, “Basically you’re telling people if you believe you can do it safely, go ahead and do it if you make it secondary,” Steinberg said. “We don’t take that position with drinking. There are probably people would tell you when I drink, I can drive. You shouldn’t tell me that I shouldn’t drink and drive because I feel ok.”
With the law being so broad, it will be difficult to enforce. Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, explains, “It's important we pass something this year and maybe tread lightly." Horner continues, "Texting as a secondary offense may be a good first step."
It’s unclear as to where the line needs be drawn on this issue. There are too many other distractions while in a car to just pick out one, such as drinking coffee or changing the radio station. Any one of these actions could result in an accident. It’s unfair that cell phones are taking the hit.
Due to the increased variety of distractions while driving, should cell phones really be the lead target? Florida House members joined forces Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 in Tallahassee to discuss the new bill. Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando, believes that this bill has the right idea, but is going too far, stating, “There’s lots of different things that we could lump into the same category of significant distractions,” he said. “If we’re going to deal with this particular issue, then I suggest that we also look at the laundry list of other issues and make a conscious decision on where to draw the line with a group of things as opposed to just picking out one specific issue.”
Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami Beach disagrees with Precourt, showing the familiarities of texting while driving to drunk driving. Steinburg states, “Basically you’re telling people if you believe you can do it safely, go ahead and do it if you make it secondary,” Steinberg said. “We don’t take that position with drinking. There are probably people would tell you when I drink, I can drive. You shouldn’t tell me that I shouldn’t drink and drive because I feel ok.”
With the law being so broad, it will be difficult to enforce. Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee, explains, “It's important we pass something this year and maybe tread lightly." Horner continues, "Texting as a secondary offense may be a good first step."
It’s unclear as to where the line needs be drawn on this issue. There are too many other distractions while in a car to just pick out one, such as drinking coffee or changing the radio station. Any one of these actions could result in an accident. It’s unfair that cell phones are taking the hit.
Tax Free Sports Events
As a student body, we are privileged to have free access to all school sporting events. Simply show off our Spartan card and enjoy a full night of entertainment. However, what about those schools that charge an entrance fee, should they be charged a tax on top of that for simply cheering on their team?
It only seems fair to enact Florida House Bill (HB) 905 that exempts tax admission charges to certain educational events sponsored by public colleges, universities and community colleges. It’s bad enough as financially struggling college students to have to fork over money to support your team, but for the government to tax that amount is just ridiculous.
Sports at many universities, especially state schools, have become much more commercialized. Due to this, the Congressional Budget Office has to asses the degree of commercialization on the basis that it be more educational rather than commercial. According to tax laws, in order to remain untaxed, the money earned from a university sport events must be used “in furtherance of” the schools educational mission.
According to The Economist, the average D1 School rakes in over $1.6 million from sports events including ticket sales. Though paying tax on a ten-dollar ticket may seem like nothing, $1.6 million proves that it can quickly add up.
Also Included in this bill are tax exemptions to the admissions of events held in museums and cinemas where the success or the failure is dependent upon the sponsor of the event. If a universities football league qualifies for a championship game or a national collegiate tournament then no tax shall be levied on the admissions of these events. Lastly, admissions to live theater, live opera or live ballet in this state.
Taxes shouldn’t be imposed on sports events especially those at the collegiate level. HB 905 is a great incentive not only for students but also for the school as a whole.
It only seems fair to enact Florida House Bill (HB) 905 that exempts tax admission charges to certain educational events sponsored by public colleges, universities and community colleges. It’s bad enough as financially struggling college students to have to fork over money to support your team, but for the government to tax that amount is just ridiculous.
Sports at many universities, especially state schools, have become much more commercialized. Due to this, the Congressional Budget Office has to asses the degree of commercialization on the basis that it be more educational rather than commercial. According to tax laws, in order to remain untaxed, the money earned from a university sport events must be used “in furtherance of” the schools educational mission.
According to The Economist, the average D1 School rakes in over $1.6 million from sports events including ticket sales. Though paying tax on a ten-dollar ticket may seem like nothing, $1.6 million proves that it can quickly add up.
Also Included in this bill are tax exemptions to the admissions of events held in museums and cinemas where the success or the failure is dependent upon the sponsor of the event. If a universities football league qualifies for a championship game or a national collegiate tournament then no tax shall be levied on the admissions of these events. Lastly, admissions to live theater, live opera or live ballet in this state.
Taxes shouldn’t be imposed on sports events especially those at the collegiate level. HB 905 is a great incentive not only for students but also for the school as a whole.
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