Fox has always been unique with its airtime. Whether it is airing the news or sitcoms, Fox knows it has a faithful audience. In order to keep this loyalty, Fox needed a new series and this series is a breath of fresh air.
It is called “Glee” and as you guessed, it is about the Glee club. The show is set in a modern day high school in Ohio. Originally, you would think, great, another musical is just what we need, but in fact, Glee puts a different twist on musicals. When you first see the show, you may have flashbacks of High School Musical. However, this show makes fun of those typical high school clichés, and brings light to reality. The show is more entertaining than serious, and if you are looking for a good laugh, Glee will provide it.
There’s wittiness from the nerds, such as quirky jokes about a girl’s “rumored lust for a Jewfro” and the fact that the club can rehearse a song and end up singing it down a hallway seconds later is outrageous; but that is what makes this show so irresistibly charming. Everything is normal, until the vocal cords come out.
Yet, you will see some familiar faces in the show. From the Forty-Year-Old Virgin and Alvin and the Chipmunks, Jane Lynch plays the chief antagonist, Sue Sylvester. She is the cheerleading coach, and the co-director of the Glee Club. The other director, played by Matthew Morrison, continuously butt heads with Lynch. Their off-chemistry works perfectly for the show as they bicker back and forth; devising plans to take each other down. You cannot help but laugh at Lynch’s continuous minority jokes, when she claims to be diverse and non-racist.
It is not only the relationship of the Glee directors that keep the audience entertained but also the situations each character faces. One Glee member, played by Lea Michele, constantly tries to keep nerdy Jacob Ben-Israel (Josh Sussman) from blogging about her secrets as well as those close to her. The irony of having a nerd with a “Jewfro” act as the high school’s Gossip Girl is wildly entertaining and makes the show that much more enjoyable.
When the club breaks out into a song, this is where the High School Musical flashbacks come into play and the show may seem cheesy. However, that’s the point. The show is a spoof on the musical hype and makes fun of the newest shows in a discrete manner. Glee has all the typical characters of today’s shows, such as the pregnant teenager, the nerd, the jock, the girl who wants the jock, and so on. The plotline mimics other shows so well, that you cannot help but watch.
However, the show does have a mind of its own, and you will see some situations that no show has presented before; but again, these situations are funny and the relationship between parent and child, teacher and student, and teacher and teacher make for a great comedy.
Glee airs on Wednesdays at 9pm, only on Fox.
Showing posts with label Rachel Yonkunas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rachel Yonkunas. Show all posts
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Helpful Aid Gives Us A Break
In today’s economy, it has become crucial for both parents to work. Families are growing, but salaries are not. In order for both parents to work, somebody needs to be watching the children.
However, childcare is not on the market for a low cost. People are trying to weed out their unnecessary expenses and childcare seems to be one of them.
Fortunately, the City of Tampa and the School Board of Hillsborough County formed an agreement in their October 6 agenda. In this agreement, the City of Tampa grants the School Board of Hillsborough County $33,700 for childcare and early education for children less than 10 years of age.
Amy Famiglietti, a second grade teacher at Edison Elementary school, said, “I think this grant is great! A student of mine has SLD, which is specific learning disorder, and these early education programs will help him.”
This cost will cover the rates all the way from infant day care and up. It also includes costs of summer/holiday day care and special needs care.
With this new agreement added to the agenda, families do not need to worry about finding a highly qualified program that does not exceed their spending limits. Children will be in a safe environment, provided with education, while making no dent in their parents’ pocket.
Famiglietti said, “My students are around the ages of 8 or 9 and some of them have to stay after school to wait for a parent or guardian. Even still, the parent had to get off work early and I imagine that is difficult to do every day. This new grant will help many families and their children, who are forced to stay after school without much to do.”
Not only will this grant aid to families and children, but also to the teachers. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to stay late and act as a nanny for their students. The grant will supply after school programs for young students and is beneficial for everybody.
The City of Tampa recognizes that any help is valuable in this economic time and by coming together with the school board, they are able to give families a little break.
However, childcare is not on the market for a low cost. People are trying to weed out their unnecessary expenses and childcare seems to be one of them.
Fortunately, the City of Tampa and the School Board of Hillsborough County formed an agreement in their October 6 agenda. In this agreement, the City of Tampa grants the School Board of Hillsborough County $33,700 for childcare and early education for children less than 10 years of age.
Amy Famiglietti, a second grade teacher at Edison Elementary school, said, “I think this grant is great! A student of mine has SLD, which is specific learning disorder, and these early education programs will help him.”
This cost will cover the rates all the way from infant day care and up. It also includes costs of summer/holiday day care and special needs care.
With this new agreement added to the agenda, families do not need to worry about finding a highly qualified program that does not exceed their spending limits. Children will be in a safe environment, provided with education, while making no dent in their parents’ pocket.
Famiglietti said, “My students are around the ages of 8 or 9 and some of them have to stay after school to wait for a parent or guardian. Even still, the parent had to get off work early and I imagine that is difficult to do every day. This new grant will help many families and their children, who are forced to stay after school without much to do.”
Not only will this grant aid to families and children, but also to the teachers. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to stay late and act as a nanny for their students. The grant will supply after school programs for young students and is beneficial for everybody.
The City of Tampa recognizes that any help is valuable in this economic time and by coming together with the school board, they are able to give families a little break.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Gossip on "Gossip Girl"
It’s that time again. University of Tampa sophomores Kelsey Thomas, Lauren Biese, and Kimmy Assalone gather around the TV to watch their favorite fall show, Gossip Girl. As the lights go off and the TV switches on, the only sound is the crinkle of a bag of chips.
These three girls meet in front of the television every Monday night at nine to watch this show. The girls plan ahead and gather enough food to devour during the one-hour drama series. Kelsey said, “I’ve been watching Gossip Girl since the first season and I haven’t missed an episode! The show is fun to watch because the characters deal with so much drama.”
“I agree,” said Lauren. “When the show started, the characters were in high school, like us. Now, they are in college and experience the same things we do. The show is not only entertaining but also easy to relate to.” Lauren then holds up her finger as the show begins, indicating no more talking until a commercial break.
The girls make sure not to miss any part of the show since it only comes on once a week. As soon as it is over, they “gossip” about all the juicy drama and predict what they think will happen on next week’s episode.
“That was sooo good, “said Kelsey, as the closing credits roll up.
However, the importance of the show is irrelevant and they do not watch it for any particular reason. Kimmy said, “I just really like the show. I watch it for entertainment and I like seeing what happens next.” Kimmy reaches over Kelsey’s arm to grab a few more chips.
This ritual is the same for most UT girls. Lauren Murtha, Casey Cavanaugh, Stacey McLeer, and Julia Rauch are glued to the TV on Monday nights. The intoxicating drama keeps the viewers wanting more as each episode reveals surprising secrets.
The main audience of Gossip Girl is college girls. This show is a “chick flick” that serves as good bonding time for friends and roommates. It is an opportunity to relax, munch on snacks, and simply be entertained.
Nevertheless, the show does not target only this age group. Kelsey said, “My aunt actually watches the show and she’s in her fifties! She likes the quirky jokes and ridiculous situations the characters find themselves in. Who wouldn’t?"
It seems that Gossip Girl is a trend. The producers must be very pleased with its high ratings and have the satisfaction of knowing that girls all over the U.S. are watching the invigorating show.
Although they do a lot just to watch a TV show, the girls only continue the ritual because the show entertains them with its outrageous storyline. Lauren said, “If it weren’t for all the crazy stuff that happens in each season, I probably wouldn’t watch the show.”
It looks like having wild drama helps to keep the eye of television’s biggest audience, college students.
These three girls meet in front of the television every Monday night at nine to watch this show. The girls plan ahead and gather enough food to devour during the one-hour drama series. Kelsey said, “I’ve been watching Gossip Girl since the first season and I haven’t missed an episode! The show is fun to watch because the characters deal with so much drama.”
“I agree,” said Lauren. “When the show started, the characters were in high school, like us. Now, they are in college and experience the same things we do. The show is not only entertaining but also easy to relate to.” Lauren then holds up her finger as the show begins, indicating no more talking until a commercial break.
The girls make sure not to miss any part of the show since it only comes on once a week. As soon as it is over, they “gossip” about all the juicy drama and predict what they think will happen on next week’s episode.
“That was sooo good, “said Kelsey, as the closing credits roll up.
However, the importance of the show is irrelevant and they do not watch it for any particular reason. Kimmy said, “I just really like the show. I watch it for entertainment and I like seeing what happens next.” Kimmy reaches over Kelsey’s arm to grab a few more chips.
This ritual is the same for most UT girls. Lauren Murtha, Casey Cavanaugh, Stacey McLeer, and Julia Rauch are glued to the TV on Monday nights. The intoxicating drama keeps the viewers wanting more as each episode reveals surprising secrets.
The main audience of Gossip Girl is college girls. This show is a “chick flick” that serves as good bonding time for friends and roommates. It is an opportunity to relax, munch on snacks, and simply be entertained.
Nevertheless, the show does not target only this age group. Kelsey said, “My aunt actually watches the show and she’s in her fifties! She likes the quirky jokes and ridiculous situations the characters find themselves in. Who wouldn’t?"
It seems that Gossip Girl is a trend. The producers must be very pleased with its high ratings and have the satisfaction of knowing that girls all over the U.S. are watching the invigorating show.
Although they do a lot just to watch a TV show, the girls only continue the ritual because the show entertains them with its outrageous storyline. Lauren said, “If it weren’t for all the crazy stuff that happens in each season, I probably wouldn’t watch the show.”
It looks like having wild drama helps to keep the eye of television’s biggest audience, college students.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Sorority's Not What It Seems
The University of Tampa has many school organizations encouraging students to get involved. The most popular organization on campus is the Greek Community. Many students join sororities and fraternities, making life-long friends, and doing fun activities on the way.
Delta Zeta is a sorority on campus and previously held a few events regarding their “theme week.” DZ member Melissa Heikoff said, “DZ’s theme week is so much fun. We hold little games and events for people to participate in and the turnout is really good!”
One of the events DZ holds includes a lip-singing contest. The new pledges of each sorority and fraternity on campus were to lip-sing and dance to any particular song. The group with the best act would win. DZ sophomore, Courtney Walker said, “That contest was so funny. One of the frat’s pledges lip-singed to Taylor Swift and reenacted the VMA spoof with Kanye West. They cut off the song in the middle, then started singing and dancing to Beyonce! It was hilarious!”
Those in Greek Life were not the only ones to attend these events last week. Some regular students stopped by to join the fun. DZ President, Christina Breaden said, “The main goal of our theme week is to reach out to people who have yet to join Greek Life. It gives them the opportunity to see what they are missing and hopefully they will think to join next chance they have! We want to get as many people as we can involved in our sorority.”
This may seem like all games and no fun, but the preparation for theme week is exhausting. Each member of the sorority has a certain responsibility to fulfill. They need to budget the events-to make sure they never run short of money; they have to gather the necessary equipment, such as a stage and microphones, and they need to set up each event accordingly (chairs, lights, etc). Heikoff said, “It takes a lot of work and planning, but in the end it’s all worth it!”
However, if other Greek communities think they can get by with just performing a lip-singing act, they are wrong! At the end of each performance, the judges, who consist of Breaden and some other DZ executive members, ask a representative of each group a specific question about Delta Zeta. These questions range from the sorority’s colors, where it was established, and other important facts. “DZ theme week is supposed to be just that: our theme week! We want to see how knowledgeable other sororities and fraternities are about us. We are very impressed when someone answers the question correctly and those are the ones who normally win," said Breaden.
It is inevitable that this campus organization requires a lot of hard work and dedicated planning. Nevertheless, it all seems worth it to its members once they realize what they gained in the process: friends and fun!
Delta Zeta is a sorority on campus and previously held a few events regarding their “theme week.” DZ member Melissa Heikoff said, “DZ’s theme week is so much fun. We hold little games and events for people to participate in and the turnout is really good!”
One of the events DZ holds includes a lip-singing contest. The new pledges of each sorority and fraternity on campus were to lip-sing and dance to any particular song. The group with the best act would win. DZ sophomore, Courtney Walker said, “That contest was so funny. One of the frat’s pledges lip-singed to Taylor Swift and reenacted the VMA spoof with Kanye West. They cut off the song in the middle, then started singing and dancing to Beyonce! It was hilarious!”
Those in Greek Life were not the only ones to attend these events last week. Some regular students stopped by to join the fun. DZ President, Christina Breaden said, “The main goal of our theme week is to reach out to people who have yet to join Greek Life. It gives them the opportunity to see what they are missing and hopefully they will think to join next chance they have! We want to get as many people as we can involved in our sorority.”
This may seem like all games and no fun, but the preparation for theme week is exhausting. Each member of the sorority has a certain responsibility to fulfill. They need to budget the events-to make sure they never run short of money; they have to gather the necessary equipment, such as a stage and microphones, and they need to set up each event accordingly (chairs, lights, etc). Heikoff said, “It takes a lot of work and planning, but in the end it’s all worth it!”
However, if other Greek communities think they can get by with just performing a lip-singing act, they are wrong! At the end of each performance, the judges, who consist of Breaden and some other DZ executive members, ask a representative of each group a specific question about Delta Zeta. These questions range from the sorority’s colors, where it was established, and other important facts. “DZ theme week is supposed to be just that: our theme week! We want to see how knowledgeable other sororities and fraternities are about us. We are very impressed when someone answers the question correctly and those are the ones who normally win," said Breaden.
It is inevitable that this campus organization requires a lot of hard work and dedicated planning. Nevertheless, it all seems worth it to its members once they realize what they gained in the process: friends and fun!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Message to the Future Generation
On September 8, President Obama made a National Address to students in Arlington, VA at Wakefield High School. The address is for students all over the world to make sure they know the importance of education.
In his speech, Obama stressed the importance of students’ responsibilities. In the past, Obama harangued the responsibilities of teachers, parents, and government officials. Obama explained, “I’ve talked about the teachers’ responsibility of aspiring students and teaching them to learn, of the parents’ responsibility of making sure you stay on track, get your homework done, and don’t spend all your time in front of the TV, and of the government’s responsibility of setting high standards, supporting faculty, and turning around schools that aren’t working. None of this will matter, unless the student fulfills their responsibility.”
President Obama’s speech was very inspiring because he brought children into a part of this country. All presidents in the past have made a national address, but it never intrigued students because it never applied to them. Now that something is finally about them, students are encouraged to make a difference.
However, some citizens began uproar about this speech. They feared Obama wanted to press a partisan political agenda into the ideas of young students. Some parents believe Obama was brainwashing the students and felt he was trying to mold impressionable minds to think like him. If this were the case, why is that a bad thing? Obama encourages students to do well in school and never give up on themselves. With these qualities, the future generation can turn this country around into a fair and save place.
Obama never pushes one certain idea throughout his speech. Instead, he inspires students to get involved and figure out who they are. Obama enlightens the future generation and says, “Everyone has something special about them, something to offer. Education provides the opportunity to figure out what that something special is.”
Not only are parents enraged, but also some faculty chose not to show his speech to their students. They believed it was too controversial and if the students really wanted to watch it, they could view it on their own time.
Professor Callahan at the University of Tampa thinks this is absurd. Callahan is in the Speech Department and discussed this issue with her class. Although she encouraged her students to put out their opinion, Callahan laughed, “It’s ridiculous that people thought he was trying to brainwash kids!”
A student at the University of Tampa, Emily Walsh, also agreed that it is unreasonable to think Obama’s speech is inappropriate. Walsh stated, “Everything Obama said is just common sense. He’s telling kids to do well in school, go to class...how is that brainwashing?”
Our future generation holds the country’s fate in their hands. It is important children are aware of this responsibility and Obama took action to make sure they understand. Obama relates to the children by admitting he was not a perfect student, but switched his attitude around to become who he is now.
Although this speech will continue to be a controversy, young individuals have to look at it in their own prospective. Parents and faculty members should not sway the opinions of chlidren. As Obama said to close his speech, “There is no excuse for not trying. You write your own destiny. Do your part too and don’t give up on yourself.” Nothing could be more inspiring.
In his speech, Obama stressed the importance of students’ responsibilities. In the past, Obama harangued the responsibilities of teachers, parents, and government officials. Obama explained, “I’ve talked about the teachers’ responsibility of aspiring students and teaching them to learn, of the parents’ responsibility of making sure you stay on track, get your homework done, and don’t spend all your time in front of the TV, and of the government’s responsibility of setting high standards, supporting faculty, and turning around schools that aren’t working. None of this will matter, unless the student fulfills their responsibility.”
President Obama’s speech was very inspiring because he brought children into a part of this country. All presidents in the past have made a national address, but it never intrigued students because it never applied to them. Now that something is finally about them, students are encouraged to make a difference.
However, some citizens began uproar about this speech. They feared Obama wanted to press a partisan political agenda into the ideas of young students. Some parents believe Obama was brainwashing the students and felt he was trying to mold impressionable minds to think like him. If this were the case, why is that a bad thing? Obama encourages students to do well in school and never give up on themselves. With these qualities, the future generation can turn this country around into a fair and save place.
Obama never pushes one certain idea throughout his speech. Instead, he inspires students to get involved and figure out who they are. Obama enlightens the future generation and says, “Everyone has something special about them, something to offer. Education provides the opportunity to figure out what that something special is.”
Not only are parents enraged, but also some faculty chose not to show his speech to their students. They believed it was too controversial and if the students really wanted to watch it, they could view it on their own time.
Professor Callahan at the University of Tampa thinks this is absurd. Callahan is in the Speech Department and discussed this issue with her class. Although she encouraged her students to put out their opinion, Callahan laughed, “It’s ridiculous that people thought he was trying to brainwash kids!”
A student at the University of Tampa, Emily Walsh, also agreed that it is unreasonable to think Obama’s speech is inappropriate. Walsh stated, “Everything Obama said is just common sense. He’s telling kids to do well in school, go to class...how is that brainwashing?”
Our future generation holds the country’s fate in their hands. It is important children are aware of this responsibility and Obama took action to make sure they understand. Obama relates to the children by admitting he was not a perfect student, but switched his attitude around to become who he is now.
Although this speech will continue to be a controversy, young individuals have to look at it in their own prospective. Parents and faculty members should not sway the opinions of chlidren. As Obama said to close his speech, “There is no excuse for not trying. You write your own destiny. Do your part too and don’t give up on yourself.” Nothing could be more inspiring.
Monday, September 7, 2009
UT Mystery Football
Tampa football is always a controversial subject and a very popular topic for die-hard fans. However, the University of Tampa does not have a football team. So how do UT students get their college football fix?
Some might say they transfer to a bigger school to have that football experience. Yet, the answer could be just as simple as gathering a bunch of friends and playing a game of touch football around campus.
Although this may be a factor, UT students find ways to college football through University of South Florida games. Lauren Gangemi, a UT sophomore, said “I love college football and since UT doesn’t have a team, USF is the next best thing!” Last year, Gangemi went to a USF game versus Syracuse and tailgated with her friends. “It’s good because USF is still close to UT and by being there, I feel the college football rush.”
Not only are USF games the fix but students also go to Frankie’s, a small restaurant right next door to UT. Frankie’s has all the food football games have and with the sports bar atmosphere, students watch college football on their TV screens and feel a part of the game.
It seems like sports bars are the most popular way for UT students to get their college football fix. Kimberly Assalone and Dominque Ciaffone both go to Hatrick’s to watch the games on TV. Assalone said, “I wear my jersey at Hatrick’s while watching the game and get really into it!” Aslo, Ciaffone is a Hatrick’s employee and said that many UT students come there to watch college football games with their friends.
Many people wondered what happened to the University of Tampa football team. When UT did have a team, it was very successful. The football team was established in 1933, but was discontinued in 1974. John Lagrace, a UT sophomore who is part of student athletics said, “The football team was sold to USF for many reasons but I think it’s because not only was it becoming unaffordable, but there were not enough division one teams around for competition.”
To some, it may seem like the end of the world to not have a football team, but University of Tampa students find their way around it and have more fun doing so!
Some might say they transfer to a bigger school to have that football experience. Yet, the answer could be just as simple as gathering a bunch of friends and playing a game of touch football around campus.
Although this may be a factor, UT students find ways to college football through University of South Florida games. Lauren Gangemi, a UT sophomore, said “I love college football and since UT doesn’t have a team, USF is the next best thing!” Last year, Gangemi went to a USF game versus Syracuse and tailgated with her friends. “It’s good because USF is still close to UT and by being there, I feel the college football rush.”
Not only are USF games the fix but students also go to Frankie’s, a small restaurant right next door to UT. Frankie’s has all the food football games have and with the sports bar atmosphere, students watch college football on their TV screens and feel a part of the game.
It seems like sports bars are the most popular way for UT students to get their college football fix. Kimberly Assalone and Dominque Ciaffone both go to Hatrick’s to watch the games on TV. Assalone said, “I wear my jersey at Hatrick’s while watching the game and get really into it!” Aslo, Ciaffone is a Hatrick’s employee and said that many UT students come there to watch college football games with their friends.
Many people wondered what happened to the University of Tampa football team. When UT did have a team, it was very successful. The football team was established in 1933, but was discontinued in 1974. John Lagrace, a UT sophomore who is part of student athletics said, “The football team was sold to USF for many reasons but I think it’s because not only was it becoming unaffordable, but there were not enough division one teams around for competition.”
To some, it may seem like the end of the world to not have a football team, but University of Tampa students find their way around it and have more fun doing so!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ashley "Creative Maniac" Eldridge
Ashley Eldridge is a junior at the University of Tampa and is originally from a small town in Massachusetts about twenty minutes west from Boston. This northern girl chose the sunny state of Florida to spend her college career because of the many good things she heard about the university. When asked why she chose UT, Eldridge said, “I really wanted to go some place far and with a warm climate. You only get four years to do something like this so I wanted to make sure it was what I wanted. When I visited, everything, down to the size of the school, seemed perfect to me.”
Eldridge is an Advertising and Public Relations major, but does not know exactly what she wants to accomplish when she graduates. However, Eldridge is determined to land an internship in the spring semester with any job that interests her. With the job shortage in the economy, Eldridge mainly wants any kind of internship so she can develop a jam-packed resume that will show her experience and help her get the perfect career. Eldridge is sure to find a career by the time she graduates because she is not picky and can be creative with any task given to her. She hopes to one day get a job in the design field, whether it is home decor, computers, or fashion.
Although she’s got her eyes set on the future, it is not always “all work and no play” for this UT girl. Over the summer, Eldridge took many vacations, including ones to Florida and Cape Cod. Eldridge knows the importance to keeping a balanced lifestyle and is careful not to forget to have fun!
Eldridge is an Advertising and Public Relations major, but does not know exactly what she wants to accomplish when she graduates. However, Eldridge is determined to land an internship in the spring semester with any job that interests her. With the job shortage in the economy, Eldridge mainly wants any kind of internship so she can develop a jam-packed resume that will show her experience and help her get the perfect career. Eldridge is sure to find a career by the time she graduates because she is not picky and can be creative with any task given to her. She hopes to one day get a job in the design field, whether it is home decor, computers, or fashion.
Although she’s got her eyes set on the future, it is not always “all work and no play” for this UT girl. Over the summer, Eldridge took many vacations, including ones to Florida and Cape Cod. Eldridge knows the importance to keeping a balanced lifestyle and is careful not to forget to have fun!
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