Driving around the Tampa Bay area you will notice beautiful new condo complexes throughout the entire city. Filled with top of the line amenities and waterfront views, they are only lacking one thing, residents.
Tampa is a young up and coming city full of opportunity for prosperity on all levels. This is what investors saw when they decided to sink billions into constructing new luxury condos in prime areas of the city. Unfortunately plans were underway before the recession hit home, leaving investors and homeowners unable to pay their bills.
Currently Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater unemployment rate plummeted to 13.1%, making them the highest percentage in the state. According to the Tampa Bay Daily Journal individuals are becoming so discouraged, some workers are giving up the hunt, relying on government benefits.
Many UT seniors are looking to relocate after college due to these gloom statistics. “Graduating within a month we are all weighing our options,” said Senior Christina Breaden. “Reality has set in. Most of us are forced to move back home up North where the jobs are.” Jobless and drowning in student debts, college graduates are not making it a priority to become a player in the real-estate market.
“We keep lowering our prices offering renters special deals, but still cannot get anyone to bite,” said Nicole Attridge, employer of Phillips International Drive. This brand new complex offers high quality amenities and spacious homes at very reasonable prices; unfortunately they are still looking to fill over half of their units. One of the luxurious condominiums created in Downtown Tampa were the twin 29 story Towers of Channelside. Only half the units have been sold, forcing the investors to go to bankruptcy court even before completion. “Unfortunately it’s the economy. It’s bigger than us. It’s bigger than any one person,” said Richard Sacchi, a principal of Towers of Channelside LLC according to the Tampa Real Estate Insider.
Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater has landed 22 on the top foreclosure cities in the nation. Tampa Bay Daily Journal reports housing values down 29.2% from 2004. No income makes you unreliable to purchase a home. Banks have pulled back on lending on money, which is only contributing to this downward spiral. Out of work, owners are turning to renters as a last attempt to save their homes.
Predictions are the real-estate market and unemployment rates will begin to stabilize. Unfortunately, the recovery time for individuals to regain their investments on their homes is looking to be a very slow process. For now, Tampa’s homes are empty and the citizens remain unemployed.
Showing posts with label Samantha Cook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samantha Cook. Show all posts
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Are Bulletin Boards a Thing of the Past?
Each year technology resources are increasing, constantly changing our forms of communication. Facebooks and email accounts are bombarded messages leaving students no choice but to disregard them all. It is very difficult to get your message out to the students here at UT. Living in a generation where your emails are sent to you instantaneously, some wonder why keep around outdated resources, such as bulletin boards.
There currently are over 400 million active users on facebook. Over 50 percent of these users login daily to check their profiles. This easily accessibility site is where students go to gain information about everything, from school assignments to the best place to go out that night. Senior, Casey Harvey said she checks hers about 20 times a day. She prefers how Facebook information is updated every minute. Sometimes those bulletin boards have things weeks after they happened and serve no relevance.
Walking around the buildings at UT you can help your head turning and the signs posted all around campus. Everything from houses for rent to philanthropy events within the community are plastered on our walls.
The University of Tampa emails a weekly update to all the students informing them of future events going on around campus. “I personally think the kids at UT delete those emails. All students are busy and they have short attention spans,” said Kayla Shaffer, a performing arts junior. She explains how it is easier to get the message across through flyers about her dance and theater performances. “If you tell them our performance is a week in advance there is not a chance they will come.”
Not just anything is allowed to be posted up around campus. UT has a Policy where OSLE must stamp and approve all flyers before putting them up. This is to help ensure to keep postings up to date and appropriate.
“Bulletin boards are the only way I get any information on campus,” said junior, Kate Velinsky. In the education department she has found the wall postings to be extremely informative.
Bulletin boards do not only work for getting out school information. Junior, Jennifer Caputo was looking for housing in the Tampa area with her friend for the summer. After weeks searching the internet trying to find a place she said she could not find anything that fit her requirements. That was until she saw a flyer in Vaughn center. This low rent all inclusive house instantly caught her eye. One week after quick tour of the house, she signed the lease.
One set of students around campus that are not shy to bulletin boards are the RAs. They are required to change their resident hall boards’ monthly Stadium RA Kara Wall said this is pretty much a waste of time. She feels it is unnecessary to spend up to four hours working on something that ultimately is mainly used a wall decoration. The kids only look at them is when they are fun, rather than when they are informative.
“Positioning is key to generate a good response to your flyers,” said Kirk Hansen. Placing a flyer in a dormitory is guaranteed to generate a response. You can be assured those messages will be read when placed by the elevators. Students have short attention spans and are always looking to be entertained.
Although times are changing, and technological communication opportunities growing, it looks like the college bulletin board is here to stay.
There currently are over 400 million active users on facebook. Over 50 percent of these users login daily to check their profiles. This easily accessibility site is where students go to gain information about everything, from school assignments to the best place to go out that night. Senior, Casey Harvey said she checks hers about 20 times a day. She prefers how Facebook information is updated every minute. Sometimes those bulletin boards have things weeks after they happened and serve no relevance.
Walking around the buildings at UT you can help your head turning and the signs posted all around campus. Everything from houses for rent to philanthropy events within the community are plastered on our walls.
The University of Tampa emails a weekly update to all the students informing them of future events going on around campus. “I personally think the kids at UT delete those emails. All students are busy and they have short attention spans,” said Kayla Shaffer, a performing arts junior. She explains how it is easier to get the message across through flyers about her dance and theater performances. “If you tell them our performance is a week in advance there is not a chance they will come.”
Not just anything is allowed to be posted up around campus. UT has a Policy where OSLE must stamp and approve all flyers before putting them up. This is to help ensure to keep postings up to date and appropriate.
“Bulletin boards are the only way I get any information on campus,” said junior, Kate Velinsky. In the education department she has found the wall postings to be extremely informative.
Bulletin boards do not only work for getting out school information. Junior, Jennifer Caputo was looking for housing in the Tampa area with her friend for the summer. After weeks searching the internet trying to find a place she said she could not find anything that fit her requirements. That was until she saw a flyer in Vaughn center. This low rent all inclusive house instantly caught her eye. One week after quick tour of the house, she signed the lease.
One set of students around campus that are not shy to bulletin boards are the RAs. They are required to change their resident hall boards’ monthly Stadium RA Kara Wall said this is pretty much a waste of time. She feels it is unnecessary to spend up to four hours working on something that ultimately is mainly used a wall decoration. The kids only look at them is when they are fun, rather than when they are informative.
“Positioning is key to generate a good response to your flyers,” said Kirk Hansen. Placing a flyer in a dormitory is guaranteed to generate a response. You can be assured those messages will be read when placed by the elevators. Students have short attention spans and are always looking to be entertained.
Although times are changing, and technological communication opportunities growing, it looks like the college bulletin board is here to stay.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Spring Concert Controversy
On Feb. 26 at The Battle of the Bands, they will announce the artist who will be playing this year’s spring 2010 Concert. Currently Student Productions is being very cautious in choosing an artist that will please the most students. Six bands featuring UT students will be battling it out this month in hopes to land the opening spot at UT’s biggest annual event.
Student Production’s Vice President, Casey Harvey worries, “Our budget cannot afford what the student’s are requesting.” Most people who are not directly involved in the planning do not realize the additional unforeseen expenses, such as staging and security. In addition to the problems with cost, Student Productions must work with bands to coordinate with their previously booked tours limiting possible dates for the event. Senior Kevin Campbell said, “Hope it will not be on a Sunday this year.”
Recently SP took a poll of 1/3 of the student body gaining information on who would be preferred as this year’s campus performer. The dominant response was in favor of a rap artist. Harvey says, “The price for a well known rap artist is out of our reach.” Junior Kayla Denmark speaks for the students when she commented, “I think more students will go for a well known group or band, not just specific genre.” Right now SP is struggling between giving the students what they asked for or bring a more prominent well know artist to campus.
This is only the third year UT is hosting a major concert, therefore they still do not have the money other Universities have. According to Harvey, “We have already been allotted more money for next year’s budget.” Until then this organization is forced to work with their limited budget and lack of available artists.
This event has the highest campus turn out each year, so it is crucial to not disappoint the students. Senior Lindsey Magid said, “It’s great because it’s the one thing the school actually puts on for the students.” Most people on campus are unaware of the numerous events Student Productions does put on throughout the whole year. This spring in addition to the annual concert they are looking to hold small concert nights with local acts at Jasmine’s café. They are also in talks of coordinating an open mic night.
At this event students can also look forward free Chipotle handouts due to last year’s success. Student Productions has also worked with other sponsors around the city to attend the concert allowing students to have the opportunity to buy goods from various vendors during the show.
Look in future Minaret issues to keep you posted on additional information regarding the decided act and dates in regards to the concert!
Student Production’s Vice President, Casey Harvey worries, “Our budget cannot afford what the student’s are requesting.” Most people who are not directly involved in the planning do not realize the additional unforeseen expenses, such as staging and security. In addition to the problems with cost, Student Productions must work with bands to coordinate with their previously booked tours limiting possible dates for the event. Senior Kevin Campbell said, “Hope it will not be on a Sunday this year.”
Recently SP took a poll of 1/3 of the student body gaining information on who would be preferred as this year’s campus performer. The dominant response was in favor of a rap artist. Harvey says, “The price for a well known rap artist is out of our reach.” Junior Kayla Denmark speaks for the students when she commented, “I think more students will go for a well known group or band, not just specific genre.” Right now SP is struggling between giving the students what they asked for or bring a more prominent well know artist to campus.
This is only the third year UT is hosting a major concert, therefore they still do not have the money other Universities have. According to Harvey, “We have already been allotted more money for next year’s budget.” Until then this organization is forced to work with their limited budget and lack of available artists.
This event has the highest campus turn out each year, so it is crucial to not disappoint the students. Senior Lindsey Magid said, “It’s great because it’s the one thing the school actually puts on for the students.” Most people on campus are unaware of the numerous events Student Productions does put on throughout the whole year. This spring in addition to the annual concert they are looking to hold small concert nights with local acts at Jasmine’s café. They are also in talks of coordinating an open mic night.
At this event students can also look forward free Chipotle handouts due to last year’s success. Student Productions has also worked with other sponsors around the city to attend the concert allowing students to have the opportunity to buy goods from various vendors during the show.
Look in future Minaret issues to keep you posted on additional information regarding the decided act and dates in regards to the concert!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
“Goodbye O’Brien. Welcome back Leno”
January 22 was the last official appearance of Conan O’Brien on NBC late night television. It recently has been rumored he accepted a 33 million dollar contract to walk away from the station, allowing Jay Leno to reclaim his 11:35 time slot for ‘The Tonight Show.’ In addition to that loss, NBC is also paying O’Brien’s staff 12 million dollars in severance pay. In order for NBC to recover from this poor financial transaction, they must have a massive increase in ratings when Leno returns to his original spot.
NBC promised O’Brien five years earlier he would be taking over Leno 17 year run at the 11:35pm time spot. He has publically vocalized his anger toward NBC for going back on their word. The networks decision was a slap in the face and some feel he did not receive the valid opportunity he deserved. The network was quick to act when they noticed the poor ratings coming in from both hosts after the time slot switch. O’Brien’s ratings were less than half the 5.4 million viewers Leno was originally averaging. Long time fan Junior Kirk Hansen says, “I’m mad about what NBC did. I support Conon O’Brien and refuse to watch Jay Leno. He’s old news and doesn’t appeal to audiences in my age group.”An outpour of support for both hosts has increasing intensified this conflict throughout the media.
Many O’Brien fans are eager to see which station will pick him up, so they can readjust their late-night television schedules. Fox has shown interest, but due to the contract negotiations NBC has in place, they may have control over O’Brien’s rights to work with other networks until September 1, 2010. Also being set in the contract is forbidding O’Brien from trash talking the network. If his actions contradict with the negotiations it will lead to reevaluations of his exit deal.
Not all viewers are mad about the recent time slot changes. “Jay Leno should have never been moved in the first place. He’s always had the highest nighttime TV rating,” says Senior Stephanie Wheel. “I personally don’t care about the situation,” UT Junior Derek Sell expressed. “I really don’t understand why Leno is getting flack, when really he is just making a smart business move.”
Some now are wondering if NBC has put themselves in a no win situation. Not only have they produced chaos throughout their network, but they have also angered O’Brien’s 2.2 million viewers. They will be losing tens of millions of dollars with the contract change. In addition they run the possibility of losing even more money, because they may have split their audience.
March 1 Leno is officially taking back over his position. Until then you can catch O’Brien’s late night reruns on every weeknight.
NBC promised O’Brien five years earlier he would be taking over Leno 17 year run at the 11:35pm time spot. He has publically vocalized his anger toward NBC for going back on their word. The networks decision was a slap in the face and some feel he did not receive the valid opportunity he deserved. The network was quick to act when they noticed the poor ratings coming in from both hosts after the time slot switch. O’Brien’s ratings were less than half the 5.4 million viewers Leno was originally averaging. Long time fan Junior Kirk Hansen says, “I’m mad about what NBC did. I support Conon O’Brien and refuse to watch Jay Leno. He’s old news and doesn’t appeal to audiences in my age group.”An outpour of support for both hosts has increasing intensified this conflict throughout the media.
Many O’Brien fans are eager to see which station will pick him up, so they can readjust their late-night television schedules. Fox has shown interest, but due to the contract negotiations NBC has in place, they may have control over O’Brien’s rights to work with other networks until September 1, 2010. Also being set in the contract is forbidding O’Brien from trash talking the network. If his actions contradict with the negotiations it will lead to reevaluations of his exit deal.
Not all viewers are mad about the recent time slot changes. “Jay Leno should have never been moved in the first place. He’s always had the highest nighttime TV rating,” says Senior Stephanie Wheel. “I personally don’t care about the situation,” UT Junior Derek Sell expressed. “I really don’t understand why Leno is getting flack, when really he is just making a smart business move.”
Some now are wondering if NBC has put themselves in a no win situation. Not only have they produced chaos throughout their network, but they have also angered O’Brien’s 2.2 million viewers. They will be losing tens of millions of dollars with the contract change. In addition they run the possibility of losing even more money, because they may have split their audience.
March 1 Leno is officially taking back over his position. Until then you can catch O’Brien’s late night reruns on every weeknight.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
David Glenn
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