EXPRESSIONS
- Growing into the Master Plan Tami Livingston
- The Hitchhiker's guide to getting a ride Sarah Moody & Matt Colemaan
- 'Grindhouse' brings gritty vibe to theaters Matt Coleman
- Gaffigan's little problems a big hit Ace Stryker
- 'The Illusion' set to mystify audiences Cristina Stebbins
- Jacksonville residents dance away the fat Carrie A. Mizell
- Drag stars strut their stuff Michael W. Dutter
- Students weigh in on new skate park Laurel Wright
- As Dr. Osprey
- Oddball Antics Mike Pinree
Growing into the Master Plan
|
|
View as PDF - 172KB |
Contact Tami Livingston at news@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Hitchhiker's guide to getting a ride
|
|
Hitchhiking, once part of the American dream of movement and adventure, has dwindled as a social phenomenon in America. But there is one variation
of "thumbing" that is alive and well,
thriving on the University of North
Florida campus.
In lieu of slowly stalking a student while he or she walks to his or her car after class or circling every parking lot on campus until lightning strikes and a space opens up, some UNF students have begun to offer rides to other students who are walking to their cars to procure a parking space.
Sophomore psychology major Cody Davis said the hitchhiking method, while effective, should only be used by certain students.
"I would offer another student a ride to their car because it's efficient, it guarantees me a parking space," said Davis. "But I definitely wouldn't want my girlfriend to offer or accept a ride from another student."
Heather Bailey, a senior psychology major, had a different opinion.
"I probably wouldn't accept a ride from anyone, but I would probably offer someone a ride if I had seen them in a class I had before."
University Police Department Chief Mark Foxworth cautions students to avoid accepting a ride from someone they do not know.
"If you get into someone's car, you should know who they are," Foxworth said. "It's that simple."
Contact Sarah Moody at uspinnak@unf.edu --
Tips
Here are a few tips to help even the most
novice hitcher:
- Smile - The driver should be able to tell the person he or she plans on picking up looks happy and relaxed. When you're offered a ride, you can stop smiling. You don't want to creep them out.
- Look presentable - Chances are, a guy wearing a potato sack over his head and hefting a machete will have a tough time thumbing a ride. Put on the nice sport coat you just won from that drunken businessman in a game of five-card stud, comb your unwashed hair and try not to look homicidal.
- Show a little leg - Hey, you never know. You're going to be spending a long time in close quarters with the person who decides to give you a ride. Might as well let them know what they are getting themselves into.
Etiquette
After finally getting a ride, there are a few things to remember:
- Be polite - There is nothing worse than an ungrateful hitchhiker. You smell like you haven't bathed in weeks, you're carrying a bag on your back large enough to store a human body, and you still have the gall to be rude to the poor schmuck that picked you up? Get your damn feet off the dashboard and stop messing with the radio.
- Strike up a conversation - There is a reason the driver allowed you to enter his or her vehicle in the first place. Most likely, he or she is lonely and in need of a good talk. Humor them.
Famous hitchhikers
- Jack Kerouac - The face of the Beat Generation, Kerouac perfected his signature writing style while traveling the country via hitching. He used his Benzedrine-fueled road experiences as the basis for his seminal work, "On the Road."
- Aileen Wuornos - Hooker-turned-serial killer, Wuornos stalked the highways of central Florida, racking up a total of six murders in one year. Before she was executed, she found religion and said she would return to Earth in a "mothership." If she were still alive today, Tom Cruise would probably try to convert her to Scientology.
- The Hitcher - The eponymous antagonist in the 1986 cult film, this certified psycho took the interstates as his hunting ground while pursuing the most dangerous game of all. The only thing scarier than him is the atrocious 2007 remake based on the original film.
Locations on campus
- Top of the parking garage - Don't bother with three flights of stairs when you can hitch a ride and make
a new friend.
- Lot 18 - No roads connect to lot 18, so campus requires hitchhikers to explore new transportation alternatives, like golf carts or handle bars, when trying to make it to class
on time.
- St. John's Town Center - This is the wise hitchhiker's domain. The money saved on a parking pass means you can buy yourself 146 cheeseburgers from the McDonald's where you park. Just remember that your ride might also be hungry.
- The Crossings - Walking to the gym is overrated when a prime hitchhiking location is just steps from your
dorm room.
Contact Matt Coleman at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
'Grindhouse' brings gritty vibe to theaters
|
|
A scene from "Death Proof," the Quentin Tarantino directed segment of "Grindhouse." The film comes out April 6. |
The Spinnaker recently took part in a college conference call with cast members from the movie "Grindhouse." A panel of journalists asked the cast about their respective roles, their thoughts about the film, and the atmosphere on the set. The film is a double feature comprised of two segments, "Planet Terror" and "Death Proof," directed by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, respectively.
As you're in both segments of the movie, did you notice a difference between the different styles of the directors?
Marley Shelton:
"Oh yeah, they definitely have a very different way of working.
But what's so great is they're so ego-less with each other and it's also kind of this fantastic collaboration and cross pollination.
Robert is much more of a visualist, and he is obviously extremely cutting edge in terms of his technology. He likes to create at the speed of thought, which is actually something he said to
us before.
And then Quentin is very old school, and he prefers to shoot on film. He doesn't even have
a monitor.
But I love both. You know, the beauty of this project was just to have such two totally different styles coming together and working
together."
What is it about "Grindhouse" that sets it apart from other horror films?
MS:
"Well I think a lot of things set it apart. Off of the top of my head I think that "Planet Terror"
is more fantastical, and it's sort of operatic in
it's violence.
Zombies couldn't probably take over a small town in Texas, therefore you can actually really let go in the movie, and it doesn't affect you as intimately as real violence.
I think you have two filmmakers who are on the top of their game. I mean, you know, coming off of 'Sin City' and 'Kill Bill 1 and 2', these guys really are the tops of their craft, and so just the filmmaking itself is just really exquisite."
How would you describe the atmosphere on the set? Was it professional or relaxed?
MS:
"It was professional and relaxed. That's what's great about the tone that Robert and Quentin set.
They both are very hospitable. They create an environment that's really conducive to creativity and yet very relaxed. You know, it's not a tense atmosphere by any means.
Was there a lot of green screen work on the film or was it mostly practical effects?
Freddy Rodriguez:
"No, hardly, you know, maybe one scene we did a little green screen work.
But the majority was all real, everything there was real.
I did all my own stunts pretty much, about 95 percent of them were all me. That's why you get to see my face when the stunt is being performed.
Usually when it's not you, you'll begin the stunt, and then they'll cut to like the back of your head and then back to you.
But you get to see my face as I'm doing the stunt, which is great."
What's your character like in the film?
FR:
"If you've seen Robert Rodriguez's films in the past, he always has some sort of hero in his film whether it's an action hero or anti-hero.
And I'm a combination of both. I loved playing the part. It's the first time I've ever played an action hero before so, you know, it was a completely new experience for me.
I had months of gun training, knife training fight choreography, and physical training."
In regards to Rose McGowan's character in the film, how do you fire a machine gun that's attached to your leg?
FR:
"Those things are unexplained, they just happen. It's 'Grindhouse,' man!"
Contact Matt Coleman at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Gaffigan's little problems a big hit
|
|
Comedian Jim Gaffigan performed April 1 at the Florida Theatre. He will be on tour the remainder of the year. |
|
|
Good: Gaffigan's simple formula for producing laughs. |
When Jim Gaffigan took the stage at the Florida Theatre April 1 as part of his Comedy Central-sponsored "Beyond the Pale" tour, he opened in classic form.
One of the signature aspects of Gaffigan's routine, other than the self-deprecating references to slobbishness and his almost exclusive focus on eating and sleeping, is an invented and intensely prude audience member he mimics in a high, whispery voice in response to his own jokes.
Just as he did in his Comedy Central special after which the tour was named, he began with several minutes filled with said audience member's concern about the direction of the show and the appearance of its performer.
Complaints about Gaffigan's weight, skin tone and sexuality were voiced in guinea pig tones to riotous applause.
Once he did get into telling his own jokes as Gaffigan the comedian, the subject matter was instantly familiar to long-time fans: a roughly 75/25 split between bits about food and bits about laziness.
Gaffigan has found a niche and has made it clear he's comfortable there and has no plans of leaving it any time soon.
The show was generally equal parts old and new material, with the bulk of his previously released jokes coming from the 2005 Comedy Central special. Gaffigan revived a few old fan favorites, like the Hot Pockets and Cinnabon bits, which were met with rampant applause despite the fact that the jokes probably weren't new to a majority of audience members.
A few jokes from his other CD, Doin' My Time, also made it into the routine - among them my personal favorite, a defense of the manatee as the runt of the aquatic world, a "sea cow fatass" constantly belittled by the other animals' taunts.
Gaffigan dished out a healthy serving of commentary on the funnier side of current events, such as astronaut Lisa Nowak's diaper-clad cross-country trip in February and the fallibility of new technology like Google Maps.
The pace dragged slightly in the first half of the show when Gaffigan spent about 15 minutes exploring every possible context that bacon could be funny in - most of which were, and some which were not.
The real charm of his style is the ability to take a very simple formula and replicate it over and over again, plugging new foods or social faux pas or inane facets of everyday life and producing hilarious effects every time.
While he usually pulls it off to great response, it became apparent during the bacon bit that the formula can eventually be worn out.
One of the funniest moments in the show was, as many of Gaffigan's are across his career, an unconventional take on religious traditions. His discussion of his wife's Catholic devotion somehow spiraled into a portrait of Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles as a "homeless football team."
Another came when, upon returning to the stage for an encore, Gaffigan's mock audience member remarked that all he talks about is food and sleep, and she was just glad he didn't talk about sex.
He then promptly engaged in a tirade about his sexual habits in that harmless demeanor only Gaffigan can pull off.
Gaffigan's opening act, Rich Brooks from Tennessee, was a nice surprise as well. Combining a down-home appeal with off-the-wall stories of homophobia and a past job as a flight attendant, he possessed the kind of charisma and on-stage persona that could lend itself nicely to a successful future for him in the
comedy industry.
All things considered, Gaffigan's show met all expectations, which the comedian makes a business of keeping low in the first place.
Contact Ace Stryker at managing@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
'The Illusion' set to mystify audiences
|
|
Students from the play production class hone their sword fighting skills during a rehearsal of "The Illusion." |
The enchanted stage is set April 7 for the English Department's production of Tony Kusher's adaptation of "The Illusion."
Dr. Pamela Monteleone takes her play production course out of the classroom and onto the stage as students learn first-hand how to create theater. The play presents a division between two worlds - the theatrical world and the real world - leaving the audience to determine which is the illusion. It is filled with romance, humor and above all, sorcery.
The tale is set in 17th-century France about a young lawyer who wishes to see his son again after he ran away 15 years ago. The lawyer's journey takes him to the inside of a mystical cave where he seeks a Dumbledore-like wizard with a deep voice and polished stature.
Alcandre, the wizard, shows him his son through three visions during different stages of his life. The first act is rather confusing as characters change from scene to scene. At one point, the lawyer yells to the wizard, "Why are you showing me this, it has nothing to do with my son." But, by the second act, everything comes together in a surprise plot twist.
"Audience members can look forward to a wonderful romantic comedy," Monteleone said. "All the qualities are there. Lovers, intrigue, a rival to the lovers ... they will have a spectacle."
It is indeed a romantic comedy down to the classic comic relief found in Matamore.
"My character is the thematic center-point," said Tyler Patton, a sophomore English major. "He has a very strong wit and drives the characters to change as he himself goes through his own metamorphosis."
"It's a good story going on here," said Patrick Ng, a senior advertising major who plays the young lawyer, Pridamant. "It's a real story. Although it was written in the 1600s, it still applies today because the theme is coming to terms with yourself."
Monteleone anticipates even more student-produced theater over the next term. She is casting her summer course to produce a play written by a black playwright. She is looking for several black students to audition for the parts with a few white actors involved as well. The course will also give one student a chance to direct the play. She intends to give the students even more opportunities to shine both on-stage and off. Monteleone said she will only coach the actors and leave the rest up to the students.
The play runs at 8 p.m., April 7, 12-14, and 2 p.m. April 8 and 15. in the Robinson Theatre. Tickets are available at the University of North Florida box office.
Contact Cristina Stebbins at uspinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Jacksonville residents dance away the fat
To combat climbing obesity rates in Jacksonville, a local nightclub owner decided to
resurrect a trendy a form
of exercise.
Murray Hill Theatre, located on Riverside Avenue, offers swing dancing on the first and third Friday night of
each month in a safe, alcohol-free, smoke-free, nightclub
environment.
The Duval County Health Department released findings from a 2002 study that
indicated 24 percent
of Jacksonville residents are obese and 33 percent
are overweight.
When the swing dancing fad swept the United States in the late 1990s, Murray Hill Theatre Owner Tony Nasrallah said he began hearing comments from patrons encouraging him to start up a swing night.
"All of the secular clubs were offering swing dancing. At the time, even Gap advertisements featured swing dancing," Nasrallah said. "I kept hearing from the college kids that they wanted to be able to dance without the drinking and the
smoking that comes with
other nightclubs."
Though he doesn't do much swing dancing personally, Nasrallah took into account the numerous health benefits it would offer his patrons.
"Swing dancing provides a different option to people looking for an exercise alternative," Nasrallah said. "I look out on swing nights and see all of these people covered in sweat laughing as they dance around the room, and it makes me happy because I know that it's not like saying, 'Gosh, I have to go out and run two miles today!"'
On average 200 people, predominantly between the ages of 18 and 25, attend swing night, according to 23-year-old swing instructor Shelley Emerson of Green Cove Springs.
"We do have some older people who attend, and that's always fun to watch," Emerson said. "There are so many different variations of swing dancing. Mainly we dance street swing at Murray Hill, but it's great to see the older generation come in and dance the swing they remember from the 1920s."
While swing dancing has staggered in popularity over recent years, Emerson said
she has no plans to cancel
swing night.
"At one point I did try to change swing night into a more Latin-themed dance night, but I nearly had a riot," Emerson said.
Swing dance night, at an entry cost of $7, usually includes a group swing dance lesson before dancing is opened up to any and all couples willing to take the floor. Later in the evening, three couples are selected from the crowd to compete for the title of "King and Queen of Swing." The winning couple receives not only crowns, but a free milkshake as well.
It's the thought of finding a swing partner that concerns University of North Florida student Katina Hunter, a swing night attendee.
Experienced in tap, ballet and clogging, Hunter thought swing dancing might be a new passion. At a friend's request, she attended her first swing night in January 2003.
"At first, I went two or three times because I liked it, but my boyfriend and I broke up recently so now I have to find a new partner," Hunter said.
Emerson said lately she has seen a lot of new faces at swing night, but it has been mostly girls.
"I would tell Katina or anyone else who may be considering coming to swing night to remember that you will be in a crowd and that as an instructor, I'm always willing to work with someone for as long as it takes," Emerson said. "But if it's really not your thing then Murray Hill has pool tables, live bands and milkshakes. Come out and
have fun!"
Contact Carrie A. Mizell at espinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Drag stars strut their stuff
|
|
The annual drag show took place April 2 at Wackadoo's. The event raised more than $500 for a local charity. |
Dixie Crystal walked out on stage with knee high boots and a kickin' southern woman attitude. Only she wasn't much of a southern woman, but more of a southern man in a dress.
She was one of the many crowd engaging,
eyebrow-raising, fun and entertaining stars in drag putting on a show for charity April 2
at Wackadoo's.
Emily Rokosch, coordinator for the University of North Florida's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, said PRIDE, a subdivision of her organization, put on the event. More than $500 was raised for NFAN, the Northeast Florida AIDS Network.
"There was a great turnout for the event," Rokosch said. "I thought the PRIDE students that organized and ran the event did very well."
The entertainers received smiles and screams with the occasional quizzical look from an audience member or two. The dollar bills thrown onstage during their performances were given directly to charity.
NFAN is a private non-profit group established in 1989 to support AIDs victims throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. All the proceeds from the drag show went toward NFAN's Kids of Hope program.
One of the ladies in male drag with the stage name of Tyler Durden said the atmosphere at the event was great.
"It was lots of fun, and for a good benefit," Durden said. She said a number of other performers shared the same sentiments.
The performers were members from PRIDE and professional drag stars from the local area.
They gave over the top and somewhat sexual performances to a large crowd of students who filled the front of the restaurant. Rokosch said attendance at the event wasn't counted, but Wackadoo's was "really packed."
"I felt that everyone was having a good time and enjoying themselves," Rokosch said.
Like any good show, the men and women in drag kept the audience going, lip synching to songs like "Candy Man" and "Crazy Bitch," and going into the crowd dancing or singing to audience members.
Some performers even got the crowd on their feet clapping and singing along. The first girl in drag who performed, Mr. Zachery, got everyone energized with an air guitar show.
The entertained audience was a cross section of the student population, Rokosch said.
"The show brought people together who wouldn't other wise be together.''
Brittany Williams, the community coordinator for PRIDE, organized the drag show. She said the main goal of the event, other than raising money, was to inform people of different lifestyles.
"We were hoping to get across that there are different people out there," Williams said. "It was a way of educating people that there are different sides to the LGBT community."
Ms. Betsy O'Reilly, or Mr. Joel Somner, depending on the time of day, said the experience was enjoyable because "it's a fun excuse to wear woman's clothing and not get yelled at."
Contact Michael W. Dutter at espinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Students weigh in on new skate park
|
|
Skateboarders began using the newly built skate park soon after its grand opening March 29. |
University of North Florida students can now drop into the campus' own mini-ramp, transfer over the spine, manual over the to the other-side of the ramp and then drop into the quarter pipe.
The UNF skate park is open and providing skaters an alternative area to practice their tricks on campus. Giving them an approved place to practice their grinds, board slides and ollies.
The park opened March 29 and contains different ramps, all made of composite material, a set of stairs for skateboarders to jump over and a few rails (metal bars used for sliding the skateboard across).
The skateboarders have noticed at the park is the way their wheels glide over the ramps.
"The park is very smooth and has really good transitions," said Colleen Herms, a junior Spanish major. "The concrete slab is also really smooth and doesn't slow you down."
CJ Cobus, a junior business major who has been skateboarding for three years, said the park is really well made.
"It's really fun, I like the mini-ramp the best and the spines are nice."
Cobus also said it would be nice if the park was a little bigger.
"The only other thing that it needs in a pool," he said.
Only UNF students can use the park, so the crowds that usually fill up other skate parks are less likely. But Herms doesn't agree with this policy.
"Other people should be allowed to enjoy the skate park," Herms said. "It sucks when you have a friend you want to skate with, but if they don't go to UNF they can't skate with you. It's like making a public park that only a specific neighborhood can use."
Other skaters said only allowing UNF students in the park is a good idea.
"I like it because it's not busy and filled with high school groms," Cobus said.
Currently the skateboarders are having trouble with the park being open, Cobus said.
"The cops keep yelling at us for being here because there is no one to watch the park and make sure that we have on helmets."
Vitor Vianchi, a second-year English Language Program student, also agrees with the students-only policy. "Its good that only UNF students are allowed because it would get too full and have no room if other people came," he said. "And the school paid for it."
Vianchi has skated the park three times since it has opened and likes the fact that it is close to his classes and could help him practice for skateboarding contests.
"It is a hobby and another sport to do in school."
Contact Laurel Wright at espinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Ask Dr. Osprey
This week, Reena Sheth, a staff counselor at the University of North Florida's Counseling Center, discusses how to deal with depression.
Clinical depression can affect your body, mood, thoughts and behavior. It can change your eating habits, how you feel, and think about things, your ability to work, study, and enjoy life and how you interact with people.
The 2005 National College Health Assessment (NCHA), a survey of nearly 17,000 college students conducted by the American College Health Association, reported 25 percent said they "felt so depressed it was difficult to function" three to eight times during the past year and 21 percent reported they "seriously considered suicide" one or more times during the past year.
Symptoms of a depressive episode include:
* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
* Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
* Sleep disturbance (insomnia, oversleeping, or waking earlier than usual)
* Appetite and weight change (either loss or gain)
Here are some of the ways to prevent depression:
* Get plenty of rest and sleep (seven to eight hours a night)
* Build structure into the day and set daily goals
* Plan fun and physical activity into each day
* Challenge negative self-talk
For more information, contact the UNF Counseling Center at 620-2602, or visit Building 2, room 2068.
Contact Dr. Osprey at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Oddball Antics
HEY, LEAVE BOB ALONE!
A man broke into the primate enclosure at the zoo in Chessington, England, to steal a Bolivian squirrel monkey named Sponge Bob. But the nine other Bolivian squirrel monkeys in the cage did not take kindly to the kidnapping of their pal, and attacked the interloper jumping on his head and biting him, forcing him to flee.
OH ALL RIGHT BUT JUST THIS ONCE
A prison guard at a Florida
correctional institution for women was arrested for having sexual relations with one of
the inmates in her bunk.
He explained to authorities
that the woman had been
making advances, and he did it "so she would leave him alone."
STUPID EARTHLINGS, YOUR LAWS DON'T APPLY TO ME
Police in Trenton, N.J., arrested a man for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and resisting arrest. So the man claimed diplomatic immunity as a member of the Abannaki "indigeneous nation" that includes people from Mars, Venus and "the so-called planet Earth."
I'M JUST TRYING TO DO WHAT THE JUDGE SAID
A teenager was ordered to take the bus to school after he was convicted of speeding in Valparaiso, Ind. Soon afterward, he was arrested for going 93 in a 45 mph zone. He told the arresting officer he was rushing home to catch the school bus.
MONEY FIRST, WEDDING LATER
A woman in Singapore hooked up with a rather stupid man in an online chatroom, pretended to be a beautiful actress and promised to marry him. And, oh yes, she got him to send her $45,000 before the wedding could take place.
The woman's real husband defended his wife after she was arrested, saying "no sensible man would send so much money to a woman without seeing her in person first."
OH GOD MOM, HOW COULD YOU?!
A 20-year-old Minnesota man sent a bizarre threatening letter to a woman he had a crush on in third grade, signing it "death stalker." But, the man still lives with his parents, and his mother, who mailed the letter, innocently put the man's name and return address on the envelope, thinking he was writing a friendly note to an old classmate. He was arrested.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE