Hurricane Party Instructions

By Ross Brooks
FEATURES EDITOR

Gathering Information
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted May 22 that there will be an "above normal" Atlantic hurricane season.

According to experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, between 13 and 17 named storms are expected, with seven to 10 becoming full-fledged hurricanes, and three to five of those hurricanes potentially becoming major storms.

For those who've never spent a summer on the Florida peninsula, the NOAA's predictions might seem like ample motivation for a vacation spent in the nation's interior.

However, native Floridians know better; in 2006, the NOAA cast predictions almost identical to those for 2007, and the season ended with a whopping seven tropical storms and four hurricanes, none of which ever made landfall.

To be certain, evacuation ahead of a storm is the surest way to stay dry and alive. However, not everyone has somewhere to evacuate to, the means to get there or sense enough to run, which means certain precautions need to be taken to ride out the storm. And it just so happens that many of the things needed to survive a hurricane are just as essential in throwing a great party.

So, if the idea of packing up your valuables and spending a few cramped nights in a gym that still smells of prom deters you, then batten down the hatches and call your friends: It's time for a hurricane party.

Preparation
First things first: The house needs to be cleared of everything valuable and breakable. This means taking all things porcelain, clay and glass, including that 300-count bottle collection you and your roommates have been working so diligently on, and placing it all one room.

Doing this not only keeps that empty 32- ounce Hurricane from becoming a missile of ironic doom, it also ensures that all your breakables remain unbroken when your partygoers get sloppy.

After the house has been cleared of potential missiles, the next step is to procure plenty of liquid for the days ahead. Since the streets, and possibly your house, will be inundated with water, it would be wise to invest in some potables other than water, if only for diversity's sake.

Canned beer is always a good choice; not only is beer a cornerstone of any good party, but the unopened cans float easily and can be turned into a makeshift raft should search and rescue not show up within a few days.

Who To Invite
If you decide to throw a hurricane party, remember that you're in for the long haul should the storm actually hit your house.

Keeping this in mind, invite only those friends with stout hearts and strong swimming skills.

Since you could be separated from medical attention for days, make sure to invite friends on the premed track. They may not be legitimate doctors, but they can probably stitch up your wounds should any of those bottles get loose.

A few friends from the engineering school would also be a welcome addition, as they might figure out some way to keep the sound system going long after the power lines are blown down.

The Party
Once the house is safe, and the brave guests arrive, all your hard work and preparation will be over.

Hopefully you've gotten enough drinks and sustenance for everyone, because the possibility of a late night beer run is dim.

One of the nicest things about throwing a hurricane party is that no matter how bad your party may be, everyone in attendance will surely be happy to be there, because, well, what other choice do they have at that point?

Best-case Scenario
The best-case scenario for any hurricane party is that the meteorologist made some grave mistake in calculating the storm's path, leaving your house untouched and your neighborhood free of people with jobs, kids and early bed times, which grants you the right to party as late and loud as you like. Then, when everyone from your street returns home, you can drunkenly sit on your front step and smile as they unload the cars they packed only yesterday.

Worst-case Scenario
The meteorologists' predictions were spot on, in which case your roof is sheared off, your car lost in the ocean where your front yard once was and your house looks less like a home and more like a swimming pool.

But hey, look on the bright side: At least you won't have to clean just to get your security deposit back.

Contact Matt Coleman & Ross Brooks at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Day trippin' in Florida's past

By Jamie Williams
STAFF WRITER

Jamie Williams

Few outsiders realize there's more to Florida than the coastal regions and Orlando with its theme park mecca - there's the small towns in-between. Sometimes they're on the edge of the big cities themselves, and more often than not, they have more character than the major metropolitan areas do.

The beautiful community of Mount Dora is one such example.

About 27 miles north of Orlando, Mount Dora feels a world apart from the maddened, high-pace frenzy of Orlando.

Unlike the urbanization that has swept over most suburban Orlando communities, Mount Dora retains its charm with annual festivals and a calendar full of events, all showcasing its passions for antiques, fine dining and the arts.

The charisma of Mount Dora plays on all the senses as you walk around its downtown area and take in the varied and splendid architecture, smell the espresso and cuisine from the cafes and gourmet restaurants, and listen to the easygoing chatter from the local citizens as they stroll along and walk their dogs.

Mount Dora has the feel of a gentle, laid-back southern town filled with charm. Walking among the shaded streets beckons visions of similar southern cities.

The varied architecture - some old, some new - is reminiscent of Charleston, S.C., and the large oak trees draped with Spanish moss that shade the brick-lined pathways recall Savannah, Ga.

Similarities aside, Mount Dora itself claims a remarkable record of accolades: "Florida Monthly Magazine" named Mount Dora the friendliest small town in Florida in both 1999 and 2003.

It's is also one of the best romantic escapes in Florida, according to authors Pamela Acheson and Richard Meyer, and one of the "Top 100 Great Towns of America," according to author David Vokac.

"Money" magazine also named Mount Dora one of the best places in the country to retire.

The city also enjoys the distinction of being nicknamed "festival city" for its year-round festivals. The Craft Festival, which occurs during the fourth weekend of October every year, is rated as one of the top 100 craft festivals in the country. Other events include a music festival, a plant and garden fair, the Taste of Mount Dora (for sampling area restaurants), a reading festival, an art festival and the annual Fourth of July celebration.

Mount Dora is also home to superb shopping. Strolling along the heart of downtown exposes visitors to everything from homemade, all-natural dog biscuits to vintage Hollywood memorabilia and autographs.

A sweet, caramel-like smell fills the air all around, coming from bookstores, bistros, and restaurants, and gives a feeling of walking through downtown Boston or Seattle without the clamor of a major city.

The real shopping, however, thrives on antiques. Mount Dora delights collectors searching for that perfect find at a really good price. In fact, Florida's largest antiques and collectibles center is Renniger's Twin Markets, which also serves as a bargain-filled flea market, located east of downtown. "Family Money" magazine recently named Renniger's one of the top 10 flea markets in the country.

With an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora can also attract those looking for adventure on the water.

Located downtown and directly on Lake Dora is a full-service marina and yacht club. Florida's oldest inland sailing regatta takes place there every April. There's a lighted boat Christmas parade during December. Also, one of the largest antique wooden boat festivals in the country takes place in Mount Dora every March.

Gracing the city's shore is the only inland freshwater lighthouse in Florida. This 35-foot-tall lighthouse on Grantham Point was built using bricks donated by fellow citizens, and has since become a unique landmark.

The principal and oldest bicycling event in all of Florida takes place during the second weekend of every October in Mount Dora. More than 1,500 cyclists come together to partake in the events, workshops and social scene.

Interestingly enough, lawn bowling maintains a big presence in this small town. The Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club is the second-largest in the United States.

The Lakeside Inn is the oldest building in Mount Dora. Built in 1883, this hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has played host to many distinguished guests throughout the years, including former Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

Walking around the hotel is like taking a step back in time to a much simpler era, but one still with the sophistication and charm found today. The buttery-yellow exterior of the hotel gives way to a warm, inviting southern interior as you enter through the double doors via a green porch speckled with white rocking chairs.

Every ingredient in the essential recipe for a great town is evenly distributed in Mount Dora. The sights, smells, tastes and sounds of the town are a delight for the senses.

Close enough to Orlando, the theme park and attractions, you can have the big city feel anytime you want. But when you have such a gem in Mount Dora, you'll find the desire to go there isn't really that great.

Contact Jamie Williams at uspinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Renter beware: Tips for off-campus living

By Laurel Wright
ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

There comes a time in every student's life when they have to leave the dorms to find a home off-campus. For those students not yet ready to purchase a home or move back in with their parents, renting is often the best option. However, there are things students need to know before signing a lease.

When renting there are usually two options students choose: either a condo/apartment or a single family home, said Larry Cavey, broker at 4-Beaches Realty, a property management company.

"I usually recommend condos to students," Cavey said.

Ray East, a senior English major at the University of North Florida, rents an apartment. "I like not having to share a room," East said. "Driving isn't fun - dealing with time and gas, and its more responsibility - but the positives outweigh the negatives."

Condos are better for students because they require less maintenance than homes, East said. When renting a home the tenant is usually responsible for taking care of the yard, while condos provide the maintenance.

"I like having no restriction or rules on having stuff on the walls," said Becky Grove, a sophomore nursing major who lives in a condo. "It has more privacy. The only thing that I don't like is being off-campus. It gets annoying going back and forth."

If a student decides that they want to rent a home instead of a condo, there are a few things they need to consider, Cavey said.

"Students need to ask if the yard has an irrigation system or if they will water it themselves," he said. "They also need to ask if the irrigation system is on well water or city water. City water is more expensive than using a well."

Another challenge students face is parking. You don't want to become a burden to the neighborhood by having cars parked everywhere, Cavey said.

If a student rents a condo they usually have the benefits of a pool and a club or gym, but they do have to be conscious of their neighbors. "You need to be considerate. You can't have loud music in your rooms or your cars," Cavey said.

When picking roommates students should keep in mind that everyone has to pay the bills, and if one roommate stops paying it can affect everybody.

Students that don't make enough money or don't have good credit are usually required to have a cosigner when renting, Cavey said. The cosigner is responsible for any rent or damages that don't get paid, and their credit can also be affected.

When moving in or out of a rental, students should take pictures of everything, including the yard, Cavey said."This will help you in claims against your security deposit, and can save you money."

Students also need to know what their lease says about subleasing, Cavey said. Many leases will not allow subleasing and renters are bound to the contract until the lease is up.

Cavey also recommended keeping life fun by not renting a place that's going to be difficult to afford.

"Put yourself in a place where you will still have money to enjoy things," he said.

Contact Laurel Wright at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Venues vary viewing

Jacksonville breaks away from movie-house mold

By Laurel Wright
ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR

Summertime and the living's easy, but those steamy summer nights can also get boring.

That's when a unique movie experience can spice up the night.

Jacksonville offers many different movie theaters, but there are some one-of-a-kind venues that offer more than a movie - they offer a good time.

Moonlight Movies

Classic movies are shown under the stars during Moonlight Movies at the Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

The movies, which start at dark, are shown for free Friday nights in May and June on a huge outdoor screen.

Viewers bring their blankets, coolers and even their dogs to enjoy the event.

The grass in front of the screen usually fills up fast, so getting a good spot requires early arrival.

Some of the classics playing this summer include "Forrest Gump," "Ghostbusters" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

San Marco Theatre

The San Marco Theatre has been showing films since 1938 and still offers moviegoers a special experience.

The architecture and decor of the building create a unique old-time theater atmosphere.

Along with popcorn, the theater offers real dinner foods, like quesadillas and sandwiches, as well as wine and beer to add to the experience and make a night on the town a one-stop event.

The movies start at their exact show time - no previews - so arriving on time is crucial. The theater has a single screen and shows two new releases along with the occasional late night old-school movie.

Films now playing include "Shrek the Third," "Knocked Up" and "Tron." Student admission is $7 and matinees are $6.50.

Campus Flicks

What could be easier than a free on-campus movie? Osprey Productions has you covered by showing movies on Wednesdays and Fridays starting in June.

The movies, which start at 8 p.m., will be shown in building 14, room 1700, with free popcorn.

Before the movies start, viewers have a chance to test their trivia knowledge to win posters.

Some of the movies included in this summer's schedule are "Cool Runnings," "Letters from Iwo Jima" and "Smokin' Aces."

Contact Laurel Wright at features@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

TV personality sheds light on real 'Real World'

By Jamie Williams
STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of buddytv.com

Davis Mallory, a cast member on the Denver season of the MTV show, "The Real World," spoke with the Spinnaker about living with cameras documenting his every move.

You know the deal: seven strangers picked to live in a house.

"The Real World," an MTV staple since 1992, is wildly popular with college students, including those at the University of North Florida.

"The Real World" recently capped off its 18th season, which took place in Denver. As the season moved forward, the strangers became household names as the country watched the cast's lives unfold.

One of the cast members, Davis Mallory, recently took time to discuss with the Spinnaker his experience on "The Real World" and what he's been up to since the show ended in May.

What have you been doing since the conclusion of "The Real World"?

I've been traveling around major U.S. cities for the past three months speaking at colleges, appearing at night clubs and bars, and doing MTV Spring Break trips.

What was it like having cameras film you 24/7?

At first you feel like the cameras are intrusive and weird being on you all the time. Very soon, though, you begin not noticing them as much and forget that they're there.

Have you kept in touch with your former roommates?

I have remained friends with all my roommates. I find I keep contact with Brooke the best. Jenn and Alex are next in line.

Have any doors opened up as a result of having been on "The Real World"?

I haven't had a real door opened yet as to what I'll do next with my life; however, I am meeting a lot of people and have been given job offers. I just haven't been given one that I want to take yet.

Does MTV accurately portray "The Real World" cast or do you feel MTVframes the cast into certain personalities?

MTV portrays just a small portion of our personalities.

They put consistent images of us doing [unusual] things so that the viewer views us as "crazy" or "angry" all the time. In reality we may sometimes be that way, but not all the time.

People are different in person than they are portrayed on TV.

What exactly is it like to watch yourself on television?

It's not as weird as people seem to think, watching oneself on TV. I think it's just like watching a home video that happens to be on a major network.

How real would you say "The Real World" is?

"The Real World" isn't really much like the real world. Being forced to live in a house with strangers and people you wouldn't pick as friends is a start as to how unreal it is.

The people, actions and events were all true and real; there's no script, no direction. It's just the formula of being filmed and being stuck with obnoxious people all day that creates an interesting show.

Has being on "The Real World" changed your life for better or worse?

"The Real World" doesn't make your life any better or worse. It's just a unique experience. At times I wish I hadn't done it, but then I always wanted to and would never have known what my life was like without it. I'm glad I did it.

What is the most unique thing about being on a nationally televised show?

You get to watch your worst moments, just like anyone else. The ideal thing would be that you learn from them. I'm trying to grow from this experience.

Were the altercations seen on "The Real World" at all dramatized or synchronized wrongly?

My fight with Tyrie happened on the second night of living in the house, but aired as the fourth episode.

I think the way that episode aired was not an accurate depiction of all that was going on in my head as to why I reacted the way I did.

What is your feeling about the cast's job at Outward Bound?

Outward Bound was a really great job. I had researched doing an Outward Bound course in high school, but never did. I was really psyched to find out that was our job.

I grew a lot personally from the experience of living out of a backpack, preparing my own food, and climbing the tops of mountains. I'd highly recommend the experience for anyone.

After having lived there for a couple of months, what is your overall opinion of Denver? What about Thailand, where the cast vacationed, and South Africa, where you stayed as part of MTV's Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Inferno 3?

I loved Denver. The bars and nightclubs were amazing. The weather and scenery [were] beautiful [and] the people are so friendly.

Thailand was phenomenal. [It's] such a foreign and unique place - very beautiful, too. The food wasn't as good as I'd hoped. Thai food in America is much better.

South Africa, though, was my favorite of all three. The mountains and ocean and wild animals were all breathtaking.

What would you have been doing if the opportunity to be on "The Real World" hadn't come along?

I was premed in college and had just taken the MCAT. I wasn't quite ready to get into another five years of college and then residency. So I took this time to do something fun and different.

Now that it has ended I plan on getting back on track.

Contact Jamie Williams at espinnak@unf.edu -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

Oddball Antics

By Mike Pingree
MCCLATCHY TRIBUNE

All set sir, just come around... Sir? Sir!?
A worker at the drive-through window of a fast-food restaurant in Camden, Ark., took an order for hamburgers from the customer at the speaker and waited for him to drive up for 15 minutes. The employee found the customer heavily intoxicated and sound asleep at the wheel. He was arrested for drunk driving.

Oh, sorry officer, I thought you meant me
Police pounded on the door of a motel room in Columbus, Ohio, at 3 a.m. to investigate a report of a domestic disturbance. But the man next door, who was wanted for assault with intent to commit murder, thought the cops were looking for him, so he took off running. The police immediately nabbed him.

No honey, don't; what will the neighbors think?
A woman in Cleveland came home to find her boyfriend in their bed with another woman. She threw them both out, then propped the mattress up outside near the sidewalk and wrote graphic messages on it about what her now ex-boyfriend had done and what she thinks of him. People were stopping their cars to take pictures.

Is it just me, or is everyone thinking, 'hand of God?'
During an argument in his car, a man tried to kill his girlfriend by suddenly pulling onto the railroad tracks in Sunland, Calif., as a commuter train approached, and jumping out of the car. The train smashed into the vehicle, launching it into the air and killing the man as he fled. The woman, who was still inside, survived.

You vill clean up, and ve vill be back
A 9-year-old girl in Braunschweig, Germany, was so upset when her mother made her clean her room, that she put up a sign in her window saying, "Help! Please call the police!" When the cops got there, they also ordered her to clean her room. They came back later to check, too.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE

	Gathering Information The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted May 22 that there will be an "above normal" Atlantic hurricane season. According to experts at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, between 13 and 17 named storms are expected, with seven to 10 becoming full-fledged hurricanes, and three to five of those hurricanes potentially becoming major storms. For those who've never spent a summer on the Florida peninsula, the NOAA's predictions might seem like ample motivation for a vacation spent in the nation's interior. However, native Floridians know better; in 2006, the NOAA cast predictions almost identical to those for 2007, and the season ended with a whopping seven tropical storms and four hurricanes, none of which ever made landfall. To be certain, evacuation ahead of a storm is the surest way to stay dry and alive. However, not everyone has somewhere to evacuate to, the means to get there or sense enough to run, which means certain precautions need to be taken to ride out the storm. And it just so happens that many of the things needed to survive a hurricane are just as essential in throwing a great party. So, if the idea of packing up your valuables and spending a few cramped nights in a gym that still smells of prom deters you, then batten down the hatches and call your friends: It's time for a hurricane party.
	Preparation First things first: The house needs to be cleared of everything valuable and breakable. This means taking all things porcelain, clay and glass, including that 300-count bottle collection you and your roommates have been working so diligently on, and placing it all one room. Doing this not only keeps that empty 32- ounce Hurricane from becoming a missile of ironic doom, it also ensures that all your breakables remain unbroken when your partygoers get sloppy. After the house has been cleared of potential missiles, the next step is to procure plenty of liquid for the days ahead. Since the streets, and possibly your house, will be inundated with water, it would be wise to invest in some potables other than water, if only for diversity's sake. Canned beer is always a good choice; not only is beer a cornerstone of any good party, but the unopened cans float easily and can be turned into a makeshift raft should search and rescue not show up within a few days.
	Who To Invite If you decide to throw a hurricane party, remember that you're in for the long haul should the storm actually hit your house. Keeping this in mind, invite only those friends with stout hearts and strong swimming skills. Since you could be separated from medical attention for days, make sure to invite friends on the premed track. They may not be legitimate doctors, but they can probably stitch up your wounds should any of those bottles get loose. A few friends from the engineering school would also be a welcome addition, as they might figure out some way to keep the sound system going long after the power lines are blown down.
	The Party Once the house is safe, and the brave guests arrive, all your hard work and preparation will be over. Hopefully you've gotten enough drinks and sustenance for everyone, because the possibility of a late night beer run is dim. One of the nicest things about throwing a hurricane party is that no matter how bad your party may be, everyone in attendance will surely be happy to be there, because, well, what other choice do they have at that point?
	Best-case Scenario The best-case scenario for any hurricane party is that the meteorologist made some grave mistake in calculating the storm's path, leaving your house untouched and your neighborhood free of people with jobs, kids and early bed times, which grants you the right to party as late and loud as you like. Then, when everyone from your street returns home, you can drunkenly sit on your front step and smile as they unload the cars they packed only yesterday.
	Worst-case Scenario The meteorologists' predictions were spot on, in which case your roof is sheared off, your car lost in the ocean where your front yard once was and your house looks less like a home and more like a swimming pool. But hey, look on the bright side: At least you won't have to clean just to get your security deposit back.