The door opens and a burst of amazement consumes your face. Nothing but beautifully crafted light fixtures and god-like windows everywhere you turn. In the corner, a dark, mysterious hallway that is the beginning to a 500 stair climb to the top of this dome. No one around you, only silence, silence of the dead and resting. Pausing and staring at this most wondrous place dubbed a true European Cathedral.
I had never really known much about cathedrals. I’m not catholic and we don’t really have any with great history in my area. Architecture was always of interest to me, so I did get a taste of what some Gothic and Old-fashioned cathedrals were like. European history taught me mostly what I know about them, but my knowledge of them is far from being fulfilled. Only being able to see pictures and read text is far too limited. I like to experience things first hand, and I finally did March of 2006.
When I heard about the trip, which was during an IS (Information Society) club meeting, I knew right away that there needed to be a spot for my name. It was a week long trip to England, Scotland, and Wales. Two of those countries being my most desired travel destinations. How perfect? The teacher discussed everything happening on the trip then took questions. Being so curious, I raised my hand and blurted, “Will we get to experience true, European architecture?”, and when she replied yes my mind blew up in excitement.
Although the United Kingdom is very similar to the ways of America, it also differs tremendously. You have to be quick to pick up the dialect, otherwise you will be lost. From the first minute I got there, to the front door of our hotel, I had already seen three cathedrals that waited out exploration. We checked into our hotel rooms, unloaded our luggage, and began our Welsh adventure.
Our first stop, obviously, was Wales. Not really a big country, but full of history and architecture. The first cathedral we visited was small, but as passionate as any other European beauty. So quiet and dim, truly a sanctuary of silence. These places are meant for prayer, meant for unity, and most importantly meant for God. As we moved along to Scotland, there were more opportunities for us to experience a true cathedral.
We made our way to the biggest one in the city and wasted no time. Scottish cathedrals follow more Gothic styles and contain more intricate work. They are extremely beautiful and so dark at the same time. English cathedrals are a bit different than the others. Since England is just a bigger country than the rest in the U.K., it is understandable that it contains the most cathedrals of all. My favorite cathedral of the whole trip is in England, and it contains a 500 step staircase all the way to the top of the dome. These places seriously bring a tingle through my body and I can feel the history.
I’ve been to many places in the world and have seen many different wonders, but nothing as memorable as these. I really did lose myself in these places and never wanted to be found. Cathedrals provided a feel for religion, a first hand experience as to what goes on under this faith. Not only did it provide me with this, but also an unexplainable form of architecture that blows your mind away. Never will I stop exploring these places and never will I forget them as well.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
"Don't Drink and Drive, Drink and Sleep"
“It is unknown when the first alcoholic beverage was created. Evidence of intentionally fermented beverages exists in the form of beer jugs dated as early as the Neolithic period. Since that time man had created various laws prohibiting and reducing the rights of consuming alcoholic drinks” explained Rosenbaum (n.pag). In America, the drinking age has been set to 21 and serious consequences have been placed on anyone who challenges this authority. Since the time the law was mandated many specialists and people alike have argued the justice of this law and whether there should be exceptions to such a controversial topic. One of the current, main debates is whether a teenager has the right to drink. The only stipulation to this ideal is whether they should be allowed to drink only under the supervision of an adult.
According to Hepburn "Supervising underage drinking is encouraging underage drinking" (n. pag.). Parental supervised drinking has never actually been legal but has had many considerations. One of the main questions David Hepburn raises is, "Why are parent supervised parties hypocritical"? Hepburn believes,
The argument answers that when a parent lets their child consume alcohol, they are losing their authority and trying more to relate to them as a friend rather than a parent. [He also] raises the suspicion that if a parent supervised an alcoholic party then they are likely to consume alcohol as well, as they are trying to find common ground with their children (n. pag.). There is a plethora of other ways to relate to a child and it shouldn't have to be one where their judgment is impaired.
Another point cited is that the commonest age of those killed in traffic fatalities is 19, 40 percent of those being under the influence of alcohol (Hepburn n. pag.). The parents supervised their drinking that one night and everything went well, but now the parents are no longer there and the fact that they allowed underage drinking still lingers in the back of the teenager's mind.
Where the last argument comes into play is with all the billboards and alcohol ads that tend to show mixed messages. Stated by Hepburn, “Parental stewardship demands strong and definitive decisions to offset the immaturity of those they are meant to protect. Instead, too many kids get brutally confused messages” (n. pag.). Hepburn also refuses to accept the fact that “parents believe they are going to drink anyway” (n. pag.). Hepburn explains that
The parent lets them drink and refuses the laws of this country. [They] encourage the teenagers and even give them a helping hand. The parent believes they have done the right thing, but they fail to understand that now the teenager feels it is okay to drink in any instance, even after that night (n. pag.).
Despite the laws that prohibit underage drinking, preventing teenagers from doing this can be considered a violation of human rights. At one point every human was of the same power, then one day someone must have rose up and decided they wanted to control people. The authority may want to help prevent accidents but it isn't fair to tell people what they can and cannot do. Politicians and higher authorities claim that everyone is equal and we live in a "free" country. How free are we?
Besides human rights, statistical information seems to not add up. As stated by Hepburn, “Forty percent of those 19 year-olds were drunk when they got in an accident” (n. pag.). What about the other 60 percent? What about people who are legally allowed to drink? For instance,
Young drivers 21 to 24 years old were most likely to be intoxicated (BAC of 0.08g/dl or greater) in drunk driving accidents and fatal crashes in 2003. Thirty-two percent of drivers 21 to 24 years old involved in drunk driving and fatal crashes were intoxicated, followed by ages 25 to 34 (27 percent) and 35 to 44 (24 percent) (“More Sobering Facts about Drunk Driving Accidents” n. pag.).
It clearly states in the first sentence that people who were legally allowed to drink made up the most of fatal accidents involving alcohol. Before someone listens to a statistic they must look at all the statistics. Numbers must add up to equate to anything.
Human rights and statistics are both very important factors in this matter, but the people who simply tell us what to do are more important. The “Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Code” argues “alcohol ads fail to show the kids that end up in the hospital after drinking and driving. These advertisements are not to promote anything other than sales, not underage drinking or the consequences that may take place” (n. pag.). The Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Code is designed to “provide the legality and censorship of alcoholic advertising” (“Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Codes” n.pag.).
When enforced, The Code is designed to ensure that alcohol advertising will be conducted in a manner which neither conflicts with nor detracts from the need for responsibility and moderation in liquor merchandising and consumption, and which does not encourage consumption by underage persons (“Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Codes” n. pag.)
Well, what about the ads for fast food industries? What about Cosmetic companies? What about Army advertisements? There is no picture of obesity and people dying of heart conditions. All that is shown is a sandwich and large fry that people love to enjoy. They have a right to enjoy this. Cosmetic ads do not show the animals used for testing, only the product that is perceived to be best thing to enhance a person’s look. We are allowed to sacrifice animal's rights but we cannot consume an alcoholic beverage? There are no pictures of soldiers with missing arms or ones who are paralyzed. All that is said is what they do is a good thing. Teenagers are allowed to fight for this country to the death, but they cannot consume alcohol? That seems rather illogical.
Sometimes telling something to someone is not the best method. Teenagers go throughout school hearing every year that alcohol is bad and it only causes problems. It's only logical that they would ponder why people do it if it is "so bad" for you. This is why teens emerge themselves into something that is not allowed. It is almost as if it's a forbidden fruit that they cannot have.
If parents were allowed to subject their kids into alcohol, under supervision, then it would become less of a desire and more of an event that can happen whenever. A teenager appreciates drinking more because they cannot have it all the time. They can watch the television everyday of their life but how often can they purchase a bottle of Gin?
Wouldn't teenagers drinking at home with their parents also be safer? The teenagers wouldn't even have to drive anywhere and that totally eliminates the biggest issue presented. The fact is that underage drinking will happen, no matter what. Just like everything else that is labeled "wrong" in this world, it will be done anyways.
These parents do not condone or promote drinking. Nor do they provide or serve alcohol at parties. But they understand that underage drinking will occur, whether or not they approve. The difficult decision they make has driving in the forefront of their minds. They confiscate car keys and keep an eye out for problems, believing their teens are safer at home where they can be supervised rather than on the road. (Rosenbaum n. pag.)
Just because someone says you must be 21 to drink doesn't mean that everyone will listen. The human's greatest attribute is the ability to choose. Although drinking is not the healthiest thing in the world it is going to take place. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, “Almost half of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in the 2001 survey (48.3 percent)” (n. pag.). This is a heavy percentage that proves drinking occurs, even underage.
We may be doing what is perceived to be right, but maybe instead of totally ridding teenager’s rights of drinking, there should be exceptions made. What is more logical? A kid consumes alcoholic beverages at a friend's house where no parents are home. He gets into his car and drives home. Who knows what is bound to happen. In another instance, a kid drinks a couple alcoholic beverages with his parents at home, and then once he is done he simply goes to his bed and falls asleep. What happens next is nothing to worry about. Drinking won't cause a bed to flip and crash into a wall. Drinking and driving will.
According to Hepburn "Supervising underage drinking is encouraging underage drinking" (n. pag.). Parental supervised drinking has never actually been legal but has had many considerations. One of the main questions David Hepburn raises is, "Why are parent supervised parties hypocritical"? Hepburn believes,
The argument answers that when a parent lets their child consume alcohol, they are losing their authority and trying more to relate to them as a friend rather than a parent. [He also] raises the suspicion that if a parent supervised an alcoholic party then they are likely to consume alcohol as well, as they are trying to find common ground with their children (n. pag.). There is a plethora of other ways to relate to a child and it shouldn't have to be one where their judgment is impaired.
Another point cited is that the commonest age of those killed in traffic fatalities is 19, 40 percent of those being under the influence of alcohol (Hepburn n. pag.). The parents supervised their drinking that one night and everything went well, but now the parents are no longer there and the fact that they allowed underage drinking still lingers in the back of the teenager's mind.
Where the last argument comes into play is with all the billboards and alcohol ads that tend to show mixed messages. Stated by Hepburn, “Parental stewardship demands strong and definitive decisions to offset the immaturity of those they are meant to protect. Instead, too many kids get brutally confused messages” (n. pag.). Hepburn also refuses to accept the fact that “parents believe they are going to drink anyway” (n. pag.). Hepburn explains that
The parent lets them drink and refuses the laws of this country. [They] encourage the teenagers and even give them a helping hand. The parent believes they have done the right thing, but they fail to understand that now the teenager feels it is okay to drink in any instance, even after that night (n. pag.).
Despite the laws that prohibit underage drinking, preventing teenagers from doing this can be considered a violation of human rights. At one point every human was of the same power, then one day someone must have rose up and decided they wanted to control people. The authority may want to help prevent accidents but it isn't fair to tell people what they can and cannot do. Politicians and higher authorities claim that everyone is equal and we live in a "free" country. How free are we?
Besides human rights, statistical information seems to not add up. As stated by Hepburn, “Forty percent of those 19 year-olds were drunk when they got in an accident” (n. pag.). What about the other 60 percent? What about people who are legally allowed to drink? For instance,
Young drivers 21 to 24 years old were most likely to be intoxicated (BAC of 0.08g/dl or greater) in drunk driving accidents and fatal crashes in 2003. Thirty-two percent of drivers 21 to 24 years old involved in drunk driving and fatal crashes were intoxicated, followed by ages 25 to 34 (27 percent) and 35 to 44 (24 percent) (“More Sobering Facts about Drunk Driving Accidents” n. pag.).
It clearly states in the first sentence that people who were legally allowed to drink made up the most of fatal accidents involving alcohol. Before someone listens to a statistic they must look at all the statistics. Numbers must add up to equate to anything.
Human rights and statistics are both very important factors in this matter, but the people who simply tell us what to do are more important. The “Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Code” argues “alcohol ads fail to show the kids that end up in the hospital after drinking and driving. These advertisements are not to promote anything other than sales, not underage drinking or the consequences that may take place” (n. pag.). The Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Code is designed to “provide the legality and censorship of alcoholic advertising” (“Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Codes” n.pag.).
When enforced, The Code is designed to ensure that alcohol advertising will be conducted in a manner which neither conflicts with nor detracts from the need for responsibility and moderation in liquor merchandising and consumption, and which does not encourage consumption by underage persons (“Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Codes” n. pag.)
Well, what about the ads for fast food industries? What about Cosmetic companies? What about Army advertisements? There is no picture of obesity and people dying of heart conditions. All that is shown is a sandwich and large fry that people love to enjoy. They have a right to enjoy this. Cosmetic ads do not show the animals used for testing, only the product that is perceived to be best thing to enhance a person’s look. We are allowed to sacrifice animal's rights but we cannot consume an alcoholic beverage? There are no pictures of soldiers with missing arms or ones who are paralyzed. All that is said is what they do is a good thing. Teenagers are allowed to fight for this country to the death, but they cannot consume alcohol? That seems rather illogical.
Sometimes telling something to someone is not the best method. Teenagers go throughout school hearing every year that alcohol is bad and it only causes problems. It's only logical that they would ponder why people do it if it is "so bad" for you. This is why teens emerge themselves into something that is not allowed. It is almost as if it's a forbidden fruit that they cannot have.
If parents were allowed to subject their kids into alcohol, under supervision, then it would become less of a desire and more of an event that can happen whenever. A teenager appreciates drinking more because they cannot have it all the time. They can watch the television everyday of their life but how often can they purchase a bottle of Gin?
Wouldn't teenagers drinking at home with their parents also be safer? The teenagers wouldn't even have to drive anywhere and that totally eliminates the biggest issue presented. The fact is that underage drinking will happen, no matter what. Just like everything else that is labeled "wrong" in this world, it will be done anyways.
These parents do not condone or promote drinking. Nor do they provide or serve alcohol at parties. But they understand that underage drinking will occur, whether or not they approve. The difficult decision they make has driving in the forefront of their minds. They confiscate car keys and keep an eye out for problems, believing their teens are safer at home where they can be supervised rather than on the road. (Rosenbaum n. pag.)
Just because someone says you must be 21 to drink doesn't mean that everyone will listen. The human's greatest attribute is the ability to choose. Although drinking is not the healthiest thing in the world it is going to take place. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports, “Almost half of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in the 2001 survey (48.3 percent)” (n. pag.). This is a heavy percentage that proves drinking occurs, even underage.
We may be doing what is perceived to be right, but maybe instead of totally ridding teenager’s rights of drinking, there should be exceptions made. What is more logical? A kid consumes alcoholic beverages at a friend's house where no parents are home. He gets into his car and drives home. Who knows what is bound to happen. In another instance, a kid drinks a couple alcoholic beverages with his parents at home, and then once he is done he simply goes to his bed and falls asleep. What happens next is nothing to worry about. Drinking won't cause a bed to flip and crash into a wall. Drinking and driving will.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
"Even Tiger Woods Needs a Driver"
ORLANDO, Fla. - Representatives of Disney's Wide World of Sports came to Valencia's west campus on May 21 and discussed the possible opportunities for volunteers. Donna Rowe, Lori Schaper and Stormy Washington, DWWS team leaders, gave a presentation on volunteering at Disney which they dubbed Sports Enthusiasts.
Sport's Enthusiasts, which started in 1994 with the Walt Disney World Marathon, are groups of people who take the time to help at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Typical activities include sweeping trash, working water stops, guiding parking traffic, and providing transportation for event goers. Although it is completely voluntary, there are the benefits to be reaped.
"Besides from being self rewarding, you can receive community service hours, admission tickets, or even a chance to strengthen your resume," said DWWS team leader, Stormy Washington.
Other rewards include T-shirts, one meal per shift, special incentives, and simple the ability to make new friends. Although these awards are instant and simple, there are others ways to benefit from volunteering.
Disney is an ever-growing business and with that comes more job opportunities. The representatives originally came to the west campus with the intention of recruiting college candidates. Some people who have volunteered eventually realized that this could be their career.
"We know that the people out there are working hard and building leadership skills for future experiences," said DWWS events manager, Donna Rowe.
Realistically, there is only one requirement to be met. As long as you are at least 15, and have a parent consent form, you are completely eligible to participate and volunteer with Disney's seven different sport's facilities. With over 4,000 people who have contributed for these causes, many of them are now a big part of Disney and they are constantly searching for more additions.
"I appreciate what the people have done for me at the water stops, so now it's my turn to give back," said DWWS team leader, Lori Schaper. Schaper has worked with Disney for over 20 years. "In plus, Mickey and his friends sometimes make appearances."
For information on registration and qualifications, visit www.disneysports.com or call(407)-938-3880.
Sport's Enthusiasts, which started in 1994 with the Walt Disney World Marathon, are groups of people who take the time to help at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Typical activities include sweeping trash, working water stops, guiding parking traffic, and providing transportation for event goers. Although it is completely voluntary, there are the benefits to be reaped.
"Besides from being self rewarding, you can receive community service hours, admission tickets, or even a chance to strengthen your resume," said DWWS team leader, Stormy Washington.
Other rewards include T-shirts, one meal per shift, special incentives, and simple the ability to make new friends. Although these awards are instant and simple, there are others ways to benefit from volunteering.
Disney is an ever-growing business and with that comes more job opportunities. The representatives originally came to the west campus with the intention of recruiting college candidates. Some people who have volunteered eventually realized that this could be their career.
"We know that the people out there are working hard and building leadership skills for future experiences," said DWWS events manager, Donna Rowe.
Realistically, there is only one requirement to be met. As long as you are at least 15, and have a parent consent form, you are completely eligible to participate and volunteer with Disney's seven different sport's facilities. With over 4,000 people who have contributed for these causes, many of them are now a big part of Disney and they are constantly searching for more additions.
"I appreciate what the people have done for me at the water stops, so now it's my turn to give back," said DWWS team leader, Lori Schaper. Schaper has worked with Disney for over 20 years. "In plus, Mickey and his friends sometimes make appearances."
For information on registration and qualifications, visit www.disneysports.com or call(407)-938-3880.
Monday, May 19, 2008
"Man flips watercraft, rides away clean"
South Florida resident, Jason Stoyer, flipped his watercraft a full 360 degrees this Saturday and rode away clean. Spectators stated Stoyer, who was riding a HydroSpace Jet Ski, approached a wake produced by another watercraft then launched, rotating his watercraft completely backward until it leveled out and he splashed his way back into riding position.
“I watched that man approach the wake with the highest level of anticipation. I had never seen anything like this before and I wasn’t going to miss it,” Daniel Goodman, said.
Stoyer, like many other riders, were not doing this for mere thrills. This was actually the first event of the IJSBA (International Jet Ski Boating Association). The IJSBA is an underrated race organization that promotes the competition of watercrafts. Stoyer, a member since the founding of this group, races freestyle and brings his infamous back flip to every event.
“Everyone thought Jet Ski racing and freestyle wouldn’t go anywhere but look at it now, we have four stroke watercrafts coming out and I just landed double barrel rolls and back flips,” professional Jet Ski racer, Jason Stoyer, said.
Stoyer, who is ranked as number one in the point standings, is often referred to as “Destroyer” because of his last name and his ability to ramp his ski fifteen feet in the air. People don’t really get to see much from these events but when they do it is of epic proportions.
“What’s great about Jet Ski racing is that when people see it, it is new and different to them. It amazes me at how much it amazes people to see men racing Jet Ski’s at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour,” Jet Ski mechanic, Marcel Malone, said.
The next stop on the tour is in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where the tension rises and the stakes become higher. After that, the racers set off on a tour of the east coast ending in the northern most part of Rochester, N.Y.
“We love competition and we love to race but overall we just love each other’s company,” Stoyer, said. “I love this sport because it’s small which means we know each other very well. It really is just an excuse for all of us to get together, have a few drinks, and go out on the water and have a good time.”
“I watched that man approach the wake with the highest level of anticipation. I had never seen anything like this before and I wasn’t going to miss it,” Daniel Goodman, said.
Stoyer, like many other riders, were not doing this for mere thrills. This was actually the first event of the IJSBA (International Jet Ski Boating Association). The IJSBA is an underrated race organization that promotes the competition of watercrafts. Stoyer, a member since the founding of this group, races freestyle and brings his infamous back flip to every event.
“Everyone thought Jet Ski racing and freestyle wouldn’t go anywhere but look at it now, we have four stroke watercrafts coming out and I just landed double barrel rolls and back flips,” professional Jet Ski racer, Jason Stoyer, said.
Stoyer, who is ranked as number one in the point standings, is often referred to as “Destroyer” because of his last name and his ability to ramp his ski fifteen feet in the air. People don’t really get to see much from these events but when they do it is of epic proportions.
“What’s great about Jet Ski racing is that when people see it, it is new and different to them. It amazes me at how much it amazes people to see men racing Jet Ski’s at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour,” Jet Ski mechanic, Marcel Malone, said.
The next stop on the tour is in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where the tension rises and the stakes become higher. After that, the racers set off on a tour of the east coast ending in the northern most part of Rochester, N.Y.
“We love competition and we love to race but overall we just love each other’s company,” Stoyer, said. “I love this sport because it’s small which means we know each other very well. It really is just an excuse for all of us to get together, have a few drinks, and go out on the water and have a good time.”
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Melodic music, charismatic creativity define artist's purpose"
Johnny Cash and Muddy Waters are dead and have left their legacy to go on. Angela Griner isn't though and fuses her country twang with her bluesy melodies to prove she deserves to take the stage like the greats before her.
"At first I thought it was just another person with a guitar complaining about something, but as soon as I heard her voice over the enchanting tune I suddenly had a different perspective," David Harris, said.
Griner took the stage on saturday at the southeast branch of the public library and played a seven-song set that had the whole crowd mesmerized. She immediately gained the crowd's attention with her welcoming attitude and openness toward the spectators.
"Her playing is phenomenal but her ability to make me laugh and smile was reason enough to stick around," Tracy Hardwicke, said.
'Someone Write Me A Love Song' and 'The Angels Cannot Sing' are fan favorites that completely silenced the crowd and provoked them to ponder over the simple desires and pleasures of life.
"My music isn't meant to just be background music, it is meant to tell a great story while being carried along with the notes that help the story come to life," Acoustic songstress, Angela Griner, Said.
Angela's set was merely flawless and left everyone roaring on their feet for her true emotion and ability to win everyone's affection.
She can be seen playing all over clubs and diners in the greater Orlando area. For more information on scheduling and discography, visit www.myspace.com/angelagriner.
"At first I thought it was just another person with a guitar complaining about something, but as soon as I heard her voice over the enchanting tune I suddenly had a different perspective," David Harris, said.
Griner took the stage on saturday at the southeast branch of the public library and played a seven-song set that had the whole crowd mesmerized. She immediately gained the crowd's attention with her welcoming attitude and openness toward the spectators.
"Her playing is phenomenal but her ability to make me laugh and smile was reason enough to stick around," Tracy Hardwicke, said.
'Someone Write Me A Love Song' and 'The Angels Cannot Sing' are fan favorites that completely silenced the crowd and provoked them to ponder over the simple desires and pleasures of life.
"My music isn't meant to just be background music, it is meant to tell a great story while being carried along with the notes that help the story come to life," Acoustic songstress, Angela Griner, Said.
Angela's set was merely flawless and left everyone roaring on their feet for her true emotion and ability to win everyone's affection.
She can be seen playing all over clubs and diners in the greater Orlando area. For more information on scheduling and discography, visit www.myspace.com/angelagriner.
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