"Twilight"

November 21, 2008 was a day that had many teenage girls and their curious mothers giddy to go to the cinema. “Twilight” the movie was released into theaters. Catherine Hardwicke directed the surprisingly uncharacteristic vampire movie. The movie is based on Stephanie Myer’s novel series that were published beginning in 2005.

“Twilight” is not your typical guts and gore vampire movie. It is a love story plain and simple.

After reading every book in Myer’s series as well as watching “Twilight” the movie, there are distinct difference in what the mind imagined from reading the books and what is actually portrayed in the movie.

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves in with her dad Chief Swan (Billy Burke) in Forks, a small rainy town in Washington. When she does, much attention is drawn to her from everyone in the little town. Attention from a blood-sucking vampire is the main focus of the movie. Bella knows that something is different about Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), but she is not sure what it is. When Edward uses his super human powers to save her life, she begins to notice just how different he really is.

The story develops with Bella and Edward as they get to know each other and Bella meets Edward’s family. Edward and the rest of the Cullen family are not your classic vampires; they don’t change into bats and sleep in coffins. The Cullens' walk around in the daytime and go to school or work just like everyone else.

Once Bella knows the secret of the “Cold Ones,” code word for vampires, she is brought into a whirlwind of fantasy. She finds herself in a predicament that will lead to the sequel based on Myer’s second book in the four book series.

This movie doesn’t do Myer’s novel any justice as there are scenes left out as well as some that are altered and even made up to make the movie “more appealing.” It is understandable there are so many details that can’t be included in the movie because of time restraints. However, “more appealing” is not justification for changing the story; it is very appealing in the book, so why change it?

The acting from the main two characters Bella and Edward is spot on. Bella is portrayed as the shy, clumsy and awkward girl trying to fit in at a new school and is perfected by Stewart. Edward is exposed as the pasty white vampire thirsting for Bella’s blood, with an excruciating pain visible on his face. Pattinson also give a believable performance as Edward.

Being a devoted fan of both the movie and the series of books, the movie was amazing, but it is obvious that uninitiated first timers to the “Twilight” realm could be confused as to why the movie was lacking in action. If you are thinking of seeing this movie for the blood and action, don’t. You will find yourself in a chick flick to the hundredth degree.

Only a few scenes in the movie have action, and even those are short and not the kind of action vampire movies usually have. There are no mass killings or stakes to the heart in this one.

Overall, the movie is just not as good as the books. However, the movie gives the reader a good mental picture to go on, even if the scenes have been altered or added. The movie leaves out many of the very intricate details that are provided by Myer in the book. This makes the movie a let down to those who have read the books.

“New Moon” is the much-anticipated sequel that is released Nov. 20, 2009. It is a must see for dedicated followers. Most people will be curious to see the new characters, that shall remain nameless so as to not ruin this movie for those yet to be “Twilighted.”

Skinny Jeans

The cliché “History always repeats itself” may be the case when dealing with a hot new trend in fashion known as skinny jeans. Skinny jeans, according to answers.com, are defined as slim-fit pants that have a snug fit through the legs and taper completely at the opening for the ankle.

According to skinnyjeans.org, skinny jeans originated in the 1950s when jeans were know as the style for youth rebellion. They were worn by some of the popular sex symbols of that era like Marlon Brando and James Dean. What is fascinating is that most women didn’t wear jeans at all during the ‘50s.

Women began to take part in the trend during the 1960s after Sandra Dee, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe wore the slim, close fitting pants.

Skinny jeans made a big statement in the 1980s. Skinnyjeans.com says that most heavy metal bands like Metallica, Slayer and Anthrax rocked the skinny jean look well into the 1990s. Skinny jeans never really went out of style throughout the decades; they just were more popular for different groups.

An online article by Lori Hayashida entitled “The Skinny Jean: A Brief History” states that by 2000 denim is everywhere, and celebrities help embrace the forgotten skinny jean look. Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie and Sienna Miller are among those who support the lost trend. Moss has been credited with reintroducing the jeans to women across the world.

Celebrities have influenced many people including Emma Cutmore a Junior Golfer from Essex, England at the University of the Cumberlands. Cutmore says that Victoria Beckham a former Spice Girl influenced her when she tried out the skinny look. “ Victoria is a big fashion icon back home,” says Cutmore.

Cutmore says that she saw Beckham wear skinny jeans and wanted to try them for herself. “They are very popular back home (England),” says Cutmore.

Skinny jeans have become the hottest trend among celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow, Lindsay Lohan, Lauren Conrad and Nicole Richie have all been sighted supporting the popular style this season.

Skinny Jeans are not just for celebrities according to fashionhippo.com.

Anyone can find skinny jeans for a reasonable price that suits each individual’s body type. Old Navy, Kohls, Pac Sun and almost any department store have a wide variety from which to choose.

There are many ways to wear skinny jeans. Wear them tucked into boots, with high heels, or flats, says Johneen Manning a writer for "Women’s Fashion."

Manning stated in her recent online article that flare legged and boot legged jeans are just too hard to tuck into boots, so the solution is skinny jeans. There is less fabric to tuck in making it much easier to get the boots zipped up.

She also says that with heels, the overall effect of the skinny jean paired with heels creates the long slimming look every woman wants. However, the hardest look to pull off is skinny jeans with flats. When pairing with flats, skinny jeans can exaggerate the hips and butt and can make even slender women look heavy, so beware.

Cutmore says the reason that she likes skinny jeans so much is the fact that you can dress them up or down. “ I think they look good with heels and tennis shoes,” she said.

Skinny Jeans are not for everyone. Alli Burton a sophomore at the University of the Cumberlands says that everywhere she looks she sees girls wearing skinny jeans. “Either you can rock them or you can’t my short stumpy legs are not a fan of the trend,” says Burton.

Now that the old cliché has proven true for fashion as well, make sure to save back your skinny jeans. Someday your children may raid your closet to find that at one point you wore the same thing that they are wearing, it just may have been 20-30 years earlier.

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes

The following four posts on my site are devoted to shoes and feet. Shoes are my favorite things to shop for. I love them in all types, especially tennis shoes. I hope that these four posts will give you some sort of insight into the fashion, history and trends of shoes along with how to take care of your feet, enjoy!

Pamper Your Sole

What you put inside your shoes is just as important as what your shoes looks like. Just like shoes, there are hundreds of products that could be considered accessories as well as items to pamper your feet.

From the type of socks to the exfoliating utensil each foot accessory is important to keep your feet in the best shape possible. Odor absorbing arch support insoles, spa foot massagers and sole smothers are just a few of the possibilities I found on earththerapeutics.net.

To keep your feet smooth and callus free try the pumice stone or the sole smother. The Pumice stone buffs the top layers of skin to get rid of the calluses and keep your feet ready to wear sandals at all times of the year.

My favorite thing to do for my feet is to get a pedicure every once in a while. A pedicure starts with soaking your feet in warm water then scrubing the soles of your feet with the pumice stone. Once your feet are soft from soaking your nails are trimmed and filed. If you like them polished that is an option as well.

Many men believe that getting a professional pedicure is not something they are allowed to do, but pedicures are for men too. In fact, some men may need it more than women.

Put your best foot forward and schedule an appointment for a pedicure today.

Rain Rain Rain Boots?

I couldn't tell you how many times this semester that I have traipsed to class in the pouring rain only to arrive with wet feet and socks. I think that it may be time for an investment in some functional but stylish rain boots.

I have seen a number of styles on students here at the University of the Cumberlands. Junior Whitney Blankenship has a pair of rain boots that she wears on those rainy dreary days. “My boots are purple and yellow with flowers on them,” says Blankeship. “I wear them so I can tuck my jeans in them so the don’t get wet”Even though rain boots have been thought of as bright yellow “wellies” in the past, times have evolved.

They don’t just come in yellow anymore. Pink, purple and polka dotted are just a few of the cute options that Target has to offer. With over 45 different colors and patterns to choose from at a very reasonable price, Target is a great place to make your investment in rain boots.

Rain boots have gone from practical foot protection to a surging fashion trend. I think I will find a pair for myself to keep my tootsie warm and dry.

NBA Players and Shoes

Some of the best NBA players to have ever played have taken their legacy to households around the world in the form of shoes. Michel Jordan and Lebron James are two of the most popular players to have their own line of shoes. Aspiring basketball players as well as others, who like them for fashion purposes, regularly purchase Jordan’s and Lebron’s.

Air Jordan’s were first designed in 1985 and came in a back and red model. There are over 25 different models of Jordan shoes each with its own design and release date. Jordan’s are made by Nike who signed Micheal Jordan to endorse the “Air Jordan” shoe for $2.5 million contract for 5 years.

Nike not only used Jordan, they also signed James with a $90 million contract for 7 years beginning in 2003. According to Jordanzone.com, Nike has released several models of the Air Zoom Lebron series of basketball shoes along with Lebron Air Force Ones and special edition shoes as well.

Jordan and James have made millions playing basketball but they have made even more by giving their name to Nike in order to endorse these shoes.

Many players in today’s game choose to only wear one type of shoes to play in. With all of the different models, styles and colors to choose from they could wear a different pair for every game.

Nike even makes basketball shoes for toddlers and women, so there is a basketball shoe for everyone, find one that is right for you. Visit Jordanzone.com for more in depth information and history of Air Jordan and Lebron shoes.

Fall Fashions for Your Feet

As the leaves begin to change colors and fall to the ground you may want to think about dusting off your boots in the back of the closet. Tis the season for boots and there are so many to choose from for the fall of 2009.

The buzz for fall seems to be over the knee boots according to Elle Fashion, you can pair them with a mini dress and an oversized satchel to get that ultimate in fashion look for a night on the town. These boots come in the basic black and brown and should be worn as a specialty item.

Another hot trend is high-heel ankle boots. These are boots that stop right at the ankle. They come in a very wide variety of colors and styles. Designers have experimented with the shapes as well as colors to give each pair its own unique flare. With all of the differnt styles there is a pair to match every outfit in your closet.

But if you’re not into the high heals, like me, Ugg boots are flat boots that come in all colors with or without fur that go well with any outfit. You can even wear them with a pair of sweats or shorts.

Try out any of these hot new trends for your feet and you will be walking on sunshine through the fall season and into winter. Visit shefinds.com for more ideas on fall fashion for you feet as well as where the best place to find them.

Annual Dare to Compare: Fitness Five Scheduled for Oct. 1

On Thursday, Oct. 1 2009, the University of the Cumberlands Health, Exercise and Sport Science Department will host a Health and Fitness Fair at 9 a.m. called “Dare to Compare: Fitness Five” in the O. Wayne Rollins Center and the James H. Taylor II track and football field.

The University of the Cumberlands Department of Health, Exercise and Sport Science and the Cumberland River Comprehensive Care Center annually co-sponsor the event.

The fitness fair is free to anyone and will include the chance to win door prizes as well as learn your fitness level.

“Our program is designed to help our campus and community learn more about their health and fitness in order to live a happier and healthier life,” said Dr. Cindi Norton, Professor and Chair of the Health, Exercise and Sport Science Department.

Junior Whitney Blankenship not only attended the Dare to Compare: Fitness Five in past years, she has also worked the event. " I really like Dare to Compare, it is fun for everybody." said Blankenship.

The Dare to Compare: Fitness Five has a number of stations each devoted to all aspects of good fitness. Some of the different booths include checks for: blood pressure, height and weight, blood glucose, cholesterol screening, body fat calculation, push-ups, sit-ups, 10-minute run/walk and many more. All of these are free to the public, just show up at the designated locations.

According to Norton, the event began in 2001 with two events each year, one in April and another in October. Around 400-500 students, faculty and senior citizens attend the program. “Everyone has a place at Fitness Five!” said Norton.

Is it Influenza or the Dreaded H1N1 Virus?

An epidemic is sweeping across college campuses, not only the University of the Cumberlands, but also at colleges nation wide. More commonly know as the flu, the influenza virus has spread to many of the students here on campus.

Some of these students have been asked to go home in fear that they may spread the virus. Sophomore Hannah Moore was diagnosed with type A influenza, and was asked to vacate the dorms and not return until Friday of this week. Moore said “ I understand that I am a hazard to the campus and my team so it is better for me to stay at home this week.”

Freshman Niclas Rigbrandt said, “I felt really sick, with fever and a sore throat but I didn’t go to the doctor. I feel much better now though” Both of these students have seen the epidemic first hand. Rigbrandt was not diagnosed with the flu, but he believes that he did have the virus.

The H1N1 virus however is a much more serious virus that also has the same basic symptoms as the regular influenza. Known as the Swine Flu, it has caused a greater disease burden for people who are under the age of 25. This age range is very common for students in college and high school. Many students in some of the larger colleges have been sent home due to this virus.

Millsap College located in Jackson, Mississippi, reported 44 cases of the swine flu, and said their numbers were growing daily. The college has yet to close, but if they have many more cases it may be the colleges' only option according to the daily updates on Millsap College’s website, on Sep. 8, 2009

The flu is most often identified with the symptoms of fever, body ache, sneezy and runny nose, cough, tiredness, vomiting, and sore throat. Every year around 36 thousand people die from flu related complications as well as 200 thousand hospitalized according to the CDC.

There are some things that can be done to prevent the spread of both of these viruses. The CDC recommends these things in order to prevent the spread of influenza. First of all it is important to wash your hands with soap and water especially if you have sneezed or coughed, avoiding sick people, and covering your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze.

Athletic trainer here at the University of the Cumberlands Brina Strebeck said, “ Lysol and hand sanitizer are your best friends.”

From Golf to God, Hole in One Every Time

By: Katie Akins

It is a Sunday afternoon and Alli Burton has just lay down on the comfortable Holliday Inn hotel bed fresh off the golf course with a noticeable red face from the suns harmful rays. Burton is the number four seed golfer on the University of the Cumberlands Women’s Golf team, but golf is not what makes this blonde haired blue-eyed girl tick. “I don’t think I could get out of bed, if it was not for my walk with Christ” says Burton.

Burton entered college with low expectation about golf, but once she established a good relationship with the Lord her golf game came around. “Once I realized that I could do all things through him and quite relying on myself he would carry me through it” Burton is an active member of a local church in Corbin called Immanuel Baptist. Burton also is the head of a small group bible study on campus, the small group meets on Thursday nights at 8 p.m.

“I didn’t become a Christian until I was a Junior in High School and I played golf since I was in 5^th grade but I didn’t know that the two could go together.” She described how her golf game would suffer from anxiety of her rebellious life. "I would not be focused when I was playing golf my mind was always somewhere else." She found out through a spiritual search that success found her, but only through her with her relationship with God. She spends each day praying for herself and her team and does her part for her teammates on and off the course.

As Burton was sitting on that old hotel bed, I could hear the excitement in her voice as she described to me her life as a college Christian athlete. She seems to have found true joy and wishes nothing but to share it with others. “At every tournament, I make a point to share the love of Jesus with the girls I’m playing with. I don’t do it because it’s an obligation or anything like that. I do it because I want everyone I come into contact with to have the same feeling I have! I want them all to know they are loved!”

With her expectations not so high Burton finished out the season playing in every tournament qualifying above many of her teammates. Her season average is at an all time low of an 89. Burton says that she has enjoyed her first season as a Lady Patriot golfer, but she has enjoyed sharing Christ with other golfers more. She is fully devoted to both golf and the Lord, and she says “I’ve never felt more content in my life”.

Luke Fitzgerald, More than a Yellow Flash

By: Katie Akins

It is a warm March afternoon and you can hear the roar of the yellow scooter Fitzgerald is riding. It looks like a giant, on a baby toy. With Fitzgerald standing six foot seven inches weighing in at 250 pounds, it is hard for him to be inconspicuous. “I ride because I enjoy it and it gives me piece of mind.” Fitzgerald says.

You may recognize Fitzgerald as the guy on the yellow scooter, but he has a very different side on the basketball court. He has proved to be one of the best players to come through The University of the Cumberlands men’s basketball program.

Fitzgerald attended one of Cumberlands big men camps during the summer before his senior year of high school and got to know a little bit about the school. When he attended the big man camp he had only been playing basketball for one year, and was four inches shorter. Patriots coach Don Butcher said “ I had no idea who he was, but after the first session, I knew he was a very good player with a nice career ahead of him.”

When Fitzgerald returned home to Cleveland and began his senior year of basketball the unimaginable happened. “ I broke my tibia, and missed six weeks of school, and only got to play six games” according to Fitzgerald. After only playing one full season of basketball, and a broken tibia, Coach Butcher decided he wanted Fitzgerald. “ I signed to play here in January of my senior year, I was still on crutches.” Says Fitzgerald.

During his freshman year at Cumberland Fitzgerald did not play, he red-shirted, and his sophomore year he was limited in play because there were other post players ahead of him. “Luke lived in the weight room and went through many quick-feet drills.” Says Butcher. Fitzgerald worked hard his freshman and sophomore to make up for the years that he missed in high school.

Fitzgerald started to make a name for himself his junior year. He was named to the Mid-South Conference all tournament team along with several player of the week honors. Fitzgerald was also named third team All American his junior season. When Fitzgerald returned to Cleveland he played in several summer league basketball teams allowing him to stay in good shape and prepare for his final season as a Patriot.

His final season as a Patriot proved to be one of many accolades. The thing that Fitzgerald remembers first about his senior season was being number one. “ It was new, something that I had never experienced I could say we were number one.” The Patriots opened their season with a number one ranking in the nation. The Patriots stayed number one for about a month during Christmas break, but after the loss on the road to Mountain State they fell in the polls.

Throughout Fitzgerald’s senior season he received once again several player of the week honors. However that was not the most exciting award he got. While attending the Mid-South Conference tournament banquet, he received one of the most coveted honors a player in the NAIA could receive. Fitzgerald was named Mid-South Conference player of the year. There are 12 conferences in the NAIA, and each one have a player of the year. Fitzgerald is one of very few to receive this honor. “ It was an honor and privilege.” He says.

Now after his final season as a Cumberland Patriot is over he is busy talking with his contacts overseas many of them being former Patriots themselves. “Luke is a player that can continue his career after college.” Says his coach Mark Vernon. Fitzgerald hopes to find a team to play professionally for, somewhere overseas. “It is a good possibility that I will play in Germany or Australia, but we will have to see”. Says Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald admits that he has enjoyed playing here at the University of the Cumberlands. Who knows maybe one day our very one Fitzgerald will be playing in the NBA making millions of dollars. Fitzgerald says “It would be nice to not have to work a day in my life, and if I can play basketball I will.”