A trip to Europe in June was an exciting adventure and a nice reward for Amy Russell’s hard work.
Russell’s aunt is a high school French teacher. She takes a group of students to Europe every year. Russell and her cousin were able to accompany her aunt on this 11 day European vacation. She supplemented the money she saved from high school graduation with wages earned by working at a pharmacy.
A 24-hour journey, including a long connecting international flight and a five-hour bus ride, brought Russell to Venice, Italy, where she rode in a gondola steered by a man in a striped shirt. Russell said that the food in Italy was terrible.
“The bread was hard, the water was warm and we ate spaghetti a lot," Russell said. "I don’t do warm beer, so I ordered wine if the water tasted too weird.”
Ice cream, or gelato, was Russell’s favorite treat on the trip. Russell loves ice cream, but she is lactose intolerant. When she discovered gelato agreed with her stomach, she ate it every day.
In Verona, Russell found that Italians have different ideas about personal space. They shoved their ways through crowds without excusing themselves, and they tried their best to take advantage of tourists.
The group only had one-and-a-half hours to see the Louvre in Paris. There was not enough time to see everything, but they saw Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa."
Outside the Louvre, Russell encountered a street vendor who sold her a strawberry crepe.
“It was so much better than one I had at an expensive restaurant that cost 10 Euro," Russell said. "This one only cost three Euro.”
Russell really wanted to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, she only got to see the lights when she was underneath the Eiffel Tower. Russell still said it was the prettiest part of the trip.
In the French Riviera, Russell’s friends wanted to see a nude beach. It was not a typical beach because it was covered in coarse pebbles.
“Most pretty people were wearing at least some clothes," Russell said. "The only person that was entirely naked was a huge, overweight woman lying down. It was disgusting."
At one French Riviera beach some of Russell’s friends jumped into the cold water. When those people emerged from the water with blue lips, Russell was glad that she did not join them.
Russell said she had a fun-filled trip that she will remember her entire life.
“We didn’t get to do everything we wanted, but we didn’t miss anything important,” Russell said.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
A Trip to New York City
A University of Tennessee student traveled to New York City during spring break in March 2006 for an eight day vacation with her boyfriend.
Kathryn Robertson and her boyfriend Brian Smith both flew into New York City on the first Saturday of spring break, staying until the following Sunday. During their visit, they toured the city and saw several different shows.
Robertson and Smith spent most of their time in Times Square, as it was the most adventurous place in the city.
“There was always something different going on, and with all the billboards, there was a lot to look at while walking around,” Robertson said.
She was also able to visit ground zero, Chinatown and a few other areas of the city.
One of the craziest parts of her trip was when she saw the naked cowboy walking in the city, singing while playing his guitar.
“It was really weird.” Robertson said. “He was this random guy that walks around in his underwear, singing a song he made up about himself.”
During her visit, Robertson and Smith attended a few shows, such as“Chicago,” “The Producers,” and a comedy club, which featured several performers featured on Comedy Central Network. They also watched a taping of the MTV show TRL, where she saw Seth Green and Kelly Slater.
At the taping of TRL, Robertson was given an American Eagle gift bag, as the network was doing its annual spring break special, containing different beach items. She was first given a boy bag due to a shortage in girl bags, but was able to exchange it for $130 store credit at one of the company’s stores.
Her least favorite part of the city was when she saw ground zero.
“It was sad to see the empty area without the towers, and the whole area surrounding it was plain, and very quiet,” Robertson commented.
Robertson said that she had a good time on her trip to New York City. When asked if she would ever return, she said, “I definitely would.”
Kathryn Robertson and her boyfriend Brian Smith both flew into New York City on the first Saturday of spring break, staying until the following Sunday. During their visit, they toured the city and saw several different shows.
Robertson and Smith spent most of their time in Times Square, as it was the most adventurous place in the city.
“There was always something different going on, and with all the billboards, there was a lot to look at while walking around,” Robertson said.
She was also able to visit ground zero, Chinatown and a few other areas of the city.
One of the craziest parts of her trip was when she saw the naked cowboy walking in the city, singing while playing his guitar.
“It was really weird.” Robertson said. “He was this random guy that walks around in his underwear, singing a song he made up about himself.”
During her visit, Robertson and Smith attended a few shows, such as“Chicago,” “The Producers,” and a comedy club, which featured several performers featured on Comedy Central Network. They also watched a taping of the MTV show TRL, where she saw Seth Green and Kelly Slater.
At the taping of TRL, Robertson was given an American Eagle gift bag, as the network was doing its annual spring break special, containing different beach items. She was first given a boy bag due to a shortage in girl bags, but was able to exchange it for $130 store credit at one of the company’s stores.
Her least favorite part of the city was when she saw ground zero.
“It was sad to see the empty area without the towers, and the whole area surrounding it was plain, and very quiet,” Robertson commented.
Robertson said that she had a good time on her trip to New York City. When asked if she would ever return, she said, “I definitely would.”
The Win
An eighth grader scored the winning goal for her soccer team in the summer of 2000 at a tournament in Biloxi,MS.
The game went into overtime. The score was tied. The next shot would have won the game. Merri Shaffer stepped up and led her team to victory! The final score was 3-2.
It was a very happy moment for Shaffer: "It was so exhilarating! They lifted me on to their shoulders and carried me away!"
This was Shaffer's first time ever playing soccer. Her team was a recreational league. She received a trophy for her accomplishment.
Merri Shaffer, 19, is currently a sophomore at The University of Tennessee majoring in journalism and electronic media. She no longer plays soccer, but she 'will always remember that winning goal.'
Questions
1.Where did this take place? Name of field?
2.How did you win?
3.How did you feel after you won?
4.What team did you play against?
5.How long have you played?
6.Do you still play? If so, who for?
7.When did this take place?
8.What was the final score?
9.Did you receive any kind of honor/ medal/ trophy...?
10.Name of your team?
11.How old are you/ where are you from/ what's your major?
The game went into overtime. The score was tied. The next shot would have won the game. Merri Shaffer stepped up and led her team to victory! The final score was 3-2.
It was a very happy moment for Shaffer: "It was so exhilarating! They lifted me on to their shoulders and carried me away!"
This was Shaffer's first time ever playing soccer. Her team was a recreational league. She received a trophy for her accomplishment.
Merri Shaffer, 19, is currently a sophomore at The University of Tennessee majoring in journalism and electronic media. She no longer plays soccer, but she 'will always remember that winning goal.'
Questions
1.Where did this take place? Name of field?
2.How did you win?
3.How did you feel after you won?
4.What team did you play against?
5.How long have you played?
6.Do you still play? If so, who for?
7.When did this take place?
8.What was the final score?
9.Did you receive any kind of honor/ medal/ trophy...?
10.Name of your team?
11.How old are you/ where are you from/ what's your major?
A Summer Wedding for Cardwell's Sister
A sophomore at the University of Tennesse was the maid of honor at her sister's wedding in Mufressboro, Tenn. last August.
Julie Cardwell's sister, Angela, was married outside in front of the Oaklands Mansion. About 200 people attended.
Julie is five years younger than her sister and even though she said it is hard to be close since they don't see each other much, she was still happy for Angela.
"I was really excited for her," Julie said. "I knew she really wanted to get married."
However, Julie's parents didn't quite feels the same way.
"They liked Chris (Angela's husband) but they didn't think they were a good match," Julie said.
Anglea and Chris were best friends in high school and then started dating in college. He proposed on a ski trip the two took.
"He had the restuarant put the ring in her desert," Julie said.
During the reception, which was held in the ballroom of the mansion, the bride wore her white wedding gown.
"Her dress was simple but elegant," Julie said.
The couple danced to a cover band named Da Boys who played old rock music Julie said.
The bride's cake was a normal wedding cake but since the groom is an avid golf player, the groom's cake was baked in the shape of a golf ball.
Chris and Angela went on their honeymoon in the Bahamas and now live in Nashville, Tenn. Angela is applying for a marketing job and Chris works in human resources.
Julie is still in school at the University of Tennessee and even though she supports her sister, don’t expect to see Julie walking down the aisle any time soon.
"I am still pretty picky and stubborn when is comes to guys," Julie said.
Julie Cardwell's sister, Angela, was married outside in front of the Oaklands Mansion. About 200 people attended.
Julie is five years younger than her sister and even though she said it is hard to be close since they don't see each other much, she was still happy for Angela.
"I was really excited for her," Julie said. "I knew she really wanted to get married."
However, Julie's parents didn't quite feels the same way.
"They liked Chris (Angela's husband) but they didn't think they were a good match," Julie said.
Anglea and Chris were best friends in high school and then started dating in college. He proposed on a ski trip the two took.
"He had the restuarant put the ring in her desert," Julie said.
During the reception, which was held in the ballroom of the mansion, the bride wore her white wedding gown.
"Her dress was simple but elegant," Julie said.
The couple danced to a cover band named Da Boys who played old rock music Julie said.
The bride's cake was a normal wedding cake but since the groom is an avid golf player, the groom's cake was baked in the shape of a golf ball.
Chris and Angela went on their honeymoon in the Bahamas and now live in Nashville, Tenn. Angela is applying for a marketing job and Chris works in human resources.
Julie is still in school at the University of Tennessee and even though she supports her sister, don’t expect to see Julie walking down the aisle any time soon.
"I am still pretty picky and stubborn when is comes to guys," Julie said.
A Vacation to Remember
Summary: Kelly Roche, a junior at the
A
"On Tuesday during my communications class I just got up and left,” Roche said. "My boyfriend was working in Vegas and staying there for free, so I figured I’d seize that opportunity. I went to
Roche and her friends attended the Buzz Bake Sale concernt, which is an annual concert event held in
"I was with my friends having an awesome time, making some sweet memories," Roche said.
“One of her favorite memories was chasing down actor Jared Leto for some close ups. Her most memorable moment from Vegas was taking a gondola ride inside the hotel while accompanied by beautifully singing gondoliers. Is "beautifully singing" a direct quote? If so, put quote marks around it; if not, it's opinion, so leave it out.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Summertown Resident Joins Knoxville Community
A Summertown resident was ecstatic to learn of her acceptance into her first choice college for the fall of 2005.
“It was kind of creepy,” McFall said. “I was at work, and I just had a feeling. I called my grandmother and told her to check the mail.”
A letter was in their mailbox addressed to McFall from the University. She anxiously opened the letter upon her return to home after work and learned of her acceptance. However, no one was around to share the excitement with her.
The other family members’ reaction to her achievement was somewhat different. Her father disliked the financial aspect of the situation. Her grandmother hated to see her granddaughter leave. And her boyfriend was disappointed about the distance that would be between them.
“It was rather depressing,” McFall said. “No one took it well.”
But today, McFall does not regret her decision. She also had applied to
She said she especially enjoys the atmosphere of the school’s location.
“My town doesn’t even have a traffic light,” McFall said. “This city isn’t quite as big as I expected, but I really like it here.”
McFall is a journalism student at the University with dreams of writing music reviews for Rolling Stone magazine. She currently is involved with the campus’ Student Government Association Volunteer Action, where she serves at a soup kitchen and assists at the local Boys and Girls Club.
Boy Loses Hearing Aid in Movie Theater
A ten year old boy lost his hearing aid at a Farragut movie theater in the summer of 1996 only to retrieve it a few days later when theater employees searched through the trash.
Michael Samarin was at a movie theater with his parents when one of his hearing aid batteries died. He could hear relatively well without them at the time, so he put the device in his pocket and did not realize until much later that it had fallen out.
The hearing aid was retrieved the next day after the theater employees cleaned up a trash spill. One of the bags busted and, while staff members dealt with the mess, they found the hearing aid. It fell out of his pocket before Samarin left the theater the day before.
“I didn’t really need them much then, so when the battery died I put it in my pocket, forgot about it, and then lied to my Mom when she asked where it was,” Samarin said.
Samarin and his mom were surprised to receive a call from the theater regarding the mechanism. They had visited the day before in search of the lost hearing aid.
A relieved Samarin recovered the hearing aid, which would have cost $1,500 to replace.
“We didn’t expect to find it, especially after the movie theater staff said our only hope was to search through endless bags of trash,” Samarin said.
Samarin said he has since avoided such incidents by being much more careful with his hearing aids. Now that he is more dependent on the aids, it is easier for him to keep track of them, he said.
Michael Samarin was at a movie theater with his parents when one of his hearing aid batteries died. He could hear relatively well without them at the time, so he put the device in his pocket and did not realize until much later that it had fallen out.
The hearing aid was retrieved the next day after the theater employees cleaned up a trash spill. One of the bags busted and, while staff members dealt with the mess, they found the hearing aid. It fell out of his pocket before Samarin left the theater the day before.
“I didn’t really need them much then, so when the battery died I put it in my pocket, forgot about it, and then lied to my Mom when she asked where it was,” Samarin said.
Samarin and his mom were surprised to receive a call from the theater regarding the mechanism. They had visited the day before in search of the lost hearing aid.
A relieved Samarin recovered the hearing aid, which would have cost $1,500 to replace.
“We didn’t expect to find it, especially after the movie theater staff said our only hope was to search through endless bags of trash,” Samarin said.
Samarin said he has since avoided such incidents by being much more careful with his hearing aids. Now that he is more dependent on the aids, it is easier for him to keep track of them, he said.
Dance Festival
Members of the UT Dance Company will be attending this year's American College Dance Festival Association over spring break at Florida State University for the Southeastern division.
ACDFA is a festival divded into regions that college dancers attend to compete, perform and take a few dance classes from some well-known choreographers. Dancers will participate in all types of dance classes along with relaxation classes and seminars.
“Some of the classes are hard, but they are so awesome and inspiring," says UT Dance Company member Lauren Cook. “It was such a good feeling to learn new things because some of the dances force you to move your body in ways you didn’t know were possible.”
The Head of the UT dance department chooses the dancers who will perform and compete during the week along with the pieces to be performed.
If dancers are competing, they will have to face the panel at the end, which lets dancers know how they did. "They openly discuss what they thought about the pieces, and they can be pretty harsh,” says Cook.
Performances continue throughout the week, and the competitions are in the first three days. The judges announce one or two winners, who will attend the national competition.
Last year Cook did not compete. She performed a modern piece and had a great experience. “It was amazing," she said. "It made me wish that I had more access to dancing, and I can’t wait to go this year.” Cook will be performing one jazz piece and one modern piece at this year’s festival.
1. When did you first participate?
2. How long?
3. Where?
4. Is it a competition?
5. Was volunteering a choice?
6. Would you rather compete?
7. What do you do to prepare?
8. How many festivals per year?
9. What is the best part?
10. What is the hardest part?
11. Did you hear about this in college?
12. Do you close friends attend?
13. What have you done in previous years?
14. What is your favorite kind of dance to do?
15. What is your favorite class?
ACDFA is a festival divded into regions that college dancers attend to compete, perform and take a few dance classes from some well-known choreographers. Dancers will participate in all types of dance classes along with relaxation classes and seminars.
“Some of the classes are hard, but they are so awesome and inspiring," says UT Dance Company member Lauren Cook. “It was such a good feeling to learn new things because some of the dances force you to move your body in ways you didn’t know were possible.”
The Head of the UT dance department chooses the dancers who will perform and compete during the week along with the pieces to be performed.
If dancers are competing, they will have to face the panel at the end, which lets dancers know how they did. "They openly discuss what they thought about the pieces, and they can be pretty harsh,” says Cook.
Performances continue throughout the week, and the competitions are in the first three days. The judges announce one or two winners, who will attend the national competition.
Last year Cook did not compete. She performed a modern piece and had a great experience. “It was amazing," she said. "It made me wish that I had more access to dancing, and I can’t wait to go this year.” Cook will be performing one jazz piece and one modern piece at this year’s festival.
1. When did you first participate?
2. How long?
3. Where?
4. Is it a competition?
5. Was volunteering a choice?
6. Would you rather compete?
7. What do you do to prepare?
8. How many festivals per year?
9. What is the best part?
10. What is the hardest part?
11. Did you hear about this in college?
12. Do you close friends attend?
13. What have you done in previous years?
14. What is your favorite kind of dance to do?
15. What is your favorite class?
Teenage Hero
A teenage girl helped save the lives of her three neighbors who were trapped inside their burning house in April 2004.
Allison Clayton and her father, Edward, smashed through their neighbors’ front window to pull the Sain family to safety from their burning home.
“We realized they were not out of the house and saw them beating on the window," Clayton said "My father and I rushed over to pry the window open, but eventually we had to just smash it through."
Clayton discovered the house was on fire when she awoke at around 3 a.m. to dogs barking.
“I looked out the window and realized the neighbors’ house was burning," Clayton said. "It was huge; the whole right side was on fire."
She woke both her parents. Her mother, Mattie, called 911 while Clayton and her father ran to see if the neighbors were safe.
“It was a terrifying experience but when something like that happens you just react to it and your emotions come later,” Clayton said.
The fire truck arrived about 10 minutes after Clayton and her father had pulled Roosevelt, Jessie and Zenovia Sain out of the burning house’s window. By that time it was too late to save the house. However, nobody suffered any serious injuries.
It was later determined that the house caught on fire when the Sain’s grandson, Roosevelt, was playing with matches and caught his bed on fire.
It was the third house on Clayton’s street to have caught on fire within the last five years. Clayton hopes it will be the last one for a long time.
“I am just grateful that everyone got out safely and I hope I never have to experience something like that again," Clayton said.
Allison Clayton and her father, Edward, smashed through their neighbors’ front window to pull the Sain family to safety from their burning home.
“We realized they were not out of the house and saw them beating on the window," Clayton said "My father and I rushed over to pry the window open, but eventually we had to just smash it through."
Clayton discovered the house was on fire when she awoke at around 3 a.m. to dogs barking.
“I looked out the window and realized the neighbors’ house was burning," Clayton said. "It was huge; the whole right side was on fire."
She woke both her parents. Her mother, Mattie, called 911 while Clayton and her father ran to see if the neighbors were safe.
“It was a terrifying experience but when something like that happens you just react to it and your emotions come later,” Clayton said.
The fire truck arrived about 10 minutes after Clayton and her father had pulled Roosevelt, Jessie and Zenovia Sain out of the burning house’s window. By that time it was too late to save the house. However, nobody suffered any serious injuries.
It was later determined that the house caught on fire when the Sain’s grandson, Roosevelt, was playing with matches and caught his bed on fire.
It was the third house on Clayton’s street to have caught on fire within the last five years. Clayton hopes it will be the last one for a long time.
“I am just grateful that everyone got out safely and I hope I never have to experience something like that again," Clayton said.
Campbell Awarded Dance All-American Title
A Brentwood High School dance team member was awarded the All-American title for dance by the National Dance Alliance in the summer of 2002.
Sophomore Jennifer Campbell was one of 20 girls, out of 50 who tried out, honored with this award.
Dancers who receive the All-American honor are said to be the most talented, graceful and poised dancers, and they are given the opportunity to travel to places such as London, Paris, Hawaii and the Rose Bowl in California to perform.
During the NDA dance camp, the staff selected dancers to try-out for the All-American title. Try-outs are on the last day of camp. The participants must learn a four eight-count dance in front of the camp. Then they must create their own two eight-counts of dance in 20 minutes and perform in groups of four for the judges.
“This was the first award I won for dance,” Campbell said. “It is the most special to me because you had to be selected to even try-out.”
The NDA camp where Campbell was awarded the All-American title was in Louisville, Ky. Campbell attended the camp with the Brentwood High School dance team. Brentwood is in Nashville, Tenn.
Campbell also received the All-Star award from the Universal Dance Association twice as a member of the Brentwood dance team.
Campbell began dancing when she was 3 years old. She said her mother introduced her to dance.
Campbell attended the DC Dance Studio and was a member of a competition dance team, Premier All-Stars. She is skilled in jazz, hip-hop and ballet. She said her favorite dance is jazz.
Campbell is still involved in dance. She is a member of the open dance team at Premier Athletics in Knoxville. Her open team competes in dance competitions, and they recently received an invitation to compete in Orlando, Fl.
“I have made my best friends through dance,” Campbell said. “I have also made several connections for the future. I hope that when I get a permanent job, dance will be a part of it.”
Sophomore Jennifer Campbell was one of 20 girls, out of 50 who tried out, honored with this award.
Dancers who receive the All-American honor are said to be the most talented, graceful and poised dancers, and they are given the opportunity to travel to places such as London, Paris, Hawaii and the Rose Bowl in California to perform.
During the NDA dance camp, the staff selected dancers to try-out for the All-American title. Try-outs are on the last day of camp. The participants must learn a four eight-count dance in front of the camp. Then they must create their own two eight-counts of dance in 20 minutes and perform in groups of four for the judges.
“This was the first award I won for dance,” Campbell said. “It is the most special to me because you had to be selected to even try-out.”
The NDA camp where Campbell was awarded the All-American title was in Louisville, Ky. Campbell attended the camp with the Brentwood High School dance team. Brentwood is in Nashville, Tenn.
Campbell also received the All-Star award from the Universal Dance Association twice as a member of the Brentwood dance team.
Campbell began dancing when she was 3 years old. She said her mother introduced her to dance.
Campbell attended the DC Dance Studio and was a member of a competition dance team, Premier All-Stars. She is skilled in jazz, hip-hop and ballet. She said her favorite dance is jazz.
Campbell is still involved in dance. She is a member of the open dance team at Premier Athletics in Knoxville. Her open team competes in dance competitions, and they recently received an invitation to compete in Orlando, Fl.
“I have made my best friends through dance,” Campbell said. “I have also made several connections for the future. I hope that when I get a permanent job, dance will be a part of it.”
U.T Student Competes for the U.S Pan-American Meet in Canada, and Won!
A University of Tennessee's star athlete competed in the United States Pan-American Meet in July, 2005, and won.
The all-star track runner Sarah Bowman competed in the 1,500- meter race, and won by more than five seconds, beating a dozen girls from six countries, one being from the United States. Only two runners from each nation competed for the title. The other American who competed was Erin Bedell, Sarah's friend who ran with her in high school. The two seniors finished in first and second place, giving Bowman the title to compete in the Pan-American Meet held in Canada.
Running in Canada was the first time Sarah has ever ran a race without her family being there to support her. However, it was not the first time she has ever competed in a major race for a title. "I competed in Italy the year before, so when I competed in Canada, I was a little better off than the other girls as far as the nerves go," Bowman said. "Although my parents' weren't there to see me run in Canada, it was kind of a good thing for me because I was going off to college anyway in the fall. I just feel it made me a more well rounded person as a whole."
Winning the U.S. Pan-American title added a little more fuel to Bowman's fire and ambition to continue running. "It was really cool to be able to represent the United States and wear the colors of our nation," she said. "I want to take running as far as it goes, and I only take it one day at a time, so only God knows how far I'll go with it."
Questions
1. When did you compete for the meet in Canada?
2. When were you notified that you were competing?
3. How did you qualify for it?
4. Have you ever been to Canada before? If not, how was the experience?
5. Who/ how many people did you compete against to win the title?
6. How many people were from the United States that competed?
7. What type of experience did you get from going to Canada and winning the title?
8. Is running something that you want to do as a career, or as a long term deal in your future?
9. What event did you compete in??
10.What was your time?
11.I won by over 5 seconds
12.What made you come to UT to run?
The all-star track runner Sarah Bowman competed in the 1,500- meter race, and won by more than five seconds, beating a dozen girls from six countries, one being from the United States. Only two runners from each nation competed for the title. The other American who competed was Erin Bedell, Sarah's friend who ran with her in high school. The two seniors finished in first and second place, giving Bowman the title to compete in the Pan-American Meet held in Canada.
Running in Canada was the first time Sarah has ever ran a race without her family being there to support her. However, it was not the first time she has ever competed in a major race for a title. "I competed in Italy the year before, so when I competed in Canada, I was a little better off than the other girls as far as the nerves go," Bowman said. "Although my parents' weren't there to see me run in Canada, it was kind of a good thing for me because I was going off to college anyway in the fall. I just feel it made me a more well rounded person as a whole."
Winning the U.S. Pan-American title added a little more fuel to Bowman's fire and ambition to continue running. "It was really cool to be able to represent the United States and wear the colors of our nation," she said. "I want to take running as far as it goes, and I only take it one day at a time, so only God knows how far I'll go with it."
Questions
1. When did you compete for the meet in Canada?
2. When were you notified that you were competing?
3. How did you qualify for it?
4. Have you ever been to Canada before? If not, how was the experience?
5. Who/ how many people did you compete against to win the title?
6. How many people were from the United States that competed?
7. What type of experience did you get from going to Canada and winning the title?
8. Is running something that you want to do as a career, or as a long term deal in your future?
9. What event did you compete in??
10.What was your time?
11.I won by over 5 seconds
12.What made you come to UT to run?
A National Disaster
A sophomore at the University of Tennessee survived a flood, along with her family, that hit Roan Mountain, Tenn. in March of 2000 that killed 3 people and was declared a national disaster.
The flood happened due to the melting of 6 feet of snow that was on top of the mountain. When the snow began to melt, it also started to rain.
The people who were most affected by the flood were the people who lived in the valley.
They lost everything and had to be evacuated to North Carolina. Those that lived on the hill got to stay because the water did not reach their houses.
Leah was scared during the flood but very thankful that her family was safe. Leah said, "We got to stay in our house. The only real damage we had was the road was washed away a little bit and some of our fences were down. The very next day after the flood we rode around checking out the damage."
Once the water retreated, people were able to start cleaning up the mess. Everyone who lived in the valley lost all of their possessions, including their homes.
A lot of people lost livestock, but some of the animals were smart enough to move to higher ground. The families that lost everything were given some money from the government to help replace things and rebuild.
The town of Roan Mountain has not experienced another flood of this caliber since then. The people who had lived in the newly declared floodplains were told to build elsewhere.
1.Where are you from?
2.About how big of a town is it?
3. So when was the flood?
4. Did the water cover all of the houses?
5. Where were you able to stay?
6. Where were you evacuated to?
7.Why was it declared a national disaster?
8. How long did it take to clean up?
9. Did you have to go to another school?
10. How old were you when it happened?
11. Were all of your things ruined?
12. Did you lose animals during the flood?
13. Did your family receive money for all of your lost possessions?
14. How did it actually happen?
15. Has there ever been a scare of another flood?
16. Were people killed?
The flood happened due to the melting of 6 feet of snow that was on top of the mountain. When the snow began to melt, it also started to rain.
The people who were most affected by the flood were the people who lived in the valley.
They lost everything and had to be evacuated to North Carolina. Those that lived on the hill got to stay because the water did not reach their houses.
Leah was scared during the flood but very thankful that her family was safe. Leah said, "We got to stay in our house. The only real damage we had was the road was washed away a little bit and some of our fences were down. The very next day after the flood we rode around checking out the damage."
Once the water retreated, people were able to start cleaning up the mess. Everyone who lived in the valley lost all of their possessions, including their homes.
A lot of people lost livestock, but some of the animals were smart enough to move to higher ground. The families that lost everything were given some money from the government to help replace things and rebuild.
The town of Roan Mountain has not experienced another flood of this caliber since then. The people who had lived in the newly declared floodplains were told to build elsewhere.
1.Where are you from?
2.About how big of a town is it?
3. So when was the flood?
4. Did the water cover all of the houses?
5. Where were you able to stay?
6. Where were you evacuated to?
7.Why was it declared a national disaster?
8. How long did it take to clean up?
9. Did you have to go to another school?
10. How old were you when it happened?
11. Were all of your things ruined?
12. Did you lose animals during the flood?
13. Did your family receive money for all of your lost possessions?
14. How did it actually happen?
15. Has there ever been a scare of another flood?
16. Were people killed?
Lifeguard Saves the Day
A Franklin, Tenn., lifeguard saved an 8-year-old boy from drowning at Cottonwood Pool in July 2003.
Kit Wilson, the on duty lifeguard, made the rescue after seeing the boy hit his head on the diving board. The boy had no serious injuries despite a cut on his head.
It was the first time that Wilson had saved someone’s life. However, he was confident in his abilities as a lifeguard.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Wilson said.
After pulling the unconscious boy to the shallow end of the pool, Wilson took proper safety measures and bystanders called for emergency medical assistance.
Following the rescue, the boy’s family often brought Wilson cookies and even posters. Wilson said the family was appreciative of his work and felt safe swimming at the pool under his watch.
“The number one rule is to prevent things from happening,” Wilson said. “You have to be the annoying lifeguard.”
Wilson has been a lifeguard since he was 15.
“I’ve always been around pools,” Wilson said.
After giving swimming lessons, becoming a lifeguard was the next logical step. Wilson said he views the role of lifeguard as a “professional babysitter” whose job is to watch for hazards.
Wilson said he hopes to become a certified lifeguard instructor in the future. A certified lifeguard instructor is responsible for teaching and certifying other lifeguards.
1. When did this happen?
2. How long have you been a lifeguard?
3. Where did this happen?
4. How could you tell someone was drowning?
5. Were you the only lifeguard?
6. Were you confident you could save the victim?
7. Who was the victim?
8. How old was the victim?
9. How did you feel afterwards?
10. What comments did you receive afterwards (from the victim or witnesses)?
11. Did you receive any award or recognition?
12. Why did you become a lifeguard?
13. What are the main rules to consider when rescuing someone?
14. Did the victim need additional medical attention afterwards?
15. What is the most difficult thing about being a lifeguard?
Kit Wilson, the on duty lifeguard, made the rescue after seeing the boy hit his head on the diving board. The boy had no serious injuries despite a cut on his head.
It was the first time that Wilson had saved someone’s life. However, he was confident in his abilities as a lifeguard.
“I wasn’t nervous at all,” Wilson said.
After pulling the unconscious boy to the shallow end of the pool, Wilson took proper safety measures and bystanders called for emergency medical assistance.
Following the rescue, the boy’s family often brought Wilson cookies and even posters. Wilson said the family was appreciative of his work and felt safe swimming at the pool under his watch.
“The number one rule is to prevent things from happening,” Wilson said. “You have to be the annoying lifeguard.”
Wilson has been a lifeguard since he was 15.
“I’ve always been around pools,” Wilson said.
After giving swimming lessons, becoming a lifeguard was the next logical step. Wilson said he views the role of lifeguard as a “professional babysitter” whose job is to watch for hazards.
Wilson said he hopes to become a certified lifeguard instructor in the future. A certified lifeguard instructor is responsible for teaching and certifying other lifeguards.
1. When did this happen?
2. How long have you been a lifeguard?
3. Where did this happen?
4. How could you tell someone was drowning?
5. Were you the only lifeguard?
6. Were you confident you could save the victim?
7. Who was the victim?
8. How old was the victim?
9. How did you feel afterwards?
10. What comments did you receive afterwards (from the victim or witnesses)?
11. Did you receive any award or recognition?
12. Why did you become a lifeguard?
13. What are the main rules to consider when rescuing someone?
14. Did the victim need additional medical attention afterwards?
15. What is the most difficult thing about being a lifeguard?
School Trip to New York
The University of Tennessee’s English 492 class sponsored a class trip for students to go to New York City Theater to see a variety of plays in December 2006.
Phil Garland, a student in English 492 took a trip to New York City Dec. 14 to see plays at the theater. The class trip consisted of 20 people from Mrs. Lisischoenbach’s class.
Garland had a new outlook on life after the trip.
“This trip made me find my way through a big place without being lost, and using public transportation also made me more interested in drama,” Garland said.
Garland said he would like one day to work in theater writing plays. He said the trip and authors like Arthor Miller inspired him.
The plays the class saw included “Shipwreck,” “Company,” “Two Trains Running” and many others. Garland said he liked all the plays, but "Company" the most.
“'Company' was the best play I saw because it was a musical and all the actors played their own instruments,” he said.
Garland said the cost of the trip was about $900 and included a place to stay and the cost of the plays.
After the plays were over in the evening, enjoyed New York's nightlife.
“The night life in New York was a lot of fun, it had nice people and everyone wanted to cut lose after the semester,” Garland said.
Although no one knew each other at the beginning of the trip, the students became friends and still keep in touch, Garland said.
1. Why did you go to New York City to see the plays?
2. Who did you go with to New York?
3. When did you did you go to New York?
4. Where in New York did you go?
5. What plays did you see?
6. How would you rate your trip on a scale of one to ten with one being the lowest and ten the highest?
7. Why did you give it that score?
8. What type of experience did this trip give you?
9. Do you want to work with theater or plays?
10. If yes then why?
11. Where did you stay in New York?
12. What was the best play that you saw?
13. What convinced you to go on this trip?
14. How long did you stay in New York City?
15. If I were to go would it be affordable with the cost of a place to stay and meals?
16. Would you recommend this trip to anyone?
17. How was the night life in New York City?
18. Did you know anyone when you signed up for the trip?
Phil Garland, a student in English 492 took a trip to New York City Dec. 14 to see plays at the theater. The class trip consisted of 20 people from Mrs. Lisischoenbach’s class.
Garland had a new outlook on life after the trip.
“This trip made me find my way through a big place without being lost, and using public transportation also made me more interested in drama,” Garland said.
Garland said he would like one day to work in theater writing plays. He said the trip and authors like Arthor Miller inspired him.
The plays the class saw included “Shipwreck,” “Company,” “Two Trains Running” and many others. Garland said he liked all the plays, but "Company" the most.
“'Company' was the best play I saw because it was a musical and all the actors played their own instruments,” he said.
Garland said the cost of the trip was about $900 and included a place to stay and the cost of the plays.
After the plays were over in the evening, enjoyed New York's nightlife.
“The night life in New York was a lot of fun, it had nice people and everyone wanted to cut lose after the semester,” Garland said.
Although no one knew each other at the beginning of the trip, the students became friends and still keep in touch, Garland said.
1. Why did you go to New York City to see the plays?
2. Who did you go with to New York?
3. When did you did you go to New York?
4. Where in New York did you go?
5. What plays did you see?
6. How would you rate your trip on a scale of one to ten with one being the lowest and ten the highest?
7. Why did you give it that score?
8. What type of experience did this trip give you?
9. Do you want to work with theater or plays?
10. If yes then why?
11. Where did you stay in New York?
12. What was the best play that you saw?
13. What convinced you to go on this trip?
14. How long did you stay in New York City?
15. If I were to go would it be affordable with the cost of a place to stay and meals?
16. Would you recommend this trip to anyone?
17. How was the night life in New York City?
18. Did you know anyone when you signed up for the trip?
Monday, February 19, 2007
Car Crash at Railroad Tracks
Three teenage girls were involved in a single-car-crash at the railroad tracks on Friday, May 20, 2002.
Sixteen-year-old Meredith Thomas, now a sophmore at the University of Tennessee, was driving herself and two friend’s home from school. All three girls only suffered minor injuries.
The windshield of the Jeep was shattered, and all three girls were covered in glass. The reporting officer was a paramedic, so none of the girls went to the hospital.
Thomas was only five miles from her home when the crash happened.
The Jeep crossed the railroad tracks at approximately, 30 mph and was thrown left. When Thomas over-corrected the wheel the vehicle flipped and rolled across the road until it stopped, landing on all four wheels.
The vehicle was partially in the ditch and partially in the road.
“It felt like a dream, like it didn’t happen” Thomas said. “When I reached for my cell phone after the car stopped rolling it wasn’t there. Everything had been thrown out the windows.”
The driver’s window of the Jeep was down and Thomas could feel the grass on her arm as the Jeep rolled. The corner of the car was dented in all the way to her face.
Experiencing the crash and seeing the damage of the vehicle gave Thomas nightmares for weeks.
Thomas did not get a ticket from the police, nor were her parents angry.
“We can buy a new car but we can’t buy a new you” her mother said after seeing the condition of the car.
Thomas had only had here license for four months. After the crash she had to purchase another car herself: a Mercury Sable. She drove the Mercury for the rest of her high school career, but with her parents help was able to buy a Ford Mustang to take to college.
1. Where was the crash?
2. How did it happen?
3. Was anyone else in the car with you?
4. Was anybody hurt?
5. Was another car damaged?
6. Did you get in trouble with your parents?
7. Did you get a ticket?
8. Did you get a new car afterwards?
9. What kind of car did you have?
10. How long had you had that car?
11. How long had you had your licenses?
12. Where there any psychological affects from the crash…i.e. nightmares, etc.?
13. Did you go to the hospital?
14. Did you cry?
15. Is that the only crash you’ve ever had?
Sixteen-year-old Meredith Thomas, now a sophmore at the University of Tennessee, was driving herself and two friend’s home from school. All three girls only suffered minor injuries.
The windshield of the Jeep was shattered, and all three girls were covered in glass. The reporting officer was a paramedic, so none of the girls went to the hospital.
Thomas was only five miles from her home when the crash happened.
The Jeep crossed the railroad tracks at approximately, 30 mph and was thrown left. When Thomas over-corrected the wheel the vehicle flipped and rolled across the road until it stopped, landing on all four wheels.
The vehicle was partially in the ditch and partially in the road.
“It felt like a dream, like it didn’t happen” Thomas said. “When I reached for my cell phone after the car stopped rolling it wasn’t there. Everything had been thrown out the windows.”
The driver’s window of the Jeep was down and Thomas could feel the grass on her arm as the Jeep rolled. The corner of the car was dented in all the way to her face.
Experiencing the crash and seeing the damage of the vehicle gave Thomas nightmares for weeks.
Thomas did not get a ticket from the police, nor were her parents angry.
“We can buy a new car but we can’t buy a new you” her mother said after seeing the condition of the car.
Thomas had only had here license for four months. After the crash she had to purchase another car herself: a Mercury Sable. She drove the Mercury for the rest of her high school career, but with her parents help was able to buy a Ford Mustang to take to college.
1. Where was the crash?
2. How did it happen?
3. Was anyone else in the car with you?
4. Was anybody hurt?
5. Was another car damaged?
6. Did you get in trouble with your parents?
7. Did you get a ticket?
8. Did you get a new car afterwards?
9. What kind of car did you have?
10. How long had you had that car?
11. How long had you had your licenses?
12. Where there any psychological affects from the crash…i.e. nightmares, etc.?
13. Did you go to the hospital?
14. Did you cry?
15. Is that the only crash you’ve ever had?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Michael's observation story
A group of three girls were raising money for the group “Opal Divas” by selling hot cocoa and donuts outside of Hodges Library Wednesday.
The three girls had a table set up outside the Volunteer Boulevard entrance of the library, complete with a sign and radio playing to attract customers. Two of the girls had on hooded jackets with a thick mane around the brim of the hood as they walked around setting up their stations.
The third girl remained seated, waiting for customers to present themselves. They each made small conversation among themselves as they waited for customers to present themselves.
No one came and bought any donuts or hot cocoa from them for a good amount of time. Exactly how much money they had raised was not known, but from observation, the business was not producing very well.
The three girls had a table set up outside the Volunteer Boulevard entrance of the library, complete with a sign and radio playing to attract customers. Two of the girls had on hooded jackets with a thick mane around the brim of the hood as they walked around setting up their stations.
The third girl remained seated, waiting for customers to present themselves. They each made small conversation among themselves as they waited for customers to present themselves.
No one came and bought any donuts or hot cocoa from them for a good amount of time. Exactly how much money they had raised was not known, but from observation, the business was not producing very well.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Tripping over Bananas (Revised)
A girl tripped today down the stairs in Presidential Courtyard. It was cold outside and she was not paying attention.
She was wearing large headphones and was listening to Gwen Stephanie so loudly that "this (stuff) is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s" was echoing through the breezeway.
When she reached the stairs that lead into the center of Presidential Court, this girl lost her balance and tripped down the afore mentioned stairs. Luckily, she regained her balance without injuring herself.
She quickly regained her composure, turned her music down and continued walking to her dorm as if nothing had happened. Passersby were glad that she did not sustain any injuries.
She was wearing large headphones and was listening to Gwen Stephanie so loudly that "this (stuff) is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s" was echoing through the breezeway.
When she reached the stairs that lead into the center of Presidential Court, this girl lost her balance and tripped down the afore mentioned stairs. Luckily, she regained her balance without injuring herself.
She quickly regained her composure, turned her music down and continued walking to her dorm as if nothing had happened. Passersby were glad that she did not sustain any injuries.
Two Girls Find UT Campus Surprisingly Small
Two girls were surprised to see the same girl walking around campus at UT twice in the same day.
Lauren and Kathryn were walking around campus today when they happened upon a girl in a mint green sweater walking from the library to Presidential Court.
The girl caught their attention because she held an awkwakrd conversation with a male passer-by. After the two girls shopped around the sweet tooth cafe, they began the trek back to the library and surprisingly, they met up with the same girl in the mint green sweater.
Lauren and Kathryn marveled at the fact that over 25,000 students attend the University of Tennessee, but they had seen the same girl twice within the same hour.
Lauren and Kathryn were walking around campus today when they happened upon a girl in a mint green sweater walking from the library to Presidential Court.
The girl caught their attention because she held an awkwakrd conversation with a male passer-by. After the two girls shopped around the sweet tooth cafe, they began the trek back to the library and surprisingly, they met up with the same girl in the mint green sweater.
Lauren and Kathryn marveled at the fact that over 25,000 students attend the University of Tennessee, but they had seen the same girl twice within the same hour.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Magic Carpet Revision
In thecommunications building this morning, a business class was conducting a team building experiment using a three magic carpets while their teacher stood in amazement.
The class was divided up into three groups of about 10, and each group had a carpet, but there was a problem. Their carpets were turned upside down, and their mission was to turn it to it's right side without anyone stepping off.
The Students were using their communcation skills and working hard to turn the carpet over. All three groups were struggling, but then someone had a bright idea.
Two of the groups decided to colaborate. it was difficult, but somehow two groups stood on one carpet while one person turned the empty carpet over. The third group saw this and scooted their way over for some help.
The teacher was amazed by how quickly they solved the problem because she said she has tried this with older people, and they have never figured out a solution. She proceeded to make a comment about young brains being quicker.
This is experiment is an axample of why different types of learning are neccessary. Perhaps our brains would work faster if all parts were exercised frequently.
The class was divided up into three groups of about 10, and each group had a carpet, but there was a problem. Their carpets were turned upside down, and their mission was to turn it to it's right side without anyone stepping off.
The Students were using their communcation skills and working hard to turn the carpet over. All three groups were struggling, but then someone had a bright idea.
Two of the groups decided to colaborate. it was difficult, but somehow two groups stood on one carpet while one person turned the empty carpet over. The third group saw this and scooted their way over for some help.
The teacher was amazed by how quickly they solved the problem because she said she has tried this with older people, and they have never figured out a solution. She proceeded to make a comment about young brains being quicker.
This is experiment is an axample of why different types of learning are neccessary. Perhaps our brains would work faster if all parts were exercised frequently.
Low Levels of Seriousness Found in UTPD
An official of the University of Tennessee Police Department was spotted in
With his notepad and pen in hand, he appeared relentless to keeping parking violators accountable for their actions. But sometimes that is just that—an appearance. He seemed to be checking cars, however, his search for violators did not amount to much. At approximately 10:25 A.M., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, a UTPD official was spotted in
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Parking Crisis at UT
University of Tennessee students took several loops around the student parking lot located across from Gibs Hall on Wednesday morning looking for available parking spaces.
One maroon truck weaved up and down the rows five times. The truck finally moved to the lower part of the parking lot. It took approximately 15 minutes before the truck successfully located a spot to park.
A black Lexus and a red Toyota came up with their own solution to the parking situation. Both cars did not spend any time searching the lot for vacant spots. Instead, the cars created their own spaces at the end of one of the full rows.
Finding parking at Tennessee seems to be quite a production. One must either spend precious time hunting out a location or risk getting a ticket by parking in an unauthorized spot.
As proven this morning, this seems to be a choice that many commuting students have to make as they hurry off to classes.
One maroon truck weaved up and down the rows five times. The truck finally moved to the lower part of the parking lot. It took approximately 15 minutes before the truck successfully located a spot to park.
A black Lexus and a red Toyota came up with their own solution to the parking situation. Both cars did not spend any time searching the lot for vacant spots. Instead, the cars created their own spaces at the end of one of the full rows.
Finding parking at Tennessee seems to be quite a production. One must either spend precious time hunting out a location or risk getting a ticket by parking in an unauthorized spot.
As proven this morning, this seems to be a choice that many commuting students have to make as they hurry off to classes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)