Growing... We Do It Everyday

On the first day of this class, I had no idea what I was in store for. One thing I did know though, was that this teacher was funny, down to earth and it definitely seemed like this class was going to be a lot of fun.

Writing has always been a hobby of mine. I'm a singer and a song writer, so I have a little bit of a back ground with poetry. In this class I was required to broaden my horizons, and explore all new different types of writing. From broadcasting, public relations, all the way down to writing gossip columns and robbery articles.

I can honestly say I feel a little more knowledgeable and stronger as a writer. It never struck me how much work and effort is put into articles and stories, and how different of a guideline each of them abide by. It's incredible.

I'm very thankful for the experience I recieved in this summer course, and the amount of education I recieved about writing in what feels like such little time. It's knowledge and techniques that I will continue to use for as long as I continue my path in this field, as well in daily life where ever I may go.

Thank you for this opportunity Mr. Eaton! (:

Budweiser Clydesdale's on display at Cedar Point amusement park!

SANDUSKY (June 12, 2009) /PRNews wire/ – The Budweiser Clydesdale horses will be visiting Cedar Point amusement park along with pro quarter back Brady Quinn. Both parties are expected to be the highlight of the weekend's activities. These horses will be the main event in the parks parade at 2:00 p.m.. The Clydesdale's are expected to be pulling a vintage wagon which has been meticulously restored and kept in excellent shape, weighing 130 lbs. These magnificent horses will also be on display at the Wicked Twister from 1:30-2:00 and from 2:30-3:00.

To be selected for a Clydesdale, there are a set of highly enforced requirements the breed must meet. The horse must be six feet tall at the shoulder, weigh between 1800 and 2300 lbs as well as good physical features. The average Clydesdale horse consumes as much as 20-25 quarts of horse feed per day, 50-60 lbs of hay and 30 gallons of water.

There are five teams of Clydesdale horses in the country and one of them will be at the park. There are eight horses per team, as well as two back up horses. These teams travel to three-hundred cities per year having millions of spectators.

These unique horses were originally given to August Busch Sr. in 1933 as a present from his son, to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Busch's Clydesdale's now serve as the mascot for Budweiser and frequently make special appearances around the United States. The Budweiser Clydesdale's travel at least 10 months out of the year to places including all branches of the Busch Gardens theme park, holiday parades, and nationally recognized festivals, and will continue to gain recognition for as long as it is humanly possible.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paige Garrity/ Grace Walsh

352.209.7261

Flagler College Communications

pgarrity@flagler.edu

gwalsh@flagler.edu

ROBBERY AT THE VILLAGE PAWN SHOP ON MAIN STREET

MILES STANDISH OF MIDDLEVILLE AND JOHN ALDEN OF SMALLTOWN, ARE UNDER ARREST FOR ROBBING THE VILLAGE PAWN SHOP ON MAIN STREET AT APPROXIMATELY TEN-FIFTEEN YESTERDAY MORNING. A GUN WAS DISPLAYED BY ONE OF THE MEN AND TWO EMPLOYEES WERE ORDERED TO PLACE ALL THE CASH INTO A DUFFLE BAG ALONG WITH A SELECTION OF JEWLERY. THE POLICE ARE SAYING NOONE WAS IN THE STORE AT THE TIME. SOON AFTER, AN EMPLOYEE REPORTED A DESCRIPTION OF THE MEN’S VEHICLE. AT ELEVEN O’CLOCK THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND ALONG WITH THE TWO SUSPECTS. THE MEN ARE NOW FACING A VARIETY OF CHARGES. -30-

HERON BANK, OF LYONS, ENTERS $8.4 BILLION DOLLAR AGREEMENT

HERON BANK JOINS FORCES WITH MIDDLEVILLE SAVINGS BANK, INC. IN AN DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE THE MIDDLEVILLE SAVINGS BANK, INC. PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MARY GONZALEZ OF HERON BANK SAYS THEY ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY THE ACQUSITION AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING MIDDLEVILLE. -30-

SALT CREEK BRIDGE RECEIVES TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT FOR STABILIZATION REPAIR

SALT CREEK BRIDGE ON OLD ROUTE 9 IS RECEIVING A TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT FOR REPAIRS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.  COUNTY ENGINEER SQUIRE WHIPPLE SAYS THE FUNDING IS COMING FROM THE STATE'S TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUND.  THE GRANT IS COVERING THE COST TO STABILIZE THE BRIDGE. -30-  

Object to Sexts

        In today's teen society, it isn't about who's wearing the latest fashion , it's about who's taking more off.     Sexting, the phrase for sending nude or seminude pictures via text message, is becoming more common by the hour.  Teens around the globe are sending racy pictures via text, and it continues to gain negative recognition.

• 1 in 5 teens have sexted
• Sexting can lead to embarrassment, rape, murder, and possible suicide
• If you are under 18 or are sexting somone under 18, legal consequences will be given
• Possibilities include becoming a registered sex offender, FOR LIFE.

    There is nothing fun about sexting.  Parents, talk to your children about the text messages they are sending, make them aware.

For more information on sexting as well as real life stories on ones who have sexted,  click here.

The best of both worlds

    Growing up in a city where thousands of people walk the same side walk each and everyday, it is hard to find a place in which you feel secure, and people you can trust and find comfort within.  Fortunately, it came very natural to trust and find comfort with none other than Yvan Kelly, the assistant dean of academic affairs at the quaint institution Flagler College, in Saint Augustine, Florida, who was in a green windbreaker, and gray slacks, eager to proceed with our interview.

 

            West Point, New York, was where Yvan Kelly’s journey began.  Starting off his military career as an army chaplin, Kelly knew that was now where he for saw his future taking place.  Later, Yvan Kelly became a tank commander.  What made him switch his position in the military? “I don’t know, it just wasn’t my thing,” said Kelly.  Years later, Kelly came to the conclusion that the military, just wasn’t for him. 

 

            Yvan Kelly continued his education at University of Central Florida, in Orlando, earning degrees in both business and education.  “My goal was to become a high school coach.” Said Kelly. Little did he know, life had bigger, better things in store for Mr. Kelly.  A friend had landed him a job coaching at a college in California.. Kelly has also scouted talent for the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics for 14 years.  After time in California, Kelly enrolled at Auburn University, and earned his masters in economics. 

           

            After graduating Auburn University, his journey at Flagler College began. For 18 years, Kelly was the associate professor of economics and chair of the business administration department. Due to such experience, Kelly brings personal knowledge of the college’s students and faculty to Flagler College.  Yvan Kelly played a huge role in developing the economics cirriculum at Flagler College as well as starting the economics major, for student.  Kelly also was a helping hand with Cigma Beta Delta, an honor society for business majors.  For the past two years, Yvan Kelly has exceeded the expectations of higher staff at Flagler.  What are his hopes for the future?

 
“ My hopes and goals in which I will succeed, is to continue to improve, not necessarily grow population wise, but grow as a small college.  Possibly create smaller classroom sizes so our students and professors can have more of a personal relationship.  Flagler College is most widely known as a small institution of great education as well as great student/professor relationships, and we want to continue to excel in that department.” Said Kelly.  “As far as personal goals, I just want to continue to help the college in any way I can, I’m committed to make Flagler number one and I will do what I can so Flagler College stays on top.  I am willing to do whatever it takes for our school to remain as respected as we are.  If I were ever asked to teach again and resign my position as the assistant dean of academic affairs, I would do so in a heartbeat.  Doing what I can to improve our college is the only thing that matters.” Said Yvan Kelly, on his academic, as well as personal goals for the future.

         Gaining comfort ability with Mr. Kelly, I wanted to know more about his interests, hobbies, and personal life. I, myself have an incredible passion for music.  Little did I know, he pursues music outside of the closed doors of Flagler College.  Allie Kelly, 11, is daughter of Yvan Kelly who is trying to break into the business as either an actor or singer, having strong abilities for both.  Kelly’s wife is a music teacher at a nearby school, which is an excellent stepping-stone in helping this musical family, and helping little Allie break into the business.  Together these three musketeers are conquering any competition that comes their way.  The Kelly's travel to both local and state wide talent shows so Allie Kelly can become the next Miley Cyrus.  Kelly says that Cyrus is a huge idol to his daughter.  Yvan Kelly is a God on the guitar, as well as a producer for his little daughter Allie.  How cool is that?

         Kelly and I spent about an hour or so, exchanging contacts, MySpace music pages, and stories about performances, recording bloopers and auditions.  Who would have ever thought that the man behind one of the most power desks of Flagler College, was a rock star outside of these historic walls?  

The Next Big Thing

What makes a celebrity a star ? Well, it is that star quality that someone must have. Today, I am going to present to you the inside scoop on what it's like to be behind the scenes of finding the next big thing, and how good it feels to have such an accomplishment under your belt.  Scott from Vision Sound Records will talk to us, and give us live feedback on what it was like to find the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Who would've know that one of today's hottest punk rock bands would come out of Jacksonville, Florida?  Well,  I will provide an interview that only someone who comes from this background, can provide the public with this one of a kind information. Stay tuned!

Queen of Pop gets mauled at Flagler College

May 7, 2009. 5:00 a.m.

Pop sensation, Britney Spears was found wounded, on the ground bleeding outside Lewis Hall, the male dorms for the prestigious, private institution Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Spears was spotted at the scene of the accident by Flagler College security guard Hector Gonzalez, and there appeared to be bite marks on
her foot. Within seconds of reaching Spears, Gonzalez saw the tail of a rather large reptile, disappear into the bushes outside of Lewis Hall. "Omg, omg, an alligator bit my foot!" Said Spears once in the hands of Hector Gonzalez.

At approximately 5:10 a.m., Gonzalez called 911, to better assist Miss Spears and her condition. Around 5:30 a.m., the ambulance arrived at the scene and assisted the world wide superstar. Paramedics treated Spears for the minor bite wounds that covered her size 7 right foot, and she was released.

It was stated that Britney Spears had been visiting a friend in Saint Augustine for the past few days. "I'm so glad she's okay." Said male friend Jake Thomas, whom she was visiting in Lewis Hall just minutes before. Officer Bubba O'Connor of the Saint Augustine Police Department then escorted Spears and Thomas to her vehicle, to avoid paparazzi, news reporters and die hard fans.

"All I remember was hearing a cry for help near Lewis Hall. Never in a million years would I have expected it to be Britney Spears!" Said Gonzalez. Gonzalez later said that Spears addressed him as "Sir" and was very respectful. "It was the most shocking experience of my life. Finding Britney Spears near a bush outside of Lewis Hall! My children are never going to believe me, ever!"


Spears at the scene of the accident. With Tink, her 10 month old teacup Yorkie.

A Girl With A Dream & A Knack For Writing..

To me, writing is a way of life.  It allows one to not only get their feelings out... but it allows one to share their words of wisdom with the rest of the world.  I feel as though I hold a strong passion & ability for writing, & I wouldn't mind showing the world the beautiful art in which I have created with life's words.  

It all began when I was six years old, when I heard Britney Spears on the radio.  I knew that one day I wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry doing just what she did... sharing her talents that she was blessed with, with the rest of the world.  From that day on I pursued an active career in dancing & singing.   Though I was still too young to receive much media attention, I sure did catch the eye of many local citizens in my hometown of Inverness, Florida.

It wasn't until I was just shy of thirteen years old, that my parents had driven me to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where Simon Fuller was holding auditions for American Juniors, the American Idol spinoff for pre-teens.  In an auditorium full of talented pre-teens and competitive parents, there I stood a little twelve year old girl with a big, big dream of becoming the next big thing.  Number 302 was my artist identity at this audition, and was also a sticker that completely unflattered my white shirt & blue plaid capris.  Twelve o'clock on a Thursday afternoon... it was my turn to shine bright in the spot light.  I performed 60 seconds of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and left the audience, as well as the judges, in complete awe.  

Unfortunately, I was unable to move to the second round of auditions, but it didn't stop there.  Three months down the road, as my freshman year of high school was creeping near, I performed at a talent show in Orlando, Florida.  It was then that I met exactly who I've always dreamt of meeting... Scott Campbell who was a CEO of BDO Records & was also, a execeutive producer for Miss Britney Spears!  Scott Campbell enlightened me with words of wisdom as well as complimenting me on my talent of singing & dancing.

As time flew by, I was working with top notch producers, while creating an image for myself.  I performed at many venues singing cover songs, which are songs performed by other artists.  Wondering why I have yet to get really noticed, it dawned on me that maybe it's because I'm not performing self-written music.  My mother always told me I had a knack for writing, but it never once occurred to me that I could use that third talent for writing music! And that was when the biggest, brightest chapter in my life began...

At sixteen, I had completed my first self-written pop/dance song with producers Eric Dively & J'Man of Heartbeat Records, which gained worldwide attention from both record labels & fans in just a matter of weeks, thanks to MySpace!  By the age of seventeen, I myself had written over a dozen of songs, and have worked in the studio with many of today's best engineers, producers, and CEO's.  

As of 2009, I have written over 28 songs, and gained outstanding recognition from people all over the world, all because of a hidden talent... which was also a blessing in disguise.  I now work with Vision Sound Records & we are in the process of producing my first self-written & self-recorded EP/CD, in which  I plan to promote to many highly recognized labels this upcoming fall.  Finally! It's my chance to shine.  A girl with a dream & a knack for writing...who would've thought..?