January, 2012

News — 1 Comment
23
Jan 12

Accident Stirs Cruise Safety Concerns

What started off as a trip at sea ended as a tragic accident. On January 13, Costa Concordia cruise ship hit underwater rocks and ran aground off the Isola del Giglio in Italy. There were 12 known fatalities and at least 20 people missing according to an article on BBC news.

This incident has left many people to wonder, exactly how safe are they at sea?

“The news of the accident has affected my opinion of the safety of cruises, said Daniela Membreno, who went on a cruise to the Bahamas last year on Celebration cruise line. “It’s made me think that being in the in middle of nowhere surrounded by nothing but water is an unsafe idea,” she added.

“I never wanted to go on a cruise in the first place and I’ve always had a fear of cruises, I don’t like big ships,” said Brandy Thurman. When asked about the Costa Concordia accident she said, “That would influence me even more to not go on a cruise; I would prefer to fly there.”

However, not everyone is worried about cruise security despite news of the accident.

“This was one accident and it doesn’t happen all the time,” said Gabriel Gil, who went on a Disney cruise last year to a private island and the Bahamas. It hasn’t affected my decision to cruise, I feel very safe while cruising,” he added.

Many people blame Francesco Schettino; the captain of the Costa Concordia, for the accident. Schettino allegedly, “ordered the turn too late” and is criticized for leaving the ship before all passengers had evacuated, he is now on house arrest, BBC News reported.

Carnival cruise lines; who owns the Costa Concordia said that they will conduct a “comprehensive audit and review” of all safety procedures, according to an article by the Montreal Gazette.

There are a few things potential cruise goers can do to make sure the cruise line they are considering is up to par with their safety standards. For example, do research on specific cruise ships to see if they have a record of any accidents.

Also, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention grades cruise ships on their sanitation. Check out their website to see which cruise ships received a satisfactory grade and which did not.

Life / Movie / News / Pop Culture — No Comments
16
Jan 12

Movie Classics in 3D: Ready or Not, Here They Come

After the success of The Lion King in 3D, Disney decided to also re-release Beauty and the Beast in 3D and did so this past weekend, Jan 13-15. The “tale as old as time” movie was the number two movie in the box office, grossing $18.5 million.

According to an article on Mashable.com, Disney plans on re-releasing Finding Nemo, Paramount is re-releasing Titanic and Fox is re-releasing Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace – all this year.

For some, nostalgia plays a role in their decision to re-watch these classics on the big screen.

“I think it is a wonderful way to revisit old favorites,” said Claudia Lora. “I’m looking forward to seeing Beauty and the Beast and sharing the experience with my nieces,” she added. “It will be like watching it for the first time, an experience I remember fondly, I know the girls will love it and I can’t wait to fall in love with it again.”

 However, not everyone will want to re-live old favorites in theaters.

“I think they’re great for people with children who haven’t seen the films yet,” said Jenny Martin. “But Disney lost the attention of young adults without families, I won’t pay ticket stub prices for a movie I own on VHS,” Martin said.

Since 3D is pricier than 2D, ticket prices might be a deciding factor for some moviegoers, while others base their decision on whether or not they think the movie merits the 3D experience.

“I would not want to see a romantic movie in 3D, I don’t want people kissing in front of my face,” said Karina Gil.

 Gil took her son to see The Lion King in 3D when it came out in theatres. “We took him to see The Lion King because it has a very positive message not necessary because it was in 3D,” said Gil. “On the other hand, for the movie Finding Nemo, I can picture the shark coming out of the screen and that would be worth watching in 3D,” she added.

Others think classics should stay in their original form.

“I think the original is way better, they are releasing these movies in 3D because it’s the new thing to do,” said Jismarie Ramos. “I’m sure when the creators of these movies made them they weren’t thinking, ‘This movie will look great in 3D,’ Ramos said. “Let’s leave 3D for the new computerized movies like Avatar.”

Whether or not these movies are 3D worthy, one thing is for sure; these re-releases are introducing classic films to a new generation of moviegoers.

 

Life — No Comments
10
Jan 12

How to Make, Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Photo credit: Guy Schmidt

Whether it’s losing weight, kicking an old habit or pledging to travel more, every New Year people set personal goals. They might write them down and talk to their family and friends about them but how many of those resolutions are actually kept?

According to an article in MSNBC.com, “Statistics show 45% of Americans make them but only 19% achieve them.”

There are many reasons why people might fail to meet their goals. They might have started the year off with the best intentions and something got in their way, or they lack the will power to follow through or maybe the problem is how they set their goals.

“I think lots of times people make unrealistic resolutions, not only for New Year’s but in general and most of the time they don’t accomplish them, speaking for myself too,” said college student Ana Costanzo.

Experts suggest making New Year’s resolutions that are realistic and specific. For example, instead of saying ‘I want to lose weight,’ decide how much weight, the timeframe and the reason behind the resolution.

“Goals are more likely to be reached if they are “smart,” meaning specific, measurable, attainable, rewarding, and time-limited,” said Simon A. Rego, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and director of psychology training at the Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y.,“ in a FOXnews.com article.

Some people find accountability to be helpful in keeping their New Year’s resolutions.

“Having a group of friends to go to the gym and make it a point to go four times a week will help me achieve my New Year’s resolution to lose fat and gain muscle,” said Sebastien Antoine, marketing manager.

Others, like graphic designer Nicole Kelly, find daily inspiration to help them reach their goal. Kelly’s New Year’s resolution is to get in shape and have a more positive outlook on life.

“I ask myself every day, why am I doing this, having something visual reminds me of my New Year’s resolutions and motivates me to keep on going,” said Kelly.

Although some New Year’s resolutions might be difficult to reach, there is good news. According to an MSNBC.com article, people that make them are ten times more likely to reach their goals.