"Cumberland Idol" Set to take Stage

Season three of “Cumberland Idol” will debut with its first elimination week on Feb. 9 at 8 p.m. in the Gatliff Chapel. With the help of two UC organizations and a hit reality show, “Cumberland Idol” allows students to showcase their singing abilities.

“[‘Idol’] is a joint effort between the Campus Activity Board and Channel 19. CAB helps with backstage set up and banners while Channel 19 develops the show’s format and production,” said Lisa Bartram, Director of Student Activities.

Although the premiere has yet to happen, preparation began behind the scenes on Jan. 26 with auditions in the recital hall of the music building.

“Our staff does a phenomenal job of preparing and executing everything that goes on behind the scenes and that shows,” said Grant Doepel, Student Station Manager for Channel 19.

Sixteen talented students have been selected to perform in the first round of competition. Each week the performers will be presented with a theme in which they must choose a song.

Contestants will be judged by four judges, Dr. Smoak, Dr. Herring, Dr. Dickman, Dr. Pilant and a special guest judge each week.

“When judging I look for stage presence and their pitch and tone. I really enjoy the entire process, especially interacting with the contestants after they sing,” said Dr. Pilant, Assistant Professor of Political Science and “Idol” judge.

Although faculty will be doing the judging, UC students will be in charge of voting and elimination. With nearly 100,000 votes during last season, “Idol” popularity is definitely growing.

“Idol is such a big hit on campus because it allows students to see a different side of their friends and because students have the final decision on who wins. Our team takes ‘Idol’ seriously while having fun and students feed off of that,” said Doepel.

At the end of the 10 week production, the contestant with the most votes from their peers will walk away with a great prize and the title of “Cumberland Idol.”

“Not only will the winner get $500 (donated by CAB) but they will also be sent to tryout for the real ‘American Idol’,” said Doepel.

For complete “Idol” access, voting, audition tapes and blogging, visit http://www.cumberlandidol.com/. “Cumberland Idol” will also be aired everyday from 11 a.m-1 p.m. and 8 p.m.-10 p.m. on UCTV-19.

Paranormal Activity

Being called the "scariest movie ever made" is an over-statement, but "Paranormal Activity" is definitely frightening and will keep you wondering what happens when you sleep.

"Paranormal Activity" is a 99 minute film that was produced by former software programmer, Oren Peli, and stars newcomers Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat.  According to wired.com, the short film was shot with an $11,000 budget in the course of seven days.

While many ghost stories keep you guessing, this film is pretty straightforward: Katie and Micah, who use their names in the film to portray a pseudo-documentary, are a young couple who have recently moved in together.  Not too long after, the couple experiences strange things happening around their home; lights turning on and off, doors slamming, pictures breaking and keys missing.

After several reoccurrences, Katie informs Micah that this is not the first time she has experienced "paranormal activity."  When she was eight, Katie was haunted by dark shadows at the end of her bed and eventually her childhood home was burned to the ground.  Ever since, this activity has been following her around.

While Katie is scared out of her wits, Micah buys a top-notch camera and "wires" their home to catch this shadowy figure.  After a psychic tells Katie and Micah that it is not a ghost they are dealing with, but rather a demon, hell breaks loose in their home and there is no running from it.

This "R" rated film that was released in theaters on November 7, 2009 was inspired by great horror flicks of the past such as "The Exorcist" and "The Blair Witch Project."  Peli does a fantastic job of keeping you at the edge of your chair with your hands covering your eyes.

"Jaws made you scared to go in the ocean, Blair Witch made you scared to go in the woods.  If I can make you scared to go in your own house, I've done my job," said Peli to wired.com

According to newspostonline.com, "Steven Spielberg recently got so scared while watching the new film "Paranormal Activity" at his California house that he put the DVD of the film in a garbage bag vowing not to let it in his house again."

The shaky and "home video" effect gives the vibe that this bone-chilling film is really happening, and with its mostly improvised script, the shrieks and shouts are natural.  Not only does the effect of home video cause this film to be believable, but the genuine feel of the setting make it seem like the movie is shot in your home.  It is very easy to forget that it is actually a movie you're watching and not home footage shot by your friends.  The chemistry between Featherston and Sloat comes alive with shots of personal moments such as cuddling and arguing and make this film more believeable.

With movies like "Paranormal Activity" hitting the big screens, horror films are taking a turn in a new direction.  While many of us do not sleep with a camera recording our bedrooms during the night, how do we know something evil or demonic isn't watching us?

After watching "Paranormal Activity" it is not a bad idea to sleep with one eye open.

Cumberlands Own 'Champion of Character'

Blonde hair, brown eyes, five feet eight inches tall. These characteristics could describe several women at University of the Cumberlands. But mission trips, honor society memberships, 500 community service hours and star volleyball player can only describe junior, Amanda Hensley.

Many may consider an athlete to be someone that possesses “great athletic ability.” The National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics considers a true athlete to be someone who is “character-driven, lives from the inside-out, has a champion mind set and is mentally tough.” For Hensley, these qualities are day-to-day life and have earned her the title of “NAIA Champion of Character.”

The five core values that make up the NAIA"Champions of Character" are: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. According to the NAIA, “the Champions of Character process is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student athletes, coaches and parents to use in modeling exemplary character traits.”

Throughout Hensley’s daily activities, she constantly balances volleyball, classes, work-study and numerous clubs. “Responsibility and organization is a requirement for me in order to be successful; and success is a top priority in my life,” Hensley said.

Hensley’s mentally tough attitude has helped her to stay strong during enduring practices and most importantly in the classroom. Well into her sophomore year, Hensley carried a cumulative GPA of 3.9 while majoring in Accounting. The Accounting program at UC is a five year program because it requires many more hours than other majors. Due to Hensley’s determination in the classroom, she plans to complete the requirements for graduation in five years and then plans to move on to graduate school.

Not only was the COC award an accomplishment for Hensley, but she was also named to the 2008-2009 Mid- South Academic All-Conference team. Hensley lives actively from the inside-out by being a strong member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Baptist Campus Ministries, IGNITE and many other organizations on campus.

“Amanda is a very well rounded individual offering her time and her heart to many different areas of our university. She embraces the five core values in her daily life on and off the court,” Kara Clemenz, UC Head Volleyball Coach, said.

Not only is Hensley a participant in on-campus activities, but also in the community. She leads small prayer groups, assists in volleyball camps and referees for local middle and high schools.

“The five core character values are a great way to establish my standards and principles so that success can be an active part of not only my life, but the lives around me,” Hensley said.

According to Clemenz, Hensley was a part of a very young volleyball team her freshman year at UC. The transition was difficult for Hensley and her teammates considering they did not have much time to learn the college game, making it one of the most difficult seasons in the school’s history. During this time, Hensley turned on her “champion mind set” and worked incredibly hard for her and her teammates.

The summer after her freshman year, Hensley chose to participate in a tri-athalon where she swam 500 meters, biked nine miles and ran for three miles, ultimately finishing fourth in her age group. She chose to enlighten her teammates with the importance of hard work and took every opportunity to challenge herself.

When it comes to sportsmanship, Hensley has proven to her teammates and opponents to be respectful, honest and responsible. She has undertaken many challenges and succeeded.

“Athletics, in itself, has taught me to have great sportsmanship, which in turn, goes along with having respect for your opponents. Don’t get me wrong, I want to win and am very competitive, but I don’t let my competitiveness get in the way of my sportsman like conduct,” Hensley said.

Hensley’s future is full of ambition and success.  “As an Accountant, I will have to continue to work very hard at being successful, but success will still be a top priority and will be achieved. I hope to influence many others by showing outstanding character values as I work on my way to owning my own accounting firm and beginning a family,” Hensley said.

According to the NAIA, “these character values help young people make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition.” Integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership are clearly visible in Hensley’s life. “I believe it [five core values] has taught me great values and morals that will consistently stay strong as I begin my life after college,” Hensley said.

By serving the greater good, Hensley was awarded the Champion of Character award in the 2008-2009 season for volleyball in the Mid-South Conference. “I believe Amanda was the perfect recipient of the Champions of Character Award in Volleyball and she more than deserved it,” Clemenz said.

Northern Kentucky!

The next four entries on my blog are all in some way related to Northern Kentucky.  I am from Northern Kentucky and very proud to discuss the culture and and history of my home town!

John, Simon and Daniel

Boone, Kenton and Campbell, the three most northern counties in Kentucky, are what make up the most of what is known as “Northern Kentucky.” Explorers like Daniel Boone, John Campbell and Simon Kenton worked and lived in Northern Kentucky and eventually these counties were named after them.

Daniel Boone, a famous hunter and explorer and also the founder of Kentucky, was born on November 2, 1734 in Pennsylvania. A few years after 1755, Boone moved his family to what would soon be known as Kentucky. According to Boone County History, “the idea of naming the county after Daniel Boone came from St. Clair Ballard, a member of the Virginia General Assembly after Boone saved his mother from the Shawnee Indians."

Unlike Boone County, Kenton County was founded in 1840 and named after Simon Kenton. Kenton was born in 1755 in Virginia. According to Kenton County History, Simon Kenton was known as “the man whose gun is never empty.” After fighting against the Shawnee Indians and saving the life of lifelong friend, Daniel Boone, the county was named after him.

John Campbell, born in Ireland, came to America as a young man and worked in Pennsylvania. Campbell was a farmer, state legislature and a drafter of the Kentucky constitution. According to Campbell County History, “the county was formed out of parts of Mason, Scott and Harrison counties, and named 'Campbell County' in his honor. Whether Campbell actually lived in Northern Kentucky is not clear, but one account says that he lived to an 'old age' in Newport.”

Although these counties have grown immensely since their time of birth, a tremendous amount of history still remains.  From antique sites such as Glockenspiel Park to new attractions such as Newport on the Levee, the culture and heritage these pioneers left behind are still lingering.

Northern Kentucky: The Southern Side of Cincinnati

Have you ever asked someone where they are from and you get the response “Northern Kentucky?” Too southern to claim Ohio and too northern to claim the rest of the state, natives of this area may consider Northern Kentucky “a state in its own.”

According to blacktable.com, there are only three urban areas in Kentucky; Lexington, Louisville and Northern Kentucky. Northern Kentucky is the phrase used by many to describe the metro area of Cincinnati that is on the south side of the Ohio River. Blacktable.com also states that “Despite the infamous "Florence Y'all" water tower, Northern Kentucky is a cultural invasion from Ohio. Northern Kentucky is so much of a de facto colony of Ohio that Cincinnati International Airport is actually across the river and in Covington, Kentucky.”

While most natives of Northern Kentucky consider it to be made up of the three northernmost counties in Kentucky (Boone, Kenton and Campbell), it also includes the counties of Gallatin, Grant, Pendleton and Bracken. Northern Kentucky’s residents include professionals, farmers, artists and educators andmay be considered to be the most diverse of the state.

According to Northern Kentucky Tourism, there are nearly 420,000 people residing in Northern Kentucky with nearly 26,000 new residents since 2003. With the rapidly growing population and diverse culture, should Northern Kentucky be a state in its own?

Top Places that call Northern Kentucky "Home"

With every area of the world comes a special delicacy, or several. There are many of these delicacies when looking at Northern Kentucky. Below are eight places that I believe one must visit when in the area:

Newport on the Levee
Consisting of several restaurants, a large-scale aquarium, movie theatre and shopping, Newport on the Levee is one of the largest attractions in NKY. According to Northern Kentucky Tourism, “NOTL is the region's number one movie theater with its first-run movies showcased in 20 theaters with tiered stadium-style and reclining seats.”

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
This 100-year-old Gothic cathedral, located in Covington, has over 80 stained glass windows and Italian-style carved gargoyles. The Cathedral still holds weekly Sunday masses and is a popular place for First Communion ceremonies.

World Peace Bell
According to Northern Kentucky Tourism, the World Peace Bell is “the largest free-swinging bell in the world.  Weighing 66,000 pounds the bell is location in Covington and was originally crafted to be rung on the first International Day of Peace in 2000.”

Greyhound Tavern
Built in 1921 and located in Ft. Mitchell, the Greyhound Tavern is known for its traditional food, such as pork chops, steaks, seafood and world famous onion rings.

Turfway Park
Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, Turfway Park, located in Florence, conducts Thoroughbred Horse racing in the Fall, Winter and Spring.

Devou Park
Devou Park is located throughout the hills overlooking Covington, Kentucky. The park offers a range of activities including theater, symphony, nature trails, golf, tennis, fishing and picnics.

Mr. Herb’s Fish Place
A down-home restaurant with a country feel, Mr. Herb’s Fish Place, located in Hebron, is known for their crab cakes, cod, salmon and blackberry cobbler.  This 1964 venture was started by Herbert Brewer, a native of Harlan County. Just one bite of Mr. Herb's famous fish and you'll be hooked!

Purple People Bridge
The former L&N Railroad Bridge is now a pedestrian walkway crossing the Ohio River from Newport, Ky.  The bridge was painted purple after a vote was taken and purple was chosen as the most popular color.  Not only can you walk across it, but you can also climb it.

NKY Volleyball

Offering almost every sport, the nearly 30 high schools in Northern Kentucky are always competitive. Being that I am a former volleyball player and current coach, volleyball is and always will be a passion of mine.

Dating back to 1895, volleyball began as a sport in a local YMCA in Holyoke, Ma. The sport took characteristics from tennis and handball that ideally created volleys.

Rapidly growing throughout the United States, volleyball is now one of the most popular sports for girls. In Northern Kentucky volleyball is just not a sport, it’s a way of life. Sometimes starting as early as elementary school, NKY volleyball players are almost “bred” to play the sport.

With competitive schools such as Notre Dame Academy who has 27 regional championships and eight state championships, the sport isn’t taken lightly. Other schools such as St. Henry, Ryle, Simon Kenton, Holy Cross and Highlands are competitive rivals for NDA.

Not only has volleyball become popular to play in high school, but also year-round. With nationally ranked “club teams” like Northern Kentucky Junior Volleyball, Cincy Classics and Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club, young volleyballers have the opportunity to play the sport they love all year long.

Annual Boswell 5K Run/Walk

The University of the Cumberlands Student Government Association will be holding their annual Boswell 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the James H. Taylor II Stadium.

Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. the day of the race and a participation fee of $15 will be charged. However, pre-registration is available before Sept. 30 and participation fees are only $10.

This will be the third year for the annual run/walk and it continues to be a success on Homecoming weekend each year. The race will begin at the stadium, wind through town and campus, down the 10th Street hill and end back at the stadium.

“Last year was a great success and we hope to continue to build upon that and hope students and the community continue to participate,” said Jacob Moak, SGA president.

The race is divided up into age groups and by gender. A first, second and third place male and female will be chosen from each age group. There will also be a first, second, and third place male and female winner overall.

For those winners in the individual age groups, a medal will be given and a trophy is awarded to overall winners. The age groups are as follows: 12-16, 17-19, 20-26, 27-30, 31-36, 37-40, 41-49 and 50+.

“This race is a lot of fun because the alumni come back and everyone is in a good mood.  This collection of people make it a great time,” said Dr. Bruce Hicks, a professor at UC and regular participant. “Even though it gets harder as I get older, I still enjoy it,” laughed Hicks.

The Alumni Association will also be holding a fun run for ages 4-12. The run will consist of one lap around the track prior to the 5K.

For those interested in participating, call 606-539-4353 or 606-539-4167 for pre-registration.

Cumberlands’ Volleyball Team Donating for Sponsorship

University of the Cumberlands volleyball players are donating $1 per month each for the sponsorship of a 5th grade child from Kenya, named Aileen.

The Tumaini Miles of Smiles Center in Kenya is a small school for orphans, widows, and poor families. According to their website, the center strives to “serve as an advocate for the underprivileged children and women in the community of Malava, Kenya; to release them from their spiritual, economical, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled people in society for the glory of God.”

The sponsorship will help Aileen with educational opportunities such as, maintaining her health, developing self-confidence, engaging in sporting programs and participating in ongoing Christian training.

“It is such an honor to have the chance to sponsor such a wonderful young girl like Aileen. It is a great way for the UC volleyball team to share our culture with Aileen and her with us,” said Kaylyn Suttles, senior co-captain. “I wish everyone got the chance to experience this, the reward is unmeasurable.”

After eight months of prayer, head volleyball coach, Kara Clemenz generated a discussion with her team about sponsoring a little girl. Amanda Walton, former UC volleyball coach, traveled to Western Kenya in the summer of 2008 to work with the children of Tumaini Miles of Smiles and was making a return trip in July 2009. Last spring, the entire team voluntarily committed to the first year of Aileen’s sponsorship.

“Knowing that Amanda was headed back to Kenya, I asked her if she knew of any girls who could use a unique sponsorship like ours and she knew the perfect girl, Aileen,” said Clemenz.

When Walton returned to Kenya in the summer, she had really great news for Aileen.

“I let her know that she had a sponsor in the U.S. that wanted to make sure she would excel in school and have clothes, shoes, and food. I told her that her sponsor was an entire volleyball team and they send their love and prayers,” Walton said. “I gave her the gifts the girls prepared including a personalized signed picture of the team, a team sweatshirt and sweatpants, and her very own team uniform.”

Walton returned to the states with a hand-written letter of thanks from Aileen that expressed gratitude on behalf of her entire family. Aileen also asked “when will the team come to visit me?” In recent conversations, Walton and Clemenz have discussed making a team trip to visit Aileen in the future.

With help of the UC volleyball team, Aileen has the hope of a bright future. “I love the idea that our team may become mentors to this young girl. It is my hope that as players graduate from this program that they will become sponsors of other children,” said Clemenz.

For those interested in sponsoring a child at Tumaini, visit the following website: http://www.tumainimilesofsmiles.org/. Information on serving on a short term trip to Tumaini, can be found at the following website: http://www.sportsmissions.com/.