2014 Sochi Olympics The AFTERMATH Ed 8 / February 10

The AFTERMATH                                                           Ed 8 / February 10

2014 Sochi Olympics
Daniela Reeve
This past week, the 22nd Winter Olympic games closed in Sochi, Russia. The games began
on February 7th and lasted through the 23rd. Going into the games, there were many
fears surrounding security of the games, athletes, the athletes’ families, spectators, and
reporters as there had been multiple terrorist attacks in Russia, especially in
transportation, leading up to the games. However, just as with the games in London,
Vancouver, etc. the games proceeded with no security issues.
The opening ceremony was a showcase of Russian history and culture, from medieval
times to modern times, illustrating Russia’s image of themselves. The ceremony included
a mixture of large ornaments used overhead, a 3-D projection on the ground, fantastic
performers, and amazing ballet performances. The most remembered part of the
Opening Ceremony was the image of the large snowflake fixtures that opened into the
Olympic rings, with the failure of the right-most ring to open.
US’s own Sage Kotsenburg won the first gold in Slopestyle Snowboarding when he
performed the never-before attempted “Holy Crail”. Jamie Anderson won the gold
medal in the Women’s competition the next day. The country was shocked when 2-time
Olympic gold Medalist Shaun White took a nasty fall in his first of 2 final runs, and didn’t
make up for it in the second run, failing to medal. The US won bronze in the new Team
Figure Skating event, while Russia took the gold. The Ice Dancing duo Meryl Davis and
Charlie White took home the gold in their event after scoring the highest score in
history. In hockey, we suffered defeats to the Canadians in both the men’s quarterfinal
game and the women’s final game. The men’s team went on to lose the bronze medal
game to Finland, while the women won a silver medal.
In the end, the US placed 2nd in overall medal count with 28 and 4th in the gold medal
count with 9. Russia won 13 gold medals and 33 medals overall, winning both the gold
medal count and overall medal count.
When not talking about the competition, everybody was looking for Bob Costas, as the
NBC Olympics Primetime host was absent from his position after suffering an eye
infection. Gus Kenworthy warmed our hearts when news came out that he would be
bringing a family of stray puppies he found in Sochi back with him to the states.
The Closing Ceremony once again highlighted Russian culture as they celebrated Russian
literature greats. The Soviet state also showed their humorous side as they poked fun at
the failure of the last snowflake to open in the Opening Ceremony by having the same
happen again. The official ending of the games was marked by the blowing out of the
torch by a giant robotic form of the polar bear mascot, who also shed a tear. The hare
and the jaguar mascots were also present and helped blow out the torch by reassuring
the polar bear.

Marriage Equality in Florida?
 Leslie Newborn

 A same sex couple filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that the state of Utah’s ban on
 same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.
 Then in Utah a federal judge ruled that Utah’s ban on same sex marriage was
 unconstitutional. This lead to many gay and lesbian going and getting their marriage
 licenses. A request for an emergency stay to stop the issuing of marriage licenses was
 rejected at the state level and eventually granted by the State Supreme Court. So those
 that got their marriage license before the emergency stay granted by the Supreme Court
 were legally and for all intentions wed.
 Flash-forward a few weeks later Oklahoma did the same thing
 Flash-forward a few more weeks and now 6 same sex couples have filed a similar lawsuit
 right here in Florida. So if the pattern holds we might be close to achieving marriage
 equality right here in Florida.

Psychology
Mia Pankoski
The media’s influence can easily be blamed for our mistrust in our abilities, whether it
manifests itself as envy of an airbrushed photograph in Cosmopolitan or a feeling of
derision when we see an advertisement for a car we can’t afford. Yes, our blame is
warranted – but media’s definition is misunderstood: media is more than advertisements
and picture perfect celebrities. When was the last time you went out and bought a
magazine, anyway? The collective flow of communication and information has mutated
into the intricate structures we know as social networks. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr –
you name it, its mass media. We are less likely to compare ourselves to a Victoria’s
Secret model and more likely to compare ourselves to a lesser known girl on Twitter
that photographs better than us, and likely, has more followers. On the internet, a name
can quickly be put to a face, and a blog post can give us a window into his or her life. But
we forget that social networks cannot accurately portray any human. When we interject
ourselves everyday into these structures, we dehumanize ourselves, seeing an image,
without seeing the human on the other side; the human with thoughts, actions, fears,
hopes – and so much more. As for our contribution to our internet identities, it is fairly
common for any of us adolescents and adults alike to check our social media even before
we get out of bed. We insult our self image by living vicariously through these derealized
structures. When we are constantly waiting for updates, we no longer take the time to
introspect. We must consider, what is happening to us if we limit ourselves to 150
characters or less?

The COMIC CORNER

The FOOD REVIEW
Panera Bread
Kayleigh Bass and Christina Benaquisto

A popular spot for grabbing lunch, and dinner, among high school students is Panera. If
you’re a fan of soup, bread, salads and delicious bakery items, you’ll definitely enjoy a
meal there, and don’t worry, the prices aren’t too bad either!
You can get a bowl of soup for fewer than ten dollars, and if you want a sandwich with
your soup, get half a sandwich and half a bowl of soup for just under seven dollars.
The atmosphere is home-like, so you can grab a seat and just relax. You can even study
and do homework there. If you sign up for their reward card, you can enjoy a bakery
treat every now and again, and even a few dollars off of your meal. If you’re also getting
a little low on funds, they even hire highschoolers, which is a great help if you need a
paycheck. Overall, Panera Bread is a great place to go check out, take a few friends with
you and catch up over a steamy bowl of soup!

Steak N’ Shake
Kaleigh Bass and Christina Benaquisto

If you love great food and even better milkshakes, you should definitely try Steak n’
Shake. It’s based on an old school diner, where you can get a delicious burger and
fries, and a smooth, cold milk shake. You can sit at the bar, or you can go find a comfy
spot in the dining room, where you can either sit at a table or a booth. The prices
range from $4 to $6, so it is affordable for the average high school student.
The food is the typical diner fare, greasy and delicious, cooked right in front of you.
However, if you’re going to steak and shake, you’re obviously there for the shake.
There are many flavor shakes to chose from, including chocolate chip, cookies and
cream, and even just plain old strawberry. The shakes are freshly made and are always
creamy and delicious. So if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, or a delicious
milkshake to enjoy, then we would definitely recommend Steak n’ Shake!

The MUSIC REVIEW
The Music that has Left Everyone
Frozen
Megan Flores
Disney animations have really outdone themselves this time. One of the most recent
films released by the Disney Company, “FROZEN”, has left everyone amazed, especially
with their soundtrack. Millions of fans have found themselves singing to “Let it go” and
“For the First Time in Forever”, songs from the movie.
The tracks in the soundtrack have a unique and different sense from previous Disney
animations as the songs in the film are somewhat random. For the first time in forever, it
seems, the lyrics in the songs are not your usual rhyme scheme like in typical Disney
songs.
Olaf’s, the snowman in the film, “Snowman in summer” was also one of the greater hits
amongst the fans, combining a little humor and jazz.
“Let it go” performed by Idina Mendzel in the film, and covered by Demi Lovato for the
credits, has been the most played song of the entire soundtrack and the most sold song
by itself, although, that did not happen very often. The “FROZEN” album has been the
fourth animated film, since “The Lion King”, to reach number one on the Billboard200!
The soundtrack sold 86,000 copies purchased through the iTunes store.
The soundtrack has broken all kinds of records, and it just keeps getting better. Talk
about an eternal winter!

Amusement Adventures
Ava Buric

This time on AMUSEMENT ADVENTURES, we’re looking at another thrill ride from
Seaworld Orlando. This flight simulator is a crowd pleaser to all tourists who visit the
park. Themed in an Antarctic environment, grab your snow skis and get ready to ride
“Wild Arctic”.
QUEUE:
The queue starts outside where you can choose between two expeditions: Traveling by
helicopter or by foot. This gives riders a chance to ride the ride or just skip it to go see
the animals at the end. While in line, you are about to enter the “Franklin Exploration
Center” where you will travel to Base Station: Wild Arctic. The outside portion includes
video screens showing a documentary of Antarctica’s wildlife. The helicopter riders are
taken to a room with an information board about flight departures and more video clips.
For the helicopter simulation tour, those guests are lead to the pre-boarding chamber
with an instructional video about seatbelts and other basic ride safety tips. You are also
given some back-story on the facility, including the story of its founder, Thomas Purcell,
who wanted to have man explore the Arctic. The video proceeds to tell the audience
that there will be some rough Arctic weather during their journey. They then board the
helicopter named “White Thunder”, piloted by Captain Emerson.
RIDE:
The screen in front of the guests opens up after the doors close to show the video,
where Captain Emerson begins the trip from Franklin Exploration Center to Base
Station: Wild Arctic. The ride also turns into a somewhat zoo-expedition where the
helicopter turns into many “modes” to observe wild animals. This includes going into
“Whisper Mode” to observe a family of polar bears and “Water Mode” to look at
Narwhals in the icy, cold ocean. The helicopter resumes flying as the computer warns
that the Arctic storm is still coming as a warning indicator flashes. The Captain parks the
vehicle on a glacier to check the problem, but it starts breaking apart from the heavy
weight. The guests are now caught in a rockslide before Captain Emerson finally gets the
engine to turn on again. Unfortunately, the computer dies out resulting in having to take
a shortcut to the base station and to avoid the rough weather. White Thunder soon gets
captured in an avalanche and ice flow until Emerson escapes by traveling through a small
cavern. The jet finally lands at the station, and guests are now able to exit the vehicle and
explore the research station. This includes seeing beluga whales, polar bears, and
walruses above and under water.
RATING:
Overall, I think this ride is okay. There are much better flight simulators in the Orlando
area (such as Star Tours at Hollywood Studios or The Simpsons at Universal Studios)
but this attraction is pretty good also. The adaptation of an Arctic theme is nice, mostly
the animal exhibits, but the ride portion could use some work since it doesn’t have the
appeal of an action-adventure. I give this ride a 5/10.

The AFTERMATH STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF   CONTRIBUTORS
Leigh Barber      Madison McCarthy       Jordan Dennis
                  Christina Benaquisto   Elisabeth Jimenez
COPY EDITOR       Ava Buric              Kaleigh Bass
Morgan Campbell   Megan Flores           Mia Pankoski      Alisha Malak
Daniela Reeve