Outdoor Adventure Fitness: (Individual Post 4)

As the spring weather steadily approaches, many are eager to head outdoors for some outdoor adventure fun. Although traditionally, many workout out in gym, there are numerous other fun ways to exercise. One pf these ways is through the power of outdoor fitness. In an affort to promote healthy living through fun, adventurous programs, the Old Dominion University Recreational Sports Depertment has launch its
View Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) in a larger map'>Outdoor Adventure Program.

The Outdoor Adventure Program organizes organizes trips, events, clinics, and more with an outdoor adventure theme. Goals of the program includes to increase participants' appreciation and protection of natural resources as well as opportunities for personal exploration, growth and leadership development through their participation in outdoor activities.

Some of the upcoming Outdoor Adventure events include:

1. Wilderness Backpacking : Friday, April 3rd-Sunday,April 5th
St. Mary's Wilderness area is the largest wilderness area in Virginia and is located in the Blue RidgeMountains. This weekend of backpacking explores the elevations ranging from 1, 700 feet to 3, 400 feet and includes the drain-ages of Cellar Hollow, Spy Run, and the upper part of the Saint Mary's River. Along the Saint Mary's there are ponds of native trout, trails lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, and a lovely waterfall waiting to be discovered. Trip includes trip leaders, transportation, group camping equipment and participant backpack.

2. Mountain Backpacking: Sunday, April 12th
Pump up your tires because we're headed out for a day of mountain biking. Trip includes bikes (or bring your own), transportation, park fees, and trip leaders.

3. Shenandoah River Canoe & Camping: Friday, April 17th- Sunday, April 19th
Grab your paddle because we're headed down the river! This trip com-bines camping and canoeing on the Shenandoah River. Participants will cover over twenty miles of the river (dependent on weather), see the Shenandoah Valley from a new perspective, and set up a primitive camp along the banks of the river! Trip includes trip leaders, transportation, group camping equipment and canoes.

To learn more information regarding how you can join your fellow monarchs in the outdoor fun, visit the Recreational Sports Department located in the Student Recreation Student at 4700 Powhatan Avenue , Room 1207. Or, contact OAP Coordinator Bridget Nemeth at bnemeth@odu.edu.

Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words... (Gibbs & Warhover Post)

When looking at pictures, many become engulfed in the images that meet their eye. Whether flipping through the family photo albums or clicking through your bff's latest facebook album, pictures contain numerous meanings touching upon our heart strings and emotions. In the COMM 366 Journalism in the Digital Age we discussed Gibbs & Warhover's reading detailing visual concepts ( salience, coherence, organization and impact). Below I have posted four pictures that captured my eye. Read further and see how the visula concepts fit into these photos.


Visual Coherence:
Visual Coherence is defined as the extent to which visual elements of a composition are tied together with color, shape, image, lines of sight, theme, etc.
In this image, the images, font and color all capture the audiences attention . All of the images are connected with the meaning of the photo.


Visual Impact:
Visual impact id defined as the overall affect and appeal that a visual composition has on an audience.
This image is a great example of visual impact. At first glance the audience is taken off guard at the image of a women's breast, but at further glance one can see the image of eyeballs.


Visual Salience:
Visual Salience is defined as the importance or prominence of a visual element.
In this photo, the artist used lines to develop numerous other attention grabbing shapes.


Visual Organization:
Visual Organization is defined as the pattern arrangement that relates the elements of the visual essay in a way that makes it easier for readers/viewers to comprehend.
In this photo, the viewer is able to look at the maps and follow the arrows to an enlarged image that is highlighted on the map.

Spring Into Fitness: Student Recreation Center Edition (Individual Post 4)

As one strolls the campus of Old Dominion University, obediently following the blue and white paw trails sketched throughout the campus, one may be overwhelmed with the beating and banging of construction crews lining w. 47th St. Along with the udding trees and antsy college students are construction crews working steadily to complete one of Old Dominion Universities latest campus enhancement project, the Student Recreation Center.

During the Fall 2006 semester, the Health and Physical Education Building was demolished in an effort to make way for a new, state-of-the-art recreational facility. The 15, 000 square ft. Student Reacreation Center will include a hardwood gym, multipurpose courts, indoor swimming pool, cardio theatre, indoor running track, 2-story climbing wall, four fitness studios, three racuetball courts, a Wi-Fi and a juice bar.

According to Dr. Marbury, Director of the Recreational Sports Department, " The Student Recreation Center will be a great place for students, faculty, and staff to come and participate in the programs and services offered through the Recreational Sports Departmnet all for free in the convenience of campus."

To experience the wonders of the Student Recreation Center yourself, visit the Recreational Sports Department located at 1015 W. 47th Street to schedule a tour.

Stomping The Yard...NPHC Hop Off ( Event Coverage Post)

In "Stomp The Yard" , America was introduced to the popular art of step. Starring Chris Brown, Megan Ford and many more talented actors and actresses, the art of step was brought to mainstream hip hop culture, challenging college/university greek organizations nationwide to step up and Stomp The Yard.

In an effort to Stomp the Yard of Old Dominion University, the Notorious ODU NPHC stepped up to the challenge. On, Tuesday, February__ from 12pm-2pm in the Webb University Center House of Blue cafe,the ODU NPHC hosted their first annual NPHC Hop-Off.

With the hottest beats and freshest moves of the layest musical hits and artist, the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and the dignified men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Inc. stomped the yard competing for the title of Hop-Off winner.

Judged on the basis of creativity, dificulty, crowd participation and skill, each organization performed a 2-5 minute Hop showcasing their organization pride. First up were the lovely ladies of the Kappa Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. With 5 performers, these ladies showcsed true style and elegance.

Immediately following the AKA's were the young men of their brother fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. Hopping with excited these young men showed what happens in the "gorilla zoo" ( hop theme).

Next, were the divas of Delta Sigma Theta. Dressed in sorority colors, red, white and black, these ladies represented with fresh moves, cute costumes, and innovative performance props. Their performance was quite entertaining.

And then came the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sticking with their theme of " a college party" the Zeta's did simple but classic steps honoring the fraternity's of the NPHC and encouraging crowd participation.

Lastly were the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Performing with percission and heart, these young men wooed the crowd sneaking in a seductive performance for the ladies of the audience.

The Hop-Off was a great success. Concluding the annual event, the judges announced the winners. In first place were the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc and in second place were the ladies of Delta Sigma Thea Sorority Incorporated.

Wanna see more of the men and women of the Notorious NPHC? Attend the NPHC sponsored Stomp The Yard step showcase scheduled for March 28th at 7pm in the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Stomping The Yard...NPHC Hop Off ( Image Post)

In "Stomp The Yard" , America was introduced to the popular art of step. Starring Chris Brown, Megan Fordand many more talented actors and actresses, the art of step was brought to mainstream hip hop culture, challenging college/university greek organizations nationwide to step up and Stomp The Yard.

Starting of the Spring 2009 semester, the Notorious NPHC of Old Dominion University stepped up to the challenge. With the hottest beats of the layest musical hits and the freshest moves, the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. , Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the dignified men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. stomped the stage of the Webb University Center competing for the title of Hope-Off winner.


The lovely ladies of the Kaptivating Kappa Gamma Chapter begin their hop-off performance with nothing less than elegance and class.



Led by Soror DerShawn Jefferson, ODU dance major graduating in spring 2009, the ladies of Kappa Gamma begin their stroll with the signature "hair swing" move.



Following the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. were divastaing women of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated. These ladies showed out keeping the crowd entertained.



Showcasing their Delta pride, the ladies performed to the fresh sounds of Dream, Souljah Boy Tellum', Beyonce and many more.



Following the Delta's, were the ladies of the Rho Nu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.



Incorporating the hit song "Blame It" by T-Pain and Jamie Foxx,the Zeta's themed their performace as they they were riding to and form a ODU party.



Entertaining the crowd with their sharp, precise movements were the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated.



Appealing to the Ladies of the audience, the handsome performers serenaded the females with a seductive performance to Chris Brown hit single, " Take You Down".


The Hop-Off was a great success. Concluding the annual event, the judges announced the winners. In first place were the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc and in second place were the ladies of Delta Sigma Thea Sorority Incorporated.

Wanna see more of the men and women of the Notorious NPHC? Attend the NPHC sponsored Stomp The Yard step showcase scheduled for March 28th at 7pm in the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Shaping Up!: What ODU monarchs want to know about health (Interview Post)

With summer weather steadily approaching, Old Dominion University students are anxious to tone up that winter flab and sculpt their figure into their ideal beach bod. From dieting to exercise, many students have begun their road to sexy, summer fun;however, in search of attaining the perfectly healthy summer bod many have a few questions.

In an effort to learn what students wanted to know about shaping up, I conducted interviews with three students asking them three questions regarding their fitness aspirations. Read along for you too may find some essential tips to attaining your summer bod.

Interview # 1: Tanesha Washington, Junior, Pshycology major
A: What are your goals of attaining a fit summer bod?
T: Well... as many other students will tell you, its a great amount of pressure on to get fit for the summer. Personally, I strive to stay fi and healthy all year around ;however, I do exert a little more time and energy to shedding the holiday pounds for my beach bikini... I hope to loose about lbs., to tone up my arms and legs, and to sculpt the abs.

A2: What fitness regimen are you on to attain this figure?
T2: To attain this goal... I've begun cutting back on my snacks. I love my after dinner muffins however, I'm sure missing one or two or three will pay off in the end. Also, I'm jogging and doing a bit of weight lifting at least three times a week. I must admit it was hard at first.

A3: What advise would you give others regarding shaping up for the summer.
T3: Start early! When I first began my diet and exercise schedule it was extremely hard, but now... my body is getting use to it and I can definately see a difference. It takes sacrifice and fruits but its well worth it.

Will You Be My Valentine???????? (Response Post)

February 4, 2009

"So its February and everyone knows what that means..................VALENTINES DAY!............."
http://markmyuse.blogspot.com/

Beginning with the young and impressionable minds of kindergartners, we are taught that Valentine's day is a day of giving gifts to that special someone. Rather it be the girl in the desk beside you or the boy that "love tapped" you on the playground yesterday it is your duty to provide that person a valentine ( a gift expressing your love).

Although we have grown into adults, this tradition still sticks. Every year, men and women nationwide wish upon cupid to make it a special valentine. From pinching the last penny for that perfect gift to slaving over the hot stove for that gourmet dinner, people everywhere go crazy for valentines day! Why?

As a child, my father would always bring home a Payday for me, a Hershey for my mom and skittles for my brother. When asked why, he said because he love us. This has stuck with me well into my adulthood causing me to question why millions of people wait for that one day of the year to share their love.

In Bruce Mcivers blog entitled Valentines' Day Sucks he states, " I dont need one assigned day to spoil and shower my significant other or my object of interest with gifts, affection, compliments, candy, and other forms of appreciation...."

I absolutely agree! If you love someone, you should show them 365 days of every year. Affection and tenderness should be given at one's own merit, not because the media tells one so.

Another thing that I feel many people overlook on the Velentine's Holiday is that Valentine's Day is about shaing love with ALL of your loved ones. Many forget this and splurge on one person that may or may not be there tomorrow.

This year will mark my first Valentine's day alone and I'm just as happy as ever. Rather than focusing on not having someone to buy me flowers, candy or a card, I am choosing to make gifts and send cards to ALL of my loved ones, including friends, family and ME! For who can love me better than me:)