<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss" xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#" > <channel> <title>Shea Hormuth – The Bottom Line News</title> <atom:link href="https://thebottomlinenews.com/author/sahormuth0/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:01:13 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://thebottomlinenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cropped-YouTube-32x32.jpg</url> <title>Shea Hormuth – The Bottom Line News</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">63653716</site> <item> <title>Student Online Freshman Initiative Program Wins Award</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/student-online-freshman-initiative-program-wins-award/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2014 15:45:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Campus News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=2697</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Student Online Freshman Initiative Program, or SOFI, at Frostburg State University was recently recognized at the National University Technology Network Conference in September. The National University Technology Network is a self-described “networking and professional development organization for innovative leaders in the advancement of distance learning.” The SOFI program was]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Student Online Freshman Initiative Program, or SOFI, at Frostburg State University was recently recognized at the National University Technology Network Conference in September. The National University Technology Network is a self-described “networking and professional development organization for innovative leaders in the advancement of distance learning.” The SOFI program was the recipient of the Open Division Award. This is an award that highlights and celebrates the development of an innovative program which contributed to the field of distance education. The award was given based on the following criteria: effectiveness of response to need of students, possibility of boarder application, cost effectiveness, the rates of student and faculty satisfaction with the program, and the use of new technology or older technology in a new way. Stacey Utley-Bernhardt is the coordinator of the SOFI program at Frostburg State University. She attended the NUTN Conference, held in San Antonio, Texas, from September 22-24 2014 to accept the award. Regarding the conference, Utley-Bernhardt remarked, “The conference was very valuable because it helped me to think about how we market our online experience here at Frostburg…It was great for me to go and share SOFI with other people who are as excited about online learning as we at Frostburg State University are.”</p> <p>The Summer Online Freshman Initiative program allows incoming freshman the opportunity to take popular introductory course online during the summer before the fall semester. This usually occurs during the second summer session offered by Frostburg State University, which was from July 7, 2014- August 14, 2014, this past summer. The online courses are offered through the platform of Blackboard. This program is used by many FSU’s professors during the fall and spring semesters and this allows for students to familiarize with the program before the fall semester. Also, the SOFI program grants students the possibility for extra flexibility in the schedule. This could help a student who wishes to complete an internship, study aboard, add a minor, or complete a second major to ensure all General Education Program requirements are met. This is also an option for students who might want to graduate earlier, or those who just want to guarantee on time graduation. The SOFI program only offers programs required by the GEP, but ranges across many fields of study. The courses offered include COSC 100, DVMT 095, GEOG 104, GEOG 114, IDIS 150, MATH 104, MUSC 110, POSC 110, POSC 113, PSYC 150, and SOCI 100. Students are limited to taking 3 credit hours in the SOFI program. The cost for an in-state SOFI student taking a 3 credit hour class is approximately $795. This cost is added on to the student’s fall bill.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2697</post-id> </item> <item> <title>President Gibralter’s Opinions on Student Debt Published in the Baltimore Sun</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/president-gibralters-opinions-on-student-debt-published-in-the-baltimore-sun/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2014 22:58:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=2261</guid> <description><![CDATA[Frostburg State University president Dr. Jonathan Gibralter had an opinion editorial, or op-ed, published in the Baltimore Sun on Friday, October 24, 2014. In this article, entitled “Reducing student debt requires national commitment”, Gibraltar commented on the need for institutions, state policy makers, federal policy makers, and students and their]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frostburg State University president Dr. Jonathan Gibralter had an opinion editorial, or op-ed, published in the <i>Baltimore Sun</i> on Friday, October 24, 2014. In this article, entitled “Reducing student debt requires national commitment”, Gibraltar commented on the need for institutions, state policy makers, federal policy makers, and students and their families to make a commitment to find solutions to college affordability and student loan debt. The struggle of compensating for the cost of a college education is an idea that many students more than familiar with. However, President Gibralter was able to put these struggles into concrete terms, reporting in his article that 70% percent of students are taking out loans for college education. </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gibralter then went on to address how to deal with this problem. He seemed to point to the government, particularly individuals who are members of the General Assembly in Annapolis, Maryland and individuals who are members of Congress in Washington, D.C., as those responsible for finding solutions. Gibralter views the solutions, however, as ones that are “pretty straightforward but terribly sexy.” One solution is to increase the budget for scholarships and grants at both the state and national level. This will not happen without a strong willingness from students and their families to influence the legislatures. This means students and their families should consider contacting legislatures to express need for financial aid reform. An individual can try to meet his or her representative in person, call his or her representative on the telephone, or send his or her representative a letter. However, an easier way for students and their families to influence legislatures is by voting. If more young people were engaged and participated in the democratic process, the democratic output of public policy would better reflect the interests of a younger demographic. This means if students do the research and determine which candidates are sympathetic to youth specific issues, such as college education costs and student loan availability and affordability, and proceed to actually go to the polls and vote, they can expect more legislation to be passed on these youth specific issues. </span></span></p> <p><a name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the article, Gibralter talks about how Frostburg State University works to keep college costs low for students. He cites the Associate Degree Scholars Award for transfer students and the Allegany County Opportunity Scholarship for local residents as two mechanisms which help relieve financial burden on students. However, when asked his opinion on student loans, FSU sophomore Richard Ukonu called loans “the new chains of slavery.” Elizabeth Morfafa, also a sophomore at FSU, said, “College is a cycle. You go to school to get a nice paying job, but then all the money you make at your job goes towards paying off student debts.” Ukonu suggested living off campus as a way to owe less money to the university and therefore lower student loans. Ukonu also stated, “You go to school where you can afford. It’s not necessarily where you want to go, but it makes more sense.” </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Read Gibralter’s article here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-tuition-affordability-20141023-story.html</span></span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">2261</post-id> </item> <item> <title>University of Virginia Student Missing, Suspect Charged with Felony Abduction</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/university-of-virginia-student-missing-suspect-charged-with-felony-abduction-2/</link> <comments>https://thebottomlinenews.com/university-of-virginia-student-missing-suspect-charged-with-felony-abduction-2/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:23:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[National & International News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=1833</guid> <description><![CDATA[No one yet knows what happened to missing University of Virginia sophomore, Hannah Graham, 18. She was last seen early Saturday, September 13, 2014. Previously on Friday evening she went to dinner with some friends and then attended two off campus college parties. She left the second party alone. Soon]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>No one yet knows what happened to missing University of Virginia sophomore, Hannah Graham, 18. She was last seen early Saturday, September 13, 2014.</p> <p>Previously on Friday evening she went to dinner with some friends and then attended two off campus college parties. She left the second party alone. Soon after Graham sent a friend a text saying she was lost. There are surveillance videos showing Graham walking and then running, although no one is seen chasing her in the videos. Graham is then thought to have been in an area called the Downtown Mall, a well-developed commercial area of restaurants and bars. At some point she went into a bar with a man. The police believe this man to be Jesse Leroy Matthew, Jr., 32. The police also believe Matthew to be the last person to have seen Graham before she disappeared.</p> <p>Wait staff at the bar said Matthew did order drinks and Graham was most likely under the influence of alcohol throughout the night. Police in this case have now identified Matthew as a main suspect. Matthew went to the police station on Saturday, but was soon after provided with an attorney and did not provide the police with any information regarding Graham. Later while Matthew was under police surveillance, Matthew sped away. Police then put out two arrest warrants for charges of reckless driving. They also released a wanted poster with Matthew’s picture and a statement at the bottom saying the authorities would like to speak to Matthew regarding Graham’s disappearance. The police have since searched Matthew’s car once and his apartment twice. On Tuesday, September 23, 2014, Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo announced Matthew has been charged with felony abduction with intent to defile Graham.</p> <p>Graham is one of five young women, all between the ages of 17-20, to have gone missing from the Charlottesville area in the last five years. Graham and three other girls are still missing. Morgan Harrington, who went missing from a Metallica concert held on the University of Virginia in October 2009, was found dead three months later.</p> <p>The disappearance of Graham not only has an impact directly on the University of Virginia campus, but on all college campuses throughout the country. College age individuals must realize the importance of safety. Students should be aware of all possible dangers, including the possibility of abduction. Before going out, let a friend know where you will be going and who you will be going with. Before leaving a party, let someone there know that you are leaving and whom you are leaving with. If possible, walk in pairs or groups of threes, especially if it is late at night. If you are walking alone, put down your cell phone and pay attention to your surroundings.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://thebottomlinenews.com/university-of-virginia-student-missing-suspect-charged-with-felony-abduction-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1833</post-id> </item> <item> <title>New Dining Experiences at FSU</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/new-dining-experiences-at-fsu/</link> <comments>https://thebottomlinenews.com/new-dining-experiences-at-fsu/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:00:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Campus News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=1721</guid> <description><![CDATA[When students returned to Frostburg State University for the start of the Fall 2014 semester, they were welcomed back by friends and professors. They were also welcomed back by a new dining services provider, Chartwells. Chartwells is a company serving K-12 and higher education dining needs. The company, whose motto]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When students returned to Frostburg State University for the start of the Fall 2014 semester, they were welcomed back by friends and professors. They were also welcomed back by a new dining services provider, Chartwells. Chartwells is a company serving K-12 and higher education dining needs. The company, whose motto is “Eat Learn Live,” brought a number of changes to dining at Frostburg. This includes renovations in the Chesapeake Hall, the addition of Moe’s Southwest Grill and changes to the Appalachian Station Food Court in the Lane University Center. However, the changes are not complete. A Subway located in Sowers Hall is scheduled to open October 13, 2014. A Starbucks will be opening in the Lane University Center in the Spring 2015.</p> <p>David Glenn, director of dining services at Frostburg State University, reflected on the progress which has already been made. He said, “I think the renovations in Chesapeake Hall are pretty exciting. It is hard to believe what that space looked like only a few months ago. We can’t wait to complete the renovations this summer.” Glenn went on to say that the responses he has received have been positive and that, personally, he is excited for opening of Starbucks.</p> <p>Students shared Glenn’s excitement for the additions of Starbucks, but many were more critical of the changes to the dining services. Some students, such as senior Erica Wright, preferred the old cafeteria station options. Wright liked the all day omelette station, which is now operating only for limited hours during the day. Wright also stated, “I liked the old salad bar in Appalachian Station Food Court. The new sandwich and salad station [called “Create”] isn’t the same alternative because they don’t have as many salad ingredients.”</p> <p>Other students shared a variety of concerns, ranging from the small size of salads, suggesting bigger portions, to the limited fruit and meat choices in the cafeteria, suggesting alternatives to red meat and more exotic fruit.</p> <p>Joshua Corbitt, junior, spoke highly of the Chartwells service, stating he “likes the way you can see your food being made right in front of you. I can see the employees put on gloves before they handle my food. It makes me feel good about what I’m eating.”</p> <p>Glenn described the dining services of being very open to criticism and flexible. Student feedback is highly encouraged and can be submitted online at http://www.dineoncampus.com/frostburg/. The website contains links not only for submitting feedback, but also provides students with information about the health facts of their food, the sustainability initiatives of the dining services, and even job applications. The staffing situation is currently variable, as the new options create the need for reassessment of labor. Glenn stated, “Our staff is learning how to use the new equipment and how to work in their new spaces. We are evaluating daily what our needs are and hiring appropriately.”</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://thebottomlinenews.com/new-dining-experiences-at-fsu/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>5</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1721</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Family Crisis Resource Center Offers Resources for Students</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/family-crisis-resource-center-offers-resources-for-students/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:27:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Campus News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=1636</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Family Crisis Resource Center (FCRC) is a community based, private, nonprofit organization with the goals of eliminating domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault and abuse. The FCRC has worked in collaboration with Frostburg State University for many years and can provide counseling, accompaniment services, legal support, and a variety of]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Family Crisis Resource Center (FCRC) is a community based, private, nonprofit organization with the goals of eliminating domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault and abuse. The FCRC has worked in collaboration with Frostburg State University for many years and can provide counseling, accompaniment services, legal support, and a variety of other services to students. Members of the FSU faculty, particularly the Brady Health Center team and office of Student and Educational Services, work with the FCRC to refer students to FCRC staff. Director of Student Wellness April Baer, stated one simple, but valuable asset that the FCRC has to offer is “a phone number where a human being answers and genuinely cares.”</p> <p>This semester the FCRC will be available on campus in the Lane University Center every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This will typically be located in LUC 111 but the specific room location will be posted to the information TV monitors in the LUC. The easier accessibility of the FRCR is part of “continued efforts to improve our response to sexual assault” says Dean of Students, Jesse Ketterman. By bringing this organization on campus, the hope is to reach students that would have otherwise not been able to access these types of resources.</p> <p>Sexual assault awareness and action to combat it has been on the rise in recent years. The university’s strengthening of its response to sexual assault comes at the heels of an incident last semester in which Frostburg State University alumna Jerica Bennett filed a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The university was and still is currently under investigation for a Title IX violation.</p> <p> </p> <p><em>The featured picture belongs to FSU.</em></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1636</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Connecting Campuses or Causing Trouble, Smartphone App Gains Popularity at FSU</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/connecting-campuses-or-causing-trouble-smartphone-app-gains-popularity-at-fsu/</link> <comments>https://thebottomlinenews.com/connecting-campuses-or-causing-trouble-smartphone-app-gains-popularity-at-fsu/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2014 16:55:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[College Life]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=1119</guid> <description><![CDATA[Posting anonymous Twitter-esque posts? Yes, there’s an app for that. Yik Yak is a relatively new smartphone application developed in 2013 by two Furman University students, Tyler Droll and Brooks Buffington. The app was intended to act as a virtual bulletin board which would connect students on college campuses. Users]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Posting anonymous Twitter-esque posts? Yes, there’s an app for that. Yik Yak is a relatively new smartphone application developed in 2013 by two Furman University students, Tyler Droll and Brooks Buffington. The app was intended to act as a virtual bulletin board which would connect students on college campuses.</p> <p>Users download the app, and then receive a live feed of what other users are saying around them by using the phone’s GPS system. Posts, or “yaks,” are visible to all users within a five mile radius. Other users in the area can comment on posts, as well as upvote or downvote posts and comments.</p> <p>This is all completely anonymous, with no log in or profile of any kind. The founders intended the anonymity to foster a sense of openness and acceptance, one in which people would be judged only on their ideas and not any preconceived notions of personal identity.</p> <p>At around 100,000 users and still counting, the app has become a new platform for random thoughts and advertising events as well as cyber bullying and threats. Incidents, such as anonymous bomb threats at high schools across the country being posted on Yik Yak, have caused major media attention from sources such as CNN and The Huffington Post. At Frostburg State University, the posts have not escalated to the level of bomb threats, but many posts would not be fit for publication.</p> <p>Local users’ posts included a variety of offense and obscene topics. Many posts commented on feuds between on-campus and off-campus Greek organizations. Others asked users to name the “ugliest” girl in a specific sorority or the “easiest” girl on a specific sports team. Often times users included full names of individuals, with no regard for privacy.</p> <p>Still other posts included vulgar topics such as comparison of penis size or number of sex partners of a particular individual. Many posts described illegal activity, such as use of marijuana and cocaine. Overall, very few posts had any redeemable or intelligent content.</p> <p>Obviously, the majority of posts on this app should not be taken seriously. However, the posts and general use of this app are not serving any positive purpose to the campus community. Graduating senior Samantha Winkler stated, “[The posts on Yik Yak] made Frostburg State University look very bad. It’s terrible. I think it is a really negative way to hide behind a screen. Many posts are very degrading. If you can’t say it out loud in a crowded room, then you should not say it at all.”</p> <p>Some students on the app did seem bothered by the immaturity and absurd amount of rudeness. One Yik Yak user, or “yakker,” called for a truce, borrowing the War lyrics, “Why can’t we be friends?” Another, in response to name calling and objectification of people based on physical appearance, one posted, “This all needs to end. We’re not children.”</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://thebottomlinenews.com/connecting-campuses-or-causing-trouble-smartphone-app-gains-popularity-at-fsu/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>4</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1119</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Stomach (And Your Wallet) Full</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-stomach-and-your-wallet-full/</link> <comments>https://thebottomlinenews.com/tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-stomach-and-your-wallet-full/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2014 18:03:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[College Life]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=903</guid> <description><![CDATA[It’s a long running joke that college students can sustain themselves solely on Ramen Noodles. While at only $2.22 for a box of 12, this meal is easy on the wallet. However, there are other ways to eat on a budget, and other cheap meals that won’t drain your bank]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s a long running joke that college students can sustain themselves solely on Ramen Noodles. While at only $2.22 for a box of 12, this meal is easy on the wallet. However, there are other ways to eat on a budget, and other cheap meals that won’t drain your bank account.</p> <p>One way to eat well and still be frugal is to make regular trips to the grocery store. Making your own meals is almost always less expensive that eating out. But a trip to the grocery store unprepared can quickly become quite costly. To avoid overspending when shopping, go into the market with a plan. Make a list of specific items ahead of time, and only buy what is on the list.</p> <p>Try to keep a running tally of the costs as you shop, either in your head or on a calculator. Another important key to food shopping on a budget is coupons. Save and actually use coupons. There may be a stigma perpetuated by television shows like TLC’s <em>Extreme Couponing</em> that people who use coupons are annoying inconveniences, but coupons can really stretch money.</p> <p>Even if it is more convenient to eat out, there are tricks to save money and eat cheaply when visiting restaurants. Many restaurants have daily specials which offer certain foods at lower cost. The Princess Restaurant on Main Street has a menu of rotating specials and at Lorenzo’s Bakery on Broadway you can sometimes get a bag of day-old donuts for a fraction of the price. At some restaurants, combination meals can provide a cheap entree, side dish, and drink. Speaking of drinks, ordering water when eating out can help to save a few dollars on the bill.</p> <p>Students also like to bring their own water bottles to lunch to help cut down food costs. When asked about their favorite cheap meals, many students said some sort of pasta was their staple. Pastas, such as spaghetti or macaroni are cheap and relatively easy to make. Students said they liked to make more than one serving of pasta and reheat the leftovers to get even more bang for their buck.</p> <p>Actually, most of students top cheap meal choices involved foods in which buying one unit provides for more than one serving. For example, many students cited sandwiches as easy money saving meals. This is because one loaf of bread costs around three dollars and can be used to make about eight sandwiches.</p> <p>Another favorite frugal meal was stir fry. Rice is very cheap and easy to make and rice dishes can be prepared in a variety of different ways. Without variety, students might tire of the same food again and again. Eating cheap does not have to mean eating dully.</p> <p>Eating on a budget can be delicious and easy when creativity is sparked. Eating in can stretch any college wallet. Also, be sure to go the market regularly and buy food can that yield multiple servings. College is expensive, but really, Ramen Noodles does not have to be an every night occurrence.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://thebottomlinenews.com/tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-stomach-and-your-wallet-full/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">903</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Mixing Synthpop and Indie Rock: Future Islands</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/singles-is-a-mediocre-mix-of-synthpop-and-indie-rock/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2014 09:20:07 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=868</guid> <description><![CDATA[Future Islands is a Baltimore based synth-pop band. The group is a trio with Gerrit Welmers on keyboard, William Cashion on bass guitar, and Samuel Herrings on vocals. To date, the band has released four full length studio albums and numerous extended plays and singles. Their latest album, entitled “Singles” was]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Future Islands is a Baltimore based synth-pop band. The group is a trio with Gerrit Welmers on keyboard, William Cashion on bass guitar, and Samuel Herrings on vocals. To date, the band has released four full length studio albums and numerous extended plays and singles.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Their latest album, entitled “</span>Singles” <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">was released by 4AD record company on March 25, 2014. The album differs from the traditional electropop record in its air of seriousness. The album has a very dramatic, and at times even melodramatic, flow. This movement helps to disregard it as the typical “bubblegum” definition of pop. However, elements of the pop genre are still present in this album, specifically in the basic electronica beats and bass lines. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Because the album does rely so heavily on synthesized pop melodies, the album can feel a bit repetitive and boring at times. This is reinforced by the fact that each song is relatively the same length, between three to five minutes. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The album features simple, minimalist lyrics which convey uncomplicated messages. On most of the album, the atmosphere surrounding the sound has more of an impact on the listener than either the lyrics or the melodies on the tracks. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The album would be just another electropop record if not for Herrings’ vocals. The vocals are very eclectic throughout the album, ranging from very pop David Bowie-esque, all the way to death metals growls, and then to a raspy, indie rock flavored crooning. Sometimes this wide range even occurs all within the same song. This varied assortment of vocals is a savior, allowing for some differentiation between the individual songs. </span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The group performed the song “Seasons (Waiting on You)” on “Late Night with David Letterman” and received widespread recognition. The stage presence of Samuel Herring included numerous dance moves which sparked a viral interest on the internet. Other notable songs include “Spirit and Sun in the Morning,” yet these songs are only notable in the way in which they possess unique introductions to help to separate them from the other songs. “</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Back in the Tall Grass,” the fifth track on the album, combines clear vocals delivered in an interesting way to serve as a climax of the album. The songs before and after seem to blend together with their electronic beats never varying much from one track to the next.</span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The album in its entirety is a decently made synth-pop collection, which will appeal to fans of basic electronic pop or newer indie rock. This album would likely appeal to fans of Owl City or the Arctic Monkey’s 2013 album, “AM.” Those who seek deeper, more thought out lyrics, a more complex musical composition style, or a bit of variety within an album however should be wary of listening to “</span>Singles.”</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The album would be an impressive debut, but for a band that has been around since 2006, it seems tired and already out dated. Despite the redeeming quality of diverse and unconventional vocals, they become overshadowed when the lyrics have virtually no discernible deeper meaning to them.</span></p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">868</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Student Ideas and Involvement Give Event New Life</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/student-ideas-and-involvement-give-event-new-life/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:40:38 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[College Life]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=766</guid> <description><![CDATA[Late at Lane is a relatively new program at Frostburg State University, but one with a promising future. As agreed upon by the Student Government Association, next semester Late at Lane programs will continue to be provided once a month. Lane at Lane is way to encourage safe and fun]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Late at Lane is a relatively new program at Frostburg State University, but one with a promising future. As agreed upon by the Student Government Association, next semester Late at Lane programs will continue to be provided once a month. Lane at Lane is way to encourage safe and fun behavior within the student body of Frostburg State University.</p> <p>Late at Lane student employee, Whitley Burns, called Late at Lane, “a new movement to change the weekend culture of our campus and to create a safer environment for our students”. With this goal in mind, the people behind Late at Lane are trying to create fun programs that students want to attend. There is an openness to the program, as they try to be as receptive to student input as possible.</p> <p>Amy Fynes, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Activites, said, “We really try to plan around what students are asking for.” There will be an open meeting in April, which students can then attend and make suggestions or give feedback.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Entertainment Coordinator of the student production team, Taylor Williams stated, “Late at Lane is growing with each event.” New and creative themes are the foundation of the future of Late at Lane. Anyone with looking to get involved in this event should contact Amy Fynes and keep an eye out for more information about the open meeting in April.</span></p> <p>Getting involved in Late at Lane can be a very rewarding experience, according to Burns and Williams. It gives students the opportunity to gain experience working a real event. Williams said, “It offers experience working with entertainment and gaining professional relationships.”</p> <p>Burns agreed with this idea, stating, “I have met some great performers. I have gotten to meet and work with some of the best people. I have really learned event planning”.</p> <p>Both Burns and Williams attended conferences to help them learn the ways of event planning. The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) had its NACA Mid Atlantic in Buffalo, New York and its NACA Nationals in Boston, Massachusetts. Frostburg State University sent students to these events to help them to learn about different topics that could benefit their event and their staff. These conferences also allowed for the opportunity to communicate with other surrounding schools about their programs.</p> <p>With this new knowledge, the future of Late at Lane is as propitious as ever. Burns stated, “We finally have a grasp on what Frostburg State Universtiy students really like and want. We have so many great, new ideas that I cannot wait to see come alive.”</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">766</post-id> </item> <item> <title>Frostburg State University Theatre Presents “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”</title> <link>https://thebottomlinenews.com/frostburg-state-university-theatre-presents-the-adventures-of-tom-sawyer/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Shea Hormuth]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:01:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[College Life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">http://thebottomlinenews.com/?p=653</guid> <description><![CDATA[“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain is the classic coming of age tale of a curious and whimsical boy named Tom Sawyer. The Frostburg State University Department of Theatre and Dance will be putting on an adaption of this story written by Laura Eason. The show will be directed]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><i>“</i>The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain<i> </i>is the classic coming of age tale of a curious and whimsical boy named Tom Sawyer. The Frostburg State University Department of Theatre and Dance will be putting on an adaption of this story written by Laura Eason.</p> <p>The show will be directed by Mairzy Yost-Rushton and star Austin Jacobs as Tom Sawyer. On the weekend of Feb. 28, the show opened in the FSU Performing Arts Center. Performances are also scheduled for March 6,7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m.</p> <p>Students have been hard at work on this production all semester, as auditions were held January 28, 2014. Director Mairzy Yost-Rushton has been hard at work on this play for much longer than that, however.</p> <p>These performances have months and months of preparation behind them, as the play was read innumerable times, decisions were made regarding the approach and style of the play, the staff was finalized, auditions were held, rehearsal schedules were created, and much, much more.</p> <p>When asked why she picked this particular story, Yost-Rushton replied, “I love the story.” She also wanted to put on a show that middle school and high school students could enjoy, as many of the previous productions have been aimed at younger children.</p> <p>This script provides a story that is very funny, yet scary with some high tension scenes. The play is especially good for secondary students to see as it “addresses the issue of right and wrong,” Yost-Rushton said.</p> <p>Yost-Rushton also said, “The audience has the opportunity to watch Tom make some truly tough decisions.”</p> <p>On Friday, Feb. 28, a special performance of the show will be held for Bishop Walsh school, and on Wednesday, March 5, various middle schools from Allegany County will have the opportunity to view the play.</p> <p>Adults will find the show enjoyable as well. It is a very fun plot, with all of the major plot happenings of the classical novel condensed into very short scenes.</p> <p>“All of the choice bits are still there,” said Yost- Rushton. “The white washing the fence, the runaway, the getting stuck in the cave.”</p> <p>The plot lends itself to the use of imagination, as the set is stark. The set is very fluid, with main points being a bench, a fence, and a rolling platform. This minimalism allows the cast (and the audience) to go to the make-believe place that Tom often goes.</p> <p>Actor Austin Jacobs (Tom Sawyer) carries the show. In addition to Jacobs, the cast also includes Cody Gilliam (Joe Harper) and an accomplice, Shahzeb Hussain (Doc Robinson). Also, starring are Eric Brown (Huckleberry Finn), Eric O’Neal (Sid Sawyer), Defense Lawyer Sara Danley (Becky Thatcher), CJ Barnett (Muff Potter), Josh Mooney (Master Dobins), Pippin Herlinger (Injun Joe), Carinna Lewis (Aunt Polly), Maureen Groff (Widow Douglas), as well as Erienne McEldowney and Melani Finney as ensemble.</p> <p>The show runs about an hour and a half, and follows Sawyer as he gets himself in hot water and leaps before he looks. The show promises to be funny, yet thought provoking. Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for the general public.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">653</post-id> </item> </channel> </rss>