Month: September 2012

Catching the flu will raise the body temperature while plummeting the GPA, but students can take measures to keep healthy this flu season.

Until spring, the odds of becoming ill are high, particularly of the flu. Strep throat, sinus and respiratory infections and the common cold are all prevalent during this time as well.

With so many viruses and so many ways to contract them, particularly being around thousands of other people on campus, there are also a variety of ways to decrease susceptibility to illness.

Pharmacist John LoPorto said getting a flu shot early can combat the flu head-on. There are numerous pharmacies and clinics that give flu shots, and LoPorto said those who are around children often should especially consider getting the flu shot.

In most circumstances flu shots significantly decrease the likeliness of getting the flu. What about sore throats, runny noses and earaches, though?

Lauren Randall, a sophomore psychology major from Upland, Calif., said she keeps hand sanitizer in her dorm and doesn’t leave herself vulnerable to viruses other people may have.

“I don’t share a lot of my stuff with others, especially living in the dorms,” Randall said. 

Strictly monitoring diet and physical activity will not only keep students in great physical shape but will also scare away sickness.

Tevin Glover, a sophomore criminal justice major from Las Vegas, said last year he didn’t eat well or exercise often; he missed multiple weeks of school due to illness. This year, though, Glover said he upped his water and Vitamin C intake, started avoiding soda and set a goal to jog nightly. Doing these things, he has been able to show up for classes in peak condition. 

Many times, following basic advice received since kindergarten can decrease chances of becoming ill. Shauna Zundel, registered nurse at the Dixie State College Health and Wellness Center, said washing hands and getting plenty of rest can remedy most things, particularly the cold. If students suspect they are sick, they can come to the Health and Wellness Center, located at 34 N. 600 East.

“If [students] are sick, the best thing to do is go to the Health and Wellness Center, and let us check [them] out,” Zundel said. “We can give you a release for your teacher, so you don’t go to class and spread illnesses.”

Some students are hesitant to address illness and take necessary steps to clear things up, such as missing class in order to rest because they fear they will get behind. Addressing symptoms early is key to preventing things from escalating.

Bryce Powell, a sophomore general education major from Park City, said once the signs show up, it is inevitable they will make people feel under the weather, but there are steps to take in order to make things milder.

“Once symptoms show, drinking water and orange juice can work as damage control,” Powell said. “Keeping yourself from getting hurt [is also necessary], so you don’t compromise your immune system.”

Sometime during flu season, throats may scratch and mucus may pour out of noses. However, by approaching the situation quickly, students will not fall behind.  

Mummies, zombies and an invisible man fill the rooms at “Hotel Transylvania,” a spook-filled mansion meant to keep all monsters safe from those creepy, evil creatures they call humans.

“Hotel Transylvania” wasn’t what I was expecting: a spooky movie that resembled “The Nightmare before Christmas,” an entertaining cartoon for children and adults.

Yet it was nothing like that at all. The only thing that rattled my bones  or gave me the creeps was the occasional roar from Big Foot and a couple spooky sections where Dracula bore his teeth.

I expected ooze and slime, ferocious yellow teeth and weird-looking bugs. But while I knew the movie was about Dracula and his daughter I still expected a little more “typical” monster. Instead I got “Hotel Transylvania.”

Dracula is trying to protect his daughter from the outside world and he thinks he has done a good job. But when a human wanders into the hotel, his daughter’s birthday turns into chaos.

The movie was geared toward children 8 and yo. The film was innocent in language and humor, but as a 20-year-old college student, I loved it.

The story was solid and the lesson taught was one that all families have to learn some time or another: letting go. This meant it was relatable and I liked that.

Also, the movie was nothing but childish humor, which is my favorite kind. What is ever better than hearing a child laugh at something he or she thinks is funny and not what their parents are laughing at? I heard a lot of children laughing during the film, which only made it better. 

Frankenstein’s wife was a hoot, the brainless zombies were hilarious, and the hippie human was totally chill. But in all actuality, my favorite characters weren’t in the main cast.

The gremlins that held no emotion and ate anything were adorable, but they also ruined others’ fun! And the little baby werewolves that destroyed all that was in their path and kept their parents on their toes couldn’t have been better. Oh, and the skeletons! I just adored the skeletons. I have to giggle each time I think of them.

The movie made me feel like a child again. It was the same excitement children used to feel toward Halloween trick or treating and helping their mother put up her not-so-scary but cute decorations.

The film is not only worth it for the plot, but it’s also worth it for the feeling you get.

While “Hotel Transylvania” may be geared toward the younger generation, it’s a great show for families to take their children to. Plus, if you’re an animated film lover, check it out before Halloween. It’s a great get away from the ghoulish, evil films that take over the entire month of October. Plus, who couldn’t use a good laugh during the scariest month of the year?

 As Dracula would say, “Enjoy the show, Blah Blehh Blah.”

If you have deemed the Dixie State College campus a good place for a snooze, you are not alone.

Taking an accidental snooze in the middle of class isn’t the only naptime DSC students are getting on campus. Some students have found favorite spots outside the classroom to go zonk out during their free time.

Some of the more popular dozing zones include the red couches in the foyer of the Eccles Fine Arts Building, the couches and Lovesacs in the Gardner Center and, weather permitting, on the cement slabs that surround the fountain by the old gym.

“The Eccles couches are the best place for naps because it is quiet, and the couches are super comfortable,” said Alexis Holden, a junior communication major from Fairfield, Calif.

Holden said napping there is convenient because she knows many of the people in the building, which makes napping in public a little less uncomfortable.

Other places that students consider worthwhile crash pads are the couches in the student government room, by the windows on the upper floors of the Holland Centennial Commons, and the classroom their next class is held in (as long as its empty). 

“The couch in the student government room is really comfortable,” said Jill Wulfenstein, a junior communication major from Pahrump, Nev. “It’s nice because I am usually spending all my time on campus and in the government room, so if I need a little power nap, it’s right there.”

If none of the buildings on campus suit your napping needs, or if you’re a little shy when it comes to public scenes of snoozing, another option to try is your car.

“I sleep in my van because its super comfy,” said Derek Owen, a senior biology major from St. George.

Owen said he usually parks for naps in the dirt parking lot by the Eccles building, but on days it is too hot to be out in the sun, he parks under the trees by the Burns Arena for “optimal nap time.”

But why are students taking their siestas on campus instead of heading home?

For most, the biggest issue is travel time.

“I don’t go home because it’s too friggin’ far away!” Wulfenstein said.

Owen agreed that the distance is a hassle.

“I live in Bloomington Hills, kind of by Desert Hills High School, so it is not really worth the time it takes to drive back and forth,” Owen said.

Travel time becomes a bigger issue for students who don’t have a car to use.

“I take naps on the student government couches because I ride my bike to school, and it is just easier to stay at the school than ride all the way home and have to rush to get back,” said Ezra Hainsworth, a sophomore communication major from Mt. Pleasant. 

Whether you have just a few minutes to catch some quick shut-eye, or a couple of hours to kill before another class or activity on campus, taking a nap at school really isn’t that uncommon. If you visit these nap spots, you might even end up with a sleepy-time snuggle buddy to catch some Z’s with.

   Come on down. Stop on by. Hop a carpet and fly to another Arabian night at Tuacahn.

   Tuacahn’s production of Disney’s “Aladdin” comes to a close Oct. 19. With only three more weeks to go, the production has already profited $4 million in revenue, Tuacahn CEO Kevin Smith said.

   “It’s outsold anything we’ve ever done, including ‘Little Mermaid,’” Smith said.

   One of the biggest attractions of the show, aside from the three camels, is the magic carpet ride, with Jasmine and Aladdin soaring over the audience.

   “That’s the biggest moment in the show,” said Jaren Conklin, master of automation at Tuacahn and a junior theater major from Dammeron Valley. “It’s the signature moment….”

   Conklin and his crew handle the magic carpet scene. Conklin has to make a last-minute decision each show night as to whether or not weather permits for flying.

   Conklin said if the magic carpet cannot fly due to weather, the audience would be disappointed because it’s the highlight of the show.

   “We try to push it as hard as we can,” Conklin said, after explaining certain weather conditions, such as rain or wind, sometimes make it a tough call. “Our cap on wind is 20 mph, so if it goes over 20, then we can’t fly.”

   In such circumstances, there is always a backup plan. Conklin said if flying is not permitted, there is a contraption on stage that mimicked a magic carpet. Jasmine and Aladdin stand on the imitation carpet and sing the whole song while hovering up and down.

   Conklin said luckily he has never had to call off the magic carpet scene.

   “It wouldn’t be very magical if we had to,” Conklin said.

   Show times are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. 

   Smith said the best nights to get seats are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, but there are still tickets available for every night.

   Originally, the production showed three nights a week, but Smith said it was selling so well that a fourth night was added.

   Conklin said the cast of “Aladdin” is extremely talented.

   “This is by far the biggest equity cast we’ve ever had, so they’ve got a lot of professionals here this year,” Conklin said. “The guy who plays Aladdin is actually on ‘Glee.’”

   Smith said the Genie is another character who has helped the show become a success.

   “Genie’s very funny,” Smith said.

   Andrea Luikart, a junior communication major from St. George, said her favorite character was the Genie.

   Viewers might already have preconceived ideas of how the Tuacahn production should be, based on the Disney movie. Luikart said she thought the character portrayal of the Genie in the Tuacahn production was right on with the Disney character.

   Tuacahn has an ongoing contract with Disney, originating back to Tuacahn’s first Disney production, “Tarzan.”

   “We’ve kind of developed a relationship with Disney over the last few years,” said Kevin Warnick, managing director and technical producer at Tuacahn.

   Warnick said Tuacahn must stay with the Disney script, but there is more freedom when it comes to design elements, such as sets and costumes.

   Warnick said changing design is OK “as long as we remain true to the characters of the show,” meaning lead characters, such as Jasmine and Aladdin, need to be portrayed as they are by Disney.

   Only a small number of “Aladdin” showings remain at Tuacahn before the season ends, but viewers can look forward to other events.

   Friday night 3D movies are now showing at Tuacahn through the end of October. Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller” returns this Halloween season, followed by Tuacahn’s first ever winter production, “Plaid Tidings,” beginning in November at the Dixie State College Cox Auditorium.