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Horoscopes 2/22/12

February 22, 2012 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

Pisces     February 19- March 20
 As a water sign, you are generally adaptable to your surroundings and can flow with change as it occurs. However, if some of these changes don’t seem right at the moment, don’t be afraid to take a stand. There may be a reason why you are questioning them.

Aries     March 21- April 19
 Feelings of restlessness seem to overcome you lately. Planning a getaway could be the perfect remedy, but think carefully when choosing a destination. Those who share the sign of Aries are thrill seekers who naturally thrive on adventure so think twice before booking a relaxing retreat.

Taurus     April 20- May 20
 You’ve been very self-absorbed lately, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. While it’s important to always look out for yourself, you can still do so while keeping an eye on the ones around you. Be mindful; you are going to need a huge favor from one of them very soon.

Gemini     May 21- June 20
 All of those little things that you have been neglecting to do are beginning to pile up, and it’s starting to take a toll on your mind. Take some time this week to tackle your seemingly endless to-do list before it ends up tackling you.

Cancer     June 21- July 22
 This sign is known for being loving and sympathetic. Someone close to you is taking advantage of your compassionate nature. Stand up to them and remind them to not mistake your kindness for weakness.

Leo     July 23- August 22
 Despite what some may tell you, there is nothing wrong with your desire to be the center of attention provided that you are not going about it in an obnoxious fashion. You’re a natural-born leader and shouldn’t have to dull your personality to give others the opportunity to shine.

Virgo     August 23- September 22
 There’s something that’s been plaguing you for quite a while now, and you’re finally ready to address it. Whether it’s a relationship that ended on bad terms or a friendship that needs mending, it’s time to make things right. They’re just waiting for you to take the first step.

Libra     September 23- October 22
 You often take it upon yourself to be the peacemaker in situations of conflict, but in some cases your help is neither needed nor wanted. Although your intentions are good, you need to let people sort out their contentions on their own and learn to mind your own business.

Scorpio     October 23- November 21
 It may feel that lately your life has been all work and no play. Fortunately, it’s about to payoff. Reap the benefits as they come, enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, and revisit this moment in the future when you need motivation to reach your next goal.

Sagittarius     November 22- December 21
 You need to learn that things cannot always be in your control. While it is normal to fear the unknown, you must also find a way to embrace it. Instead of being troubled by uncertainties, try to take advantage of the fact that you have a number of options that lie ahead of you.

Capricorn     December 22- January 19
 Your social life is causing you to neglect some of your obligations. It’s normal to indulge in vices from time to time, but you seem to have forgotten how to do so in moderation. Get back on track before too much damage is done. You will thank yourself later.

Aquarius     January 20- February 18
 They say that bad company corrupts good character, and unfortunately someone close to you has become a victim of this. It may seem difficult to have this person’s back at the moment, but be reminded that they are not being themselves and this is only a phase.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

Horoscopes 2/8/12

February 7, 2012 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

Love (Pisces)

You know you want to ask that person out, so grow a pair and do it already. Confidence is an important trait, and that special person is sure to appreciate it.

Luck (Capricorn)

Your luck has just been swept out from under you. Listen to your instincts, and they will lead you to good fortune. Stock up on horse shoes, four leaf clovers, rabbit feet and lottery tickets.

Friendship (Cancer)

Your best friend has been there for you through the good, the bad and the terrible. Show them that you appreciate them by saving them from the aftermath of Nellie’s. Instead treat them to lunch off-campus, preferably not fast food at all.

School (Aries)

Set a goal for yourself. You would be amazed at how having an end in sight can make each hour spent studying, writing and reading just a tad bit more bearable.

School (Taurus)

Procrastination is going to bite you in the butt this next week. Make sure to stay on top of your work and set aside some time to study. Otherwise, you’ll have to skip that huge rager that everyone is going to this weekend.

Life (Gemini)

This week may feel like it’s dragging on forever, so make some plans to get out of the dorms for a little while. You may find that the less time you spend worrying about how long the week is, the faster it will go by.

Self (Aquarius)

There is something that you have been wanting for a while now, and it is time to go and get it. You deserve to treat yourself, and this in particular will be well worth it.

Health (Sagittarius)

Make sure to get some sleep this week. Classes may have you overloaded with work, but keep yourself from getting sick by lying low and passing on going to the club this week.

School (Virgo)

Put down the bottle and pick up a pencil. It’s time for you to focus more on your homework and less on where the party is at. It’s ok to have fun, but the key is moderation.

School (Leo)

Go out and make an effort to get more involved on campus, join a club or just attend a school event. There is no shortage of opportunities, and becoming more involved will only benefit your overall college experience.

Self (Scorpio)

It’s time take a moment to organize yourself. Dedicate a day to doing laundry, cleaning your room, taking out the trash and rearranging your desk. Getting rid of any clutter will make you feel free and give you a little boost in your mood.

Love (Libra)

It’s time to stop thinking with your head and give your heart a turn. Don’t overthink the simple things, instead just do what makes you happy.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment

Horse Sense and Sensitivity

September 7, 2011 By The Navigator 1 Comment

Photo by: Grace Singer

Horse Sense and Sensitivity is a volunteer group that helps people through the use of alternative therapies. It is located at the Boys’ Home Association and Families Services, which neighbors the Jacksonville University campus.

The Boys’ Home offers Family Foster Care and Specialized Therapeutic Foster Care programs. It helps troubled youth, families and children with special needs and disabilities through the use of alternative therapies.

When the Department of Children and Families removes children from their home due to neglect or abuse, the children are placed at the Boys’ Home. The center expanded in 1997 and now accepts boys and girls. Children often enter the foster care system with physical and emotional needs that are addressed through the services offered at the Boys’ Home.

A major therapy utilized at the Boys’ Home is hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational and speech therapy. The goal of hippotherapy is to improve neurological function.

Horse Sense and Sensitivity is mainly run through the use of volunteers. The volunteers help care for the horses and participate in the therapy sessions as assistants to the therapists.

Volunteers are integral before, during and after the therapy sessions. Volunteers groom and tack the horses prior to the class. During the classes, volunteers serve as horse-handlers and side-walkers to ensure the safety of the riders. They can also help cleaning up the property and care for the horses after the sessions. Sponsors can provide payment for the therapy sessions for children and adults and for the care of the horses.

Horse Sense and Sensitivity welcomes two new instructors to the organization, Jennifer Yudow and Pam Dent. Yudow is a graduate of Jacksonville University. Dent is a certified counselor who has volunteered at the Boys’ Home for over a year.

The organization also welcomes Mandy, the Boys’ Home’s newest horse. Mandy is thirteen hands tall, which measures 52 inches tall. Mandy is also thirteen years old.

Classes at Horse Sense and Sensitivity were not held during this summer but are now starting again. The first fall classes started on August 30, 2011. The classes run in the afternoons and last for 45 minutes each.

If volunteer hours are required for graduation, students can always volunteer next door at the Boys’ Home. Students can learn more about this program through the Service Learning Office in the Gooding Building.

The Boys’ Home is always welcome to volunteers, donors and sponsors. Any type of volunteering, donating, or sponsoring would be greatly appreciated.

Filed Under: Features

An Acoustic Awakening

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

Photo by Grace Singer

The light tree in the St. Marks Chapel on Wednesday provided the perfect mood for “An Acoustic Awakening.” The traditional “Jazz in the Black Box” became “Jazz in the Chapel” as the sounds resonating through the sanctuary mirrored those of an intimate city hub hotspot with barstools and comfy chairs.

Unsurprisingly, the change in location did not threaten the quality of the music.

“I thought it was mind blowing,” said Scott Bates, sophomore at JU. “As a classical player it opens my mind and makes me excited.”

Four jazz combos played sets that ranged in tempo from tender to tough to tropical.

Jasmine Clements sang an insinuating “Sentimental Mood” that generated a sensational ambiance.

“That song reaches me in that bluesy, darker emotional part of jazz that the funky and swing jazz doesn’t,” Bates said.

Clements also accompanied JU Combo 1 in a fast paced, scat version of “Yesterdays,” by Jerome Kern.

Each selection was sandwiched with bursts of applause as the audience eagerly responded to each soloist performance.

JU Combo II’s performance of “Walk tall” by Joe Zawinul caught the ear of first time jazz concert attendee Misha Fraiman.

“I liked it because it was funky and the most psychedelic,” said Frajman, sophomore at JU. “The slap bass definitely killed it.”

Alto Rhea Durke‘s red lipstick and resonant tone matched the spicy smooth tango tune called, “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” She sang to the cool sounds of JU Combo II.

There was a brief intermission before the faculty hit the stage and showed students that they are more than just talking heads.

As the audience nodded their heads in agreement with everything they were playing, the JU Jazz Faculty Combo played like the seasoned specialists that they are.

“Why Don’t I” was a jazzy song with flair that featured John Ricci, visiting assistant professor of jazz studies at JU.

Drummer Ricky Kirkland awed the audience with his rhythmic solo that had a myriad of inflections.

The show was a lovely display of talent that is known to leave listeners wanting more.

“Last semester I came for a class requirement and knew I wanted to go again,” said Alae Sakr, freshman at JU. “The music always takes me to a good place and there are never bad souvenirs, always good ones.”

Sakr appreciated the opportunity the concert gave her to get out and ease her mind.

“I have exams all this month and that is why I needed to come to relax,” Sakr said. “I always enjoy it.”

Filed Under: News

Attention Graduates: Pay It Forward!

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

My fervent hope is that you will accept your Jacksonville University diplomas, as I did 35 years ago this month, with great fondness for JU, a circle of close friends and a vivid collage of memories of years spent learning, growing and just plain having fun. Whether that is your frame of mind, or you’re just simply glad to be out of here, the fact that you graduate from JU will be one of the critical lenses through which you are viewed for the rest of your life.

Because of that fact, it behooves you to do everything you possibly can to give back, to pay it forward, to ensure that your alma mater grows in stature and that your degree is all the more valuable. “Ah, they want money already”, you’re thinking. And, yes, yes we do, but we know you’re probably leaving here on April 30th with some level of debt, and maybe you haven’t landed a job. So we’re not looking for a lot.

A gift of $20.11 would be great, but so would $10, $5, even $1 if that’s what you can afford, because the moment you graduate you are factored into our alumni giving rate… and that is one of the elements that comprise national rankings of universities. Bottom line: you strengthen JU for the students who follow you to this campus, but you indirectly help yourself as well. Grow your giving commensurate with your earnings, but, most importantly, give regularly.

Many of the scholarships, buildings, sports facilities and enhancements on the JU campus exist because of alumni who grew their giving over time. Carolyn Munroe Wilson BS ’69, MAT ’77 & ’89 has left an indelible mark on this campus, from apartments to pianos. Ron Autrey ’01 donated our sparkling new track and Tim Cost ’81 our new baseball pavilion. Mike Cascone ’65 contributed $1 Million to the JU Legacy Fund, which was tapped to build the Marine Science Research Institute. A group of Georgia JU alumni pooled donations to fund improvements to the women’s softball field… and thousands of alumni have donated scholarship funds that made it possible for so many of us to attend JU over the decades.

There are myriad ways beyond money to pay it forward and demonstrate pride in your alma mater. Sign up to mentor a current student. Tell the high school guidance counselor in your area and any prospective students that you had a great experience at JU! Represent JU at college fairs. Get involved with the JU Alumni Board of Governors or the Dolphin Club nearest you… or connect with friends in your area and launch one. Serve on the Friends of Fine Arts, JU Athletic Association or Friends of the Library. Get involved as a volunteer with the college within JU from which you graduate.

If you live in the Jacksonville area, come out and attend a lecture, a play, a concert or root on your Dolphins. If you don’t live near, come back for Homecoming, at least every other year. And by all means, let JU know what you’re doing with your education and talent.

While my lifelong JU connections obviously influenced my return to JU two months ago, I owe a friendship forged on the JU Alumni Board with Community Foundation in Jacksonville CEO Nina (Zuccaro) Waters for helping me land my last position, as CEO of the Southeastern Council of Foundations. You just never know how paying it forward may reap unintended benefits.

Don’t settle for simply being a JU grad. Choose to be a Dolphin for Life! Welcome to the pod!

Michael R. Howland ’76 is JU’s Vice President for University Advancement and a former JU Trustee and Alumni Governor.

Filed Under: News

The NPHC Comes to JU

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is gearing up for its first semester on campus by introducing new members of three different Greek organizations.

In Fall 2011 the NPHC, a coordinating body for the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, will be active on JU’s campus.

“It is important that these organizations get recognition since they represent a minority,” said Davon Phillips, senior at JU.

Phillips is one of the students who are instrumental in getting the NPHC situated on JU’s campus.

Five historically African American fraternities and sororities, Kappa Alpha Psi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Zeta Phi Beta, will be united through the overarching organization. The other four members of the Divine Nine do not have chapters at Jacksonville University.

“It’s a system that is built to support the culture and history of our organizations,” Philips said. “It is important to have a connection.”

Alyssia Cousins, member of Delta Sigma Theta, also helped to initiate the formation of the NPHC on JU’s campus. As a group that unifies minorities, Cousins thinks the new organization will help to showcase JU’s diversity.

“We are kind of under the radar right now,” Cousins said. “It’s exciting to see that our Greek life is growing from the ground up and is getting better.”

A JU alumni and current graduate student recalled her experience of African-American Greek life.

“Non existent,” said Danielle Gray. “There was one girl and another who was a commuter. It kind of made me regret going to JU. I thought there would be more black events.”

A probate is a traditional ‘coming-out show’ that members of the Divine Nine use to introduce new inductees of their individual organizations. Four members of Alpha Phi Alpha had a coming out show on Saturday, April 9.

Members of the NPHC from other schools came to the JU Alpha Phi Alpha in support of their Greek family. It was surreal for some. For others, it was a rebirth.

In the beginning of the festivities, a loyal crowd waited for 60 minutes outside the boundaries of the yellow tape surrounding the doors of the Howard Building. Finally, after the hired DJ showcased an hour’s worth of music, the boom of the bass gave way to a still hush.

A familiar childhood crone of an ice cream truck’s siren filled the air and a ‘Honey Dripper House’ van pulled up alongside the gathering. Four men in tan jumpsuits and a sheer black cloth covering their entire heads and faces hopped out of the back of the Honey Dripper House along with other members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Mike Henzie was one of the new fraternity members who declared his “greekdom” on that evening by claiming his colors of black and gold.”

“We plan on doing lot of community service events,” Henzie said. “We really want to get ourselves out there and get our name out there to be more well known than it is now while doing a lot to benefit the campus.”

Henzie and his three brothers strolled and stepped for the first time as new members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

This was the first time that some members of the audience ever encountered the traditional performance.

“I like it its entertaining,” said Alexis C., sophomore. “I definitely prefer it to what the other fraternities and sororities do.”

Alexis said she was impressed when they did the fireman pushups and the wall sit squats because she knows how hard they are. She said she is definitely planning on going to the next probate that JU hosts.

“It will definitely increase the social aspect and increase activities for students,” Alexis said. “It will put JU on the map for social aspects-academics are not the problem, it’s the social department.”

Two more probates of NPHC sororities will occur at Jacksonville University before the semester ends and each will embody the flair of their respective organizations. New members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated were presented in front of the Howard Building Tuesday, April 13, at 8:08 p.m.

A Zeta Phi Bata probate will occur on Saturday, April 16 in the Gooding Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Filed Under: Front Page, News

Softball Defeat Gives Rise to Victory

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

The Jacksonville University Softball team dropped its first doubleheader of the season against Lipscomb University and then battled back as they won their next one against Belmont this past weekend.

In the first game Friday, April 8, Lipscomb hit two clutch home runs to defeat the Dolphins in Atlantic Sun Conference play. The game ended their 10-game winning streak and gave them their first defeat in conference play despite having 12 runners in that game.

The Lady Bison’s Whitney Kiihnl fanned 11 batters and scattered six hits in seven frames. Junior Sarah Sigrest recorded the game one loss and gave up four runs from three but did have six strikeouts in six innings. Offensively for the Fins, Sophomore Olivia Kline got two hits and junior Kayla Ouellet registered one hit as well.

In the second game Kiihnl closed to give them the win and gave a two-shutout inning performance after Ali Watson struck out five batters in five scoreless innings. Kline allowed four runs on five hits and four walks in six innings that gave her the loss for game two.

The Fins head coach Amanda Lehotak felt that her team left opportunities out there on the diamond.

“This just wasn’t our night,” Lehotak said. “We definitely had our chances, but were not able to capitalize on any of them. Lipscomb made us pay for our mistakes. We have to regroup and get ready to battle again tomorrow.”

Two clutch homeruns helped Lipscomb win the game. The two victories for Lipscomb gives them an overall record of 20-14 and a 7-1 A-Sun conference record while leaving JU 28-14 and 8-2.

The following day, Saturday, JU made the most of their runs sweeping Belmont in their doubleheader, 4-0 and 13-0 in the A-Sun conference play.

The two wins brought JU up to 30-14 and 10-2 while Belmont is now 8-29 and 1-9. The Fins built registered their sweep off momentum. In the first game they had four runs off of 11 hits and the second game recorded 13 runs from 13 hits.

Sigrest was awarded with the game-one victory allowing only three hits and sitting down four batters in seven innings. The game two win went to Kline when she scattered six hits over six innings and struck out four batters.

JU felt they needed a moral boost like this after losing two important conference games in the previously doubleheader.

“This is exactly what we needed,” Lehotak said. “I wanted us to be more aggressive and take advantage of our opportunities better than we did yesterday, which we did each game. Everyone contributed to the win and we have to good efforts in the circle. We need to use more days like this during the final part of the schedule.”

Junior Amanda Schmidt, Sophomore Sarah Simon and Kline all accounted for 15 of JU’s 17 runs that day.

The Dolphins are scheduled to return to action Wednesday with one game against Florida A&M located in Tallahassee, Fla. at 6 p.m.

Filed Under: Softball, Sports

JU Football Inks Head Coaches Son

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator 1 Comment

The Jacksonville University Head Football Coach, Kerwin Bell, signed his son Kade Bell, a quarterback, from Fleming Island High School.

Coach Kerwin Bell is most popular with Gator fans as he was the star quarterback there during 1984 and 1985, which were thought as the school’s most successful years in football pre-Tebow era. In the 1988 NFL Draft he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins but his tenure in the NFL consisted of him being a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts.

The newly acquired, 6-foot, 170-pound, Bell began his high school career at The Bolles School where he played at the Junior Varsity level. He would then move onto Providence High School as he participated as a quarterback and a defensive back.

In his junior season he recorded over 1,600 passing yards and over 300 yards rushing. Bell had a completion percentage of 68, and tallied 15 passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and seven interceptions.

After a solid junior season, he moved on to Fleming Island for his last year of high school football. Individual statistics include over 2,000 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, along with over 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Kade Bell mentions what he comes to expect at his new home this coming football season.

“I’m looking forward to playing for my dad at JU, I know some people will say that if I get into a game it will be because he’s my dad,” Bell said. “But he’s already told me that I’ll have to work hard and earn my way into the lineup.”

Coach Bell is excited about the acquisition of his son to the JU roster and can be seen in the years to come.

“As a father, just watching him develop as a player, I feel he has Division I ability, but he has a Division I-AA body.” Coach Bell said. “I talked to some other coaches around the country, and while they like his ability, it’s his size that is a concern.”

He didn’t want to interfere when it came to his son looking at colleges but Kade Bell made his choice clear.

“I tried to stay out of the recruiting process and let our staff handle the recruiting of Kade,” Coach Bell said. “We talked to some other schools, Elon University, Wofford College and Appalachian State University. But in the end, he decided he wanted to attend JU.”

Kade Bell is coming in at the same size Josh McGregor, JU’s current star quarterback, was when he first came to the university. He has started every game except for one since his freshman year and holds almost every single game, season and career passing record at JU.

“I feel I know his offense, know the verbiage that they use and know what he’s looking for in reading defenses,” Kade Bell said. “He’s done a great job in developing Josh McGregor, and I hope he can do that with me.”

Filed Under: Football, Sports

Cornered by Love, with Rica

April 13, 2011 By The Navigator 1 Comment

Q: I have a major problem. I think I am falling for my best friend. But he has a girlfriend. We have been friends for years and I never saw him this way before. I don’t know if it is because I have been single for a while and all my other friends seems to be pairing off and disappearing, but it is getting harder and harder for me to keep it to myself. It is no secret I don’t like his girlfriend, but I didn’t like her before I felt this way about him. I don’t want to regret not telling him before he leaves for summer, but he might be coming back next semester to finish an internship, so if he turns me down I could lose my best friend. I don’t know what to do.

A: Since you have been friends with this man for years and the feelings are just beginning to blossom, I’m getting the feeling that this may be more about you than about him.  Its pretty common to manifest feelings for someone you are close to when you are feeling lonely and all your friends are in relationships.  I wouldn’t say anything to him right now.  Wait until after the summer and if you still have feelings for him, then by all means go ahead and tell him.  Meanwhile, focus on yourself.  Have fun this summer.  Go out with your friends and go on a few dates.  You may find that you really don’t feel the way you once thought about your best friend.  Good luck!

On a more personal note…I would like to take this opportunity to give some final advice to my readers.  I am graduating so this will be the last Cornered by Love.

For my ladies, never forget what you are worth.  Don’t ever settle for anything less than happiness and don’t accept any of the crap some men will try to throw your way.  You’re better than that and you deserve better.  Find a man who truly appreciates who you are and who values your feelings.

For my fellas, don’t get frustrated when you feel like you don’t understand females.  Stop trying!  Men and women are completely different and we view situations from different angles.  As men, you are mostly solution based.  A woman talks to you about something and you immediately try to fix it.  Sometimes we just want you to listen.  Find the one who makes you want to forget all the rest and you will find true happiness.  Until then, have fun and don’t break too many hearts!

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to write this column for the past two years.  I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have, but more importantly, I hope that I have been able to help you navigate through some of your relationships.

Best wishes and much love,

Rica

Filed Under: Editorial

Women’s Lacrosse Remains Undefeated in NLC

April 7, 2011 By The Navigator Leave a Comment

The Jacksonville University Women’s Lacrosse team surged w

Photo by Grace Singer

ith 12 second-half points to win 18-10 in National Lacrosse Conference play over Longwood last Sunday, April 3, at D.B. Milne Field.

For the second time in three days the Dolphins got a victory over a previously undefeated team in NLC play after having beat Liberty Friday. The win now makes them (9-4) overall and (4-0) in conference play. This was their last home game as they won seven out of nine of them.

Ellyn Spangenberg, Morgan Derner and Amanda Hurley recorded hat tricks in the game to help the Fins create such a large margin. That hat trick made Derner the second player in school history to record a career high of at least 30 goals, which also led to her being named the NLC “Player of the Week”.

This victory was vital for the Fins as they remain undefeated in conference play. JU will now enter the conference tournament as the favorite and will likely receive a no.1 seed in the competition later this month.

Chelsea Watts played a major role in the win as she scored a game-high four goals. She had her teammates behind her picking up some of the load; Nicole Albino and Kayliegh Hynes each scored an unassisted goal that gave the Dolphins the lead at halftime, 6-4.

JU’s coach saw her players participating at a high level that day.

“I saw us staying focused on our game plan and execute our fundamentals at the highest level,” JU Head Coach Mindy McCord said. “We tried to play a good out of conference schedule to prepare us and each conference game gives us confidence that what we are doing is working.”

The defining moment of the game was when the Lancers received two scores within 26 seconds, one each from Cara O’Brian and Sam Stifler, narrowing the gap to 8-7.  JU then exploded in retaliation with nine straight points.

Derner will be entering the next game against Detroit at 2 p.m. with a team-leading 35 goals and 45 points in her first 13 collegiate games.

Filed Under: Lacrosse, Sports