Tuesday Feb 07

Events

Baltimore’s Miracle on 34th Street

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By: Katie Fitzpatrick

 

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially in the traditional Baltimore neighborhood, Hampden.

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In the 700 block on 34th street lies a spectacular display of holiday lights and decorations. Each of the row houses had their own winter holiday inspired theme on either side of the street. Decorations varied from Christmas, Hanukkah, world peace, and a Baltimore favorite- the Ravens. One house that stood out was that of a metal artist, who created every decoration inside his house and out. “I loved how creative everything was- It’s one of those hidden treasures within Baltimore,” said sophomore Christina Fahey.

Read more: Baltimore’s Miracle on 34th Street

Fridays After Five at the National Aquarium in Baltimore

By Kelsey Carper

There is live music being played by the Holiday Brass Ensemble, various displays depicting world traditions, and a station where guests can create their own gift wrap paper from recycled materials.  There is also an appearance by Santa Clause near the end of the evening, and he poses for pictures and hugs the children present.  Oddly enough, the setting of this scene is at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The program is a part of Fridays After Five which offers discounted admission for $5 to the Aquarium after five p.m. on Fridays.  The first Friday of every month also features a cultural series which celebrates international traditions in art, music, literature, dance and cuisine through special activities and performances.  Cherise Cannon, an employee of the Aquarium, said, “The number of visitors on Friday nights has increased pretty dramatically thanks to this program.  It’s been very successful, and it’s likely to go one for a long time.”

The Aquarium is a non-profit organization that opened in 1981 and is home to about 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals.  It welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, and prides itself on inspiring people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world.  There is a dedication to education and conversations, and this message is conveyed through more than a dozen programs that serve the environment and the community.

There are currently a few notable exhibits, including the new dolphin show entitled “Our Ocean Planet,” which teachers the message that what visitors do at home affects the larger watershed and, eventually, the dolphin’s home, the ocean.  Loyola University Maryland junior Arianna Valle said of the show, “The whole thing was incredible.  It loved the dolphins, especially when they flipped.”  Another exhibit, “Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance,” was a favorite of Loyola sophomore Vicki Pelletier.  “The jellies looked so creepy, but it was really interesting to watch them.”  A final exhibit, the “Australia Wild Extremes,” exhibit, depicts the amazing stories of survival of an extreme environment.

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The next Friday in the cultural series, taking place on January 7, features Asian-Pacific Cultures, and visitors can enjoy a Chinese lion dance, Tai Chi and Kung Fu demonstrations, and a Polynesian floor show, as well as a special exhibit on the art of the kimono.  Tickets can be purchased at the Aquarium, which is located at 501 E. Pratt Street, or online at the interactive website.

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Premieres Friday at Midnight

By Kelsey Carper

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise across the U.S. have a special treat lined up for this Friday at midnight: November 19 marks the premiere of part one of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

The film is an adaptation of the final installment of the Harry Potter series, a book which sold a record of 8.3 million copies on opening day alone and around 44 million copies in its first year. The decision to divide the seventh book into two parts was originally conceived in 2004 for a previous film. Producer David Heyman said in an interview with The Times in London that “Deathy Hallows is so rich, the story so dense, and there is so much that is resolved that, after discussing it with [author] J.K. Rowling, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed.” He further noted that the films will be a closer adaptation of the books than the previous films because of the length that a two-part adaptation entails.

A test screening of the film on August 26 gained rave reviews, labeling it as "amazing", "dark", and "the most perfect Harry Potter film to date". Part two will be released on July 15, 2011. Loyola University junior Arianna Valle is looking forward to seeing part one. “I’m going with a bunch of friends at midnight. I can’t wait to see it!” she said. Another student, junior Shiv Beverley, is also excited to see the film at the midnight showing. “I wish we didn’t have to wait eight months for the last one, but it’ll be nice to see such a faithful adaptation of my favorite book in the series.”

The film will be shown in a number of Baltimore-area theaters at midnight, including AMC Loew’s White Marsh 16, Rotunda Cinemas, and AMC Towson Commons 8, as well as the IMAX Theater at the Maryland Science Center. The times and sales information can be found at www.fandango.com.

DCT Performance of “Spelling Bee” a Success

By Kelsey Carper
A man dressed in a boy scout uniform stands upon a stage at the Community College of Baltimore County made to look like an elementary school gymnasium.  His face is crestfallen at the misspelling of the word "tittup" due to an unexpected distraction, and he begins to throw a tantrum, begging desperately for just one more chance to spell something correctly.  The comfort counselor, an ex-convict performing his parole community service, escorts him off the stage with a juice box, and other men and women dressed in children's clothing sing and wave goodbye.
These bizarrely clothed people are actors in the Dundalk Community Theater production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which was performed from October 29 to November 7.  The musical follows six young overachievers in a competition to win the spelling bee, and the audience was roaring with laugher throughout the entirety of the show.  Actor Ron Giddings, who graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2003 and played the role of the boy scout, Chip, in the musical, said working on the production was an amazing experience and was thrilled to have been given the opportunity to play his role.  "It is wonderful to work at a place where you know the product will be consistently excellent."
Robby Preigo, a Loyola sophomore engineering major, said that the show was "probably the funniest thing I've ever seen."  Loyola senior and chemistry major Brett Messiora said, "Everyone did an incredible job.  The whole show was hysterical, and I was laughing the entire time."

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