Author: aleklongeditor

Broadway Louisville ‘Sound Of Music’ Review

Image result for broadway louisville sound of music
Program cover

The hills of Austria lite up the Whitney-hall theatre January 17th during the heavenly performance of the Sound of Music. A visually breath taking rendition of the 1960’s american classic set in the time of world war 2. A nun named Maria, sent to be the governess of 7 rambunctious children in the house of Captain Von trapp, while visiting he suddenly falls for the young naive and spirited nun after the loss of his wife.

Composed of household songs that even I wasn’t even aware originated from. Since i’m going on 17, This was my very first experience ever watching this show, and i’m incredibly lucky to get to see it reenvisioned on the Broadway stage. My Jaw dropped from the moment the curtain open as i’m consumed with the setting and lights effortlessly shifting and changing behind the characters, something a person wouldn’t be able to experience unless going to live theatre. It took me 5000 miles to the town of Salzburg before the nazi’s took over. In the beginning,

(with my lack of knowledge) the plot dragged in the beginning.

The music, like all Rodger & Hammerstein musicals, was extremely repetitive. It Wasn’t until halfway through act 1 when I was engrossed by the characters, that it hoo

Charlotte Maltby as Maria in the touring production
Photo of Maria (Charlotte Maltbly) from http://www.courier-journal.com

ked me. speaking of which. Each of those smalls kids probably had more talent in there left pinky than most could have after years of training. Some of my favorite things were the authenticity of the Maria, she was a comical sensation and such a lovable character, not  just writ
ten. But performed!  The relationship between baroness and Max left me in tears for multiple reasons. I highly recommend this for those like me who have no clue what it’s about, because it will definitely surprise you.

 

So long, farewell auf wiedersehen, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu.

by aleklongeditor

Confessions of a high school fast food worker

Dear future customers,

From a high school fast food employee:

I work part-time, full time!

Don’t get me wrong — before you make any assumptions, I’m fully aware that fast food is easy. But understand (and just a heads up for next time you see me): I have someone barking orders through my headset, customers at the front counter asking me questions I can’t hear and drinks overflowing at the machine. Not to mention all of the food being shot out the kitchen in only God knows what order.

When I forget something like putting ice in your drink or a fork on your plate, it is not a personal attack on you.

It’s Human Error!

I’m sorry, but there’s no need to have that many special instructions. If you wanted a plain salad, why didn’t you order one? Don’t ask for my manager; he’s in the back smoking and I won’t be able to find him for 20 more minutes. You’re able to yell at me and blame me for something I didn’t even cook.

Tell me that this miniscule mistake has ruined your night, and make accusations . Have my drive-through time shoot up 12 mins and let the food for the four cars behind you get cold. “I’m sorry the wait was so long; it’s my fault the entire football team came to order before you.”

The customer is always right!

We do charge extra for that! We always have, so there should be no surprise when it isn’t free. Where are your utensils? They’re in the bag, but I’ll grab you more. The register declined your card, but I’ll try four more times.

You asked for no tomato, and the kitchen put tomatoes on it? I didn’t put the tomato on it. You don’t want us to check the boxes, but you’re upset when you drove away with the wrong order. We don’t have that anymore. Yes, our menu has changed. No, I don’t know when it’s coming back.

Minimum wage for maximum work

I’ve never been more conscious of how I treat a fast food place until after I’ve had to clean one. I’ve watched as salt shakers get poured all over tables, trays and bowls stacked ridiculously high over booths. Chairs and tables knocked over. A child’s puke down over and inside the seats. Lipstick smeared on the mirrors, and bathrooms left unrecognizable after a rush.

I was one of these people that never took a second thought that someone had to clean this up after me. But now I think, maybe I shouldn’t consciously destroy or mess up something just because it’s fast food.

The power of a tip

The majority DON’T give fast food employees tips, as that’s just how society works. We’re not the tier of people you feel bad for if you don’t tip, like hairdressers or bathroom attendants.

But on the small off chance we get someone’s change leftover or even a full dollar, we will rub it in our co-workers faces for a week. Our “fast food godmother” just gifted us with extra money to buy food on break. And man, on a day before payday,  it goes so much further than you would think.

Are you satisfied with your service?

In the end, from the time we clock in to the time we clock out and everything in between, we’re human. Even though some of us only work for four hours, our real jobs start at 7 a.m. Our mind set doesn’t begin with how we can take your order, but how we’re going to be able to pay for college.

Fast food is not a reason to berate someone else or spread negativity. It’s so small and irrelevant in comparison to real problems in the world. Do not be that person. An order can be fixed; someone’s day after being yelled at won’t be.

I hope you enjoy your day!

by aleklongeditor

SPEAKING YOUR MIND

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Josh Waddell  giving a speech in the media center. Photo by Sam Gatewood

“Speech has helped me increase my confidence.”

Like any other high school student, founding Speech and Debate member, and Jeffersonville High School senior, Josh Waddell was insecure about aspects of his life that were out of his control.

 

He was concerned with other people perceived him, especially when he spoke. But speech gave him an outlet to better himself and his confidence.

“Speech has been able to increase my articulation. It helps me discuss my political opinions in a more intellectual way that I couldn’t before,” Waddell said. “As someone who is active in the political sphere, it’s something that I would not be able to survive without.”

But even earlier in his life, Waddell found comfort and ease in expressing his political opinions, something necessary for his future employment. When the opportunity to put this passion into a speech and debate team at Jeff High, he jumped at the chance.  

Three years later, he holds countless awards and titles — all thanks to Speech and Debate Club.

“I will be applying for many different speech scholarships. It has gotten me in involved with a lot of different awards that I can get and I’ve won an entire wall of trophies from many different events,” Waddell said. “But I also think past getting cheap, plastic metals and getting a hundred dollars towards college. I’ve gotten a lot of relationships that I wouldn’t have otherwise; people from different schools, different backgrounds and different walks of life.”

The speech team gives speeches around the Jeffersonville area, including the Rotary Club, the Republican Women’s Club and the Optimist Club.

The league is jointly run by Mr. Rick Condon, and Rachel Jacobs, a political campaign manager. Condon, who is a permanent JHS sub, helps the team with freelance things, while Jacobs helps the team find tournaments all around Indiana. This year, speech is expanding their horizons and moving into the territory of slam poetry and dramatic interpretations.

Waddell also believes that speech is a valuable life skill that brings people together. He believes that no matter what students decide to do in life, speech will enhance whatever job they choose to do.
Waddell encourages anyone who is interested in the club to join. Meetings are on Thursdays from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Media Center.

by aleklongeditor