FINAL STORY: JOUR311 - A Hypnotists’ Allure

By Namrata Pingle

Above: Photograph credit; Bianca Lemus. This image showcases a group of ten male volunteers who were asked to dance ‘sexy’ by taking their shirts off. In the image they are swinging their shirts around dancing to music as commanded by hypnotist, Dr Dave Hill. 

         There’s only one show where you can see the class jock bark like a dog, dance like a monkey and sing with a Glee ensemble. On Thursday, April 28 residents at the California State University, Long Beach Housing were treated to a two-hour show filled with hysterical laughs and moments of pure bewilderment as acclaimed hypnotist, Dr. Dave Hill came to work his charm on a group of antsy students. 

            Dr Dave Hill, DCH who has performed at over 5, 000 shows throughout the U.S. and Canada is a qualified hypnotist, holding the acclaimed certificate title of “Master Hypnotist” from the National Guild of Hypnotists. Although in terms of popular culture his most prize-winning title would have to be his claim to fame; guest appearing on the nationally syndicated show “Mythbusters”.

            As with all entertainment, despite his strong credentials there is always overarching skepticism. Even event facilitator and organizer, Nicholas Cvjekovic had his initial doubts prior the show,  “In all honesty, last year when I saw the show I didn’t think that people were hypnotized, I thought they were acting and signed some contract thing saying they could not discuss what happened.” The two-hour entertainment extravaganza was a proving point for Hill as he sought to dismiss the routine doubt.

            The show commenced with Hill summoning volunteers and like “flies to bright lights” a large group of friendly faces approached the stage. Andrew McGarity, volunteer and star of the show said he decided to volunteer to test if it would really affect him. “I decided to volunteer because I wanted to see if these things really worked,” he said. “I’ve always been such a huge doubter but seeing Hill on television made me want to come try him out, you know, see if it all really works.”

            After he selected his top-thirty he made them fall asleep on his command, and just like that to the crowd’s astonishment he sent them into a deep comma-like state. Surprisingly he was even effective on some audience members.

             Heather Mazzezi, was one of the three unlikely victims of the crowd hypnotism. “I have a great imagination and am a believer in the power of control, so many success stories so I knew I was particularly susceptible to it,” she said. “I have been hypnotized at the same show twice before and I really didn’t want to this time cause I wanted to watch the show, I was tired, I wanted to laugh, watch friends so when I was down, I was like ‘hell no’ I don’t want to be hypnotized again, it was a surreal feeling.”

The show thereafter was followed by a series of smaller acts involving certain stage participants. The undoubted star of the show, Andrew McGarity was asked to dance to a Chipndales dance and surprisingly he took off his shirt and started “grinding” on a fellow participant. “I did not think I would get hypnotized, I thought it was fake at first as I heard everything and understood everything going on but nothing affected me,” said McGarity. I didn't think anything was funny and everything just blurred into one sound but my favorite part was the ‘journey’ song and dance.”

The show ended on a big bang when show volunteers were “demanded” to partake in a Glee musical which saw unlikely talent seep through on the main stage. It appeared that Hill had changed the minds of an eagerly awaiting audience and even the most greatest of skeptics were convinced. Nicholas Cvjetkovic certainly changed his skeptical mindset, “This year I came in with more of an open mind and after the show he successfully hypnotized a few others including myself,” he said. “After my first try he did it again and was able to put me in a very relaxed sleep state for a few seconds and was told what I experienced was being hypnotized, just because I didn’t act all funny doesn’t mean it didn’t work on me. I now believe.”

The show definitely received widespread attention and Hill appeared to change the mindsets of an initially uneasy audience. The participants themselves enjoyed the show and it appears Hill will be back for more next year. That is of course, if CSULB students can handle it.

nspingle@hotmail.com

Journalism

JOUR 311@2

May. 19, 2011

FINAL STORY: A HYPNOTISTS’ ALLURE

 (Word Count: 731)

Hypnotist mania

Thursday, May 28th was an "unforgetable" night for many of the dorm residences as a special guest put a magical spell on some local faces making them now simply "unforgetable".

Everyone enjoys watching their friends make fools of themselves but when the tables are turned no one enjoys being the bud of the joke. For some, "who shall not be named" this was a reality this past Thursday as CSULB dorming residents were treated to a celebrity hypnotist show. Organized by Nicholas Cvjetkovic and Elise Prado the show was received well by a large audience from all the dorms; Residences Buildings, Los Cerritos, Los Alamitos, International House, Parkside and Residental Learning College.

Many came to see the lure of the hypnotist for his two hour show featuring many housing guests. Volunteers were told to do everything from bark like a dog, dance with fellow participants, take off their shirts (guys only), sleep on command and of course perform a glee musical.

Many residents enjoyed simply watching the show from afar prefering not to be involved in the action. "This is my third time watching the show, and I never seem to get bored, there's always something new," said Rebecca Seggy, audience member and International House resident.

Above: image showcasing a hypnotist's allure.
Photographer unknown, taken from article by Jim Edwards.

I must admit I was highly skeptical and I only went to see what the commotion was all about and I was impressed with the quality of the show in terms of entertainment. After the show I asked the hynotist who was featured on the show "Myth Busters" but it was no suprise I was not affected. The show is definitely a great laugh and I recommend it to all.

Japanese Garden Semi Formal Dance

Come one, come all to housing and residental's life first semi formal dance of the semester next Thursday. It's time to celebrate the end of semester and get dressed up in the process. 


Ladies, it's time to bring out your fancy dresses, highest of heels and best-colored lipstick cause it's semi-formal time here at CSULB. Gentlemen this means it's crunch time for you too, it's time to bring out your best suits, preferably without cobwebs on them from the back of your closet.

This Thursday, May 5th from 8.00 p.m.-11.00 p.m. the Japanese Garden Semi Formal Dance will be held at the Japanese Garden on campus. There was a hundred pre-sale tickets which have all been sold now although event organizer, Melissa Hernando says that there are still tickets to be sold at the door so if you haven't bought your tickets never fear, you can still purchase a limited amount of tickets at the event.

The event costs a small $3 for dorming residents and $5 for nonresidents and will include catered food, mock tails, and special guest dj-ing by Jordon. "I am excited for this event because I haven't dressed up in so long," said Ashley Mehmed, a Los Cerritos resident.

Others are more excited about selecting a dance partner although taking a counterpart is not mandatory. "I am excited to pick a formal partner, it's fun cause you can pick one of your friends and see them all dressed up in suits," said SyBella Conto an International House resident.

Events like this attract a certain audience and aren't completely embraced by all. I've gone to last year's dance and didn't like it because only girl's went and I went with my girlfriend's and so did others so there was less boys," said Bianca Lemus, an International House resident.

Come down and celebrate the end of semester and beginning of finals with this grand event.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=145950985471246

Above: The semi-formal will be held at the Japanese gardens on campus. 
Photo by NatashaP 

Cost of dorm living too much for students to bear?

The rising cost of housing prices has forced many students to discontinue their exciting dorm life and opt for more cheaper and localized options of hiring apartments and houses with their co-dormers. This is begging everyone to ask the question, why so expensive?                                


Many dorm residents are deciding to move out next semester, opting to rent apartments and shared houses due to the high cost of dorming. The costs vary according to which meal plan selected although as a general for the 19-meal week plan which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on weekends and housing for one semester the price is $3, 893.75. This appears a price too high for many students, "I think it's too expensive to maintain for a long time, although it's a great experience it's more cost effective to share an apartment or house with someone. This is disappointing cause it's so nice here," said Laura Jensen, Building A resident. 


Many residents who are not paying themselves and are rather depending on their parents to make their payments are feeling the pressure as are students who are paying self-payments and balancing work and school. "I definitely think it's hard to live comfortably knowing it costs so much, " said Melody Rudd, a Building A resident. "I see a lot of students focusing on working as much as possible so they can afford to live in the dorms and in turn they lose part of their college experience to focus on payments."


On the other hand students who are opting to move off campus are losing benefits like prepared meals and cleaned bathrooms, certain luxuries which the cost of living on campus entail. "It's definitely a lot of money but you're paying for convenience and when you compare the dining hall foods to other campuses it's much better in terms of quality and options," said Andrew McGarity Building C resident. 


Overall, it's always going to be more convenient and more enjoyable to live amongst friends and on campus however in reality the situation in terms of finances can be a different story. Notably, all three residents said they will be moving out next semester mainly for costs reasons.

CSULB Housing Office celebrates it's first BEACH IDOL contest

BEACH IDOL

Above: Top-20 performer at the
 Live "Beach Idol" show.
Photo taken by NPingle.

On Wednesday, April 20  residents were treated to their very first "Beach Idol" competition emulating the real "American Idol" competition inclusive of auditions, a live show, eliminations and a voted winner. 


Housing residents were treated to a grand show hosted by resident assistants, Kimmberly Wehrli and Jordan Baranco-Bibb this past week. "Beach Idol" recently held at the Pointe celebrated its first grand show, with a mass turnout and positive audience support. The event consisting of three components: try-outs (filmed and played on Channel 3 prior to the actual show), a pizza party for finalists, and of course, the live show. 

Above: Anthony Haines "Beach Idol" contestant
 image from audition.
Photo taken by NPingle.

Entry to the Beach Idol final was open to all residents and attracted a large amount of dorming residents. "The response to our event was wonderful. From the amount of residents who auditioned, 50, all the way to the amount of residents that showed up to see the event," said co-event organizer, Jordon Baranco-Bibb. 


Co-event organizer,  Jordon Baranco-Bibb said the inspiration behind the show came from his and Wehrli's love for the original show, "American Idol" and for song and dance, "We really enjoy the fun yet competitive sides of the residents. We thought Beach Idol was something that residents can not only come to perform and compete, but it would also be a show for audiences to enjoy." And this it certainly was. 


Dennise Bender, an RLC resident and spectator of the final live show noted that despite the show being entertaining there was certainly room for improvement, "I thought it was a good event, pretty successful, but I think it went on for a really long time. I think they could've done with maybe a few more intermissions or had each contestant cut their song down to a certain time limit, because it lasted for a really long time."

Dennise Rodriguez, a Los Alamitos resident auditioned for the competition and was even placed in the elite top-20 performers. Rodriguez says in hindsight there was much for her to improve on "I wish I wasn't so last minute on my decision to audition and actually had my lyrics down. I was so embarrassed when I forgot my lines but in terms of performance, I would have liked to have been more comfortable before an audience," said Rodriguez. 


In terms of a second season, it seems there is much room for improvement to make the show bigger and better. " I think a lot of students attended to watch their friends which was really nice, but in talking to some of the other students, they didn't really know when auditions were or anything, so maybe it would have been more fully embraced if it was better advertise," said Bender. 


Baranco-Bibb wants to expand the show to include the wider CSULB community. " I wish we could expand this event for audiences and performers outside of the residential halls," said Baranco-Bibb. "This is an event I would like to see done for the whole school. Maybe I am dreaming too big, but who knows." 


Maybe next year we will see CSULB Beach Idol. 

Resident Assistant Profile: Melissa Hernando

As the semester nears it's end, not only does it mean everyone is getting ready for a new set of class schedules and professors but also a new batch of housing Resident Assistants. Melissa Hernando, a current Resident Assistants gave me a scoop into her job "keeping the dorms in line".

Recently, I have noticed everyone preparing and observably panicking about their Resident Assistants interviews. As a dorm resident you may already know via all the commotion that the housing office is taking interviews for potential Resistant Assistants for Fall 2011 and judging by the large numbers of applicants, it appears to be a coveted role.

So, what makes an ideal R.A.? I spoke with Los Cerritos Resident Assistants, Melissa Hernando to profile her job, and she offered some interesting tips to applicants, so listen up!

Above: Melissa Hernando,
 Resisdent Assistant for Los Cerritos building.
Photo Courtsey of Hernando.

Melissa Hernando

1) I live in Los Cerritos, and I am an R.A. for the second floor east side.

2) I applied to be an R.A. because I decided that I wanted to be a role model for the residents, and have someone that can mentor and help them the way that my R.A.'s helped me. I also had friends that were R.A.'s and they all seemed like they would always have fun and they had a special bond with each other which I wanted to be a part of.

3) Students who are applying to be an R.A. should remember that they need to be themselves first and foremost, and that they are trying to become representatives of housing so they should be prepared to present ideas on how to make the residence halls even more of a community environment and more enjoyable for the future residents.

4) Best part of the job for me is definitely bonding with the other R.A.'s and being able to set an example for the residents to follow. The worst part of my job is dealing with issues that the residents have and needing to be their main support system when the majority of them are leaving home for the first time.

5) I am reapplying to be an R.A. and I would definitely recommend the role because I honestly have never learned so much about myself and the potential that I have to offer, and the most rewarding part of this position is realizing how much of an impact I have made on so many people's lives, and that feeling is irreplaceable.

All the best to current applicants.

MORP - GLOW ALL OUT

This past Friday, May 8 residents from the dorms were able to bring out their brightest and most sparkly outfits as CSULB housing celebrated it's first MORP PROM of the academic year. 

We are all guilty of having some fluro colours in our back drawer and sparkly headbands hidden somewhere amongst our "sensible" attire. But students living at the residential housing were able to proudly display their most "glowing" outfit and with an excellent excuse, if I may say so. After the Valentine's Day dance the MORP; Glow all out prom dance was the next biggest dance event, and it got many residents excited. I was able to attend this event which if I may say so, was organized greatly from the decorations, professional DJ's, array of foods and mocktails provided throughout the night. I decided to interview one of the Residential Assistant's responsible for holding the event and two attendees, who I thought were definitely on fire on the d-floor. 

 Tait Kilgore at the MORP.
Kilgore is one of three event organizers.
Photo by Mark Kristick.

TAIT KILGORE - EVENT ORGANIZER

I chose to plan MORP! I held signups in the dining hall for two weeks and I made flyers and a facebook invite so I was expecting a lot of people. It ended up being a really big success so im very happy about the turn out. It's hard to get people to come to sober events these days in college at 8 p.m. so if I could change anything, I wish more people would have come. There isn't too much I would have done differently. It was everything I planned for. I think students would have enjoyed it more than they thought they would. But im very happy and glad its over now.

AARON WONG - ATTENDEE, RESIDES P BUILDING

Left: Aaron Wong at the MORP event.
Photo by Mark Kristick.

I decided to attend because my friend Tait was the one who put it all together. It was well advertised and clearly communicated. It was an extremely fun and safe environment and it was only $1. What I liked most about this event were definitely the DJ's we hired. The DJ's usually make or break the party but they were awesome. There was a good music flow throughout the entire night starting with the electric/house transitioning into top 40's and hip hop and people just kept dancing. I don't think there was anything else they could have done to improve the event other than keep it going longer. It was very successful.

Hilary Rayome dancing at the
 MORP event.
Photo by Pbalo J. Barillas Photography.

HILARY RAYOME - ATTENDEE, RESIDES A BUILDING

I personally love to dance so the music and lights were my favorite part as it sets everyone at ease enough to come alive on the dance floor and have a good time (the mock-tails were a good idea as well).  I was actually pleasantly surprised with the fact that they had enough cups and food to last through the whole event which generally would be what I would say our events need to improve on the most, but instead they actually carried everything thing off really well and we didn't run out. So, I guess if I have to say something for improvement, it would have been fun to have had more black lights to make people glow more and if we did, it also would have been fun to have glow paints we could put on under such black lights.

Overall, the event went well and despite it being scheduled to run only till 11 p.m. guests were  dancing till midnight so it was well received. Professional photographer, Pablo J. Barrillas was in attendance, check out some of his photos on on his album on Facebook > MORP - April 8th 2011.