Killer Whales: Friend or Foe? - The Controvers​y Behind Blackfish

By Beemerboyz803

Please note. We post this as an opinion. We do know there are 3 sides of the story: His truth, her truth and the real truth. From what we viewed, we state our opinion in this post. We love Sea World but disagree with them. We ask for no controversy through comments, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Over the years, children and adults have grown up around SeaWorld. When the kids and adults visited, they never suspected that anything was wrong with them. They thought everything was fine, because they were such happy whales during the shows.

Meanwhile, behind that fake smile was a killer whale who was tortured, night and day. He would be punished for performing tricks incorrectly, and locked in a 20x30-foot cage at night. As the years have passed, these whales have become more aggressive, and have led to serious injuries and several fatalities at marine life parks. In 2010, an infamous accident occurred at SeaWorld Orlando. There has been a controversy ever since.

In 2013, Blackfish was released in theaters. The movie was a documentary about killer whales, their aggressiveness, their tortured lives, and the controversies behind them. One of the two controversies is between OSHA and SeaWorld Parks, OSHA stating that killer whales are not safe for humans to work with. This controversy formed as a result of the 2010 incident. Also, shortly after Blackfish was released in theaters, SeaWorld commented on the movie, stating that its two main premises are false: that life at SeaWorld is harmful and torturous for killer whales, and dangerous for the trainers that assist them, and that SeaWorld has attempted to cover up the facts that surround the incident at SeaWorld's Orlando park in February 2010.

I was able to watch Blackfish on my iPad last night. Immediately, I knew I didn't want to watch it. It was too emotional and to hard for me to handle. When you watch the documentary, it's pretty much like you can feel the pain the whales feel. 

My opinion? Killer whales should be free to do whatever they want. They can't spend their whole lives away from their families. They can't spend their life in a cold bathtub year-round. They can't spend two-thirds of their life swimming in a cold pond in the dark. They can't spend their whole lives covered in rakes, famished, and captured from their families at such a young age.

In conclusion, I believe SeaWorld is not correct. I agree with Blackfish. These whales should deserve to spend their lives in paradise, and not in an aquatic Alcatraz. 

SeaWorld should retire their whales, and not keep them as show-animals their entire lives. Every ten years or so, they remove whales from their parks to return to their families and capture new ones. That way, we can prevent accidents and controversies like this from happening ever again. What will happen to the whales, the trainers, and SeaWorld parks? Each of their fates aren't predictable just yet, but as we all know, anything can happen, at any time. 

"Full House" Reunion Brings Laughs on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon"

 

By Zach Cooper

One of my favorite shows of all time has just gotten back together for one exciting thing. Bob Saget, Dave Coulier and even John Stamos were there to play there famous roles from "Full House".

 

Incase you don't know, Full House was one of the most popular TV shows during the 1980's and 1990's. Ever since the series ended, Full House has never left TV. Episodes are played on a number of different channels daily. Finally after about 15 years since the last episode, the guys got back together for one awesome skit.

 

The skit was about Jimmy Fallon waking up from sleep sad about leaving "Late Night". (Because soon Jimmy Fallon will be hosting the Tonight Show on NBC) The skit included Danny Tanner's motivational speech, Joey with Ranger Joe, and even Uncle Jesses famous "have mercy" line. It was awesome. The small 5 minute skit then ended with the song of "Teddy Bear" as a trio.

 

The small reunion was one of the greatest things I have ever seen. I loved every part of it, and made my week. I continue to watch "Full House" every night, and will keep on doing it.

Universal Orlando Reveals Details for Diagon Alley During Webcast

 

By Zach Cooper

All Harry Potter fans will be traveling to Orlando, Florida this summer. In a live 30 minute webcast on Thursday, January 23rd, Universal Orlando revealed more of what's to come in the all new Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley is a all new area located inside Universal Studios Florida. This is the second part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. Diagon Alley will feature many new exciting opportunities.  

 

Hogwarts Express: Requiring a two park ticket, the train will run back and forth, taking you from Universal Island's of Adventure to Universal Studios Florida. There will be two different unique train-stations, London's King Cross and Hogsmeade Station.

 

During the webcast, we were able to take a look inside the train, as a Universal director sits down with one of the actresses from Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts: This high speed, multi-dimensional attraction will take you through the twists and turns of Gringotts Bank. The attractions front will feature a large dragon on the top of the tower.

Ollivanders The Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 B.C: This will be the second Ollivanders at Universal Orlando. The difference between this one is it will be much bigger and more relative to the films.

Weasley's Wizard Wheases: This space will be a shop of novelty items from the film and other goodies.

Along with these, there will be many more surprises at Diagon Alley. In honor, Universal Orlando launched a new website for Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley opens up this summer at Universal Studios Florida. Stay with us for the latest updates!

2014 Camp Snoopy Expansion

By Beemerboyz803

In 1984, Knott's Berry Farm opened Camp Snoopy, a camp that features characters from Charlie Brown. This year, 2014, Camp Snoopy will celebrate 30 years of operation at Knott's Berry Farm. And to celebrate, Knott's is announcing THREE new rides for Camp Snoopy!!!

 The first ride is Charlie Brown's Kite Flyer. On this ride, guests are invited to "fly a kite" up to 18 feet off the ground...but BEWARE of the kite-eating tree!! The ride will replace Snoopy Bounce. The second attraction is Pig Pen's Mud Buggies. Guests can climb aboard one of four six-passenger ATVs and ride around the High Sierras. The ride will replace Log Peeler. The third and final attraction is Linus Launcher. On this ride, guests board one of twelve "blankets" and fly round and round, launched nearly ten feet into the air (Woodstock-eye view). Linus Launcher will replace Charlie Brown Speedway.

 As for everything else at Camp Snoopy, like Sierra Sidewinder, little is known. The three attractions are expected to open this year, so keep looking out for updates!!!

 

 

 

 

Information courtesy of Theme Park Review

'Treehouse Masters' Returns With 'Out of This World' Treehouses

By Zach Cooper

Last week was the start of season 2 of 'Treehouse Masters' on Animal Planet. The show is about Pete Nelson and his amazing team creating large, furnished treehouses in just a matter of weeks. Since the series first aired, I have been in love with the show. The treehouses that they create will blow your mind. Season 2 is full of surprises.

 

In the show,. Pete shows you the process of each treehouse. Its so great!

A new episode premieres each Friday night at 10PM on Animal Planet.

www.animal.discovery.comtreehousemasters.com

Disney Park Prices Too High?

By Zach Cooper

Disneyland and Walt Disney World usually raise their prices once or twice a year. They always back it up with some new land or new attraction. For Disneyland, a 1 day park ticket is already between the $85-95 range. SO WHEN DOES THIS STOP? I did some research and saw the gross of how fast the prices are going up.

Disneyland Park's Admission Price (Over the Years)
*The dollars are rounded and in between both kids and adult tickets.

2013: $90
2010: $75
2008: $69
2005: $55
2001: $40

When I see prices go up over the last 12 years like this, it scares me a little. In just a few years, families won't be able to afford the expensive prices, even if there is something new added to the park. Who say's some can even afford it now?

 

 

www.cockeyed.com said if these prices keep rising like they have, by 2025, we could be paying $146. Just for one day.

 

Our economy is hard enough. The more Disneyland and Walt Disney World raise their prices, the less families will be able to visit. Also think about those big families with 5-6 people. How can they afford 1 day at the 'Happiest Place on Earth'?

 

I love the Disney Parks. It just really saddens me seeing this. I hope soon they will realize that if they want to aim for every family, the prices need to drop down.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PRICES? Let us know by commenting below.

 

Sources:
www.change.org/petitions/disneylandprices
www.cockeyed.com/disneylandprices

 

Beauty and the Beast Musical: Review

By Zach Cooper

Currently, the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast is traveling all over the country right now. The show features the same music from the original film, by Alan Menken.

 

You probably know a little bit about the plot line, but mainly its about a group of people who have been cursed. To get the curse lifted, the beast must find someone who loves him.

 

I was a little disappointed in the musical. I was expecting way more excitement, but was a little bored at times. It seemed like there were a lot of jokes thrown in, except I didn't really understand much of them. The 'Be Our Guest' scene is an AMAZING part. I would go back just for this song. Much of the cast and crew comes together and sings along with special choreography and in fabulous kitchen costumes.

 

I do think the show is really great for the younger crowd, as most kids really enjoyed it. The cast of the show is amazing as all of them are so professional and have wonderful voices and talents.

 

Our of 10, I would probably rate the musical a 7.

PURCAHSE YOUR TICKETS TODAY BY GOING TO: www.beautyandthebeastontour.com