Filed under: UCF Sports — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 23:58
Photo Courtesy Orlando Sentinel
The UCF Knights (1-0; 0-0 AAC) soundly defeated the Bulldogs of South Carolina State (0-1; 0-0 MEAC) on Thursday in front of an almost at-capacity crowd at fbs Mortgage Stadium on the beautiful campus of the University of Central Florida. As reported by the AAC:
John Rhys Plumlee figured in five touchdowns as UCF opened its 2022 season with a 56-10 win against South Carolina State Thursday night at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Plumlee, the former Ole Miss signal-caller who most recently spent two seasons as a receiver for the Rebels, passed for 308 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 86 yards and another score in his UCF debut and his return to the quarterback position. Plumlee helped stake the Knights to a 21-0 lead after the first quarter.
Isaiah Bowser rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns to help the Knights rush for 292 yards as a team. UCF gained 600 yards on offense, while the defense limited the Bulldogs to 91 yards (56 passing, 35 rushing). The Knights took a 42-10 lead into the fourth quarter, but Plumlee found Zach Marsh-Wojan for a 21-yard score to make it a 39-point lead before Quadric Bullard capped the scoring when he blocked a punt and dove on the loose ball in the end zone.
The Knights take on the Cardinals of Louisville (0-1; 0-1 ACC) for a primetime matchup on Friday at 7:30pm. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2. Check out highlights of UCF’s win over SC State below, courtesy of the American Athletic Conference:
Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 16:53
Earlier this week, Dr. Blackwell’s original article, ” Monthly Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine to Manage HIV Infection in Adults” was published in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Written with Dr. Blackwell’s frequent collaborator and colleague, Dr. Humberto Lopez-Castillo, the article explores a new treatment strategy for managing HIV-1 infection in the United States using an injectable antiretroviral combination agent. The abstract appears below:
The FDA recently approved a unique treatment regimen for management of HIV-1 infection in adults. A one-time per month injection of cabotegravir/rilpivirine can replace a current, stable antiretroviral regimen in those with virologic suppression, without history of treatment failure, or known or suspected resistance with cabotegravir or rilpivirine. A one-month oral trial should be initiated before switching to the extended-release injectable formulation. Cabotegravir/rilpivirine showed continued virologic suppression without clinically relevant changes in CD4+ cell counts. Clinicians should understand this new HIV regimen, its indications and suitability for select patients, administration and dosing, interactions, and most reported adverse events.
Filed under: Popular Music — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 16:44
Steps has released its first new single from its upcoming Platinum Collection album! Entitled, “Hard 2 Forget,” the song was written by US pop artist VINCINT with Grammy-nominee JHart (Little Mix) and STORYBOARDS, the track is also accompanied today by a brand-new video – watch here. Set in an East London café after a massive night out, the video features a colourful cast of characters including Drag Race UK star Charity Kase.
Describing the song, Steps add: “This 25th anniversary year has been all about looking back at our history and celebrating so many wonderful moments throughout our career. The last few years have been made extra special by the incredible response to our new music. We couldn’t release the Platinum Collection without something brand-new for our fans, and we are SO excited to share our new single ‘Hard 2 Forget’. The moment we heard it, we knew it had the DNA of a classic Steps song but with a modern edge. We hope you all love it as much as we do!”
Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 22:20
Findings from a groundbreaking research project supervised by Dr. Blackwell based on the dissertation work of Dr. Jake Bush has been published in the Journal of Transcultural Nursing. Dr. Bush is the primary author of the article, entitled, “Social Media as a Recruitment Strategy with Transgender-Identified Individuals: Using an Ethical Lens to Direct Methodology.” The abstract for the work appears below. Click on the “Research” link at the top of the Web Site to access the article.
Abstract
Introduction: Researchers are limited when using traditional recruitment methods to access hidden and vulnerable populations, including transgender persons. Social media platforms such as Facebook can provide access to the transgender population and facilitate recruitment of a representative sample. There is little regulatory guidance for using social media as a recruitment strategy. Methodology: This article presents recruitment recommendations based on a study that generated a diverse sample of transgender-identified persons using Facebook as the sole recruitment method. Results: Despite taking precautions, computer bots penetrated the initial survey. A second survey distribution collected data from a diverse sample of transgender-identified individuals. Discussion: Researchers should design social media recruitment methods with attention to privacy and transparency. Thus, using social media platforms such as Facebook to recruit transgender participants that otherwise would be challenging to reach is a viable and ethically sound alternative to traditional recruitment methods.
Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 20:41
Findings from a recent research project on which Dr. Blackwell participated are going to be published in the journal Clinical Simulation in Nursing. Data from the work suggest pre-briefing exercises conducted in acute care simulations using augmented reality can enhance learners’ retainment of clinical information and skills. The research team was led by Dr. Mindi Anderson, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CHSE-A, ANEF, FAAN, FSSH, the Director of the healthcare simulation graduate programs in the College of Nursing at UCF.
Dr. Frank Guido-Sanz, APRN, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, Faculty in the College’s adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner programs, also worked closely on the project. The article, entitled, “Clinical Simulation in Nursing Augmented Reality (AR) as a Prebrief for Acute Care Simulation” will be published in the journal later in the year. Other authors on the article include Steven “Steve” Talbert, Ph.D., RN, Mari Dial, PMGT-BC, CHSE, LNC, Ryan McMahan, Ph.D., and Desiree Diaz, Ph.D., FNP-BC, CNE, CHSE-A, ANEF, FAAN. The abstract for the article appears below:
Background: There is sparse literature describing the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as pre-simulation preparation (i.e., prebrief) and how participants are oriented to the technology. Methods: A multi-methods study was piloted with adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner learners. Participants were oriented to the AR headset and participated in an AR experience during prebrief followed by a high-technology, manikin-based simulation. Usability, effectiveness, and participant side effect data were gathered. Four open-ended questions were answered, and anecdotal notes were taken.
Results: The AR prebrief activity averaged 22 minutes or less. Side effects that occurred during the experience were mostly oculomotor. Usability was less than average; however, the AR activity during prebrief appeared to be effective in the overall simulation experience.
Conclusions: AR can be utilized during prebrief. There are multiple faculty considerations. Further study for AR during prebrief is needed.
Highlights:
Augmented Reality (AR) can be utilized during prebrief and is effective.
Timing for AR during prebrief should be evaluated.
Faculty considerations must be contemplated when using AR.
Key Points:
Prebriefing is foundational for successfully meeting established simulation outcomes.
Integrating AR technology into the prebrief may enhance simulation learning experiences.
Further research is needed in AR for prebrief learning.
Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 19:13
Dr. Blackwell will be giving 3 presentations at the 2022 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference in Orlando, Florida in June. These presentations include Preventing HIV in 2022: Integrating Evidence into Practice (6/22: Session 22.2.036), Advanced Practice Care of Patients with HIV and AIDS (6/23: Session 22.3.025), and Evidence-Based Care of LGBTQ Adolescents (6/22: Session 22.2.155). Attendees should plan to register for these sessions during the conference if they’d like to attend. The Preventing HIV in 2022: Integrating Evidence into Practice (Session 22.2.036) and Evidence-Based Care of LGBTQ Adolescents (Session 22.2.155) presentations will also be given at the 2022 AANP National Virtual Conference. Follow the link below to register for the 2022 National AANP Conference:
Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 11:38
Dr. Blackwell’s original article, “Monthly Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine to Manage HIV Infection in Adults” has undergone the rigorous peer review process and has been accepted for publication in the Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, considered the premier journal of the NP profession. Written with collaborator Dr. Humberto Lopez-Castillo, the article examines the use of a new approach to managing HIV infection in adults using injectable antiretrovirals. The article will appear in a forthcoming issue of the journal. The abstract appears below:
The FDA recently approved a unique treatment regimen for management of HIV type-1 infection in adults. A one-time per month injection of cabotegravir/rilpivirine can replace a current, stable antiretroviral regimen in those with virological suppression, without history of treatment failure or known or suspected resistance with cabotegravir or rilpivrine. A one-month oral trial should be initiated prior to switching to the extended-release injectable formulation. Cabotegravir/rilpivirine showed continued virologic suppression without clinically relevant changes in CD4+ cell counts. Clinicians should understand this new HIV regimen, its indications and suitability for select patients, administration and dosing, interactions, and most reported adverse events.
Filed under: Performing Arts — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 01:59
The story of how a musical based on the beloved novel, The Bridges of Madison County, by Robert James Waller, came to be is an interesting one. The show got its start in 2013 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Williamstown, MA. A creative team including the legendary composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) and writer Marsha Norman brought to stage an absolutely gorgeous musical that contained the core elements of the novel (with some amazingly smart alterations) but stripped much of the klutzy components of the film to life. The show would eventually make its way to Broadway in 2014, where powerhouse Kelli O’Hara would star as the female lead (Francesca) and Steven Pasquale its male lead. While the show sadly lived a short run, luckily, it has found itself as a genuine addition to the repertoire of American musical theater and lived on. Brown went on to win the Tony Award for Best Score. While nominated, unfortunately O’Hara would be robbed of the Tony for Best Actress. The American Theater Wing voters would right that wrong the following year when O’Hara won for the 2015 revival of The King & I).
I saw the original Broadway show shortly after it opened. The phenomenal voices of the leads meshed with the lush all-string and percussion orchestral score grabbed ahold of me; and the story of how two humans with similar confinements of their realities found a lifelong love for one another really made an impact. So when the closing notice was posted, I quickly purchased a ticket and flew to NYC so I could be in attendance at the show’s final performance. I also traversed the country with the Equity tour the original production spawned shortly after; and that production came close to rivaling what was seen on Broadway. Needless to say, Bridges has gone on to become one of my all-time favorite musicals. So when I learned that actor/director Hunter Foster, who played Francesca’s husband Bud in the original Broadway cast, was mounting a production of the show at the Axelrod Theater in Deal Park, NJ, there was no way I could miss it. And I’m so glad I didn’t!
While it’s nearly impossible to supplant the voices and talent of O’Hara and Pasquale, Kate Baldwin (Francesca Johnson) and Aaron Lazar (Robert Kincaid), the two leads here, are DAMN close! Baldwin, a two-time Tony Award nominee, has a voice that absolutely soars! She has perfected the nuances of her character with complete mastery. And not only does she blow the roof off with her incredibly angelic singing, she can really act. She personifies the hurt, longing, and subtle desperation of a woman trapped in a life of mundane monotony so well that when her steamy affair with handsome and rugged photographer Robert begins, the audience quickly suspends any judgment. Lazar also brings a sense of vulnerability to his character that has the same equating effect. His voice is incredibly powerful; and he (like Baldwin) has a solid comprehension of the necessity of dynamics to inflect the emotional journey of the characters through song.
The supporting cast is also superb. Bud Johnson is played by Broadway veteran Bart Shatto. He gets the opportunity to display his vocal and acting abilities in several numbers, punctuated by, “Something From A Dream” in Act I. And while Emily Pellecchia’s interpretation of Bud and Francesca’s daughter Carolyn is spot-on, Thomas Cromer’s performance of their son Michael is a little subdued for a masculine teen that is looking to rebel against the confines of rural Iowan life. The Johnson’s neighbor Marge is vital to the portrayal of the bond rural farming communities can have; and while Nikki Yarnell plays the role with a little less empathy than I’ve seen in previous productions of the show, she and Mark Megill (who plays her husband Charlie), are great. Perhaps the real standout among those playing supporting roles is Giuliano Augello, who brings down the house in her portrayal of Robert’s ex-wife Marian. Her performance of, “Another Life” was shockingly brilliant! Her light shines bright; and she fits in perfectly with the Broadway actors that make up this cast.
The scenic designs by Anna Louizos are simple (not basic) and reminiscent of the original production with some smart, albeit subtle, differences. They’re also used in a highly effective manner as they’re manipulated on stage throughout the scenes by the cast. This was one of the first shows I ever saw on Broadway that employed that technique. And it adds to the ambiance of the scenes incredibly wel. Interestingly, I learned that because cast members were involved in setting props and moving set pieces manually, they had to becoming card-carrying members of the respective union for such stagehands. Director Hunter Foster, who I’m sure has some strong emotional ties to the show since he has been involved with it since its inception, has made some absolutely wonderful staging decisions that incredibly enhance the story.
One of the more powerful numbers is, “Get Closer,” sung by neighbor Marge in a comedic fashion while the romance between Francesca and Robert are played out towards the end of Act I. In the original production, the character sings the number stage left, somewhat distracting from the main character development. Here, the number is sung off stage with a filter designed to alter Yarnell’s voice to mimic a radio broadcast. This allows the audience to focus solely on the fiery love and connection that’s occurring between Francesca and Robert. Other notable elemental changes include deletion of a brief reunion scene fantasized by Francesca when her family encounters Robert in town and a completely different conclusion to the final scene of the show. In the original production, Francesca and Robert embrace on the bridge where they first kindled their love. In this production, Francesca relives the moment where she posed for a photograph for Robert on the bridge, invoking an even more powerful emotional reaction from the audience that imparts a slightly different, yet equally impactful, impression.
In conclusion, I just can’t say enough good things about this production of Bridges. I saw the show two days in a row and can conclude that it is one of the best theatrical experiences I’ve ever had. When I have amazing theatrical experiences such as this, I take a moment to thank God. I thank God for blessing the performers with their immeasurable talents and abilities; and I thank God for the skill and wisdom of the composers, musicians, writers, directors, and everyone else involved in bringing something as truly magical as this to life. There’s no doubt this production was truly blessed by the almighty. Thank you to everyone for making this production of The Bridges of Madison County one I will never forget!
While the run has ended, you can check out a behind the scenes video on the production below:
On January 7th, Kelly Clarkson paid tribute to the phenomenal musical Waitress by giving a knockout performance of the show’s anthem, “She Used to Be Mine.” Waitress closed on Broadway on January 5th after a 2-month post-COVID run. Check out Clarkson’s show stopping performance below. BRAVO Kelly!
Filed under: UCF Sports — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 19:56
The UCF Knights (9-4; 5-3 AAC) took care of business last Thursday against the Florida Gators (6-7; 2-6 SEC), winning the Gasparilla Bowl 29-17 in Tampa. As reported by the AAC (via AP):
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Isaiah Bowser ran for 155 yards and two touchdowns, Ryan O’Keefe had 85 yards on seven receptions, and UCF earned Sunshine State bragging rights by beating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Thursday night.
UCF (9-4) took a 26-17 lead late in the third when Daniel Obarski made a 21-yard field goal and Mikey Keene threw a 54-yard scoring strike to O’Keefe in the span of about two minutes. Obarski then made it 29-17 on a 33-yarder with 2:41 to play.
Florida quarterback Emory Jones, playing in his final game with the Gators before entering the transfer portal, completed 14 of 36 passes for 171 yards. He also ran for 62 yards on 10 carries.
Florida was led by interim coach Greg Knox, who took over when Dan Mullen was fired before the regular-season finale against Florida State. Former Louisiana coach Billy Napier will take over for the 2022 season. Florida (6-7) finished with its first losing record since 2017.
UCF outgained Florida 436-376. O’Keefe also put up 110 rushing yards, including a 74-yard run in third quarter after which Bowser put UCF up 16-10 with a TD run 4 yards out.
Florida regained the lead, 17-16, on its next possession when Malik Davis had a 19-yard rushing TD.
Florida led 10-9 at halftime thanks to Chris Howard’s 26-yard field goal with 1:36 left in the second quarter.
Keene replaced starting QB Dillon Gabriel, who broke his left collarbone against Louisville in September. The true freshman went 14 of 22 for 144 yards on Thursday.
It was the first time the time the two teams played since Florida won 42-0 during its 2006 national championship season. The Gators also won 58-27 in 1999.
The announced crowd at Raymond James Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a Gasparilla Bowl record of 63,669.
The Knights also pulled in one of the program’s best recruiting classes ever, ranking 41 nationally. With a 9-4 2021 record (especially given the team’s adversity), a win against Florida, and a move to the Big 12 Conference (probable in 2023), the future has never been brighter for the UCF Knights.
Check out video highlights of the Knights’ win over the Gators in the Gasparilla Bowl, courtesy of ESPN, below:
