Monday, May 13, 2019

Key Highlights of Freddie Highmore’s Film Career


A resident of Corvallis, Oregon, Cody Gotchall currently takes online classes and is studying accounting. Outside of his academic pursuits, Cody Gotchall enjoys volunteering, playing cribbage, and watching the television series The Good Doctor.

The Good Doctor is about a young surgical resident with savant syndrome and autism who moves away from a peaceful country lifestyle to work in the prestigious surgical unit at St. Bonaventure Hospital. The main character, Dr. Shaun Murphy, is played by actor Freddie Highmore. A brief overview of Freddie Highmore’s highly successful film career is presented below.

Freddie Highmore became well known in the film industry as a young child and earned recognition early on as Empire Award's Most Promising Newcomer. He also won a Film Critics’ award for the World's Best Young Actor on two occasions. Mr. Highmore became most famous for his role in the film Neverland when he played the character of Peter and has also been seen in the films Two Brothers, Women Talking Dirty, A Good Year, August Rush, and Five Children and It, among others. Freddie Highmore also made his debut as a director after writing episodes for Bates Motel, an Emmy-nominated show in which he played Norman Bates and earned the People's Choice Award for Best Actor.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Tasty Side Dishes to Pair with Barbequed Ribs


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Four Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood


A student and volunteer, Cody Gotchall is an active member of the community through his participation in nonprofit programs. Since 2012, Cody Gotchall has donated blood to the American Red Cross.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Donating blood could save these peoples’ lives. However, the benefits of donating blood are not limited to blood recipients only. Donors also benefit from donating blood.

1. Reduced risk of iron overload and its resulting conditions. Excess absorption of iron in the body, whether because of genetics, alcoholism, or anemia, increases the risk of health conditions like hemochromatosis. Also, the excess iron is usually stored in organs like the heart and liver, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and liver issues. Donating blood reduces iron overload. 

2. Reduced risk of cancer. Research shows that donating blood at least once every year reduces the risk of cancer. This is because iron accelerates free radical damage in the body that may result in cancer. Reducing iron reserves through blood donation reduces the likelihood of liver, colon, lung, and esophagus cancers. 

3. Stimulates blood cell production. Donating blood stimulates the body to produce new blood cells for good overall health. 

4. Free medical check-up. The blood donation process involves a trip to the doctor and access to medical tests which can reveal potential health problems.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Reasons to Try Boating


Cody Gotchall studied STEM subjects at Oregon State University. He also studied accounting at the Linn Benton Community College. When free, Cody Gotchall enjoys boating.

Boating can be very rewarding and stress-relieving. A boating experience targets the mental processes that can increase one’s ability to focus and concentrate. Aside from its effects on health, boating also promotes bonding. Although boating alone is possible, going with a group brings greater satisfaction. Doing things together, such as racing, cruising, or anchoring, encourages stronger relationships. Sailing may offer significant opportunities to build a team.

Boating teaches craftsmanship. When sailing, there may be instances when something needs to be fixed or improved on a boat that must be personally done. For this reason, a boater must be able to learn basic fixes and improvements, such as fixing a leaked plug, repainting, or changing the engine oil.

Boating develops skills and confidence. Sailing requires decision-making, sometimes quickly. Although not life-threatening, a boater must be alert, quick, and confident in unexpected situations, such as when strong winds or waves arise. He or she must practice their skills and be confident while staying calm and relaxed to handle the situation.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Recreational Programs of the Arc of Benton County


An Oregon resident, Cody Gotchall studied STEM courses at Oregon State University. He then took accounting through the iLearn program of Linn Benton Community College. Also focused on volunteer efforts, Cody Gotchall acts as a self-advocacy representative for the Arc of Benton County.

The Arc of Benton County advocates that every person with an intellectual or development disability deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, equality, and security. The Arc also believes that intellectual and developmental disabilities do not define an individual. Instead, their strengths, abilities, and values must be highlighted. Furthermore, it has created programs for engagement in visual arts, literary arts, performing arts, and other social opportunities.

For more than six decades, the Arc has developed recreational programs that focus on the arts. One program involves learning and developing painting skills while building friendships in class. Completed artworks are then displayed for sale in art shows, wherein artists get to keep 80 percent of the proceeds. 

Another program welcomes ArtFocus students to showcase their skills in poetry reading through businesses such as Imagine Coffee. Still another program invites students who are interested in performing. After regular practices, the DramaSquad performs annually at the Majestic Theater in Corvallis. Finally, the Lego Team encourages building relationships by expressing ideas with others with a shared interest in Legos.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

How to Introduce a New Dog to a Home with an Established Dog


Undergraduate Cody Gotchall spends much of his time studying and volunteering with local causes. Cody Gotchall has expressed his interest and experience in dog training to his volunteer work with animal rescue centers. 

People who are interested in adopting or fostering a pet can contact an animal rescue organization to see if any animals are in need of a home. However, the following precautions should be taken if a dog is to be introduced into a home with other dogs:

1. Have a play-date. Established submissive dogs are generally more tolerant of newcomers than dogs with dominant personalities. Either way, before owners bring a new dog home, the two animals should meet on neutral territory. Many rescue centers or breeders will help arrange pre-adoption meetings in a dog-safe location.

2. Use scent. Dogs closely associate familiar smells with security and safety. To make the transition easier for both dogs, owners should give the established dog a towel infused with the scent of the new animal so the dog can get accustomed to the new dog’s scent. The same should be done for the newcomer. 

3. Feed the dogs separately. Dogs can be possessive over food, which may lead to aggression toward a new member of the household. Initially, the dogs should be fed in separate areas. During the transition period, treats should be dispensed only when the dogs are apart.

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Season Six of Madam Secretary Remains Unknown


Oregon resident Cody Gotchall, a life-long math enthusiast, is pursuing a degree in accounting. In his free time, Cody Gotchall enjoys playing cribbage and watching television dramas, including the series Madam Secretary

Starring actress Tea Leoni as fictional United States Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, the intriguing political drama has aired on the CBS network since 2014. While the series is now in syndication, CBS has yet to announce if Madam Secretary will return for the 2019-2020 season. 

The show’s behind-the-scenes depiction of international diplomacy and political life has been popular with viewers. Madam Secretary has featured a host of famous cameos, including guest appearances by former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright. 

An average of 14 million people tuned in every week during the show's first season. However, audience numbers dropped about 10 percent between season four and season five. As a result, fans must wait to see if the series will be renewed for next year.