News Janurary 19, 2011 Volume 11 Issue 1 VALENCIAVOICE.COM Welcome Back Students By James Tutten Free barbecue meals were This event was organized by [email protected] provided by Cabin Creek SGA to provide students with Catering with choices rang- a chance to have some fun and On a blustery cold day, when ing from chicken, hot dogs, also learn about Valencia’s Florida was the only state in hamburgers, pork, beans, and many on-campus groups. Va- America without snow, pip- coleslaw. Bill Whitney, anoth- lencia’s Nursing Students ing hot food was given to er food vendor, also provided Association, Intercultural thaw the chill of winter break. “tornado potatoes” which are Students Association, Mod- The Welcome Back Barbe- twirled, seasoned, and deep el United Nations, and Phi cue took place at Valencia’s fried potatoes on a stick. The Theta Kappa, among others, West Campus last Thurs- lines, full of hungry students, were all stationed through- day. This event welcomed all spoke highly of the quality out the outdoor courtyard. students to the campus fol- and flavor of the food provided. SGA Vice President Wendell lowing winter break and Additional festivities Smith said a main goal for provided free food, enter- included face painting, this event was to “let stu- tainment, and information body art, a photography dents understand how much about Valencia-based groups. booth, and custom stickers. school spirit Valencia shows.” Keith W. Houck, vice presi- dent for Administrative Ser- vices at West Campus, was at the event and said, “it’s very exciting, a lot of students have James Tutten / Valencia Voice turned out, and they are en- Were you in class during the Welcome back BBQ? No worries, here’s a video re-cap brought to you by the Voice. joying the barbecue today.” Jacob Solomon, a third- songs inspired by artists like year Nursing student, Sheryl Crow. Sparks brings News: Poll: agreed. “Anytime you can her folk/country music style to universities and other ven- get a free meal, it’s great Valencia uses Do you like the for college students.” ues throughout the country. Live musical entertainment If you were unable to at- students’ ab- changes the was provided by Erin Sparks tend the events, all clubs sence to make new semester from Nashville, Tenn. Accom- and organizations can be changes brings? panied by her husband on accessed through the col- Page 3 Page 7 Sebastian Arbelaez / Valencia Voice acoustic guitar, she performed lege’s main web site at Musician Erin Sparks Entertained students during the Welcome Back BBQ. a mix of original and cover http://www.valenciacc.edu. News 2 Violence in Arizona reminds SGA attends District Two colleges to focus on safety By Max Murphy vice Project.; the group decided to fo- Special to the Valencia Voice cus on battered and abused women. Valencia ensures security with Valencia Alert The schools discussed legislative issues to be vot- Every semester Student Government Associa- ed on at the FJCCSGA State Conference in February. By James Tutten with the campus dean, and if needed, students are tions across Central Florida’s Community Colleg- The issues included the Sustainability Initia- [email protected] removed from the area and taken to speak direct- es gather to discuss pertinent issues surrounding tive, Bright Futures, and the state budget in rela- ly with the dean, or law enforcement, if required. students. Known as the Florida Community Col- tion to Community Colleges. They also discussed Security and safety are everyone’s responsi- The dean of students will then form a review of the lege Student Government Association, or FJCC- the Local Option Referendum and the Dream Act. bility in a free society where we maintain per- instance and individual on a case-by-case basis. If SGA, these meetings allow SGA’s to debate issues Before the meeting closed, there was the discus- sonal freedoms, while also looking out for the the disruptive person is not a student at Valencia, that will be presented to the Florida State Leg- sion of the opening of all Executive Board posi- well being of others. The recent tragic shoot- or a guest, they are asked to leave school grounds islature, and decide on where their support lay. tions within FJCCSGA. Participants were encour- ing in Arizona can teach a lesson in secu- and can be forced off property by security if nec- In the fall this meeting was held on Valencia’s West aged to campaign for these positions over the next rity and personal empathy here at Valencia. essary. Lopez points out that “if an individual is Campus, this term, the FJCCSGA District Two meet- semester with voting taking place later this term. Jared Loughner, the suspected Arizona gun- a danger to themselves or anyone else, Florida’s ing was held at Brevard Community College in the man, recently attended Pima Community College, 72-hour Baker Act law can be applied for any type Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory . a campus smaller in size, but similar to Valencia of assessment The first item was the Community- Ser in many ways. At Valencia, procedures dealing through law ‘Nothing can happen with- with security are handled by vice-president of enforcement out information; knowledge is Security and Safety, Tom Lopez, who oversees all or mental power.’ four Valencia campuses. Lopez strongly believes evaluation.” -Tom Lopez VP Security when dealing with safety “nothing can hap- Politically Get down to pen without information; knowledge is power.” motivated For any on-campus disturbance, reports are filed violence has been seen in Florida over the past few months, with death threats against former business with congressman Alan Grayson during his reelec- tion campaign in November. In December, the Columbia College. near tragic scene when the Panama City School Board meeting was held hostage by a deranged gunman. As a precaution, any congressperson or “Columbia College’s price was right, schedule special guests attending events at Valencia receive was perfect and location was convenient. elevated security protection as part of their visit. Columbia College had everything I was Several students at Valencia’s Osceola campus looking for and more.” personally encountered a disturbing individual Marie Linda Celestin ‘06 yelling at everyone in the front parking area in late Bachelor’s degree in business administration September. He was yelling anti-religious rants that offended many students, some of whom threatened Valencia Community College On campus. Online. Or both. Call boxes can mean the difference between staying safe and getting stuck in a bad situation. Continued on page 5 Toll free: (877) 999-9876 • www.ccis.edu/realpeople 2600 Technology Dr. • Orlando, FL News 3 New debit The iPhones are coming card for Verizon offers long awaited lifeboat to frustrated AT&T customers financial By Shay Castle One exception is 3G personal that the company was unwill- [email protected] hot spot capability, which al- ing to make “design com- schedules starting in November or December of lows users to connect up to five promises” needed to allow aid users last year already received their funds through Verizon officials announced Wi-Fi enabled devices. This the iPhone to run on the 4G in a press conference Tues- feature will only be available network. Also coming into By Karlvyn Louis-Charles the new debit card system. Once the student has day that the wireless net- on the new Verizon models. play was the incredible de- [email protected] received the debit card, the next step is to activate it at http://www.valenciadebitcard.com. work will offer the iPhone Despite the general excite- mand by Verizon customers for sale early next month. for the popular smart phone. Students used to getting reimbursement The activation process is simple. Go to the Pre-ordering begins Feb. “Verizon customers have checks from the business office will be surprised website, type in your new debit card number 3 for existing Verizon cus- told us they want the iPhone this term, because starting Feb. 4, Valencia will and click the “Get Started” link on the page. tomers, and opens to the now,” Cook said at the press distribute financial aid refunds through a new Once you have personalized your account with general public a week later. conference. “I can’t tell you the debit card system. information like your Valencia ID, social security Verizon is capitalizing on number of times that I’ve been The debit card will utilize the direct deposit number, and birth date, the next step is choosing the excitement by market- asked: ‘When will the iPhone banking feature, allowing students to receive their a refund option. This would be by either setting ing the debut of the iPhone work on the Verizon network?’” refunds within an hour of disbursement. This will up an account with Higher One and using their as an event in and of itself. Verizon and iPhone maker make funds more easily accessible and will be the debit card, or having the funds transferred to A banner on the company’s Apple began discussions in only reimbursement option offered by Valencia. your pre-existing checking account, using the website reads “iPhone 4. Ve- 2008, one year after the iPhone "If a student absolutely wants a paper check ACH transfer refund option. rizon. It begins 02.10.11.” was released by AT&T. The they will have to go through Higher One, the Kisha Peart from the business office stated, A promotional offer of two wireless providers will company we’re using for the debit cards,” “We do recommend the debit card only because $199.99 for the 16GB phone remain exclusive carriers. said Kisha Peart, a business office specialist on you will get your funds faster. So on Fridays or $299.99 for the 32GB mod- Still, the question remains: Valencia’s East campus. “Basically what could when we disperse at 12 o'clock, by 12:30 or 1 el is available with the sign- ment, some online bloggers Will the acquisition of the happen is after 21 days, they will automatically o’clock students will have access to their money ing of a two year contract. have expressed disappointment iPhone result in a sizable shift mail out a paper check, so the student will have on their debit card.” The long awaited announce- that the iPhone will not run on of users from AT&T to Verizon? to wait an additional 3-4 weeks if they want a If the ACH option is chosen, steps involving ment comes, after months Verizon’s 4G network, but in- Big numbers have been paper check." the student’s bank account number and bank of media speculation, to the stead utilize older technology. thrown around as estimates. The new system allows students to receive name are then added to the process. “If students delight of iPhone users dis- Older technology means Ted Moore, a portfolio man- funds within hours after the business office choose their bank account, they do have to wait satisfied with the limita- limited capabilities. Verizon ager with Fifth Third, predict- has released them instead of weeks under the an additional 3-4 days.” tions of the AT&T network. iPhone users will not be able to ed in the “Washington Post” school’s past policies. Valencia plans to have all The new debit card system should help make Most of the features on the use the internet while placing a that as many as three million cards mailed out by the end of this month. the reimbursement process simpler and faster Verizon iPhone will be identi- call or use their phone overseas. AT&T subscribers will defect This won’t be the first semester Valencia has for both the students and Valencia College. cal to those offered by AT&T. Apple COO Tim Cook said to Verizon within the first year. used the system. Valencia students with flex- News 4

-DADT repeal Court Chief Judge John Roll, dition was upgraded from A repeal of the military’s Dorthy “Dot” Morris, a 79-year- critical to serious this past controversial ‘Don’t Ask Don’t old retired secretary, and Christi- Monday and her doctors are Tell’ policy preventing gay na-Taylor Green, a nine-year-old optimistic that she will recover. soldiers from serving openly girl who had been elected to her The alleged shooter, Jared Lee in America’s armed services. school’s student council and was Loughner, was subdued by by- -9/11 heros recieve aid interested in the world of politics. standers at the scene and is being New legislation that provides Giffords is currently recov- charged with a number of crimes health care for the rescue work- ering at the University Medi- including attempted assassina- ers at the World Trade Center cal Center in Tuscon. Her con- tion of a member of congress. What who have developed deadly respiratory conditions due to their work at Ground Zero. Magic players Dwight Howard, Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu. -Extension of Bush tax cuts went on Legislation that extended By James Austin drastic changes to their lineup. the federal tax cuts estab- [email protected] Trades included: Rashard Lew- lished by George W. Bush is to the Wizards for Gilbert Are- that were scheduled to expire Magic make all star trades nas and, Vince Carter, Marcin while at the start of the new year. As a result of rigorous nego- Gortat and Mickael Pietrus to New congress in session tiations, the Magic made some the Suns for Jason Richardson, The 112th congress was Earl Clark and Hedo Turkoglu. brought into session January you The Magic lost the first 5. This congress brings a new two games after the trade but Republican majority into the went on to win their next nine. House of Representatives and Congress says good bye in a Republican increase in the were the lame-duck session Senate. Speaker of the House, Before the new Republican- Republican John Boehner, has controlled House of Repre- already started discussion on sentatives officially took of- a bill to repeal the demonized gone fice, congress members who health care laws passed over were voted out this past No- summer. The vote on the bill vember got the chance to is scheduled for Wednesday. make lasting impressions in Arizona shooting this years lameduck session. United States congresswom- New legislation included: en Gabrielle Giffords was shot -The S.T.A.R.T. treaty in the head during an open A treaty between the US meeting she was hosting on and Russia limiting the nucle- January 8 with her constituents ar arsenal of both countries near Tuscon, Arizona. Of the 19 down to 1,550 warheads each. All Photos Courtesy of MCT Marty Kool of Tucson, Arizona, people shot, six were killed. The Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi congratulates Speaker of the pays his respects on the roadside. deceased included US District House Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) on the floor of the House chamber. News 5 precautions have been in effect tarian operation, survivors for several years at Valencia. Violence say they are still waiting to “Valencia Alert” is a security see a positive impact from all Continued from page 2 and crisis alert system that sends the aid. “If the reconstruction important messages via e-mail, were serious, the mass would the disturbed person in re- and text message. Alerts are sent be happening inside the re- sponse. This person then in the event of any dangerous sit- built church,” Carla Fleuriv- abruptly reached into a bag uations, or severe weather relat- en, a 19-year-old mother of he was carrying and present- ed warnings. Anyone interested three, told the Reuters news ed papers with wild, incoher- can sign up and select which alert agency outside the cathedral. ent scribbling over the pages. system they prefer at http:// In Champs Mars, the capi- Despite several threats and www.alert.valenciacc.edu. other actions, this individual There is also talk of a smart tal’s central plaza where thou- went on for several minutes phone application in the future sands of families live in a swel- without any regard for his per- where students can send in alerts tering tent city, residents said (Carl Juste/Miami Herald/MCT) the official ceremonies and sonal safety. A disturbed per- and warnings, via text message. A police officer places a wreath on a cross erected on top of a mass son has the potential to cause Emanuel Colon / Valencia Voice For now, any student that feels gravesite in memory of the victims of the January 2010 earthquake. renewed pledges of aid and Emergency call towers are located a need to discuss disturbances progress for Haiti from for- harm to others when they have in various places around every or unruly behavior can speak eign officials were like some- no regard for their own safety. campus to ensure safety. to any faculty member, security Nathan Hicks, in charge of thing taking place in another personnel, or anyone they feel Haiti remembers security at the Osceola campus, cused on helping Valencia stu- world. Hundreds of thousands comfortable with on campus. Re- had no record of this event be- dents remain safe and informed are still living in such camps, port’s are filed in the security of- cause it went unreported to his with alert stations throughout deadly earthquake which are now being rav- fice and can remain anonymous. aged by a cholera epidemic office, but stated “in the past, the all campuses, telephones with Reach out to any friend or Citizens hold memorial for the that has already taken about public Lynx buses that connect a quick connection to security, classmates you believe are in a 3,750 lives since mid-October. to all the campuses have brought and off-duty police officers dur- troubled emotional state. The 316,000 lives lost one year ago “The diplomats pass disruptive individuals that are ing peak hours that maintain suspected gunman in Tucson is through in the air, in heli- then dealt with by security.” radio connections with secu- a young former college student Al Jazeera men were dressed in white in There are programs in exis- rity and law enforcement dis- that used the same social media MCT campus mourning as they clambered copters, but they never come tence - and in the works - all fo- patch. All of these systems and sites most young people use to- over the ruins for a better through here on the ground,” day. These websites are often Thousands of people in Haiti view of a Catholic Mass being said Hyacinthe Mintha, 56, used by individuals to reach out gathered in the capital, Port-au- held to remember the dead. a resident of Champs Mars. to others, even when dealing Prince, to mark the moment a The magnitude 7.0 quake Mintha’s daughter, Hyacinthe with personal problems. massive earthquake struck one hit the Caribbean island Benita, 39, lives in a metal- Anyone that has personal is- year ago, killing an estimated state at 4:53 p.m. on Jan. 12, and-wood shack with a frayed sues that affect their life can be 316,000 people. Memorial ser- 2010 and left an estimated tarp roof and a thin pallet as referred to mental health profes- vices were held, one of these 1.3 million people homeless, the only bed for herself and sionals. A small effort to reach was held at the ruins of the Na- as well as the hundreds of her four children. “We are still out and help someone in need tional Cathedral, and attended thousands that were killed. here in misery,” she said of the can have larger impacts and by a papal envoy to Haiti, other Despite an outpouring of quake anniversary. “I hope this help avoid or prevent danger- religious leaders, government global solidarity for Haiti, bil- year brings serious change be- ous or harmful situations like officials and foreign dignitaries. lions of dollars of aid pledges cause 2010 was hell for us.” the Tucson tragedy. Courtesy of valenciacc.edu Traditionally, women and and a huge ongoing humani- Opinion Our Staff

Collin Dever [email protected] A literary classic becomes Editor-in-Chief

Tiffany Janiczek a ‘slave’ to racial debate [email protected] Being a famous American has led to a publisher at New people place upon them. more, than the word “nigger.” Managing Editor author means having your South Books replacing the The speaker and their intent Perhaps the word choice books read for generations. word “nigger” with “slave” does play a role in how a may not have been the right Editorial Design It means being forever re- in a 2011 edition of the book. word’s meaning can change. one, but if the original word is membered as an influential Some historians argue that In the case of Twain, his at all offensive, or more impor- James Austin part of history. And for Mark the change does not actu- use of the word “nigger” was tantly, distracting to children, [email protected] Twain it means having your ally ruin Mark Twain’s origi- not only a convention of the then exploring other possi- News Editor Jenn Stripling words changed 126 years af- nal meaning and will benefit story’s context, but it was bilities may not be a bad idea. [email protected] ter they have been written. students who were offended used to address the issues of What’s more important than Victor Ocasio Creative Director Published in 1885, “The or felt uneasy while trying racism. This can be shown protecting the validity and [email protected] Adventures of Huckleberry to learn the material. Other at the end of the story when originality of Mark Twain’s Opinion Editor Emmanuel Colon Finn” was one of Twain’s scholars say that the change Huckleberry Finn no longer historically significant work, [email protected] most memorable and influen- does have an altogether dif- refers to Jim as a “nigger,” is ensuring that it remains, Verónica Figueroa Web Master tial fiction novels. It tells the ferent connotation and ru- and both characters under- in at least some form, acces- [email protected] tale of young men growing up ins the intent of the original. stand each other’s worth. sible to as many students, in Anna Gerrol Features Editor in the South during a sensi- Other than the obvious de- By changing any part of the as many classrooms, and for [email protected] tive time in American history. bate of racial insensitivity, creator’s original work, it de- as many generations as pos- Elisanett Martinez Graphic Designer One of the things most no- there is at the heart, two is- values it as a work of art. Also, sible. If that means taking [email protected] table about the book is its sues to this topic. First is the because it was published the Shannon Metherell out a significant word and Sports Editor harsh criticism of, and it’s umbrella of related issues way it was, to edit new ver- replacing it, then so be it. [email protected] Jonathan Terbeche social commentary on racism of tampering with art, edit- sions of the book would essen- One has to wonder though, Wire Designer and slavery. This is exem- ing history, changing an au- tially ignore the values of peo- if after little more than a cen- [email protected] plified by the book’s heavy thor’s intent and freedom of ple in the past and what was tury we’re okay with tak- Copy Cheif use of the word “nigger.” speech. The other question at accepted. This is just as bad as ing out words from an im- With the up rise of po- hand is what are the measures ignoring slavery altogether. portant piece of literature, Russell Griner litical correctness and racial willing to be taken to ensure Something else to take into imagine what commonplace [email protected] sensitivity, in addition to the safe and beneficial learning consideration is the new word words might be considered Photo Editor election of Barack Obama as experiences for students? that they intend to use. Using inappropriate in the future president, anything regard- It’s important to under- the word “slave” is just plain and taken out of documents Marketing / Advertising ing racism, especially books stand that a word, no mat- incorrect as most of the book created today. It’s certainly Nikki Namdar Alex Barrett with a prevalent use of a ra- ter what it’s history, origin, refers to Jim, a freed man. a dangerous prospect, but [email protected] [email protected] cially insensitive word, are or meaning is nothing more Many have also contested one that will hopefully be avoided as much as pos- than a word. Words have no that the word “slave” is just taken into consideration Marketing Coordinator Ad Sales sible. It’s this attitude that inherent power, only what as harsh and offensive, if not with plenty of discussion. For information on advertisitng contact [email protected] Opinion 7

Changes bring in the How do you feel about Valencia’s changes? new semester By Evelyn Ortega [email protected]

Spring semester has already begun, and along with the usual changes ev- ery student must go through each semester, new classes, new teachers, new routine, Valencia itself has given us a few changes of its own. These changes are somewhat simple and they are designed to make communication and services easier for faculty, staff, and students. The day before classes began, Valencia completed an upgrade of the Atlas e-mail system, giving us a new e-mail system supported by Microsoft Out- look Live. “I don’t like it. It seems like “The new email system is a lot “I find the new atlas email “I am curious about the After logging into Atlas Monday morning, I checked my mail and upon it is more difficult to use.” easier to use than it was before.” much easier and organized.” new email features, but clicking the e-mail button, I found myself bothered and confused. I would I am concerned about my consider myself to be a somewhat computer savvy person, who prefers sim- — Vishaal Patel --- Ashley Bergdahl — Alyssa Rennell redirected mail.” plicity above all. I find no need to see a calendar, photos, contact and task list when all I’m really looking for is my e-mail. —David Daltom Needless to say, I preferred our old Atlas system; which did its job and gave students their mail. Thankfully, all mail is now forwarded to our new email addreses, saving students from any more confusion. Now, all there is left to do is see if faculty, staff and students really do prefer it. Along with their new e-mail addresses students registered for spring term classes will also receive a Valencia debit card through the mail. Though you may not have financial aid, you are advised not to throw away the card for if you drop a class or eventually receive financial aid, you will receive your refund through the card. I don’t have financial aid but I approve this particular change. If I do ob- tain financial aid in the future I’d prefer a card to a check. Cashing the check and having the card deposited to your existing bank account would take the same amount of time. However, the time it would take for you to receive your refund is what makes the difference. Your refund will now be automatically deposited to your card each semester, instead of having to wait for a check in “It was easy with the old email “I wrote an email to a teacher that “I think it’s pretty cool that “I like the new changes to fi- the mail. I was informed I will be receiving a debit card anytime soon and will becaause it was all right there. Now was lost because of the conversion the money is on a card now. I nancial aid. I think the debit keep it safe. If I ever have a refund I know that the card will have my money you have to click on another link.” to the new system and somehow didn’t like the new email, they card is better than a check.” ready to be used wherever MasterCard is accepted. managed to buy a book I didn’t shouldn’t have changed it.” —Erin Haynes need.” — Jazzi Jones — Josh Macgregor — Brian Cobb Opinion 8

have $10 million, for human- goal and to raising aware- 2003 they had their company. $1.75 it makes per bottle. tainable water solutions in itarian grants, by 2010. It is ness of the world water cri- In an article written by On the other hand, Scott areas of greatest need. Just Starbucks’ now January 2011, and they sis through the sales of Ethos Melissa Allison for “The Se- Harrison began an organi- $20 can give one person have only made $6.2 million. Water,” said Customer Care. attle Times,” she writes that, zation called Charity: water. clean water for 20 years.” Ethos Water “Due to a challenging In 2005, Starbucks bought “Ethos has generated more Harrison, a photojournalist, As of Nov. 1 2010, Char- economy and changes in the company called Ethos Wa- than $6.2 million to support traveled on Mercy Ships, a ity: water has raised more Ethos Water distribution, ter from Peter Thum and Jona- water, sanitation, and hy- humanitarian organization than $20 million and funded fund comes Starbucks must extend the than Greenblatt for $8 million. giene education programs in which offers free medical care 3,196 projects. In just four timeline to reach our $10 Thum worked in Africa for Africa and Asia.” This state- in the world’s poorest na- years, they have made far up dry million contribution goal six months with McKinsey ment is remarkably simi- tions. He visited Africa and more progress than Ethos. beyond 2010,” Starbucks’ and Company, a global man- lar to an e-mail I received was immediately humbled. So while Starbucks and By Verónica Figueroa Customer Care commented. agement consulting firm. when I inquired about their On the website, charity- Ethos attempt to drag on [email protected] You’d think that if they During his time there, he saw goal. Melissa Allison’s ar- water.org, it reads, “charity: their project a while longer, choose to donate more from the trouble people had getting ticle was written in 2008. water is a non-profit orga- Harrison and Charity: water Starbucks donates $0.05 the earnings they make from sanitized water. It sparked So is another year go- nization bringing clean, safe are out making a difference and $0.10 Canadian dollars the water bottles they would his mission to help children ing to have to pass for them drinking water to people in underdeveloped nations. per bottle sold to the Ethos have reached their goal a get clean water. He partnered to reach their $10 million in developing nations. We Water Fund. Yes, a nickel long time ago. “We remain with Greenblatt, his busi- goal? In the meantime, Star- use 100% of public dona- for every $1.80 bottle. Star- committed to our $10 million ness school classmate, and in bucks will be pocketing the tions to directly fund sus- bucks had made a goal to

Only 16 states have set in ety, rapid heart rate, hallucinations, nau- place laws regarding the use of sea, high blood pressure and paranoia. Pot substitute causes K2 and four states (Kentucky, Despite all this surface evidence pointing to- Louisiana, Michigan and Ore- ward the legitimate medical dangers of K2, it distress for lawmakers gon) have banned it complete- is still as easy to purchase as a pack of gum. By Victor Ocasio ly.The substance has remained Cannabis plays an overwhelming role in Ameri- [email protected] in almost a legal loop hole within varying state ca’s underground culture, it’s status as a Schedule 1 legislation. Florida remains in the majority of states drug makes continued research on it’s possible health that have not banned its use, sale, or possession. benefits a tedious process for scientists and doctors. K2, a widely manufactured product mar- Containing a synthetic form of THC, the ac- Even with all of this early research point- keted as incense, has grown in popularity tive ingredient in marijuana, K2 is part of a grow- ing toward the benefits of marijuana, and K2’s over recent years for its more practical use as a ing industry including other brands such as soon to be evident negative health effects, pub- smoking substitute for marijuana, giving us- Spice and Red X Dawn that are sold state-wide lic health concerns are not the major factor ers a similar mental euphoria comparable to at locally owned gas stations and smoke shops. guiding the agenda of governmental powers. that of its illegal and criminalized counterpart. But issues regarding the recreational use of It seems that those in charge have their priorities Escaping the issue is impossible; Americans As of December 24 of last year, the Federal Drug these synthetic substances in place of marijuana reversed, led by hypocrisy and backward rulings, have, will and are smoking marijuana. Perhaps Enforcement Agency announced plans to out- remain present, with the only medical observa- and are leaving the impressionable youth no legal beating around the bush and putting lives at risk law certain blends of the incense for one year in tions being those made by doctors treating emer- recourse besides turning to a substance as mysteri- isn’t the best solution to a resolvable issue. May- order to conduct medical research to determine gency room patients who have smoked the incense. ous as its name would suggest, putting their selves be legalization isn’t the worst that can happen. if the blends will be placed on the United States’ Reported side effects have included anxi- at a greater risk than they would using cannabis. list of controlled substances similarly to cannabis. Features Weekend of tech at Orlando Science Center Valencia professor teaches cyber security in ‘Catch the Hacker’ simulation

By Amanda Gonzalez to take part in today’s world of technology. were to be found on the second floor. One of [email protected] Each floor at the OSC had something differ- the workshops, which took place at 12 p.m. ent to offer. Arcade-style games such as “Ms. on each day of the Otronicon convention, was Video games, simulators, workshops, and Pacman” and “Asteroids” filled one room of held by Dr. Wael Yousif, who teaches com- entertainment were just a few components of the first floor. In another room was the Dr. puter engineering and technology at Valen- the Otronicon convention that took place at the Phillips Cine-Dome in which showings of cia Community College. Dr. Yousif present- Orlando Science Center (OSC) Jan. 14-17. Otro- both “Tron” and “Tron: Legacy” could be seen. ed “How to Catch a Hacker” alongside Nick nicon event goers were given the opportunity Workshops and simulations of all types Lennox, a security engineer for SAIC (Sci- ence Applications International Corporation). Attendees of the workshop were encouraged to navigate through the computer in front of them. “There are no firewalls, it doesn’t have antivirus protection. What we are trying to Dr. Yousif, a Valencia Professor, with Nick Lennox ran ‘Cathc the Hacker’ a have you do here is try to see if you can de- computer exercise designed to teach cyber security to young kids. fine the threats that exist,” Dr. Yousif said. He also stated that part of the purpose used to show the contours of an individu- of the workshop, “is to create awareness of al’s face and how the procedures are done. computer attacks and the simple measures The third floor was a special kid’s floor where that can be taken.” Information on computer younger children could play age appropriate security, as well as jobs in the field, can be video games with their parents. On the fourth found at http://www.valenciacc.edu/dfas. floor, was the latest of today’s video game sys- Sports, medical, and military simula- tems. Event goers had the opportunity to try tors were available for guests to have a out the Wii, as well the new Kinect and Move for hands-on experience. Military simulators al- the XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3 respectively. lowed for realistic shooting range and air- Each one of these gadgets is motion censored. craft pilot practice, while EA Sports had its Players stood in front of the consoles and watched own section for guests to join professional themselves play games on the screen while sports players in different EA Sports games. making the movements outside of the screen. Danny Brown, with Stryker, came Music entertainment included local Orlando from Atlanta, Ga. to take part in Otro- band, Bfunk20XX. The band uses a modified nicon. Danny was demonstrating the Game Boy to recreate video game theme songs computer assisted surgery simulator. while still incorporating original sounds from “This is used at the Florida Hospital for the games. More information on BFunk20XX every brain surgery,” explained Danny. He can be found at http://www.bfunk20xx.com. Russell Griner / Valencia Voice Children flooded the Orlando Science Center for Otronicon, an all things technology convention this past weekend. demonstrated how the L.E.D. lights are Features 10 Cult classic ‘Chicago’ brings ‘All That Jazz’ to Theatre

c/o Rick Trux Downtown Chicago cast: Michelle Elise, Joel Warren , and Danielle Lang as “Roxie, Billy and Velma.”

Jaimie Trueblood / Courtesy Columbia Pictures / MCT By Elisanett Martinez completeness. Her dedication the dangerous ’20s with per- [email protected] as an actor is apparent as she fection. Lang has a voice that ‘The Green Hornet’ is a swing in the dark has even gone so far as to dye carries through the entire the- Theatre Downtown has her hair platinum blonde for atre. Along with beautiful vo- truly the ideal choice to play the izing that without Kato his cof- produced yet another enter- the role. ‘Chicago’ is Elise’s first cals, Lang executes the intri- By Charmayne Knox role of a suave businessman. fee is terrible, Britt re-hires him. taining and energetic pro- appearance in Theatre Down- cate choreography effortlessly. [email protected] Van Williams, the former Back at the Reid mansion, duction. The famous musical town but she has been per- “It was very entertain- Green Hornet, seemed to fit Kato shows Britt his workshop, ‘Chicago’ premiered this past forming original music since ing,” said Candance Kasin- “The Green Hornet,” based the role quite well and played which contained cars that Kato Friday in downtown Orlando. 2008 at venues like The House on the 1966 television series it with a seriousness. Consider- had specifically designed for sky, a lover of ‘Chicago.’ “I For those of you who have of Blues, Club Firestone, and of the same name, opened ing Seth’s usual roles, a suave Britt’s father, with certain vigi- thought everyone did a great been living under a rock, ‘Chi- the Langerado Music festival. in theaters this weekend. and serious performance was lante intentions in mind. During job, it was great all around.” cago’ is a story about a young “There is a lot of good tal- The cast boasts some pretty not likely to appear. “The Green their first midnight heist, Britt As if the actors were not woman named Roxie Hart, big talent including Seth Ro- Hornet” also featured Taiwan- witnesses a couple about to get ent in there, a lot of good enough assets, Theatre Down- played by Michelle Elise, who gen, Cameron Diaz, and Ed- ese actor Jay Chou as Kato, a jumped by a group of men, so he singers,” said Brad Powers, dreams of becoming a starlet town takes ‘Chicago’ to the ward James Olmos. Lenore role previously held by Bruce and Kato spring into action, with a member of the audience. in the jazz infused city of Chi- next level by adding a live jazz Case (Diaz) works as Britt Re- Lee in the television series. Kato doing most of the heavy Elise is playful and entertain- cago. Roxie is married to Amos ensemble, directed by Spen- id’s (Rogen) assistant at “The A playboy who lives in his lifting. Later that night, Britt gets ing, complemented by the ap- Hart, played by Eddy Coppens, cer Crosswell. The musicians Daily Sentinel.” After the death father’s pool house, Britt Reid the idea to stop the bad guys pearance of Joel Warren, whose a quiet and gullible mechanic. in the ensemble play with au- of Britt’s father, Edward James makes headlines and mess- all over Los Angeles, under the personality jumps off the stage Roxie finds herself in a very Olmos, Britt becomes the edi- es up his father’s reputation guise of being one of them, and and might as well share your seat thority, precision and energy. stagnant love life with her hus- tor in charge of the newspaper. for a living. After his father’s thus ensues the movie’s plot. with you. Warren is a graduate Theatre Downtown has done band and decides to have an af- Seth Rogen was cast as the death, he inherits his father’s Overall, “The Green Hornet” fair with Fred Casely, played by of CalArts with a BFA in acting. an amazing job at executing lead role of Britt Reid, the newspaper and has to deal wasn’t exactly true to the original Stephen Pugh, their furniture The real joy of this produc- such an entertaining musical. spoiled bachelor, turned masked with filling his father’s shoes. series; there was a lot of humor salesman. After a night of liquor, tion is Danielle Lang. Lang For more information on The- prankster, turned heroic an- In a stupor, Britt fires all of his and action. Unfortunately, there jazz, and fornication, Roxie re- embodies the character Velma atre Downtown visit http:// tihero. When comparing the father’s staff including the me- were a lot of loose ends which alizes that Casely was only after Kelly in a manner that is so www.theatredowntown.net. movie with the television se- chanic and maker of his morning failed to make it a great movie. one thing and shoots him dead. real, it is undeniable. This ac- ries one has to ask if Rogen was coffee, Kato (Chou). After real- Elise portrays Roxie with tress captures the essence of Features 11

of those comments this time around. Arcade Fire and other semi-main- Alternative funk stream acts (Iron & Wine, Mumford and Sons) have perfected their own signature sounds and grown with masters take control each new record. Conversely, BSP Cake returns with “Showroom of Compassion” has stayed loyal to the tired ethereal wails of albums past that helped them By Christine Saraceno “Major labels work for artists like gain their first glimpses of popular- [email protected] Jay-Z and Taylor Swift, where there ity, without any real noticeable evolu- is some celebrity to the artist. They tion in their sound or lyrical writing. In a world full of carbon-copy pop can market that. They don’t know “Valhalla Dancehall” gets off to an stars singing generic songs about “pop- how to market Cake,” frontman energetic start with the heavy kick pin’ bottles,” alternative funk masters John McCrea told “Rolling Stone.” drum beat of “Who’s In Control?” with Cake haven’t lost their edge or their in- With the newfound freedom of self- the piercing shrieks of lead singer Yan dividuality. After a seven year hiatus, producing, they even decided to ex- Wilkinson following closely behind. their highly anticipated and entirely periment with an entire song based It seems as if the album is headed in self-produced new album “Showroom on jazz piano (“Teenage Pregnan- a positive direction with the next two of Compassion” was finally released cy”) and even a track with a country tracks being just as upbeat as the first. on Jan. 10, and it definitely delivers. groove feel (“Bound Away”). These Then it quickly loses momentum in Chock full of fun and upbeat tunes, it are feats they never would of imag- the middle. This is in no small part will make listeners want to get up and ined attempting on previous albums. British Sea due to the seven minute snooze-fest dance, or at the very least, bob their In what could have been a disastrous ca- called “Cleaning out the Rooms.” heads a bit. “Showroom of Compas- reer move, Cake overcame, and produced Power’s latest Thanks to a lazy viola backdrop, it sion” showcases a perfect blend of vo- a fantastic and versatile album that will becomes one long bore that the re- cals, infectious choruses, and Vince captivate listeners until the very last song. cord never quite recovers from. DiFiore’s always catchy trumpeting. album leaves Proper mixing is a vital part of the The lead single of the album, “Sick making of any album in order to attain of You,” is already the band’s high- much to be the perfect balance of music and vocals. est charting song since 1998’s “Never However, it seems like those two com- There,” with the song reaching number desired ponents were completely disregard- one on the Canadian alternative chart. ed as the overpowering instruments By Christine Saraceno Putting the album together was no drown out the faint moans of Wilkin- [email protected] simple task for the Sacramento natives son. It’s something you would expect though. The bandmates were pushed by out of a band’s first album, not fifth. Brighton-based indie rockers, Brit- Columbia Records during the making This album presents listeners with ish Sea Power (BSP), are back with of 2004’s “Pressure Chief” to make their nothing new and lacks any sense their not so aptly titled new album, sound more appealing to mainstream of real musicianship. It may be in “Valhalla Dancehall.” The BSP boys radio stations and their audiences. This their best interest to study the Ar- have dealt with years worth of unjus- led to them severing ties with the label cade Fire formula a little closer so tified comparisons to Arcade Fire, but and creating Upbeat Records so they maybe their next record achieves a they certainly won’t be hearing many could retain full control over their music. more polished and cohesive sound. Features 12 This little planet just got a whole lot bigger By Jonathan Terbeche lines, trying to traverse the will be able to create en- [email protected] complicated, puzzle-like tire genres of video games. stage, and then the very Feel like a racing game; Just a few months after next level will be a side- make it in LBP 2. Want the release of the original scrolling shooter, with to play a shooter; make it “LittleBigPlanet” fans had Sackboy riding atop some in LBP 2. In the mood for already used its creation funny animal or vehicle. a complex, challenging tools to make some of the One thing that has thank- puzzle game that rivals most unique and awe-in- fully remained the same “Tetris;” well you get the ‘DC Universal Online’ packs a punch spiring levels ever seen in from the first title is the picture. Unfortunately, be- Gamers are sure to love Sony Online Entertainment’s new MMO gaming. With the release ing able to use all of these of the sequel on Jan. 18, creation tools and actually By Victor Ocasio game titles with the familiar and objects are rendered well comes more tools, more playing them in the way [email protected] open world mission-based on- and look outstanding in the game types, and the po- you intend is somewhat line community of an MMO. game world, and the game soars tential for even more cre- cumbersome. It’s one thing The world of Massively Multi- Players jump right into the miles above the average run ativity. The only question to say you want to make player Online games (MMO’s) world of their favorite comic of the mill graphics that have is, is it worth picking up? a shooter game, but to ac- has for years been dominated book characters and get to fight come to be expected from other This time around the tually get it the way you by the popular gaming sensa- with (or against) such icons as content heavy online games. main character, Sackboy, want will take much time tion, “World of Warcraft.” But Superman, Batman, or Lex Lu- Gameplay runs smoothly and must save his arts-and- and even more patience. those looking for the same ex- thor. Players start off in one of the mix of action-oriented con- crafts world from the It’s a grievance that defi- pansive, never-ending game- two fictional cities, made fa- trols and the heads-up display Negativatron and the evil nitely hinders the other- play without the elves, orcs and mous by DC comics, depend- work so seamlessly that it may Sackbots, who are trying wise fantastic experience. veteran bad-mouthed players, ing on their chosen mentors lead many players to wonder to eliminate imagination. It’s hard to believe that will find a universe as famil- and affiliated hero/villain: why the hybrid gaming style has At its heart “LittleBig- sheer amount of collect- within one game exists iar and action as packed as the Metropolis or Gotham City. never been attempted before. Planet 2” (LBP 2) is a plat- ibles. So other than amaz- an adorable, kid-friendly Saturday morning cartoons of The introductory story is over Servers have been packed former, meaning, just like ing platforming and nu- protagonist, a tight plat- their youth in Sony Online En- the top and epic. Brainiac and since the game’s release last “Super Mario Bros.,” you merous collectibles, the former, a collect-fest, a tertainments newest title, “DC his army are bent on destroying week and have undergone few play the game by run- Universe Online” (DCUO). all super humans and taking mandatory updates giving play- other aspect to “LittleBig- character-creator, a level- ning from the one side of Playable on both PC and the earth for his own villainous ers eager to jump into the action Planet 2” is its plethora of builder, and a genre-mak- the screen to the other to creation options. While PS3, it is the first action MMO doing. Players create characters the facilities needed to do so. er. What results is a fun reach the goal. There is the community may have in the history of online gam- endowed with special powers Fun, expansive, user world filled with, and en- much more here than just made some amazing things ing to be offered on a home taken from the future in or- friendly and addictive, couraging, imagination running from left to right with what was offered console. It features the respon- der to bolster Earth’s defenses. “DC Universe Online” is a though. In one level you’ll them in the first game, and creativity. What re- sive action controls and combo As far as graphics are con- home-run that gamers and be jumping off of trampo- this time around players sults is “LittleBigPlanet 2!” systems present in so many cerned, characters, locations comic fans are sure to enjoy. Photos c/o dcuniversalonline.com Sports There’s an app for that New workout mobile software allow users to track sweat, calories and miles, making it easier to reach workout goals

Other favorite apps are ones that rely on GPS to measure your speed and distance when you're running, walking or cycling. RunKeeper, Endomondo and Adidas miCoach each provide this sort of tracking. If you have a specific goal, there are apps for that, too. Hundred PushUps, Two Hundred Squats and Twenty Chinups allow you to set goals and track your success towards meeting those goals. Apps like, Russell Griner / Valencia Voice NikeWomen Training Club, have a series of workouts designed to help you "get lean," "get toned," "get Knights Score Another Win strong" or "get focused" on specific body parts. University of Central Florida Women’s basketball defeat University of Alabama at Birmingham

By Andresa Knight Attacking the basket, Daniels By Vicky Hallett [email protected] helped her team to it’s fifth The Washington Post straight win. “We as a team work The University of Central very hard to win every game,” Want to carry a personal trainer in your pocket to Florida Knights women’s states Daniels. the gym, calculate how fast you ran the first mile of basketball team continued their The Knights continue to your morning jog or get gift cards in exchange for winning streak with a 65-55 win dominate the court using a sweating? It's all easy to do with the right gizmos. over the University Alabama at strong defense. Currently, the Probably the only thing growing faster than Birmingham Blazers Thursday, Knights are 3-0 in the Conference the obesity rate in this country is the number of Jan. 13th, at the Brighthouse USA standings. health-care and fitness programs in the iTunes App Networks Stadium. Fourth-year head coach of the Store. There are literally thousands to choose from, The Knights are currently 7-1 at Knights, Joi Williams states, “We including the popular Lose It!, a free calorie counter home and have won three of the have a very good team and we just launched in November 2008 that lets you input your last four games. continue to grind out every win.” exercise and anything you've eaten to help you slim Racking up 16 points, 10 Next, the Knights will hit the down. Charles Teague, co-founder of FitNow, which Russell Griner / Valencia Voice rebounds and two steals, Senior road and face off against the makes Lose It!, thinks going mobile has been critical 5’10 Jelisa Caldwell is a guard for Peterson / Washington Post D’Nay Daniels scored her second Southern Methodist University the UCF woman’s basketball team. to users' success, "Instead of being something you New gadgets take the guess work out of exercising. Know- double-double of the season. Mustangs on Jan. 16, 2010. She is in her senior year. track at the end of each day, you know now." ing the productivity of your workout is only a button away. Sports 14 lack of respect drives playoff New England loses teams towards success By Reggie Hayes sideline and apparently try- The News-Sentinel ing to trip a Jets player on a punt, much in the manner New England Patriots coach for which Jets assistant coach Bill Belichick benched receiv- Sal Alosi was fined $100,000. er Wes Welker for the first of- Upon hearing the Pa- fensive series in their loss to triots might push the en- the New York Jets because of velope of ethical strat- By Sam Farmer whose team followed the exam- “kind of fueled our fire a little bit.” Welker’s pregame monologue egy, sports fans outside Los Angeles Times ple set by Green Bay and knocked Said Raji, in the wake of Satur- subtly mocking Jets coach Rex of New England yawned. out the No. 1-seeded team. day’s win in the Georgia Dome: Ryan’s alleged foot fetish. As if it were a suspense Nobody believed in them. Only The Jets latch on to the dis- “(Mughelli) was saying after the Belichick then punished novel, the rivalry between the people in their locker room respect card the way Santo- first game how we were soft. himself for lack of insti- the Green Bay Packers and thought they could get this far. nio Holmes hangs on to the When somebody challenges your tutional control by let- the Chicago Bears is fueled They are a team of destiny, and Su- football with gusto. Yes, there manhood, you have to respond. It ting Patrick Chung call and the teams will meet in per Bowl XLV is just one win away. have been slights, but, as is the had nothing to do with football. the key play in the game. the playoffs for only the sec- case with all teams, everything It was just strictly being a man.” ond time in history. The first Karl Mondon / MCTCampus They are the New York Jets. To add insult to injury, New England Patriots Head Coach, that can be magnified will be. It’s not uncommon for coach- time was in 1941. The Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green in a video from Week 2 re- Bill Belichick, benched Wes Welker lost that day, but quarterback Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. “We’re all still little football es and players to go in search leased by Fox Sports on for mocking New York Jets coach. With all due respect, where’s players at heart and little foot- of bulletin-board material for Sunday, some Patriots were Brett Favre came back to have all the respect that’s due? ball players like to be motivated, snubs, interpreting everything in shown lining up along the some good games after that. All of the four NFL teams in this like to have an edge going into a the most negative way possible. Ron Jenkins / MCTCampus weekend’s conference champion- game, some sort of anger, some Last summer, for instance, Pitts- ship games have at some point reason to be more focused,” said burgh’s Hines Ward talked about claimed they have been over- CBS analyst Boomer Esiason. how no one believes in the Steel- looked, undervalued, ignored by Before the Packers played ers, no one was willing to give all but those rare true believers. their divisional game at Atlan- them the respect they deserve. People have been waiting for ta, Green Bay defensive coor- It’s one of his favorite refrains. weeks for the Bears to come un- dinator Dom Capers apprised The Steelers have overcome glued. The Steelers were doomed his players of dismissive com- a lot to get this far, including from the start, and playing their ments allegedly made by Fal- going 3-1 during Ben Roethlis- fourth-string quarterback by cons fullback Ovie Mughelli. berger’s suspension, losing of- Week 3. As for the Packers and While saying he didn’t know fensive tackles Max Starks and Jets, they barely made it into the where Capers came up with the Willie Colon for long stretches. playoffs as sixth-seeded teams. comments Mughelli supposedly “People are doubting “Maybe everybody else didn’t made after a three-point win over Hines? Good,” Roethlisberg- believe in us or whatever, but we the Packers in November, Green er said recently. “He loves believed,” said Jets coach Rex Ryan, Bay’s B.J. Raji said the remarks proving people wrong.”