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In the OCTOBER 28, 2009 VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 7 Voice: VALENCIAVOICE.COM Official Student Media of Valencia Community College

Talent Tuesday returns October marks deadliest month yet in Afghan war on page 4 By Hal Bernton & Nancy A. Youssef Valley, which has sustained the heaviest McClatchy Newspapers losses of any Stryker battalion from roadside Nikki Namdar / bombs, bombs that detonate on foot patrols Valencia Voice KABUL — Eight American service mem- and small-arms fire in an area of open desert bers were killed Tuesday in insurgent at- and dense foliage in irrigated farm fields. East Campus tacks in southern Afghanistan, a focal point Southern Afghanistan is a vast landscape plays host of the U.S. military campaign to combat the of mountains, deserts and irrigated fields to annual resurgent Taliban. that’s home to many conservative Pashtuns, Fall Festival The latest incidents, which came after 14 who live in urban centers such as Kandahar on page 4 Americans were killed Monday when three and numerous towns and smaller villages. helicopters crashed, brought the number Also on Tuesday, NATO officials in Af- Roxy Smith / Valencia Voice of U.S. personnel killed in Afghanistan in ghanistan announced the recovery of the October so far to 55, making it the deadliest bodies of three civilian crew members who month for American service members in the were killed when a U.S. Army C-12 Huron “This Is It” eight-year-old war, and proportionately one twin-engine turboprop plane crashed Oct. Can the of the worst months for U.S. forces in either 13 in Nuristan province. king of pop Iraq or Afghanistan. The losses starkly reflect the risks in fight- become the Seven service members and an Afghan ci- ing this ninth year of war of Afghanistan, as king of film vilian died when their vehicle was attacked insurgents have stepped up roadside bomb on page 9 with a bomb and enemy fire, said Lt. Col. Nikki Kahn, Washington Post / LATWP attacks. The expansion of U.S. troops here U.S. Army 1st Lt. Dan Berschinski, 25, of Peach Tree City, Ga., is fitted with a prosthetic by Michael Kevin Mazur, AEG Todd Vician, a NATO spokesman for the Corcoran, of Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. has increased the strains on helicopters used / MCT Campus International Security Assistance Force in to ferry troops and supplies and attack the Kabul. An eighth U.S. service member was ity because he isn’t authorized to talk pub- summer by the Fort Lewis, Wash.-based 5th enemy. The Tuskers killed in a separate roadside bombing. licly about the incident, told McClatchy Brigade of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Divi- The 55 service members killed so far this are the best U.S. military officials in Kabul wouldn’t Newspapers that one of the vehicles hit was sion. month were among the 66,000 American team in UFL immediately release the names of the dead, a Stryker troop transport in the Arghandab The 5th Brigade of more than 3,800 sol- forces stationed here. The worst month for history their units or the locations of the attacks, Valley of Kandahar province. Strykers are diers has been patrolling in the Arghandab U.S. forces in Iraq was April 2004, when on page 13 pending notification of the next of kin. eight-wheeled armored vehicles that have Valley and other areas of southern Afghani- 135 were killed out of a total deployment A senior military official in Washington, been used extensively in Iraq and were de- stan. The brigade’s 1st Battalion, 17th Infan- of 128,000. Collin Dever / speaking only on the condition of anonym- ployed to Afghanistan for the first time this try Regiment, is assigned to the Arghandab — MCT Campus Valencia Voice VALENCIA VOICE NEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 2 Car bomb rocks Pakistan hours into Clinton’s visit

By Saeed Shah tened rows of shops and ig- provincial Minister Bashir McClatchy Newspapers nited a fire that engulfed the Bilour, who visited the scene. area inside the congested old “Even if we have to die, we’ll ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — city. Bewildered wounded keep fighting these terrorists A devastating bomb ripped people were seen stumbling till our last breath.” through a busy market out of the dust and thick Clinton began a three-day Wednesday in the northwest- smoke in the narrow street. visit to Pakistan amid ex- ern Pakistani city of Pesha- Locals were trying to dig traordinary security mea- war just hours after Secre- people out of the debris. The sures. She’s seeking to repair tary of State Hillary Clinton explosion came from a pow- the American image in the arrived in the country. erful car bomb, officials said. country, which was badly Officials put the death toll The local head of the bomb damaged by a recent row at more than 80, with more disposal squad, Shafqat Ma- over a U.S. aid bill. Many than 200 wounded. Many of lik, said at the site of the blast Pakistanis blame the U.S. the victims were thought to that more than 330 pounds presence in the region for the be women and children who of high explosives had been instability that’s struck their were shopping in the ba- used. country and Afghanistan. zaar. Dozens of people were The buildings, which in- Parallel to the bombing feared to be buried under the cluded a mosque, were old in Peshawar, assailants pre- rubble. and collapsed easily. The sumed to be Afghan Taliban The country is reeling from Peepal Mandi market was militants attacked a U.N. a wave of terrorism that’s known for selling makeup guesthouse in Kabul, Af- accompanied the army’s of- and wedding-related goods, ghanistan, killing at least six fensive in South Waziristan, making it a popular destina- U.N. employees. the region on the Afghan tion for women. Shopkeep- “I want you to know that border that’s the center for ers previously had received this fight is not Pakistan’s Pakistan’s extremist groups. threats from Islamic extrem- alone,” Clinton told a news Bombings and gun attacks ists who objected to women conference Wednesday in Is- have hit cities across the going out shopping. lamabad. “This is our strug- country since the beginning “The terrorists are trying gle as well.” of this month. to demoralize the people and The blast in Peshawar flat- the government,” said senior — MCT Campus VALENCIA VOICE NEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 3 Obama signs 1st major federal gay-rights law

By Margaret Talev man dragged to his death in a racially She also called on Americans to look McClatchy Newspapers motivated killing the same year. beyond legislation and work in their The measure also extends protec- own lives to advance acceptance of WASHINGTON — President Barack tions to those attacked because of their gays. Obama on Wednesday signed the gender or disability. Critics of the legislation, includ- first major piece of federal gay rights Federal hate crimes law already cov- ing several Republican congressional legislation, a milestone that activists ers race, religion and national origin. leaders, argued that an attack against compared to the passage of 1960s civil The new law strengthened it substan- another person is an attack, regard- rights legislation empowering blacks. tially, however, by removing a require- less of motivation, and that no special The new law adds acts of violence ment that a victim must have been par- categories are appropriate. against gay, lesbian, bisexual and ticipating at the time of the assault in Many also voiced concerns about transgender people to the list of fed- some federally protected activity, such “thought police” and fears that the eral hate crimes. Gay rights activists as voting, for it to apply. new legal protections could curb free voiced hope that the Obama admin- Matthew Shepard’s parents joined speech if those who oppose gay rights istration would advance more issues, Obama for the ceremony, as did the fear they could somehow be prosecut- including legislation to bar workplace family of the late Sen. Edward Ken- ed for publicly voicing their thoughts. discrimination, allow military service nedy of Massachusetts, who until his But the law punishes acts — not and recognize same-sex marriages. death in August was deeply involved thoughts. Congress passed the hate crimes pro- in pushing the legislation. Gay rights advocates said that the tections as an unlikely amendment to The Shepards’ fight took a decade. legislation will enable the Justice De- this year’s Defense Authorization Act. With recent elections adding more partment to step in when states can’t Obama, speaking at an emotional eve- Olivier Douliery, Abaca Press / MCT Campus lawmakers who are supportive of gay or won’t, and will make extra federal ning reception with supporters of the President Barack Obama signs into law into law the National Defense Authorization Act for rights, by 2007 the Congress had suf- money and resources available to lo- FY2010 at the White House, in the East Room, Oct. 28 in Washington. legislation, said that more than 12,000 ficient votes to pass the legislation, but cal law enforcement officials who need hate crimes had been reported the past orientation could win passage in the peal next year of the 1996 Defense of then-President George W. Bush indi- help preventing or prosecuting such decade based on sexual orientation. House of Representatives by year’s Marriage Act, which would give fed- cated that he’d veto it. attacks. He spoke of President Lyndon John- end, gay rights advocates said. More eral legitimacy to gay marriages re- Obama, campaigning last year, They also predicted that it would af- son signing protections for blacks in the than half of U.S. states currently allow corded in states that allow them. promised to sign it. fect American society in a meaningful 1960s and said this was an extension employers such freedom. The amendment signed into law Judy Shepard issued a statement way. of that work. “We must stand against Obama has promised to push Con- Wednesday was named partly for Mat- saying that she and her husband, Den- “It sends a number of messages crimes that are meant not only to break gress to repeal the military’s “don’t thew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at nis, “are incredibly grateful to Con- across America: that hate will not be bones but to break spirits,” Obama ask, don’t tell” policy that prohibits be- the University of Wyoming who died gress and the president for taking this tolerated, that this Congress and ad- said. “No one in America should ever ing openly gay while serving. A Senate after a 1998 beating targeting him be- step forward on behalf of hate crime ministration value all Americans,” be afraid to walk down the street hold- panel is expected to hold a hearing on cause he was gay, and whose parents victims and their families, especially said Joe Solmonese, the president of ing the hands of the person they love.” that issue next month, and legislation were instrumental in leading the fight given the continuing attacks on people the Human Rights Campaign, the larg- Legislation barring firms from firing could be debated next year. for such legislation. The law also was simply for living their lives openly and est gay rights advocacy group. employees on the basis of their sexual Gay rights activists also hope for re- named for James Byrd Jr., a black Texas honestly.” — MCT Campus VALENCIA VOICE NEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 4 Talented students East Campus rings in fall ‘wow’ the crowd By Roxy Smith Kids and parents alike came treating bags with their chil- [email protected] dressed up in Halloween cos- dren. By Nikki Namdar ing and dancing for two years, tumes. Children fled the mall “The event is nice,” said [email protected] he attends Valencia to obtain a Valencia held its annual Fall area dressed as fairies and prin- Damaris Guadalupe, “my kids degree in dental hygiene. On Festival and canned food drive cesses while some came as su- love the bounce house and ‘Showcase 1’ of Talent Tues- being a finalist, Bermudez, 23, Oct. 30. The evening was a fun perhero’s, vampires and pirates. crafts the most.” day took place on Oct. 27 on the said: “I feel great. I was really filled children’s event that took Children were able to fill their If guests wanted to sit down Student Services Building patio. nervous, but now I feel great.” place in the mall area of the trick or treating goodie bags at and relax they were able to en- Talent Tuesdays are held every Fellow student, Janet Ran- east campus. each activity they participated joy popcorn while watching Tuesday between 1 p.m. to 2 dolph who was a singer in last Although the event was most- in. Games ranged from a mini Disney’s, “The Haunted Man- p.m. Hosting the event is Court- year’s challenge, but didn’t ly geared towards children, obstacle course to basketball sion.” The movie is a family ney Wilson of student govern- make it to the next round, said all were welcome. The festival and ring tosses, to jumping in a orientated film that everyone ment, who attends the college this time was “very enter- was a free event for parents to bounce house or sliding down could enjoy. for event management. taining” and “better than last bring their children to; the only a giant inflatable slide. The fall festival gets more Wilson, 21, has been enrolled year’s.” Randolph, 19, a po- request was that visitors please There were activities for kids popular every year. “It is really in Valencia and has been a part litical science student, said she Nikki Namdar / Valencia Voice bring canned goods. of all ages including an arts nice that the college would put Wilbur Bermudez was one of the of Talent Tuesday since 2007. preferred this year’s judges. “I finalists to come out of the first fall Yary Garcia coordinates the and crafts table where parents on a free event for the commu- “Talent Tuesday is a legacy,” like how they actually had a 2009 installment of Talent Tuesday. event every year. could design their own trick or nity,” said Michelle Griffin. said Wilson. “I won second decent amount of judges who place and was rewarded $150.” chose the right talent,” said vided and I’m astound with the Anthony Stephens, attended Randolph. “Last year, they just students that even went out to in the audience. Although not chose friends and that’s what aim for their goals. They aimed a contestant, during the show the main thing I had to say for a goal and they accom- would voluntarily dance on about that.” plished it. I feel like they accom- stage. “I love to give a shout This year’s judges is West plished their goals by perform- out,” said Stephens, 19, an anes- Campus’ very own SGA presi- ing.” thesiology student. “I’m a very dent, Robert Stio, along with Jeanfils, 20, is enrolled in Va- energetic person. I take any Jamar Bibbs and Shayna-Kay lencia for music and sound challenge that comes to me, like Gibbs. Wilson said when choos- technology and has been danc- this is a challenge.” ing the judges, she was look- ing for nearly 8 years. “This was The three finalists were Ray- ing for “diversity and a variety, just the appetizer,” said Jeanfils, mond Surness, Yves “King whether it was ethnicity or sex.” “The final draft is next.” Yves” Jeanfils, and Wilbur Ber- Wilson said she felt as though ‘Showcase 2’ for Talent Tues- mudez. All contestants and it was a “great outcome” and day is Nov. 3 and the grand fi- trivia winners receive tickets to described how she felt when nale will take place Nov. 10 be- Joe’s Krab Shack restaurant. she said: “I’m very happy with tween the hours of 1 p.m. and Roxy Smith / Valencia Voice Bermudez has been sing- the entertainment that was pro- 2 p.m. Families and students from Valencia came out to East Campus to enjoy games and candy in a safe environment. VALENCIA VOICE OPINION NOVEMBER 4, 2009 5

Official Student Media of Valencia Community College OUR VOICE Rob Navaille Newsroom | 407-582-5040 Advisor | 407-582-1170 For comments or general inquiries Degree inflation email us at: degrades graduates’ [email protected] Editor in Chief | Shaneece Dixon collegiate credentials [email protected] Managing Editor | Alex Barrett The growing cost of higher-level education cou- [email protected] pled with the dangerous drop in the value of college level degrees is causing a phenomenon known as Design | Robert Navaille degree inflation. In the past few decades, an influx of people, those [email protected] who would not normally attend college, have decid- ed to pursue bachelor’s degrees. News | Reese Wallace One would assume this would lower the costs of [email protected] education and allow for a more professional work environment, however, what has happened is a de- Opinion | Kenny Wagner cline in the amount of professionals being selected [email protected] for a work and some are forced to pursue higher- level degrees to compensate. A cheaper and easier alternative ushered in by the minimum GPA is one way to combat that. Another Features | Ashley Mcbride This offers a whole other set of problems as doc- Internet was the emergence of online schools that is to change the way degrees are earned. [email protected] toral and professional degrees drop in value. Just a made it cheaper and easier to get the degree of your Some degrees may require more training than few decades ago the job environment was very dif- choice. others, in which case more credit hours need to be Sports | Neil Tredray ferent. This poses more problems as these schools offer assigned to obtain a certain degree. [email protected] Individuals were hired by employers straight out degree du jour programs like interior design, digi- It should also be a pressing goal for schools of high school and those who lacked the ability to tal media production and others that can lead to re- to limit, or end entirely, their online programs. Sales | Jackie Minto get into college learned a trade and continued on warding careers but rarely do. It should also fall on the government to regulate [email protected] straight into the job market. There is no easy way to put a stop to the decline in more harshly how all online institutes operate But with the growing demand of professional jobs, a degree’s worthiness only ways to circumvent the and limit their ability to give out degrees, after the technological revolution that replaced many of rising tide. all it they are not the same as degrees from Uni- Photo Editor | Collin Dever those workers with machines and good old out- Choosing degrees that correspond with in demand versities. [email protected] sourcing many were forced out of their jobs and into industries like information systems and software Plus, a lot of state money goes to said Universi- the classroom. engineering can help, however, it will not solve the ties, to protect tax-payers investment in the sys- For advertising information contact People are being forced to acquire four-year de- problem that comes with degree inflation. tem it is imperative they become more active in Jackie Minto at grees and the worst part; those degrees are becom- It should be the goal of all institutions to control the practices of these institutions. [email protected] ing worthless. the amount of students graduating. Raising the —[email protected] VALENCIA VOICE OPINION NOVEMBER 4, 2009 6

POLL Do we tend to depend too much on technology and the Internet? Photos by Kenny Wagner

>> It’s a good thing for society and >> It makes us really lazy, we don’t >> Book research is important >> I think it’s a good thing, com- our country is behind the curve. try as hard as we use to. but the Internet is a big part of puters are making our lives easier. our research, we need it. — Jonathan Muszynski — Jessica Matthews — Alejandro Hernandez — Mariane Jean

>> We’re definitely too dependant >> For a student, Internet is es- >> It’s necesssary, as you devel- >> I definitely think it’s a good on technology, some things we sential to stay abreast on current op technology instead of taking thing, without technology we need to start focusing on otherwise events. away jobs. It will end up creating wouldn’t have evolved properly. if we lose it all we’ll lose our minds. more. — Emerson McClain — Yolette Waldroup — Ali Chehab — Chantel Grant VALENCIA VOICE OPINION NOVEMBER 4, 2009 7 YOUR VOICE E-nough ‘Technophobes’ Why technology is useless

How those afraid to use new By Roxy Smith books to purchase over the inter- [email protected] net. technologies will fall by the wayside For me, there is nothing better Over the past few weeks there than walking into a library and have been many discussions the second the door opens you are By Manny Colon and guidance, she can now use about the new options for e- wrapped in the smell of old, aged [email protected] the basic functions of a compu- readers coming out this holi- paper that is filtering in the air. er and the internet. Before that, day season. My favorite is when you stumble Technophobes are people she didn’t have much experi- Amazon has the Kin- upon a book that is so old the pag- who don’t like new technol- ence with modern technology. dle E-Reader, which is es have turned the color of coffee. ogy. Some see these people as People complain that every- already available for I just wonder has society become the keepers of old fashioned thing is becoming too “techy” purchase, but other that lazy that there just isn’t time methods, others as conserva- and that some things should companies like Sony, to stop at a bookstore or library tive nuts. remain the same, for instance: MCT Campus Samsung and Fujitsu to browse, or are books just not It’s in our nature as humans books. will be launching their “cool” anymore. to try to make life as comfort- People who are tech savants Amazon Kindle own versions or already It is quite baffling how every- able as possible. Technology knew that e-readers would have them on the market, accord- thing has to become electronic. should provide us with that emerge one way or another. I ing to James Stewart, a columnist The Kindle E-Reader already comfort. find that e-readers are much for SmartMoney magazine. has competition waiting around But, some people find it ironic more comfortable for my eyes, Barnes & Noble even has its own the corner, as other companies ad- because new technology is ac- and it motivates me to read brand of digital book now. vertise their version of e-readers, tually more complicated to use. more simply because it’s on an I love new technology, and as the I think it’s absolutely ridiculous which are presumed to be better So they resort to whining, LCD screen days go by, I wish there was some- how something that is as simple as and more efficient. and telling everyone that it was Human beings are like that. thing new coming out everyday. a book has now become technolog- A book will never go out of style better back in the day, and that They won’t read the book, but I’m still waiting on cool, super cy- ically advanced, and is trying to because a book can only be one computers will take over the they will read the same story ber-organic prosthetics to modify become the next best thing. thing; a book, complete with paper world. on the e-reader, because people my body with, but that’s just my I feel great joy when I walk into a and text. On the other hand, many of us like the new stuff, and get bored inner tech nerd speaking. bookstore and browse the shelves, I for one will not be in line this move on. While newer technol- of the old stuff. The point of all this is rather scanning titles to see what jumps holiday season to purchase an e- ogy may become complex, we I’m not saying that techno- simple, don’t fight it, because new out at me. reader. easily adapt by simply learning phobes are wrong for wanting technology will be a part of your Grazing the aisles of a book- But, I will have a long list of good how to use them. for things to remain the same life, whether you like it or not. store, I discover more authors classic, plain and simple books on My mother is 47 years old, she way, but most of the time, we Don’t complain about it, learn it, than I would just randomly look at my list to Santa Claus. has cancer and had six strokes, have to move on with the ages, and find ways you think might and with a little bit of patience or else we’ll stay behind. make something better. VALENCIA VOICE OPINION NOVEMBER 4, 2009 8

YOUR VOICE Religious rights Humanist agenda takes a hard hit require mutual respect By Tiffany Janiczek cently in Idaho, a billboard which spoke By Daniel Sandoval There is no need to single out a cer- [email protected] of a godless existence was defaced, and a [email protected] tain group, when on the flip side, the sign that said “Millions are good without same thing is being done on a much Why can’t we all just get along? Why God” had “without” removed. I think Throughout the country, billboards greater scale. is there such intolerance amongst reli- it’s funny because obviously someone are popping up in an attempt to con- Previously, there were bus ads in In- gious and non-religious groups? It’s just was trying to convey that you can’t be nect with secular humanists, atheists, diana with the statement “In the Begin- a billboard for pete’s sake. good with a lack of God, but apparently, agnostics, and freethinkers who seek to ning, Man created God,” which caused Hey Athiests, I hate to break it to you as is shown by these people’s actions, care for other humans simply because quite the stir. but no matter what you think, God is having God makes you no better. it’s the right thing to do. A less confrontational approach was still there, whether you believe in Him It seems that the fundamental Chris- For decades, these non-believers have taken this time to send the message in or not. And that great parking space you tian groups that protest things like Gay been oppressed and silenced due to the the right and constructive direction, wished for, or the A you hoped for and Days, and Heath Ledger’s winning a delicate subject. There have been cases seeking to end the stereotype that athe- got on the test you thought you bombed, 2009 Academy Award, seem to forget in which people have been harassed at ists are wicked and wish to do away that was Him. that in the Bible it says that while God funerals and even denied job positions with religion in the world. In truth, a I no longer attend church of any kind, hates the sin, He loves the sinner. He because of their non-beliefs. vast majority of non-religious Ameri- and while my moral compass may not loves them in spite of their choices. He Now groups around the nation, such cans believe that the bases of all reli- always point north, my religious past doesn’t judge them. Show me one place as the Chicago Coalition of Reason, are gions, without the fluff, are spectacular does hold some weight in the decisions in the Bible where is says that God hates banding together to send their messag- things to follow. I make, although it is not the reason for man? Or it condones protesting and es openly, just as other religious orga- Many non-religious Americans work my choices. That being said, I have plen- spewing words of hate toward some- Michael Bryant, Philadelphia Inquirer / MCT Campus nizations have been doing for so many Steve Rade is the businessman who paid hard on a daily basis for their right to ty of friends and even family members one? years. for the atheist billboard on I-95 that reads, “not believe.” The discrimination is who profess that they are not religious I am not saying I think that such bill- Still, a message like “Millions are “Don’t Believe in God? You are not alone.” certainly there, but with the struggle or, by biblical standards, live a life that boards as the one in Idaho should or good without God” shows what lit- comes the hope of eventual acceptance. will send them straight to hell. should not exist. But, I do think that if tle a communal organization like the trying to convert others, they are not At the core, regardless of religions, we Take my best friend Justin. He is gay. Christian groups can have their signs, American Humanist Association has hostile, they are not belligerent, and are all the same holding almost identi- I was very nervous when he met my su- then so should Atheist groups. Well for- to do to offend someone. In Moscow, they don’t degrade any beliefs. cal moral and ethical values. Through- per religious parents. While they don’t get even what I think, the First Amend- Idaho such a billboard was defaced This behavior is opposite to Christians out history, everyone in the world has understand or agree with his lifestyle, ment says they can. This is something I with the word “without” blacked out who, at the 2009 Academy Awards, fought against intolerance. Why fall at a recent family wedding, my dad was think many people seem to overlook. with spray-paint. “If we replace the bill- protested Heath Ledger’s nomination back and become an example for up- overheard saying to Justin, ‘you are part One thing is for sure, whether you be- board, our next slogan might read ‘Be- with hateful signs declaring that he was coming generations on how inconsid- of the family,’ which to me is a huge step. lieve in God, some other higher power, ing good without God clearly not for “now in Hell.” Various religions have erate and prejudiced we were? They accept him for who he is. That tol- or if you’re an Atheist, Agnostic or just everybody’,” Executive Director of the TV stations, highway advertisements, When positively observing and erance and understanding is paramount, a non-believer, God does exist. He must, AHA, Roy Speckhardt joked. and churches on every street corner, yet sometimes accepting ideas from both and helps make my life a heck of a lot otherwise Atheists would have nothing With the right message, no parts of a few non-religious billboards seeking spectrums, we can truly look into one easier. to not believe in. Hate to break it down these controversial billboards are anti- merely to connect with people are be- another’s minds in considering the sig- How does this apply to today? Well, re- this way for you, but it’s true. God. The billboards say nothing about ing venomously attacked. nificance of human existence. VALENCIA VOICE FEATURES NOVEMBER 4, 2009 9

OTHER VIEWS Jackson’s concert film is box-office smash “It also reminds us, sadly, that he was ready to reclaim his spot as the world’s greatest en- By Rafer Guzmán tertainer.” Newsday — Timothy Finn, Kansas City Star

When the weekend’s box-office grosses are re- “It’s a portrait of Michael Jackson that be- vealed in Monday’s papers, we will know, as if lies all the rumors that he would have been there were any doubt, whether “Michael Jackson’s too weak to tour. That shows not the slightest This Is It” will hit No. 1. trace of a spoiled prima donna.” There isn’t much competition. The Sony/Co- — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times lumbia film, which was released Oct. 28 and shows the King of Pop rehearsing in Los Angeles “The glimpses “This Is It” allows into Jack- for a series of comeback concerts shortly before son’s professionalism and the long stretches it his death, scared away most other studios from devotes to his magical stage presence do not releasing their own products. Once again, Jackson feel like exploitation. They feel like gifts.” has the field to himself. —Carla Meyer, The Sacramento Bee At a pre-release screening in Manhattan, how- ever, the audience initially seemed unsure how Photo by Kevin Mazur, / MCT Campus to react. “This Is It,” directed by Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson onstage practicing for his new concert. (“High School Musical”) Jackson’s concert direc- tor and creative collaborator, is not a polished fi- nal product. While rehearsing, Jackson often runs over for a while, “This Is It” probably will be at low gear to conserve his energy. Songs stop and watched by music fans for years to come. Your Next Step start without the usual smooth segues. And one — MCT Campus Take your next step toward success sound is noticeably absent: the roar of an excited crowd. by transferring to UT. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that s/VERACADEMICPROGRAMS these raw images of Jackson would never have s3MALLCLASSESSTUDENT FACULTYRATIO been made public had the concerts come to pass. s1UICKTURNAROUNDONTRANSFERCREDITEVALUATIONS “This Is It” shows how rigorously and tirelessly s4RANSFERSCHOLARSHIPSFOR '0! the entertainer worked to create the facade he pre- s'RANTSFOR&LORIDARESIDENTS sented to the public. Though not entirely free of music-industry puffery, Jackson’s death is never explicitly mentioned, “This Is It” makes the man seem human for the first time in a long while. 7+ENNEDY"LVD4AMPA &, s   Sony/Columbia has promised a limited, two- week run, perhaps hoping to create the kind of CONTACT US TODAY TO (813) 253-6211 Photo by Kevin Mazur, / MCT Campus SCHEDULE AN ON-THE-SPOT [email protected] Michael Jackson rehearsing for his concert tour, “This Is see-him-now urgency that would have surround- Illustration by Rick Nease, Detroit Free Press / MCT Campus An illustration of the late singer. ADMISSION EVALUATION. www.ut.edu/transfer It.” ed the actual concerts. Whether the film gets held VALENCIA VOICE FEATURES NOVEMBER 4, 2009 10

OTHER VIEWS ‘Astro’ action sequences entice viewers “I’d certainly recommend bringing your kids to this one, or giving your inner child a chance to By Niurka Jorrin come out and play.” [email protected] — Eugene Myers, Tor Books

Astro Boy is a phenomenal work of art. “There’s a lot going on, but none of it ever re- Mastered in 3-D animation, it ‘s almost as if ally grabs you.” your wearing glasses in the theater. — Christy Lemire, The Aspen Times The movie takes place in Metro City, a city hovering above the earth, with technology of ev- “Animation is topnotch yet stylistically incon- eryday robots. sistent, veering from bubbly and Wii-like to pho- Toby Tenma, a brilliant student, finishes his torealistic from scene to scene.” ‘rocket science test’ quickly and is granted per- — Andrew Barker, Variety mission to leave school early. On the way home, he’s greeted by his father “Though some scenes may be too intense for through a hologram, informing Toby of his work children, the action is slick, with robot clashes Summit Entertainment / MCT Campus at Ministry of Science and forewarning him to Toby Tenma, voiced by Freddie Highmore, in the remake of the 1960’s television show. and airborne chases leaving the strongest im- stay away. pression.” Toby disobediently goes against his father’s Toby is encouraged to join in by President ground below Metro city, he adapts the name — Claudia Puig, USA Today wishes and interrupt’s his father’s presentation. Stone. ‘Astro Boy’ and finds other orphans like himself. Dr. Tenma and Dr. Elefun construct two core He is then taken away to be watched by ‘ro- He finds out his new dad’s interest in robots is “Then again, there’s very little that the film- stones, one blue and the other red, under the in- bot nannies’ that he reprograms and enters his something, he also enjoys. makers haven’t borrowed here, making ‘Astro structions of President Stone. The red stone has a father’s project. Toby gives life to a 1,000-year-old robot that Boy’ feel as copied as its title character.” negative affect, while the blue is positive. Stone has the Peacekeeper, a large piece of he and his siblings name ZOG and take home to —Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times machinery, activated with the red stone, which their dad. becomes very destructive blows up everything, Toby finds out the hard way, that his new dad “Yet the new ‘Astro Boy’ is a marvelously de- even Toby. has wrong intentions of robots. signed piece of cartoon kinetics, with the pleas- Dr. Tenma grieves and spends days, creating a In the end, Toby and his dad must touch bases, ing soft colors and rounded-metal tactility of an clone of Toby. by Dr. Tenma learning that Astro Boy is not Toby, atomic- age daydream.” He finishes his masterpiece of his son by inject- but he is still his son. —Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly ing the final piece of art, the blue core. Being of a younger generation, I’ve never seen In minutes, Toby comes to life as if he never left. the older version, but if they were made like this “As ‘Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs’ He does everything almost the same, except one I’d be a fan. proved, the animation bar has been raised, and he’s just not Toby. The story has a great theme that children not just by Pixar. Poor little ‘Astro Boy’ hasn’t a Toby runs away and finds out he is a robot. He should always do as they’re told and all parents prayer of clearing it.” is then chased by President Stone and his crew, have feeling. I believe this is a great movie and —Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel Summit Entertainment / MCT Campus after the blue core stone. should be viewed by all families with children Toby Tenma is “Astro Boy.” Toby is taken in by a new family. Here, on the ages 2- 10. VALENCIA VOICE FEATURES NOVEMBER 4, 2009 11

Cast duo tempts readers ‘Dragons’ brimming with plot twists By Jimmy Tater he believes to be The Triad. with new novel [email protected] There are many aspects of crime scene investigation that By Ashley McBride something that previously had Michael Connelly's work are explored in this book. [email protected] not happened in their series. of crime-fiction, "Nine Drag- The victim swallowed a bul- Zoey tells the majority of the sto- ons" drags the reader through let casing after being shot in Fans of Phèdre nó Delaunay ry like usual in first person, how- Chinese culture and the homi- the chest and to lift the prints (of the “Kushiel’s Legacy” tril- ever, this books gives you a peek cide investigation of John Li, from the person who loaded ogy), Sookie Stackhouse, (books at what is going on with other the owner of Fortune Liquor the gun, they use a new pro- from which HBO’s “True Blood” characters, though it is done in Store. cedure not approved by the is based), and Ever Bloom (from third person point of view. Detective Harry Bosch, the court system to be used as evi- Alyson Noël’s “Evermore”) may Stevie Rae, Aphrodite, Stark, lead detective for the Los An- dence. find the House of Night series Heath, and Rephaim all offer a geles Police Department's ho- They handle the store's sur- by the mother-daughter team of third person peek at the story. St. Martin’s Press micide unit, is dispatched to veillance equipment and use Lionel Hahn / MCT Campus P.C. and Kristin Cast highly in- It’s understandable why the The Casts’ ‘Tempted’ is the sixth in a simple robbery which is im- advance computer lab tech- Author Michael Connelly. the series of novels. ventive and nail-biting. authors chose to do that but it mediately upgraded to a ho- niques to improve picture “Tempted,” the sixth install- seems almost like they took an This book feels the way “Har- micide, that seems to be con- quality and audio in some they will eventually remarry ment in the House of Night se- easy way out. ry Potter and the Half-Blood nected to international asian situations. because they still have a good ries, picks up immediately where Zoey and her group inevitably Prince” felt. In ‘Prince’, when it gang: The Triad. Also, there are many profes- recollection of each other, de- the fifth book, “Hunted” left off. head back to the House of Night was over it was leading up to the In addition to belonging to a sional and personal relation- spite being divorced. (This had me racing back to my which is their home and find end, and readers could envision dangerous line of work, Bosch ships that Bosch balances and He believes that there is a bookshelf to re-read the ending that the Raven Mockers who at- where it was headed. “Tempt- is a divorcee of Eleanor Wish, deals with on a daily basis. leak in the case and he doesn't of “Hunted.”) tacked the school have all been ed” feels the same way in that and father of their teenage His partner, Ignacio Ferras, trust David Chu of the Asian In the aftermath of banishing killed. sense, like the end is looming daugher, Madeline. was shot before the story be- Gang Unit because The Tri- Kalona, (the fallen immortal) and The battle with Kalona and nearby. He maintains a good rela- gins, and is resistant to return ad always seem to be a step Neferet (the ex-High Priestess of Neferet is far from over as Kalo- Vampires are currently the tionship with both, although to the field, and Bosch's pa- ahead of them. Tulsa’s House of Night), Zoey na plagues Zoey’s dreams, call- “it” thing, but this series, though they live in Hong Kong, tience is growing thin. But, his partner, Ferras, is Redbird and her friends rest up ing her A-ya. Aphrodite, though it centers on vampyres-to-be through the use of technology. His daughter attends the no help in the field so he grad- in the Benedictine Abbey. Zoey human, still receives visions and (fledglings), feels more like The book embraces technol- Happy Valley School in Hong ually embraces Chu as his managed to save Stark’s life by she admits that the vision in witchcraft with the magical circle ogy since many of the conver- Kong and to compensate for partner and is able to find him deflecting the arrow bound for which Zoey dies from drown- casting and elemental affinities. sations are transcribed from the distance he bought them very helpful. his heart by using the elemen- ing, Stark is there. “Tempted” was a fun, quick, phone calls, text messages, matching smartphones so For those that like action tal affinities given to her by her Stark is clearly upset by this and exciting read, but it left me voice mail, and e-mails. they could call, text, e-mail, and crime stories, you will en- Goddess, Nyx. turn of events. The worst thing dangling off the cliff waiting Bosch is removed from his and video message daily and joy Connelly's latest because it The story seemed to move in the world for a Warrior is anxiously for the seventh install- territory in Los Angeles and are very close. contains many surprises and slowly only encompassing a few to not be able to save his High ment, “Burned” to appear. travels to Hong Kong to save He is still fond of his ex- tough situations for Bosch to days. In this novel, the Casts do Priestess. her daughter from kidnappers wife, Eleanor, and believes overcome. VALENCIA VOICE SPORTSNEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 12 Tuskers clinch spot in championship By Neil Tredray quarterback you can’t have turnovers in the red game in two games. [email protected] zone,” Bollinger said. Florida’s next score came on their second pos- The Tuskers defense held Las Vegas scoreless session of the third quarter as Bollinger and Max- ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A scoreless first quar- in the first as well, forcing two punts. Defensive well hooked up again, this time for 46 yards. Matt ter gave way to an offensive slugfest that near- back Jerome Carter intercepted Losman as well, Bryant’s extra point tied the game at 14 with 11:56 ly resulted in the first overtime game in United returning the ball 83 yards before being tackled left in the third. Football League history, but the Florida Tuskers by Locomotives . Florida and Las Vegas traded field goals. held on to win 27-24 over the Las Vegas Locomo- Florida had possession at the start of the sec- Gano scored first for Las Vegas from 40 yards tives at Tropicana Field in front of an announced ond quarter and continued an eventual 10 play, out with 9:01 left in the third, followed soon af- crowd of 11,354 Friday night, moving to 4-0 on 80 yard scoring drive capped off with a Bollinger ter by a Bryant kick from 31 with 4:51 left in the the season and clinching a spot in the UFL cham- pass to Maxwell from 9 yards out. third. pionship game. Las Vegas kicker missed a 41 yard Florida running back Tatum Bell scored the go- “When you lose the turnover battle and they attempt on the next possession, and the ahead touchdown with a 1-yard run to make it outrush you by a massive yardage and you play Locos defense forced a Tuskers three-and-out. 24-17, capping a 7 play, 86 yard drive with 8:08 probably your worst game out of the four games The Locos’ next play was a flea-flicker trick left in the game. and you still win the game, it says you have a play. Losman tossed the ball to his running back, Las Vegas needed just three plays to tie the little bit of character in your room,” said Tuskers who tossed the ball back to Losman. Losman then game again, including a 71-yard run from Dorsey, head coach Jim Haslett. fired a 60-yard bomb to a wide open for setting up the scoring 2-yard pass from Losman Locomotives quarterback J.P. Losman had a six, and Gano’s extra point tied the game at 7 all. to tight end John Madsen. chance at leading a final scoring drive late in the Florida’s next possession ended in a turnover Florida’s next drive was capped off with a 40 fourth, but after an 8-yard run on first down, the as tight end Keith Heinrich coughed the ball up yard Bryant field goal to give the Tuskers their Florida defense forced a sack of six yards and two after a hit by Las Vegas defensive back Joe Por- slimmest margin of victory in four games. incomplete passes to turn the ball over on downs. ter. Nick Turnbull scooped up the loose ball and Bollinger finished the night with 22 comple- Tuskers quarterback Brooks Bollinger came out scampered 43 yards to the Florida 22. tions in 35 attempts (62.8%) for 321 yards and and took a knee with 13 seconds left in the game The fumble was especially frustrating be- two touchdowns and one interception. to seal the victory. cause the Tuskers had successfully converted a The Tuskers are on the road for their next three “As far as being the first of the two teams to go 4th-and-6 with a fake punt run by running back games, two regular season contests against the to the UFL championship, it’s great. It’s exciting,” Shaud Williams, who gained 29 yards on the play. New York Sentinels on Nov. 12 and against the said Tuskers receiver Marcus Maxwell, who had “We run that once in a while,” Haslett said of California Redwoods Nov. 19 and the champion- two touchdown catches in the game. his own trick play. “We’ve been working on it for ship game in Las Vegas. Florida had two turnovers in the first quarter, about a month, so I told ‘em ‘We’re gonna run “I told ‘em I’d be disappointed if we don’t go a Jermaine Wiggins fumble forced by Las Vegas this thing come hell or high water.’ The opportu- undefeated. If we go 5-1 going to the champion- linebacker Brandon Moore and a Brooks Bol- nity arose today and we ran it.” ship, you know what? You’re good enough that linger interception in the end zone by defensive The next Locomotives play was a hand-off to you should win ‘em all,” Haslett said. back Trey Young. running back DeDe Dorsey, who ran the 22 yards The Tuskers have previously beaten both of Collin Dever / Valencia Voice “I heisted, threw late to [Pittman]. If I’d thrown into the end zone, giving Las Vegas the lead and their upcoming opponents, 35-13 over New York Michael Grant of the Florida Tuskers recognizes fans after clinching a spot in the UFL Championship. it early it would have been a touchdown. As a marking the first time the Tuskers trailed in a Oct. 10 and 34-7 over California Oct. 22. VALENCIA VOICE SPORTSNEWS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 13 Knights quiet Thundering Herd

By Neil Tredray Two incomplete passes later ond effort players,” O’Leary said [email protected] and the Knights were looking about Miller. “He was on the side- at 4th and 7. Hodges threw a 21- line saying ‘Just hold him up, I’ll ORLANDO, Fla. — The Uni- yard pass to Ross, putting UCF get it out,’ and he did.” versity of Central Florida Knights on Marshall’s 3. Two plays later, “Somebody just had to make eked out a literal last-minute 21- Harvey’s run and a Nick Cattoi a play and fortunately I was in a 20 victory against the Marshall extra point brought the Knights position where I could get the ball Thundering Herd in front of an to within six of Marshall with 7:45 out, and that is what happened,” announced crowd of 35,676 at left to play. Miller said. Bright House Networks Stadi- The Knights’ defense forced a From third and 10 on Marshall’s um in a crucial Conference USA Marshall three-and-out and, fol- 20, Hodges completed a 19-yard match-up Sunday night. lowing a Kase Whitehead punt pass to Kamar Aiken. The next “It wasn’t pretty but it’s a for 50 yards, UCF took over on play was Ross’ one yard reception Collin Dever / Valencia Voice good win, a good team win. It’s their own 33. to tie the game at 20. Cattoi’s extra Rocky Ross celebrates the game winning touchdown reception. a 60-minute game for a reason,” UCF again faced a fourth down point was the go-ahead score. said UCF head coach George situation seven plays later, this “I was worried about running O’Leary. “Anytime you get a win time from Marshall’s 18. Hodges’ [the ball], not making it, and then Transfer to Webster University and keep your day job. against a 5-3 football team, I think pass to receiver A.J. Guyton fell clock, clock, clock. We had no it’s a good win. It’s a good confer- incomplete, however, and Mar- timeouts left. You say we should ence win.” shall took over on downs. have time to run another play, but Webster has class hours that work around your schedule, classes that meet one night per week, The Knights struggled offen- Darius Marshall ran for four it would have been hurried. They one-on-one attention, and a faculty that practices sively through three quarters of yards and an offisdes penalty didn’t even cover [Ross]. There what it teaches. Webster University’s bachelor play and trailed 20-7 going into against UCF moved Marshall was no one on him,” O’Leary said. degrees give you the insight and skills you’ll need the fourth quarter, but a late Brynn to second and 1. Marshall quar- “It was a little play action sprint to succeed. With completion programs in account- Harvey rushing touchdown and terback Brian Anderson called play,” Hodges said. “I walked ing, business administration, human resources management, management, psychology, a touchdown pass from Brett his own number and rushed for up to the line at first and nobody and you’re sure to find what you need. Contact us to- Hodges to Rocky Ross with just two yards, but UCF defensive was guarding [Ross]. It confused day for a personalized degree completion plan. 23 seconds left in the game pro- end Bruce Miller ripped the ball me a little bit and I was wonder- pelled UCF to victory over their from Anderson’s hands and cor- ing if they were tricking me. We division rival. nerback Josh Robinson fell on it, sent A.J. [Guyton] in motion and The fourth quarter rally began giving UCF a first and 10 on Mar- [Ross] was still open so I just put a North Orlando South Orlando when UCF took possession with shall’s 30. nice little touch pass out there for Sanlando Center Westwood Corporate Center 2180 W S.R. 434, Suite 5100 6750 Forum Drive, Suite 300 10:16 left in the game on Mar- Miller also recorded 2.5 sacks in him.” Longwood, FL 32779 Orlando, FL 32821 shall’s 43. Hodges connected with the game and earned C-USA de- UCF’s (5-3, 3-2 C-USA) next 407-869-8111 407-345-1139 Ricky Kay for 16 yards and a Har- fensive player of the week. game is Nov. 7 when the Knights    sORLANDO WEBSTEREDUsWEBSTEREDUOR vey run for three yards brough “He’s like every good pass travel to No. 2 Texas (8-0, 5-0 Big ©2009 Webster University UCF to the 24. rusher: they’re always great sec- 12). EC-871 UG.indd 1 9/24/09 10:58:17 AM VALENCIA VOICE SPORTS NOVEMBER 4, 2009 14

Week Big things 9 (Picks are winners, they do Alex Barrett Reese Wallace Manny Colon come in not take odds into account.) 89-25 68-46 67-47 LAST WEEK 12-1 8-5 7-6 small packages

BAL @ CIN

ARZ @ CHI By Alex Barrett WAS @ATL [email protected]

GB @ TB There were a lot of teams in the NFL that didn’t want any part of Maurice Jones-Drew when he was MIA @ NE drafted in 2006. It wasn’t because of his work ethic, his talent, or KC @ JAX his off field composure. It was his size. HOU @ IND At 5 feet 6 inches tall, and a mere 208 pounds (of condensed steel, it would appear,) ‘Mo-Jo’ was CAR @ NO passed over 59 times in the draft because no team thought his body would be able to handle the rig- DET @ SEA ors of the league. What they should have been thinking was if he was so small and yet so strong, TEN @ SF wouldn’t it be tough for people to tackle him? Not to be outdone by Chris Johnson’s inhu- SD @ NYG man performance in last week’s loss to Tennes- see, Jones-Drew has made opposing defenses lose DAL @ PHI their minds as he slips out of their grasps. Just ask the Titans - on two separate occasions, Tennessee MONDAY NIGHT thought they had Jones-Drew bottled up, just to PIT @ DEN watch him break tackle after tackle on two scoring- scampers of 80 and 79 yards en route to 177 total Preview: The Steelers run into a stiff test on Mon- again this week if they let ‘Big’ Ben Roethlisberger’s yards; on just eight carries. day against the , who are coming off pass attack put up too many yards. The Steelers can tasting defeat for the first time this year. Denver still control this game and notch a victory with a solid Gary W. Green / Orlando Sentinel / MCT looked solid last week as they let the Ravens run all defensive effort, but the Broncos are going to have a Maurice Jones-Drew makes it cool to have a over them, but they won’t have luck on their side chip on the proverbial shoulder to avenge their loss. hyphenated last name.