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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 /VER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS these raw images of Jackson would never have s 3MALL CLASSES STUDENT FACULTY RATIO been made public had the concerts come to pass. s 1UICK TURNAROUND ON TRANSFER CREDIT EVALUATIONS “This Is It” shows how rigorously and tirelessly s 4RANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR '0! the entertainer worked to create the facade he pre- s 'RANTS FOR &LORIDA