Valencia Gets Dressed Up for Halloween
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO,Fla. - As the cool breezes blow in October, the changing seasons bring many memorable things with it, the most, of course, being Halloween.
You always know when Halloween is getting close, because all of those random buildings and stores that have been vacant for 7 months start popping up with bright orange Halloween costume banners, and more people are out on the road canvassing traffic with big neon signs. Adult novelty stores stop advertising what they're known for, and start pushing costumes, some of which are surprisingly still culturally acceptable outside of the bedroom. (That doesn't mean they all are though.)
So it only feels right to see what people have decided to dress up as this Halloween, and what they are doing with their night. Many people go downtown, while some stay in for house parties and work get-togethers. For some, the decision on what alter-ego to inherit comes easy, but for others, it may be a little difficult. That's not the case if you have someone deciding for you, however. "Marilyn Monroe is my idol. and that's why I chose to go as her," said Kristen Candio. Next to Candio, Antonio Gaskin informed us he was going as Justin Timberlake. "I'm making him do that. it's a joint thing," added Candio.
Still, others have opted for a more direct approach, having no clue; such as Vinnie Oliveira. "I have no idea. I just don't know yet.
Gaby Salmon has her eyes on a certain outfit though; "Its a female Spongebob costume. Some people think it's stupid, but I think it's cute. I'm going to have to go back and get it."
Other Valencia students have a much tougher time deciding on their costume, like Jay Rodriguez. "Well, I'm throwing a Hooters Halloween party this year, so if I have to dress up, I guess I'll go as a vampire, that way I can just throw on some fangs and look cute around a bunch of girls."
There's bound to be some people out there who are wearing their costumes and may take the role a little too far, so you should always be safe on Halloween and be aware of your surroundings. it won't just help you stay secure, it will help you take advantage of the best part of Halloween - people watching. After all, you need to start thinking about ideas for next year, right?
(#2 story for reporting class)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Odd Man Eats All Fruit at Local Event
What's Double Dip Mean?
ORLANDO, Fla. - At a local speaking event Thursday at Valencia's West Campus, an odd man was spotted raiding the fruit bowls.
This unidentified gentleman was seen using one fork to skewer fruit pieces un-sanitarily while returning the utensil from his mouth to the community bowl just as the event was ending.
Despite the availibility of plates nearby, (you can see them in the picture,) the man decided to help himself and spread his saliva over the rest of the remaining food in the bowl, assuring no one else at the event could enjoy the small delicacies they had been eyeing during the speech, given by Mike Murphy, former Op-Ed writer for the Orlando Sentinel.
"Its like he's putting his whole mouth in the fruit," says Tim Tomals; "it can't be clean." The speech was barely broken out for more than 2 minutes when the man attacked the public fruit display like a lion on a steak at Busch Gardens, mercilessly feasting upon the innocent bricks of tasty goodness.
One on-looker at the event said that it was as painful as watching baby seals get clubbed in real life. "I couldn't watch, the horror was too great and I had to look away. those poor honeydews. What did they do to deserve their life being ended so abruptly by such a monster!"
"It was like watching a vaccuum cleaner with a fork. I was disgusted. So much for anyone else getting any fruit pieces;" said Ben Chancers, who also attended Murphy's speech. "If I never see anything like that again, I would be thanking all that is holy. That man had to be possessed."
After orchestrating quite possibly the most disturbing genocide of a mixed fruit platter in Valencia history, the man dissapeared, and is still at large. You may consider him armed with sharpened sporks and extremely dangerous, and authorities say if you encounter this person, you should contact them and not try to apprehend yourself. Especially if you have a pear-shaped figure, or are wearing any fruity-smelling body spray or cologne.
NBA Power Rankings
NBA POWER RANKINGS
First power rankings of the season, based off of last year's accomplishments, off-season movement, and pre-season play.
1. Boston Celtics: The Defending Champs stay there until they screw up bad enough to lose it.
2. Los Angeles Lakers: The return of Andrew Bynum will make the Lake-Show even tougher.
3. Houston Rockets: Adding Ron Artest... either going to be amazing or terrible. Lets see how he gets along with Houston fans and T-Mac. Over-under; people Artest will punch this year- 3.
4. New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul will challenge for league MVP again. He and Chandler have amazing chemistry.
5. Detroit Pistons: Window of opportunity closing fast for this veteran team. Stucky seems to be the only flash they have coming in after the geriatrics leave. Still not sold on Maxiell.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron is eyeing real estate elsewhere if the Cavs cant win. NOW.
7. Utah Jazz: Big hole at 2-guard prevents this team from moving forward.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Trio of Duncan, Ginobli and Parker still scary good, but aging as well.
9. Orlando Magic: Much deeper than last year, More playmakers added. Great cast in Mickey's backyard.
10. Phoenix Suns: May be last hurrah for Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal.
11. Dallas Mavericks: Can Rick Carlisle put this team over the top?
12. Toronto Raptors: Perhaps best frontcourt in East with (healthy) Jermaine O'Neal and Chris Bosh.
13. Philadelphia 76ers: Signing of Elton Brand makes them much better.
14. Portland Trailblazers: Should round out West playoffs with (healthy) Greg Oden, and a young, tough team.
15. Washington Wizards: Agent Zero and Antawn Jamison should have jumped ship. They'll pay for staying, but they'll GET paid for staying as well. it's all about the Benjamins, baby.
16. Indiana Pacers: Rebuilding for the Pacers, they could sneak into the playoffs with solid performances.
17. Atlanta Hawks: They linger, but should be better for as young as they are.
18. Denver Nuggets: Can the Nuggets score 130 a game again this year and still lose?
19. Golden State Warriors: Losing Baron Davis was a big blow.
20. Los Angeles Clippers: Losing Elton Brand was a bigger blow.
21. Chicago Bulls: I have no clue what they're doing in Chicago. It must be nice to just not really care. Get rid of Gordon.
22. Miami Heat: Wade couldn't do it without Shaq, but he has Beasley and Marion now.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kevin Love will be a draft bust as soon as everyone sees the wuss he is, and Ol' Al will be fending for himself again.
24. Sacramento Kings: They will be scary in two or three years. They're going nowhere this year.
25. Charlotte Bobcats: Lots of cap space screams LeBron bid in 2010 - go go gadget Michael Jordan!
26. New Jersey Nets: Trading Jefferson? Ouch. I want to say Yi is overrated, but he isn't. Just isn't that good yet...
27. Milwaukee Bucks: Michael Redd and R. Jeff are scoring machines. A little more help makes these guys real good.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: They may look nice, and have a new home, but life is going to be tough for Durant and crew.
29. Memphis Grizzlies: These guys are going to get laughed at in the West.
30. New York Knicks: How about a season without one of the following: Sexual harassment charges, locker room drama, and 50 plus losses.
Smoking in the Breezeways
Valencia Students Lighting Up Everywhere
By Alex Barrett
Every time you turn a corner in the breezeways at Valencia, a familiar sign hangs above your head; “Smoke-free breezeways.” It states that smoking is prohibited in the breezeways of the school for the courtesy of others who may not choose to light up. With smoking being dangerous to the person that is sparking it up, equally as dangerous as second-hand smoke, or the contaminants that are dispelled by the smoker you may be inhaling, even though you aren’t the one smoking.
Second hand smoke is more technically known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke, or ETS, and according to the American Lung Association, ETS lingers in the air hours after cigarettes, cigars, and pipes have been extinguished; meaning just because there isn’t a smoker next to you, doesn’t mean you aren’t being affected. ETS has also been confirmed to cause a wide range of health effects, including cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections. For you statistically inclined people, ETS claims approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths, and anywhere between 22,700-69,600 heart disease deaths to non-smokers in the United States… Each year. With all of this in mind, It’s good to know that Valencia is taking a stand to try and keep our community airways cleaner for those who don’t really think cancer is fun; but there’s a problem here, no one is enforcing the rule.
If you were to start on one side of the campus and walk to the other, using nothing but the breezeways, you would find out that these signs that support a cleaner learning environment are often overlooked, and sometimes even flagrantly ignored or shunned.
“Ill smoke where I want, when I want. You can’t tell me how to live a part of my life; deal with it,” says David Gonzales on the West Campus of Valencia. When asked if he cared about the second hand smoke he was causing, and the harm that resulted from it to others, his answer was an emphatic and snappy “no.”
Maybe this is a deeper seeded problem than just Valencia. As you probably know, all establishments in Florida that are public areas are all smoke-free, with the exception of stand-alone bars, or bars that serve more alcohol per sales than food, making them different from a restaurant. “I smoke in the breezeways because it’s easier for me, and it keeps me in the shade. Other people should be mindful of the inconveniences that I have to deal with because I smoke. They should work around me;” says Sara Watson of the Osceola Campus. Sara, like many people, was completely unaware of the hardships caused by second hand smoke to others around her, and obviously feels that others should compensate for her choice to indulge in a smoke. So where do students of Valencia turn to get help for this matter? It seems as though many people are smoking on campus, but few have ever seen someone of authority ask a student, or faculty member, to put out their smoke; second year Valencia student Kyle Craig stated, “I have been smoking in the breezeways for the past 2 years, and no one has ever asked me to put out my cigarette, or even move to a designated area. It’s not that I want to cause harm, it’s just difficult for me to smoke between classes and move between them without using the breezeways. If I squatted at a smoking approved area, I would be late getting to my next class.” You would think the security office would monitor such behavior, and regulate the smoking in the breezeways here at Valencia; this is incorrect. When the security staff was asked about the regulation, they stated that it was more of a policy than a law, and that the Office of the Provost is the entity that is responsible for regulating the smoking. This is clearly a problem for students like Kyle, who need to be on time for their classes. However, there are others who abide by the regulations and feel that if a smoker chooses to smoke, than they should accept responsibility for their actions, like third-year student Jessica Meredith on the West Campus. “I am a smoker, and I smoke in the designated areas because I make the choice to put things in my body. I am not able to make that choice for others. When I schedule my classes, I allow enough time between them to smoke, relax for a few, and regroup before heading to the next session. I would advise others to do the same. It not only helps your smoking routine, it gives you a chance to wash your mind in between classes, which has been invaluable to me.”
Although we found substantially less people blowing smoke on the Osceola and East Campuses compared to the West Campus, we found Mike Glantz on the east side, who when asked about the regulations in place, plainly remarked; “It’s bullshit.” Glantz also added that he would puff wherever was convenient for him, and made quite a stand to have smoking legalized throughout the campus. He didn’t seem to mind that his second-hand smoke could be poisoning others, and maybe that is an issue here at Valencia. Across all campuses, the point remains; there are people freely smoking in breezeways, and it seems that nothing is being done about it. If you would like to make your voice heard; or if you have any questions or comments, possibly want to know more information, you may contact me at abarrett@valenciavoice.com. Special thanks to Louie Rodriguez for his contributions to this story.
By Alex Barrett
Every time you turn a corner in the breezeways at Valencia, a familiar sign hangs above your head; “Smoke-free breezeways.” It states that smoking is prohibited in the breezeways of the school for the courtesy of others who may not choose to light up. With smoking being dangerous to the person that is sparking it up, equally as dangerous as second-hand smoke, or the contaminants that are dispelled by the smoker you may be inhaling, even though you aren’t the one smoking.
Second hand smoke is more technically known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke, or ETS, and according to the American Lung Association, ETS lingers in the air hours after cigarettes, cigars, and pipes have been extinguished; meaning just because there isn’t a smoker next to you, doesn’t mean you aren’t being affected. ETS has also been confirmed to cause a wide range of health effects, including cancer, asthma, and respiratory infections. For you statistically inclined people, ETS claims approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths, and anywhere between 22,700-69,600 heart disease deaths to non-smokers in the United States… Each year. With all of this in mind, It’s good to know that Valencia is taking a stand to try and keep our community airways cleaner for those who don’t really think cancer is fun; but there’s a problem here, no one is enforcing the rule.
If you were to start on one side of the campus and walk to the other, using nothing but the breezeways, you would find out that these signs that support a cleaner learning environment are often overlooked, and sometimes even flagrantly ignored or shunned.
“Ill smoke where I want, when I want. You can’t tell me how to live a part of my life; deal with it,” says David Gonzales on the West Campus of Valencia. When asked if he cared about the second hand smoke he was causing, and the harm that resulted from it to others, his answer was an emphatic and snappy “no.”
Maybe this is a deeper seeded problem than just Valencia. As you probably know, all establishments in Florida that are public areas are all smoke-free, with the exception of stand-alone bars, or bars that serve more alcohol per sales than food, making them different from a restaurant. “I smoke in the breezeways because it’s easier for me, and it keeps me in the shade. Other people should be mindful of the inconveniences that I have to deal with because I smoke. They should work around me;” says Sara Watson of the Osceola Campus. Sara, like many people, was completely unaware of the hardships caused by second hand smoke to others around her, and obviously feels that others should compensate for her choice to indulge in a smoke. So where do students of Valencia turn to get help for this matter? It seems as though many people are smoking on campus, but few have ever seen someone of authority ask a student, or faculty member, to put out their smoke; second year Valencia student Kyle Craig stated, “I have been smoking in the breezeways for the past 2 years, and no one has ever asked me to put out my cigarette, or even move to a designated area. It’s not that I want to cause harm, it’s just difficult for me to smoke between classes and move between them without using the breezeways. If I squatted at a smoking approved area, I would be late getting to my next class.” You would think the security office would monitor such behavior, and regulate the smoking in the breezeways here at Valencia; this is incorrect. When the security staff was asked about the regulation, they stated that it was more of a policy than a law, and that the Office of the Provost is the entity that is responsible for regulating the smoking. This is clearly a problem for students like Kyle, who need to be on time for their classes. However, there are others who abide by the regulations and feel that if a smoker chooses to smoke, than they should accept responsibility for their actions, like third-year student Jessica Meredith on the West Campus. “I am a smoker, and I smoke in the designated areas because I make the choice to put things in my body. I am not able to make that choice for others. When I schedule my classes, I allow enough time between them to smoke, relax for a few, and regroup before heading to the next session. I would advise others to do the same. It not only helps your smoking routine, it gives you a chance to wash your mind in between classes, which has been invaluable to me.”
Although we found substantially less people blowing smoke on the Osceola and East Campuses compared to the West Campus, we found Mike Glantz on the east side, who when asked about the regulations in place, plainly remarked; “It’s bullshit.” Glantz also added that he would puff wherever was convenient for him, and made quite a stand to have smoking legalized throughout the campus. He didn’t seem to mind that his second-hand smoke could be poisoning others, and maybe that is an issue here at Valencia. Across all campuses, the point remains; there are people freely smoking in breezeways, and it seems that nothing is being done about it. If you would like to make your voice heard; or if you have any questions or comments, possibly want to know more information, you may contact me at abarrett@valenciavoice.com. Special thanks to Louie Rodriguez for his contributions to this story.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dan Shepherd
"Six Digits in a Good Year"
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, FL - "Whatever the client wants to make them happy, you do it."
That's how Dan Shepherd has grown to be such a successful Freelance Producer. Living by that simple quote, and falling back on work well done. Since 1994, Shepherd has been a freelance field producer and remote coordinator for many aspects of the media world, including NBC, ABC, and CBS News and their affiliates, and has done work for the Oprah Winfrey show, Mohegan Sun Casino, FOX Sports and Clear Channel Communications, just to name a few. Throughout his career, Shepherd has covered some excellent stories, such as the September 11 attacks on the United States, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, garnering Emmy award nominations for these two stories.
Shepherd shared his freelance journalism knowledge and experience on Thursday afternoon at Valencia's West Campus.
Shepherd wasn't always a freelance worker; he started his career in 1984 as a photographer and tape editor for NBC, and in 1987 took those talents to CBS here in Orlando. His coverage of events and microwave truck operations eventually led him to Tampa for a brief 4 year stint, and then back to Orlando to begin his freelance work in 1994. he has been freelance ever since then.
Shepherd says there are many things you have to do to be a successful freelance worker, including taking somewhat less than glamorous jobs, being available at beck and call, and always being prepared for just about anything. Shepherd's stories have taken him as high as being in a P51 Mustang Fighter Plane, to as low as a submarine dive, and to be a freelancer, you must be willing to do the same when the news organizations call your number; you may not get a second chance. With freelance work comes some instability, however, in the monetary department. Dan stated that one could make "Six Digits in a good year," but also added that you could just as easily have a bad year and make next to nothing since you have no steady income.
Shepherd said the key to being successful, besides being prepared, was pitching good stories. Finding anything news-worthy and getting a broadcast company to bite on it is what keeps Shepherd hopefully close to that six figure range. Among the stories he has pitched include one of a dolphin with a prosthetic fin, one of his favorite stories, and a story of a small football team in Alaska that had been playing on gravel and flying everywhere to play their high school games. the porpoise prosthesis was picked up, unfortunately, the Alaskan football team wasn't; even though ESPN covered the team in detail after Shepherd had pitched the story unsuccessfully.
His eye for noteworthy news also plays a part in Shepherd's freelance work, and he uses it to his advantage, gathering knowledge any way he can. "Jump on the internet and let it be your friend," Says Shepherd, and "always be ready for the news, it can happen anywhere."
Shepherd established his own freelance company in 1998, named Soundbite Productions, and keeps his stories on time and under budget. he works effectively with National News networks, and encourages others who may want to do freelance work to be efficient and learn quickly, always be on your heels, and to "prepare yourself for anything, because it can happen at any time."
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, FL - "Whatever the client wants to make them happy, you do it."
That's how Dan Shepherd has grown to be such a successful Freelance Producer. Living by that simple quote, and falling back on work well done. Since 1994, Shepherd has been a freelance field producer and remote coordinator for many aspects of the media world, including NBC, ABC, and CBS News and their affiliates, and has done work for the Oprah Winfrey show, Mohegan Sun Casino, FOX Sports and Clear Channel Communications, just to name a few. Throughout his career, Shepherd has covered some excellent stories, such as the September 11 attacks on the United States, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, garnering Emmy award nominations for these two stories.
Shepherd shared his freelance journalism knowledge and experience on Thursday afternoon at Valencia's West Campus.
Shepherd wasn't always a freelance worker; he started his career in 1984 as a photographer and tape editor for NBC, and in 1987 took those talents to CBS here in Orlando. His coverage of events and microwave truck operations eventually led him to Tampa for a brief 4 year stint, and then back to Orlando to begin his freelance work in 1994. he has been freelance ever since then.
Shepherd says there are many things you have to do to be a successful freelance worker, including taking somewhat less than glamorous jobs, being available at beck and call, and always being prepared for just about anything. Shepherd's stories have taken him as high as being in a P51 Mustang Fighter Plane, to as low as a submarine dive, and to be a freelancer, you must be willing to do the same when the news organizations call your number; you may not get a second chance. With freelance work comes some instability, however, in the monetary department. Dan stated that one could make "Six Digits in a good year," but also added that you could just as easily have a bad year and make next to nothing since you have no steady income.
Shepherd said the key to being successful, besides being prepared, was pitching good stories. Finding anything news-worthy and getting a broadcast company to bite on it is what keeps Shepherd hopefully close to that six figure range. Among the stories he has pitched include one of a dolphin with a prosthetic fin, one of his favorite stories, and a story of a small football team in Alaska that had been playing on gravel and flying everywhere to play their high school games. the porpoise prosthesis was picked up, unfortunately, the Alaskan football team wasn't; even though ESPN covered the team in detail after Shepherd had pitched the story unsuccessfully.
His eye for noteworthy news also plays a part in Shepherd's freelance work, and he uses it to his advantage, gathering knowledge any way he can. "Jump on the internet and let it be your friend," Says Shepherd, and "always be ready for the news, it can happen anywhere."
Shepherd established his own freelance company in 1998, named Soundbite Productions, and keeps his stories on time and under budget. he works effectively with National News networks, and encourages others who may want to do freelance work to be efficient and learn quickly, always be on your heels, and to "prepare yourself for anything, because it can happen at any time."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Oh, The Horror
Oh, The Horror…
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO – Since its inception in 1991, Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights has been attracting flocks of people from all around to Orlando for one purpose… to get the crap scared out of them. This year, the event will hold it’s 18th successive presentation, hoping to maintain that which has made it stand out among the other theme parks and motivating people from all walks of life to return yet another year. With the Horror Nights already underway for two weeks, It is easy to forget that there has been quite a progression involved in the last 18 years; the event has undergone many changes, including flipping between Islands of Adventure and the original Studios, not to mention the new character base each year, and ever-changing “Scare Zones.”
To help take a look back into the past, Universal Studios Employee Donald Leinz has compiled a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia from all 18 presentations. During the month of October, these tokens are on display at the main campus for the Orange County Library, located in downtown Orlando. On Tuesday, Donald was present to showcase his items and let the community take a step back in time to see how the event has grown over the years. “When you work with a project of this magnitude for so long, it starts to grow on you. I never thought it would be this big of a hit this far down the road.” Donald’s favorite piece of the exhibit is probably the cheapest one, but the most interesting. In a standup glass case, a brochure, button, pamphlet, and credential card for each of the 18 shows sit in order of their appearance, from the first presentation, originally called “Fright Nights,” to the newest one featuring Bloody Mary. Donald added, “It is amazing to look back and see what an integral part of Universal Studios this is. Normally, you never want to be scared, and yet, every year tons of people from basically everywhere come here with the sole purpose of not being able to sleep that night.”
The month long exhibit will feature a few presentations by Donald when he isn’t working out at the show, and from the lingering crowd at the library you can see how Orlando citizens love the Studio’s presentation as much as anyone else. Mary Schweintz of Winter Park was taken back by the exhibit and Donald’s presentation. “I have gone every year, and for the most part it keeps getting better. It’s really enjoyable to just look back and recall memories of past Horror Nights.” When I asked Mary about her favorite time, she remembered once when she was “much younger,” and how her friend had a little bodily fluid accident during the 2000 presentation, which featured Jack, an evil clown as its headliner. Jacob Tyner was also in attendance, and he was new to the experience. “I just moved here from Wisconsin,” he said, “We used to see the commercials all the time, but I never had the opportunity to go until this year. It is really sweet to look at the history and take a preview of what I am getting myself into next Saturday night.”
You can check out the exhibit in the Teen Center should you choose to go, and can look up any appearances by Donald online through the Orange County Library site, at www.ocls.info. It will remain in pieces until the end of October, but will only feature certain selections when Donald is there to present them.
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO – Since its inception in 1991, Universal Studio’s Halloween Horror Nights has been attracting flocks of people from all around to Orlando for one purpose… to get the crap scared out of them. This year, the event will hold it’s 18th successive presentation, hoping to maintain that which has made it stand out among the other theme parks and motivating people from all walks of life to return yet another year. With the Horror Nights already underway for two weeks, It is easy to forget that there has been quite a progression involved in the last 18 years; the event has undergone many changes, including flipping between Islands of Adventure and the original Studios, not to mention the new character base each year, and ever-changing “Scare Zones.”
To help take a look back into the past, Universal Studios Employee Donald Leinz has compiled a personal collection of artifacts and memorabilia from all 18 presentations. During the month of October, these tokens are on display at the main campus for the Orange County Library, located in downtown Orlando. On Tuesday, Donald was present to showcase his items and let the community take a step back in time to see how the event has grown over the years. “When you work with a project of this magnitude for so long, it starts to grow on you. I never thought it would be this big of a hit this far down the road.” Donald’s favorite piece of the exhibit is probably the cheapest one, but the most interesting. In a standup glass case, a brochure, button, pamphlet, and credential card for each of the 18 shows sit in order of their appearance, from the first presentation, originally called “Fright Nights,” to the newest one featuring Bloody Mary. Donald added, “It is amazing to look back and see what an integral part of Universal Studios this is. Normally, you never want to be scared, and yet, every year tons of people from basically everywhere come here with the sole purpose of not being able to sleep that night.”
The month long exhibit will feature a few presentations by Donald when he isn’t working out at the show, and from the lingering crowd at the library you can see how Orlando citizens love the Studio’s presentation as much as anyone else. Mary Schweintz of Winter Park was taken back by the exhibit and Donald’s presentation. “I have gone every year, and for the most part it keeps getting better. It’s really enjoyable to just look back and recall memories of past Horror Nights.” When I asked Mary about her favorite time, she remembered once when she was “much younger,” and how her friend had a little bodily fluid accident during the 2000 presentation, which featured Jack, an evil clown as its headliner. Jacob Tyner was also in attendance, and he was new to the experience. “I just moved here from Wisconsin,” he said, “We used to see the commercials all the time, but I never had the opportunity to go until this year. It is really sweet to look at the history and take a preview of what I am getting myself into next Saturday night.”
You can check out the exhibit in the Teen Center should you choose to go, and can look up any appearances by Donald online through the Orange County Library site, at www.ocls.info. It will remain in pieces until the end of October, but will only feature certain selections when Donald is there to present them.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I need Peasants
I had around 1500 blog viewers on myspace... Here I have no followers, and I don't feel too special about it anymore. You should follow me. You know you want to. I added the App this afternoon, you can click on it on the right side of the page. It's down by the bottom, because my picture is too pretty to move it down at all. Here are some perks to being a follower of Alex:
1. You get to email me things you think I should either blog about or write about. I will DEFINITELY read and reply to all emails.
2. Come on. Being a follower of someone as awesome as myself is a perk in itself. You'll get more friends in your social life because of me. Note... it isn't what you know, it's WHO you know.
3. My brother, Jake, wont have to knock on your door. That's a visit you don't want. I promise.
4. Now, I am not saying that being my follower is going to make you independantly wealthy, but, I mean, COME ON.
5. The more followers I have, the more I will blog and the more I will be versed to doing personal favors for any of you. Remember, you are all special.
And finally, the number one reason-
6. My mom is eventually going to be a follower. If she's the only one at any point in time, then I may never be able to be with a woman again, and you wouldnt wish that on anyone. Just click the button. Thanks!
1. You get to email me things you think I should either blog about or write about. I will DEFINITELY read and reply to all emails.
2. Come on. Being a follower of someone as awesome as myself is a perk in itself. You'll get more friends in your social life because of me. Note... it isn't what you know, it's WHO you know.
3. My brother, Jake, wont have to knock on your door. That's a visit you don't want. I promise.
4. Now, I am not saying that being my follower is going to make you independantly wealthy, but, I mean, COME ON.
5. The more followers I have, the more I will blog and the more I will be versed to doing personal favors for any of you. Remember, you are all special.
And finally, the number one reason-
6. My mom is eventually going to be a follower. If she's the only one at any point in time, then I may never be able to be with a woman again, and you wouldnt wish that on anyone. Just click the button. Thanks!
Don't Get Mad, Patriot Fans...
I just picked random teams. Feel free to replace any team except the Patriots with your team.
On the first day of school a first grade teacher explains to her class that she is a Patriots fan. She asks her students to raise their hands if they, too, are Patriots fans. Wanting to impress their teacher, everyone in the class raises their hand except one little girl. The teacher looks at the girl with surprise, 'Janie, why didn't you raise your hand?' 'Because I'm not a Patriots fan,' she replied. The teacher, still shocked, asked, 'Well, if you are not a Patriots fan, then who are you a fan of? 'I am a Steelers fan, and proud of it,' Janie replied. The teacher could not believe her ears. 'Janie, please tell me why you are you a Steelers fan?' 'Because my mom is a Steelers fan, and my dad is Steelers fan, so I'm a Steelers fan too!' 'Well,' said the teacher in a obviously annoyed tone, 'that is no reason for you to be a Steelers fan. You don't have to be just like your parents all of the time. What if your mom were an idiot and your dad were a moron, what would you be then?' 'Then,' Janie smiled, 'I'd be a Patriots fan.'
Four football fans - a Cowboys fan, an Eagles fan, a Titans fan, and a Patriots fan - are climbing a mountain and arguing about who loves his team more. The Cowboys fan insists he is the most loyal. 'This is for the Cowboys!' he yells, and jumps off the side of the mountain. Not to be outdone, the Eagles fan shouts, 'This is for the Eagles!' and throws himself off the mountain.The Titans fan is next to profess his love for his team. He yells, 'This is for everyone!' and pushes the Patriots fan off the mountain.
On the first day of school a first grade teacher explains to her class that she is a Patriots fan. She asks her students to raise their hands if they, too, are Patriots fans. Wanting to impress their teacher, everyone in the class raises their hand except one little girl. The teacher looks at the girl with surprise, 'Janie, why didn't you raise your hand?' 'Because I'm not a Patriots fan,' she replied. The teacher, still shocked, asked, 'Well, if you are not a Patriots fan, then who are you a fan of? 'I am a Steelers fan, and proud of it,' Janie replied. The teacher could not believe her ears. 'Janie, please tell me why you are you a Steelers fan?' 'Because my mom is a Steelers fan, and my dad is Steelers fan, so I'm a Steelers fan too!' 'Well,' said the teacher in a obviously annoyed tone, 'that is no reason for you to be a Steelers fan. You don't have to be just like your parents all of the time. What if your mom were an idiot and your dad were a moron, what would you be then?' 'Then,' Janie smiled, 'I'd be a Patriots fan.'
Four football fans - a Cowboys fan, an Eagles fan, a Titans fan, and a Patriots fan - are climbing a mountain and arguing about who loves his team more. The Cowboys fan insists he is the most loyal. 'This is for the Cowboys!' he yells, and jumps off the side of the mountain. Not to be outdone, the Eagles fan shouts, 'This is for the Eagles!' and throws himself off the mountain.The Titans fan is next to profess his love for his team. He yells, 'This is for everyone!' and pushes the Patriots fan off the mountain.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Boys in Blue are back in action
The Orlando Magic begin their new season this month, and already expectations are high. The players all know that new jerseys will not be enough to carry the team where they all believe they deserve to be, the NBA Finals.
Last year, GM Otis Smith was quoted as saying, "We're Kurt Thomas away from a championship," speaking of the power forward acquired by San Antonio before their playoff run. With the failure to court Thomas during the season, Smith didn't even focus on him in free agency in the off-season. Instead, Otis bolstered the defenses by bringing in free agent Mikael Pietrus from Golden State, a stingy defender that plays well in the Magic theme of hitting jump shots and three pointers, and puts yet another body in front of J.J. Redick. Also joining the new-look Magic this season, journeyman point guard Anthony Johnson, who will provide a solid veteran backup to improving Jameer Nelson, and filling the hole left from the departure of Keyon Dooling. Johnson will, ideally, help Jameer develop even more into one of the leagues' top point guards, which he proved he could be in the finals this past year. In the draft, the Magic acquired guard Courtney Lee out of Western Kentucky with the 22nd pick, and the team believes he can contribute right off the bat, and has looked stellar in the off-season workouts and the Summer leagues.
Last season, the Magic won the Southeast Division comfortably by 9 games, posting a 52-30 record en route to a second round loss to the Detroit Pistons, also known as the "Orlando Magic Playoff Run Killers." This year, expectations have grown, and so have the young players the franchise has built around. Dwight Howard is coming off an amazing season and off-season, and the organization is only expecting him to pick up his game even more after seeing Olympic competition and bringing home the gold. "We want to compete for a championship," Said Howard, and the NBA Finals are not out of reach for the blossoming team. Last season's biggest free agent pickup Rashard Lewis has had a full year in Coach Stan Van Gundy's system, and should be a much larger contributer now that he has started to build some chemistry in the team. Often shaky at times, Jameer Nelson keeps bettering his game and when he is on the ball, is one of the best in the league.
A power center, arguably the best in the league, the best outside shooting in the league statistically, more time together and the addition of a few key veterans makes this Magic team much like the team that challenged for the title back in 1995 with the Rockets.
These things, coupled with the return of Tony Battie from injury to help Howard get some break time, and the emergence in the playoffs of Polish-born Marcin Gortat, who displayed amazing heart and hustle, help round out a team whose depth was questioned last year.
Only time will tell if the Magic are ready to compete in the big games this season, but from what has been seen this off-season, the fans in Orlando have much to be happy about.
Last year, GM Otis Smith was quoted as saying, "We're Kurt Thomas away from a championship," speaking of the power forward acquired by San Antonio before their playoff run. With the failure to court Thomas during the season, Smith didn't even focus on him in free agency in the off-season. Instead, Otis bolstered the defenses by bringing in free agent Mikael Pietrus from Golden State, a stingy defender that plays well in the Magic theme of hitting jump shots and three pointers, and puts yet another body in front of J.J. Redick. Also joining the new-look Magic this season, journeyman point guard Anthony Johnson, who will provide a solid veteran backup to improving Jameer Nelson, and filling the hole left from the departure of Keyon Dooling. Johnson will, ideally, help Jameer develop even more into one of the leagues' top point guards, which he proved he could be in the finals this past year. In the draft, the Magic acquired guard Courtney Lee out of Western Kentucky with the 22nd pick, and the team believes he can contribute right off the bat, and has looked stellar in the off-season workouts and the Summer leagues.
Last season, the Magic won the Southeast Division comfortably by 9 games, posting a 52-30 record en route to a second round loss to the Detroit Pistons, also known as the "Orlando Magic Playoff Run Killers." This year, expectations have grown, and so have the young players the franchise has built around. Dwight Howard is coming off an amazing season and off-season, and the organization is only expecting him to pick up his game even more after seeing Olympic competition and bringing home the gold. "We want to compete for a championship," Said Howard, and the NBA Finals are not out of reach for the blossoming team. Last season's biggest free agent pickup Rashard Lewis has had a full year in Coach Stan Van Gundy's system, and should be a much larger contributer now that he has started to build some chemistry in the team. Often shaky at times, Jameer Nelson keeps bettering his game and when he is on the ball, is one of the best in the league.
A power center, arguably the best in the league, the best outside shooting in the league statistically, more time together and the addition of a few key veterans makes this Magic team much like the team that challenged for the title back in 1995 with the Rockets.
These things, coupled with the return of Tony Battie from injury to help Howard get some break time, and the emergence in the playoffs of Polish-born Marcin Gortat, who displayed amazing heart and hustle, help round out a team whose depth was questioned last year.
Only time will tell if the Magic are ready to compete in the big games this season, but from what has been seen this off-season, the fans in Orlando have much to be happy about.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Week 5 NFL Power Rankings
Week 5 Power Rankings
So were a quarter through this fresh NFL season, and we starting to see some tendencies developing, good and bad; some surprise wins and losses, and there’s still a boatload of pissed off Patriot fans. Here’s my Power Rankings through the first 4 games.
1. New York Giants (4-0) – I know, they should have been here since the beginning of the season. They are the defending champs, but lets remember, they have had a few nail-biters, and those are the ones that will make you or break you.
2. Tennessee Titans (4-0) – for the first time in franchise history, the Titans are unbeaten through a quarter of the season. The tandem rushing has never looked better, and any team giving up only 11 points a game is in amazing shape.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-0) – Buffalo is about to get really rowdy, now that the Patriots have already been counted down, and they are in a relatively weak division. Bills fans are in great shape, and it’s only going to get better.
4. Washington Redskins (3-1) – That tough DB core finally looked good against the ‘Boys last week, and LaRon Landry is already a feared player only a few years into his career.
5. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) – Losing a battle at home to a division rival is painful. Losing a battle at home to a division rival, while only handing the ball off 11 times to one of the leagues best tandems is just plain dumb. I would be pretty upset if I was Felix Jones or MB3 right now.
6. Carolina Panthers (3-1) – The Moose is resurrected, and that’s exactly what they wanted in Carolina. Ken Lucas gets a game ball from Steve Smith, and everyone loses their mind. How about, lets not kick the crap out of our own players anymore, and you can keep your own game ball.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) – Winning. Very, very sloppily winning. But still winning.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) – I have a bias towards Earnest Graham, because I attended school with him. With a few more handoffs and games like he has had so far this year, even with teams gunning for him, you too will all have “E-Geesus” biases as well.
9. New England Patriots (3-1) – The New England Matt Cassel’s are still in the top 10. Not a bad place to be when losing your franchise player.
10. Denver Broncos (3-1) – John Elway’s playbook? Oh Jay, Denver fans will be dancing in the streets; or puking in their living rooms.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) – I like DeSean Jackson. I really do. So, my friend, this note is for you – relax, take it slow. You are amazing, let it come to you. Your only mistakes on the year have been dumb, thoughtless goofs. You’re better than that.
12. Green Bay Packers (2-2) – Oh, Aaron… an injury is what you wanted the least, buddy. Get better. Fast.
13. San Diego Chargers (2-2) – The first series of the game might have been the biggest bonehead move of the year to this point, but I don’t think the Chargers are ready to drop yet.
14. New Orleans Saints (2-2) – Can we run the ball? PLEASE? Brees is going to throw out his arm and is on track to break Marino’s pass yards in a season record.
15. Chicago Bears (2-2) – I had a hard time putting these guys anywhere on this list. Their offense is still putrid, but their defense is outstanding when it commits.
16. Baltimore Ravens (2-1) – Quietly, deep inside, they’re calling out for “The Air.”
17. New York Jets (2-2) – A 2 point conversion was un-needed and ill-advised. What goes around comes around guys. Brett might be learning that playbook, huh?
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) – A barnburner with Houston last week, and they too allowed a score on every drive. I guess if you get tired of playing defense, as long as you can score every time you touch the ball, you’ll be ok. Maybe if we combine this highly vaulted defense with the offense we saw in the 4th quarter last week…
19. Indianapolis Colts (1-2) – Indy is thanking everything that is holy for the Bye this week. Peyton will right the ship. It’s only a matter of time.
20. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) – Frerotte couldn’t even last a whole game. Henderson goes down, and the Titans show the Vikings how bad life sucks when Peterson gets shut down. Minnesota is looking mighty depressing.
21. San Francisco 49ers (2-2) – Martz said J.T. O’Sullivan is the best QB he has ever had, I guess that means he has forgotten “The Greatest Show on Turf” orchestrator, Kurt Warner. Sad.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-2) – When you have the week off and everyone else sucks it up, you get to move up the ladder. Congrats, Sparano.
23. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) – I guess Michael Turner flips a coin before each game to see how he is going to play that day; amazing, or terrible. Jerious Norwood is making his chances count every week though.
24. Arizona Cardinals (2-2) – Ken Whisenhunt: Don’t send a marquee player into the middle with less than a minute left in a 100% losing effort. You win the Moron of the Week award. Anquan, prayers are with you, get back soon.
25. Seattle Seahawks (1-3) – Super Bowl MVP back in the lineup this week, but will Deion Branch himself be able to help this stagnant team?
26. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) – Awesome win against a tough Denver team, but even that was messy.
27. Cleveland Browns (1-3) – Narrowly beat out Fitzpatrick in the “Battle for Ohio Mediocrity.” Derek Anderson is playing like Derek Anderson. Didn’t I predict this?
28. Houston Texans (0-3) – Where is this stingy defense that you have drafted a player to in the first round the last 3 years? Texans allowed a score on EVERY POSSESSION to the Jags in the 4th quarter last week.
29. Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) – Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer here. Neither is anything else the Bengals have been doing.
30. Detroit Lions (0-3) – Matt Millen is gone, and a new angel gets its wings. FINALLY.
31. St. Louis Rams (0-4) – The resurgence of Jim Haslett, missing since his New Orleans stint, and names Bulger the QB for the rest of the year. Anyone else getting a kick out of this?
32. Oakland Raiders (1-3) – Al Davis and his Tracksuit Mafia have done it again. Not only did this team NOT need anymore drama, but now they have to deal with their owner looking like a moron on national TV. By the way, watch that interview again, if you can. He never blinked. 5 head coaches since 2002. How can you expect to win with a new coach every year?
So were a quarter through this fresh NFL season, and we starting to see some tendencies developing, good and bad; some surprise wins and losses, and there’s still a boatload of pissed off Patriot fans. Here’s my Power Rankings through the first 4 games.
1. New York Giants (4-0) – I know, they should have been here since the beginning of the season. They are the defending champs, but lets remember, they have had a few nail-biters, and those are the ones that will make you or break you.
2. Tennessee Titans (4-0) – for the first time in franchise history, the Titans are unbeaten through a quarter of the season. The tandem rushing has never looked better, and any team giving up only 11 points a game is in amazing shape.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-0) – Buffalo is about to get really rowdy, now that the Patriots have already been counted down, and they are in a relatively weak division. Bills fans are in great shape, and it’s only going to get better.
4. Washington Redskins (3-1) – That tough DB core finally looked good against the ‘Boys last week, and LaRon Landry is already a feared player only a few years into his career.
5. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) – Losing a battle at home to a division rival is painful. Losing a battle at home to a division rival, while only handing the ball off 11 times to one of the leagues best tandems is just plain dumb. I would be pretty upset if I was Felix Jones or MB3 right now.
6. Carolina Panthers (3-1) – The Moose is resurrected, and that’s exactly what they wanted in Carolina. Ken Lucas gets a game ball from Steve Smith, and everyone loses their mind. How about, lets not kick the crap out of our own players anymore, and you can keep your own game ball.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) – Winning. Very, very sloppily winning. But still winning.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) – I have a bias towards Earnest Graham, because I attended school with him. With a few more handoffs and games like he has had so far this year, even with teams gunning for him, you too will all have “E-Geesus” biases as well.
9. New England Patriots (3-1) – The New England Matt Cassel’s are still in the top 10. Not a bad place to be when losing your franchise player.
10. Denver Broncos (3-1) – John Elway’s playbook? Oh Jay, Denver fans will be dancing in the streets; or puking in their living rooms.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) – I like DeSean Jackson. I really do. So, my friend, this note is for you – relax, take it slow. You are amazing, let it come to you. Your only mistakes on the year have been dumb, thoughtless goofs. You’re better than that.
12. Green Bay Packers (2-2) – Oh, Aaron… an injury is what you wanted the least, buddy. Get better. Fast.
13. San Diego Chargers (2-2) – The first series of the game might have been the biggest bonehead move of the year to this point, but I don’t think the Chargers are ready to drop yet.
14. New Orleans Saints (2-2) – Can we run the ball? PLEASE? Brees is going to throw out his arm and is on track to break Marino’s pass yards in a season record.
15. Chicago Bears (2-2) – I had a hard time putting these guys anywhere on this list. Their offense is still putrid, but their defense is outstanding when it commits.
16. Baltimore Ravens (2-1) – Quietly, deep inside, they’re calling out for “The Air.”
17. New York Jets (2-2) – A 2 point conversion was un-needed and ill-advised. What goes around comes around guys. Brett might be learning that playbook, huh?
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) – A barnburner with Houston last week, and they too allowed a score on every drive. I guess if you get tired of playing defense, as long as you can score every time you touch the ball, you’ll be ok. Maybe if we combine this highly vaulted defense with the offense we saw in the 4th quarter last week…
19. Indianapolis Colts (1-2) – Indy is thanking everything that is holy for the Bye this week. Peyton will right the ship. It’s only a matter of time.
20. Minnesota Vikings (1-3) – Frerotte couldn’t even last a whole game. Henderson goes down, and the Titans show the Vikings how bad life sucks when Peterson gets shut down. Minnesota is looking mighty depressing.
21. San Francisco 49ers (2-2) – Martz said J.T. O’Sullivan is the best QB he has ever had, I guess that means he has forgotten “The Greatest Show on Turf” orchestrator, Kurt Warner. Sad.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-2) – When you have the week off and everyone else sucks it up, you get to move up the ladder. Congrats, Sparano.
23. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) – I guess Michael Turner flips a coin before each game to see how he is going to play that day; amazing, or terrible. Jerious Norwood is making his chances count every week though.
24. Arizona Cardinals (2-2) – Ken Whisenhunt: Don’t send a marquee player into the middle with less than a minute left in a 100% losing effort. You win the Moron of the Week award. Anquan, prayers are with you, get back soon.
25. Seattle Seahawks (1-3) – Super Bowl MVP back in the lineup this week, but will Deion Branch himself be able to help this stagnant team?
26. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) – Awesome win against a tough Denver team, but even that was messy.
27. Cleveland Browns (1-3) – Narrowly beat out Fitzpatrick in the “Battle for Ohio Mediocrity.” Derek Anderson is playing like Derek Anderson. Didn’t I predict this?
28. Houston Texans (0-3) – Where is this stingy defense that you have drafted a player to in the first round the last 3 years? Texans allowed a score on EVERY POSSESSION to the Jags in the 4th quarter last week.
29. Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) – Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer here. Neither is anything else the Bengals have been doing.
30. Detroit Lions (0-3) – Matt Millen is gone, and a new angel gets its wings. FINALLY.
31. St. Louis Rams (0-4) – The resurgence of Jim Haslett, missing since his New Orleans stint, and names Bulger the QB for the rest of the year. Anyone else getting a kick out of this?
32. Oakland Raiders (1-3) – Al Davis and his Tracksuit Mafia have done it again. Not only did this team NOT need anymore drama, but now they have to deal with their owner looking like a moron on national TV. By the way, watch that interview again, if you can. He never blinked. 5 head coaches since 2002. How can you expect to win with a new coach every year?
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