By Leah Reidenbach
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
When initially watching “17 Again” it was not expected to be an enjoyable experience. The flick seemed to be catered towards boy-crazy teens that love Zac Efron. But instead, it ended up being a great comedy with well-executed acting and directing.
Although this movie follows the same lines as any other “age-switch” movie, it still kept me laughing all the way through.
In the film Mike O’Donnell played by Matthew Perry is going through a divorce with his wife, Scarlett O’Donnell, played by Leslie Mann, because she is tired of him regretting his past.
In high school Mike was the popular basketball star who turned down a college basketball scholarship to marry his pregnant high school sweetheart Scarlett. After that, he spent the rest of his life looking back at what could have been.
When Mike returns to his former high school to reminisce on the best days of his life, he meets a mysterious janitor who grants his wish of reliving his high school days.
That’s when the transformation takes place and Mike O’Donnell regresses back to his 17- year old self, played by Zac Efron. With the help of his best friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon), the “'Star Wars' nerd", Mike tries to fulfill his dream of becoming a college basketball player.
Efron did a great job at making his character believable and likable, helping viewers to really care about what was going to happen to him and which path in life he was going to take (college basketball player or family man).
Efron’s acting was honestly outstanding, proving that he is much more than your typical Disney star. He has a lot of potential and it shows in this movie.
As for the cinematography there where some cheesy things that you could anticipate from a teen movie such as this, but that was expected.
The music choice, for instance, sometimes left me thinking, “What were they thinking?”
But, these things can be easily overlooked by the lay movie watcher.
Although “17 Again” has a predictable story line, director Burr Steers managed to take this movie in the right direction. It’s a great balance of comedy and drama that makes this movie somewhat original.
Overall, this movie is definitely worth seeing. You might be surprised, if you give
it a chance; I bet you’ll probably like it.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Safety tips to use in online dating
By Leah Reidenbach
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
Online dating is a new trend that has the overwhelming potential to be very dangerous to young women and men.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many precautions that you should take before you meet someone from the Internet in person.
When you first start talking to someone you have met online, do not share any personal
information such as your whole name, phone number, IM name, or email address until you feel comfortable doing so. If the person you meet shares this information with you, it does not oblige you to share it as well.
Online dating Web sites, such as Match. com, provides users with what is called a “double blind” system which keeps the users’ information hidden, but still usable by someone who might want to contact the user. For instance, you can receive a phone call from another user without giving away your actual phone number.
When you do decide to meet someone off-line, take as many precautions as you can and always follow your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Make sure you tell a close friend or family member where you are going and when you are expected to come back; if possible, stay in contact with this person throughout the date to keep them updated.
The first time you meet someone off-line, do it in public; never go to a residence or a hotel. On the first date, you should not give in to the temptation to go to your date’s home afterward, keep things public for a while until you are sure of the other person’s intentions.
During the date you should not drink alcohol. This can impair your decision-making ability and could result in you doing something that you might regret later.
Also make sure that you don’t leave your personal belongings unattended; this includes your purse, wallet, or even your drink. If you happen to leave your drink unattended, order a new one.
Even if online dating isn’t for you, you should still be wary of the information you put on public Web sites such as Myspace or Facebook. When using networking sites such as these, keep your friends list limited to people that you actually know.
Remember, any information you post in “bulletins” can be seen by everyone on your friends list. Keep your profile private and never put information on it such as where you go to school or where you work.
Also go through your pictures to make sure they don’t reveal personal info, such as a sports team you are on, your car or where you live.
Another measure you can take to protect yourself from online stalkers is to Google yourself. There may be unwanted information about you online that you weren’t even aware of. Search for your full name, screen names, phone number, and your address.
If you do find information on the Internet that could reveal your identity, contact the owner of the Web site to have it removed.
Staying safe on the internet can be done if you take the necessary steps. The internet opens many doors to sexual predators, but if you keep your personal information private, it makes you much less vulnerable to online stalkers.
The more information you put online about yourself, the easier it is for online stalkers to find you, making you a target for unwanted situations.
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
Online dating is a new trend that has the overwhelming potential to be very dangerous to young women and men.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many precautions that you should take before you meet someone from the Internet in person.
When you first start talking to someone you have met online, do not share any personal
information such as your whole name, phone number, IM name, or email address until you feel comfortable doing so. If the person you meet shares this information with you, it does not oblige you to share it as well.
Online dating Web sites, such as Match. com, provides users with what is called a “double blind” system which keeps the users’ information hidden, but still usable by someone who might want to contact the user. For instance, you can receive a phone call from another user without giving away your actual phone number.
When you do decide to meet someone off-line, take as many precautions as you can and always follow your gut; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Make sure you tell a close friend or family member where you are going and when you are expected to come back; if possible, stay in contact with this person throughout the date to keep them updated.
The first time you meet someone off-line, do it in public; never go to a residence or a hotel. On the first date, you should not give in to the temptation to go to your date’s home afterward, keep things public for a while until you are sure of the other person’s intentions.
During the date you should not drink alcohol. This can impair your decision-making ability and could result in you doing something that you might regret later.
Also make sure that you don’t leave your personal belongings unattended; this includes your purse, wallet, or even your drink. If you happen to leave your drink unattended, order a new one.
Even if online dating isn’t for you, you should still be wary of the information you put on public Web sites such as Myspace or Facebook. When using networking sites such as these, keep your friends list limited to people that you actually know.
Remember, any information you post in “bulletins” can be seen by everyone on your friends list. Keep your profile private and never put information on it such as where you go to school or where you work.
Also go through your pictures to make sure they don’t reveal personal info, such as a sports team you are on, your car or where you live.
Another measure you can take to protect yourself from online stalkers is to Google yourself. There may be unwanted information about you online that you weren’t even aware of. Search for your full name, screen names, phone number, and your address.
If you do find information on the Internet that could reveal your identity, contact the owner of the Web site to have it removed.
Staying safe on the internet can be done if you take the necessary steps. The internet opens many doors to sexual predators, but if you keep your personal information private, it makes you much less vulnerable to online stalkers.
The more information you put online about yourself, the easier it is for online stalkers to find you, making you a target for unwanted situations.
Valencia plays host to chess tournament
By Leah Reidenbach
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
Although the Valencia Chess Open Tournament was a friendly competition, things became more serious once the tick-tock of the clocks started.
The tournament took place on Sat., on the Valencia’s west campus, with five rounds of chess and an elimination round to determine the top three winners.
Tying for first place were Philip Bauer and Michael Gonzalez from UCF and third place went to Jon Miniell, also from UCF.
Even though he tied for first, Gonzalez said “I can’t ever be unhappy with winning. I was pretty sure I would come in the top three.”
UCF’s chess club usually meets two, three, or even four times a week according to Bauer, and all that practice has certainly paid off this weekend at the tournament.
The top player from Valencia was Genezareth Berrocal who said, "I think I did pretty well, I messed up on one game and so I lost one, but besides that I won the rest"
When asked about his losing game Berrocal said, “I always use the same strategy, it’s nothing special but it works well; just that one game I made a huge mistake.”
Kate Neil, a Florida Southern College student and one of the only few girls playing in the competition, won three out of her five matches Saturday.
She wasn’t sure why more girls don’t play chess; she said, “Maybe they’re intimidated, a lot of girls don’t think they’re smart enough.”
Ryan Reyes, a Valencia student, said his favorite part of the completion was “Free drinks and pizza. And I got to socialize with my friends and meet new people”
To find out more about Chess Club you can e-mail Ann Farrell, the Chess Club student adviser and professor at Valencia, at afarrell4@atlas.valencia.edu.
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
Although the Valencia Chess Open Tournament was a friendly competition, things became more serious once the tick-tock of the clocks started.
The tournament took place on Sat., on the Valencia’s west campus, with five rounds of chess and an elimination round to determine the top three winners.
Tying for first place were Philip Bauer and Michael Gonzalez from UCF and third place went to Jon Miniell, also from UCF.
Even though he tied for first, Gonzalez said “I can’t ever be unhappy with winning. I was pretty sure I would come in the top three.”
UCF’s chess club usually meets two, three, or even four times a week according to Bauer, and all that practice has certainly paid off this weekend at the tournament.
The top player from Valencia was Genezareth Berrocal who said, "I think I did pretty well, I messed up on one game and so I lost one, but besides that I won the rest"
When asked about his losing game Berrocal said, “I always use the same strategy, it’s nothing special but it works well; just that one game I made a huge mistake.”
Kate Neil, a Florida Southern College student and one of the only few girls playing in the competition, won three out of her five matches Saturday.
She wasn’t sure why more girls don’t play chess; she said, “Maybe they’re intimidated, a lot of girls don’t think they’re smart enough.”
Ryan Reyes, a Valencia student, said his favorite part of the completion was “Free drinks and pizza. And I got to socialize with my friends and meet new people”
To find out more about Chess Club you can e-mail Ann Farrell, the Chess Club student adviser and professor at Valencia, at afarrell4@atlas.valencia.edu.
Buddy Guy out duels B.B. King, leaves fans wanting more
Buddy Guy out duels B.B. King, leaves fans wanting more
By Leah Reidenbach
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
ORLANDO, Fla. — Buddy Guy, 72, stole the show at the B.B. King and Buddy Guy concert Friday, Feb. 6 at the UCF Arena. These two musicians are used to playing in a more intimate setting like the House of Blues, but they did have much trouble getting a good crowd in this venue.
Even for Guy’s age he was still packed with energy and kept the crowd on their toes, literally. During one of his songs he walked into the audience playing his guitar as fans crowded around him. He even let some of them strum his guitar while he took control
of the notes and chords.
Most of the crowd came to see the wellknown blues player B.B. King, 83, but Guy gained a lot of the crowd’s affection. During intermission people were buzzing about what a fantastic musician Guy is.
However, King’s age started to show at the concert. He was wheeled onto the stage in a wheelchair from behind the wings of the stage. His band played for about 20 minutes before King walked to his seat on stage at about 10:15 p.m.
King who is well known for his storytelling, talked a lot between songs. He mostly told stories about his old age, love and “Dr.Viagra”. He seemed to talk too much during this concert and his stories stretched out for too long, but he and his band made up for it by playing some of the best blues anyone has ever heard.
Although King spent more time talking than playing he still awed the audience with his talent during “The Thrill is Gone,” “Key to The Highway,” and off his new album, “See That My Grave is Kept Clean.”
King and Guy’s performances were nothing short of great but the only disappointment shared by the fans was that King and Guy never played together during the show.
Fortunately for the fans that did want to see this collaboration, B.B. King and Buddy Guy were seen the next day playing together with John Mayor and Keith Urban during the Grammys as a tribute to the late blues/rock legend Bo Diddley. Hopefully, they tuned in to see it. Courtesy of B.B. King.com
By Leah Reidenbach
lreidenbach@valenciavoice.com
ORLANDO, Fla. — Buddy Guy, 72, stole the show at the B.B. King and Buddy Guy concert Friday, Feb. 6 at the UCF Arena. These two musicians are used to playing in a more intimate setting like the House of Blues, but they did have much trouble getting a good crowd in this venue.
Even for Guy’s age he was still packed with energy and kept the crowd on their toes, literally. During one of his songs he walked into the audience playing his guitar as fans crowded around him. He even let some of them strum his guitar while he took control
of the notes and chords.
Most of the crowd came to see the wellknown blues player B.B. King, 83, but Guy gained a lot of the crowd’s affection. During intermission people were buzzing about what a fantastic musician Guy is.
However, King’s age started to show at the concert. He was wheeled onto the stage in a wheelchair from behind the wings of the stage. His band played for about 20 minutes before King walked to his seat on stage at about 10:15 p.m.
King who is well known for his storytelling, talked a lot between songs. He mostly told stories about his old age, love and “Dr.Viagra”. He seemed to talk too much during this concert and his stories stretched out for too long, but he and his band made up for it by playing some of the best blues anyone has ever heard.
Although King spent more time talking than playing he still awed the audience with his talent during “The Thrill is Gone,” “Key to The Highway,” and off his new album, “See That My Grave is Kept Clean.”
King and Guy’s performances were nothing short of great but the only disappointment shared by the fans was that King and Guy never played together during the show.
Fortunately for the fans that did want to see this collaboration, B.B. King and Buddy Guy were seen the next day playing together with John Mayor and Keith Urban during the Grammys as a tribute to the late blues/rock legend Bo Diddley. Hopefully, they tuned in to see it. Courtesy of B.B. King.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Valencia Chess Open Tournament
Chess is sometimes stereotyped as “nerdy”, but not at the Valencia west campus.
“I had no idea chess was going to become the in thing at Valencia…. I just love it,” said Karen Blandeau the director of the west campus library. Almost daily one can see chess players in the library lobby practicing their chess skills.
Chess has become so popular at the west campus that more than 44 people will be playing in the Valencia Open Chess Tournament on Feb. 28 at 10:30am-5:00pm in the Health Services Building room 220.
So far, most of the competitors are from Valencia, but a few members of the University of Florida Chess Club will be there and possibly some members from UCF.
The tournament costs $5 to enter and the winner of the tournament will receive 30% of the entry fees; that is about $70 with the number of people signed up right now. The second place winner will receive 20% of the entry fees and third place gets 10%.
The rest of the money will go towards the Chess Club budget to help cover the cost of the tournament which includes buying enough chess boards, pieces, and clocks for all the players.
The Valencia Open will be using the Swiss System for the competition; this means the competitors will only play competitors that are doing as well (or as poorly) as themselves, and each player gets 1 point for winning.
Once the top 4 players have been determined, the competition will use the single-elimination system to produce a winner.
When asked who was the best player in the chess club at Valencia, Andrew Neil the vice president of the Chess Club said that no one is the best, “ It comes down to style of play, there are some people that match up bad against me and I might match up bad against other players.”
If you are interested in watching the tournament it’s free and there will be pizza and sodas provided.
The Valencia Open Chess Tournament is just for fun and anybody can sign up. If you think you have what it takes to win, or you just enjoy a fun game of chess you can contact Ann Farrell, the Chess Club student adviser and professor at Valencia, at afarrel4@atlas.valencia.edu for more information.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sarah-Jane Kenyon
Orlando, Fla.- Australian golfer Sarah-Jane Kenyon, 24, is the newest addition to the 2009 LPGA Tour and also the new Athletes for Awareness Spokeswoman for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People with this disease cannot eat glutton which is found in wheat.
Before Kenyon was diagnosed with Celiac her playing was presumably effected by the disease. In 2005 she went from a No. 10 ranking to 27th in 2006 and 29th in 2007.
This year with her new coach Phil Ritson and new diet, her golfing has improved enough for a spot in the LPGA Tour. Kenyon said, “Phil has made a big change….Up until that point last year my golf was terrible. It improved slowly…but he has been a big help. I think the diet made a bit of a difference especially this year particularly”
When Kenyon found out she had Celiac disease she didn’t let it affect her golf career. She shrugged off the fact that she could no longer enjoy her favorite foods: bread and pasta, “There are some pretty good substitutes out there so it’s just a matter of finding them…. It’s not such a big deal. You just feel better not to eat it.” Kenyon said.
Raising awareness of Celiac disease is something Kenyon plans to do during the tour, “There is no awareness for it in America. It is especially important to me because my mom has it and I do as well so it is something we can work on.” During the tour Kenyon will wear the NFCA logo on her clothes and golf bag to help fans become aware of Celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People with this disease cannot eat glutton which is found in wheat.
Before Kenyon was diagnosed with Celiac her playing was presumably effected by the disease. In 2005 she went from a No. 10 ranking to 27th in 2006 and 29th in 2007.
This year with her new coach Phil Ritson and new diet, her golfing has improved enough for a spot in the LPGA Tour. Kenyon said, “Phil has made a big change….Up until that point last year my golf was terrible. It improved slowly…but he has been a big help. I think the diet made a bit of a difference especially this year particularly”
When Kenyon found out she had Celiac disease she didn’t let it affect her golf career. She shrugged off the fact that she could no longer enjoy her favorite foods: bread and pasta, “There are some pretty good substitutes out there so it’s just a matter of finding them…. It’s not such a big deal. You just feel better not to eat it.” Kenyon said.
Raising awareness of Celiac disease is something Kenyon plans to do during the tour, “There is no awareness for it in America. It is especially important to me because my mom has it and I do as well so it is something we can work on.” During the tour Kenyon will wear the NFCA logo on her clothes and golf bag to help fans become aware of Celiac disease.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Disney's Festival of the Masters
Orlando, Fla.- The annual Festival of the Masters took place this weekend Nov. 7-9, 2008 at Downtown Disney and featured over 150 award winning artists from across the nation.
Jana Worthington Volunteer Event Coordinator from Orlando said " It's the 33rd year of this event," and "It's a great event so keep coming out!"
There were many different mediums of art displayed at the festival this year. It ranged from traditional art such as painting and sculpture, to the Folk Art Festival at the House of Blues and the Street Painting Festival in Pleasure Island.
Artist Al Hubbard from Atlanta, Ga. said, "I've been doing this show for four years and it's been a good show economically for me." He displayed sculptures of bluesy guitars and said that he is "inspired by life itself, nature, music...that sort of thing." Hubbard says this show is important to him because, "I'm in the midst of a lot of folk art. My art is not necessarily folk art, it has a little similarity, but its mostly whimsical art. So I get a chance to meet the folk artists so its very good for me."
This year at the Festival of the Masters they are giving away over $40,000 in prize money. Jana Worthington said, "Judging is tonight [Nov. 8] at 5:30, there is an awards ceremony and they give out a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place award." The first place winner is awarded $1,500 and other award categories include Best of Show with a $3,000 dollar award and Awards of merit with a $300 dollar award.
A spectator of the event Daniel Jones from Orlando said "This was my first year attending this event. I enjoyed the wide range of artists, local and nationally."
The crowd was kept entertained at this event with fun family activities thanks to LEGO Imagination Center, and the event sponsor Sharpie.
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