Orlando Sentinel Editor Speaks To Valencia Students On Journalism

Valencia Community College students gathered in a large auditorium on Tuesday Dec. 7, 2010 as they anxiously waited for guest speaker Mark Russell to share his experiences as a journalist.

He began his segment with a brief summarization about his career just before well put-together power point presentation. The students, as they received a break from their studies just before finals were fully attentive to Russell and his guidance into the future as a journalist.

After graduating from the University Of Missouri, Russell found his first job with The Wall Street Journal as a reporter. "The recruiter for The Wall Street Journal also went to the University Of Missouri" said Russell, believing that helped him land his position with the number one newspaper paper in the US.

He also worked for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio on topics such as business and political issues.

As Russell veered into the future of online news - he explained to the audience about Q-R codes and their purpose. "Q-R codes allow you to scan products" he said. "It is believed that it's a way users can find products on their own terms."

Q-R code is a matrix barcode that is readable by scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones. Shoppers use this technology to conveniently find the product they are looking for at the nearest location and for the best price.

Russell has been with the Orlando Sentinel since October 2004 as a managing editor and has remained with the company for the last six years. Now, he is the top newsroom editor for the paper.

At the end of his segment, the students raised their hands for more un-answered questions. None of the students were eager to leave as they stayed after the original scheduled time of Russell's presentation.

Russell can be found on facebook for additional information about his career and accomplishments. You can visit the Orlando Sentinel at www.orlandosentinel.com.

ORLANDO Fla – On Nov 14^th folk-punk artist Frank Turner shared a collection of his songs for an estimated 200 fans. At 3 p.m. Turner struck his first chord for the crowd as many heads were raised in attention within the Park Ave CDs record store.

Turner played 12 songs - mostly hits off of his 7 releases. He started his set with the first song off his hit record Love Ire & Song, and the crowd quickly became involved with clapping and howls at the solo artist.

“To me punk is an attitude that comes in many shapes and forms and I think if you only look for punk rock in skinny angry white boys playing guitar you’ll probably get bored really quickly.” Said Turner, as he explains his outlook on the punk rock movement.

Turner quickly moved into his second and third songs of the set to keep the attention of the fans before taking a break to catch his breath and talk about his future plans. He is currently on tour with the country-rock band Lucero, and played the house of blues later that evening.

“I always love watching Frank Turner. His music is inspiring and always gives me the chills.” Said Brandon Craig.

By the end of Turners performance the crowd demanded an encore, but Turner was on an unfortunate time-pressed schedule. The 200 or so fans lined up for questions and autographs.

“I wish Frank Turner could play every day for me personally in my living room.” Said Melissa Bruce, who has been listening to Frank Turners collections for the last 4 years. “He never gets old.”

Turner will be back in Orlando come spring of 2011 for another full U.S. tour. You can catch one of his songs from his performance at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mblBrtwJpL8

Doggy Goes Potty

                A representative of nationwide pet supplies store Petco Teddy Brown teaches how to potty train a dog correctly.

                Fellow dog lovers crowded around Brown on Sunday, Oct. 10 at their local Petco in ORLANDO, Fla., for a 15 minute lesson on how to accurately ensure their dog will potty outside of their household.

                Brown explained to around a dozen pet owners a few simple steps that will ensure a happier master. “Potty training your dog will lead to a happier dog, as well as a happier owner” said Brown.

                “Keeping your dog either on a leash or in its crate while in the house is the first of three easy steps. Following that comes using key words such as ‘let’s go outside’ and then a treat at the end for doing the deed, said Brown. “The last step is correcting the bad behavior when it does happen.”

                The half dozen pet owners seemed extremely interested in such simple steps into training their dogs correctly.

                An owner of a miniature pincher, Diane Jones said “I can’t wait to get home and get to work. I have been trying so many different methods when training my dog, and nothing seems to happen.”

                At the end of the lesson the small crowd gathered around for more questionnaire from Brown.

                “Potty training has been one of the hardest things I have come by. The directions I received today make it sound so simple,” said Katie Elliot.

                Other pet training lessons are given at Petco regularly. You can follow future events by joining their mailing list.

Movie viewing

I prefer to view films in a movie theater. The reason is because in a movie theater there are no distractions. It's you, the screen, and a large, dark air-conditioned viewing box. Absolutely no noises from the outside enter the theater. Movie theaters spend outrageous amounts of money to assure you that your $10 are well worth it. Who wouldn't want to view a movie in a professionally built theater that specializes in viewing pleasure? That is what they're there for! Sure, go ahead and watch a movie from your couch, for free, but it is guaranteed an individual in a movie theater will have a better experience in the end. You get what you pay for.

The only way I would decide to watch a movie in any other way would be the cost. In that case I would stream it from my computer with a pair of nice headphones.

Local CD Store Gets Rocked

Indie acoustic act Rick Smith played a ten song set in support of his new record titled “Sleep.”

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 at Park Avenue CD’s, Orlando Fla., Smith’s show started around 7 p.m. that evening playing near a quick 30 minutes for around fifty concert-goers.

“The turnout is great, I’m really excited about the show tonight” Stated 2-year fan, Bryne Yancey.

The concert featured in this event is a tour kickoff in support of Smith’s new record. Smith will embark on a D-I-Y tour containing 6 weeks of US dates. Shortly after, Smith will then spend an additional 4 weeks in Europe.

Another patron of the melodic act, Brandon Tuma, says “I only showed up today because it was offered for free.”

Smith’s music contains a complex sound exposed of ambient-rock. “The message that my music delivers is basically to have a good time” said Smith. Smith states that one of his main influences for his song writing comes from the American rock outfit, The Melvins.

The head bobbing crowd applauded profusely and asked Smith for an encore. Smith closed his act with 2 more songs featured off of his new record.

Smith’s new record is featured via ‘get out of town records,’ and is available today in Park Avenue CD’s.