HOW HELPING EGYPT HELPS DEMOCRACY — SEE A10
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www.CentralFloridaFuture.com • Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Student Newspaper at UCF since 1968
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Student Shots UCF photographers submit artistic photos to the Future — SEE NEWS, A2
Football hauls in impressive 2011 National Signing Day class — SEE SPORTS,A8
LIFE at UCF celebrates 20 years Learning program congratulated by Hitt EMRE KELLY Editor-in-Chief
Every Tuesday, students on campus peek into the Pegasus Ballroom, curious as to what 500 senior citizens are doing roaming UCF. They’re there for a weekly continuing education class for the elderly who are members of LIFE, the Learning Institute for Elders.
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On Feb. 5, LIFE celebrates its 20th anniversary as a partner of UCF. LIFE invited many of its founders and contributors to talk about its history. LIFE is independent of UCF and operates as a nonprofit equal opportunity organization. Only requiring a $125 tuition fee, the program allows members to learn about news and developments in politics, science
and history topics. Tuesday’s class discussed the fossil fuel reserves on Earth and was presented by Dan Britt, an associate professor from the UCF physics department. After a 30-minute break, the second session recognized LIFE’s achievements throughout the last 20 years and included UCF President
PLEASE SEE LIFE ON A4
EMRE KELLY / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
500 members of the LIFE program were in attendance of the event on Tuesday, which included a regular class followed by a celebration of its 20th anniversary.
UCF’s Relay for Life hosts Kickoff
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AROUND CAMPUS News and notices for the UCF community
More than 75 teams already signed up
Actress Alicia Silverstone to host environmental event Alicia Silverstone, star of the movie Clueless, Batman & Robin and early Aerosmith videos, will be hosting an environmental event in the Student Union’s Pegasus Ballroom. Held on Thursday at 3 p.m., the event will showcase Silverstone’s environmental activism. All students are welcome to attend the event, which is free of charge.
ADOLFO CEBALLOS Staff Writer
Sushi Pop, a recently opened restaurant located in Oviedo, combines interesting decor with manga, a high-energy wait staff and unique sushi creations for a memorable dining experience . — SEE VARIETY, A10
Plus:
KnightLynx continues its run this weekend For students seeking public transportation for locations near campus, KnightLynx will continue running this Friday and Saturday at no cost to UCF students. KnightLynx, which has two routes — a green and a blue — will also offer transportation to the Waterford Lakes area. Free of charge, KnightLynx only requires a UCF ID. Buses depart from either from the Rec and Wellness Center or the Arena. Visit SGA’s website at www.sga.ucf.edu/knightlynx for more information.
INDEX Around Campus Weather Spring Break Sports Variety Opinion Classifieds Sudoku Crossword
1 1 5 6 8 10 11 11 11
TODAY’S WEATHER
CLOUDY
69º 59º HIGH LOW
A tat bar with a twist In downtown Orlando, Stigma Tattoo Bar offers an eclectic mix of services.
UCF Best Buddies host Taste of Friendship NICOLE SCHOEN Contributing Writer
Cheers of excitement could be heard throughout the Student Union as the Best Buddies fourthannual Taste of Friendship kicked off with the Cha Cha Slide. Best Buddies pair people with intellectual disabilities in one-onone friendships with UCF students. The chapter strives to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing
For more photos of the event: www.UCFNews.com them the opportunity to participate in some of the same social activities of college students. The event, which raised more than $500, took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 31 in the Pegasus Ballroom, with many students stopping by to donate and grab some free food. The fundraiser was all about awareness for Best Buddies, but it was
NICOLE SCHOEN / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Chrissy Comfort,right,serves Jeremiah’s to Elyse Mundelein at the Best Buddies fourth-annual Taste of Friendship fundraiser on Jan.31.
also a time for friendship and relaxation among the students. Even though it is Taylor Marchetti’s first year in Best Buddies, she has already made many
friends in the group. “My favorite part is the free food,” said Marchetti, as she snacked on pizza with her friends.
PLEASE SEE BUDDIES ON A4
No one should have to say goodbye to his or her loved ones earlier than necessary. That was the primary outlook of the more than 150 people who attended the 2011 UCF American Cancer Society Relay for Life Spring Kickoff on Feb .1 in the Student Union. More than 75 teams signed up to participate in the relay by the end of the kickoff. Relay for Life starts at 5 p.m. on — JENNA BONAZINCA April 1 COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE FOR and ends THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY at 11 a.m. on April 2. “The money that we really raise is based on the fundraising that the teams do,” said Jenna Bonazinca, a community representative for the American Cancer Society. “A team usually has fifteen people, and we usually suggest that they raise a hundred dollars a person, so usually a team raises about fifteen hundred dollars.” Bonazinca said that the relay raised about $86,000 last year. This year, the event is expected to bring in $92,000. There is a $100 registra-
‘The money that we really raise is based on the fundraising that the teams do.’
PLEASE SEE RELAY ON A3 Participating in Relay for Life?: www.UCFNews.com
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www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
Feb. 3, 2011 •
February 3, 2011 Vol 43, Issue 8 • 12 Pages The Central Florida Future is the independent, studentwritten newspaper at the University of Central Florida. Opinions in the Future are those of the individual columnist and not necessarily those of the editorial staff or the University administration. All content is property of the Central Florida Future and may not be reprinted in part or in whole without permission from the publisher.
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Editor-in-Chief Emre Kelly x213 CFF.editor@gmail.com
Student Shots is a weekly feature that allows you, the student, to submit your artistic photos to the Central Florida Future. Any UCF student is welcome to submit their UCF-related shots. To submit your photos, please contact our Photo Editor at Photo.CFF@gmail.com. All photos will be subject to editing.
News Editors Monique Valdes x213 Katie Kustura x213 News.CFF@gmail.com
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Sports Editor Erika Esola x215 Sports.CFF@gmail.com
Variety Editor Brandi Broxson x214 Variety.CFF@gmail.com
Photo Editor Katie Dees x213 Photo.CFF@gmail.com
Staff Writers Kerri Anne Renzulli, Matt Reinstetle, Camille Thomas, Jessica Campbell, Jessie Kristof, Lacy Papadeas, Jordan Swanson, Abigail Donaldson, Michael Clinton, Adolfo Ceballos
Staff Photographers Tina Russell, Adolfo Ceballos, Kathryn Page, Michelle Davis, Amy Simpson, Kevin Harris, Alex Schierholtz, Mandy Georgi, Rebecca Strang, Abigail Donaldson, Jonathan Virgilio, Chelsea St. John
Copy Editors Michael Balducci, Michelle Dendy
Production AYANA CAMPBELL / SPECIAL TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
The Knights’kickoff team is captured using a tilt-shift effect during the homecoming game versus Rice.Tilt-shift lenses can cause a distorted perspective and make objects look like toys.
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Christmas decorations light up the streets in front of the UCF Arena,setting the mood for Light Up UCF.
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Knightro runs through the crowd at Spirit Splash,a UCF homecoming event.
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The clock tower of UCF’s medical school,which is located at Lake Nona,rests to the left of the main entrance. One free copy of the Central Florida Future permitted per issue. If available, additional copies may be purchased from our office with prior approval for $1 each. Newspaper theft is a crime. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or University discipline.
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AYANA CAMPBELL / SPECIAL TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
UCF students gather for the annual Spirit Splash homecoming tradition.
BENJAMIN CECHMAN / SPECIAL TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Reflected in a pair of sunglasses,Millican Hall and the founain sit under a cloudy day.
The Future is working to compile information about organizations and events in the UCF community for our calendar on UCFNews.com and the Around Campus section of the paper. If you know of any information you or your organization would like us to include, send an e-mail to Events.CFF@gmail.com
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
• Feb. 3, 2011
A3
Vets’ new facility ready for meet and greet BRANDI BROXSON Variety Editor
UCF’s Veterans Academic Resource Center will host a meet and greet on Feb. 3 to offer student veterans a chance to check out what the new facility has to offer. The VARC enables student vets to meet with veterans and receive assistance tailored specifically to their needs. The center, which is located in Knights Plaza across from Barnes & Noble, is a part of the Registrar’s Office. Two years ago Jim Middlekauff, Assistant Registrar for Veterans Services proposed one central space where veterans could come to have questions answered. The center had its grand open-
ing in November. “Veterans who return to the classroom often have different needs than the typical college freshman or transfer student,” said Paul Viau Jr., Associate University Registrar. “They are used to going to one place on a military base that will have the information that they might need.” “We hope that the VARC will be that starting point for them to make a smooth transition to college life.” Viau said that the center employs four full-time professionals who work at the Veteran Services office as well as five professionals that are being shared with other Student Development and Enrollment Services offices. There are also five stu-
ADOLFO CEBALLOS / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Craig Elliot,center,a junior management major,and Osepha Felix,left,office manager for the Veterans Academic Resource center,speak with a visitor during Jan.31’s meet and greet.
dent veterans who are work-study workers.
ADOLFO CEBALLOS / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Students do the “Electric Slide”at the Relay for Life Spring Kickoff event on Feb.1.
Relay relies on teams FROM A1 tion fee for teams, which allows them to have an area to place a tent. Bonazinca said that beyond this fee, teams are encouraged to raise $100 per person. Each team is required to have one representative participating in the relay at all times. The relay begins with a survivor’s lap, a time in which cancer survivors are encouraged to take a lap together and celebrate their achieved victories. There will also be a luminaria ceremony, in which candles are lit inside bags filled with sand. Each bag has the name of a person affected by cancer. The funds raised at this event and at others go towards research, advocacy, education and patient services. One of the unique initiatives paid for through this fundraising is ACS’s Look Good … Feel Better program, where ACS sends trained professionals to local hospitals to give cancer patients style and beauty tips. “We have licensed cosmetologists come in, and
they give a certain amount of makeup to all of the cancer patients, and then they teach them how to apply it,” Bonazinca said. “It’s just helpful, and it lifts their spirits, and they get free makeup, so it’s a great program that we have.” Tyler Moose, viceevent chair for the UCF Relay for Life, participates because of his personal experiences. When Moose was stationed in Japan for three years with his father, a Marine, his uncle was diagnosed with cancer and died one month after Moose returned to the U.S. Unfortunately, this would not be the only time one of his family members was affected by cancer. “About a year and a half ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer,” Moose said. “I had my firsthand experience seeing what it does to people.” Moose said that he was there with his grandfather to help him as he battled this disease and celebrated with him when he was cancer-free, which is another reason why he
participates in Relay for Life. Moose has participated in this event for more than five years, and that this is his first year on the Relay for Life committee. About 8,000 people are expected to attend this year’s relay, according to Moose. Sophomore molecular biology and microbiology major Thomas Brown attended the kickoff and will be serving as the captain of the Beta Theta Pi team. Brown said he participated in Relay for Life in high school and was excited to be able to participate in college as well. He said that, on a personal level, he has known people who have either had cancer or died as a result, and that it motivated him to become captain his team. “It’s good for the fraternity to go out there and be a part of something,” Brown said. “It’s not really required, but its something that we all like to do and participate in.” For more information, visit the Relay for Life website ww.relayforlifefl.org/ucffl.
The center includes many benefits for student veterans, including a lounge located in the front lobby where students can catch up on homework or watch the news, computer kiosks to fill out forms, counseling and advising as well as four study rooms where students can receive tutoring. The Student Academic Resource Center will provide the tutoring as well as other student success workshops. UCF has more than 900 student veterans and about 250 military dependents who use the VARC services, according to Viau. Doraida Persad, a junior exceptional student education major, is one of those dependents. Persad’s father served in the Vietnam war where he was injured and became a veteran. Persad does most of her work online but said that she will take advantage of the online pro-
grams such as Smart Thinking, an online tutoring program provided by SARC. Persad said the new center is “homey” and said that she likes that the VARC is away from other offices on campus and that she can come directly to the center for assistance rather than going to Millican Hall where Veterans Affairs was previously housed. “It’s definitely good to know that if at any case I have any questions or any ideas or anything like that that I have people that I can come to and talk to” Persad said. Persad hopes that in the future she will be able to certify her hours online and e-mail them in. In the fall, the VARC hopes to provide student veterans with a virtual Veterans Academic Resource Center that could help Persad to do just that. According to Chad Binette, of UCF News & Information, the virtual
center will be supported by a U.S. Department of Education grant. UCF was the only Florida public university to receive the designation and accompanying $367,000 grant. In addition to the grant, UCF has also been recognized for its veterans services by other media outlets. UCF was recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as being one of the top military friendly schools for 2009-2010. According to Binette, UCF was also recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education, which ranked UCF No. 18 on its 25school list of national institutions that enroll the most students with veteran benefits. In addition to the meet and greet on Thursday, the VARC Counseling Center will also offer a “Lunch and Learn” from noon to 1 p.m. This weekly workshop is a chance for student veterans to bring their lunch and learn tips from adjusting to college to relationships. The Veteran’s Transition Group is another workshop that will meet on Thursdays after the Lunch and Learn from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The group workshop serves as a time for student veterans to chat with other student veterans and to learn how to apply their life experiences to life at UCF. Viau said that more programming for student vets and programming for the UCF community about veterans issues are also planned for the future. “We want to make others aware of the unique needs of our vets and what a great resource they are to the UCF community,” Viau said.
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www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
Feb. 3, 2011 •
LIFE at UCF runs strong with 500 members FROM A1 John Hitt in attendance. Richard Tucker, the liaison for LIFE at UCF and former Chair of the Psychology Department, said that committees formed by the organization decide which topics are to be covered during the classes. Afterward, members are formed into discussion groups and can review the materials presented to them. Every college and department at UCF has, in some way, presented at LIFE. Parking decals, student IDs and use of the UCF Library are all provided along with a membership. The UCF Athletics department also provides tickets to sporting events, such as football games. “The partnership is really unique and that is so appropriate for UCF, because the president loves to remind people that we are America’s leading partnership university,” Tucker said. “He has been our partner for 19
of our 20 years.” The university runs most of the programs. Professors and faculty from the political science department, for example, teach the most number of classes. While those attending the classes are considered lifelong students, Tucker did point out differences between LIFE students and current UCF students. “I would say that the most frequent question that faculty get is, ‘is that going to be on the exam?’ ” Tucker said. “Instead, we’ve got retired professionals here who might be just as knowledgeable in a particular area as the presenter.” Many of the presenters at the organization’s events face questions from members that can be significantly more difficult to answer. Some members in the audience could have once been professionals in the field being presented, for example. Over the course of its activities, LIFE has contributed more than $300,000
EMRE KELLY / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
UCF President John Hitt speaks at LIFE’s anniversary meeting,congratulating its efforts and achievements as an independent organization over the past 20 years.
to UCF in the form of grants. Used by faculty and some students, they are considered to be seed grants that get a certain research project started. The grants range from $500 to $2,000 per applicant. Outside of monetary contributions to UCF, LIFE was explained during many of the presentations at the event as a program that values lifelong learning. Students who have an understanding of the LIFE program would take some
of its values away with them, Tucker said. To those involved with LIFE, both faculty and members, the program serves as a way to interact with peers, learn and potentially meet younger people on campus. James Buchanan, a member who attended the event on Tuesday, has been attending the program for six years. “What impresses me most about the program is the quality of the UCF faculty that does the presenta-
tions,” Buchanan said. Among the speakers at the event was Louise Sheehy, who was described as “LIFE at UCF’s mother.” Sheehy was the first seed planter for the program. Sheehy said that the first class, held in 1991, expected 12 attendees but received 200 instead. Currently, there are 500 members of LIFE, and would have more if not for limitations of space in the Student Union. Members are admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis, with 137 currently on a waiting list. Sheehy also said that from the very start, it was apparent that the interactions between the elders and students on campus were a success. President Hitt, who also gave a speech during Tuesday’s event, expressed pride in the program’s overall $300,000 contribution to UCF. “I wish for LIFE at UCF another 20 years [that are] at least as exciting as the first 20,” Hitt said.
Also at the event were faculty from the political science, history and various other departments. Both professors and organizers were recognized for their lectures and contributions to the program. Professors dedicate their time to the program outside of their regular schedules, covering topics that the committees would like to have covered. A member and once history student, Adrienne Katz, said that her experiences with LIFE made her feel as if she were back in school and attending classes again. “We even have to fight the students for parking places,” Katz said. At the end of the event, associate professor Thomas Potter of the music department sang “Happy Birthday” along with many of the members in the crowd. Food, drinks and time to interact were given to the group afterward. LIFE at UCF is held on Tuesdays in the Pegasus Ballroom.
Buddies pair up, dance day away FROM A1 DJ Bobby Deese was a big hit with the students at the event. The buddies on the dance floor knew every word and dance move to go along with the songs he played, ranging from “Thriller” to Soulja Boy. Many of the buddies danced during the entire event, reminding everyone how to have a good time. Money was raised through a $1 raffle where the donors had a chance of winning prizes including gift cards for Smoothie King, Panera, Target, Urban Outfitters and a one-hour massage. “Without a successful
Taste of Friendship, our organization would not be able to run properly and hold monthly events,” said junior finance major Janey Martin, fundraising coordinator for Best Buddies. Martin fell in love with helping the disabled after volunteering at multiple Special Olympics in high school. “I was really excited to join UCF Best Buddies in hopes of getting paired with a buddy that I could spend time with and learn from,” Martin said. The vendors that Martin secured for the event included Huey Magoo’s, Marco’s Pizza, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Del Taco.
There are a few programs that the club coordinates with where the buddies come from, such as the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. There are about 45 buddies in the program and eight of them are students at UCF. “We try to pair the buddies profiles with the students profiles because we want their friendships to work,” said Jared Taylor, president of Best Buddies and junior physical therapy/occupational therapy major. Taylor has been a part of Best Buddies for three years now, but his first interaction with disabled
students was in high school as part of a special football team where he coached a buddy. As buddies danced the afternoon away, a slideshow of pictures from past events was projected on the wall. The Taste of Friendship is the main fundraiser and awareness event of the year for the club but there is an event at least once a month. “This semester we are planning a Valentines Party, a Relay for Life team and a VIP night as an end-of-theyear celebration,” Martin said. Last semester, the club had a match party where students got paired with a
NICOLE SCHOEN / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
DJ Bobby Deese demonstrates how to dance the “Cupid Shuffle”at the Best Buddies’Taste of Friendship fundraiser in the Student Union on Monday,Jan.31.
buddy and went to a UCF football and basketball game with him or her, as well as a fall festival and holiday party. “My favorite part [about the club] is my buddy and the friendship we share,” said junior psychology
major Michelle Ferrer, as she danced to Justin Bieber with a buddy from the club. Many of the students in the club intend on working with disabled individuals as part of their careers but the club is not restricted to specific majors.
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
• Feb. 3, 2011
A5
Critics pan TDC’s Spring Break efforts PAT KELLY MCT
PANAMA CITY BEACH — In the wake of an oil-plagued 2010 that put a summer damper on the local economy, critics of the Bay County Tourist Development Council’s Spring Break efforts spoke out Tuesday about a range of issues, from the timing of this year’s marketing push to the photos on the TDC’s website. Students streaming to Panama City Beach to party during the five weeks from Feb. 27 to April 2 form the financial fuel that ignites March as the third largest
business month of the year, critics said, behind only June and July. But the TDC was criticized Tuesday as beginning too late with too little this year in its drive to lure students here rather than other spots such as Las Vegas, where MTV will be setting up shop. “They (TDC) just don’t get it,” local restaurant owner Jack Bishop said. “They worry more about managing a disaster than they do about marketing Spring Break. It’s the third biggest collection month all year.” Bishop wasn’t alone in his criticism. Joining him in large and small ways were
GEORGE SKENE /MCT
A barrier system is being built at the entrance to the harbor at St.Andrews State Park on July 14,2010 in Panama City.
Neel Bennett, the brother of TDC chairman Mike Ben-
Your guide to local beaches With the weather still bogging down Florida with sporadic thunderstorms and surprisingly chilly conditions, northern travel for spring break seems to be no longer an option. How convenient that we live where the rest of the world vacations. Sticking at home isn’t so bad, after all. Florida is home to more than just Disney and Panama City.
Clearwater/St.Petersburg The beaches: Clearwater is regularly rated as one of the whitest beaches in America, and Fort Desoto in southern Pinellas County was rated by Dr. Beach as the best overall beach in the country. Desoto is a perfect mix of backwoods camping and tropical paradise, and it’s on the site of a Civil War fortification, if the history nerd inside of you is interested. The downtown scene: Downtown St. Pete might not look like much from the outside, but it’s full of unique dive bars and concert venues that give life to the otherwise sleepy town. Directly across the street from Tropicana Field, Ferg’s Sports Bar serves as a great post-baseball game drinking hole. Bishop Tavern is a regular hangout spot for celebs and out-of-town athletes, and it’s become known as one of the best bars for drink specials downtown. The State Theatre and Jannus Landing are wellknown venues in the music world, and despite their small, roomy sizes, they still pull in top names in rock and hip-hop. What makes it unique: The Gulf Coast is known most for its great bars and restaurants that line the water and truly give Pinellas County its “beach bum” attitude.
St.Augustine
The beaches: Obviously, the beaches aren’t the main attraction in St. Augustine. But for the record, the city’s beaches are surprisingly nice for northeast Florida. It seems in the rush to Cocoa and Jacksonville, the beaches of St. Augustine have remained calm and quiet. The downtown scene:
History is the key word in downtown St. Augustine. St. George Street, marked by its trademark coquina stone pillars, is a gateway to ancient artifacts. The Colonial Spanish Quarter, Cordova Street and Castilla de San Marcos are a must-see for even the casual history buff. What makes it unique: Clearly, the history of St. Augustine is the city’s most well-known trait. St. Augustine is also home to one of Florida’s best upand-coming music festivals: Harvest of Hope. What began last year with appearances from Girl Talk, The National, Against Me! and Less Than Jake is continuing this year with The Mountain Goats, Broken Social Scene, Anti-Flag and Billy Bragg. The festival is a benefit for a unique cause, as well: migrant farm workers.
Sarasota The beaches: Once your feet touch the powdered sugar-white sand on Siesta Key Beach, you’ll know the trip was worth it. You can wade out into the water for a while before it gets deep, snorkel on the sandbars, walk along the shore at sunset, get some food at the snack bar or play some games of volleyball on the sand courts. The downtown scene: At the heart of Siesta Key Village, Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill has loads of food and drink specials, themed nights, live music and DJs. Nearby, the popular Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar has a large selection of seafood and, more obviously, a huge menu of affordable, frozen drinks. What makes it unique: Whether you’re into marine life, arts or soaking up the sun, Sarasota has something to check out. It has the bars and nightlife but for a more cultural experience, spend a day at the Ringling Museum of Art along Sarasota Bay. Or check out Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium’s sharks, manatees, sea turtles, dolphins and more than 100 other species, plus check out the work they do at the sea turtle, dolphin and whale hospitals.
Miami The beaches: There’s nothing like South Beach. Sure, it’s not the “True Miami” as CSI and Rick Ross portray it, but South Beach is the mecca for great food, beautiful people and a dash of culture not to be found anywhere else in the country. The downtown scene: Downtown Miami, specifically South Beach, is not as crazy as the stories may lead you to believe. It’s a bit worn down and it’s extremely expensive. Check out Dolphin Mall, a great outdoor shopping plaza that lines the beach. What makes it unique: What doesn’t make Miami unique? The weekend of spring break, Miami is hosting the World Golf Championship at Doral. It’s home to Dwyane Wade and the Heat, it’s got great Cuban culture (and some classy cigar shops) and it’s where you’ll find some of the most obscure — and expensive — fashions in the country.
Daytona Beach The beaches: There really isn’t a more obvious choice than Daytona, for various well-known reasons. Sand and water quality are always great and the selection of hotels along the beachline stretches as far as the eye can see. The downtown scene: Realistically, downtown Daytona has slowly become the area around the beachline. Be sure to check out small restaurants along the water, as well as ones more inland. Check out Don Vito’s Italian Restaurant and The Cellar, both of which are highly esteemed Italian restaurants in the area. What makes it unique: Other than being close to UCF, Daytona’s ability to attract an incredible number of college students during spring break should be a huge added bonus, assuming that’s what you’re going for. It would be difficult to go wrong with Daytona Beach.
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nett; Joe Kennedy, a longtime organizer of music events; and Philip Griffitts, 2010 chairman of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. Neel Bennett, who said he had a daughter in college, stressed that college students begin planning for Spring Break just after Thanksgiving. Bennett, who has joined efforts by Bishop and others to market Spring Break through a private coop, also said the TDC’s Spring Break photos on its
website were too boring. TDC marketing vice president Susan Estler earlier gave board members a rundown of Spring Break efforts planned for 2011, including reaching out to national publications and advertising on college Facebook pages. In addition, the TDC also will set up a Twitter account dedicated just for Spring Break tweets. Plans also call for a local resort-driven survey to help the TDC push out its strongest efforts during the slowest periods of the fiveweek Spring Break span. Critics said the survey might help define future efforts, but this year an earlier attempt was needed to target the entire five-week period. The TDC has a Spring Break page on its website at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/springbreak that both Bennett and Bishop described as boring, showing empty beaches and kayaking couples rather than happy student beach crowds. “If we could just get some better pictures on the
website,” Bishop said. New photos were appearing on the site by Tuesday afternoon. A link to the private coop’s website, www.pcbeachspringbreak.com , also is offered on the TDC’s Spring Break page, but it’s a little difficult to find. Bishop said the co-op has raised more than $80,000 this year for its own social-marketing efforts, including a Facebook page and Twitter account. TDC Executive Director Dan Rowe said this year’s Spring Break plans were meant to merge with a yearlong public relations and advertising campaign to grow visitors all year, not just during Spring Break. But the crucial Spring Break promotion “is not proactive,” Bishop said. “It should start at Thankgiving.” By January, Spring Break decisions already have been made, he said. TDC chairman Mike Bennett agreed the Spring Break page on the TDC’s website and the Twitter efforts could have begun before Christmas.
Sports The Student Newspaper at UCF since 1968
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com • Thursday, February 3, 2011
NATIONAL
National Signing Day
WRAP
Signed, sealed.
SPORTS COLLEGE KNIGHTS-MINERS GAME POSTPONED
EL PASO, Texas — The Central Florida-UTEP men’s basketball game scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed because a winter storm knocked out power in El Paso. UTEP athletic director Bob Stull said officials were concerned about keeping people warm in the Don Haskins Center. The El Paso area is getting light snow, with overnight lows expected to plunge to single digits. No makeup date was announced.
Ex-USC quarterback Mustain arrested in drug case LOS ANGELES — Former Southern California backup quarterback Mitch Mustain was arrested on suspicion of selling prescription drugs in the San Fernando Valley, police said Wednesday. Mustain, 22, was arrested by West Valley narcotics officers shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday and booked on $30,000 bail, Officer Bruce Borihanh said. Details of the arrest were not immediately released. The Los Angeles Times reported that Mustain was released on bail but Borihanh said he could not confirm that and a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department jail website still listed him as being in custody late Wednesday morning. Mustain completed his senior year for the Trojans in 2010 and could not be reached for comment through the university's athletic department. The school had no contacts for him and it was unclear whether he had an agent. Mustain currently is preparing for the NFL draft. He became a backup quarterback for the Trojans after transferring to USC from Arkansas in 2007. He started in last November's loss against Notre Dame when Matt Barkley was injured and passed for 177 yards. It was his first start since his freshman season at Arkansas, when he went 8-0.
FOOTBALL
PACKERS FAVORED TO WIN SUPER BOWL DALLAS, Texas —A Super Bowl matchup with a twist: The team with more losses is the favorite. A 14-4 Steelers team with a defense that allowed the fewest points in the league takes on a 10-6 wild card from Green Bay that barely has a running game. Yet the Packers, with only three players who have been this far in the postseason, are 2.5-point favorites over a franchise that has won a record six Super Bowls, including two in the last five years. What gives? Well, a run of five straight victories in which the Packers would have been done had they not won contributed to that betting line. So have the superior performances by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a defense that has taken control of games early. “The motto is it’s just another week for us,” said All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews, the runner-up to Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu for Defensive Player of the Year. “We’re not going to get caught up in all the hype. It’s just six or seven days that we have to tempo ourselves. We’re holding up fine and we’re going to be that way the rest of the way. We feel good about where we’re at. We’ll be fine.” Fine might not be enough, though, against Pittsburgh, which not only has the experience edge in the title game, but has displayed tremendous resilience all season and into the playoffs. And the Steelers have the extra incentive of being underdogs. “We understand that despite our record, despite some of the things that we’ve done this year, they’re a team that’s heavily favored to beat us,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “Not points-wise, but just the majority of the experts feel like they’re a better team than us.” That’s it, exactly. The Steelers are terrific, but there’s something about the Packers that will make them better Sunday. — ASSOCIATED PRESS
Knights rack up impressive signing class, heavy on defense ERIKA ESOLA & NICOLE SAAVEDRA Sports Editor & Football beat writer
With National Signing Day in the books, the Knights came away with one of their most impressive recruiting classes in school history. The nationally ranked top-50 recruiting class features 27 players who signed their letters of intent on Wednesday, and head coach George O’Leary is waiting on three more players to sign by the end of this week.
Fall enrollees Defensive tackle Demetris Anderson chose UCF over Illinois and Wisconsin. Anderson (6’2”/285 pounds) led Westwood High School to an undefeated regular season and Class 3A regional quarterfinal berth. Rivals gave him a three-star rating and was ranked within top 100 at his position. Brandon Bragg (6’1”/190 pounds), a two-star safety from University High School in Orlando, also played weakside linebacker this season. He committed to UCF in early June. Tarik Cook, a center from Stone Mountain, Ga., signed his letter of intent after committing to the Knights last June. Cook (6’3”/294 pounds) was the No. 9 center in the nation according to ESPN and was ranked in the top 15 by Scout and Rivals. All three outlets gave him three stars. He was named to the Associated Press All-State first team and chose UCF over Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, USF and Middle Tennessee. Cornerback Jeremy Davis (6’0”/170 pounds) is a three-star prospect that is ranked in the top 100 at his position. The speedy Milford Academy (N.Y.) corner originally signed with Miami and also held offers from Pittsburgh and West Virginia. His half-brother, Phillip Buchanon, is a cornerback for the Washington Redskins. Three-star cornerback Bruce Dukes is among the best in the nation at his position. Dukes (5’10”/185 pounds) played at wide receiver and was a kick and punt returner for Sandy Creek, but is regarded as top cover-corner style player. Mike Easton, a safety from Winter Haven, is a three-star prospect from Rivals. Easton (6’0”/180 pounds) committed to UCF in June,
KATIE DEES / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Head coach George O’Leary was pleased with the 27 recruits that signed with the Knights on Wednesday’s National Signing Day.
but saw interest from Mississippi and Washington State. Troy Gray, a three-star prospect from Kennesaw, Ga. He recorded 119 tackles during his senior season at North Cobb. Gray (6’1”/220 pounds) held a number of scholarship offers and chose UCF over Arkansas, Kentucky, Virginia, Syracuse and Illinois among others. Defensive end and Edgewater product Deion Green will stay close to home for his college career. Green (6’3”/220 pounds) is a threestar recruit is ranked No. 91 at his position by ESPN. Wide receiver Rannell Hall chose UCF over Cincinnati, Connecticut, Duke, New Mexico and Western Michigan. Hall (6’2”/175 pounds) is a two-star prospect. Cam Henderson, a junior defensive end from Navarro College, chose UCF over Iowa State, USF, Baylor, Arizona, Texas Tech and Mississippi State. Henderson (6’5”/250 pounds) was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He redshirted for Auburn prior to his time at Navarro. Three-star safety Jared Henry picked the Knights over South Carolina, Maryland, Vanderbilt and USF. At First Coast in Jacksonville, he recorded 60 tackles in his senior season. Henry (6’1”/190 pounds) is ranked among the top prospects at his position, coming in at No. 39 on ESPN’s rankings.
Kentorius “Scooter” Jackson (6’2”/198 pounds), a defensive back, will join his brother Toby as a Knight next season. The three-star recruit had 30 tackles for Georgia Military College this season. Jacques Wide receiver Mackeroy is ranked No. 58 at his position by ESPN. Mackeroy (6’0”/200 pounds) selected UCF from a list of schools that included Boston College, West Virginia, Middle Tennessee and FAU. Kevin Miller played both tight end and defensive end for Holy Cross in Delran, N.J. Miller (6’4”/241 pounds) was a three-star prospect according to Rivals. He held offers from Maryland, Rutgers, West Virginia and Akron. Pine Ridge middle linebacker Willie Mitchell selected UCF over USF, Wake Forest, Marshall, FIU, Eastern Michigan and Hampton. Mitchell (6’1”/240 pounds) was given three stars by Rivals and ESPN. Three-star defensive tackle Thomas Niles committed to UCF over Arkansas, NC State, Tennessee, and FIU. Niles (6’2”/260 pounds). He recorded 85 tackles and seven sacks this season for Gainesville (Ga.). Miami Central linebacker Miles Pace will join former teammates Jeff Godfrey, Jamar McClain, Josh Reese, LeBranden Richardson and Jose Jose as a Knight. Pace (6’3”/237
pounds) chose UCF over Clemson, West Virginia, USF and FIU. The three-star prospect is within the top 100 at his position. Breshad Perriman was heralded as one of the top wide receivers in DeKalb County in his senior season. Perriman (6’2/180” pounds) played four games for Arabia Mountain in Lithonia, Ga., his senior season and recorded 13 catches for 301 yards and had three touchdowns. He was dubbed a two-star prospect by ESPN and runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and recorded a 36inch vertical leap. Perriman, son of former NFL wide receiver Brett Perriman, had interest from Florida State, Cincinnati, FIU, Wyoming and from Miami, his father’s alma mater. Linebacker Terrance Plummer selected the Knights over Arkansas, NC State, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati, Connecticut, USF, Southern Miss, FAU and FIU. The three-star prospect played for Orange Park and led his team in tackles for three straight seasons. Plummer (6’1”/221 pounds) played at all three linebacker positions during high school. Cedric Thompson, a running back from Everglades High School (Miramar) chose UCF over offers from Illinois and Kansas State, where his brother Courtney is a defensive back. Thompson (6’0”/207 pounds) is a two-star prospect. Dalton Wertz, a defensive tackle from Arcadia, Fla., committed to UCF in June. Wertz (6’1”, 295 pounds) was rated three stars by ESPN. He was a four-year letterman at DeSoto County.
Mid-Year Enrollees Junior college linebacker Terran Buck chose UCF over Kent State. Buck (6’2”/235 pounds), a three-star prospect, last played at College of DuPage. Ray Cottman has played outside and inside linebacker and comes to UCF from Glendale CC. Cottman (6’2”/225 pounds) also held offers from Minnesota and Utah State and was a two-star prospect. Joey Grant, a two-star defensive end from Lake Brantley, chose UCF over Colorado State, Navy and East Carolina. Grant (6’4”/245 pounds) tallied 60 tackles as a senior. Junior defensive end Toby Jackson, a four-star prospect from Navarro JC, chose UCF over Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Texas Tech, North Carolina, Southern Miss and USF. Jackson (6’5”/265 pounds) originally signed with Georgia out of high school. His brother, Kentorius, will also play for UCF.
PLEASE SEE JACKSON ON A9
Is this an improved season, or historic collapse? If you’re the kind of person who takes a “glass half full” approach to things, you can look at the first part of the Knights record and see 14-6 and be impressed. They’re one win away from last year’s win total, and should surely pass it. And improvement is improvement, right? On the other hand, there’s that second part of the record. You know, there’s a comma, than another record. And that one is ugly. 1-6. The Knights (14-6, 1-6) did a lot of things right in non-conference play this season. A perfect record of 13-0 kind of reflects that. They beat teams they were supposed to, consistently; something that wasn’t the case last year (anybody remember losing to the Jacksonville Dolphins at the UCF Arena?). They even beat some
STEVEN RYZEWSKI Men’s basketball beat writer
teams they weren’t supposed to. While it seems about a thousand years ago, given the current state of things, the win against then-No. 16 Florida was one of the biggest for the school in any sport. It was something the Knights had failed to do under former coach Kirk Speraw: notch signature wins. This season they had two, one against Florida and the other in beating Miami at a neutral site that was practically a home game for the Hurricanes. New coach Donnie Jones made it clear that
KATIE DEES / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
A.J.Rompza is one of many injured Knights still struggling to regain his balance in Conference USA play.
he’d arrived. But the problem is that every team’s out of conference schedule is a buildup to league play. They’re games against, in some cases, completely random teams (South-
eastern Louisiana?) that are designed to prepare a team for — you guessed it — league play. Then comes the start of conference play and it gets personal. Where a coaching
staff might spend a few days prepping for an outof-conference opponent, they spend all season prepping for those in their league. Last season’s
PLEASE SEE STRONG ON A9
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
• Feb. 3, 2011
A9
No blame on the Bulls: USFhas little say in Big East politics Those darn Bulls! The rumor is that USF is blocking UCF from joining the Big East, and that those Tampa Bulls don’t want the Knights to intrude on their recruiting territory and rain on their parade. Fear? Probably. But is it true? No way. Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel has reported that USF could possibly be lobbying against a UCF addition to the Big East. He reported that he has contacted officials from both USF and the Big East about that matter, but has not gotten an informative response. UCF News & Info Assistant Vice President Grant Heston also told the Sentinel via e-mail that the university has been hearing the rumor as well, and that they hope it is not true because if the schools shared a conference, it
WES GOLDBERG Staff Writer
would “clearly be a winwin for both universities.” The Big East announced it will not be waiting for Villanova’s April deadline for a decision (the original deadline was last December), but that does not mean that UCF is surely on its way to automatic-qualifying conference status. It just means that the Big East is now opening up some options, not phone lines. It doesn’t mean that USF is blocking UCF either. The Big East will do it the right way, with due diligence, and eventually come
CFF ARCHIVE
UCF’s in-state rival USF could become their future in-conference rival — if the Big East lets UCF share the spotlight in the Conference.
to a conclusion that is best for the conference. Hopefully UCF is a perfect fit. I need not go into the economic, educational and football advantages that a UCF-USF rivalry entails or how it will help the Big East remain relevant among BCS conferences. USF has already ended a profitable rivalry by decid-
ing they were too good for the Knights. A team out of UCF’s league, but not too good to play FAU last season, or Western Kentucky for the last two. Some have suggested that Gov. Rick Scott should get involved, because a UCF-USF rivalry would be a great economic addition to the state of Florida.
Critics say that the Big East would not benefit from UCF joining the conference. After all, it is not their responsibility to boost Florida’s economy. And that UCF is too close to USF in terms of recruiting territory and television market to add anything to the conference that they do not already have with USF. Those darn Bulls! But, the Bulls have been disappointing over the years and have not yet reached their potential. Maybe UCF is the better USF — the USF that will reach its potential. A USF with star power like Marcus Jordan and Jeff Godfrey. And adding another Florida team may not be redundant, but strategic for a conference that hopes to build a television network. Not to mention compete with the SEC and ACC in the southeast.
It seems as if USF is playing the filibuster card in hopes of Villanova accepting its invite soon. In the world of politics that is college football, the Bulls are certainly playing their role. If this is true, Scott may need to get involved or the Big East may need to step up and realize that what is good for the many outweighs the good of the one. But the chances that USF has that much power over the situation is slim. I do not believe that the Big East will allow one Bull worried about its marked territory being intruded upon by a Knight to prevent a good thing for the conference. It’ important to remain patient. This is an important decision. But if UCF gets snubbed again, don’t blame USF. Don’t give that satisfaction to those darned Bulls.
Jackson brothers, Jose headline signing class FROM A8 Sophomore defensive tackle Jose Jose chose UCF out of high school, but played at Eastern Arizona College last season due to disciplinary reasons. Jose (6’3”/330 pounds) played for Miami Central and chose UCF over a dozen offers that included Florida, Miami, Rutgers, Tennessee and USF. Justin Tukes, a 6-foot-5inch tight end for Sylvester, Ga., originally signed with UCF in 2010.
Knights get defensive on signing day Out of the 27 recruits that signed Wednesday to play football for the Knights next season, 21 play on the defensive side of the ball. It’s obvious that O’Leary wants to bolster the defense after losing key senior defensive players such as Bruce Miller and Lawrence Young. The defensive recruiting class, loaded with linebackers and experienced defensive linemen, should give new defensive coordinator John Skladany and new line-
backers coach Al Seamonson plenty of new talent to work with. “I think our defensive line will be stout,” O’Leary said. “With linebackers, its who fits where.”
JUCO recruits to replace experience lost? “I’m not a big JC guy,” said O’Leary. Unlike previous years, the Knights took a different approach with junior college recruits, signing six players from junior college programs. Toby Jackson, a junior college recruit who is UCF’s highest rated signee, is expected to contribute immediately. “There’s no reason to bring them [junior college players] in unless if they can contribute in the fall,” said O’Leary. Jose Jose, who originally committed to UCF after graduating from Miami Central High School last year, was released from his scholarship after allegations leading to gun charges. He played at Eastern Arizona College and then committed to the Knights again.
“Jose Jose is a very mature kid,” said O’Leary. “He went off to JC and really wanted to be here. Wrong place, wrong time as far as he’s concerned. I did a lot of homework on him and I was pleased to bring him back.”
Miami Central pipeline With Miles Pace being the latest Miami Central Rocket to commit to the UCF, it seems as if Miami Central has become a breeding ground for future Knights. Last season, five players from Miami Central signed letters of intent to play for UCF (most notably Jeff Godfrey). Donaldven Manning, who is a 2012 prospect from Miami Central, is already high on UCF’s wish list and holds offers from the Knights among others. “The players there have been good to us,” said O’Leary. “Sometimes players do more recruiting than the coaches do.”
Dynamic duos The Knights’ nationally ranked top-50 recruiting class features a few notable
Strong finish is crucial FROM A8 wins or losses are fresh in their minds, even if they say otherwise. Now combine that with the fact that the Knights are clearly in a slump. They’re not playing good basketball. A team that was shooting near 50 percent most games now can’t hit anything (30 percent shooting against Rice) and that was great at defending the perimeter with tenacious defense just got lit up for 30 points in three pointers by UAB on 50 percent three point shooting. It’s not an excuse, it’s reality. Teams slump, and it’s how they handle this that defines them. And it’s not like the Knights haven’t played bad basketball before this season. But earlier this season they executed their adjustments to cover their weaknesses much better, something that has hardly happened recently during the losing streak. They also got lucky and played some of their bad basketball against bad teams, and athleticism and coaching was enough for them to still win comfortably. That isn’t the case now. All of these teams have been waiting all season for a chance at the Knights. Marcus Jordan’s highlight-reel plays early in the season popping up on ESPN and UCF’s first national
ranking didn’t help. The Knights had a target on their backs before, but it’s doubled in size. And just because they’re down now, don’t think the teams ahead on the schedule aren’t still anxious to destroy them. I know of a team and a fan base that has a home game coming up against the Knights and their former coach that probably has no qualms about kicking the Knights while they’re down. Marshall probably wouldn’t be completely satisfied if they won by a hundred. Simply put, it’s the reality of league play that is hurting the Knights most. Conference USA is much improved this season, notching wins against power conference teams, three of which came from the Knights. Now, the conference is beating up on each other, and with no team undefeated in league play it really is a case of anybody can beat anybody. UCF is one win away from getting some confidence back. Getting that win will give the Knights the opportunity to build some momentum before the conference tournament. There will be no atlarge bid for the Knights, but they still have something to play for. Getting hot in time for the CUSA Tournament in El Paso, Texas, could be the saving grace for the
second half of this season. They just need that win.
pairs. Rivals.com four-star recruit Toby Jackson and his brother Kentorius “Scooter” Jackson both signed letters on intent today with the Knights. Toby Jackson is also a member of the Navarro College pair that features him and three-star recruit Cam Henderson. The two are expected to compete for immediate playing time on the defensive line. A duo
from Denver, which features Leilon Willingham and Brandon Marshall’s cousin Rayshon Williams, remains on the Knights’ wish list. “I don’t have paperwork on him [Rayshon Williams] but I have a good feeling,” said O’Leary. Although neither has signed a letter of intent yet (their schools were closed on National Signing day due to a
snow day), Williams is expected to sign with UCF. Willingham, who is a fourstar recruit, would be a nice surprise for the Knights. The two are expected to sign later in the week. “There’s three guys still out there,” said O’Leary. “I was hoping to know before I came down here, but one state was snowed out so they’re trying to find Kinkos.”
Variety The Student Newspaper at UCF since 1968
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com • Thursday, February 3, 2011
this weekend THURSDAY
Orlando Magic vs.Miami Heat @ Amway Center 8 p.m.
Penn & Teller @ Hard Rock Live Orlando 8 p.m. $40 - $65
Wolfgang Gartner @ House of Blues 9 p.m. $30 FRIDAY
West Side Story @ Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre 8 p.m. $38 - $70
Jimmy Eat World @ House of Blues 7:30 p.m. $23 - $33
Classic Albums Live — Led Zeppelin I @ Hard Rock Live Orlando 8:30 p.m. $15 - $25 SATURDAY
Sushi Pop is a new,upscale sushi restaurant in Oviedo that offers a variety of speciality sushi rolls,along with seafood,steak and duck dishes. PHOTOS BY NICOLE BLACKALL / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Sushi Pop brings chic, upscale, downtown dining to Oviedo BRANDI BROXSON Variety Editor
It’s hard not to notice the bright pink neon sign on Oviedo’s West Mitchell Hammock Road. The loud sign belongs to Sushi Pop, which opened its doors in December and has been intriguing surrounding residents ever since. The inside of the restaurant feels like a chic part of New York, but no, it’s still Oviedo. A nice change since most upscale sushi restaurants are only found in downtown Orlando. The place has a romantic vibe, great for spending a date night out. The moment you walk in, the yummiest smell hits your nose and upbeat music fills your ears. The decor inside is warm and hip. Light purple and yellow walls surround the small space as well as a back wall with a japanese wave motif. Hung on the walls are a few TVs playing anime and some very large, interesting manga art. The wall art doesn’t take away from the space, although the TVs are distracting and out of place for a date night. Plush white seats and dark wood grain tables offer a nice contrast. The table design looks like something from IKEA the white Italian leather seats were actually shipped from overseas. Large pink-lotus lanterns hang overhead and a long bar runs parallel to the dining space. The wait to eat was no longer than thirty minutes on a Friday night and the front lounge near the bar serves as a great place to order drinks and look at the menu. The staff is very welcoming and on weekends you might find the wait staff in Harajuku get-ups. The drink menu is pretty extensive, offering well-known beers and some Japanese imports, plum wines and even cocktails. Chef Chau and the chefs practice micro gastronomy which is a fancy word that means ‘applying scientific practices to the food they prepare.’ All you need to know is that it will make your tummy happy. The wellinformed waitress said that the chefs create flavor profiles, which incorporates the five main taste buds (sweet, salty, bitter, savory and sour). The balance of these flavors is what makes up a dish’s flavor profile. The main menu changes slightly with the season. There is a greens
PLEASE SEE DIVERSE ON A9
Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart Tour @ Amway Center 7:30 p.m. $65
Guster @ House of Blues 7:30 p.m. $23 - $33
Sushi Pop has a unique decor with manga art on the walls and anime playing on the TV.The wait staff also dresses up as Harajuku characters on weekends.
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
• Feb. 3, 2011
AISLE SEAT
A9
Stigma Tattoo Bar inks up downtown ANGELE MARAJ WHERE: 17 S.Orange Avenue, Orlando,FL;just above Ichiban
Contributing Writer
Courtesy Screen Gems (Sony)
THE ROOMMATE (PG-13) College student Sara finds her safety jeopardized after she's assigned to a dorm room with a new roommate, Rebecca. Directed by: Christian E. Christiansen Starring: Leighton Meester, Cam Gigandet, Matt Lanter, Billy Zane, Minka Kelly, Alyson Michalka
Courtesy Universal/Rogue Pictures
SANCTUM (R) Master diver Frank McGuire (Roxburgh) has explored the South Pacific’s Esa-ala Caves for months. But when his exit is cut off in a flash flood, Frank’s team — including 17year-old son Josh ( Wakefield) and financier Carl Hurley (Gruffudd) — are forced to radically alter plans. With dwindling supplies, the crew must navigate an underwater labyrinth to make it out. Directed by: Alister Grierson Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Ioan Gruffudd, Rhys Wakefield, Alice Parkinson, Asim Ahmad
While the downtown lounge does have dancers on the weekends, Stigma Tattoo Bar prides itself on being eclectic. Walk a little too quickly and you might the bar, located at 17 S. Orange Ave. Once you ascend the 22 steps up to the door above Ichiban, you’ll notice the edgy, dungeon-esque design. Stigma opened in October, boasting a unique combination of activities for the discerning bargoer: tattoo artistry, body piercings, massages, a varied wine and beer selection, and pole and cage dancing. Don’t be fooled by that last distinction: Those same weekend dancers offer $20 pole-fitness classes and group package options through Polegasmic. The pole floor is also open to all guests on Thursdays through Saturdays after 9 p.m. For those 21 and older, the bar in the back offers a variety of wine and beer selections, imported and domestic, for fairly reasonable prices. A large mug of Yuengling is only $3.50, and
HOURS:Noon to midnight, Sunday through Tuesday;Noon to 2 a.m.,Wednesday through Saturday COVER:Free BEST NIGHTS TO GO: If you want a crowd,Wednesday through Saturday nights;if you’re looking for a quieter time,Monday is your best bet.
NICOLE BLACKALL / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Chris Travador gives a tattoo of the Mad Hatter at Stigma Tattoo Bar.Chris has been working at Stigma for two years.
cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon go for $2 each. The bar is still especially popular with college students for its Wednesday beer pong tournaments. Stigma does not offer liquor — it is still waiting on its liquor license. Tattoos and piercings are available both to walkins and by appointment, as there is almost always one artist on hand. Stigma offers wholesale
tattoo supplies, as well; one of two places in Orlando to do so. Stigma’s resident tattoo artist is Danny W, also known as “Welsy.” Originally from the UK, Welsy moved to the United States with his family in 2003 and served as the tattoo artist for Stigma at its old location in Winter Garden. Welsy also designs a unique line of children’s tattoo-inspired clothing
called FunkyPunkins, in honor of the youngest of his three sons. FunkyPunkins can be found online at Funkypunkins.com or preordered at Stigma, where Welsy is the owner and operator. “He’s a great boss; I couldn’t ask for anything else,” said Brandon Hancock, a piercer and shop manager at Stigma. Hancock, who began
working at there just a few weeks after it opened, said Welsy’s skill at handling both management and tattoos as an “inspiration.” So what’s the craziest tattoo to ever come through the shop? A giant archangel for the manager of a bar a cross the street. The manager decided on a design that extended from his armpit all the way down to his upper thigh— an unusual choice for a first-time tattoo. “[It] ended up taking over 50 hours,” Hancock said. “That’s pretty crazy to me.”
Regal Waterford Lakes 541 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-207-9110 Sanctum:An IMAX 3D Experience (R) 12:35 3:30 7:10 9:50 12:30am
The Roommate (PG-13) 12:40 1:45 2:55 4:20 5:10 7:25 8:10 10:15 10:50 12:40am
Sanctum 3D (R) 1:30 4:45 7:55 10:20 12:55am
The Mechanic (R) 8:15 11:00 DP (Digital Projection) Showtimes 1:35 4:15 7:20 9:55 12:20am
The Rite (PG-13) 12:45 3:40 4:55 7:30 10:10 10:40 12:45am Open Captioned & Descriptive Audio 1:50 8:05
No Strings Attached (R) 1:00 3:55 4:50 7:05 9:40 10:55 12:30am
The Dilemma (PG-13) 1:25 4:10 7:15 9:45 12:25am
The Green Hornet 3D (PG-13) 12:30 3:50 6:50 9:35 12:35am
The Green Hornet (PG-13) 1:55 5:00 7:50 10:45
Blue Valentine (R) 12:55 4:30 7:45 10:35
Little Fockers (PG-13) 1:10 4:35 7:00 10:25 12:50am
Diverse menu hits every taste bud FROM A8 menu, as well as a coldand hot-tastes menu to get you started. The Pop Salad is of adequate size and the ginger dressing is not overpowering. For a hot appetizer, try the Buffalo Shrimp. These giant shrimp are covered in a smooth and tangy and not too spicy buffalo sauce and served with baby celery sticks and blue-cheese powder. Hot Edamame is also featured on the menu in four flavors including sea salt, truffle salt, sautéed garlic and sauteed shicimi pepper and garlic. The Zucchini Katsu is a great option for any vegetarians in the group.
The lightly fried zucchini sticks are presented with spicy mayo. The sushi menu offerings are unique the names are enjoyable. The Hot Mess roll is a great example of a dish with a flavor profile. The roll combines smoked salmon, avocado, tempura flakes with maple soy. On top of the roll is baked tuna, salmon, yellowtail, flounder, scallions and bacon. The roll packs a heftier price of $14, but it’s worth it if you want a treat. If you aren’t a fan of fish try the Oviedo Chicken roll. The rest of the rolls are reasonably priced and there are a few clas-
True Grit (PG-13) 1:05 3:45 6:45 9:30 12:15am
The Fighter (R) 1:40 8:00
Tron:Legacy (PG) 12:50 3:35 6:40 9:25
Black Swan (R) 1:15 4:40 7:40 10:30 1:00am
The King’s Speech (R) 1:20 4:05 6:55 10:00
Tangled (PG) 12:30 2:50 5:15
127 Hours (R) 2:00 4:25 7:35 10:05 — Listings for Friday, Feb. 3
NICOLE BLACKALL / CENTRAL FLORIDA FUTURE
Chef Chau and the other chefs at Sushi Pop practice micro gastronomy, which means they apply scientific practices to the food they prepare.
sics, such as the California roll, if you aren’t up for trying something new. In addition to the sushi menu there is also a freshfish menu and a kitchen menu which includes pricier options such as Umami Steak and Harvest Duck.
Some of the popular items on the happy endings dessert menu are the P.M.S. which is a chocolate lava cake with peanut butter powder and salted caramel ice cream and the peanut butter and jelly sorbet. The grape sorbet is made
table side with liquid nitrogen and then topped with whipped cream, peanut butter powder and fresh grapes. The overall experience was a good one and definitely recommended for a splurge night out.
Opinions The Student Newspaper at UCF since 1968
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com • Thursday, February 3, 2011
OUR STANCE
Contemplating lethal injection F
or those given a death sentence in the United States, the most common course of action when their day of judgment comes is termination through lethal injection, but recent events have put an indefinite halt on these executions. This delay in production has us rethinking the death penalty and examining possible alternatives to lethal injections. Sodium thiopental is one of three drugs administered in the execution process and its purpose is to make the person unconscious before they receive the pancuronium bromide to prevent his or her lungs from functioning. Finally, the potassium chloride stops their heart. Now, sodium thiopental, which is produced only by Hospira Inc. in Lake Forest, Ill., has decided to stop manufacturing the drug altogether. Hospira Inc. planned to produce the drug in Italy and then have it exported back to the States, but Italian officials said they would not allow the drug to leave the country unless they could be promised that it would not be used for lethal executions. Hospira Inc. could not provide them with this guarantee, so they came to the decision to cease production entirely. Many countries in Europe have ethical objections to killing someone for their crimes. Even our own country can’t decide as a
whole if capital punishment is the proper course of action or not. Right now, the fate of lethal injections is uncertain. Ohio and Oklahoma, for example, have decided to replace sodium thiopental with pentobarbital, a sedative that is also used in many medications. However, the company that manufactures this drug also urges for it to not be used in lethal injections. Despite all this, it is unlikely that executions will stop entirely. Our country has a fair and balanced justice system and capital punishment is reserved for the worst of the worst; men and women who have committed atrocious crimes, sometimes without regret. Regardless, we have to question whether or not any human being has the authority to decide who lives and who dies, and what crimes should be punishable by death. When considering capital punishment, money is always a major factor. Most people believe that keeping an inmate in jail for life is more expensive than executing them because you have to pay for food, clothing, medical care and basic living essentials. This all makes sense, but it’s the legal process that really adds up when it comes to capital punishment. Because the death sentence is such a serious punishment, those convicted are given several opportunities to argue their inno-
cence, even to the Supreme Court, if the case makes it that far. The legal process of appeals can be extremely lengthy and expensive, but it’s necessary to make sure an innocent man or woman isn’t killed for a crime he or she didn’t commit. In a state such as California where the appeal process is slow and the prisons are overcrowded, the average wait on death row is 20 years. Because every accused person is granted legal counsel by the state if they cannot afford to pay for it themselves, the majority of these extensive appeals are paid for through tax money. “It's 10 times more expensive to kill them than to keep them alive,” said Donald McCartin, a retired judge who gave nine men death sentences but has had a change of heart. An article published by the Associated Press last year states that New Jersey abolished the death sentence in favor of life in prison because it costs an average of $4.2 million for each prisoner on death row. Each state has its own policies regarding capital punishment; 35 states allow it, whereas 14 states and the District of Columbia prohibit it. In light of this shortage, serious thought should be given to the future of capital punishment and whether or not our country has the time, money, or pharmaceutical resources to continue this practice.
The Future encourages comments from readers.In order to be considered for publication, letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words;we may edit for length.Submit them online at www.CentralFloridaFuture.com or fax them to 407-447-4556.Questions? Call 407-447-4558.
Brighten a stranger’s day with kind acts Some people really A few days ago, my dad need to take note of this was a witness to a car random act of kindness. accident. I’m not saying you should It happened right in consider pulling over and front of him at an interhelping victims of a car section, in which a Dodge crash next time you see Neon T-boned a full-size one. van at 35-40 mph. I’m saying you should Instead of simply doing consider caring more for nothing, he pulled over into the median and JORDAN SWANSON others, as too many people Guest Columnist in this world only care parked his truck. about themselves. People While on the phone need to be more selfless. with the Sherriff’s Department, People are presented every day informing them of the wreck, he prowith ways in which they can be selfceeded to walk over to the vehicles less and help others out, but they involved in the crash and check on don’t always take the opportunity. both of the drivers, who luckily This really is sad considering how weren’t carrying any passengers with much people can help each other them. He spoke with the drivers, as they and make their lives easier if they just put their own wants and needs both stayed put in their cars, trying aside for a second. to calm them down after what they Next time the opportunity of had just experienced. He checked for any major injuries being selfless and helping someone out presents itself, truly consider that the drivers might have gotten, taking it. but neither had any open cuts or Think of how setting a few minbroken bones that were visible. utes aside to help that student on He also checked for any oil leaks campus with jumping their car after that the crunched cars may have their battery died can change the started. Fortunately, there weren’t rest of their day. any. Think of how giving someone that My dad was on his way to a job appointment when the accident took last dollar they need, but don’t have, to pay for their Chick-fil-A meal will place. affect their perception of students on He could have just called 911 while being on his way to his job like campus. Not only should you get satisfacmost others on the road, but instead, he stopped and helped two strangers tion out of helping others, but just that day — two strangers that he will think of how good it would make you feel if someone did the same for probably never see again. you. Why did he do it? Because he is a When people’s kind instincts set kind person and cares about others, in, the world really is a better place. even when it’s not expected of him.
DON WRIGHT / TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Egypt: A test for American virtues sion, including religion, It was only a little became increasingly more than a week ago scarce, and with it folthat Egypt was calm and lowed the economic wellife functioned normally. fare of the bulk of the Today the whole country Egyptian people. is in chaos as protesters So long as our politiswarm the street. cal influence was preThese cities are at a served, we would stay standstill; inundated by silent and overlook the the hordes of protesters who are no longer willing KONSTANTIN RAVVIN pressing matter of Egyptian oppression that parto be simple street venGuest Columnist alleled with the virtues dors, taxi drivers or ordiof democracy we so nary citizens who will abide by the laws of autocratic leader vehemently flaunt today. And now our leadership looks on, Hosni Mubarak. The average Egyptian worker sur- immobilized by the unknown, afraid vives off a pittance of a wage, and the to ostracize a tyrant who has provided us with his cooperation and oil average voter relies on the will of reserves at the expense of his people, God to have at least some say in the sociopolitical future of their country. yet also petrified to acknowledge the universally ordained human rights of Inspired by the recent revolt in Tunisia, Egyptians decided to rise up dignity and equal representation of those same people. against the corrupt government that Our leadership is afraid that if a has left its people in shambles for so revolution were to take place, we long. Protests are happening every day; would rightfully have to incur the costs of keeping a tyrant in power. citizens and journalists are injured They fear that — much like with on the street and the end is nowhere our backing of the malicious Shah in in sight, all the while we in the UnitIran — tempers in Egypt will boil ed States sit idly by. over and make room for an antiMubarak’s administration, at the American, dictatorial regime. inception of its near 30-year rule in The Egyptian people are not con1981, continued its policy of appeasecerned with America, nor Israel, nor ment with Israel as per the policy of their former leader Anwar al Sadat; it Islamic radicals, nor what the rest of also took serious steps to crack down the world feels, thinks or does: they want to eat, they want to earn what on Islamic radicalism within its borthey rightfully deserve for their hard ders as well as provide the United work and have each vote count States with discounted oil and ease equally at the ballot box. transportation through the Suez The U.S., the self-proclaimed epitcanal. ome of liberty, the trend-du-jour of After the fall of the Soviet Union, civil rights, should allow them to Mubarak’s continued relationship have it. with the world’s only remaining This is what is at stake for the superpower prospered, while the United States in Egypt and if we do people who were subjected to his not uphold our values in the light of rule were shoved into a corner. Political power became ever more others, we are no better than those concentrated, as freedoms of expres- who seek to destroy us.
MAN ON THE STREET T H E
W O R D
A R O U N D
C A M P U S
‘What should UCF’s gun policy be?’ RACHEL SEWELL
ANDREW BARON
AMANDA HOLT
Sociology, junior
General business, junior
Event management, freshman
“I don’t think students should be allowed to have guns on campus. It just makes for a safer environment.”
“Man,tough question. I think you should maybe have a gun in your car,but not carry while on campus.”
“I don’t think guns should be allowed on campus. If someone has one in their car they should keep it there.”
CEDRIC BENNETT
ANDREW YEE
Finance, junior
Computer science, junior
Sociology, senior
“I don’t think people should be allowed to have guns on campus.”
“No guns on campus. Why would we need guns on campus? I don’t believe they’ll increase safety or the sense of safety.“
“I don’t see why we need to carry guns. There’s no threat that I know of. It’s a school campus.“
ANGIE PEREZ
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3 6 8 2 5
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4 9 7
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1
Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats. Monday puzzle: Easy level Thursday puzzle: Hard level
2 6
8
6 7 9 7
1
Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 One not standing after a strike 4 “CosĂŹ fan tutteâ€? composer 10 Fuel used in smokeless briquettes 14 United 15 Tater Tots maker 16 Humerus neighbor 17 School gp. 18 Normal damage 20 Object held by some Monet subjects 22 “Born to Flyâ€? singer Evans 23 __ out: barely makes 24 Bribes 27 Exodus landmark 30 Cubicle items 32 End zone dance preceder 34 Way to get up 36 Party drink 37 Like Mars 38 “Pay attention!â€? 42 Nimitz letters 45 “Livin’ Thingâ€? rock gp. 46 Horde member 49 Extensive Asian landmark 53 Worker with rattan 55 Jockey rival 56 Israeli prime minister, 1969-’74 58 Diet brand word 59 Logician’s “E,â€? perhaps 61 Thames neighborhood 63 With the ends of 18-, 32-, 38- and 49-Across, an historic demand 67 Where Dover is: Abbr. 68 Jezebel’s husband 69 City WNW of Boca 70 LAX listing 71 Jobless benefit 72 Assembly sites 73 Man cave, maybe DOWN 1 Visited unannounced, with “inâ€?
By Annemarie Brethauer
2 See 7-Down 3 Most convenient 4 Does some yardwork 5 Droxies used to compete with them 6 Extremist 7 With 2-Down, engine conduits 8 Nutritional amt. 9 Darkens in the sun 10 Foul-smelling 11 Aquitaine duchess 12 Women’s tennis star Ivanovic 13 Sailor 19 Track event 21 Out of line 25 Road hazard 26 Plum pudding ingredient 28 Blow away 29 Pacers’ home: Abbr. 31 Balneotherapy venue 33 “Come Fly With Me� lyricist 35 Burgoo, e.g. 39 Bit of dough 40 Org. with an interlocking rings logo
2/3/11 Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
Last issue solved
(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
41 Trivial 42 “That’s disgusting!â€? 43 E. PerĂłn’s title 44 It nearly surrounds Gambia 47 Liqueur flavoring 48 Cold War thaw 50 Oxygen-loving organism 51 Peter the Great, for one
2/3/11
52 Fungus-alga union 54 Born 2/6/1911, speaker of the demand 57 Butler at Tara 60 1/2 fl. oz. 62 Halloween et al. 63 Moonstruck 64 17th Greek letter 65 Falcons, on scoreboards 66 Yr.-end adviser
Solution and new puzzles in next issue’s Classifieds
A12
www.CentralFloridaFuture.com
Feb. 3, 2011 •