ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
Pete the Panther attends the groundbreaking for Florida Tech’s first community garden on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, in front of Evans Hall Photo by Lindsay Issac in the Residence Quad.
The groundbreaking for Florida Tech’s first community garden took place on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, during the first day of the spring 2017 semester. Pete the Panther, students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered in front of
Evans Hall in the Residence Quad, where the garden is being constructed, to witness history as members of the Residence Life Sustainability Committee broke ground on the community garden using gold shovels with crimson
The community garden is estimated to be completed by the end of January and the RLSC, a committee which strives to set the
CONTINUED ON 5 // LINDSAY ISAAC STAFF WRITER
De-Funk Your Fridge
A heated eight player Super Smash Brothers match.
Photo by Krunchie Howard
Library Game Night scores points with students, staff The first thing heard while ascending the staircase of Evans Library on January 20 was the sound of controllers clicking. That was the sound of Evans Library holding its first game night for the semester. Music swept through the air as students indulged in Rock Band. Mixed with a small group of familiar faces, the scene was set for a welcoming environment inviting anyone who climbed those stairs to submit to its call. “I saw a flyer advertising the event around campus,” said Sultan Akeeli, freshman aviation science major. “It’s my first time coming to an event like this on campus.” In conjunction with GameStop, Evans Library’s
bows. “There will be dozens of raised beds inside that are all fenced in by a 4-foot high fence, with an arbor in the middle,” Zachary Eichholz, president of the RLSC, said. “And the garden is wheelchair accessible.”
game night consisted of a wide variety of games ranging from Gears of War 4 and Overwatch on Microsoft’s Xbox One, to Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U, to Tekken and the aforementioned Rock Band. One of the spotlights of the night was the various forms or virtual reality available for attendees to try out. There was a short demo of Microsoft’s HoloLens that took attendees through an augmented desktop littered with virtual objects ranging CONTINUED ON 2-3 // KRUNCHIE HOWARD STAFF WRITER
In every dorm room at Florida Tech, students are provided a refrigerator, but not every student is familiar with kitchen conduct when it’s time to go to college. Students are given the opportunity to cook their own meals, do their own grocery shopping and manage their own meal schedules. However, many of them have left home without asking a vital question: when do I throw food out? “I don’t worry about it until it starts to smell bad,” sophomore Arpad Marsh said. Freshman Bayan Saleh commented that she usually goes by the “expiration date on labels.” Occasionally, she said, she’ll look it up online. While it sometimes depends on how cold you keep your refrigerator, there is a general rule of thumb for each food group. According to Whole Foods Market, open dairy such as milk can last six to ten days and most cheese and butter can last from two to four weeks. While most fruits and vegetables don’t have to be refrigerated, Weight Watchers says they can last anywhere from four days to a week. Thick meat like chicken breast, steak or ground beef, should be kept in the freezer for storing them for long
periods of time, but can be defrosted and stored after preparation for two to four days. According to Eat By Date, deli meats should be kept in the refrigerator as opposed to freezing due to their flavor and texture and, when sealed properly, can be used for about a week. Knowing when to get rid of your food in a timely manner is very important for your health. The United States Department of Agriculture stated that refrigeration is important because “refrigeration slows dangerous bacteria growth." They even released a section on their website specifically targeting college on-campus residents, providing tips and information student should look over in order to stay healthy. They encourage students to check product expiration dates and stay aware of how long they keep their food stored in refrigeration. This includes things like leftovers, remainders of meals that are kept for a snack or “tomorrow’s lunch”. Remainders that come from “take out” meals made in places like the Rat and the Sub are advised to not be kept for more than two or three days in the refrigerator. // ELEANORE MATHERS STAFF WRITER
The Florida Tech Crimson
Florida Tech breaks ground on first community garden
Issue 2 January 24 Spring 2017
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
Photo by FITSSIF
CONTINUED FROM FRONT from a cake resting on the edge of a table to a globe fixed just above the room accessible by simply looking up. The PlayStation
CAMPUS LIFE VR was also available on Sony’s PlayStation 4. The attendees were able to sample an assortment of games. By far the most popular was Thumper: a fast paced game that plays similar to games such as Temple Run and Subway Surfers that features relaxingly rhythmic music and precise controls which all came together to provide an all-around immersive experience. Smash Bros. by far had the biggest crowd. With the game accommodating
2
Library Game Night scores
up to eight players there was always room for someone to pick up and play. Rock Band attracted a more curious crowd. It’s a game that gives anyone who wants to play an opportunity to experience what playing an instrument—both individually and with a group—feels like. Apart from what was available at the event, some attendees also brought their personal devices as well as cards to play in the gaming environment. “It’s a great experience,” Akeeli said, “you get to meet new people.” The event first started about a year ago. “We were looking for
Photos of the game night, from virtual reality headsets, to console
CAPSMirror Mirror On the Wall, You Don’t Have to Look Perfect At All!
There was a quote that said, “If I asked you about all the things that you value, how much time will it take for you to say your own name?” We don’t really think of ourselves in that regard, do we? And more often than not, we tend to look at ourselves in light of our shortcomings and aspects we lack resulting in a lower self-esteem and self- worth. Oftentimes, our appearance may become the determinant of our selfworth and can be a barrier to our happiness and in making healthy life choices. With the infestation of media in our everyday lives, it is easy to feel pressured to look the absolute best which makes it hard to maintain a healthy sense of self. Join your peers to learn ways to enjoy a healthy self-
esteem and positive body image at “Keep Calm and Love Thyself ” on Thursday, February 9th from 7-8:30 pm in Evans Hall, Room 202! You may also learn ways to help you better understand and support others who may have these difficulties.
Myths and Facts about Body Image and Eating Disorders: Myth: Skinny is healthy and beautiful. Fact:Every body type is different and is determined by more than one factor. Focusing on staying healthy and active is more important than eating less and losing weight. Check out what is offered at the Clemente Center to see how you can maintain an active
lifestyle. http://www.fit.edu/ clementecenter/ Myth: Only women worry about how they look. Fact: Research has shown that feeling awkward and conscious about one’s appearance is not gender-specific. According to research, body-image difficulties affect people of all genders in various forms and everyone experiences and expresses it differently. Myth: Eating disorders are solely about food. Fact: While eating disorders involve weight and restrictive food choices, they are a complex interplay of body-image, low self-esteem, and social challenges that often times have negative consequences on many areas of life. Due to the complexity, seeking
professional assistance is important both from a medical and psychological perspective. Like Jess C. Scott said, “A fit, healthy body—that is the best fashion statement.” Next time you go in front of that mirror, look at yourself and celebrate you for all that you are. Because mirror mirror on the wall, you don’t have to look perfect at all! If you or a friend of yours is going through body-image difficulties or can identify with symptoms of an eating disorder, seek help. The student counseling center (321674-8050) offers free and confidential counseling services to students. You are also encouraged to consider attending the weekly support group, “Love Yourself
First” on Tuesdays from 4-5 pm at CAPS, which is an opportunity to learn ways to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and emotions in order to accept yourself with encouraging and peaceful thoughts. For more information, visit http://www.fit.edu/ caps/student_groups.php. In addition, the student health center (321-674-8078) is available to address any physical and nutritional concerns of an eating disorder. Join CAPS for more information on this issue on Thursday, February 9th from 7-8:30 pm in Evans Hall, Room 202! // SALONI TANEJA, M.A., M.S., OUTREACH COORDINATOR, CAPS
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
CAMPUS LIFE
3
With students, staff (cont.) games, the Evans Library had it all. Photos By Krunchie Howard
different things for students to do,” DSL Manager Martin Gallagher said. “A student worker suggested a game night and after the initial one it’s grown quiet considerably.” Florida Tech works in conjunction with GameStop to provide the games available to play. “Martin Gallagher contacted me about wanting to make something recreational for students,” said GameStop manager Kyle Smith. “We tried to get students to relax between all the work and research they have to do,” Gallagher said, “and gaming is a good way for them to gather socially.” In addition to the
down time the game night provides, it’s also a good atmosphere to introduce students to new technology. “The VR headset, for example, is more interactive than just sitting down,” Gallagher said. “We also want students to think about developing their own game, and I feel this a good environment to foster these thoughts.”
The game night isn’t only available to Florida Tech students. Rodd Newcombe, director for academic support, also brought his kids to enjoy the night. “For anyone who reads,” Smith said, “come out to the next event.” // KRUNCHIE HOWARD STAFF WRITER
Florida Tech breaks ground on first community garden (Cont.) CONTINUED FROM FRONT vision and direction of sustainable living in Florida Tech residence halls, plans to begin planting seeds and transplanting pre-grown plants in the garden by the weekend of Feb. 11. “Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. will be the grand opening and we’ve invited dozens of people, including Dr. McCay, who is confirmed to be there,” Eichholz said. “I would not be surprised if we got 200 people.” At the grand opening, attendees will have a chance to plant in the new garden and learn more about membership and how to get involved. “We will be recruiting people for what comes next, which is handing off the garden to the future Community Garden Club, the CGC,” Eichholz said. “The CGC is something we expect and hope to start next fall.” According to Eichholz, the CGC will run like any other club with elections, a president, a vice president, a secretary and other common positions. “And maybe a few not so common positions,” Eichholz added. The club will include both members and volunteers. For the current semester, the garden will be under the leadership of the Residence Life Sustainability
The community garden is still a work in progress. Committee. The garden is named the Ethos Community Garden after the Greek word ethos. Vice President of the RLSC Lexi Miller explained the significance of the garden’s name. “Ethos is a Greek word meaning the characteristic spirit of a culture, era or community, as manifested in its beliefs or aspirations,” Miller said. “The community garden is a symbol of the culture of sustainability and earthlymindfulness that we want to create.” “I guess we got a little bit poetic with the garden,” Miller smiled, “but that is certainly not a bad thing.” According to the RLSC, the garden will serve as a platform for sustainable
education, provide a conversation highlight for campus tours, allow residents the chance to become self-sufficient in food cultivation skills, and become the catalyst for larger sustainability based movements around campus. “There are a lot of possibilities in terms of using the garden as a student resource, not just for food, but for research, for studying and even just for 'hey, I am going to sit down between classes and not necessarily be a student right now, but just be able to relax in a space that is here for me,’” Miller said. The construction and management of this student-driven community garden is just one phase in
Photo by Nathaniel Ashton
10 percent of the entire project, if that,” Eichholz said. “But it is a great first step. It is almost like a proof of concept for the rest of the project, to show how much interest there is in sustainability-based education and topics and how much student backing it has from all different disciplines.” Florida Tech junior, Mariana Castaneiras Gutierrez, is happy to learn that green initiatives are taking place in the Florida Tech community. “I believe a community garden is a great way to bring people together. It is an opportunity to meet new friends and work together in an activity that makes you and the ones around you feel good,” Gutierrez commented. According to the founder of the RLSC, Jacqueline Hetherington, “The take-away is that all of the information for how to join and get involved will be available at the grand opening on Feb. 17 at 4 p.m., which will take place at the garden in front of Evans Hall.” To share your thoughts on having a community garden on campus, visit our website www.ftcrimson.com or comment on Instagram (@ ftcrimson).
the RLSC’s plan to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable campus experience for both students and faculty at Florida Tech. The community garden marks the beginning of what the RLSC hopes to be various green renovations throughout the Residence Quad that will eventually become the planned home of the Sustainability Living Learning Community. “A living learning community is a residence hall that practices a specific education topic, which can be literally anything: veganism, fitness, economics,” Eichholz explained. “Ours would be, as the name says, sustainability.” // LINDSAY ISAAC “The garden is probably STAFF WRITER
CAMPUS LIFE
4 Report names Brevard as prime for the aerospace industry ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
Corporate site selection, ever heard of it? Most likely not, since most Florida Tech students do not own large corporations looking for a location to set up shop. However, some corporations are looking at the Brevard area in a different light after the release of a recent report by the Boyd Company. This report analyzes the costs associated with operating an aerospace plant in ten leading aerospace industry locations. These ten locations included Los Angeles, Savannah, Chicago and Brevard county.
The Boyd Company uses a multitude of factors to determine how well an industry will do in a certain area. The report names Brevard the third lowest in operating cost, estimating $21,843,120 yearly. This estimate is based off of a 200,000 square foot facility with 250 hourly employees. Beside cost, the Boyd Company takes into consideration factors for reshoring: “The availability of local skillsets in advanced manufacturing, a positive labor-management relations climate, including Right-toWork legislation, low taxes
and a sound transportation infrastructure, including proximity to a major deep water port for reaching a global marketplace.” The report goes on to point out that Brevard is well equipped in all of those factors. Reshoring is when a company shifts its manufacturing from overseas to the United States, or chooses to produce in the United States instead of another country like China or Korea. With President Trump in office, it is possible that reshoring will become a much more cost effective
This chart breaks down the report. Showing the Melbourne area as the second lowst in cost of the five areas
option than outsourcing overseas. “Reshoring is happening. The question then becomes: where will the jobs go?” John Boyd, Principle at The Boyd Company explains. “The answer is: they’re going to go to Right-to-work states with a low cost of doing business. Obviously, Brevard county fits nicely into that context.” Brevard county’s past adds extra to operating here, the report factors this in when considering locations. “The brand of Brevard county has incalculable value to aerospace companies throughout the globe.” Boyd continues, “They appreciate the history of work here, the skill sets, and Florida Institute of Technology is a
big part of that.” Florida Institute of Technology is partnered with the Florida Space Institute, a partnership with the state university system and the University of Central Florida to expand Florida’s involvement in space exploration. Together the ten universities in this partnership provide workforce training that has helped fill advanced manufacturing plants and engineering firms for the last 21 years. With reshoring a likely possibility, students from Florida Tech, and all the schools in the Florida Space Institute, will flood the workforce. //NATHANIEL ASHTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
John Boyd Jr., Principal of The Boyd Company thoroughly explains the report. Photo by Nathaniel Ashton
ROTC Aims to Teach Cadets with Electronic Shooting Range ROTC uses an engagement skills trainer called the EST 2000 to train both new cadets and more experienced members with up to three different weapon platforms. The training system supports replica M4 rifles, Beretta M9 pistols, and M16 rifles equipped with under-barrel M203 grenade launchers. “The EST system allows us to use low-risk teaching for those who have or may not have experience on any kind of weapon system,”
said MS3 Cadet Platoon Sergeant Jordan Blanco. “The EST has a variety of options, anywhere from basic qualifying courses, 10 to 15 meters out, 300 meters out, pop-up target drills, and even mass defense scenarios where you have all lanes going at once.” The electronic shooting range is mainly used by the ROTC Ranger Challenge teams to prepare for annual inter-ROTC competitions but is also used at the beginning of each year to introduce new cadets
to the fundamentals of marksmanship, proper firearm safety, and to foster team building. The replica firearms mimic the weight and controls of their real counterparts. The magazines are weighted to feel as though they contain ammunition, the sights need to be adjusted to compensate for distance, and all the replicas contain a rechargeable gas blowback system to simulate recoil when firing. The disassembly and removal of many sections is identical to the realistic parts as well. The system operates by projecting the selected simulation on a large projection screen which cadets then fire upon according to the scenario. The At the range, Debris can be strewn in front of the screen to simulate obstacles. Photos by Roland Hesmondhalgh system can record where
Photos by Roland Hesmondhalgh
shots hit on the screen and compensates for the desire range. This forces the cadets to adjust their aim and focus on the fundamentals of The equipment used by cadets, and its shooting without worrying storage. about possible mechanical analysis of senior ROTC. failures or other outside If there is interest to use distractions. the electronic shooting While the electronic range, ROTC Cadre is open shooting range has existed to allowing access in the under Shaw Hall for more future events, under ROTC than a decade, it is not open supervision. to the public or the general student body. In the past, it has been utilized as a fundraising tool // ROLAND HESMONDHALGH to raise money for the battle STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
FEATURE
5
Applied Research Lab, Hidden Gem at Florida Tech A hop, skip and jump away from the Florida Tech campus exists a plasma spray booth, PRC laser and a lab operator, willing to help students use it all. A five minute drive to the corner of Hibiscus Blvd. and Airport Rd., the Applied Research Lab houses research in advanced materials, polymer flammability, physics, lasers, electro-optics and more. Although opportunities are available to students, only two senior design teams have taken advantage of the engineers, equipment and materials the lab has to offer. “We had some marketing students come in the other day,” Edward Croy, the Head Laser Lab Operator at the ARL said, “but other than that, we don’t see many students here at all.” Croy agreed that he and other engineers who work at the ARL would grant students the ability to use the tools and materials there,
once given permission. “Absolutely students can use our facilities,” Croy said. “As long as they have our approval and are under our supervision with the equipment, we are happy to help.” Mary McCay has acted as the Principal Investigator of the lab since it was revived from an old golf cart service for Crane Creek Golf Reserve, seven years ago. Although bought and owned by Florida Tech, the lab’s main focus is for research and commercial use with Siemens, a power plant company. The research focuses on turbines, machines that produce continuous power in which a wheel or rotator is made to revolve by a fast moving liquid, which can be used for a number of purposes. “I love my job because the environment can’t get any cooler than this,” says David Moreno, a Thermal Spray Engineer, as he backs away from the plasma torch
Edward Cory, the Laser Lab Operator, adjusting the temperature of the PRC laser.
that is hot enough to give third degree burns. “I can’t believe I’m getting paid for this, but I am.” Engineers at the ARL use the plasma booth to create substrates, used as coatings, to be tested by the heat of the PRC laser. Flow rate, energy input, torch distance and substrate cooling are some of the many parameters that Moreno studies to
further his research on the substrates they create. Alex Light, senior, is a member of the Mars Regolith Sintering System Team, the first senior design team to take advantage of what the ARL has to offer. “We’re testing to find the material properties of Mars, such as thermal conductivity, as well as testing its ability to be sintered by a CO2 laser,” Light said, “which is
Photo by Mary Kozaitis
something basically only the lab has to offer.” More generally, the team uses the lab for testing and experimentation on a Mars simulant. They agree that the ARL has been a huge component of their project and would not be able to complete accurate research without it. // MARY KOZAITIS STAFF WRITER
Why are Textbooks so Expensive? long with death and taxes, one thing is certain in the life of any college student, and that is pricey textbooks. According to the Huffington Post, textbook prices over the last 30 years have increased by 800%. This is a large margin, more than both medical services and house prices have increased during the same period. Additionally, due to such high prices in the modern day, 1 in 4 college students decide not to purchase any textbooks, which can potentially harm their grades. But why have textbooks become so pricey in the first place? There are only five companies that publish about 80 percent of textbooks on the market, currently. Therefore, the textbook free market features little competition. Because of this, there is
Photo by Pearsoned.com
no need to make cheaper textbooks. Companies can freely pick their own prices for maximum profit, without having to worry about other companies driving down costs. As it is, 77 percent of every dollar goes to the companies that publish the book, with 18 percent of that dollar constituting a profit on average. Taking into account these averages, each $250 purchase of a Chemistry textbook would mean the company made a $45 profit! This is an exorbitant profit margin for any textbook, especially considering these companies are needlessly publishing new editions as frequently as every other year. These “new” editions are constantly being released in order to make a greater profit, because while it can
Used textbooks can really pile up, and unfortunatley not get used.
be expensive for a company to publish a textbook, the profits they can make are almost always worth the effort. There would be less profit to be made if only one textbook for a particular subject was made without being updated, as that edition could be traded around as used copies rather Photo by mcgraw-hill.com than being bought from the
Attribution: © Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar / CC BY-SA 3.0
company itself. Therefore companies will frequently make new editions even if the new versions are highly unnecessary. Publishing companies keep on updating their editions, while students and professors are both compelled to stay as up to date as possible on the subject, even though in the end the new edition may be
seen as highly unnecessary or completely redundant. Meanwhile, the old textbooks are instantly rendered obsolete in the eyes of many, even though the subject matter within may be almost identical to the “new” edition.
//EVAN LINDEMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
CAMPUS LIFE
6
Florida Tech students give blood with One Blood
There is a constant need for blood, therefore, there is a constant need for blood donations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of life, and when you donate blood you are doing just that. “An amazing fact is that 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only around 10 percent actually donate blood,” said Pat Michaels, Media and Public Relations Officer of One Blood. “Our job as a non-profit organization is not only to advocate for the need for blood donations, but actually conduct the blood drives with our big red buses in communities
through our service area.” One Blood is a nonprofit organization working with the mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of people by their work with blood and stem cell products and scientific research. The organization strives to provide world class transfusion and transplantation medicine, technology and research. According to WHO, safe blood can save lives and improve health as blood transfusion are needed for several medical procedures, such as complex medical and surgical procedures, including pregnant women with complications. “One Blood has 200 of the big red buses that
roll throughout most of Florida, South Georgia, South Alabama, and parts of South Carolina. One Blood also has 80 donor centers throughout the area,” Michaels said. “This is profoundly important because blood donations are needed seven days a week to supply the hospitals we serve with the blood components needed to treat patients.” The big red busses have been present on campus multiple times during each academic semester. According to Michaels, university blood drives are very important because they account for 10 to 15 percent of the overall blood donations during a given
year. “We reach out to organizations, schools, universities, businesses and events to see if they would like to host a blood drive. At the same time, many people contact us interested in hosting a blood drive as well,” said Susan Forbes, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of One Blood. “The idea of donating blood as a part of a civic duty instilled the college culture where blood drives are held. It’s important for young people understand that donating blood is not only a perfect way to pay it forward, it is also a way to monitor one’s own health. Each blood donation comes
with a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including a cholesterol screening,” Michaels said. “When a person decides to donate their blood, they are making the decision to save a life, or several lives as a matter of fact,” said Tracey, a junior in the biological sciences pre-med program at Florida Institute of Technology. “Blood is important!” she added. “It not only carries oxygen and carbon dioxide but it also transports nutrients, such as glucose to vital organs in the body. Blood contains hemoglobin, which is a protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.” According to WHO if your blood is divided into the different parts, such as red cells, platelets and plasma, they can be used individually for patients with specific conditions. “Any person 16 years old or older can be eligible to donate, but must meet certain screening details,” Michaels said. “A lot of people think you cannot donate if they have tattoos, that is not the case. People who received a tattoo at a state-licensed or regulated facility are now eligible to donate once the area has healed,” Michaels added. According to the One Blood website things that usually hinder many people from being able to donate, such as low iron, tattoos and piercings, medications and age are not the case anymore. With the right advice and good management more people are coming to realize they can give the gift of life with their blood. International students, and foreigners can also donate blood given they meet the requirements and screening criteria, which is the same for all potential blood donors. According to the One Blood website, we can share our power, all it will take is one extra blood donation from each donor and we can say goodbye to blood shortages. // DONEIL CHUNG CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
7
AROUND TOWN
Al-Houda Restaurant Review Just under two miles from campus you can get the taste of diversity at the mediterranean restaurant Al-Houda. Al-Houda, located on Babcock street is a small, quiet restaurant. They are open from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays, from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Sundays and are closed on Saturdays. Walking in, the door makes a ringing sound. Yet, no one was there to greet us until a few minutes later. The restaurant’s only employee came to greet us. After asking for menus, we seated ourselves. Al-Houda has a homely, comfortable setting. It was very quiet, as most people pre-order food for pickup. The small restaurant, serving halal meat, is also a mini grocery store with authentic Arabic candies, drinks and snacks. The middle eastern decor and feel is topped off with the Hookah displays and products. Their most popular dish is smoked rice with
lamb or Mandi, which is its traditional Arabic name. Even though it was listed on the menu, Mandi was not available that day, as the restaurant serves all their meals fresh. Their menu had a great variety, but they do not serve everything in it daily, so we had to switch our order up a couple of times to get what was available. The Chicken Kabob comes with a side of basmati rice, salad and yogurt sauce. Even though the rice was a little bland, the salad’s lemon thyme dressing was full of flavor. Their Chicken Shawarma was not prepared very traditionally. The chicken was cut up into small pieces rather than shavings. The Shawarma wrap also had a little too much sauce and no vegetables in it or as a side. Although not traditional, the wrap was delicious. Their falafel sandwich had the traditional fried chickpeas, with tomato, onion and cilantro. The gritty texture accompanied
with fresh vegetables makes for a delicious sandwich, and a great vegan option. Mediterranean cuisine has multiple other vegan options like hummus, which is made of cooked, mashed chickpeas. Al-Houda’s hummus bowl had a pop of color, from the sprinkles of fresh cilantro to the different spices covering different halves of it. One half had cumin, while the other had spicy chilli. Apart from the food, the service was not satisfying. After bringing the food out, the server did not come check on the table, ask about the food or if we needed anything. That being said the restaurant is very quiet which makes up for a great place to hang out or get some work done with the complimentary WiFi. The laid-back feel and good prices are perfect for college students. // ABEER JANAKAT STAFF WRITER
Photos by Abeer Janakat
Florida Tech Alumnus, a Renaissance Man
A Florida Tech alumnus was selected to play the lead role of King Arthur for Brevard’s seven-day Renaissance Fair at the Wickham Park Amphitheater. Thomas Rochester, 25, graduated from Florida Tech in December 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. “I may use my degree down the road,” Rochester said, “but for now I am focusing on acting.” Rochester began his college career as a shy student that feared being in front of crowds. It wasn’t until his senior year during freshman orientation that he discovered his love for acting could become a reality. “Thomas was the host of a game show he created for the freshman,” said Ismaldo Matias, a good friend of Rochester's. “The crowd absolutely loved his corny jokes and enthusiasm.”
Rochester decided to actually being asked to come King Arthur’s life in one chase his acting dream back for a second audition, it day, starting as a teenager shortly after that day with came as a surprise when the and ending in his death. stand up and improv judges asked him toreturn Rochester said most of comedy. In 2016, he and recite a few lines for his preparation included auditioned for 20 roles at King Arthur, Rochester said. memorizing lines and the Full Sail University and was The fair will display sword fights. asked to cast in two “I’m a of them. personal trainer Seeking a route so preparing that had greater for this role depth, Rochester has been pretty auditioned easy,” Rochester for Brevard’s said. “Body Renaissance Fair control is the with no real hope most important in actually getting a thing for the part. sword fights, “The audition so I can use process was my training stressful,” Rochester knowledge said. “There to focus on were 16-year-olds key muscles that looked like and specific professionals.” movements.” He got on stage Although and tried to speak slightly nervous, with an accent but Rochester will the only thing from channel his his lips was a loud adrenaline from Thomas Rochester wielding the mighty Excalibur. and thunderous the crowd’s Thor imitation. energy to help Photo by Jessica Kerney him get through With little faith in
the long days. “Thomas puts a lot of thought and care into everything he does,” said Rochester’s boss, Michelle Robinson, at Florida Tech’s Clemente Center. “He is detail oriented, so I am sure he will do a great job at the Renaissance Fair.” After the Renaissance Fair, Rochester will be preparing for a role he was cast in for a show last December and will be submitting auditions throughout the year to add more depth to his acting resume. “I went to the fair last year and it was an absolute blast,” Florida Tech soccer player, Izzy Campanini, said. “I would highly recommend going for anyone interested in theatre.”
// JESSICA KERNEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ISSUE 2
JANUARY 24
SPORTS
8
Men’s Basketball Falls Short in Overtime
n Wednesday night the panthers took on the Saint Leo Lions. The score was even throughout the game, with the panthers managing to hold the lead for most of regulation. The starting line-up for the men’s team: at forward, #0 Daniel, #2 Booth, and
#4 Murphy. At guard, #13 Anderson and #20 Majors. The men’s team outscored the Saint Leo Lions 41-29 in the first half of Wednesday night’s double header. However, in the second quarter Saint Leo outscored Florida Tech 47-35 to force the game into
overtime. The panthers had a game-tying three point shot that in overtime that should have put both teams at 82 points. Instead, Saint Leo had called a timeout right before the Daniel got the shot off, and it did not count.
From there, the game was decided by the referees. After regulation ended, the panthers only put up three points, while the lions posted 12. All three of the panthers’ overtime points came from free throws, and in overtime they were 75% from the line. Both teams
were in double bonus at this point, and each team had twenty fouls in the game. While the end result was not desired, the men’s team will play again January 25 at Barry. // ANNIKA SUNDQUIST STAFF WRITER