Issue 5

The Seminole Scribe Issue No. 5

The Official Newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida

April 5, 2013

Seminole State speaks out about smoking ban

“

By Michael Tennant and Ashley Vacquez Guest Columnists

I think that it’s a good idea because it’s one thing for you to choose to smoke on your own, but it is worst for everybody around you breathing it in.

”

Sharisa Prater

The smoke rising above the gazebos across campus may fade into memory along with phone booths, the Walkman and the dodo bird. When the policy is in effect on August 24, 2013 smoking will be prohibited on all Seminole State campuses.

Claudia Salvano Ph.D., director of policy and labor relations at Seminole State, spoke at a student voice forum on Monday March 18, answering questions about the proposed policy to make Seminole State a smoke free college. She also explained what these types of policies must go through before they are approved.

“Last summer was when we first got the committee together to start working on the policy,” Dr. Salvano said.

Ashtrays like this one, located in front of the A building, are expected to be empty when the College goes smoke free next Fall.

Photo Sabira Mawji

INSIDE Campus Our mascot is out from hiding Page 1

Should campuses broadcast live news?

Page 3 Advice on American Citizenship Page 3 News bulletin Page 2

“

Features I think that it’s a terrible idea because it’s not going to stop people from smoking. It’s just going to spread the mess around…you’re going to have cigarettes butts on the parking lot and everywhere else.

”

Benjamin Johnston

College’s mascot hibernation nearly over

By Sabira Mawji Editor

A shark, pirate, eagle or shield? What would you say is the mascot of Seminole State College?

How about neither?

On a recent walk around the Sanford/Lake Mary campus, some students said they were not even aware the school had a mascot hiding behind the shield logo next to the institution’s name all over campus and online. Even some of the faculty and staff had no clue what the college mascot was.

“ ” “

continued on page 4

Um, let me look in the student handbook, it should be the shark right? Mailee Lerronde

”

Is it a pirate? I saw raiders on the website this morning.

Emily Beatriz

Under this policy, the smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and electronic cigarettes will be strictly prohibited as well as the use of snuff, chewing tobacco and other tobacco products on all college property. The policy will even prohibit smoking in personal vehicles while on college property. However, not everyone is willing to accept possibility of the upcoming change.

“Being a smoker, I am not looking forward to it,” Robbie Moorhead, a humanities professor at Seminole State said. “It is an addiction and I want it.”

“

Smoke free would be the right thing for our college to do.

Michael Christiani

”

Rhianna Duckworth, a Seminole State student said she is not happy about the proposed ban on smoking.

“As long as people who smoke show consideration to ones who don’t, Ms. Duckworth said, “I don’t see why it should be a problem.”

Regardless of concerns by some members of the community, Seminole State has forged ahead with plans for the smoke-free campus. Dr. Salvano anticipates that the proposed policy (Smoke Free College, Policy 6.021) will be presented to the board at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 15, 9:30 a.m.

The board will then take a final vote on approval of the policy. If approved, the policy will start the next academic year.

“The next step is that we have a committee that needs to get together and write the procedure,” Dr. Salvano said.

The committee will get together in late April and early May to draft a procedure determining how to implement the policy.

Students, faculty and staff who wish to be involved should email Dr. Salvano atsalvanoc@seminolestate.edu.

Disney World vs.

Disneyland Page 6 to 7

What hot summer movies are coming out Page 6 to 7

Facebook stroking egos Page 6 to 7

Extras Wearable electronics Page 5 Horoscopes Page 10

QEP Essay Contest Winners Page 11 National Poetry Month: April Page 11

Enter the Scribe ’s first-ever logo contest and you could win a cash prize!

We’re on the lookout for a new logo to be used in print and online in future editions of the student newspaper.

Artists should submit entries to thescribe@seminolestate.edu by April 30.

One winner will be notified via email over summer and featured in the Fall 2013 editions of The Seminole Scribe.

Contact (407) 708-2719 for details.

Calendar of events: Find free food and fun on campus! e S G A o n li n e p la c e k ta s n o ti e le c n a d 9, o n A p r il 8 2013. ”

a il u r “L iv e M e .

Check yo li n n o te o v and account

44t h ann ual Jur ied Stu den t Art Exh ibit Whe re:

: Sanfo rd/La ke Mary ing Camp us Fine Arts Galle ry (build G) n: Open ing recep tion on

Sem inol e Sta te Col lege of Flor ida Film Clu b hos ts firs t mov ie nigh t: Arg o

Whe

Thurs day, April 11, at 5 p.m.

When : April 19, 2013 at 6 p.m. er Wher e: Sanfo rd/La ke Mary theat (Buil ding G Cost: Free with refre shme nts

The Center for Economic Development at Seminole State College of Florida will host Startup Weekend Orlando on April 12-14, 2013.

Hou rs : Mond ay throu gh Thurs day from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Cos t:

Seminole State students and faculty will square off in a softball game on April 5 at 2:30 p.m. on the S/LM campus at Raider field.

sem

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les un cribe de r c .com on str uc

S e m in o le S ta te C o ll ege S tu d e n t E n tr e p re n e u r Expo Wednesda y , A p ri l 10 , 11 a. m . to 1 2 0 13 p. m . S/ LM St ud en t Ce nt er

W al kw ay

Now show in g : “ E u ry Ruhl d ic e ” b y S a ra h W h e re : S /L B ui ld in g G , M , F in e A rt s W h e n : A pr R oo m 12 3 C o s t: T ic keil 5 to A pr il 12 (6 0+ ) an d st t pr ic es ar e $1 0, $8 to C ol le ge ud en ts of ot he r sc ho fo r se ni or s st ud en ts . em pl oy ee s an d cu rr enol s, an d fr ee tly en ro lle d

Location: Heathrow Campus (1055

AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746) Time: 6:30 p.m. Friday checkCost: $99 for general public; $50 for students

Free and open to publi c

The Seminol e State College Basebal l team is currently 14-5 at home this season.

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Photo: Nathan Werthe imer

News

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE / April 5, 2013 3

Locals seek advice on American citizenship on Oviedo campus have maintained general residence in the U.S. for more than 180 days. Physical presence is similar, but ties to the amount of travel time taken by potential interviewees; you must have With guests from Syria, Mexico, Columbia, Russia, Kossus and been in the U.S. for at least 50 percent of the last five years to even Egypt, a diverse group packed into a small room with no apply. more than 20 seats recently. Men and women of all ages came to the Oviedo campus with a specific goal in mind: how to “Try to spend more time per year in the U.S.,” Ramos said. become an American citizen.

The presentation moved on to different elements of the Guiding attendees through the process were Jorge Caro interview and process such as the price of naturalization. and Ignacio Ramos, of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Seminole State English “The entire process will cost you $595, plus $85 for Language Studies specialist Helena Morway. fingerprints,” Caro said. “Included in this process is the option “Use slow English please,” Ms. Morway advised the officers. to change your name. Just tell us your desired name when you “For most of these guests, English is their second language.” do your interview and we will do the paperwork for you.”

By Bryan Hohns News Writer

“Okay,” Caro said, “how many people here want to become citizens?”

Many hands shot up from the crowd.

The USCIS officers began the hour-long presentation by reading off a lengthy PowerPoint and taking questions.

“Keep in mind that this info session is designed for residents who wish to become citizens,” Ramos said. “That is, those who already have their green cards.”

Making the step from resident to citizen is a multi-layered process involves filling out a detailed naturalization application and then doing an interview that involves an oath, a civics test and a thorough test of one’s abilities to communicate through simple English.

Caro gave “ground rules” to applying for naturalization.

“You must be an [over] 18-year-old resident who has lived in the U.S. for five years with continuous and physical presence,” he said.

Continuous presence, he explained, requires that an applicant

Caro also talked about the interview process and encouraged listeners not to worry.

“The hardest part of the whole is everything you must do beforehand,” Caro assured the crowd. “Please don’t be stressed.”

The event ended with a mock interview as Caro played the part of the applicant while Ramos played the officer. First, Caro took an oath of truth, complete with raising his right hand and standing until the interview was finished. Then, he took a civics test and answered questions aloud related to residency, criminal activity, traveling out of the state and requested that his name be changed to “Mickey Mouse” when the interview was finished.

By the event’s end, the USCIS staff covered far too many points and exemptions fit to print. Readers with additional questions should consult ncis.gov for more information on the naturalization process.

On the Heathrow campus recently, a student watching the news broadcast by two of the four televisions suspended in the air saw that a 6-month old infant had been shot in a drive-by.

“That’s so tragic” Alexis Walker, a student sitting at a table inside Nature’s Table, said. When asked what she thought about sad stories such as that being shown on school campuses, Walker said that the broadcasts could affect already stressed students and push them over the edge, “especially if they are sensitive to that type of stuff.”

But Walker’s opinion seems to reflect only what roughly 21 percent of the student body believes, according to Jay Davis, Director of Media Relations at Seminole State; the other 79 percent want news.

“The SGA surveyed about 800 students a few years ago, and one of the questions was about TV programming,” Mr. Davis said. “The survey found that students had the highest interest - 79 percent - for news programming.”

Some students said they preferred to stay informed on current events, so it’s good for the televisions at the Altamonte and Heathrow campuses to broadcast the news around the clock. Some, such as Fatimah Jaffer, said it is most convenient for the news to be shown on campus.

“I think it’s okay only because I feel like we need to know about it anyway,” Jaffer said, “And school is kinda where most students are. My example, disregarding work obviously, I’m at school more than I am at home.”

Maritza Gaviria, a front desk employee at the Heathrow campus, sympathizes with the students against the news being showed, but said she knows that there are options to avoid the upsetting broadcasts.

“While I do agree that it might upset a student,” Gaviria said, “I also think that we provide other places where the students can study. I think it’s important for a student to be aware of what’s going on.”

The students’ voice on this topic is constantly being heard, according to Davis, who said in an email that the college communicates with students regularly to find out what they want to see. But a random survey inside the Scribe office found that none of them had ever been asked this question

The Seminole Scribe is the student newspaper of Seminole State College of Florida.

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a student-run newspaper that aims to construct a publication of professionalism. Through each individual staffer’s utmost potential, we write for the interest of the school and its student body to deliver a quality news and entertainment source that uphold traditional journalism values.

STAFF

Editor/ Designer Sabira Mawji Reporters Ashley Collier Bryan Hohns Brooklynn Holman Elisha Moleski Sorangel Santiago Faculty Adviser Jennifer Sheppard PUBLIC FORUM The Seminole Scribe is a “designated public forum.” Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without

Should the news be televised on campus?

By Ashley Collier News Writer

THE SEMINOLE SCRIBE

or received a survey by e-mail or from SGA members. This question was also asked to a random selection of students inside the Student Center, and they too said they had never received a survey or been asked what they wanted to see on televisions.

Students who are against the news being shown on the school’s televisions are encouraged to communicate with the SGA Leaders or attend a Student Voice Forum---but will the college really be listening if it, apparently, never asked?

What do you think? Email us at thescribe@seminolestate.edu.

We look forward to hearing from you.

censorship or advance approval.

COPYRIGHT ©2013 The Seminole Scribe. All rights reserved. All content is property of The Seminole Scribe and may not be reproduced or transmitted without consent. The Scribe is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.

EDITORIAL POLICY Viewpoints expressed in columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Seminole Scribe or Seminole State College.

Letters or columns can be emailed or dropped off at the office. Please limit letters to 500 words, and include phone number, name and area of study or affiliation. Letters will not be printed anonymously. We reserve the right to reject letters.

CONTACT US Room J-107 Sanford/Lake Mary Campus thescribe@seminolestate.edu

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4 April 5, 2013 Looking confused with a blank face, William Ortiz, a Seminole State student, said, “I didn’t think we had a mascot. Was it an eagle?”

MASCOT continued from page 1

bird on it? Why can’t we change the name of “Student Center” to “Raider Center?” Or, spread and show off Raiders all over campus? There is not one Raider in the bookstore on the S/LM campus.

How can a school be passionate about school spirit when there is no crazy fury animal or motivational knight chanting on the school for sports, spelling bees, open house or out-of-state competitions?

“We have put forward this idea since the mascot came out,” Scarpino said. “We wanted to call the administration center the Raider building. Yet, the marketing department shut the idea down 4 to 5 years ago. Every time the idea to pump school spirit to name buildings based off of the Have you seen anyone on campus wearing a “Go mascot arises, it has been turned down.”

Raiders!” shirt?

But making small changes may help students The Seminole State website is bare without any notice that there is a mascot and could help sign of the college’s mascot. Majority of students brand the college. Instead of Live Mail, students’ surveyed said they believed the shield (next to email could be called Raider Mail, Scarpino the Seminole State header on the homepage) is suggested. Or, putting the logo on the homepage the mascot, and that we are the “Seminole State and let the world know that we are the Seminole Shields” as approved by the board of trustees.

State Raiders.

The shield does nothing but shield our mascot: the raider, which is an eagle-like bird. Without a picture next to the word, some are confused.

“I don’t even know what the mascot is.”

“I don’t think we utilize the Raider bird as much as we can as far as building up a sense of spirit here on campus,” Scarpino said. “A sense of identification allows students to link back to the institution as a whole - as alumni. When students transfer to a four-year institution after graduating here with an associate degree, most of the time, the loyalty is dedicated to that four-year school - not necessarily Seminole State, where they got their start.”

The definition of a raider is “one who robs you at sea,” so that must be the reason why the pirate was the second-most popular guess after the Now that Seminole State is a four-year shield. institution, maybe an opportunity to uplift the mascot has arisen and needs to be taken So how did Seminole State’s mascot come to be? advantage of.

That’s one of the best things about being president of an institution and how the raiders were born: Seminole State’s first president, Earl S. Weldon, Ph.D., chose the raider bird, not a raider pirate.

John Scarpino, director of athletics and wellness at Seminole State, said his team tried figuring out why Dr. Weldon chose the mascot by researching everything about the raider to see if anything related to the bird.

Emilio Stewart, a security officer at Seminole State, said he wishes that he found out about the mascot when he first started working here in June of last year. A native of Panama, where Stewart said locals respect the eagle, he was

The Raider statue, located in front of the H building, hides out in the back of the campus. Photo Sabira Mawji

There aren’t any birds called the raider, either.

“The only thing that is close to resemblance would be a hawk,” Scarpino said. “Like a hawk comes and raids. Or a chicken hawk that raids the coop or whatever. That’s the only thing we could only come up with as to why Dr. Weldon picked the raider. It was more like a standardized bird logo with an eagle swooping down.”

But the athletic department is still proud to be the Raiders. The mascot is placed in front of the health building with a bronzed Raider statue and is illustrated along the squeaky wooden floors of the basketball court.

But why isn’t there a sharp-looking rug in the Admissions building with the blue raider

By Sorangel Santiago News Writer

Summer…that time of the year when people travel, visit theme parks, vacation to far off cities and states, or just hang out, either with friends or alone on the couch. It’s barely spring but classes will soon be over and everyone who hasn’t already made plans for the summer, will be waiting in anticipation for this summer’s movie releases.

It’s been a few years since we had such an all-around awesome summer for movies. Back in 2011, many high-grossing films from different genres hit the big screen. But, with the exceptions of The Avengers, with a total domestic box office of $623.3 million, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave and Ted, summer 2012 left many expecting and wanting a more all-around movie summer.

This summer, movie theaters are without a doubt going to be very busy with much anticipated sequels, reboots and brand new films. From action to drama, zombie-looking humans to monsters and minions, 2013 will have a movie for all eyes.

Orlando Sentinel’s TV Guy Hal Boedeker said: “I think there will be a lot of buzz about rebooting the Superman franchise with ‘Man of Steel’ and Henry Cavill. I remember him from ‘I Capture the Castle’ from a decade ago, and he was excellent in ‘The Tudors’ on Showtime. He may be the next big star, if the movie is any good.”

Nothing.

Around late 2005, the marketing department developed the logo that was then intermingled with the “SCC” abbreviation, Scarpino said. But, since 2009, when the school changed names to Seminole State College, the logo design no longer loops around “SCC” and, instead, stretches above the words “Seminole State.”

Do you know what movies to watch this summer?

excited and shocked to find out that he works for an institution that made it their mascot.

“Now I am going to love working here more,” Stewart said. “I love finding out the history of where I work. Makes me feel good.”

be the most serious one out of the three. I seriously can’t wait.”

While many will be keeping an eye on the Superman reboot, others will be looking more at what drama and romance films are coming this summer, including: ‘The Great Gatsby’ May 10, ‘Before Midnight’ May 24, ‘Stuck In Love’ June 14, ‘The Bling Ring’ June 14, and ‘Ain’t them Bodies Saint’ August 16.

‘The Great Gatsby’, in many ‘must see’ lists, is a film that has been delayed a couple of times. Though still anticipated, many aren’t sure how pleasing it will be.

“I would say the biggest risk is The Great Gatsby, because it has never been successfully filmed.

I think the book defies adaptation,” Boedeker said.

“This version, from Baz Luhrmann, is in 3D. It was delayed from a Christmas release, so there are a lot of questions about the quality.”

College student Mari Davila, said though she’s looking forward to seeing ‘Monsters University,’ it’s ‘The Bling Ring’ that she’s really waiting for.

“I’ve been a fan of Emma Watson since ‘Harry Potter’ and I’ve been looking forward to seeing her in a more mature, un-like her, American girl type of role,” she said. “After seeing the trailer, I think she’s going to be great in it. Plus you can’t say no to a movie by Sofia Coppola.”

Looking for comedy or something for the whole The site movieinsider.com family? This summer is offers a complete list of going to be good for a films coming this summer laugh. Start the summer at a theater near you. with ‘Tyler Perry Presents Peeples’ on May 10 followed Fans of big action or by: ‘EPIC’ May 24, ‘The adventure blockbusters Hangover: Part 3’ May should have a field day this 24, ‘The Internship’ June summer. Movie lover Dylan 7, ‘This is the End’ June Nico said, while he’s looking 14, ‘Monsters University’ forward to many movies, June 21, ‘Despicable Me 2’ he is mostly waiting to see July 3, ‘Grown Ups 2’ July ‘Iron Man 3.’

12, ‘Turbo’ July 17, ‘The Smurfs 2’ July 13 and ‘Percy “I’m a huge fan of the Jackson: Sea of Monsters’ first two movies,” he said.

August 16.

“I think Robert Downey Junior makes an awesome Finally, fan of mystery and ‘Iron Man’ and it seems that suspense or horror? This this third movie is going to summer brings a few good

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5

By Brooklynn Holman Opinion Column

A lot of people looked at me like I was insane to travel more than 2500 miles just to go to a theme park that we have right around the corner, but that didn’t stop us from going to California’s Disneyland over the weekend.

But, Walt Disney World and Disneyland are very much different.

“We are the originals.” Disneyland cast member, Adrienne Anello, said.

“It is the only one that Walt Disney walked on.”

Another cast member, Rebeca Cisneros, chimed in: “Yeah, he never went to Disney World. That makes us the special one!”

One difference between the two Disney’s is the number of parks each contains. In Florida, we have four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. In California, there are only two parks: Disneyland and California Adventure.

“California Disney is better because we have it all in just two parks,” Disney customer, Casey Garrett, said.

Her husband, Andrew Garrett, agreed and said, “California Adventure and Disneyland are right across from each other, which is very convenient when you have two little ones running around.”

Another difference between the two is the monorail system. In California, they have one monorail and that is located inside Disneyland. Its purpose is only to bring customers to and from the front of the park to the back of the park. Here at Disney World, we have multiple monorails that bring customers to and from other parks and hotels. “(In Florida), it was a pain to continuously load the stroller, catch a monorail or bus, check our bags and wait in line to enter and exit there.”

Mr. Garrett said. “Here, in California we just walk right over and we’re there.”

At first I wasn’t sure how I would like only being able to go to two parks, but I ended up liking California’s layout more than Florida’s layout.

All of the rides and attractions are closer together, which allows you to accomplish more things in a shorter amount of time.

Disney’s California Adventure recently opened Cars Land. I had heard great things about it, but being able to see it with my own eyes was so continued on next page

Walt Disney World

vs.

DisneyLand: How do they compare?

P hotos by Brookly n n Holman

Page Left: A view of r ol l er c oas ter, C al i for ni a Sc r eam i n’ Main: Disneyl and’s C as tl e i n the c enter of the par k T op Right: Sign at entr ance of the D i s ney ’s new addi ti on, C ar s Land Bottom Right: Vi ew of R adi ator Spr i ngs i n C ar s Land

much better. When we walked into Cars Land, it was if we had just walked into the movie “Cars.”

Radiator Springs, Luigi’s tire store, the Cozy Cone Motel and other movie-specific scenes and details were all a part of Disney’s new addition.

Walking through and admiring Cars Land, Ingrid Ruiz, family friend who lives in California, said, “Everything is a big production and well designed just like Disney is supposed to be.”

It could have been a coincidence, but every employee that we approached that day was helpful, enthusiastic and genuinely friendly. The overall morale of the workers at Disneyland was quite impressive.

One employee in specific jumped on the opportunity to tell me about some interesting facts that she knew about California’s Disneyland.

“When you walk into the park, the first thing you see through the Castle is the carousel.”

Disneyland Store Operations Lead, Valerie Castrillon, said. “Walt Disney used to bring his daughter to a local carousel ride every Sunday so when he designed Disneyland, he wanted remembrance of his daughter so he purposefully made it so it is the first thing people see when they enter.”

Some unique rides and shows at California’s Disney parks are: California Screamin’, Aladdin the Musical and Indiana Jones Adventure just to name a few.

“I hate to say this but unfortunately Disneyland beats Disney World by a whirlwind,” my mother/Disney fanatic, Hollie Ruiz, said.

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Wearable electronics

With chips shrinking and sensors becoming cheaper, personal computing is moving from that smartphone in your pocket to your arm, your wrist, right out to your fingertips.

Google Glass

Coming soon: eyeglasses that take photos and video that you can immediately share online, all with a few taps of your finger or the sound of your voice

The glove that calls home

Speaker on the thumb, microphone on the pinkie; ÕNuff said

Medical bands

Strap one on your arm and measure your heart rate and cholesterol

Accessorize for access

Jewelry, belts and bracelets will monitor your caloric intake, connecting you to the cloud

iWatch

AppleÕs muchrumored gadget could turn your wrist into an outpost for your iPhone

Wardrobe change on the go

Wristbands

Clothes can light up, advertise, change colors or become transparent

With the Nike+ Fuel Band, your gym workout just got more productive

High-tech fabric

Items such as knee socks from Uniqlo convert evaporating moisture on your body to heat

Graphic: Chuck Todd, Bay Area News Group

Self-affirmation: Facebook may stoke envy but it also strokes your ego

By Geoffrey Mohan Los Angeles Times

(MCT) - That time you’re spending on Facebook may not be wasted productivity, after all.

At least, that’s what yet another Facebookbased study has found.

You may remember Stuart Smiley, the fey self-affirmation addict portrayed on “Saturday Night Live” by now-Sen. Al Franken. He stares into the mirror and declares, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and, dog gone it, people like me.”

That’s what Facebook does, according to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

We already know that looking at other people’s fun times on Facebook could make

you envious. And we’ve seen that you are what you like on Facebook _ a computer algorithm based on “likes” can home in on such things as sexual orientation, political leanings and psychological traits including openness and conscientiousness.

So, think of your Facebook page as Stuart Smiley’s mirror: It contains a lot of your core beliefs and preferences, and it puts your network of friends and family at your reach. In psychologist language, it can “satisfy fundamental ego needs regarding desired self-images.”

You can’t directly measure any Facebook bump in self-esteem or any bump generated other ways. But you can measure defensive behavior to criticism. It’s been shown that the self-affirmation experiences similar to those spoofed by Stuart Smiley reduce defensive responses that are naturally continued on next page

© 2013 MCT

Follow us on Twitter @seminolescribe MOVIES continued from page 4

ones. Start the screams and jumps with ‘Aftershock’ on May 10 followed by: ‘No One Lives’ May 10, ‘Now You See Me’ May 31, ‘V/H/S/2’ July 12 and ‘The Conjuring’ July 19.

In a random sample of Facebook movie lovers, the top three movies most are looking forward to watching this summer are: 1.

Star Trek Into Darkness

2.

Iron Man 3

3.

The Hangover: Part 3

Me, I’m looking forward to seeing ‘World War Z.’ What about you, Seminole State? What movie or movies are you looking forward to seeing this summer on the big screen? Email us!

Reel growth

The box office grew in 2012 thanks mostly to international ticket sales. Domestic receipts also increased even though movie ticket prices remained flat.

Box-office total

In billions International $23.9 40 U.S./Canada $10.8

Average movie ticket price in the domestic market 10

$7.96

8

30 20

China has overtaken Japan at the box office, but it still lags behind the North American market

Market U.S./Canada Japan

Britain

France

4 10

Global reach

China

6

India

Germany

2

South Korea Russia

Õ08 Õ09

Õ10

Source: MPAA Graphic: Los Angeles Times

Õ11 Õ12

Õ04 Õ06

Õ08

Õ10

elicited by ego threats.

Psychologists have tested this repeatedly. Usually they ask a participant to list strongly held beliefs and write an essay about the top one. After that, the participant invariably reacts better to a blow against the ego. The essay acts as selfaffirmation.

The participant who chooses to write about a lower-ranked value but about how others may think it’s important generally is more defensive. The essay had no self-affirming effect.

Turns out, looking at your own Facebook page is the social network equivalent of that first essay. Looking at another person’s page is the non-affirming experience.

Catalina Toma, at the University of Wisconsin, and Jeffrey Hancock, at Cornell, study communication and social networks. They devised two experiments. In the first, some students got to look at their own Facebook page, while others looked at a stranger’s page (it turned out to be another study participant’s page). Some wrote the self-affirming essay, while others wrote the more neutral one.

Now the ruse: Participants were told they were there to evaluate a distance-learning public speaking course. Each was to write a short speech on the legality of abortion and deliver it to a camera, then get feedback and rate the feedback by various aspects. The trick: Participants wound up with the same negative feedback.

What happened? Results were as expected: less defensive response from people exposed to self-affirmation activity; more from those who did not get that experience. And it turned out that the proportion between those two responses was the same for those who wrote the essays as for those who viewed Facebook pages.

“Facebook has just as big an effect on self-esteem as traditional tools,” Hancock said.

But would someone who gets a negative feedback actively seek solace in Facebook? The second experiment tested that. They used a similar cover story: testing a public speaking program. But this time feedback was randomly negative or neutral. After the feedback, participants were allowed to choose an activity: looking at their own Facebook page, watching YouTube videos, listening to online music, reading online news or playing online video games.

After receiving neutral feedback, participants were equally likely to choose any of those activities. About 30 percent chose Facebook. But nearly twice as many chose Facebook after negative feedback.

Well, maybe more people prefer Facebook over the other activities, right? Researchers took that into account.

Facebook’s rank among the activity choices (tested before the experiment) for those who got negative feedback was lower than the average rating of the other activities.

Why would any of this be important? Well, it gives experimenters a new tool to use instead of the essay, and there are about a billion people who use Facebook in any given month.

That’s a gigantic laboratory.

But Facebook might one day be part of therapies that use self-affirmation, such as programs to quit smoking or to change other habits.

“Anything you need to be stronger at, self-affirmation is good for you,” Hancock said.

Going in for a work evaluation anytime soon? Hancock advises: “Doing a little bit of Facebook before may be helpful.”

Maybe you’ll find that you’re good enough, smart enough and, dog gone it, people press the like icon on your posts. (c)2013 Los Angeles Times

Õ12

9

Australia Brazil

’12 box office

In billions $10.8 2.7 2.4 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.2 0.8

© 2013 MCT

FACEBOOK continued from page 4

The Editor Was Here The smoking ban, which will be occurring on campus this semester, is all that students have been talking about whenever I walk past the gazebos. Brings me back memories from when I was interviewing students when the ban news first broke out last semester. Some of the quotes I received were so vulgar that I couldn’t even publish them.

Looking at the quotes that our guest columnist received, it seems to me that the majority of student smokers are beginning to accept the fact that this is for the best of all students- that the ban is not a direct target against them.

I personally am for the smoking ban because I know the health risks that smoking causes and also because I do not enjoy coughing my lungs out every single time I pass the “smoking designated areas.” Some smoker’s complaints were these areas are not even in the way and that students should just find another path to walk on. What do you think?

The funny part is that the smokers do not even stay at these areas. I see them up in the J-building puffing away and also in the breezeway turning their backs to the security guards. So if you think you are being “cool” by breaking the rules and not staying in the designated areas, just think that you are another reason why this ban is going into action.

The consequences for being caught smoking on campus has not yet been decided. But I hope they are as serious as being suspended. Why? For the simple reason that people do not take new regulations seriously and would possibly protest. So 1+1 =2.

I care about the health of the students here on campus. Please message me telling what you think of the ban? It may be published in the next issue of The Seminole Scribe.

Sabira.Mawji13@gmail.com or tweet me @ SabiraMawji -Editor of The Seminole Scribe -www. SabiWasHere.com

10 April 5, 2013

Don’t spend this summer slacking!

Get ahead of your classmates by enrolling in JOU 2930 Selected Studies in Journalism .

Learn how to cover news stories with your smart phone, develop your storytelling talent - in words or pictures and prepare yourself for a career in multimedia.

State cuts to higher education

State spending on higher education is down 28 percent since the recession began. Change in spending per student, 2008-13: $1 to 1,400

0 to -1,999

-2,000 to -3,499

-3,500 or more

R.I. Conn.

Del.

NOTE: Alaska and Hawaii are not to scale

• 11 states have cut funding by more than a third; Arizona and New Hampshire, by half • Arizona and California have raised tuition at four-year schools by more than 70 percent

• States provide 53 percent of the revenue for instruction at public colleges and universities • When states cut instruction funding, colleges and universities must cut spending, raise tuition • Other cuts: faculty positions, course offerings, closing campuses, library services

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Graphic: Judy Treible

© 2013 MCT

HOROSCOPES

By Nancy Black | Tribune Media Services (MCT)

Today’s Birthday (04/05/13). Things are hopping, and the tempo is right. Communication ease facilitates advancement on many levels. Group and community efforts go farther. Your focus is at home. An inheritance or gift could arise. Personal change could include healthier diet and exercise, or career transformation.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Investigate a recurring dream. Changes lead to more changes. Don’t overlook responsibilities. It’s not a good time to gamble.

Associates boost your morale. Reaffirm a commitment. Team projects go well. You’re immensely popular.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Get together with the gang. Make sure the others know their assignments. Optimism rules. It’s a very good time for falling in love, despite any awkward moments. A loving commitment energizes you both.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Keep a secret. You may discover all is not as expected. Follow your heart. Put your ideas onstage now. Do it all for home and family. Don’t ask for more money (yet). Savor bliss.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Delegate to perfectionists when the job gets irritating. Do the filing instead. Invest in home improvements. Find what you need nearby. Make time to chat with your associates. Accept encouragement and guidance.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- A secret gamble could pay off. Be willing to adapt. Hide away winnings or pay bills. Ask an older person to help manage your resources, and use your own good judgment.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You’re pushed to take action. It’s appropriate to make a commitment. Buy it, if you come in under budget. Don’t believe everything you read. Get something that travels well. Devise a unique slogan.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Creativity still takes work (and financial backing). Turn down an expensive invitation. Thank them profusely. Invest in newer technology at home. Don’t bend the rules. Let a partner do the talking. Relax.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Keep a low profile. A loved one spurs you on to leap over fences. You gain insight. But don’t take risks or travel just yet. Pad your schedule for the unexpected.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Start by fixing something at home. Recycle old technology. Don’t discuss finances or bet the rent. Others believe in you.

Handle an easy task first. Accept acknowledgement from a person you admire.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- A timely phone call works magic now. Don’t question authority to avoid a painful lesson. Protect your sources. You’re learning fast. Somebody’s testing the limits. Others remark on your brilliance.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Change your routine. Work at home profits. This is a test: run a reality check. Make a big improvement. Provide team motivation.

Accept a recreational offer. Your family history gets very interesting.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Eclectic ideas work better. You accomplish more behind the scenes. Follow up on a stroke of genius. Everything seems possible. You’re admired for your imagination. Get inspired by cool old stuff. (c)2013 bY NANCY BLACK DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

National Poetry Month Poetry is an ancient art form, but it is also a contemporary and popular one. Almost everyone has read some poetry at some point in life. If you enjoy music, you may even listen to poetry on a regular basis. National Poetry Month will be running throughout the month of April. According to Poets.org, a website run by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is when “schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.” There is no doubt that poetry is a rich part of our heritage, so why not celebrate it this month? Here are some fun ways to participate in National Poetry Month: 1. Read some poems. Poems are easily accessible online. Poets. org has a nice selection of great poems from historical poets like Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, and Walt Whitman. They also have a good selection of contemporary poets like Maya Angelou, Richard Blanco, Billy Collins, and Naomi Shihab Nye. There are countless styles of poetry, so you are bound to find a poet you really enjoy.

2. Write some poems! After you read some poems, why not try writing some of your own? Don’t think about rules when you start out; just write. For fun, try writing in the style of a poet you like. Each year there is a poetry contest at Seminole State, so keep writing and think about submitting an entry.

3. Attend Seminole State’s Tuesday Voices. At this monthly open microphone poetry forum, you can find students and others reciting their own poems or even favorite poems written by others.

You can come and just listen or recite your own poems in this supportive environment. Dates are listed at: www.seminolestate. edu/english/poetry_reading.htm 4. Carry a poem in your pocket.

April 18 is Poem in Your Pocket Day. Carry a poem in your pocket that day and share poems with your friends. Go to www.poets. org/pocket to print out pocketsized poems.

5. Find poetry in the community.

Throughout the year, organizations around Central Florida do events including poetry slams or readings by famous poets. Keep your eyes open for cool things to go to.

On Course Talisha Harrison

Selection of poetry from The Unconsciousness of an Ethiopian Princess College Days of Future Past Volume One © 2006

Check out

Tuesday Voices Seminole State’s Own Open Mic Poetry Forum Tuesday Voices is an open-microphone poetry forum that takes place once per month, on select Tuesday evenings, during the spring and fall semesters. The sessions are sponsored by the English Department of Seminole State College; they are hosted

by Webb Harris, a Seminole State creative writing instructor, and are held in the Student Center (Room C110).

Each session usually lasts about one hour.

Refreshments are provided.

Tuesday Voices welcomes all Seminole State students, staff, and faculty, as well as members of the community. The program is more than 30 years old. For more information, contact Professor Webb Harris: (407) 708-2691 or harrisw@seminolestate.edu.

The Road Not Taken Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

With nothing but the clothes on my back, I journey to the promise land, Keeping my vision clear in order To see the future.

The soles of my shoes become worn and break.

Barefooted, I keep on walking, Going wherever the wind takes me.

I take the roads less traveled, with no map or compass, Encountering strangers and making new Friends along the way.

The road is long and narrow with no promised land in sight.

My hope dwindles-only for a moment--as encouragement comes from Unexpected sources.

I keep on, occurring obstacles that test me; My instincts are constantly sharpened.

Alone, I continue towards my destination, with Rock, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues as my only companions.

Big things hAPPen

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• Communication Studies

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Join the Rollins netwoRk B.A. infoRmAtion session tuesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.

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• Music • Organizational Behavior • Psychology