Court to hear motion as Zimmerman attempts to remove ankle monitor

ORLANDO -- The counsel for George Zimmerman, accused of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, 17, on Feb. 26, filed eight new motions on Friday in Seminole County Court in an attempt to allow the removal of his ankle monitor.

In addition, Zimmerman’s attorney Mark O’Mara is attempting to lift the restrictions preventing Zimmerman from speaking to witnesses that include personal friends, according to the motions.

The request comes hot off of Zimmerman’s allegations against NBC Universal in which he claims the newsmaker employed wrongfully racist spins against him.

That defamation suit was filed on Thursday and Zimmerman will seek damages, according to court documents.

According to the suit levied against the network, “NBC saw the death of Trayvon Martin not as a tragedy but as an opportunity to increase ratings.

“Because of NBC’s deceptive and exploitative manipulations, the public wrongly believes that Zimmerman ‘used a racial epithet’ while describing Martin during the call to the dispatcher,” continues the suit.

Zimmerman is accused of shooting and killing Martin in the February incident in Sanford that has since made national headlines. Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder. He was released after posting his $1 million bond in July, according to public 
documents.

He has since been required to wear a GPS enabled tracking ankle bracelet and has had his location monitored by the police, amidst fears for Zimmerman’s safety and the threat of vigilantism. He has also been required to stay in Seminole County since being fitting with the monitor.

"I think nobody would deny the fact that if George Zimmerman were walking down the street today, he would be at risk. That is a reality," said O’Mara in an April interview with press.

While Zimmerman’s safety was a concern for his attorneys, emotions ran hot for others involved in the case.

Martin’s family attorney Ben Crump held the opposing opinion following the related bond hearing in April, according to a CBS report.

"Why is everybody protecting George Zimmerman?" he said.

The hearing on Friday’s motions is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 11, while Zimmerman’s murder trial is set to commence in June.

Orlando goes pink as breast cancer awareness event turns 14

ORLANDO -- October is an important month. For Floridians, it means slightly cooler weather and a welcome respite from the heat and humidity. For the world at large, it means a month of breast cancer awareness.

Why not combine the two and get walking?

This Saturday morning, the American Cancer Society will host the 2012 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K walk. The annual event will descend upon Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando at 9 a.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m.

“It gives us an excellent opportunity to get our message out,” said Christy Clelland, manager of the nonprofit Making Strides of Orlando Metro. “Early detection is key.”

The walk has already collected upwards of $300,000 for the cause, with top contributors ranging from Siemens to Full Sail University to the Yum Yum Cupcake truck, according to the society’s running list.

Breast cancer survivor Margery Gould Rath originated the concept of walking for the cause with her first event in 1984. She called it a “move-along-a-thon,” drawing 200 participants in Boston. In 1993, the event evolved into its current incarnation, officially becoming the “American Cancer Society Strides Against Cancer” walk. One became many, attracting over 4,000 walkers at events in Boston and in New Hampshire in that same year.

Rath passed away in 2001 following her battle with breast cancer, but her spirit lives on in the events that she began.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Since 1993, eight million walkers across the United States have raised more than $460 million to help fight breast cancer through ‘Making Strides’ events. In 2011 alone, one million walkers across the country collected more than $60 million to help fight this disease.”

“I, myself, am a breast cancer survivor,” said Rita Van Trump, online chair of the local Strides organization. “I find events like ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ a great way to bring awareness to the disease and the battle that must be waged to fight it and bring an end to it.”

This year marks the 14th for the Orlando event. Make a contribution, either through donations of time or of money, this weekend. Attendees are encouraged to don something pink, the official color of breast cancer awareness.

Take it one step further and wear a pink bra to show support. 

According to the cancer society, “The pink bra is a resounding symbol of how personal the fight against breast cancer is to women.”

“The symbol really empowers women,” said Clelland.

For more information, event registration or to make a donation visit their website.

Have political ads become an unethical game of finances?

Every four years America gathers to either re-elect a president or eject one from office via ‘’work-almost-every-time” majority vote. Much like that other really important American sporting event that happens on a semi-regular basis, the casual onlooker will be focusing primarily on the commercials.

Love them or hate them, political marketing and advertising campaigns are the mother of all such campaigns. Before the Volkswagen was a “lemon,” there were men vying for the top office of our country. And ever since America went and became a democracy, that man had to begin competing for the attention of the masses. Enter political advertising.

Ads are good things. They take on many forms—print, television, radio—and they allow candidates to court their constituencies with ease and with pointed strategic cunning.

Ads can be bad things, though those things are typically products of a casual, less informed body of individuals who dismiss ads as annoyances. Often, such criticisms will include mention of an over-saturated market, overstuffed airwaves, frivolous messages and obvious blurring of the truth by opposing candidates.

“It’s not about supporting the over-saturation, it’s about supporting a society where the media is a tool of communication,” says Nicholas Ware, graduate instructor in digital media at the University of Central Florida.

“The benefit of any media is the dissemination of information. It’s unfortunate that some platforms are based on empty rhetoric, but that’s not the fault of the ads. Ads are something that people become accustomed to seeing. As a politician, you’re basically speaking to people in a language that they’re understanding.”

Ads can be really good things. The nature of political campaigning has evolved alongside the advancement of technology and an important function of modern ad campaigning is the ability to literally reach the masses. Ads spread messages quickly and with little effort, essentially doing the work of hundreds of localized canvassing teams expending a fraction of the time and effort.

“It’s the most effective way to reach the largest number of people,” says former Florida Representative Dick Batchelor. He says people are just “tired of hearing the negative messages.”

Sometimes, ads can be very bad. The controversial Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case of 2008 resulted in the Supreme Court decision to allow unlimited funding for political ad campaigns. From the ashes of that landmark case rose this political season’s most popular alphabet soup: the super PAC. These political action committees are individual entities that pump money into the support of their choice candidate.

According to the New York Times, the decision would be “the likely death knell for a cornerstone of the post-Watergate campaign finance reforms intended to limit the influence of money in federal elections.”

Regardless of the threat of political influence belonging to entities with incomprehensibly deep pockets, the burden of choice remains on the individual voter. Now that organizations are allowed to inundate the public with their own opinions, it has become the ultimate responsibility of the individual to consider the worth and legitimacy of the source.

Similarly, attack ads should, at best, provide the public with a glimpse into the true nature of a politician. These messages are suggestions and provide vital insight into the character of a candidate; they are not replacements for personal research and awareness. Does a candidate have an affinity for going on the offensive? He or she is more than likely either threatened or has run out of things to say.

“It’s not necessarily in our best interest to restrict the kinds of messages that can be sent,” said Ware.

Each ad helps us cultivate our opinion on a potential elected official for better or for worse. That’s a very good thing.

“You don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

Valencia opens Lake Nona campus

LAKE NONA CAMPUS -- Valencia students will finally have the chance to get to know Nona.

The college’s inaugural Lake Nona campus celebrated the opening of its flagship building this Thursday evening with a ribbon cutting ceremony preceded by a series of speeches and a meet-and-greet between college and city officials.

Upon arrival, a smiling assemblage of student leaders clad in bright red Valencia polo shirts and glittering bronze name badges, greeted attendees. Leading those leaders was SGA President, and proud Lake Nona student, Paola Santos.

“Right now the campus is blank; students have the opportunity to suggest and take the lead on everything they want to see happening on campus, whether it’s sports or SGA. To see the student body unite is going to be really exciting,” says Santos.

The completed 83,000 square foot building is the first of 4 planned for the site. Through its partnership with nearby medical city, the location aims to focus on math and the sciences. 

Featuring 18 hi-tech smart classrooms, six labs ranging in focus from biotech to chemistry, a shaded inner courtyard, a digital library, full student support services, a café and a bookstore, the campus is ready to welcome its first students.

When speaking of the building’s design, executive dean Dr. Michael Bosley said that engineers tried to cultivate a “woodland feel” and a “sense of space.” And according to Bosley, they are already planning a mirror of the building across the current courtyard.

“Think of this building as a big hug that surrounds our students everyday,” said Bosley, with a smile.

“When students walk in they always share that they feel this tranquility within the building,” said Santos in a similar reflection of the building’s character.

The campus, which just opened for business for this current fall semester, is already attracting students. According to Kathleen Plinske, president of both Osceola and Lake Nona campuses, the location has already enrolled upwards of 1500 students.

During the array of speeches, college President Sandy Shugart encouraged a grand vision for the area’s future.

“Rarely in the career of a college president do you get to build in a place that has a real vision for the future,” said Shugart in his speech.

He also praised the environmental sustainability of the building’s design, which is slated to achieve a level 2 Green Globes Certification from a Portland, Ore. based non-profit, according to a Valencia news release.

“Imagine a place where everything is sustainable. Imagine a place that has the most beautiful town center in Florida by design,” said Shugart.

Speakers in the dedication included Dr. Bosley, President Shugart and Mayor Buddy Dyer. Those in attendance included City Commissioner Jim Gray, senatorial staffers, engineers, college trustees and board members. Immediately following the ribbon cutting, which was repeated multiple times to allow all of the groups involved in the project a chance to cut, were guided tours and science demonstrations.

“The opportunity that students have here is boundless,” said Santos.

Visit the Lake Nona campus website for more information.

European study abroad offers opportunity for would-be politicos

WEST CAMPUS – Politically minded Valencia students have a chance to explore the “city of lights” and beyond in the summer of 2013.

Students who wish to enroll in International Politics while experiencing the local flavor can choose to travel to France and Belgium for nine days next year. This short-term study abroad trip will begin in Paris and will terminate in Brussels, exploring Strasbourg and points between.

“This is my first time leading a study abroad course, so I am excited to really get this up and running more than anything,” said trip adviser Professor Scott Creamer. He can be found teaching political science at Valencia’s Osceola campus.

Activities will range from walking tours to group activities and lectures. Be prepared for total immersion: much time will be spent on foot and utilizing local transit.

“This course is certainly not geared just to the student interested in politics.  The course will offer a look at much more than that,” said Creamer. “Students can expect to indulge in the art, food, and music of France and Belgium as part of the cultural experience.

According to Valencia’s information page, “Students will study government in Europe, the operation of international organizations, the practice of international law, the outcomes of regional cooperation (especially economically), and diplomacy by experiencing them firsthand.”

“Who knows, they may become ‘politicos’ themselves after the experience,” said Creamer.

All activities are mandatory, and according to the itinerary provided by Valencia, the trip will be preceded by orientations and requisite assignments beginning as early as February.

The course itself is worth three credit hours. Requirements for the program include a minimum GPA of 2.5 at the time of application and students must be above 18 years of age.

“My program benefits students especially interested in fulfilling social science/humanities requirements as part of their general education requirements,” said Creamer. “It is a three-credit section of International Politics that serves the same purpose as either the face-to-face or online version.”

Creamer believes that the benefit of the trip will extend beyond simple immersion in local politics. Students should take credit hours as a welcome bonus to the unforgettable experience that international travel provides.

“I hope students get what I got out of my study abroad experience - something they'll never forget and something that changes their perspective on what they see and hear around them regularly.”

Application deadline for the France and Belgium trip is Feb. 1, 2013.

For more information, visit the program website.

First-time Valencia student sets her sights on Broadway

EAST CAMPUS -- Singer. Dancer. Actress. Broadway aspirant. Knows sign language. Soft yet well spoken and appears eerily wise beyond her years. Currently performing downtown. Rings in at 18-years-old. Humble.

Could this be a list of talking points on the resume of a theatrical wunderkind? It’s possible. Though these attributes belong to Tess Carr, who on Wednesday, in the failing afternoon glow of East Campus’ performing arts building, projected average teenage girl.

“People judge me all the time. They make assumptions that because I’m in the theater world I’m a certain way and it’s not necessarily true,” said Carr. “It’s kind of a generalization of a group of people. Just because I’m in theater I don’t act a certain way or am a certain way.”

First time Valencia student Carr recently landed her second professional theater role with “Sunday in the Park With George” at the Mad Cow Theatre Company in downtown Orlando. Her first was with the Orlando Repertory Theatre in Loch Haven Park with last year’s “A Wrinkle In Time.”

Since beginning her acting career as a child of 8, Carr has performed in upwards of 25 shows.

“I think I probably knew that I wanted to be an actress from the time I was about 3 when my mom would catch me in front of my full length mirror singing,” said Carr. “Growing up I’ve always performed everywhere I’ve went. It’s always what I wanted to do.

“I hope to be on Broadway one day. That’s probably every performer’s dream.”

Currently, the Sondheim musical is in full swing downtown, allowing Carr to be totally immersed in the student-performer lifestyle. Having graduated high school just last May, she intends to attend Valencia in order to remain close to both her base of contacts and to her family, whom she loves spending time with.

Carr intends to participate in Valencia’s acting program as soon as her schedule allows and is currently enrolled in an acting class with Professor John DiDonna.

“I think the hardest part about being a student in the world of professional acting is that you have to balance work and school and your professional life while still learning about everything,” said Carr.

“I always bring all of my homework with me and all of my books with me so everytime that I’m not on stage I’m backstage studying anything I can do with school.”

“Sunday” follows the creation of painter Georges Seurat’s quintessential park scene, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” Carr cites long nights and talented players for the success of the production at Mad Cow.

“It’s been very long nights but it’s been a very condensed and quick process. We put everything up very fast and then we went back through it working it over and over and over again until it was perfect,” said Carr.

“I really didn’t know much about the history of the actual painter himself but I studied as much about the time period, about how certain people would act during that time period.”

Carr plans to finish a degree in acting following completion of a degree in sign language, which she says is her other great passion alongside theater.  In the long run, she says, “I really do see myself performing.”

When asked to impart some advice unto her fellow young actors, Tess smiled big and took a preparatory breath.

“Study with a lot of professionals in the area. Audition everywhere you can, take classes as much as you can and definitely do as much studying as you can.”

“Sunday in the Park With George” opened Mad Cow’s new performance space at 54 W. Church St. downtown. Catch Carr and her fellow actors through Oct. 28. For more information, visit www.madcowtheatre.com.

Watch the full interview here.

Professor enters unfamiliar territory for free lecture series

WEST CAMPUS -- We love to hate it. It confounds us and confuses us. It may even frighten us. But have no fear, for election season is here and Professor Noy Sparks is the man to help us understand those two little words: Electoral College.

But it wasn’t always that way. Like many of the students in attendance, Sparks is no expert.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do research on, and I’ve been forced to dig,” said Sparks.

He took his hour-long turn at the podium Thursday evening as part of the Interdisciplinary Honors Professor’s Choice lecture series. The program encourages professors to step out of their comfort zones by teaching a subject that they find both personally interesting and valuable to students. Each session is free and open to the public.

“It gives the students an opportunity to learn about things that may not be in the curriculum,” said Sparks. “And it gives the professor an opportunity to share areas of interest that he or she may feel are important.”

More than 30 Valencia students were in attendance. One student, Roland Brown, actively engaged Sparks throughout his presentation.

“The whole idea of the Electoral College doesn’t make sense,” said Brown. “I didn’t know some of what I heard tonight, it’s definitely something that should be taught in schools.”

Philip Belcastro, president of the Secular Student Alliance of West Campus, displayed a little more confidence. “I was curious to see if there was anything I didn’t know.”

Sparks has been teaching the humanities to Valencia students for the past nine years, but has strong political convictions in his personal life. He strives to maintain neutrality in class, though stresses the importance of de-mystifying the Electoral College system. According to Sparks, many Americans are out of touch with their own history.

When asked to comment on his political leanings, Sparks leaned back in contemplation, chin over colorful bowtie.

“Valencia hasn’t hired me to teach my political convictions. Valencia’s hired me to teach the humanities.”

The IDH lecture series continues on Oct. 25 with Professor Lisa Lippitt. For more information, contact honors program director Valerie Burks at 407-582-1729.