"Mr. Two-Bits" to Retire from Gator Football

By Ashley Griffith

GAINESVILLE, Fla.,--After 60 years of leading the spirit and cheers of thousands of screaming Gator fans, George Edmondson—known as “Mr. Two-Bits,” is retiring.

Edmondson started his historical mark in Gator history in 1949 at a game against The Citadel, and ironically ended it with the Gators playing The Citadel again Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 with a staggering win of 70-19.

After fighting in the Navy in War World II, Edmondson moved home to Tampa and was invited to a Gator game with some friends. At the time, the Gators were losing pretty badly, so he was astonished that the UF fans in the stadium were booing their own team.

He was immediately propelled to cheer when others booed. He started a trend. Soon people were coming to his section to watch his cheering, and began to cheer themselves. By the end of that historic first Citadel game, he had his entire section cheering along.

The rest is history. Throughout the next 60 years he has earned the name “Two-Bits” for his random cheering and unyielding devotion to his team for six decades. “I believe you support your team, your players, your coach, no matter what,” Edmonson told Mike Bianchi from the Orlando Sentinel. “Teams face enough negativism from the opposing fans; they don’t need it from their own fans, too.”

That is exactly what Edmondson has done. Although the Gators are on top of the world now, Edmondson has seen his team through all the rough times, multiple coaches and losses, all the way to their BCS National Championship in 2006.

And today, Edmondson said good bye to it all. He came onto the field in his traditional dress shirt and slacks and bellowed his last cheer. “Two bits! Four bits! Six bits! A dollar! All for the Gators, stand up and holler!”

Some fans in the crowd were given free cardboard Mr. Two-Bit ties as a memorandum for his last day at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

University of Florida students have mixed emotions about Edmondson’s retirement. UF student Mary Deaver said, “I’m kind of sad because we are losing a UF tradition;” however, considering Edmondson is 86, she said she can understand his retirement.

Other students claimed they didn’t really know or care about his retirement or tradition with Gator football. UF student Patrick Bobek said “I never heard of Two-Bits before I got into UF.”

Long-time Gator fans had something different to add. “He takes with him an epic era where football was appreciated, and he showed us the true meaning of a fan,” said Gator fan Roy Moxam.

While the Gators are currently ranked number three in the country, set to play the SEC Championship game on Dec. 6, 2008, and eyeing a slot in the National Championship game, Mr. Two-Bit’s cheers and legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and students everywhere.

In Debt Before You Start?

By Ashley Griffith

ORLANDO, Fla.,--With the United States economy in the midst of a financial crisis, Valencia Community College is taking steps to inform students on debt protection and the importance of financial literacy.

Eunice Cruz, president and founder of Victorious Overcoming Women (V.O.W) Ministries spoke at a Valencia skill shop entitled “Understanding Debt and protecting your Credit" on Thursday.

“The average college student graduates with $40,000 dollars in debt,” said Cruz. She focused on explaining to the students the importance of understanding student loans, credit cards, and your own personal credit score.

Valencia student Bernice Rivera thought the skill shop was especially important for college students because “many students get credit cards and max them out.” One of the most detrimental factors in debt protection Cruz focused on for students was student loans.

The most important advice Cruz offered is to “Read the fine print! Education is important, but you have to understand how much it is going to cost,” she said.

Also included in the skill shop were the issues involved in credit scores. Cruz explained to the students what factors affect your credit score, and how to restore your credit. "When you sign up for a credit card you are now being identified by a three digit number: your credit score,” said Cruz.

Students found the skill shop effective in demonstrating the importance of being financially savvy. “I don’t have credit card, but if I had one, I would know what to do,” said Valencia student, Jennifer Ilojiole.

Sarah-Jane Kenyon takes 2009 LPGA Card

ORLANDO, Fla.,--Sarah-Jane Kenyon, the newest member of the LPGA tour 2009 visited Valencia Community College to speak to students about her career Monday evening.

Kenyon is a fourth-year Duramed Futures tour member, and this year she successfully finished four top five finishes in seven events, which have now led her into a full time career with the LPGA tour.

Kenyon, originally from Queensland, Australia, came to the United States in 2005. “”It’s the best place in the world to play,” said Kenyon. “It has the best tour, and the best players come here.”

In the past few years, Kenyon has played in the Futures tour, the Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) tour, and in 2009, she will begin her full time status on the LPGA tour.

Playing golf has personally and professionally been a positive experience for Kenyon. She met her fiancée, Duane Smith, through the sport, so she said “personally it’s been great!”

The wedding is set for Jan. 10, 2009 in her hometown in Australia.

Earlier this year, Kenyon was diagnosed with Celiac disease, which is a digestive disease that interferes with the absorption of nutrients of food. Upon discovering her illness, Kenyon has changed her diet, which she claims has “made a bit of difference this year particularly” for her playing.

Kenyon has recently become an ambassador for the National Celiac Foundation to increase awareness and funds for the cause. “There is really no awareness for it in America,” said Kenyon.

Although Kenyon has a full time LPGA tour ahead, a wedding, and her non-profit work for the National Celiac Foundation, when referencing her career she said, “It’s definitely worth it.”

"Impeach Barack Obama" Groups Surface on Facebook

By Ashley Griffith

ORLANDO, Fla.,--A few short days after the 2008 presidential election results were announced, hundreds of Facebook groups have been created calling for President-elect Barack Obama’s impeachment.

Of the 169 groups that have been created, one group has collected over 5,000 members just three days after Election Day.

The group is entitled “Impeach Barack Obama,” and currently has 5,781 members. Included on the group page is a description of the aim of those who are preparing for Obama’s impeachment, group discussion posts, photos, videos, and related groups admiring Obama’s opponent in the election, Republican John McCain.

Yet these claims are not in favor of McCain, “we would all be in a similar group for John McCain if he was elected president,” said group member Tom Jaslikowski.

Jaslikowski claims that he, like the creator of the group, is a “libertarian,” and a more suited candidate to change President Bush’s policies would have been Republican Ron Paul.

The group description states that every president recites the following oath from Article II, Section I of the Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

“This group has been created under the assumption that it takes approximately seven seconds for a modern day president to violate this oath,” said the creator of the group, Ellen Finnigan.

Facebook members have mixed feelings about the groups. “He may not be my first pick for a president, but people see potential in him. Give him a chance before talking about impeachment,” said Facebook member, Kendra Hamilton.

Some of the other group members claim that Obama is a socialist, and “if you want to help America, impeach Obama.”

One “Impeach Barack Obama” group member stated “we hope that we are wrong and Obama brings peace and prosperity, but the evidence indicates otherwise.”

Facebook member, Danielle Machado said, “He hasn’t done anything wrong yet, and the majority of people in American voted for him, so it’s a waste of time because impeachment is not going to happen.”

Comments on the group’s discussion board have a variety of attitudes about the group and Obama’s plans for the U.S. Some are blatantly attacking the creators for their lack of optimism, while some are in compliance with the idea of impeachment.

As the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama will be the inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2009, and will be the first African-American president.

Dan Shepherd: The Facts about Freelance Journalism

By Ashley Griffith

ORLANDO, Fla.,--Dan Shepherd, Freelance Field Producer, visited Valencia Community College Thursday to give Journalism students an insight into his career as a freelance field producer.

Shepherd has gone from photographer for NBC and CBS to freelance producer for a variety of clientele including NBC news, CNN, ESPN, The Today Show, Good Morning America, ABC News, CBS news and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Shepherd graduated from Oklahoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1986. He claims “persistence in this industry is important,” so while in Oklahoma, Shepherd actively pursued and obtained an internship for his first-hand experience in Journalism.

Shepherd landed his first job in Tulsa as a photographer/tape editor for KJRH (NBC) from 1984 to 1987, which included daily coverage of news, spot news, live-truck operations and video-tape editing.

“Be ready for anything in this business,” said Shepherd. Staying true to his word, Shepherd moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Orlando, Florida and landed a job at CBS from 1987 to 1990. While the responsibilities were the same as his previous job, Shepherd claims “local TV is a great training ground.”

Shepherd worked for CBS in Orlando then Tampa, Florida for 7 years.

In 1994 Shepherd began freelance work in Orlando. He was a photographer, audio, and field producer for a variety of clients including NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, A&E Biography, Home Depot TV, and Discovery Channel Canada.

Freelance journalism, while constant work is never guaranteed, is Shepherd’s preferred area of work. Freelance gives you a variety of clients and more freedom in the business.

“You get to do some cool stuff,” said Shepherd.

So how does one land a career as a freelance journalist? “It takes time,” said Shepherd. You have to develop relations with many clients, so you can get work; therefore, staying in contact with former associates is a must.

Although Shepherd’s career requires much traveling, he prefers working freelance as opposed to employment at one news station. Also, many times working freelance involves “making more money,” said Shepherd.

Shepherd’s career has certainly been rewarding. He has received two Emmy nominations: one for his coverage of the 9-11 Terrorist attacks, and the second for his coverage of 2005 Hurricane Katrina.

Shepherd clearly has a passion for the journalism industry, and his achievements have been recognized. “This business changes on a dime, you never know,” said Shepherd.

Casino Night Donations Break Records

ORLANDO, Fla.,--In an effort to raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA), the Valencia Volunteers organized “Casino Night” which took place on the Valencia Community College east campus.

The event took place on September 17 in the cafeteria area. With the help of the Student Government Association, the volunteers boast an all time high attendance rate and record breaking donations.

The volunteers had hopes of raising upwards of $500, so Volunteer Coordinator Yary Garcia was delighted to announce that donations were “over $1, 200,” which broke donation records from past events.

Casino Night is an event put together every year to honor those who have survived and passed away from cardiovascular diseases. “We do this to help build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and strokes,” said Garcia, “We are teaching the student body how easy it is to impact someone’s life.”

Casino Night is the chosen event “simply because it is fun,” claims Garcia. Upon entering the casino, a five dollar donation could be exchanged at the door for five thousand dollars in playing money. Of course more can be donated at one time.

“All the proceeds are being donated to the American Heart Association,” said SGA Vice President Kesheena Lattimore. The donations are being given to the AHA, however, the funds will be “donated at the AHA Heart Walk,” said Garcia, which took place on Saturday in Lockhaven Park.

Along with a variety of prizes, free refreshments and trendy decorations, there were two Roulette tables, four Black Jack tables, one Craps table and two Texas Hold’em tables up for play. Complete with casino dealers, a DJ and plenty of food, Casino Night was a fun atmosphere to just mingle with friends or partake in the games.

Multiple donations received multiple raffles. Some of the prizes included a CD player, DVD player, an iPod and a Wii. Many students heard about the prizes last year, and decided to try their luck with the raffle.

Students were thoroughly enjoying themselves whether they were huddled at tables talking or partaking in the very crowded Texas Hold’em tables. Student Marco Rodriguez claimed “everyone was talking about it,” so he came as a result of “the hype.” Other students were drawn to the donations aspect. “It’s for a great cause,” said student Brittney Reese.

The American Heart Association has been involved in the Valencia Volunteer’s past events for a few years. “I have kept it because the American Heart Association is such a great organization and it’s dear to the students as well as the faculty and staff,” said Garcia.

Is Stress Threatening our Society?

“We all live under pressure,” said Robert Young, Pastor of Gospel Tabernacle Church in Orlando.

In an effort to explain, analyze and present solutions to cope with stress, Valencia Community College offered a skill shop Thursday entitled “How to Prevent Stress and Handle Pressure” on its West campus.

Young volunteered to speak at the shop. He focused on explaining to the students the definitions, symptoms and solutions to handling stress and pressure. “He was very entertaining,” said Orlando student Helen Belai.

Young believes it is vital to have an understanding of how to cope with stress. Coping mechanisms “can help you prepare and prevent future pain and suffering.”

While Young discussed the causes and classifications of stress, his main focus was on the solutions of managing stress and pressure.

“It is such a big problem,” Young said. He supplied students with a list of ways to cope and prevent future stress and pressure which focused on “knowing who ‘you’ are,” and defining individual goals and relationships.

Students found the skill shop to be informative, highly entertaining and very helpful. “It really helped me learn how to deal with stress,” said Orlando student Sanya Harjani.