“It’s all about making choices,” Student Financial Services employee Andrew Strazi said. In order to keep on top of tuition, spending must be cut, saving increased, and budgets and journals constructed.

College students spend over two hundred dollars per month on purchases of choice as reported by Harris Interactive. This sum, or a portion of it, could be saved every month, totaling up to twenty-four hundred dollars per year.

If considering items of need, find ways to save.

When it comes to phones, “shop around for the best plan,” Accounting professor Emil Koren said. Talking to loved ones, especially for out of state or out of country students, makes a mobile plan necessary, but be wary of companies that entice buyers with extra features they do not need.
Food is another necessary expense, but there are simple strategies to spend less.

“Get pizza right here in the cafeteria,” Koren said. It is in the best interest of students with meal plans, to use the plan. Not only is money spent on the plan lost, but a student has to spend additional out of pocket money to eat outside of the cafeteria. It is a double whammy.
Keeping track of spending is imperative for saving money.

“The best way to keep track of your spending is to keep a spending diary,” Koren said. Writing down what is spent helps students realize how much they are spending and what the money is going towards. Because writing down every splurge, every time can be difficult, both Koren and Strazi said that keeping track for a shorter amount of time is acceptable. One week of journaling is enough to make an impression on students.

“You’ll be surprised at how much you spend,” Strazi said.

Spending diaries can then help students implement a budget because it will become clear how much is needed for categories such as clothes, food and supplies. Budgets limit what is spent on each category however, the limit can be adjusted as needed.

“If you need to pay tuition… prioritize your expenses,” Strazi said. For budgeting purposes, this requires allocating more money to expenses that are more important such as books and car payments, and less to expenses such as entertainment.

“Saving and budgeting is very important,” Strazi said. Putting money into the bank can help make future costs seem less daunting.

“Start the habit of saving,” Koren said.

Saving now is good practice for the future, when money must be accumulated for payments like those needed to buy a house. However, there is no standard dollar amount students ought to save.

Students should “save on a percentage amount,” Strazi said. By saving a percentage of income, an affordable amount will always be saved.

Although increasing saving and using budgets and journals are crucial strategies, being wary of spending is the key to having money for tuition. “Don’t live beyond your means,” Strazi said.

It was September 30, 2009, and the car pedal was stuck to the floor mat causing the Lexus to accelerate and remain at a speed of 120 mph before crashing at the end of the freeway. A 911 call made by an off-duty state trooper frantically asking for help recorded his last few minutes before his fatal car crash, which killed him and three members of his family. This fatality spurred the 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus recall who had known for two years about the problem.

Thus, important recall information affects those Saint Leo students and faculty who are owners of Toyota vehicles.

“I drive a ’05 Corolla and my brother drives a ’09 Corolla,” Junior Matt Attal says. Although Attal’s car was not under the recall list, his brother’s car was. After calling the dealership, however, Attal said the dealership told them they didn’t need to bring the car in because his part was made in Japan.
“Overall,” Attal said, “The Toyota dealership didn’t seem that concerned with the recall, when it is a big issue.”

After hearing Toyota’s announcement of not being able to fix the problem, Saint Leo Junior Travis Vanburen said, “They better find a solution fast because people are running into things and getting hurt.”

Specifically, according to Toyota, the latest two recalls are the sticking accelerator pedal and the floor mat entrapment. The pedal recall is due to faulty mechanisms which may mechanically stick in partially depressed position or return slowly to idle position. The matt recall is due to unsecured, ill fitting floor pads which may interfere and impede with the accelerator pedal, causing it to become stuck.

It is important to know what to do if one has an emergency situation due to a faulty Toyota part. If the gas pedal is sticking, make sure to put the car in neutral as soon as possible.

On February 8th, Toyota told consumers that they are taking three steps to fix these problems. First, Toyota is sending letters to owners involved in the recall to schedule an appointment at their local dealer. Secondly, dealerships have extended their hours to help fix the cars, some extending their hours to 24/7. Lastly, they have trained technicians who are currently making repairs.
From Toyata.com here is a list of the current models which are being recalled for some adjustment.

2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2009-2010 Corolla
2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Matrix
2004-2009 Prius
2010 Prius
2009-2010 RAV4
2008-2010 Sequoia
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2009-2010 Venza

Toyota makes it clear to consumers that they are ashamed of the loss of trust due to the recall, and have put out commercials where they have given many Americans a little hope for their faulty Toyota’s.

On February 5, Toyota released this statement, “Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. We will continue to update you with accurate and timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.”

For further information and help call Toyota Customer Experience Center at #1-800-331-4331.

Good news for current and former students, President Obama promises to make school a lot more affordable for students currently enrolled in college and for recent graduates paying back student loans.

College costs have grown nearly 40 percent over the last five years. 60 percent of all college graduates will leave college with debt and the average student will be around $19,000 dollars in debt. Obama is calling on America to reclaim its place as the world’s leader in producing college graduates. The economic slump is creating more people defaulting on student loans and rising rates to accompany them. Students as well as private and public schools are suffering.

During Obama’s State of the Union address he advertised education as one of his top priorities. Obama’s recent budget request for 2011 will propose a $10,000 tax credit for families paying for four years of college, and more money for Pell Grants that help low-income students afford college. Obama is also requesting an expansion of an income-based student-loan repayment program.

“Let’s tell another 1 million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years — and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service,” said Obama during the speech.
Obama’s new program will put a cap on the monthly minimum payment a person must pay every month.

“Let’s tell another 1 million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years — and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service,” said Obama.

The amount of money a student can receive from the Pell Grant will rise as well. This increase will help make higher education affordable for many more students than previously. Over the next few years by the maximum amount available through the Pell Grant will reach $5,400.

The overall budget for discretionary education funds, compared to last year, will increase in $3 billion dollars, six percent more than last years. This includes educations programs for things other than the Pell Grant.

With 92 percent of Saint Leo students receiving financial aid, Obama’s new initiative will help both past, present, and future Saint Leo students immensely.

The evening of February 9, 2010 produced an event unparalleled in Saint Leo history – a political rally for President Abraham Lincoln.

The Saint Leo University Distinguished Speaker Series brought actor Jim Getty, widely known for his impressive portrayal of America’s 16th President, to the Greenfielder – Denlinger Boardrooms. Members of the surrounding community, paired with a substantive student turnout, made the event a success.

Students escorted Mr. Getty, along with staff members from the Political Science and History Departments to the cafeteria for dinner, where Getty met some bewildered looks and held some interesting discussions. Getty stepped out of character, describing his personal life, having moved to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to open a theatre presenting a one-man show on the life of President Lincoln.

Getty, a native of central Illinois, received his M.A. in Music from Illinois Wesleyan University, was a teacher of high school music, and the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Maine.

Creating an atmosphere to mimic 1864, Dr. Hudson Reynolds, professor of Political Science and Director of the Saint Leo University Honors Program, led a student rally across campus, carrying rally signs, torches, and cowbells, through the sidewalks by the apartments and into the SCC Boardrooms, where they were met by a full room of patiently waiting listeners.

Getty spoke on the early life of President Lincoln, from his humble beginnings in a log cabin to the run for Illinois State Legislature. Staying in character, Getty re-created Lincoln, speaking to the issues facing his bid for re-election in the 1864 primary, including the War Between the States. The personal life of Lincoln came through in-between political topics, showing the humanity of the President, making the decisions to keep the country at war and to sign the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Distinguished Speakers Series not only presented the community with a fun, interesting night with Abraham Lincoln, but potentially produced the first pro-Lincoln rally ever to be held in the State of Florida.

A chocolate fountain with strawberries and bananas. Servers bringing out chocolate filled trays for the picking. Goodie bags. Coffee. Cupcakes. Music. Sound like an amazing dream? This was real life at the Honors Program Chocolate Tasting on Saturday February 13.

The event was by invitation only and put on by the Honors Program. Presenters Brittany Rathbone and Grant Posner guided the attendees through the history of chocolate at the beginning of the night.

First Sample: Dark Chocolate- a bitter, yet sweet chocolate.

Tasters learned that the darker the chocolate, the louder the snap is when anyone breaks it. Chocolate has regional differences (hemisphere to hemisphere, country to country) due to what is grown around it. For example, did you know that in Ecuador, the chocolate has floral and fruit notes in the taste, and in the Dominican Republic, the chocolate has tobacco notes to it because of all the tobacco grown around it?

Second Sample: Pomegranate Seeds in Chocolate- a fruity, sweet, and tangy experience.
The cacao tree is grown 20 degrees north and south of the equator. It is a very touchy plant to grow, and it is susceptible to a lot of pests and disease. One tree is able to produce around 1,000 beans a year, or one to two pounds of chocolate. 90 percent of the farms are small, less than 120 acres each.

Third Sample: Peppermint Truffle- a minty, sweet, milk chocolaty experience.
Chocolate was thought to be discovered by monkeys. The sweet, refreshing pulp of the tree was searched for in the humid countries. The monkeys spit out the bitter beans, and more trees began to grow. Men saw the monkeys doing this ritual, and they figured it was worth a try.
Fourth Sample: White Chocolate dipped pretzels- sweet and salty.

Did you know that cacao beans were used as currency? And, at one point, just like counterfeit coins, there were counterfeit beans? Old beans would be split, refilled, and placed back into circulation. Bitter chocolate drinks we wouldn’t consider edible were concocted, and they were considered the elixir of life.

Fifth Sample: Seconds!

Did you know facts:
Chocolate was rationed to soldiers in WWII in 4oz bottles?
Casanova used chocolate as a bribe for chaperones of his favorite lady loves?
Chocolate is a natural anti-depressent?
Chocolate is full of anti-oxidents?
Chocolate isn’t linked to acne, but the milk in milk chocolate is?
Lastly, chocolate raises a heart rate and brain activity more intensely than passionate kissing and lasts four times as long?
The night was filled with chocolaty goodness of all sorts, and so was my stomach.

Spring break is a long celebrated and desired vacation from school and work. Originally, at the end of World War II, Fort Lauderdale, Florida was the top spot for a spring break destination in the United States. This was largely the cause of a man, George Warren “Bob” Gill Jr., also known as “the Father of Fort Lauderdale spring break.”

Fort Lauderdale remained the notorious spring break destination until around the 1980’s. Nowadays, spring break is spent in all types of weather, for all kinds of reasons, and in all different countries around the world.

While spring break gives everyone a chance to live differently for a week, it is surprising just how differently people spend their vacation time. Normal college spring break trips are most often associated with drinking. Unless spring breakers are twenty-one, that might be a difficult feat in the United States. However, in most other countries around the world, being eighteen will do the job.

Not everyone chooses to spend their break partying. Many students make the choice to travel and volunteer. There are a number of programs available, for example, Saint Leo’s own SERVE program. The Serve program gives students the chance to be involved in Service Learning mission trips over spring break. This and other programs give students the opportunity to venture to a foreign land or even just a few states away, have a vacation, and help others at the same time.

However fun and rewarding this may be, many people look forward to spring break for only the second part of that phrase, the break. With the hustle and bustle of work and school, sometimes the week is needed to just relax. Many spend this relaxation time at home, some college students go home to see their families, and many find a remote beach with lots of sun and sand. These are people most often found in the Islands, Florida, or Mexico.

Those are the most popular, but if travelers are seeking more adventure, Australia is known for its gorgeous beaches along the Gold Coast, as well as the sights of Sydney. Just the same, Spain is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, along with culturally rich cities.

If the sights and knowledge are a preference over the beach, the United Kingdom might be the best bet. Many spring breakers venture to England to see the attractions and experience the culture. With a Euro rail pass, the locations and opportunities are endless. Keep in mind, however, that just because its spring break does not mean the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. During the usual time of spring break, England is cold and rainy. Going against the norm of the traditional spring break, many people look forward to the not so skin bronzing weather.

In Australia, many travel to New Zealand to visit the snowy mountain peaks. Even in the United States, many will travel up north for a chance at skiing or a breath of fresh cold air. In Norway, most take advantage of the cold weather and plan trips to the mountains.

“A lot of Norwegians have a cabin in the mountains, and if they don’t, there are many hotels you can stay at. Slalom, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing are what most people do,” Said Marte Ruud Sandberg, a study abroad student from Norway.

While this is their typical way to spend vacation, this is not actually spring break. In Norway they do not have spring break. Rather, they have a break for Easter, and this is when they take their trips to the mountains. The same applies in the United Kingdom. The two weeks either following or preceding Easter are called “Easter break” or “Easter Holidays”, which usually take place in April.

In Australia, however, spring break falls near the middle of second semester of Uni, which for them is the middle of September! In Japan, spring break begins at the end of the academic year in March and finishes on April first with the beginning of the next academic year. Like the United States, Southern Africa has their break in late February or early March. They come together for a long week of games, music shows, and city tourism. Similarly, Canadian universities hold break around that time, but instead of spring break, they call it Reading Week. The intentions are to provide students time to relax from the stress of their school work.

Wherever in the world students are, when spring rolls around, they put aside their books and take the break for all its worth. It might be worth a trip to the beach, a shot down a mountain, or a lazy day on the couch. No matter which side of the globe students will lay on this spring, the long awaited break is soon approaching.

It’s the start of a new year and many games have come out in the last two months leaving many gamers excited and anticipating.

In the month of March, there are three games that people have been waiting for ever since their latest version of the game came out, one of those games being Gran Turismo 5.

Ever since Gran Turismo 4 was released, consumers have been wondering when the next new version of the game would come out. As a preview, Sony made a prologue to the game giving everyone an inside view to the new game. Having had a PlayStation forever and just acquiring a new PlayStation 3, this is one of the many games on my list I’m going to get.

Gran Turismo over the years has been dedicated to giving gamers a realistic gaming experience and Gran Turismo 5 will do just that.

Another game on my list for PlayStation is Final Fantasy 13.

After coming to Saint Leo, one of my friends helped my brother past one of the beginning parts in Final Fantasy 12. After seeing how terrible he was at the game, my friend pointed out he was just at the beginning of the game and that I could probably catch up in a day.

A day later, I did just that, which started my addiction to play this game. It wasn’t until a couple weeks after playing the game that I learned how to control my addiction. After beating the game and spending countless hours playing, we heard there was going to be a new version of the game released this year. After playing Final Fantasy 12, so much I couldn’t wait for the 13th one to come out. Final Fantasy has been famous for making countless good games and has passed the double digit mark in the series. With every version of new gaming system, Final Fantasy has always put something new out there for gamers to enjoy.

Now onto a different gaming system, the Nintendo DS and DSi.

Ever since we were a little kid there were things that everyone knew about and enjoyed playing or watching on TV. This March one of the most famous games for Nintendo is coming out: Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

After releasing the original versions Gold and Silver, Pokémon has been going back and remake their games, making them better and better each time. Every new game Pokémon comes out with is better than its older version.

Pokémon silver, being one of my favorite versions, but not the most because who could forget Yellow version and its unique storyline compared to all the other games. As for Pokémon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, yes I’m in college and am 19, but that doesn’t mean anyone my age isn’t thinking about going out to go buy this game. Some may have already preordered it. After spending way too much money on Pokémon over the years, it would be silly for anyone who likes to play Pokémon no matter what the age to not go out and buy it.

These games are set to be released in March, so be on the lookout for the months exciting releases.

The Valentine’s Day movie is a circus of A-list celebrities wrapped in a chocolate covered bow.

Valentine’s Day centers on the lives of a variety of people on the holiday of the same name. It depicts different types of love ranging from a school boy crush to high school sweethearts to lifelong romance. The movie featured a string of familiar faces such as Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Kathy Bates, Shirley MacLaine Anne Hathaway, Queen Latifah, Patrick Dempsey, and many more. The characters were each involved in different romance scenarios with their stories intertwined.

Movies starring many popular celebrities run the risk of being problematic with each celebrity vying for attention or trying too hard to out-act the others. However, Valentine’s Day was refreshingly balanced and without attention thieves. Since so many celebrities were packed into one film, no celebrity gets a large chunk of screen time. Instead, the movie alternates telling different stories, which makes for an entertaining plot, but at the same time may not give the watcher adequate time to truly feel for the characters.

The celebrity who makes it on screen the most is Ashton Kutcher, who recently made a big-screen comeback in the movie Spread. In Valentine’s Day, Kutcher plays a sweet, kind-hearted florist named Reed who proposes to his girlfriend Morley (played by Jessica Alba) on Valentine’s Day morning in hopes that she will become his wife. Kutcher’s best friend Julia (played by Jennifer Garner) has love troubles of her own after falling for Dr. Harrison Copeland played by Grey’s Anatomy’s “McDreamy” Patrick Dempsey.

The variety of characters throughout the movie assists the film in appealing to a wide range of people with the movie’s hopeless romantics, cynical Valentine’s Day haters, teen couples, an elderly couple, puppy love, and many other displays of affection. Valentine’s Day holds all of the components of a great romantic comedy; it is cute, comical and has a few sly tricks up its sleeve.

The Quiz Bowl format is team jeopardy on pure adrenaline, with questions coming fast and difficult.
“It’s about memory, very fast paced,” said Dr. Kieffer.

The games are timed and sometimes come down to the very last question to determine a winner. The two four-person teams face off in a buzzer beater question to try and win a chance at answering a bonus question that the entire team can confer about their answer.

“The bonuses are where most of the points are made,” Dr. Kieffer said.

The team members are Saint Leo University seniors James Samolowicz and Colleen Shanahan, junior Jonathan Till, Sophomore Richard “Mike” Berry, and freshman Kevin Sullivan. New recruits are junior Britton Boney and freshman Michael Gincel. Any interested students should contact Dr. Kieffer at his email or talk with some of the players about their experiences playing on the team.

The Saint Leo University team has its roots with Dr. Kieffer, as he is the founding member and this is the ninth year of its existence. Dr. Kieffer highly recommends the Honors Program for prospective players.

“I’ve really come to enjoy the experience, even though I never played myself,” said Dr. Kieffer.

The captain of this year’s team is James Samolowicz, and next year’s captain will be Jonathan Till.

The team plays local tournaments on a regular basis and usually has one or two trips to bigger tournaments like the most recent one in northern Georgia.

Intended as a sequel to 1998’s Hellbilly Deluxe, Rob Zombie’s newest album comes with much anticipation. For the first time, Zombie’s album featured his full touring band; usually Zombie relies on friends and session musicians to finish an album.

This album features long time Zombie tour drummer Tommy Clufetos, bassist Piggy D., and star guitarist John 5. Zombie claims that this will be his last CD.

“Well, pretty soon the CD will be dead. All you will have left is digital downloads. So before we say goodbye to the almighty CD, I thought I would give it a big send-off.” Zombie said.

The album features many obscure B-movie cuts intertwined with the classic Zombie metal and an underlying feeling of industrial rock. The album opens with its strongest track, Jesus Frankenstein. This rally cry features a chilling guitar intro by John 5, followed by inspiring vocals by Zombie, who demands his audience to follow his horror film subtext.

The album then has its two singles, Sick Bubblegum and What?. Sick Bubblegum’s lyrics make absolutely no sense, but they induce chronic head banging. What? starts with an obscure B-movie clip, followed by industrial rock vocals from Zombie and a simple but fantastic riff by John 5, whose contributions to this album are fantastically insane.

An acoustic guitar intro leads the album into the Marilyn Manson-like Mars Needs Women, whose repetitive chorus forces the listener to eagerly await the unique guitar parts from John 5 amongst the various sound bites from B-movies. An eerie guitar/bass trade off takes Zombie into one of his creepiest songs, Werewolf, Baby! whose whispering vocals crawl into a full fledged yell by the master of horror.

On the album’s next track, Virgin Witch, a mysterious synthesizer part creeps its way into one of John 5’s greatest solos, taking the album in a new direction. Zombie goes into an industrial rock vocal style over a fantastic drum arrangement by Tommy Clufetos on Death and Destiny Inside the Dream Factory.

Zombie tones it down to a whisper on Burn, which features Zombie making weird sounds with his mouth as a chorus and a guitar solo with a 1980’s feel by John 5. On Cease To Exist, Zombie does a vocal trade off with a computerized version of his voice over a subtle acoustic guitar, with synthesizer leading the song into a ridiculous drum solo.

Next, Zombie goes into Werewolf Women of the SS, which was also the name of a fake trailer he made for Robert Rodriguez‘s and Quentin Tarantino’s double feature Grindhouse. This is the most notable song on the album, but also its weirdest. Finally, the album goes into The Man Who Laughs, a ten minute epic featuring a string arrangement by Tyler Bates that leads into a precise energy filed solo by John 5.

Overall, Hellbilly Deluxe 2 is Zombie’s greatest album, but it lacks the hit single to get it continuous airplay. However, this masterpiece will more than satisfy the fanatical Zombie fan and any other fans of heavy metal. John 5 provides the backbone to Rob Zombie’s obscure vocal style, making this a very unique album.

Performer Ashley Shannon, Florida’s Female Country Artist of the Year, wowed the crowd throughout the day. Shannon had also performed locally last month at Dade City’s Kumquat Festival.

The Food Fest exhibited more than sixteen businesses, many of which offered food for free or for a small fee. Among restaurants attending were local businesses City’s Edge and Beef O’ Brady’s.

City’s Edge offered chicken marsala. “It is a piece of heaven,” senior Brittany Castro said.

The chicken was served with rice and topped with a thin sauce.

“All the flavors came together and made every bite worth being in the windy weather,” Castro said.
Brought to us by the women’s basketball team, the celebration of Pasco’s culture also raised awareness for the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. The WBCA, or Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, has been dedicated to fighting cancer since the establishment of their Cancer Fund in 2007. Multiple cancer awareness booths were set up at Pasco’s Food Fest; one of which was for the Pink Zone, another WBCA program, in order to raise breast cancer awareness.

Freshman basketball players Melissa Schmidt and De’Erika Brown were enthusiastic about the fest’s turnout.

“It was quite successful,” Brown said.

The Food Fest of Pasco will return in the year following.

“We’re hoping next year it grows,” Schmidt said.

For more information on the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund go to: http://www.wbca.org/kayyowwbcacancerfund.asp
For more information on the Pink Zone go to: http://www.wbca.org/pinkzone.asp
For more information on Ashley Shannon go to: http://www.ashleyshannon.com/fr_index.cfm

The Saint Leo women’s softball team stepped out onto the field at the University of West Florida. The Lions entered the tournament at 2-2 at the game series on February 13-14th. Having two regional opponents, the first game was against University of West Florida while the second team was Palm Beach Atlantic.

The Lions lost against the undefeated University of West Florida (4-0), yet earned a victory against Palm Beach Atlantic (2-3).

The Lions started off the game against UWF trailing 2-0, but retaliated back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, thanks to a homerun by Brittany Yates. However, the homerun was not enough of a spark as the Lions’ gave up six more runs despite their effort. West Florida had an outstanding nine strikeouts to defeat the Lions by a score of 8-2.

Saint Leo Lions’ started off their second game with a bang as they scored two runs in the bottom half of the first inning. The runs would come from Elysha Agen and Tiffinee Harvey. Agen got on base with a single, stealing second soon after. Harvey got on base with a walk. Brittany Yates belted a ball in the direction of the third baseman, who misplayed it into the outfield, allowing Agen to score and Harvey to advance to third. Harvey would eventually score on a hit by Sarah Boyd. PBA answered with an RBI single in the second inning. The game would remain 2-1 until the seventh inning when Palm Beach Atlantic would come back with another RBI single. As the score was tied going into the bottom of the seventh, the Lions refused to enter extra innings. Jessica Figueredo hit a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice. Harvey stepped up to the plate with Figueredo in scoring position, smashing a walk off single to the right side to win the game.

The Lions will be competing in the Eckerd College Invitational on Friday, February 19th. They will face Drury before facing University of West Florida at 7:30 pm.

From February 17 to February 20, the Saint Leo Lions Men and Women swim teams traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to take part in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference Championships. The event was hosted by Wingate University at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club.

The Lions competed against teams from Wingate University, Johns Hopkins University, Rollins College, Limestone College, The University of Tampa, Washington and Lee University, Fairmont State University, Catawba College, Florida Southern College, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, and Transylvania University.

On the first day of the event Erin Hotchkiss scored six points for the women’s team by placing 11th in the 1000 YD Freestyle with a time of 10:52.11, crushing her previous record. Freshman Sarah Earls also competed in the event, finishing with a time of 11:40.75.

In the second event of the day, the women’s relay team comprised of Hotchkiss, Allison Cary, Alicia Thompson, and Alisha Adams scored 12 points by placing 11th with a time of 8:10.03. After the first day, the women’s team was in 10th place with a total of 18 points.

The men’s team started just as strong with Matt Attal grabbing seven points with a 10th place finish in a time of 9:58.35. Alex Parada finished 18th with a time of 10:32.75.

In the men’s relay later in the day the men’s team of Tim Olson, Attal, Thomas Rey, and Derek Maddigan took 10 points with a 12th place finish coming in at 7:19.44. With a total of 17 points, the men’s team stood 11th after the first day.

On the second day of the championships, Olson competed in the Men’s 200 IM Finals and grabbed two points with a time of 1:58.10.

Later in the day the women’s team of Adams, Pierce, Hotchkiss, and Thompson won 12 more points for their team by placing 11th in a time of 4:09.58. On the men’s side, VanBuren, Maddigan, Attal, and Gramm took 10 points with a 12th place finish in a time of 3:43.20.

Both the men’s and women’s teams swam well during the meet with the women’s team of Allison Cary, Erin Lucas, Jessica Pall and Melinda Pierce setting a new Saint Leo University record in the 200 Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:43.59. They broke the previous record by .09 seconds.

The Men’s team finished in 11th place for the meet with a total of 97 points while the women’s team also finished in 11th place with a total of 108 points.

Basketball senior Sierra Williams is player #24 guard for the Lady Lions. Majoring in Biology with a minor in management, William’s career goal is to run her own physical therapy clinic. William’s favorite memory with the team would be when the Lady Lions’ beat Nova University in overtime during their 1st conference game after coming back from 17 points “The joy and look on everyone’s face after we won and the sense of pride everyone had,” Williams commented, “I’ll never forget it.” Coming from Palm Beach Community College, she was named 2nd team all conference during her career there, and at Leo Williams best-all-around performance occurred during (02/07/09) game against Florida Tech where Williams scored 10 points, had four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. The Lions’ Pride wishes you the best of luck for the rest of your senior year!

An uprising of unwed pregnancies throughout America has caused many taxpayers grief as they have been forced to give up a portion of their money to support federal programs meant to aid mothers in need of assistance.

Apparently the idea of supporting one’s species is becoming less appealing these days.

Government programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provide federal grants to states for health care, food, and nutrition education for low income women from pregnancy until the child is age 5.

I spend 32 hours a week working with Child Protective Investigations of Pasco County. On any given day, I will interview several women who receive such services and actually need them. If these women were unable to feed their children or have access to proper medical care during their pregnancies, the safety of the child would in fact be in question.

To take it even further, what if the child needed to be removed after an investigation deemed it necessary? And what if that child had no relative or family friend to be placed with?

In this case, the child would most certainly be placed in foster care. And that’s exactly what we need, more children in foster care. Whose taxes do you think pay for that?

The point is, either way people are going to pay. While I can understand the unwillingness of working Americans to give up their money, they have to realize that this is how the system works. Even the lowest paycheck has some amount of money taken out for this new program or that new service. It’s all the same.

Like it or not, Americans have to take care of their own. These kids are future doctors, policemen, politicians, scientists, and educators who could change the world.

How many tax dollars do you think helped contribute to the upbringing of scientists who helped cure diseases, the investigators who helped get criminals off the street, and the inventors who helped put that giant flat screen in your living room?

We do the same thing for social security. Every two weeks, a portion of our check is taken out to support those who are no longer able to work. The youth take care of the old; the healthy take care of the sick. These are some of the basic fundamental ethics every society since the caveman lives by.
Let’s just say the government stopped these programs. What would happen then? Children would go unfed, and the sick and elderly would die off at alarming rates. But hey, at least you got an extra twenty bucks to blow on a few cocktails or some Burger King!

There’s just no doubt that this population needs attention. These days, the amount of babies born to unwed mothers under the age of 18 is startling. TV shows like MTV’s 16 and Pregnant portray just a few examples of babies having babies.

Now, I’m not supporting youth pregnancies by any means, but these girls need assistance. It’s not always about the mother and whether or not she deserves this or that.

If she was careless enough to get pregnant in a society that’s practically pushing birth control down little girls’ throats, who’s to say she’s responsible enough to ensure the good health of that unwanted child?

These programs need to exist. Next time you are bothered by the thought of keeping kids alive and healthy, reassess the value of human life, or come up with a better idea.
And that’s what she said.

Everywhere I look I see a pregnant teenager, and almost every phone call I receive seems to start with, “guess who is pregnant.” Which makes me think, “Guess who is paying for it?”

Me, you, us, every working American, that is who is paying for these children.

Everyone loves babies. I love babies, they’re cute, cuddly, and expensive. A lot of people do not understand how much a child truly costs. According to data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2004 families making $70,200 a year or more will spend an astounding $269,520 to raise a child from birth to age 17. Higher-income families in urban areas in the West spend the most at a whopping $284,460. That is over a quarter million dollars for one child, and let’s face it, expenses has only gone up since 2004.

I work three jobs to pay for school and other miscellaneous expenses. I do not rely on the government to give me money to live. Now I appreciate the good that programs such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) do but what really aggravates me is people who take advantage of these programs. Let me provide you with a few examples.

I know a girl who is in a committed relationship. Her and her baby’s daddy where heading to the alter, until she got pregnant. Now, this couple does realize how much it cost to raise a child because as soon as this unwed mother found out she was pregnant the wedding bells became a distant sound. This couple realized how much more money they could receive from the government by being a “single” unwed mother.

Another case involves a man I know who has sole custody of his young daughter. Because he is a single parent he is receiving thousands of dollars back on his tax return. I am so glad the government just bought him that brand new big flat screen television he purchased with his tax return. Maybe his daughter will at least get a new pair of shoes with whatever is left of the money.

It frustrates me that so many hard working people are being abused by others who simply made bad choices. How many Americans will have to keep paying for other peoples’ mistakes? Is it fair to us? No. Will it continue? Yes. If this controversy is based upon ethics, I think it is a two way street. I will help anyone who truly needs it, but I can’t stand it when people just exploit the system. And that’s what I have to say.

BY YESENIA RIVERA
Lions’ Pride Staff Writer

Across the US, 2010 has been ushered in by a spell of extreme weather that is hitting from the West coast to the East coast. Weather reports from the Upper East coast-specifically New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and parts of Rhode Island, Maine and Pennsylvania- have been hit by wave after wave of major snowstorms. Blizzard warnings have been issued for the cities of New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. The snow has reached up to eight to twelve inches, and even up to twenty inches in some areas.

The snowstorms have created massive gusts of winds that accompany them, as well as push snow flurries West and South. Although the northeast is used to the freezing temperature and vast piles of snow every winter season, it has created a lot of discomfort for people living in the South who are getting the blasts of cold wind from the north. Hot and cold days seem to be the norm for people residing in Northern and Central Florida, and 40 degree winds can even be felt in some southern Floridian cities, such as Sarasota and Ft. Lauderdale.

The Midwest, which includes such states as Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan, are no strangers to frosty winters. However, the snow flurries from the East coast are doing a lot of damage in their own right. Cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit suffered major bouts of freezing rain and electrical power outages all over the huge cities. However, an oncoming snowstorm is not the only thing that has been rocking the streets of Chicago this winter season.

On February 10, 2010, at approximately 4:00 AM (5:00 AM ET), an earthquake shook the city from 45-50 miles away. Downtown Chicago`s towering buildings shook against the 3.8 earthquake. Even though it was initially said to be 4.3, it was later downgraded to a 3.8. Although the earthquake was quite minor and no casualties were sustained, more than 10,000 reports came in from the Chicagoland area as well as surrounding cities and states.

The earthquake was said to be felt in Georgia Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa. Houses reportedly shook and even splits and cracks in walls appeared. Seismologists that were interviewed by CNN.com online reporters try to explain why the earthquake occurred in such an urban area, east of the Rockies. Research has been compiled over many years and experts say that even though earthquakes are less frequently found to occur in the Eastern United States, it is expected to occur every 200-300 years. These earthquakes are suggested to be of a greater magnitude than the ones that hit California and could have numbers that size up to 7.0 (size of the one that hit Haiti) or even a 8.0.

This is especially relevant because of the obvious fact that there will be bigger losses in the East because houses and buildings are not designed to withstand the force of an earthquake. The following U.S. urban areas are deemed at risk to any size of earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey: New York, Chicago, Boston, St. Louis, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Charleston.

Even though California may not be suffering from random outbursts of usual earthquakes, the Los Angeles area has had their own weather problems. Mudslides from heavy, torrential rains have formed lakes that are sweeping away houses in the foothill areas of La Crescenta, La Canada Flintridge, and Acton. An evacuation order was finally lifted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, on the residents for more than 500 California homes.

Heavy rains are still being predicted for the area and are repeatedly unleashing man-made rivers to wreak havoc upon hundreds of home. Dozens of homes, after inspection, were declared uninhabitable after the first wave of evacuation. Coincidently, the same area that is being targeted by these torrential mudslides are the same areas that were also targets of the massive wildfires from Angeles National Park of last Summer.

A few states away, in San Antonio, Texas, another evacuation took place but not for mudslides. Foundations of open land, buildings, and homes gave way in late January in the San Antonio area of Texas. Dozens of residents were told to leave after the ground began to shift, leaving crevices as deep as 15 feet. Residents reportedly began to call 911 after they witnessed the ground outside of their houses and work buildings move right before their eyes.

Engineers are trying to determine the actual cause of the land shift and notably state that it was not an earthquake. The dirt was moving and caving in at a rate of 4 inches per hour leaving no casualties or injuries but few incidents of damaged property. The city is doing repairs as quickly as they can and an explanation is promised to be given soon.

“We’ve gone through a very difficult year, but I have great optimism that we have begun to dig ourselves out of this hole,” said Obama.

“We are going to start building a new high-speed rail line right here in Tampa, building for the future, putting people to work,” he told the excited crowd of approximately 3,000 at Bob Martinez Sports Center at the University of Tampa (www.palmbeachpost.com.)

He believes that this will give people an effective, cost efficient means of travel without the hassle or high prices of a busy airport. This plan will also give thousands of Floridians jobs, and in turn, will help boost the economy. Congested airports and overfilled highways are cutting off means of economic growth. Obama addressed this issue in his speech.

“What we need, then, is a smart transportation system equal to the needs of the 21st century,” Obama said. “We need a system that reduces travel times and increases mobility, a system that reduces congestion and boosts productivity, a system that reduces destructive emissions and creates jobs”(www.nytimes.com.)

Although this is a controversial idea, as many of Obama’s are, he says he makes no apologies for trying to fix things even if they seem difficult.

“Change never comes without a fight, Florida. So I won’t stop fighting; I know you won’t, either,” he said.

“You’re doing a good job,” was a yelled response from the crowd (www.tampabay.com.)

Vice President Joe Biden, who is knowledgeable about the economic stimulus plan, and is also a longtime high-speed rail advocate, gave a speech during this event serving as a prelude into Obama’s speech. The two very rarely travel together, as it can be seen as a high security risk, but they arrived in separate planes as an extra precaution (www.palmbeachpost.com.)

“It will change the way which we go from place to place, change the ways we work and live, and will connect communities to each other in a way that in the past was impossible,” Biden said of Obama’s high-speed rail program.

“Just like the Interstate Highway structure did back in the mid ’50s, it will have far-reaching consequences.”

The rail will travel from Tampa to Orlando and from Orlando to Miami. It will reach speeds of 120 miles per hour or more. Construction for Tampa to Orlando travel is set to begin in October of 2011; construction for Orlando to Miami travel is set for 2013. Obama plans to build additional rails that will encompass at least ten regions, and will cost approximately nine billion once they are completed. Although the rails will be costly, Obama feels that they will help America’s economy flourish and will benefit those who travel. The rails will not interfere with automobile travel, as they will not directly cross paths with roads and highways.

According to the Florida High Speed Rail website, “Florida’s proposed high speed rail system will be constructed on tracks or overhead guideways completely separate from automobile traffic.”
Obama has high hopes for this plan and expressed his anticipation to Tampa.

“I’m excited. I’m going to come back down here and ride it. Joe and I — you all have a date.”

For more information about the high-speed rail, refer to this website: http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/Rail_Corridors.html.

As graduation becomes part of the near future, two things come to many seniors’ minds: one, their future career, and two, having something to show for their past four years at college. Fear not graduates; Saint Leo is here to help. Dr. Patrick Draves and others have created a Saint Leo University undergraduate research journal. The journal, Empiricus, or more formally known as the Sunshine Journal for Collaborative Undergraduate Research, is looking for work from students in any academic field.

According to the purpose statement, “the journal’s purpose is to provide a forum to encourage scholarly research among undergraduates in a supportive and developmental environment.” The masterminds behind this journal want to increase the capacity for undergraduate research and provide opportunities for student publishing.

Upon graduation, in the struggle of applying to graduate schools or finding a job, there always seems to be a lack of help or the unveiling of that one extra push. Although students are provided with Academic Excellence Day, there are few other opportunities provided to recognize students’ good work and be peer reviewed. This journal will draw attention to the students’ academic achievements and give them a chance to “get their feet wet with research,” Draves said.

Empiricus should be of great interest to any and all students. Not only is the selection of work published usually slim, but the process is grueling and the opportunities to publish empirical research are very limited. This journal itself has an editorial review including faculty from Saint Leo’s main campus, centers, Tennessee Tech, and even USC, and the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco. It is aimed at the Sunshine State Conference schools. This opportunity is available to all students, in all majors. The only restriction is the work must be empirical; or in other words, some data must have been collected and analyzed in the process of the article and its study. They are even accepting and looking for student art submissions, including but not limited to original paintings and photography. These will be featured on the front and back covers.

Student Lyz Molina is informed and involved with the undergraduate research journal and is convinced this will increase chances of getting accepted into an excellent graduate school program.
“I think the journal is an excellent opportunity for students who have worked hard on producing scholarly research,” she said.

The editors maintain that it is designed to help undergraduates publish work in a peer-reviewed format, which is more highly respected than traditional in-house publications. The issues will be published twice per year, beginning in the fall of 2010. The first issue, however, will be published in May 2010. Submissions are being accepted currently, and the deadline is February 22. Submissions will be considered on an ongoing basis.

The journal is seeking strong empirical research, so students shouldn’t hesitate to submit. Submissions must be in APA format and between 3,000 and 5,000 words. Other guidelines and restrictions apply. For any questions or concerns, the managing editor, Dr. Patrick Draves, welcomes students’ curiosity and participation. Through this journal, the editors hope to increase the esteem of Saint Leo undergraduate education and give students something else to be proud of at graduation.

The January 13 meeting of the Saint Leo Student Government Union (SGU) voted on a new constitution that would effectively overturn all the old flaws of the older constitution and bring in an era of change for the entire campus.

The motion to bring a new Student Government constitution was brought up by the president of the class of 2012, Collin Good. The board voted to make the following changes as Good describes them:
On January 13, a committee was formed, the SGU Constitutional Review Committee, under which a chair would be appointed, and said chair would appoint members of the student body. The membership must contain a minimum of these voting members: two class officers, one male, one female; two Greeks, one male, one female; one liaison (residence life, Greek, athletic); one commuter, one athlete, and one undergraduate, non-traditional student.

While the Constitutional Review Committee will not officially present all changes to the eBoard until February 19, they are still wholly significant in the present tense.

Student Government President Jessica O’Keefe is hopeful about the changes, stating they were necessary for “the growth and development of Saint Leo,” and that the current constitution is “antiquated and necessitated revising of the best interest of the student body.” When asked if she anticipated a large amount of change from this document, O’Keefe simply said “Yes.”

Other Saint Leo students anticipate a change as well.

Freshman class president Cory Los Schumacher said he is “carefully looking this over, as it will have the most amount of effect on my class. We will have to deal with this constitution for three additional years…this means a lot to me and my class, and we have to make sure it all is fair before I’m willing to sign in approval for it.”

Sophomore Deanna Tabone says that she is “excited to see what SGU proposes” and that she feels “it’s going to have a huge effect on the way things are run on this campus.”

The changes to be made to the Constitution show that Saint Leo is moving forward, and adapting to changing times.

February is not only a month of romance and chocolate, it is also a month that card holders’ wallets will love also. The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009 will be fully exercised by credit companies beginning February 22, 2010.

Almost 80 percent of Americans own a credit card and 44 percent of them have a balance on the card. With these outstanding numbers, many people are left wondering what the new changes will mean for them. Credit card users can expect an impressive change on their credit card terms. Interest rates, fees, reward programs, policies, and grace periods will be affected. The new credit card legislation will be easier to understand and is a huge success for consumers, but it is accompanied by many changes. Students in particular will be affected because one of the new policies will make it harder for them to obtain a card.

No one under the age of 21 can have a card unless a parent, legal guardian, or spouse is the primary holder. Written permission will be required from the parent, guardian, or spouse in order for the student to use the card. However, students with proof of their own income can ask for an exception to the co-signer requirement.

Here are some of the highlights to the new bill. A great stride for consumers will require banks to wait until the consumer is 60 days late on making the minimum payment before applying a penalty interest rate to the existing total. Also, credit card companies will have to give the card holder 45 days before raising the interest rate and must supply a notice to any change to the card holder’s terms.

Banks must mail the bills out no later than 21 days before their due dates. This will help avoid late fees and give the card holder more time than previously allotted. Also, if the company receives the payment before 5 p.m. on the due date it is still considered on time. There will also be no more late fees if the payment due date is on a Sunday or a holiday.

If the consumer is paying different interest rates on the same card a payment made will be applied to the highest-interest rate first. Also, credit cards will now need the credit card holder’s permission before allowing the holder to spend over their credit limit and slapping them with a $39 fee.
The bill was originally signed by President Obama in May 2009 and it quickly passed through the Senate and the House.

“With this new law, consumers will have the strong and reliable protections they deserve. We will continue to press for reform that is built on transparency, accountability, and mutual responsibility – values fundamental to the new foundation we seek to build for our economy,” said President Obama on the CARD fact sheet press release.

The comprehensive act will include protection for gift card usage and will require enhance disclosures to the consumer. The majority of the bill was enacted to help serve credit card holders and protect them from the common traps set out by credit companies.

Every year, the month of February is welcomed by clusters of gushing ladies eagerly expectant of Valentine‘s Day, and the men who feel the pressure of the holiday. However, February is more than a month of chocolate candies and heart-shaped cards flying off store shelves. For the next four weeks, the nation recognizes the importance of Black heritage in America through Black History Month.
This acknowledgment has been around since 1926, when it was first known as “Negro History Week”. At the time, black history had barely begun to be documented or even studied.

The celebration of Black History Month and the study of Black history are owed to the notable Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Woodson was a man who knew that through education, there could be progress for the Black community. He earned his Ph.D at Harvard and in his studies, the young scholar was quite affronted and conflicted as to why the majority of history books ignored the Black-American population.

Woodson was the first to establish any kind of organization that showed appreciation for Black history; it was named The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which later was changed to The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History. A year later he founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History, which began opening the nation‘s eyes as to the true history behind the Black community.

1926 was the year that he launched “Negro History Week” and brought national attention to the numerous contributions of Black people throughout American history. The second week of February was chosen for “Negro History Week” because Woodson saw that it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln; two men that Woodson felt contributed and greatly influenced the Black-American population. 84 years later, the nation continues to relive the feats and trials of the Black community through February and keeping alive the memory of Dr. Woodson`s goals.

Saint Leo University is commemorating Black History Month through a series of events which will be scheduled throughout the month. On Monday February 1, The School of Arts and Sciences presented a discussion panel with faculty members from the History Department. This was open to the public and discussed the many events and people that contributed to Black-American history. That same night, there was a Black History Month movie extravaganza in Crawford Hall which showcased movies about or pertaining to Black heritage.

On Thursday February 4, Selby Auditorium hosted another movie night in respect to the month. The movie presented stars Cuba Gooding, Jr. in Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. Monday February 8 was the beginning of the Black History Expo in the SCC Lobby and runs till February 26. The expo plans to educate students by depicting the stories of black figures throughout history. Thursday, Feb. 11 shows the second episode of the expo, and it is celebrating Black achievements in the Arts & Sciences through a poster exhibit outside of the SCC boardrooms.

Saint Leo students also feel and understand the impact that Black History Month has had on America.
“I like how we have a month set aside for everyone to recognize the famous African-Americans in history that have paved the way for others, “said junior Julian Jean-Pierre.

The rest of SLU‘s Black History Month events are listed below:
February 16th: Keynote Speaker Valada Flewellyn-Poet, Author and Historian. SCC Boardrooms at 7 p.m.
February 19: The Harbor Institute presents: “The Miseducation of the Black Greek,” Marmion Center at 3:00PM
February 26: End of the Black History Expo

All faculty, staff, and students are invited and encouraged to partake in the celebration and recognition of this noteworthy month.

On January 27 President Barack Obama gave his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. He covered a wide array of issues and offered a positive but logical outlook on how the United States must act in these turbulent times.

President Obama focused on the large amount of unemployed Americans and how the United States can create more jobs and enhance the quality of life for many Americans. Obama centered on needed bipartisanship and a unified front on jobs and the economy, “For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. Some are frustrated; some are angry.”

Obama focused on the results of their attempts to decrease unemployment. They made health insurance cheaper for 65 percent of families who get theirs through COBRA and passed 25 different tax cuts.

“Let me repeat: we cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for first-time homebuyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college. As a result, millions of Americans had more to spend on gas, and food, and other necessities, all of which helped businesses keep more workers. And we haven’t raised income taxes by a single dime on a single person. Not a single dime,” Obama said.

With these changes, there are about two million Americans who are employed who would not have been and they will be adding around one and a half million more by the end of this year.
All of this success is due to the Recovery Act, or Stimulus Bill. The Recovery Act also has caused retirement funds to regain some value, and businesses are starting to invest and hire again. The president also proposed that the government take 30 billion of the repaid bank money and use it for community banks to give credit to small businesses so they stay in business. In addition, the president made some propositions that appealed to both sides of congress.

“I am also proposing a new small business tax credit – one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we’re at it, let’s also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment; and provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment,” Obama said.

President Obama also suggested that as a nation, the United States should be one of the premiere countries in technology especially in roadways and railways, including a new high speed rail system in Tampa as a result of the Recovery Act. Also Obama let out a John Kennedy like rally for America.
“Well I do not accept second-place for the United States of America. As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may be, it’s time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.”

Obama also wants to focus on education, in particular math and science. He wants to return to some policies that have fallen to the wayside and dramatically improve the life of college students,
“When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all fifty states. Still, in this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job. I urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges, which are a career pathway to the children of so many working families. To make college more affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer-subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Instead, let’s take that money and give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants. And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only ten percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after twenty years – and forgiven after ten years if they choose a career in public service. Because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college. And it’s time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs – because they too have a responsibility to help solve this problem,” Obama said.

Obama called for a freeze of government spending in 20011 after America have fully survived the recession and paying for two wars, “Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will. Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don’t. And if I have to enforce this discipline by veto, I will.” The President also called for a more positive and a more responsible media that can instill hope in the American people.

Source:www.somewhereinblog.net/Fazleblog

Every time we see the assortments of candy and red and pink decorations filling the store, our hearts beat a little faster. Whether excitement is filling your body or the dread of another single year passed is overcoming you, we all know February 14 is right around the corner. If you’re not a fan of this holiday, don’t think you can jet off to avoid the traditions. It might be slightly different, but cupid’s arrow hits everyone as Valentine’s Day is celebrated all across the world.

In countries from here to Australia people are coming together to celebrate their loved ones and tell them just how they feel. Those three little words fill the ears of lucky lovers all around the globe and in all different languages. The normal “I love you” in France is “Je t’adore.” In Spanish, “te amo” and in Dutch “lk hou van jou.” If you’re really lucky, a handsome Italian might even tell you “ti amo.”

Although all these different cultures say I love you, the traditions of this romantic day vary. While in the US it is very popular to give one another cards filled with warm greetings and even humorous, decorative cards to your friends, in Britain they take it a bit more serious. In Britain, you will most often find sonnets and verses of love. The heart beats in rhythmic poetry as they honor St. Valentine. In the past, the French would burn the pictures of those they desired who didn’t fancy them in return. Don’t go off and burn your ex’s photo though; now a days the French exchange cards filled with tender messages called “cartes d’amities.” In Spain, it is customary for husbands to send their wives a bunch of roses.

Australia’s Valentines stem from the wealthy miners during the gold rush. These men would give their lovers extravagant gifts like satin cushions and perfumed, ornately designed flowers, all packaged in a very elaborate, fashionable, and expensive box. With a lack of a gold rush, I think the men have settled on a good box of chocolates or at least this is what my Aussie friend Alex tells me.

“It is always quite warm on Valentine’s day, so most will go on a beach date with a nice view of the harbor or a picnic in the botanical gardens, something outdoors,” Explained graduate of Macquarie University, Alex Batterby.

The history of Valentine’s Day is somewhat of a mystery stemming from both Christian and ancient Rome tradition. The Catholic Church recognizes three different saints name Valentine. The three legends differ but all agree February has long been a month of romance. With love in the air this month all kinds of traditions arise. All these traditions must have come from the mischievous winged child Cupid. Cupid is known to the Greeks as Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of Love. The Romans dubbed him Cupid and you could be his next victim of true love. If Cupid’s arrow has struck you this year, you have a wide variety of gifts to share with your loved one. Remember, if you’re going for the roses, white roses are for true love, red are for passion, and yellow are for friendship.

Single or attached, loving or lonely, Valentine’s Day is a holiday for everyone. In countries all around the world there are cards being given, tender words expressed, and people enjoying chocolates from their own secret admirer, themselves. No matter how or with whom you spend this day, the Lions Pride sends their love, and wishes you all a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Problem: Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and Saint Leo couples who do not wish to travel 25-plus miles to find a decent way to celebrate search for an answer.

Solution: Some of the best restaurants and entertainment spots within 10 miles of Saint Leo are listed below. Problem solved!

Although Saint Leo is a small town, there are many unique date-worthy places close by. It is actually quite miraculous how many different food choices are available in such a small area. Whether you are in the mood for Mexican, barbeque, American, southern, or vegetarian cooking, it can be found around Saint Leo.

The most convenient, (and romantic!) idea is to have a picnic on-campus. Saint Leo is beautiful and in some spots can be breath-taking. The view from the docks or the bowl could be potentially gorgeous at sunset. Take this as an opportunity to surprise a date by putting together picnic food, grabbing a blanket, and watching the sunset.

The next place is also convenient because it can literally be walked to. Although it may not be the most romantic environment, the prices are fairly cheap and the food is delicious. The Abbey Tavern is located almost directly across the street from Saint Leo’s entrance. It is located on 33601 State Road 52 in Saint Leo. The Tavern can be reached at (352) 588-9844.

On Q Smokehouse Grill is located just down the street from Saint Leo and has a comfortable country vibe. When it comes to the barbeque aspect, they have a ton of variety with choices such as sandwiches, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and sides like macaroni and cheese and potato salad. Check out their website at http://onqsmokehousegrill.com/default.aspx. On Q Smokehouse Grill is located at 33030 State Road 52 in Saint Leo.

Pancho’s Villa Mexican Restaurant has been a Saint Leo favorite for a long time. The prices are decent, and the food is wonderful. They even give a ten percent discount to Saint Leo students. The fried ice cream is to die for, and that alone is worth the trip. Pancho’s is located just a few minutes from campus on 32804 Pennsylvania Avenue in San Antonio.

Lunch On Limoges is a classic restaurant located in downtown Dade City. It is known specifically for the beautiful antique china its special dishes are served on. Antiques are also displayed within the restaurant, making the eating experience even more historical. Lunch On Limoges signature dish is pecan chicken. This restaurant is located on 14139 7th Street in Dade City, Florida. Check out their website at: http://www.lunchonlimoges.com.

Kafe Kokopelli is a historic restaurant that was originally one of Ford Motor Company’s Model T agencies. It served as a showroom and a service center. The restaurant tries to keep as many of the original infrastructures as possible. There are many different themed rooms to eat in. Caution: this place may not be for animal lovers, as there are some stuffed animal decorations because the restaurant has a Native American theme. Kafe Kokopelli is located on 37940 Live Oak Avenue in Dade City. Visit their website at www.kafekokopelli.com

The Garden Cafe and Catering is a small and cozy looking eatery on 14227 7th Street in Dade City. There is a romantic atmosphere with dim lighting. The Garden Café has received five-star reviews by consumers online. They serve sandwiches, southern-style cooking, and vegetarian food. Take a look at dineinthegarden.com

In addition to the many previously mentioned locations, there are plenty of places to eat on Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills. Chili’s, IHOP, Golden Corral, and CiCi’s Pizza are all located in the same area on Gall Boulevard. Also, if anyone is interested in catching a movie or going bowling with their date, Zephyrhills Cinema 10 and Pin Chasers are located side by side. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Source: chocolatetradingco.com

Whether one’s preference is rich and dark, creamy and milky, hot and silky, or solid and delicious, chocolate is a treat enjoyed by most people and is especially a favorite treat during the Valentine Season.

Over $1 billion is spent on chocolate for Valentine’s Day. While during the year, 75percent of chocolate is bought by women, around Valentine’s Day 75percent of chocolate is instead purchased by men www.holidayinsights.com).

Chocolate is often associated with love and is one of the most popular gifts to give on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate hearts in all shapes and sizes and red heart shape boxes filled with chocolate treats are stocked on supermarket shelves during this love holiday season.

It is scientifically proven that chocolate causes both physical and mental relaxation due to the Theobromide, the bitter alkaloid, within it (www.xocoatl.org).

So, is chocolate good for an individual or not? Studies say that eating a little bit of dark chocolate everyday is the best for lowering blood pressure, heart health, preventing blood clotting, and reducing inflammation, which is the root of how all diseases begin.

For women, a study was done that for every female who drinks a half cup of cocoa enriched for 90 days every day, developed softer and moister skin than before the study (cbsnews.com).

People enjoy chocolate in many different forms. Some enjoy the chocolate taste while others prefer it as a background flavor combined with other ingredients.

“I’m not a big chocolate fan,” junior Liz Casey said, “but I love it mixed with caramel or peanut butter.”

A Chocolate bar is made from the seeds of the Theobroma Cacoa tree, native to the tropical rainforests of South America. Shade tolerant and moisture loving, it is a small tree that grows large colorful pods in which 50-60 seeds are enclosed. Along with the seeds, the pod contains a yellow, slippery, sweet fruit which is edible but tastes nothing like chocolate (www.xocoatl.org).

Although the Cacoa tree is native to South America, around half of the world’s supply of chocolate is grown and shipped from two East African Countries: Cote D’Ivorie and Ghana.

The chocolate one eats comes from the raw tough bitter seeds, which are dried and roasted before crushed and used. There are 80-85 beans used in a standard 100g 70% chocolate bar which is around one and a half seeds of a Cacoa fruit. However, a 30g 10 percent milk-chocolate bar only contains six cocoa beans (www.xocoatl.org). To make chocolate, three necessary ingredients are needed: Cacoa paste, cocoa butter, and sugar.

Although there are 20 different varieties of Cacoa fruit trees, there are only three which are commonly used in making chocolate. Forastero is the most commonly used tree in which 80-90% of the market uses. Not a very fine-grade chocolate, it is often used as a base and mixed with higher quality chocolate. Crillo is used in a very fine grade of chocolate and is used by only the high end Chocolate makers. The third variety is Trinitero, a hybrid of the previous two Cacoa trees in which combines the best aspects of both. It is often used in very fine grades of chocolate. Each chocolate tastes very different (www.xocoatl.org).

Thus, for those people that love chocolate, this article may give the cocoa dependant a little hope to keep eating this delicious, dark sweet.

Source: images.clipartof.com

February 14 is a day in which everyone is quite familiar with, Valentine’s Day. It is a day that is supposed to be dedicated to being able to express one’s love for each other. Though it is a day about love, it can also be a day many people dread because they want to buy the perfect gift for their significant others. After all, what can they buy the person who they are madly in love with? What type of gift can they buy that truly shows the feelings they have for one another? There are many lovely gifts that can be fun and show how people feel for one another. The day of dread for so many people can now be turned into a day that focuses solely on the fact that they have a wonderful person to share it with.

Flowers are a great way to show people how they feel about one another. It doesn’t automatically have to be a dozen brilliant red roses. It could be a bouquet of daisies that would dazzle someone’s day or carnations that would brighten your special someone’s day. Flowers come in a variety of colors so just make sure that the color is one that significant others would enjoy and something that would instantaneously make their day suburb.

Chocolate is one of the most popular gifts that one can get someone they love. It is a candy that everyone loves to eat and tastes good. Along with the chocolate, balloons, stuffed animals would also be good gifts because a person can be fun with the variety of balloons that are available, and the stuffed animal could be an animal that people’s special someone adores or just has a cute saying on it. Either way, no one can go wrong with the combination of chocolate, balloons, and a stuffed animal as long as it’s bought with love.

Dinner and a movie is one of the most romantic things a person can do for people that they love and care deeply about. It could be a delicious homemade dinner that is one of the special someone’s favorite, along with a rented movie that the both people could enjoy, or it could be a favorite restaurant, with a trip to the movie theater. It does not have to be elaborate or extremely elegant; as long as it comes from the heart.

Creativity is also a key factor when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Most lovers will enjoy a poem they wrote just for their partener or a letter that expresses their love. This is something that can be fun to do and is original, and no other people can say they have, which is something that makes a person feel unique and special. Some more creative ideas include the 12 days of romance, where people do something romantic and caring, the 12 days leading up to Valentine’s Day, or a collage with pictures of one another together. All of these gifts are creative, which implies that time was spent when thinking of a romantic gift to get.

All of these gifts are able to show your love animatedly through them. Though gifts are a wonderful expression of love, time with one another is something that is priceless. Being able to be together on Valentine’s Day is a gift that has no cost but is definitely valuable and shows how much love and care that they deeply have for one another. Valentine’s Day can now be a day filled with love and happiness with the many gift options that one has to rightly show the true meaning of love.

Source: MTV.com

The cast of Jersey Shore

Every so often, there comes a televion show that manages to simultaneously inspire waves of love and disdain, with little grey area. One of the most recent shows to inspire such feelings, and in such a large quantity, is MTV’s Jersey Shore. Similar to many reality shows before this one, Jersey Shore chronicles the lives of a group of young adults chosen to live together in a house for a couple of weeks. What seems to make this show unique is the fact that its participants are a group of young Italians, who take pride in referring to themselves as guidos and guidettes; perhaps even stranger is the fact that none of them are actually from Seaside, but still take great pride in being there.

When the producers of MTV cast Jersey Shore, they must have had some idea about the large amounts of drama- along with hairspray and tanning oil- that were to hit the airwaves of America Thursday nights. Whether or not they got more than they bargained for cannot possibly be said by outsiders, but it is safe to say that if you were to mention the show to teenagers and young adults, they would immediately catch the reference. The show has spawned everything from Facebook groups to drinking games, to an influx of YouTube videos on how to properly “fist pump”, or pierce the air with one’s hand over and over again while dancing. Every episode of the show is roughly the same; in fact, one of the cast members, Mike “The Situation” often refers to his daily routine of GTL, or gym, tanning, and laundry.

As mentioned previously, this show seems to have nothing to distinguish it from countless other reality shows before it. So what draws people to it? Sophomore Kirsten Ash, a New Jersey native, said she dislikes the show because “that’s only what life at the Shore is like, and most of the people on the show aren’t from New Jersey anyway. They just look at one part of New Jersey; they misrepresent the entire state.”

In fact, Ash’s sentiment is not uncommon; it happens to be shared by The Situation himself. In an interview with Hollywood Insider, he stated that “It’s not a definition of the East Coast. It’s not a definition of Jersey or New York. It’s just a bunch of kids that happen to be partying and working and living together in New Jersey.”

“I enjoyed watching the show because of all the crazy (stuff) they get into. It’s so dramatic, I love it,” said sophomore Deanna Tabone. Tabone is just one of the many fans who like the show because of how off the wall it was.

There doesn’t appear to be much black and white with a show such as this. People love it or hate it, and it is safe to say that it’s not going anywhere because of reality television’s immense popularity within American culture. One thing is for certain, though: even though the season is over, the fist pumping and tanning will live on in the American cultural lexicon long afterwards.

Source: Rasocha.com

Have students been wanting an iPhone but not willing to change to AT&T? Well, there is talk about Apple breaking its contact with AT&T and partnering with other carriers such as Verizon Wireless within the year.

“I think it’s awesome because people who want an iPhone would rather have Verizon instead of AT&T due to the great service and the support they offer their customers,” said freshman Andrew Pavoncello.
Business Insider gives these details:

Apple’s contract is said to finish in June 2010, most likely due to how poor AT&T’s network service has been. The discussion of moving to a new model with Verizon will mean a drastic increase in sales for Apple.

As of now, Apple receives $450 per phone subsidy from AT&T. If they decided to partner with more carriers, it will decrease to $300 subsidy from Verizon.

This change however will not affect Apple negatively, for the estimated increase in sales will compensate greatly. On average, an iPhone is sold for approximately $500 and with the increase in sales, could lead to one to two billion extra in profit for Apple, which would compensate for the investment required to build a code division multiple access network (CDMA).

If other carriers such as Sprint and T-Mobile decided to partner with Apple as well, the profits will be even higher. Apple’s unit margins are said to shrink due to the lower subsidies. But, Apple will most likely make this up in sales as mentioned before. Even if AT&T attempts to keep its contract with Apple by increasing the subsidy, it’s not the best thing for Apple.

Also, the government is said to possibly step in to break up the exclusivity.

“I think it’s really cool, more people will buy it them…especially with the ability to choose their own service,” said freshman Katie Kelly.

Although this information was released, nothing is final at this moment. Consumers have to wait until the summer to see if Apple goes through with breaking its contract or if AT&T keeps its exclusivity of the famous iPhone.

Photograph by Leah Hollingsworth

Disney Characters Mickey and Minnie looking festive

Kumquats are “any of several small yellow to orange citrus fruits with sweet spongy rind and somewhat acid pulp that are used chiefly for preserves,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. I’m not sure how I feel about kumquats, but I know for certain that the Kumquat Festival on Saturday January 30, 2010 was a hit!

Though the weather was foul, rain could not deter the flocks of people from swarming the streets of downtown Dade. Huddled under umbrellas, they visited the rows upon rows of booths. Some booths offered marshmallow shooters, while others offered tie dyed bags and tees. The theme echoed by most stands was handmade crafts.

“I like how everyone had their own unique crafts from booth to booth,” said freshman Megan Hammersla. “There was this one booth that had carved wooden animals.”

An array of refreshments was offered at the festival, including kumquat pie. Among the more unique fried treats were Oreos, pickles and ribbon fries.

Saint Leo student Amanda Cassar described the fried pickles as “ a scrumptious, squishy burst of peppery and ranch flavored awesomeness.”

I highly recommend the Kumquat Festival if you are looking to spend a day off campus. The event had an old time feel without feeling out of date. Whether looking for gifts for friends, fun foods, or a new experience, the Kumquat Festival in Dade City is the place to be.