ORLANDO, Fla.--Orlando Sentinel Editor Mark Russell spoke to a group of aspiring journalists and explained the power of pictures in the press.


Russell explained that the job of staff photographers is an entire production designed to enhance the story. Each photo, the angle from which it is taken, the lighting conditions, and the subject or theme of the piece help to achieve the ultimate goal of delivering the message. A picture triggers emotional response and empathy from the reader.


"Readers and users might not remember the entire story in detail," said Russell. "But they always will remember an image."


Through a PowerPoint presentation, Russell showed the impact of pictures within a publication. Attentive student journalists observed examples of images projected on a screen while taking notes. Images with different topics appeared on the screen prompting the curiosity of the audience.


"Pictures are very powerful," said Russell."Readers connect with images."


Russell's presentation was the conclusion of a semester at Valencia Community College. On Tuesday, these future journalists were able to learn from a Senior professional in the field.


A photo is an snapshot in time and only happens once and if missed is lost forever. Photographers, to be effective in storytelling must be on scene and determined.

"As photographer, I definitely will take more chances to take the best shot,"said Breanne Murphy.


Print media lives or dies by the talent of staff reporters to be sure; however, it is the combination of the written word and the skill of photographers that makes any history truly come alive.

"It was inspiring,"said Camilo Echeverri Bernal."It showed me a new perspective and what to look forward to in my career."

November Native American Month

ORLANDO, Fla. --  Valencia Community College West Campus celebrated Native American Heritage Month on Tuesday with four Native Americans of the Piscataway Indian Nation who performed for faculty and students traditional Indian dances that reflect the beauty of Piscataway culture and tradition. 

Mark Tayac, the chief of the tribe, produced a musical momentum as he repeatedly beat his drum, while the others chanted and performed a ritual dance resembling movements of eagles. Chief Tayac and his group have been performing for almost 30 years in an effort to promote an awareness of the Native American way of life.

“We are here to share our songs, dances, and the beauty of our traditions,” said Chief Tayac, “the traditions that we have kept alive through 28 generations.”

The Piscataway are natives  of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey who eventually migrated into the Ohio Valley. Hunting and farming are the most significant characteristics of this indigenous group of the Chesapeake Bay.


"I think it is unique that a speaker from another culture diversifies us and let us know about his culture," said Wenceslao Burgos.

The Piscataway, like many Native American tribes, communicate through ritual dances. Chief Tayac and his fellow tribesmen demonstrated several traditional dances including: The Dance of the Braves, The Sweetheart Dance, The Eagle Dance, and The Warrior Dance. Together, all of these ritual dances proclaimed the circle of life - birth, struggle, love, and death.


"The chantings were very unique, and the dances were very beautiful," said Sara Flatt, "It is good that they are here, and I can see it at my college.


In the country, the Piscataway Indian Nation represents 500 different native nations, and they are very distinct in their language, costumes, travel methods, economical and governmental systems.

“I think it is always enriching for students to see different cultures,” said Karen J. Murray, “especially cultures that exist in our own country that most people are not aware of.”

This event represents a continuing effort of VCC to provide a rich and diverse education to all students.

Williams-Sonoma: A STORE? A SCHOOL? Or a Place to Dine?

Winter Park, Fla. – Food aroma is in the air.

Dalsten Decilus teaches basic cooking techniques at Williams-Sonoma every Saturday to people who have no intentions of becoming chefs, but rather want to gain a basic skill set in the culinary arts.

In addition to selling all types of kitchen utensils, such as mixers, blenders, and specialty knives, the store provides classes to those who are interested, but terrified by the thought of having to prepare a multi-course meal for family or friends.

Although Williams-Sonoma has been providing cooking classes for 20 years, “during the last two years, it has put an emphasis behind it,” said Decilus. “Williams-Sonoma wants to develop a relationship with core customers and enhance those relationships.”

Anyone can visit Williams-Sonoma’s website to see the tools of the trade. But, it is not until they walk into the store and see these tools in the hands of an engaging staff who provides customers with an interesting experience do they really appreciate what the store has to offer.

“I love the tools, and I love the quality of the tools,” said Bethann Frank “this is my third class,” “I am here because I have cooking plans for tonight;” “I am watching the Gators game.”

Decilus cooked a main course for his class. This culinary delight consisted of Spaetzel, a German pasta, served with boneless sauteed chicken thighs that had been marinated in an Irish Stout- Guinness, and a classic vanilla Creme Brulee for desert. 

In addition, Decilus taught cooking techniques, such as using one specific knife for the poultry to prevent cross contamination. Also, once the pasta was cooked, he covered it with ice cubes to avoid overcooking.

“They know cooking from the inside out,” said Anna Evens,“people who work here cook, they love to cook, they are good at it, and it shows in their work.”

Williams-Sonoma at 142 Park Ave in Winter Park, offers these classes free. If you are interested, contact the store for recipes and schedules at http://www.Williams-Sonoma.com

Do you believe in ghosts?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Whether or not you believe

in the paranormal, author Dave Lapham 

made a fascinating argument for the

existence of spirits whom may not have

passed to the other side.

Lapham gave a lecture about his new

book “GhostHunting Florida;” a

selection of paranormal short stories.

Barnes & Nobel carries the book 

and hosted a lecture at Colonial Plaza

on Tuesday September 7th.

“I am very interested in ghosts,” said 

Janet Locket,“I have had experiences in the past.”

“GhostHunting Florida” is a fast-paced

book which delivers a rich researched collection

of unexplainable tales. Ghosts, spirits and spectrums

are central characters who thrill and engage

readers.

“For what I have heard during the lecture, the

stories are very interesting,” said Michael Gavin,
“I can’t wait to read the whole book.”

With this book, Lapham has achieved his

first trilogy of the genre. Following the

publication of  “Ghosts of St. Augustine” and 

“Ancient City Hauntings,” Lapham was not 

interested in writing another ghost book. However, 

John Kachuba of the publishing house America’s Haunted

Road Trip, offered Lapham an advance he

could not refuse to complete the trilogy.

Lapham is currently working on his first novel. 

He didn’t reveal much of it, but implied that there

would still be a ghost theme.

For more information on the book go to

www.americashauntedroadtrip.com