ORLANDO, Fla. - David Nixon, a local producer and director, has been in the movie industry for thirty years. He has produced and directed faith-based films such as Facing the Giants and Fireproof. Nixon was present at Valencia Community College West Campus on Dec 3 to promote and answer questions about his upcoming film, Letters to God.

“Movies have such a power to touch people’s hearts,” said Nixon “People let their guards down when they go to see movies, and it touches their hearts and changes their mind and perception. These movies can have that kind of power.”

Letters to God is about a young boy, diagnosed with cancer, that touches the lives of those around him. The film, based on a true story, was filmed locally in places like The Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital.

“I found this script about two years ago. It’s written by the father of the real little boy from the true story in Nashville, Tennessee,” said Nixon. The father was actually on set during filming to give an authenticity to the emotion and action.

Nixon felt that it was important to make the movie feel real “not cheesy.” He stresses how important it is to make a difference in others lives with what he is doing.

“I really feel that that is my calling in life, to make these kind of films. I’d much rather make a movie with a message,” said Nixon “ with this kind of message that can help people than just a fluff kind of movie. It’s heartwarming rather than overwhelming.

The film is set to release on April 9 of next year. Free screenings of the movie are open to the public. For more information and release dates visit www.letterstogodthemovie.com.

By Donna Marie Calantog

ORLANDO,Fla. - Self –help books and motivational speakers have been popular for many years, and today there is no exception. Mike Dooley, author of Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams, presented a Barnes and Noble audience with a discussion and book signing on November 16.

In Dooley’s discussion, he presents his five absolute truths, or what he considers truths of being. With his five truths, Dooley stresses the importance of understanding who you are and your own power. He firmly believes that we are all inter-connected. “We are all one of one of god,” said Dooley, “ We are all divine beings that control our environment.”

Other truths include thoughts becoming things, life existing before and after death because we choose to be here, there is only love, and everything is as it should be.

According to Dooley and his book, these truths are immovable. They exist even in the absence of belief in theory. Regardless of scientific evidence or theory, Dooley explains that his goal is to help people make the same self-discovery that he has.

“I have come to the realization that we’re all doing our best. We’re all loved. Knowing that, you realize that is your will and no one else’s,” said Dooley,” If you ask the hard questions, they do have answers.”

He greatly expands on each truth in his novel, audio book, and safari discussions. These discussions take place once a month in different cities worldwide.

Audience members, like Ivette Thomas, have jumped on the self-help bandwagon after reading The Secret, in which Dooley contributed.

“I think these books are so inspirational,” said Thomas,” It helps me through difficult times knowing that I’m in control.”

Others, like John Ronzino are more hesitant. “ I haven’t read the book. I was drawn more to the crowd, and was interested in what was going on,” said Ronzino, “I think self belief is great, but I believe more in God having a plan for each of us.”

Despite conflicting customer reviews, Dooley’s novel is still a bestseller. It is available in bookstores nationwide.

Fashion can fade, but style is eternal

By Donna Marie Calantog

ORLANDO, Fla.- Fashion week arrived as a hundred people sat, anxiously awaiting to be wowed by the future of fashion on Friday, October 23^rd. Mall at Millenia was invaded by the design students of the International Academy of Design and Technology.

One designer, Ethan Starr, impressed the audience with his wit, charm, and innovative style. “Fashion is a lifestyle,” said Starr, “There are no rules to fashion, and if you think there are, they should be broken.”

Starr, himself, was definitely eye-catching on stage while he presented his fall line. Star sported a faux hawk and plenty of black eyeliner. Wesley Medina, a student and audience member, favored Starr’s personal style.

“ With his pale skin and jet black hair he has a cool cutting edge look. He looks very vampire-esque,” said Medina, “That’s a good thing, though, because that look is so in right now.”

Starr’s collection was inspired by old Hollywood glamour mixed with the edgy urban rock look that most designers are making popular. The dresses mixed feminine ruffles and lace with hard textures and exposed zippers.

“My collection is feminine, sexy, and hardcore,” said Starr, “ My designs capture the attitude of the women wearing them.”

The show was short, but the applause was thunderous. Melanie Pace, a local stylist, thought the audience support was encouraging for the youthful designers.

“It’s so nice to see local talent,” said Pace, “You never know who is going to be the next Zac Posen or Michael Kors.”

Starr definitely has star potential, and judging from the positive response, his future will be bright. As for his plans, he seems quite indecisive.

“I would love to be a designer for a corporate company, but I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing my name flashing down a runway either,” said Starr. Until then, he is scheduled to graduate from IADT next year and plans on moving to New York to pursue his dream.

By Donna Marie Calantog

ORLANDO,Fl- Education is an important part of a child’s development. Bookstores, like Barnes and Noble, hold regular children’s story-times that entertain as well as educate small children.

“Story-time promotes education because it helps children want to read more,” said Robin Rivers, “ It shows that there are fun books.”

Rivers, a student at Valencia Community College and a part-time employee, volunteers regularly to organize and perform in story time.

“We are interactive with the children. We like to ask them questions,” said Rivers, “Sometimes we ask them to read parts of the story, sometimes we read more than one.”

The typical age range for story-time is 4-7, but one exception was Briana Gwaltney and her 2-year old daughter, McKennia. This was the first time for the two, but they plan on coming again.

“It’s so important for my daughter to like books. She can’t read yet, but she still likes to be around the other kids,” said Gwaltney,” I want her to learn and still have fun.”

Another audience member, Madyson Bonner, age 6, enjoys going to Barnes and Noble regularly.

“I like it when they do funny voices,” said Bonner, “It makes me laugh. My mom always lets me pick out whatever book I want when its over to.”

These story-times occur several times a month in different Barnes and Noble locations around the city. Visit http://www.barnesandnoble.com for more information.