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.