Orlando Sentinel

 
 
 
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    Orange County News - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Tiffany Deli will open soon in Brandywine's space

    16 May 2012 | 1:02 pm
    The Tiffany Deli will open next month in the Winter Park space formerly occupied by Brandywine's, a 40-year-old Central Florida dining icon.

  • Students return to classes at Tildenville Elementary after false alarm

    16 May 2012 | 12:10 pm
    An Orange County elementary school that was evacuated this afternoon has been deemed safe, officials said.

  • Activists launch drive to require paid sick time in Orlando

    16 May 2012 | 12:03 pm
    Activists launched a ballot initiative today to require employers in Orlando to provide paid sick days to workers.

  • Car crash damages popular Winter Park pub

    16 May 2012 | 11:51 am
    The building suffered little damage, police said.A popular Winter Park pub was damaged Wednesday morning after a driver failed to negotiate a turn and drove onto the sidewalk, crashing through potted plants and a window, police said.

  • Former Oviedo mayor may be chosen as interim Eatonville administrator

    16 May 2012 | 11:01 am
    Former Oviedo Mayor Mary Lou Andrews is the top choice to serve as the chief administrator in Eatonville on an interim basis, the town council said Tuesday night. Town officials are expected to offer the interim chief administrative officer job to Andrews while continuing to interview candidates to take over the job permanently. Andrews is also considered the top candidate for the permanent job, which has been open for more than a year. Vice Mayor Eddie Cole cited Andrews' experience in municipal work and her knowledge of grants for which the town of 3,000 might be eligible to apply as…
 
 
 
 
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    College Sports News - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Skip Holtz talks USF football

    16 May 2012 | 10:05 am
    Skip Holtz just finished his third spring session as the head coach at USF.

  • Five teams that will struggle in 2012: Boise State

    16 May 2012 | 8:31 am
    Fans and coaches know that college football is an up-and-down sport. One season, a team could be on top of the world, while the next it’s all bad news. We continue our five-part series looking at teams that will struggle this season.

  • College Football Countdown: No. 89 Kent State

    16 May 2012 | 8:25 am
    The Orlando Sentinel has ranked all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff will take a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 120 to our projected No. 1 team. We will not be including the four teams the NCAA lists as still reclassifying to the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

  • Florida DL Leon Orr cited for driving with a suspended license

    15 May 2012 | 6:56 pm
    GAINESVILLE – Florida defensive lineman Leon Orr was charged with driving with a suspended license on Monday, potentially violating the terms of his deferred prosecution for a marijuana charge earlier this year.

  • Will college football's money gap force a split into new divisions?

    15 May 2012 | 1:07 pm
    The  richest public schools at the top of the college football food chain keep getting richer, adding to the growing gap between college football’s wealthiest programs and everyone else  competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The gap, which has been discussed extensively in past, is growing. USA Today’s college sports investigative team found of the 99 public school FBS programs in 2010-11, the top 50 revenue producers — led by Texas — generated an average of nearly $81.5 million and the bottom 49 an average of a little more than $28 million.
 
 
 
 
 
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    Working - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Lack of zzz's can hurt work performance

    15 May 2012 | 5:01 pm
    An email pitching an interview with a sleep-disorder expert had me at, "Would you ever show up at work drunk?"

  • Work woes: If you don't laugh, you'll just cry

    8 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    As if it weren't bad enough that the American workplace seems to be bubbling with stress and dysfunction – our high anxieties are echoed by a steady stream of studies, surveys and pop-psychology books claiming it's just as bad as we thought and maybe worse.

  • Worker benefits declining in tough economy

    1 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    It was an expression coined long ago, but "beggars can't be choosers" sounds as if it were written yesterday to describe today's workers and those seeking work.

  • Teacher gets gold star for not missing work

    24 Apr 2012 | 11:00 pm
    My first reaction to the work record of public school teacher Don Harsh was a paraphrased line from the movie When Harry Met Sally : I'll have what he's having.

  • Getting a peek inside hot trend: Food trucks

    17 Apr 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I came home reeking of Duck Fat Fries and Crispy 4-Cheese and Chive Grit Cakes. Or maybe it was the Venison Loin over Spring Asparagus with Wild Lobster Mushrooms, Gruyere and Cypress Flake Salt. Or the House-Smoked Angus Beef Short-Rib Bacon.
 
 
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    Capitol View - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Politicians serve up dumbed-down view of government

    11 May 2012 | 1:33 pm
    TALLAHASSEE – Imagine what could happen if politicians trusted voters to make up their own minds about what government can do.

  • Fair Districts amendments did change political lines

    5 May 2012 | 7:54 pm
    TALLAHASSEE — Now that the major court challenges to new political districts seem to have ended, politicos can return to their regular campaign-season summer jobs of pleading for checks, promoting themselves and trashing their opponents.

  • Get ready for 'merit retention' fight

    27 Apr 2012 | 4:25 pm
    TALLAHASSEE – Florida's legal world is quickly polarizing around what could be the least-sexy "historic" political contest on the ballot this fall: the "merit retention" of three state Supreme Court justices now drawing tea-party opposition.

  • Racial issues still echo in redistricting fight

    20 Apr 2012 | 12:42 pm
    TALLAHASSEE – Some things in politics change so slowly, you wouldn't know the river was flowing at all.

  • Interest groups precisely measure their 'investment'

    13 Apr 2012 | 4:20 pm
    TALLAHASSEE – Florida policymakers have praised the virtues of measurement for years: the quantification of students, teachers and schools – and now the cost of some college degrees versus others, public hospitals and prisons versus private ones, and so forth.
 
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    FOOD - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Food Revolution Day: New take on the plate

    16 May 2012 | 1:00 pm
    Florida grouper is in peak supply from April to October and is available year-round. Because of grouper's high price, it is often a target for substitution. Today at my blog ( OrlandoSentinel.com/thedish) check out our primer on identifying grouper and three great recipes to bring one of Florida's favorite catches to the table. But first, let's dish:

  • Where to feed the Fringe frenzy

    10 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    When the 21st Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival kicks off Wednesday, theater and arts lovers will descend upon Loch Haven Park for 13 days of performances encompassing theater, music, dance and art

  • Letter carriers collecting food donations

    9 May 2012 | 2:13 pm
    The nation's largest single-day food drive is Saturday when Campbell Soup Co. and the 210,000 members of the National Association of Letter Carriers join forces to Stamp Out Hunger

  • Florida watermelons cool addition to menus

    2 May 2012 | 8:51 am
    Ice-cold watermelon is an iconic culinary symbol of warm weather fare

  • Chocolate fest a sweet sensation

    26 Apr 2012 | 11:00 pm
    Just saying the words "Festival of Chocolate" can make a sweet lover's cheeks tingle
 
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    Washington Post Writer's Group - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • The likability sweeps

    16 May 2012 | 11:24 am
    WASHINGTON -- A presidential race recently focused on high school has come to resemble a popularity contest of the same vintage.

  • Evolution of a narrative

    14 May 2012 | 11:14 am
    WASHINGTON -- This past week's news cycle has produced two narratives:

  • They ate cake …

    9 May 2012 | 1:49 pm
    WASHINGTON -- Close your eyes and picture 110 million obese people waddling around America's sidewalks. You'll probably want to keep your eyes closed.

  • Seeing-eye nation

    4 May 2012 | 12:52 pm
    WASHINGTON -- News that Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng and his family might be allowed to leave China for a university fellowship in the U.S. brought relief not only to Chen, but also to dissidents around the world.

  • The unknown celebrity

    2 May 2012 | 10:16 am
    WASHINGTON -- The squabbling between political campaigns and the harrumphing of pundits were put in proper perspective at, of all places, the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner -- the annual Prom on the Potomac where 2,000 or so media members and movie stars gather to honor the president and admire one another.
 
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    Diversions - OrlandoSentinel.com

  • Ticked off! @ eye surgeons

    16 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I'm ticked off to find that eye surgeons do not accommodate the patient's family availability to take them to the surgery. It seems everything is scheduled around their convenience and to heck with the patient. Then we have to hire a caregiver to help us.

  • Ticked off! @ cable, driver

    15 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    Call me a crank, but I still play by the rules and have respect for people and property.

  • Ticked off! @ vet clinics

    15 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I wish everyone knew that many, if not most of the clothing drop-off boxes aren't run by charities, but rather companies that resell the goods to textile recyclers and thrift stores. Give only to charities you're familiar with and let's put these vermin out of business! They're stealing from the needy.

  • Ticked off! @ old hag, ads

    14 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I'm very annoyed at the increasing ads that pop up across my computer screen. Even when you try to avoid them they get you.

  • Ticked off! @ jury duty

    13 May 2012 | 11:00 pm
    I'm ticked off at all the loudmouth jerks who give bus drivers a hard time and do everything they can to make it an unpleasant bus ride including using profanity. Profanity of any type doesn't make things better or make you look smart or anything. It just makes you look stupid.
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    Animal Crazy - Orlando Sentinel

  • Saturday is Cinco de Meow! Adopt a cat or kitten for only $5

    gail smith
    3 May 2012 | 12:02 pm
    Saturday is Cinco de Mayo, but at Orange County Animal Services, it’s also Cinco de Meow. The agency will reduce adoption fees to $5 for all cats and kittens.  During the warm summer months, the shelter sees huge spikes in cat populations, and this is when adopters are needed most. The promotion reduces cat adoption fees from the usual rate of $40 to just $5, making it more affordable than ever to bring home a loving gato or gatito. Limit two per household. “We consider the summer months to be ‘kitten season,’ and with the increase in cat population this time of year, we need…

  • You can still vote Sunday and Monday in the ASPCA $100K Challenge

    gail smith
    15 Apr 2012 | 4:33 pm
    Time’s running out, but you still can vote Sunday (April 15) and Monday (April 16) for Seminole County Animal Services in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100,000 grant challenge. The competition is tight and every vote counts. Voting ends at midnight Monday. Here’s the link to take you to the site to vote. Meanwhile, Pet Rescue by Judy says on its website that it has chosen to withdraw from this challenge but is competing in another. Go to this link for more information on that. Good luck to everyone!

  • Latest on Alley Cat Allies’ protest of Loews planned for Saturday in Orlando

    gail smith
    12 Apr 2012 | 11:28 pm
     The advocacy group Alley Cat Allies has organized a protest for Saturday in Orlando in the wake of  Loews Hotels’ decision to move ahead with the removal of feral-cat colonies from its hotels’ grounds. The group, in addition to a petition drive, is asking protesters to come to the corner of Universal Boulevard and Vineland Road from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday to voice their opposition to the handling of the situation.  “We remain steadfast in our calls to stop the trap and remove process — and embrace the humane solution that was already working on their properties:…

  • Alley Cat Allies will lead protest in Orlando on Saturday of Loews

    gail smith
    12 Apr 2012 | 4:07 pm
    Alley Cat Allies is leading a protest on Saturday in Orlando regarding Loews’ treatment of its feral cats. Click on this link for all the information you need on how to join in the protest.

  • Spin Orange Animal Services’ Promo Wheel for reduced adoption fees this week

    gail smith
    9 Apr 2012 | 11:17 pm
    You can spin a wheel of good fortune for yourself and a shelter animal during  Orange County Animal Services’ weeklong adoption promotion in honor of National Animal Control Appreciation Week, which runs through Saturday.  Adopters will spin the Promo Wheel to receive a reduced adoption fee: free, $10, $20 or $30. “We’ve used the Promo Wheel in the past, and it was a huge hit with adopters,” said Dil Luther, division manager of Orange County Animal Services. “We’re hoping it gets people excited about coming to our shelter so we can reach our goal of finding loving…
 
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    The Chain Gang - Orlando Sentinel

  • Join Clermont’s Ride of Silence Wednesday evening

    Kate Santich
    15 May 2012 | 7:20 pm
    Two local women who lost their cyclist fathers have teamed up to organize a Ride of Silence in Clermont. You can read about the event and the fathers here: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/changetheworld/2012/05/wednesdays-ride-of-silence-salutes-two-beloved-fathers.html

  • Section of Seminole Wekiva Trail closed for repairs

    jeff kunerth
    15 May 2012 | 3:01 pm
    The Seminole Wekiva Trail from Long Pond Road to Lake Mary Boulevard will be temporarily closed for repairs and maintenance Wednesday, May 16 through Friday May 18. For additional information please call 407-349-0551.

  • Chain Gang blogger gets new bike

    Liam Miller
    13 May 2012 | 10:17 pm
    I hold on to my bicycles longer than I do my cars. I’ve averaged one new bike a decade, I think. In the 1970s, I had a green trike with tassels, then a black Huffy, which I rode to high school. For college, my mom upgraded me to my beloved dark-green 1985 Raleigh Mountain Tour, which was stolen circa 1993. I replaced it first with a green chromoly Marin mountain bike, but I didn’t like how it rode, so I quickly sold it and got a used red Jamis mountain bike. When, in 2002, Orange Cycle said bringing the Jamis up to decent riding quality would cost more than buying a new bike, I…

  • What happened to kids biking to school?

    Liam Miller
    9 May 2012 | 8:39 am
    I rode my bike to school in sixth grade and then again all through high school and college. (My schools from K-5 and 7-8 were too far away to ride to.) I got groceries and ran errands via bike in college and mooched off friends with cars if I needed to do a longer trip — say, from Gainesville back home to West Palm Beach. I didn’t own a car till age 21 and even then, I could walk to work, as it was just three blocks away. So I am disheartened by the plunge in biking to school by kids. In 1969, 48 percent of kids walked or rode bikes to school. In 2009, just 13 percent did. Why the…

  • Orlando’s Bike to Work Day: May 25

    Liam Miller
    8 May 2012 | 10:54 pm
    Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the ride with Mayor Buddy Dyer starts at 8 a.m. at Dartmouth Park, 822 Dartmouth St., and ends at Orlando City Hall. Click here for details.
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    Chopping Block - Seminoles Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Derrick Brooks on Tim Brando Show: ‘Big 12 reaching out to (FSU)’

    Coley Harvey
    16 May 2012 | 10:23 am
    Former Florida State linebacker and former board of trustees member Derrick Brooks in a radio interview Wednesday said the Seminoles were approached by the Big 12; not the other way around. (Getty Images) If you thought that the Florida State-to-Big-12 rumors were beginning to die down, think again. This thing just got a whole new life. During an appearance on the Tim Brando Radio Show on Wednesday morning, former FSU linebacker and former board of trustees member Derrick Brooks chimed in with his insight on the potential conference switch. Apparently, contrary to common belief, it appears…

  • ESPN responds to questions about TV deal with the ACC

    Coley Harvey
    16 May 2012 | 9:30 am
    Many of you probably saw this in some form or fashion Tuesday afternoon. But in case you missed it, linked down below is a statement released by ESPN’s senior vice president of college sports programming, Burke Mangus. The hope of the statement was to challenge a few of the misconceptions about the television deal the broadcasting giant reached with the ACC last week, and to quell any confusion about it. The only problem, some of you have already pointed out, is that the statement doesn’t contain the detailed numbers that may make the explanation even easier. Numbers like, oh,…

  • The plot continues to thicken for Florida State, Big 12, ACC

    Coley Harvey
    15 May 2012 | 7:13 am
    Florida State fans are still waiting to see where they'll be doing the Warchant in the coming seasons. Austin, Texas? Norman, Okla.? Or still in Blacksburg, Va.? The next few weeks could be very telling as this conference realignment plot continues to thicken. AMELIA ISLAND — As the sun rises over this quiet North Florida beach town, another day in the Florida State/Big 12/ACC saga is beginning. The last four days in this, the latest of the yearly drama that is conference realignment and expansion, have been anything but silent and devoid of intrigue. As the ACC meetings enter their…

  • Florida State baseball clinches ACC Atlantic Division with win

    Coley Harvey
    15 May 2012 | 5:24 am
    After what may have seemed like an eternity to them, members of Florida State’s baseball team were finally able to return home late Monday night with reason to celebrate. Rain at Clemson, S.C. all weekend forced the Seminoles and Tigers to get creative with their three-game series. After having Sunday’s action completely washed out, the teams played a doubleheader Monday with a No. 2 seeding in the upcoming ACC Tournament on the line for FSU. Needing just one win in order to earn that No. 2 tournament seed, the Seminoles had been hopeful all weekend that they would clinch the…

  • As FSU’s revenues have inched up, down, expenses have soared

    Coley Harvey
    15 May 2012 | 5:04 am
    As Florida State's revenue has fluctuated and increased in small increments over the past six seasons, the Seminoles' athletics expenses have soared, according to a finding by the USA Today. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel) The USA Today on Monday came out with a rather well-timed look at how far expenses and revenues have come for athletic programs in the last six years. As you can see in the link here, the overall trend in college athletics is that as revenues have gone up in small increments, expenses have skyrocketed. It has been tough for most schools not named Texas or Ohio…
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    The Dish - Orlando Sentinel

  • Florida Grouper: Make sure you are buying the real thing

    hmcpherson
    16 May 2012 | 8:00 am
    Pan-Grilled Grouper with Green Olive Cream Sauce Florida grouper — because of its limited supply and relatively high price — has been targeted by unscrupulous merchants who seek to deceive and cheat consumers, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Grouper is harvested from the Gulf of Mexico and southern Atlantic Ocean. While individual species have unique identifiable characteristics, they are commonly described as lean, white flesh fish with a taste and texture which is popular and distinct from most common white flesh fish. Grouper fillets…

  • Scott McKenzie & the Morning Mix recipe of the week: Chicken With Pico de Gallo

    hmcpherson
    16 May 2012 | 2:00 am
    Grilled Chicken with Pico de Gallo The more the merrier in the Orlando Sentinel test kitchen! That’s why we have teamed with the fabulous folks over at Orlando’s WOMX Mix 105.1 to offer the morning show’s Recipe of the Week. Today’s recipe is Grilled Chicken With Pico de Gallo. The pico de gallo topping adds a fresh, nicely textured accent to this grilled chicken. Feel free to play with the ingredients to suit your own flavor preferences. Every Wednesday, you can find more recipes picked exclusively for Scott McKenzie & the Morning Mix here and at mix1051.com. Grilled Chicken…

  • The Fifth in downtown Orlando readies for grand opening

    hmcpherson
    15 May 2012 | 2:39 pm
    The lighted bar and columns add to the sleek vibe that is The Fifth Yesterday I walked through The Fifth, 112 S. Orange Ave., the newest addition to the downtown dining and bar scene. Created by the V Group, proprietors of Vintage Lounge, Vixen Bar and NV Art Bar, the concept adds an upscale option for daytime, evening and late night dining. The menu has a classic vibe and the bar is set on super premium octane. Chef Dean Holland’s menu features classic comfort plates and desserts. The restaurant/bar is awash in ultra modern design but manages a welcoming warm feel. The white brick…

  • Chip off the old block: Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

    hmcpherson
    15 May 2012 | 11:07 am
    Toffee bits and brown sugar make these cookies crisp and crunchyChocolate Chip Cookies Makes: 5 dozen 2 1/2-inch cookies 1 3/4 cups flour 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 teaspoon each: baking soda, salt 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups each: semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee bits 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 1 Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Beat the butter, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla with a mixer…

  • Eggland’s Best contest offers chance to win $10,000

    hmcpherson
    15 May 2012 | 10:55 am
    Eggland’s Best wants to recognize the culinary talents of at-home chefs with the brand’s first national recipe contest. Call for entries to the Eggland’s Best “Your Best Recipe” contest is open now through August 12, 2012. Home cooks can submit original recipes featuring at least two EB eggs online at www.egglandsbest.com/yourbestrecipe.  A $1,000 prize will be awarded in each of the following four categories: Breakfast, Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert and one dish showcases the most creative use of Eggland’s Best eggs will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize. Helping to…
 
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    OrlandoSentinel.com - Frugal Force

  • Orlando's daily deals for May 16

    16 May 2012 | 7:15 am
    Orlando's daily deals for May 16:HotDealsOrlando is offering $5 for $10 worth of frozen yogurt at Delish Frozen Yogurt ($10 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.Groupon is offering $37 for an all-day deep-sea fishing trip for one person from Pastime Princess (up to $75 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.Living Social is $81 for one ticket to four plays, including wine and parking, at Mad Cow Theatre ($81 value). LivingSocial.com.ODeals Daily is offering $5 for $10 worth of frozen treats at Philly Italian Ice in Apopka ($10 value). Check this deal out at…

  • Orlando's daily deals for May 15

    15 May 2012 | 6:19 am
    Orlando's daily deals for May 15:HotDealsOrlando is offering $199 for two Velashape treatments at Bella Vita Salon & Spa ($900 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.Groupon is offering $15 for $30 worth of cookie bouquets from Cookies by Design ($30 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.Living Social is $9 for one Mystic spray tan at Sol y Luna Tanning ($20 value). LivingSocial.com.ODeals Daily is offering $49 for a private party for 10 people, including five bottles of wine and wine guide, at Lake Mary Cork & Olive ($100 value). Check this deal out at…

  • Orlando's daily deals for May 14

    14 May 2012 | 7:05 am
    Orlando's daily deals for May 14:HotDealsOrlando is offering $199 for two Velashape treatments at Bella Vita Salon & Spa ($900 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.Groupon is offering $29 for a gaming-cruise package for one person from Victory Casino Cruises (up to a $59 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.Living Social is $9 for one Kids Eat Free card for 90 days of on-the-house meals for kids up to 11 years old ($19.99 value). LivingSocial.com.ODeals Daily is offering $25 for two midfield premium seats to Orlando City Soccer May 24th game ($50 value). Check this deal…

  • Orlando's daily deals for May 11

    11 May 2012 | 7:16 am
    Orlando's daily deals for May 11:HotDealsOrlando is offering $50 for a three-hour kayak tour for two people at Expedition Florida Adventures ($100 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.Groupon is offering $89 for one 50-minute body-contouring session at Body Balance of Winter Park (up to a $250 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.Living Social is $29 for a one appetizer, two flatbreads and bottle of Canyon Road wine at The Silly Grape ($59 value). Check this deal out at LivingSocial.com.ODeals Daily is offering $89 for a manicure, pedicure, massage and shampoo with blow…

  • Orlando's daily deals for May 10

    10 May 2012 | 7:17 am
    Orlando's daily deals for May 10:HotDealsOrlando is offering $30 for an hour golf video lesson from Chris Bonner or $99 for three lessons (up to $240 value). Check this deal out at HotDealsOrlando.com.Groupon is offering $14 for 18 holes of mini golf for two people at Volcano Island Miniature Golf ($30 value). Check this deal out at Groupon.com.Living Social is $81 for tickets to four upcoming shows at the Mad Cow Theatre ($81 value). Check this deal out at LivingSocial.com.ODeals Daily is offering $25 for an one-hour therapeutic massage at Tropical Massage and Skincare ($50 value). Check…
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    Knights Notepad - Orlando Sentinel

  • UCF senior golfer Brad Schneider overcame major leg injury, personal adversity to help Knights thrive

    Iliana Limón
    16 May 2012 | 11:08 am
    UCF senior Brad Schneider will lead the No. 22 golf team at the Stanford NCAA regional. Credit: Gary W. Green / Orlando Sentinel. UCF senior golfer Brad Schneider has overcome some brutal road blocks, battling through severe leg injuries that required nine surgeries. His mother, a nurse, played a huge role in his recovery. Shortly after he returned to elite competition, his mother lost her battle with cancer. Schneider never let the setbacks stand in his way on the golf course. I had the opportunity to write about Schneider’s toughness in the face of adversity for today’s edition…

  • UCF baseball coach Terry Rooney previews big Rice series, urges fans to support team

    Iliana Limón
    16 May 2012 | 9:52 am
    The No. 16 UCF baseball team’s game against rival Stetson Tuesday night was cancelled due to rain. After the contest was called off, UCF head coach Terry Rooney talked with reporters about the Knights’ huge home series against No. 5 Rice. The winner earns the Conference USA regular season title. It is the first time in school history UCF has been in contention for a Conference USA title. Rooney talked about the tough matchup, then encouraged fans to attend the games set for Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. at Jay Bergman Field. UCF is selling…

  • No. 16 UCF baseball prepares for biggest week in school history

    Iliana Limón
    14 May 2012 | 5:08 am
    UCF coach Terry Rooney and the Knights have the chance to win their first Conference USA title entering the final week of the regular season. Credit: Orlando Sentinel. The No. 16 UCF baseball team rolled to a 13-6 win at Marshall Sunday, rallying for a 2-1 series win over the Thundering Herd and setting up arguably the biggest week in school history. The Knights (40-12, 15-6 in C-USA) are tied with No. 5 Rice (36-14, 15-6 in C-USA) atop the league standings. The two teams will play for the regular season Conference USA title in a winner-take-all series Thursday through Saturday at Jay Bergman…

  • No. 18 UCF women’s track team wins Conference USA outdoor title

    Iliana Limón
    14 May 2012 | 12:37 am
    The No. 18 UCF women's track and field celebrates winning the 2012 C-USA outdoor title. Credit: UCFAthletics.com. The No. 18 UCF women’s track and field team won its third consecutive Conference USA Outdoor Track and Field title Sunday night in New Orleans. The Knights were determined to claim the outdoor title after coming up short during the indoor season, finishing in second place behind East Carolina at the Conference USA Indoor Track and Field Championship. UCF earned 160 points at the outdoor championship, while the Pirates finished in second place with 132.16 points. UCF had…

  • UCF football coach George O’Leary provides position-by-position breakdown of 2012 team

    Iliana Limón
    12 May 2012 | 10:25 pm
    UCF football coach George O'Leary. Credit: Orlando Sentinel. UCF coach George O’Leary has decided to reinstate four football players who missed spring practice — receiver J.J. Worton, offensive tackle Chris Martin, defensive back Jordan Ozerities and quarterback Jeff Godfrey. O’Leary talked with the Orlando Sentinel about the each position group, offering the following thoughts on the 2012 football team: QUARTERBACKS: “I think Blake [Bortles] improved each week of the spring. I think what we had to improve on was just his reading and knowledge of the defense. There’s no…
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    Orlando Sentinel’s Magic BasketBlog

  • Join us at 3 p.m. today for Magic Insider Live on orlandosentinel.com

    brian schmitz
    16 May 2012 | 8:35 am
    Join us today at 3 p.m. for Magic Insider Live! on orlandosentinel.com. If you have a question about the Magic, fire away. We’ll discuss the futures of Stan Van Gundy, Otis Smith and Dwight Howard, among other things. And we will answer your questions live. That’s Magic Insider Live! today at 3 p.m. on orlandosentinel.com. J.J. Redick never misses the show.

  • Magic CEO: No decisions have been made about Smith, Van Gundy

    Josh Robbins
    15 May 2012 | 9:51 pm
    Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said Tuesday night that his evaluation process of the team’s basketball operations department is still ongoing. “No decisions have been reached,” Martins told the Orlando Sentinel via text message. Martins and Chairman Dan DeVos have said team officials evaluate the performance of the basketball-operations department and other areas within the organization after every season. But the status of Otis Smith, the team’s president of basketball operations and general manager, and coach Stan Van Gundy are in doubt. Smith reportedly will meet…

  • Ryan Anderson invited to join the USA Select team

    Josh Robbins
    14 May 2012 | 5:06 pm
    Ryan Anderson will help the U.S. men’s basketball team prepare for the Summer Olympics in London. The Orlando Magic forward has been added to the USA Select team roster that will help the Olympic squad train July 6-12 in Las Vegas. CSNBayArea.com first reported the news, and a league source confirmed Anderson’s inclusion to the Orlando Sentinel. The USA Select team also will include DeMarcus Cousins, Kyrie Irving, Jeremy Lin and John Wall. The experience should help Anderson, the winner of the NBA’s 2011-12 Most Improved Player award, hone his game. Anderson, 24, will be a…

  • Magic grant Bobcats permission to interview Patrick Ewing | Video

    Josh Robbins
    11 May 2012 | 11:54 am
    As expected, the Orlando Magic have granted the Charlotte Bobcats permission to interview Patrick Ewing for the Bobcats’ vacant head-coaching position, Magic officials said Friday. The Associated Press is reporting that Ewing, 49, is expected to interview for the Bobcats’ job next week. Ewing has spent nine seasons as an NBA assistant coach: one with the Washington Wizards, three with the Houston Rockets and five on Stan Van Gundy’s staff with the Magic. Ewing has said he would be interested in any head-coaching job, and he is friends with the Bobcats’ owner, Michael…

  • The Orlando Magic will face these 10 issues this offseason

    Josh Robbins
    9 May 2012 | 12:16 am
    INDIANAPOLIS — The Orlando Magic have completed one of the most bizarre seasons in franchise history, a season that essentially began with the sudden “retirement” of CEO Bob Vander Weide and ended Tuesday night with a 105-87 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the teams’ first-round playoff series. This offseason could be every bit as tumultuous. Here is a quick look at the issues the Magic will face in the days, weeks and months ahead: 1. The futures of Stan Van Gundy and his assistant coaches Van Gundy has compiled a 259-135 regular-season record and a 31-28 postseason record as…
 
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    Moms At Work - Orlando Sentinel

  • Three cheers for great dads

    anika palm
    16 May 2012 | 9:40 am
    Let’s hear it for involved dads! I’m sure you know men who are more involved in their children’s lives than their own fathers would ever have dreamed of being — and the statistics show that those devoted dads are growing in number. A U.S. Census Bureau report shows that about 32 percent of dads with children younger than 15 are regularly involved in childcare responsibilities, according to the Wall Street Journal. I know, I know. That’s less than a third. Given that barely a quarter of dads could say the same thing ten years ago, though, I think that’s a…

  • Sophia, Jacob top baby names of 2011; Mason makes big gains and Michael loses ground

    lesliepostal
    14 May 2012 | 10:11 pm
    So Sophia and Jacob (again) were the nation’s most popular baby names in 2011. The Social Security Administration, which compiles the list, announced the top names today.  Sophia, number 2  last year, was the most popular girl’s name. For the 13th year in a row, Jacob was the top boy’s name. The girl’s list wasn’t much different than last year’s, but the boys had a few surprises.  Mason was the No. 2 name, jumping 10 spots to claim that popular place.  That could be the influence of reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian, who had a son named Mason in…

  • College graduates buried under student loans

    Lisa Cianci
    14 May 2012 | 11:26 am
    Every month, it seems, stories abound about college tuition rates rising higher and higher. As the mom of a high school freshman, I find this very scary. I wonder how high tuition will be in just a few years, when my son is ready to go to college. This New York Times story does nothing to make me feel better. It talks about graduates who are buried under student debt — one woman just graduated from Ohio Northern University owing $120,000. That is not a typo: $120,000! The story also pointed out that there is currently $1 trillion in student loans in the United States. What’s a…

  • Time magazine has something to show you about attachment parenting

    anika palm
    10 May 2012 | 2:29 pm
    This is the cover of Time magazine. Yep, my eyes widened when I saw that photo, too. Time magazine’s cover story this week is about attachment parents, the Olympic athletes of child-rearing. If you’re an attachment parent, or you know one, you know the drill. It involves co-sleeping and babywearing as long as possible, among other things. The idea, as advanced by renowned pediatrician Dr. William Sears, is that AP is about creating a sustained parent-child connection in a child’s earliest years. While there are some great ideas in the attachment parenting movement…

  • Maurice Sendak, ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ author, dies

    lesliepostal
    8 May 2012 | 11:44 am
    Maurice Sendak, the children’s book author and illustrator, has died from complications from a stroke. The 83-year-old was best known for ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ a book whose pictures and story captivated my kids — and countless others. Something about the boy in a wolf suit making mischief of one kind and another struck a cord with the preschool set, as did the monsters who “roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth” and then held a “wild rumpus.”  Because rumpus is a funny word, the monsters looked both fierce and…
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    Mr. Lucky Florida Lottery Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Database: Florida’s winning lottery locations

    Liam Miller
    14 May 2012 | 3:12 pm
    Enter your ZIP code by clicking this link to see locations near you where winning lottery tickets with payouts of $600 or more have been sold since 1993. Note: In cases where outlets have changed ownership, multiple merchants may be shown at the same address. Click on the “Details” link to see the highest payouts at each location.

  • Lottery results for Powerball, Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5

    Liam Miller
    12 May 2012 | 10:59 pm
    Powerball’s jackpot was $80 million Saturday night, while Florida Lotto was $5 million. Did you win? Find those winning numbers plus Fantasy 5 by clicking here.

  • Lottery results for Powerball, Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5

    Liam Miller
    9 May 2012 | 10:38 pm
    Powerball jackpot was at $70 million Wednesday night, while Florida Lotto was at $4 million. Either jackpot would buy a lot of Mother’s Day presents! Did you win? Find those winning numbers plus Fantasy 5 by clicking here.

  • Lottery results for Powerball, Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5 on May 5

    David Collins
    5 May 2012 | 10:44 pm
    Smaller jackpots tonight with only $3 million up for grabs in Florida Lotto and only $60 million in Powerball. Wait … did I just write “only $60 million”?! These mega-jackpots from Powerball have really skewed our perspective, eh? Not to sound like an old-timer, but I remember when $60 million jackpots would bring out the once-in-a-blue-moon players and have the rest of us waiting for the numbers on pins and needles. You can find all of tonight’s winning numbers by clicking on this link.

  • Lottery results for Powerball, Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5

    Liam Miller
    2 May 2012 | 10:33 pm
    Powerball’s jackpot was $50 million Wednesday night, while Florida Lotto was $2 million. Did you win? Find those lucky numbers and Fantasy 5 by clicking here.
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    College Gridiron 365 Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Skip Holtz talks USF football

    matt murschel
    16 May 2012 | 10:04 am
    Skip Holtz is back for his third season at USF. (St. Petersburg Times) Skip Holtz just finished his third spring session as the head coach at USF. After head coaching stops at Connecticut and East Carolina, Holtz has settled in as the head man at South Florida, where he has gone 13-12 including a bowl victory. Holtz, 48, was in Orlando on May 14 to speak at a Bulls Club function and sat down to discuss the spring, the changing Big East, the impending UCF-USF rivalry and getting his father’s input. On his thoughts on the team’s spring session. SH: “I was excited. It’s kind of nice to…

  • Skip Holtz talks USF football

    matt murschel
    16 May 2012 | 9:30 am
    Skip Holtz is back for his third season at USF. (St. Petersburg Times) Skip Holtz just finished his third spring session as the head coach at USF. After head coaching stops at Connecticut and East Carolina, Holtz has settled in as the head man at South Florida, where he has gone 13-12 including a bowl victory. Holtz, 48, was in Orlando on May 14 to speak at a Bulls Club function and sat down to discuss the spring, the changing Big East, the impending UCF-USF rivalry and getting his father’s input. On his thoughts on the team’s spring session. SH: “I was excited. It’s kind of nice to…

  • Five teams that will struggle in 2012: Boise State

    matt murschel
    16 May 2012 | 8:00 am
    Fans and coaches know that college football is an up-and-down sport. One season, a team could be on top of the world, while the next it’s all bad news. We continue our five-part series looking at teams that will struggle this season. Today we feature: Boise State This will be a big year for Boise State and coach Chris Petersen. (James Snook / US PRESSWIRE) Boise State Buzz: Boise State has been one of the most successful college football programs in the country in terms of wins and losses. In the past decade alone, the program has gone an incredible 118-13 including 73-6 under Chris…

  • College Football Countdown: No. 89 Kent State

    matt murschel
    16 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    Darrell Hazell is back for his second season at Kent State. (Kentstatesports.com) The Orlando Sentinel has ranked all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff will take a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 120 to our projected No. 1 team. We will not be including the four teams the NCAA lists as still reclassifying to the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Today at No. 89: Kent State Coach: Darrell Hazell (5-7, second season) 2011 record: 5-7 (4-4 in Mid-American Conference, third in East Division) Look back: It was a difficult first season…

  • Will college football’s money gap force a split into new divisions?

    Iliana Limón
    15 May 2012 | 12:42 pm
    Texas coach Mack Brown oversees the wealthiest public school football program in the country. Credit: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images. The richest public schools at the top of the college football food chain keep getting richer, adding to the growing gap between college football’s wealthiest programs and everyone else competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The gap, which has been discussed extensively in past, is growing. USA Today’s college sports investigative team found of the 99 public school FBS programs in 2010-11, the top 50 revenue producers — led by Texas —…
 
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    Open Mike - Orlando Sentinel

  • FSU Big 12 fascination is about $EC envy

    mike bianchi
    13 May 2012 | 6:25 pm
    FSU is surrounded by the big-money boys in the SEC Make no mistake about why so many FSU fans, boosters, coaches and trustees want to explore the possibility of leaving the ACC for the Big 12. It is all about trying to keep up financially with the big boys in SEC. Nothing more. Nothing less. “Conference alignment and TV is where all the money’s at,” FSU coach Jimbo Fisher said before a speaking engagement Saturday at the Seminole Club of Greater Orlando. “The powers-that-be need to do what’s best for Florida State.” Fisher obviously understands that FSU…

  • Brandon Marshall says he is “blessed” after leaving Dolphins for Bears

    mike bianchi
    10 May 2012 | 5:49 pm
    Brandon Marshall says he is blessed to be with Bears instead of Dolphins Brandon Marshall says he will miss some of the charitable community work he was doing down in Miami, but says being traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Chicago Bears during the offseason was the best thing that could have happened to him. “Career-wise this is a better move … this is like a dream job and a dream organization and I’m blessed to have this opportunity to be here,” Marshall said on our Open Mike radio show earlier this week. Perhaps the main reason Marshall is so excited is…

  • Did USF President Judy Genshaft lie to lawmakers about blocking UCF from Big East?

    mike bianchi
    8 May 2012 | 7:58 am
    Did USF President Judy Genshaft mislead legislators about blocking UCF from Big East? Did USF President Judy Genshaft and her alleged clandestine blocking of UCF from joining the Big East ultimately lead to the league’s current  state of disarray? And did Genshaft lie to a state lawmaker about her desire to keep UCF out of the Big East? If you read a report by CBSSports.com writer Brett McMurphy, who used to cover USF for the Tampa Tribune and has been the reporter of record for the Big East realignment, you would be hardpressed to think otherwise. Many are blaming ousted Big East…

  • Fran Vazquez is to blame for Magic plight against Pacers

    mike bianchi
    8 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    If the Magic had only taken Danny Granger instead of Fran Vazquez in the 2005 draft INDIANAPOLIS — The “Curse of the Franbino” continues to haunt the Orlando Magic. If the Orlando Magic ultimately end up losing their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, most people will say the series was lost a few weeks ago when Dwight Howard suffered a season-ending back injury. I say it goes back further than that. Much further. In fact, you’ll never guess who I blame for the Magic’s 3-1 deficit in this series I blame Fran Vazquez. You heard me. Fran Vazquez. Just think if the…

  • Have Dwight Howard, Stan Van Gundy kissed and made up?

    mike bianchi
    7 May 2012 | 3:46 am
    You don’t really believe Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy have kissed and made up, do you? After watching Dwight’s recent video interview on TMZ, you’d think that he and Stan  talk on the phone every day and perhaps have put their hard feelings behind them. Howard said in the video that he has talked with Van Gundy “a bunch of times” since the playoffs started. That seems to be a slight exaggeration on Dwight’s part. In fact, when I asked Van Gundy if he and Dwight had spoken a “bunch of times” Saturday, Van Gundy never even confirmed if…
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    Central Florida Political Pulse - Orlando Sentinel

  • Romney endorses Connie Mack

    bshaw
    16 May 2012 | 12:04 pm
    It’s hardly a surprise — remember when U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV traveled the state as a Mitt Romney surrogate before Florida’s presidential primary? — but the presumptive Republican nominee endorsed Mack’s U.S. Senate candidacy today. “Connie Mack is a friend, a strong conservative and the type of principled leader we need in Washington to restore fiscal responsibility,” said Romney in a statement issued while he campaigned in the Tampa Bay area this morning. “By electing Connie Mack, the people of Florida will be sending a clear message to Senator…

  • ‘Pants on Fire’ ad targeted Grayson too

    bshaw
    16 May 2012 | 9:16 am
    A Pulse post on Tuesday pointed out that a U.S. Chamber of Commerce ad critical of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson’s vote for the Affordable Care Act had earned a not-so-coveted “Pants on Fire” award from PolitiFact, the Pulitzer-winning website set up by the Tampa Bay Times to test the truth of political ads and politicians’ claims. This morning, the press spokesman for Alan Grayson, the Democratic ex-congressman who’s running in newly drawn CD9, reminded us that his boss had been targeted by the very same ad, as we’d pointed out last week. Duly noted.

  • Super PAC Crossroads launches $25M anti-Obama ad campaign

    scottpowers
    16 May 2012 | 9:09 am
    Updated 05/16/12 11:30 with DNC response: The Republican Super PAC Crossroads GPS announced this morning it is launching a $25 million national TV commercial campaign — including Florida — going after President Barack Obama on economic issues. The 30-second commercials called ”Obama’s Promise,” which start Thursday and run through the end of the month, seek “to frame the national debate on jobs, the economy, ObamaCare and government debt,” Crossroads stated. “Obama’s Promise” will air in Florida for a total buy of $1.5 million.  The spot…

  • Poll: Independent voters want more from Obama on housing

    khaughney
    16 May 2012 | 8:15 am
    TALLAHASSEE — A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of Campaign for Fair Settlement, a coalition of grassroots groups, found that 49 percent of independent likely voters in Florida disapprove of the way President Obama has handled the housing crisis. “The president should heed the message independent voters are sending and show stronger leadership on housing,” said Nish Suvarnakar, the group’s campaign manager. “Obama can help homeowners, his campaign and the overall economy by more aggressively pursuing the banks’ criminal acts and…

  • Wednesday Morning Reads: Real Estate, campaign dough and writing scores

    khaughney
    16 May 2012 | 7:58 am
    TALLAHASSEE — Good morning and welcome to the morning reads. Here are the top five stories we’re reading this morning in Florida politics and government. * The Orlando Sentinel writes that the State Board of Education lowered the standards on the FCAT writing exam after only 27 percent achieved an acceptable score. * The Sun-Sentinel writes that South Florida has the worst credit ranking in the nation. * The News Service of Florida reports that lobbying firms got a big payday with an earlier legislative session this year. * The Palm Beach Post reports on a political appearance by…
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    Sentinel School Zone - Orlando Sentinel

  • Lake gives thumbs up to school uniforms for coming year

    lesliepostal
    16 May 2012 | 9:22 am
    The Lake County School Board this week approved a new dress code that would require stuents to wear uniforms starting this August. The policy is similar to Osceola County’s, requiring solid colored tops and bottoms. It’s a uniform “lite” policy compared to many private schools, but such dress codes – increasingly popular in public schools — do limit students’ clothing choices considerably. And that’s a plus or a minus, depending on your view.

  • State to hold schools harmless for low 2012 FCAT writing scores

    lesliepostal
    15 May 2012 | 12:31 pm
    The State Board of Education voted this morning to lower the grading standard for writing to a 3 out of 6 — down from a 4 — to essentially hold schools harmless from the low 2012 FCAT writing scores. We’ll post more later.

  • Orange has two superintendents as Jenkins is promoted

    lroth
    15 May 2012 | 11:27 am
    Superintendent Jenkins Orange County Public Schools today entered a strange in-between zone — Barbara Jenkins became the new superintendent, but Ron Blocker still retains the same title. Jenkins, who through Monday was deputy superintendent, made clear during a Cabinet meeting yesterday that Blocker is still in charge and that she will be referring to him for key decisions. Superintendent Blocker “She is learning as much as she can for the next six weeks. She is still working for Mr. Blocker,” said district spokeswoman Shari Bobinski. Although there will technically be two…

  • FCAT writing: Tougher scoring was the goal but this tough?

    lesliepostal
    15 May 2012 | 9:29 am
    The State Board will meet shortly to take up the issue of this year’s dramatically worse FCAT writing scores. In the meantime, lots of people are wondering what happened to prompt the dramatic decline in scores from 2011 to 2012.  The state did toughen the scoring for this year’s exams, saying students needed to use correct spelling and grammar and show better organization in their essays, as we reported back in July. You can read a DOE memo on the stricter grading here. But, as Orange Superintendent Ron Blocker said after looking at this year’s scores, ”No one…

  • Seminole school workers plan one last protest

    daveweber
    15 May 2012 | 6:50 am
    No raises for teachers, other Seminole school workers? Employees of the Seminole County school district will make one last attempt this afternoon to influence the School Board to give them a pay raise. Tony Gentile, executive director of Seminole UniServ – the coalition of the district’s four employee unions – says workers will be on hand for a protest at the School Board office at 4:30 p.m. The final showdown on the pay raise dispute between employees and the School Board will come at 6 p..m. during a hearing on the issue. That’s when the school board will remove its…
 
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    Soundboard Music Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Concert review: Nickelback at Amway Center

    jimabbott
    4 May 2012 | 9:32 pm
    Even after selling tens of millions of albums, Nickelback is still more of a punch-line than a band, perhaps more loathed than Creed was in its day, if you can imagine. I mean, even Creed couldn’t inspire enough venom to yield a petition to attempt to keep the band out of a major city, as Detroit did this past fall when Nickelback was tapped to entertain at the NFL’s traditional Thanksgiving Day game. Yet lead singer Chad Kroeger and his Nickelback buddies are laughing all the way to the bank, a route that stopped on Friday in Orlando for a marathon show with My Darkest Days, Seether and…

  • Adam Yauch, of the Beastie Boys, dead at age 47

    jimabbott
    4 May 2012 | 12:39 pm
    Adam Yauch, a member of the seminal hip-hop trio the Beastie Boys, has died, according to multiple media reports. He was 47. The Brooklyn-born musician known as MCA was first treated for a cancerous growths in his parotid gland and a lymph node in 2009 and underwent surgery and radiation therapy, which forced the delay of the Beastie Boys’ most recent album, Hot Sauce Committee Part Two. His illness has also kept the group off the road, and Yauch missed the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two weeks ago, ina  class that also included the Red Hot Chili Peppers and…

  • Concert review: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Amway Center

    jimabbott
    3 May 2012 | 10:08 pm
    As any Tom Petty fan knows, the waiting is the hardest part, but this is ridiculous. Petty and the Heartbreakers haven’t played an arena show in Orlando since 1995, although the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have made numerous road-trip worthy stops on the I-4 corridor in Tampa and Daytona Beach since the Clinton years. So it was worth wondering if the band would pull out any surprises on Thursday at Amway Center. You know, to make the night memorable enough to last another decade or so? “We’re pretty excited to be back in Florida,” Petty told the sold-out crowd in the opening moments…

  • Gamble Rogers Folk festival set to unfold May 4 and 5

    jimabbott
    1 May 2012 | 2:41 pm
    Now in its 17th year, the Gamble Rogers Folk Festival will present an all-star lineup of national and local folk acts on May 4th and 5th in St. Augustine. Onopening night, the fest will feature The Nouveaux Honkies headlining on at the St. Augustine marina, at the entrance to the Bridge of Lions near St. Augustine’s famous historic district. On May 5, The Waymores will top the bill on one of the four concert stages at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre , 1340 State Road A1A, 2 miles south of the Bridge of Lions. Also on the lineup for this year’s event: The Aaron O’Rourke…

  • Bob Dylan to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

    jimabbott
    26 Apr 2012 | 3:24 pm
    What does American musical icon Bob Dylan have in common with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and ex-astronaut John Glenn? All are on the list of 13 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It’s the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to those who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to other cultural endeavors. The awards will be presented by President Obama at the White House in late spring. “These extraordinary honorees come from different backgrounds and…
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    Swamp Things - Gators Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Gators start summer with 100 percent enrollment

    Rachel George
    15 May 2012 | 6:24 pm
    LAKELAND – Florida’s football team started the offseason with 100 percent of the players on campus enrolled in Summer A, Will Muschamp said Tuesday. Classes started Monday for the first session of summer school, and Muschamp said it’s common to have perfect enrollment. Muschamp spoke to the media before a Gator Gathering here with the Polk County Gator Club at the Lakeland Center. “They need to be in shape. They need to get stronger,” he said. “So they understand the things they need to work on and then, obviously, from there, they’ve gotta have ownership…

  • Former Gators QB Danny Wuerffel left out of hall of fame class

    Rachel George
    15 May 2012 | 1:03 pm
    Former UF quarterback Danny Wuerffel was on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame for the first time, but he did not make the class. (Orlando Sentinel file photo) The National Football Foundation announced the College Football Hall of Fame class this morning, and former Florida QB Danny Wuerffel did not make it into the class. The former Heisman Trophy winner was on the ballot for the first time. BYU’s Ty Detmer was one of four Heisman-winning QBs on the ballot – Miami’s Vinny Testaverde and Nebraska’s Eric Crouch were the others with Wuerffel – and…

  • Gators’ baseball, softball teams joins “Call Me Maybe” craze

    Rachel George
    15 May 2012 | 10:04 am
    Apparently, being an athlete provides plenty of down time. Or, at least the desire to shoot video of yourself and your teammates lip syncing  to “Call Me Maybe.” Count Florida’s baseball and softball teams among the latest to join the craze of signing along to the Carly Rae Jepsen video in weird places. (Sadly, yes, this is a craze, as you will see.) First, the softball team joined in. The Gators do have a history of signing along with music videos. Not to be outdone, the baseball team joined in on its road trip to Alabama this week. Some important things we learned from…

  • Florida’s Michelle Moultrie named SEC’s top softball player

    Rachel George
    14 May 2012 | 5:03 pm
    Florida’s Michelle Moultrie was named the SEC Player of the Year last week, giving the school back-to-back honors for the league’s top softball player. Outfielder Kelsey Bruder received the award last year. Moultrie was one of seven Florida players named to All-SEC teams this year, marking the fourth consecutive year she’s earned that honor. She was a second-team pick in 2010 and 2011, making the All-Defensive team last year, and was an All-Freshman pick in 2009. Moultrie ranks second on the team with a .376 average and 10 home runs. She has a team-best .635 slugging…

  • UF’s Brittany Dashiell named school’s first Tewaaraton finalist

    Rachel George
    14 May 2012 | 4:33 pm
    Florida’s Brittany Dashiell was named as one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Award, the first ever for the school. The award is given annually to the top male and female lacrosse players in the country. The junior midfielder helped Florida win its second consecutive American Lacrosse Conference regular season title and first ever ALC Tournament title. The Gators (18-2) received the No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament and earned a 6-4 win over Albany in the first round on Saturday. Dashiell has been a catalyst for Florida’s third-ranked offense and top-ranked defense. She ranks…
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    Taking Names the Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • The GOP’s Latino problem – from the mouth of the GOP

    scottmaxwell
    9 May 2012 | 6:35 am
    Over the weekend, the Sentinel carried a story about the importance of the Hispanic vote in Florida.  It made the case that the Republican Party has had a back-and-forth relationship with Hispanic voters — which was pretty good here in Florida when Jeb Bush was in charge, not so much nowadays. But no one has made the case about the GOP’s current problems on this front in more starker terms than Steve Schmidt, a former spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee and senior strategist for John McCain’s presidential campaign. This is what Schmidt said on…

  • Congressional job approval – 8 percent

    scottmaxwell
    7 May 2012 | 3:03 pm
    A new Rasmussen poll has found that Americans have an overwhelmingly negative opinion of Congress. We’re talking cellar-beneath-the-basement levels here … 8 percent job approval. Summarized Rasmussen: “Voters continue to voice an overwhelmingly negative assessment of Congress’ performance. ” You can read a bit more here. But in general, this mirrors one of the great political paradoxes I’ve mused about before: Everyone is convinced that Congress is a mess — even as they largely re-elect the same people back to office. We see the same thing with the…

  • The Citrus Bowl: Bianchi crashes the Malarkey Meter

    scottmaxwell
    5 May 2012 | 6:16 am
    Mike Bianchi and I go head-to-(cheese)head on the Citrus Bowl.

  • Rick Scott’s re-election, Rubio’s credit cards, Grayson espousing & more

    scottmaxwell
    2 May 2012 | 12:50 pm
    Wrapping up some political odds and ends from here and around the state … * Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam tells the St. Pete Times that the chances of Rick Scott facing any serious opposition from within his own party in his quest for re-election in 2014 are precisely “nil.” * Former presidential hopefuls are weighing in on Florida’s U.S. Senate race. Michelle Bachmann has endorsed Connie Mack, while Herman Cain endorsed George LeMieux. * In case you missed it, National Republican formally punished the Florida delegation for its early primary vote by putting…

  • The difference between Teresa and Buddy

    scottmaxwell
    25 Apr 2012 | 8:44 am
    Do you remember when Teresa Jacobs toyed with the idea of making her trusted advisor Kevin Shaughnessy the county attorney? Folks went ballistic. And for good reason. There are inherent conflicts of interest if an attorney tries to both work for the county and also a law firm that does business with or has clients that deal with the county. So the newspaper made a stink. Multiple members of the county commision raised objections. And Jacobs quickly backed away from the idea. Now compare that to Buddy Dyer. Last week, news broke that Buddy wanted to do essentially the same thing. The Sentinel…
 
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    Theme Park Rangers - Orlando Sentinel

  • History center: Photo exhibit showcases I-4 scenes

    dewayne bevil
    16 May 2012 | 10:06 am
    This photo of the Lake Ivanhoe pier is part of Sherri Bunye's "FloridaScapes: I-4 -- The Exits Less Traveled," coming to the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. A new photo exhibit that captures unexpected beauty within earshot of Interstate 4 exits will open at the Orange County Regional History Center on Saturday. “FloridaScapes: I-4 — The Exits Less Traveled” features photography by Creadle Studios artist Sherri Bunye, a Florida native who aims to record the charm among the evolving towns along the busy highway. The exhibition, which…

  • Fun Spot: Hospitality Days, early-bird deal for Memorial Day

    dewayne bevil
    15 May 2012 | 3:58 pm
    Fun Spot is offering discounts to hospitality-industry workers and a half-price “unlimited” armband to everyone early on Memorial Day at its parks on International Drive and in Kissimmee. The Fun Spot Hospitality Days will run from Sunday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 23. Hospitality workers can purchase up to four unlimited armbands for $10 each (normal price: $34.95). The parks request an online RSVP (www.funspotevents.com) and proof of employment/company ID/payroll stub plus photo ID. The hospitality event will include a party on May 20, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with free food and…

  • Time to ponder theme-park parades (plus a photo gallery)

    dewayne bevil
    14 May 2012 | 4:39 pm
    The debut of Universal’s Superstar Parade at Universal Studios last week had me musing about Theme Park Parades I Have Known. And that can only lead to a  list and a photo gallery from the Orlando Sentinel photo files. These rambling notes don’t necessarily represent the best parades in Orlando theme-park history, but they are five to which I have attached fond memories. 1. Tapestry of Nations, Epcot. OK, maybe this one is the best, at least my favorite. Great music, giant drums, enormous puppetry were the hallmarks. Too bad World Showcase isn’t really built for parading.

  • This week: Star Wars Weekend, Genevieve Gorder, Science of Wine

    dewayne bevil
    14 May 2012 | 9:57 am
    One festival ends, another one begins this week at Walt Disney World, plus other arrivals: + The 2012 edition of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival wraps up Sunday. The designer showcase on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will feature HGTV’s Genevieve Gorder at noon and 3 p.m. at the Festival Center.  The Flower Power concert series spotlights Micky Dolenz, best known for his role in “The Monkees.” Dolenz is performing in the spot that was designated for his co-star and bandmate Davy Jones until his death in February. Click here to read more about Micky…

  • Universal Studios: More glimpses of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

    dewayne bevil
    11 May 2012 | 3:58 pm
    The construction wall is (mostly) down around Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios, giving theme-park guests a peek at the coming attraction. The entrance is on the main drag of Universal Studios,  across the street from Shrek in 4-D. Minions, the worker bees of the animated “Despicable Me” film, are stacked for the height check at the door, but no heights are currently posted. Foreground: The gift shop. Background: the entrance/house.  Posters on the side encourage folks to “become a minion.” Another recruitment poster. Wonder what the vision-care…
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    Tom's Digs - Orlando Sentinel

  • Sod Webworms are Back

    tom maccubbin
    10 May 2012 | 1:56 pm
    Doesn’t it seem early for sod webworms? Yet they are feeding in my St. Augustine lawn. And just for a bonus there was an armyworm two. Look at my hand and you can see the small sod webworms and the larger armyworm. You know, I thought I saw lawn caterpillars a week or two ago and I guess I was right. I have started to see even more of them now. Here is the question – how did the sod webworms get started so early? They normally do not arrive until the end of June. You know, they are supposed to die out locally during the winter. Do you think during this mild winter some survived? That is…

  • Sweet Gardenias

    tom maccubbin
    3 May 2012 | 9:27 am
    Gardeners noticing a sweet fragrance in the air could be enjoying their gardenias. Several bushes in our yard have been in bloom for over a month. The major bloom is spring but the plants could offer sporadic Gardenia with some thrips present blossoms throughout much of summer too. What many gardeners don’t realize is there are a number of different gardenia varieties. Our two shrubs are Miami Supreme and Coral Gables. Both grow to a height of 12 to 15 feet. Obtain a bulletin entitled Growing Gardenias in Florida from your local University of Florida Extension office for a complete list of…

  • Spathiphyllum on Parade

    tom maccubbin
    26 Apr 2012 | 9:49 am
    Maybe you call these plants Peace lilies most likely due to the white flag-like flower portions properly called a spathe. These white modified leaves Spathiphyllum brighten shady spots surround the true flowers and are probably why the plants have both the scientific and common names spathiphyllum. Well, they are on parade in my landscape flowering freely. In the landscape is where they stay most of the year growing in containers. Some over the years have been willing to take a chance and grow them in the ground. But where I live it can get cold and the plants are often damaged by…

  • Love Those Caladiums

    tom maccubbin
    21 Apr 2012 | 9:45 am
    One plant giving lots of color is the caladium and it’s not for the flowers. I am sure we all know the foliage is the most spectacular part of the Carolyn Whorton caladium plant that has history deeply rooted in Central Florida. History says a Dr. Mead in Oviedo and Dr. Nehrling of Gotha, Florida each played a big roll in starting the caladium industry that produces up to 98% of the world’s supply of caladium bulbs. Actually this is not a true bulb but a tuber which is a compressed stem. We call them bulbs because they are bulb-like in growth. The caladium industry is centered in the Lake…

  • Cucumbers are Out of Control

    tom maccubbin
    12 Apr 2012 | 5:06 pm
    Tying up the cucumber shoots is keeping me busy. You see, I like to keep the vines up off the ground. This makes the fruits easy to see, keeps them from Cucumbers trained to a wood lattice rotting and I can spot pest problems. The way I grow them over a wooden lattice shaped like a pyramid makes it easy to pick the fruits too. You just watch for them to hang down and then snip them off. What could be easier? Most of my spring crops are doing well. The squash is starting to produce fruit but I am having some pollination problems. The insects seem to be having a difficult time finding the…
 
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    The TV Guy - Orlando Sentinel

  • George Zimmerman: Will medical report help his case?

    halboedeker
    16 May 2012 | 11:55 am
    Trayvon Martin, left, and George Zimmerman What to make of the “ABC World News” report about George Zimmerman’s injuries after shooting Trayvon Martin? The TV analysts stepped in Tuesday night after ABC’s Matt Gutman reported that Zimmerman’s medical report showed the shooter had a broken nose, two black eyes and gashes on his head. Zimmerman had refused to go to the hospital the night of the shooting, and his doctor treated him the next day, Gutman reported in his exclusive. ABC’s Dan Abrams said, “There’s no question these documented…

  • ‘NCIS,’ spinoff waltz past ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    halboedeker
    16 May 2012 | 10:58 am
    Michael Weatherly, left, and David McCallum on 'NCIS.' Photo credit: Michael Yarish/CBS At ABC’s fall preview Tuesday, Jimmy Kimmel scoffed that viewers don’t talk about “NCIS.” I guess we’re talking about it today. How shocking was that finale? SPOILER ALERT: In the final moments, a bomb devastated “NCIS” headquarters, and Ducky (David McCallum) received the bad news via a phone call. In the final moments, he collapsed on a beach. Oh, no.  Back to ratings: The CBS drama averaged 18.7 million, biggest audience of the night. The two-hour…

  • CBS adds Sherlock Holmes, moves ‘Two and a Half Men’

    halboedeker
    16 May 2012 | 8:32 am
    Jonny Lee Miller is Sherlock and Lucy Liu is Dr. Watson in 'Elementary.' Photo credit: Craig Blankenhorn/CBS CBS will put a modern-day Sherlock Holmes on its fall schedule and send “Two and a Half Men,” “2 Broke Girls” and “The Mentalist” to new time slots. CBS on Wednesday announced a fall schedule with four new series, three dramas and a sitcom. The drama “Elementary” stars Jonny Lee Miller (“Eli Stone”) as a Holmes just out of rehab and casts Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. He works as a consultant for the New York…

  • Tonight: Final three on ‘American Idol’; season finale on ‘Suburgatory’

    halboedeker
    16 May 2012 | 7:16 am
    The final three on 'American Idol,' from left: Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Joshua Ledet. Photo credit: Michael Becker/Fox The 2011-12 TV season ends next Wednesday, when the “American Idol” victor will be named and “Revenge” offers its season finale. But first, “Idol” has to reduce the field from three to two. Jessica Sanchez, Phillip Phillips and Joshua Ledet will perform three songs apiece at 8 tonight. That will help Fox fill two hours. Who’s the front-runner? I’m going with Phillip. CBS offers the two-hour season finale…

  • ‘Dancing With the Stars’: Who made it to the finals?

    halboedeker
    15 May 2012 | 9:07 pm
    Mark Ballas and Katherine Jenkins perform the dance that left her with an injured back. Photo credit: Adam Taylor/ABC The atmosphere was tense Tuesday as “Dancing With the Stars” revealed the three celebrities who will perform in next week’s finals. SPOILER ALERT: The ABC series served up its first surprise early. Katherine Jenkins, who hurt her back in a dance mishap Monday, will compete next week. Jenkins advanced despite scoring the lowest judges’ points. William Levy, who won perfect marks for his samba, advanced as well. Maria Menounos, who scored the highest…
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    Central Florida Varsity the Blog - Orlando Sentinel

  • Former receiver Denzel Hanna looks like he can handle QB for DP

    Buddy Collings
    15 May 2012 | 6:37 pm
    Dr. Phillips averaged 48.3 points per game in 2010 and 33.4 last season with Boise State football signee Nick Patti at quarterback. A dropoff can be expected but Panthers coach Rodney Wells said converted wide receiver Denzel Hanna is showing in spring practice drills that DP still has a guy who can pass and run. Hanna is in a competition with another rising senior, Stephen Maloney for the position. “Denzel can throw any ball. He’s like Nick in that he’s an athlete who can get away (from pressure),” Wells said. “Stephen has experience from working at the position. We’re not going…

  • 3 Central Floridians on all-state flag football first team

    steve ruiz
    15 May 2012 | 4:27 pm
    Dr. Phillips QB Hannah Schaible is one of three Central Floridians on the FACA girls flag football all-state first team. (Sentinel file)Dr. Phillips juniors Hannah Schaible and Jade Cheek, and Apopka junior Selena Jaimes made the FACA all-state first team. Schaible and Cheek were selected as utility players, and Jaimes made it as a defensive back. Panthers C Malia Harrison and LB Shya Garrett, and Boone WR Kyndal Skersick were second-team choices. Making the third team were Daytona Beach Seabreeze WR Brianna Mengel, Harmony WR Marie Gilbert, Evans WR Joy Brown, Apopka LB Quamilla Jackson,…

  • Emily Carosone, Mark Ritchhart of Pine Castle named 2A player, coach of year

    joe williams
    15 May 2012 | 4:05 pm
    Pine Castle Christian’s senior shortstop Emily Carosone and coach Mark Ritchhart were named Florida Dairy Farmers  finalists Tuesday for the Miss Florida Softball and Coach of the Year awards. Carosone, who was named the Class 2A player of the year, has signed with Auburn University. She led Pine Castle to a state runner-up finish with a .714 batting average and had a .988 fielding percentage (committing only one error this season). Ritchhart, the 2A coach of the year, conducted Pine Castle to a 23-8 record and a state runner-up finish. They were the only Central Florida…

  • Daily poll question: Which state semifinal in baseball is of the most interest to you?

    joe williams
    15 May 2012 | 6:00 am
    View Poll

  • Pine Ridge football coach Scott Surgener adds A.D. responsibilities

    Buddy Collings
    14 May 2012 | 5:06 pm
    Pine Ridge football coach Scott Surgener will take on the dual role as athletic director for the Panthers in the 2012-13 school year.  Principal John Atkinson announced that Surgener will work with outgoing A.D. Larry Candeto this month to ensure a smooth transition.
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    The Write Stuff - Orlando Sentinel

  • As SpaceX awaits launch of cargo capsule, crew capsule gets test sit

    scottpowers
    8 May 2012 | 4:31 pm
    NASA has signed off on the astronaut layout of SpaceX’s planned seven-passenger crew capsule after some NASA engineers and astronauts cozied into one in the SpaceX showroom and pronounced it fit. Officially, NASA declared that SpaceX’s plans passed another milestone, the seventh of 10, by demonstrating that the layout will allow astronauts to maneuver effectively in the vehicle. Several veteran space shuttle astronauts and NASA engineers conducted the evaluation during a pair of two-day-long reviews. That news comes just a few days before SpaceX’s planned May 19th launch of…

  • NASA officially sets new launch date for SpaceX: Saturday May 19

    scottpowers
    8 May 2012 | 9:35 am
    NASA has officially set the new launch date of Saturday, May 19, for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule, which will head for the International Space Station. SpaceX was shooting for April 30, then May 7, but needed to sort through some software issues. Because the U.S. Air Force was launching an Atlas 5 rocket, then the Russians have a May 10 Soyuz to ferry up three fresh astronauts, including Commander Oleg Kononenko of the Russian Federal Space Agency, Flight Engineer Don Pettit of NASA and Flight Engineer Andre Kuipers of the European Space Agency.  So the second delay…

  • SpaceX seeking May 19 or May 22 launch for spacecraft to space station

    scottpowers
    4 May 2012 | 5:38 pm
    With Monday’s planned launch scrubbed and some software issues almost resolved, NASA and SpaceX announced today they hope to launch the Dragon spacecraft atop its Falcon 9 rocket on May 19 or May 22 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch has been delayed several times. The latest delay has to do with docking software. If the demonstration flight goes very well, and early maneuver tests near the International Space Station go very well, Dragon could actually dock with the station and deliver some supplies. It would be the first private spacecraft to maneuver near the station,…

  • Sierra Nevada repeats its interest in bringing space business to Florida, this time seeking state aid

    scottpowers
    4 May 2012 | 4:39 pm
    One of the private companies developing new commercial spacecraft that could carry equipment and astronauts into space, Sierra Nevada Corp., repeated its interest Friday to bring many of its operations to Florida, only this time the company announced it is seeking state subsidies. Friday’s announcement came after a meeting at Space Florida’s Kennedy Space Center offices, and included supportive statements from Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll and others. Sierra Nevada, which first revealed the prospects of Florida plans last summer, now is seeking incentives packages from Florida…

  • Falcon 9 won’t launch on Monday

    bshaw
    2 May 2012 | 12:46 pm
    SpaceX has called off the scheduled launch of its Falcon 9 rocket, which was to carry the company’s Dragon capsule to a rendezvous with the International Space Station. Here’s the company’s latest email message: Update on SpaceX COTS 2 Launch At this time, a May 7th launch appears unlikely. SpaceX is continuing to work through the software assurance process with NASA.  We will issue a statement as soon as a new launch target is set.
 
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