We all have heard about the recent shakeup at the University of Florida during a John Kerry speech, when a student got a little rowdy, because his question wasn’t being answered.

So the student body of the University of Central Florida decided that maybe they should have a vote on whether or not their campus police keeps the tasers. To the surprise of many, there were more students wanting to keep the tasers than wanting to get rid of them. Students believe that tasers are better than campus police using night sticks or guns.

I say that all of this could have been avoided if John Kerry would have just answered the kid’s question…. what happened to freedom of speech. And not that only, but it seems to me that police all over, campus police included, seem to always use more force than what is necessary. They never tased the kid until they had him down on the floor and it was about five policemen to one kid. Can someone explain to me the rational in that? Then they kept tasing him over and over. Its like they got taser happy or trigger happy.

I say it all comes from campus police and city, county, state and federal police not being paid what they are worth. I know that they are risking their lives to keep the peace. But many of them exhibit their frustrations on those that they are arresting or come into contact with.

Something has got to be done about this and soon. Otherwise, things are just going to keep escalating and getting out of hand.

Its the end of the work week, so what better way to relax than having a day or even spending an entire weekend at a local spa.

Orlando has many spas to choose from depending on your location in the city, how much you may be willing to spend and what services you may be interested in.

Some of the better known spas in the area are Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club, Greenhouse Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel Universal Studios and Marriott Orlando World Center. Each facility offers something different and unique, from a couples massage to therapeutic hydro treatment, and reflexology.

Prices vary depending on the facility and services that you choose, so be sure to call or visit each facility’s website.

Many people have been online dating and these spas can be a great place to go once your relationship has progressed.

About two weeks ago, I walked to my mailbox, only to find a Juror Summons waiting for me. Like most people, I didn’t want to be inconvenienced with this summons. Besides that, I was sent one a little over a year ago. It seems as though some of us constantly get summoned to court to do our “civic duty”, while others never get a summons in the mail.

Initially I tried thinking of a way to get out of it, but finally gave in and showed up anyway and to my surprise, it wasn’t all bad. I do think that there should be parking set aside for potential jurors at the parking lot adjacent to the courthouse instead of three blocks away. Granted, taking the bus is free, but who wants to wait… not me.

Once inside the courtroom, things happen a lot different than what I have seen on television. Its nothing like “Shark” or “Law and Order”. There are some similarities, but nothing significant. Seeing our legal system in action was an eye opener, so at the end of the day, when my services were completed, I decided within myself, that being summoned to be a juror really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.

My husband and I have had the pleasure of visiting this establishment on more than one occasion. From the atmosphere to the food and even the wait staff, I have yet to find one reason to complain about this restaurant. And believe me, I can usually always find a reason to complain about anything and everything.

Mimi’s Cafe has locations in Orlando near The Mall at Millenia and Altamonte Springs near Altamonte Mall. I have dined at both and both are equally well run.

Their decor is New Orleans style and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Some of their latest dishes are Pumpkin Pancakes, Asian Chopped Salad, Chicken Piccata with Asparagus and Autumn Peach Upside Down Cake.

At Mimi’s Cafe, you will feel at home, as if they were expecting your arrival… simply put loving southern recipes and, comfort food.

Even if you’re not Greek, you may love Greek food, and if you do, this is the place to go. When I attended the Greek Festival, there was so much food, I didn’t know what I wanted to try first.

Its even more fun if you bring a friend and you don’t have to be a member of the local church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, or know anyone there, in order to enjoy all the festivities.

For more information, you can visit their website: www.orlandogreekfest.com.

It has been almost 10 months and counting since what was once known as the T.D. Waterhouse got its new name, Amway Arena.

One would think that by now, there would at least be some sort of signage up, but no. The building looks plain and forgotten.

Being that the building is over 18 years old, I suppose a facelift and a new name are in order. But what is the point of updating or remolding an old building or giving it a new name, if the team that all this is done for, hardly ever wins a game…let alone a championship.

The Orlando Magic want a building of prestige like other teams have. Well, maybe if they played like other teams played, then the people of Orlando would not mind it so much. Its like rewarding a kid who only gets C’s. You’re telling them that what they are doing is acceptable, when it isn’t.

Yes, a nice new facility would be an eye catcher, and maybe it will draw more celebrities here for concerts, etc… and yes, I’m sure I would enjoy it too. But at the end of day, this new name and new arena really isn’t for the people of Orlando. Its for the Orlando Magic. And if we happen to catch some of the goodness and hoopla that comes along with it, then that will just be an added plus.

Of course the odds that they begin playing baseball there are as likely as seeing the Diamondbacks World Series.

If your taste buds have been on the lookout for some new flavors, the East side of Orlando may be the area that you need to venture out to.

For more than a year now, the area that stretches from Alafaya Trail to Colonial Drive has been booming . Apartments, homes and businesses alike have constantly been added and the area seems to have flourished overnight.

One of the newest places to be added among the many restaurants, shopping malls and medical plazas is Massimo Trattoria, in which Napoli Massimo is owner and chef.

Massimo Trattoria features an Italian cuisine but also offers some of the norm such as chicken and scallops. Prices can range from $6.99-$19.99 depending on your selection; Alcoholic beverages are also offered.

Times of operation are Tuesday-Thursday from 11am-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-10:30pm and Sunday Noon-9pm. Major credit cards are accepted, as are reservations.

You can find Massimo Trattoria at 2822 S. Alafaya Trail, Orlando. For more information call 407-382-1151.

I know that many will disagree with me, but I have to say this. I agree with what the City of Orlando is planning to do with regards to controlling the panhandling situation, which is defintely out of control.

When I worked downtown, I hated having to stop at any traffic light, because they were always there waiting on you. Some would even be so bold as to walk up to your window, if you ignored them.  It wasn’t only then, but also at lunch time. They were everywhere. Can I please be allowed to get my lunch with my friends and get back to work, within the hour, without being harassed… because that is exactly what it is…. constant harassment.

If you have that much energy to stand in the rain, heat and cold all day and all night begging… then you should have that same fortitude, drive and persistence, to go out and get a job like the rest of us. Why is it that we are expected to take care of you and your problems? Don’t they and all those who support them realize that each person is responsible for their own  situation. I should not be made to feel bad because I choose not to give away my hard earned money to you. I work so that my family can have what we need; I don’t work to take care of strangers.

The City of Orlando is planning to stop the panhandlers during the hours of 7pm-7am. Personally, I think the times should be reversed to 7am-7pm. Of course many are against this proposal, but it looks as though it will pass, as city commissioners have already voted 5-1 on the subject.

Already, the panhandlers are required to have a permit in order to beg. But with this new measure, they could face possible jail time and fines.

Quite naturally homeless advocates think this measure is just all wrong and not the way to handle it. They simply want the people of Orlando to continue to house the homeless in shelters or to build more. And if the advocates are so concerned about the homeless, then I propose that those same advocates let the homeless live with them indefinitely, then after six months, come back and tell me if you still feel the same way about the homeless.

But if you continue to give, give, give to people, they will never learn. They will always beg as long as we let them.

How does that saying go: Give me a fish and I will eat for a day… teach me how to fish and I will eat for a lifetime.

This past Saturday the University of Central Florida Knights welcomed students, fans and the Texas Longhorns to their new stadium.

The Brighthouse Networks Stadium completion only took one year and was under budget. Many awaited for opening day and they were not disappointed… unless you count losing to the Longhorns a disappointment.

Being one of many who tuned into the game, it was great from start to finish. It was the type of game that made you not want to leave your seat, not even to get up for more refreshments. Not even the lighning storm, in which fans and students were told to take shelter could put a damper on the mood that was radiated throughout the stadium which was packed to a capacity of 45,000.

And though the Knights failed to come back in the last few minutes of the final quarter, they certainly could not be blamed for a lack of trying. It was an awesome game and one which probably put the Knights in the minds of other teams, who never saw them before as a worthy competitor.

They say its the American dream… owning a home. But with that same dream comes a whole new set of responsibilities.  Now Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization, whose goal has always been to help those fulfill that American dream, who otherwise would not be able to, has added another option to would-be homeowners.

Habitat Townhomes is now the latest idea of the organization and many people are excited and eager to be put on the list of potentials for this new type of home.

For more information on becoming a donor or a sponsor, check out their website at www.habitatforhumanity.com and enter the zip code for the location nearest you.