February, 2003

John Iannone, ed.,
Graduate Assistant

Kat Dilley, Storyboard,
Resident Assistant

STS-107 Mission Patch

Inside this Issue

Editor's Letter
Benefits of Being Single
On Black History...
Places for Couples w/o Reservations
Leaks & Squeaks (Series)
PaeTec's Corner
Renewal Reminder

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In Rememberance...

Letter from the Editor

On Friday January 16, 2003 astronauts Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon embarked on the Orbiter Columbia for a 16 day mission. The STS-107 crew conducted approximately 80 separate experiments researching elements of physical, life, and space sciences which could not be conducted on earth.

On February 1, NASA Mission Control lost contact with the Orbiter Columbia at 9:00am. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was seen breaking up in the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana, at an altitude of approximately 203,000 feet. All seven astronauts aboard perished in the re-entry.

The members of every space mission know there are inherent risks to space flight. Yet they accept these risks, knowing the work they do in every space flight advances our world culture in some way. This mission was no exception. The experimental data gained on this mission will help future space crews work and live longer in the zero-gravity environment, advance cancer research on earth, and will aid in the development of zero-emission automobiles. These are only a few of the ways the STS-107 crew will live on by making our world better for all time to come. We owe them a great deal of gratitude.

Ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with the shuttle and space missions. My parents attended the first launch of Columbia, the first shuttle to go to space, on April 12, 1981. Since I was only three years old at the time, I could not attend, but I remember looking at the press pictures they brought back and staring up into the sky for hours on end wondering what it was like up there. Shuttle missions bring all people, of Central Florida, and of the world, together if only for a moment. People around the world watch the launch and landing of orbiter after orbiter. For those brief seconds, there are no borders - there is only the human race. When an orbiter does not come back, we all lose members of our family.

Our hearts and our thoughts go out to the friends and family of all crewmembers lost on the STS-107 Space Shuttle Columbia.

With Gratitude and Respect,
John Iannone

“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” -- Henry David Thoreau

The Benefits of Being Single

Sarah Kernan - Building 12 RA

There’s something about this time of year that makes those of us who do not have a significant other crave someone to call their own. And why not, Valentine’s Day is soon approaching. Suddenly stores are nothing more than blobs of red, pink, and purple. You can’t walk into any store without seeing rows upon rows of cute stuffed animals that you wish you were receiving in two weeks. For some, this sight is nothing more than a reminder that this Valentine’s Day will be spent alone. And with that reminder may come a feeling of sadness. But before you let that feeling get the best of you let me remind you that not all the perks are found in being part of a romantic relationship.

One of the main benefits of being single is having freedom in the way you interact with friends of the opposite sex. This applies to everything from flirting to simply going out to dinner. There is no need to justify where you are going, who you are going with, and exactly why you are going out. You don’t have to ask yourself if dinner is considered a “date” or worry about how your significant other will handle it. You are able to concentrate on your friends and building life-long friendships. There is no worrying about distributing your time between your friends and your boy/girl friend. The time will come soon enough when you will settle down, when you will spend the rest of your life with one person. Now is the time to live it up and also to figure out exactly what type of person you would like to spend the rest of your life with. Spending time with different types of people lets you find out certain things about yourself including what type of people you are most comfortable with.

Another benefit is just plain simple. Your life can be simple. You don’t have to worry about meaningless quarrels, break-ups, or the other countless problems that relationships experience. You have more time to focus on yourself. College is a time that should be spent on figuring out who you are, establishing your beliefs and life goals. Being single means that you are not seen as being someone else’s half, but your own person.

As I stated before, during your time in college you will figure out a lot about who you are as a person. During this time, you will make some of the biggest decisions of your life. When you are in a relationship, it is only fair to consider that person and how your decisions might impact them. But being single gives you the freedom to make decisions without doing so. You can set goals for yourself and establish the means to be able to achieve those goals. What other time would you be able to pick up and go at the drop of a hat? Now is the time that you will experience the least amount of obligation to other people. The possibilities are endless.

So you’re convinced that being single on Valentine’s Day isn’t exactly the worst thing in the world, but that still leaves you alone on this day meant for couples. Yet, before you start to fret, let me remind you that there are countless fun things to do and fun places to go this February 14th. Dinner and a movie with a group of friends is always an option with the many new films that have just hit the big screen. But if that is too date-like for you, there are always the bars and clubs that will ensure a good time. There’s nothing like dancing to take away those lonely blues. But if I had to choose the place I would most like to be this Valentine’s Day, it would be in our local Phase 2 clubhouse where there will be free food and a good time starting at 8 o’clock. So come on out and join the rest of us who refuse to let the thought of being alone keep us from having a good time. And I leave you with this quote:

“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” -- Henry David Thoreau

"Maybe one day, Americans will realize that black history is more than just one month - it's one of the the things that makes America what it is."

On Black History...

Afi Pittman - Building 20 RA

As an American, I don’t believe in “black” history month. As an “African-American”, I believe that the contributions of black people can’t be reduced to one month’s observance. I do realize that having national recognition for the achievements and progress of black people is monumental, considering the circumstances in which black people arrived in this country. But does it really shed light into the problems that American citizens sometimes encounter due to race? It’s 2003, and George W. Bush states that affirmative action, as it is practiced in certain prestigious American universities, is unconstitutional because admissions points are allocated to race. In other words, minority (read black) students are supposedly being admitted into top schools because of their race. It amazes me that after more than 300 years, some things are still so black and white—that America still has this almost “separate but equal” atmosphere. And in the midst of this atmosphere is a month for black history—not American history, but black history.

I suppose recognition is a start. It’s wonderful to pay homage to Black Americans who have helped change the face of this country, even if it is for just one month. But one month doesn’t cover all of the milestones and setbacks of “black” history. Black history is more than Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. It includes countless men and women who fought and died for the empowerment of black people. Black history is more than slavery. It’s more than overdue reparations, because free labor and exploitation cannot be mended by any amount of money; the healing process begins with acknowledgment and continues with a dedication to continuous improvement. Black history is more than affirmative action because the truth is that affirmative action wasn’t even created to benefit black people. Black history is a dedication to intellectuals, scholars, educators, scientists, politicians, physicians, poets, writers, playwrights, businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, thespians, musicians, and the list goes on. So maybe one day, Americans will realize that black history is more than just one month—that it’s one of the things that makes America what it is. At the very least, it should remind us that while we aren’t where we used to be, we still aren’t where we should be. Black history is American history, and to believe otherwise is un-American.

Places for Couples Without Reservations

Sarah Sprouse - Building 8 RA

Valentine’s Day is around the corner again and there are probably a few of us who haven’t given too much thought to what we want to do on that special (or not so special) day. If you are looking for romantic hot spots you just may be out of luck because reservations are required for many of the city’s notable date spots. On that note, I’ve provided a short list of things to do if you don’t have reservations. With a little imagination, they can make for a fantastic date!

Aiguille Rock Climbing – A little competition never hurt anyone. 999 Charles Street, Longwood (407) 332-1430

Ice Skating @ RDV Sports Complex – Pretend you’re in Central Park and take a few haphazard laps around the rink. Laughs for free! 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. (407) 916-2550

Blanchard Park – A nice afternoon lunch or roller blading down the 4-mile stretch are options for reservation-less couples… 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando

Enzian Theater – An opportunity to show off your cultural genius. The Enzian shows independent circuit films in a home-like, served-by-a-real-waitress atmosphere. 1300 South Orlando Ave., Maitland (407) 629-0054 for show times.

Firelight Fridays @ Lake Eola – Another opportunity for a nice dinner picnic that doesn’t close at dark… Downtown Lake Eola

Central Florida Zoo – The CF Zoo is a 9-5 establishment, but taking the day to play and see some pretty cool animals isn’t too bad!

Orlando Museum of Art – Impress your Valentine with your interest in secular entertainment… 2416 North Mills Ave. (407) 896-4231

Sak Comedy Club – Downtown Orlando is hip-hopping with a variety of entertainment spots, but stop by Sak’s for an improv show! 358 W. Amelia St. (407) 648-0001

Cirque de Soleil – Probably one of Downtown Disney’s better attractions, Cirque de Soleil is the way to woo your Valentine’s heart and keep them completely entertained for 90 minutes! Not a dull moment. Downtown Disney (407) 939-7600 Two shows nightly. Prices vary but Florida residents receive a discount.

Leaks & Squeaks

Kat Dilley - Building 14 RA

I’m sure many of you, like my roommates and I, received a bill for electrical overages this month. Ours almost hit the $100 mark, which could very well be considered excessive. I consulted with the maintenance men here at Pegasus Landing, and found that it is not solely due to our using more energy.

The power company that lights our complex is charging everyone, not just Pegasus Landing, more for the electricity itself; because the electricity cap is a dollar amount, it is possible that you didn’t use more energy, you just paid more for it. Just as a reminder, the electricity cap is $125 for a 4/4, $115 for a 3/3 and $110 for a 2/2.

To avoid a hefty overage charge again, take a tip from one of the maintenance men and don’t use your air conditioning all day, every day, especially while the temperature is still fluctuating. Lately, the weather has been gorgeous…perfect weather to turn the A/C off and open the windows while you’re home. Learn to be energy conscious. When you get out into the real world it will pay off more than you know.

Here are a couple of other issues the Pegasus Landing crew has come up with:

Your toilets are low-gallonage; a considerable 1.5 gallons less than your regular toilet at home. After a night at the nearby taco joint, please give it a mercy flush, guys. Your toilet, your maintenance man, and anyone who’s sitting within 100 feet of the bathroom will greatly appreciate your consideration.

Please mind your shot glasses and utensils. These two items in particular have a way of finding their way down into the garbage disposals, creating nothing but problems, especially when accompanied by beer bottle caps. You can actually be charged for each and every foreign object that maintenance pulls out of that thing, so be careful!

I feel it necessary to restate the fact that it only takes ONE person to change a light bulb: YOU! The maintenance crew is working hard to do OTHER things around the complex (I’m sure some of you have already had your doors painted), but they’re finding it hard with the excess of light bulb change requests that have come in recently. For emphasis sake, I will put this in caps: LIGHTBULBS ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR PHASEOFFICE!!! All of you pass by the office at least once every few days…just take 15 seconds, drop in, and pick up a few to replace those burned out ones in your apartment. Or, you can just sit in the dark. Hey, at least you won’t have to pay your next electricity bill!

PaeTec's Corner

David Forthuber - PaeTec Accounts Manager

Are you getting on the internet a lot faster lately? Downloading files in minutes rather than quarter hours? Getting bumped off the network less often? You can thank College Park for investing in some hot new technology you may already have heard about—the PacketShaper by Packeteer.

While having sufficient bandwidth is important for properties as big as Pegasus Landing, experience has shown that computer users will very quickly use up as much bandwidth as is available. You know the phenomenon: add more lanes to the highway and more traffic speeds up the on-ramp.

PaeTec’s network engineers describe the PacketShaper as the Highway Patrol for the information super-highway. Like a traffic helicopter hovering over the interstate, the PacketShaper monitors data passing over the network and begins to identify traffic patterns. With analysis it can begin prioritizing which packets of data can move through at which points—analogous to timing stoplights for the smoothest flow of traffic through a succession of intersections on to and off of the principal highways.

Techies can find more information about the PacketShaper at www.packeteer.com.

Renewal Reminder

If you haven’t been contacted by your Renewal R.A. by this point and are still interested in renewing here at Pegasus Landing, please either track down your R.A. or visit the Phase III office. If you renew before February 28th, you pay no extra fees and get to keep your renewal rate, which is significantly lower than what the price will increase to on March 1st. If you choose a short-term lease, however, be aware of the $100 short-term lease fee. Why not stay over the summer and kill two birds with one stone: pay no $100 fee and get your 9 credit hour UCF summer requirement fulfilled?!