CASSELBERRY Fla--Perched underneath a oak tree in Secret Lake Park on Saturday, June 24, is a cluster of addicts. With all their leather vests and guitars. These are not your typical addicts though, these addicts you want to talk to your children. For they have been to deepest depths of hell, as they have battled an addiction with the drug of their choice. From stealing friends and families cash, to pawning everything worth anything to get the money they needed to get their next fix.

At the head of this group, The Brotherhood, is Charles Skeltin, a former cocaine addict. Skeltin greets all his “brothers and sisters” before they begin their discussion. Wandering from person to person asking how the family is, how is work, everyday normal questions, he believes no one truly cares to question and listen. “I just asked myself: What would have helped me better? The answer is to be surrounded by my brothers and sisters without shame to confide in them about my addiction” says Skeltin.

As the group gets heavy into how they deal with the withdrawal symptoms ranging from night sweats which leaves one totally soaked in their own sweat, the shakes which sometimes can be uncontrollable, the tightening feeling in the chest which makes breathing difficult, horrid nightmares that end in those who have them screaming into consciousness. The worse they fear though is relapse.

Many of the “brothers and sisters” have relapsed many times, now with the Brotherhood, they considered it an easier process to stay clean and sober. “The Brotherhood has really given me the opportunity to unleash my demons and I am proud to say I have been sober for 9 years now” says Tony Blair, of Howie in the Hills, a former addict of many drugs.

Once the discussion of drugs subsides, many break out their guitars to just chill and relax amongst old and new friends. They play classics ranging from Black Sabbath to Metallica. Some play, some sing, others just sit and head bang, enjoying the head rush they receive as they swish they heads from side to side, back and fourth.

Wrapping the days event up, one brother- Mitch Hoffman, of Orlando, a former heroine addict, makes a note to be heard, “ If it wasn’t for my brothers, I would be dead. These guys have been through the bad, the good, the ugly, the pretty, EVERYTHING!”

This sends the brotherhood into a round of applause, cheers and howls. A perfect ending to a Drugs Anonymous meeting aka “The meeting of the Brotherhood”. For more information on the Brotherhood visit their myspace page at myspace.com/thebrotherhood.

ORLANDO, Fla-- With the classroom staged for a press conference and the Valencias Journalism students ready with pad and pen, waiting for the arrival of their tiny 5'0" guest, ready to soak up every great quote, and every piece of advice from Kristin Harmel.

At just 31, Harmel has had an extensive experience within the communications world. Beginning when she was 6 years old, Harmel knew at a young age that she was meant for the world of entertainment. At first, her dreams were to be a singer, until she realized one fatal flaw: she couldn't sing. So she turned her attention to journalism. At 16, she was writing and being published by the St. Pete Times before graduating High School. Her years in college would continue to move her forward in her career as a journalist when she interned with People Magazine (and yes she is still with People).

Through time and connections, Harmel soon decided to take yet another road of communications and published her first novel "How to Sleep with a Movie Star" in 2006. Five more novels would come from the "lit chic" author, her most recent is "After" released February of this year. So with having a local paper, a major magazine, and six books under her belt, Harmel is more than ready to take on the antsy students who have many questions they want answered.

Harmel begins sharing all that she knows to the best of her ability. She is describing how she balances her day between writing her novels, and writing for People, stating that it is two totally different mind sets, and that she never mixes the two. Then we get personal, asking how she balances her personal life, with the life a reporter. Harmel shares that her family and friends are very important to her, and that she does not have any issues, she makes sure of that. When questioned on how to approach this career from an older age, Harmel insists that age is just a number, and to be successful in this field you need to be agressive, and you have to risk, risk, risk, before the rewards start piling in.

As the press conference comes to an end, one student notices that in Harmel's books, her characters often become gluttens when they hit hard times by eating 4 pints of ice cream. A detail Harmel was not aware of "Wow- me and my emotional eating."

Valencias Journalism students step in line to meet Harmel one on one, and to have her sign their new copies of "The Art of French Kissing" before she departs to her car, that of course had a ticket waiting for her, because she committed the horrible crime of parking in faculty reserved space.

As an advocate for teens, Harmel enjoys speaking with the younger generation in hopes that she can reach them, and convey just how important reading and writing really are.

ORLANDO, Fla- Entering the golden arches of a packed McDonalds emcompassed children and parents alike. All were awaiting for the arrival of their favorite green friends: Shrek and Princess Fiona.

These 2 popular characters are from Disneys Shrek Triology and are at McDonalds to visit fans of all ages, and promote the final of the triology Shrek: The final chapter.

Following Introductions and a breifing on the movie by McDonalds manager Sully Hernandez, she gives the children full access to the excited children, who proceed to swarm Shrek and Princess Fiona. Up until 3:55, when it was announced by Hernandez

that the life of the party would be departing in 5 minutes.

Hernandez responded to the evening cocluding that "Tonight was a great out with the family, and sneak peak into the up and coming new Shrek!"

With children still scrambling, Alexis Evans managed to stop long enough to share what her favorite part would be "When Princess Fiona kicks butt"

Then parents and children alike chanted "Yes, Yes, Yes" when asked whether or not they would be attending the movie "Shrek:The Final Chapter" opening night.