KiK messenger is a text messaging program that allows smartphone users to text anyone for free.

KiK, which is downloadable for free from any Blackberry, iPhone or Android smartphone, creates a PIN for each user and then matches that PIN with other users to create a friends list. Similar to Blackberry Messenger (BBM), KiK automatically adds users based on someone’s PIN.

For example, if a student is a KiK friend with one football player, KiK would add the whole football team to that

Students get a ‘KiK’out of new KiK messenger text messaging program

Abandoned, rejected, confused and isolated. *Marianne, local coordinator of Alateen, often felt this way during her teenage years. Living in a household of alcoholics is not easy, but Alateen offers hope.

Alateen, part of Al-Anon, helps the family and friends of alcoholics. Answering the campaign question, “Is your life affected by someone’s drinking?” is the first step towards joining the program.

student’s KiK friends list. This program also uses the same conversation tools as BBM, such as status updates and smileys, but features instant responses by time and date, so a KiK user knows exactly when s o m e o n e r e p l i e s to their message.

“ M a n y people buy Blackberries because of BBM, and now that Blackberries, iPhones and Droids can speak within themselves, it’s pretty cool,” senior Maya Klein said. “Everyone wants to have BBM,

“In my mind, my family was perfect,” Marianne said. “Once you get used to living with alcoholism, you think it’s not a problem.”

Alateen’s main concern is to get family members of people with drinking problems to achieve “detachment” and to understand that you are not responsible for another person’s actions, no matter how closely related they are.

“Meetings start with a moment of silence and the serenity prayer which begins with ‘G-d grant, me the serenity to accept the things I cannot

change,’” Cliff, local Alateen coordinator and volunteer, said. “There is detachment in that very saying.”

Although last year Alateen meetings were held at Krop, they are currently taking place about five minutes away on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m., in the “Back on Track” Clubhouse located off Ives Dairy. The reason for this change was to provide members with a greater sense of privacy and comfort.

“In the meetings, nobody judges or interrupts,” Marianne said. “No cross talking is allowed because we learn from listening

and since not all phones have it, KiK fills in for it.”

According to KiK.com, KiK messenger was created in April 2010 by former BBM product

manager Ted Livingstone at the University of Waterloo in Canada. The original plan was to make the Blackberry m u s i c e x p e r i e n c e better, but after college commitments he

changed his idea and planned a rerelease. Just 15 days after the rerelease on Oct. 22, KiK gained more than one million users worldwide. Popularity gained

as many Facebook statuses read “add me on KiK” and “here is my account name.”

KiK also features free international texting. Senior Victoria Benichou uses KiK to text her friends in France.

“International [texting] plans are really expensive and talking through KiK is a great way to talk at any time of the day for free,” Benichou said.

Senior Daniel Tcherfas says that because most people use smartphones it’s easier to communicate with them.

While KiK is only supported on a Blackberry, iPhone or Android for now, the staff hopes to improve the product.

“We know we’re not perfect, but we’re aiming to be,” the KiK support message reads.

TECHNOLOGY

By Anthony Caveweb editor

WEATHER

to others’ experiences.” Alcoholism develops when

one’s craving for alcohol becomes as important as the need for food or water. It can be treated by several medications to prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.

“People get a chance to get together and share their experiences,” Cliff said. “Everyone keeps in confidence, and this makes people feel more comfortable to share what is really going on in their homes.”

*name has been changed

PROGRAM

“Talking through KiK is a great way to talk at any time of the day for free”

Victoria Benichou, 12

By Maria Carla Canizares Oterophoto editor

Students brace themselves against one of Florida’s coldest wintersThis year marks one of the coldest winters in Florida in 30 years. Students prepare by layering up with hats, sweaters, boots, and coats.

I hate everything about the cold. Miami is supposed to be hot, not the other way around.

I love the cold because I get to wear my favorite jackets and different colored scarves.

It is so cold, I can’t even wear my slides anymore until the weather changes.

I like that it’s something different instead of the typical hot weather.

This isn’t even my jacket, but it was so cold that I couldn’t even feel my lips or legs, so I took this one.

Alateen offers hope to those affected by alcoholism

Sony internet TV powered by Google- Features: Built in Wi-Fi, keypad remote

Apple Ipod Touch 4th generationFeatures:video chat,

sharper resolution and HD video recording

Flip video cameraFeatures:Captures high quality videos and audio

Apple Ipod Nano with multi-touchFeatures:

Built in FM radio with live pause and shuffle

Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360Features: Motion sensors that allows user to be their own remote control

$99

$229

T p 5 h liday gi ts

$150

$149

$600

senior, Jonathon Michanie senior, Guerdiena Thelomar freshman, Aaral Camal junior, Jose Anjos freshman, Marie Joseph

Compiled by Gabriela Mckenzie

Compiled by Gabriela Mckenzie

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”””””

The season for giving has arrived. Surprise your family and friends with some of these special gifts that they are sure to enjoy.

Pictures by Maria Carla Canizares Otero

Feature Page 13 The Lightning Strike . November-December 2010