Issue 3, Vol.52

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N o v e m b e r 2 011, V o l . 5 2

THE SHOW GOES ON The annual Cav Crash sheds light on the talented Cavaliers who are daring enough to take the stage

A tennis star quietly rising, sophomore Daniel Spatz opens up about his noteworthy achievements on the court.

Courtesy of Foxmar Photography

By Nicolas Rivero STAFF WRITER

sports

Sophomore Daniel Spatz has been playing tennis since he was two years old. Coming from a tennis family, the game is in his blood. After winning a super series (the highest level tournament one can play that is not for national rankings) in the ‘under 16s’ division last year, Spatz now only plays 18s.

Each year, he demonstrates drills to help world known coaches train young players in an international tennis convention, and has been a sparring partner for professional players Natasha Zoric, Indire Akiki, and Tamira Paszeck, ranked in the top 500 women in the world.

He boasts a four-star ranking from tennisrecruiting.net, a sponsorship from Austrain string company Isospeed, and 44 trophies crowding any surface in his house that can accommodate them. Recently he has been invited to play in France, Italy, Spain, England, Argentina, and close to his roots in the Peruvian Federation.

Of all his achievements, Spatz said this last one is his proudest. “It’s pretty cool, playing for your country and all,” said the always low-key Spatz. “I’m probably going this Christmas to play in the national tournament over there.”

In addition to playing in Peru, Spatz will be competing in the international Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr tournaments here in Miami at the end of the year, and he said the possibility of playing in England is “still kind of out there” for 2012.

Spatz trains for three hours a day to hone his skills and the results show in his performance on the court. But, he still has to stay grounded in his schoolwork.

“I train everyday no matter what I have for homework,” he said. “But I put a new emphasis on school now.”

Tennis is “definitely a lifelong passion” for Spatz. He plans to play at a Division-I college when he graduates in 2014 and hopes to continue on into a professional career.

‘CRASHING’ THE PARTY: Taking the stage as the last act, the class of 2012 (left) performs a skit modeling the blockbuster Inception, exploring the minds of four Miami High students who secretly wish they were Cavaliers. Senior Achel Hernandez (right) performs a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse in a playful rendition of the star’s hit, ‘Valerie’. “Being on stage was indescribable,” said Hernandez.

NEWS EDITOR

features

Cav Crash last Tuesday, Oct. 25 was on fire—well, not literally, as the blaring fire alarms halfway through the show indicated, but rather an exciting, dynamic event.

The ‘Swag Team’ popped, Kevin Reynolds yo-yoed, the Gablettes tangoed and the class skits evoked roars of laughter, all relatively without a hitch. However at 2:45 p.m. the day prior, it seemed almost impossible that any such event would ever occur, let alone to the success it did.

Rugged Rehearsal Event organizer and dance teacher Mo Marmesh scheduled the run-through to begin at 2:30 p.m., but by 2:45 p.m. performers were still sauntering through the auditorium doors. Before launching into acts, Marmesh addressed the crowd.

“Tomorrow, you must be here on time,” she firmly stated and began to sort out kinks in the performances, which showed to be quite plentiful.

The first group did not have their drum set, but the drummer enthusiastically said that he could beatbox instead. Other performers held sheets of lyrics, still unsure of the words for songs to be performed in front

of a thousand people in a mere day. One Divisi member was reading “Good Girls Go Bad” off of his phone, and when Marmesh asked him if he would be ready, he confidently confirmed that he would.

“Miss, I have 24 hours!” he said, to which Marmesh responded, “but you had a whole week.”

Throughout the rehearsal, issues were rampant. Music was not playing, causing the Swag Team and junior Brooke Nelson to dance in silence. Microphone set up was confusing, and class skits were chaotic. With the run through looking the way it did, many were left wondering: could it really be pulled off?

The Show Sparks Yes, it could, and yes, it certainly was.

The charismatic masters of ceremonies Olivia Bibilonia and Michael Capote, both seniors, reflected none of the confusion that may have been bustling backstage, capturing the audience with funny quips and silliness.

Capote broke into dance to prove he had ‘swag’ and Bibilonia dubbed the tagline “be classy, not trashy.”

The night was marked by several impressive performances, most notably the two ‘Gables Idols’ winners who captured every audience member’s attention, sparking arm waving, rhythmic clapping or simply entranced states. The hilarious and energetic ‘Those Guys’ “killed it” (they even brought

features

PG. 10 What is in the perfect lunchbox?

Can healthy be tasty too?

the scene

By Suzette Wanninkhof

PG. 3 Thespians perform the Shakespearian classic, Hamlet

news

Remy Fuentes/highlights

SPOTLIGHT: Daniel Spatz

caution tape to prove it) and Isa Maldonado entranced the audience with her gorgeous soprano and piano finesse, but they were not the only performers that set the stage aflame.

Marcus Hines and Luis Bonilla’s duo R&B performance of “Same Girl” had impressive vocals, but was really show stopping because of their stage presence. Yo-yoer Kevin Reynolds also kindled the audience’s cheers, spinning, tossing and flipping his Chinese yoyo to the beat of Michael Jackson music.

Probably the most impressive unexpected successes were the class skits. At the rehearsal, the class skits seemed largely unprepared, and even the day of Cav Crash it seemed almost impossible that the classes could pull it off.

Student Council president Isabel Parra seemed frantic the morning of Cav Crash, but remained confident that the skit would come together.

“Right now everything is crazy—with sports practices and Internal Assessments it’s been hard to organize practice, but we’re going to make it work,” said Parra.

She held true to her word, with the senior skit indeed eliciting positive audience reaction, but the junior skit ended up winning the best skit award with their comical pokes at senioritis and Miami High’s “chonga” student body.

The show finally extinguished after a whole two and a half hours, but despite the long length of the show, performers managed to keep the fun flaming throughout.

PG. 15 Recycle your bicycle and favorite reads at secondhand stores

news

highlights November 2011

Not quite saved by the bell

2

By Brooke Donner

Level Database.

“Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible and it is typically Avoiding enclosed hallways and covering accompanied by tinnitus, which ears to escape the blaring ring of the school is ringing in the ears,” said bell are precautions students are all too Guerreiro. Guerreiro added that familiar with. The bell, ringing 13 times standing close to sudden impact throughout the school day, is not only a noise, such as the school bell, can nuisance, but also an unnecessary safety pose great risk to hearing. hazard.

Human ears are able to recover The school bell rings at about 93 decibels from overexposure to noise, but if (dB), making it beyond the safe level of it becomes prolonged or frequently noise for the human ear. To determine this, repeated then the hearing damage the application SPL Meter, recommended by will be permanent. With students multiple audiologists, was used on an iPod constantly in school, the possibility touch, iPhone, and iPad. The sound level of of overexposure to dangerous the bell was measured on all three devices at decibel levels, such as the bell, different times throughout multiple days and increases. then averaged.

If the The school bell is bell rings The school bell rings at 93 over the safe decibel for seven decibels (dB)... above 90 dB can level for the human seconds, 10 cause permanent hearing loss ear. Above 90 dB, it is times a day, highly recommended 180 days that protection be a year, for used to avoid permanent hearing loss. At four years, a student would hear 1092 112 dB, damage can occur within just one minutes of noise at 93 dB. That is 18.2 minute of exposure to the sound, according hours of school bell ringing. to University of Miami Audiologist Sergio “I didn’t know it was dangerous,” said Guerreiro. freshman Hanna Payne.

To put this in perspective, normal Most students are unaware about the conversational speech is 60 dB, riding a danger the school bell can cause, but do motorcycle is 100 dB, a thunderclap is 120 think it is loud andobnoxious. dB, and a jet engine at take off is 140 dB, Alternatives to the bell are already in according to the Noise Navigator Sound existence at the school. In the new building, STAFF WRITER

88-126 dB 12 dB 93 dB

s ight ighl h / os Ram lie s e ,L sky Siel e l o ic s, N ieve N issa Mel the school bell

Fireworks for spectators 800 ft away

Bell in the 300 Hall

is not a shocking alarm, but instead a quiet ring. The substitution of bells in all other halls would be an investment in the tranquility of the school as well as in the hearing of students.

Decibel information from The New York Sun, The Sound Institute and Brooke Donner

KING AND QUEEN

NEWS

Rustling leaves

BRIEFS

National Merit

By Brooke Donner STAFF WRITER

Freshmen elected

By Giulia Heyward STAFF WRITER

Maggie Rivers and Nathali Huet were voted as the new freshman class president and vice president, along with Kassandra Barreiro as secretary and Valerie Montesino as treasurer.

The president and vice president will be in charge of organizing the freshman activities from fundraisers to class treat days, and also plan to have field trip later in the year.

“I was really happy to know that freshman could make a difference at our school,” said Montesino.

Rivers, Huet, Barreiro and Montesino all plan to run again next year for sophomore class office.

Invisible Children

By Sophia Aitken MANAGING EDITOR

The International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS), headed by senior Leslie Ramos, invited the organization Invisible Children to educate IB students about Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army’s terrorism over Central Africa.

Ramos, with the help of IB Coordinator Diana Van Wyk, brought Invisible Children to the school after planning the event since May 2011. Ramos has been involved with the organization for a couple of years, including participating in the book drive in 2009, but has even more ambitious plans for this year.

The organization comes to colleges and high schools all over the United States hoping to spread awareness for their mission to garner support and participation.

“We are seeking to end the longest-running sustained violence in Africa,” said Invisible Children roadie Josh Wolny.

Courtesy of Foxmar Photography

Last fall, and again earlier this month, more than 1.5 million high school juniors throughout the country took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Last year, 1,600 scored in the 99th percentile, making them National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Three of these students, seniors Madeline Cowen, Alexa Langen and Larissa Weinstein, attend the school.

“My application will be judged with those of many excellent students across the country, so I’m honored just to have reached this stage,” said Cowen.

Of the 56 public high schools in Miami-Dade County, only 10 have National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

THE COURT IS ELECTED: Seniors Michael Capote and Christy Chavarria were crowned at Homecoming this past Thursday, Oct. 26. The pair ran against nine others for the honor, and after the top two for male and female were announced at Cav Crash, the excitement began to mount. “Winning was one of the most exciting things to happen in high school so far! It was so unxpected that it took me a second to realize that it was my name they were calling,” said Chavarria. Juniors Esdras Castillo and Camille Palmer and sophomore Tiana Martinez were also crowned.

Neutrino discovery

New scientific research provides information on existing physics theories and creates questions about the speed of light

By Eylin Martinez

the CERN Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. The neutrinos were accelerated over a one kilometer Late last March, physicists distance to the Gran Sasso National working to measure the neutrinos Laboratory in Italy with its detector generated named from a OPERA. The The neutrino discovery makes us particle results of the one step closer to proving string accelerator experiment theory, discovered were of great that these surprise Cyrus Zeledon, elementary to the freshman subatomic researchers, particles who did not appeared to have traveled faster than expect the neutrino particles to be light. No definite conclusions have traveling a such speed. been drawn due to the complexity of Considering the scientific advances the subject. that have been made throughout the The investigation consisted years, the discovery of the accelerated of examining neutrinos that were speed of the neutrinos has many generated at the Super Proton questioning why the revolutionary Synchrotron particle accelerator at nature of neutrinos was not discovered

STAFF WRITER

‘‘

earlier. With each advance in the scientific community, the general public expects the breakthrough to be revolutionary and fresh.

“The neutrino discovery makes us one step closer to proving the string theory,” said freshman Cyrus Zeledon.

Neutrinos are neutral electrons that can, if in a large quantities, become harmful to society. Neutrinos have the potential to negatively affect electronic devices used now a day, like cell phones, televisions and computers, Various opinions can be drawn from such a discovery along with many concerns, but what one can understand is that a group of experimenters discovered an unexpected result using astounding defined instruments and techniques that have been previously created.

highlights November 2011

Across the pond, plains and Palmetto:

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Gables is going global, taking field trips to Boston, New York City, Florida colleges, and even Italy The school is offering various trips outside of the city, such as a tour of Italy or Harvard Model Congress (HMC), that provide educational supplements to traditional classroom learning with a fun spin.

Usually out-of-state trips such as the Italy tour or the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) conference have to be approved by the region office for the school, which usually take a couple of weeks to get approved.

“However, Coral Gables has been participating in HMC for over a decade and the academic value of the trip has been clearly established, so approval has never really been an issue,” said HMC sponsor Kathryn Landsea.

Students think these trips are fun alternative methods to teaching; HMC actually immerses students in legislative simulations instead of having them learn how the government operates through a textbook.

Although the trips might be expensive for some students, they can usually be paid in increments, and some trip sponsors offer additional forms of fundraising. While the trips do offer time for leisure activities, students are still expected to behave properly and follow orders from teachers and chaperones. No matter what the distance, sponsors absolutely prohibit misbehavior of any kind. To avoid mishaps, teachers typically give guidelines on what is expected from participating students.

By Scarlett Perez

Suzette Wanninkhof/highlights

STAFF WRITER

Destination: Florida Colleges Departs: November

Destination: Boston Departs: February

Harvard Model Congress is a government simulation run by Harvard undergraduates with conferences in Boston. Students learn the inner workings of government not just by reading about it in a textbook but rather by actually taking on the roles of congressmen to understand the different political viewpoints.

The college tour, a trip exclusively for juniors, is intended to get juniors thinking about what colleges they might want to apply to. Tours of the campuses are given by Gables alumni. Juniors will tour major Florida state schools including University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida.

Destination: Italy Departs: April Destination: New York City Departs: November Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) hosts a journalism conference at the Columbia University which allows faculty advisors to give feedback to student editors from high school yearbooks, literary magazines and newspapers, as well as college publications from around the country.

This trip is the first international trip in years, and much excitement surrounds it since many of the locations to be visited have been discussed in the history classes of sponsors Stephanie Cosgrove, world history teacher, and Kathryn Landsea, Advanced Placement (AP) European History teacher.

This trip offers the opportunity to visit the great historical origins of the western society.

By Giulia Heyward STAFF WRITER

Social studies teacher Elizabeth Lackner’s students will become a part of history when the water bottles that they designed in class will be placed on display during the holidays. These water bottles will decorate 600 Brickell, which is only one of 13 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Plantinum Certified ecofriendly buildings in the world. The school was fortunate enough to participate because Lackner is good friends with one of the representatives in charge of organizing the project.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami

donated art supplies and small Zephyrhills water bottles to the five Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography and two World Religions/Holocaust Studies classes.

The students said it was fun to spend a class period rearranging desks and getting messy with paint, glitter and markers.

“I loved being able to play around with my creativity,” said sophomore MDiara Roman.

The decorated building will be unveiled in December. Lackner and Principal Adolfo Costa will attend the ceremony.

When students go to see their bottles on any of the displays they will also get to see an accompanying picture of themselves with the bottle.

Will Corbera/contributer

Lackner’s Lightbulbs

FINAL MASTERPIECE: The painted bottles of over 200 students were collected and shipped off last week in order to decorate 600 Brickel, an eco-friendly building.

Students took the chance to get creative. There were plenty of pictures with students making funny or serious faces.

Other students chose to hold up signs with messages to their parents. Some grouped up and had their friends draw devil horns and afros on the back of a white board which they posed in front of.

“It was really fun, and a small way to

SPIRIT WEEK IN PICTURES

GEEKY AND PROUD

EVERYDAY SUPERHEROES

GABLES GOES SUPER: Sophomores Alana Starke and Alessandra Boissiere dress up as Batman and Superman for superhero dress-up day. The two friends, taking a break from saving the world, have a few laughs after school.

GROOVING OUT

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Maggie Rivers/highlights GEEKY AND THEY KNOW IT: Seniors Claudia Anderson and Emerald Collie-Wright get in touch with their inner geekiness on nerd dress-up day. “I found the perfect costume in my dad’s closet,” said Anderson.

contribute to something great,” said senior Zabrina Robaina.

“The entire concept is really nice, Miami lacks cold weather so something like this will hopefully get everybody in the holiday spirit and get people to donate,” said Lackner.

All of the money raised at the event will go to local charities and schools in Miami.

BUST A MOVE: Senior Francesca Ali flaunts her Gablette skills by dancing at Cav Crash. Though she had been practicing and performing vigorously, she still had enough energy to keep it moving.

news

highlights November 2011

4

Counselors and recommendation letters

By Eylin Martinez STAFF WRITER

Counseling the counselor:

highlights

Official Publication of Coral Gables Senior High To Whom It May Concern: As a staff writer for the Coral Gables Senior High newspaper highlights, I have had the pleasure of knowing Alba del Castillo for the last four years. She has been a tremendous counselor and an asset to our school. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Alba for your graduate program.

I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in her studies. Alba is a dedicated counselor and thus far her achievements have been exemplary. In her office, she has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.

Alba has also assisted us in our admissions office.

She has successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective students. Her advice has been a great help to these students, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude.

Q&A

Writer Eylin Martinez squeezes Del Castillo Speaks: Staff in a few questions with counselor Alba del Castillo about college recommendation letters

EM: About how long does it take to write a college recommendation?

ADC: Once the student brings all the items on their checklist to Ms. Trujillo, and all the information, along with the questions they have to answer are given to me, I would say it would take me about two hours.

EM: Wow, that’s quite a while. About how many do you have to write?

ADC: In the past I have had to write about 10 recommendations.

EM: What is the most difficult thing about them?

ADC: Coming up with how to make the student distinguishable from the rest of the student body. [It is difficult] to make them unique when students don’t give information about what they have done throughout their years in high school, like extracurricular activities, community service and courses outside of school.

EM: What do you do to personalize them?

AD: The only way to personalize a recommendation is having a good

relationship with the student. A good connection occurs when the student shares personal qualities with me and builds a relationship with me beforehand.

EM: Does writing college applications detract a lot of your time from your responsibilities? To what extent?

ADC: Whenever I have to write a letter, it takes up two hours of my time. As you can see, my schedule is usually occupied with student and parent conferences; when I do have to write a recommendation, I need to cancel the conferences or squeeze in sometime between all that I have to do.

EM: What are your other responsibilities? What do you not do in order to finish the recommendation letters?

ADC: My responsibilities include graduation requirements, enrollment forms, Parent/Teacher Counselor conferences, registration, orientations, and articulation, which is subject selection. In order to finish all the recommendations I take away or I do not do one of my other responsibilities.

Sometimes I have to push back the times and deadlines to be able to finish them.

Maggie Rivers/highlights

It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Alba without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Eylin Martinez highlights Staff Writer

ALL SMILES: Counselor Alba del Castillo takes a quick break from her work to flash a smile at the camera. With the early decision deadlines fast approaching, del Castillo continued having a very busy schedule since the bustle of class leveling.

Thespians perform Hamlet

By Scarlett Perez STAFF WRITER

Scarlett Perez/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

Thespian Troupe 0476, the school’s drama group, intensely rehearsed for their performance at the Thespian One Act Festival Oct 21, in which they performed the condensed, one act play of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The district competition, which showcased all the different drama troupes from Miami-Dade county public schools, took place at Hialeah High School.

The lead roles were given to junior Carlos Baez as Hamlet, senior Christian Ortega as King Claudius, senior Hector Lombillo as the grieving son, Laertes, junior Claire Levis as Queen Gertrude and senior Sierra Domb as Ophelia.

The play, although still retaining the traditional Shakespearean writing, had a contemporary spin complete with modern clothing and weaponry.

“Every time I watch Hamlet, I am so impressed with the level of talent we have in this building.

Every actor from the smallest role through the lead gave 100 percent,” said drama teacher Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt.

There were four judges who scored the plays with a ranking of poor, fair, good, excellent, or

superior, considered the ultimate praise.

The schools that receive the score of superior will go on to compete at the state level.

“We all have talent and we all work hard. The amount of effort and time we put into the play will definitely give us an edge,” said senior Hector Lombillo .

The troupe has been practicing every Wednesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to feel fully confident and prepared for the competition. Last year, Troupe 0467 performed Life Underwater

by Richard Greenberg and received a rank of “good”. This year, the thespians maintained their performance, receiving the same rank as last year.

However, they did improve in some THE BEST KIND OF DRAMA: Junior Claire Levis and senior Hector Lombillo enact an emotionally charged scene from Hamlet. aspects. Senior Sierra Domb received the prestigious All-Star Cast award, an honor granted to only one actor in each play. five dollars, which supports the drama troupe.

“Everyone poured their hearts into this play, Aside from performing Hamlet, the thespians and I’m so honored to have been apart of it,” said will also act out a Dr. Seuss-themed adaptation Domb. of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, written Students were able to watch the play with and directed by senior Christian Ortega, the after-school performances on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. president of the drama club, Gables Players. and on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. with an entrance fee of

opinion

highlights November 2011

WORD VOMIT:

By Maggie Rivers STAFF WRITER

There is no arguing the fact that vocabulary is extremely important and students should be introduced to new vocabulary on a daily basis. No matter what class they are in, students are bound to learn some new terms.

Yet, our school has conjured up the word of the day, a fruitless effort in trying to teach students new terms.

Maybe the word of the day (WOD) should be “futile” because that is exactly what the word of the day seems to be.

Students could not care less about the WOD. Not only do we have enough assignments and tasks to do during the day, but students would rather use words like ‘boss’, ‘swag’, or ‘raw’ instead of Oxford Dictionaryapproved words of the day. Students

will not spend their time memorizing a word they might use once or twice.

Some students probably would not know there is a WOD if it were not for the odd teacher who actually writes it on their board. It also seems like the last thing teachers think about as well since they need time to teach.

Considering the WOD has nothing to do with the material being taught in class, teachers are probably unwilling to give up part of their lesson to talk about it.

“It’s boring. I forget about it by the end of the day,” said sophomore Jenny Orozco.

The WOD also seems to have failed in the sense that there is no activity provided for teachers. If there was a simple worksheet, teachers could easily distribute it to the students and ask that they do it for homework.

After talking to teachers who

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The word of the day detracts from crucial classroom time

utilize the WOD frequently and those who do not, it was expressed that a worksheet would make it a lot easier for teachers to teach the WOD to students while giving up the least amount of their class time as possible.

Of course the WOD’s main purpose is to prepare students for the FCAT, but having school-wide vocabulary contests with a small prize might encourage students to learn these words.

Giving students a worksheet at the end of the month that reviews the vocabulary given over the course of the month, with a small incentive like a bookstore gift card for the winner, might increase student participation in the WOD. Until such improvements are made, the word of the day will continue to be an ineffective way to improve our student’s vocabulary.

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Mary Koehnk/highlights

DOLLARS ADD UP FOR SENIOR STUDENTS, COSTS UNFAIR

By Mary Koehnk THE SCENE EDITOR

While attending public school (a.k.a. free school), compensation expenses are not just expected, but inevitable— especially considering the financial hole Miami-Dade county has dug itself into.

Throughout the years, students have found themselves purchasing supplies for teachers in exchange for grades, there has been an increase of home printed material to conserve paper, not to mention the yearly mandatory class fees (some of which are not even worth while—having never touched additional materials the fee is supposed to provide). Though this may rise some moral concerns and create a slight inconvenience, these aspects are familiar to most students and are generally tolerated.

Traveling up the high school ladder though, expenses seem to increase, and the fun activities that were originally looked forward to begin to seem either not worth it, or not possible. The mandatory magazine sales are bumped up to a minimum of three sales for seniors—as opposed to the two required for underclassmen. This is a minimum of $30 per senior, which, for many, is paid by the student

TWO VIEWS:

By Orso Raymo STAFF WRITER

For decades cumulative grade point average has been correlated with intelligence but since 1926 the SAT has challenged the classic thought. Virtually every university in the United States scrutinizes GPA while some opt to dismiss the SAT as a valid credential in their admission process. The truth is, the SAT is a flawed measurement of intellectuality while the old-fashioned system remains as relevant it was at the turn of the century.

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary an average is defined as “a single value that summarizes or represents the general significance of a set of unequal values.” An average is calculated over a period of time, be it a semester, year or length of your scholastic career, unlike the SAT which is based on a single event, henceforth it will yield higher, more accurate results. Furthermore the classic “I am a bad test taker” is not applicable to an average; the same cannot be said on behalf of the SAT. Since the early days of the stan-

themselves for a magazine of no particular interest, besides seniors are finding it hard to pay for all the obligations and a $10 subscription. If the minimum sales are not reached, the still attend the events reserved for only seniors. College student is excluded from all senior field trips and activities, applications alone can add up to hundreds of dollars, each oh, and from graduation too. Instead of mandatory magazine ranging from about $30 to $70 a pop, even for state schools. sales, a more beneficial and effective method of generating Though not related to the school, these expenses create revenue would be to take the sales on an individual basis. If further difficulties in affording the fun stuff. Waivers for a particular student is worse off financially, or has additional applications are offered to those on free and reduced lunch, obligations, magazine quantity should be determined from relieving stress for many students, however, some students there. (like myself) do not qualify for free/ In order to walk at reduced lunch, but are not well off I’m not going to grad night or graduation, each student enough to afford these expenses. homecoming. I’d rather pay for must either rent or purchase Grad Nite adds up to a total of $375, the bigger events since I have to a cap and gown. And if a cap senior picnic is $30, Homecoming and choose, and gown is not rented or Prom are $60 alone, excluding all the Vanessa Mora, purchased, the individual can expenses that accompany that— like a still receive their diploma, they dress or tux. As cliché as it is, seniors senior just cannot take part in the have been waiting for three years to glory and satisfaction of the have the senior privileges, and at attend fairytale graduation. Additionally, Gablettes are required to their very own senior prom and look like a princess—or purchase, not rent, their cap and gown, as well as all of their prince. uniforms. This adds additional stress, with the various fees “I’m not going to grad night or homecoming,” said and obligations already instituted. senior Vanessa Mora “I’d rather pay for the bigger events Granted, in some cases students in financial difficulties since I have to choose.” and other special situations are able to receive aid for With all the required expenses it is increasingly difficult the rental, however money is pretty tight all around, and to afford the fun, magical stuff associated with senior year.

‘‘

What is a better measure of future college success, grade point average or a standardized test?

G.P.A. dardized test critics have lamented on the shortsightedness of the exams.

Gauging the ability of the individual student in only math, reading and writing is shortsighted to say the least. Any scholar will, in fact confess that a quality education is composed of history, the sciences, rhetoric as well as Math and English. GPA, on the other hand, takes into account every subject, proving that the student is well versed in all subjects, thusly earning a high average.

Besides the useless scores and façade testing subject the SAT provides skewed expectations. Scoring high on a standardized test tells college advisors you spent countless hours in a cramped room going over obsolete terms and memorizing useless rules.

However a solid GPA is a testament to your dedication, and will to succeed.

Henceforth it is an accurate, valid and more concise gauge of intelligence.

By Suzette Wanninkhof NEWS EDITOR

Despite the inevitability of exam fever, SATs may be considered the salvation of one’s education. Testing reasoning ability rather than the completion of benchmarks, provides better insight into potential college success.

Many argue that four hours is not sufficient time to evaluate four years of work, but in reality, many colleges workplaces operate just as such. Lawyers research for hours to prepare a short time in front of a jury, doctors study for years to perform short surgeries, and in college, large final exams at the end of a several moth long semester gauge your success.

SATs are also not affected by finances.

While many argue that more affluent students have an advantage because of their ability to afford tutoring, the same bias happens in grade.

Free SAT classes are also available, notably the online prep course, ineedapencil.com.

However, tutoring is often not even necessary. Here at the school, of the three students who received the highest SAT scores, none took a formal preparation course.

Inequality based off of affluence is actually far more of an issue in GPA. “In classes, you can buy your way through with paper and such for extra credit. In the SAT, you only rely on yourself,” said junior Graciela Nuñez.

Buying grades is not the only flaw in the

S.A.T.

value of GPA. Equivalent course labels rarely indicate equivalent difficulty, with grading based strongly off of having “slack teacher” or a stricter one, especially for allegedly standardized classes like Advanced Placement (AP) ones. Here at the school, there are four different teachers for AP English Literature, and as almost any student can attest, an A in one teacher’s class may require all-nighters pored over King Lear and Anna Karenina while another only entail a couple of scribbled notes on worksheets.

The reason that qualifies the SAT as being a better gauge of academic ability than GPA is because it measures reasoning ability rather than acquired knowledge. While exams in school measure what students have memorized, the SAT asks questions that students have not been formally taught, but rather must reason out. The ability to synthesize prior learning with logic is most closely associated with potential to progress in both the academic and work environment.

While the SAT by no means measures one’s value as an individual as college counselors inflate it to seem, it does indeed indicate potential collegiate success.

opinion Opposable THUMBS

highlights November 2011

STAFF

Editorial

Homecoming “When an airhorn becomes an instrument, let me know.”

-Mary Koehnk, The Scene Editor

6

Once a pagan celebration of the supernatural, Halloween has given way to a night of candy extortion, copious intoxication, and promiscuity.

No-shave November

What’s better than free candy?— nothing. Halloween is one of the only opportunities this can be achieved, with no means of degradation or illegality.

Children seem to be more enthusiastic about this aspect of Halloween than those who have experienced the miracles of puberty—or menopause.

However this should not make it reasonable to portray countenances of disapproval, or even refusal of candy, when ringing a doorbell.

Halloween has not always been this way. It originated as an Irish gathering where the supernatural paid visits. Today, the streets are cluttered with every little boy dressed as Spiderman, every little girl as Cinderella, and plenty of

“Long hair, he don’t care. I am not shavin’ nuthin.”

-Nick Arias, Sports Co-Editor

Early Action “Now that applications are in, let the senioritis begin!”

-Suzette Wanninkhof, News Editor

Population hits 7 billion

enthusiastic idiots who finally got the opportunity to wear are taking the spirit out of the a toga; hardly Irish and very little supernatural encounters. holiday. Promiscuously themed Nowadays, Halloween etiquette consists of three very costumes and intoxication seem to simple things: 1. Purchase candy 2. Wait for the doorbell be the modern twist of the spirit 3. Listen for ‘trick-or-treat’ and distribute candy. Simple. of Halloween amongst our peers, The age of that individual should not be a deciding factor being too cool for free candy. This in distribution. Besides, the only reason parents go out is even affecting the youngsters, roaming the streets with their children is so that they can as every child yearns to achieve get candy too, admit it, everyone knows it. the status of ‘cool.’

Children hardly decide their own costumes, let alone There are no facts to back this construct or purchase them themselves. Frankly, those up, but the gross amount of trickwith a developed enough brain to be able to assemble a or-treaters has dwindled in the costume is more deserving than some kid who’s mom past five years. Those of you with bought it for them. the spirit, voice yourselves, and Granted, a grown man at a door step dressed as demand the candy and respect you Spiderman is bound to raise some concerns, however, this deserve. We are ghosts, kitties, is the time most imperative to distribute candy—as this Tinkerbelles, hippies, united, and person is most likely drug addicted or has some sort of it’s time to end the oppression. psychological disorder.

“You should stop trick-or-treating after 12. You are not a kid any more, don’t steal the experience from the little kids.” said sophomore Michael Hammond The misconceptions of being ‘too old’ to trick-or-treat

“We should all start moving to Texas...”

-Casey Breznick, Copy Editor

Mary Koehnk/highlights

highlights

How old is too old to trick-or-treat?

“You should stop trick-or-treating after 12. You are not a kid any more, don’t steal the experience from the little kids.”

-Michael Hammond, sophomore

Compiled by Orso Raymo

Gifted program lacks meaning

out on much. They belong to the same academies, can take

By Nicolas Rivero the same classes, and even challenge themselves to more STAFF WRITER advanced studies than gifted children. In short, they receive the same education. The only difference is the name of their Ask any gifted student if they even counselor and the chore of filling out an Educational Plan remember taking their gifted test, and (EP) every two years. The added paperwork has no discerntheir response is usually pretty similar to senior Thomas Alberts’s: “Nope. All able effect on what goes on in the classroom or the path a student will take through school.

I know is that I’m a genius.” Based For all its underwhelming significance, however, the on the results of a test they took as gifted title is not one that is easily lost. Students will repeat early as four years old, gifted students hold on to their title grades, fail the FCAT, and get expelled before they lose into high school. But with little real impact on a student’s their gifted status. education, the “gifted” label carries about as much weight The program is labeled as a form as other high school favorites like of special education, meaning the “jock” and “nerd.”

All I know is that I’m a genius. school receives extra funding for All that “gifted” really means each student. This may explain the is that someone, somewhere along Thomas Alberts, reluctance to revoke a lackluster the way has labeled you so. It senior student’s gifted title; why would an is hard to even define the term, already cash-strapped school drop a but the general consensus is that source of income from its roster? these students are not suited for a regular classroom; they The extra income gifted students generate is supposed need a special environment with advanced curriculum to to go towards special resources to meet their specific needs, learn. but gifted students sit in the same classes in front of the Standards to enter the program vary not only from same teachers teaching the same curriculum they do to school district to school district, but from test to test. nongifted children. The funding is being funneled away These tests are based on controversially unreliable IQ and from the classroom, leaving gifted students with an empty achievement assessments and their restrictive price leaves title and the “regular” education they were placed in the many lower income students out of luck. program to avoid.

That is not to say that nongifted students are missing

‘‘

ADVISORY BOARD:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

BUSINESS MANAGER

ADVISER

Ali Stack

Aj Ziv

SECTION EDITORS:

Sophia Aitken

Melissa Nieves

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINION

SPORTS

Suzette Wanninkhof

David Perlmutter

INSIGHT

Chris Cowen, Jorge Galavis

MULTIMEDIA

Nicole Sielsky

Sophia Aitken Nick Arias, Gene Liu

THE SCENE

Mary Koehnk

COPY

Casey Breznick

Public Relations Coordinator: Andy Fernandez Staff Members:

Deanna Breiter, Avery Budin, Brooke Donner, Audrey Fernandez, Remy Fuentes, Lukas Georgatos, Giulia Heyward, Andrea Martinez, Eylin Martinez, Scarlett Perez, Leslie Ramos, Orso Raymo, Nicolas Rivero, Maggie Rivers, Gretel Sanchez highlights is the official publication of Coral Gables Senior High, 450 Bird Rd.,Coral Gables, FL 33146.

Call (305) 443-4871 ext. 2383, email melissanieves@ dadeschools.net for ad rates. highlights accepts all legal advertisements. If a mistake occurs, the ad will be reprinted, free of charge, in the following issue. Subscriptions are available for $15 annually.

Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school. highlights is an open forum and welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. Letters to the editor should not exceed 200 words and must be signed, but names may be withheld on request and with the concurrence of the editorial board.

The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to the F237 mailbox. highlights strives to represent all groups fairly. Men and women of all races and nationalities will be represented with the same respect and dignity. This publication avoids racial identification except when it is essential to communication.

Press Affiliations: Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, NSPA Hall of Fame, Florida Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll

highlights November 2011

7

insight

highlights November 2011

8

Superstition in remission

Scary Stats

By Audrey Fernandez

be influenced by that person’s outlook or beliefs. The resulting placebo effect leaves us thinking that the broken mirrors and lucky rabbits’ feet are behind our good luck, or lack Man has always relied on superstitions thereof. when seeking an explanation to the unexplain“Last year, I gave my ‘lucky bracelet’ able. While these false certainties typically do all the credit for my excellent score on my not explain why something is, they do provide finals…It was a greater sense of the first time I control over what People believe in superstitions had ever worn man knows nothing because they want to believe in it,” said junior about. This need of them.

Andrea Jaime, ours to have a grasp when asked if she over anything that Jhojan Alarcon, thought any one occurs, even if it will particular thing not be fully underSenior was behind her stood, leaves many testing success. satisfied with the idea What believers fail to realize is that rather that daily horoscopes and knocking on wood than luck, superstitions just influence one’s will keep them on a danger-free path. outlook.

A superstition is a belief that is not based “I know that the grades I got on my finals on logic or reason, but these fallacies promwere all my own doing, but for some reason I ise to protect believers from harm or karma. couldn’t help but attribute it to my bracelet,” Regardless of the fact that superstitions are recognized as invalid, more than half of Ameri- said Jaime.

This misconception would explain why cans admit to being superstitious according to superstitions are so prevalent among athletes Web MD. and actors. Some athletes may decide that they Whether it is because of hope, fear, have to perform a certain ritual, like turning ignorance, trust in certain religious or cultural in three circles before leaving the locker room values or just plain-old misplaced associaor wearing a certain pair of lucky red socks in tions, each and every reason a person begins order to win a game. to believe in a superstition ties right into just There are many superstitions that have that: belief. arisen in every culture, and it is surprisingly At times, we know that a particular belief those very same superstitions that form a sense is superstitious, irrational and illogical, yet of unity among individuals. hesitate to go against it, because of some past Life is much less predictable and much experience of our own or that of others. less under our control than we care to accept.

It is no difficult task for believers to form Often, there is very little that we can directly coincidental connections and label them as do to influence events, even when our lives proof, or to simply say that their superstitious depend on them. What we are left with is an beliefs defy explanation by virtue of their obscure world of uncertainties in which deciambiguity and vagueness. sions must always be made whether to believe The human mind is powerful, and events or not to believe. that are based on a person’s performance can STAFF WRITER

69%

‘‘

31% of students claim superstitions have altered their behavior

23% Leslie

of students believe there is some truth to superstitions.

lights

s/high

Ramo

Compiled by: Audrey Fernandez

What are your lucky “

I generally avoid walking under ladders.

-Armando Estupiñan, senior

“

of students admitted to having some type of superstition

“

I only penn if the

highlights November 2011

frightful facts?

Fantasy.

Fact.

STAFF WRITER

STAFF WRITER

Superstitions are commonly associated with countless years of bad luck. It is common for believers to avoid walking under a ladder, stepping on a crack or opening an umbrella inside for fear of bad things to come, but the positive aspects of some superstitions are often overlooked. Many believe in, and turn to, lucky charms for good luck, assurance, and protection from evil and misfortune.

Good luck charms first originated in ancient times when the more pious people believed in the protective and healing powers of some items. These objects often came in the form of amulets and talismans intended to ward off evil from the wearer.

“People usually have some kind of amulet for good luck, like a penny,” said junior Sergio Andrade.

Stereotypical good luck charms include rabbit’s feet and four-leaf clovers, but in reality, charms are more specific to their owner. The more personal types of charms, such as a lucky pair of socks or a coin, vary from person to person and often have some sort of sentimental value and reason for being lucky.

In some cases, these items are passed down from previous generations with stories unique to each object.

Students often turn to good luck charms and superstitions for a little good luck before a test or the big game.

Juniors and equestrian riders Ali Cina and Tori Convey switch a sock with each other before horse shows for good luck, or “just for good measure.”

No matter how rare or simple a good luck charm may be, they all provide their owners with a sense of security and protection from bad things. When someone truly believes that a lucky charm is indeed lucky, they believe they are more likely to perform better, and become more confident in themselves and what they set out to do.

“I know it is highly unlikely that something can bring luck,” said junior Lucas Machado, “but if having a good luck charm helps you, go for it.”

You may remember your friends in kindergarten taunting you not to step on a crack, or risk breaking your mother’s back. Yet no matter how many cracks you stepped on, your mother’s back never gave out, because superstitions are not true.

Superstitions are an illogical belief that future events can be influenced by the things we do now. Some superstitions are very old, dating back to the beginning of time.

Most of the time, these superstitions are learned within a family. When being passed down through generations, these superstitions become more of a tradition or daily routine, such as when mom made sure you never opened an umbrella inside the house, or made sure you would not walk under a ladder. We tend to not question what our parents taught us and just do it, so following such superstitions seems like second nature to some.

“I think people created superstitions because they were trying to find answers to the things we can’t explain,” said freshman Michelle Robles.

Besides, there is no factual evidence that superstitions are proved to work. Rabbit’s feet are as likely to bring good luck as two plus two equaling sixety-nine. Superstitions were made in the past to explain natural occurrences that people these days can use technology and knowledge to understand. Such is true with the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” which can be disproved. In the past, apples were known for their medicinal properties, so it was believed that by eating apples frequently, one would stay healthy. Today we know that this is not true, since apples cannot fix all health problems that may arise.

For those who do believe superstitions work for them, it may just be a placebo effect. The belief that the practice of these superstitions actually works for them may not be happening in reality and instead may all be in their head.

So instead of trying to prevent seven years of bad luck by avoiding that house of mirrors, try living life, because in reality, superstitions are ridiculous.

TWO

VIEWS

y charms?

I throw salt over my shoulder when I cook and I really like numbers that are multiples of three.

“

“

Andrea Martinez/ highlights

-Christine Quevedo, language arts teacher

“

y pick up nies off the floor ey’re heads up.

-Kyle Pham, senior

Compiled by: Gretel Sanchez and Nicole Sielsky

Fearful fantasies?

By Maggie Rivers

By Deanna Breiter

9

features

highlights November 2011

Ramos/highligh

ts

Halloween Costumes

lie L es

Halloween should be a celebration of creativity and supernatural spirits (if you believe in that sort of thing) rather than a night of mingling with people decked out in Party City costumes.

BLOCK 1

STAFF WRITER

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

How to replace unhealthy school lunch with a home-made healthy alternative

>>

HALL >> t a l k Multimedia Editor Nicole Sielsky records what she hears in the hallways during passing periods.

Commentary by Remy Fuentes Students bored of wearing the same generic Party City costumes as their friends, should get creative this year. If you felt like your Halloween costume was sub-par this year, skip out on Party City and opt for a homemade getup next time.

Fear not, though, because creative costumes can be made on any budget. Be your favorite singer, band member, or actor. Just make sure to dress in something everyone can recognize.

If you want to make Mother Monster proud, bring out your inner Lady Gaga by incorporating turquoise extensions, leather leggings, and of course, sky high heels. Be Ke$ha, and use up all the glitter ever made.

Costume department lacking on boy costumes? Buy yourself a red beanie, a red and white striped shirt, and get some jeans on; magically becoming “Where’s Waldo?” or don a leather jacket and buy some gel to be Danny from Grease.

Senior Olympia Reboll loves to dress up for Halloween. This year she is going to be one of Charlie’s Angels, with her fellow seniors Kristen Jacks and Rebecca Dwight. This inspiration came to her while she was sitting at home watching the new show on ABC. They shopped around in search of leather jackets, leggings and red lipstick for an authentic look.

Group costumes can be even more creative.

Be a tribe of Native Americans take it up a notch and be the cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show; which would definitely get some heads rolling.

10

MASTERS OF DISGUISE: (Clockwise from top) Seniors Olympia Reboll, Kristen Jacks and Rebecca Dwight pose as Charlie’s Angels, senior Daniel Behar raises his blade as a jedi, and seniors Federico Molina and Mateus Tuon get into character as Osama Bin Laden and a “sucia.”

>>

“Lemons are limes.

No doubt about it.”

>>

“You’re a pescetarian?

Are you protestant?”

BLOCK 2

>> >>

“If a lion wants to eat a gazelle, you can’t blame the lion. It’s human nature.”

“Some people refuse to give me candy sometimes.”

BLOCK 3

>>

“I hope it’s just a rash.”

The Perfect Lunch Box

Teenagers always want what they cannot have especially when it comes to lunch. When asked what their idea of a perfect lunch was, some students answered:

“My idea of a perfect lunch is arroz con pollo and tostones,” said sophomore Dayde Moreno.

“My perfect lunch would be pizza,” said sophomore Kevin Gonzalez.

“My idea of a perfect dessert would have cookies and fruit roll-ups,” said sophomore Karen Casanueva.

Dessert, the best part of the meal, is how teens splurge on calories. Treats like cookies, candies and brownies are too irresistible to skip. But consuming desserts like these daily is unhealthy. That is why the only cure for the sweet tooth would be a 100-calorie pack of mini brownies, or some vitamin gummies.

Although fruit would be the best sweet choice, these other options are great to replace the unhealthy foods while still satisfying the craving.

Compiled by Andrea Martinez

CRUNCH LUNCH: By filling your box, with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peanut butter Nature Valley bar, Quaker Chewy Pretzel bar, pack of Lance cheese crackers, banana, a can of Hawaiian punch and even a few home-made frosted cupcakes demonstrates how cost-effective and a healthy lunch can be.

n Andrea Bio

Pizza is another common option for students at school. They should try to look for alternatives because of the pizza’s high fat and calorie content. Any food that leaves your hands slimy with grease should be reconsidered. This craving could be subdued with some minor changes. A caprese sandwich is the perfect substitute to a giant slice of greasy pizza. This sandwich consists of a couple of slices of mozzarella, some slices of tomato on whole wheat bread, and any other toppings you like on your pizza can also be tossed into this sandwich. Common toppings such as pepperoni, onions, and green peppers would add more flavor to this sandwich. A sandwich like this is a nutritious option in terms of having much less calories, fat, and nearly no grease as opposed to a slice of fatty pizza.

As delicious as these greasy foods are, having fried food for lunch everyday is not very healthy, but there are some alternative ways to have a hamburger and some chicken strips without all of the grease and calories.

For a burger, there are alternative patties like turkey, black bean, and veggie patties that can satisfy the average burger craving. Then, just slip the preferred patty into some whole wheat slices of bread and that equates to a delicious alternative. For the side of fries, sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative because they have a unique sweet and salty flavor, and are much healthier than regular potato fries. A meal like this would cost around two dollars not including the drink.

Maggie Rivers/highlights

A favorite option for students at our predominantly Hispanic school is “arroz con pollo,” Spanish for rice and chicken. This popular dish makes a difficult school lunch which is why a healthier and simpler alternative could be a steak or chicken wrap. Some chicken breast wrapped in a whole wheat wrap is a delicious alternative. As for the tostones (plantains that are flattened and salted) an alternative to these would be any kind of baked chip. Also, there are plantain chips that could definitely stop the craving and are healthier than a bag of Lay’s.

“A perfect lunch for me would be a fat, juicy burger with salty, greasy French fries because I like artery-clogging food,” said freshman Adrianna Hernandez.

di

/h ighl ight s

highlights

November 2011

Paranormal Experiences

By Gretel Sanchez

Cesare Giuffredi/Contributor

STAFF WRITER

Gables students speak out about their encounters with the supernatural

We see it all over television, as the theme of nearly every scary movie, and even throughout the books we read for school: the paranormal.

Supernatural activity is the subject of much conflict. How many of us have ever wondered if they really exist, or have felt someone next to us when no one is in fact there? The reality is that although it is not known whether spirits exist, and although scientific knowledge would dictate against it, many say they have felt or even seen the presence of an unearthly being, whether it be the ghost of someone we once knew, or somebody entirely unfamiliar. In the spirit of Halloween, highlights interviewed students about their otherworldly encounters.

Junior Bhavika Kat Shah’s aunt passed away two years ago and Bhavika says she has heard her voice and sometimes seen her at the foot of the bed, watching over her.

It is not uncommon to hear stories like this of deceased loved ones looking after their family members. However, this type of encounter is not the one that we fear late at night, or that is made the subject of every Halloween story and movie thriller. Senior Pablo Martinez’s was.

“About five years ago, at my aunt’s house in Mexico, as I was getting ready for bed, I turned around and saw a middle aged, darkskinned man staring at me. I didn’t believe myself so I looked again. I tried looking closer but he disappeared. After doing a little research we found that a forty year old man had died in the house before [my aunt] moved in.” said Martinez.

Does this mean that our fears could possibly be confirmed and ghosts could be lurking behind every corner? We may not know for sure but we should keep our eyes peeled for the supernatural and the unknown this Halloween.

cinnamon Pumpkin Cheesecake with whipped cream

Can’t decide between a creamy cheesecake or an aromatic pumpkin pie? Instead of making that oh-so-difficult dessert decision, whip up an easy combination of the two, topped with some incredible cinnamon whipped cream.

Ingredients: Suzette Wanninkhof/highlights

1 and 1/2 cups of crushed gingersnaps (just put 2 cups of gingersnaps into a plastic bag and let out some aggression) 1/2 stick of melted butter (15 seconds in the microwave should do) 8 oz can of pumpkin 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream 16 oz packages of cream cheese (must be at room temperature or else the cheesecake will be lumpy!)

1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg 1 and 1/4 cup of sugar 2 eggs

Instructions:

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix melted butter and crushed gingersnaps together in a 9-in springform pan (that is the one that has a removable base) and press into bottom.

Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, and then add pumpkin, 2 T of whipping cream, 1 t of cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs and 1 c of sugar. Pour into crust and bake at 300 degrees for an hour. To make cinnamon whipped cream, whip cream, 1/4 c of sugar and 1/2 t of cinnamon in a cold bowl. Refrigerate cheesecake, and scoop a few dollops of whipped cream atop.

11

Exploring

Miami’s

music scene

By David Perlmutter OPINION EDITOR

In a local music scene consisting almost entirely of second-rate thrash bands and electrocrap, Little Haiti’s Sweat Records does a great job of organizing and promoting events that do not always involve breakdowns and/or dupstep. These include anywhere from fiction readings with substitute teacher Matt Gajewski (Pure Imagination), vegan waffle parties, and showcases of the worthwhile regional music talent. The record selection, while not huge, does enough to impress, stocking vinyl and CDs that would be difficult to locate anywhere else in the city.

If you are looking for a slightly dirtier scene, check out Churchill’s Pub next door. A landmark of Miami’s local music culture, the venue consistently attracts the bigger acts in town, like The Jacuzzi Boys. One of the hotter groups to come out of Miami as of late, The Jacuzzi Boys sound like direct descendant of 1960s surf rock given their tinge for psychedelia, and their funky, up-tempo beats. Guitarist Gabriel Alcala and drummer Diego Monasteri formed the band in 2007, while bassist Danny Gonzales joined in this year to complete the trio. Since then they have had nationwide tours including occasional ones in Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

The Jacuzzi Boys’ sophomore album, Glazin’, was released in Aug. 2011 and has been doing better than ever. Currently at the tail-end of their latest tour, they will be playing a coming-home show on November 26th at Churchill’s.

Notorious 305

A discussion on what the polls are saying about Miami

By Andrea Biondi and Andy Fernandez

FEATURES EDITOR AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Who do you want to be today?

When someone mentions “American city,” Miami is not one of the first cities that comes to mind. While we may not be as iconic as Los Angeles or New York, we are one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the United States with beautiful people, clean streets and great food According to a poll conducted by Yahoo.

News in 2008, Miami has the most attractive people in the United States. However, according to 2011 poll by Travel+Leisure, Miami ranked 3rd, because while we received high marks for athleticism and sense of style, we scored poorly in friendliness and intelligence (ouch). In an odd twist, the magazine Men’s Fitness ranked Miami as the fattest city in the United States in 2009.

Then, in a survey conducted by Forbes in 2008, Miami was ranked as the cleanest city in the United States, although Travel+Leisure ranked it as 28th this year by both residents and visitors. The stark difference in rankings is a surprise considering the large budget Miami gives to the management of waste. This is especially odd considering how much Miami relies on tourism.

If only wrappers and broken bottles were the worst things on the streets of Miami. For

four consecutive years, Miami was voted the city with the worst road rage in the United States by Reuters, although we were recently unseated by New York in 2010. Miamians blame this on the dangerous mix of retirees on leisurely drives and the cities young professionals, with many people reporting that drivers would often apply make-up, eat, and shave while driving. This year, Miami ranks as the eleventh most traffic congested city in the U.S. On a more positive note, in a poll conducted among Miami residents in 2011, Miami was ranked as having the 10th best street food in the nation. We also were ranked as 16th among tourists in fine dining, and we have consistently been ranked as having the 19th best cafes in the nation for several years now. Perhaps more importantly than anything else on this list, Miami Beach is currently ranked as the 6th best beach in the U.S.A. by travel.usnews.com.

Although all of these rankings are for the city of Miami, residents must realize that we are the ones being judged. We are responsible for the filth on the streets and the irritating honking horns that fill I-95. But we must not forget that it is also we that keep Miami filled with beautiful people and the delicious smell of street food, so let us give ourselves a pat on the back for at least not being the worst.

i.designs 210 Miracle Mile Miami, Fl 33134 305.774.6900

features

highlights November 2011

Thematic Coffee House sets the mood

12

By Remy Fuentes STAFF WRITER

Alfonso Remy Fuentes/highlights Freire/Contributer

It is that time of the year again: the smell of Starbucks coffee is oozing out of the new building cafeteria doors, which were covered in fake spider webs and orange streamers on Oct. 13 to kick off the monthly event, Coffee House, with an eerie Halloween theme. Tri-M set the mood by turning off the cafeteria lights and setting colorful candles on the tables.

“The mood that coffee house sets is sort of united with a musical feeling.

Everybody supports each other and cheer on the performers,” said audience member, sophomore Mary Borras.

Students have to pay three dollars as an entrance fee, but it is a worthwhile investment.

Who does not want to get all the delicious regular or decaf Starbucks coffee they want while listening to other customers cover their favorite songs?

When the performances started, students quickly turned the candles into lighters, waving them in the air.

“I like performing to express myself and to show my drumming talent,” said sophomore Alfonso Alonso, a drummer of three years, who performed in coffee house last year also.

“I started going [to coffee house] my sophomore year when it first started,” senior Kelly Loy, president of Tri-M said.

She also said that a new part of coffee house would be one dollar raffles, where two raffle tickets are given in order to win iTunes gift cards or other gifts. To stay posted on coffee house go to cavalierchorus.com.

SHOW STOPPERS: (Left) Sophomore Itala Tejada performed a duet with friend Deanna Cuevas (not shown) to “Tell Me That You Love Me” by the cast of Nickelodeon’s hit show, Victorious. (Right) The night’s Master of Ceremonies, Carlos Baez, surprised the crowd with his rap skills accompanied by Jorge Apparicio on guitar and Joel Jimenez on drums.

Coffee House Dates

November

11/16 Theme: Autumn

January

1/26 Theme: New Year

February 2/16 Theme: Valentine

March

3/15 Theme: St. Patrick’s Day

What not to do on your college application: Do not make up a middle name.

Make an e-mail that makes you sound at least somewhat professional.

Do not make up the names of your parents.

You probably want to stick to only naming clubs that might impress the admissions committee. ...Same goes for your awards.

Do I even need to explain where this girl went wrong?

Compiled by Leslie Ramos

sports

highlights

13

November 2011

Tip-off:

Both boys' and girls' Cavalier basketball teams start the fall season with an overwhelming tryout participation

CAVALIER STAT BOX

By Orso Raymo

The program is designed to strengthen each player's performance and develop the group’s overall abilities.

With all returning starters, the team reveals they have no In recent years the basketball team has performed defining all-star player. Instead of relying on one individual's outstandingly, winning the Greater Miami Athletic performance, they produce the excellent results thanks to a Conference championship and the district championship recipe of teamwork and defensively oriented strategies. title as well as reaching the quarter finals in the state “Defense wins game, offense sells tickets,” says senior championship games. This year, the team plans to beat their Michelle Alvarez who plans on ending her high school already impressive record and add to their overflowing experience “with a bang”. The present seniors do not intend trophy case. on slacking, ending with a whimper in not an option.

“We have expectations to follow: our goal is to reach the The junior varsity program, on the other hand, was not state championship game,” said basketball coach Glennford as successful during the 2010-2011 season.

Hyatt.

“Last year we were not able At the start of the season, We have expectations to follow; to finish because of injuries, flocks of eager Cavaliers took to the but this year we have 14 new our goal is to reach the state gym to try-out for the junior varsity players and a new assistant championship game, basketball team. With a turn-out so we expect a more positive Glennford Hyatt, boys’ of 77 students trying out for a outcome,” said Coach Willie 15-member team, the squad is sure varsity basketball coach Chacon. to be composed of only the best.

But with a host of new “It’s a popular and fun sport,” staff members the JV team also said point guard and sophomore Brent Webber in regard to intends on winning a title or two. the crowded try-outs.

Perhaps the greatest accolade of the winning team is a “We have been successful for the past two years and new sponsorship with Adidas. Thanks to the new deal, the many students want to be able to represent Gables and be a team will be receiving new equipment including uniforms, part of this,” said Hyatt. sneakers, warm-up attire, and polo shirts as well as an As is tradition, the boys' season will start off with the assortment of exclusive gear like flats, headbands and the annual “Crimson and Grey” game, the celebratory match will pride associated with the sponsorship of a billion-dollar be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the gym. coorporation.

The girls' team has similar aspirations with stringent The Lady Cavaliers will officially start the season training routines and a new sponsorship from Adidas. Since Tuesday, Nov. 8. Their efforts in training, conditioning the end of last year’s season, the Lady Cavs have adhered to and preparing for the season surely will not be overlooked the most stringent of training programs consisting of lifting and their performance on the court will be nothing short of weights, conditioning and studying various team strategies. outstanding.

STAFF WRITER

Varsity Football League Record 2-6

OCT 15 John A. Ferguson

vs

OCT 21 Gables @ FIU

OCT 31 Gables

Gables Cavaliers

20 - 17 L Cavaliers vs Columbus

@ Tropical Park

0 - 49 L Cavaliers vs Miami

@ Curtis Park

27 - 24 W

High

Senior High

Junior Varsity Football League Record 2-3

‘‘

SEPT 21 Miami Senior High

vs

OCT 2 Gables Cavaliers

vs

@ CGHS

@ American Senior

OCT 12 Gables

Gables Cavaliers

0 - 36 W

American Senior

0 - 18 L Cavaliers vs Columbus

@ Columbus

0 - 41 L

High

Stats from c2cschools.com

XC takes the win

By Ali Stack EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The girls' varsity cross country team won the district championship Tuesday, Nov. 1 for the first time in 30 years.

"The girls have worked hard all year and deserve to be district champs," said cross country coach Scott Nelson.

Star runner Tori Convey, junior, had a very impressive time at 23 minutes flat, shaving 40 seconds off her usual race and coming in first place. Junior Tamara Mekler came in a close second at 23 minutes and 25 seconds.

Cross country's uniform dilemma

By Audrey Fernandez STAFF WRITER

Despite their successful season in which they demonstrated much-needed improvement, the school’s cross country team still has some challenges against the opponent they least expected: the very name they run for.

The runners’ tracksuits, worn during meets, were brought under scrutiny several weeks ago because that the tops were considered to be revealing and not in compliance with the uniform policy. As a result, cross country runners can no longer wear their track suits during school hours.

The spirited runners, who previously wore their tracksuits throughout the school halls, say they now feel confused.

Several feel they are being specifically targeted, since other school sports teams are permitted to wear their respective attire on game days, although not always in accordance with the uniform policy either.

“We are representing Gables as much as another sport is…I therefore find it extremely unfair that while they get to show off their glory around school on game days, my fellow runners and I have to hide our pride behind a sweater,” said junior cross country runner Tamara Mekler, when asked to comment on the fairness behind this

Problems with the homecoming game

By Casey Breznick COPY EDITOR

By Lukas Georgatos

By Orso Raymo STAFF WRITER

On Friday, Oct. 21 the Gables varsity football team played Columbus and unfortunately lost an astounding 49-0 in the pseudo-homecoming game.

“We weren’t expecting to lose by that much,” said freshman Bradley Lee. The Explorers started scoring immediately, a mere three minutes into the game.

“I was angry we lost,” said senior defensive end Giovanny Galo. He also said that Gables missed a lot of tackles and that the Columbus players are more athletic.

However, according to junior Ramon Duran, the defense played much better than the offense.

Many students believed this game to be the actual homecoming game. However, it was not. This was also the game that there was a pep rally for, but the rally was under false pretences.

The real homecoming game was on Oct 29, but the game was cancelled due to a torrential downpour.

MARK THE DATE Boys’ Varsity

point in arguing that in previous years the sale of sports attire in order to raise money for the sports department allowed for nonathletes to become indistinguishable from the hard-working runners “The jerseys we used to wear to school were just a way for the rest of the student population to recognize who we are and how proud we are to be runners for Gables,” said junior Gabriella Gutierrez, who started running for the school this year.

Usually, teams who improve are rewarded with extra privileges matching the associated merit of their achievements, which is evidently not the case for the Cavalier cross country team.

Homecoming wrap-up STAFF WRITER

On Monday, Oct. 31, the school's actual homecoming football game against Miami High took place at Curtis Park at 4:00 p.m.

This came after many sudden schedule changes due to the school's activities schedule and weather that many students admitted left them confused. Still, students say they are in disagreement over which game was the true homecoming game.

Activities Director Ana Suarez said that the game against Christopher Columbus High School on Friday Oct. 21 was the school's choice for the homecoming game. The school district's actual schedule, according to Athletic Director Louis Romero, had the rained-out game on October 29 as the official homecoming game for both schools.

"At the end of the day, it's Activities' decision for the school, but we will play regardless," said Romero.

November

tumult.

Seeing as the school is not only forbidding them from wearing their uniform, but also implementing consequences if caught (i.e. not being able to partcipate in meets), other students have begun to question the school’s supposed “Cav Spirit”. What once served as a motivational tool now might cost some runners a chance at representing the school in competitions.

The team is still permitted to wear their red sweaters, which technically do serve the purpose of distinguishing them from the rest of the school.

Notwithstanding, runners raise a valid

Following a serious confusion as to the date of the actual homecoming game, the Cavalier varsity football team banded together to defeat Miami High, the school’s rival on Oct. 31.

In the early minutes of the match, Miami High was able to gain a seven point advantage. Their dominance was short lived as the Cavs were able to recuperate, tying the match. Soon after, the Stingarees scored once more, ending the third quarter ahead. Barely into the fourth quarter, Gables tied the score.

What ensued were three intense overtimes. Finally, Gables was able to pull ahead with a score of 27 over Miami High’s mere 24. To up the intensity, the opposing team had an opportunity to equalize, but the away team’s kicker blundered, hitting the goal post, and finally ensured a Cavalier victory.

“It’s about time we get that monkey off our back; it really is a good feeling, and it’s a testament to the dedication, heart, and ambition the players put towards the game,” said Joseph Montoya, coach of the varsity football team.

to support our athletic teams and cheer them on!

Boys’ Varsity

Varsity

Varsity

4 10 11 11

Football

Football

Swimming

X-Country

Fri. at 3:00 p.m. at Coral Gables Senior High

Thurs. at 7:00 p.m. at Tropical Park

Fri. - Sat.

Fri. - Sun.

vs. Miami Coral Park

@ Southwest

State Championships

Regional Champioships

sports

highlights

November 2011

14

Michael Monteagudo/contributor

Javier Aleman/contributor

Javier Aleman/contributor

Negative effects of workout overload

GETTING SWOLE: After school hours, juniors Michael Monteagudo (left) and Javier Aleman (right) continue their weekly workout regimen at the LA Fitness gym in Sunset Place focusing on arm exercises. “This was my second time going to the gym this week. I usually go about three times, but never more than that because I do not want to overwhelm my muscles.

However, I always go with a friend to make sure I push myself,” said Monteagudo. Both students are well aware of the dangers of major fatigue resulting from workout overload.

FEATURES EDITOR

Pressured to look good and stay in shape, many of the school’s students, both male and female, spend their free time in local gyms pumping iron with the hopes of "getting ripped" like the people they see on television shows. Although attending a gym and staying fit does have benefits, excessive exercise has been shown to be just as hazardous as being sedentary.

With the intention to stay healthy and become strong, students like junior Javier Aleman find themselves going to the gym six days a week.

“I started working out the summer before sophomore year and I haven’t stopped since,” said Aleman.

What students like Aleman might not know

is that working out to such an extent is actually extremely dangerous. Carlos Mollinedo and Joe Montoya, both weight lifting coaches here at the school, stressed the importance of getting rest between workouts.

“The rest period is undoubtedly the most important part of muscle development,” said Mollinedo.

Depriving your body of this rest can put you at risk of overworking it. In this state of fatigue, the muscles are more prone to injury.

The opposite applies as well. By resting your body accordingly, your muscles are able to recover and the microscopic rips in the muscle repair themselves and become stronger, hence the term “getting ripped.”

Fortunately, there are just as many students at the school who are aware of the dangers of overworking one’s body, like senior Jerome

Ziv, who has been going to the gym since he was 16. As a member of the school’s basketball team, Ziv’s workouts tend to be “sport specific,” but he does admit that “getting bigger” is not half bad either.

Over the past two years, he has gained nearly 35 pounds of muscle. In the process, Ziv has grown about two inches in height. He is an exception to the general assumption that excessive weightlifiting stunts growth.

Lifting weights with the proper techniques will avoid the problems with growth, even during teenage years where bodies are growing and developing. Starting an exercise regime now would be in anyone’s best interest.

Ryan Francis, junior, also spends a large amount of time in the gym when it is not football season. Like Ziv, Francis is also aware of the importance of resting the body and

Soccer rises to new heights

Spotlight:

By Lukas Georgatos

Lukas Georgatos/highlights

STAFF WRITER

Finding somewhere to play soccer in Downtown Miami with buildings in every direction and not an inch of grass in sight might seem impossible, but now there is great place to play in the heart of Brickell’s Financial District. As unlikely as it may sound, the soccer fields are on rooftops.

The facility’s name is Soccer Roof Top and it is located at 444 Brickell Ave. Miami, Fl 33131. There they have two fields on top of a five story parking garage. Between the two fields is a patio where players can take breaks and reenergize with some refreshments. The facility also has a locker room and showers to cool off for all of their customers.

According to their website, the fields are “full netted courts and that have padded walls for a safe, fast-action, soccer experience”. They are also turf, and are about the size of an indoor soccer field, perfect for a five-on-five game. Soccer Roof Top also has a program they call "The Soccer Academy".

“The soccer academy is more during the summer time where we teach kids soccer basics,” said manager Coco Cubilles.

“We have a coed league on Wednesdays and an all male league on Mondays,” said Coco Cubilles. He also said that they frequently have tournaments that many teams participate in.

The facility can also be rented for events, like birthdays, and according to their website they “handle every detail so you

STAFF WRITER

If you have ever seen or read any of the Harry Potter movies or books, chances are you have heard of Quidditch.

Quidditch is the Wizarding World’s favorite sport, a hobby and pastime of witches and wizards around the world. Muggle Quidditch has become an increasingly popular hobby, peaking the interest of Potter fans around the globe.

If you consider yourself a Harry Potter fan, your dream of playing Quidditch may soon become a reality. Sophomore Albert Ramirez is hoping to start a Quidditch team for muggles, or non-wizards, here at Gables.

Muggle Quidditch maintains its wizardly aspect by having players run with brooms between their legs. The matches are also played on a smaller field, about half the size of a football field.

A Quidditch team is made up of seven important players: three chasers, two beaters, a keeper and a seeker. Players strategically handle three types of balls during a match, attempting to obtain the most points. Chasers maneuver with the quaffles to score goals, beaters protect their teammates from

Taylor Baez

SKY HIGH: Serveral soccer players can be seen playing a rooftop game five stories above Brickell from surrounding business and apartment buildings.

can have time to socialize with your guests. You won't have to worry about preparations or clean up either.”

Soccer places like this are becoming very popular and Soccer Roof Top is a great place to find out while playing with friends.

Field rentals range from $100-$120 depending on what time you arrive. That is only $12 maximum per player for a ten man game. Soccer Roof Top is open seven days a week from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekends.

New quidditch team in the works?

By Deanna Breiter

avoiding over-working one’s self.

As part of school’s football team, Francis simply cannot afford an injury at any time of the year. He is cautious when working out so as not to over-exceed his limits, but rather to push the envelope just enough to feel sore the next day. This type of mild soreness in targeted muscles is evidence of a healthy and productive workout.

“Developing your body is a long process.

It’s not just gonna happen overnight,” said Mollinedo, “so just take it slow, start light.”

It is recommended to try and change the workout every once and a while so that your body “gets shocked, and you avoid hitting a plateau,” said Montoya.

Just by all means, avoid going to the gym on a daily basis, at most three to four times.

bludgers and the seeker focuses on catching the very elusive golden snitch, while each team’s keeper guards their three goal posts. The aim of the game is to score the most points before the game ends, when the snitch has been caught.

“My best friend who I have known since third grade who lives in Texas started one,” said Ramirez. “He has over a hundred people who want to join. He encouraged me to do it, so I’m trying to do the same.”

In order to start a Quidditch team, Ramirez must begin a petition and find a sponsor. His idea must then be approved by Activities Director Ana Suarez.

"It has not been approved yet," he said. "We haven't managed to talk to Ms. Suarez. If she doesn't approve it, I will find a way to do it anyways."

Although it is too early to tell, Ramirez and his prospective players remain hopeful.

If his idea for a Quidditch team is approved, Ramirez hopes to fundraise and travel to New York for the Quidditch World Cup. “We are trying to get some more people,” he said. “We have about fifty at the moment but are striving for more!”

Courtesy of Taylor Baez

By Andrea Biondi

By Deanna Breiter STAFF WRITER

At first glance, junior Taylor Baez is your typical student, balancing academics with her position on the varsity girls’ soccer team. Despite her common appearance, many would be surprised to know that she is in fact a world champion judo practioner.

“People don’t really expect it,” said Baez. “But, when they find out they are very surprised.”

Taylor has been fighting since she was seven years old, following the footsteps of her grandfather, mother, and sister who also took part in the sport. She began competing at the age of eight and won her first tournament when she was nine.

Since then, Baez has traveled all around the world for training and competitions. She recently traveled to Chile and returned as the Pan American champion. Her favorite place was Kiev, Ukraine because of the beautiful scenery and culture she experienced.

Humbled by her victories, Taylor is proud of her champion title.

“Winning is such a relief after working so hard,” she said, “It feels good to know all of my training has paid off.”

As a champion judoka, Taylor Baez brings new meaning to the words “fight like a girl.”

the scene

highlights November 2011

15

ONE MAN’S TRASH

Miami’s hidden treasures are found in unlikely places — the nooks and crannies of second-hand shops

Miami Recycle Bike Remy Fuentes STAFF WRITER

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Maggie Rivers/highlights

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In the heart of South Miami, there is a small and packed warehouse that is the home to the newest recycle bike shop. Miami Recycle Bike Shop opened on July 2nd. The owner, Andres Barreda, decided to open it in South Florida because he had not seen anything like it locally. He has been cycling for 25 to 30 years and has seen other recycle bike shops around the United States, yet none in Miami. Barreda builds new bikes and repairs old ones.

“I usually get the bikes from garage sales, flea markets, thrown away ones, donated, trading or purchasing them,” says Andres.

Miami Recycle Bikes is located on 5885 Commerce Lane, among other repair-type shops.

The shop has been open for about two months now and Barreda said about 250 people visited during the first month. Barreda did not always dream of opening a bike shop. However, he did show interest in bikes early in his life.

“I learned how to ride a bike when I was five, I had many bikes growing up; usually I would dismantle them by the second day,” he said.

The prices of the bikes range from $20 to $650. Some costs can be pricey because Barreda has to pay in Euros for some of the bike parts; however there are many bargain options for good quality bikes. Barreda is very passionate about his work, and the little hidden gem he has provided South Florida witch is definitely something everybody should check out.

ook Barn:

A mess of good reads

Book Barn does not only offer used books; it also has magazines and new books on sale.

Recent issues of magazines are available, most for around a dollar and new books are sold for twenty percent of list price. If you are looking Maggie Rivers STAFF WRITER for a specific book, you can call, and they will hold it for you for the next twenty-four hours if Located in an unassuming shopping plaza it is in stock. lies a quaint shop called Book Barn, a used Book Barn carries a large assortment book shop that has been nestled here for over of school required readings, which can be 34 years. Upon arrival, you will be greeted extremely helpful to students on a budget. by wooden shelves divided into four aisles Book Barn easily lets you bring all your crammed floor to ceiling with books. Books old, unwanted books and trade them for are put in every space imaginable: on the ones needed for school, or for personal floor, in boxes, and on entertainment, assorted racks. without breaking “After you read [the book], there’s Aside from giving the bank. not really that much use for it, so an honest smallJunior being able to exchange them is business feel, the Anyela Torres great. prices here are quite thought a place economical. The like Book Anyela Torres, junior second-hand books Barn would be are marked down to extremely helpful dirt-cheap prices— all books a quarter of for students and noted, “After you read [the their list price, some being just a dollar. But book], there’s not really that much use for it, so one of Book Barn’s most prominent features being able to exchange [them] is great.” (and probably the key to why it has stayed in So next time, save the trip to your regular business so long) is its book trading service. book store, and instead go to Book Barn where Patrons are able to bring in old books and trade you can a lot more bang for your buck. Book them for books in the store. The prices of all Barn is located at 10597 SW 40th St. Book the books brought by the customer is added Barn is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday together and divided by half, and that is the through Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 customer’s credit. This credit can be used for p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Book Barn any used paperback books in the store which can be contacted at (305) 223-0531. there is no shortage of.

‘‘

STACKS ON STACKS ON STACKS: Book Barn’s aisles are overwhelming at first glance, but the final product proves worth while.

Esther Terry Stansu, MD

Licensed Mental Health Counselor 5900 SW 73rd Street Suite 305 South Miami, FL 33143 estherstansu@yahoo.com

T: 305 206 1183

301 ARTHUR GODFREY ROAD Penthouse Miami Beach FL 33140 www.mitrani.com

T: 305 358 0060 F: 305 358 0550

the scene

highlights November 2011

16

Sunshine Spirits Miami’s faux haunted houses are no competition for the city’s true horrors; at what expense did the landmarks of the city gain notoriety?

Remy Fuentes and Mary Koehnk STAFF WRITER AND THE SCENE EDITOR

With its melting pot accumulating for hundreds of years, Miami has had its share of crimes and injustices, that have lead houses abandoned and open to speculation regarding the presence of the supernatural.

Currently, houses have been transformed and adapted to appeal to the public, with large intricate mazes consisting of black cats, jack-o’-lanterns, animated robots and a variety of plastic monsters.

Though entertaining, these have detracted from the initial foundation the haunted houses are based on. Houses and tours are open to the public to grasp a sense of the history, and a genuine scare, brought forth by stories, not robots.

The Biltmore is an unsuspecting place with a handful of horror stories. Built in 1925 originally as a hotel, it was then transformed into a World War II veteran hospital, and then back to a hotel.

According to the Biltmore staff, rumors of the supernatural have been spiraling. One of the most popular is the death of mobster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh.

Four years after the hotel’s grand opening he was murdered by Ed Wilson, on the hotel’s thirteenth floor. He has been spotted allegedly opening doors, turning the lights on and off and writing messages on the mirrors.

The thirteenth floor of the Biltmore is closed off to celebrities, politicians, and the elite. The only

the opposite effect occurs at The Biltmore. The sense of history and wonder excites many tourists and locals every year, speculating the validity of the stories and staying in the rooms.

Even skeptics are known to give in to the stories, traveling the archaic halls with the stories remaining in the back of their minds.

“I don’t I don’t mess with it [the mess with it [the supernatural], but I don’t believe supernatural], but in it...I’ve walked by the haunted I don’t believe in places by myself, and I saw it. When you’re nothing. here, working late, your imagination Biltmore hotel concierge gets to you. But I’ve walked by the way to reach this floor is with a haunted places, by myself, and I special key that only bellhops have saw nothing,” said the concierge. access to. Despite this, several Granted, supernatural guests reported to have been encounters are probably subject involuntarily taken to the 13th floor. to confirmation bias, however The guests claim to hear heavy the history of the hotel and ghost breathing, laughing, footsteps, the story readings are purely for smell of cigars, and some have even entertainment purposes only, heard Walsh greet them. manipulating an old hotel with a Haunted reputations are known rich history to generate revenue and to drive away customers, however, interest among the public.

‘‘

Deering Estate Spookovers

Friday & Saturday (8:45 p.m.)

Sunday (7 p.m.)

600 East Las Olas Blvd.

(954) 290-9328

Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tours

Ghost Tour ‘Voices of the Past’ November 17 (11 p.m.-4 a.m.

16701 SW 72 Ave. (305) 235-1668

Maggie Rivers/highlights

TRICK -ORTREAT:

The Biltmore Hotel Tours

Sundays (1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)

1200 Anastasia Ave. (305) 445-1926

I just wanted some candy Maggie Rivers STAFF WRITER

A holiday never ceases to pass in Miami without some multicultural flair being thrown into it. Sometimes, this mix of different cultures results in an eccentric take on holidays with some weird practices. While trick or treating this year I came upon a few questionable items in my bag.

Expired Although it is not necessarily weird, it is disgusting. While sifting through my candy loot I found a chocolate bunny from Easter. Considering the seasonal aspect of it I am assuming it was purchased sometime in April. I understand financial worries, however, if that is the case, skip this holiday, see how the economy is next year.

Odd Occasionally you might run across the really weird items like the rocks, the twigs, and all that jazz. Personally, I was fortunate enough to get the rocks. Not just a rock that may have accidentally fallen there; it was a huge rock. Either this person was trying to break a kid’s tooth or they may foster a hatred for a little Halloween spirit.

Well intentioned Sometimes a person may try to “help” the little trick-or-treaters. They may give out juice boxes or toothbrushes or microwave popcorn, but unfortunately, we trick-ortreaters just do not want them. WE WANT CANDIES—hence the ‘treat’ part. Sure you may want to fight the cavities that are forming as a direct result of Halloween, but I am sure kids already have a toothbrush they are using at home on a daily basis.

Caramelo So you finally found some candy! Yet you can not read the label because it is either in Spanish, French, or some other language you are illiterate in. This may be a great or unpleasant surprise depending on your taste, but only if you are willing to venture into the unknown.

How hard is it to understand? All we kids want is just regular, delicious candy. I suggest you check out the Halloween candy section in Publix, you may just happen to find some affordable candy that children may love. By doing this, you will provide kids with a great Halloween experience filled with lots of candy.