The Reporter Vol. 1, Issue 2

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Andrea Orellana, The Reporter's Forum editor, is starting an advice column. Send in all your questions regarding life, love, school, work and whatever else troubles you to:

'A Palo! Limpio':Five-person band featuring two Miami Dade College professors and one student jam to an Afro-Cuban beat.

TURN TO PALO!, PAGE 9

 andrea.orellana001@mymdc.net VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Happy Halloween!

NORTH CAMPUS HONORS COLLEGE

Retiring.

With Honors.

E. Carter Burrus, Honors College director at the North Campus, is retiring after years of service to the college.

By Mark Pulaski mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net A miniature Mayan sculpture, a Joker action figure, and an array of snow globes were once among the knickknacks that cluttered E. Carter Burrus' desk.

His office was covered with old photographs, gifts and souvenirs that students gave him throughout the years.

But, his office is emptier these days.

Burrus, The Honors College director for the North Campus, is giving away those possessions, wanting students to take a piece of him with them.

The reason: he is retiring Oct. 29 after nine years of devoted service to Miami Dade College.

TURN TO BURRUS, PAGE 4

Poet: Professor releases new book: Dub Wise.

MARK PULASKI / THE REPORTER

Counting Down: E. Carter Burrus ponders what the future has in store after his impending retirement on Oct. 29.

STUDENT FEES

WOLFSON CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION

Access And Parking Fees To Be Implemented Next Fall

New Addition To The Wolfson Campus

New student fees to be introduced to offset lack of state funding to Miami Dade College over the last decade.

TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 5

All-Stars: Six Miami Dade College baseball players participate in all-star showcase.

TURN TO SPORTS, PAGE 13

Reeled In: The Miami International Film Festival has selected a new director: Jaie Laplante.

By Monique O. Madan monique.madan001@mymdc.net Unemployment isn’t the only thing going up.

Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón has approved a plan to charge students a $3 per credit access and parking fee beginning in the fall of 2011, according to College Provost Rolando Montoya.

“It’s never a pleasure at a public institution to increase any type of fee,” Montoya said. “But little by little, the state has been reducing our income.”

Lourdes Perez, the dean of students at the InterAmerican Campus, said via e-mail that as of 2009, MDC has lost 18.8% in dollars in funding per full-time equivalent student.

In addition, MDC saw a six percent increase in its student population this semester alone, making it arduous for the institution to sustain itself, according to Perez.

TURN TO NEW FEES, PAGE 7

TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 5

THE REPORTER IS THE FREE BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS.

All parking and access fees will go toward construction, the hiring of public safety patrols, parking attendants and operational expenses college-wide.

Future projects include building parking garages at Hialeah, West and the Wolfson Campuses.

According to Montoya, most intuitions charge their students parking fees.

For example: Broward College also charges a $3 per credit hour access and parking fee; Florida International University charges $6.09, according North Campus Dean of Administration Cristina Mateo.

“The fact that parking was free was uncommon and rare; we were unable to sustain it,” Montoya said.

The access and parking fee will automatically be included with tuition. For instance, a student taking 12 credits—regardless if they have a vehicle or not—will be charged $36 that semester.

NEWS TIPS?

Let us know at: mdc.thereporter@gmail.com (305) 237-1253

O. DANILO BALLADARES / THE REPORTER

By Monica Kelly monica.kelly002@mymdc.net

COURTESY OF LINDA FRIEDMAN

In Progress: Construction began in July 2009, and is ongoing (Top).

It is scheduled to be completed (Bottom) by January 2011.

BRIEFING NEWS A&E

The new building will house the Miami Culinary Institute, which will be the only public culinary school in South Florida.

2-3 4-5,7,9 10-11

SPORTS FORUM

Miami Dade College will open the doors to the Miami Culinary Institute, the first public program of its kind in South Florida, this January.

The eight-story building, located at the Wolfson Campus, began construction last July at a cost of $22 million.

It will include a café and lobby area, a state-of-the-art food and wine demonstration kitchen, three floors of kitchen laboratories and a fine dining restaurant overlooking the port of Miami.

The program plans to have 100 students by January, John Richards, the program’s director said.

TURN TO CULINARY, PAGE 5

12-13 14-15

PLEASE RECYCLE

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BRIEFING

OCT. 18, 2010

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THE REPORTER

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// BRIEFING COLLEGE COMPUTERS BEING 'REFRESHED' Miami Dade College is replacing outdated Dell computer systems with new HP CORE 2 Duo desktops. According to school officials, 7,728 computers are being replaced college-wide.

The “refresh” was made possible by a buyback program organized

by Hewlett-Packard Co. and the school board district, in which any computer older than two years was sold back to HP. Manuel Perez, chief information officer at the North Campus, said that the old computers deterred teachers from properly documenting their school work. “ [The new] computers will ensure that students, facult y and staff have sufficient computing capabilities to meet the needs of their work and learning environment,” Perez said.

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Friendly Competition: (From left) Anthony Spallone and Paul Jimenez from the Miami Dade College debate team; Lewis Iwu and Mary Nugent from the British National Debate Team.

MIAMI DADE COLLEGE DEBATE TEAM DEFEATS VISITING BRITISH TEAM On Oct. 4, the Miami Dade College debate team defeated the British National Debate Team at the Kendall Campus. Miami Dade College debate team members, Anthony Spallone and Paul Jimenez debated against British competitors, Mary Nugent and Lewis Iwu, the 2008 World Champion debater.

The topic was whether “there is a duty for America to spread democracy by any means necessary.” According to Professor John Todd, debate team coach, 50 percent of the students that attended the debate declared the MDC debate team as the winners, 20 percent chose the British National debate team and 30 percent were undecided.

—Bianca Vargas

—Rafael Tur

STUDENT WINS BOARD EXAM SCHOLARSHIP

MARK PULASKI / THE REPORTER

Creative Commons: Veronica Silva, 20, vice-president of The Doodle Club prepares a banner, along with other members, for their booth at the All-Nighter for Haiti.

NEW CLUB AIMS TO HELP ART MAJORS FIND THEIR WAY The Doodle Club is a new organization at Miami Dade College aimed at drawing out students' artistic talent.

One of the objectives of the club is to make students more aware of opportunities for artists.

This includes finding schools, scholarships and programs that will help them throughout their careers.

Emily Torres, a 19-year-old education major, started the club after noticing that most art majors are “clueless on where to transfer to.”

Members of the club work on building their portfolios, college admission presentations, recreational art and community service.

The Doodle Club is also part of National Portfolio Day at the New World School of the Arts.

Various renowned art schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design, Rhode Island School of Design, and Ringling College of Art and Design, have already taken an interest in the club.

The schools plan on sending representatives to speak to club mem-

bers in the next upcoming months.

“Ambition beats talent, ” said Club Adviser Victor Gomez.

The club also plans on doing various community projects through MDC, such as hosting the collegewide art show titled “Rated Art.” “Art should be a part of the community,” Torres said. “Art can also help the community, and Miami is the perfect place for that.”

The Doodle Club meets every other Wednesday in North Campus' Room 5214. The next meeting is on Oct. 26.

—Mark Overton

PROFESSOR ESTABLISHES 'CENTER FOR INNER PEACE' AT NORTH CAMPUS Lisa Shaw, an English professor at the North Campus, has started the Center for Inner Peace.

Shaw is planning presentations for the fall and spring semesters to give students, faculty and staff a place to release stress and maintain better focus.

The center’s first event on Oct. 15 centered on a talk about awakening the chakras, which is an

ancient Hindu and Buddhist practice t hat focuses on aligning body, mind and spirit.

“If we can train ourselves to be at SHAW harmony with ourselves, we will be at harmony with other people,” Shaw said. “It’s a great way to release all

of our high stress energy.”

All presentations are free to the public. The next presentation, on Oct. 29, will be on emotional freedom techniques.

—Jessica Tejeda For more information, contact Lisa Shaw T (305) 237-1766

Heather A ltman-King well, a funeral services major at Miami Dade College’s North Campus, has been awarded a $400 scholarship to take her National Board Exam.

The scholarship was awarded by the International Conference of Funeral Ser v ice Examining Boards, Inc. Altman-Kingwell was chosen because of her exceptional performance in the funeral service program where she maintained a 3.92 GPA. “I never applied for the scholarship, but I was very excited to hear that I had been awarded,” said Altman-Kingwell. “The Boards are expensive.”

Altman- Kingwell will graduate in December. She plans to get an internship at a funeral home while attending Florida Atlantic University.

She also plans to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology.

—Anna Carabeo

JOB FAIR TO BE HELD AT THE WOLFSON CAMPUS The Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., will host a hotel and restaurant job fair on Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will take place at the James K. Batten Center, Room 2106.

It will focus on the hospitality and culinary arts. Among the positions being interviewed for will be: interior designers, cooks, accountants, engineers and people with experience in culinary arts.

According to Isabel B. Martinez, career specialist at the Wolfson Campus, students should be dressed professionally and bring a copy of their resumés.

—Ayoyemi Ajimatanrange For more information, contact Isabel B. Martinez T (305) 237-3730

STUDENT POETS HONORED AT SPOKEN WORD CONTEST Three students were honored for their poetry entries to the The Hispanic Heritage Month Spoken Word Contest on Oct. 14 at Miami Dade College North Campus.

The contest features poetry submitted by students from the English department and the college prep program. All poems were about “celebrating Hispanic heritage, history and the American dream.”

MDC students voted for the winners online.

The first place winner was Nerea Duran for her piece titled Most

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Precious Journey; a poem about coming to America while leaving all you know behind.

Second place went to Brenda Adams for her submission titled The DREAM Act; a poem stressing the importance of the Dream Act and coming together as one nation of immigrants.

Quincy Anthony won third place with a poem titled If you really knew me; an inspirational poem written about the struggles and efforts of Afro-Hispanics.

—Mark Overton

THE REPORTER

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OCT. 18, 2010

BRIEFING

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NORTH CAMPUS' AXIS MAGAZINE TAKES FIRST

COURTESY OF PHIL ROCHE, MDC MEDIA RELATIONS

Unveiling: Miami Dade College is beginning to make preparations as the Miami Book Fair International 2010 emerges again.

On Tuesday, Oct. 4, the fair’s official poster was unveiled at Mia at Biscayne restaurant. The poster’s creator this year is Alejandro Cabrera De La Moore, also known as Maximus Blanc. The fair will be running from Nov.19- 21, with more than 250 publishers and booksellers participating.

ART GALLERY SYSTEM LAUNCHES THREE EXHIBITIONS Miami Dade College’s Art Gallery System launched three exhibitions on Oct. 8: Past is History – Future is Mystery, Patria o Libertad!

The Rhetorics of Patriotism, along with Ways of Worldmaking: Notes on a Passion for Collecting.

According to its curator, Rafael López-Ramos, Past is History—Future is Mystery focuses on the balance between “good” and “evil” and how it relates to totalitarianism and religion. The exhibition features works from 11 artists, in-

cluding Francis Acea, Pip Brant, Juan-Sí González and Antuan.

Patria o Libertad! The Rhetorics of Patriotism is a collection of multimedia presentations d iv ided i nto fou r parts. The central theme is patriotism and how it is seen LÓPEZ-RAMOS through the eyes of everyday people. It also discusses the symbolism reflected by objects, such as the flag,

Axis, the student magazine at the North Campus, has been awarded first place by the Community College Humanities Association in the Southern Division for its 2010 issue.

The magazine consists of poems, short stories, artwork and photography.

All submissions are created by the students of the North Campus, either from their own portfolios or from the creative writing course offered at the campus.

In its seven years of circulation, the annual magazine has won numerous awards and received various honors.

“We were thrilled,” said Professor Elena Perez-Mirabal, Axis’ coadviser. “It was the first time we submitted to this contest. It was a testament to the hard work of our students.”

The award-winning issue will be released on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

—Mark Overton

WOLFSON CAMPUS LIBRARY NOW OPEN ON SATURDAYS heroes and anthems.

Ways of Worldmaking: Notes on a Passion for Collecting is a collection of 85 pieces Arturo and Liza Mosquera picked from their collection of over 1,500 pieces at their Farside Gallery.

The exhibitions will be open to the public until Nov. 6 at the Freedom Tower located at 600 Biscayne Boulevard. The exhibits are free and open to the public.

—Monica Kelly

Starting on Oct. 9, the Wolfson Campus library will be open to students on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The new schedule stems from additional funding.

“We used to be open on Saturdays,” says Library Director Zenaida Fernandez. “However, due to lack of funding, we had to keep the schedule to five days a week.”

New personnel has been hired specifically to keep the library running on Saturdays.

The positions added are one full-

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VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

time librarian, one full-time front desk technician and a part-time technician for computers and periodicals.

According to Fernandez, there must be at least three employees on site for the library to function properly.

“If this funding persists, we will continue to stay open six days a week, in order to assist students,” Fernandez said.

—Tiffany Garcia

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NEWS

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OCT. 18, 2010

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THE REPORTER

CHANGE YOUR THINKING

www. myunion.edu Degree Completion Programs Designed for Adults Low residency (small classes, online, or hybrid) Accelerated (earn 8 credits in 8 weeks) Financial aid for those who qualify UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Science with majors in: Business Management (HR, MIS, Marketing) • Criminal Justice Management • Elementary Education • Exceptional Student Education • Secondary Education • Social Work

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

Multitasking: Burrus assists a pair of students while on the phone. This is his ninth and final year as the director of the North Campus Honors College.

NORTH CAMPUS HONORS COLLEGE

E. Carter Burrus: Leaving A Legacy At North Campus FROM BURRUS, FRONT PAGE

www.myunion.edu 800.486.7141 or 305.653.7141 AdmissionsMiami@myunion.edu 16853 NE 2nd Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Non-profit, private, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (ncahlc.org)

“It’s hard. I feel horrible. He’s been here since the very beginning when I started at Miami Dade, and he’s been helping me ever since,” biology major Jonathan Diaz, 19, said. “He’s been our guide through this journey we call college.”

Burrus, 66, began his career as a teacher at Christopher Columbus High School in Westchester, his alma mater, where he taught for 25 years.

Burrus also worked part time at Miami Dade College’s Medical Center Campus.

In 1991, he became a full-time professor, offering classes in anthropology, history, psychology and political science.

Burrus left the Medical Center Campus in 1996 after general education courses were no longer offered.

But two honors program director positions were open at the Kendall and North Campuses.

The North Campus, he said, was a perfect fit for him, even though it is nearly a 25-mile drive from his home in Kendall.

“I can’t imagine anything that would be more stimulating than working with these high-achieving students and helping them live their dream,” Burrus said.

In 2001, the honors program was revamped after Miami Dade College President Eduardo J. Padrón organized a committee to brainstorm a state-of-the-art program.

Its result: The Honors College, with offices at the North, Wolfson, Kendall and InterAmerican campuses. Burrus has mastered the art of multitasking. As part of his duty as director, he serves as an adviser for Honors College students.

“Having the k nowledge about what courses are set up and how it works is essential,” Burrus said.

A bespectacled Burrus with a powerful build from his high school football years strides the halls of The Honors College, occasionally visiting classrooms to say a quick hello or to make an announcement.

When he is not at meetings or chatting with professors, Burrus can be found in his office in Room 1373, leaning back on his black chair, where dozens of students flock each day to ask questions about classes or for transferring advice.

To accommodate everyone, Burrus, an avid Elvis Presley fan, rarely goes to lunch, preferring to gulp down a bottle of chocolate Muscle Milk.

“I just can’t leave,” Burrus said.

Stephanie Bardales, an international

relations major, said she passes by The Honors College office to greet Burrus in the morning.

“He has opened so many doors for me,” Bardales said. “It’s really amazing.”

Dr. Alexandria Holloway, dean of The Honors College, said Burrus’ expertise far exceeds that of most other professionals in the field.

“He is one of the most consummate professionals that I have had the privilege to know,” Holloway said. “So many people in this field know what to do, but Dr. Burrus truly has the heart for it.”

Burrus, who is also the co-adviser for Phi Theta Kappa—MDC’s international honor society— has no choice but to retire.

He is on a state retirement program which requires him to take off for at least one year, leaving open the possibility of his return in the future.

“I’m not retiring from life,” Burrus said.

“I think I’m pretty good at what I do. I can channel it some other way.”

For Burrus, it is hard to say goodbye.

“It’s sadder for me than it is for the students,” Burrus said. “They are going to leave anyway.”

Helen Garcia, Burrus’ former student and assistant, said he is an inspiration that she will never forget.

“I will always be thankful because he saw me when I was invisible,” Garcia said via e-mail. “I was very fortunate to be his student, assistant and friend.”

Holloway said Burrus “leaves The Honors College far stronger, smarter and richer than it was when be began. He leaves a legacy that is unparalleled.”

While no official replacement has been announced, Burrus said The Honors College will continue to thrive.

More than 500 honors college students have graduated under his tenure.

Laura C. Morel, who graduated from The Honors College in 2009, said Burrus pushed her to go beyond Miami and apply to out-of-state schools.

She is now majoring in print and multimedia journalism at Emerson College in Boston, Mass., and will graduate in the spring.

“I can't thank Dr. B enough for making me see that I could make it out there,” she said.

For Morel, it will be difficult to visit The Honors College and not see Burrus sitting in his office.

“The Honors College just won't be the same without him,” she said.

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

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OCT. 18, 2010

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// NEWS

NEWS

New Culinary Institute Under Construction

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Gearhead: Vanessa Jaimot, 23, recently won the Best Female Ride Award at Hot Import Nights, an annual car show.

KENDALL CAMPUS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Student Gets Fast And Furious

By Andrea Perdomo andrea.perdomo001@mymdc.net

girls in elementary school for bringing a model car to class for show-and-tell, and was laughed at for admitting to liking the smell of gasoline. Ostracized, Jaimot felt at ease hanging out with boys.

At Southwest Miami Senior High School, Jaimot was enrolled in the automotive program for three years.

She also completed the automotive program at Miami Lakes Technical Institute. The institute placed her at the Lexus of Kendall car dealership as a certified automotive technician at the age of 17, where she still works. “[Jaimot] is extremely hard working, strong-willed and dedicated,” said Patrick Collins, Jaimot’s boss since 2007. “She is one of my best mechanics.”

But, working as a mechanic wasn’t enough for Jaimot.

In 2008, she purchased a Toyota X-Runner and began to customize the car. She was encouraged by co-workers to enter the revamped truck into car shows.

Jaimot took the car show world

As a child, Vanessa Jaimot was exposed to subwoofers, screeching tires and engine grease while other children were better acquainted with Big Bird from Sesame Street.

That knowledge has paid off for Jaimot, who is now studying automotive service management at the Kendall Campus.

The 23-year-old car enthusiast recently participated in Hot Import Nights, an annual car show; she received the Best Female Ride award.

“I have never felt so fulfilled,” said Jaimot. “Just knowing that all the sweat and tears I shed paid off. This award means so much to me.”

But, things haven’t always been so easy for Jaimot.

As a kid, she felt different. Jaimot didn’t share the same interest in the color pink as other girls and could not stand the sight of an Easy Bake Oven.

She recalls being taunted by

by storm, winning 18 trophies in one year.

In 2009, Jaimot co-founded her own car club: Xclusvz. Starting with just five cars and eight members, the club currently hosts 18 cars, all of which Jaimot has worked on.

MDC student and Xclusvz member, Roger Ariza, has known Jaimot since 2005. He describes Jaimot as always “willing to try something new and being meticulous in getting things done.”

Jaimot has big plans for the future.

“I want to open up my own custom shop,” she said.

She is studying for her Automotive Service Excellence certifications and trying to do a charity car show.

Jaimot advises other girls trying to make their way in the male-dominated industry to never give up.

“Don’t ever stop,” Jaimot said.

“Do the absolute best you can and don’t let them decide what you are capable of.”

Monica Suarez contributed to this report.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Renowned Festival Gets New Director

By Anna Carabeo anna.carabeo001@mymdc.net Film guru, Jaie Laplante, has been tabbed as the new executive director of the Miami International Film Festival.

Laplante, 40, has served as director of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, co-director of the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and programming director for the Miami Short Film Festival.

“I am very excited to be involved with The Miami International Film Festival,” Laplante said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

The MIFF will take place March 4-13.

“Working with Jaie is a breath of fresh air,” said Danette Wolpert, assistant director for programs and industry for the MIFF. “He comes in with a very hands-on

style and new ideas that will ultimately change the face of the festival. I think he is going to be a positive impact.”

Laplante, the first Canadian to be executive director, first came to Miami in 1998.

“Apart from being a hard-working and dedicated person, he loves Miami and his experience organizing and leading other festival and events in LAPLANTE Miami; it gives him a unique understanding of the city,” said Diana Sanchez, senior program consultant and director.

“As well as contacts from many different facets of Miami's cultural landscape. I think that this is important because it will help attract a wider audience and widen the scope of the festival as a whole.”

Laplante, who first became in-

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WOLFSON CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION

FROM CULINARY, FRONT PAGE

Vanessa Jaimot, a Kendall Campus student, is an automotive technician with big dreams and lots of brawn.

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terested in film at around the age of 10, has acted in films such as Frisk, a film in San Francisco’s International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

He has also been a script supervisor for 1995’s The Doom Generation and was a screenwriter for the movie, Sugar, featured in the 2004 San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

Even though Laplante has “experimented” with acting before, he admits he is much better behind the camera than in front of it.

“I think when you are an actor, you only have control over your part and what you are doing, which is only a part of the whole project,” Laplante said. “As MIFF’s executive director, I’m able to touch all parts of the project, in this case, the festival, and shape them to an overall tone and texture.”

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

“The mission was not just to open another culinary school,” Richards said. “The mission was to open something very special.”

It will include three major ingredients.

The program is the first public option south of Orlando; it’s expected to cost almost half the price of a private school, and it will have a culinary enthusiasts program for those who are not full-time students.

The curriculum is being shaped by a chefs’ council that rounds some of the area’s top culinary artists. It includes Michael Schwartz from Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink; Michelle Bernstein from Michy’s; Norman Van Aken from Norman’s 180 in Coral Gables; and Philippe Ruiz the Executive Chef of Palm d’Or at the Biltmore Hotel.

It also plans to teach an environmentally sustainable approach to cooking.

“The facility has state-of-the-art food pulping systems and all the waste is pulped," Richards said.

"One hundred pounds of food waste turns into 17 pounds of compost.”

After completing the program, students will receive an Associate of Science degree in culinary arts management and will be prepared for jobs as prep cooks, line cooks and sous chefs. It later plans to expand its program to include bakers and pastry chefs.

The Miami Culinary Institute will also take a part in assuring future jobs for their graduates.

“We will be engaging in a business that will be able to employ many of our students in food service,” Richards said.

For more information, contact John Richards, director of the Miami Culinary Institute T (305) 237-7024 Visit:

 WWW.MIAMIDADECULINARY.COM

NORTH CAMPUS FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Geoffrey Philp: A Poet In The Midst North Campus College Prep Chairperson Geoffrey Philp publishes a book of poetry, Dub Wise.

By Ivette Franqui ivette.franqui001@mymdc.net Geoffrey Philp, chairperson of the college prep department at Miami Dade College’s North Campus, plans to send a message of hope to his readers with his new poetry collection, Dub Wise.

“It was a book written for all who love poetry; every morning I get up at 5 a.m. and just write,” Philp said. “[Dub Wise] is about the wisdom that I’ve gained living these 50 years on earth and the essential things I’ve learned about being a father, a husband, a lover, a teacher and a poet.”

The book’s 50 poems contain themes surrounding war, love, myth and other issues. They are based on Philp’s subconscious thoughts in the past 10 years.

“It was lyrical; it was as if the words were singing to me,” said Preston Allen, about the message Philp’s most recent book conveys.

Allen, an associate professor and published author, has worked alongside Philp at the North Campus for nearly 20 years.

Philp has taught English, literature and creative writing class-

Scholarly: Philp will be holding a reading on Tuesday, Oct.19 at 8 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, FL.

es. He has been the author of one novel, two short stories, six poetry collections, one drama and one children’s book.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Philp’s biggest influences to become a writer were Derek Walcott, Kamau Brathwaite and Bob Marley. He believes that Jamaican reggae and being from the Caribbean had a huge impact on his writing style as well.

He won the James Michener fellowships at the University of Miami, the Canute Brodhurst Prize, an Individual Artist Fellowship from the Florida Arts Council, the Fred Shaw poetry competition and many other awards.

Philp is unsure of which books he will publish next, but for now, what he does know is that Dub Wise has changed his way of life.

“Popular writers write what you want to hear, Geoffrey Philp writes what you need to hear,” Allen said.

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

THE REPORTER

11221-Miami Dade College:10280-The Cushman

9/24/10

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THE REPORTER

OCT. 18, 2010

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NEWS

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WOLFSON CAMPUS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Celebrated Beauty Queen Attending Wolfson Campus However, it takes a lot to keep up her beauty pageant physique.

Garcia, who regularly weighs between 130 to 135 pounds, trims down to less than 125 pounds for competitions.

She achieves her sculpted figure by working out an hour a day, six days a week. Garcia also works on her public speaking and her stage walk, amongst other things.

“She’s a very hard worker,” said Carlos Morales, one of Garcia’s coaches. “When she sets her mind on something, she goes for it. She is fully committed and doesn’t let any obstacles in her way.”

Garcia is currently taking a basic reporting class at MDC, but most of her day is filled with her duties as the reigning Miss Florida USA. She makes public appearances for charities such as the American Cancer Society, Best Buddies and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Garcia also models everything from swimsuits to evening wear.

Her boyfriend, Luar Torres, 28, said he is thrilled to see her reaching her goals.

“Everything she worked for finally paid off,” Torres said.

Lissette Garcia attends Miami Dade College while also maintaining her Miss Florida USA crown.

By Monica Suarez monica.suarez006@mymdc.net As the judge prepared to announce the next Miss Florida USA, Lissette Garcia held her breath.

“The entire time I was hoping that my name wouldn’t be called for first runner-up,” Garcia said.

“I kept thinking ‘please don’t say my name yet,’ and then we went on a commercial break. I was freaking out the entire three minutes.”

Garcia, who is slenderly built at 5-foot-9 inches tall, had no reason to fret. The 25-year-old Wolfson Campus student, captured the Miss Florida USA 2011 crown this past July. She bested 62 other participants for the title.

“I went with my heart on my sleeve,” said Garcia, who is studying to be a physician assistant. “They saw my passion and drive and my love for the competition.”

Garcia, who graduated from Southwest Miami Senior High School in 2003, will represent Florida in the Miss USA 2011 pageant next spring.

Several competitions have prepared her for this moment. In 2006, Garcia won the title of Miss Cuban American. In 2007, she was named Queen of the World during a pageant held in Germany.

In addition, she has been a finalist in several pageants such as Reina Hispanoamericana and Miss Caribbean World.

Garcia, who is one of five siblings, hasn’t always lived a life that revolves around tiaras and world peace.

She has worked as a medical receptionist, as a sleep technician at a lab that monitors folks with sleep disorders and she has portrayed children’s characters at kids parties.

Garcia is a late comer to the beauty pageant circuit, competing for less than five years.

“The first time I ever walked into a pageant, I thought I was in the wrong place,” Garcia said.

“At the time, I had tomboy tendencies, so I didn’t think I was beautiful, let alone that I would win.”

She has been hooked ever since.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

New Fees To Be Introduced Next Fall FROM NEW FEES, FRONT PAGE

Gilbert Gil, a 21-year-old film production major at North Campus, said the charge is upsetting.

“I have to pay for books, classes, food and rent myself,” Gil said. “I take 12 credits, have a full-time job, and have to help my parents. I don’t know how I will afford it, every penny counts.”

Davin Sosa, a 19-year-old music major at the Kendall Campus agrees.

“That’s just ridiculous. I don’t even have a car,” Sosa said.

However, North Campus Student Government President Hafeeza Rahman supports the measure.

“I really believe that I’d rather pay more for the comfort of ev-

eryone, instead of paying less and having our facility not be up to par,” Rahman said.

Access and parking fees are not all that will be implemented.

On Oct. 18, MDC increased its admission application fee from $20 to $30; the fee had not been increased since the fall of 1998.

International students will be charged $50 instead of $20. According to Perez, most community colleges in Florida charge $25 and above.

“We looked across the state, and compared application fees," Perez said. "We are really not getting the funds we need from the state. So we decided to come up with a way to raise funds that won’t hit the students hard.”

In addition to the college ad-

FEES: BY THE NUMBERS

COMPARATIVE ACCESS AND PARKING FEES PER CREDIT HOUR, 2009

SOURCES: NORTH CAMPUS DEAN OF ADMINISTRATION CRISTINA MATEO, INTERAMERICAN CAMPUS DEAN OF STUDENTS LOURDES PEREZ, COLLEGE PROVOST ROLANDO MONTOYA—GRAPHIC BY LAZARO GAMIO

DECLINE: The College receives a specic amount of funds per each full-time equivalent student enrolled. This per FTE has decreased in recent years.

G F

E

DOLLAR AMOUNT

2006-07

$3,643

mission fee—next fall, a $25 bachelor degree program application fee will be created.

The College-Level Examination Program registration form will also rise from $15 to $30 per credit.

CLEP offers the opportunity for students to earn college credits by passing an exam that tests their competency in a specific subject.

Perez said that most community colleges in the state charge between $30 and $50.

All of the College’s revenue is centralized; the district of administration disburses funds and uses them on a priority need basis, Montoya said.

“We needed to find alternative ways to cover the institution,” Montoya added.

D

C

A

B

%18.8 DECREASE IN FUNDING BETWEEN 2006 AND 2010

2009-10

$2,959

Due to the decrease in dollars per FTE, the College will be adopting new fees, as well as modifying existing ones, to make ends meet.

NEW Access and Parking: $3 per credit hour NEW Bachelor Degree Program Application: $25 INCREASED Admission Application: $20  $30 INCREASED International Application: $20  $50 INCREASED College Level Examination Program: $15  $30

A Miami

Dade College $3.00

E Florida

B Broward

International University $6.09

College $3.00

C Palm Beach State College $5.00

F Florida

State University $6.50

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

D University

G University of Central Florida $7.09

of Florida $5.49

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Striking A Pose: Lissette Garcia, the reigning Miss Florida USA, attends Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus.

DEGREE PROGRAMS

New Program Allows For Quicker Degrees New accelerated degree program offers courses that take less time and provide a faster route to graduation.

By Natalie Valdes natalie.valdes004@mymdc.net If you’re interested in graduating twice as fast, here’s how to do it.

This fall, Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus initiated two programs that willallow students to earn their associate degree in one year.

The program is comprised of four-week classes, rather than the traditional 16 weeks. Tracks are offered in information technology and business administration.

More than 300 students are enrolled in at least one accelerated course.

According to the department chairperson for computer information systems at the Wolfson Campus, Chris Kinnaird, the programs are not designed for everyone.

“We are bringing in students who are looking to move through quickly. All the classes are mapped out before, so that students completely understand and are fully aware of their responsibilities,” said Kinnaird. “We are targeting students who are excited to work in an independent environment.”

The students are offered orientations, advisement and other sessions where they can discuss their concerns with faculty members and advisers.

“Our goal is to see our students successfully graduate,” Kinnaird said.

Classes are set up in a virtual and

traditional way, where the course materials are delivered in face-toface personal settings, as well as in online sessions.

Usiel Rodriguez, a 32-year-old information technology major, said he finds the program beneficial.

“I can’t afford to lose any time. I used to work in the real estate world and never thought that I would have to go back to school again,” Rodriguez said. “Considering the state of the economy, I want to get my degree and work for a networking company.”

The accelerated route offers online sessions that are convenient for students who have hectic schedules.

Many students have jobs or other responsibilities that may keep them from physically attending classes on campus.

“We are anxiously awaiting our first graduation and are very proud of our positive and motivated students who are completing the programs successfully,” said Kinnaird.

Officials are currently discussing the possibility of adding other majors to the program in the future.

Monique O. Madan contributed to this report.

For more information, contact Chris Kinnaird, department chairperson for computer information systems at Wolfson Campus T (305) 237-3928

complete your

Bachelor’s degree

When you’ve completed your associate degree you’ll have many great options ahead of you and one is DeVry University. We work with community college students to make sure qualifying credits transfer seamlessly and that you have everything you need, including: • Access to required courses • Financial aid • Lifetime Career Services for all graduates

Miramar Campus 2300 SW 145th Ave | Miramar

For more information on earning your bachelor’s degree, please visit DeVry.edu/cc.

Program availability varies by location. ©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.

2-0115-0910 • DeVry CommCollege Ad - Campus Media

• 10” w x 16”h • 4C • rdo • 9-3-2010 • DUE: 9-3-2010-v1

PUB ID: 296, Miami Dage College, Falcon Times

THE REPORTER

OCT. 18, 2010

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WATCH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

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Ed Calle, 51, saxophonist. Calle is a music business and song recording professor at MDC. He also plays the saxophone for Arturo Sandoval and is a solo artist.

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Raymer Olalde, 34, timbales player and vocalist. Olalde performs at Mango's Tropical Cafe in Miami Beach.

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Leslie Cartaya, 28, lead singer. Cartaya sings with Marisela Verena and is a student at the Kendall Campus.

4

Philbert Armenteros, 33, conga player. Armenteros is also part of Los Herederos, a traditional Cuban music band.

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Steve Roitstein, 51, keyboardist. Music business and music production professor at MDC. He also writes music for advertisments.

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Miami Dade College professors entertain the crowd with their Afro-Cuban beats.

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A Palo! Limpio

By Alexandra de Armas alexandra.dearmas001@mymdc.net

ALL PHOTOS BY AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

NEWS

hen Adrienne Langford, a student at the InterAmerican Campus, celebrated her 33rd birthday at The News Lounge, she didn’t have school on her mind.

But what Langford would soon learn was that the band performing that night—Palo!—an Afro-Cuban funk band, featured two Miami Dade College professors, and she was in for a late-night lesson.

“Palo! gives off this Latin feeling and shows the enjoyment of life that Hispanics live by,” Langford said.

The five-person band created in 2003 consists of lead singer, Leslie Cartaya, 28; saxophonist, Ed Calle, 51; keyboardist, Steve Roitstein, 51; conga player, Philbert Armenteros, 33 and timbales player and vocalist, Raymer Olalde, 34.

Roitstein and Calle are both professors at the School of Entertainment & Design Technology.

Calle teaches at the North, Kendall and Wolfson campuses. He teaches music business classes and song recording.

Roitstein teaches music business and music production at the North Campus.

Calle, a two-time Latin Grammy nominee, compares playing music with Palo! to a room in which all the furniture “just fits.”

“We have a constant conversa-

2

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

3

tion going on between five people on stage,” Calle said. “It is always about the whole, never about just one person.”

Cartaya, who is a student at the Kendall Campus, agrees.

“We don’t just sing, we interact with each other,” Cartaya said.

“That’s just how it is. We get ideas from each other, we feed off of each other and therefore, every time we sing a song it’s always different.”

Roitstein created Palo! to preserve their “musical freedom.”

“Each type of music has an established concept such as patterns and rhythms,” Cartaya said. “We still use those concepts but we break them at the same time. We are not tied down to do it.”

As Palo! performs, the musicians enter their own worlds and listen to each other. They close their eyes, dance in place, look up to the roof as they play their instruments.

“When you hear [Calle] playing his saxophone, that is him making his own melody as he goes,” Roitstein said. “All I did was say ‘go’.”

Roitstein and Calle take their real-life experience into the classroom at MDC. For example, Calle has played with artists such as Jon Secada, Julio Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Arturo Sandoval, Vanessa Williams and Frank Sinatra.

“You have no idea how lucky Miami Dade College is to have Calle as a faculty member,” said Secada, a two-time Grammy winner. “I

4

know that his students can only benefit, and have benefited and will continue to benefit from him.”

Calle admits that the music business is “extremely challenging” but more possible for some than others.

“The one thing I always tell my students is that in our business there are two types of people,” Calle said. “There are those that talk about doing it, and those that do it. The ones that do it generally will find levels of success. The ones that talk about it, simply become at best, fans of music, and they’ll tell stories about what they could have done.”

Roitstein shares his experience with his students as a keyboard player, songwriter, producer, engineer, symphony player and an employee at a publishing company.

“I get to talk to my classes about what I am doing,” Roitstein said.

“I’m not reading it out of a book, I’m actually doing it. I am using social media, I get new fans and create awareness of the band. My students, when they get out of [my class], will be able to make their own flyer's and produce a CD.” Palo!'s next performance is Tuesday Nov. 2, at The News Lounge, 5580 NE Fourth Court Miami, FL 33137.

For more information about Palo!:  WWW.GOPALO.COM

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A&E

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OCT. 18, 2010

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THE REPORTER

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THEATER REVIEW: PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

A Zany, Funny Production

BOOK REVIEW: "C " BY TOM MCCARTHY

Coming Of Age Novel Twists and Turns

By J.C. Urbina juancarlos.urbina001@mymdc.net

By Nastassia Auguiste nastassi.auguiste001@mymdc.net Tom McCarthy’s 2010 book, C, chronicles the life of Serge Carrefax.

The story starts with the birth of the main character, and ends with his death after he leaves Egypt in the 1920s. The author heavily uses descriptive language to bring the characters and their surroundings to life.

The characters’ early years are AUGUISTE spent on the fictional estate of Versoie in the English countryside.

At a young age, Serge almost drowns as his deaf mother works. Death and loss make a mark on the character’s childhood experiences. His older sister, Sophie, dies at age 17 after drinking a poisonous substance.

It’s not explained whether

Chronicle: Set in the 1920s, McCarthy takes readers on a journey

this is an accident or intentional on the part of Sophie Carrefax.

Serge Carrefax suspects that it was a suicide, and often lies about how his sister died.

His father, Simeon Carrefax, runs a school that teaches deaf and mute children to read lips in order to communicate with the world.

During his teenage years, Serge Carrefax develops an interest in radio. He listens to messages transmitted across Europe. He compares the sound of static to the sound of thoughts.

Technology becomes a prevalent theme later in the book as Serge Carrefax works as a radio operator during World War I.

His sister’s death leaves the character’s perception of himself forever changed. His experience as a prisoner of World War I for more than two years transforms him.

The reader comes to the conclusion that the book is a coming-of-age story when Serge Carrefax, now an only child, is sitting in a doctor’s office. When he hears the name Carrefax being called, he looks around searching for his father.

This moment is pivotal for the story.

In this moment, Serge Carrefax realizes he is not an adolescent, but an independent adult.

C is an enjoyable book.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile is a comedy about Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meeting at a bar in Paris.

Written by actor Steve Martin, the play toys with the themes of “art” and “genius” as both men debate their opposing views on URBINA their true meanings.

Portrayed in their youth, Einstein and Picasso are two men with misplaced egos and arrogance.

The acting gets the job done by making the audience laugh.

But, as a whole, it’s cheesy and ostentatious. The characters seem to come straight out of a Mel Brooks comedy with corny gestures, such as re-enacting the theme to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) during a “genius showdown.”

Extended monologues are assigned to nearly every actor. On Renaissance Man: Steve Martin; a writer, actor, producer, comedian, musician and composer wrote Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

the other hand, the drama department is not to be blamed since they are staying true to Martin’s script.

The stagecraft crew built an authentic revision of the Lapin Agile (translated to the “Nimble Rabbit”), the cabaret where Einstein and Picasso meet. The French bar makes for a cozy setting with the use of European wood finish and jagged edges as appropriate touches.

However, the viewer doesn’t realize the set’s architectural disproportion until the actors come onstage and nearly become microscopic.

With zany acting, an aesthetically-pleasing light show, and a set that would make the late E. Marcus Smith proud (to whom the play is dedicated to), Picasso at the Lapin Agile is worth a strong chuckle or two.

THE REPORTER

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OCT. 18, 2010

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// A&E

The Story Behind The Site

By Rafael Tur rafael.tur001@mymdc.net

COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX

WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS MOVIE REVIEW

The Sequel That Can't Beat The Classic Wall Street was first released in 1987, but Director Oliver Stone brings it back to the big screen with Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

The cast features Michael Douglas, returning as the fearless and heartless Gordon Gekko; the all grown-up DEL BUSTO Shia LaBeouf, as the ambitious and talented young broker, Jake Moore; and the charming Carey Mulligan, playing Gekko’s griefstricken daughter, Winnie Gekko.

Money Never Sleeps catches up with Gekko after he is no longer a big name on Wall Street. Luckily, his daughter is about to marry someone who will be. Gekko is

introduced to youthful investment trader, Jake Moore, and once again initiates his plot to manipulate someone who is new to the business.

The film is an expose on the finance industry which is Wall Street. It’s filled with deception, manipulation, betrayal, and greed.

As lovers on-screen, LaBeouf and Mulligan have great chemistry. They complement each other and make their scenes look natural.

LaBeouf has declared himself as a powerhouse with this performance, and shows he has come a long way from his Even Stevens days.

Moore’s character is determined, ambitious, and intelligent. LaBeouf delivers a performance that makes it look easy sharing a screen with movie legends such as Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Josh Brolin and

Eli Wallach.

Even though a few references are made from the original Wall Street, there is no need to watch it in order to follow-up with Money Never Sleeps.

References like Gekko’s book, Is Greed Good? is taken from his famous line in the original, “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” But, none of these references will leave you hanging.

Charlie Sheen’s surprise appearance as Bud Fox, from the original film, also adds some spice to the ending.

Overall, the film was entertaining.

3.5 out of 5

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps —Starring Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf—2 hours 7 min—Rated PG-13

DOWNTOWN DINING: SOYA É POMODORO

A Laid-Back Mediterranean Downtown Dig

By Ariadna Percivali-San Martin ariadna.penaranda001@mymdc.net Within walking distance of the Wolfson Campus is a dining treasure waiting to be discovered.

Soya é Pomodoro, 120 NE 1st St. is located in the heart of downtown, Miami.

From the outside, a sign that PERCIVALI- reads “simple food SAN MARTIN made with love” is placed next to a set of rustic steel chairs, tables, and a rocking chair. These aesthetic elements have people curious to take a peek inside.

The building is comprised of two high-ceiling arched entrances. In another room, a

11

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THE SOCIAL NETWORK MOVIE REVIEW

Déjà Vu: (From Left) Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf star in Oliver Stone's Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, the sequel to Oliver Stone's 1987 classic, Wall Street.

By Carolina del Busto carolina.delbusto001@mymdc.net

A&E

wrought-iron gate allows the October breeze to circulate. It gives the feel that they are sitting on a patio in another country.

These features, combined with the restaurant’s casual flair, give a warm, Mediterraneanstyle welcome, and a great vibe.

The menu, presented in a leather cover, has authentic Italian cuisine made with simple ingredients. A visit to Soya é Pomodoro will cost between $11 and $30, this includes beverage, gratuity, and tax.

A sautéed fillet of mahi mahi with eggplant, kalamata olives and fresh pomodoro is just one of the many mouth-watering dishes this venue offers.

The cappuccino was prepared better than any pricey Starbucks coffee I have ever had. It came served in a ceramic cup, accom-

panied by a delicious, crispy homemade butter cookie.

The service is just as good as the food.

Waiters periodically came around to refill my glass with water, without me having to ask.

Although they do not deliver, customers are more than welcome to call ahead and order take-out or book a reservation.

Soya é Pomodoro is a great place to have lunch, coffee, catch up on homework or enjoy the breeze of Miami’s wonderful weather.

Soya é Pomodoro

T (305) 381-9511 B 120 NE 1 St.

Miami, FL 33132

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

These days, it seems like everyone relies on Facebook. The Social Network is a film that shadows its creator, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a Harvard geek and how this Internet phenomenon came to life.

Zuckerberg, who quickly and drunkenly creates a "Rate My Girlfriend" site TUR the night he gets dumped, is sentenced to six months of academic probation after sending off campus-wide emails. He is soon approached by the wealthy Winklevoss brothers, who want his help to create the "online college experience" which eventually serve as the model for Facebook.

Zuckerberg steals the idea and their online computer code, and creates Facebook with the help of his best friend, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield).

The duo links up with Sean

Parker (Justin Timberlake), the co-founder of Napster; who’s invaluable knowledge of the business skyrockets Facebook past one million members, making it available overseas.

The film jumps back and forth between present-day court sessions and story dialogue in the past. Before we know it , Zuckerberg is being sued by Saverin for $600 million, and simultaneously by the Winklevoss brothers.

The film carries itself with dark humor and gives a polished look into university life in the 21st century. A story of spite, revenge, and teen-angst, the movie twists into a one-time-only weep fest. The lawsuits end in settlements, and Zuckerberg becomes the youngest billionaire in America.

3 out of 5

The Social Network—Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake—2 hours 1 min—Rated PG-13

COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

Déjà Vu: (From Left) Keir Gilchrist and Zach Galifianakis play a pair of psychiatric patients in It's Kind of a Funny Story.

IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY MOVIE REVIEW

It's Kind Of Not Very Funny

By Ailyn Fojo ailyn.fojo001@mymdc.net It’s Kind of a Funny Story was mediocre with just enough charm not to fail.

Writer and director Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson) were lacking in their depiction of how youth views life’s day-to-day d isappoi nt ment s.

The storyline was original, but while watching it on the FOJO big screen, what I thought was going to be one of the best independent films, turned out to be a mediocre, dark comedy.

However, it was worth watching the great performance given

by Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). His role was that of a psychiatric patient who is trying to return to the real world for his daughter. He played a funny role, but I was most impressed by how well the dramatic parts of his role were delivered.

The lead was played by Keir Gilchrist (Dead Silence) who performed his role of the appre-

hensive and awkward Craig well.

Emma Roberts (Valentine’s Day) also made her role come to life with all the angst and troubled behavior she demonstrated in her character, Noelle.

Craig (Gilchrist) is a teenager who decides to check himself into a psychiatric hospital after dreaming of his own suicide attempt. While in the hospital, he meets Noelle (Roberts) whom he develops a crush on. With the help of another well-liked patient—Bobby (Galifianakis)— Craig learns a thing or two about life.

I don’t understand how a movie with so much potential came up so short. The acting was phenomenal and the storyline original, but the outcome was too slow-paced.

Wait for this comedy to hit video.

2.5 out of 5

It’s Kind of a Funny Story— Starring Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis—1 hours 41 min— Rated PG-13

THE REPORTER

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OCT. 18, 2010

SPORTS

//

//

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LADY SHARK VOLLEYBALL

A Forward-Looking Volleyball Coach Coach Origenes "Kiko" Benoit has led the Lady Sharks to a 20-win season thus far.

By Hector Gonzalez hector.gonzalez012@mymdc.net

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Origenes “Kiko’’ Benoit was hired five years ago to be the head coach of the women’s volleyball team at Miami Dade College.

Since 2005, when he was first appointed head coach—after being an assistant for the Lady Sharks for 15 years—he has led the Lady Sharks to 168 victories, five Southern Conference Championships and four state championships.

Benoit has also captured four State Coach of the Year awards, five Southern Conference Coach of the Year awards and two American Volleyball Coaches Association Northeast-Southeast Region Coach of the Year awards.

“It’s because of the team I have," said Benoit, a 1990 graduate from American Senior High School.

“Without my kids and coaching staff, I wouldn’t have accomplished it.”

Born in the Dominican Republic, he grew up with a passion for

Man Of The Hour: The spotlight is on Coach Origenes "Kiko" Benoit, as he preserves the Lady Sharks women's volleyball team perfect season.

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

baseball, although volleyball was in his future.

Benoit graduated from Miami Dade College in 2002 with an associate degree. He earned a bachelor’s degree in general education from Columbia College of Missouri.

He credits the time he puts into coaching teens during the off-season at the South Dade volleyball club with building his roster at MDC. “If you teach them how to play, eventually they will come to your program,” Benoit said.

Athletic Director Anthony Fiorenza said Benoit has done a fantastic job.

“He’s an overall good coach, his biggest goal is to get these girls to a four-year college,” Fiorenza said.

Benoit, who is married to Olga Benoit, a former volleyball player at MDC, said his players and the game keep him fresh.

“As a coach I’m always learning,” Benoit said. “The day I stop learning is the day I die.”

THE REPORTER

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OCT. 18, 2010

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// SPORTS

SPORTS

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COACH SPOTLIGHT

Ambassador of Peace Miami Dade College Women's Basketball Coach to be honored by Institute of International Sport.

By Saeli Guiterrez saeli.gutierrez001@mymdc.net

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

All-Stars: (From left) Jorge Saez, Derek Law, Christopher Morales, Michael Gomez, Eric Acevedo and Mike Gonzalez.

MDC BASEBALL

Shark All-Stars Come Up To Plate Miami Dade College baseball players showcase their skills at a pre-season all-star game.

By Juan Gonzalez juan.gonzalez080@mymdc.net Six Miami Dade College baseball players participated in the Florida Community College Activities Association All-Star Classic and Showcase game last month.

The game was held at Joker Marchant Stadium, the Detroit Tigers’ spring training complex in Lakeland, Florida.

Participating were sophomores Eric Acevedo, Michael Gomez, Mike Gonzalez, Derek Law, Christopher Morales and Jorge Saez.

The players represented the Southern Conference team, which lost to a team of players representing the Panhandle Conference.

The exact score is not known

because scores at these type of games are loosely kept, officials said. Nevertheless, Shark Head Baseball Coach Danny Price was pleased with his players' performance.

“They all did well. It was a good representation for Miami Dade College and for themselves,” Price said.

Price also noted it was a great opportunity for the players to get some exposure.

“It’s a way to get them to showcase their abilities," Price said.

"It’s very visible throughout the country. It has college coaches from all over the country coming out to see them...Every major league baseball team was represented.”

For the players participating in the All-Star game, the experience was a memorable one.

Catcher Jorge Saez, who led the Sharks with 14 doubles last spring, was mesmerized by the electric atmosphere in the stadium.

13

He collected a single in five atbats.

“You could feel before the game the adrenaline and the jolt," Saez said. "When you saw all the scouts in the stands, you could really feel the importance of this game.”

Pitcher Derek Law, who finished last season with a team-high 76 strikeouts and posted a 3.06 ERA last year, pitched one inning, allowing an unearned run and striking out one batter.

“It was definitely a big opportunity," Law said. "It was a good opportunity for anyone that went to it. I definitely got some calls after it.”

Outfielder Christopher Morales, however, saw the All-Star game as a culmination of all his hard work. Morales got a single in four at-bats.

“I was proud of myself. I was a walk-on last year and I fought hard all season to make it,” said Morales, who finished the season with a .402 batting average.

Miami Dade College head women’s basketball coach, Susan Summons, will be honored by the Institute for International Sport and the World Youth Peace Summit at its Ambassadors of Peace dinner.

Summons will be one of 25 honorees at the event, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Mohegan Sun, in Connecticut.

“Being a part of this honor, allows me to help inspire students to achieve success, and for people to believe that they can accomplish anything,” Summons said.

The Institute of International Sport was founded in 1986. It was established by Daniel E. Doyle, Jr. Summons is entering her 25th year as a professor and coach at MDC. During her tenure at MDC, more than 95 percent of Summons’ basketball players have continued their education at fouryear institutions.

Lady In Charge: Coach Susan Summons coaches the Miami Dade College Women's Basketball Team.

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

LADY SHARK TO MISS REST OF SEASON Miami Dade College volleyball player, Stephanie Toledo, 20, will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery on her left foot.

Toledo, a middle blocker, started having pain in her foot last season.

“At first, I ignored it,” Toledo said. “But the pain worsened as I kept playing.”

She missed four games during the 2009 season as the pain increased. However, medical tests taken in August revealed a tumor on a nerve in her foot.

Toledo will remain inactive for three months, before she can slowly work her way toward rehabilitation.

“She is a good student athlete and still remains very supportive of her teammates,” said Head Coach Origenes “ Kiko “ Benoit.

Although she is going to miss the remainder of this season, Toledo remains positive.

“I just want to have a fast recovery, so I can get back on the court,” Toledo said. “I miss playing.”

—Gustavo Pozo On The Bench: Lady Shark Middle Blocker Stephanie Toledo (right) will not play for the rest of the season due to surgery on her left foot.

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

“I am so lucky to have her as a coach and have her teach me new things,” said Guard Camila Mejia, a player on this year’s Lady Sharks team.

Earlier this summer, Summons was selected to attend a historic reception at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., to announce the World Youth Peace Summit.

She also served as a coach of the Inaugural World Scholar-Athlete Games. Summons was named one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America by the Institute for International Sports.

“She is an amazing professor and a great coach,” said former student John Wydler who now attends Florida International University.

Summons was the first African-American woman at the community college level to serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival Team.

“Her dedication and commitment to educating our youth through sports has been nothing less than remarkable,” said Lady Shark Associate Coach Erica Redman.

SCOREBOARD Women's Volleyball 10/08 MDC Shark Tournament Vs. San Jacinto College–25-13, 27-25, 22-25, 25-23, win Vs. Jefferson College–25-18, 25-18, 25-17, win 10/09 MDC Shark Tournament Vs. Hillsborough Community College–25-15, 25-12, 25-20, win Vs. Highland College–25-12, 25-18, 25-20, win 10/12 Indian River State College 25-16, 25-15, 25-9, win 10/14 @Palm Beach State College 25-14, 25-16, 25-15, win LADY SHARKS VOLLEBALL: 20-0-0, as of 10/14/2010 Scores are current up to date of production

SCHEDULE Women's Volleyball 10/15 @ Florida State College 10/15 @ Pensacola State College 10/15 @ Seward County Community College 10/16 @ Jacksonville Tournament: Florida State College 10/22 Southern Conference Tournament Vs. Palm Beach State College Vs. Indian River State College 10/23 Southern Conference Tournament Vs. Brevard Community College Vs. Broward College DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.MDC.EDU/ATHLETICS

THE REPORTER

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Halloween Costume Cootie Catcher

By Andrea Orellana andrea.orellana001@mymdc.net With Halloween rapidly approaching, the only question on your mind should be "What will I dress up as?"

Well, good question! Just ask the Cootie Catcher for an answer! The Cootie Catcher knows all.

Instructions: 1. Cut along the dotted lines.

2. With the words side down, fold the four corners toward the center.

3. Flip over and fold those four corners toward the center.

4. Fold the paper in half so that only "Scares,""Pumpkin," "Skeleton" and "Candy" are showing.

5. Stick your thumbs and index fingers into each of the four flaps.

How to play: 1. Choose one: "Scares,""Pumpkin," "Skeleton" or "Candy" and spell it out by opening and closing the Cootie Catcher.

2. After the final opening, you'll be able to see four of the eight costume categories (e.g. "Nerdy," "Scary," "Political," etc.). Choose a category.

3. Unfold the flap of the chosen category and read your costume option.

4. Obey the Cootie Catcher.

This is your 10am class.

The 5,000-square-foot Lowerre Family Terrace provides the perfect oasis for a lecture or a study break.

New York City is your campus.

Let Marymount Manhattan College be your home.

This is

Visit us at www.mmm.edu or call 1-800-MARYMOUNT

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

THE REPORTER

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BRIANP1203.TUMBLR.COM

// FORUM The Reporter The Reporter is the free biweekly student newspaper at Miami Dade College. All content is produced

by MDC students.The opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty, or the student body.

Editorial Board Monique O. Madan Editor-in-Chief Alexandra de Armas North Campus Bureau Chief Julie McConnell Interim Kendall Campus Bureau Chief BRIAN PEREZ / THE REPORTER

A Pakistani international student's first and lasting impressions about the Magic City and the United States.

Lazaro Gamio Interim Wolfson Campus Bureau Chief Hector Gonzalez Sports Editor Andrea Orellana Forum Editor Anna Carabeo Multimedia Editor

Art Department Lazaro Gamio Art Director

By Sarah Dawood sarah.dawood001@mymdc.net The majority of introductions can be long and mundane. Having said that, let me introduce myself as briefly as possible.

My name is Sarah Dawood, and I am a Pakistani currently living in Miami.

What brought me to Miami?

I w a s s e le c t e d as one of a dozen females who were DAWOOD awarded a Fulbright grant to study in the United States as an exchange student. This “prototype of an international city” was selected for me six months ago, as I was enrolled at Miami Dade College as a business student.

My journey began in Karachi, Pakistan, with a mixture of emotions and anxiety about my destination. Countless security checks, 27 hours, and three airports later, I landed in the “Sunshine State.”

“Welcome to Miami” screamed the colorful signs as I walked with my now-battered blue suitcase. As

Student Voices

I entered a miniature sea of people waiting to hug their loved ones, I realized there was no one there to hug me, and no placards with my name on them.

I was confident. My relatively decent English-speaking skills would come to the rescue when I began to feel lost, but I was soon stunned to learn that everyone I tried to talk to at the airport spoke only Spanish.

It was a strange feeling, being so far away from home, alone, without a phone and without a language.

I do not look like the typical Pakistani woman, and most people here assume I am Hispanic. They are usually very surprised to learn I am from Pakistan.

Almost immediately, they apprehensively tell me that Muslims, because of the Taliban, and especially Pakistanis have a very poor reputation here.

It makes me sad that this is the common image of my country, but I feel a sense of achievement when I change their perceptions about Pakistanis.

What was most interesting to me was that many people do not know exactly where Pakistan is – it’s of-

ten confused with being an Arab country. I met one young lady from Venezuela, who thought Pakistan was in Palestine, and began speaking Arabic phrases she had learned from a Sudanese friend, thinking it was my native language.

Every day, I find something that fascinates me here that I would have never experienced in my country.

The first few times I experienced rain, I was amazed at where the water goes.

The city’s electric supply impressed me more than anything else; in Karachi, we have regular power outages called ‘load shedding’ for two to four hour periods daily.

I spent the first two weeks here running to charge my phone and laptop each time the battery was low. That was until I got used to the fact that there is no load shedding here.

The universe has flung me into this melting pot of so many ethnicities; from the colorful murals and dominoes in Little Haiti, to the multilingual people with bold tattoos all around Downtown, to

BY: AYOYEMI AJIMATANRANGE, GREGORY CASTILLO, TIFFANY GARCIA, JAYNIE HERNANDEZ, PAULA OMANA, ANDREA ORELLANA

What would be your first impression of the United States if you arrived from another country?

Jung Ju Kim, 24, received a bachelor's and master's degrees in South Korea, at the Wolfson Campus learning English.

Country of Origin: South Korea

South Beach where they let you sit on sofas on the sand and the lovely Mary Brickell Village.

But, more than anything else, in my two months here, I have learned the true meaning of freedom.

I will miss this sense of freedom when I go back to Pakistan.

When you have lived in a country and society like Pakistan for the greater part of your life, everything that is Miami says “Bienvenido” with open arms. The people that make up Miami – they are diverse, proactive and very helpful. Miami is a beautiful, happening, bright place.

I feel luck y to be alive ever y morning as I walk to the train station.

Sarah Dawood, 34, is an exchange student in the business program at Miami Dade College, where she will be studying until May of 2011. Dawood is currently the president of The International Club at the Wolfson Campus, and will serve as a writer for The Reporter during the 2010-2011 school year. She aspires to be a leading professional in the field of marketing and advertising.

Kreig Gomez, 18, education major at the Kendall Campus.

Country of Origin: United States "A country that is very giving, compassionate and welcomes immigrants and foreigners with open arms."

Daniel Ikem, 17, computer engineering major at the North Campus.

Country of Origin: Nigeria “Less strict and less emphasis on respect.”

"America varies; Miami is more like South American countries. But, up north, it seems more relaxed. There is a lot of diversity."

Giovanni Agosto-Troche, 19, journalism/mass communication major at the Kendall Campus.

Country of Origin: Puerto Rico "It’s a country that promotes self-ascent and has unlimited resources. If you’re willing to work hard, you’ll prosper."

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Timothy Enriquez, 18, music major at the Wolfson Campus.

Country of Origin: United States "I think it's a really dominant and powerful country, but it has taken its power a little too far in some ways."

Akeem Brunson North Campus Photo Editor Gregory Castillo Kendall Campus Photo Editor O. Danilo Balladares Wolfson Campus Photo Editor Federico Arango Video Technician

Issue Staff Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje, Nastassia Auguiste, Carolina del Busto, Sarah Dawood, Nadia Diaz, Ailyn Fojo, Ivette Franqui, Tiffany Garcia, Juan Gonzalez, Saeli Gutierrez, Jaynie Hernandez, Monica Kelly, Paula Omana, Mark Overton, Ariadna Percivali-San Martin, Andrea Perdomo, Brian Perez, Gustavo Pozo, Mark Pulaski, Monica Suarez, Jessica Tejeda, Rafael Tur, J.C. Urbina, Natalie Valdes, Bianca Vargas

Advertising Gregory Torrales gregoryj.torrales001@mymdc.net (786) 237-8414

Letters to the Editor The Reporter welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. The writer must sign their full name, phone number, address, student number, and e-mail address on the letter in order to be considered. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing. Letters can be sent via e-mail to mdc.thereporter@gmail.com, with the subject “letter to the editor.”

Bureaus North Campus Bureau 11380 NW 27th Ave. Room 4209 Miami, FL 33167 (305) 237-1254 Kendall Campus Bureau 11011 SW 104th St. Room M239 Miami, FL 33176 (305) 237-2157 Wolfson Campus Bureau 300 NE Second Ave. Suite 1610 Miami, FL 33132 (305) 237-3368 Manolo Barco Media Adviser mbarco@mdc.edu (305) 237-1255 (305) 237-2323 (305) 237-3477

NEWS TIPS? Let us know at: mdc.thereporter@gmail.com (305) 237-1253

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Barry is one-on-one attention As an award-winning news anchor for 610 WIOD-AM, Nathalie Rodriguez speaks to thousands of South Floridians each morning. She credits BARRY UNIVERSITY’S communication program with opening her eyes to the various avenues available in the field. “You can’t beat BARRY’S one-on-one attention and top-of-the-line education. BARRY is a part of me forever.”

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Nathalie Rodriguez News Anchor 610 WIOD-AM

Bachelor’s and master’s programs in broadcast communication and public relations Real world experiences • Intimate learning environment • Dynamic, accessible faculty Main Campus: 11300 NE Second Avenue • Miami Shores, Florida 33161-6695 • 800-695-2279