Entertainment:
Opinion:
Features:
The play of politics continues throughout elections
Righteous Kill hits the screen with a killer twist
Former MDC student aims for television success
Stop losing sleep over nuclear war
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THE FALCON TIMES THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS SINCE 1961 THEFALCONTIMES@HOTMAIL.COM
OCTOBER 1, 2008
VOLUME 46, ISSUE 3
Aquatic center to get major overhaul
Kimberly Parker/Falcon Staff UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The North Campus aquatic center pictured above is scheduled to receive a $6.2 million facelift. It is expected to be completed by Fall 2010.
Michael Finch Staff Writer
More than 10 years after the aquatic center became inoperable, construction toward its renovation has begun at the North Campus. The project is scheduled to be ompleted by Fall 2010. Located on the north side of
building four, the former pool has long been an eyesore of passersby. “The prior condition was horrible,” said Student Government Association president Decalva Brown. “It will serve as something nice to look at when you are at the cafeteria.” The original aquatic center was closed due to an outdated system and costly repair prices.
But the area was marked for funding during the 2004-2005 school year, when representatives from the state took a tour of the campus and noticed the condition of the pool. However, through the Physical Education Capital Outlay (PECO), a state operated program that funds new facilities, the college was provided a categorical line of funding, which is funding
allocated to an institution for a specific problem or purpose. According to a February 2006 Falcon Times article regarding the aquatic centerʼs renovation, North Campus president Dr. Jose Vicente mentioned the completion date for the aquatic center was Fall 2007. In July 2007, the pool remained in the same condition. The water in both the diving
and swimming pool had turned green. “Part of the problem was that we had to secure additional funding,” said dean of administration Cristina Mateo. “The funding comes in phases [and] we have to determine what is really necessary.”
GO TO POOL , PAGE 2
Community colleges may find financial relief Laura C. Morel Editor in Chief Saddled with more than $20 million in budget cuts, Miami Dade College is spreading the word about Amendment 8, a proposal that could give residents the power to – at a later date – place a referendum on the ballot to support community colleges. The amendment, known as “Local Option Community College Funding,” could help
place language in the Florida Constitution that would give counties the choice to support their local community colleges through a possible half a penny sales tax. “It is to provide the choice to the different communities where in the future they would like to support their community colleges,” said North Campus president Dr. Jose Vicente. Amendment 8 would impact 28 community colleges and 800,000 students throughout the state. In
order to pass the amendment, 60 percent of voters need to be in favor of the amendment statewide. “Passage of the amendment is critical for MDC,” said dean of students Malou C. Harrison. If the referendum is applied, Miami Dade College could receive $175 million every year for five years. The sales tax increase could provide student scholarships, academic programs, and facility enhancement and future expansion.
If the amendment and the referendum were approved, this would not be the first time MDC has received funds from taxes. According to Harrison, the college was provided funds through a half a penny property tax in 1992. Miami Dade College offers students more than 200 areas of study and 12
GO TO AMENDMENT 8, PAGE 2
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October 1, 2008
NEWS
“A pool would be a great asset to the campus” FROM POOL, FRONT PAGE
Kimberly Parker/ Falcon Staff
The original estimated budget was $4.5 million, which then climbed to $6.2 million after cost for construction quotes were gathered from the sub-contractors and the architectural design was finalized. “The lap pool needs to be totally redone but both pools will hold the same shape but with more depth,” said Mateo. Mateo said the primary intent of the facility will be used for homeland security and by the School of Justice and the School of Fire and Environmental Sciences, with the possibility of high school
water sports and domestic use. “A pool would be a great asset to the campus, and I canʼt wait to see the facility operating,” said architecture major Vincent Cordona. The most recent blueprints of the facility show a structure for the adjacent building whose features include two locker rooms, four classrooms, two offices and amenities such as a 1,402 square foot fitness area, 1,800 square foot strength conditioning area and a 2,550 square foot cardioconditioning area. “[The project] has a hefty price, but the college will reap way more benefits in the future,” said finance major Raina Pierre.
Amendment 8 could help keep college doors open “We want the community to have the opportunity to decide if they want to be supportive” FROM AMENDMENT 8, FRONT PAGE professional schools. Since 1960, nearly two million students have enrolled at the college. However, advocates of the proposal argue that community colleges are under-funded. Article 9 of the Florida Constitution states: “The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders.” While the constitution mentions the state university and K-12 systems, it does not mention community colleges. Students like Brandon Janvion, the executive director of the Student Government Association, are supporting
Amendment 8. “MDC has done so much not only for the community but for me in particular,” he said. “I would hate to see them close a lot of their programs for lack of funds. Amendment 8 would provide for them to keep offering these programs.” Student leaders at the college are taking the initiative to inform the student population. Decalva Brown, the SGA president, said the organization will be taking students to early voting sites, making classroom presentations, and plan events that support Amendment 8. The organization will also be commencing a “washable” campaign, where students can write promotions for Amendment 8 on their cars with markers. “The Student Government Association has fully endorsed this Amendment 8 campaign,” said Brown, a graphic design major.
In Short...
By Laura C. Morel Editor in Chief
Wellness Day hosted by biology department The North Campusʼ biology, health and wellness department will be hosting the annual Wellness Day Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Wellness Day, which will take place in building three, offers students different events throughout the day. Students will be able to screen their blood and glucose levels, as well as have a nutrition evaluation, HIV and STD screening, and a body composition test. The South Florida Blood Bank will also be present at the Wellness Day. Students can also participate in a bench
press competition. Other activities will be taking place during the Wellness Day: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 3117: massage therapy 10 a.m. in Room 3125: yoga 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. in basketball court: free throw contest 12 p.m. in Building 3: sculpture park boot camp For more information, call Dr. Joe Okungbowa, a professor from the biology, health and wellness department, at (305) 237-8119.
North Campus and Miami-Dade County join forces With presidential elections right around the corner, the North Campus has joined forces with the Miami-Dade County elections department to present information to students regarding the elections. Presentations will be made Oct. 2 at the Entrepreneurial Education Center in Room 1213 from 5-7 p.m. There
will be a presentation about the new voting machines, as well as a video of the elections process. Students can also register to vote during the event. The activities will also take place at the Lehman Theater at the North Campus from 8-11:50 a.m. For more information, contact Joyce Harrigan at (305) 237-1518.
“It’s the best way for the school to get funds to provide the services and the programs for students.” - Psychology major Susana Rodriguez
Janvion, a broadcast journalism major, also said that even people who cannot vote can still make a difference. “They can help us inform and educate the people about this amendment and why it is important to support it,” he said. “They can go to their churches, different public places, their schools, their jobs, and just basically educate the people.” During the Student Leadership Retreat on Sept. 20, Dr. Eduardo Padron said the amendment is in the hands of the citizens. “This is a people to people campaign,” he said. Many students believe that Amendment 8 can alleviate some of their financial concerns.
“Itʼs the best way for the school to get funds to provide the services and the programs for students,” said Susana Rodriguez, a psychology major. Harrison said the amendment is a vital part of the collegeʼs future. “There are no negatives, only many pluses with the amendment and it is important for as many students to truly understand why Amendment 8 is being placed on the ballot this year,” she said, “and what its passage would mean in terms of keeping the doors of MDC wide open and accessible to all who seek a higher education.” Julie Selva and Yamel Lora contributed to this report.
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w e i v e R s r e app
R
New album receives bittersweet reviews Emerson Fertil Music Review
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DJ Khaledʼs We Global
As people awaited DJ Khaledʼs We Global album release, some of us had a ʻbittersweetʼ reception to it. With hits like “Out Here Grinding,” “Blood Money,” and its titled song “We Global,” Khaled brings out a southern rap sound to his new record. If you are from the South, you will enjoy this album; otherwise, it is just a repeat of his previous compilations We The Best and Listennn. We Global has gotten many mixed reviews from all sorts of websites. Patrick Robinson, a writer for “www.411mania. com,” said that Khaled is not a ʻtrueʼ rapper or producer and should not be given credit when it comes to his musical creations. “DJ Khaled is not a rapper, nor is he renowned for his production skills,” Robinson said. “He often screams gibberish on the intros of tracks, even oneʼs heʼs not produced.” On the other hand, Serge Fleury, a writer for “www.sixshot.com,” said that Khaled did a great job when creating his new record by combining his old Miami sound with a new rhythm. “When it comes to We Global, the boisterous DJ does a good job at creating larger than life anthems just as he did on his previous efforts,” Fleury said. “The name of the album is a fitting one as he does expand the sound a little further this time around by making the project more diverse, but not straying too far away from the Miami sound.” In my overall opinion, DJ Khaledʼs We Global album was not what I expected at all. Like his previous compilations, the album has three to four good songs and thatʼs all. To save you all from making a poor choice, you might as well download the singles you like from this album, instead of spending your money on the entire musical collection.
October 1, 2008
ENTERTAINMENT
Thriller flick with a killer twist Evelina Arzanova Movie Review
Righteous Kill ( ****) You think you know, but you have no idea! In the mean streets of Manhattan, a serious poetic killer is targeting those who have escaped their path to conviction, in which some have committed cold blood murders, drug trafficking, and rape. However, the time has called for justice of this mysterious murderer. Two of New Yorkʼs finest detectives, Turk (Robert De Niro, Raging Bull) and Rooster (Al Pacino, Scarface), are interrupted from retirement to take on this new case. While searching for clues, Turk and Rooster begin to lose their candid abilities to grasp between fact and fiction. To make matters worse, the murderer only leaves as evidence a note card with a poetic explanation telling why he committed the murders in the first place. Since the search continues with its lack of evidence and clues, these two cops turn on one another and start to question each otherʼs motives regarding this case. Could it be that the serial killer is one of them or is this just a sadistic game of copycat murders? Righteous Kill is somewhat of a mix between the movies Zodiac and Heat, with the mystery of a killer roaming the streets of Manhattan and the macho attitudes that De Niro and Pacino portray in this flick. Manohla Dargis, a New York Times critic, said that this motion picture did not live up to many peopleʼs expectations. “Time, alas, doesnʼt so much pass in Righteous Kill as crawl, despite the usual overcutting, which tries to pump energy into the inert proceedings,” Dargis said.
Courtesy of www.comingsoon.net
Although Righteous Kill did not get ʻgood enoughʼ reviews from most critics, I believe it deserves a chance to be seen. The combination of the filmʼs two acting titans and its blend of surprising twists is what gives it an edge over other films. Diana Joy Jones, a critic for The Globe
(the Salt Lake City Community College newspaper), seems to agree with my opinion. “What this film does accomplish is that it allows the two film veterans to barge through scenes and spout off lines of verbal fire that further confirm their ʻtough guyʼ
status,” Jones said. Continuing on, it is the first time since Heat that De Niro and Pacino both star in the same motion picture. All in all, Righteous Kill offers a mind-blowing, intense, edge of your seat feeling to all moviegoers.
Fall 2008 Performing Arts Series
Music Theory Forum Room 5209 Oct. 15, noon
Theater performance Our Lady of the Tortilla, Lehman Theater Oct. 24, 25, 8 p.m. Oct. 26, 5 p.m. Oct. 31, 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Falcon Jazz Band Building 4 Breezeway Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.
Voice and Piano Forum Room 5209 Oct. 29, noon
Music by Hispanic Composers Room 5209 Oct. 22, noon
Voice Forum Room 5209 Nov. 5, noon
Voice Forum Room 5209 Oct. 8, noon
The Art of Norman Rockwell Dr. Robert Remek Room 5117 Nov. 12, noon Theater production Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary Lehman Theater Nov. 13, 14, 15, 8 p.m. Audition Showcase Musical Theater Ensemble Lehman Theater Nov. 19, noon
October 1, 2008
OPINION
Voting for Amendment 8 means supporting Miami Dade College Theodore Karantsalis Columnist
V
ote yes on Amendment 8 and save lives. Today, more than ever, no education means no job. No job means no health insurance. No health insurance means that if you get sick, youʼre in trouble. If you, or your family, get really sick, well, you know the rest. Itʼs a domino effect that starts with education and we canʼt let this chip fall. Thereʼs a way to not only keep this chip standing, but to build a strong foundation so as to avert future storms. Itʼs called Amendment 8. Amendment 8 provides a mechanism for Florida counties to raise money for community colleges like Miami Dade College. A yes vote ensures access to affordable postsecondary and workforce education for every member of this community. A yes vote means that the college will maintain its role as Miami-Dade Countyʼs primary economic engine. A yes vote will help Miami-Dade County put an end to a plague destroying our community: the cycle of poverty. Margaret Spellings, the U.S. Secretary of Education reported that 90 percent of newly created jobs require college level education. The latest Census Bureau statistics show that only eight percent Miami-Dade County residents have an associateʼs degree. The only statistical chart on the rise for Miami-Dade County is that of the FBIʼs Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.
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Amendment 8 is vital to the college’s mission to put students first. Help send a message to the state: we care about Miami Dade College.
In 2007, there were 8,614 reported violent crimes in Miami-Dade County. These crimes include murder, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Education offers a solution to this problem. Postsecondary and workforce education give people the skills necessary to get a job. A job gives you income. Income helps you care for your family. A new domino chain is created and this economic domino of prosperity allows people to pay taxes, buy cars, and inject cash into the system. Miami Dade College is the largest college in the country with an annual student enrollment of more than 160,000. The average student/ faculty ratio is one of the lowest in the nation. In order to continue delivering excellence in education, the college now looks to the community itʼs served for almost 50 years. More than 50 percent of the states across the country use a revenue sharing process to support their community colleges. Florida doesnʼt. Due to budget cuts, the Stateʼs General Revenue fund no longer provides an
income stream to serve our students. Amendment 8 contains enabling language that empowers local communities like MiamiDade County. It allows local communities to decide whether or not to place a referendum on the ballot to support their community college. It is not a tax. Amendment 8 is vital to the collegeʼs mission to put students first. Help send a message to the state: we care about Miami Dade College. This is a grassroots effort and a people-topeople campaign. It must pass a threshold of 60 percent of the vote and we donʼt have much time to get the word out. Please tell your family, friends, and everyone you know, to show their support for community colleges Nov. 4. Vote yes on 8. For more information, visit “www. voteyes8fl.org.” Theodore Karantsalis is an assistant library director at MDC North Campus. He is currently taking a journalism course at the campus.
State University System
THE FALCON TIMES 11380 N.W. 27 Avenue, Room 4209 Miami, FL 33167 (305) 237-1253 (305) 237-1254 Fax: (305) 237-8262
Editorial Board Editor in Chief Laura C. Morel Managing Editor Anahi Cortada Greg Torrales Advertising Manager Daniel Masip Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Erik Steinhardt Features Editor Jessica Tejeda
Staff Akeem Mayers Lauren Bernal Emerson Fertil Kimberly Parker Belkis Perez Evelina Arzanova Julie Selva Yamel Lora Michael Finch Theodore Karantsalis David OʼConnor Christina Brown
Manolo Barco
Adviser
The Falcon Times is published by the students of Miami Dade College North Campus. Decisions regarding content are made by student editors.The opinions in this newspaper do not necessarily represent those of the administration, faculty, or the student body.
Advertising Information For ad information, contact Advertising Manager Greg Torrales at (786) 237- 8414, or gregoryj.torrales001@mymdc. net. Letters to the Editor The Falcon Times 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 thefalcontimes@hotmail. com, with the subject “letter to the editor.” Corrections
Community College System By Akeem Mayers
English professor Lisa Shaw was misquoted in the Sept. 17 issue in the story titled “Faculty bummed out by bookstore blues.” She did not say: “Itʼs also the studentsʼ fault for not purchasing earlier.” The Falcon Times regrets this mistake.
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October 1, 2008
OPINION
Play of politics continues through elections Erik Steinhardt Opinion Editor
O
n Sept. 24, John McCain called for a delay of the first presidential debate, scheduled for Sep. 26. He said the economic crisis should be the primary concern, not the debate. Barack Obama struck back shortly after saying the elected president should be able to multi-task. “Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time,” Obama said.
They will play politics even when they claim that now is not the time to play politics.
Both George W. Bush and McCain, members of the Republican party, support a “less government, more market” ideal. It is this ideal that now has millions of Americans in financial danger. By attempting to call off the debate, McCain was making a bold move; most of this nation will probably eat it up.
Americans will think that McCain is doing his part and being a responsible congressman. But what will McCain and Obama contribute to the congressional hearings of the $700 billion Wall Street bail-out? The New York Times reported Senator Harry Reid as saying, “Mr. McCain and Mr.
Obama should not return to Washington and inject presidential politics into the bailout negotiations.” Right, McCain is stating that he wants to do what is right; he wants to step out of the role of presidential candidate and into the role of congressman. It seems like being president of the United States is too much for this guy to handle and maybe he should stick to being a congressman. The true colors of this election are starting to show. The red and blue will continue to make bluffs. They will play politics even when they claim that now is not the time to play politics. And the white? Well, the white will always be in the middle, playing the game just right and thus coming out on top.
Stop losing sleep over the nuclear warfare Nuclear war among more than 100 highest threats to humankind David O Connor Columnist
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or the past month, I have completely lost interest in the global issue that usually stirs me, and itʼs all because of writer Brian Caplan. Heʼs caused me to change my answer on the most important question in my mind - basically, what is the greatest threat to human life? He solves this puzzle in a quick blog
post about the book “Global Catastrophic Risks” written by many, and edited by Nick Bostrom. The book centers around the more than 100 greatest threats to humankind and Caplan concludes: “Out of a long list of conceivable horrors - everything from asteroids and super-vulcanism to AI and nanotechnology - the only threat that gives me pause is nuclear war.” Climate change, my most-pressing passion, didnʼt even cause him to sweat. And for good reason: Itʼs slow. Nuclear holocaust could happen in a matter of minutes. As it stands, there are at least 10,000 nuclear warheads ready to blow in the world, and that number seems to be growing. It would only take a small fraction of
them to destroy life as we know it. Thus, in my mind, weapons of mass destruction have turned from a joke in Iraq to my primary interest. But what can I do to stop nuclear proliferation (the spread of nuclear weapons and the technology associated with it)? Is there anything? The truth is depressing: very little. It will probably take a freak accident for the entire world to finally dispose of their nuclear arsenal. A neutral, non-offensive country like the Bahamas would have to get obliterated for people to realize how much of a risk it is to harbor these weapons. Short of that, it might take the end of scarcity. When everybody has enough of everything, or rather, when the resources
? k n i h T u o Y o D t W ha
we have are diverted more-or-less equally to everyone, weʼll see an end to violent war, whether physical, nuclear, biological, or chemical. The only battles left might be battles of the bands. It could be hundreds of years before that happens. So, today Iʼm going back to sticking to things I do have an influence on, like global warming and extreme poverty. These are problems that everyday people can “make a difference,” or at least a much greater impact than when it comes to nukes. From now on, Iʼll always have plutonium on the brain, but in much smaller quantities. Itʼs not worth losing sleep over.
Photos and interviews by Christina Brown
What is your opinion of John McCain?
Andrew Bowen, 30 Exercise Science Major “McCain is a Tyrant. He is about his own agenda. He believes in Bush’s policies. He is all about what is going to benefit himself. He only chose Palin because Obama didn’t choose Hilary.”
Eric Baumgarten, 27 Respiratory Therapy Major “He has anger problems. He actually did something for the country. He was a decorated war hero. He’s so old he might die in office, and Sarah Pallin will take over.”
Jennesey Perez 19, Pharmacy Major “ The things he said about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton doesn’t relate to politics. He is good with the no abortion.”
Jesus Tello, 18 Criminal Justice Major “He always talks negatively about Obama. He likes war and I am against it. He’s going to do exactly what Bush did, cause America problems.”
October 1, 2008
FEATURES
Former MDC student aims for success “Iʼm interested to see what the future holds” Jessica Tejeda Features Editor Johanna Gomez never imagined all the possibilities that Miami would eventually offer her. But with an open mind and a positive outlook, Gomez transitioned from her life in New York and is now reporting for WPLG Local 10 and is the host of MD Connected. Gomez was born in Manhattan, New York to Dominican parents. Her career in entertainment started at a young age as a dancer. “Being a dancer really helped me a lot with my career now,” Gomez said. After moving to Miami at age 14, she entered Hialeah Miami Lakes high school and graduated in 1997. “Starting high school after moving was very hard for me since I had to leave all my old friends, but eventually I made new friends and really enjoyed it,” Gomez said. She then attended the North Campus and graduated with her associateʼs in arts before transferring to Florida International University. Gomez became a Dolphins cheerleader as her “part-time job” while in college and did several television interviews and appearances for the team. It was during those three years as a Dolphins cheerleader that Gomez discovered how much she enjoyed journalism. After working for the Dolphins, Gomez continued her passion and danced for the Miami Heat. For two years, she did television and radio voiceovers and was a part of the teamʼs television network HEAT TV. “I discovered what I wanted to do a little late, but during my time as a cheerleader I saw how much I enjoyed interviewing people and how easy it just came to me,” Gomez said. It wasnʼt until Gomez began working for MUN2 that she met the director of MD Connected for MDC TV, Jay Sandhouse. They met during an interview for the show
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and after chatting with her, Sandhouse said that she had what it took to be the new host of MD Connected, which Sandhouse was searching for at the time. “Johanna was the most qualified,” said Sandhouse. Since January 20, 2006, Gomez has been the host of MD Connected and has been a part of 113 episodes. “She works hard to try to be better and thatʼs one of the qualities that we search for, she is someone who is very easy to work with,” said Sandhouse. Gomez has also done bilingual reporting, filming MD Connected episodes in English and Spanish, using her Latin background to reach everyone in the community. “Itʼs great to be apart of something where I can help inform students. I was a student once at Miami Dade College so I can relate to the students,” said Gomez. Eleana Comandari, producer of MDC TV, recalls when Gomez was first being considered as host for MD Connected. “There is so many Hispanics in South Florida so they wanted that face- HispanicAmerican- that could speak both English and Spanish properly. Gomez being bilingual was a big plus,” Comandari said. Her experience hosting several shows for different channels did not stop Gomez from going back to school, and she did so by taking an announcing course with Sandhouse. “Taking the announcing course speaks volumes of her commitment to improving and being the best she could possibly be,” said Sandhouse. The commitment and hard work Gomez put forth to improve did not go without notice. Shortly after taking the announcing course, Gomez landed what she considers “one of her greatest achievements” as a fill in sports anchor and features reporter for WPLG Local 10 in July 2007. “Working for Channel 10 is amazing,” she said. “I get to work with the best in this industry in my opinion.” A dedication that has never been overlooked, whatever Gomez has set out to achieve she has done so and has
Belkis Perez Staff Writer
Provided by Johanna Gomez ON THE AIR: Johanna Gomez, the host for MD Connected.
gained recognition and respect from all her colleagues. Will Manso, sports anchor for WPLG Local 10 since March 1999, has worked side by side with Gomez since she started out at the station. “She has handled anchoring, reporting and doing live shots with no problem. She is very comfortable in front of the camera and always has a smile on her face. Thatʼs very important because I think the viewer sees that she really enjoys her work,” said Manso. Gomez said she doesnʼt know where her career track will take care in the next five years, but she is sure of what she will be doing. “Iʼm interested to see what the future holds,” Gomez said. “Everything Iʼve done has been a great accomplishment and I hope that eventually I will be able to report on the national level as an entertainment reporter.”
A Thousand Words
Laura C. Morel/Falcon Staff
Freshmen susceptible to gaining fi fteen pounds
Miami Dade College North Campus is the oldest of the eight campuses. But throughout its history, it has still maintained its architecture and design.
Quizzes, assignments, group projects, and tests. This is a typical semester for many college students. But as the stress accumulates, what most students donʼt think about is the potential of gaining weight. Freshmen fifteen is a theory that most college students gain approximately 15 pounds during their first year of college. This weight gain can be due to stress, lack of exercise, or bad eating habits. Many factors can affect why college freshmen gain weight. Professor Joe Rosado, a weight management and wellness instructor, said that when students enter college they donʼt take part in as many activities as they did in high school, such as playing sports. “As you get older, you tend to be less active,” he said. “Your metabolism slows down and that causes weight gain.” Itʼs hard to fit in the exercise in busy college studentsʼ schedules. “Students need to incorporate exercise in their day,” said Rosado. Making exercise part of studentsʼ daily activities will help fight the supposed freshmen fifteen to some degree. But some students gain weight, but in a healthy manner through exercise. “I have gained it but as muscle from working out,” said Vladislav Pierre, a pharmacy major. Food is also an important factor. Students love chicken nuggets, burgers, fries, and sodas. But these foods are unhealthy and can contribute to weight gain. “Students need to get off fast food. These foods are high in calories and fat but also expensive,” said Rosado. By avoiding these high calorie foods, students can shield themselves to some degree from gaining weight. “I havenʼt experienced freshmen fifteen. I have tried to keep eating healthy and in small portions,” said Evelyn Parra, an elementary education major. Besides eating high calorie foods there are also very few nutritional choices available to students in the vending machines. Most students find themselves snacking on chips, cookies, or whatever is available. “Granola bars and yogurt would be healthier choices rather than the other unhealthy alternatives they offer,” said Parra. Offering more of a nutritional variety of foods for students would help them in managing their weight. “Even cereal with milk is a good lunch,” said Rosado. Weight gain not only has to do with physical appearance but with being healthy. Professor Rosado explained how students are primarily concerned with their looks rather than their health. “When students are young they feel invulnerable,” Rosado said. “They never give their health any thought.”
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F
FEATURES . a t s i ion
ash
Fall fashion will be unpredictable Lauren Bernal Fashion Critic
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all has finally begun, which means a whole new set of trends have arrived. Can you say unpredictable? Because thatʼs what this season is all about. According to In Style magazine, here are the trends you should be looking out for. Who said floral prints were only for the spring and summer? Fall is breaking out with abstract floral and artsy looking prints. An example of this look is the vintage red floral dress Sarah Jessica Parker wore in the Sex and the City movie. Of course, this look is hard to pull off, if you are not SJP herself. So go the simpler route by pairing a floral skirt with a plain top or vice versa. Feminine looks are also playing a big part this fall, such as light pink ruffled blouses or champagne colored laced tops. This look is achieved best with a simple pencil skirt, or they can be dressed down with a pair of jeans. Donʼt get too carried away with the feminine look though. According to Elle magazine, the androgenic style is also huge this fall. Didnʼt I say this season was unpredictable? Slouchy menʼs trousers and jeans are a key item to have in your closet, pair them with maryjanes, or chunky heel pumps. My favorite look of the season is the country trend, especially since it applies to guys as well. Letʼs just say you canʼt go wrong with plaid, and a good pair of boots. The “mad about plaid” trend goes well with all different kinds pieces like button down shirts, skirts and even plaid dresses are going to be seen a lot. As for guys, a simple plaid button down shirt, and a pair of jeans give you that Southern flare without looking like a cowboy. Knee high leather or suede boots, with a low, thick heel are perfect for completing this look. Thereʼs a thin line between getting the outfit right and going overboard, so stay away from cowboy hats and boots to avoid doing that. People magazine points out that autumn itself is one of the main inspirations of colors this fall. Deep purple, gold, and amber lead the color scheme for many Fall 2008 collections. So you can still wear these bright colors but look for them in richer tones that coincide with the autumn vibe. You will see these fall hues in a lot of jackets, dresses and leggings. The colorful leggings look best under a plain black or gray dress or even under a pair of shorts. Fashion seems to be more of an art these days than a way of life, so have fun with your looks. Donʼt be afraid to think of creative ways to play with colors and patterns that give autumn a whole new spin.
October 1, 2008