Entertainment
Twilight series expands with new movie in theaters Page 4
Features
Opinion
Riding the crest of reformation
Students by day, Mod’Lone by night
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THE FALCON TIMES THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS SINCE 1961 THEFALCONTIMES@HOTMAIL.COM
VOLUME 46, ISSUE 7
NOVEMBER 26, 2008
MDC provides ease of access for disabled Michael Finch Staff Writer
Over the past two years the administration at the North Campus has quietly but steadily adapted changes to its campus for disabled students: automatic sliding doors, sidewalk ramps, speed bumps, and additional handicap parking spaces. “We hired a consultant to review and assess the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), to see what long term plans we should be looking at and how to phase the project into funding availability,” said dean for administration Cristina Mateo. Rebeka Silva/Falcon Staff BUBBLE IT IN: As the fall semester comes to an end, MDC students must fill out professor evaluations in all their classes.
Student voices resonate through professor evaluation Forms provide student feedback to faculty for improvement in classroom performance Rebeka Silva Staff Writer As the end of the fall semester approaches, students begin to fill out evaluation forms in all of their courses to provide feedback for professors. “Students need to know that they do have a voice about their professors,” said math department chairperson Virginia Puckett. “Through the student feedback evaluation they can allow their voices to be heard.” According to Josett Peat, the English and communications department chairperson, the student feedback evaluation is required
by all part-time and full-time faculty at the end of the semester. Although all professors must give out the evaluation to their students, the requirements are different with part-time and full-time professors. Full-time faculty are only required to give out the evaluation at the end of the fall semester, but part-time faculty are required to give it at the end of every term. The evaluations are one step in a long process to evaluate all professorsʼ job performance. The forms provide insight on further decisions regarding faculty. Peat said the professors receive the evaluation results and “do a self-assessment in order
to better the areas they are weak in.” According to Puckett, the evaluation process had a lot of student input. The professor is supposed to leave the classroom as the students fill out the evaluation. “This process is important because we donʼt want the students to feel any sort of pressure, so it is mandatory that the teacher leaves the room before the students answer the evaluation questions,” said Puckett. “We want them to have a sense of nopressure, so they can answer as honestly as possible.”
GO TO EVALUATION, PAGE 2
GO TO ACCESS, PAGE 2
Students express their talents through Axis Literary Magazine event Yamel Lora Staff Writer
Axis Literary Magazine presented the “Open Mic/Spoken Word Evening” at the North Campus in the Quiet Dining Room, where students had the chance to demonstrate their talents. “[The purpose of the activity was] to let students express themselves critically and artistically,” said co-adviser Elena Perez-Mirabal.
GO TO AXIS, PAGE 2
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November 26, 2008
NEWS
Axis opens doors to students School finds ʻWe would love to have more variety next semesterʼ FROM AXIS, FRONT PAGE Axis submission information and magazines were given to the nearly 40 students that attended the event Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. “The atmosphere in the room was just perfect,” said Yuriem Jean, physician assistant major. The staff was setting up since 5 p.m. that afternoon. To collect funds for future events, the Axis staff sold a variety of snacks and admission was $1 per person. Nearly 12 students presented, reciting poetry, playing the piano or guitar, or singing. Some of the performers of the night were biology major Camille Gregory, who played the piano; music major Alvaro Trujillo who played the guitar; and international relations major Bridget Jones who recited poetry. “I wouldnʼt change anything,”
alternative method to rate faculty FROM EVALUATION, FRONT PAGE
Photos provided by Axis Magazine
HIDDEN TALENTS: (Above and Below) Students demonstrated a variety of talents, which included playing the guitar and the keyboard.
said Jhon Pereda, editor in chief of Axis. Co-advisers Lisa Shaw and Mirabal were extremely satisfied with the outcome of the activity. They said they hope to plan a similar event soon. “We would love to have more variety next semester,” said Arleen Senas, managing editor of the magazine. Axis is now receiving submissions for their next issue. The deadline is Nov. 26.
After they are done, one student is selected to pass out, collect and place the evaluation questions and answers in an envelope. The envelope is then taken to a lockbox, which has various locations in each building and can only be opened with a key. To maximize the security of the studentʼs privacy, the only department that collects the envelopes from the lockboxes is the testing department. Students do not put their name or information besides answers to the questions on the answer sheet. “We want to make sure itʼs anonymous. We take all the measures necessary to do so,” said Puckett. The process is so confidential that professors do not get results back until the following semester. “No vindictive actions can happen,” said Puckett. “Not that we expect this from our professors; itʼs just a precaution.” Puckett also said that students should take this process seriously. “We do hope and would appreciate it if students took the responsibility to fill out the evaluation honestly, and we can tell when we get the results that most do,” said Puckett. “Most of our students are conscious.” Some students do not know what it is they are filling out so they do not take their time to answer honestly. “Why should I take time out of my day for something that wonʼt make a difference?” said Alexander Joices, with an undecided major. “If I were informed of what this was about and the effects it can have, then I would care enough to actually read the questions.” But other students know the effect the evaluation has on faculty. “If we answer honestly, we can tell it how it is,” pre-law major Jonathan Carcasses said.
Accessibility not a problem at MDC FROM ACCESS, FRONT PAGE The college receives funding for projects like this through the state operated program Physical Education Capital Outlay. “Every year we submit our Capital Outlay with envisioned projects. Depending on the amount of money the state has available, they allocate ʻxʼ amount of dollars for different projects,” said Mateo. Although the North Campus has provided enhanced accessibility for the disabled there remains work to be done. “If you look at a building like Scott Hall, there are some automatic doors to get inside, but what if a [disabled] student wanted to go into [Academic Advisement or the Testing Center]?” Access Services director Paul Edwards said. “Gradually, I know the campus
“The bigger thing than the college making access [for the disabled] is not signs or sliding glass doors - it’s people.” - Access Services Director Paul Edwards will continue to set an example, but we hope as time goes by and funds become more available more access will be provided.” For social work major Marvin Cherry, getting around campus requires extra attention. “Iʼm visually impaired; and for each visually impaired person itʼs different,” Cherry said. “Some people see light or colors, but I canʼt see anything.” Cherry uses landmarks to get around campus. “If I needed to go to building 1, I will walk down until I reach the
garbage can, then I will walk until I reach a smooth surface, from there I will walk until I hear the automatic sliding doors open and go into the elevator.” Edwards said it is up to the people of MDC to make a difference in helping those with disabilities. “The bigger thing than the college making access [for the disabled] is not signs or sliding glass doors, itʼs people,” Edwards said. “Itʼs everyoneʼs job not only by helping a student but walking up to a disabled or blind student and simply saying hello.”
Rebeka Silva/Falcon Staff STUDENT FEEDBACK: A Miami Dade College student fills out an evaluation form.
November 26, 2008
NEWS
In Short...
By Laura C. Morel Editor in Chief
Goya supports PTK’s cause
College opens video contest The District Office of Student Services announces the 2008 Miami Dade College Video Contest. Students can submit a three minute video about how to be successful at MDC. The winning videos will be posted on the MDC website, iTunesU, and could be used for a new student orientation program. Students must be enrolled during the Fall term and the video must be
Photo provided by PTK
Phi Theta Kappa, MDCʼs honor society, received a donation of more than 20 boxes of food from Goya in November. The donation weighs nearly 2,000
pounds, and it will be given to women and children near Overtown and to families served by Sant La, a Haitian neighborgood agency through Hands on Miami.
Scholarship program open to students Students can now apply to the the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation for the 2009 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program. The scholarship can provide up to $30,000 per year to community college students who will be pursuing
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a four-year degree. To be eligible, students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher, complete the online application, be nominated by Miami Dade College, have unmet financial need, and have plans of transferring to a four-year institution.
their original work and not infringe on copyright regulations. The first place winner will receive $500, and the second and third place winners will be given an iPod Nano. The prizes were donated by the Miami Dade College Foundation and Apple Computers. For more information on how to apply and the requirements, contact the Medical Campus Media Services at (305) 237-4440.
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ENTERTAINMENT
November 26, 2008
Oliver Stone motion picture explains President’s struggles Evelina Arzona Movie Review
Courtesy of Summit Entertainment THE TWILIGHT SAGA: The movie based on the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer, a love story about a girl and a vampire, hit theaters Nov. 21.
Twilight Pandemonium Movie and book series causes craze among fans Monique Dos Anjos Staff Writer Who doesnʼt love a good romance novel: Action, violence, young love and… vampires? Twilight, written by Stephenie Meyer, is about Bella Swan and Edward Cullen who fall madly in love with each other. They have only one little problem: He is a perpetual 17-year-old vampire. The Twilight series is the saga of a couple fighting against the odds wanting nothing more than to be with each other forever and brings the fantasy world into reality. The book makes you look past the fact that Edward is a vampire or the fact that Bellaʼs best friend, Jacob Black, (Taylor Lautner, Shark Boy and Lava Girl), is a werewolf. “The vampirism in her series is the backdrop; itʼs really a romance story about these two characters and their relationship,” said one of the actors of the film, Edi Gathegi. “And that to me is more human and thereʼs
more truth and honesty to that and thatʼs what I think attracts all these fans.” So how many fans is Gathegi talking about? At San Diegoʼs Comic Con 2008, Gathegi said that there were 6, 500 fans waiting for the Twilight cast to arrive. In Miami, the appearance of Taylor Lautner and Edi Gathegi brought about 2, 000 people to the Sunset mall Nov 15. “Itʼs better than ʻGossip Girl,ʼ” Nicole Broderick, 13, from Young Womenʼs Preparatory Academy, said. Fans range from the ages of eight to their 50s. Dawn Diehl, an English teacher at Sunrise School of Miami, reads passages from the story to her students. Diehl said that she was able to show her students the sentiments of each character. “You see the characters; theyʼre alive, flesh and blood,” Diehl said. “You can feel their emotions… Y o u have this
incredible compassion for these characters.” Unlike Diehl, some fathers said that they were uninterested. Despite his dislike for the tale of vampire love, he still supports his daughter and her habitual reading. Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), is a drop-dead gorgeous (literally) bad boy in the eyes of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart, Panic Room). Amanda George, a mass communications/ journalism major said that girls can relate to Bella Swan. “Bella is a plain Jane and Edward falls in love with her for her and not because sheʼs popular or not because sheʼs b e a ut i f u l ,” George said. “Any girl can relate because thatʼs what every girl thinks. “ Twilight is told from Bellaʼs perspective, which is why it was hard for Pattinson to capture the character of Edward. When he was first cast
for the role, he would receive hate mail from Twilight fan sites. He got turned off from reading them because they were discouraging. Of course, Meyer made it known to her fans that she approved of Pattinson playing her fictional character, Edward Cullen. From then on, it was goodbye wizard world, hello Twilight! The actorʼs only fear is that the adaptation of the story will not reach the expectations of the Twilight fans everywhere. Taylor Lautner said he feels a little pressure. “Itʼs hard not to feel pressure when youʼre a part of a series that has sold this many copies and the fans behind it are absolutely obsessed and passionate and just want it to be perfect,” he said. He is still excited and confident that the film will meet fan expectations. Hardwicke is not talking about the production for New Moon (book two of the four part series) just yet. If enough people watch the movie, then we should expect the production for New Moon to commence very soon.
One who carries the faults for our countryʼs crisis should not carry this burden alone. Feelings of sympathy, compassion, and criticism are evoked by Oliver Stoneʼs new motion picture W. Our 43rd presidentʼs life is put on the widescreen, exposing the flaws and the reasons behind them. Growing up in Texas, and later attending Yale University, George W. Bush (Josh Brolin, No Country for Old Men) was a young man with a strong character. Throughout the film, Bush traveled from frat parties, had an alcohol addiction, and finally became the president of the United States. Bush might never be considered as Americaʼs favorite president; however, a day in his shoes allows one to understand why he enacted certain decisions in the oval office. This movie really allows people to look beyond differences they might have with Bush. In fact, I actually aligned with him in certain areas of decision making, when I saw it from his point of view. Everyone must see this film not only because it highlights history, but because it induces the understanding of it. I give this flick a five out of five simply because it is a realistic portrayal that pokes fun of the problems we are facing today as a nation. Even after eight years in the White House, Bushʼs personal life is unknown to most. Overall, this movie does a great job demonstrating the common man behind the title “President.”
Courtesy of Lionsgate
November 26, 2008
ENTERTAINMENT
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Rising student rapper is on a mission ʻThe positivity and good vibrations caused me to step up [my game] even furtherʼ Daniel Masip Entertainment Editor
Ever since the day he saw Usher perform at Brownsville Middle School, Daniel J. Brillant has been on a mission. Coming home from school to his North Miami home, Brillant, now 27, was thinking of an artist name to fit his passive and fiery nature. While composing some lyrics of his own, he dubbed himself “Ghost a.k.a. C4” all thanks to a simple rhyme. Thus, his artist name would demonstrate the explosiveness of Brillantʼs hidden rap talents later on in life. In the summer of 1997, Brillant scored his first gig overseas in a public venue near Sheffield, England, courtesy of his agents/ uncles, Antony and Jason Mitchell. Going by his stage name Ghost a.k.a. C4, Brillant debuted with artist DJ Olabean. After his performance, the audience asked for more. “The energy I felt from the crowd was incredible,” Brillant said. “The positivity and the good vibrations caused me to step up [my game] even further.” Returning to Miami from his England tour that same year, Brillant kept on with his academic curriculum in North Miami Senior High School and was also part of MDCʼs School for Advanced Studies. Graduating from North Miami Senior High in 2000, Brillant continued on with his music career and was signed to such Miami based record labels as Blast-Off Records and New Era Recordings. After accomplishing all these merits, Brillantʼs life turned to the worst by getting in trouble with the law. During this rough transition, Brillant said he found a spiritual enlightenment and wrote poetry in order to find inner harmony. Little by little, Brillant
By Pierrot Mervilier
Provided by Daniel J. Brillant RISING RAPPER: Daniel J. Brillant, also known as Ghost, is an MDC student with dreams of making it big as a rapper.
started to get his life back on track. “[Sometimes] you do not [always] have a game plan in life,” Brillant said. “I interpreted [these rough times] as a way to find myself.” Realizing he needed a back up plan, Brillant went back to school in the spring of 2006. He earned his associateʼs degree in hospitality management in the summer of 2008 and to this day, he continues to take film and editing courses in MDC to improve his directing skills.
Aside from directing videos of his own and other Miami-based artists like Luchieano the Great, Brillant will be releasing a self-made album, UniverseCity of Miami, in 2009. While most of Ghostʼs fans compare him to rappers like Common, Brillant wants to be remembered for his own lyrical style called “Southern Consciousness.” “Compared to other rap styles, ʻSouthern Consciousnessʼ is thought provoking,” Brillant said. “It is an internal reflection expressed in an outward medium.”
With musical inspirations such as Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Nas, etc, Brillant pays homage to rapʼs most popular artists with his new sound. “I want to bring the feeling of ʻold schoolʼ with a ʻnew schoolʼ rhythm,” Brillant said. Some students believe that Brillant can make it in the music world. “[Ghostʼs] rhymes flow along well in a good rhythm,” pharmacy major Teresa Castillo said. “If he keeps it up, he will make it far in this industry.” However, not all students agree with Castilloʼs way of thinking. Aerospace Engineer major Boruch Rudd said that Brillantʼs beats do not have enough range and bass. “His lyrics are good, but he needs to work on his beats,” Rudd said. All in all, no matter what your opinion of Ghost is, Brillant will remain persistent. Angelo Riquelme, music business major and cameraman for most of Brillantʼs music videos, believes that even though Ghost is not signed to any big name record labels, he will be successful in the near future. “[Ghost] has this sort of drive, hunger, and confidence within him that one could sense,” Riquelme said. “Since the first time I approached him, I believed and I still do believe that he will make it big in this business one day.”
Ghost a.k.a. C4ʼs next performance will be Dec. 13 at Naomi Garden, 650 NW 71 St, in an event called “The Rising of the Poor Man.” For further information, visit Ghost a.k.a. C4ʼs website at “www. myspace.com/ghostonmyspace.”
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OPINION
Thoughts and questions on humanity Erik Steinhardt Opinion Editor
T
he big top has been taken down; the train cars are packed up. The media is now covering day-to-day things like a possible end to the militaryʼs “donʼt ask, donʼt tell” policy. Weʼve moved into an estranged state of euphoric unity. Maybe itʼs this slight tranquility among the liberal population of the northern Miami region that really puts pressure on the fear in my heart. Barack “The Wonderful” Obama, Presidential-Elect, has got this. Right? As many people know, one man cannot fix all of the problems this country faces in the coming years. It takes a peopleʼs party
to rise up, unlike the one-voice propaganda that says, “yes we can.” It takes a nation of people to say, “yes we will.” But only a planet of people can say, “yes we did.” I can fill this column with quotable cheese or near-useless advice. I could continue on about our monstrous exchange system of goods for paper. Hell, I could… well, I think you get the picture. Just in case, let me elaborate. The point is: there is no point. I have nothing but questions with no answers. Time must reveal. Life goes on. But we must not continue with the lives we once led. It is surely time for a social change. We must all take a look at what we do and decide if there is more. Over the last year, we exceeded the expectations of the American Dream. If you look at a picture of all the U.S. presidents, one surely sticks out most. We elected a black man. Well, half black. Whatʼs the difference? Is his blood-red, warm? Does he speak the native tongue that other Americans share? Is
he a natural born citizen? (To set the record straight: I do not advocate the exclusion of non-red-blooded natural born citizens from running for president of the United States of America). Never mind that. Letʼs get down to the real grit of this guy. Is he strong enough? Does he have what it takes to be as hypocritical as his predecessors? Will he restrict other countries from doing what his own finds as customary? Is he capable of lying? Or will he stand against the social norms of our society and challenge the people to see truth in our day-to-day lives? Is this challenge enough? Can he lead by example? Can he call out the corrupt spaces of our political system? Will he shine light on those dark spots in our society? Basically, what I want to know is if presidential-elect Barack Obama can continue riding this wave and achieve the near impossible? Can America and everything it stands for redeem itself from damnation? I sure hope so, or else we better have a damn good exit strategy.
Technology robs society of originality Ivomar Haseth Columnist
O
ur generation is addicted to a little thing called the sound byte. We cannot get enough of them. A sound bite is supposed to be a very short piece of a speech or interview to be the ʻmain point.ʼ All of our headlines, news teasers, and promotional material are sound bites. This is an evil that is robbing us of our time. Before, we had plenty of time to think about making a decision. But now we are not afforded that luxury. Our addiction to the three tubes makes it very difficult for us to break the curse of the sound bite. Everyone in our generation has been
fortunate enough to benefit from technological advances that has produced three tubes we use practically everyday, and Iʼm not talking about tube socks. One of the tubes is in our pockets and purses, the cell phone. The cell phone has many capabilities to talk, text, and surf the web. When we text message, we basically send messages in the form of a sound bite. I find it very hard to believe that any of us can tell the whole story in one or two sentences. Also, we receive lots of chain messages that are nothing but flat out lies. The worse part is that this is happening at a lightning fast speed. Our time to think before we message is all but eliminated. But the cell phone is not completely to blame; in essence, the cell phone is a minicomputer. Computers were meant to send information for the advancement of society, yet there is enough false information on the Internet to make politicians seem righteous. To make matters worse, sites like Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, meaning that lies can be spread to the masses. The Internet is a By Akeem Mayers
playground of catchy phrases and slogans, we rob ourselves of time to check facts. Rather than exploring the substance of an issue, we look for one or two lines to summarize the issue. Nothing can be worse than the television though, the worst of the three tubes. The media has no substance, and to make matters worse, there is a 24-hour news cycle. When average teenagers watch television, all they are watching is sound bites and arguments over them. The television media uses flashy phrases and quotes to attract the average Joe. There is no more news but rather ʻspinʼ of news that favors the opinions of the news station. In 1938, Orson Welles had a popular radio program that would feature plays. One evening he performed the famous science fiction novel “War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells. The play was about an alien invasion of Earth, the play was set in the form of modern day news flashes. On the night of the performance, people believed the news flashes to be real and faced mass hysteria thinking the world was going to end. Today, news can create a false sense of reality by giving small doses of spin, that if told long enough, can be perceived as truth. People seem to not want to think anymore. This world processes information at the blink of an eye. Thinking and time are one. The time of our decision making is faster than it has ever been in human history. We had time to think about things like going to war, we had to raise an army, make weapons and prepare ourselves emotionally for the battle ahead, Now we rush to make decisions out of fear and terror. Our country has entrusted us with the greatest democracy on Earth. Our society is the realization of the enlightenment. Is it worth throwing away over not wanting to think by being so easily fooled by sound bytes. Sound bites are a horrible thing. They donʼt let us think. They impose a phrase, give us an answer and donʼt help situations. We lost our ability to reason and use logic. These basic and simple tasks must be upheld. The three tubes have removed time from decision making. Our generation must free itself from the bind sound bites have on us. If not, and we are corralled by the wrong people, we might lose the very democracy we are meant to protect.
November 26, 2008
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 Rebeka Silva Advertising Manager Daniel Masip Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Erik Steinhardt Features Editor Jessica Tejeda
Staff Akeem Mayers Danyelle Carter Monique Dos Anjos Rebeka Silva Michael Finch Yamel Lora Evelina Arzanova Pierrot Mervilier Ivomar Haseth Rachel Santos
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 Rebeka Silva, advertising manager, at (305) 237-1253, or at rebeke.silva001@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 In issue #6, Luz Cruz was interviewed for the “What Do You Think” section and was titled supervisor of admissions. She is actually the assistant supervisor of admissions. We apologize for this mistake.
November 26, 2008
Film festival grants opportunities to amateur filmmakers Rachel Santos Staff Writer
Students can now submit their works to the Florida Focus Short Film competition that is part of the Miami International Film Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last February. Through this competition, filmmakers from Florida who are just starting off can have their films showcased and students can submit either an individual piece or a film thatʼs part of a class project. Bruno Boza, an electronic media major former MDC student, is one of the students submitting a piece to this yearʼs competition. Boza said that he is going to tell a story and show a narrative. “Itʼs a short film on feeling disconnected with your environment,” Boza said. “Itʼs an idea of mine thatʼs very personal to me.” Submissions run through Dec. 19, and students can send more than one entry; those who are either a full-time student at a Florida high school or college can participate. “Finalists for the Florida Focus Student Shorts will be viewed by a panel made up of film educators and a Florida film commissioner,” said Dorothy Karvi, community relations manager of the film festival. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded to those who are selected first, second and third. For more information, visit “www. miamifilmfestival.com” or contact coordinator Carlos Garcia at (305) 2373456.
The Falcon Times is now online! To visit our website, go to “www.mdc.edu/north/ falcontimes” Take a look at all our papers!
FEATURES
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November 26, 2008
FEATURES
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Students by day, Mod’lone by night Jessica Tejeda Features Editor For most people, being a full time student in the honors society and a graphic design technician at the Hialeah Campus is a full load. But for Henry Garcia, it is only one side to his life as the guitarist of an up and coming local band, Modʼlone. Garcia, a philosophy major, grew up in Miami and is a full-time student at the North Campus. “Balancing school, work and the band is pretty much less time to sleep,” Garcia said. Garcia has been playing guitar for ten years. He has been focusing on his music in the past two years forming Modʼlone with Jasmine Negron. “I met Jasmine through my sister and from there we just got together and the band was formed,” said Garcia. Negron, lead vocalist of Modʼlone, graduated from the North Campus in 2006 and was also in the Honors College. Other than dedicating much of her time in getting her bachelorʼs degree in marriage and family therapy at the University of Miami, she has split her time in working on music for the band. “Itʼs really all about managing time and staying healthy, which is most important,” Negron said. Founded in Miami, Modʼlone was put together by two full-time students with high aspirations and little time for much else. In August, Modʼlone found its missing puzzle piece, Tony Kapel, who is now the drummer for the band. Kapel is a former MDC student and an author of two novels and a comic book. He
Provided by Mod’Lone MOD’LONE: The three members of the band Mod’Lone will be having a small tour around Florida during the winter break.
has filmed a documentary on local artists as well. Joining the band was a huge transition for Kapel, since it was already established. “It took some time getting used to playing with the computer electronic beats
and keeping up with it.” Kapel said. “Other than that itʼs been a great experience.” Modʼlone has had many local gig venues around Miami and is looking forward to upcoming shows and a small tour around
FASHIONISTA... A Little Past in your Present Danyelle Carter Fashion Critic
B
ecome a blast from the past when you step inside a fashionable time warp. Reveal your authentic self by purchasing vintage ensembles. Treasured vintage represents a growing trend in the art of creating a personal yet classic appearance. Leave the rake at the door, and take a leap into the changing leaves with a vintage approach. “Autumn is the second spring where every leaf is a flower.” If one color may not have been fitting for you in spring, take the approach of wearing vintage fall colors for this season. Sport warm autumn colors to give your skin tone a ravishing glow. Yellow is charming and symbolizes someone who is innovative and idealistic. Orange is a warm and
welcoming color and people that wear this color are personable, adventurous and inclusive. Red is the most versatile of all bright colors. It is intense, and makes a statement when paired with almost any neutral color, especially a charcoal black. Not into warm colors? No sweat. Tropical colors like purple are still blushing this fall. Mod cloth, a boutique in Broward County, features a mesh of back-in-style wear. Mod Cloth offers various 18th century corsets, and French wear by couture designers. Kitty girl vintage has recently launched a new edition adding evening and outerwear from the ʻ50s and ʻ60s, labels including Henri Bendel, and Lili Ann. French lace dresses and satin sequins and coats are for every season. The goodwill in Miami-Dade County also offers belts and great accessories that are western. Goodwill stores feature used and new items that are bargains for smart shoppers. The goodwill offers basic items that guarantee great finds, like jeans priced at $8, business attire for $27. All in all, fall forward when you rewind. Take a glimpse of the past when you go vintage and remix it.
Florida during the winter break. “Music is my main thing, I would hope in the next five years we could have at least three albums and be in a label,” said Garcia.