the reporter, vol. 1, issue 8

16
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE VOL. 1, ISSUE 8—FEB. 14, 2011 VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER Shark Has Major League Baseball Connection From The Library To The Newsroom A Tragic Look At The State Of Humanity Your Complete Guide To Valentine’s Day Check out who’ll be competing for the coveted Oscar in this year’s Academy Award nominees. Ozney Guillen—son of Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen—looks for success with the Sharks in the new season. Theo Karantsalis, an advocate for free speech, aims to protect students’ First Amendment rights. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Biuti- ful delves into dark territory with nu- anced characters. What not to do on Valentine’s Day and what the holiday means to us today. THE REPORTER IS THE FREE BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS. THE REPORTER IS A PUBLIC FORUM FOR EXPRESSION. PLEASE RECYCLE BRIEFING 2-3 NEWS 5,7,9 A&E 10-11 SPORTS 12-13 FORUM 14-15 INDEX: Contact Us: [email protected] (305) 237-1253 Got News? Let Us Know. TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 7 TURN TO A&E, PAGE 10 TURN TO A&E, PAGE 11 TURN TO SPORTS, PAGE 13 TURN TO FORUM, PAGE 15 Pokémon cards, Legos and Beanie Babies trigger playful childhood memories. But for Esquilo Preto, grappling sweeps, kicks, take-downs and es- quivas (which literally translates to “escape’” a staple in Capoeiristas’ vocabulary) are the type of memo- ries from his adolescences he brags about. TURN TO CAPOEIRA, PAGE 9 TURN TO STUDENT DEATH, PAGE 9 By Gregory Castillo [email protected] The Art Of Play ODD JOBS SERIES GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER Rhythmic Rivalry: Esquilo Preto (Right) plays a game of Jogo with Capoeira Luanda student Morgan Armstrong. Preto, 34, is a student at the Kendall Campus and hopes to spread the art and culture of Capoeira around the world. Physical Therapy Major Esquilo Preto is looking to advance his education to help increase the reach of Capoeira world-wide. Carpooling Program Picks Up Steam Student Killed In Hit-and-run Accident GET2MDC TRAGEDY AT NORTH CAMPUS The “Get 2 MDC” program of- fered at Miami Dade College by the South Florida Commuter Service is expanding to the InterAmerican and Kendall Campuses. e program launched at Wolfson Campus during the fall semester; it has 26 registered carpoolers. The IAC has approved six preferential parking spaces for carpoolers”and Kendall Campus is expected to launch its program by the end of March or the beginning of April. “We are proud to assist the Earth Ethics department in promoting lifestyle changes that enhance our air quality and support our com- mitment toward a more sustain- able future,” said Nelly Navarro, transportation demand manage- ment consultant for SFCS. To be eligible for the program, you have to be a MDC student or employee, have a car and a valid Miami Dade College North Cam- pus student Tyron Richemond, 21, was killed on Feb. 1 by a hit-and- run driver. “My brother can’t be replaced. Anything else can be replaced, but not him. When I wake up he won’t be there anymore,” said his sister By Kirsten Rincon [email protected] By Monique O. Madan [email protected] A carpooling program aimed at improving traffic flow and the environment will be offered at InterAmerican and Kendall Campus. 21-year-old Tyron Richemond was struck by a hit-and-run driver while waiting for a bus on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue. driver’s license and show proof of registration and insurance. Reg- istration can be done at www.get- 2mdc.com Once you’re registered, a park- ing permit is sent through the mail. It must be hung on a car mirror. Permits are valid for one semes- ter. Two or more students must be in the car to participate and they must drive to campus at least three days a week. Special parking spaces are re- served for car pool participants. If the person assigned to pick you up does not show up, a backup plan exists. The Emergency Ride Home program (1-800-234-RIDE) is available 24 hours a day. Regis- tered ERH program participants are allowed six free emergency rides per year. “We look forward to our par- ticipation during the ‘Green Fairs’ scheduled at the Kendall Campus on March 9 and at IAC on March 30,” Navarro said. Junia Richemond, 23. According to Miami-Dade Police Department reports, Richemond was at the bus stop on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue when Rolando Aliaga, 48, swerved onto the sidewalk, struck him and an- other pedestrian and then attempt- ed to flee the scene. Motorist Mark Brown, 49, used his pickup truck to force Aliaga off the roadway. “God put me there; it all hap- pened so fast,” Brown said. “It was a passive way of getting him to stop. Anyone would have done it. That was a sad day for everyone.” Aliaga faces several charges, in- cluding leaving the scene of an ac- cident involving death and serious bodily injuries, DUI manslaughter and careless driving, according to police reports. He is being held at the Miami-Dade County Cor- rection Center with bond set at “My brother can’t be replaced. Any- thing else can be replaced, but not him. When I wake up he won’t be there anymore,” —Junia Richemond, Tyrone’s sister A Night Of Stars

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The Reporter is the free biweekly student newspaper at Miami Dade College. All content is produced by MDC students. The Reporter is a public forum for expression.

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Page 1: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE VOL. 1, ISSUE 8—FEB. 14, 2011

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Shark Has Major League Baseball Connection

From The Library To The Newsroom

A Tragic Look At The State Of Humanity

Your Complete Guide ToValentine’s Day

Check out who’ll be competing for the coveted Oscar in this year’s Academy Award nominees.

Ozney Guillen—son of Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen—looks for success with the Sharks in the new season.

Theo Karantsalis, an advocate for free speech, aims to protect students’ First Amendment rights.

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Biuti-ful delves into dark territory with nu-anced characters.

What not to do on Valentine’s Dayand what the holiday means to us today.

THE REPORTER IS THE FREE BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS. THE REPORTER IS A PUBLIC FORUM FOR EXPRESSION.

PLEASE RECYCLE

BRIEFING 2-3 NEWS 5,7,9 A&E 10-11 SPORTS 12-13 FORUM 14-15INDEX:

Contact Us: [email protected] (305) 237-1253

Got News? Let Us Know.

TURN TO NEWS, PAGE 7 TURN TO A&E, PAGE 10

TURN TO A&E, PAGE 11

TURN TO SPORTS, PAGE 13 TURN TO FORUM, PAGE 15

Pokémon ca rds, L egos a nd Beanie Babies t r igger play f u l childhood memories.

But for Esquilo Preto, grappling sweeps, kicks, take-downs and es-quivas (which literally translates to “escape’” a staple in Capoeiristas’ vocabulary) are the type of memo-ries from his adolescences he brags about.

TURN TO CAPOEIRA, PAGE 9

TURN TO STUDENT DEATH, PAGE 9

By Gregory [email protected]

The Art Of Play

ODD JOBS SERIES

GREGORY CASTILLO/ THE REPORTER

Rhythmic Rivalry: Esquilo Preto (Right) plays a game of Jogo with Capoeira Luanda student Morgan Armstrong. Preto, 34, is a student at the Kendall Campus and hopes to spread the art and culture of Capoeira around the world.

Physical Therapy Major Esquilo Preto is looking to advance his education to help increase the reach of Capoeira world-wide.

Carpooling Program Picks Up Steam

Student Killed In Hit-and-run Accident

GET2MDCTRAGEDY AT NORTH CAMPUS

The “Get 2 MDC” program of-fered at Miami Dade College by the South Florida Commuter Service is expanding to the InterAmerican and Kendall Campuses.

The program launched at Wolfson Campus during the fall semester; it has 26 registered carpoolers. The IAC has approved six preferential parking spaces for carpoolers”and Kendall Campus is expected to launch its program by the end of March or the beginning of April.

“We are proud to assist the Earth Ethics department in promoting lifestyle changes that enhance our air quality and support our com-mitment toward a more sustain-able future,” said Nelly Navarro, transportation demand manage-ment consultant for SFCS.

To be eligible for the program, you have to be a MDC student or employee, have a car and a valid

Miami Dade College North Cam-pus student Tyron Richemond, 21, was killed on Feb. 1 by a hit-and-run driver.

“My brother can’t be replaced. Anything else can be replaced, but not him. When I wake up he won’t be there anymore,” said his sister

By Kirsten [email protected]

By Monique O. [email protected]

A carpooling program aimed at improving traffic flow and the environment will be offered at InterAmerican and Kendall Campus.

21-year-old Tyron Richemond was struck by a hit-and-run driver while waiting for a bus on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue.

driver’s license and show proof of registration and insurance. Reg-istration can be done at www.get-2mdc.com

Once you’re registered, a park-ing permit is sent through the mail. It must be hung on a car mirror. Permits are valid for one semes-ter. Two or more students must be in the car to participate and they must drive to campus at least three days a week.

Special parking spaces are re-served for car pool participants. If the person assigned to pick you up does not show up, a backup plan exists. The Emergency Ride Home program (1-800-234-RIDE) is available 24 hours a day. Regis-tered ERH program participants are allowed six free emergency rides per year.

“We look forward to our par-ticipation during the ‘Green Fairs’ scheduled at the Kendall Campus on March 9 and at IAC on March 30,” Navarro said.

Junia Richemond, 23. According to Miami-Dade Police

Department reports, Richemond was at the bus stop on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue when Rolando Aliaga, 48, swerved onto the sidewalk, struck him and an-other pedestrian and then attempt-ed to flee the scene.

Motorist Mark Brown, 49, used his pickup truck to force Aliaga off the roadway.

“God put me there; it all hap-pened so fast,” Brown said. “It was a passive way of getting him to stop. Anyone would have done it. That was a sad day for everyone.”

Aliaga faces several charges, in-cluding leaving the scene of an ac-cident involving death and serious bodily injuries, DUI manslaughter and careless driving, according to police reports. He is being held at the Miami-Dade County Cor-rection Center with bond set at

“My brother can’t be replaced. Any-thing else can be replaced, but not him. When I wake up he won’t be there anymore,”—Junia Richemond, Tyrone’s sister

A Night Of Stars

Page 2: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTERBRIEFING FEB. 14, 2011 //////2

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

Due to an editorial error, Gita Runkle’s name was misspelled in a Page 5 headline—Runkle Heads To Homestead—in The Reporter’s Jan. 31 issue.

// BRIEFINGMonica Suarez, Briefing Editor (305) 237-1254 [email protected]// //

Got News?

Contact Us:

If you have a news tip, contact us and let us know. Please include your name and contact information.

[email protected]

(305) 237-1253

Miami Dade College is offering workshops to teach students inter-ested in using the Health Science Databases, MLA and APA writing styles.

The MLA workshop will be held on Feb. 24 at noon, the APA work-shop on Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7 p.m. The workshops will be held at the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Education Center, 6300 NW 7 Ave., in Room 1203-B. The Health Sci-ence Databases workshop will be held on Feb. 22 and 23 at 10 a.m. at North Campus, 11380 NW 27 Ave., in Room 1311.

Arlene Merves, Deborah Keeler, Tim Deline and Theo Karantsalis, facult y librarians at the North Campus library, will be lead the workshops.

“I thought it would be good to offer additional instructional ses-sions for the students,” Keeler said.

The workshops are free for all MDC students. Sign-up sheets are available at the North Campus li-brary reference desk.

New MLA, APA Workshops To Enhance Student Writing

—Crizalida Suero

Miami Dade College is offering students in the business field an opportunity to apply for the 2010-2011 Bayside Foundation Scholar-ship.

The deadline for the scholarship is on Feb. 28. There are 15, $1,000 scholarships available for full-time students seeking a degree.

Applicants must have at least a 2.5 grade point average, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents in Miami. They must also complete a 250-word essay of on what he or she will do after completing their academic program.

Scholarship Available For Business Majors

—Crizalida Suero

The Writer’s Block, a newsletter produced by Miami Dade College students in College Prep courses, is looking for writers.

Students who work for the yearly publication collect and analyze information about newsworthy events.

It is produced during the sum-mer semester.

Professor Sabrina Walters, start-ed the project last year.

Walters has previously worked as a journalist at The Miami Her-ald, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

To join, students must submit an application and a degree audit.

Student Newsletter Searching For New Writers

—Vanessa Martinas

For more information, contact: Sabrina WaltersT (305) [email protected]

For more information, contact: Yadira CodinaT (305) 237-0384MIAMIBAYSIDEFOUNDATION.COM/SCHOLARSHIPS

Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104th Street, will be hosting a Black History Block Party at the Fred Shaw Plaza, on Feb. 25 from 6 to 11 p.m.

Kelly Sydnor, adviser of the Stu-dent Government Association, will be hosting the block party event.

The event will feature perfor-mances by local fraternities, so-rorities and churches. It is free and open to the public.

Kendall Campus Kicks Off Black History Block Party

—Vanessa Martinas

For more information, contact: Kelly SydnorT (305) [email protected]

SingleStop USA, a nonprof it organization, with offices at the North and Wolfson Campuses is offering free tax help to Miami Dade College students and their immediate family.

The services will be provided by certified in-house IRS tax prepar-ers.

At North Campus, 11380 NW 27 Ave., tax assistance will be pro-vided in Room 1164 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays by ap-pointment only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Sec-ond Ave., the services will be pro-vided in Room 2104-6 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays will be by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SingleStop USA Offering MDC Students Free Tax Help

—Rafael Tur

For more information, contact: Barbara PryorSingle-Stop Program Director [email protected]

The Freedom Tower is currently undergoing renovations.

“Windows and flat roofs are be-ing replaced to avoid moisture in the building,” said Juan Mendieta, director of communications at Miami Dade College. “Cracks and holes are also being repaired.”

The project is being funded by a $500,000 grant by the U.S. Depart-ment of Interior and is expected to last until June.

Mendieta said that the exterior repairs do not affect the interior of the facility and upcoming events are planned to take place at the Tower.

Freedom Tower Undergoing Extensive Exterior Repairs

—Alexandra de Armas

The Advisement and Career Ser-vices Department at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Ave., will be hosting the 21st an-nual Career Week from Feb. 14 to 18.

Career Week is designed to help students clarify doubts and ques-tions about career pursuits and the university transfer process.

This will be a once-in-a-year op-portunity to meet with university representatives from local, national and international educational in-stitutions.

Professionals and faculty from MDC will present careers in areas such as sociology, anthropology, mathematics, science, technology and engineering fields.

The week will close with a Col-lege Fair on Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chapman Conference Center in Room 3210. Students will learn of different options for col-leges and universities and will re-ceive information about admission criteria.

Wolfson Campus Presents Career Week, College Fair

—Laura Vargas

For more information, contact: Isabel MartinezT (305)237-3490B [email protected]

In support of local South Florida artists, Miami Dade College is host-ing a free month-long art exhibi-tion starting Jan. 18 at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Building D, Room D-101.

The exhibit, entitled Who Wants To Know? will feature an extensive collection of sculptures and paint-ings from former product adver-tiser turned freelance artist Steve Beck.

Actively engaged within the art community, Beck has been creat-ing representational and figurative paintings for more than 20 years.

His pieces address contempo-rary social issues such as society’s addiction to technology and the plight of American soldiers over-seas.

Homestead Art Gallery curator and professor Margaret Nania said that “students really enjoy his work because they touch on subjects that they can relate to on a daily basis.”

Homestead Campus Hosts Steve Beck Art Exhibition

—Marvin Pineda

For more information, contact: Margaret NaniaT (305) 237-5261

The New Student Center at all Miami Dade College campuses will be holding a spring open house on Feb. 22-24 at 6 p.m.

The open house is a general in-formation seminar about the col-lege.

Prospective students will be able to meet current students, profes-sors and staff as well as learn about school organizations and courses available at MDC. They will also be able to attend sessions on financial aid, scholarships and admissions. A tour of the campus will also be available.

To register, students must visit the open house homepage and click on the campus they wish to attend.

MDC Welcomes Students For Annual Open House

—Roudy Mauricin

For more information:T (305) 237-8888WWW.MDC.EDU/OPENHOUSE

Corrections

Cultural Landmark: The Freedom Tower originally opened in 1925 as the headquarters for The Miami News. It later served as a processing center for incoming Cuban immigrants.

Speaker Series: Pat Andrews, breaking news editor for The Miami Herald, will speak at North Campus on Feb. 24

Miami Herald Breaking News Editor Pat Andrews will speak at Miami Dade College’s North Cam-pus, 11380 NW 27 Ave., Room 2158 on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. as part of the MDC Journalism Speaker Series.

Andrews supervises reporters covering breaking news and en-terprise at The Herald. She also oversees editors responsible for local content that includes cover-age of the police beat, schools and courts.

The event, which includes a presentation by Andrews, is free and open to the public. It will also include a 15-minute question and answer session.

Pat Andrews To Speak At North Campus

—Jose PradoCOURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

MARK PULASKI / THE REPORTER

Page 3: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER BRIEFINGFEB. 14, 2011 ////// 3

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

JULIO VELEZON / THE REPORTER

KOBI YOSEF / THE REPORTER GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Hot Spot: Miami’s Fire-Rescue Station 1 leapt into action Monday, Jan. 31, when a fire broke out in a dumpster behind Wolfson Campus’ building 3.

Pump It Up: Steven Rodriguez, 19, peps up a crowd before the sharks spring sports rally on Feb. 2. Students came out to support the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

A Salute To Black History: Gospel group 288 Mission is one of many groups that performed at Wolfson Campus in the annual Gospel Explosion Friday, Feb. 4.

Move Along: Kendall Campus Dean of Administration Gloria Baez directs a student away from Building 2 on Feb 4. The building was closed when a fire was reported in the men’s bathroom near the computer courtyard. Miami-Dade County firefighters were on the scene along with the arson investigation unit.

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Photobriefing

Page 4: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

Main Campus: 11300 NE Second Avenue • Miami Shores, Florida 33161-6695 • 800-695-2279

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

www.barry.edu/Communication

Barry is one-on-one attention

Bachelor’s and master’s programs in broadcast communication and public relations Real world experiences • Intimate learning environment • Dynamic, accessible faculty

Nathalie RodriguezNews Anchor 610 WIOD-AM

11648-Miami Dade College:Layout 1 1/25/11 4:46 PM Page 1

Page 5: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER NEWSFEB. 14, 2011 // 5

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

//

// NEWSMonique O. Madan, Editor-in-Chief (305) 237-1253 [email protected]// //

A new touch screen informa-tion kiosk resembling a 46-inch smart phone is now available to students at the Kendall Koffee House to help answer basic ques-tions about the campus.

The new iPad-like technology was the brainchild of Javier Ro-driguez, director of the Media Services Department at Kendall Campus. Rodriguez has always wanted to create an interactive map for students to be able to find where they need to go as fast and as efficient as possible.

Now, using the touch-screen kiosk machine, students can find a map of the campus, depart-ment locations, and a calendar of events, among other things. The device is actually a flat panel TV with an outside case that was de-signed to look like a smart phone.

“It’s cool,” said Kitt Thomp-son, 19, a computer information

Information Kiosk Aims To Inform

systems major. “A map of where to go around the campus can be helpful. The calender is also very handy, it’ll help organize all the information in front of you. It’s unbelievable.”

A group of graphic artists and other experts worked together for a while to make the new kiosk a reality. They debated which pro-grams or tools to use. Then one day, the idea of the giant-faux smart phone came to Rodriguez by accident.

“I couldn’t find my glasses so it was hard for me to see my iPhone,” Rodriguez said. “That’s where the idea for a giant smart phone came along.”

The Media Services Depart-ment has remote access to the device allowing them to update it with new information. If the device is successful at Kendall, it will be introduced at other MDC campuses, Rodriguez said.

Gregory Castillo contributed to this report.

CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY

By Jose [email protected]

Digital Development: Kitt Thompson, 19, uses the “Map” feature on the new information kiosk. The device is designed to help students get informa-tion from around the college, such as upcoming events, faculty locations and public safety information.

Long Bumpy Road: In 2007, construction on the center halted due to lack of funding. The Aquatic and Fitness center will be open for spring 2011.

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

Kendall Campus’ Media Services Department has developed a touch-screen information kiosk that allows students to access vital campus information.

New Five-Floor Building Will Break Ground Mid-February

North Campus Inaugurates New State-of-the-Art Wellness Center

CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION

NORTH CAMPUS FACILITIES

Student Services at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus is mov-ing into a new five-floor facility ex-pected to break ground on Feb. 18.

The new building—The Academ-ic Support Center (Building R)— will be located on the east side of the campus between building 9000 and parking lot nine. Some parking spaces will be removed to facilitate the new building.

The construction is planned to alleviate traffic in building 3000, according to Kendall Campus Dean of Administration Gloria Baez.

The following departments are expected to move into Building R: Admissions, Registration, Bursar’s

The North Campus celebrated the inauguration of its $6.8 million Aquat-ic and Fitness Center on Feb. 14.

The facility has 80 exercise ma-chines, a competition pool, a diving pool with an underwater observa-tion room, a locker room with show-ers, four classrooms and an aerobics room.

It is located in Building 500. As of Feb. 11, North Campus Pres-

ident José Vicente said administra-tion was still discussing whether or not students and employees would be charged to use the facility.

“This facility is very different and unique from the ones at Wolfson and Kendall because it has a heavy aca-

Office, Advisement, Financial Aid, Student Retention and Transition Services, the Dean of Students Of-fice, the School of Business, and the Testing Department.

“The building is expected to re-spect the architecture of the cam-pus while complimenting it at the same time, with a modern appeal,” Baez said.

Some question the importance of the new building.

“With the cuts in budget we seem to be facing, another building gets me a bit nervous,” said Irene Inatty, a MDC Honors College student. “I just don’t see another building as a pressing priority.”

The Academic Support Center is expected to cost $32.5 million. Funds for the building will be pro-vided from the Physical Education

demic component to it,” said Cris-tina Mateo, dean of administration at the North Campus.

According to the Director of the School of Justice, Hector Garcia, the School of Justice at North Campus and the staff at the Aquatic and Fit-ness Center will offer three “courses of instruction in Homeland Security Waterborne tactics training for the first time.”

The courses are under water crime scene processing, underwa-ter search and recovery and water borne tactical operations.

Students will use a 40-foot by 60-foot diving pool that is 12-feet deep to practice rescue techniques. Instruc-tors will evaluate the students from an underground observation room.

“There are also 6-foot [by] 10-foot

RENDERING COURTESY OF PERKINS + WILL

Breaking Ground: New building will serve as a new horizon for student services at Kendall Campus.

Capital Outlay and College Capital fund.

The new building is expected to be completed by Fall of 2013.

“When the Financial Aid office gets busy and the line overcrowds around the building it makes it difficult for others to commute by it,” said Zaida Clavijo a student as-sistant at the financial aid office. “Hopefully this new building re-solves our issue.”

custom made dive platforms to sim-ulate water entry from a dock, boat, bridge and helicopter,” said Noemi Zaharia, Aquatic and Fitness Center director. “We also have a one-of-a-kind prop car that can be lowered into the training well for instruc-tional training simulations.”

According to Mateo, North Cam-pus is the only college in Florida that has a certified competition swim-ming pool.

The swimming pool is 25-yards by 30-meters. It has nine lanes and a two-section shallow water instruc-tional area. According to Zaharia, a two-time Olympic medalist, the pool has the ability to accommodate water polo games.

The project was built using Physi-cal Education Capital Outlay funds.

By Melissa [email protected]

By Alexandra de [email protected]

A new five-story building is slated to open in 2013 at Kendall Campus. The $32.5 million building will house the Student Services Department, among many others.

North Campus opened its doors of its new Aquatic and Fitness Center on Feb. 14, offering new academic and healthy options for the College.

What: Ground Breaking for the Academic Support Center.When: Feb 18 at 11a.m.Where: Miami Dade CollegeKendall Campus, 11011 SW 104 St, on the east side of the campusbetween Building 9000 and park-ing lot nine.

Page 6: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8
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THE REPORTER NEWSFEB. 14, 2011 // 7

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

//

AKEEM BRUNSON / THE REPORTER

Difference Maker: Theo Karantsalis has been a librarian at the Meek Center in Liberty City since 2004.

New Face: Trenton Daniel will teach a journalism class this summer.

Urban Interns is a national mar-ketplace that connects people seeking part-time jobs, intern-ships and freelance positions with companies and business looking to hire.

Joining Urban Interns is free. With a membership you have complete access to their data-base, allowing you to search for jobs and post your profile. Add-ing yourself to the Urban Interns database allows employers with open positions to find you.

“The belief that business own-ers are looking for interns, free-lancers and part-time help cre-ates many opportunities for the job seeker,” said Cari Sommer, co-founder of Urban Interns. “We have launched a new website with features that include social media sharing, employer profiles, video profiles and streamlined account dashboards where it makes it eas-ier for both the employer and the job seeker to navigate.”

Urban Interns started in New York in 2009; it was launched in Miami earlier this year. The com-pany has also expanded to Bos-ton, Washington D.C., Philadel-phia, Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago.

The database is just more than a job finder, it also provides virtual

Theo Karantsalis, librarian, part-time government watchdog and journalist has dedicated his life to education.

Born in Alameda, California, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from The State Univer-sity of New York. He received a mas-ter’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Miami and a second master’s degree in library and infor-mation science from Florida State University.

In 2004 he became a part-time librarian at Miami Dade College’s Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Ed-ucation Center. Karantsalis became an assistant library director in 2007. He has become a fixture at the Col-lege ever since.

“When you walk across campus with him, it’s incredible because it’s like everybody knows him. Every-body,” said North Campus Library Director Nancy Maxwell.

Karantsalis, who is also an ad-junct professor for introduction to library research classes, reaches

Program Makes Job-Hunting Easy

Dedicated to Education

internships so you no longer have to go out of your home or dorm room to nab an internship.

“Virtual internships are grow-ing because students no longer have to worry about going out of town to do an internship,” Som-mer said. “You can be living in Mi-ami and be doing an internship in an office located in New York.”

Mariana Osorio, 19, a criminal justice major at Miami Dade Col-lege thinks the idea of a virtual in-ternship is exciting.

“I guess it’s a great idea and it gives the student the opportunity to find a job,” Osorio said. “The idea of a virtual internship is pret-ty cool. With many internships you have to be commuting and sometimes you just can’t, but this way, it’s easier and you still get the same benefits.”

While some students find this idea to be the best next thing, oth-ers still prefer the old fashion way.

“I like the idea of having a web-site where employers can look at your qualifications,” said Claudia Alonso, 19, biology major. “But I think the whole point of an intern-ship is working face to face with people and companies… network-ing with them. I don’t believe the idea of a virtual internship is use-ful or has many advantages.”

out to his students. He often brings gadgets to class, attends student’s funerals and weddings and has a television show on MDC TV called Library Matters to promote the li-brary. He even makes up rap songs to use on air.

In addition, he hosts a book club at The Advisory Council of Liberty City Youth, down the street from the Meek Center. The book club is possible because of a grant from the American Library Association. Karantsalis reads a book to a group of 35 kids from the Juvenile Deten-tion Facility the last Wednesday of every month.

“I’m a librarian and that’s what I’m about, access to information,” Karantsalis said. “It’s one thing to teach and it’s another thing to roll up your sleeves and do it. Students can see that difference.”

Although diagnosed with multi-ple sclerosis disorder in 2002, which affects vision and the ability to walk and speak properly, Karantsalis has remained strong.

“Look, being a librarian just fires me up, it makes me feel alive, and when I get up, I can’t wait to get to work,” Karantsalis said. “There aren’t too many jobs like that.”

He has written for publications such as The National Herald, Mul-

URBAN INTERNS

By Anna [email protected]

By Julie [email protected]

Using a personal touch, librarian advocates for First Amendment rights.

Website designed to help students find internships and part-time jobs all while in the comfort of your own home.

InterAmerican Campus will offer a new Basic Reporting course taught by Miami Herald reporter Trenton Daniel.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

tiple Sclerosis Foundation, The Miami Herald and the River Cities Gazette.

Karantsalis, 49, has also rep-resented himself as a plaintiff in several lawsuits against the City of Miami Springs, the Department of Defense and the United States De-partment of Justice. He is currently involved in an appellate court case, with assistance from The Report-ers Committee for Freedom of the Press, to allow federal mug shots to be shown to the public.

“Access to government informa-tion is a fundamental and tradition-al tenet of a democratic society – it is our government, after all – and we have a right to know what our gov-ernment is doing, and how and why. As a government watchdog, Theo does each and every member of the public a tremendous service,” said Florida First Amendment Founda-tion President Barbara Petersen.

At the moment, he sends books to former students who are now in jail. Sometimes he even sends them homework, grades it and sends it back to them.

Liberty City activist Renita “Big-gie Mama” Holmes believes Karant-salis is a difference-maker.

“ He’s god-sent,” Holmes said. Veteran Miami Herald reporter

Trenton Daniel will be teaching journalism at Miami Dade Col-lege’s InterAmerican Campus this summer.

Daniel will be teaching Basic Reporting (JOU 1100). The 12-week course, which is scheduled to start on May 9, has never been taught at the InterAmerican Campus.

“The goal is for students to learn from one another as much as I learn from them,” Daniel said via email. “I hope we can have an open conversation about the profession of journalism— the rewards and challenges, its importance, short-comings and future.”

Daniel, a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Journalism, began working at The Miami Her-ald in 2000. He currently works with a team of reporters covering Haiti. He previously worked for Re-uters News Service reporting from countries like Iraq and Nigeria.

The InterAmerican Campus is attempting to grow its journalism program.

This spring, the campus offered its first journalism course—Intro to Journalism.

“Miami is one of the best cities

Seasoned Reporter To Teach New Course

Group Aims To Support Veterans

for news,” said Michaela Tomova, the department chair of Commu-nications, Arts and Philosophy De-partment at Miami Dade College’s InterAmerican. “We hope that this program will grow with it.”

Daniel said he is eager to pass a long his ex per ience. He has wanted to teach journalism for a long time.

“In college, I tutored high school students in a creative writing pro-gram,” Daniel said.“I enjoyed the experience because it was an op-portunity for students and profes-sors to introduce, shape and refine ideas in a collegial setting. I hope we can do the same in the MDC journalism course.”

INTERAMERICAN JOURNALISM COURSE

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS

By Monica [email protected]

COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

North Campus ex-military students form a new group aimed toward benefiting veterans.

For more information:WWW.URBANINTERNS.COM

Military veterans have sacrificed a lot for their country throughout the years. A new group—the Military Student Organization—was created to assure that their sacrifice is re-warded and their voice is heard.

The group, started last August, is open to veterans from every branch of the military.

There are currently about 15 ac-tive members on North Campus, but about 30 to 40 veterans have attend-ed meetings, according to Danay Montes de Oca Hasmi, intervention specialist and adviser to the group.

“[The MSO] is a very unique group because of the vast experience we

bring from where we’ve been and what we’ve done,” Hasmi said.

The group’s mission is to promote awareness and service to military students and their families.

They aim to accomplish their goals by creating a network of sup-port at the college.

“We will advocate for those veter-ans who feel they don’t have a voice and provide them with the means to facilitate change,” said Priscilla Vasquez, president of the MSO.

Hasmi, a 17 year veteran of the Army Reserve, says there is a major need for the groups services, noting that North Campus has about 350 vets currently receiving VA benefits.

The group is fighting for more space to conduct their business. They currently have a petition cir-culating aimed at creating their own office at North Campus.

“Right now were shoved into the registration office. We want our own

space; I don’t see why we don’t have it,” Vasquez said.

Hasmi attributes this lack of of-fice space to the low number of vets previously enrolled at the college, but notes that the number of vets is increasing.

“Since the inception of the post 9/11 GI bill, and all of its benefits, we have seen a surplus of veterans coming back to school or coming to school for the first time,” Hasmi said.

While North Campus was the first to implement such a group. Home-stead and Wolfson campuses are following suit.

Linda Saumell, director of the Academic Support Center at Wolf-son Campus wants to make MDC as vet-friendly as possible.

“Our hope is that this will give vet-erans and current military students a way to connect with and support each other,” Saumell said.

By Mark [email protected]

Page 8: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

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Page 9: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER NEWSFEB. 14, 2011 // 9

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

//

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUNIA RICHEMOND

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Gone Too Soon: The family of Miami Dade College student Tyron Richemond is mourning his death after he was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Feb. 1.

Full Extent: Esquilo Preto (Right) performs a high kick—for demonstration—on Capoeira Luanda student Morgan Armstrong. Preto’s students are of all ages, ethnicity and genders.

Up In The Air: Esquilo Preto (Right) can perform complicated moves even though he is sometimes limited by a knee injury.

ANDREA ORELLANA / THE REPORTER

Playing It Off: Esquilo Preto, 34, watches the students of his group Capoeira Luanda spar or “play” amongst themselves. Preto is forced to take breaks during class due to the adverse effects of knee surgery.

Student’s Life Ends With Tragic Accident Near North Campus

TRAGEDY AT NORTH CAMPUS

$90,000.His arraignment is scheduled

for Feb. 22 at the Richard E. Ger-stein Justice Building, according to the Law Offices of Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez.

Charles Williams, 55, who was also hit during the incident, sur-vived. He was transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Williams is in critical but stable condition in the neurological inten-sive care unit.

Richemond was one of six sib-lings. Richemond was a computer art animation major at the North Campus.

“We always joked about how far we would get in life. He liked to draw and I like computers. He wanted to do something with his talent,” said his best friend, Windy Bienaime. “Tyron never liked dra-ma, never liked negative stuff. He always wanted to help people. If someone needed help in a subject, he would help them. He was a good

person; quiet, but good. ”Former MDC graphic design

professor El io A r teaga taught Richemond for three courses.

“He was a great, emerging stu-dent. I always tried to bring the best out of him,” Arteaga said. “There was this one piece I particularly remember that he did in my class. It was an animation piece on his favorite rap artist, it was good. He got an A minus. Tyron spoke the bare minimum and said what was absolutely necessary. He always challenged himself.”

Richemond also attended the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Ed-ucation Center, an outreach center for the North Campus.

Librarian Theo Karantsalis, said Richemond would spend countless hours at the library.

“One of my best students, he was an everyday visitor. He always stood at the reference desk with eager questions. Anyone can see he was 100 percent focused. Unlike other students, he was reserved,” Karantsalis said. “When he first walked in I asked him ‘what’s your

passion? Because here you have a mission. I’ll never forget it, he re-plied, ‘to be in a better position to provide for my family.’”

Junia Richemond said her broth-er used his financial aid money to buy groceries for the family.

“He didn’t work, so with his fi-nancial aid he would help,” she said.

Richemond’s 5-year-old niece Sinaya Stivil said she will miss his youthful spirit.

“I’m going to miss him playing Wii with me. I would win all the time,” Stivil said. “He was very funny, he made me laugh.”

Richemond’s funeral was held on Feb. 12 at Southern Memorial Park.

“This is not fair. My son was good. He’s my best friend. He al-ways told me, ‘Dad you and me, you and me together, cause girls don’t last’,” said Tyron Richemond’s father, Samuel Vincent . “Now he can’t keep his promise. He’s dead. He was so respectful, pure. He al-ways told me: ‘I want to be at the top, dad. At the top.’ And I always knew he would be. He’s at the top.”

FROM STUDENT DEATH, FRONT

Renowned Capoeira Instructor Attending Kendall Campus

ODD JOBS SERIES

Preto, 34, a native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, teaches the art of Capoeira and has been practicing the sport for more than half his life.

Originating in Brazil in the 16th century as a survival technique used by slaves, Capoeira—a mix of dancing and martial art—has always been a part of Preto’s life.

The sport’s influence around the world has been steadily rising and is widely regarded as an active ex-porter of Brazilian culture.

“We were doing a demonstra-tion in San Antonio...People would come up to us and say ‘You’re all Brazilian,’ but I was the only [Bra-zilian] one in the demonstration,” Preto said. “I spread my culture to

my group around me and we took each other in.”

Preto, a physical therapy major at Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus, believes that a higher education is key to spreading his art form. As a Capoeirista, it seems only natural that Preto would be-come a physical therapy major.

He has been practicing Capoeira for 18 years and he believes it saved his life.

“Most of my friends were drink-ing, doing drugs, doing wrong things; [Capoeira] kept us out of trouble. It gives us a perspective of moving on and doing better,” said Preto. “The ones that didn’t follow through are either dead or have a rougher life.”

A member of the group Capoei-

FROM CAPOEIRA, FRONT ra Luanda, Preto’s impact on the community is not limited to his inner circle.

“It’s very cool what they do because they travel everywhere and always put Capoeira before everything else,” said Christo-pher Caballero, 19, a student at Kendall Campus and member of Capoeira Berimbau, a separate South Florida group.

“They’re trying to make sure everyone learns and experiences the art,” Caballero said.

Preto hopes Capoeira can keep growing and developing around the world.

“I think I’m ver y fortunate with the life I’ve had,” Preto said. “We’d live in a better world if ev-eryone did Capoeira.”

Page 10: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTERJAN. 17, 2011 FEB. 14, 2011 //////10

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

The play Dog Sees God: Confes-sions of A Teenage Blockhead will be presented at Kendall campus in the Studio Theater, 11011 SW 104 St., Room M113. The show takes place Feb. 17-18, 22-26 at 8 p.m., with a special final performance Feb. 27 at 2:00 p.m. The production is an un-authorized parody which follows up on Charlie Brown and the gang from the Peanuts comic strip as they age to become young adults.

Drug use, suicide and sexual iden-tity are among the themes presented in the play. Because of the edginess of the subject matter involved, audi-ence members must be 16 or older to attend.

The Miami International Film Festival is back. The event, in its 28th year, will showcase 100 films from around the world.

Students will have an opportu-nity to get a free pair of tickets for up to four movies at the festival. In-terested students must order their tickets online before Feb. 25.

After placing the order, the stu-dent must pick up the tickets at their respective Student Life office within two days equipped with their confirmation number, MDC ID and a valid schedule.

Feb. 17–27: Kendall Campus To Present Dog Sees God

March 4–13: Free MIFF Tickets For MDC Students

—Alexandra Dalpe

—Mark Pulaski

For more information, call: T (305) 237-2282

Upcoming Events

Misfire: Only true Statham fans will be pleased leaving the theater after watching The Mechanic.

The Mechanic—Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Tony Goldwyn—1 hour,40 min—Rated R

2 out of 5

The Mechanic is another flop of a Hollywood remake. Jason Statham stars in the film as Arthur Bishop—previously played by Charles Bron-son in the original 1972 version— who disguises his assassinations as natural deaths, enabling him to walk away undetected.

After killing his dear, old friend Henry McKenna (Donald Suther-land) as part of his latest assignment, Bishop is approached by McKenna’s blissfully ignorant son, Steve McK-enna (Ben Foster), who has no idea that he is truly his father’s assassin. McKenna asks Bishop to teach him all he knows about being an as-sassin—or “mechanic”—and after some reluctance, Bishop agrees.

Like the rest of his movie roles, Jason Statham plays an emotionally detached brute who makes it hard

to have sympathy for. However, Sta-tham’s fans will be pleased to see him kick butt, run from explosions and sleep with women in pointless sex scenes.

The real star of The Mechanic is Foster. He vividly brings his char-acter to life by acting out his pursuit of brutal, unclean killings based on suppressed vengeance. Despite this, the viewer can sympathize because he is grieving after his father’s death.

On their assignments, Bishop and McKenna encounter very interest-ing characters such as a spiritual preacher addicted to ketamine and a seven-foot gay man with a weak-ness for Chihuahuas.

Despite the film’s top-notch ef-fects and combat scenes, the plot is catastrophic. None of the characters find spiritual closure and instead deal with their problems through cold-blooded killing. In the end, the viewer may feel that Bishop and McKenna’s journey together was all for nothing. The Mechanic is an ac-tion flick, but there wont be many satisfied people walking out of the theater when the credits roll.

THE MECHANIC: FILM REVIEW

Statham Movie Needs More Time In The Shop

Jason Statham and Ben Foster are a pair of cold-blooded killers in new action flick.

By J.C. [email protected]

Biutiful—Javier Bardem, Maricel Álvarez—2 hours 27 min—Rated R

4.5 out of 5

Biutiful is the latest film directed by Mexican-born director Alejandro González Iñárritu. After the suc-cess of Amores Perros, Babel and 21 Grams, he delivers a tale that vividly depicts human misery. After watch-ing Biutiful and taking time to digest the images and reorganize the emo-tions, only the feeling of pain is left.

The film portrays the life of Ux-bal—played by Academy Award-winning Spanish actor, Javier Bar-dem—a man who roams the streets of Barcelona carrying a backpack

full of suffering. He makes a living by being part of the vicious cycle that immigrants live through in this part of the world. Uxbal’s life is surrounded by death; this idea pre-vails throughout the film. With the impossibly tragic lifestyle he leads and deadly circumstances he faces, Uxbal struggles to stay alive.

The director makes a point of fo-cusing on all of the disgusting and macabre aspects of reality. The hell-ish setting—in this case Barcelona—is a filthy and corrupt place that serves as an abyss for all of the char-acters. They appear to deteriorate as the film progresses, as hope seems to get lost in between the grief.

A positive aspect of the film is Bar-dem’s brilliant portrayal of Uxbal. He truly transforms into a tragic man who struggles between the duality of the destructive results of his ac-tions and his kindhearted essence. Despite the fact that the camera is almost always in Bardem’s face, the supporting cast truly embraces the film’s harshness.

The audience is attacked with explicit images, which can be hard

BIUTIFUL: FILM REVIEW

Sex, Drugs, Barcelonato assimilate. At times, the director goes beyond the limits of crude re-ality and presents scenes that evoke disgust, even sickness.

He does however, challenge the audience’s emotions toward a bigger purpose. By showing the absolute worst reality possible, the few hints of innocence and beauty that stand out demonstrate the hope and virtue that defeats calamity.

At the end, Biutiful is everything except beautiful. It evokes all those feelings that we choose to leave in the margins of our days. Perhaps it’s not a pleasant movie to the senses, but it is one we should all watch. Something has to remind us of re-ality, point out the injustices of the world and present the grand miracle of being alive. Isn’t that exactly what the art of film-making is?

COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES

COURTESY OF CBS FILMS

Breakthrough: Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem plays the anguished Uxbal beautifully.

Explicit images line the hellish abyss created within Biutiful.

By Laura [email protected]

For more information:MIAMIFILMFESTIVAL.COM

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Page 11: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER A&EFEB. 14, 2011 //// 11

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

// A&EMark Pulaski, A&E Editor (305) 237-1254 [email protected]// //

OscarPreviewsFilm lovers from all across

the globe can rejoice; the Academy Awards nominations have been announced. Anne Hathaway and James Franco will host the 83rd annual Academy Awards Feb. 27, 2011 on ABC.

An Academy Award is the high-est recognition that can be given to directors, actors and writers for making outstanding progress in their work and pushing the boundaries of creative expression in cinematic art.

This year’s Oscars will be one of t he toughest compet it ions

the American Academy of Mo-tion Picture Arts and Sciences has had to decide in the last decade. Here are the most popular categories and our predictions.

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Actor In A Leading Role

Javier Bardem.....................BiutifulJeff Bridges.......................True GritJesse Eisenberg..The Social NetworkColin Firth...........The King's SpeechJames Franco...................127 Hours

Colin Firth—The King's Speech If there is any competitor in this category that Firth should be worried about, it should be Bar-dem in Biutiful. An exceptional performance from Bardem might knock Firth right out of the spotlight, even though Firth took home the Golden Globe for his portrayal of King George in The King’s Speech.

SPECIAL REPORT // THE 83rd ACADEMY AWARDS PREVIEW

TEXT: JESSICA MEDINA DESIGN: LAZARO GAMIOALL IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE PARTIES

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Actor In A Supporting Role

Christian Bale—The Fighter All signs point to Christian Bale taking home his first—but certainly not his last—Academy Award. Far ahead of the com-petition, Bale might have given one of the most unforgettable performances in cinematic his-tory. Another front-runner in this category is the ever con-sistent Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush, but it is highly unlikely that he can overshadow Bale this year, even with his f lawless performance in The King’s Speech.

Christian Bale................The Fighter John Hawkes.............Winter's Bone Jeremy Renner.................The TownMark Ruffalo...The Kids Are All RightGeoffrey Rush.....The King's Speech

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Actress In A Supporting Role

Melissa Leo—The Fighter Taking home her first Golden Globe for her performance in The Fighter, Melissa Leo is up for her second Academy nomina-tion. This is practically a steal for Leo, as her performance was unparalleled compared to the other actresses nominated. It would be an upset to the entire cinematic community if Leo does not take home the Oscar.

Amy Adams...................The Fighter Melissa Leo...................The Fighter Hailee Steinfeld.................True Grit Jacki Weaver.......Animal Kingdom Helena Bonham Carter .....................The King’s Speech

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Cinematography

The King’s Speech —Danny CohenCinematography entails the lighting and camera working together to produce and evoke certain emotions from the audi-ence when editing a scene. Be-cause its striking visuals cannto be easily forgotten, The King’s Speech is the top contender. However, The Social Network is very close behind. The two films are neck and neck in this category.

Black Swan......Matthew LibatiqueInception.....................Wally PfisterThe King's Speech.....Danny CohenThe Social Network..Jeff CronenwethTrue Grit..................Roger Deakins

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Animated Feature Film

Toy Story 3 —Lee UnkrichThis is a no-brainer. Toy Story 3 is also nominated for Best Picture—unlike the other two nominees—a definite indicator of who has the upper hand to win the Oscar.

How to Train Your Dragon .................Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois The Illusionist .......Sylvain ChometToy Story 3..................Lee Unkrich

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Directing

David Fincher—The Social Network The Golden Globe win of David Fincher would indicate he is the likely candidate to take home the Oscar. However, it would not be surprising if others such as Darren Aronofsky or Tom Hoop-er sneak up and steal it away.

Darren Aronofsky..........Black SwanDavid O. Russell............,The Fighter Tom Hooper.........The King's Speech David Fincher...The Social Network Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.........True Grit

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Documentary Feature

Restrepo —Tim Hetherington, Sebastian JungerA moving documentary about the war in Afghanistan is always a crowd tear-jerker, and more than likely Oscar worthy. Other critics claim that Exit Through the Gift Shop is also likely to swipe the Oscar from Restrepo.

Exit Through the Gift Shop................Banksy, Jaimie D'CruzGasland.......Josh Fox, Trish AdlesicInside Job........................................Charles Ferguson, Audrey MarrsRestrepo...........................................Tim Hetherington, Sebastian JungerWaste Land.......................................Lucy Walker, Angus Aynsley

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Foreign Language Film

Biutiful—MexicoAn elaborate and powerful art-house film by three-time Oscar nominee Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu. Biutiful is an exempla-ry film with its content, message and creativity. The only other fierce competitor for this award is In a Better World, as it won a Golden Globe in this category.

Biutiful.................................MexicoDogtooth...............................GreeceIn a Better World................DenmarkIncendies.............................CanadaOutside the Law....................Algeria

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Best Picture

The King’s SpeechWith producers, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, leading the way with 12 Oscar nominations and 14 British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominations, it would be naive to think this prime example of cinematic perfection would not win Best Picture. Although The Social Network did win the Golden Globe in this category, it seems only evident The King’s Speech will take home the Oscar, as no other film is nominated for almost every single category.

Black Swan...Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver, Scott FranklinThe Fighter.........David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Mark WahlbergInception................Emma Thomas, Christopher NolanThe Kids Are All Right...Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, Celine RattrayThe King's Speech...Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin

COURTESY OF THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

Royal Treatment: Leading the charge with 12 nominations, The King’s Speech is the favorite to win Best Picture.

127 Hours...........Christian Colson, Danny Boyle, John SmithsonThe Social Network.......Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca, Ceán ChaffinToy Story 3.......Darla K. AndersonTrue Grit..........Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen, Joel CoenWinter's Bone..........Anne Rosellini Alix Madigan-Yorkin

NOMINEES

PREDICTION

Actress In A Leading Role

Natalie Portman—Black SwanThere is no denying that Natalie Portman is steadily climbing toward the zenith of her career, especially after her Golden Globe win as Nina Sayers in Black Swan. It would be a great surprise if she does not take home the Oscar this year. But worthy contenders such as Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman and four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening are right at her heels.

Annette Bening.The Kids Are All Right Nicole Kidman..............Rabbit Hole Jennifer Lawrence.....Winter's Bone Natalie Portman............Black Swan Michelle Williams.....Blue Valentine

COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT

War Story: Restrepo follows a platoon of soldiers as they trek through the most dangerous valley in Afghanistan.

Play Time: Tim Allen reprises his role as Buzz in Toy Story 3.

Natalie Portman in Black Swan.

COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY PICTURES

Page 12: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER SPORTSFEB. 14, 2011 ////// 12

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

By Maloha Acevedo [email protected]

Once players, now coaches, Simone Miyahira and Simone Suetsugu are returning to help the Miami Dade College women’s softball team defend their nation-al title.

The Brazilian natives were part of the Lady Sharks 2010 national championship team. They are back this season as student assis-tant coaches.

“I wanted them to share their experiences with our new team from their coaching perspective,” Head Coach Carlos Caro said.

Suetsugu and Miyahira help with office paperwork, weight training sessions and supervise the team’s study hall sessions.

On the field, Suetsugu contrib-utes on the defensive side of the game. She is responsible for the physical preparation of the team and sending signals to the pitch-ers and catchers. Miyahira helps with pitching techniques and also keeps team statistics.

Infielder Kristen Exposito, a for-mer teammate, said Suetsugu and Miyahira relate to them well be-cause of their experience as players.

“I’m super proud of them, I think they deserve it; both are great coaches,” Exposito said. “Su-etsugu works with our ground ball skills and warm-ups, Miyahira helps us with our hitting.”

Having played with some of the

From The Field To The BenchMDC SOFTBALL

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PREPARE TODAY TO LEAD FOR A LIFETIME.

current players on the team such as Exposito, center fielder Stepha-nie Buendia and outfielder Ve-ronika Fukunishi has been a chal-lenge because most of the team sees them as players. However, once the season started, they had to adapt and respect them as coaches.

“Sometimes when I head out to the field, I feel like I am going to practice just like I used to,” Miya-hira said.

Another reason the former play-ers were added to the staff was due to their graduation status. Faced with a language barrier and Eng-

Two former Miami Dade College women’s softball players are now part of the coaching staff.

lish for Speakers of Other Lan-guages classes, the setback led to a late graduation.

Miyahira and Suetsugu were offered student assistant coaching positions. In return, their classes are paid for.

After graduation, Suetsugu plans to play two years at the University of Tennessee with the hopes of becoming a coach again in the future. Miyahira plans to return to Brazil with hopes of ex-tending her career there.

“I’m used to being a part of a team, rather than helping guide one,” Miyahira said.

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Coveted Coaches: Former MDC Lady Shark’s Softball players Simone Suetsugu (left) and Simone Miyahira (right) are bringing their playing experience to MDC.

Play Ball: Miami Dade Sharks Infielder Todd Juliano hits a fly ball during the 3rd inning of the Sharks 8-5 win against St. Thomas JV on Feb 3 and are off to 7-1 start to the season. The Sharks played their second home game of the season and play their next game, against St. Thomas JV, on Feb 16, at Kendall Campus.

Starting The Season Off On The Right Note

Page 13: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER SPORTSFEB. 14, 2011 ////// 13

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

// SPORTSHector Gonzalez, Sports Editor (305) 237-1254 [email protected]// //

Miami Dade College women’s basketball team making a push at a Southern Conference title.

By Jessica [email protected]

By Hector [email protected]

With only two games left in the regular season, the Miami Dade College women’s basket-ball team is fighting to secure the top spot in the Southern Conference.

The Lady Sharks (9-13 overall and 4-2 in conference play) have been working to improve their defense, rebounding and pass-ing in order to reduce turnovers.

“It’s been a bumpy road,” said sophomore point guard, Melanie Ducott. “We started off strong and we played against tougher teams in the beginning. Now that we’re in our conference, we’re not playing well as we should be. Despite that, I feel we’re going to win our confer-ence.”

Associate Coach Erica Red-man believes that there is one thing missing that can help the team achieve their ultimate goal.

“Basically they need to com-municate more on the court. Sometimes they mix signals out

Miami Dade College men’s baseball continues to have con-nections to the Major Leagues.

First baseman Ozney Guillen, 19, is the son of Chicago White Sox’s manager, Ozzie Guillen.

The power-hitting infielder re-buffed a scholarship offer to the University of South Florida to play at MDC after being drafted in 21st round (668 overall) of the 2010 Major League Baseball amateur draft.

“The offer wasn’t right,” said Ozney Guillen, a 6-foot-3, 215 pound freshman. “I spoke to my high school coach and Carlos Marti who is the New York Yan-kee’s area scout and they gave me the advice of going to MDC in-stead.”

Ozney Guillen, has always had baseball in his veins, according to his high school coach at Mon-signor Edward Pace Senior High School—Thomas Duffin. He was named to The Miami Herald’s All

Rising Lady SharksAre Bouncing Back

there and that creates miscom-munication,” Redman said.

Leading the charge for the Lady Sharks has been sopho-more center/forward Ashley Wilkes who is averaging 21 points per game and is ranked first in individual scoring by the Florida Community College Athletic Association. Wilkes was honored as the Player of the Week (January 25-31) by the FC-CAA.

“She’s been a leader and has been working hard on the court playing toward her strengths. Wilkes is an all-around athlete, strong on the boards, and an ex-cellent shooter,” Redman said.

Despite the personal success, Wilkes is not content.

“We still have a lot of work to do, as far as playing down the stretch. We’re really trying to make a run at states,” Wilkes said.

Redman is confident in the team’s potential.

“We still have a good shot at being the Southern Conference champions,” Redman said. “You always hope as your season pro-gresses, that your athletes perform well and right now, that’s what’s happening.”

Women's Basketball————————————————————01/15-02/19 FCCAA Southern Conference Gamesvs St. Petersburg College @ St. Petersburg, Fla., 76-88 lost vs Brevard Community College, 64-59 winvs Indian River State College @ Fort Pierce, Fla., 72-69 lostvs Broward College @ Davie, Fla., 83-81 wonvs St.Petersburg College, 76-69 won

Men's Basketball————————————————————01/15-02/02 FCCAA Southern Conference Gamesvs Palm Beach State College @ Lake Worth, Fla.vs Brevard Community College @ Titusville, Fla.vs Broward College @ Davie, Fla.vs Brevard Community College

Women's Softball————————————————————02/12 State College of Florida Tournament @ Brandenton, Fla.02/13 St. Petersburg State College @ Clearwater, Fla.02/18 Georgia Perimeter Invitational @ Covington, Ga.vs Spartanburg College, North Carolinavs Georgia Perimeter College, Georgia

Men's Baseball————————————————————02/13 South Florida College @ Avon Park, Fla.02/15 St.Thomas @ St.Thomas02/16 St. Thomas JV02/19 Double/Header Seminole State College of Florida @ Sanford, Fla. 02/23 Northwood JV

Women's Basketball————————————————————01/15-02/19 FCCAA Southern Conference Gamesvs Palm Beach State Collegevs Brevard Community College @ Melbourne, Fla.vs Indian River State College

Men's Basketball————————————————————01/15-02/02 FCCAA Southern Conference Gamesvs Broward College @ Davie, Fla., 68-65 won vs Indian River State College, 84-65 wonvs Palm Beach State College @ Lake Worth, Fla., 54-69 lostvs Brevard Community College, 84-85 lostvs Indian River State College @ Fort Pierce, Fla.,61-59 winvs Broward College, 83-68 wonvs Palm Beach State College, 97-85 wonvs Pasco-Hernando C.C. @ New Port Richey, Fla., 76-60 wonvs Indian River State College, 94-70 won

Scoreboard

Schedule

MDC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: 9-13, as of 02/10/2011

4-2 in Southern ConferenceScores are current up to date of production

WOMEN'S SOFTBALL: 3-4, as of 02/10/2011

Scores are current up to date of production

MEN'S BASEBALL: 7-1, as of 02/10/2011

Scores are current up to date of production

MDC MEN'S BASKETBALL: 19-8, as of 02/10/2011

6-3 in Southern ConferenceScores are current up to date of production

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASEBALL

Dade-County team, “He grew up watching base-

ball, which is more important than having tools, a lot of the little things in baseball that you have to teach, he already knows,” said Ozzie Guillen during a phone in-terview.

As a youngster, Ozney traveled back and forth during weekends to watch his father manage the White Sox. He eventually be-friended professional baseball players like center fielder Andruw Jones, and Detroit Tigers first baseman/third baseman Miguel Cabrera.

“They would take care of me when my parents would go out. Jones looked after me,” Ozney Guillen said. “Whenever I needed something like batting gloves they [would] send it to me.”

Being the son of such an outspo-ken manager has its price tag.

“It carries a burden, some peo-ple expect things from me, as if I am supposed to know everything and do well just because I am Ozzie Guillen’s son,” Ozney Guil-len said.

Ozzie Guillen, who has been the manager of the White Sox since 2004, and who won a World Series with them in 2005, agrees.

Ozney Guillen, son of Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen is playing baseball for Miami Dade College.

“People thought I was going to put my nose in the practices and games, but I stayed away to re-spect him and his coaches,” Ozzie Guillen said. “ I would show up to the games as a parent.”

Ozney’s teammates at MDC don’t seem fazed because he is the son of a star, and neither does his Head Coach, Danny Price.

“Presently he is fighting for a job,” Price said. “We are very for-tunate to have some good players on our team and Ozney Guillen is one of them.”

Freshmen shortstop Jorge Vega-Rosado described Ozney Guillen as a normal guy.

“He’s a good teammate, does what he has to do,” Vega-Rosado said. “He’s brings another power hitter to our team. We joke around with him asking [him] who his dad is?”

But Ozney Guillen said he is not living under his father’s shadow.

He does, however, hope to make it to the Major Leagues like his dad.

“My son is very quiet, humble and respectful, which is some-thing I’ve passed on to him,” Ozzie Guillen said. “He is his own type of player.”

Like Father, Like SonMen’s Basketball Head Coach Matt Eisele, on men’s basket-ball Southern Conference play.

“We are right there, the kids are working hard. I am very pleased with their efforts.”

EISELE

Women’s Softball————————————————————01/29-01/30 NJCAA Kick off Tournament, Clearwater, Fla.vs Gulf Coast Community College, 0-7 lostvs Seminole State College of Florida, 9-8 wonvs Stanley Community College of North Carolina,14-2 wonvs Polk State College, 5-2 won

02/5-02/6 Triple Crown Sports Tournament, St. Augustine, Fla.vs Florida State College at Jacksonville, 3-5 lost vs Tallahassee Community College, 3-4 lostv Hillsborough Community College, 2-3 lost

Men’s Baseball————————————————————01/29 St. Petersburg Tournament, St. Petersburg, Fla.vs Calhoun Community College, 7-3 wonvs Chipola College, 6-3 won01/30 State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, 2-0 won01/30 St. Petersburg College, 22-9 won02/04 College of Central Florida, 11-12, lost 02/06 Double Header vs Lake Sumter Community CollegeGame 1: 3-0 won—Game 2: 9-0 won02/09 St. Thomas JV, 9-5 won

GREGORY CASTILLO / THE REPORTER

Hit Man: MDC Sharks First Baseman Ozney Guillen hits an RBI single during the 3rd inning of the Sharks 8-5 win over St. Thomas JV. Guillen, 19, is fighting for a job on a talented Sharks team.

Page 14: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTERFORUM FEB. 14, 2011////14

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Social Work

The Decline Of Cinema

There is a great change facing the movie industry. Late last October, legendary director Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather) admitted on Bloomberg.com: “The cinema, as we know it, is falling apart.”

He described the attempts at sur-vival by film-makers as “basically trying to make ‘Star Wars’ over and over again, because it’s a business.”

I blame Flava Flav. The success of Flav’s resurgence

into mainstream media convinced movie directors and TV executives that a revival of the past was a good

—Rafael Tur

idea; a concept that, in many fields of work usually means you’re des-perate.

The re-telling of history is a fun-damental practice, but writers and directors are becoming too reliant on re-interpreting history and re-making already-classic films. Like-wise, Hollywood has also decided to shove 3-D down our throats, thereby slowly morphing the average theatre experience for all.

Product (RED), a company found-ed by U2’s Bono and Santa Monica’s councilman, Bobby Shriver, is mak-ing a killing. Partnered with famous names such as Hallmark, Dell, Mi-crosoft, Nike, Apple and even Gap, buying a scarf could help save a life? Partially, at least.

There is a lot to be said about this particular company.

It’s not very different from the Pink campaign for breast cancer in that there are multiple parties ben-efiting: not only charities, but stock-holders too.

Both cover many bases with dif-ferent products, but Product (RED) has been arguably more than se-

—Keith Gonzalez

The Exploitation Of Charity

cretive in how much the cause and corporate partners benefit. Note that Product (RED) “isn’t a charity; it’s a business model,” Tasmin Smith, the company’s president, says.

At least Rwanda has benefited from the company’s endeavor with $22 million from Product

(RED)’s consumers. There is still the question of whether or not they’re exploiting a pandemic for profit.

Simple: yes, they are. The old days of not-for-profit organizations are dead, it seems.

The Closing Of Guantanamo Bay

President Barack Obama has been trying to close Guantánamo Bay for almost a year now. He has encountered quite a few stumbling blocks, the biggest of which has Congress making it increasingly difficult for detainees to be brought into the U.S., even for trials.

Many Republicans have openly criticized the closing of the prison, fearing that the potentially danger-ous detainees will not assimilate themselves into the federal prison system. I tend to agree.

Guantánamo should be kept open.

—Rachel Rosenberg

Yes, the current conditions are bad and numerous people have been tortured there, but that’s no reason to shut down the founda-tion of an otherwise perfectly good prison.

It doesn’t need to be closed, it needs to be reformed: cut out the abuse and amp up the security. Just like Rikers Island’s “gay hous-ing” section was reformed when it had issues in 2005, Guantánamo needs the same treatment.

Ask AndreaAsk Andrea is an advice column run by Andrea Orellana, Forum editor for The Reporter. To submit a question, send a 250-word e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your full name for publication and a contact number where you may be reached. All content is subject to editing for clarity.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: All submissions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. Writers must include their full name, contact number, campus, student number, and e-mail address. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing for purposes of brevity and clarity. Letters can be sent via e-mail to [email protected], with the subject “letter to the editor.”

I can’t quite comprehend what all the fuss is about, this one seems simple to me.

Smoking on campus should be banned, period.

I mean there isn’t a discussion on whether alcohol should be le-

Vol. 1, Issue 6Jan. 17, 2011

"Thinking Of Kicking The Habit: Possible College-wide Smoking Ban"

gal on campus so why [do we need ] one on smoking?

Now I know many smokers say they’re not addicted and are self proclaimers of the age-old “I know it’s bad for me but I smoke because I want to smoke.”

I myself, being one of those non-addicted proclaimers don’t mind the ban and actually encourage it because it’s the people on the brink of addiction/enjoyment of ciga-rettes that are most vulnerable by the current smoking on campus.

They are the ones that have to fight off the temptation wherever they go already, and their col-lege campus should strive to be a safe haven from temptation every chance it gets.

And to my fellow smokers that are complaining about the ban, if you’re so addicted that you can’t go a few hours without smoking then that should be a clear enough sign for you to stop or at the very least cut back while in school.

-Sergio Cruz , business adminis-tration major, Wolfson Campus

Mailbox

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LAZARO GAMIO

Page 15: The Reporter, Vol. 1, Issue 8

THE REPORTER FORUMFEB. 14, 2011 ////// 15

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER

// FORUMAndrea Orellana, Forum Editor (305) 237-7657 [email protected]// //

Editorial Board Monique O. MadanEditor-in-Chief

Alexandra de ArmasNorth Campus Bureau Chief

Gregory CastilloKendall Campus Bureau Chief

Lazaro GamioWolfson Campus Bureau Chief

Monica SuarezBriefing Editor

Mark PulaskiA&E Editor

Hector GonzalezSports Editor

Andrea OrellanaForum Editor

Anna CarabeoMultimedia Editor

Art DepartmentLazaro GamioArt Director

Akeem BrunsonMultimedia Producer

Manuel PalouJunior Art Director

Issue StaffMaloha Acevedo, Melissa Adan, Anthony Anaya, Alexandra Dalpe, Jessica Ferralls, Keith Gonzalez, Vanessa Martinas, Roudy Mauricin, Akeem Mayers, Julie McConnell, Jessica Medina, Marvin Pineda, Jose Prado, Kirsten Rincon, Rachel Rosenberg, Crizalida Suero, Rafael Tur, J.C. Urbina, Laura Vargas, Julio Velezon, Kobi Yosef

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.

Letters to the EditorThe Reporter welcomes letters to the edi-tor. All submissions should be 300 words or less and must be typed. Writers must include their full name, contact number, campus, student number, and e-mail ad-dress. Faculty and staff should include the title, department, and extension. All letters are subject to editing for purposes of brevity and clarity. Letters can be sent via e-mail to [email protected], with the subject “letter to the editor.”

AdvertisingGregory [email protected](786) 237-8414

BureausNorth Campus Bureau11380 NW 27th Ave. Room 4209 Miami, FL 33167(305) 237-1254

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Manolo BarcoMedia [email protected](305) 237-1255(305) 237-2323(305) 237-3477

By Rafael [email protected]

Designer Coffee For Designer DopesSTARBUCKS COFFEE

“Do you mean Tall?” the female Starbucks cashier asks me on a Mon-day morning before school when I order a small coffee.

This is where it begins for those of us who don’t frequent Starbucks.

“We have Tall, Grande, and Ven-ti,” she continues. I take a breath and point like a Neanderthal at the smallest cup and grunt, “coffee.”

She forges my signature with a sharpie on the cup and I trade her two dollars for it. I turn around to exit and take a swig out of the cup.

“My god!” I express. There was no cream or sugar in the coffee.

The cashier assumed I liked black, harsh-tasting coffee, since I’m one of the ignorant, Marlboro Red-smok-ing cave people that still uses the ancient word: small.

I turn around and return to the counter to ask for some sweetener, but she has returned to her iPad.

“Excuse me,” I say loudly, soon realizing that my voice is no match for her iPod.

I try to use telepathy, but without an iPhone, I look like a complete lu-natic— and all before my Monday morning coffee.

I approach from the other side of the counter and knock on the glass startling her enough to make her look away from the iPad.

I ask for the sugar and she points toward the cream and sugar bar and asks: “Would you like some whip cream?”

“Whip cream!?”

How Starbucks forces customers to partake in a specialized language course just to be able to order coffee.

I turn toward the sweetener and walk away.

It was now an appropriate time to question if this young lady knew what coffee was. Had she ever no-ticed people drinking a boring,

dark, hot beverage without a straw or M&Ms? Had she ever served a cup of coffee without drawing her future tattoo on the side?

I exited quietly, never to come back or find out.

AKEEM MAYERS / THE REPORTER

By Andrea [email protected]

As Bad As Venereal Disease

VALENTINE’S DAY

Prep your switchblades, the time for tanking self-esteems and steadi-ly-increasing self-mutilation has arrived. The Walgreens near you is stocking their shelves with hot pink Trojans and couples all across the world will be asking each other the eternal question: “why do birds sud-denly appear when you are near?”

My guess is, they’re coming to warn us of the imminent genocide; victims of which are well-known to all of us. Come the 14th of this month, every single year our expec-tations are murdered in cold blood, death by reality.

There are too many expectations and too few people actually living up to them. And with good reason.

The modern girl’s biggest problem is that she grew up stuffing her face with Meg Ryan romantic comedies so by the time she’s old enough to accept the consequences of cooties, she has no real concept of what a real-life, non-Tom Hanks man acts like.

When a secret admirer doesn’t come out of the woodwork to sere-nade her on a balcony— she doesn’t have —or gift her Ghiradelli sweets, her hips won’t thank her for, she’ll blame herself and hate the wrath this “holiday” brings.

Of course it’s only a matter of time until she’s hyped-up about “love” and obsessed on where to find it again.

The modern man’s biggest prob-lem with this holiday is, that in most heterosexual scenarios, society re-quires him to empty his wallet and make a move lest he want to end up with a more old-fashioned form of company.

I rather celebrate Presidents’ Day.Occurring every third Monday in February, it asks for so little that peo-ple don’t even usually know when it is. The least we can do is not let the day be overshadowed by Valentine’s, the most played out combination of diabetes and heartbreak via millions of crudely cut construction paper hearts leaving billions dollars in the pockets of chocolate-makers.

And for those of you who don’t share quite as bleak an outlook: quit lying to yourself. That half-empty box of Russell Stover chocolates is not there to judge.

Happy Valentine’s Day and re-member, should you choose to cel-ebrate this ghastly excuse for a fes-tivity: use protection. It’s V-day not Venereal Disease.

As singles’ awareness day approaches, a chocolate drought becomes a real possiblity.

Send yourself flowers. That’s pathetic.1

Go out alone in public. Sharing a tub of popcorn with yourself in a movie theater while everyone else smooches or awkwardly makes a move on their sweetheart will just make you want to kill yourself.

2

Gift something unless you’re sure to be okay with the consequences. They may or may not like you; it’s a risk worth taking, but chances are you will be rejected. Yeah, you’ll probably be rejected.

3

Resort to dating family members. Incest is illegal. You’re not that desperate. (Let’s hope.)

4

Mope. Valentine’s Day is not real and it’s not important. Enjoy!

5

Don’ts For Those Without Valentines

TEXT BY ANDREA ORELLANA—ILLUSTRATION BY ANTHONY ANAYA

MomMom

5

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