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Volume 22, Number 6 November 5, 2007 Special Feature Debate Sports How you can help Global Warming The Red Socks our world Debate Continues Win It

Page 10-11 Page 16 Page 20

Pain in the pocket book Impasse Continues By Buzz Lamb Chair, Paul Tanner, conducted the he would back the proposal,” by Natalie Bobb students are the reason we’re here Staff Writer meeting in the absence of current Armstrong said. “There is one Staff Writer and we don’t want to cut back on chairperson Lourdes Garrido. other important thing that got put the number of classes or faculty,” When presented with the When Tanner introduced the into the legislation, something The Broward Community she added. opportunity to raise tuition up agenda Action Item regarding brand-new. College Board of Trustees According to Lorenzo to five percent per credit hour tuition, he had trouble spitting In order to get on a schedule has declared an impasse Harrison, member of the United was approved by the Florida out the word “increase.” “I can’t of sorts, rather than riding a in its contract negotia- Faculty of Florida BCC chapter Legislature, the members of the say the word,” he muttered as he financial roller coaster …there tions with the Broward negotiating team and professor BCC Board of Trustees who were motioned to the President to take was a provision added to the Community College chap- of Nuclear Medical Assisting at present at the October meeting over for him. bill which will index the tuition ter of the United Faculty of North Campus, in order to suc- grappled with the prospect of Last spring Gov. Christ fees relative to inflation or the Florida. cessfully run the college’s pro- requiring students to dig even vetoed a tuition hike that had consumer price index,” he said. BCC administration and the grams, the employees that run deeper into their wallets next been approved by the legislature. Armstrong said the provision is UFF, which represents full-time those programs need to be fairly semester. Armstrong said the governor significant because it would permit professors as well as librarians compensated. Two members of the five- related to the President’s Council community colleges which did and counselors, met 14 times “A first-year professor with a member board were absent his reluctance to raise tuition. not raise tuition to their allowed between April 12 and Sept. 17. Master’s degree gets paid $3,000 from the meeting leaving the “However, he made it clear that if capacity to increase tuition as Neither party has been able to less than a first-year high school three members in attendance we would commit to take a strong needed, without having to wait come to an agreement on major teacher that has a Bachelor’s de- the arduous task of deciding look at what we can do to help issues such as compensation and gree,” said Harrison. “If the first- ▪ board whether it is in the best interest students with financial aid needs continued on page 7 benefits. Other issues that remain year professor has a Bachelor’s of the college to raise the cost of unresolved are degree, the dif- tuition. faculty evalua- ference in salary BCC President, J. David tion, faculty pro- “We were very is $6,000,” he Armstrong Jr. advised the board fessional obliga- surprised added. that the legislature had also tion and profes- Harrison feels approved, in special session, a sional develop- after that in order for bill providing the state’s colleges ment days. negotiations the college not with non-recurring resources While em- to fall behind, to try to fill the gap created by ployees are began to learn it must make the budget cuts in addition to signed to 3-year that we had a adjustments to approving the tuition increase. contracts, each state budget its faculty sal- “The (College) President’s party can open ary schedule on Council met with the governor three issues per cut, said edna a yearly basis. last week in Tallahassee and we year during year- chun.” BCC adminis- had a very good conversation ly negotiations. tration proposed with him,” Armstrong said. Compensation a $1,000 base Board member and Vice and benefits are open for negotia- building salary increase for all tion on a yearly basis. full-time professors as well as According to Edna Chun, chief full-time non-instructional em- negotiator of BCC administra- ployees. A base building salary tion’s bargaining team and Vice increase is a permanent salary President of Human Resources adjustment that will be used in and Equity, this year’s negotia- calculating retirement salaries CostumeBy Jessica Beans social success tions were burdened by a decrease and future increases whereas a Central Bureau chief in state appropriation of funds. non-base building adjustment is a The 4 percent budget cut equals one-time-only adjustment. Some $3 million. faculty will also get an increase Students, friends, and even family showed up Oct. 26, for BCC’s Costume Social. The “When we had initially begun based on length of employment event was set on Tigertail Lake, right in front of Bass Outdoor World. Everyone came negotiations, we had certainly with BCC. dressed in their spookiest and ready to party. Throughout the night the rain made itself hoped to offer a much higher “This is not optimal, we agree, present, but it didn’t stop the monster mash. amount of money,” said Chun. but it is a very difficult budget This wasn’t your average Halloween shin-dig. As far as the costumes were con- “We were very surprised after year,” said Chun. cerned, the kids definitely gave the students a run for their money. Costumes of all kinds negotiations began to learn that According to Chun, the $1,000 could be found; particularly an aluminum robot that came equipped with a CD burner. we had a state budget cut,” she increase will especially help em- As people approached the social area, they were greeted by various faculty and S.G.A. added. ployees that are at the lower end members in costume. The hungry guests were lured in by the smells of tasty food on the Due to the budget cut, BCC’s of the salary scale because a per- grill. The barbeque, which was right on the water, was perfect for mingling. operating funds have been dimin- centage increase would in con- Then, of course, there was the haunted party lounge. Beetle Juice, the movie, was ished. As a result, the college has trast give employees who earn playing on a huge projection screen and with movie theatre style chairs lined up against made several adjustments, such lower amounts less money. the walls, which made the viewing extra special. Not to mention the ice cold air condi- as, raising the temperature in the Another major issue that BCC tioning that brought relief from the humidity outside. Strobe lights and black lights buildings and cutting back on ad- administration and the UFF can- gave the room that extra creepy touch. The hallway of the Tigertail Lake Center also ministrative cell phones. not agree on is the benefits pack had an array of ghoulish goodies, devilish desserts and drinks. If you weren’t “We’ve done a number of able to make it this year, mark it down on your calendar for next year. things to save money,” said Chun. “But we have not frozen hiring ▪ contract nor have we laid anyone off. The continued on page 7  The Observer August 13, 2007 november 5, 2007 Central The Observer 

ByGet John Wilson your paddles ready CalendarNovember of Events Staff Writer Other players of interest in In the second round, Saint the tournament included a for- Hilaire eliminated Riofrio. During Nov. 6 Evening Coffee House: The Lounge 6-8 p.m., On Oct. 25, 2007 in Building mer player of the Haitian national this match up, Riofrio held is own 19/ Activity Center of BCC’s soccer team and the proclaimed until Saint Hilaire paused the Bldg. 17/ Circle Central Campus a Ping-Pong tour- “King Kong of Ping Pong.” game to take off his shoes, his nament was held which became a The Soccer Player, Edward weights, and his warm up pants, Nov. 7 Jim Bob’s Chilli Cook-Out: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Bldg. spectacular display of table tennis Saint Hilaire, currently an ac- all to the amazement of the audi- 19/patio and grass area. toughness. The tournament was counting major and tutor in eco- ence, who would have never con- held from 12 p.m. to about 2:30 nomics. He started playing at 12 ceived the thought of this happen- p.m. and the winner’s prize was years old in school, he became ing at a time like this. Nov. 12 Toy for Tots Drive a digital camera. To play in the the high school champ for three The other notable match of the tournament, as in all other tour- years. The team that he formerly second round was with Achyut Nov. 16 Turkey Shoot Out Bldg. 10/ Gym naments sponsored by Student played soccer for is Don Bosco Mehta and Paul Perez. Of all the Programming, the participants De Petion-Ville. matches, this was the first one to Nov. 27 Evening Coffee House: The Lounge 6-8 p.m. had to pay a $2 fee and show “The King Kong of Ping go all the way to the third game, proof that they were students of Pong,” Ahmad Hamze, and he’s with Mehta finally succumbing to Bldg. 17/ Circle. BCC. The organizer of the event been playing for about 2 years. the court coverage by Perez. is Sal Lutwak, the Program Chair Recently, he was in a tournament In the third round, Perez defeat- Nov. 29 Madden Tournament. Noon to 4 p.m. Bldg. 19/ of Student Programming, and be- in Lebanon where he won the ed Saint Hilaire while Leonardo Central Park Cafe. sides Ping-Pong he does Madden, grand prize of $7,000 by defeat- Resende defeated the winner be- dominoes, and Billiards (Pool). ing all the Arab states, including a tween two late additions to the Before the tournament began, shutout of Syria, 3-0. tournament. With the final match December questions were asked as to who is With the tournament beginning between these two, as predicted expected to win it all, and although now, it attracted a sizable crowd by the onlookers and participants Dec. 4 Yoga, Dance classes, Games. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bldg. many spectators and participants of onlookers wanting to see feats in the beginning, the stage was set 19/ Patio/ Central Park Cafe. answered, two names came fre- of unparalleled skill; others want- for two at the apex of their skill quently: Leonardo Resende and ed to see something like Balls of sets. The ball was moving with Paul Perez. As far as practical ad- Fury. Each match was played as intensity, paddles connecting and Dec. 5 Cram Jam: 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Bldg. 19/ Patio/ Central vice and strategies for the games, best-of-three games, with play- releasing confident shots into the Park Cafe. Israel Labarca, a Pre-Med major, ers being swept quickly in the opponents’ side, and through it stated “play the corners, close to first round. In the first round, all, the winner of the tournament Dec. 6 Yoga, Dance classes, Games. 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. net, and if possible, effectively Hamze was eliminated by Saint was Leonardo Resende. All in all, Bldg. 19/ Patio/ Central Park Cafe. use spins.” Edwin Riofrio also Hilaire, Aikiah Barclay by Edwin the Ping Pong tournament was an said that one has to be “physically Riofrio, Totoni by Paul Perez, interesting event sponsored by and mentally focused” and that Peter Leyopold by Achyut Mehta, the Student Programming organi- the return of the serve is “heavily and Israel Labarca by Leonardo zation of BCC’s Central Campus. dependent on the wrist.” Tomasini.

Two students competing in the ping-pong tournament. photo by john wilson

Correction: For the Computer Club The Clubs advisor is Professor Dhanasar For more information on the Computer club E- mail [email protected] (954) 201-2907 The next meeting will be Nov.7 from 12:30 to 1:30 In Building 48 room 310.  The Observer south november 5, 2007 Your habits up in smoke Something’s cooking

By Kevin Rosenberg 1 out of every 5 deaths is tobacco Cuddihy confirmed that lung Staff Writer related. cancer kills more women than Tobacco related illnesses are breast, cervical and ovarian can- responsible for the deaths of cer combined. Dr. Daryl Miller’s honors 438,000 smokers and non-smok- To make it clear to everyone Biology class presented their ers every year. The effects of sec- at the workshop of how serious second annual Smoke Busters ond hand smoke on the health of the consumption of tobacco really Luncheon, an anti-smoking work- non-smokers are almost parallel is, Cuddihy stated “Tobacco is the shop, on Oct. 23 in the Southern to those who smoke. number one cause of preventable Breezeway located on the BCC During his speech, Cuddihy death in the United States.” South Campus. also gave the audience some bad Cuddihy suggests that the best Over 100 students and faculty news regarding smokers who try way to quit is to use products in- members attended the workshop. to quit their addiction “only 7 out tended to assist in the quitting of It began with a brief introduc- of 100 people that try to quit actu- tobacco, such as nicotine gum, tion by Pamela Chuy, a student in ally do.” patches, and prescription drugs. Miller’s honors Biology class. According to the ALA, the av- People who use these products Andre Cuddihy, the South erage age a person will start using are 30 percent more likely to quit From left to right: Rohan Myrie, Yovang Photo By John Wilson Florida area program director for tobacco is at the age of 11, seven than those who try to quit without Kamgopaonl,Scott Bunnenberg, Paula Rios, the American Lung Association years before the legal age for use any sort of support. and Frank Rios. (ALA), was the guest speaker for of this product. this event. Cuddihy, who has a master’s degree in Public Health, has been affiliated with the ALA for 15 years. He began his presentation with an introduction of the ALA and its contributions to society. The audience was then pre- sented with some stunning statis- tics regarding tobacco use and its devastating health effects. One of the most astonishing statistics provided by the ALA shows that 1 out of 2 smokers will die of a smoking related ill- ness. More information, provided Andre Cuddihy from the American Lung Association photo by hubert phanord from scientific studies, attest that speaks to students One of the cafeteria workers, Scott Bunnenberg. Photo By John Wilson november 5, 2007 North The Observer  Deca holds mini conference PTK makes By Davidson Taylor Leavelle and Will Alzamendi, organizers of the International Contributing Writer and third was taken by Johnson Career Development Conference & Wales’ Jewel Bateman and in Atlanta, April 12-15, are hop- many charitable Old friends and newcom- Courtney Ezell. ing to treat participants to a ers to Florida Delta Epsilon Chi Adding excitement to the race Georgia Institute of Technology came together for lots of fun and were Northwood’s Rick Gubitosi basketball game. contributions food at the 2007 state Fall Mini- and Brian Brackbill, who capsized BCC North Adviser and state Conference at Tigertail Park. their canoe early in the race, and Board Member Paul Ricker By Anthony Perrucci James Amato are lined up to serve BCC’s North Campus Chapter BCC North’s Lucianna Ladislau, thanked students and advisers for North Bureau Chief on a panel discussion. hosted the event on Oct. 21, a whose vessel flipped close to attending the mini-conference, “It’s about how ecology meets day that started out overcast but shore in the final moments of the explained various competitive Phi Theta Kappa, the economy, on a global and individ- steadily heated up events to new International Honor Society of the ual scale,” Gonzalez elaborated. to scorching tem- members and two-year college system, has long On Nov. 16, a charity concert peratures by early e n c o u r a g e d had a presence at BCC North. is planned for North Campus as afternoon. all students to Student Richard Schwartz, well. More than compete. Secretary and Historian of the Gonzalez said that PTK aims two-dozen stu- Adding to North Campus chapter of PTK, to help both members as well as dents from Florida the call for recently outlined a number of ac- the community. Delta Epsilon Chi members to tivities the club is planning. “We do a lot of volunteer ser- chapters showed compete was The last week of October, for vice,” he said, “from beach clean- up. Joining mem- state Board example, the group discussed the ups to [working with] the Ronald bers of the BCC Chairperson Dr. plight of exploited children. The McDonald House [Charities].” North Chapter Joanne Leoni, discussion covered children serv- Phi Theta Kappa also offers were representa- of Johnson & ing as soldiers in armed conflicts, “$160 million in transfer schol- tives from chap- Wales. She said as well as child prostitutes. The arships to members,” Gonzales ters at Johnson & file photo the experience discussion ended with the presen- said, as well as “the opportunity Wales University, Florida State competition to ensure the host of competition adds to students’ tation of “awards” designed to call to lead projects [that benefit] the University, Northwood University, chapter team’s last place spot. readiness for the workforce. to light such troubling events. chapter to the campus to the com- Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Following the race, Florida “Really compete,” Leoni said. “It’s an ironic awards show,” munity.” Raton Campus, and University of Executive Director Jack Rose “You bring DECA with you in said Omega Phi chapter president Any students wishing to join Central Florida. made several announcements your careers.” Patricio Gonzalez. PTK must have a 3.5 GPA, and This year’s annual canoe race about the forty third annual state Rose added that recent studies According to Gonzalez and have earned 12 college credits. between chapters on Tigertail Career Development Conference, have shown that college gradu- Schwartz, other future events will “The most important oppor- Lake was filled with thrills and Feb. 23-March 2, 2008, including ates nationwide have been shown include a discussion of Green tunity [PTK provides] is the op- spills – two of them, actually. the addition of the pilot Financial to lack skills in oral and written Business, aiming to examine the portunity to put your leadership For the second year in a row, Statement Analysis Event. He also communication, critical thinking ways the health of the planet can skills to the test,” Gonzalez says. FAU Boca Raton’s team won the addressed changes in the Human and teamwork. be aided by private business. “It offers a small slice of what race with rowers Phillip Ricker, Resources Management, Fashion “DECA addresses all of those Dr. Peggy Green, Professor real life is like.” state Reporter/Historian, and and International Marketing things,” Rose said, adding that Jerry Schwartz, and Professor Marc Kozlin. Second place was events. membership and experience “look won by the UCF team of Jeremiah Also, Rose announced that good on a resume.”  The Observer JUNE 11, 2007 november 5, 2007 COLLEGEWIDE The Observer  Contract Board wrestles with tuition hits hard The impasse has increase yet again... been declared ▪ Board Trustee Georgette Sosa eventually called for a second and students Continued from page 1 Douglas and seconded vote, wherein the proposal passed should not be by newly appointed unanimously. Trustee Sean Guerin, the Karina Camarena, 22, an affected for the legislature to approve proposal received two architecture student at the WHC additional increases. “None of favorable votes and one Downtown Campus said the new ▪ contract Continued from page 1 us like to increase tuition,” he negative. According to costs will probably have an effect said. Board attorney, Kevin on students although she feels Once the bill is signed by the Fernander, the tuition hike it will be a modest one. “Three age that is currently offered by governor, the five percent increase requires a majority (three dollars and eighty cents (per credit the college. BCC’ health plan dif- will raise a resident’s tuition and out of five) of the Board hour) doesn’t sound that bad,” she fers from other health plans inthat fees $3.80 to $70.60 per credit to vote in favor in order to said. “I already make sacrifices claims are paid out of a pool of hour and a non-resident’s costs pass. to attend college…I don’t go money that is supported by the by $11.64 to $250.69. Armstrong After much soul- to movies or go shopping,” she college as well as employee con said the average student at BCC searching and wrestling said. tributions. takes eight credit-hours per with his personal views Camarena said with the price According to Chun, BCC’s semester. The new fees will be regarding additional costs of gasoline, food and housing Health Care Task Force recom- implemented January 1, 2008 to students, Vice Chair going up all the time it is of little mended increasing employee co- and will be reflected in the tuition Tanner realized his vote surprise to her that the tuition is Photo courtesy of trippscott.com pays in order to off-set the rising costs for the next semester. was critical to the passage Kevin Fernander is the general counsel for being raised. “I’m just glad it is cost of health care. The task force After a motion was made by of the tuition increase and Broward Community College. not a huge amount,” she said. consists of 12 members, four of which are representatives from the UFF. “The increase in out of pocket expenses for employees was ex- pected because of increases in health care costs,” said Harrison. Chun feels that a resolution needs to be made soon since the health plan’s administrators need to hold open enrollment. “The college really needs to move ahead with making the changes that will keep the plan healthy, particularly in years

“The college really needs to move ahead with making the changes that will keep the plan healthy, ” said Chun. where you could have catastroph- ic illnesses which happened five or six years ago when the plan was decimated,” said Chun. Now that an impasse has been declared, the UFF and BCC ad- ministration will meet to choose a special magistrate from a list pro- vided by the Public Employees Relations Commission. If they cannot agree on a magistrate, each side will strike three names from the list provided and PERC will then choose the special magistrate from the remaining names. BCC students should not be affected by the impasse. The con- tract between BCC and the UFF explicitly forbids strikes, work stoppages, or failure or refusal to perform assigned work by fac- ulty covered by the agreement. However, informational picket- ing that does not interfere with the college’s normal operations is allowed. “Our mutual goal [along with the UFF] is to educate our stu- dents. We want to move forward as quickly as possible in order to reach that goal,” said Chun.  The Observer entertainment november 5, 2007 Brad Pitt plays the outlaw Book of the Dead: Cody McGowan ingly portrayed by Casey Affleck, ings and appreciate what it says Kay Scarpetta series Contributing Writer that events are set in motion about our tendency to bend the Author Patricia Cornwell adds on to her leading to the titular incident. truth of history to our own ro- Scarpetta series. The story of Jesse James has Both Pitt and Affleck offer out- mantic whims. Much like “The been told so many times that it is standing performances, as do the Long Riders” and “The Great Angela Osborne a wonder that anyone could find rest of the cast. The principle Northfield, Minnesota Raid” this Opinion Editor something new to weakness of the movie offers a fresh look at one Dr. Kay Scarpetta is back say. However, with movie, however, is of America’s premier mythologi- on the case, and what a case “The Assassination A surreal and its length. Too of- cal figures, one that isn’t afraid to it turns out to be. of Jesse James by haunting ten the plot seems peer beyond the veil of popular Patricia Cornwell has the Coward Robert look at the aimless or insignifi- romanticism and penetrate into a brought back her famous Ford” rookie di- lives of two cant due primarily deeper, more psychological realm character for the fifteenth rector Andrew men forced to underdeveloped of consciousness. book in the Scarpetta series, Dominik has done supporting the “Book of the Dead.” Just just that. A surreal together by characters like the rest of the books in and haunting look at fate. and a lack the series, this blood chill- the lives of two men of experi- ing tale will be flying off the forced together by ence by shelves into the hands of ea- fate “The Assassination of Jesse director Dominik, “The ger readers as it climbs the James” subverts the stereotypes Assassination of Jesse bestsellers list. This book of its own genre, creating a type James” being only his has all the makings of a hit, of anti-western in the process. second feature film. a serial killer that is nearly

Spanning the last year of his “The Assassination impossible to figure out, in Photo courtesy of partriciacornwell.com life, the movie paints a portrait of of Jesse James by the depth forensics that allow the “Book of the Dead” is Cornwell’s 15 the notorious outlaw, played with Coward Robert Ford” reader to feel as if they are book in the Scarpetta Series. great depth and pathos by Brad is at once poignant watching this unfold before Pitt, as being a man controlled not and uneven; overlong their eyes and the melodramatic Self is up to her old games again, simply by the laws of civilization, and epic. It’s a flawed events that breathe life into the spreading high school rumors of but instead by a force greater than movie, but one that is cast of characters. infidelities, altering secrets over that of any man. made with so much Scarpetta, and the rest of the the internet, and assisting in the Its when he meets the young love, care and raw tal- usual team, have relocated to qui- mental breakdown of Scarpetta’s idealist with a penchant for hero- ent that it is easy to Photo courtesy of warnerbros.com et Charleston, North Carolina, and assistant, and friend Marino. worship Robert Ford, unnerv- overlook its shortcom- Brad Pitt as Jesse James. opened a private forensic pathol- As the team fights the odds ogy consulting agency. Her case- against a serial killer armed with load involves trying to identify a enough knowledge of forensics to murdered young boy, but then she leave little clues, this book cau- is hired to consult with the Italian tions that sometimes too much police on the gruesome murder of knowledge is a bad thing. They a rising American teenage tennis also have to deal with the implo- Upcoming Events and Releases star. When the trail of clues leads sion of their personal relation- Concerts: her back to Charleston, the story ships because everything had 11/07 Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez will play at American Airlines becomes hard to put down. come to the forefront. Arena. An old foe, the manipulative “Book of the Dead” is very 11/07 MySpace MusicTour featuring Hellogoodbye, Say Anything, and made for TV shrink, Dr. Self, is much alive and will captivate back to cause more drama in the readers until the very last page, Polysics at the Revolution Live. lives of those Scarpetta holds dear. leaving them wanting more. 11/09 Badfish (Sublime tribute/cover band) at the Revolution Live. 11/11 The Bravery will play at the Culture Room. 11/13 Tegan & Sara at the Revolution Live. 30Andres L opDaysez ofEbsen Oleson,N oneight of the town’s 11/29 Kelly Clarkson at Mizner Park in Staff Writer law enforcement officers mar- Miami. ried to Stella Oleson played by They have existed through- Melissa George (Turistas). They 11/08 Against Me! plays at the Revolution Photo courtesy of mtv.com Live. The folklore singers Tegan and Sara. out time in fictional and non fic- will have to face a massacre they tional ways. The topic at hand: could have never imagined, not 11/23 Streetlight Manifesto at the Culture Room. vampires. In the small town of even in their worst nightmares: A 11/25 Avenged Sevenfold at the Revolution. Barrow, Alaska, these characters massive spree of killings and the mysteriously come to life in the conversion of everyday citizens film called 30“ Days of Night. “ into vampires capable of taking Movies and Music: The movie is based on the over mortals and changing them 11/06 “Ratatouille” will be released to DVD, along graphic novel by Steve Niles into blood sucking immortals. with “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.” and Ben Templesmith. Niles also It is then that this duo, along worked on the screenplay of the with a few of their mortal friends, 11/13 “Ocean’s 13” and “Shrek 3” come out on same name. This is just one of makes an attempt to bring down DVD. many projects under the watch- the vampires. However, with the 11/06 Chris Brown’s new album “Exclusive” will ful eye of producers and direc- cold wind blowing away the mor- be released, along with Jay-Z’s “American tors, who are waiting for the next tals minds for what will be for Ganster.” big hit of films. Niles is currently most of them their final nights. working on Wake The Dead and But with numerous days behind 11/13 Alicia Key’s album, “As I Am,” hits stores. Photo courtesy of amazon.com Freaks Of The Heartland. and the count down of day light; The cover of “Frank.” 11/20 Amy Winehouse’s album “Frank,” is released. Director David Slade (Hard one must ask, what will happen? Candy) continues with his wit Who will survive? Will this group Arts & Theater: of directing out of the box mov- of strangers and friends make it ies that keep the viewer guessing out in time for them to live anoth- Tickets on sale now for: what will happen next. This is the er day, so they can see day light? Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” and case for this film, that has already Those answers can only be “Rent” at the Ziff Ballet Opera House grossed over 16 million dollars at found out by taking a bite out Carnival Center for the Performing the box office according to boxof- of time and going to see it at the Arts in Miami. ficemojo.com movie theatres. It must be asked, The film begins with the last will the thunderous bites of these day of dawn quickly approaching vampires prove to be stronger Ballet Etudes Presents the “Nutcrack- and having the residents of Barrow than the fire, axes, bullets, and er” at the Miami Dade County Audi- unaware of the suspense about to light that disables them to con- hit their town. Josh Hartnett (The tinue their destruction of Barrow, torium on Nov. 4 in Miami. Photo courtesy of siteforent.com Black Dahlia) plays the role of or will they prevail? november 5, 2007 FEATURES The Observer  Tony Hawk’s Bar Review: The Proving Ground Coral Springs Tap Kevin Rosenberg Staff Writer with pro-skaters Daewon Song, Anthony Perrucci student who plays for the Tap’s bartender remembers your drink, Rodney Mullen, and Vanessa North Bureau Cheif dart team said, “It’s a cool place, if not your name. Torres. everyone is friendly, the drinks The Tap is big, with plenty “Tony Hawk’s Proving In the hardcore storyline, Mike What happened to the are cheap and there is always of seats at the bar and twelve Ground” (the latest add-on to the Vallely teaches you the aggro kick American sports bar? Are you something going tables around series of Tony Hawk skateboard- (to gain speed) and how to skate tired of cheesy corporate brass and on here.” “It’s a cool the place. It’s ing games) is a very appealing check people. First you have to wood rip-offs, like the Ale House With two dol- not just a bar game. It has constantly improved help a guy get his magazine on- and Fridays, where drinks can run lar drafts, and place, everyone for Friday since the first Tony Hawk game, line with videos of you skating. you five bucks a pop and soccer shot specials ev- is friendly, and Saturday and this is no exception. My in- Next you have to take FDR Skate moms are eating with screaming ery night of the the drinks nights, Monday terest was first sparked when the Park (located in philly) back from kids two feet away? week, it works Night Football commercial presented by pro- a gang called “The Crazy 21”. There is hope, the Coral well with the are cheap and attracts a skater Mike Vallely aired. Lastly, you learn how to carve Springs Tap is a neighborhood budget you have there is always crowd. Tuesday In Proving Ground you are on and carve grind (2 new techniques bar where drinks are cheap and to party with af- and Thursday the east coast. So, you get a much that are exclusive to this game) in good old bar conversation is ter a long day something nights are dart needed change of scenery. It has a swimming pool. plentiful. It’s a land mark that of studying and going on here.” league night a darker feel to it than the previ- The career storyline starts has been in Coral Springs since writing papers. and the house ous Tony Hawk games (which with you making a video with Sample Road was dirt and subur- It’s the ambi- gets packed. have more of a California look to Arto Saari. After Bob Burnquist bia wasn’t creeping all the way to ence of the place that you feel. It’s Wednesdays is beer pong night, them.) teaches you some skills, you enter the Everglades. an old school a college student favorite, with in You start off in Philadelphia, a competition. To finish you have The owner, b a r , house DJ Elvis playing the hits. and as you progress other cities are to take pictures of yourself for a Jeff Reter, The Tap has 18 televisions unlocked (such as: Washington, magazine with Stevie Williams. has been run- with the NFL satellite package, D.C, and Baltimore.) There is never a dull moment. ning the so you can catch every game There are 3 story lines you can In addition to the storylines, there bar for on Sundays. Every night follow, which will show what kind are plenty of extra missions that f o u r features different shot or of skater you turn into. These are: you will run across as you skate y e a r s drink specials, and there Rigger, Hardcore, and Career. In around the cities. Also, as each and is is an “In the Business” dis- each one of these story lines there new skater is introduced to you, s e e n count of 10 percent off every are 3 challenges. you are treated to videos of them regularly check for restaurant employ- In the rigger storyline you have skating. behind the ees. to prove to Jeff King that you are The game is both challeng- wood or keeping The Coral Springs Tap is lo- worthy of a visit from him to your ing and addictive. I found myself score on dart games. where the cated on the southwest corner of lounge. Then you learn how to stuck to the television trying to The Tap caters to staff doesn’t Riverside dr. and Sample rd. in climb objects with Bam Margera. perfect the challenges. I highly a wide variety of customers, but wear corporate uniforms, and Coral Springs. For more informa- Finally, you need to modify recommend this game for any BCC students frequent the es- when you walk up to the smoky tion visit Coralspringstap.com or your environment for a contest fans of the Tony Hawk games. tablishment. Tim Powers, a BCC bar and beer stained wood, the call 954-255-0711. Funny Tales from India Stacy Helmus always seems to be some obstacle Pakistan. The kids were great. I Contributing Writer to overcome in life and I can use couldn’t believe how well these all the luck I can get. This is the kids could bowl (that’s what they PART 1 Hindu God for me! call pitching the ball). The first Goa is a beautiful state on the official cricket match that I’m western shore of India, with the Let me back up in my story playing in will be at the ICMIS/ Arabian Sea lapping her beach- for just a minute: I, along with BIOZEEN campus on Sept. 22, es. The Portuguese had a very two of my dorm-mates, Gigi and so I’m glad I got in a practice strong influence on this state in Alexandra (Alex), looked into a game today.

Photo courtesy of ps3.vggen.com the historic past, and it shows in tour package that was available: “Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground” is available for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and the architecture, handicrafts, and Four days, three nights, right on Post-note: My team won the Nintendo Wii. overall layout of this small state. the beach, all meals included, cricket match on Sept. 22 and It also has a very “hippie” feel to tours of north and south Goa all India won the World Cup in crick- it. I don’t mean the kind of “hip- for $90. This must be a typo, I’m et, beating Pakistan by five runs. pie” stage a lot of us go through thinking. Do they mean $90 for I have lost my voice from scream- in our early 20s; I’m talking about the entire package, or per day? ing at cricket games for the past the ‘I’ve decided to be a “hippie” Once we realized it was for all two weeks. for the rest of my life and never four days, we booked for an ex- assimilate into main-stream soci- tended weekend on Sept. 9-12. ety’ type of “hippie.” Although The back door of our room liter- I could skip the “hippie” part, ally opened to the beach. the rest of Goa sounded beauti- The beaches are beautiful and ful. Besides, it was time for the all very different; some have huge Ganesh festival, a ten-day festi- slabs of black rocks extending val celebrating Lord Ganesh, the way into the Arabian Sea, some God of luck and overcoming ob- with lush green hills of pasture stacles. He has since become my right next to the beach with goats favorite of the Hindu Gods, par- grazing alongside the shore. And tially because I have to participate of course, there were cows occa- in one of the festivals. Some of sionally on the beach. the locals were taking a statue of PART 2 Lord Ganesh down to the ocean to The rest of the day was my submerge him in the water (part favorite; I played cricket with a of the ceremony), and I chanted bunch of young Indian kids on the along with them, “Ganpati Bappa beach all afternoon; at times chas- Moreya,” which loosely trans- ing the ball into the Arabian Sea lates into “May Lord Ganesh until it was too dark to find the bless your household and bring ball anymore. I was still pumped you good luck in the upcoming up about India making an incred- Photo provided Stacy Helmus Photo provided Stacy Helmus year.” The main reason Ganesh is ible come back the day before Helmus in tradition Indian saree Helmus (center) traveling on an elephant. now my favorite is because there and winning the game against clothing. 10 The Observer Topic of the month November 5, 2007

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD FROM YOUR OWN HOME

Justice for Children To Write Love On Her Arm Bendor Louis-Jean By heather cooper groups. A quarter of all TWLOHA Contributing Writer layout editor proceeds go directly to therapy and recovery through a number We live in a world filled with harmful acts The third leading cause of of organizations like National of abuse. Today the maltreatment of children death for those aged 15 to 24 in the Hopeline Network. has become one of the most common acts of United States is suicide, accord- The organization was start- abuse. ing to a study by the Department ed by Jamie Tworkowski, after The effects of child abuse can be devastat- of Health and Human Services. a meeting a 19-year-old name ing and traumatize a child for life. A study by Many young adults today suffer Renee Yohe, who fought with Dante Cicchetti found that 80% of abused and from depression, drug addiction, drug addiction, self-injury and maltreated infants exhibited symptoms of dis- self-injury, and suicide. depression. To fund Yohe’s treat- organized attachment. As a non-profit organization ment, shirts were sold in Orlando The effects of child abuse have been very based in central Florida, To Write and a Myspace was created to severe and has caused most kids to act out. Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) act as a home base. Bands like They may display acts of depression, low aims to help young people strug- Switchfoot showed support self-esteem, withdrawal, aggression, suicide, gling with these problems. Their by wearing the shirts. In fact, and even substance abuse. It can become very goals are to help connect the TWLOHA gets most of its expo- difficult for a child to trust or feel safe around youths to resources like treatment sure through musicians and bands anyone again. centers, websites and support that wear the shirts during their Justice For children is a non-profit organi- zation that hears a child’s cries and works to- wards getting their voices heard. With chapters in Texas, Arizona, Washington and Michigan, the foundation raises awareness of our soci- ety’s governmental agencies failure of protect- ing victims of child abuse. They provide legal support for abused children. They develop and implement collaborative solutions to enhance the quality of life for children. Justice for Children has been saving the lives of kids for 20 years. They advocate safety and protect children when no one else will. If you want to be apart a great organization and help in making a difference in the lives of in- nocent children then log to www.justiceforchil- dren.org and select get involved to become a volunteer.

The Amazon Conservation Olga buitrago 1995 by Mark Plotkin and his and it is consider a global priority Contributing writer wife Liliana Madrigal and since zone for biodiversity conserva- then they have been working in tion. The Amazon Conservation Brazil, Suriname and Colombia. ACT was selected by UNESCO Team (ACT) is a non-profit or- In Brazil their projects include for best practices using indig- ganization located in Arlington the protection of the Uwasu enous knowledge. Also, in 2002 Virginia, dedicated to con- Rainforest Reserve and the they received the United Nations serve biodiversity, health and mapping of the Xingu National Environment Program Global culture across the Amazon in Indigenous Reserve. In Suriname 500 award in recognition of their partnership with indigenous ACT has worked on Shamans and conservation achievements. people in this area. Apprentices programs, mapping ACT has no volunteer pro- ACT also works with lo- over 30 percent of Suriname and grams. But their headquarters cal governments to make sure creating traditional medicine clin- office in Arlington occasionally their strategies are adopted ics. needs assistance in different proj- and validated by local authori- One of the biggest achieve- ects. For more information about ties. “ACT helps the keepers ments in Colombia was the cre- this organization or to make do- of the forest keep the forest.” ation in 2002 of Indi Wasi National nations, visit www. amazonteam. ACT was founded in Park. The park is 197,960 acres org, or call at (703) 522-4684. November 5, 2007 Topic of the month The Observer 11

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD Operation Smile Natalie Bobb FROM YOUR OWN HOME Staff Writer Operation Smile is a world-wide medical charity that coordinates more than 30 annual medical mission sites in over 25 different coun- tries like Thailand, China and India. Operation Smile’s mission is to repair childhood deformities while building public and private part- nerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Operation Smile has Global Resource Chapters that raise funds and awareness to support its programs. The organization also provides a network of resources to assist families in the United States with children born with facial deformities. To Write Love On Her Arm For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org or call 1-888- performances. The organization OPSMILE (888-677-6453). also had their own booth for all of the stops during the 2007 Vans Warped Tour. After the website received messages from other young people facing the same issues, TWLOHA soon transformed into a nation-wide organization and TWLOHA Inc. was established. To get involved is as simple as donating, buying a shirt, spread- ing the word or joining a street team, which is a group of volun- teers who help promote and get involved with the organization. TWLOHA will also be eventually offering an intern program. For more information, visit twloha. com.

Save Darfur Invisible By Jasmine Grant such as the Million Voices for Staff Writer Darfur Campaign there is The Save the Darfur Coalition which Children The different incidents of vio- raises money to help the million Natalie Bobb lence and genocide going on in civilians suffering from violence Staff Writer Darfur have brought on global re- and hunger. sponses due to celebrities putting If you feel touched and would Invisible Children began in 2003 it on the map. Darfur is a little love to help out this needy coun- when three young filmmakers traveled township or city in the country of try, then you can make a dona- to Africa in search of a storyline for Sudan in Africa that is gaining a tion by going online to www. a documentary. When they discov- lot of media attention due to its savedarfur.org. If you do not feel ered that children in northern Uganda current situation. that is secure enough, then you were being used as “soldiers,” they The main goal of the Save can send it to the address Save were compelled to do something to Darfur project is to pressure the Darfur Coalition P.O. Box 18176 help. Their film, “Invisible Children: top law makers of the United Washington, DC 20036. Save Rough Cut,” has brought attention to States Government to help the Darfur urges people to organize the crisis that faces many children in people of Darfur by bringing more thier communities and form pro- war-torn countries. attention to this country through tests, or send letters to their state Invisible Children’s mission is to education and the media. elected officials. To find out more improve the quality of life for war- The stories of the injustice go- information about this move- affected children by providing ac- ing on in Darfur have been de- ment and ways to contribute, you cess to quality education, enhanced picted in such movies as “Hotel can visit Savedarfur.org or go to learning environments and innovative Rwanda” and “Screamers.” www.myspace.com/savedarfur- economic opportunities for the com- Along with other organizations coalition. munity. As a non-profit organization, Invisible Children hopes to turn apa- thy into activism. For more information, visit www.invisiblechildren.com or call 619-631-0362.

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By: Nathan Phelps By Heather Cooper Managing Editor Layout Editor

The science of studying climate Concerns over global warming have enabled well paid politicians like Al Gore, change is a slow and arduous task. to pose as defenders of earth against the evil corporate alliance. Gore is the founder Scientists today have been closely and chairman of the environmental advice group called the Alliance of Climate examining the earth’s climate and Protection (ACP). He has raised millions of dollars for the ACP through what trends and patterns it is going donations and fundraisers, like the globally touring concert Live Earth. through. These studies have lead to While American citizens are pouring their hard an almost universally single result, earned money into “stop global warming” the earth’s temperature is heating up organizations, many do not know at an alarming rate and it appears that where exactly their money goes we, human civilization, are the cause. to. Aside from running cost, The Intergovernmental Panel for the millions of dollars the Climate Change (IPCC) is the world’s ACP raises directly funds foremost authority on climate change. national or local media Last February they released a report on projects aimed at the state of the earth’s climate system mass persuasion and and how it has changed over time. to organizations The report, focused on what drives that also spread climate change, the cause and effect the awareness. relationship that the atmosphere operates However, Yale on and projecting what the climate will U n i v e r s i t y become in the future based on how conducted a the atmosphere is currently changing. study showing This massive investigation led to the that over 80 conclusion that human activity and percent of the production of greenhouse gases citizens know are almost entirely responsible for the about global changes we are seeing. warming, and The Earth is truly in danger the supposedly right now. And if something isn’t large human done soon it may be too late to contributions. The do anything about it. The amount logic conclusion; there of Greenhouse gases, being Carbon is no point in wasting Dioxide (CO2), Methane, Nitrous millions of dollars to simply Oxide, and other Halo Carbons, tell the general public what that are being pumped out into the they are already aware of. atmosphere are causing the earth While Gore, along side his celebrity to heat up very rapidly. Heating of side kicks, fronts as a hero leading the the atmosphere is beginning to wreak ACP, his act is nothing more than money making havoc on the delicate climate system of t h e planet. This scam. general pattern of heating is what is generally referred to as Global On the issue of humans causing Warming. global warming, many scientists have “The Earth is It is no longer a question of whether or not opposing opinions. Most countries, “There is no point truly in danger global warming is real it is now a question of America included, have set up wasting millions of how bad is it going to affect us and can we organizations of scientist to determine dollars to simply right now.” prevent it from getting worse. All current the atmospheric effects of human gases. predictions of future climate patterns show The United Nation’s organization tell the general that the earth is undergoing a strong warming to the point where the temperatures called the Intergovernmental Panel on public what they are around the earth could rise by four degrees worldwide, and even though this may Climate Change (IPCC) conducted not sound like much this will be catastrophic to all ecosystems currently thriving crucial reports that gave evidence aware of.” on the earth. Plants and animals the world round will struggle to adapt and survive saying humans are responsible for to these new atmospheric conditions. The real problem for mankind however; will global warming. The ACP uses these reports to support their cause, but what the IPCC be with the polar ice caps which are already melting at an exponentially growing does not mention is that not the entire scientist rate. on the panel agreed on the data results. In the summary of the study, even the IPCC Polar ice is what keeps our whole atmosphere running by providing a temperature admits,”The Earth’s atmosphere-ocean dynamics is chaotic: its evolution is sensitive difference at the tips of the planet that cools our ocean waters and keeps them all to small perturbations in initial conditions. This sensitivity limits our ability to predict flowing. This works on the simple principle that hot water rises, just like air. As the the detailed evolution of weather; inevitable errors and uncertainties in the starting earth is heated by the sun, the heat is transferred around the planet by the oceans conditions of a weather forecast amplify through the forecast. As well as uncertainty and the air, but having polluted our air with greenhouse gases the earth is retaining in initial conditions, such predictions are also degraded by errors and uncertainties in more heat than it normally should causing higher temperatures. These higher out ability to represent accurately the significant climate processes.” temperatures are causing the polar ice, which normally would regulate the earth’s There are a number of reasons thousands of scientist disagree with the ICPP’s temperature by cooling the air and findings. For example, the world’s most reliable sources of atmospheric temperature waters, to melt at alarming rates. data show no global warming trend. Some surface temperature stations show warming, Another big problem with the ice “it is no longer a but these stations are not global wide and can be contaminated by heat generated from melting, besides the increasing question whether or nearby urban development or human error. Another loop hole in global warming is heat that can no longer be ocean life absorbs a large amount of carbon dioxide, the highest human emitted gas slowed down, is that ocean levels not global warming is that contributes to global warming. BCC Oceanography professor Susan Grandson worldwide will rise dramatically real.” commented, “While there are different opinions, some scientist also believe that at forcing many people to be driven least 50 percent of anthropogenic emissions are removed by entering the oceans. from their homes because they are under water, this is especially important to us Scientist is studding ways to increase the oceans capability to remove carbon dioxide living in Florida at sea level. by adding iron to stimulate the growth of plankton.” Global warming is the most significant problem we face in the 21st century, it The “No Regrets” strategy, like that of the Bush Administration, may not be the has the potential to change the face of the earth in our life time and definitely will answer to the global warming scare. Instead research should continue to be conducted change the earth in our children’s lifetime. This debate about whether or not global so that the science of determining a change in atmospheric temperature can become warming is real has been over for many years because the science has been proven. more concrete and compelling. In the meantime, throwing away millions of dollars on This is not only real, but happening even as you read this sentence. Those who still an idea that has not yet been proven to be caused by humans is imprudent. Americans say that global warming is a hoax are simply grossly miss-informed on the subject. need to become more knowledgeable rather than just listen to Kanye West and throw We all need to take a closer look at this issue for if ever there is a chance to fix it all their money away. the time is now and we may not have another chance. november 5, 2007 Opinion The Observer 17 Selling an From Our Editors Media devalues sex Girls and young women are being brainwashed that they need to be sexy. Their portrayal - in the media is often of a sexual nature. This is evident in the techniques the media uses to artist’s soul transmit provocative content for the purpose of selling products, to push the viewer (or lis By John Wilson merits alone, it is what it is. tener) to act a certain way, to look a certain way, to be part of a certain culture. Why? Because - Staff Writer By adding the sales total of sex sells! their albums and singles and Every day, from every angle, girls are being bombarded with these images. Girls are being other ventures into the mix, portrayed as sexual objects instead of human beings in every possible form of media: televi Before I start this, let it what ends up happening sion, music videos, magazines, video games, the internet, movies, and music lyrics. These be known the focus is on is that instead of speaking girls are also trying to compete with their peers - because if they don’t, they feel they will not mainstream music, because and debating one another fit in and become social outcasts. This can cause a constant pressure to be forced upon the girls underground supports its as impassioned fans, the which can manifest itself in a variety of psychological issues. own. words become corporate According to the American Psychological Association (APA) “A body of evidence now As a fan, what are your talk and we become agents links sexualization with several of the most common mental health problems in young women obligations to the artist? Are without payment. On the and girls: eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression. And there is also the increased you to be a devoted admirer, Internet and in blogs the chance that it will impact a girl’s ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image.” the type to go to the limits to exchanges sound less like The National Eating Disorders Association reports that “1 out of 3.8 TV commercials send - know the artist who speaks dedicated fans and more some kind of ‘attractiveness message,’ telling viewers what is and is not attractive.” Women to/ of you through music? Or like the stock market. are taught to be sexually attractive- and active- as soon as they have contact with media. It are you to understand Jackye Wesley, a doesn’t matter if it’s through TV commercials, banners, TV shows, or any other kind of ad the industry to software major, vertising. better represent states that “sales A study of mass media magazines discovered that women’s magazines had 10.5 times more them? When it have little to advertisements and articles promoting weight loss than men’s magazines did. comes to the do with the Media-awareness.ca reports that “the pressure put on women through ads, television, film importance actual talent and new media to be sexually attractive—and sexually active—is profound.” This will lead of record of the artist. to sexual experimentation at earlier ages. It is not shocking to hear about pre-teens having sales, that It is rather an sex anymore. This is because the young girls are not the only ones being manipulated by the is the main indication of mass media. The whole community is becoming anesthetized to the sexualization of girls and w o r r y how effective young women. of the the marketing For example: Toy manufacturers produce dolls wearing black leather miniskirts, feather - i n d u s t r y , division is.” boas, and thigh-high boots and market them to 8- 12 year-old girls. Clothing stores sell thongs In the world of child beauty pageants, 5-year-old girls wear fake with the artist Another aspect of sized for 7-10 year-old girls. dependent on depending on sales teeth, hair extensions, and makeup and are encouraged to “flirt” onstage. Tag body spray com the outcome. But why to gauge the popularity of mercials sell their product in a way that leads viewers to believe whoever uses the product is are sales so important to an artist is that with the immediately going to become desirable and sexually active. fans nowadays when it’s proliferation of “Web 2.0” Isn’t there a better way to sell a product than manipulating the customer with provocative irrelevant as time marches and general downturn of lies? In our society the media has become a source of sexualization, and it works. It works on? That shouldn’t be the the entertainment industry because people see one of these exciting commercials and they want to be that guy or girl on case, but it is. itself, sales tends to hide the screen. They want to be sexy, and desirable. There are people who the fact of who’s buying it. The way advertisements are sold to us by the media: if we buy a certain product we will believe the amount sold Thanks to rap music (got to become that guy or girl - and people really fall for this. The worst part is that this is causing proves the quality of an love it!) it is a commonly our society to fall apart. But, no one cares. Why? Because sex sells! album. In a climate like now, known fact that if a record where selling albums isn’t as is poorly selling, the label is that “(MC) Hammer asked by those who are not went on tour, and were very lucrative for the industry as itself will buy back enough stopped making when it independent. successful with the tours, selling ringtones, how can a to twist the numbers to the stopped selling”. There South Florida beat maker the revenue generated from person tell by the numbers artist’s favor. Here’s an was a time when Hammer Name Brand of INOE those benefits those acts. sold how well was THE man as far as said “If you as a fan listen In some cases, tour sales an album record sales are concerned; to enough of the artist to supercede album sales. is? Albums “If artists weren’t with over 17 million sold know the artist and trust The overall reason why nowadays are in an 8-year period. In that their work, then buying record sales shouldn’t basically a 3-4 selling records then time, it was all about his the album that artist made matter to fans is quality over hit singles with marketing with the dancing, is your way of supporting quantity. For every hot item filler. commercials, Hammerman the foundation laid.” With sold and forgotten, there are A n o t h e r they wouldn’t be cartoon, MTV, all working most mainstream acts, those which last lifetimes reason record together to raise his profile. the foundation isn’t there, which don’t hit those sales sales themselves (This was before the making the buy an impulse plateaus until years later. should be making records” Internet, too). After his fall rather than an investment. For every Fall Out Boy irrelevant to fans and bankruptcy, however, With music stores also there’s a Grateful Dead, and is that music is subjective easier way of seeing that: he still made albums. While allowing trades for cash for every Rich Boy there’s a and not objective. In other the sale total lies to you. they weren’t chart toppers, and credit, the amount of Talib kweli. People like all, words, I like Lupe Fiasco Justin James, business they were still albums. albums brought back should some, or neither, because it’s for qualities that my friends major, says, “If artists With mainstream music detract from the amount all about individual taste. would find corny, as for weren’t selling records, equaling pop music, and rap sold. That would prove the Besides, it’s just music, their reasons for liking Plies they wouldn’t be making being part of the pop music lack of staying power of right? makes me disgusted at their records”. Another spectrum, the question an act totally dependent on taste (in private). On those interesting point he makes of sales themselves are the album sale. If the act

editor-in-chief Managing Editor The Observer is a bi-weekly consolidated newspaper produced by students of Broward Com- munity College. The editorial office is located at South Campus, Bldg. 68-268, 7200 Pines heather Dulman Nathan Phelps Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. Bureau Offices are located at North Campus, 1000 Co- Section Editors CONTRIBUTING writers conut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL, 33066, and Central Campus, 3501 SW Davie Rd,

Layout Editor STAFF WRITERS David Aron Davie, FL. The Observer can also be reached by phone at 954-201-8877 or e-mail at Heather Cooper Natalie Bobb Olga Buitrago [email protected]. Copy Editor Alberto Sanchez Jasmine Grant Bendor Louis-Jean Letters to the editor are encouraged. The writer’s name and phone number must be includ- Sports Editor Buzz Lamb Cody McGowan Omar Torrijos ed and the letter signed. Unsigned letters will not be accepted, but requests for anonymity Andres Lopez Anna Rot Opinion Editor may be honored at the editor’s discretion. Letters must be typed and not exceed 300 words. Angela Osborne Sharday Moshanko Anthony Sedly The Observer upholds the right to edit for style or length or to reject publications of letters Central Chief Bruno Niccoli Jessica Beans deemed inappropriate. Kevin Rosenberg Adviser Broward North Chief Anthony Perrucci John Wilson Jennifer Shapiro For information concerning editorial policy or advertising rates, call 954-201-8035. Community College Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect 2006 FCCPA General Adviser’s assistant those of BCC students, staff, faculty and administration. Excellence Award Chris Cutro 18 The Observer sports november 5, 2007 The Brady Bunch Show strikes again

By Bruno Niccoli diocre coach who’s backed up by Staff Writer the worst administration in the history of the NFL. The Miami Dolphins are half Dolphins’ managers have al- way into a record that has never lowed Cameron to maintain his been achieved before. Thirty five unsuccessful game plan, without years after the 1972 Dolphins had even questioning his choices. the perfect season, the ‘07 squad They have stood behind im this is in the path of holding the first entire time, giving him the power perfect losing season. to lead the team into a 0-8 re- The 2007 season started with cord. the usual promises of reaching Miami had been playing poor- the playoffs and possibly winning ly for the entire season, but when the division, but after nine weeks Tom Brady and Randy Moss came and eight games, the season is al- to town, the joke started. ready over. Double coverage? Triple cov- This shameful performance erage? Maybe full team cov- must be used as an example of erage? That’s probably what what happens when a person Cameron was thinking in order to with a big ego is granted too stop Moss from scoring. much power. Head Coach Cam Brady first found Moss for a Cameron has turned the Dolphins 38-yard touchdown. The touch- into the biggest joke in the NFL. down set the stage for the Brady Cameron joined the Dolphins Show over Miami. The second at beginning of the year and im- pass to Moss was just the result of mediately started changing the the Patriots incredible season, in a entire structure of the team. After third down play from the 50 yard Eli Manning steps over Jason Taylor for a Touchdown in London. photo courtesy of Sunsentinel.com dismissing players and refusing line, Brady threw to Moss and in to give new players a real oppor- some magical way, he caught the shoulder. Immediately after the touchdown. to Ted Ginn Jr. Chatman had only tunity to compete for positions, ball with double coverage in the touchdown, the crowd at Dolphins The following week the 79 rushing yard in 16 attempts. Cameron’s single-minded per- end-zone. Stadium started chanting Brady’s Dolphins traveled to London, Dolphins’ defense once again sonality has completely destroyed Moss’ catch wasn’t just amaz- name. England to face the New York could not stop the running game the Miami Dolphins. ing because of the players around With the game over even be- Giants in a game intended to during key moments. Giants The Dolphins are a one-di- him, but because he was able to fore the half, the Patriots’ defense increase the NFL revenue in Quarterback Eli Manning didn’t mensional team, guided by a me- secure the ball under his right played easy and allowed the Europe. Wembley Stadium host- have much trouble moving his Dolphins to score its 28 points. ed the purely commercial match team on the field. Despite the low But anyone who saw the game that counted as a regular season score, the Giants were far supe- knows that if it wasn’t for the game. rior to the Dolphins. The Giants Patriots relaxed approach for most Miami lost the game 10-13, finished the game with 189 rush- of the second half, the Dolphins scoring its only touchdown with ing yards; Brandon Jacobs had wouldn’t have scored more than less than two minutes left to play. 131 yards in 23 attempts. 10 points in the game. The great example of the joke In eight games the Dolphins Ronnie Brown was again the the Dolphins are happened when defense have allowed their op- offensive weapon of the day. QB Lemon set his arm for a pass, and ponents to gain 1,284 rushing Cleo Lemon used Brown for most as his right arm got behind his yards and 1,510 passing yards. of the first half, but when Brown back, the ball fell off his hand and They also allowed them to get 28 fell on the field with an injured was recovered by Giant’s defense touchdowns and score 244 points, ankle, the offense finally became player Michael Strahan. making the Dolphins the team desperate. They would have to A field-goal was the Dolphins with the most points against in rely on Lemon, WR Ted Gin Jr. only offensive production for the NFL. and rookie RB Jessy Chatman most of the game. Without Chris There is no salvation for this and Patrick Cobbs. Chambers and Ronnie Brown, the year’s season and if the Dolphins Lemon passed for 236 yards offense fell short of what could be win all of their next games, they and no touchdowns, Gin had just referred as productive. would only be disguising the three receptions for only 37 yards Cleo Lemon finished the game worst roster and coaching staff in

photo courtesy of Sunsentinel.com and Chatman ran for 73 yards with 149 passing yards, Lemon’s the history of the franchise. Renaldo Hill fails to block Randy Moss. in seven attempts and scored a longest pass was a short 21 yards

HBy Davieat’sd Aron newguard positionplayers on opening night Contributing writer and move to small forward once Wade returns. Love On Oct. 24, the Miami Heat The other player acquired in completed a five-player trade with the deal, Mark Blount, is expect- Like the Minnesota Timberwolves. ed to back up Udonis Haslem at Sports? The Heat acquired small forward power forward. Blount is a 7- Ricky Davis and forward / cen- footer known for his good outside ter Mark Blount in exchange for shooting. Antoine Walker, Wayne Simien, Most Heat players liked the Then the Observer Michael Doleac, and a condition- move. “I think they are definitely al first round draft pick. going to help us,” said Heat center The acquisition of Davis fills Shaquille O’Neal. “Ricky Davis the Heat’s need for a perimeter is a known scorer in this league. wants you! The Observer scorer. With Dwyane Wade ex- Mark Blount is a consistent shoot- pected to miss at least the first er — if he is in the game with me three weeks of the regular season and if they continue to double off while recovering from off-season the [power forward], I expect him is looking for writers. knee surgery, there were ques- to have his career year.” tions about where much of the The trade means that Dwyane scoring would come from. Wade will finally have an athlet- Davis is an excellent shoot- ic, versatile swingman as a part- er who possesses the ability to ner for the first time since Caron Scholarships may be avalible. drive to the basket. He’s also a Butler was traded for O’Neal very good finisher in transition. in 2004. “It was a good move,” Heat head coach Pat Riley says Wade said of the deal. Email us @ [email protected] Davis will start at the shooting november 5, 2007 sports The Observer 19 Chase between Johnson and Gordon Bruno Niccoli rest of the Chase contestants. Staff writer “We took a good bite out of Jeff’s points lead [Sunday] and After back-to-back wins it’s going to come down to a posi- from Jeff Gordon, it was Jimmie tion or two in the next three,” said Johnson’s turn to get two vic- Johnson after the race. tories in the Chase for the Cup. The Pep Boys Auto 500 at Johnson first won the Subway Atlanta Motor Speedway was 500 at Martinsville Speedway, once again decided by pit-strate- with Gordon finishing the race gy. A caution flag with less than 20 in second. A week later, Johnson laps remaining forced the drivers took away the Pep Boys Auto 500 to go back to the pits. Johnson’s at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Crew Chief Chad Knaus decided Sunday’s race at Martinsville to change just two tires instead of marked Kyle Petty’s 810th cup four, helping Johnson jump from start, the fifth-most in the history fifth to second place. After the of NASCAR. race, Knaus explained that “We Dale Earnhardt Jr. had engine were fortunate enough to see problems once again, making this some guys taking two tires and the thirteenth time on the season we kind of called an audible right that Earnhardt didn’t finish a race. there and went with two tires.” Earnhardt led 24 laps of the race When the race restarted, and during the last restart of the Denny Hamlin, who was in first Multi car collision takes nine cars out of the race. photo courtesy of speedtv.com race his engine blew once again. because he didn’t stop in pit-road, Earnhardt told reporter Joe ran out of fuel. Johnson passed Menzer that “We broke a valve Hamlin and took the lead. The spring somewhere in the first 50 drivers behind Johnson tried to laps and were running on seven avoid crashing against Hamlin’s Curlin: Horse of the Year cylinders all day. We were just so car, but Martin Truex Jr. wasn’t Heather Dulman nouncer Tom Durkin, “Here he is, Given Saturday. Race favorite good anyhow that we were still able to stop in time and created Editor-in-chief the incomparable, the invincible, Street Sense held back for most better than most of the field with the chain-reaction that forced an- the unbeatable Cigar!” Cigar won of the race on the rail and waited seven cylinders.” Earnhardt also other caution. “They’re in the gate… and the Cup in 1995 at Belmont Park. patiently for a last minute sprint announced he will be running in With just three laps remain- they’re off.” One of the biggest This year was the first Breeders shootout, but he was not able to the 88 car next season. ing the green flag was given and races in horse racing was held Cup to be held at Monmouth Park make the top three. Martinsville had a total of 21 Johnson maintained the lead. Just during the weekend of Oct. 27 in New Jersey. It was also the first George Washington began caution flags and the pit strategy a few seconds after the last restart, and 28. The Breeders Cup started time in Breeders Cup history to to lose position as the race pro- from Hendricks Motorsports gave Earnhardt’s tire flew from his car Nov.10, 1984 at Hollywood Park have 11 races splitting up for two gressed. Coming from the back Gordon and Johnson the lead at and the race was forced into an- this was the 23rd annual Breeders days. Only three races happened stretch with half-a-mile left, the end of the race. Because of other early finish. Cup. The Cup has established it- on Friday and Saturday had the Curlin began his sprint to the top. a caution flag at the last restart, Johnson is still concerned self as the season-ending champi- remaining eight including one of Back in May of ‘07, Curlin de- there wasn’t a battle for first place about the next three races, as he onship of Thoroughbred racing. the biggest race of the year. feated Street Sense by a head and in the last laps of the race. told the press. “We were able to The Breeders Cup has the best The contestants were Lawyer last month, Curlin beat Lawyer Gordon finished the race with capitalize on a great pit call, but 3-year-old horses compete against Ron, Street Sense, Any Given Ron by a neck. 6,055 points with Johnson just 53 we need to make the most of ev- each other to be crowned Horse Saturday, Curlin, George Curlin took the lead from points behind. ery race because I know it’s going of the Year at the Breeders Cup Washington, Awesome Gem, Hard Spun as they came down Johnson closed the point gap to be a shootout to the end.” Classics. More than 150 horses Hard Spun and Tiago. the stretch. The last moment ef- on Gordon after the victory at Johnson announced after the have been crowned. Last year Street Sense entered the race forts from Curlin’s jockey Robby Atlanta. Johnson moved to just race that his earnings at Atlanta Pleasantly Perfect won the 2006 as the favorite with odds show- Albarado gave him the champion- nine points behind Gordon and will go to the wild-fire relief ef- Classics at Churchill Downs. Skip ing him at 3-1. With the odds ship and crowned Curlin Horse of with just three races remaining in fort in California. Away won in 1997 at Hollywood at 4-1 Any Given Saturday was the Year. The runner up was Hard the Chase, the Hendricks duo has Park. Cigar will always be re- second favorite to win the race. Spun, followed by Awesome Gem distanced themselves from the membered by the call from an- Awesome Gem was the long shot and Street Sense. with 30-1. George Washington, who was The conditions on the track retired after the 2006 Breeders kept getting worse throughout the Cup, was brought back by his two days of racing due to constant owner to run one more time at rain showers. The turf became this year’s Classic. The long shot muddy which caused some hors- injured his right front leg, which es, such as Lawyer Ron to not caused him to lose the blood cir- perform at the top of their game. culation in the leg. Because of The total amount of earnings the injury, Washington was eu- just for the Classics was $5 mil- thanized right after the race was lion, making it the richest race in over. the country. The next Breeders Cup will be Hard Spun had the lead at the on Oct. 24-25, 2008 at Oak Tree beginning of the race, followed at Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, by George Washington, and Any California.

Photo courtsey of msnbc.com Curlin after his victory at the Breeders cup. 20 The Observer november 5, 2007 Red Sox 2007 World Champions

photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com 4-2 vs White Sox 4-0 vs Rockies The Babe Ruth Curse began after the Red Sox won the World Series The Babe Ruth Curse was finally broken in 2004 with this being the in 1918. It was their last championship for 86 years. second World Series Championship in 4 years.

Red Sox Nation

Omar Torrijos Sports Editor

“The Red Sox can have their Nation. The Yankees have the universe.” -- Hank Steinbrenner, New York Yankees senior vice president

As Gene Wojciechowski said in a recent ESPN.com article, “not anymore, they don’t.” Between the teams with high payrolls, the Red Sox are the ones who have spent the money with more wisdom. Although they are second in the majors with $143 million, just behind the Yankees with $195 million, the photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com type of players they’ve got have given the results the Red Sox organization has been looking for. photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com “When I first came here in ‘03, it was like the most impossible thing to get done,” said Ortiz of Boston’s winning a world championship. Now, in 2007, the Boston Red Sox have won two World Series in four years. The first one in 2004 defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 4-0 and now, in 2007, winning against the Colorado Rockies by the same margin. The Sox have won eight straight World Series’ games and are ready for more to come. “This team is built well,” said veteran reliever Mike Timlin. “You can’t predict what’s going to happen, but this team is built extremely well.” “I think if you look at who the stars were of this Series, it’s not all about payroll,” said Red Sox owner John Henry. “It’s never all about payroll. … But it takes 25 guys to win. The guys at the bottom of this pay scale were just as important to this team … [pause for Henry getting champagne-sprayed by shortstop Julio Lugo] … as the guys at the top.” “The Red Sox are the Warren Buffetts of baseball. They invest and trade well,” says Wojciechowski in his article. Theo Epstein has had the best vision and great resources to get the players he’s got. In 2003, the Red Sox went and got Big Papi discarded by the Minnesota Twins for only $1.25 million, while the Yankees had committed to Jason Giambi for $120 million just the year before. The Yankees signed Carl Pavano while the Sox got Josh Beckett. Pavano has been injured the whole time he’s been with the Yankees, Beckett went undefeated in the playoffs this year. The Red Sox acquired Daisuke Matsuzaka outbidding New York, so the Yankees had to settle with Kei Igawa. Although Matsuzaka wasn’t completely sharp during the regular season, he did win game three of photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com the World Series. Igawa finished 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA. photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com Money itself doesn’t get you anywhere, a big payroll not necessarily means World Series conten- tion, sometimes not even playoff contention. Out of the New York Yankees [$195 million], New York Mets [$116 million payroll], Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox [$109 million], Los Angeles Dodgers [$108 million], Seattle Mariners [$106 million], Chicago Cubs [$99 million], Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles [$95 million], only the Yankees, Angels and Cubs made the playoffs, all of them losing in the first round.

World Series Recap

Game 1 rOCkies 1 - Red Sox 13 Game 2 rOCkies 1 - Red Sox 2 Game 3 red Sox 10 - Rockies 5 Game 4 red Sox 4 - Rockies 3 photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com