take center stage on central campus - broward college
TRANSCRIPT
WWW.broWard.edu/observer
Index
February 25, 2008volume 22, Number 11
Ever wondered what happened to Bldg. 72?
North Campus creates smoking area
Aviation Special, Page 10-11
Come fly at BCC Aviation InstituteNorth, Page 5South, Page 4
Campus News...................................3-5News...........................................7Comics and Puzzles... ...........................8Aviation Special............................10-11Features........................................12-13Sports...........................................15-16Opinion........................................18-19Spring Break Special...........................20
Take center stage on Central Campus
What would be the outcome if one were to combine singing, rapping and poetry at a college campus?
If said question were directed at a student of Central Campus, more than likely the answer would be “106 & Central”, Central Campus’ version of American Idol. (The title of the event came from the fact that Central Campus Student Life is in room 106 of
building 19.) Also referred to as “Battle of
the Voices”, 106 & Central was a three-day-long event that lasted from Feb. 4 to Feb. 6, with two days of tryouts, a finale on the third day and a grand prize of a 5.0 megapixel digital camera and a M-Audio Beat Mixer.
106 Central was planned by Central Campus’ Student Programming Association (SPADES) last fall as an event in which the hip hop violin group, Black Violin could fit.
Black Violin kicked off the first day of the event. Kav Marcus and Wil B., also known as “Simply Sick”, along with DJTK, warmed up the crowd with renditions of songs such as “Ayo Technology” and “The Way I Are”. However, Wil B. says that their album, which can be bought through iTunes and the group’s website blackviolin.net, is all original and has something for everybody.
The rapping and singing group of producers was booked by BCC at the Association for the
Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). Several performers and groups were there, but representatives of BCC chose Black Violin to perform for their campuses, according to Sal Lutwak, Student Programming Assistant
When they were finished Black Violin signed autographs and took pictures, but not everyone was satisfied with their performance.
26-year-old Clarel Cadet, one of the contestants of 106 & Central, felt that Black Violin
didn’t put forth any effort. “The students did a better job of entertaining students than they did,” he said.
With roughly an hour long set behind them, Black Violin bid farewell to Central Campus and moved on to other endeavors. With their departure it was time to start the battle of the voices.
Jermaine Stanley, a member of SPADES, and the voluntary host for the event, took the stage and
PhiliPPe ButeauContributing Writer
▪ TalenTcontinued on Page
Metal detectors in every building entrance, fenced walls around the campuses and the blockade of BCC to non students. These are not the solutions to improve the safety levels in the college.
The tragedy at Virginia Tech and the bomb threat received by BCC last year, resulted in the questioning of the vulnerability of all campuses. Meetings involving campus provosts, deans, faculty and students, resulted in an intensive brainstorming process, in which every idea was considered.
A year after the V. Tech. tragedy, a shooting at the University of Northern Illinois, brought the thoughts of campus safety back to
the minds of those who attend BCC. So what
has been changed since?
The creation
of building marshals was the first procedure adopted at the South Campus. Each marshal received a radio, allowing them to immediately contact the security
officers and inform the rest of the campus facilities about any form of safety threats.
Evacuation procedures, involving the marshals and the security officers, have also been created. An evacuation exercise, which would take place on all campuses, is currently one of the main focuses to create a safer college.
Albert Smith, Dean of Business Affairs at South Campus, explained that “because of the volume and complexity of it, we are going to attempt doing a building at a time.” He also said “We had hoped to do that in January, but we are still in the process of trying to pull that
security update on all campuses
▪ SecuriTy continued on Page 7
No, this article is not about somebody’s wedding ceremony. It is about an opportunity presented only once a year to the students on South Campus.
The college’s Board of Trustees will conduct their monthly one o’clock meeting at the South Campus Regional Library (Building 81) and prior to the meeting there will be an open Student Forum at noon.
The purpose of the forum is to avail students of the opportunity to speak directly to the Trustees. Students may
voice their concerns, comments or compliments regarding their experiences at BCC. A formal presentation is planned by South Campus Student Life under the guidance of Rose Ortega, Student Life Coordinator.
A survey form was made available to students at the Aviation Institute, the Miramar Automotive Center and the Pines/Weston Center as well as on South Campus.
According to Ortega, three students, Bethzabeth Ordaz (SGA President), Kevin Blackmon (Senator of Governmental
“WE ARE GOING TO ATTEMPT DOING A
BUILDING AT A TIME.”- albert smith,
deaN oF busiNess aFFairs
speak now or forever hold your peace
▪ Voicecontinued on Page 12
Bruno niccoliSportS editor
Buzz lamBStaff Writer
� The Observer MOnTh DD, �008
The ObserverFebruary 25, 2008 �Central
Jessica BeansCentral Bureau Chief
Success is just one of the many words to describe the outcome of the first ever Black History Month Conference at Central Campus. Most conferences have a tendency to lose peoples focus and interest, but this event gained momentum and fortitude throughout the day.
Influential speakers and highly respected role models were welcomed by an enthusiastic audience. Adrian Carter, head of Student Life on Central Campus was the heart and soul of this event. With his exceptional leadership and guidance the conference was nothing short of inspiring.
Other notable mentions included an influential workshop on resolving conflict to maintain inclusiveness, and on higher grounds, relationship building beyond the code.
A lecture series was given by Donald Cleveland, BCC Counselor and Historian, titled “From Mis-education to Education.” The speech was geared towards african american history that has either been misinterpreted or not ever discussed over time; an issue that Mr. Cleveland is very passionate about.
Speakers from different walks of life delivered passionate messages of optimism in hopes
of encouraging listeners. “The speakers promoted self-starting and self-motivation…they stepped up as real role models.” said Dr. Denise St. Patrick-Bell, who hosted the panel discussion on the state of black affairs.
The experience left students and faculty members with a sense of hope and unbridled potential. But every year you can celebrate Black History Month. Carter said, “The event was exceptional and brilliantly executed…the conference had substance.” The feeling was mutual for Donald Cleveland, “Each component was as good as the next.”
Cleveland, who also heads the african american Student Union (AASU), continues to broaden the edification of students and the community. the aaSU members attend an annual state meeting to promote african american education and positive awareness. Students who are interested in advancing their education and consciousness of african american history are welcome to drop by the AASU at Central Campus Building 19 room 116B.
Carter had one last thing to add to the success of the conference and its future “In order for the conference to happen again next year it needs to be not only a Student Life thing, but a community thing.”
introduced the judges.“We tried to pick the same
characters from Idol,” Stanley said, “so they’re the same concept, but different cultures.”
Sabine Augustin, who is a Haitian herself, played a
stereotypically Haitian judge named “Paulina”. Augustin was 106 & Central’s version of Paula Abdul from American Idol.
Michael Fowler played “Ronald”, a nerdy version of Simon Cowell. The final judge, Orville Miller, while using an extreme Jamaican accent played “Simion”, the Jamaican version of Randy Jackson (However, on the first day Tatreon Brown, as “Big Bama”, was a judge in Miller’s stead.).
The first contestant of the event was Mike Calhoun with a rendition of John Legend’s “Heaven”. Though the judges liked his performance, Calhoun was unable to win the prize, due to the fact that he works for Student Life.
Following Calhoun was Jasmine Grent who read a poem by Maya Angelou called “The Lesson.” Unfortunately for Grent she received two no’s.
Cadet, also known as “Chaun Naughty”, was next and performed an a cappella freestyle which the judges liked. Augustin said he “ripped it”, Fowler gave Cadet a “yes” and Brown told him, “you going to the next round boy.”
Unfortunately for the next contestant, who only left the name Kinko when he signed up, swore and the rules didn’t allow any offensive language and thus he was disqualified.
The next contestant who approached the microphone was Sam Caldwell, also known as “A-Star”, who performed an original song called “Warrior for Life.” Caldwell drew both the crowd and judges into his performance, Fowler gave him a “yes” and added that he was versatile and Augustin said she loved it.
Ironically, the next contestant was a Christian rapper named Christian. Augustin said that he made her want to open the Bible and Fowler said that though “there was a little scribble in the middle”, he’d let Christian through.
The next contestant, Mike, also swore which disqualified him. However with positive comments
from both Augustin and Brown it’s likely Mike would have made it to the finale.
Reciting an original poem titled “Wanting Acceptance,” Isabel Alexandre was the next contestant to step up. Fowler said that he liked what she talked
about, “it was very inspiring.” He gave her a “yes.” Brown referred to Alexandre as “the calm before the storm.”
Unfortunately for Denise Davis, who performed Amanda Perez’ “Never”, she received two no’s.
To close out the first day of tryouts Calhoun came back and sang again.
Stanley said that his expectations of the first day weren’t met. Not so much because of the contestants but more that the crowd wasn’t there.
Stefan Donowa, 18, on the other hand said that it was good. “I didn’t know BCC had that much talent in one campus,” Donowa said.
Rodrick Green, also known as Judgment Rod, started the second day of tryouts with his song “Hard Times of a Young Man” which Fowler said was very intriguing. All of the judges gave Green a “yes.”
Luckner “Lucky” Pierre was next and performed “Lost Rose”, an original poem. Pierre was allowed through to the next round.
Next, with a rendition of Linkin Park’s “Numb” was Ben Wolowitz. Augustin said, “Because I love the American people, I say ‘yes’.” And Miller said that Wolowitz “rocked the place, and shake the bass.”
Dereck Coats, “DL”, performed an original song called “People in Places”. All of the judges sent him to the next round and Augustin even asked him to be her husband.
Jihan “Jay” Davy and Deslene Murray performed a rendition of Alicia Keys’ “No one” and a gospel song “Because of Who You Are”, respectively. The judges allowed both them through to the next round.
Tony Grayson, another Student Life employee, got on the stage to perform Boys II Men’s “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye.” Though the judges knew that Grayson unable to win they still told him
their opinions of his performance. Miller told him, “It ain’t hard to say goodbye to you.” And Augustin added, “You make the people leave to class.”
With the second and last day of tryouts finished it was time to move on to the finale.
Augustin said that judging the second day was harder. “There was real talent,” she said.
Martin Fitzgerald, 22, echoed Augustin’s thoughts. “It was good,” he said, “Today was a lot better than yesterday. [There was] some nervousness from the contestants but it was all good.”
“Today was excellent,” Stanley said, “I had a ball today.” Regarding his expectations for the finale, Stanley said that it will be like the second day. “It’s going to be fun.”
On day three, with the finales now upon them, the judges now had to make more critical decisions, now dealing out numbers from 1-10 instead of “yes’s” and “no’s.”
Wolowitz started the finale by making the audience laugh with “The eBay song.” Fowler and Miller both gave Wolowitz a 7, but Augustin said that he should “buy verbal lessons” and gave him a 4.
Omar Whitfield was next and serenaded Felicia Lynch to “We Can’t be Friends.” Whitfield received an 8 from Fowler and a 7 from both Augustin and Miller.
Coats came back with another original song “Let’s Hoop,” and, according to Miller, had a lot of energy. All of the judges gave Coats 8’s.
Patricia Foster, also known as “Mz. Pat”, performed her song “You and Me.” Fowler said that she came off a little average in the beginning but liked that she changed it at the end. She received 7’s from all of the judges.
Caldwell and Cadet both came back and performed original songs (“Do it Alone” for Caldwell, and “Best of Best” and “Unconditional Love” for Cadet), they both received all 8’s from all three judges.
From there the competition was stalled because of a four-way tie between Cadet, Coats, Caldwell and Foster.
The four performers had to perform again to break the tie. Coats, Foster, Caldwell and Cadet all received high scores after their performances but Caldwell was the only one to receive all 10’s from the judges making him the winner of 106 & Central.
Caldwell, a member of a group for four years, says that this event was the first time he performed his solo songs. He used the crowd’s reaction to gauge his performance to see what needed improvement.
Caldwell said that the whole event was good, and he felt comfortable. He said that some people didn’t perform on the last day because they felt nervous, but he didn’t feel that way.
He says that he likes the way the event was organized. “If there weren’t any chairs people would walk around and not be listening,”
▪ Continued from page 1he said.
the fact that the audience listened is important to Caldwell as his aim with music is to teach people. “I want people to learn stuff from what I say. That’s why I do music.”
Cadet, who thinks that A-Star did a great job and likes the way he switches up his style, agrees with Caldwell that the set up was good and felt that the staff was supportive.
Miller and Fowler both commend the students who went on stage to perform because “it takes courage to go up there even if they might not win,” Fowler said. Miller added that they “had guts to do what they had to do.”
Some readers may be wondering why the contestants who made it through to the finale weren’t at the finale, a problem
that both Stanley and Lutwak say will be addressed if the event were to take place again next year.
“Could’ve been better contestant outcome if they all showed up,” Stanley said. Lutwak added that the change they would make to the event is to make sure the contestants show up.
James Lewis, Coordinator of Student Life at Central Campus, feels that the event was a success. “There was a lot of student participation,” Lewis said. Not only does he want to do the event again next year, he also says that he’d like to expand it in the future and make it a year-round event with tryouts twice a month and a finale at the end of the year, or at the end of the academic semester.
Miller says that if they do it next year, “it’ll be bigger and better than this year was.”
Momentum for the moment
Who is your student idol?
photo Courtesy of renee s Weir
photo Courtesy of renee s Weir
� The Observer february 25, 2008sOuTh
Kielia SamuelSContributing Writer
With a poster exclaiming “Do You Admire Someone from Afar?” Members of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Delta Rho chapter were well represented in their Valentines Day colors on Feb. 14 in an effort to persuade students to purchase a gift secretly or not, and then send it to students on campus whom they admire.
The activity took place on South Campus behind Room 133. Student Life also had an activity taking place, so PTK members were slightly inconvenienced with the position of their table, and as a result they had to compete for the student’s attention and interest.
Love was in the air on South Campus and PTK members definitely helped to create that aura. Their beautifully decorated table was eye candy to students who w a n t e d to tell someone “Happy Valentines Day”, and being anonymous was optional.
Gifts included a single flower with a note attached, chocolates
and candy. The fundraising event is an effort to raise funds for an upcoming PTK Convention in April. VP of Communication for PTK, Charlie McGuire, could be seen welcoming students with a cheerful smile and an explanation
as to how the exchanges will
work.Students
purchased their gifts
at the P T K
t a b l e , and provided
information for the person who will receive the gift. PTK would then call the receiver to collect the item at the PTK table. Upon entering the table, some students were very jovial about the whole idea, and even entertained about the thought of sending a flower to someone just to see them go crazy trying to figure out who it came from.
South Campus student Raheem Omar, explained that he
thought the idea was very interesting and should be
well received by students. “I love the idea of the exchange, even though I didn’t get anything,” said Omar. “The gesture to send a gift anonymously would have made my day after a drooling exam I just had.”
The remodeling project for Building 72 on South Campus started in the middle of 2006. Since then the Facilities Management Department has been working with Hanson Professional Services, Inc. on the architectural design for the building.
According to Michael Hamilton, Project Administrator and the person in charge of coordinating this project, they finalized the construction drawings and already got a contractor. The company that was hired is called James B. Pirtle Construction Co., Inc.
“The goal is to start with the construction sometime later this year, probably during the summer,” said Hamilton.
The estimated construction cost of the building is $6.5 million. The remodeling will be done in two phases. In phase I they will work on the English Department and the second floor where the Nursing Department will move. In phase II they will build the nursing area and work on the expansion of the Learning Resources Center (LRC). Phase
I is estimated to be finish by February 2009 and Phase II a year later.
When it comes to this project, BCC has not only considered the benefits it will bring to the students and faculty, but they are also aware of the environment by following the guidelines of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.
Hamilton said they are trying to use the right materials during the construction and will try to recycle as much as possible during the remodeling part. They will get light fixtures that save
energy but at the same time light properly, save water by getting new faucets and plumbing fixtures. They are even considering the tinting
and materials for the windows to reduce the consumption of energy and conserve the right temperature inside the building.
“We are going to use sustainable materials that are friendly for the environment,” he said.
Dr. Patrick Ellingham, Senior English Professor at South Campus, said, “The d e p a r t m e n t members are spread out in different p l aces…This will bring us together and create our own space.”
According to Ellingham, there will be some small seminar rooms, which will help with writing circles and small group work with students. “It will give the English Department more identity and cohesion as a group,” he said.
Also, LRC will be expanding with this project. The writing, reading, ESL and math lab will be expanded as well as a computer lab for students to work in.
Terry Justice, Interin Provost on South Campus said, “The building has been here for more than 25 years and we have not been able to properly accommodate all the students that we have.”
“We are going to be able to have a state of the art facility for students to use,” said Justice.
Makeover for building 72
New Bldg. 72 Photo by AngelA osborne
“...This will bring us TogeTher and creaTe our own
space.”- dr. paTrick ellingham
P T K ’s s e c re tOlga BuitragOstAff Writer
The Observerfebruary 25, 2008 5north
Buzz LamB Staff Writer
Some habits are harder than others to break. Many smokers know how difficult it is to quit. Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy…I’ve done it a hundred times.” For those who can’t quit and still crave a smoke between classes, certain sections on BCC North Campus have been set up as designated smoking areas. Good for some, not so good for others.
Rakeem Ball, 18, who is a computer engineering student on North Campus, says he hates the idea of having a designated area for smoking. “I want to smoke
just outside the building,” he said while sitting behind the desk at the Student Life office. “I don’t like having to go to a special area.”
Begrudgingly, Ball goes to the designated area on the south side of Building 49 to puff on his cigarettes. “I see the Provost there all the time. She’s a smoker too,” he said. Ball believes that area was set up just for the Provost because it is right outside her office (although her office is located on the second floor).
Kris Kozlowski, 19, freshman music major, was sitting at one of the tables in front of Building 49 listening to his iPod. “I’m not a smoker. I just like to sit in this
area between my classes,” he said. Kozlowski thinks it is a good idea to have a special area for smokers, “If there are too many of them (smokers) here, I just leave.” A c c o r d i n g to Mareta S i z e m o r e , S t u d e n t A c t i v i t i e s Director for North Campus, there are at least three areas set aside for smokers on
didn’t know this was a smoking area. If someone came by and lit up…I’d pick up my stuff and leave,” she said emphatically. Hilaire is a non-smoker who just happened to wander into the area while waiting for her class to begin. “I’ve never smoked,” she said. “I can’t stand the smell.”
Sizemore said that right now faculty and staff are adhering to the new policy but some are complaining that they “feel like criminals” because they are being
told where they have to go to smoke. “They are more aware of the new policy than the students are, that’s why there are so many of them in the smoking areas,” she said. “Now we have to educate the students in another way. We have to teach them where they can and cannot smoke.”
photo by buzz lambDiana Hilaire
smokers lament designationsSmokerS on north CampuS are ForCed into Certain areaS.
the campus. There is one in the courtyard to the east of Building 57, the one by Building 49 and another over by the Omni.
Diana Hilaire, 31, takes a Human Growth class on North Campus. Hilaire said she thinks it is a great idea to have designated smoking areas. “It’s not fair for other people to have to sit there and inhale second-hand smoke,” she said. Hilaire was sitting at one of the circular tables at the smoking area by Building 57. “I
area outside of building 49
� The Observer MOnTh DD, 2008
The Observerfebruary 25, 2008 �news
together.”The Pines Center campus has
also been invited to participate and assist on how to set up the exercise. smith said “Depending on the circumstances, Pembroke Pines can take over and we follow their lead, especially during a lockdown,” said smith.
BCC safety guidelines were altered after the V.T. tragedy, and they continue to be changed to this day. The guidelines are being adapted according to the necessity of the campuses, and the new ideas brought by those in charge.
According to smith, “each campus has some identifying dynamics, but overall BCC took the process by trying to put an umbrella procedure together.”
After the Virginia Tech shooting, Dr. shaun Pan, the former Provost of south Campus said, “we really need to quickly come up with a campus-wide communication plan for students and employees.” The plan has now been set-up and in case of an emergency, all campuses have an immediate communication system.
south Campus security Lt. James sutton explained that after V. Tech. a new procedure came out of the studies. It involves having electronic card readers on the classrooms doors, to allow the doors to remain locked from the outside after being closed by the professor.
sutton said he “would like to program all the doors for all the instructors to swipe.” He also explained that “the door would then stay opened for 15 seconds, allowing the class to enter and then the door auto locks.”
“Right now I’ve been told not to do it because of the inconvenience,” said sutton. “Because if anybody is late at all, somebody is going to get up from the classroom to open the door.”
sutton regrets not having this procedure, as he said “I would rather sacrifice the inconvenience for the safety.”
According to Dean smith, the automatic doors are now being considerered for the entire college.
Another procedure which will now be used at the south Campus, in case of an emergency, is the use of a weather system speaker to inform students of the situation. The system that smith refers as to “the old weather system” has been integrated to into the safety
procedures.The weather system consists
of speakers placed on top of each building. smith said that these speakers are loud enough to be heard on the entire campus. The system, although not purchased for this use and not tested since last year, according to smith, is only a part of a safer response system which is being looked into right now. “But nothing sig-nificant has been purchased as a result of V. Tech or the other ca-tastrophes.”
what has happened according to smith is they attempted to make sure all the lighting and emergen-cy phones are working properly. south and north Campus also created students escort teams, in which students were hired for the evening shift, with the sole pur-pose of walking students to their cars.
For the long term, smith said, “we are hoping to get cameras and doing all the things we are supposed to do.” He also said, “It’s going to be my push to make sure something happens in the next budget cycle.”
Lt. sutton explained that the wrong use of the emergency call boxes spread around the cam-puses, is a factor in the security of BCC. The call boxes intended for emergency situations are con-stantly used for “could you open this or that door.” The misuse of the call boxes, causess the safety officers to have a different re-sponse time from the regular time it would take them to respond to a real emergency.
every time someone press-es the red button the call goes straight to the security officers’ radio. And according to sutton, the response time for an actual emergency is one minute or less. But students constantly use the call box for “non-emergency,” said smith.
south Campus has currently 11 security officers and the cam-pus is in the process of acquiring more personnel. The police pres-ence on campus has also been ex-tended to 10:30 p.m.
“we are moving in the right direction,” said smith. “These things [shootings] happen and can happen at any time.”
BCC has open campuses, and according to security files, most incidents involve non-students. This is how the campuses have been set-up, and only the use of extreme safety procedures could totally secure BCC.
staff writer Buzz Lamb
contributed for this story.
Owning a house in south Florida is now cheaper and easier than ever. Good credit is no longer necessary. The stress of going to a bank, hoping the manager didn’t had a fight with his wife in the morning, so you could get your loan approved is a thing of the past. A past when the state of Florida was in constant prosperity and its citizens saw gated communities expand west of I-95.
Forget the harsh past, this is the age of foreclosures, where anyone can purchase a house for less than $5,000. All that is necessary is a Google search, and more than 4 million specialized websites will guide the shopper through the easy process of acquiring a new property.
The foreclosure crises in the state, has led the population to live in the constant fear of receiving a letter from their banks informing that they need to abandon their homes in four weeks. But there is no reason for concern, a month later they can watch their houses being displayed in an infomercial, showing how little you can pay for a beautiful three and a half bathroom townhouse in Fort Lauderdale.
every month in south Florida, the market is filled with new homes available because of foreclosures. And the situation just keeps getting better and better for those in search of a new real state. since the cost of living in Florida has also risen, but not its citizen’s paychecks, the chances of another person falling into debt are now higher than ever.
In 2007, according to Realty Trac, a total of 279,325 foreclosure filings on 165,291 properties were reported. These numbers were more than two times higher compared to 2006. Florida is now the second leading state in foreclosure fillings, behind only nevada.
Broward County is one of the leaders in foreclosures, having currently 26,000 houses in foreclosure. The average sales price for a house in the state is $188,983, a downfall of about 30 percent from the average
$264,000 price of a home price in the state two years ago. The Legal Aid of Broward County also estimates that one out of 30 houses is in foreclosure.
According to Broward County official numbers, Fort Lauderdale is constantly in the top five metropolitan areas for foreclosure rates. The home sales volume has also dropped drastically in Broward from December 2006 to December 2007. Hollywood had a drop of 30.5 percent (2,538), Pembroke Pines follows with 24.8 percent (2,689) and Fort Lauderdale with 12 percent (3,785).
Lantana had the biggest drop in home sales volume, with an estimate of 68.7 percent compared to the same period in 2006.
The citizens of south Florida are being removed from their homes and their houses are placed in the real estate market, sometimes for absurdly low prices, simply because they were not able to fulfill their monthly obligations. However, their monthly payments are directly attached to the uncontrolled raise in property value Florida has had in the past five years, which also generated an increase in property taxes and higher interest rates.
In Palm Beach County, where the median household income is $53,000, the average price for a house in Boca Raton went from $200,000 in the nineties to near $450,000 in the last year. This year the average price dropped to $419,000.
west Delray had one of the biggest drops in average home cost price, going from $275,000 in 2006 to $175,000 at the end of last year.
The government is, without a doubt, the one to be blamed for the crises. By allowing real state tax rates to get higher, and by not having a stronger control over the prices in Florida’s homes, the government built the road to foreclosure.
The passing of Amendment 1, which included new property tax exemptions
Foreclosure crisis in s. Fla.and limitations on property tax assessments, was strongly supported by Gov. Charlie Crist. Crist pitched the amendment by saying that it would “preserve” the 3 percent save Our Homes tax cap. But Crist did not inform the people he represents during the advertisements about the totality of changes the amendment would bring, which also included lowering the funding for police officers, stations and firefighters.
In a time that the crime rate is increasing, Floridians were really left with two choices: the bad one or the worst one.
Following a substantial fall from 1997 to 2005, the violent and property crime have both risen according to the Florida statistical Analysis Center, the agency used by the Florida Department of Law enforcement. Property crimes in the state have risen from 712,238 in 2005 to 720,425. This is the first time crime numbers raised since 1996.
Debt and tax rates are a problem faced by all fifty states, especially with the current administration that will leave the nation with a debt of over $9 trillion
The state does not deny the fact that the numbers for properties in foreclosure will rise at least until 2009, but they fail to provide its citizens with concrete forms to prevent this numbers from rising in the years to follow.
One of the solutions could be contacting local legislators and county commissioner, and requiring them to take more action in the matter.
▪ Continued from page 1
safe at school
CORReCTIOn:
In the Feb. 11 Francesca Gonzalez was incorrectly named as Vice President of south Campus sGA. Also upcoming south Campus sGA elections will be taking place
in April of 2008.
Photo courtesy ofhowstuffworks.com
Photo courtesy ofhowstuffworks.com
Bruno niccolisPorts editor
� The Observer february 25, 200�cOmics and puzzles
The ObserverMOnTh DD, 2008 �Section title
10 The Observer February 25, 2008Topic of The monTh
Buzz LamB Staff Writer
Where could an A. S. degree from the Bcc Aviation institute lead a student? it might just land a successful graduate into a six-figure job with the Federal Aviation Administration (fAA).
According to Jorge Guerra, Dean of the Aviation institute on South Campus, BCC will be filing an application with the fAA to have Bcc designated as a certified Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). “This is a new cycle of certifications for the fAA. The last time they did it was back in the 1980’s,” he said. “If we get approved we will begin a brand-new air traffic controller program.”
Guerra said that in this round the FAA will designate only 35 CTI’s nationwide. The deadline is March 1 to submit applications. currently there are only three fAA-approved facilities in Florida, but the demand for air traffic controllers is growing at a rapid pace. According to the
FAA web site, in 2010 (when the first class would graduate from the new program) they will be hiring 1,610 new air traffic controllers.
G u e r r a said that Bcc p r e s i d e n t J. David A r m s t r o n g loves the idea of implementing the new a v i a t i o n program. “it really was his idea to get involved with this,” he said. “i had given some thought to this before he (Armstrong) got here but never really pursued it.” Guerra said that one day back in November he was having lunch with the president
and Armstrong brought up the subject. “Why don’t we start a program in our aviation institute
for air traffic controllers?” he asked Guerra.
Guerra said that clinched it
for him. He began researching the possibilities immediately, traveling to the FAA offices in
Miami, observing procedures at working towers and reading reams of regulations and requirements.
if approved, the program will be offered at the brand-new Miramar Town Center Library
building. “Space in Building 99 is maxed out. If we have to wait two to three years for a new facility to be built we will miss this window of opportunity,” he grimaced.
As a matter of record, at the January Board of Trustees meeting the Board approved a 50-year lease with the city of miramar for the second floor of the facility. “There will be a library on the main floor and nova Southeastern University will occupy the third floor,” he said. Guerra said the floor plan of the building is perfect for tower simulators, classrooms and labs for the students
to get hands-on training.
Too afraid to fly? Try air traffic controller
Professional Pilot:• Instrument• Commercial Flight• Multi-Engine• Certified Flight Instructor• Professional Pilot A.S. degree
Photo courteSy aviation inStitute
Photo courteSy aviation inStituteThe airtraffic control simulator
▪ aviaTion Continued on page 12
one of the flight simulators avaiable for students
The Observer 11Topic of The monThFebruary 25, 2008
aviation Maintenance: • Airframe Maintenance • Power Plant Maintenance
• Avionics Technician
Established in 1966, BCC’s Aviation Institute located at the South Campus, is the only facility in Broward County dedicated to training of aviation professionals. The aviation program has an average of 300 students a year, who have acces to a 7,000 sq. ft. hangar, a simulator wing, workshops and flight training devices. The institue also has a partnership with the Delta Connection Accademy and provides FAA-approved certificate programs.
Photo by bruno niccoliairplane engines at the institue hangar
12 The Observer february 25, 2008feaTures
According to Guerra, once a student graduates from the BCC program they will be qualified to take an additional FAA test. Successful applicants then become FAA employees and are sent to Oklahoma City for six weeks of paid intensive training.
Guerra said there are certain limitations imposed by the FAA for their program. “Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and they will not consider hiring anyone who has passed their 31st birthday,” he said. “But, that does not mean a successful graduate of our program cannot be employed by a private tower operator, such as the tower here at North Perry Airport…they are contract employees, not FAA employees, but they are still controllers.”
If BCC is approved, Guerra said the FAA will send in a team to help design the curriculum for the students. “We have a core program planned which we will submit to them. They have advised us as to how we should target the program,” he said. Guerra said he hopes that some of the people who help design the final curriculum will also be interested in teaching part time.
Guerra said once the application is accepted, the FAA will physically visit the campus before May 30. After the visit
they will make an nation-wide announcement as to whom they will award the status of Collegiate Technical Initiative. “We don’t know who the competition is for those 35 openings so we have to make a really good case for ourselves. I think we have a pretty good chance,” he said hopefully.
According to Guerra, BCC has the most successful aviation programs in the entire state. “Right now we have about 140 students in our maintenance technology program. We’ve got 90 active flight students, about 230 non-actives (taking courses but not flying) and 60 enrolled in our airport operations/management program.
“I will be looking for grant money to fund this new program. There is such a huge demand for people in this area. Certainly this is a profession that commands high skill and a high wage,” he said.
Guerra is anticipating that once the program takes off there will be 100 students actively involved each year. “We’ll graduate probably 40 a year,” he said. The good news is the students will pay regular tuition and lab fees just like all other BCC students. “This is truly a very inexpensive way for students to latch on to a career path that will literally take them to new heights,” he said with a big grin.
aviation Institute
Etheridge Lovett, 46, has been painting since the age of 13, but it wasn’t until his six-year service with the Army at Ft. Hood, Texas that he received any formal training.
After seeing his artwork General Robert M. Shoemaker, the commanding officer at Ft. Hood, made a request through Washington that Lovett be transferred from radio-teletype operator to Army illustrator. And from there he was sent to illustration school.
Lovett, who works at South Regional/Broward Community College Library as Library Specialist 1, is a writer and painter with his works appearing in Pan Kú and one of the cafeteria walls of Ely High School in Pompano.
The Broward County School Board commissioned Lovett to paint, not just one, but a twin set of murals for Ely High School. The cafeteria mural, the first of the two, was started seven months ago and is a collage of Ely High School’s major activities. It contains football and basketball players, and Blanche Ely, the founder of Ely High School, is in the center of the painting.
“The school had something planned but they gave me freedom to express myself,” Lovett said.
He was highly enthusiastic about the opportunity to paint the murals. “This allows the School Board to see how good my work is.” He also said that the murals would be a major boost for his company, EG Lovett Books & Publishing, Inc., which he started two years ago.
As beneficial as the murals are for his company, Lovett does not paint purely for exposure, he
does charge a fee for his work. The cost, he said, depends on the amount of paint he uses, the size of the mural and the fact that he is an established artist.
The Ely High School murals aren’t the extent of Lovett’s painting career. He’s worked for
Motown Records and one of his paintings is even in the personal collection of director Spike Lee.
Lee was visiting the city of Lauderhill and its Commissioner, M. Margaret Bates, wanted to give the director a gift, and Lovett, according to Bates, wanted to participate. The Commissioner agreed after seeing Lovett’s work with the African-American Research Library.
“The painting was very detailed and done with feeling,” Bates said. “Spike is in the middle but the work around him tells a lot about him.” Bates said that
not only would she recommend Lovett, she already has.
As a writer, Lovett has written short stories and is currently working on a collection of short stories and a novel. One of his short stories, “Cheatin’ on Danny Boy,” was published in Pan Kú. And according to Lovett, Vicki Hendricks, an English professor at South Campus, asked that he submit that story to a writing
contest, which he won.“I took a creative writing class
a year-and-a-half ago and aced it,” Lovett said. He even laughs as he recounts his professor asking him why he even took the class.
Lovett’s future endeavors include continuing his education
next semester, pursuing a Master’s degree in English & Art and retiring from his current position at BCC.
“My company is really taking off,” Lovett said. So much so that, coupled with his current position as Library Specialist 1 at South Regional/Broward Community College Library, Lovett feels that he is stretching himself too thin. “I plan on retiring from this BCC position to be full time at my company,” Lovett said, “There’s a strong possibility that may happen this year.”
Leonardo da Vinci and
Michelangelo are who Lovett says are his influences. He believes that “some people are born with talents similar to the masters, but it is up to that individual to polish and refine them for their own benefit.”
Lovett finishes by comparing himself to Da Vinci. “I believe that I have the same ability as him,” he said. “And we’re both lefties.”
Library employee creates a mural at ely high school
Relations) and Alba Holguin (Executive Officer – Pines/Weston) will be reporting to the Board the results of the campus-wide survey conducted over the last 30 days. “The students will be doing a PowerPoint p r e s e n t a t i o n outlining the predominant issues,” Ortega said.
At the Student Forum last year some of the issues were campus safety at night, campus beautification and more advisers at the Pines/Weston Center. In the
PhiliPPe ButeauContributing Writer
first part of their slide-show the students will reveal the outcomes of 2006-07 issues.
Ortega said that in addition to voicing concerns, the students will offer possible solutions because
they don’t want to be perceived as complainers but rather as problem solvers.
F o l l o w i n g the formal p r e s e n t a t i o n there will be an
“open mic” session where students in the audience are invited to step up to the microphone in a one-on-one situation with the Trustees. As the minister says at the wedding, “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“The sTudenTs will be doing a PowerPoinT
PresenTaTion ouTlining The
PredominanT issues,”-rose orTega, sTudenT
life CoordinaTor
student’s voice their opinions
the aviation Boeing 727 photo by bruno niCColi
▪ Continued from page 10
▪ Continued from page 1
etheridge lovett artwork
etheridge lovett artwork
The ObserverFebruary 25, 2008 13features
In any spanish to english dictionary the word “bailamos” is nothing more than the conjugation of the word “bailar “with the meaning of ‘lets dance’. It is also the title to one of the hits that has made enrique Iglesias an international icon. so why not take some steps and dance to the beat of Latin music and experience what other cultures have to offer? that is one of the many ideas that the Billboard Latin Music Conference and awards have in mind for their 19th annual gathering this year at the seminole Hard rock Hotel & Casino during april 6 through the 10.
the event will attract many industry icons that have paved the way for a new style of marketing, and have expanded the content to which millions of people are exposed to on a daily basis. Whether it be via the medium of radio, print, online or tV, some of the confirmed attendees that will be participating will include reggaeton duo Winsin and Yandel, who will be talking about the new business model in music. also expected to be present will be Geoff Mayfield who is Billboard’s director of charts/senior analyst and will be featuring a presentation on ‘the state of the us Digital Market.’
With all these conference attendees, one could not forget what is the main reason for all of this being possible. Perhaps the answer is that the conference gives people, who are willing to listen to Latin music’s exotic wonders, the ability to feel and
savior its flavor. Letting the rhythm take over is what many will have the opportunity to do as Daniel Cruz and Yoel Henriquez perform acoustic versions of their music at Jazziz which is located in seminole Paradise at the seminole Hard rock Hotel & Casino.
as with all grandiose events, the public will get to see a glimpse of the conference’s magnitude. Prior to the awards show on april 10, the multi-platinum singer enrique Iglesias, who recently completed an international tour for his hit album “Insomniac,” which contains some of the popular
radio songs like “Sombody’s Me,” and “Tired of Being Sorry, and Do You Know,” will be answering questions for one of Billboard’s most recognized
print journalist.at the conference Leila Cobo,
who is Billboard’s executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and entertainment will conduct an intimate one-on-one interview with enrique Iglesias on april 9th. It will be just weeks after
his latest CD titled “95/08 E x i t o s , ” which will be a compilation of his 17 number one hits that have been on the charts of the Billboard Hot Latin songs. It is a record amount that no other artist has achieved thus far.
W h a t q u e s t i o n s will he be asked that might make this spaniard tremble or even get shy? Only time can tell what Cobo will ask as she goes on the quest to find out more about the man behind the hits who makes love a quest for all to seek.
Latin billboard’s rocks s. Fla
spring hasn’t quite sprung yet, but that doesn’t mean that isn’t time to be thinking about P’an Ku.
P’an Ku is BCC’s award winning literary magazine, and it needs students to survive. It is a student publication that relies on student staff and submissions of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, photography or other artwork. If your submission is chosen, it gets published, yes, published in a real magazine.
It’s can be a big deal to be published, it will make you stand out in a crowd. and it can make you just feel good. ali Harris, a student who had two poems published in the last issue of P’an Ku from North Campus said, “there is a certain validation in knowing that my own musing and writing was selected by a panel of my peers, amongst all the other submitted pieces.”
the magazine is free and located on all campuses. Because of this, it reaches a lot of students, faculty and others who aren’t on
campus. It’s a way to get started in making a name for yourself, or just get something off your chest.
students can submit up to five poems, stories or essays, three pieces of artwork, and five photographs. for submission criteria, please reference the submission form. students can submit on any of the main campuses, on Central Campus, in Building 19, in student Life or in the art Department, Building 3, room 102. On North Campus students can turn in submissions to the english Department, Bldg. 47 room 305, or in student Life, Bldg. 46, room 133. student s on south Campus can submit to Dr. ellingham, Building 68, room 246. and submissions from Downtown Center can be turned into the Student Life office.
Harris also says this about Pa’n Ku, in hopes that students will submit, “It’s like a time capsule, almost coming from the views and expression of all the student body. It’s a chance to let your words be heard, a chance to let your thoughts inspire. You lose nothing, but you can gain a worthwhile opportunity.”
D r . e l l i n g h a m , f a c u l t y adviser of P’an Ku urges students to try by saying, there is no one type of P’an Ku work, if you have s u b m i t t e d before, and didn’t get in, submit again.
so get w r i t i n g , d r a w i n g , sculpting, get the batteries for the camera, or whatever creative thing you do. the deadline to submit to P’an Ku is March 21. If you have any additional q u e s t i o n s visit www.broward.edu/PanKu_BCC
Do you P ’an Ku?
“The evenT wiLL aTTracT many inDusTry icOns
ThaT have PaveD The way FOr a new sTyLe OF marKeTing.”
Andres LopezStaff Writer
AngeLA osborneOpiniOn editOr
14 The Observer MOnTh DD, 2008
The Observerfebruary 25, 2008 15SportS
the night sky is now brighter at the Central Campus ballpark. the Seahawks baseball team started their season under a newly installed light system.
Before the installation of the system, practices were cut short and games could only be played in the afternoon. Head Coach robert Deutschman said, “the lights are definitely a nice addition and the players are enjoying them except for the fact that we can now practice longer.”
the improvements on the ballpark are a deserved upgrade to the college’s most successful team. the Seahawks are constantly amongst the NJCAA top teams and it’s not unusual for one of its players to be either drafted to a university, or to go straight to a MLB team, like Matt Latos.
this season, the Seahawks will only have four hitters and two pitchers returning from last year.
From the returning players, J.J. Jimenez was first team all-conference and second team all-state and Tito Espinosa was second team all-conference
Coach Deutschman also points out that, “Anthony Mesa returns after a solid freshman year and is probably our best all-around baseball player.”
regarding his expectation Coach Deutschman said, “to be quite honest I have no expectations of this group except that they work hard and get better as the season goes on. We only have 4 returning hitters and 2 returning arms from last year so we are basically starting from scratch. to place any expectations on them positive or negative would be premature.”
About any possible stars the fans should be looking for, Coach Deu t schman said, “Matt Gilson would
come to mind first. He had a great freshman year that was somewhat overlooked due to the dominant presence of Matt Latos.”
Coach Deutschman also spoke about the chances of this team winning another trophy, “I would say are chance will be the same as any team I have ever had assuming
Anthony SedleyStaff writer
After years of speculation and talk, the Florida Marlins are closer than ever to getting an approval for getting their own stadium built.
In the past week the Marlins have released the plans of where the new baseball only stadium will be built and what it will look like. once the city of Miami approves of the plan through voting, the stadium will be built where the orange Bowl stadium would have once stood.
“We have reached agreement among all the parties and have a baseball stadium agreement we’re all comfortable with that we’re distributing and briefing commissioners on over the weekend and early next week in
advance of a special meeting,” County Manager George Burgess told the Associated press.
According to a 94 page memo that was sent to county commissioners, the project will cost around $515 million. $347 million in funding will come from the county, and $155 million from the Marlins. the city of Miami would pay $13 million.
plans for the stadium include a capacity of 37,000 seats and a retractable roof. If approved, the new ballpark would be projected to be ready for opening day for the 2011 season and the Florida Marlins will undergo a name change, becoming the Miami Marlins. the Marlins are under lease to remain at Dolphin Stadium, their home since 1993, through 2010.
we stay healthy, work hard and get better as the season goes on. We have a great coaching staff which certainly helps as to their development. Because of the new players, it will certainly take longer to evolve then it might have in the past, but I definitely have the coaches to help them get there.”
the coach had one last comment: “please thank my coaching staff for me: Carl Andrietta, Jeff Foley, Kyle Bone, Greg Brown, ralph Courlet, Burgess Macnamara, Miles Sonn. they are a great group.”
the schedule for the Seahawks games can be found at www.broward.edu/athletics.
seahawks baseball back for another season
Marlins new stadiumThe Team geTs closer from owning a sTadium
photo by bruno niccoli
photo by bruno niccolithe new light system at the ballpark
J.J. Jimenez
Bruno niccoliSportS editor
16 The Observer february 25, 2008spOrTs
Igor MelloStaff Writer
After a long enduring off-season, the 2008 softball season is now upon the Lady Seahawks. The Lady Seahawks are 15 games deep into their season but only have four wins to show. But there is still time for them to improve as they have 11 doubleheaders left which totals out to be 22 games left this season.
“The team has extreme potential, I feel we are definitely going to be competitors in our conference,” said freshmen Pitcher Amanda Heyl who is 2-4 as a pitcher with an ERA of under three and tenth in the FCCAA in strikeouts with just over one per inning.
After the Lady Seahawks split their opening home doubleheader against St. Petersburg College, they went on a long-lasting road trip where they played nine games on the road.
The road trip began disappointing as they lost their first six games, after that the Lady Seahawks regained some confidence as they finished the road trip winning two out of their last three road games. A 2-1 victory versus Seminole Community College and a 4-0 shutout to North Florida Community College.
“Confidence is a major factor in winning a game, if you think you have no shot at winning a game than you’ve already beaten yourself and the game is out of your hands,” said freshmen Pitcher/Infielder Kirstin Beamsderfer, who is ninth in the FCCAA with an ERA of just under one per game.
The Lady Seahawks came back home from their road trip on Feb. 15 where they faced Seminole Community College for the fourth and fifth time as they came out victorious on their first game 1-0, but fell short in a heart-breaking 0-1 defeat in a tiebreaker during the eighth inning.
“It was tough, it was a game
that we should have won, we had two chances to win it, we had a runner on third base with less than two outs in the bottom of the seventh and the bottom of the eighth during the tiebreaker,” said Coach Brian Staubly after their nail biting loss versus Seminole Community College. “When you make a mental error like that than you usually lose your games, but we played hard and we played well.”
The very next day the Lady Seahawks were swept 13-2 and 4-2 in a home doubleheader against St. Thomas University. The team’s next game will be a home doubleheader on Feb. 28 versus Alma College. Alma, a College from Michigan was the 2007 MIAA champions and will not be a simple task for the ladies.
Out of the team’s 15 games played, six of them have been decided by merely one run. The club has barely allowed just four runs per game. Although the pitching has been sufficient, the hitting has been far from satisfactory, as they have scored just over one run per game.
“We got to hit the ball better, we’re getting the pitching, we got the defense, we need to work a little more on base running, but we got to hit the ball better,” said Coach Staubly.
Before the team begins their Southern Conference Schedule on Mar. 12 against Brevard Community College, they will travel to Winter Haven Mar. 1-2 for the PCC Tournament as the teams they will face are yet to be determined.
“This is the time where we got to correct the mental mistakes so we don’t do it when we get to conference play,” said Staubly.
Depending on how many teams the Lady Seahawks will face throughout the PCC Tournament; they will have just over 22 games to turn things around. All home games are free at South Campus and the schedule is available at www.broward.edu/athletics.
Igor MelloStaff Writer
The Lady Seahawks Hoops team began their season on a disappointing note as they only managed to win two out of their first 14 games. Nevertheless, all that was set aside as the ladies have turned their season around and still have hopes to make it out of their conference into States.
“They’ve learned to play this year,” said Coach Scott Hermansen, who is in his second season as the ladies coach. “We’ve gone through some hard times, we lost players, and were going with a nucleus of nine and they’ve learned how to play together.”
A l t h o u g h things were l o o k i n g dreadful, the Lady Seahawks managed to put that start behind and have gone 9-4 as well as winning five straight c o n f e r e n c e games before losing their home finale to Miami Dade College 71-52 on Feb. 13.
“We have to put this one behind us,” said Hermansen after the loss to MDC. “It makes our road to the states a little bit tougher. They’re a good team, we didn’t match up well against them.”
While the loss to first place MDC was disappointing, second place is still up for grabs in the Southern Conference. Hillsborough Community College are currently sitting in second place with an 8-3 conference record as the Lady Seahawks are
breathing right down their neck as they’re one game behind them at 7-4 in the conference.
The ladies have one game left in the regular season versus IRCC and if they manage to pull off the victory they will need to depend on HCC to lose their finale against Brevard Community College. If all goes well then there will be a tie for second place in the Southern Conference. The ladies have proven to match up well against HCC as they dominated them 78-53 at home on Feb. 8.
“It’s very important for us to win our last game because if we don’t, it’s going to be harder for us to win our conference,”
said sophomore center Arlande Cherizol.
Cherizol was also named FCCAA Womens Basketball Player of the Week during their five game winning streak as she averaged 19 points, 23 rebounds, a little under five assists, four steals and two blocks, including a 22 point and 30 rebound performance versus second place HCC.
The 6-0 sophomore, who was named NJCAA Womens Basketball Pre-Season All-
American, has lived up to her award as she has led the nation in rebounds with a little over 15 rebounds per game, that’s over one block better than the second ranked player.
Even though Cherizol leads the nation in rebounding, she does not lead the team in points as that label goes to Jessica Jadotte while she has put up a little under 13 points per game. Jessica Auguste has also been another key contributor to the squad a she has put up ten points per game.
With a well-built sophomore trio of Cherizol, Jadotte, and Auguste, the ladies needed some contribution from the freshmen.
T h a t ’ s w h e r e J o r d a n H a m i l t o n and Tierra Allen came in and have established an essential role on the squad, as they both are in the top 13 in the FCCAA in three-point percentage.
“ T h e f r e s h m e n
stepped up this season, when someone didn’t do their job, the freshmen stepped up and made an impact in the game,” said sophomore guard Jessica Auguste who attended the same High School as Cherizol (North Miami Beach High).
No matter what happens this season the ladies will always be remembered this season for their remarkable turn-around, which only means that the potential for the ladies this season and the next are bright.
Softball updateLady Hoops season wrap-up
photo courteSy Bcc athleticSThe 2007-08 lady Hoops squad
The ObserverMOnTh DD, 2008 17Section title
18 The Observer february 25, 2008OpiniOn
Each year black history is celebrated in the month of February. Everyday of this month is associated with the recall or admission of some great achievements by famous or notorious African-Americans.
So far, in most of the Februaries of previous years, people have been mainly concerned with recalling the memorable deeds of African Americans, like Martin Luther King Jr., whose worthwhile contributions to society have made them significant.
This February, however, people may see the careful admission of an African-American whose contribution to society might be taller than those before his.
Barack Obama, the Democratic Senator from Illinois, is the first African-American with a serious chance of winning both the Democratic nomination as well as the presidency of the United States of America. Obama has so far won more than 50 percent of the Democratic primaries and caucuses, beating out his closest and now only rival, Senator Hillary – Rodham Clinton by a margin wider than two to one.
Obama’s victories and ambitious hope have engaged the attention and participation of African- Americans, if not America, like never before. For African-Americans, their savior has arrived; their time has come! But just who is an African-
American?According to, Answers.com,
“The use of the taxonomic category African-American, either in public or health or other disciplines, fundamentally reflects the historic and contemporary systems of racial stratification in American society.” But this nomenclature also resulted from the race’s self identification attempts. The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, suggests that the political consciousness resulting from the social ferment of the late 1960 and early 1970 favored the terms ‘Blacks’ and ‘Afro-American’ above the derogatory ‘Negro’. However, in the 1980s the term ‘African-American’, modeled on the term ‘German American’ was advanced and later made popular by the social and political activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
The term ‘African-American’, Answers.com suggests, was believed to more accurately reflect historical lineage as well as “identity that is rooted in cultural and ethnogeographic origins.” Not only was this term posited to favorably represent racial identity, but its use by health and educational institutions suggests that it was also accepted as a means of racial and social stratification. Few African-Americans stop to notice that, but that is not the only thing about this classification that has gone unnoticed:
If the term African-American is to be accepted for what it’s worth, then people must agree that it includes every American of
African decent. If this argument is accepted, and it should, then all American people of African decent must be understood to be and called African Americans.
According to the Heinz Family Philanthropies website www.hfp.heinz.org, Senator John Kerry’s wife, Teresa Heinz-Kerry is a
white African. She was born in Mozambique. Therefore Heinz-Kerry is an African-American. And no doubt when she fills in her medical forms she includes that information. But the framers of the term never intended it to include people like her. They were thinking entirely of colored
people of African decent.If this term was not meant to
include people like Heinz-Kerry under its classification, then it is a misnomer and suggests that maybe its framers still have work to do. So just who is an African American? The answer is yet to be suggested.
W. EarlE SimpSoncontributing writer
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Quiz:Out of these 3, who is African?
The answer will surprise you.
The Observerfebruary 25, 2008 19opinion
From Our Editors
Section editorS
Layout Editor Heather Cooper
Copy Editor Kevin Rosenberg
Sports Editor Bruno Niccoli
Opinion Editor Angela Osborne
Central Chief Jessica Beans
contriBUtinG writerS
Philippe Buteal
Kielia Samuels
W. Earle Simpson
StAFF writerS
Natalie Bobb
Olga Buitrago
Buzz Lamb
Anthony Sedley
Igor Mello
Andres Lopez
EdItOR-IN-CHIEfheAther dUlmAn
The Observer is a bi-weekly consolidated newspaper produced by students of Broward Community College. The editorial office is located at South Campus, Bldg. 68-268, 7200 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33024. Bureau Offices are located at North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL, 33066, and Central Campus, 3501 SW Davie Rd, Davie, FL. The Observer can also be reached by phone at 954-201-8877 or e-mail at [email protected].
Letters to the editor are encouraged. The writer’s name and phone number must be included and the letter signed. Unsigned letters will not be accepted, but re-quests for anonymity may be honored at the editor’s discretion. Letters must be typed and not exceed 300 words. The Observer upholds the right to edit for style or length or to reject publications of letters deemed inappropriate.
For information concerning editorial policy or advertising rates, call 954-201-8035.
opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not neces-sarily reflect those of BCC students, staff, faculty and administration.
AdviSer’S ASSiStAnt
Chris Cutro
AdviSer
Jennifer Shapiro
For some high-school students, going to college means leaving home for Gainesville, Tallahassee, Tampa or Orlando. Some students even leave the state of Florida. Others, however, opt to stay home and attend community college.
There is nothing wrong with choosing to attend a community college for your first two years of college, right?
Then why are some of us looked down on by our peers for making this choice? Why are some of us embarrassed to admit that we attend community college?
Have you ever run in to one of you classmates from high-school and been asked the inevitable small-talk question—“What have you been up to?” Did you say, “Nothing, just going to BCC;” with a dismissive shoulder shrug?
For some, attending BCC is viewed as a sign of failure. Forget that the rest of the world considers it a privilege to be able to receive a higher education. Some of us think that attending community college means that we are not smart enough to succeed at a 4-year college immediately after graduating from high-school.
it is true that some students come to BCC unprepared for college-level course work, but that is the beauty of community college. It gives almost everyone the opportunity to get an education and expand their minds.
other students attend BCC for financial reasons. Community College tuition is significantly less expensive than tuition at 4-year state colleges and universities. Does it make sense to pay considerably more for the same classes?
What about students who have the right SAT scores but do not have the grades or two years of a foreign language? Should they forgo college?
There is also the belief that community colleges offer students an inferior education. In truth, students at community colleges benefit from smaller class sizes in addition to the same resources and distinguished faculty available at state universities.
As a BCC graduate who transferred to the University of Miami, I learned from my advisers that undergraduate transfer students tend to get better grades in their third and fourth years in college than students who completed their freshmen and sophomore years at a 4-year school. Maybe not having a
Every college student’s favorite time of the year is just around the corner: Spring Break. It’s
a time to unwind, loosen up, and break free from the shackles of worrying about homework,
tests, and grades. It’s a time to emancipate yourself from professors, deans, and counselors.
But, it is also a time to use caution, and know when to say “no.”
Spring Break is notoriously known for binge drinking. Although there is no definitive
classification for binge drinking, the definition mostly accepted in the United States is: the
consumption of five or more drinks in a row by men — or four or more drinks in a row by
women. This can cause extreme intoxication, which can lead to serious problems, some of
them with dreadful consequences.
According to a study done on college students between the ages of 18 and 24, which was
published in the Annual Review of Public Health, excessive alcohol consumption accounts for
1,700 deaths, 599,000 accidental injuries, over 696,000 physical assaults, more than 97,000
sexual assaults or date rapes, and 2.1 million DUI charges.
These numbers are overwhelming, but they confirm how important it is to be more cautious
while you are partying. That doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have a couple drinks, but
know your limits.
You should always designate a driver. Someone responsible who will make sure everyone
in your crowd gets home safely. The designated driver can have a drink or two, but they
cannot be intoxicated when it is time to drive home. Driving under the influence can have
serious penalties. First, and foremost, you can get into an accident and die. Secondly, you can
hit someone else, and, whether it was their fault or not, if you are intoxicated, it’s your fault.
If they happen to die, you will be charged with DUI manslaughter, which is 25 years in prison
if convicted. Finally, if your blood alcohol content is .08 or above, you will receive a DUI
charge, go to jail, and lose your license for a year. It is not worth it.
Another grim problem is the possibility of someone putting drugs in your drink. You do
not want to get raped, robbed or murdered, so take some precautions. Never leave your drink
unattended, drink bottled beer, and watch the bartender make your drink. If you need some
extra protection, you should buy Drinkguard, or any related products. These devices are strips
that you dip in your drink, and if it changes color your drink has been spiked. These are highly
recommended. They are reliable, easy to carry with you, and can be effortlessly found at
stores like CVS, and Walgreens.
Accidental injuries are a major problem. Fortunately there is a simple solution: Don’t be
stupid! Do not climb on balconies. Don’t get into fights (which can cause not only physical
injuries, but you may catch an assault or battery criminal charge). Try to think before you act.
Ask yourself, “If I was sober, would I do this?”
Drinking lowers not only your inhibitions, but also your standards for a potential sexual
partner, or partners. Therefore, practice safe sex. Use a condom. You do not want an unexpected
Spring Break surprise, such as an STD or an unplanned pregnancy.
Have fun, let your hair down, go to parties and clubs, but try to be safe. It is in your best
interest. Know your limit, think before you act, drive safely (if not for yourself, at least for the
safety of others), and please, don’t be stupid.
Think Before You Drink
couple hundred students in your English Composition class makes a difference?
Almost everyone who comes to BCC has some sort of plan for the future. Some want to go straight into the workforce upon graduation, but many want to continue their education and work toward receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Also, many students at BCC are working at least part-time while they attend school full-time.
All of these factors mold a person’s character. If you can be a part-time employee that works full-time hours while taking 12 credits and still get your A.A., then you are more than likely serious about your education.
Whether you are on a two-year plan or on track to get your A.A. in four years, do not be ashamed to admit that you attend a community college.
If you ask me, smaller class sizes and distinguished professors with real-world experience at the cost of $73.60 per credit hour is a deal.
The truth is your education, like your life, is what you make it. So, the next time someone asks you what you’ve been up to, look them straight in the eye and tell them that you go to BCC.
Community College stigmanAtAlie BoBBStAff WRItER
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Dear Editor,I am a student at BCC and I have an issue with having to attend
school on a Federal holiday. On President’s Day all public schools, Government offices, banks and some businesses are closed across America. I feel as though we are labeling this as a non-important holiday, when in fact it should be celebrated more highly than it is. Today may be one of the greatest president’s birthdays, George Washington, but is also a day for all of the other great leaders of this country past and present. As president James Buchanan said, “When the birthday of Washington is forgotten, liberty will have perished from the earth.” I believe we should honor this day for the people who helped mold this country and give us the freedoms we have. Everyone has a right to celebrate this day if living in this country. We may know its President’s Day, but we have forgotten it when we don’t take the time to celebrate it. Even more saddening is the Idea that we don’t celebrate a Founding Fathers birthday, but we celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday and the Birth of Christ when not everyone in America is of that race or follows that religion. At the end of the day i think that everyone at this school should be upset that they were not allowed the time as every other person in America to celebrate the man or the others who led this nation to greatness.
Sincerely,Robert Mounts
school on a holiday?
20 The Observer february 25, 2008
Spring Break: Local Paradise Parties
The first Spring Break took place here in 1955. This year over 250,000 college students are expected to celebrate their vacation here. The perfect weather, cheap liquor, and half naked co-eds are the ingredients that make Fort Lauderdale so appealing to college students.
For fun directly on the beach visit Beach Place: 241 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Places to go at Beach Place: LuLu’s Bait Shack Fat Tuesday Hooters Howl at the Moon
For a more formal atmosphere visit Riverfront: 200 Sw 2nd St Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Places to go at Riverfront: Automatic Slims Tarpon Bend Food & Tackle Capone’s
Places of Interest:
fort Lauderdale1
south beachSouth Beach is the newest Spring Break hot
spot. It is located on the south end of Miami Beach in the historic Art Deco District. South Beach has always been popular with models, movie stars, and musicians and is well known for it’s chic sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants and non-stop partying. This city never sleeps! The nightlife is unrivaled and the clubs stay open until dawn. During the day enjoy Miami’s beautiful sun drenched beaches,
and consistently great weather. Spend your Spring Break in the newest place to see and be
CameoThe FifthFlorida RoomGlassMansionB.E.D.MokaiOpium GardenPrive the RoomRose Bar/ DelanoSet Setai Beach BarSocial MiamiSuiteVIino Miami
Daytona Beach is one of the largest and hottest Spring Break destinations in Florida. There are 23 miles of this “world famous” beach that you can stroll down or if you prefer, take a leisurely drive. At night Daytona Beach is a world class nightclub scene with bars like 600 North, Razzles, and The Ocean Deck offering you great music and nightlife. Also, Daytona’s close proximity to Orlando theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios can really add a little variety to your Spring Break vacation!
Daytona beach
5 OrlandoOrlando is the #1 vacation destination in the world!
Disneyworld, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet’n Wild and other famous theme parks, give travelers more to see and do here than they can fit into one week. With popular night spots like Disney’s Pleasure Island, or the clubs at Universal’s City Walk (Maragaritaville, Hard Rock Café, Pat O’ Brians)
Spring Break visitors will have an ample choice of where to spend their evening hours as well. Don’t miss the magic that Orlando has to offer!
43
Key WestThey call the Florida Keys “America’s
Caribbean Islands,” and most visitors find the ultimate island is Key West. The nations southernmost city is actually situated closer to Havana, than Miami. This small island is rich with historic homes, unique buildings, and well-known restaurants and bars. The attitude in Key West can be laid back, but during
Spring Break people are ready to party given any excuse. This Spring Break - grab a Margarita, sit back, and catch a captivating Key West sunset!
Places of Interest: Fat TuesdaySloppy Joe’sBig’Uns Sports BarPat Croce’s Rum BarrelHog’s Breath SaloonGreen Parrot BarKevin’s Irish BarCaptain Tony’s SaloonThe BullSchooner Wharf BarEpochTeaser’sVirgilio’sRhumba
Places of Interest:
2