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PG. 10What is in the perfect lunchbox? Can healthy be tasty too?

Cav Crash last Tuesday, Oct. 25 was on fire—well, not literally, as the blaring fire alarms halfway through the show indicated, but rather an exciting, dynamic event. The ‘Swag Team’ popped, Kevin Reynolds yo-yoed, the Gablettes tangoed and the class skits evoked roars of laughter, all relatively without a hitch. However at 2:45 p.m. the day prior, it seemed almost impossible that any such event

would ever occur, let alone to the success it did.

Rugged RehearsalEvent organizer and dance teacher Mo

Marmesh scheduled the run-through to begin at 2:30 p.m., but by 2:45 p.m. performers were still sauntering through the auditorium doors. Before launching into acts, Marmesh addressed the crowd.

“Tomorrow, you must be here on time,” she firmly stated and began to sort out kinks in the performances, which showed to be quite plentiful.

The first group did not have their drum set, but the drummer enthusiastically said that he could beatbox instead. Other per-formers held sheets of lyrics, still unsure of the words for songs to be performed in front

‘CRASHING’ THE PARTY: Taking the stage as the last act, the class of 2012 (left) performs a skit modeling the blockbuster Inception, exploring the minds of four Miami High students who secretly wish they were Cavaliers. Senior Achel Hernandez (right) performs a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse in a playful rendition of the star’s hit, ‘Valerie’. “Being on stage was indescribable,” said Hernandez.

By Suzette WanninkhofNEWS EDITOR

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of a thousand people in a mere day. One Divisi member was reading “Good Girls Go Bad” off of his phone, and when Marmesh asked him if he would be ready, he confi-dently confirmed that he would.

“Miss, I have 24 hours!” he said, to which Marmesh responded, “but you had a whole week.”

Throughout the rehearsal, issues were rampant. Music was not playing, causing the Swag Team and junior Brooke Nelson to dance in silence. Microphone set up was confusing, and class skits were chaotic. With the run through looking the way it did, many were left wondering: could it really be pulled off?

The Show SparksYes, it could, and yes, it certainly was.

The charismatic masters of ceremonies Olivia Bibilonia and Michael Capote, both seniors, reflected none of the confusion that may have been bustling backstage, capturing the audience with funny quips and silliness. Capote broke into dance to prove he had ‘swag’ and Bibilonia dubbed the tagline “be classy, not trashy.”

The night was marked by several impressive performances, most notably the two ‘Gables Idols’ winners who captured every audience member’s attention, sparking arm waving, rhythmic clapping or simply entranced states. The hilarious and energetic ‘Those Guys’ “killed it” (they even brought

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The annual Cav Crash sheds light on the talented Cavaliers who are daring enough to take the stage

Daniel Spatz SPOTLIGHT:

A tennis star quietly rising, sophomore Daniel Spatz opens up about his noteworthy achievements

on the court.By Nicolas RiveroSTAFF WRITER

Sophomore Daniel Spatz has been playing tennis since he was two years old. Coming from a tennis fam-ily, the game is in his blood. After winning a super series (the highest level tournament one can play that is not for national rankings) in the ‘under 16s’ division last year, Spatz now only plays 18s.

Each year, he demonstrates drills to help world known coaches train young players in an international tennis convention, and has been a sparring partner for profes-sional players Natasha Zoric, Indire Akiki, and Tamira Paszeck, ranked in the top 500 women in the world.

He boasts a four-star ranking from ten-nisrecruiting.net, a sponsorship from Austrain string company Isospeed, and 44 trophies crowding any surface in his house that can accommodate them. Recently he has been invited to play in France, Italy, Spain, Eng-land, Argentina, and close to his roots in the Peruvian Federation.

Of all his achievements, Spatz said this last one is his proudest. “It’s pretty cool, play-ing for your country and all,” said the always low-key Spatz. “I’m probably going this Christmas to play in the national tournament over there.”

In addition to playing in Peru, Spatz will be competing in the international Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr tournaments here in Miami at the end of the year, and he said the possibility of playing in England is “still kind of out there” for 2012.

Spatz trains for three hours a day to hone his skills and the results show in his perfor-mance on the court. But, he still has to stay grounded in his schoolwork.

“I train everyday no matter what I have for homework,” he said. “But I put a new emphasis on school now.”

Tennis is “definitely a lifelong passion” for Spatz. He plans to play at a Division-I col-lege when he graduates in 2014 and hopes to continue on into a professional career.

caution tape to prove it) and Isa Maldonado entranced the audience with her gorgeous so-prano and piano finesse, but they were not the only performers that set the stage aflame.

Marcus Hines and Luis Bonilla’s duo R&B performance of “Same Girl” had impres-sive vocals, but was really show stopping be-cause of their stage presence. Yo-yoer Kevin Reynolds also kindled the audience’s cheers, spinning, tossing and flipping his Chinese yo-yo to the beat of Michael Jackson music.

Probably the most impressive unexpected successes were the class skits. At the rehearsal, the class skits seemed largely unprepared, and even the day of Cav Crash it seemed almost impossible that the classes could pull it off.

Student Council president Isabel Parra seemed frantic the morning of Cav Crash, but remained confident that the skit would come together.

“Right now everything is crazy—with sports practices and Internal Assessments it’s been hard to organize practice, but we’re go-ing to make it work,” said Parra.

She held true to her word, with the senior skit indeed eliciting positive audience reac-tion, but the junior skit ended up winning the best skit award with their comical pokes at senioritis and Miami High’s “chonga” student body.

The show finally extinguished after a whole two and a half hours, but despite the long length of the show, performers managed to keep the fun flaming throughout.

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‘ The neutrino discovery makes us one step closer to proving string theory,

Cyrus Zeledon, freshman

‘

Avoiding enclosed hallways and covering ears to escape the blaring ring of the school bell are precautions students are all too familiar with. The bell, ringing 13 times throughout the school day, is not only a nuisance, but also an unnecessary safety hazard.

The school bell rings at about 93 decibels (dB), making it beyond the safe level of noise for the human ear. To determine this, the application SPL Meter, recommended by multiple audiologists, was used on an iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad. The sound level of the bell was measured on all three devices at different times throughout multiple days and then averaged.

The school bell is over the safe decibel level for the human ear. Above 90 dB, it is highly recommended that protection be used to avoid permanent hearing loss. At 112 dB, damage can occur within just one minute of exposure to the sound, according to University of Miami Audiologist Sergio Guerreiro.

To put this in perspective, normal conversational speech is 60 dB, riding a motorcycle is 100 dB, a thunderclap is 120 dB, and a jet engine at take off is 140 dB, according to the Noise Navigator Sound

Not quite saved by the bell

Neutrino discovery

By Brooke DonnerSTAFF WRITER

NEWSNEWSBRIEFSBRIEFS

National Merit

Last fall, and again earlier this month, more than 1.5 million high school juniors throughout the country took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Last year, 1,600 scored in the 99th percentile, making them National Merit Scholarship Semifi -nalists. Three of these students, seniors Madeline Cowen, Alexa Langen and Larissa Weinstein, attend the school.

“My application will be judged with those of many excellent students across the country, so I’m honored just to have reached this stage,” said Cowen.

Of the 56 public high schools in Miami-Dade County, only 10 have National Merit Scholarship Semifi nalists.

By Giulia HeywardSTAFF WRITER

Maggie Rivers and Nathali Huet were voted as the new freshman class president and vice president, along with Kassandra Barreiro as secretary and Valerie Montesino as treasurer.

The president and vice president will be in charge of organizing the freshman activities from fundraisers to class treat days, and also plan to have fi eld trip later in the year.

“I was really happy to know that freshman could make a difference at our school,” said Montesino.

Rivers, Huet, Barreiro and Montesino all plan to run again next year for sophomore class offi ce.

Freshmen elected

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THE COURT IS ELECTED: Seniors Michael Capote and Christy Chavarria were crowned at Homecoming this past Thursday, Oct. 26. The pair ran against nine others for the honor, and after the top two for male and female were announced at Cav Crash, the excitement began to mount. “Winning was one of the most exciting things to happen in high school so far! It was so unxpected that it took me a second to realize that it was my name they were calling,” said Chavarria. Juniors Esdras Castillo and Camille Palmer and sophomore Tiana Martinez were also crowned.

Courtesy of Foxmar

Courtesy of Foxmar Photography

Photography

Invisible ChildrenBy Sophia AitkenMANAGING EDITOR

The International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS), headed by senior Leslie Ramos, invited the organization Invisible Children to educate IB students about Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resis-tance Army’s terrorism over Central Africa.

Ramos, with the help of IB Coordinator Diana Van Wyk, brought Invisible Children to the school after planning the event since May 2011. Ramos has been involved with the organization for a couple of years, including participating in the book drive in 2009, but has even more ambitious plans for this year.

The organization comes to colleges and high schools all over the United States hoping to spread awareness for their mission to garner support and participation.

“We are seeking to end the longest-running sustained violence in Africa,” said Invisible Children roadie Josh Wolny.

Late last March, physicists working to measure the neutrinos generated from a particle accelerator discovered that these elementary subatomic particles appeared to have traveled faster than light. No defi nite conclusions have been drawn due to the complexity of the subject.

The investigation consisted of examining neutrinos that were generated at the Super Proton Synchrotron particle accelerator at

earlier. With each advance in the scientifi c community, the general public expects the breakthrough to be revolutionary and fresh.

“The neutrino discovery makes us one step closer to proving the string theory,” said freshman Cyrus Zeledon.

Neutrinos are neutral electrons that can, if in a large quantities, become harmful to society. Neutrinos have the potential to negatively affect electronic devices used now a day, like cell phones, televisions and computers,

Various opinions can be drawn from such a discovery along with many concerns, but what one can understand is that a group of experimenters discovered an unexpected result using astounding defi ned instruments and techniques that have been previously created.

the CERN Large Hadron Collider in Geneva, Switzerland. The neutrinos were accelerated over a one kilometer distance to the Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy with its detector

named OPERA. The results of the experiment were of great surprise to the researchers, who did not

expect the neutrino particles to be traveling a such speed.

Considering the scientifi c advances that have been made throughout the years, the discovery of the accelerated speed of the neutrinos has many questioning why the revolutionary nature of neutrinos was not discovered

By Eylin MartinezSTAFF WRITER

Level Database. “Noise induced hearing loss

is irreversible and it is typically accompanied by tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears,” said Guerreiro. Guerreiro added that standing close to sudden impact noise, such as the school bell, can pose great risk to hearing.

Human ears are able to recover from overexposure to noise, but if it becomes prolonged or frequently repeated then the hearing damage will be permanent. With students constantly in school, the possibility of overexposure to dangerous decibel levels, such as the bell, increases.

If the bell rings for seven seconds, 10 times a day, 180 days a year, for

four years, a student would hear 1092 minutes of noise at 93 dB. That is 18.2 hours of school bell ringing.

“I didn’t know it was dangerous,” said freshman Hanna Payne.

Most students are unaware about the danger the school bell can cause, but do think it is loud andobnoxious.

Alternatives to the bell are already in existence at the school. In the new building,

the school bell is not a shocking

alarm, but instead a quiet ring. The substitution of bells in

all other halls would be an investment in the tranquility of the school as well as in the

hearing of students.

By Brooke DonnerSTAFF WRITER

The school bell rings at 93 decibels (dB)... above 90 dB can cause permanent hearing loss

93 dB93 dB

New scientifi c research provides information on existing physics New scientifi c research provides information on existing physics theories and creates questions about the speed of light theories and creates questions about the speed of light

88-126 dB88-126 dB

Fireworks for Fireworks for spectators spectators 800 ft away 800 ft away

12 dB12 dB

Bell in the Bell in the 300 Hall300 Hall

Rustling Rustling leavesleaves

Melissa Nieves,

Melissa Nieves,

Leslie Ramos/

Leslie Ramos/highlightshighlights

Nicole Sielsky,

Nicole Sielsky,

Decibel information from The New York Sun, Decibel information from The New York Sun, The Sound Institute and Brooke DonnerThe Sound Institute and Brooke Donner

highlightsNovember 2011 3

GEEKY AND THEY KNOW IT: Seniors Claudia Anderson and Emerald Collie-Wright get in touch with their inner geekiness on nerd dress-up day. “I found the perfect costume in my dad’s closet,” said Anderson.

BUST A MOVE: Senior Francesca Ali flaunts her Gablette skills by dancing at Cav Crash. Though she had been practicing and performing vigorously, she still had enough energy to keep it moving.

GABLES GOES SUPER: Sophomores Alana Starke and Alessandra Boissiere dress up as Batman and Superman for superhero dress-up day. The two friends, taking a break from saving the world, have a few laughs after school.

Maggie Rivers/highlights

GEEKY AND PROUD EVERYDAY SUPERHEROES GROOVING OUT

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Gables is going global, taking field trips to Boston, New York City, Florida colleges, and even Italy

SPIRIT WEEK IN PICTURES

Across the pond, plains and Palmetto:

The college tour, a trip exclusively for juniors, is intended to get juniors thinking about what colleges they might want to apply to. Tours of the campuses are given by Gables alumni. Juniors will tour major Florida state schools including University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida.

Lackner’s Lightbulbs

Destination: Florida Colleges Departs: November

Harvard Model Congress is a government simulation run by Harvard undergraduates with conferences in Boston. Students learn the inner workings of government not just by reading about it in a textbook but rather by actually taking on the roles of congressmen to understand the different political viewpoints.

Destination: Boston Departs: February

Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) hosts a journalism conference at the Columbia University which allows faculty advisors to give feedback to student editors from high school yearbooks, literary magazines and newspapers, as well as college publications from around the country.

Destination: New York City Departs: November

This trip is the first international trip in years, and much excitement surrounds it since many of the locations to be visited have been discussed in the history classes of sponsors Stephanie Cosgrove, world history teacher, and Kathryn Landsea, Advanced Placement (AP) European History teacher. This trip offers the opportunity to visit the great historical origins of the western society.

Destination: Italy Departs: April

The school is offering various trips outside of the city, such as a tour of Italy or Harvard Model Congress (HMC), that provide educational supplements to traditional classroom learning with a fun spin.

Usually out-of-state trips such as the Italy tour or the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) conference have to be approved by the region office for the school, which usually take a couple of weeks to get approved.

“However, Coral Gables has been participating in HMC for over a decade and the academic value of the trip has been clearly established, so approval has never really been an issue,” said HMC sponsor Kathryn Landsea.

Students think these trips are fun alternative methods to teaching; HMC actually immerses students in legislative simulations instead of having them learn how the government operates through a textbook.

Although the trips might be expensive for some students, they can usually be paid in increments, and some trip sponsors offer additional forms of fundraising. While the trips do offer time for leisure activities, students are still expected to behave properly and follow orders from teachers and chaperones. No matter what the distance, sponsors absolutely prohibit misbehavior of any kind. To avoid mishaps, teachers typically give guidelines on what is expected from participating students.

By Scarlett PerezSTAFF WRITER

By Giulia HeywardSTAFF WRITER

donated art supplies and small Zephyrhills water bottles to the five Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography and two World Religions/Holocaust Studies classes.

The students said it was fun to spend a class period rearranging desks and getting messy with paint, glitter and markers.

“I loved being able to play around with my creativity,” said sophomore MDiara Roman.

The decorated building will be unveiled in December. Lackner and Principal Adolfo Costa will attend the ceremony.

When students go to see their bottles on any of the displays they will also get to see an accompanying picture of themselves with the bottle.

Social studies teacher Elizabeth Lackner’s students will become a part of history when the water bottles that they designed in class will be placed on display during the holidays. These water bottles will decorate 600 Brickell, which is only one of 13 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Plantinum Certified eco-friendly buildings in the world. The school was fortunate enough to participate because Lackner is good friends with one of the representatives in charge of organizing the project.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami

Students took the chance to get creative. There were plenty of pictures with students making funny or serious faces. Other students chose to hold up signs with messages to their parents. Some grouped up and had their friends draw devil horns and afros on the back of a white board which they posed in front of.

“It was really fun, and a small way to

contribute to something great,” said senior Zabrina Robaina.

“The entire concept is really nice, Miami lacks cold weather so something like this will hopefully get everybody in the holiday spirit and get people to donate,” said Lackner.

All of the money raised at the event will go to local charities and schools in Miami.

FINAL MASTERPIECE: The painted bottles of over 200 students were collected and shipped off last week in order to decorate 600 Brickel, an eco-friendly building.

Will Corbera/contributer

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Counselors and recommendation letters Counseling the counselor:

relationship with the student. A good connection occurs when the student shares personal qualities with me and builds a relationship with me beforehand.

EM: Does writing college applications detract a lot of your time from your responsibilities? To what extent?

ADC: Whenever I have to write a letter, it takes up two hours of my time. As you can see, my schedule is usually occupied with student and parent conferences; when I do have to write a recommendation, I need to cancel the conferences or squeeze in sometime between all that I have to do.

EM: What are your other responsibilities? What do you not do in order to finish the recommendation letters?

ADC: My responsibilities include graduation requirements, enrollment forms, Parent/Teacher Counselor conferences, registration, orientations, and articulation, which is subject selection. In order to finish all the recommendations I take away or I do not do one of my other responsibilities. Sometimes I have to push back the times and deadlines to be able to finish them.

Thespians perform Hamlet

ALL SMILES: Counselor Alba del Castillo takes a quick break from her work to flash a smile at the camera. With the early decision deadlines fast approaching, del Castillo continued having a very busy schedule since the bustle of class leveling.

Staff Writer Eylin Martinez squeezes in a few questions with counselor Alba del Castillo about college recommendation letters

By Eylin MartinezSTAFF WRITER

highlightsOfficial Publication of Coral Gables Senior High

To Whom It May Concern:

As a staff writer for the Coral Gables Senior High newspaper highlights, I have had the pleasure of knowing Alba del Castillo for the last four years. She has been a tremendous counselor and an asset to our school. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Alba for your graduate program.

I feel confident that she will continue to succeed in her studies. Alba is a dedicated counselor and thus far her achievements have been exemplary. In her office, she has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.

Alba has also assisted us in our admissions office. She has successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective students. Her advice has been a great help to these students, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude.

It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Alba without reservation. Her drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment. If you have any questions regarding this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Eylin Martinezhighlights Staff Writer

Thespian Troupe 0476, the school’s drama group, intensely rehearsed for their performance at the Thespian One Act Festival Oct 21, in which they performed the condensed, one act play of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The district competition, which showcased all the different drama troupes from Miami-Dade county public schools, took place at Hialeah High School. The lead roles were given to junior Carlos Baez as Hamlet, senior Christian Ortega as King Claudius, senior Hector Lombillo as the grieving son, Laertes, junior Claire Levis as Queen Gertrude and senior Sierra Domb as Ophelia. The play, although still retaining the traditional Shakespearean writing, had a contemporary spin complete with modern clothing and weaponry. “Every time I watch Hamlet, I am so impressed with the level of talent we have in this building. Every actor from the smallest role through the lead gave 100 percent,” said drama teacher Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt. There were four judges who scored the plays with a ranking of poor, fair, good, excellent, or

By Scarlett PerezSTAFF WRITER

superior, considered the ultimate praise. The schools that receive the score of superior will go on to compete at the state level. “We all have talent and we all work hard. The amount of effort and time we put into the play will definitely give us an edge,” said senior Hector Lombillo . The troupe has been practicing every Wednesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to feel fully confident and prepared for the competition. Last year, Troupe 0467 performed Life Underwater by Richard Greenberg and received a rank of “good”. This year, the thespians maintained their performance, receiving the same rank as last year. However, they did improve in some aspects. Senior Sierra Domb received the prestigious All-Star Cast award, an honor granted to only one actor in each play. “Everyone poured their hearts into this play, and I’m so honored to have been apart of it,” said Domb. Students were able to watch the play with after-school performances on Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. and on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. with an entrance fee of

Maggie Rivers/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

THE BEST KIND OF DRAMA: Junior Claire Levis and senior Hector Lombillo enact an emotionally charged scene from Hamlet.

five dollars, which supports the drama troupe. Aside from performing Hamlet, the thespians will also act out a Dr. Seuss-themed adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, written and directed by senior Christian Ortega, the president of the drama club, Gables Players.

Scarlett Perez/highlights

A&QDel Castillo Speaks:

EM: About how long does it take to write a college recommendation?

ADC: Once the student brings all the items on their checklist to Ms. Trujillo, and all the information, along with the questions they have to answer are given to me, I would say it would take me about two hours.

EM: Wow, that’s quite a while. About how many do you have to write?

ADC: In the past I have had to write about 10 recommendations.

EM: What is the most difficult thing about them?

ADC: Coming up with how to make the student distinguishable from the rest of the student body. [It is difficult] to make them unique when students don’t give information about what they have done throughout their years in high school, like extracurricular activities, community service and courses outside of school.

EM: What do you do to personalize them?

AD: The only way to personalize a recommendation is having a good

highlightsNovember 2011 5opinion

DOLLARS ADD UP FOR SENIOR STUDENTS, COSTS UNFAIR By Mary KoehnkTHE SCENE EDITOR

While attending public school (a.k.a. free school), compensation expenses are not just expected, but inevitable—especially considering the financial hole Miami-Dade county has dug itself into. Throughout the years, students have found themselves purchasing supplies for

teachers in exchange for grades, there has been an increase of home printed material to conserve paper, not to mention the yearly mandatory class fees (some of which are not even worth while—having never touched additional materials the fee is supposed to provide). Though this may rise some moral concerns and create a slight inconvenience, these aspects are familiar to most students and are generally tolerated.

Traveling up the high school ladder though, expenses seem to increase, and the fun activities that were originally looked forward to begin to seem either not worth it, or not possible. The mandatory magazine sales are bumped up to a minimum of three sales for seniors—as opposed to the two required for underclassmen. This is a minimum of $30 per senior, which, for many, is paid by the student

themselves for a magazine of no particular interest, besides a $10 subscription. If the minimum sales are not reached, the student is excluded from all senior field trips and activities, oh, and from graduation too. Instead of mandatory magazine sales, a more beneficial and effective method of generating revenue would be to take the sales on an individual basis. If a particular student is worse off financially, or has additional obligations, magazine quantity should be determined from there.

In order to walk at graduation, each student must either rent or purchase a cap and gown. And if a cap and gown is not rented or purchased, the individual can still receive their diploma, they just cannot take part in the glory and satisfaction of the fairytale graduation. Additionally, Gablettes are required to purchase, not rent, their cap and gown, as well as all of their uniforms. This adds additional stress, with the various fees and obligations already instituted.

Granted, in some cases students in financial difficulties and other special situations are able to receive aid for the rental, however money is pretty tight all around, and

seniors are finding it hard to pay for all the obligations and still attend the events reserved for only seniors. College applications alone can add up to hundreds of dollars, each ranging from about $30 to $70 a pop, even for state schools. Though not related to the school, these expenses create further difficulties in affording the fun stuff. Waivers for applications are offered to those on free and reduced lunch, relieving stress for many students, however, some students

(like myself) do not qualify for free/reduced lunch, but are not well off enough to afford these expenses.

Grad Nite adds up to a total of $375, senior picnic is $30, Homecoming and Prom are $60 alone, excluding all the expenses that accompany that— like a dress or tux. As cliché as it is, seniors have been waiting for three years to have the senior privileges, and at attend

their very own senior prom and look like a princess—or prince.

“I’m not going to grad night or homecoming,” said senior Vanessa Mora “I’d rather pay for the bigger events since I have to choose.”

With all the required expenses it is increasingly difficult to afford the fun, magical stuff associated with senior year.

‘ I’m not going to grad night or homecoming. I’d rather pay for the bigger events since I have to choose,Vanessa Mora, senior

‘

For decades cumulative grade point average has been correlated with intelligence but since 1926 the SAT has

challenged the classic thought. Virtu-ally every university in the United States scrutinizes GPA while some opt to dismiss the SAT as a valid credential in their admission process. The truth is, the SAT is a flawed measurement of intellectuality while the old-fashioned system remains as relevant it was at the turn of the century.

According to the Merriam Web-ster dictionary an average is defined as “a single value that summarizes or represents the general significance of a set of unequal values.” An average is calculated over a period of time, be it a semester, year or length of your scholastic career, unlike the SAT which is based on a single event, henceforth it will yield higher, more accurate results. Furthermore the classic “I am a bad test taker” is not applicable to an average; the same cannot be said on behalf of the SAT.

Since the early days of the stan-

By Orso RaymoSTAFF WRITER

Despite the inevitability of exam fever, SATs may be considered the salvation of one’s education. Testing rea-soning ability rather than the completion of benchmarks, provides better insight into

potential college success.Many argue that four hours is not sufficient

time to evaluate four years of work, but in reality, many colleges workplaces operate just as such. Lawyers research for hours to prepare a short time in front of a jury, doctors study for years to perform short surgeries, and in college, large final exams at the end of a several moth long semester gauge your success.

SATs are also not affected by finances. While many argue that more affluent students have an advantage because of their ability to afford tutoring, the same bias happens in grade. Free SAT classes are also available, notably the online prep course, ineedapencil.com.

However, tutoring is often not even neces-sary. Here at the school, of the three students who received the highest SAT scores, none took a formal preparation course.

Inequality based off of affluence is actually far more of an issue in GPA.

“In classes, you can buy your way through with paper and such for extra credit. In the SAT, you only rely on yourself,” said junior Graciela Nuñez.

Buying grades is not the only flaw in the

By Suzette WanninkhofNEWS EDITOR

G.P.A.value of GPA. Equivalent course labels rarely indicate equivalent difficulty, with grading based strongly off of having “slack teacher” or a stricter one, especially for allegedly stan-dardized classes like Advanced Placement (AP) ones. Here at the school, there are four different teachers for AP English Literature, and as almost any student can attest, an A in one teacher’s class may require all-nighters pored over King Lear and Anna Karenina while another only entail a couple of scribbled notes on worksheets.

The reason that qualifies the SAT as being a better gauge of academic ability than GPA is because it measures reasoning ability rather than acquired knowledge. While exams in school measure what students have memorized, the SAT asks questions that students have not been formally taught, but rather must reason out. The ability to synthesize prior learning with logic is most closely associated with potential to progress in both the academic and work environment.

While the SAT by no means measures one’s value as an individual as college counselors in-flate it to seem, it does indeed indicate potential collegiate success.

dardized test critics have lamented on the shortsightedness of the exams. Gauging the ability of the individual student in only math, reading and writ-ing is shortsighted to say the least. Any scholar will, in fact confess that a qual-ity education is composed of history, the sciences, rhetoric as well as Math and English. GPA, on the other hand, takes into account every subject, prov-ing that the student is well versed in all subjects, thusly earning a high average.

Besides the useless scores and façade testing subject the SAT provides skewed expectations. Scoring high on a standardized test tells college advisors you spent countless hours in a cramped room going over obsolete terms and memorizing useless rules. However a solid GPA is a testament to your dedication, and will to succeed. Henceforth it is an accurate, valid and more concise gauge of intelligence.

S.A.T.

WORD VOMIT: By Maggie RiversSTAFF WRITER

There is no arguing the fact that vocabulary is extremely important and students should be introduced to new vocabulary on a daily basis. No matter what class they are in, students are bound to learn some new terms.

Yet, our school has conjured up the word of the day, a fruitless effort in trying to teach students new terms. Maybe the word of the day (WOD) should be “futile” because that is ex-actly what the word of the day seems to be.

Students could not care less about the WOD. Not only do we have enough assignments and tasks to do during the day, but students would rather use words like ‘boss’, ‘swag’, or ‘raw’ instead of Oxford Dictionary-approved words of the day. Students

will not spend their time memorizing a word they might use once or twice.

Some students probably would not know there is a WOD if it were not for the odd teacher who actually writes it on their board. It also seems like the last thing teachers think about as well since they need time to teach. Considering the WOD has nothing to do with the material being taught in class, teachers are probably unwilling to give up part of their lesson to talk about it.

“It’s boring. I forget about it by the end of the day,” said sophomore Jenny Orozco.

The WOD also seems to have failed in the sense that there is no activity provided for teachers. If there was a simple worksheet, teachers could easily distribute it to the students and ask that they do it for homework.

After talking to teachers who

utilize the WOD frequently and those who do not, it was expressed that a worksheet would make it a lot easier for teachers to teach the WOD to stu-dents while giving up the least amount of their class time as possible.

Of course the WOD’s main purpose is to prepare students for the FCAT, but having school-wide vocabulary contests with a small prize might encourage students to learn these words.

Giving students a worksheet at the end of the month that reviews the vocabulary given over the course of the month, with a small incentive like a bookstore gift card for the winner, might increase student participation in the WOD.

Until such improvements are made, the word of the day will continue to be an ineffective way to improve our student’s vocabulary.

The word of the day detracts from crucial classroom time

What is a better measure of future college success, grade point average or a standardized test?TWO VIEWS:

aplombcoalescefabricateallocategrievouseuphoria

hardy

confluence

ephemeral

reciprocatesedimentabjure Mary Koehnk/highlights

opinion 6highlightsNovember 2011

EditorialSTAFF

Once a pagan celebration of the supernatural, Halloween has given way to a night of candy extortion, copious intoxication, and promiscuity.

highlightsADVISORY BOARD:

SECTION EDITORS:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFAli Stack

NEWSSuzette Wanninkhof

OPINIONDavid Perlmutter

INSIGHTChris Cowen, Jorge Galavis

FEATURESSophia Aitken

SPORTSNick Arias, Gene Liu

THE SCENEMary Koehnk

BUSINESS MANAGERAj Ziv

MANAGING EDITORSophia Aitken

ADVISERMelissa Nieves

MULTIMEDIANicole Sielsky

COPYCasey Breznick

highlights is the official publication of Coral Gables Senior High, 450 Bird Rd.,Coral Gables, FL 33146.

Call (305) 443-4871 ext. 2383, email melissanieves@dadeschools.net for ad rates.

highlights accepts all legal advertisements. If a mistake occurs, the ad will be reprinted, free of charge, in the following

issue. Subscriptions are available for $15 annually.Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily

reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school. highlights is an open forum and welcomes readers’

opinions on all topics. Letters to the editor should not exceed 200 words and must be signed, but names may be withheld on request and with the concurrence of the editorial board.

The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to the F237 mailbox.

highlights strives to represent all groups fairly. Men and women of all races and nationalities will be represented with the same respect and dignity. This publication avoids racial identification except when it is essential to communication.

Press AffiliAtions:

Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, NSPA Hall of Fame, Florida Scholastic Press Association,

Quill and Scroll

Public Relations Coordinator: Andy Fernandez

Staff Members:Deanna Breiter, Avery Budin, Brooke Donner, Audrey Fernandez, Remy Fuentes, Lukas Georgatos, Giulia Heyward, Andrea Martinez, Eylin Martinez, Scarlett Perez, Leslie Ramos, Orso Raymo, Nicolas Rivero,

Maggie Rivers, Gretel Sanchez

enthusiastic idiots who finally got the opportunity to wear a toga; hardly Irish and very little supernatural encounters. Nowadays, Halloween etiquette consists of three very simple things: 1. Purchase candy 2. Wait for the doorbell 3. Listen for ‘trick-or-treat’ and distribute candy. Simple. The age of that individual should not be a deciding factor in distribution. Besides, the only reason parents go out roaming the streets with their children is so that they can get candy too, admit it, everyone knows it.

Children hardly decide their own costumes, let alone construct or purchase them themselves. Frankly, those with a developed enough brain to be able to assemble a costume is more deserving than some kid who’s mom bought it for them.

Granted, a grown man at a door step dressed as Spiderman is bound to raise some concerns, however, this is the time most imperative to distribute candy—as this person is most likely drug addicted or has some sort of psychological disorder.

“You should stop trick-or-treating after 12. You are not a kid any more, don’t steal the experience from the little kids.” said sophomore Michael Hammond

The misconceptions of being ‘too old’ to trick-or-treat

What’s better than free candy?—nothing. Halloween is one of the only opportunities this can be achieved, with no means of degradation or illegality. Children seem to be more enthusi-astic about this aspect of Halloween than those who have experienced the miracles of puberty—or menopause. However this should not make it reasonable to portray countenances of disapproval, or even refusal of candy, when ringing a doorbell.

Halloween has not always been this way. It originated as an Irish gathering where the supernatural paid visits. Today, the streets are

cluttered with every little boy dressed as Spiderman, every

little girl as Cinderella, and plenty of

How old is too old to trick-or-treat?“You should stop trick-or-treating after 12. You are not a kid any more, don’t steal the experience from the little kids.”

-Michael Hammond, sophomoreCompiled by Orso Raymo

are taking the spirit out of the holiday. Promiscuously themed costumes and intoxication seem to be the modern twist of the spirit of Halloween amongst our peers, being too cool for free candy. This is even affecting the youngsters, as every child yearns to achieve the status of ‘cool.’

There are no facts to back this up, but the gross amount of trick-or-treaters has dwindled in the past five years. Those of you with the spirit, voice yourselves, and demand the candy and respect you deserve. We are ghosts, kitties, Tinkerbelles, hippies, united, and it’s time to end the oppression.

Gifted program lacks meaningBy Nicolas RiveroSTAFF WRITER

out on much. They belong to the same academies, can take the same classes, and even challenge themselves to more advanced studies than gifted children. In short, they receive the same education. The only difference is the name of their counselor and the chore of filling out an Educational Plan (EP) every two years. The added paperwork has no discern-able effect on what goes on in the classroom or the path a student will take through school.

For all its underwhelming significance, however, the gifted title is not one that is easily lost. Students will repeat grades, fail the FCAT, and get expelled before they lose their gifted status.

The program is labeled as a form of special education, meaning the school receives extra funding for each student. This may explain the reluctance to revoke a lackluster student’s gifted title; why would an already cash-strapped school drop a

source of income from its roster?The extra income gifted students generate is supposed

to go towards special resources to meet their specific needs, but gifted students sit in the same classes in front of the same teachers teaching the same curriculum they do to nongifted children. The funding is being funneled away from the classroom, leaving gifted students with an empty title and the “regular” education they were placed in the program to avoid.

Ask any gifted student if they even remember taking their gifted test, and their response is usually pretty similar to senior Thomas Alberts’s: “Nope. All I know is that I’m a genius.” Based on the results of a test they took as

early as four years old, gifted students hold on to their title into high school. But with little real impact on a student’s education, the “gifted” label carries about as much weight as other high school favorites like “jock” and “nerd.”

All that “gifted” really means is that someone, somewhere along the way has labeled you so. It is hard to even define the term, but the general consensus is that these students are not suited for a regular classroom; they need a special environment with advanced curriculum to learn.

Standards to enter the program vary not only from school district to school district, but from test to test. These tests are based on controversially unreliable IQ and achievement assessments and their restrictive price leaves many lower income students out of luck.

That is not to say that nongifted students are missing

Mary Koehnk/highlights

‘ All I know is that I’m a genius.Thomas Alberts, senior

‘

OpposableTHUMBS

Early Action“Now that applications are in, let the senioritis begin!”-Suzette Wanninkhof,News Editor

No-shave November“Long hair, he don’t care. I am not shavin’ nuthin.”-Nick Arias,Sports Co-Editor

Population hits 7 billion“We should all start moving to Texas...”-Casey Breznick,Copy Editor

Homecoming“When an airhorn becomes an in-strument, let me know.”-Mary Koehnk,The Scene Editor

highlightsNovember 2011 7

insight highlightsNovember 2011 8

SuperstitionMan has always relied on superstitions

when seeking an explanation to the unexplain-able. While these false certainties typically do not explain why something is, they do provide a greater sense of control over what man knows nothing about. This need of ours to have a grasp over anything that occurs, even if it will not be fully under-stood, leaves many satisfied with the idea that daily horoscopes and knocking on wood will keep them on a danger-free path.

A superstition is a belief that is not based on logic or reason, but these fallacies prom-ise to protect believers from harm or karma. Regardless of the fact that superstitions are recognized as invalid, more than half of Ameri-cans admit to being superstitious according to Web MD.

Whether it is because of hope, fear, ignorance, trust in certain religious or cultural values or just plain-old misplaced associa-tions, each and every reason a person begins to believe in a superstition ties right into just that: belief.

At times, we know that a particular belief is superstitious, irrational and illogical, yet hesitate to go against it, because of some past experience of our own or that of others.

It is no difficult task for believers to form coincidental connections and label them as proof, or to simply say that their superstitious beliefs defy explanation by virtue of their ambiguity and vagueness.

The human mind is powerful, and events that are based on a person’s performance can

be influenced by that person’s outlook or beliefs. The resulting placebo effect leaves us thinking that the broken mirrors and lucky rabbits’ feet are behind our good luck, or lack thereof.

“Last year, I gave my ‘lucky bracelet’ all the credit for my excellent score on my

finals…It was the first time I had ever worn it,” said junior Andrea Jaime, when asked if she thought any one particular thing was behind her testing success.

What believers fail to realize is that rather than luck, superstitions just influence one’s outlook.

“I know that the grades I got on my finals were all my own doing, but for some reason I couldn’t help but attribute it to my bracelet,” said Jaime.

This misconception would explain why superstitions are so prevalent among athletes and actors. Some athletes may decide that they have to perform a certain ritual, like turning in three circles before leaving the locker room or wearing a certain pair of lucky red socks in order to win a game.

There are many superstitions that have arisen in every culture, and it is surprisingly those very same superstitions that form a sense of unity among individuals.

Life is much less predictable and much less under our control than we care to accept. Often, there is very little that we can directly do to influence events, even when our lives depend on them. What we are left with is an obscure world of uncertainties in which deci-sions must always be made whether to believe or not to believe.

‘ People believe in superstitions because they want to believe in them.

Jhojan Alarcon,Senior

‘

By Audrey FernandezSTAFF WRITER

inremission

Whatareyourluckycharms?

69%

31%

23%

of students admitted to having some type of superstition

of students claim superstitions have altered their

behavior

of students believe there is some truth to superstitions.

Compiled by:Audrey Fernandez

Scary Stats

Leslie Ramos/highlights

“ I only pick up pennies off the floor if they’re heads up.

I generally avoid walking under ladders.

“

-Armando Estupiñan,senior

“

Superstitions are commonly associated with countless years of bad luck. It is common for

believers to avoid walking under a ladder, stepping on a crack or opening an umbrella inside for fear of

bad things to come, but the positive aspects of some superstitions are often overlooked. Many believe in,

and turn to, lucky charms for good luck, assurance, and protection from evil and misfortune.

Good luck charms first originated in ancient times when the more pious people believed in the protective and healing

powers of some items. These objects often came in the form of amulets and talismans intended to ward off evil from the

wearer.“People usually have some kind of amulet for good

luck, like a penny,” said junior Sergio Andrade. Stereotypical good luck charms include rabbit’s feet

and four-leaf clovers, but in reality, charms are more spe-cific to their owner. The more personal types of charms, such as a lucky pair of socks or a coin, vary from person to person and often have some sort of sentimental value and reason for being lucky. In some cases, these items are passed down from previous generations with stories unique to each object.

Students often turn to good luck charms and supersti-tions for a little good luck before a test or the big game. Juniors and equestrian riders Ali Cina and Tori Convey switch a sock with each other before horse shows for good luck, or “just for good measure.”

No matter how rare or simple a good luck charm may be, they all provide their owners with a sense of

security and protection from bad things. When someone truly believes that a lucky charm is indeed lucky, they

believe they are more likely to perform better, and become more confident in themselves and what

they set out to do. “I know it is highly unlikely that something can bring luck,” said

junior Lucas Machado, “but if having a good luck charm

helps you, go for it.”

By Deanna BreiterSTAFF WRITER

TWO

You may remember your friends in kin-dergarten taunting you not to step on a crack, or

risk breaking your mother’s back. Yet no matter how many cracks you stepped on, your mother’s back never gave out, because superstitions are not true.

Superstitions are an illogical belief that future events can be influenced by the things we do now. Some supersti-tions are very old, dating back to the beginning of time.

Most of the time, these superstitions are learned within a family. When being passed down through generations, these

superstitions become more of a tradition or daily routine, such as when mom made sure you never opened an umbrella inside the

house, or made sure you would not walk under a ladder. We tend to not question what our parents taught us and just do it, so fol-lowing such superstitions seems like second nature to some.

“I think people created superstitions because they were trying to find answers to the things we can’t explain,” said

freshman Michelle Robles.Besides, there is no factual evidence that superstitions are

proved to work. Rabbit’s feet are as likely to bring good luck as two plus two equaling sixety-nine. Superstitions were made

in the past to explain natural occurrences that people these days can use technology and knowledge to understand. Such is

true with the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” which can be disproved. In the past, apples were known for their medicinal properties, so it was believed that by eating apples

frequently, one would stay healthy. Today we know that this is not true, since apples cannot fix all health problems

that may arise.For those who do believe superstitions work

for them, it may just be a placebo effect. The belief that the practice of these superstitions

actually works for them may not be happen-ing in reality and instead may all be in their

head. So instead of trying to prevent

seven years of bad luck by avoiding that house of mirrors, try living

life, because in reality, superstitions are ridiculous.

VIEWS

By Maggie RiversSTAFF WRITER

Fact. Fantasy.

frightful facts?

Fearful fantasies?

highlightsNovember 2011 9

Superstition

What are your lucky charms? Andrea Martinez/highlights

Compiled by:Gretel Sanchez and Nicole Sielsky

I only pick up pennies off the floor if they’re heads up.

“

-Kyle Pham,senior

““ I throw salt over my shoulder when I cook and I really like numbers that are multiples of three.

-Christine Quevedo,language arts teacher

Lesli

e Ra

mos

/hig

hlig

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features highlightsNovember 2011 10

The Perfect Lunch BoxTeenagers always want what they cannot have especially when it comes to lunch. When asked what their idea of a perfect lunch was, some students answered:

“A perfect lunch for me would be a fat, juicy burger with salty, greasy French fries because I like artery-clogging food,” said freshman Adrianna Hernandez.

As delicious as these greasy foods are, having fried food for lunch everyday is not very healthy, but there are some alternative ways to have a hamburger and some chicken strips without all of the grease and calories. For a burger, there are alternative patties like turkey, black bean, and veggie patties that can satisfy the average burger craving. Then, just slip the preferred patty into some whole wheat slices of bread and that equates to a delicious alternative. For the side of fries, sweet potato fries are a delicious alternative because they have a unique sweet and salty flavor, and are much healthier than regular potato fries. A meal like this would cost around two dollars not including the drink.

“My perfect lunch would be pizza,” said sophomore Kevin Gonzalez.

Pizza is another common option for students at school. They should try to look for alternatives because of the pizza’s high fat and calorie content. Any food that leaves your hands slimy with grease should be recon-sidered. This craving could be subdued with some minor changes. A caprese sandwich is the perfect substitute to a giant slice of greasy pizza. This sandwich consists of a couple of slices of mozzarella, some slices of tomato on whole wheat bread, and any other toppings you like on your pizza can also be tossed into this sandwich. Common toppings such as pep-peroni, onions, and green peppers would add more flavor to this sandwich. A sandwich like this is a nutritious option in terms of having much less calories, fat, and nearly no grease as opposed to a slice of fatty pizza.

Dessert, the best part of the meal, is how teens splurge on calories. Treats like cookies, candies and brownies are too irresistible to skip. But consuming desserts like these daily is unhealthy. That is why the only cure for the sweet tooth would be a 100-calorie pack of mini brownies, or some vitamin gummies. Although fruit would be the best sweet choice, these other options are great to replace the un-healthy foods while still satisfying the craving.

“My idea of a perfect lunch is arroz con pollo and tostones,” said sophomore Dayde Moreno.

A favorite option for students at our predominantly Hispanic school is “arroz con pollo,” Spanish for rice and chicken. This popular dish makes a difficult school lunch which is why a healthier and simpler alterna-tive could be a steak or chicken wrap. Some chicken breast wrapped in a whole wheat wrap is a delicious alternative. As for the tostones (plantains that are flattened and salted) an alternative to these would be any kind of baked chip. Also, there are plantain chips that could definitely stop the craving and are healthier than a bag of Lay’s.

“My idea of a perfect dessert would have cookies and fruit roll-ups,” said sophomore Karen Casanueva.

CRUNCH LUNCH: By filling your box, with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peanut butter Nature Valley bar, Quaker Chewy Pretzel bar, pack of Lance cheese crackers, banana, a can of Hawaiian punch and even a few home-made frosted cupcakes demonstrates how cost-effective and a healthy lunch can be.

How to replace unhealthy school lunch with a home-made healthy alternative

>>

HALLta l kMultimedia Editor Nicole Sielsky records what she hears in the hallways during passing periods.

>>

BLOCK 1

BLOCK 2

BLOCK 3

>>

>>

“Lemons are limes. No doubt about it.”

“You’re a pescetarian? Are you protestant?”

>>

>>

“If a lion wants to eat a gazelle, you can’t blame the lion. It’s human nature.”“Some people refuse to give me candy sometimes.”

>> “I hope it’s just a rash.”

Halloween CostumesHalloween should be a celebration of creativity and supernatural spirits (if you believe in that sort of thing) rather than a night of mingling with people decked out in Party City costumes.

Compiled by Andrea Martinez

Commentary by Remy FuentesSTAFF WRITER

Students bored of wearing the same generic Party City costumes as their friends, should get creative this year. If you felt like your Halloween costume was sub-par this year, skip out on Party City and opt for a homemade getup next time. Fear not, though, because creative costumes can be made on any budget. Be your favorite singer, band member, or actor. Just make sure to dress in something everyone can recognize.

If you want to make Mother Monster proud, bring out your inner Lady Gaga by incorporating turquoise extensions, leather leggings, and of course, sky high heels. Be Ke$ha, and use up all the glitter ever made.

Costume department lacking on boy costumes? Buy yourself a red beanie, a red and white striped shirt, and get some jeans on; magically becoming “Where’s Waldo?” or don a leather jacket and buy some gel to be Danny from Grease.

Senior Olympia Reboll loves to dress up for Halloween. This year she is going to be one of Charlie’s Angels, with her fellow seniors Kristen Jacks and Rebecca Dwight. This inspiration came to her while she was sitting at home watching the new show on ABC. They shopped around in search of leather jackets, leggings and red lipstick for an authentic look.

Group costumes can be even more creative. Be a tribe of Native Americans take it up a notch and be the cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show; which would definitely get some heads rolling.

MASTERS OF DISGUISE: (Clockwise from top) Seniors Olympia Reboll, Kristen Jacks and Rebecca Dwight pose as Charlie’s Angels, senior Daniel Behar raises his blade as a jedi, and seniors Federico Molina and Mateus Tuon get into character as Osama Bin Laden and a “sucia.”

Remy Fuentes/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

Andrea Biondi/highlights

Maggie Rivers/highlights

highlightsNovember 201111

When someone mentions “American city,” Miami is not one of the first cities that comes to mind. While we may not be as iconic as Los Angeles or New York, we are one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the United States with beautiful people, clean streets and great food

According to a poll conducted by Yahoo.News in 2008, Miami has the most attractive people in the United States. However, according to 2011 poll by Travel+Leisure, Miami ranked 3rd, because while we received high marks for athleticism and sense of style, we scored poorly in friendliness and intelligence (ouch). In an odd twist, the magazine Men’s Fitness ranked Miami as the fattest city in the United States in 2009.

Then, in a survey conducted by Forbes in 2008, Miami was ranked as the cleanest city in the United States, although Travel+Leisure ranked it as 28th this year by both residents and visitors. The stark difference in rankings is a surprise considering the large budget Miami gives to the management of waste. This is especially odd considering how much Miami relies on tourism.

If only wrappers and broken bottles were the worst things on the streets of Miami. For

Notorious 305By Andrea Biondi andAndy FernandezFEATURES EDITOR AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

305.774.6900

210 Miracle Mile Miami, Fl 33134

i.designs

Who do you

want to

be today?

four consecutive years, Miami was voted the city with the worst road rage in the United States by Reuters, although we were recently unseated by New York in 2010. Miamians blame this on the dangerous mix of retirees on leisurely drives and the cities young professionals, with many people reporting that drivers would often apply make-up, eat, and shave while driving. This year, Miami ranks as the eleventh most traffic congested city in the U.S.

On a more positive note, in a poll conducted among Miami residents in 2011, Miami was ranked as having the 10th best street food in the nation. We also were ranked as 16th among tourists in fine dining, and we have consistently been ranked as having the 19th best cafes in the nation for several years now. Perhaps more importantly than anything else on this list, Miami Beach is currently ranked as the 6th best beach in the U.S.A. by travel.usnews.com.

Although all of these rankings are for the city of Miami, residents must realize that we are the ones being judged. We are responsible for the filth on the streets and the irritating honking horns that fill I-95. But we must not forget that it is also we that keep Miami filled with beautiful people and the delicious smell of street food, so let us give ourselves a pat on the back for at least not being the worst.

Paranormal ExperiencesBy Gretel SanchezSTAFF WRITER

Can’t decide between a creamy cheesecake or an aromatic pumpkin pie? Instead of making that oh-so-difficult dessert decision, whip up an easy combination of the two, topped with some incredible cinnamon whipped cream.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix melted butter and crushed gingersnaps together in a 9-in springform pan (that is the one that has a removable base) and press into bottom. Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, and then add pumpkin, 2 T of whipping cream, 1 t of cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs and 1 c of sugar. Pour into crust and bake at 300 degrees for an hour. To make cinnamon whipped cream, whip cream, 1/4 c of sugar and 1/2 t of cinnamon in a cold bowl. Refrigerate cheesecake, and scoop a few dollops of whipped cream atop.

1 and 1/2 cups of crushed gingersnaps (just put 2 cups of gingersnaps into a plastic bag and let out some aggression)1/2 stick of melted butter (15 seconds in the microwave should do)8 oz can of pumpkin 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream16 oz packages of cream cheese (must be at room temperature or else the cheesecake will be lumpy!)1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg 1 and 1/4 cup of sugar 2 eggs

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nicole Sielsky/highlights

with cinnamon whipped cream

We see it all over television, as the theme of nearly every scary movie, and even throughout the books we read for school: the paranormal. Supernatural activity is the subject of much conflict. How many of us have ever wondered if they really exist, or have felt someone next to us when no one is in fact there? The reality is that although it is not known whether spirits exist, and although scientific knowledge would dictate against it, many say they have felt or even seen the presence of an unearthly being, whether it be the ghost of someone we once knew, or somebody entirely unfamiliar. In the spirit of Halloween, highlights interviewed students about their otherworldly encounters.

Junior Bhavika Kat Shah’s aunt passed away two years ago and Bhavika says she has heard her voice and sometimes seen her at the foot of the bed, watching over her.

It is not uncommon to hear stories like this of deceased loved ones looking after their family members. However, this type of encounter is not the one that we fear late at night, or that is made the subject of every Halloween story and movie thriller. Senior Pablo Martinez’s was.

“About five years ago, at my aunt’s house in Mexico, as I was getting ready for bed, I turned around and saw a middle aged, dark-skinned man staring at me. I didn’t believe myself so I looked again. I tried looking closer but he disappeared. After doing a little research we found that a forty year old man had died in the house before [my aunt] moved in.” said Martinez.

Does this mean that our fears could possibly be confirmed and ghosts could be lurking behind every corner? We may not know for sure but we should keep our eyes peeled for the supernatural and the unknown this Halloween.

Gables students speak out about

their encounters with the supernatural

By David PerlmutterOPINION EDITOR

Cesa

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/Con

trib

utor

Suzette Wanninkhof/highlights

A discussion on what the polls are saying about Miami

In a local music scene consisting almost entirely of second-rate thrash bands and electrocrap, Little Haiti’s Sweat Records does a great job of organizing and promoting events that do not always involve breakdowns and/or dupstep. These include anywhere from fiction readings with substitute teacher Matt Gajewski (Pure Imagination), vegan waffle parties, and showcases of the worthwhile regional music talent. The record selection, while not huge, does enough to impress, stocking vinyl and CDs that would be difficult to locate anywhere else in the city.

If you are looking for a slightly dirtier scene, check out Churchill’s Pub next door. A landmark of Miami’s local music culture, the venue consistently attracts the bigger acts in town, like The Jacuzzi Boys. One of the hotter groups to come out of Miami as of late, The Jacuzzi Boys sound like direct descendant of 1960s surf rock given their tinge for psychedelia, and their funky, up-tempo beats. Guitarist Gabriel Alcala and drummer Diego Monasteri formed the band in 2007, while bassist Danny Gonzales joined in this year to complete the trio. Since then they have had nationwide tours including occasional ones in Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

The Jacuzzi Boys’ sophomore album, Glazin’, was released in Aug. 2011 and has been doing better than ever. Currently at the tail-end of their latest tour, they will be playing a coming-home show on November 26th at Churchill’s.

ExploringMiami’smusicscene

features highlightsNovember 2011 12

Thematic Coffee House sets the moodBy Remy FuentesSTAFF WRITER

It is that time of the year again: the smell of Starbucks coffee is oozing out of the new building cafeteria doors, which were covered in fake spider webs and orange streamers on Oct. 13 to kick off the monthly event, Coffee House, with an eerie Halloween theme. Tri-M set the mood by turning off the cafeteria lights and setting colorful candles on the tables.

“The mood that coffee house sets is sort of united with a musical feeling. Everybody supports each other and cheer on the performers,” said audience member, sophomore Mary Borras.

Students have to pay three dollars as an entrance fee, but it is a worthwhile investment. Who does not want to get all the delicious regular or decaf Starbucks coffee they want while listening to other customers cover their favorite songs?

When the performances started, students quickly turned the candles into lighters, waving them in the air.

“I like performing to express myself and to show my drumming talent,” said sophomore Alfonso Alonso, a drummer of three years, who performed in coffee house last year also.

“I started going [to coffee house] my sophomore year when it first started,” senior Kelly Loy, president of Tri-M said.

She also said that a new part of coffee house would be one dollar raffles, where two raffle tickets are given in order to win iTunes gift cards or other gifts. To stay posted on coffee house go to cavalierchorus.com.

SHOW STOPPERS: (Left) Sophomore Itala Tejada performed a duet with friend Deanna Cuevas (not shown) to “Tell Me That You Love Me” by the cast of Nickelodeon’s hit show, Victorious. (Right) The night’s Master of Ceremonies, Carlos Baez, surprised the crowd with his rap skills accompanied by Jorge Apparicio on guitar and Joel Jimenez on drums.

Coffee House DatesNovember January February11/16Theme:Autumn

1/26Theme:New Year

2/16 Theme: Valentine

Alfonso Freire/Contributer

March3/15Theme:St. Patrick’s Day

What not to do on your college application:Do not make up a middle name.Make an e-mail that makes you sound at least somewhat professional. Do not make up the names of your parents.

You probably want to stick to only naming clubs that might impress the admissions committee.

...Same goes for your awards.

Do I even need to explain where this girl went wrong?

Compiled by Leslie Ramos

Remy Fuentes/highlights

sports highlightsNovember 2011 13

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MARK THE DATE to support our athletic teams and cheer them on!

Football@ Southwest

Thurs. at 7:00 p.m.at Tropical Park10

Boys’ Varsity

Footballvs. Miami Coral ParkFri. at 3:00 p.m.at Coral Gables

Senior High4Boys’ Varsity

SwimmingState

ChampionshipsFri. - Sat.11

Varsity

X-CountryRegional

ChampioshipsFri. - Sun. 11

Varsity

Cross country's uniform dilemmaBy Audrey FernandezSTAFF WRITER

Despite their successful season in which they demonstrated much-needed improvement, the school’s cross country team still has some challenges against the opponent they least expected: the very name they run for.

The runners’ tracksuits, worn during meets, were brought under scrutiny several weeks ago because that the tops were considered to be revealing and not in compliance with the uniform policy. As a result, cross country runners can no longer wear their track suits during school hours.

By Orso RaymoSTAFF WRITER

Tip-off:In recent years the basketball team has performed

outstandingly, winning the Greater Miami Athletic Conference championship and the district championship title as well as reaching the quarter finals in the state championship games. This year, the team plans to beat their already impressive record and add to their overflowing trophy case.

“We have expectations to follow: our goal is to reach the state championship game,” said basketball coach Glennford Hyatt.

At the start of the season, flocks of eager Cavaliers took to the gym to try-out for the junior varsity basketball team. With a turn-out of 77 students trying out for a 15-member team, the squad is sure to be composed of only the best.

“It’s a popular and fun sport,” said point guard and sophomore Brent Webber in regard to the crowded try-outs.

“We have been successful for the past two years and many students want to be able to represent Gables and be a part of this,” said Hyatt.

As is tradition, the boys' season will start off with the annual “Crimson and Grey” game, the celebratory match will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the gym.

The girls' team has similar aspirations with stringent training routines and a new sponsorship from Adidas. Since the end of last year’s season, the Lady Cavs have adhered to the most stringent of training programs consisting of lifting weights, conditioning and studying various team strategies.

The program is designed to strengthen each player's performance and develop the group’s overall abilities.

With all returning starters, the team reveals they have no defining all-star player. Instead of relying on one individual's performance, they produce the excellent results thanks to a recipe of teamwork and defensively oriented strategies.

“Defense wins game, offense sells tickets,” says senior Michelle Alvarez who plans on ending her high school experience “with a bang”. The present seniors do not intend on slacking, ending with a whimper in not an option.

The junior varsity program, on the other hand, was not as successful during the 2010-2011 season.

“Last year we were not able to finish because of injuries, but this year we have 14 new players and a new assistant so we expect a more positive outcome,” said Coach Willie Chacon.

But with a host of new staff members the JV team also

intends on winning a title or two.Perhaps the greatest accolade of the winning team is a

new sponsorship with Adidas. Thanks to the new deal, the team will be receiving new equipment including uniforms, sneakers, warm-up attire, and polo shirts as well as an assortment of exclusive gear like flats, headbands and the pride associated with the sponsorship of a billion-dollar coorporation.

The Lady Cavaliers will officially start the season Tuesday, Nov. 8. Their efforts in training, conditioning and preparing for the season surely will not be overlooked and their performance on the court will be nothing short of outstanding.

‘ We have expectations to follow; our goal is to reach the state championship game,

Glennford Hyatt, boys’ varsity basketball coach

‘

The spirited runners, who previously wore their tracksuits throughout the school halls, say they now feel confused.

Several feel they are being specifically targeted, since other school sports teams are permitted to wear their respective attire on game days, although not always in accordance with the uniform policy either.

“We are representing Gables as much as another sport is…I therefore find it extremely unfair that while they get to show off their glory around school on game days, my fellow runners and I have to hide our pride behind a sweater,” said junior cross country runner Tamara Mekler, when asked to comment on the fairness behind this

homecoming gameBy Casey BreznickCOPY EDITOR

On Monday, Oct. 31, the school's actual homecoming football game against Miami High took place at Curtis Park at 4:00 p.m.

This came after many sudden schedule changes due to the school's activities schedule and weather that many students admitted left them confused. Still, students say they are in disagreement over which game was the true homecoming game.

Activities Director Ana Suarez said that the game against Christopher Columbus High School on Friday Oct. 21 was the school's choice for the homecoming game. The school district's actual schedule, according to Athletic Director Louis Romero, had the rained-out game on October 29 as the official homecoming game for both schools.

"At the end of the day, it's Activities' decision for the school, but we will play regardless," said Romero.

Problems with the Homecoming wrap-up

tumult.Seeing as the school is not only

forbidding them from wearing their uniform, but also implementing consequences if caught (i.e. not being able to partcipate in meets), other students have begun to question the school’s supposed “Cav Spirit”. What once served as a motivational tool now might cost some runners a chance at representing the school in competitions.

The team is still permitted to wear their red sweaters, which technically do serve the purpose of distinguishing them from the rest of the school.

Notwithstanding, runners raise a valid

By Lukas GeorgatosSTAFF WRITER

point in arguing that in previous years the sale of sports attire in order to raise money for the sports department allowed for non-athletes to become indistinguishable from the hard-working runners

“The jerseys we used to wear to school were just a way for the rest of the student population to recognize who we are and how proud we are to be runners for Gables,” said junior Gabriella Gutierrez, who started running for the school this year.

Usually, teams who improve are rewarded with extra privileges matching the associated merit of their achievements, which is evidently not the case for the Cavalier cross country team.

Both boys' and girls' Cavalier basketball teams start the fall season with an overwhelming tryout participation

On Friday, Oct. 21 the Gables varsity football team played Columbus and unfortunately lost an astounding 49-0 in the pseudo-homecoming game.

“We weren’t expecting to lose by that much,” said freshman Bradley Lee. The Explorers started scoring immediately, a mere three minutes into the game.

“I was angry we lost,” said senior defensive end Giovanny Galo. He also said that Gables missed a lot of tackles and that the Columbus players are more athletic.

However, according to junior Ramon Duran, the defense played much better than the offense.

Many students believed this game to be the actual homecoming game. However, it was not. This was also the game that there was a pep rally for, but the rally was under false pretences.

The real homecoming game was on Oct 29, but the game was cancelled due to a torrential downpour.

Following a serious confusion as to the date of the actual homecoming game, the Cavalier varsity football team banded together to defeat Miami High, the school’s rival on Oct. 31.

In the early minutes of the match, Miami High was able to gain a seven point advantage. Their dominance was short lived as the Cavs were able to recuperate, tying the match. Soon after, the Stingarees scored once more, ending the third quarter ahead. Barely into the fourth quarter, Gables tied the score. What ensued were three intense overtimes. Finally, Gables was able to pull ahead with a score of 27 over Miami High’s mere 24. To up the intensity, the opposing team had an opportunity to equalize, but the away team’s kicker blundered, hitting the goal post, and finally ensured a Cavalier victory.

“It’s about time we get that monkey off our back; it really is a good feeling, and it’s a testament to the dedication, heart, and ambition the players put towards the game,” said Joseph Montoya, coach of the varsity football team.

CAVALIERSTAT BOX

By Orso RaymoSTAFF WRITER

Varsity FootballLeague Record 2-6

OCT 15 John A. Ferguson@ Tropical Park 20 - 17 L

Gables Cavaliersvs

OCT 21 Gables Cavaliers@ FIU 0 - 49 L

Columbus Highvs

OCT 31 Gables Cavaliers@ Curtis Park 27 - 24 W

Miami Senior Highvs

Junior Varsity FootballLeague Record 2-3

Gables Cavaliers@ American Senior 0 - 18 L

American Seniorvs

SEPT 21 Miami Senior High@ CGHS 0 - 36 W

Gables Cavaliersvs

OCT 12 Gables Cavaliers@ Columbus 0 - 41 L

Columbus Highvs

OCT 2

Stats from c2cschools.com

XC takes the winThe girls' varsity cross country team won the district

championship Tuesday, Nov. 1 for the first time in 30 years. "The girls have worked hard all year and deserve to be

district champs," said cross country coach Scott Nelson.Star runner Tori Convey, junior, had a very impressive time at

23 minutes flat, shaving 40 seconds off her usual race and coming in first place. Junior Tamara Mekler came in a close second at 23 minutes and 25 seconds.

By Ali StackEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

sports highlightsNovember 2011 14

Negative effects of workout overload

GETTING SWOLE: After school hours, juniors Michael Monteagudo (left) and Javier Aleman (right) continue their weekly workout regimen at the LA Fitness gym in Sunset Place focusing on arm exercises. “This was my second time going to the gym this week. I usually go about three times, but never more than that because I do not want to overwhelm my muscles. However, I always go with a friend to make sure I push myself,” said Monteagudo. Both students are well aware of the dangers of major fatigue resulting from workout overload.

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By Andrea BiondiFEATURES EDITOR

Pressured to look good and stay in shape, many of the school’s students, both male and female, spend their free time in local gyms pumping iron with the hopes of "getting ripped" like the people they see on television shows. Although attending a gym and staying fit does have benefits, excessive exercise has been shown to be just as hazardous as being sedentary.

With the intention to stay healthy and become strong, students like junior Javier Aleman find themselves going to the gym six days a week.

“I started working out the summer before sophomore year and I haven’t stopped since,” said Aleman.

What students like Aleman might not know

is that working out to such an extent is actually extremely dangerous. Carlos Mollinedo and Joe Montoya, both weight lifting coaches here at the school, stressed the importance of getting rest between workouts.

“The rest period is undoubtedly the most important part of muscle development,” said Mollinedo.

Depriving your body of this rest can put you at risk of overworking it. In this state of fatigue, the muscles are more prone to injury.

The opposite applies as well. By resting your body accordingly, your muscles are able to recover and the microscopic rips in the muscle repair themselves and become stronger, hence the term “getting ripped.”

Fortunately, there are just as many students at the school who are aware of the dangers of overworking one’s body, like senior Jerome

Ziv, who has been going to the gym since he was 16. As a member of the school’s basketball team, Ziv’s workouts tend to be “sport specific,” but he does admit that “getting bigger” is not half bad either.

Over the past two years, he has gained nearly 35 pounds of muscle. In the process, Ziv has grown about two inches in height. He is an exception to the general assumption that excessive weightlifiting stunts growth.

Lifting weights with the proper techniques will avoid the problems with growth, even during teenage years where bodies are growing and developing. Starting an exercise regime now would be in anyone’s best interest.

Ryan Francis, junior, also spends a large amount of time in the gym when it is not football season. Like Ziv, Francis is also aware of the importance of resting the body and

Spotlight: Taylor Baez

By Deanna BreiterSTAFF WRITER

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At first glance, junior Taylor Baez is your typical student, balancing academics with her position on the varsity girls’ soccer team. Despite her common appearance, many would be surprised to know that she is in fact a world champion judo practioner.

“People don’t really expect it,” said Baez. “But, when they find out they are very surprised.”

Taylor has been fighting since she was seven years old, following the footsteps of her grandfather, mother, and sister who also took part in the sport. She began competing at the age of eight and won her first tournament when she was nine.

Since then, Baez has traveled all around the world for training and competitions. She recently traveled to Chile and returned as the Pan American champion. Her favorite place was Kiev, Ukraine because of the beautiful scenery and culture she experienced.

Humbled by her victories, Taylor is proud of her champion title.

“Winning is such a relief after working so hard,” she said, “It feels good to know all of my training has paid off.”

As a champion judoka, Taylor Baez brings new meaning to the words “fight like a girl.”

Soccer rises to new heightsBy Lukas GeorgatosSTAFF WRITER

Finding somewhere to play soccer in Downtown Miami with buildings in every direction and not an inch of grass in sight might seem impossible, but now there is great place to play in the heart of Brickell’s Financial District. As unlikely as it may sound, the soccer fields are on rooftops.

The facility’s name is Soccer Roof Top and it is located at 444 Brickell Ave. Miami, Fl 33131. There they have two fields on top of a five story parking garage. Between the two fields is a patio where players can take breaks and reenergize with some refreshments. The facility also has a locker room and showers to cool off for all of their customers.

According to their website, the fields are “full netted courts and that have padded walls for a safe, fast-action, soccer experience”. They are also turf, and are about the size of an indoor soccer field, perfect for a five-on-five game. Soccer Roof Top also has a program they call "The Soccer Academy".

“The soccer academy is more during the summer time where we teach kids soccer basics,” said manager Coco Cubilles.

“We have a coed league on Wednesdays and an all male league on Mondays,” said Coco Cubilles. He also said that they frequently have tournaments that many teams participate in.

The facility can also be rented for events, like birthdays, and according to their website they “handle every detail so you

New quidditch team in the works?By Deanna BreiterSTAFF WRITER

If you have ever seen or read any of the Harry Potter movies or books, chances are you have heard of Quidditch.

Quidditch is the Wizarding World’s favorite sport, a hobby and pastime of witches and wizards around the world. Muggle Quidditch has become an increasingly popular hobby, peaking the interest of Potter fans around the globe.

If you consider yourself a Harry Potter fan, your dream of playing Quidditch may soon become a reality. Sophomore Albert Ramirez is hoping to start a Quidditch team for muggles, or non-wizards, here at Gables.

Muggle Quidditch maintains its wizardly aspect by having players run with brooms between their legs. The matches are also played on a smaller field, about half the size of a football field.

A Quidditch team is made up of seven important players: three chasers, two beaters, a keeper and a seeker. Players strategically handle three types of balls during a match, attempting to obtain the most points. Chasers maneuver with the quaffles to score goals, beaters protect their teammates from

can have time to socialize with your guests. You won't have to worry about preparations or clean up either.”

Soccer places like this are becoming very popular and Soccer Roof Top is a great place to find out while playing with friends.

Field rentals range from $100-$120 depending on what time you arrive. That is only $12 maximum per player for a ten man game. Soccer Roof Top is open seven days a week from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekends.

bludgers and the seeker focuses on catching the very elusive golden snitch, while each team’s keeper guards their three goal posts. The aim of the game is to score the most points before the game ends, when the snitch has been caught.

“My best friend who I have known since third grade who lives in Texas started one,” said Ramirez. “He has over a hundred people who want to join. He encouraged me to do it, so I’m trying to do the same.”

In order to start a Quidditch team, Ramirez must begin a petition and find a sponsor. His idea must then be approved by Activities Director Ana Suarez.

"It has not been approved yet," he said. "We haven't managed to talk to Ms. Suarez. If she doesn't approve it, I will find a way to do it anyways."

Although it is too early to tell, Ramirez and his prospective players remain hopeful.

If his idea for a Quidditch team is approved, Ramirez hopes to fundraise and travel to New York for the Quidditch World Cup.

“We are trying to get some more people,” he said. “We have about fifty at the moment but are striving for more!”

avoiding over-working one’s self. As part of school’s football team, Francis

simply cannot afford an injury at any time of the year. He is cautious when working out so as not to over-exceed his limits, but rather to push the envelope just enough to feel sore the next day. This type of mild soreness in targeted muscles is evidence of a healthy and productive workout.

“Developing your body is a long process. It’s not just gonna happen overnight,” said Mollinedo, “so just take it slow, start light.”

It is recommended to try and change the workout every once and a while so that your body “gets shocked, and you avoid hitting a plateau,” said Montoya.

Just by all means, avoid going to the gym on a daily basis, at most three to four times.

SKY HIGH: Serveral soccer players can be seen playing a rooftop game five stories above Brickell from surrounding business and apartment buildings.

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highlightsNovember 2011 15the scene

ONE MAN’S TRASHMiami’s hidden treasures are found in unlikely places — the nooks and crannies of second-hand shops

ook Barn:

Located in an unassuming shopping plaza lies a quaint shop called Book Barn, a used book shop that has been nestled here for over 34 years. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by wooden shelves divided into four aisles crammed floor to ceiling with books. Books are put in every space imaginable: on the floor, in boxes, and on assorted racks.

Aside from giving an honest small-business feel, the prices here are quite economical. The second-hand books are marked down to dirt-cheap prices— all books a quarter of their list price, some being just a dollar. But one of Book Barn’s most prominent features (and probably the key to why it has stayed in business so long) is its book trading service. Patrons are able to bring in old books and trade them for books in the store. The prices of all the books brought by the customer is added together and divided by half, and that is the customer’s credit. This credit can be used for any used paperback books in the store which there is no shortage of.

B Book Barn does not only offer used books; it also has magazines and new books on sale. Recent issues of magazines are available, most for around a dollar and new books are sold for twenty percent of list price. If you are looking for a specific book, you can call, and they will hold it for you for the next twenty-four hours if it is in stock.

Book Barn carries a large assortment of school required readings, which can be extremely helpful to students on a budget. Book Barn easily lets you bring all your old, unwanted books and trade them for ones needed for school, or for personal

entertainment, without breaking the bank.

Junior Anyela Torres thought a place like Book Barn would be extremely helpful

for students and noted, “After you read [the book], there’s not really that much use for it, so being able to exchange [them] is great.”

So next time, save the trip to your regular book store, and instead go to Book Barn where you can a lot more bang for your buck. Book Barn is located at 10597 SW 40th St. Book Barn is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Book Barn can be contacted at (305) 223-0531.

‘ “After you read [the book], there’s not really that much use for it, so being able to exchange them is great.Anyela Torres, junior

‘

Maggie RiversSTAFF WRITER

A mess of good reads

Remy FuentesSTAFF WRITER

In the heart of South Miami, there is a small and packed warehouse that is the home to the newest recycle bike shop. Miami Recycle Bike Shop opened on July 2nd. The owner, Andres Barreda, decided to open it in South Florida because he had not seen anything like it locally. He has been cycling for 25 to 30 years and has seen other recycle bike shops around the United States, yet none in Miami. Barreda builds new bikes

and repairs old ones. “I usually get the bikes from garage sales, flea markets, thrown away ones, donated,

trading or purchasing them,” says Andres. Miami Recycle Bikes is located on 5885 Commerce Lane, among other repair-type shops.

The shop has been open for about two months now and Barreda said about 250 people visited during the first month. Barreda did not always dream of opening a bike shop. However, he did show interest in

bikes early in his life. “I learned how to ride a bike when I was five, I had many bikes growing up; usually I would dismantle them

by the second day,” he said. The prices of the bikes range from $20 to $650. Some costs can be pricey because Barreda has to pay in Euros for some

of the bike parts; however there are many bargain options for good quality bikes. Barreda is very passionate about his work, and the little hidden gem he has provided South Florida witch is definitely something everybody should check out.

Miami Recycle Bike

T: 305 206 1183

South Miami, FL 331435900 SW 73rd Street Suite 305

estherstansu@yahoo.com

Esther Terry Stansu, MDLicensed Mental Health Counselor

T: 305 358 0060 F: 305 358 0550

Miami Beach FL 33140 Penthouse

301 ARTHUR GODFREY ROAD

www.mitrani.com

STACKS ON STACKS ON STACKS: Book Barn’s aisles are overwhelming at first glance, but the final product proves worth while.

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the scene highlightsNovember 2011 16

Sunshine Spirits

Deering Estate Spookovers Friday & Saturday (8:45 p.m.) Sunday (7 p.m.)600 East Las Olas Blvd. (954) 290-9328

Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tours Ghost Tour ‘Voices of the Past’ November 17 (11 p.m.-4 a.m. 16701 SW 72 Ave. (305) 235-1668

The Biltmore Hotel Tours Sundays (1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) 1200 Anastasia Ave.(305) 445-1926

TRICK -OR- TREAT:

A holiday never ceases to pass in Miami without some multicultural flair being thrown into it. Sometimes, this mix of different cultures results in an eccentric take on holidays with some

weird practices. While trick or treating this year I came upon a few questionable items in my bag.

ExpiredAlthough it is not necessarily weird, it is disgusting. While sifting through my

candy loot I found a chocolate bunny from Easter. Considering the seasonal aspect of it I am assuming it was purchased sometime in April. I understand financial worries, however, if that is the case, skip this holiday, see how the economy is next year.

OddOccasionally you might run across the really weird items like the rocks, the twigs,

and all that jazz. Personally, I was fortunate enough to get the rocks. Not just a rock that may have accidentally fallen there; it was a huge rock. Either this person was try-ing to break a kid’s tooth or they may foster a hatred for a little Halloween spirit.

Well intentioned Sometimes a person may try to “help” the little trick-or-treaters. They may give

out juice boxes or toothbrushes or microwave popcorn, but unfortunately, we trick-or-treaters just do not want them. WE WANT CANDIES—hence the ‘treat’ part. Sure you may want to fight the cavities that are forming as a direct result of Halloween, but I am sure kids already have a toothbrush they are using at home on a daily basis.

CarameloSo you finally found some candy! Yet you can not read the label because it is either

in Spanish, French, or some other language you are illiterate in. This may be a great or unpleasant surprise depending on your taste, but only if you are willing to venture into the unknown.

How hard is it to understand? All we kids want is just regular, delicious candy. I suggest you check out the Halloween candy section in Publix, you may just happen to find some

affordable candy that children may love. By doing this, you will provide kids with a great Hal-loween experience filled with lots of candy.

I just wanted some candyMaggie RiversSTAFF WRITER

With its melting pot accumulating for hundreds of years, Miami has had its share of crimes and injustices, that have lead houses abandoned and open to speculation regarding the presence of the supernatural.

Currently, houses have been transformed and adapted to appeal to the public, with large intricate mazes consisting of black cats, jack-o’-lanterns, animated robots and a variety of plastic monsters. Though entertaining, these have detracted from the initial foundation the haunted houses are based on. Houses and tours are open to the public to grasp a sense of the history, and a genuine scare, brought forth by stories, not robots.

The Biltmore is an unsuspecting place with a handful of horror stories. Built in 1925 originally as a hotel, it was then transformed into a World War II veteran hospital, and then back to a hotel.

According to the Biltmore staff, rumors of the supernatural have been spiraling. One of the most popular is the death of mobster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh.

Four years after the hotel’s grand opening he was murdered by Ed Wilson, on the hotel’s thirteenth floor. He has been spotted allegedly opening doors, turning the lights on and off and writing messages on the mirrors.

The thirteenth floor of the Biltmore is closed off to celebrities, politicians, and the elite. The only

way to reach this floor is with a special key that only bellhops have access to. Despite this, several guests reported to have been involuntarily taken to the 13th floor. The guests claim to hear heavy breathing, laughing, footsteps, the smell of cigars, and some have even heard Walsh greet them.

Haunted reputations are known to drive away customers, however,

‘ I don’t mess with it [the supernatural], but I don’t believe in it...I’ve walked by the haunted places by myself, and I saw nothing.Biltmore hotel concierge

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Remy Fuentes and Mary Koehnk STAFF WRITER AND THE SCENE EDITOR

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the opposite effect occurs at The Biltmore. The sense of history and wonder excites many tourists and locals every year, speculating the validity of the stories and staying in the rooms.

Even skeptics are known to give in to the stories, traveling the archaic halls with the stories remaining in the back of their

minds. “I don’t

mess with it [the supernatural], but I don’t believe in it. When you’re here, working late, your imagination gets to you. But I’ve walked by the

haunted places, by myself, and I saw nothing,” said the concierge.

Granted, supernatural encounters are probably subject to confirmation bias, however the history of the hotel and ghost story readings are purely for entertainment purposes only, manipulating an old hotel with a rich history to generate revenue and interest among the public.

Miami’s faux haunted houses are no competition for the city’s true horrors; at what expense did the landmarks of the city gain notoriety?