Volume 20 Issue 10 by The Current

The Student-Run Newspaper of Nova Southeastern University October 20, 2009

Volume 20, Issue 10

www.nsucurrent.com

INSIDE

News New Commercials Are On the Air

NSU’s New Smoking Policy Creates a Circus of Interest

Television spots aim to show how student feel about campus.

Page 4

Current Affairs

Working Hard, or Hardly Working: Record High Unemployment Rates Worry Students

A Milestone for the DisAbilities Expo Celebrating 30 years.

Page 7

Features Courtesy of www.examiner.com

How to Build a “Perfect” Resume Page 10

Two Steady Performances as the Cross Country Season Heats Up Read to find out more.

Page 11

Arts & Entertainment No Vacation Could Save “Couples Retreat” Page 17

Opinions Progress is Inevitable, So Let’s Make It Happen Page 19

Forecast Today

ASHLEY ALLRED SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

News of NSU’s new smoking restriction policy has swept

Sports

Scattered Showers Hi: 81 Lo: 74

Courtesy of the Office of Public Affairs

Temporary smoking tents pop up around campus.

Wednesday Partly Cloudy Hi: 82 Lo: 74

SEE FORECAST 2

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics the current unemployment rate is 9.8% in the United States and 10.7% in Florida alone.

the campus as small, white tents have popped up around university grounds. The tents were planned for early summer but were pushed back to Oct.

“The ones [tents] that are out there are temporary, but the locations will stay the same.” said Tom Vitucci, director of campus recreation.

survey was conducted, and the results of both were compared. Areas of improvement were identified. The two main areas of concern were communication and collaboration. In response to these results, a Communications Task Force

All around the country, college classes are in session. Students are struggling with finals, picking classes for the upcoming winter semester and worrying about what they will do once they graduate. Some anxiety is normal, but it is a bit higher this year, as students realize that college itself is no longer a direct link to a lifelong career or a shield from fluctuations in the job market. The Washington Post reports that the employment rate among 16 to 24 year olds has steadily declined by nearly 20 percent over the past decade to its lowest level since World War II. It is no wonder that students are worried. Bret Stern, senior English major, explains that “the high unemployment rates are very worrisome as a soon-to-be-graduate. I’ll be teaching, which usually has a lot of job openings, but with the bad economy, older teachers are staying in their jobs longer.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of working degree holders fell by 282,000 in the last month, with the total number of unemployed college graduates around 1.4 million. Jessica Valdez, a recent college graduate, explains that “I was so excited to finally get my bachelors degree in communications, but the only job I could find was at Burger King.”

SEE GALLUP 2

SEE UNEMPLOYMENT 2

SEE TENTS 2

NSU’s Score Sheet: Gallup Survey Starts Oct. 26 SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In Oct. 2007, President Ray Ferraro, Jr., was interested in finding out how all of NSU’s constituents felt about engagement. He desired to find out areas where the university was engaging students, faculty, and alumni and areas where the university lacked this. Gallup, a company that has been conducting surveys for the government, public agencies, and other corporations offered a 360degree assessment that would encompass the point-of-views of NSU employees, alumni, and students. President Ferraro signed a three-year agreement with the company in Oct. 2007, making NSU the first educational institution to complete this assessment. The first round of the Gallup surveys was conducted at that time. “Bottomline, NSU is seeking to better understand itself and

its constituents,” said Barbara Packer-Muti, Ed.D., executive director of quality assessment, institutional and community engagement. “It is striving to make a name for itself outside of South Florida.” In Oct. 2008, another Gallup

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

News

October 20, 2009

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FORECAST from 1 Thursday

Scattered Showers Hi: 82 Lo: 75

Friday

Scattered Showers Hi: 85 Lo: 75

Saturday

Isolated T-Storms Hi: 86 Lo: 73

Sunday

Isolated T-Storms Hi: 85 Lo: 75

Monday

Isolated T-Storms Hi: 85 Lo: 74

GALLUP from 1

was established that consisted of students, alumni, and staff. The task force’s aim is to increase communication across the university and to identify “silent areas” of communication or where it is lacking. In addition to this, recommendations will be provided on how to improve communication and on how to develop events to increase communication. The task force’s progress will be assessed every six months. The second outcome that was implemented was conducting town hall meetings. “Since May, the president has met with 54 different groups to conduct town hall meetings, from the library staff, to the Office of Information and Technology, to

Public Safety.” said Packer-Muti. “He is engaging in dialogue with the community and is finding that it is an initiative that is doing well.” However, it appears the communication initiative still needs work. “What survey?” was the response when Jose Jaquez, sophomore biology and music major, was asked to comment on the upcoming Gallup survey. In fact, nine out of 10 students (three seniors, four sophomores and two juniors) that were asked on campus did not know what the Gallup survey was or if they would participate in it. The one that did know did comment on the issue. “I think it’s a good thing, and I will

participate.” said Kristina James, junior business management major. This year’s survey will commence on Oct. 26 and will be available to the NSU community for two weeks. The survey is anonymous and confidential. It takes about five to 10 minutes to complete. Prizes will be awarded to participants and include 10 mini 10v Netbooks for students and 10 mini 10v Netbooks for alumni participants. Employee prizes include one HP black and white laser printer, one blackberry unit, one HP digital camera, one American Airlines domestic travel voucher for two and one HP WiFi Pocket PC. For more information about the Gallup survey, visit www. nova.edu/believe/index.html.

B will damage my chances, so I do everything in my power to make sure I’m always at the top of my class.” She is not the only one trying to stand out. Stern adds that “the best precautionary step for me is to make myself a commodity [and] be able to offer something needed and something unique. I’m looking to learn sign language, as well as brush up on my Spanish.” When asked what he would do if he was unable to find a position in his desired field, he said that he would stay right here. “I’ll stay in school. My financial

aid debt to the U.S. Government will continue to rise, and I’ll work a part-time job until I do find a job. No one should give up what they really want to do and settle for what works. Things will get better, and those who persevere will get what they desire,” said Stern. In these tough times, students are keeping an optimistic attitude and, keeping in mind that there is no way to know what the future holds, a college degree is the first step in the right direction.

non-smoker...We did not overly accom-modate the smokers, but we did want to acknowledge their right to smoke. Each zone is not too long of a walk to get to, and soon permanent structures will be built.” Vitucci assures that the new policy is not aimed at punishing those who smoke. The new structures will be covered and may have benches. “We conducted a survey three years ago, and 3,000 people responded. People expressed their frustration with walking through clouds of smoke to get to class.” Enforcement of the policy will not be done formally. “Public Safety will not issue tickets, but a person could face judicial sanction, for example, if an employee is seen by [his/ her] employer, and the employer chooses to write [him/her] up for it,” said Vitucci. “We are hoping

that the initiative will police itself, through peer enforcement.” Julibeth Alvarado, junior marketing major, commented, “I like the healthy campus initiative, but I think it’s stupid. People are still going to smoke wherever they want.” “It’s ridiculous. Why are people who smoke being treated differently than others?” said Scott Kamper, third year law student. “I have no problem with keeping it out of school and buildings, but why do I have to walk 10 minutes to a circus tent?” Permanent smoking structures are reportedly supposed be constructed by the end of Oct., but Vitucci states, “I think these structures will definitely be completed by the end of the semester, most likely by December, at the latest.”

3301 College Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796 (954) 262-8455 nsunews@nova.edu Newsroom Voice: (954) 262-8455 Fax: (954) 262-8456 Advertising Information (954) 262-8461 Fax: (954) 262-8456 thecurrentad@nova.edu

Editor-in-Chief

Serena Mann smann@nova.edu

Managing/ Opinions Editor

Stefani Rubino stefani@nova.edu

Chief of Visual Design/ Webmaster

Lauren Aurigemma aurigemm@nova.edu

Visual Design Assistant

Chelsea Seignious seigniou@nova.edu

UNEMPLOYMENT from 1

A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers predicts that companies will hire 22 percent fewer graduates than they did last year, and a surge of qualified candidates has allowed employers to be more stringent when filling open positions. Students realize that they need to make themselves more appealing than their competitors in these tough times and are taking all sorts of precautionary measures. Antonia Klath, sophomore computer information sciences major, says, “I study a lot more now. I really worry that even one

News Editor Current Affairs Editor Sports Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor

Is your club or organization getting enough attention? Do you want to receive more recognition? Clubs and organizations can place their events in our Events Calendar section free of charge. For more more information regarding deadlines for submission, please contact us at (954) 262-8461 or thecurrentad@nova.edu.

Amanda Cazacu cazacu@nova.edu Craig Heenighan heenigha@nova.edu Juan Gallo juangall@nova.edu

Contributing Writer

Ashley Allred aallred@nova.edu

Contributing Writer

Keren Moros km1121@nova.edu

Contributing Writer

Sue Tenpow tenpow@nova.edu

Distribution Manager

Juan Calle calledef@nova.edu

Advisor

Lori Albrizio albrizio@nova.edu

Advisor

Eddie Jitpraphai jitpraph@nova.edu

Advisor

Michelle Manley mmichell@nova.edu

TENTS from 1

The proposal for these tents was made to several individuals and committees on campus, including President Ferraro, the Dean’s Committee, and Student Government Association. It was submitted by NSU’s Wellness Committee, which has members representing departments all over campus. The initiative was to create a healthier environment on campus and to protect non-smokers from inhaling harmful secondhand smoke. Two options were considered: having a totally smoke-free campus or having designated zones. The latter was approved last winter/spring. There are 12 smoking locations on campus in areas that non-smokers can avoid. “There is not a smoking zone for each building because that is what exists now,” said Vitucci. “We wanted to protect the rights of the

Annarely Rodriguez annarely@nova.edu

The Current serves Nova Southeastern University from its location in Room 105 of the Athletics and Student Activities (ASA) Building. The Current is NSU’s established vehicle for student reporting, opinion and the arts. All community members are invited to contribute anything they desire to The Current. Editorials, commentaries and advertisements in this publication reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its officials, The Current staff or other advertisers. The Current will not publish unsigned letters except under special circumstances at the discretion of the Editor-inChief. The Current reserves the right to edit. Contributing writers must not be directly involved with their coverage. Coverage by contributing writers must be meaningful and of interest to the NSU community. The Current reserves the right to edit, publish or deny submitted works as it sees fit. The Current shall remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility or otherwise create a bias, real or perceived.

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October 20, 2009

The Wait is Over:

Veterans Finally Receive Their GI Bill Checks Shark Shuttles Incorporate GPS Tracking ANNARELY RODRIGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

If you have ever taken a Shark Shuttle or have tried to but have given up due to the long wait, there is a tool that may just be what you need. The Facilities Department has installed GPS on the shuttles, which members of the NSU community will be able to track online through a shortcut to NEXTbus on NSU’s main Web site starting Nov. 1. This project was designed to make shuttles a more popular way of transportation around campus and to improve the frequency with which shuttles pass certain points. “We received feedback from students saying they had to wait too long or the buses were clocked too close together or that they were walking down to catch the bus as it was leaving,” said George Hanbury, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer of NSU. “We looked at what software was already in the market where students could either call in, or get a text message saying the bus would be there in the near minute, or they could access it online to see the location of the bus in real time, and how long it would take.”

Photo by A. Rodriguez

Through the Web site, you may see where the shuttle is and how far it will take to reach your location. However, if you do not have access to the internet at that moment, you may also text the company your stop number and it will reply with the time it will take the shuttle to reach your location. Students like Monica Gibson, freshman of undecided major, who use the shuttles are excited about the new service. “I have taken it once or twice and it was nice. It was air conditioned and the seats were very comfortable, but [the GPS] would make it easier to take the shuttles,” said Gibson. “It would also be helpful in case someone wants to be not smart and steals a bus; this way people know where the shuttle is.” You may also save certain stops and the system will notify

you every time the bus is nearing that stop. It has been tested several times but the department is still experimenting with the process to ensure the service functions properly. “There is currently GPS on all the buses and it is recording how long they take,” said Hanbury. “The computer will then estimate how long it will take to reach certain locations based on these test runs, but we need hundreds of runs to have accurate numbers.” Quian Chen, first year M.B.A. student, who was waiting on the bus stop to ride the shuttle for the first time, also commented on the GPS option. “I think [the GPS] is very convenient but I do not think I would use it that much. If I have a car, I would just use my car. But the shuttle is very good especially for me.”

Courtesy of wsaq.net and gettyimages.com.png

ANNARELY RODRIGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

As of Oct. 2, veterans who applied for education benefits and have not received them may apply online or at a Veterans Affairs office for an emergency payment of their financial aid. Students may receive up to $3,000, but the amount will be deducted from future payments. The advance payments will be issued by the U.S. Treasury within three business days after the application is completed, unless students personally go to the VA office where they can immediately obtain the check. “Our veterans went the extra mile for their country,” wrote Eric K. Shinseki, secretary of

Veterans Affairs, on the Web site Va.gov. “This is an extraordinary action we’re taking, but it’s necessary because we recognize the hardships some of our veterans face.” According to the VA Web site, more than 27,500 veterans have already taken advantage of this opportunity. NSU is under the regional VA office in Atlanta. If you wish to collect your check from an office, you must bring a photo ID and a copy of your course schedule. To complete the form online, log on to www.advancepay.gibill.va.gov/. For more information regarding this bill or Veterans Affairs log on to www.va.gov.

October 20, 2009

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First-Ever Student Town Hall Meeting with President Ray Ferrero, Jr. SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

On Thurs., Oct. 22, President Ray Ferrero, Jr., will be conducting a town hall meeting in the Don Taft University Center Pit at 12:15 p.m. Dean of Student Affairs, Brad Williams, Ed.D., spoke about the upcoming event and what to expect. Serena Mann: “Why has President Ferrero decided to conduct a town hall meeting now?” Dean Williams: “The Gallup survey [a survey that has been conducted every Oct. since 2007] has revealed that to create more of an engaged university we need to look more at how we are communicating with one another and so, to the president’s credit, he decided to hold a whole series of town hall meetings all across the university. These meetings have been held with both employees and students. The president will even be holding a town hall meeting online for the Student Educational Centers.” SM: “Does the president plan on making this event a yearly or biannual event?” DW: “I don’t know. That would be a great question to ask him on Oct. 22.” SM: “How much influence will what the students say have on future university initiatives?”

DW: “That’s a good question. I will say that there is a group of student leaders called the PANSGA, and they are the presidents and vice-presidents of all the SGAs [on campus]. That group meets monthly and discusses issues that affect all students. They also meet twice a year with President Ferrero in a working dinner and they present him with issues and concerns that affect all students. To the president’s credit, if you look at some of the things that have changed as a result of those meetings such as pay for print services which have increased without any additional cost to students from $25 to $75, parking in the library garage used to be something students had to pay for but is now free and library hours have been extended during midterms. So my point is, those are specific examples of when students surfaced concerns to the president and the president took action. So I am very hopeful that students will be open and comfortable sharing their thoughts with the president.” SM: “What type of topics do you expect to discuss?” DW: “You know it will be really interesting to see what the topics will be. My hope is that the topics are global to helping NSU become better. I’m not sure that it would be appropriate for a student to share that they got a parking ticket…I hope students

“Some day you’re going to have a degree from NSU and the value of your degree is enhanced by the value of how good we make this place and so the more we can collectively come together to lift up, create ideas, and share with one another, the better Nova will be and the more value it will add to our collective degrees and that’s why people should care.” - Dean Brad Williams will approach this town hall by saying, ‘Hey Mr. President Ferraro, this is how we can make NSU great.’” SM: “Is anything off limits?” DW: “I don’t think so. I would hope, encourage or think students would respond to the president with the respect that I think he deserves. I think, again, the key point for me is the way the student presidents approach their meetings with the president is, ‘we want to make NSU better’. They never approach it like it’s a gripe session. So my hope is that the general student population approaches it in that way as well, so it doesn’t become a

gripe session, but a way to make NSU better.” SM: “Why should students participate?” DW: “Here’s my take on it. Some day you’re going to have a degree from NSU and the value of your degree is enhanced by the value of how good we make this place and so the more we can collectively come together to lift up, create ideas, and share with one another, the better Nova will be and the more value it will add to our collective degrees and that’s why people should care.” Dean Williams ended the interview with a story about an article that was published about

UM that described the university as ‘Suntan U,’ back in his day. Over time, he explained how UM moved away from that reputation through the collective efforts and feedback of its students, faculty, administrators, and alumni. “It’s about what people did all the way along and how they took ownership and the result was incredible prestige and value,” added Williams. “If you look at where NSU is, we’re doing the exact same thing. I mean, we’re only a few years behind. “I bet that by the time you’re my age and you tell people you went to NSU, people’s response will be ‘Wow!’”

New Commercials Are on the Air SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

“So You Think You Can Dance,” “Ugly Betty” and “Melrose Place” — What do these television shows have in common? They all are shows that play NSU’s latest undergraduate and graduate commercials. “Initially, the commercials that NSU played were to put a face to our campus. Their purpose was to show off the beautiful grounds and let South Florida know that we are here,” said Gabriela Vignolo, director of marketing communications. The current commercials are more focused on undergraduate enrollment and increased awareness of NSU’s graduate programs. They concentrate on students and their experiences at NSU. “We tried to portray why students come to NSU, whether it is to study a particular program, play sports, get involved in extracurricular activities, live on campus and so on,” added Vignolo. “We wanted to show that NSU offers everything that you expect from a college campus.”

Vignolo also stated that NSU will have event-driven spots to promote campus open houses and other events, as well as a financial aid spot. The financial aid spot will highlight how affordable and accessible NSU can be and will direct potential students to resources that can help. Vignolo described the NSU brand. “We’re very modern, flexible, and we offer a lot of choices for students. We’re on the cutting edge of technology and because we’re still up and coming, we can tailor our programs for students and potential employers.” Vignolo commented on recent ITT Tech television commercials that use the campus as a backdrop. She explained that the NSU campus is sometimes used as a set for commercials for corporations like Nike and Publix but this is the first time it was used for another school. “That is something that has just recently been brought to my attention and I am looking into that.” When asked if she thought the commercials took away from the value of students’ degrees,

Couresty of www.nova.edu

A scene from the new undergraduate commercial.

Vignolo commented, “I feel like we are South Florida’s best kept secret. Students enjoy seeing their friends in the commercials, and I think the commercials add to their degrees. If people hear about NSU more and more, it makes NSU more recognizable and adds to the value of their [students’] degrees.” Nicole Perez, senior communications and legal studies

major, described the commercials as “very innovative, very student friendly, and visually appealing.” A student who preferred to remain anonymous said, “I tend to turn them off when I see them because I don’t know a graduate school that has to advertise their programs. NSU is better than that.” “They’re good, but they’re on all the time.” said Becky

Cabrera, junior business administration major. “I guess it shows NSU is a good school because they’re persistent.” NSU’s current undergraduate commercial, is available to view online at www.nova. edu/?vidnum=album-129. NSU’s graduate commercial is available to view online at www.nova.edu/ ?vidnum=album-130.

Current Affairs

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October 20, 2009

Events Calendar Oct. 20 - 26 Tuesday, Oct. 20

Lucky 13: Library Resources: To Google or Not to Google? 12 p.m.-12:50 p.m. Let the librarians show you the most efficient ways to use Google as a search tool. See live demonstrations of realworld research scenarios, and learn time-saving techniques for finding what you need when you need it. For more information, please contact Dalis Dominguez at (954) 262-8485 or at dalias@nova.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Guest Lecture by FIU English Professor to Explore “The Importance of Being Ambiguous” 5 p.m.-6 p.m. The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and the South Florida Irish Studies Consortium, Inc., will present a guest lecture by Michael Gillespie, Ph.D., titled “The Importance of Being Ambiguous.” Gillespie, a professor of English at Florida International University. This event will take place in the Black Box Theatre, located in the Performing and Visual Arts Wing of the Don Taft University Center. For more information, please contact Jim Doan, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Humanities, at (954) 262-8207.

Workshop Wednesday: Get Your Feet Wet—Internships 12 p.m.-1 p.m. This event will take place in the Office of Career Development on the 4th floor of Alvin Sherman Library. For more information, please contact Dafren Cadet at dafren@nova.edu. Business Career Fair 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Meet and network with local and national employers at the Business Career Fair. Jobs featured at the fair will include Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing and much more. This event will take place in the Carl DeSantis Building Atrium. For more information, please contact Fayona Salmon at fs258@nova.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Third Annual Passport Information Day 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dive into more than $1,000,000 worth of electronic resources for free at Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology’s Third Annual “Passport to Information Day.” There will also be nearly $600 worth of FREE prizes and give-aways. For more information, please visit www.nova.edu/library/passportday or call (954) 262-4542. Sea Thursday: DUI Simulator 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come feel the effects of what drinking and driving really does to a driver in the Don Taft University Center Atrium.

Juggling School, Work and Life 5 p.m.-6 p.m. This workshop is designed to bring awareness of time management techniques that are essential to success in all aspects of life. The goal is to establish a relationship between the individual and the time allocation process. Students will be offered several techniques and alternatives to learn what works best for them. This event is open to Evening and On-Line Students in the Carl DeSantis Building, Room 1133. For more information, please contact Katie Gittleman at (954) 262-8558 or at katielg@nova.edu.

Miss Phi Beta Sigma Pageant 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Watch the Movie “Twilight” on the Alvin Sherman Library’s Lawn 7 p.m. Watch “Twilight” on a “giant” screen outside the library. Bring your own blanket. In case of rain, the movie will be moved inside the library. For more information, please visit http://blogs. library.nova.edu/teenroom/ or call (954) 262-5477. Friday, Oct. 23

President’s Student Town Hall Meeting 12:15 p.m. Join President Ray Ferrero, Jr., and Student Government Association for the President’s Student Town Hall Meeting with the NSU Community. President Ferrero will be answering questions from students. This event will take place in the Don Taft University Center Pit.

The Economic Outlook for Southeast Florida 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Florida lead the way into this recession, will it lead us out? Topics include how bad will things get before the recovery starts? When will the upturn start in Southeast Florida? Breakfast and lunch will be served. Free for all NSU students and faculty. For all others the event will cost $25/person.

Students come together and watch and encourage the intelligent and beautiful women as they compete for the title. These women will later go on to compete in state, regional, and national Phi Beta Sigma Pageant representing our chapter as well as their school. For more information, please contact Benne Constant at benne@nova.edu. Saturday, Oct. 24

“The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” by Oscar Wilde 7:30 p.m. This event will take place in the Black Box Theatre of Performing and Visual Arts Wing in the Don Taft University Center. NSU Make a Difference Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Teams of students from across campus are gathering for one large day of Community Service. Coordinate your own event to happen on same day, or contact Travis Checketts (954) 262-7297 for other projects. Approved projects will count for Project S.E.R.V.E. hours.

Take a Breath and Relax KEREN MOROS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Oct. 13, students gathered at the Rosenthal Center for “Relaxation Station,” a bonus session of the Lucky 13 Workshop series. Amanda Williams from the Art of Living Foundation hosted the workshop and led students through a discussion about stress and how people deal with relieving their stress. She said that although there are different ways to manage stress, there is a “way to relieve stress that doesn’t require anything but yourself.” Her cure is simple: breathing. She explained that stress is caused by the mind’s wandering from the past to the future, but our breath is “the string that brings the

“I liked [the relaxation techniques] a lot. It was very relaxing and engaging. It’ll help me fall asleep a lot easier.” - Vanissa Benjamin [mental] kite back to the present moment.” Williams taught students a breathing technique called “alternate nostril breathing.” She instructed students to close their eyes and place the index and middle fingers of the right hand on their forehead. Using the other fingers to keep one nostril closed, students inhaled and exhaled

deeply through the open nostril, alternating between the two for a few minutes. Williams then talked to students about meditation, which she described as “being 100% where you are at that time.” She compared it to the feeling athletes have when they are “in the zone” and thinking only about one thing. She finished the workshop

by leading students through a meditation session, during which she prompted students to be aware of different things such as the noise around them, their emotions and different parts of their bodies. Vanissa Benjamin, freshman general science major said, “I liked [the relaxation techniques] a lot. It was very relaxing

and engaging.” She added, “It’ll help me fall asleep a lot easier.” For more information about the Art of Living Foundation and other relaxation courses, visit www.artofliving.org and www.takeabreathmiami.org. For information on the Lucky 13 Workshops, contact Dalis Dominquez at dalis@nova. edu or (954) 262-8485.

October 20, 2009

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Cody Junior Biology

Help a friend prepare for their future. As an NSU student, faculty, or staff member you already know our campus is a great place to live and learn. So why not educate others, by inviting someone you know to NSU’s Campus Open House. For two days, admissions advisers will be available to answer questions about our 130 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. NSU experts will be holding hourly financial aid information sessions. And guests will be able to tour our spectacular 300-acre main campus, including new residence halls, our state-of-the-art library, and fitness center. Of course, if you’re an undergraduate, NSU’s Campus Open House is a great opportunity to learn about continuing your education through our renowned graduate and professional programs.

CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE University Center Friday, October 23rd, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 24th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. R.S.V.P. www.nova.edu/openhouse (866) 432-2002

Nova Southeastern University admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. N Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone number: 404-679-4501) to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees.

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October 20, 2009

A Milestone for the DisAbilities Expo AMANDA CAZACU CURRENT AFFAIRS EDITOR

The 30th Annual DisAbilities Expo took place Oct. 17 in the Alvin Sherman Library and Don Taft University Center. The event encouraged people with disabilities, their family and friends, and the public to come out and enjoy a variety of activities. This year was a milestone for the DisAbilities Expo, celebrating its 30th anniversary of supporting those with disabilities. Those who attended had the chance to attend free seminars such as “Transition from School to Life” and “Planning for the Future: Wills, Trusts, Guardianships, and Financial Planning.” In addition, children had the opportunity to watch the Miami Heat Wheels and the Orlando Magic Wheels play two games in a round of basketball which was followed by a game of Miami Heat Wheels versus NSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Pirates, performances, face painting, sign language bingo, and arts and crafts with a professional art therapist from the Able Trust took place as well. The DisAbilities Expo also featured an art exhibit by local artists with disabilities and will continue to be on dis-

Photo by A. Cazacu

The beautiful artwork of local artists with disabilities from the Ann Storck Center, Schott Communities,Memorial Regional Hospital/Rebels Drop-In Center, Lighthouse of Broward, UCP, 9 Muses, Florida Special Arts Center, Center for Independent Living in connection with Broward County Schools.

play through Oct. 21. Over 60 exhibitors provided anyone seeking information with help. Those who did visit the exhibitors were eligible to win all sorts of prizes and the grand prize of the night was a two-night “stay-cation” at the Miami Best Western Ocean Front Resort, with a limo service to and from the

resort and South Beach included. Overall, the DisAbilities Expo was a great place to take advantage of all the resources offered and enjoy the events that took place throughout the day. When Kathy Earthman, the DisAbilities Expo chairwoman was asked what she hopes the DisAbilities Expo will

accomplish, her response was, “My hope is that individuals with disabilities will feel encouraged and empowered by meeting and interacting with others who have encountered the same challenges they face and have triumphed over them. I also hope that people in the community at large will become more aware of the

challenges some of their friends and neighbors face on a daily basis but also realize that with the right resources and support, these challenges can be met and overcome so that individuals with disabilities can and are fully functioning members of society.”

Shark Shuffle Raises Awareness at NSU

CHELSEA SEIGNIOUS VISUAL DESIGN ASSISTANT/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bright and early on Sun., Oct. 11, students, faculty and community members gathered together to log in some road time. The fourth annual Shark Shuffle 5K Run and Walk attracted a diverse crowd of people. From babies in strollers to adults in their 70’s and every category in between. Runners and walkers took off from the starting line at 7:30 a.m. Racing through the 3.1 miles, the first overall male, 14 year old Kenneth Castro, came in at 17 minutes and 45 seconds. Trish Butler was not too far behind, finishing as the first overall female with a time of 18 minutes and 28 seconds. With a motto of “Raising Dollars for Active Scholars,” the Shark Shuffle offered NSU students who participated a chance to enter into a raffle drawing for one of 29 Active Scholar Grants awarded, each worth $500. Participants from the University School had the

possibility of securing $100 scholarships for their studies as well. The scholarships were sponsored by various divisions, schools, and offices within the university. Faculty and staff members were eligible for the drawing to win two American Airline tickets to a destination of their choice in the U.S. The volunteers were not left out. They also qualified for a separate drawing, with prizes, such as $500 scholarships, printers and road ID tags. If participants did not leave with something in their hands, they still left knowing they had accomplished what they came to do. Camille Wright, second year masters student in the College of Student Affairs, said her motivation for running was the $500 grant. With her first race now under her belt, she stated, “I finished. That’s the important part.” Another student motivated to run for scholarship money, freshman Craig Ferguson, ended up winning one of the raffle drawings. As a first-year racer

Photo by C. Seignious

Participants at the Shark Shuffle gather around to begin the race.

with no training, he said, “I could have done better,” but sounded happy with his results. Anna Berion was literally jumping for joy as the junior biology major heard her name called during the raffle. When

asked how she felt about her run, she said, “Awesome! I ran so [well]. But, I’m going to do better next run.” She is training for a half marathon in Fort Lauderdale in November. The USATFcertified Shark Shuffle works to

promote the health and wellness of the NSU community and is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Collegiate Risk Management.

October 20, 2009

Features

www.nsucurrent.com

Interview Etiquette SUE TENPOW CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After turning in your resume, you get a call back for your dream job, now it is time for the interview. An interview can be the most stressful part of the application process. Most people suffer from public speaking fears, while others just have no clue what to do. The interview is the chance to really make a great impression and get the employer to make a decision in your favor. Here are seven tips to help you make the most out of your interview. 1. Practice what you are going to say. Whether it is in front of a mirror or

to family and friends, practicing is the number one way to de-stress a stressful situation. Knowing what you plan on saying is a way to be confident and secure; these qualities are sure to impress.

everything, and an interview is not the time for jeans. Make sure you dress professionally. By doing this, you are showing you care about the job you are applying for because you care about what you wear.

2. Be prepared. Whether you are running late or you get a flat tire, it seems like something always comes up. Being prepared is a way to avoid that awkward moment when you are in an interview and you realize you forgot something. Do not leave anything until the last minute and plan ahead; then you will have extra time for those â&#x20AC;&#x153;just in caseâ&#x20AC;? moments. 3. Dress for success, not for the movies. There is a time and place for

4. Be on time; time is money and companies do not like to waste money. It is better to be early than late, because once your chance is gone, there is no getting it back. Plan how long it takes to get there, and allow yourself extra time. Also, try to make it 10 to 15 minutes early, in case there are preliminary forms to fill out or in case something comes up.

5. Relax and stay calm. Try breathing exercises if you are nervous. Keeping calm and focused will allow you to answer questions accurately and will make a great impression. If you can stay calm under the pressure of an interview, employers will know you can stay calm under pressure at your new job. 6. Be knowledgeable about the job you are applying for. Do not go into the interview not knowing what you want to do. Research, find out more and learn the requirements of the job, so you know what you need to work on beforehand.

Employers look for applicants who know what they are doing, so being knowledgeable will give you an advantage. 7. Follow up. It will help them to keep you in mind. Companies interview hundreds of people. Following up by sending a thank you card can mean the difference between being remembered and just being another face in the crowd. It shows that you are polite and value their time.

Features

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October 20, 2009

Resources for Finding and Getting the Job SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamic job market is making it difficult for students to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Many students are taking fewer classes and prolonging their time in school to avoid the daunting task of finding a job. The Current has compiled a list of job searching techniques and resources for students to get the upper hand in the job market. 1. Targeted job searching. Monster.com and CareerBuilder. com are usually targeted toward general applicants on the Web for entry-level positions. Applicants apply in high numbers, and competition is fierce. However, many companies only post jobs on their internal Web sites. Internal corporate Web sites also post internships and qualifications that can help you cater your resume to what they need. 2. Career Shark. This is NSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of Monster.com, but it is full of jobs and internships that employers want NSU students to apply for. You can receive email alerts about your specific job search and post your resume for employers to

view. You can also gain access to workshops and seminars that can help you land that job. 3. Networking. Everyone has a base for networking. You can start with your family and friends and let them know you are looking for a job. The best advice for networking is to start early. You can create business cards using do-it-yourself paper at home. Remember to follow up with people you meet and build a relationship. You may not need their services immediately, but you might in the future. 4. Internships. Internships are a great way to gain experience and to find out if the job you are interning for is something that you will love. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), only 19 percent of

graduating seniors landed a job last year, and out of that 19 percent, nine out of 10 had internships.

5. Professional Organizations. Join a professional organization and volunteer with them to gain experience. Many professional organizations also post job opportunities on their Web sites. Networking events are also posted and organized by these associations and can help you network smarter not harder.

graduate, potential opportunities could arise. 9. Do your home-work. Research your field and determine what occupations are in demand in your field By completing this preliminary research, you can better direct your career. You can ensure you have the skills that are in demand in a competitive marketplace.

6. Conduct an informational i n t e r v i e w. This is a

great way to find out who has your dream job and what steps they took to become successful. Take this information to find out what you should be doing and start doing it. The person you interview could also become a potential mentor to you and may even recommend you to someone in your field for an interview. 7. Talk to your professor. Professors have a wealth of know-

ledge and can direct you to resources and people who can help you such as the Career Development Office. They can also provide an adequate assessment of what jobs are available in the field. 8. Career fairs. Fairs are usually for employers to meet students for entry-level positions. Network with potential employers because even if you are not going to

10. Use social networking sites. Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In are just a few of the most relevant social networking sites that can lead to potential job opportunities. Follow people in your industry and keep up to date with their status updates. At times, employers will post that they need an experienced Web designer, freelance writer and so on. Be the first to respond and you might just land a job you really want.

Features

123 10 4 9 5 876 October 20, 2009

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is a great way to bulk up your resume as well as working in the community. Not only are you getting work experience without needing prior knowledge but you are learning skills that employers look for, such as management and organization. Charitable organizations and government run programs are always looking for volunteers to help run community centered programs and events. Most of the time, the organizations provide free training and this is something you can carry with you to the work place.

PRESENT A NEAT, PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENT

Present a neat, professional document; the resume is a representation of you, it is the first impression you get to make on an employer and it’s important that it is a good one. If an employer sees a neat and professional document, they foresee a neat and professional person; and a detail as small as that goes a long way.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE UNIVERSITY

Getting involved with the university, whether it is athletics, clubs and organizations, or oncampus work experience, employers look for applicants who are involved. Doing this builds leadership and communication skills, both of which are high on the top ten list of skills companies look for when hiring. Nova Southeastern offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved. From Sororities and Fraternities, to working at the recplex, there is always something to do around school.

How To Build a “Perfect” Resume SUE TENPOW

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

EDIT AND PROOFREAD

Edit and proofread, your resume cannot have typing, grammatical, or spelling errors. Even with help from the computer’s spelling and grammar check, small errors can slip by, so it is important to reread and double check your resume.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR RESUME

Customize your resume for each employer. Change your summary statement to fit each position and company you are applying for. Writing one resume and handing it to an employer shows lack of interest and enthusiasm for the job. Taking the time to make small changes can really make the difference in getting the job or not.

In today’s economy, having a bachelor’s degree is not enough to get a well paying job. An applicant’s resume has to not only display academic excellence and work experience, but also has to portray a well rounded individual. Building the perfect resume does not only encompass the achievements a person has accomplished but also

includes how they present it. Exploring ways to spice up and write a resume is often the first step in getting that dream job. When turning in a resume to an employer, it’s as if you are summing up exactly what you want the employer to know, onto a piece of paper. The key to writing a great resume is to create content that sells. Here are 10 tips to help along the way.

BE CONCISE, ACCURATE AND COMPLETE

Be concise, accurate and complete, make sure everything on your resume is true and that you do not turn it in unfinished. Also, try to keep your resume to one page. Employers don’t want extra work in having to read a long drawn out resume.

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STUDY ABROAD

Studying abroad allows students the once in a life time opportunity to gain cultural diversity. In the top ten skills employers look for, multicultural sensitivity/awareness is number eight. In the melting pot we live in, being knowledgeable about other cultures is beneficial to any applicant. Imagine learning French in France among native speakers, or learning about the Roman Coliseum while taking a tour of Rome, Italy. Along with other Universities, Nova provides ample opportunity to do just that.

GET AN INTERNSHIP

Get an internship, with a company or organization that gives you a chance to preview the job you want. An internship is one of the first things employers look for on a resume. It shows that you know what you’re doing, and the work experience that you gain, carries you far. Most companies offer internships to students during their junior or senior years of college. Some are paying, others offer school credit. This is the point where you can learn whether this is the job you want or if you want to go into a different field.

HAVE A STRONG SUMMARY STATEMENT

Have a strong summary statement; it is the first and sometimes the only thing an employer looks at to judge a resume. A company can have from a few to thousands of applications and resumes a week depending on the size and outreach of the company. A strong summary statement will not only make your resume stick out, but it will give an employer a good idea of who you are and a reason to call you back for an interview.

SELL YOUR SKILLS

Sell your skills because it’s what they want to know about. Employers don’t care about your personal statistics; they want to know how hiring you will benefit their company.

Sports

www.nsucurrent.com

October 20, 2009

Two Steady Performances as the Cross Countr y Season Heats Up CRAIG HEENIGHAN SPORTS EDITOR

The NSU men’s cross country team continued its impressive start to the 2009 season with a fourth place finish at the Walt Disney Classic on Oct. 10. Senior Matt Meagher led the way as he finished in 21st place setting a career best time for the 8K race. Junior Agustin Rey crossed the line in 25th place with freshman Kevin Meagher securing 31st place. Sophomore Jonathon Junkins completed the course in 41st position with

Junior John Besharat finishing just three places behind him in 44th place. Junior Joe Peña claimed 72nd place with freshman Mike Greiner finishing in 99th place. Sophomore Chris Jacobs crossed the line in 124th place with Freshman Ivan Almanza closing out the Sharks’ line up in 184th place. Kennesaw State claimed the men’s team title with a total of 44 points. The Sharks finished 21st with a total of 145 points. At the same event, the NSU women’s team secured a competitive spot, finishing in 11th place out of 30 teams.

Leading the way for the women’s team was senior Tara Haddock who claimed 33rd place individually. Senior Krystal Porter was second for the Sharks as she placed 39th overall with freshman Juliana Tabares claiming 42nd place. Freshman Kristina Williams finished in 156th while senior Alice Henley took 193rd. Rounding out the Sharks’ line up was StacyAnn Daley who crossed the line in 245th place. Kennesaw claimed the women’s title. They amassed 79 points, and the Sharks finished in eleventh place with 399 points.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Agustin Rey running for the Sharks.

The men’s and women’s teams look forward to upcoming meets as the season heats up. The next race for both the men’s and

women’s cross country teams will be at the Sunshine State Conference Championships on Oct. 24.

Sports

October 20, 2009

Men’s Soccer Secures Crucial SSC Victory

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Women’s Soccer Proves They Can Compete with the Best CRAIG HEENIGHAN SPORTS EDITOR

LAUREN AURIGEMMA & CRAIG HEENIGHAN CHIEF OF VISUAL DESIGN/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER & SPORTS EDITOR

The NSU men’s soccer team came out on top in a mustwin encounter with Sunshine State Conference rivals Eckerd 1-0 after double overtime on Oct. 10. Following back to back defeats the Sharks went on the road knowing a defeat could all but end their hopes of postseason play. With Eckerd currently ranked higher the Sharks knew it would be a tough encounter. Both teams cancelled each other out in the first half as possession and territory were even and clear-cut chances were few and far between. The Eckerd Tritons out shot the Sharks four to two in the first half. The best chance of the half occurred when junior Juan Gonzalez passed the ball to junior Aly Hassan who shot the ball directly at the goalkeeper and missed. In the second half, the Sharks found their rhythm quickly as they took the game to the Tritons. Another chance fell to junior Craig Heenighan after the Sharks were awarded a penalty kick with 10 minutes remaining in the match. Heenighan, however, missed the kick and the game would play out to a scoreless finish. The game went into overtime when the score was evenly balanced at 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Coach DePalo looks on as the Sharks win one and lose one this week.

The Sharks dominated in overtime, taking the game to Eckerd and ending the deadlock. After effective plays from juniors Hassan and Heenighan the ball found itself at the feet of senior Romain Ontentiente. Onteniente struck a shot from the top of the box and it slipped through the hands and the legs of the goalkeeper to give the Sharks the victory of 1-0. The Sharks played against Palm Beach Atlantic on Oct. 14 at the NSU Soccer Complex. In the first half, it was a slow start for the Sharks’ offense, but their defense was very well organized and kept the game alive from midfield. Onteniente had an opportunity to take the lead with his first touch of the game rifling a shot to the left corner of the goal, but the

goalkeeper saved the ball, keeping the score 0-0. Junior Hassan also had an attempt on the goal with a few seconds remaining in the half, but fell short when the ball hit the crossbar above the goalkeeper’s head. The second half proved to be challenging for the Sharks as only three shots on goal were made. Yet in the 64th minute, the Sailfish prevailed and scored the winning goal of the night. The Sharks were only able to attempt two more shots on the goal for the remainder of the half, yet they could not overcome the deficit to tie the game. The Sharks will play their next home match on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. versus University of Tampa at the NSU Soccer Complex.

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The women’s soccer team pressed #9 nationally ranked Rollins College all the way as the two teams battled it out in a 2-2 tie on Oct. 13. As a result, they acquired an important position in the race for the SSC playoffs. The two teams remained tied after 110 minutes of play and double overtime. The night began brightly for NSU as they looked positive in their play early in the match. The deadlock was broken in the ninth minute when a deflected shot found its way to freshman Elise Cabot who volleyed the ball home, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. NSU took the pressure off just after the score and allowed Rollins to pass the ball around. The Sharks were made to pay for their drop in attentiveness as Rollins managed to get around the back of the defense and were awarded a penalty kick after a blatant foul by the Sharks. Rollins converted the penalty kick and the game was tied at 1-1. It was now Rollins who dropped their intensity and succumbed to the Sharks’ pressure immediately after the penalty kick. Just five minutes after losing the lead, the Sharks regained it as they counter attacked with purpose. The ball fell to Aubrey Fondy who curled a left footed shot into the goal from outside the area. The opening three goals came within six minutes of one another in a frenetic start to the game. The game calmed down as the half progressed and the score-

Courtesy of Sports Information

Aubrey Fondy netted the second of the Sharks two goals in their tie with Rollins.

line stayed at 2-1 going into half time. In the second half, Rollins took the game to the Sharks with direct passing and high intensity. The Sharks defended resiliently in the early exchanges as they weathered the Rollins onslaught. However, the resolute Sharks’ backline finally crumbled in the 60th minute as a loose ball in the area was blasted home by a Rollins forward. Rollins continued to press for the elusive third goal but the NSU backline seemed impenetrable as the game finished 2-2 after regulation. Clear cut goal scoring opportunities were thin in overtime as Rollins aggressively played offense but failed to score. The Sharks held on for a crucial 2-2 tie against one of the best teams in the nation. NSU progresses to an overall season record of 6-41 and 3-2-1 in conference play as they head to #14 nationally ranked Florida Tech in their next outing.

Sports

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October 20, 2009

Women’s Volleyball Faces St. Leo and Lynn University CRAIG HEENIGHAN SPORTS EDITOR

The NSU women’s volleyball team faced rivals Saint Leo at the Sunshine State Conference in three sets on Oct. 10. Despite the straight set losses the Sharks battled vehemently as they pushed Saint Leo all the way and could have claimed the opening two sets having set points in both. The Sharks exploded out of the traps in the opening minutes and soon gained a 17-10 lead over Saint Leo. After a solid fight-back from Saint Leo the Sharks looked in complete control as they held set point at 24-22. The Sharks, however, let the lead slip away as Saint Leo stormed back to claim the opening set 29-27. Seemingly undeterred by the opening set the Sharks yet again took the game to Saint Leo early in the second. NSU held the lead at 19-17 but again Saint Leo would claim some crucial points to go up 23-20. The nailbiting encounter was not over yet as the Sharks racked up four straight points to hold set point at 24-23. In a similar fashion to the opening set, however, the Sharks could not convert their set points as Saint Leo clawed their way to a 26-24 second set success.

The third set was a little tougher for the Sharks as they found it difficult to comeback after the heartbreaking opening two sets. Saint Leo cruised to a 25-11 third set victory and a 3-0 victory in the match. Sophomore Molly Sigerich led the way for the Sharks offensively as she amassed eight kills. Junior Taylor Pohlman closely followed with six kills whilst senior Valia Petrova and junior Lucia Cizmarova both contributed with five each. The Sharks got back to winning ways on Oct. 13 as they edged a crucial match against SSC rivals Lynn University. NSU dispatched of Lynn in straight sets 3-0. The encounter was a mustwin match for the Sharks in order to get their season back on track and to keep their hopes of post season play alive. The Sharks got off to a great start as they clinched the first set 25-21. Pohlman led the Sharks offensively with five kills en route to the first set success. Cizmarova and freshman Carly Perschnick each contributed to the Sharks’ cause with four kills apiece. Petrova amassed impressive figures of 18 assists, one kill, one block and four digs in the opening set.

The second set proved to be a much tougher challenge as the lead changed hands numerous times throughout the opening exchanges. The lead was finally locked at 20-20 as Lynn put together three crucial points to go up 23-20. Intent on not letting another set slip away, late in proceedings, the Sharks stormed back claiming five consecutive points to take the set 25-23. Cizmarova led the way for the Sharks in the second set as she contributed five kills. The final set proved to be a monumental battle as NSU would ultimately let six match points slip as Lynn stayed hot on the Sharks’ tails. At the seventh time of asking the Sharks were able to close out the set and the match claiming the third set 35-33. Cizmarova was the Sharks’ offensive leader with 14 kills closely followed by Pohlman who amassed 12, Perschnick contributed with 11 kills and Sigerich acquired 10. Petrova finished the match with impressive figures of 46 assists, six kills and 12 digs with junior Kathleen Yony garnering 17 digs. The Sharks progress to an overall season record of 13-8 and 4-4 in SSC play and will look to improve on their record when they take on the Eckerd Tritons.

Courtesy of Sports Information

Petrova sets up Cizmarova for one of her kills.

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October 20, 2009

Sports

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Arts & Entertainment

October 20, 2009

Throwback of the Week: Cat Stevens JUAN GALLO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The first time I heard “Wild World,” my soul stirred. I do not remember the day or the time, only that once I heard it, I knew I had found something that I did not even know I was looking for. It felt like home, and it felt like there was someone who wrote songs in a different time, long before I came around, but captured the spirit and wonder of youth, something I was experiencing first-hand. The best album to own in order to become acquainted with Stevens is “The Very Best of Cat Stevens.” This album features a wide-range of songs spanning Stevens’ career and all of his albums. With hit after hit and brilliant song after brilliant song, the album’s effect is a mesmerizing journey into the world of an artist searching for himself in every song. Apart from the amazing acoustic-guitar playing and the emotionally insightful lyrics, the thing that might catch your attention about Stevens’ music is the passion that is almost palpable in his singing. On “Can’t Keep It In,” Stevens shouts about not being able to contain all the love and emotion inside of him that he wants to share with the world. In the deeply sentimental “Father and Son,” Stevens sings of a conversation between a father

Courtesy of www. multivu.prnewswire.com

Call him Cat Stevens or call him Yusuf Islam; the song remains the same.

and son who do not see eye to eye. He sings low and calmly as the father, and in heart-breaking fashion, he sings higher as he takes the role of the boy supplicating with his father to understand him. This song, in so many ways, voices the feelings and ideas of not a generation, but rather a universal emotion experienced by people of all creeds, religions and backgrounds.

In fact, such is the case with all of Stevens’ songs. Whether it was love or heartbreak or his ideals, Stevens always shared what was in his heart, and this is why so many people can relate to his music. In the song “The Wind,” Stevens sings “I have let my music take me where my heart wants to go.” In the late 1970s, after a religious conversion to Islam, Stevens walked away from

the stage and devoted his life to his faith. He changed his name to Yusuf Islam and went on to receive many awards for his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. After many years of silence and random appearances here and there, Stevens returned to music. Although he is no longer Stevens and always goes by Yusuf Islam, he has now released 2 albums, “An Other Cup” and

“Roadsinger,” Still, in his glory days, Stevens created unforgettable music that has influenced many artists and touched everyone whom has heard it. Through his music, Stevens has shown that he is a truly unique artist who always sang what was in his heart — love.

Oct. 20-Oct. 26, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

October 20, 2009

The Toys are Back in Town and in 3D

Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Buzz and Woody are back in 3D.

JUAN GALLO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In 1995, “Toy Story” ushered in the full-length computer animated film revolution. This juggernaut of a movie was great not only for the unique way it was created, but also for its stellar cast, its superb storyline, its inspired soundtrack and its memorable characters. “Toy Story” may have been the first, but to this day, it also remains one of the best movies that Pixar has made. Now, we are given the opportunity to experience this masterpiece all over again in 3D. After having watched the movie in 3D, I can tell you that this is a must-see film. The 3D in this movie is so good that you get so immersed in it and forget that you’re watching it with special 3D glasses. It just feels natural but really the characters, the settings and the actions feel closer than ever before.

Viewers get two movies for the price of one and get to watch a double-feature because both “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” are played back to back. A 10minute intermission filled with “Toy Story” trivia, facts and little hilarious snip-its breaks up the two films. The best thing about it is just the experience of feeling like a kid again, as you fall in love once more with characters that delighted you when you were much younger. I found myself with a permanent grin the whole time as I received the “stink-eye” from a friend next to me who was quite sick of hearing me recite every line, word for word. Take your children, take your younger siblings or relatives or take your grandparents; take anyone who has not seen this movie. You will laugh and you will be touched as the truly remarkable story develops and you fall into your childhood for three hours.

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Girls’ Debut “Album” Does Not Disappoint STEFANI RUBINO MANAGING/OPINIONS EDITOR

Over the past couple of years, the independent music industry has been flooded by an onslaught of new bands from all over the world. The most shocking thing is that many of these bands managed to produce stunningly impressive debut albums. However, I have never been as impressed as I was during my first listen to the San Francisco-based band, Girls, and their debut “Album.” The unusual and unfortunate origins of this band have only added to the initial shock of how wonderful their music is. Christopher Owens, the band’s front man, was raised by only his mother in the Children of God cult, now known as the Family International, and then ran away as a teenager. As the story goes, he wound up in Texas, where a local millionaire volunteered to take care of Owens, and shortly after Owens moved to San Francisco, where he met Chet “JR” White and formed Girls. Though the band is fairly new, “Album” has all of the hallmarks I would expect a more experienced band to have, such as an obvious knowledge of music and how to play it well, while,

Courtesy of www.surfingonsteam.blogspot.com

Christopher Owens and Chet “JR” White form the band, Girls.

at the same time, producing these raw and unedited songs of love, despair, disparity and hate. Girls’ muddled psychedelic touch makes it easy to draw comparisons to albums like the Beach Boy’s “Pet Sounds,” but even though they have the Beach Boy’s luminous yet ominous sound in their music, it is clear this music is original to them and Owens comes out more like a brooding Roy Orbison with the precariousness of Elvis Costello in his voice. Every song brings a different attitude and emotion to the table, from the sarcastic “requests” on “Lust for Life” and the desperation on “Ghost Mouth” to appeals for life and love on “Hellhole Ratrace” and “Lauren Marie.” These tracks along with the hazy early-punk rock sound of “Morning Light” make up the best tracks on the album.

“Lust for Life” is playful and cynical, heavy on rhythm guitar with a 1960s “sha-la-la” harmony that helps keep the song grounded and fun. “Ghost Mouth” shows Owens as desperate for the love and attention of whomever the song’s subject is while the acoustic guitar builds to a big finish and grief-stricken guitar solo. “Lauren Marie” starts slow with just some synthesizer and Owens’ menacing voice that works up to a second half that songs like it could have been written by New Order or Gang of Four. Though “Hellhole Ratrace” is the slowest and most depressing song on “Album,” it shows how talented and knowledgeable Owens and White are. The drums and percussion stay slightly off while the guitar strumming sounds like something straight out of the early 1950s. Owens’ voice and lyrics are the stars here as they lead the song to a heavy, electric guitar-led finish. Despite their different subjects, attitudes and emotions, the 12 tracks on “Album” fit together to bring a completely cohesive album that is easy to listen to and to keep on repeat. The men of Girls definitely know what they are doing.

Site of the Week: Animating Life with Animoto.com

Courtesy of www.animoto.com

Get Into Sudoku

The animoto.com Web site.

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from one to nine inclusively.

Created by J. Calle

ANNARELY RODRIGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

“The end of slideshows” comes to you courtesy of Animoto. com. This top-of-the-line Web site collects your pictures and video clips and turns them into a video set to your favorite song. “Animoto Productions is a bunch of ‘techies’ and film/TV producers who decided to lock themselves in a room together and nerd out,” reads their “about us” page. You start by setting up a free account with the site. Then you have two options: make a short, 30 second video or a fulllength video. The latter option, however, is not free. The videos combine your

photos, clips (from your computer, camera or phone), and music to produce an original video every time. You may upload pictures and videos from your computer; retrieve pictures from another site such as Facebook, Flickr, Picassa, SmugMug or Photobucket. If you are doing the free 30 second video, only 12 to 15 pictures are supported, and with the paid option of a full-length video, you may use an unlimited number of pictures. You may also spotlight some pictures over the others, making them stand out in your video for a longer time, and add text to either introduce your video or highlight a section of it. The pictures and clips are then set to a song that you may

choose from their collection or that you upload from your computer. Then, in about 15 minutes, you have an original creation on your hands. It sounds simple, and it is. Yet, the results are so professional and incredibly neat that it is hard to believe it took only 15 minutes to produce. The site has won 10 Internet awards, including Best Site of the Year by NBC’s Technow and was in PC Magazine’s Top 100 Undiscovered Websites of 2008. The guys at Animoto also provide their services to businesses, photographers and causes. There are apps available for the iPhone, iTouch and Facebook, and you may follow them on Twitter.

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Arts& Entertainment

October 20, 2009

No Vacation Could Save “Couples Retreat” JUAN GALLO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

The movie “Couples Retreat” is a comedy about marriage, stacked with Hollywood heavy hitters. Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Jason Bateman, Kristin Bell, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love and Vince Vaughn all share equal time on screen as the story focuses on four couples who decide to embark on a trip to a beautiful island resort, only to find out there are many issues in their relationships that they must deal with. Unfortunately, not even a cast this talented could save a movie with such a bad plot and so many dull moments in between the far-too-distant comedic exchanges. It is very clear that the mule that is expected to carry this movie into success is the quickwitted Vaughn, who brings his hilarious antics to the table. Much like “Fred Claus” and “Four Christmases” before it—which are both equally forgettable—the reason people pay money to see these films is to witness what gutbusting lines the silver-spooned

actor will deliver next. By now, it is quite obvious that this does not work in this family-oriented format, as far as making a good film is concerned. It works when it comes to putting money in rich Hollywood executive’s pockets, as people flock to these movies because of Vaughn. The only recent exception to that rule is 2006’s “The Break-Up,” which turned out to be a fairly decent film. Apparently, Vaughn knows exactly what he is doing, and is making a pretty penny as well, as he co-wrote this grueling story with Favreau and Dana Fox. Bateman and Bell play a married couple on the brink of divorce, who convince their unwilling friends to join them for a vacation in “Eden,” a resort for “rebuilding” relationships. They all decide to go and everything goes haywire, as even the once-thought-to-be-happy couples realize their flaws as well. The retreat becomes torture, as they realize it is bringing out the worst in them. Eventually, they recognize they are all trying too hard and must simply learn to

rekindle the flame they once had. Even though the film is a failure, there were a few funny moments. A scene in which all the couples must do yoga with an instructor clad in skimpy clothing demonstrating certain techniques on both the men and the women was particularly enjoyable. However, there was way too much dull conversation in between the funny parts, which made the movie drag. Every obstacle the characters faced, and every resolution, was predictable. It was just not a strong enough storyline, and it’s a shame because this cast could have done something really special with better material. Perhaps it is just me; maybe someone who is married can better relate to these situations and appreciate the humor in it all. I just want to see Vaughn mess around with the guys and hit on girls; this is what he is best at. He is what adult male college students want to become, or at least become friends with. “Old School,” “Anchorman,” “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” and “Wedding Crashers,” to name a few, show audiences the Vince

Are you a communication studies major? Are you considering a career in journalism? Then come gain some hands-on experience at The Current! If you would like to write for The Current, please contact us at nsunews@nova.edu to set up an appointment.

Courtesy of www.thefilmnest.com

Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman and Vince Vaughn star in “Couples Retreat.”

Vaughn that gave Vince Vaughn legendary status in our eyes. I can appreciate an artist not wanting to be typecast and wanting to explore his craft, but Vaughn is just watering down his gift and sticking it in a family movie that reaches a

wider audience. I mean, this act is more watered down than a 2for-1 margarita at Chili’s. Please stop making this trash and go be the guy who just wants to have a good time and “make some bad decisions.”

October 20, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

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U2 Makes Fans Feel Like The Center of the Universe JUAN GALLO ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

When U2 goes on tour, they do not just cram into a minivan with their instruments and their amps and go to local bars and play for whoever is willing to listen. This is the biggest band in the world. U2, on tour, means filled to the nose bleed section stadiums and arenas. It means a massive production with a monstrous sound system and the latest in tech-gear. Oh, it also means a 500,000 pixel video screen and a giant spaceship that spans the length of half a football field. On Friday, Oct. 9, U2 made its only stop in Fla., in Tampa Bay. The “Spaceship,” as U2 calls it, is also referred to as “The Claw.” It is a massive structure with four legs and a giant needle at the top, which stretches it to a whopping height of 165 feet. It is the first thing you see when you walk into the venue, and it is definitely double-take inducing. At first, “The Claw,” this surreal creature, is nothing more than the elephant in the room. It is there, you cannot avoid it, but it is asleep. Even as the opening band, Muse, took the stage and rocked the house, the beast lay there sleeping. The only sign of

life it showed was the immense 360-degree screen that hung from its underbelly flashing shots of Muse band members playing through their set. Eventually, David Bowie’s “Major Tom” blares over the speakers, and as the countdown begins, this spaceship is ready to blast off. One single figure is seen walking towards the stage. It is U2 drummer Larry Mullen. He sits behind his drum set and begins to bang out the opening beat to “Breathe.” No more than a minute later, he is joined by bassist Adam Clayton and lead guitarist The Edge, who begin to play their riffs. Shortly after that, the unmistakable figure of frontman Bono takes the stage. Now, and throughout the show, “The Claw” awakens and takes on a life of its own. Equipped with hundreds of speakers and lights and accompanied by millions of dollars worth of camera equipment, “The Claw” is a remarkable spectacle that was witnessed by a record 72,000 people in attendance at Raymond James Stadium. Yet, not even an Optimus Prime doppelganger could steal the spotlight away from the four Irishmen taking the stage on that night. The Edge slays the crowd into submission with his

dominion over his guitar. Clayton and Mullen are not as flashy but they are as cool as ice when it comes to bringing balance to the band and playing their roles to perfection. Then there is Bono, the man who spends his free time hanging with presidents and prime ministers and fighting for causes like education and medicinal supplies for third world countries. Bono controls the crowd. He lifts his hands and everyone follows. He leads the masses wherever he wants to take them. He runs around the stage, jumps up and down and never misses a beat when it comes to hitting the right notes on every song. The band played a great mix of new energetic songs combined with timeless classics that they have been singing for years. Crowd favorites like “Where the Streets Have No Name,” “Beautiful Day” and “With or Without You” were received warmly as the band was given assistance in the background vocals department by 72,000 screaming fans. Still, being the agents of social awareness and change that they are, U2 stepped out of the spotlight several times in order to shed light on bigger issues in our world. During “Sunday Bloody

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Courtesy of www.salu2podcast.wordpress.com

“The Claw” delivers U2 to their awaiting audience.

Sunday,” the mega screen played images of the Iranian protests that took place earlier this year. They also dedicated the song “Walk On” to Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently imprisoned. An especially interesting moment in the show was a live broadcast from outer space in which Cirque Du Soleil creative genius Guy Laliberté, who is currently a “space tourist” aboard the International Space Station, spoke about his experience and his cause to provide water to

areas in need. The most lasting image of the show for me was when several high-powered beams of light shot out from “The Claw” into the sky above. It really felt like the band was signaling the rest of the world—and even beyond—drawing attention to this place and this time to have the universe focus on what was happening here: a moment of unity and peace, people gathered to listen to a band who was not only sharing their music but their message of love and hope.

Opinions

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Progress is Inevitable, So Let’s Make It Happen STEFANI RUBINO MANAGING/OPINIONS EDITOR

Last week marked the 11th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, the young man killed in 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming by two other men because of his sexuality. As I read reports of events being held in his honor, watched videos of his mother’s appearance promoting her new memoir about the tragedy and saw footage of the somewhat unrelated National Equality March on Washington, D.C., one thing came to mind: As far as prejudice goes, have we, as a nation, come that far? I remember in 2008, when Obama was elected, reporters and anchors hailing his election as the end of racism and the end of prejudice in the U.S., all because Obama is biracial. However, it is easy to see that this is not the case. Prejudice and racism are alive in the U.S. and nobody seems to be calling attention to it. Though the death of Shepard did inspire the creation of the “Matthew Shepard and James

Byrd, Jr. Hate Crime Prevention Act,” the bill took nearly eight years to pass in both the House and the Senate. This begs the question: Why would something as important as this take so long to pass? According to the F.B.I., in 2007, there were over 9,000 “bias motivated” crimes committed in the U.S., over 5,000 of which are considered “crimes against persons” and over 3,000 of which are considered “crimes against property.” Sure, these statistics are not as high as gun-related crimes or anything like that, but you also have to realize that these are only the Federal statistics on these crimes and that many “bias motivated” crimes go unreported or uninvestigated. With that in mind, the question I originally proposed becomes more obvious than ever: How far have we really come? Yes, most of the people in this country live together fine and have no intolerance towards people different than they are, but, it is the smaller, intolerant group that seems to have a chokehold on this nation’s progress. We

cannot get anywhere because this minority of people will not allow us to get anywhere, and nobody wants to educate them on why their intolerance is detrimental to everyone in this nation. It is impossible to make things better, to make people feel safer with being who they really are, if there are people all over this country making threats, calling them “worthless” or saying that they are “abominations in the eyes of ‘god’.” This just pushes non-whites, non-heterosexuals and people with disabilities away from living their lives as any other person would, which in turn, makes peoples’ intolerance toward them grow. This nation or this university, at least, needs to begin a dialogue on what we can do to make everyone in this country more tolerant, more understanding and more open towards different types of people. We cannot sit back as people are hurt because of a difference that, in the long run, does not matter at all. We are all human beings; it is about time we started treating each other that way.

On the Scene ANNARELY RODRIGUEZ NEWS EDITOR

How effective do you think the new smoking zones are? “I have not seen one person use them. We have to walk away from [smokers], especially outside of Parker.” Sarah Dutes, freshman general science major

“I don’t really care; I think it promotes smoking. [Smokers] will probably use them when it rains or something, but I don’t care; I am totally against smoking.” Ryan Dvorak, freshman sports management major

“Not effective at all. It was a waste because people don’t smoke under the tents and they took away the things to put cigarette butts around campus, so now there is going to be more littering.” Jason Dixon, junior biology major

“I haven’t an idea about the smoking zones. I don’t think people actually use them, not yet anyways.” David Vega, freshman music major

October 20, 2009

Editor’s Note SERENA MANN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“What do you think?” This is something that is rarely posed to students in an academic institution. However, NSU is taking several steps to ask students this exact question. On Oct. 22, President Ray Ferrero, Jr. will be hosting a town hall meeting from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center to receive student feedback. Prior to this town hall meeting on Oct. 20, a video teleconference will be set up with the Student Educational Centers from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to gain student insight on how to make NSU better. However, NSU’s student population consists of more than 27,000 students and one hour may not be enough time to have everyone’s voice heard. If the president is sincere about hearing student concerns, there should be other ways to bring matters to his attention. Perhaps holding more town hall meetings, having an open door policy, or meeting with students casually on campus are options he can explore in the future. Nonetheless, a student town hall meeting is a great start to opening up the dialogue about how students feel NSU can

improve across the campus. But will you take advantage of this opportunity and participate? As students, we often find the time to complain about our institution because we feel we cannot do anything about it: “Why isn’t there more recycling on campus (if any)?,” “Why is there no parking?” or “Why are there too many shuttles when I don’t need one and none when I do?” This is our opportunity to voice our concerns to the president. Speak up and tell the president what you think. NSU is listening. If you have an opinion or want to make your voice heard, e-mail us at nsunews@nova.edu.

Letter to the Editor

The Current,

I was so surprised to open the recent issue of The Current to see that someone actually heard of MIKA. In the spring of 2008 I went to London, while I was there I saw a music program on television about this unique musician by the name of MIKA. I was amazed by the exciting music that I was hearing. The next day I went to a local record store and bought Life in Cartoon Motion. I don’t think a day has gone since then that I have not listened to that album. I was hooked.

The release of his second album could not come soon enough. Now that it is here I would love to see more stations within the US play his work. I have to listen to internet radio from London to hear any of his music. I am glad that you liked the album and that someone else knows of MIKA. I could only hope that his US tour is expanded to include a Florida date. Sincerely, Kevin Keegan