CM 30

issue 20 · 2007

Behind The Counters of McDonald’s

8th grade author writes a book in

a month!

Family Affair 2009

Pictures Inside

See which Nascar

racers read CM...

issue 30

leTTerS TO CM

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I believe that pets are a very big part of the family nucleus. Pets bring much joy and happiness to everyone, especially chidren. Since Conchita is a family centered school, I think there should be more articles about pets since they are part of the family. -Mallory Ryan (7th grade)

Dear Conchita Magazine, I enjoyed two articles: “Dance Intensive Girls Go Pro” and “New Technology”. They were both interesting. I liked the layout of Dance Intensive Girls Go Pro, too. I also enjoyed learning about new technology. -Sophia Hernandez (6th grade)

Dear Conchita Magazine, I would like it if articles had cathchier titles, but I did like the interview with Alonzo Mourning, an important person in our community. I also like that you ask important questions about teenagers’ lives. -Michael Gonzalez (8th grade)

I am writing this letter to express my feelings about Conchita Magazine. My favorite article is about Alonzo Mourning. He is someone to look up to. He is a legend in basketball. Another article I really enjoyed was the one about the smart board. I have always wanted to see them. -Sebastian Aragon (7th grade)

Thanks for reading our publication! We appreciate your comments. Please stay tuned for our pet issue, spring issue, and the best of CM.

In this issue you’ll find that CM has been on the move. We were there when McDonald’s opened their doors to the media. We were there the day before the Indy 300 in Homestead and watched Scott Pruett and female race car driver Danica Patrick race around the track. The next day we did a little racing of our own at a nearby go-cart racing facil-ity. The next week we had to prepare for our annual Wacky Hat competition while still trying to complete this issue. We felt like we were doing it all. When we looked around our school, we noticed that everyone was doing it all. We watched teachers working hard, parents volunteering and preparing for family affair and

students in the Life Cue Advisory packing materials for Ca-millus House and a local animal shelter. Our environmental advisory made posters to help increase awareness about the threat to the Florida manatee, and CTV was everywhere trying to cover it all for the morning news. We realized that students at C.E.A. have the oppor-tunity to do and see so many things every day without ever having to leave the building. A C.E.A. life is a full wonderful one.

~Yolande Clark-Jackson

leTTer FrOM The eDITOr ISSue 30

Thanks to ...

*Administration and office staff for all their time, support, and assistance.

*Staff parents for all their donations and support toward our fundraisers.

*All our advertisers for their support.

*Our readers for their compliments and suggestions for improvements.

*Our contributing writers for helping us complete a great issue.

cm credits

Conchita Magazine staff 2008-2009

Andres Artime- DesignerAmy Nicole Cabrera- Advertiser

Lorella Cantos- Design EditorAmanda Del Risco- Poco Editor

Nicole Del Risco- Vive EditorMarco Fernandez- Photographer

Gabriela Gomez- Que Pasa EditorJuliette Hernandez- Photographer

Emily Losada- DesignerCatherine Magarino- Que Pasa Editor

Isabella Mederos- DesignerSophia Pardo- AdvertiserNatalie Ponce- Advertiser

Gabrielle Rodriguez- AdvertiserValerie Sabatier- Photo EditorKathryn Sauer- Photographer

Caroline Wilson- Photographer

Contributers: Eileen Andrade

christine BethencourtKassandra Casanova

Alexa PerezMichael Perez

Nicole ValmanaElizabeth Williams

Paz Leos

instructional support:Yolande Clark-Jackson (Editor-in -hief/ Moderator)

Luz Maria Restrepo (Business Manager)Rodney Jackson (Art Director/Cover Designer)

Conchita espinosa Academy 12975 SW 6th Street, Miami Fl 33184

Ph: (305) 227-1149

Que PASA?pgs.6-11

SPeAKpgs.12-13

VIVepgs.18-23

FluFFpgs.24-31

Doing it AllPg.16-17Find out how stu-dents are “Doing it All” in Conchita Es-pinosa Academy.

CM’s lovin It Pg.8 Get a behind the scenes look at Mc-Donald’s

Fall FashionsPg.28-29 New fall fashions for teens.

cm contents

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From left: Carlos Piloto, Gabriel Polo, & Megan Gonzalez

WINNerS

WACKY hAT DAY 2009

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ONlINe CM STOreAluMNI NeWS

Samantha Gonzalez (c/o 2000) began her first year at Ponce Medical School in Puerto Rico.

Laura de Socarraz-Novo (c/o 2005) is a freshman at St. Louis University in Madrid, Spain.

Michelle Artime (c/o 2001) is spending her last year of College at Loyola’s campus in Rome, Italy.

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CM attended the McDonald’s Open Doors tour on Tuesday, September 22nd. The Open Doors’ goal was, “To share the American icon’s story.” The other goal was also to promote the

McDonald’s new and healthier menu. “McDonald’s serves millions of people daily with fresh quality ingredients that compliment today’s active lifestyle,” says owner Alex Rodriguez. The tour included taking a behind the counter’s look at McDonald’s, learning about McDonald’s new healthy menu, and trying new delicious products. The event welcomed dietitians, educators, reporters, and community leaders to join the tour. Alex Rodriguez, the owner of a McDonald’s on 11990 SW 8th Street, recently remodeled the restaurant. The new improvements included trading in the signature McDonald’s playground for a computer lounge and new, high tech equipment. The changes for Rodriguez were not only architectural, but the franchise of McDonald’s also added new products to the menu: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Big Mac Snack Wraps. We were lucky enough to try the Snack Wraps, and we give them a ten! Throughout the tour, the restaurant was divided into stations to promote the different aspects of McDonald’s. When we went behind the counters, we toured the first station which

showed us how the drive-thru works, and its latest touch screen equipment. The second station was the food station. We experimented with salads and tasted some yummy treats like the new hit, the Angus Cheeseburger and the soon to come Mac Snack Wrap. McDonald’s has also recently added McCafe to their menu, which gives

customers a tasty coffee option. When we went farther back into the freezer, we learned about the shipping and containing of McDonald’s food. It was stressed that McDonald’s is working to keep

FRANCHISE OWNER, ALEx RODRIGUEz08

“McDonald’s serves millions of people daily with fresh quality ingredients that compliment today’s active lifestyle.”

its food healthy by using fresh ingredients. Another station taught our staff about the business side of McDonald’s. McDonald’s is one of the only restaurants that you can start off as a bus boy and end up an owner of a franchise. There are only two ways of becoming an owner of a McDonald’s; you can be apart of the second generation, which means your father or grandfather were owners and you inherit it, or you can attend Hamburger Univer-sity in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The last station was an information station on the Ronald McDonald House. McDonald’s has been helping communities through the Ronald McDon-ald House for over thirty-five years. Since 1982 the Ronald McDonald House in Miami has been housing families with sick children. According to the Ronald McDonald’s website, “Ronald McDonald Houses around the world offer families a way to stay to-gether, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay. “ McDonald’s is doing it all, and owner Ro-driguez says, “It’s all for you guys, the costumers! We’re making everything healthy, we’re making everything safe, we’re making everything fun, and we’re helping the community with the Ronald Mc-Donald house.” -Andres Artime, Gaby Gomez, and Juliette Hernandez

The Ronald McDonald House was established in 1974, in Philadelphia. “Ronald McDonald Houses around the world offer families a way to stay together, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay,” according to RMHC.com. Their goal this Christmas is to raise $500,000, and so far they have $100,000. Our Life Cue advisory is supporting the Ronald McDonald House by collecting pop tabs from canned beverages and food items. The program is called “pull for the Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Program.” It was created to guarantee funds for the Ronald McDonald

House of Miami, 1145 N.W. 14th Terrace Miami, Florida 33136. For more information on how you can help the Ronald McDonald House charity, contact Soraya Rivera-Moya, the executive director, at 305-324-5683.

-Gaby Gomez (8th grade)

The SWINe Flu

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recently, there has been an outbreak of the H1N1 virus, known to most as swine flu, in the United States. President Barack Obama has even declared it a national

emergency. Swine flu has been officially declared a pandemic. It has reached seventy-four countries around the world, affecting 29,000 people. Almost a quarter of the reported cases came out of California where there have been 7,200 reported cases. Surprisingly, the swine flu is nothing new. The virus was first seen in 1976. A United States army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak and then died the next day. Health officials declared that this was because of swine flu, also known as Influenza A. Even then, there was a fear that the swine flu could become a pandemic. A vaccine was created to help prevent people from getting the virus.

The vaccine today is different from the one decades ago, and is mostly recommended for children, elderly, and people with respiratory problems. Today there are two types of vac-cines. One is a shot, and the other is a nasal spray. There are a few possible side effects from the treatment. They include:

soreness, redness and swelling (where the shot was given), fainting, headaches, muscle aches, fever and nausea. There is no way to tell the difference between swine flu and the regular flu without getting a blood test or a throat swab when a person visits the doctor. The symptoms are almost identi-cal. Once the person gets over the swine flu, they may not even know they had it. Fortunately, if a person does decide to visit a doctor and is diagnosed with the virus, recovery can be quick. Doctors recom-mend that you do not come in contact with anyone for at least nine days while you have the flu to prevent spreading the virus. For more information about the H1N1 virus or the vaccine, please visit: www.miamidade.gov/oem/flu.asp. -Catherine Magarino (6th grade)

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On October 23, 2009, Life Cue went to the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter. Life Cue is CEA’s service advisory. Students from the service club made bandanas and blankets for the dogs, and collected shoeboxes that would be used as litter boxes for the cats. The animal shelter needs many volunteers. They need regular volunteers, who will go all the time because they want to help. A minimum of one-hundred dogs and cats are taken to the animal shelter. In this bad economy, all animal shelters are getting more dogs and cats then usual, because many people are losing their homes. And when they do, they do not take their pets with them. They get abandoned. Aileen Sanchez, the community outreach coordinator, was there to talk to the students about the commitment of having a pet. She explained that when you a get a pet, it is a

commitment to give that pet good care by keeping them safe, healthy, and well fed. You must treat that pet like a new part of the family. Sanchez told the students who are dog owners to always keep a leash on their dog while taking them for a walk. This will keep the dog away from cars, other dogs, and other kinds of danger. She also said not to put a chain leash on your dog. It puts pressure on their neck and back. Sanchez told them to keep a name tag and a rabies tag at all times on their pet. This way if the dog runs away, the person who finds him or her can have a way to contact the owner. So if you are looking to adopt a pet, or you want to become a volunteer, please go to the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter located at 7401 NW 74th Street Miami, FL 33166, or log on to: www.miamidade.gov/animals. -Juliette Lopez (6th grade)

The manatee is an endangered species. Its habitat is being destroyed, and its existence is threatened everyday by humans. Due to the

popularity of the Florida sun, new homes are popping up everywhere, everyday. Many of these homes are close to the shorelines. There are many sources that have contributed to the decline of the manatee. Speed boats, oil turmoil, pollution, and natural causes are killing these majestic animals. Unfortunately, boaters do not follow the wake zones and continue at high speeds through the waters where manatees feed. Even though donating money is very important, we can do other things that could help save this species from extinction. By following the wake zones and not polluting, we are helping this symbol of Florida survive.

The very thing that most threatens this creature is the only thing that can protect it: humans. November is Manatee Awarness Month. Take some time to read up on them, go out and visit our waterways, and see if you can look at them. You will not be dissappointed.

Sea World has a program where you can adopt a manatee for a small fee. C.E.A.’s Environmental Awareness advisory adopted a manatee. Adopting a manatee is when you contribute money to care and nurture a manatee and give it food and rehabilitation. Go ahead and do your part, save our manatee!

-Kassandra Casanova (6th grade)

A Forgotten SpecieS

Life Cue Visits the Animal Shelter

DOINg IT AllSPeAK

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Students at CEA have the opportunity to do it all. The school offers many after-school activities like sports, dance, music, etc. However, some of our students like 8th graders Melanie Jordan

and Ignacio de Socarraz Novoa do tons of activities after school, yet they still are able to balance studies and their other responsibilities. Actually, Ignacio won two gold medals in math during the Academic Olympics and is often a stage hand in the auditorium when the school presents plays or dance performances. Melanie is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and was a member of the general skills team representing our school at the Columbus Academic Olympics. Now, CM is here to give you a look at their everyday lives.

CM: What conservatory classes do you take and when are they?M: I do guitar and piano every day. I: I take tap, bass, and piano on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.CM: Do you do any other after-school activities?M: I do. I play basketball, baseball, volleyball, and, once the seasons start, I’ll also be playing on the school’s softball and boys basketball teams. I: Yes, I will be playing flag-football when the season starts.

CM: What time do you usually get home every day?M: Around eight or eight-thirty. I: Usually at nine-thirty.CM: When do you usually do your homework?M: I do it between activities and sometimes when I get home. I: Whenever I find time.CM: Do you usually stay up late studying or doing homework?M: Yes. I normally stay up until ten-thirty. I: Yes, until eleven o’clock usually.CM: Have you ever thought you might have too many after school activities? Do you think it’s worth staying up late because of your activities? Why?M: Yes, I do {think I have too much}, but I think it’s worth it because it’s what I love to do. I: Not at all. It’s definitely worth it because it makes me a well-rounded person.

-Michael Perez (8th grade)

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Do you know the story of our founder? Our founder, Conchita Espinosa, was born in 1914. When she was only 3, in 1917, something incredible happened. Conchita

while out with her parents at an ice-cream parlor, sat by a piano, placed her little hands on the keys and started playing some popular tunes. That was the start of some-thing special. In 1917, Conchita’s mom gave birth to a second daughter, Alicia. From the start the girls were inseparable. At the tender age of 8 they would play little school. Perhaps they were training for what was to come. This early activity kindled our young founder’s love for teaching and a life long dream to teach. It also signaled a lifelong union with Alicia. At 14, Conchita graduated from the International Conservatory of Music located in Havana, Cuba. Just a year later, she turned her garage into a classroom and in the afternoon it was a dance studio. The dream was coming true. At 19, Conchita opened Conchita Espinosa Academy. The school started with only a conservatory and fifteen students. Around that time she gave birth to Maribel and Luis. As the time passed the school grew. By 1959, the conservatory had grown into an elementary school with a population of 450 students. However, Conchita’s life was not without obstacles. Her husband died while working in the yard. That did not stop Conchita from following her dream. Also, during that time Conchita was forced to leave

her beloved homeland and her school as Fidel Castro turned the island into a communist country. Since she did not have much, she left her children and her pets with Alicia and came to the United States. She arrived with five dollars in her pocket and a dream. At first, she did not have a place to stay nor a way to make a living. Again, this would not stop our founder. She convinced a couple to let her stay in exchange for music lessons and managed to get a free piano from a store owner. She was ready to start again. A year arriving, she sent for her children and her animals. Her two kids and five dogs arrived. She reopened her school. She was the director and Alicia was the administrator. The school was on track, but it lacked a permanent home. In 1984 C.E.A. moved to its present location. At that time, the population of the school had grown to approximately 650 students. The school has maintained that population since. Conchita’s journey came to an end on Septem-ber 19, 2006. On that day the entire CEA family suffered its greatest loss. Conchita had died. However, Conch-ita’s dream lives on. The school like its founder is un-willing to accept any setback as permanent. Today, the school continues to strive.

-Paz Leos and Elizabeth Williams (7th grade)

CONChITA’S STOrY SPeAK

he Did It!!! Eighth grader, Michael Perez completed the NaNoWrimo (National Novel Writing Month) Contest in November. Each contestant had to sign up to write a fifty thousand word novel before the end of the month. This was Perez’s first time participating and he reached the goal before midnight of November 30th. How does it feel to be an author? Perez had one really big smile and two words: “It’s cool.”

This year’s Family Affair was an event filled with music, food and fun, and even though the construction of the new kindergarten building took up some space, this year’s event hardly felt any different. The bungee jumping and Gator coaster were around as usual, but there were also some new attractions such as an obstacle course bounce house. The little kids really enjoyed that! Although it was very hot outside, a lot of kids still had fun and danced to the music playing. There were a ton of people, so I was able to get a few opinions. Someone said that this was probably one of the best Family Affairs he has ever been to. Another person said, “Even though there still could have been some rides for the older kids, this visit was worth it.” The older kids had their annual kickball games, and everyone was still able to enjoy the delicious food from the Latin Grill tent. There

were smoothies, pizza, cotton candy and plenty of games. Plenty of happy parents worked the booths, and plenty of happy children chased after Santa. The teacher and staff raffle put smiles on our school’s employees and teacher’s faces that day! One of the baskets was completely stocked with Italian pasta, spices and utensils to stir up a mouth watering meal. One basket also had a state-of-the art coffee maker, to brew up a nice latte in the morning. Lastly, one of Conchita’s hall monitors, Minerva Coca, won a day at a spa! That’s a nice prize anyone would want. So far, I would have to agree that this year’s Family Affair was full of day-long fun!

-Nicole Valmana (6th grade)

Family Affair

Family Affair

dane cameron

DANICA PATRICK

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On October 9, 2009 Conchita Magazine got the chance to visit Indy Speedway in Homestead. CM was very fortunate to get the chance to

meet racers as they were preparing for their final race of the season the next day. Race car driving is one of the fastest, most dangerous and challenging jobs in the world. There are no limits to race car driving. Many think that driving a race car is easy, but it takes hard work, dedication, and time. There is no speed limit on racers, so on the track, racers get to high speeds of 230 miles per hour. Most racers start out by racing go carts at a young age. Eventually, they move up and start racing professionally at about the age of twenty. Danica Patrick, sponsored by Boost mobile, Motorola, GoDaddy.com, and AirTran, is the first woman

in Indy history to ever win an IndyCar series event. In the October 10th race, she finished in 19th place. Scott Pruett, sponsored by Telemex and Target, is known to be one of the most experienced drivers in Indy Speedway. He finished second in the October 10th race. The difference between NASCAR racing and Indy racing is simple. NASCAR and Indy cars have different weights and Indy cars stick closer to the ground making it safer for drivers. Another safety precaution Indy Speedway takes is putting a speed limit when racers are coming into their pit stops. Indy Speedways are also lined with state of the art energy absorbent barriers. These and many other precautions have helped prevent many crashes and serious injuries. -Amanda Del Risco (8th grade)

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Season 6 of “So You Think You Could Dance” had another Miami contestant named Victor Smalley. Smalley is a Miami dance

instructor. He made it on the show this season, but few know how difficult it was for him to make it that far. He had auditioned for season 5 in Miami, but he got eliminated in the choreography round and never made it to Las Vegas. He listened to what all the judges told him about what he needed to improve, worked extra hard, and trained for several months until he auditioned again in Atlanta for season 6. In that audition, he got a ticket straight to Las Vegas, where he made it to the top 32, and later onto the top 20. His last performance was a ‘Tango”. The schedule for contestants is so difficult because they have only three days to learn their routines and group numbers before the tech rehearsal and the taping of the show, which takes place on Mondays. The performances are every Tuesday night, which ends with the voting until midnight. Smalley and his watch parties were featured on Channel 7 News, Deco Drive, The Miami Herald. Many famous people in our community, like Louis Aguirre, Andre Hopkins, and City of Doral Council woman Sandra Ruiz, have been in attendance. Unfortunately, Smalley got eliminated on Wednesday, November 25. Inspite of Smalley’s loss, his determination and hard work got him very far. His students and supporters still love him and all the viewers of season 6 now know that he can dance.

-Alexa Perez (7th grade)VICTOR SMALLEY

ANOTHEr MIAMI cONTESTANT THrILLS FANS ON SEASON 6 VIVe

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Maria Lopez, known at CEA as Ms.Loly, is CEA’s choir director, music teacher, composer, and play producer. How

does she do it all? CM interviewed her to find out. Ms. Loly Lopez began teaching at Conchita in 2002 and has become a key member to our Conchita faculty and family. Teaching over fifty classes a week, not including after school courses, she dedicates the majority of her day to teaching at CEA. She is a great contributor to many of Conchita’s extracurricular activities and productions. Some of her works are “Coffee Shop”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and the upcoming “Shrek”. Her favorite class to teach is music history, though each day, her main goal is to make each day her best and “seize the day”. She says one of her proudest accomplishments is being a mother. Balancing life at home and at school can seem a bit stressful at times. To relieve herself from the tension, she turns to cooking, some music, and a glass of wine. To reach where she is today, she was taught by world renowned teachers. She attended the University of Puerto Rico and was invited to study there. She also had the honor of being the first woman and Latina to be in the Department of Music Composition at Loyola University. Lopez says she does not even know how she does it all, but she makes sure not to waste time, focus, and to prioritize. After showing outstanding conduct, talent, and behavior while visiting the University of Miami, the choir she conducts was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in May of 2010. Ms. Loly is a talented woman who shows dedication toward her goals. She is a single mom, diverse teacher, and a role model. She balances her lifestyle with optimistic views and positivity, and she certainly does it all.

-Christine Bethencourt (8th grade)

SILVIO HORTA

uPCOMINg CONCerTS

VIVe MS. lOlY

Aventura

Saturday, December 19,2009

American Airlines Arena

Miami, Florida

lady gaga

Thursday, December 31, 2009

James L. Knight Center:

Miami, Florida

Jay-Z

Saturday, February 20,2009

BankAtlantic Center

Sunrise, FLorida

Taylor Swift

Sunday, March 7,2009

BankAtlantic Center

Sunrise, FLorida

MARIA LOPEz

guillermo Kuitca

Miami Art Museum

Everything, Paintings, & Works on Paper, 1980-2008

October 9, 2009-January 17, 2010

liquid Muse

Wide range of artists

Museum of Florida Art

Paintings of the Saint John’s River

September 4, 2009-November 22, 2009

Kent henricksen

Bass Museum of Art

Wayward We Hunt

October 3, 2009-January 10, 2009

Dzine

Bass Museum of Art:

October 3, 2009-February 21, 2010

uPCOMINg ArT exhIBITS

geT YOurDANCe

CAleNDArBeFOre TheY’re

gONe!

MJMJ

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T his Is It, released on October 30th documented the preparation for Michael Jackson’s world tour which would have started on September 2009 in Japan.

This Is It showed backstage clips with Jackson. Music videos of most of his songs were shown between each performance. After the video, the green screen would slowly turn into the background needed for the next performance.

One of the dancers who was a part of the tour

said, “When i was little i woke up in the mornings, and i didn’t even eat i just played his songs and started dancing.” In the movie Jackson sang some of his songs such as: “Billy Jean”, “Black or White”, “They Don’t Care about Us”, “Thriller” (in 3-D), “Smooth Criminal”, and more. the movie also showed rehearsals of Jackson and his crew.

The documentary shows what would have happened if Jackson could have continued the tour. The documentary even shows Jackson behind the scenes proofing the songs for his pianist. One enthusiastic

viewer, seventh grader Karina Rodriguez, said, ”It was mind blowing.”

This tour was to be Jackson’s final concert tour. “This is the final curtain call.’ Michael Jackson told London. The curtain fell sooner than expected. What is left is this extraordinary documentary, nothing at all like what I was expecting to see. Here is not a sick and drugged man forcing himself through grueling rehearsals, but a spirit embodied by music. Michael Jackson was something else,” said movie critic Roger Ebert.

The movie ended with Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror”. After singing “Man in the Mirror”, Jackson’s documentary closed with him saying three words “God Bless You,” and then, that was it. -Andres Artime (6th grade)

MJ

SNOWMAN ‘09

The Snowman is a C.E.A. tradition.This year the performance will be on the Saturday,

December 12th. Three performances allow many a chance to see a wonderful Christmas

show. Make sure you buy tickets. Call 305-227-1151 and ask for Isabel Chao.

COMiNG sOON!

COuNTrY:Carrie Underwood- Play On

It’s been an amazing couple of years for American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. She’s been topping the charts one single after another, and it seems that she will continue to do so with her latest album “Play On.” Carrie Underwood shows off her ability to take on different styles of music with her emotional and tough-girl side. Although there are more ballads on the album than I would have liked, the album has something for everyone to enjoy.

Suggested Tracks: “Casanova Cowboy”, “Undo It”

eleCTrONICA:JESP-Heart Rhythm Miami native, Joseph Espinosa AKA JESP has done it, and done it well. His highly anticipated album was finally released through www.sweatrecordsmiami.com on November 3, 2009 and it doesn’t disappoint. On the site, you can either download the album for free or you can purchase it to support the local Miami artist. The album is extremely catchy and well put together. JESP’s sound is upbeat but his lyrics are deep and expressive. The album’s 80’s flare and use of new technology makes for a great dance album you can pop in for a night of some non-stop dancing.

Suggested Tracks: “Believe Me Now”, “Slither”

Music reviews By: Eileen Andrade

rOCK:Weezer- Raditude

I never really followed Weezer after their “Green Album” and now I wish I had. Their new album “Raditude” is extremely catchy and enjoyable. Each song is unique in its own special way including “Love is the Answer” which has a Bollywood feel to it. The band decided to team up with iTunes to create a really neat feature called the Weezer Raditude Club that gives you special bonus content from the band. You receive remixes, videos, and live tracks for $19.99. If you enjoy some good rock, I suggest the iTunes download.

Suggested Tracks: “The Girl Got Hot”, “I Don’t Want To Let You Go”

rAP:Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon

I was patiently waiting for an album from rapper Kid Cudi when I heard his popular song “Day and Night” about a year ago. The album is finally here and it is definitely my favorite rap album of 2009. Emotion and Rap is usually a bit of an oxymoron, but Kid Cudi proves this to be wrong in his first solo album. It’s a mix of heavy bass, electronic riffs, and passion which he blends beautifully. You can find a lot of Kid Cudi’s deep emotion in his track titled: “Soundtrack To My Life” which is my favorite song on the album.

Suggested Tracks: “Make Her Say”, “Solo Dolo”

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Planet 51pgNov/20/ 2009Starring: Jessica Biel, Dwayne Johnson, John CleesePlot: Astronaut Charles “Chuck” Baker lands on Planet 51 thinking he’s the first person to set foot on it, but to his surprise, the planet is populated by green aliens living happily like humans, who are scared of aliens, like Chuck.

Famepg-13Sep/25/ 2009Starring: Kristy Flores, Asher Book, Paul LaconoPlot: A new version of the popular 1980’s musical about students in a Performing Arts school.

Alvin and the ChipmunkspgDec/ 25/ 2009Starring: Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubbler, Jason lee, Cameron GoodmanPlot: The singing chipmunks are back with more pressure due to school, their celebrity life, and a new rival female music group known as the Chipettes.

The Princess and the FrognrNov/25/2009Starring: Anika Noni Rose, John GoodmanPlot: A modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana living in New Orleans and a poor prince who was turned into a frog, and after one kiss, they were both sent on a very funny adventure.

CM FLICK PICS

Animal Collective

Imogen heap

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Always skinny destructed jeans (medium wash)Gap stores$69.50

Robert Rodriguez Ruffled Cheetah Print (Top Polyester; hand wash.)Nordstrom.com $275.00

UO Slinky Chain Necklace

Urbanoutfitters.com$16.99

CarlinnSteve Madden

stores$89.95

Faux leather JacketForever 21 stores

$37.80

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Algonquin plaid shirtAbercrombie and Fitch stores

$80.00

Skinny 511 skyscraper jeanslevi’s stores$40.00

Navy kedskeds.com

$50.00

Original dark blue wayfarer Raybansray-ban.com$139.00

BDG hooded sweatshirtUrbanoutfitters.com

$39.00

On September 26th eighth graders Marco Fernandez and Pablo de Armas

attended the DUB Super Series car show at the Miami Beach Convention Center. DUB cars are customized cars. They saw cars from celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Wade, Steve Nash, and Jermaine O’Neal. These are some of the pictures they took.

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new York Fashion Week kicked off the new fashion season on September 10th 2009, with designer snuggies. The blankets with sleeves that Americans love to hate have now become an international sensation. With designers like Vera Wang, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Mark Jacobs designing these blankets, they have officially become a pop culture phenomenon. They vary in colors, prints, and shapes. Not only does it come for people, but also for dogs. “I love my snuggie. It’s so comfortable,” says 8th grader Bronyne Pliopa.

There has been much controversy about the Snuggies image, people do not know whether to love them or hate them. There is even an anti-snuggie group on Facebook. SNL mocked the Snuggie Corporation, by making a video about how Snuggies are overly publicized. Although it’s very comfortable, some people are not sure what to think of these new creations. “I think they’re cool because they have tons of colors, but they’re a waste of money,” says 7th grader Karina Rodriguez

“Laziness has reached a new fashion extreme. It terrifies, enthralls, and excites us. Imagine what they can do for spring 2010: trendy sheer-paneled Snuggies, embellished Snuggies, animal-print Snuggies, Snuggies for cats,” said Amy Odell the writer of the fashion blog The Cut.

-Gabriela Gomez (8th grade)

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POCOCrOSSWOrD

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-Isabelle Cantos, 2nd grade

-Thaissa Lima, 4th grade

DOINg YOur BeST IS...

-Alanys Pliopa, 4th grade

To be persistent.

Winning and doing what

you want. You’re not cautious; you’re

daring.

When you try your hardest

in school, dance, or anything else.

-Cristina Herrera, 2nd grade

Working your hardest in all

your activities

POCO

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STuDeNT ArTWOrK

Third grader Jonathan Duran’s interpretation of “Doing it All.”

Third grader Alex Anderson represents the 2009 Family Affair “Going Green”

theme.