The Beacon, August 29, 2008 Florida International University

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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 21, Issue 9 www.ﬁ usm.com August 29, 2008

COUNTRY CLUB TURN OFF THE LIGHT GONE NUTS FOOTBALL RETURNS International students united Old schedule would save power Alumni go on comedy tour Golden Panthers take on Jayhawks

AT THE BAY PAGE 3 OPINION PAGE 4 LIFE! PAGE 5 SPORTS PAGE 8 Tough times necessitate new GI Bill JULIO MENACHE plies. Servicemen can also Asst. News Director transfer unused benefits to their spouses and children. IDENTITY Sergeant Nathaniel Under the old GI Bill, Chapman is used to having soldiers needed to pay a bombs dropping all around $1,200 enrollment fee at CRISIS him. What he didn’t expect the beginning of their ser- was to have a “bomb” drop vice. Veterans would then on him back home. have 10 years after leaving The young FIU gradu- active duty to be eligible ate student, who just trans- for aid. Full-time students ferred from Kentucky State would receive monthly re- University, had just found imbursement payments of EACON

B out the financial aid from $1,101 for a maximum of HE three years under the old

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G ing because I didn’t have a and school. While housing job,” said Chapman. “With wasn’t a big issue for me PAULO O’SWATH networks are traditionally open and Malwares, which are malicious the GI Bill, you really need since I lived with my par- Asst. News Director unprotected environments, FIU’s wire- software, can infi ltrate a student’s to have a 40 hour a week ents, it is a big issue with less network is safe to use, according computer system and destroy their job.” other Marines,” said Carlos Students beware: using your lap- to Cheryl Granto, FIU’s Information hard drives. Besides tuition, Araica, a Marine veteran top around campus may expose you Technology security offi cer. Granto said that malwares are Chapman needed to pay for who currently works at the to identity theft. Still, while there haven’t been any something very common that oc- housing and car insurance, FIU’s Office of Veterans’ “This is something that I wor- hacking incidents over the FIU wire- cur when downloading illegal music, which together came out to Affairs. ry about a lot,” said Geoffrey less network, illegal downloading for which is why it is dangerous for stu- be $1,500 a month. Aside With the new GI Bill, Merconchini, a history major. music and movies puts students at risk dents to do so. from that, the young vet- however, there is no en- “Identity theft is no joke. I’m very for identity theft, Granto said. Another problem, especially dur- eran needed to worry about rollment fee and veterans cautious whenever I go online and “We’ve had computer misuse in ing mid-terms and fi nals , is unattend- paying back the $20,000- would have an additional check e-mails.” the past,” said Granto. “Illegal down- ed laptops. $30,000 in loans he’d taken five years of eligibility. The Federal Trade Commission loading is still a big problem we’re According to Identity Finder, a out previously. The new bill would pay estimates that as many as nine mil- continuously facing. It can bring dif- confi dential data loss and theft pre- However, Chapman for a veteran’s college ex- lion Americans have their identities ferent viruses and that can lead to po- vention software company, close to a may be seeing some relief penses, instead of reim- stolen each year. Florida had more tential hackers.” million laptops are stolen every year. soon. A new law signed by bursing them, according than 98,300 vicitms in 2006, accord- Illegal downloading causes hack- Stolen laptops are a goldmine for President George W. Bush to FIU Veterans’ Affairs ing to IdentityTheftSecurity.com, an ers to download malicious codes that hackers, who can go over stored in- will provide more financial Assistant Coordinator online identity theft prevention Web run malwares, like the Trojan Horse formation in hard drives and sell the aid to college-bound veter- Angel Contreras. site, making it the fi fth highest rank- virus, that can go undetected by com- information online. Identity thieves ans who served after 9/11. “The fact that it cov- ing state in the United States for iden- puter users. This causes computers to can now buy Social Security numbers, The new GI Bill of Rights is ers costs and takes care of tity theft. malfunction and allow unauthorized a massive spending bill that them, instead of supple- THEFT, page 2 Although many school’s wireless users to log in. may have a huge impact on menting them, makes the the daily lives of young de- new GI Bill superior to the gree-seeking veterans. old one,” Chapman. The law, which takes ef- Different versions of the Future dorms aimed at graduates fect late next summer, aims GI Bill have been imple- to add to the GI Bill. The mented since the end of CHERYL MALONE dergraduate enrollment, but the “The students’ [University] cap- bill was last updated in World War II. The origi- Staff Writer University will begin to reach out to ping is not an issue of concern for this 1984. nal 1944 plan gave soldiers graduate students as well,” Jones said. project,” Jones said. As a result of the new GI $500 a year for their col- While no exact date is set, both During FIU’s Town Hall meeting on She believes that the demand is Bill, the months of negoti- lege education. As the cost University Park and Biscayne Bay May 22, University President Modesto high enough that this expansion would ating between Democratic of college skyrocketed, the Campus have new dormitories in A. Maidique fi rst announced “FIU result in a marketable number. and Republican lawmak- bill had to evolve to meet store. 3.0,” a plan which would have selec- The dorms are not fi lled to 100 ers provides veterans who the new standards and costs “More student applicants will have tive enrollment, with fewer students percent capacity, and percentages dif- served at least 90 days af- of living. housing facilities to fi ll their individ- being accepted into the University ev- fer from one hall to the next, depend- ter Sept. 11, 2001 with full The GI Bill of the ual housing preferences, with greater ery year. ing on student preferences such as tuition and fees coverage 1940’s was updated to variety and location,” said Rosa Jones, However, even with the enrollment availability for private bedrooms and – equivalent to the most the Montgomery GI Bill vice president of Student Affairs and caps, Jones does not expect a decline apartments. expensive four-year public in 1984. According to Undergraduate Education. in applications in housing. Jones ex- Currently, out of approximately institution in the state. The Chronicle of Higher The end goal of the dormitory ex- plains that a key goal for the housing 36,000 students, 3,000 live on cam- In addition, veterans Education, the Montgomery pansion is expected to be a higher lev- project is to reach out to graduate stu- pus. Of the students attending FIU, will receive monthly pay- GI Bill covers about 73 per- el of residential student life. dents, who are a smaller population ments for housing and “At present there is higher un- than undergraduates in housing. DORMS, page 2 $1,000 for books and sup- GI BILL, page 2 2 The Beacon – August 29, 2008 NEWS www.fi usm.com

New housing suites FUTURE LEADERS expected to encourage student involvement DORMS, page 1 “The new dorms will be based on similar values,” Jones said. Bonds only 13 percent are residents on will fund any new construction. campus. The new dorms will aim “The revenue stream used to for a minimum 7 percent increase. repay those bonds comes from “We want a lot of positive inter- students who live in the dormito- action on campus and more tradi- ries,” said Madeline Baro, assis- tional students and participation,” tant director of Media Relations. Jones said. “Construction of dormitories is not Matt Rhodes, a political sci- subsidized by any other source, ence major who drives to UP from such as tuition or state general rev- Hialeah, agrees that living on cam- enue funds.” pus presents a defi nite advantage. Angela Granese, a graduate “Living on campus would save student in linguistics, doesn’t fi nd me a lot of time and trouble,” he much importance for residential said. life. “I’d much rather commute, I “I did the whole dorm thing like knowing I can go and relax in in my undergrad years and it was VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON privacy and study without distrac- a lot of fun. But now that I work HEY, YOU!: Lisa-Marie Young, a member of the Center for Leadership & Service’s Lead Team, gets the tions,” said Medali Castro, a jour- full time and my masters program crowd involved during the “WOW! Leadership is Great!” presentation on Aug. 27. nalism major. is more demanding, I think living Dormitories are currently val- in a dorm would just be a distrac- ued and charged differently de- tion,” Granese said. pending on the particular hall Nonetheless, Jones remains op- Veterans’ bill brings needed relief where it is located and room sizes, timistic about the values students according to the Residential Life can learn living on campus and stu- Web site. dent demand for the new dorms. GI BILL, page 1 In order to rekindle the same veterans attend community col- dramatic effect the original 1944 leges and public universities not cent of costs for public universi- bill had on college education, just because of their costs but Unattended laptops ties, and 31 percent of private the new GI Bill would offer ad- also because of convenience, four-year colleges. Community ditional money to veterans to use according to The Chronicle of colleges are the only schools for expensive private schools. Higher Education. that are paid in full and are also Critics of the law point to the Since word spread of the new vulnerable to hackers the institutions with the most fact that the new law will not law, veterans have been flood- THEFT, page 1 students can take action to protect veterans. have the same effect as the orig- ing the FIU Office of Veterans themselves. “We usually won’t bother inal G.I bill due to the fact that Affairs with a myriad of ques- the military is much smaller than tions about it. bank account logins, passwords and According to Granto, students with private schools because it was after World War II. But the office says credit card numbers online by the must remember that FIU will never they are expensive and hard to Critics also claim that pro- “[Congress] needs to work out thousands. ask for passwords and if they receive get in,” said Araica. ponents fail to realize that most specifics and details of the new In June 2002, separate hacking any e-mails asking for it, they should law. Lawmakers have the gen- incidents involving at least three delete those e-mails immediately. eral idea, they just don’t know Western colleges sparked off an in- Students should never share how to get there yet. A lot of vestigation by U.S. Secret Service. thepasswords with other people 1984 GI Bill 2008 G.I. Bill questions are left to be an- The case led to the confi scation of and should keep their anti-viruses •Time to use benefi ts 10 years •Time to use benefi ts 15 years swered.” said Contreras. 20 computer hard drives at Arizona updates. Students should also be Because the new law doesn’t State University in Phoenix. leery of the Web sites they visit. •Members have to serve at least come into effect until August Campus computers located in the Answering online questionnaires •Members use their benefi ts of next year, these soldiers will common areas of ASU where found is an easy way for hackers to steal 90 days post 9/11 after 2 years of active duty have to wait before they see to be carrying software that record- someone’s identity. •Covers full cost of education at any results. ed keystrokes which made it easy to Identity Finder adds that students However, Montgomery gain a student’s personal informa- should never let schools use their •Covers full cost of education at any public school in the country bill recipients, like Chapman, tion. Luckily, because the comput- Social Security numbers as student any public schools and most private schools have seen an immediate $220 ers were erased at the end of every identifi cation numbers. increase in their monthly semester, no reports of identity theft Even though the FIU’s wireless •No buy in •$100 per month for 12 reimbursements. were recorded. network is protected, students are “It’s a start but it makes a “Students need to protect them- taking caution to keep their personal months •Maybe eligable for $1,321 difference,” said Chapman of selves when using their computers. information safe. per month for school from GI Bill the increase. They should never leave their com- “Nothing can be 100 percent se- For more information, puters lying around in the library,” cure. You still have to be cautious no please consult the Veterans Granto warned. matter how safe you think you are,” INFORMATION PROVIDED BY IRAQ & AFGANISTAN VETERANS OF AMERICA, Affairs’ Web site at va.gov. Despite internet theft dangers, said Merconchini. GRAPHIC BY ISAAC SORIA

EDITORIAL BOARD

CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University DANIELLA BACIGALUPO NEWS DIRECTOR SUSANNA RODRIGUEZ BBC MANAGING EDITOR CHRISTOPHER TOWERS LIFE! EDITOR ERIC FELDMAN OPINION EDITOR SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR Thank you for reading FERNANDO J. GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR LEONCIO ALVAREZ COPY CHIEF INFORMATION Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Beacon ofﬁ ce is located in the Graham Center, room 210, at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display advertising and billing should be directed to the Advertising Manager at 305-348-6994. Mailing address: Graham Center, room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305-348-2712. Biscayne Bay Campus is 305-919-4722. Ofﬁ ce hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through

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Contact Us Susana Rodriguez BBC Managing Editor atthebay@ﬁ usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.ﬁ usm.com August 29, 2008

International IMPRESSIONS Student club wins co-club of the year

AMANDA BATCHELOR guy who lived in the dorms and Contributing Writer through him I got to meet everybody else in housing,” Ernst said. Walk around the halls of FIU This past year, ISC has hosted and you will fi nd lots of people of many events like a movie night, a other cultures. Many of these peo- Miami tour on a bus, a BBQ, a ple are a part of the International welcome reception, and a Chinese Students Club. New Year celebration to name a This year they are proud to an- few. nounce they have won co-club of The club also took 30 stu- the year after winning Best New dents to Key Largo where they Club of the Year in its fi rst year. went snorkeling, swimming and “Everyone was very focused canoeing. and determined to do their best Students do not have to be to win best club of the year,” said members of ISC to participate in Aurelie Verne, ISC’s president and any of these events, but if they de- a junior from France majoring cide to join an event, they need to NATHAN VALENTINE/THE BEACON in Hospitality Management. let a member know because they QUICK DRAW: Al Rodriguez of Al-Rod Studio sketches a caricature of Sicong Qi, a hospitality man- ISC has has helped interna- carry a sign in sheet at each of agement graduate student, during Biscayne Bay Campus’ Welcome Week. Rodriguez specializes in tional students get accustomed to their events. drawing caricatures in three minutes or less. a new culture and been a home “I think it was our constant ef- away from home. fort to organize fun and education- “Not only do we help familiar- al events that fi nally won us the ize international students with the award,” said Dennis Gebkenm, American culture, but we also give ISC’s vice president and a junior Creative Writing Program them a chance to display their own from Germany double major- culture and represent their country ing in fi nance and international at FIU,” Verne said. business. hosts writer’s conference ISC has also helped interna- Verne felt the same effort was tional students to meet people of put in to winning this award. other parts of the world. “I was honored to receive this JULIA CARDENUTO Les Standiford, director of the FIU “Most of us come to this coun- prize. This is a great accomplish- Asst. News Director Creative Writing Program, on the try alone so I think the club is a ment for the club, and I’m very program’s Web site. Our program off ers perfect chance to make friends proud to represent such a great or- Here is a fresh opportunity to The conference is also offering intensive, friendly, and to start feeling comfortable in ganization here on Biscayne Bay be innovative, imaginative and a manuscript conference with one hands-on a new environment,” said Frances Campus. We try to be present on get inspired by professional writ- faculty member of choice for $50. Ernst, ISC’s secretary and a soph- campus, and I’m glad we were ers and teachers in a motivating Availability for these conferences is workshops and omore from Germany majoring in recognized for it,” she said. landscape. limited. The Martin County Library discussions psychology. Those interested in joining the This year’s Florida International System is co-sponsoring the confer- Ernst has found long-las- ISC can do so at any time. The University Writers Conference ence and hosting the evening read- intended to help ing friendships in the club, hav- only requirement is to be an FIU will be at the Hutchinson Island ings. People who have a membership writers at all stages ing made connections at her fi rst student. Marriott Beach Resort and Marina with them get a discount of $25. of development. meeting for ISC. As members, students are then in Stuart, Florida, from Oct. The conference is open to the pub- “I started talking to Dennis, required to attend a minimum 22-25. lic and will cost $400 for the four-day Les Standiford, Director who’s also from Germany, which of 2 events and 2 meetings per The conference will feature session and $100 for a one-day ses- Creative Writing Program gave me a good feeling to know semester. three different workshops each sion if the registration is turned in by that there is somebody from my For more information, e-mail day, one-on-one counseling with Sept. 1. After that the cost will rise by culture. I also got to meet a Finnish bbcisc@fi u.edu. faculty and other afternoon pro- $25. Rooms have been reserved at the grams like varied seminars. The English department will be Marriott for people attending the con- “Our program offers intensive, accepting registrations until Oct. 22 ference who wish to stay on-site. The Not only do we help familiarize international students friendly, hands-on workshops and and there will be a registration desk hotel is offering a special rate of $149 discussions intended to help writ- at the conference, where walk-ins will per night for attendees. with the American culture, but we also give them a chance ers at all stages of development. be welcomed. “We have a full slate of evening to display their own culture and represent their country at “[Participants] can enroll in up So far there are about 30 people parties scheduled,” said Standiford in FIU. to three different four-day class registered and the event’s maxi- a letter. Aurelie Verne, President sessions, and enjoy agent/editor mum capacity, according to Térèse For more information, as well International Students Club roundtables, freelancing seminars, Campbell, English department as a registration form, visit www.fi u. nightly readings and more,” said secretary. edu/crwriting. Kayak Club’s popularity inspires whitewater trip

JULIA CARDENUTO staff. dents and non-students will increase Asst. News Director “The kayaking club came from by $25. The kayaking club came from the kayaking day the kayaking day and this was going The fare includes a round-trip bus The FIU Kayak Club’s month- so well and so successful that we de- ride, a room at the Microtel Inn & and this was going so well and so successfull that we ly kayaking days at BBC have cided to offer something bigger than Suites, rafting and equipment, lunch decided to offer something bigger than kayaking. been so popular with students that kayaking,” said Warren Shaw, as- on the river and a cavern tour. Recreational Services has decided to sistant director of BBC Recreation There are only 50 spots for stu- Warren Shaw, Assistant Director take this idea and offer a bigger an- Services. dents on the trip. BBC Recreation Services nual event. The three-day adventure will cost Participants will leave both cam- Recreational Services will offer a $300 for students and $325 for non- puses Thursday morning and return World Caverns sound like good times Warren Shaw at BBC at 305-348- whitewater rafting and caving trip to students if the registration is turned in Sunday night. to you, sign up,” a fl ier for the event 4595 or shaww@fi u.edu, or Matt West Virgina from Sept. 25-28 that by Sept. 8. “If speeding down the Lower said. O’Connor at UP at 305-348-7530 or is open to FIU students, faculty and After this date the costs for stu- Gauley River and exploring the Lost For more information contact matthew.oconnor@fi u.edu. Contact Us Eric Feldman Opinion Editor opinion@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com August 29, 2008 A BRIGHT IDEA Four-day work week can alleviate fuel, morale woes

KIMBERLY ENGELHARDT pact. The day off contributed to fewer em- Lakeview Hall can cost over $3,000 a se- University is studying the 4-day workweek Contributing Writer ployee sick hours and a reduction in staff mester without a meal plan, depending on concept and estimates “about one-sixth of turnover. the room type chosen. U.S. cities will eventually shutter their of- Over the summer, FIU announced its Meanwhile, in Miami-Dade County, 16 Also, almost everyone who attends FIU fi ces on Fridays.” employees would work 10-hour days schools implemented the 4-day work week depends on some mode of transportation. Monday through Thursday in order to save during the summer as well. Cars are never in short supply, but our money on electricity. According to a July 2 A 4-day school week might be a small, parking spaces are. article in The Miami Herald, FIU expected temporary solution for FIU. However, it’s a With gas prices still high enough to save at least $250,000 with this measure. worthwhile effort. to debate whether stopping by Now we’re stuck once again with the 5-day If classrooms are not in use, lights, com- Starbucks is a good idea, stu- school week. puters and air conditioners should be shut dents have to cut back on spending in order to get to school. Getting an education is an epic journey; some stu- A shorter work week would accommo- dents are blessed with fi nan- cially stable families, while date student demands. With large breaks others are stuck with those terrible loans. in between classes, students are often stuck Most students work to pay off their bills and fi ll up their not being able to work outside campus. gas tanks. However, FIU’s course scheduling does nothing to accommodate student’s lives. With large I can already hear the groans. off. Furthermore, the University should breaks in between classes, some students Keep groaning. According to an Aug. 17 take advantage of the rare cool days we are stuck on campus, unable to work extra article from The Miami Herald, the State have in Miami by leaving windows open; I hours outside school grounds. University System has asked for an addi- bet lights, computer systems and air condi- In fact, my Monday-Wednesday-Friday tional $30 million in funding to cover ris- tioning systems are on during the weekend, schedule demands I stay on campus from FIU ing costs of electricity and running air con- but this can be easily remedied with simple 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Because there was no way was one ditioning in all public university buildings. tasks. I could accommodate for such a schedule, I step ahead With a cash-strapped school year ahead Another local entity that is experiment- said farewell to my internship and now I’m of the game of us, university offi cials should do any- ing with the idea is the city of North Miami, stuck longing for more experience for my several years thing and everything in their power to re- which will start closing down its city hall advertising degree. ago with its 4-day duce costs. on Fridays starting Sept. 2, according to an According to a Time magazine Aug. 25 school week. Since Along with FIU, other businesses, gov- Aug. 22 Miami Herald report. edition, having a 4-day week is nothing it needed more ernment offi ces and schools are turning to The University could save money by new. funding, it had to the 4-day work week in order to allevi- limiting the use of buildings on certain Back in the 1970s, the last big gas switch to a 5-day school week. ate fi nancial stress and concerns of traffi c days, as it did over the summer, rather than crunch, the 4-day school week was em- In times like this, sacrifi ces are neces- congestion. returning to full work week. ployed for school districts. As soon as the sary. The State University System should According to a July 2 Miami Herald arti- A 4-day school week would accommo- crisis was over, the schools returned to reward those schools that are fi nding ways cle, Brevard Community College President date student demands. Let’s face it, not their normal 5-day week schedules. to save them money. James Drake instituted a 4-day summer everybody lives two blocks away from We should do the same. Let’s return to the 4-day school week work week and discovered that the work FIU and not everybody can afford to live Last year, as indicated by The Miami until the economy (and our funding) arrangement had a far more personal im- in FIU’s dorms. For example, living at Herald, Dr. Rex Facer from Brigham Young improves. Mix of education, experience crucial for success

ODETTE BARRIENTOS more diffi cult to obtain work. High school experience, but they won’t feel compelled Jones said. “I think our students at FIU Contributing Writer drop-outs are nearly three times as likely as to hire someone without knowledge and have a competitive advantage when they college graduates to be out of a job, accord- expertise, either. have their degree and have gained good ex- We devote our time and money to our ing to Job Bank USA. “Be not mistaken, at the end of the day, perience through the process. You are more education, spending endless nights study- People without a college degree now employers are looking for people with competitive if you have an internship, or ing for exams. We cram, practice, read and compete against recent immigrants, retir- bachelors and masters degrees,” Jones said. if you can take your volunteer or part-time sometimes write our weekends away. ees in need of extra income, unemployed “The person with the degree is going to be job and connect it to your interview.” Yet, how valuable is all the sacrifi ce at professionals and cheap labor overseas. more competitive.” The next time you read or hear that ex- the end of the day? This makes it diffi cult for many to land To be competitive in the job market, one perience can replace any form of education, Is the shiny degree really worth all the jobs even at the bottom of the pay scale. must not rely on solely experience or a de- don’t buy into it; work experience could trouble in the job market? “I don’t believe experience alone will gree. A combination of both is key in order never completely compensate a degree. According to Monster.com, work experi- replace the degree,” said Lenroy Jones, di- to attain a job. If you want to prove it, take that attitude ence can take the place of a college degree rector of Career Services. “We encourage students to get part-time to your next job interview and see what po- in many cases - yet statistics for 2007’s However, one cannot completely refute jobs, internship opportunities and co-ops,” tential employers have to say about it. Digest of Education show that college en- the value of work experience. rollment hit a projected record level of 18 Work experience is incredibly signifi cant million students in fall 2007. in today’s job market, and a degree alone In addition, college enrollment is ex- cannot help you obtain a job. Experience is pected to continue setting new records into always necessary, as is expertise and room STEP ONTO THE fall 2016. for growth. If work experience really did take the “I think experience always matters,” SOAPBOX place of a college degree, why are more Jones added. and more high school graduates rushing off In today’s job market, competitiveness Offi cer of a student organization? Student government member? to college each year? is key. Franchises compete, retail stores Perhaps it is because job availability for compete, car dealers compete; it’s only University offi cial? Have something to say? someone without a postsecondary educa- logical for the people who wish to work for Contact us at eric.feldman@fi usm.com and we’ll give you 500 words tion is scarce. them to compete as well. Companies and to share your opinion with the FIU community. In a struggling economy, even college brand names seek to hire the best possible graduates have a hard time getting a job employees. and lacking a degree will make it even No one wants to hire someone without Contact Us Chrisopher Towers Life! Editor life@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon - 5 www.fi usm.com August 29, 2008 5

CD REVIEW: L.A.X. West Coast GO NUTS! hip-hop Improv comedy duo garners attention sees a revival CLAUDIA SANTANA made videos for the ever-popular YouTube, style, “It’s not strict theater. If I laugh, ev- Staff Writer and their parodies “Chonga Chat,” which eryone else is going to laugh”. satirizes Miami-based chongas, and “The The out-of-the-box concepts in their act JONATHAN RAMOS In a genre dominated by eccentric char- Law Offi ces of Facmee & Diaz,” an ad for have been compared to Andy Kauffman Asst. Sports Director acters and outdated sound effects, two FIU a law fi rm with an unfortunate name, each and Steve Martin’s standup, and their dy- alumni are re-defi ning Hispanic-American have more than 10,000 views. In the past namic has been compared to Abbott and At a time when west coast hip-hop is a shad- comedy. year, they have headlined comedy shows in Costello’s. Piedra is tall and skinny, while ow of the days when Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Yamil Piedra and Johnny Trabanco Los Angeles and Houston. Trabanco is short and stout.Their edgy skits the controversial N.W.A held the mic in their joined forces in 1998 when they met in FIU They attribute their growing success to are relatable to Miami natives, but their ap- primes, many have come to question whether through the Sig-Ep fraternity. Piedra, a the- patience. After facing rejection and begging peal reaches beyond their hometown. California rap will ever reach that level again. ater major who later went on to appear in reluctant comedy clubs to let them perform “We don’t limit ourselves because we’re Despite two successful albums, The “Boston Legal” and From Justin to Kelly, as a duo, which is fairly uncommon in mod- both Cuban,” said Trabanco. Documentary and Doctors Advocate, The Game had started the comedy group “Impromedy” ern comedy shows, they have developed a “Truth be told, Spanish comedy is prob- still hasn’t recieved the respect he deserves for at the Roxy Theater across the street from huge cult following and were even awarded ably the worst thing I have seen in my entire his contribution to hip-hop in the city of angels. University Park. When Trabanco joined the the title of Best South Florida Performance life,” adds Piedra. Distractions such as his knack for starting rifts group, he realized their chemistry was unde- at the Miami Improv Festival. This year, The Nuts formed a partner- with other rappers and his split from the popular niable. They broke away from Impromedy “Our skits have a beginning, middle and ship with YouTube. They have been work- G-Unit, have held Game back from the enor- and started “A Pair of Nuts.” end, whatever happens in between, hap- ing on projects for the Web site, including mous potential that he has. The sketch comedy duo began by per- pens. It’s loosely improvised. You can see a music video and a reality show. They are With his latest effort, L.A.X, the Game forming small shows in FIU classroom the same skit tomorrow and it will have dif- also working with other comedians to de- screams at hip-hop even harder and shows why Deuxieume Maison 150, at Homecoming ferent dialogue,” said Trabanco, velop a television pilot for MTV. However, he is ready to take the throne as the best MC on events like the lip-synching contest, and of their unique they have not forgotten their roots. the west side of the country and one of the best in the private party rooms in Dave & “It’s amazing me still that i’m going to in the game. Buster’s. They also all of these cities” Trabanco said. The album kicks off to an enormous start “FIU was a huge infl uence on us with the demand for respect on “L.A.X fi les,” both; it’s where we came up with a lot the second track on the album, where he ex- of our characters and skits. It’s where plains what life was like growing up on the it all started for us”, Piedra said, “We streets of violence ridden Compton. became friends here, we met here, we The album continues with another west- started doing comedy here.” coast banger in “State of Emergency,” where To learn more about these “Nuts” Ice Cube drops a perfect hook to complement go to www.nutscomedy.com or www. Game’s hard fl ow. myspace.com/pairofnuts,and watch Cube was just one of many star features on their YouTube videos at www.you- the disc. Raekwon, who rarely steps out of his tube.com/ypiedra. Wu Tang confi nes, collaborates with Game on “Bulletproof Diaries” and actually deliver’s one of the best verses on the album. Lil Wayne contributes a chorus to the second single of the album, “My Life” in which his usually annoying singing voice actually works Schedule well. “Ya heard” displays Ludacris at his best in a nice collaboration between two of the best art- September 20- ists from the South and West, respectively. Grouchus Comedy Club, Merritt Isand, Fl In the middle of the album, Game goes off Visit them online! September 26- on “House of Pain.” Featuring a thumping back- Grouchus Comedy Club, Port St. Lucie W, Fl ing track provided by DJ Toomp, Game goes on September 27- to drop four and a half minutes of fl ames. Yamil Pledra: “Dope Boys,” aided by Travis Barker’s Myspace.com/yamil Grouchus Comedy Club, Stuart, Fl October 16-19- drums, is also a high octane single that will be & Off the Hook Comedy Club, Marco Island, Fl blasting through the windows of old school thisisthewebsiteofjamilpledra. November 28 & 29- Impala’s for awhile. com Laugh in Comedy Cafe, Ft. Myers, Fl Though it is already known that Game can come in and be his usual gangster, gun toting Johnny Trabanco: self on a track, he really shines when he displays Myspace.com/johnnytrabs lyricism he never quite displayed before on the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute, “Letter to the

THE GAME, page 6 South Florida’s anime enthusiasts connect LUIS H. GARCIA Heading into it’s third year, Anime Conventions always have a way of Ragtime Show.” Staff Writer Super Con has been growing to expand it’s bringing in a wide variety of people and, Sunday’s Super Comic Day will feature convention to Atlanta in November. at the same time, allow fans to meet others two special guests – comic artist, Ralph Florida Supercon is back once again to The show will be divided into two in an environment that would allow con- Cabrera, known for his work on big name treat anime and comic book fans to two themes: Anime and comics. Both genres, tact that wouldn’t happen otherwise. works from Marvel like “Spider-Man”, days of games, guests and lots of cos- along with their fans, are often intertwined The first day of the weekend will be “X-Men”, “Captain America” and “The tumed attendees. through various media such as video dedicated to anime fans with cosplay pho- Fantasic Four”, and winner of the San The weekend serves as a primer to the games, movies or the Internet, and con- to shoots, costume contests, video games, Diego Comic Con Inkpot Award, Allen upcoming Anime Super Con later this year ventions are no different. discussion panel and viewing rooms. Bellman. at the end of October. Convention goers come from far and The special guest for Saturday’s Super Bellman’s work during the Golden Age This weekend’s event will be free to wide to see featured artists or to show off Anime Day is voice actress, Brittney of comics in the 40’s include the back- anyone who has registered for the later their own work and find others who share Karbowski, of anime series’ such as convention. the same interests. “Xenosaga: The Animation” and “Coyote SUPERCON, page 6 6 The Beacon – August 31, 2006 LIFE! www.ﬁ usm.com Th e Game’s latest album TRIBUTE TO A LONG-TIME DONOR a must-have for rap fans

THE GME, page 5 Game partners on a song with another legend in Common on a track called “Angels,” and does King.” what he has to for the ladies in “Gentlemen’s Game’s third verse actually steals the spot- Affair” with Ne-yo. light from legend and highlight feature Nas, In an album where Game shows a lot of lyri- who brings heat to the track himself. cal development and balances his list of prime time features well, he still name drops too much “The rope aint tight enough for my taste, whether dissing 50 Cent or just re- he still alive go ﬁ x it ferring to other rappers too much for the ear to pour some gasoline on him stand. Though “Game’s Pain” was a nice tribute call his daughters black b****** track, Game needs to focus on himself before he make him pick cotton, while they momma fully reaches his potential. A very solid album cleaning up the kitchen with few holes, L.A.X might be Game’s best same cotton in white T’s overall body of work to date. that’s the cotton they was picking” Every real hip-hop fan should buy this al- Supercon seeks to extend reach beyond South Florida

SUPERCON, page 5 fans and industry members alike to connect and interact. grounds for “Captain America” and his Kirkpatrick has been a staple guest own works such as “Sub-Mariner” and since the show’s inception. His work in- “The Patriot.” cludes “Living in Infamy” and the adapted VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON Sunday will also feature a costume for cartoon, “Savage Dragon.” contest as well as Comic Book Win, Lose ACCEPTING HONOR: Betty B. Chapman speaks at Phi Mu’s twentieth anniver- “It’s really cool to interact with the or Draw. sary celebration, at which she was honored as a former member and donor of fans,” he says. Other independent artists including the Betty B. Chapman Plaza just outside of GC. With few conventions in South Florida, Greg Kirkpatrick and Manuel Aguliera Supercon serves to further extend the will be in attendance for both days. convention experience and bring fans Conventions have served as a hub for

FFRIDAYRIDAY • AUGUSTAUGUST 2299 SSATURDAYATURDAY • AAUGUSTUGUST 3300 SSUNDAYUNDAY • OCTOBEROCTOBER 1212

WHAT: My Morning Jacket WHERE: The Fillmore WHAT: Kate Voegele WHAT: Toots & The Miami Beach Back2School Tour Maytals WHEN: 7:00 p.m WHERE: Culture Room WHERE: Culture Room HOW MUCH: $30 WHEN: 7:00 p.m WHEN: 7:00 p.m HOW MUCH: $20 HOW MUCH: $23 WHAT: ANWS Art Exhibit WHERE: Wolfe Univerisity WHAT: Indian Student WHAT: Pi Kappa Phi Center Association ISA Show Push America car wash WHEN: 8:00 a.m Auditions WHERE: 107th ave. HOW MUCH: Free WHERE: GC 316 and 8th st. WHEN: 12:00 p.m WHEN: 10:00 a.m WHAT: Miami Belly Dance HOW MUCH: FREE HOW MUCH: varies Convention WHERE: Intercontinental WHAT: Labor Day WHAT: Young Jeezy Hotel Weekend Comedy Explosion WHEN: Club 112 WHEN: 7:00 p.m WHERE: James L. Knight WHEN: 7:00 p.m HOW MUCH: $20 Center HOW MUCH: $25 WHEN: 6:00 p.m WHAT: Federal Jack HOW MUCH: $30 WHAT: Free Sundays Presents Workshop at Vizcaya WHERE: Wolfe University WHAT: Marlins vs New WHERE: Vizcaya Centre York Mets Museum and Gardens WHEN: 7:00 p.m WHERE: Dolphin Stadium WHEN: 10:00 a.m HOW MUCH: FREE WHEN: 3:00 p.m HOW MUCH: FREE HOW MUCH: $20 WHAT: Free Fridays at the WHAT: Art Deco Wolfsonian WHAT: Yoga at Vue Studio tours WHERE: The Wolfsonian- WHERE: Hotel Victor WHERE: Art Deco FIU WHEN: 10:00 a.m welcome center WHEN: 9:00 a.m HOW MUCH: $20 WHEN: 10:00 a.m HOW MUCH: FREE HOW MUCH: $15 www.ﬁ usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – August 29, 2008 7

MEN’S BASKETBALL CLASSIFIEDS

Rouco brings back a familiar face PAID, ON-CAMPUS BUSINESS INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY JONATHAN RAMOS State, I had a chance to mature video coordinator back on his very impressed by it. You can Gain real world, hands-on business experience on your Asst. Sports Director and develop under the mentor- bench. see the infrastructure is there.” campus AND GET PAID! ship of one of the best coaches “Heath comes back to Glick, who said he enjoys Now accepting applications from junior and senior The Golden Panthers ares in the country [Hamilton],” he us after a couple of years at coaching guards and shooters, business students for the bringing back a familiar face said. “Coming here I can use a Florida State University where began his Division I basketball Fall 2008 Semester Street Teams. Compensation is with the hiring of Heath Glick lot of the tools I have learned he enhanced his overall bas- experience at the University $1,000 plus incentives. as an assistant coach, which from him and from my prior ketball knowledge,” Rouco of Miami under head coach Visit www.edventurepartners.com/navy to fi nd out was announced on August experience. told FIUsports.com “We are Perry Clark in 2003 and 2004. more and APPLY TODAY! Don’t wait; this is an excit- 25th. Because of Glick’s desire ecstatic that we were able to He assisted the team in fi lm ing opportunity and great resume builder working with Glick returns after a two to be on the sideline, and be- convince him to come back.” exchange, scout team prepa- a national client! year stint as a video coordina- come a coach, he joined FIU’s Glick is exited about ration, practice planning, and tor at Florida Sate, in which staff. changes since he left FIU as statistical compilation, before HIRING $TUDENT$ Text Message 786.286.6968 he was a member of Leonard “I’ve always wanted to be a well, specifi cally the growth of getting an ascension at FIU. Hamilton’s staff. He served coach,” he said. “I have always the programs facility’s since he He will serve as an assistant NOW HIRING: Student Media is looking for writers, as director of basketball op- wanted to be on the court.” departed in 2004. coach for the fi rst time. copy editors, photographers, programers, graphic de- erations for FIU from 2004- Rouco is pleased with the “Facility wise, there has Huber parts ways after two signers. Get great multi-media experience. For more 06 under head coach Sergio newest addition to his team, been a lot of improvement,” seasons as a member of the information visit one of our offi ces at GC 210 WUC Rouco, who re-hired him after and is glad to have the former Glick said. “Our players are coaching staff. 124 or visit www.fi usm.com/jobs the departure of assistant Ken Huber, who accepted a coaching position at Gardner-Webb. Glick returns after gaining two seasons of valuable experience at FSU. “I had a great job at Florida Contact Us Andrew Julian Sports Director andrew.julian@fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 8 www.fi usm.com August 29, 2008 TOUGH CHALLENGE FIU opens season against Orange Bowl winner

LUCA MESSINA team’s strong season and will, once again be the The receivers are experienced with senior row. Asst. Sports Director focal point of the offense. and, leading pass catcher last season, Dexton All-American cornerback Aqib Talib was Overall, Kansas has seven players returning Fields returning. Former special teams stand- drafted in the fi rst round last spring, leaving Opening Day for the Golden Panthers on offense and nine returning on defense. While out Jonathan Wilson will replace Marcus the Jayhawks without their top player in the presents a daunting challenge in the form of the offense is their strong point, the defense is Henry, who was drafted in the 6th round by the secondary. a Kansas team, ranked 14th in the Associated talented as well and is led by a veteran group of New York Jets, and was last year’s No. 2 re- The team had the worst pass defense in the Press Preseason Top 25 Poll, riding high after a linebackers. ceiver, sophomore Dezmon Briscoe, will move nation two seasons ago but improved drastically to the slot. Briscoe fi nished last season with 43 last season, leading the Big 12 in pass effi cien- special season last year. OFFENSE The Jayhawks fi nished 12-1 overall and 7-1 catches for 496 yards and seven touchdowns. cy defense. Safeties Darrell Stuckey and Justin in the Big 12, and defeated Virginia Tech 24-21 The Jayhawks run a no-huddle spread of- The offensive line last season was mediocre Thornton are two players to watch out for. fense that centers on the quarterback, and his but produced in clutch situations. Two tack- in the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 1. THE BOTTOM LINE The team come out of nowhere to serious- ability to make quick reads and be very accu- les positions are up for grabs as key offensive ly contend for the BCS Championship Game rate. Reesing threw 33 touchdowns and only lineman Anthony Collins and Cesar Rodriguez Kansas head coach Mark Mangino, 2007 before suffering their fi rst loss of the season, seven interceptions last season, and at one have departed. Consensus National Coach of the Year, has a point, attempted 213 consecutive passes with- talented team with a stand-out quarterback in against Missouri by a score of 36-28, in the fi - DEFENSE nal game. out an interception. Offensively, the Jayhawks Todd Reesing. The stinging loss not only dashed their cham- were ranked 8th nationally, averaging 479.8 The linebacker core is the most glaring ad- FIU is a young team that will have to play pionship aspirations but prevented them from yards per game. vantage. Seniors Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera, fl awless football, something they did not do in Playing in the Big 12 championship game. Junior Jake Sharp is the projected starting and James Holt bring veteran experience and last year’s meeting, losing by a score of 55-3 in A team that won a school-record 12 games running back for Kansas. He split the bulk of are the anchors of the defense. Mortensen led Lawerence. last season is now accustomed to winning, the carries with Brandon McAnderson last sea- the team in tackles last season with 106 while This will be a major test for the defense in and is poised to once again compete for a son and fi nished with 147 attemps for 821 yards Holt was second with 99. Rivera also has made dealing with a now established quarterback, championship. and 7 touchdowns. He is also is a serviceable his presence felt as he as has accumulated 186 and the challenge for the FIU offense will come This year’s Kansas team will be led again receiver as he caught 21 passes for 163 yards tackles over the last two seasons. in facing a strong defense that is led by its se- by junior quarterback Todd Reesing who was and 2 touchdowns. Behind him are junior col- The defensive line gets the job done quietly. nior linebackers. one of the big surprises in college football last lege transfer Jocques Crawford and junior The run defense was 8th in the nation last sea- The atmosphere could also be a factor be- fall. Despite being just 5-foot-11 and just over Angus Quigley who had 17 carries for 98 yards son and they did not allow a player to run for cause big time college football is in full swing 200 pounds, he was largely responsible for the and 2 touchdowns. more than 200 yards for the second year in a in Lawrence, KN. QB Competition: McCall leads, Younger on his heels

LUCA MESSINA Asst. Sports Director When we step on the fi eld, its not our An area of the Golden Panthers decision who plays and who doesn’t, we football team that seemed uncer- tain is now crystal clear as junior just give it our all. quarterback Paul McCall has edged Wayne Younger, Quarterback sophomore Wayne Younger for the opening day assignment against Kansas. ter. Whoever goes down, you got to do,” he said. Although McCall is the likely be ready to step in because the team The two quarterbacks are an is- JESSICA MARSHALL/BEACON FILE PHOTO starter, Younger could defi nitely see is counting on you no matter what. sue that FIU can embrace because playing time. Playing time doesn’t really factor both are stronger in certain areas. “You just got to compete against into that; you just have to be men- McCall has been known to be bet- yourself and be the best you can be tally prepared.” ter in the pocket and have a stronger and you can’t worry about the things While Younger will have to arm while Younger is your typical that you can’t control. You just hope adjust to life as a backup, at least scrambling quarterback that isn’t and pray that it’s good enough but for the fi rst game, he agreed with afraid to run the ball. you just have to go out there and McCall’s assertions. Because of this, outsiders went work hard every day,” McCall said “When we step on the fi eld, it’s so far as to suggest using Younger at of the competition that was the most not our decision who plays and who another position, one that involves discussed topic of training camp. doesn’t, we just give it our all in exploiting his speed but Cristobal The junior appeared in only two practice and let the coach make that quickly shot down that idea. games last season but led the Golden decision.” “I know he is a gifted athlete, Panthers to their lone victory in the Even though Younger remains but because he is relatively new at season fi nale against North Texas positive, the view from the sidelines the quarterback position in this of- as Younger started 11 games be- will be different as he mentioned fense, to try and move him around fore breaking his collarbone against that he is used to being a starter now, especially with as many wide FAU. The seldom appearances last rather than a backup. receivers as we have and the ones season did not phase McCall by any “In the past I’ve started but any- that we have coming in, it wouldn’t means. way for me to be on the fi eld I’ll be fair to the team and it wouldn’t FERNANDO GARCIA/BEACON FILE PHOTO “At quarterback you always have take it. If that means starting, I’ll be fair to him.” to be ready to go in whether it’s as start but if we share or if he starts At least until opening day, this is QUARTERBACK QUANDRY: Junior Pall McCall (above) has been taking most of the fi rst team snaps in camp, but sophomore Wayne Younger a starter or a backup, it doesn’t mat- I’ll do whatever coach asks me to Paul McCall’s job to lose. (below) started nine games last year and adds a running dimension.