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12-6-2007 The Beacon, December 6, 2007 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. 20, Issue 35 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 6, 2007

VIRTUAL EQUITY RON PAUL BUZZ BAKE SALE FALL SPORTS REDUX Club learns to invest in online game Congressman a bad choice for GOP Rock showcase excites The best and worst fall moments

AT THE BAY PAGE 4 OPINION PAGE 5 LIFE! PAGE 6 SPORTS PAGE 12 Students join 9-mile march for workers’ pay

PETER M.T. AGBEYEGBE Alvarado said. Staff Writer A statement issued by Burger King Corporation to FIU students joined the The Beacon demanded that Coalition of Immokalee CIW suggest alternatives to Workers, a community- current business practices. based worker organization “The CIW’s ‘penny-per- in Florida, on a nine-mile pound’ slogan is a PR catch march to the Burger King phrase that fails to provide headquarters in Doral, on any solutions for the real Nov. 30. issues facing farm workers.

CARL JUSTE/AP PHOTO “Students don’t support The CIW has done nothing exploitation,” said Marc to explain how ... Burger FALLEN STAR: , Redskins runningback, remembers his former teammate, on Dec. 3. Rodriguez with the Student/ King can overcome the legal Farmworker Alliance during and technical hurdles associ- a protest in front of the ated with the money transfer Burger King in the Graham scheme,” said Denise T. Center on Nov. 28. “We Wilson, senior analyst, com- FINAL REMEMBERANCE don’t want it in our schools. munications for Burger King We don’t want it [on] our Corporation. community. tables.” However, Burger King University opens Pharmed “Four men, all age 24, have Among the CIW’s cannot set wages for tomato lost their lives in the past year,” demands to Burger King: pickers because Burger King said NFL commissioner Roger a penny per pound raise for does not directly employ for Sean Taylor memorial Goodell. workers who pick toma- them, according to Reggie “Honor Sean with how you toes. Brown, executive vice presi- CHRIS MARTINEZ former teammate Lavar Arrington, carry yourself from here on for- The CIW persuaded Yum dent of the Florida Tomato Staff Writer delivering a poignant remembrance ward.” Brands and McDonald’s to Growers Exchange. while displaying the type of emotion Many people were in atten- increase wages of migrant The FTGE – which About three thousand mourners that only results from the loss of a dance at the memorial service. All workers and impose a code employs tomato pickers arrived at the Pharmed Arena on the close friend. mourned the loss of Sean Taylor of conduct on tomato suppli- – represents 90 percent of morning of Dec. 3 to celebrate the Sean Taylor was shot and killed the football star, family member ers in Florida. So far, Burger the state’s growers, and will life and grieve the loss of the former during a botched robbery while pro- and friend: from Goodell to King has not given in to not allow any of its members University of Hurricane, tecting his family and confronting Chicago Bear’s Brian demands of protestors. to collect the extra penny for Washington Redskin and father, burglars. After slipping into a coma Urlacher, to current UM coach “The workers are demand- farm work. Sean Taylor. – upon being shot in the leg – Taylor , to former UM ing that Burger King follow Hannibal Travis, a pro- “You can’t take your family, friends died before dawn on Nov. 27, send- in the steps of Yum Brands fessor of law at FIU, thinks and loved one for granted,” said ing shock waves through the football TAYLOR, page 11 and McDonald’s by paying there’s a way around the a premium for its tomatoes legal hurdles. to directly improve workers’ “An exemption to anti- Venezuelan students cast vote in exile sub-poverty wages and work trust law exists to allow agri- with the CIW to address the cultural cooperatives to set labor abuses endemic to prices during tough times,” JAIME RODRIGUEZ by the thousands casted Florida agriculture,” said a Travis said. “The exemp- Staff Writer votes on Dec. 2 for what Nov. 30 CIW press release. tion would not apply if the turned out to be a rare During the protest in cooperative is attempting to Victoria de Armas and defeat for Chavez and his GC, fl yers for the nine-mile squelch legitimate forms of Marly Garcia, both soph- proposed constitutional march to Burger King’s competition.” omores at FIU, finally changes, which would corporate headquarters were Even though allegations found a parking lot near have made him president handed out. against Burger King are the Venezuelan consulate for life and hastened the “I think it’s time for stu- unresolved, Dean Jarrett, on Brickell Avenue. They transformation of Venezu- dents to have a hand in social a tourist from Atlanta who made sure to bring their ela into a socialist state in justice,” said senior Ashley witnessed the protest, will Venezuelan flags. the Cuban model. Richards, who attended the not be eating at Burger “If [President Hugo According to The Miami march. “It’s going on in King anytime soon. We Chavez’s] referendum Herald, only 88 percent of our state, so we have to do just ate over at Burger King passes, we [will] never go the vote was certified when something about it.” this morning,” Jarrett said. the trend was declared back home,” Garcia said. JOE CAVARETTA/AP PHOTO Robert Alvarado, a 66- “Because of [the protest] irreversible by Elections If he loses, democracy VOTERS: Venezuelans protest after voting in referendum. year-old blind man, came – even though McDonald’s survives another day. Not Council Chief Tibisay from San Antonio, Texas, to is closed and Checkers is much is on the line. Lucena shortly after mid- attend the protest. closed and [Burger King] Garcia and Armas joined night in Venezuela. versities screamed and help but admire the resil- “I’m blind but not crip- is the only thing around a line already stretching However, hours before waved their flags at curi- iency of the Venezuelan pled. All these poor people here – I don’t think I’ll be along Brickell Avenue. the results were released, ous observers and incom- work so hard and they’re going back to eat at Burger students from local uni- There, Venezuelan émigrés ing voters who couldn’t VENEZUELA, page 3 only asking for one penny,” King.” 2 The Beacon – December 6, 2007 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com

NEWSFLASH GIVING SEASON BEGINS

The First Jose Antonio Echeverria scholarship awarded The fi rst Jose Antonio Echeverria Scholarship was given to FIU student, Joaquin A Pedroso, a senior with a double major in philosophy and political science. Family and friends of Echeverria created the Ech- everria scholarship March 2007 to mark the 50th anni- versary of Echeverria’s attempts to overthrow Cuba’s, then, military dictator, Fulgencio Batista on March 12, 1957. The attack was unsuccessful, and Echeverria was killed by police. Students interested in applying for the Echeverria scholarship are required to write an essay on the life and political views of Echeverria and must complete a certifi cate in Cuban and Cuban-American Studies at FIU. The scholarship awards $2,000 each academic year which will go to tuition, books and other school expenses. For more information on the Echeverria scholarship contact the Department of Political Science at 305-348-2226. GAUDRY PUECHAVY/THE BEACON Volunteers needed for Fall 2007 Commencement BETTER TO GIVE: Physics Graduate student, Vashti Sawtelle, donates a toy to the Nicaraguan Student Association The Fall 2007 commencement staff is looking for toy drive in the Graham Center, on December 4th. volunteers to help with operations during the Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 commencement ceremonies at Pharmed Arena at University Park. Interested faculty and staff, who have received Greeks discuss lifestyle stereotypes approval from their supervisors, should contact Com- mencement Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Hammill, at 305-919-5604 or hammills@fi u.edu. Volunteers for the ASHLEY ARTILES House” and “Old School” senior and vice-president ternities from one another commencement will receive one credit hour of profes- Staff Writer and may think otherwise. of Panhellenic Council. are their rituals and beliefs, sional development. “When rush season Greeks who gather which only members of Fall semester marks begins, the infamous in the Graham Center that specific group know. The Frost Art Museum will host 5th annual Breakfast the beginning of formal rumors of Greek life swirl are usually conspicuous The secrecy is meant to in the Park recruitment for sorority around the FIU campus because of the color of form bonds of sisterhood The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum will host and fraternity men and such as: ‘all they do is drink their T-shirts and mascots, or brotherhood. the fi fth annual Breakfast in the Park event with special women. and party’ or ‘you pay for which represent a specific “I rediscovered true guest, Tom Otterness a renowned American sculptor on It also marks the time your friends when you join organization. brotherhood because of Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in front of the MARC when Greek stereotypes a sorority or fraternity,” However, what distin- building at University Park. are at their height. said Laura Dominguez, guishes sororities and fra- GREEK, page 3 Admission to the breakfast is free and open to the “The goal of the Greek public. Breakfast in the Park is offi cially sponsored by lettered organizations is to Art Basel Miami Beach, an art show which will place enhance and compliment Alternate & Affordable at the Miami Beach Convention Center from Dec. 6 your academic experience through Dec. 9. at FIU. Our groups strive International Medical Insurance In addition to the outdoor breakfast, attendees will to increase their academic be given guided tours of the sculptures around UP, performance and partici- for Students & Scholars guided tours of the Frost Art Museum’s exhibition “Pip pate in leadership and Brant: The Flying Carpet & Other Re-usables” and an service opportunities,” Insuring Today’s Need for Tomorrow’s Future Since 1976 informal lecture by Otterness. said J.D. Louk, assistant For more information on Breakfast in the Park, director of Campus Life contact Amy Pollack at 305-348-0401 or pollacka@ for sorority & fraternity fi u.edu. life. But many students who – Compiled by Ben F. Badger Jr. have perceptions formed by movies like “Animal

EDITORIAL BOARD INFORMATION

CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF The Beacon offi ce is located in the CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER Graham Center, room 210, at the University Park campus. Questions MARIA CHERCOLES NEWS DIRECTOR EDDITH SEVILLA BBC MANAGING EDITOR regarding display advertising and GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. LIFE! EDITOR billing should be directed to the NICOLLE GARBER OPINION EDITOR Advertising Manager at 305-348- HIGHLIGHTS: SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR 2709. Mailing address: Graham FERNANDO GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR Center, room 210, Miami, FL • ACCIDENT & SICKNESS BENEFITS 33199. Fax number is 305-348- NICOLE ACOSTA ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR • PHYSICIAN’S VISITS 2712. Biscayne Bay Campus is CHRISTINA VEIGA ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR BEN F. BADGER JR. ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are • INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL COVERAGE JOSE MAYA ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday JOSE MARTINEZ ASST. OPINION EDITOR through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@ • EMERGENCY ROOM BENEFITS JESSICA KERTZNUS ASST. PHOTO EDITOR fi u.edu. Visit us online at www. • MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS CHRIS TOWERS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR beaconnewspaper.com CHRIS CABRAL ASST. LIFE EDITOR • X-RAY/LAB SUSANA RODRIGUEZ BBC LIFE! EDITOR • PRESCRIPTION DRUGS STEPHANIE TOTH NEWS PAGE DESIGNER The Beacon is published on Mon- JESSICA MAYA SPORTS PAGE DESIGNER days and Thursdays during the • MEDICAL EVACUATION/REPATRIATION KEVIN SMITH LIFE! PAGE DESIGNER Fall and Spring semesters and once a week during Summer B. One • TRAVEL ASSISTANCE LEONCIO ALVAREZ COPY CHIEF copy per person. Additional copies ANGELINA ESPOSITO COPY EDITOR are 25 cents. The Beacon is not XAVIER VILLARMARZO COPY EDITOR RON MATHEW COPY EDITOR responsible for the content of ads. Please contact our offi ce to discuss your needs: ASHLYN TOLEDO COPY EDITOR Ad content is the sole responsibil- YUDEX HASBUN COPY EDITOR ity of the company or vendor. The Insurance for Students, Inc. PETER M.T. AGBEYEGBE COPY EDITOR Beacon is an editorially indepen- ifs www.insuranceforstudents.com dent newspaper partially funded TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER by sudent and services fees that ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA are appropriated by Student Gov- ALFRED SOTO ASST. STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR 600 Corporate Drive, Ste. 101 I Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 I 954-771-5883 I 800-356-1235 ernment. www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon – December 6, 2007 3

RELEASE PARTY Students fl ee Chavez, join FIU community

VENEZUELA, page 1 with study and hard work,” said youth. Joanna Casco, while taking a “Students like my nephew break from studying for final [sophomore] Julian Beltran just exams. “As soon as that dis- might be the ones who rescue graced criminal is taken down our democracy,” Freddy Briceno from power, I will go back. I said. will not be losing contact with The democratic defeat is the our roots.” first ever for Chavez after nine Many students however, have years of electoral victories. For now become accustomed to the

Joanna Casco, FIU student “As soon as that disgraced criminal is taken down from power, I will go back. I will not be losing contact with our roots. FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON MAKING MUSIC: Freshman Taylor Leonard of the Fall 2007 MUM 4301 class speaks with Al- exander Torres from MTV.

many at FIU the election results United States and its cultures. reached personal levels which “I’m happy here,” said 21- Fraternities foment leadership skills could impact the University year-old Carla Marconi, a junior community. and member of The Alpha Xi In the last 10 years, Venezu- Delta sorority. “I don’t have any GREEK, page 2 elan students and their families plans to go back regardless of Benjamin Klotz, Pi Kappa Phi fraternity member have emigrated to South Florida whether the referendum passes my fraternity. Everybody can “ to escape Chavez – more than or not.” talk about it, but only a few As long as you find the right niche, your 10,000 Venezuelans in South As students and Venezuelans stick to it and show it. Amongst dedication to Greek Life will be life enrich- Miami alone, according to www. gathered in Doral later in the my fraternity, I have seen the city-data.com. Their children evening to celebrate the results, best example of brotherhood ing for you and the people you will work enrolled in local universities. some think Chavez’s defeat was and everlasting friendship,” said with throughout college. According to International Stu- not a complete loss for him. Benjamin Klotz, a sophomore dent and Scholar Services, there “This defeat has two sides and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity are 265 international students to it for Chavez,” said Santiago member. assist you in getting your next until you are a part of a Greek from Venezuela with an F1 visa Dominguez an FIU alumna, In the 2007 Student Govern- job, internship, or even tutor you organization,” said Brittany for the 2006-2007 academic while taking a break from cheer- ment Association elections, in a class,” Dominguez said. Silva, a member of the soror- year. ing. more than 50 percent of the Greek organizations also ity Phi Sigma Sigma. Many of them say the length “He came out the loser after candidates who ran for a position build ties with the community For many, joining a Greek of their stay always depended a tough campaign but he also gets were Greek affiliated. by working with charitable orga- organization has endless on whether they could oust rid of the accusation that he is a According to www.south- nizations. opportunities to offer to stu- Chavez. dictator. It is an episode that is floridapikes.com, more than Every year, each sorority or dents. “What Chavez has done is far from over for us Venezuelans 48 percent of the United States fraternity adopts one or more Given that FIU is a melting steal what my family has earned in Miami.” presidents have been Greek non-profit foundations and raise pot, there is almost an organi- affiliated. funds for the foundation with the zation to fit every individual. Greek organizations help support of other Greeks. “I would recommend Greek students become leaders through This year, Sigma Sigma Sig- Life to anybody coming into the various positions available ma’s Backward Pageant raised college, especially FIU. As like executive board, chairs, about two thousand dollars. long as you find the right committees, even positions in The proceeds of the male pag- niche, your dedication to other councils, according to eant went to Sigma Sigma Sig- Greek Life will be life enrich- Dominguez. ma’s national philanthropy, The ing for you and the people you “Networking opportunities Robbie Page Memorial. will work with throughout are endless when you go Greek, “Being Greek motivates you college,” Klotz said. such as meeting many amazing to do great things like participate For more information, people from different organiza- in community service and philan- visit the Office of Fraternity tions that become everlasting thropy events. It sounds cliché, and Sorority Life, located in friends who, in the future, can but you don’t know the feeling GC 2240. Join The Beacon We are looking for talented writers and photographers. We are also looking for page design- ers and a media news director. For more information, visit us at The Beacon and Columbia Pictures invite you to an advanced screening of Walk Hard: the our offices located in GC 210 and Dewey Cox story Dec. 6. For tickets, pass by WUC124. GC 210. Contact Us Eddith Sevilla BBC Managing Editor [email protected] AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 6, 2007

Students POOL SHARKS play stocks on the Web

VANESSA A. ALVAREZ Staff Writer

The Equity Management Club at the Biscayne Bay Campus is a hands-on busi- ness club open to all students interested in investments. “[It’s] a very good way for students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it,” said Andrew Gunn, founder and president of EMC and a senior majoring in international business. “We’re really just trying to breed intelligent investors.” The club revolves around Virtual Stock Exchange, an interactive, online stock market simulator. The game is conve- nient for club members who are unable to meet more than the Student Organiza- tion Council’s four meetings per semester requirement. “That’s one of the reasons why I joined JESSICA KERTZNUS/THE BEACON the club,” said Silvia Lorenzo, a member and SOC representative. “It’s all online and SCRATCH-PROOF: Fiorelly Castillo, left, Omar “Slim” Jeffrey, center and Gabriel Coles, right, unwind between classes over a it fi ts with your schedule.” game of pool in the Wolfe University Center’s Panther Square. There is no fee to play and members can create risk-free portfolios. Each member major and I’m kicking [their] butt,” Paul the College of Business Administration’s involves bringing talent in from the south gets $100,000 in virtual money to invest, said. “It’s awesome.” curriculum. campus,” Gunn said. “It’s a friendly com- their outcomes mirroring real world market Paul may be on her way to the $100,000 “The game gives you the hands-on expe- petition. Thirty schools have been contacted values. grand prize that Gunn is offering to which- rience that you don’t get from the books around the country and fi ve have accepted Kenasha Paul, a junior and one of two ever club member earns the most money by when you’re in school,” Lorenzo said. “The the challenge.” non-business major members of the club, the end of the semester. The prize money game compliments the course work.” The University of Southern California is catching on to the game. Fifty days is sponsored by Gunn’s father, a portfolio Currently, Gunn is working on expand- and Lynchburg College in are after investing in Google, she is $38,000 manager for Evergreen International Equity ing the club with a University Park chapter, among those that have accepted. richer. Her portfolio has increased more Funds, and gives members an incentive to hoping to have the campus’ compete with “The point is to get bigger and bigger,” than 36 percent, making her the club’s top play. one another and other colleges. Gunn said. “It doesn’t matter who wins.” competitor. As next year’s vice president, Lorenzo “I think an important part of having For more information on the EMC, con- “It’s a cool feeling because this is their plans to see the game incorporated into the intercollegiate investment competition tact Gunn at [email protected].

Radio station cheers up patients NEWSFLASH

LORGIA GONZALEZ OLLI to present review of Isaacson’s Einstein Contributing Writer Yendi Valdes, Radio Lollipop Coordinator The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the Bis- cayne Bay Campus will be presenting a book review of “This foundation is important because the children have a Einstein by Walter Isaacson as part of its lecture series Bringing smiles, laughter and entertainment to hospi- sense of distraction from [the] different treatments that they Dec. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20 and talized patients may seem are going through. will be held at the Kovens Conference Center. Contact as daunting as dead air, but Clara Barman at 305-919-5910 to register. Radio Lollipop of Miami Children’s Hospital doesn’t tal,” Valdes said. “It came decorate Christmas trees community partnerships to SGC-BBC to hold fi nance meeting Dec. 11 fail to modulate such tasks. on the air the same year, drawn on papers.” garner donations. BBC’s Student Government Council will hold a The in-house radio sta- spending and injecting the Volunteers also work “[They] have fundraising fi nance committee meeting Dec. 12 from 3:30 p.m. to tion allows patients to best sweet sound medicine with patients at their bed- activities at Dadeland Mall 5:30 p.m. in room 141 of the Wolfe University Center, request songs, win on-air to the children.” sides by playing games and where they sold [food and the Campus Life offi ce. Students are encouraged to prizes and hear their own The radio program also reading to them, according shopping discount] tickets attend and voice their opinions on how their money voices on the radio, accord- provides volunteer oppor- to Valdes. for $35, which Radio Lolli- is being spent. ing to Yendi Valdes, coordi- tunities. Volunteers, some “Without volunteers the pop took 90 percent for each nator for Radio Lollipop. of which are FIU students, program would not exist,” ticket sold,” Valdes said. Fitness classes available at BBC’s Fitness Center “This foundation is entertain the patients in their Valdes said. “They work Lazaro Mendez, better BBC’s Fitness Center will hold classes Dec. 6 in important because the rooms, encouraging them together as a team, and known as DJ Laz from radio yoga, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and hip-hop dance, from children have a sense of to get involved in different if one of the volunteers station Power 96, helped 6 to 8 p.m. Classes in kickboxing, from 3 to 4 p.m., distraction from [the] dif- educational projects and is missing, the night will celebrate Radio Lollipop’s and body sculpting, from 4 to 5 p.m., will be held ferent treatments that they activities. not be the same because 11th birthday bash with an Dec. 7. are going through,” Valdes “We celebrated Hallow- it is a program based on a American Idol-style talent said. een the whole week doing commitment the children show. Grades available online, at kiosks Dec. 20 The concept, which different activities,” said depend on.” “It is a very rewarding Grades for the Fall semester will be available began in 1978 at Queen David Berry, marketing The radio show goes feeling working for Radio through Panthersoft online and at campus kiosks Mary’s Hospital for Chil- coordinator for the School live on “Terrifi c Tuesday,” Lollipop at the Miami Chil- Dec. 20. dren in Surrey, England has of Journalism and Mass “Wacky Wednesday” and dren’s Hospital and the since expanded internation- Communication and a vol- “Thrilling Thursday” from patients really appreciate University to close Dec. 24 and 25 ally, according to RadioLol- unteer at Radio Lollipop. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; on you being here. [It] is a FIU will close Dec. 24 and 25 for winter break. lipop.org. “On Thanksgiving the chil- “Super Saturday” from 10 place that makes you feel University operations will resume Dec. 26. “Radio Lollipop was dren made turkeys with their a.m. to 1 p.m. welcome,” Valdes said. founded in August 1996 at hands, [and] for Christmas A nonprofi t organization, For more information, -Compiled by Eddith Sevilla and Miami Children’s Hospi- the children are going to Radio Lollipop organizes visit RadioLollipop.org. Susana Rodriguez, Beacon staff Contact Us Nicole Garber Opinion Editor [email protected] OPINION The Beacon – 5 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 6, 2007

PAINTED PAUL: Sup- FAUX REPUBLICAN porter Avery Knapp poses Presidential candidate boasts vate institutions are so fond besides part of charging. Yet again, Paul of a sign that elitist ideals, political views makes no effort to hide his reads“Google elitist attitudes with regard to Ron Paul.” social issues. Bottom: Van- JOSE MARTINEZ Paul has expressed the so- Paul has made no secret of dals leave ‘Ron Asst. Opinion Editor called necessity of the United his racist sentiments toward Paul’ spray States withdrawing from the minorities, either. In a 1992 painted on the While walking around United Nations, which has political newsletter, Paul sidewalks in University Park throughout been an effective forum for commented on the alleged front of the the course of the semester, I international diplomacy for criminal inclinations of Afri- Lakeview have come to notice a viral nearly 60 years. He advocates can-American males in the North dorms. campaign of propaganda that further privatization of health city of Washington, D.C. (LEFT) TINA FINEBERG/ has been replicating itself like care, which nearly 50 million “Given the ineffi ciencies of AP PHOTOS AND some horrendous plague with Americans lack, due to the what D.C. laughingly calls the (BOTTOM) FERNANDO GARCIA /THE BEACON countless hosts. efforts of the Republican Party criminal justice system, I think Flyers, stickers, signs and and insurance lobbyists, in we can safely assume that 95 other vessels of propaganda pushing for deregulation of the percent of the black males in have been placed in every health insurance sector. that city are semi-criminal or nook and cranny of the Uni- One can only infer that entirely criminal,” said paul in versity, proclaiming a single Paul’s logic is that health a 1992 newsletter. name, as if it were the coming insurance should only be This was not the fi rst, nor of a contemporary prophet. made available to those who the last insult Paul directed I speak of the Ron Paul can afford the ridiculous pre- toward African-Americans in campaign, which has drawn miums and co-payments, the very same newsletter, “If many devout followers who while all others die slowly and you have ever been robbed believe that the Libertarian painfully. by a black teenaged male, doctor turned congressman It strikes me as a cruel and you know how unbelievably from Texas is the right man elitist concept, reminiscent fl eet-footed they can be,” he for presidency. of something conceived by also said. They have taken to aggres- Hitler. Another example of These statements are indic- sively promoting Paul, whose Paul’s malicious beliefs is his ative of an elitist in every extremist beliefs set him apart view on higher education. He sense imaginable. from the rest of the Republi- supports the privatization of It’s ludicrous that in a can primary candidates. the entire higher education public institution, such as In spite of his strong anti- system, and has in the past, FIU, individuals supporting a war stance, which makes staunchly voted against any candidate who advocates the him appealing to the slew measures to allocate funds to privatization of higher educa- of pacifists inhabiting col- public universities, including tion could actually exist. lege campuses throughout the measures to increase fi nan- It seems like the ultimate supports the reversal of Roe beliefs he posits. like supporters are willing to country, Paul also advocates cial aid. form of masochism, or even v. Wade, is another example Think twice the next tell you. the abolition of almost every This leads me to infer that hypocrisy. of the glaring hypocrisies that time you see a poster or are His campaign is a great government social program, yet again, Paul believes that The fact that this indi- underlie Paul’s ideologies. approached by someone misrepresentation of what the including fi nancial aid, Medi- higher education should be vidual, who happens to pander He caters himself to shal- asking you to consider sup- Republican Party stands for. care, Medicaid and social made available to only those to the belief that government low-minded anti-war sym- porting Paul for president. He He is a libertarian extremist security; all programs many individuals who can pay the intervention in all our lives is pathizers who are willing to represents something much masquerading as a Repub- Americans depend on. extravagant tuitions that pri- inexcusable and indomitable overlook all the other extreme more sinister than his drone- lican. Health bill may dissolve private insurance providers

JOSEPH MARHEE thirds majority vote, the United insurance. Staff Writer States National Health Insurance By the time we, as students, are Act would cover primary care, senior citizens, health care may They would receive all medically Currently passing through Con- dental, mental health, prescription be outrageously expensive and necessary services by the physicians of gress is a bill entitled, H. R. 676. drugs and long term care. virtually unaffordable if this bill The bill is a huge step forward This is a much needed step does not pass. their choice, with no restrictions on what toward improving health care in in the direction of socialized Students all over America are the United States and was drafted medicine. concerned that in the not-too-dis- providers they could visit. in the wake of widespread calls for Apparently, the bill is met with tant future, they won’t be able to improvement. so much opposition because of its afford insurance, despite higher when someone gets cancer or medicine. The government should be pro- potential blow to the American education putting them at an they can’t get treatment because The bill does not entail either viding such health care measures economy, a claim being thrown employment advantage. they’re only in stage or two [of of these claims. when, in reality, only ‘radical’ around in recent Republican Party “The health care system is a cancer] is what is wrong with In actuality, it will require more members of Congress have been debates. business and will continue to run America’s health care,” said Holly doctors and medical professionals calling for such developments. The cause for concern is almost that way,” said Daria Lai, an FIU Stein, an FIU student majoring in and the taxes will only be paid H.R. 676, in short, states that entirely because health insurance student majoring in nursing. health science. by a smaller national health care Medicare would be extended and has grown so out of control that Lai means that the employment H.R. 676 needs to pass for these premium than what many Ameri- improved so that all individu- the government is dependent on of health care workers will suffer people to be able to get coverage cans pay to their current insurance als residing in the United States the 1,500 plus private insurance as well, as a result. before they’re given a death-sen- companies. receive high quality and afford- companies across America. However, the bill creates more tence by our current system. If this bill passes, the students able health care services. These issues are only exacer- jobs through the expected increase Common opposition to this bill of today – possibly future patients The largest support for this bill bated by the explosive infl ation in preventative medical treatments includes such erroneous claims themselves – can fully expect full was fi lmmaker, Michael Moore, in currently plaguing America. covered by the bill. as additional taxes and that it will coverage for whatever ails them his documentary, Sicko. But why does any of this matter If the bill doesn’t pass in 2008, raise unemployment in medical and for a reasonable cost without “They would receive all medi- to future generations? then all of our medical advances fi elds, according to Dr. Edward the worry of their insurance premi- cally necessary services by the Annually, 18,000 people die may be in vain because it could be Annis, president of the American ums going out of control because physicians of their choice, with because they do not have health virtually unaffordable. Medical Association. of an accident. no restrictions on what providers insurance. A cure for cancer may be found Annis has also been outspoken While the bill seems idealis- they could visit,” Moore said on Once the baby boomers of the unavailable to many who can not about his opposition to any form tic and slightly unfeasible, any his Web site, www.michaelmoore. ‘40s and ‘50s grow older, this afford the treatment. of socialization of medicine, improvement from our system com. will dramatically increase selec- “In a world where insurance which the bill is said to be the now is certainly a step up. If passed by the mandatory two- tiveness and premiums in health companies can cut-off coverage first step to universal or socialized Contact Us Geoffrey Anderson Jr Life! Editor [email protected] LIFE! The Beacon – 6 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 6, 2007 Fulfi lling a lifelong dream

When I was seven years old, I was in the hospital for more than three weeks. A case of food poisoning almost killed me. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper and, as I laid in the hospital bed fl ipping though the few viable stations on my TV, I came across a team of multiethnic super heroes called the Power Rangers. It was the weirdest show I had ever seen and I could not get enough of it. I saw the fi rst three episodes of the series while I was in the hospital and the actors became my heroes. On Dec. 1, I had the opportunity to meet two of my childhood heroes, Steve Cardenas and Karen Ashley. The two were guests at a convention in Ft. Lauderdale and I had purchased a ticket to have dinner with them. Service was horrible and the hour and a half dinner turned into a three-hour affair. But I wasn’t complaining about the extra time, just the service. I went to dinner ready to ask all those nerdy Power Ranger questions I had dreamt up, but never asked. Another fan was COHEED CONCERT: Rock band doing that across the table from Coheed and Cambria performed me and the look on Cardenas’ face at the annual Buzz Bake Sale, a said, “I don’t mind that this guy is rock festival in West Palm Beach on asking me these questions, but I Dec.1that featured other bands such really wish he would stop.” as Papa Roach and The Used. So the first chance I got, I changed the subject. It was a lot of fun after that. Everyone at the table talked about their favorite ALL PHOTOS BY FERNANDO GARCIA kinds of movies and the food they liked to eat. It was a memorable night that kept getting better. For the rest of the convention, whenever I saw either of the actors, they made a point to stop and say hello and shake my hand. It really made me feel special that they were taking Coheed that little bit of time to say hello, they were under no obligation to do so. I was even able to have a short breakfast with them the morning following our dinner. It was and weird how it happened. I was just walking into the hotel restaurant when Ashley saw me and asked if I was going to join them. She was such a sweetheart. Overall, I think the Power Rangers Cambria were only brought up once or twice during my conversations Buzz Bake Sale’s stars rock the stage with the two. They were really interesting people. Cardenas seemed like any other guy you would hang out with and Ashley

Column, page 9 www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – December 6, 2007 7 PROFESSOR MAKES THE GRADE Student based Web site takes notice

KASSANDRA POOL moved to Miami where she applied the opportunity to address how Staff Writer to both Miami Dade College and his or her teaching ability has been Florida International University. characterized by students. “No,” responded Professor She was accepted to both They will also have the chance Kimberly Miles emphatically schools and until August 2006 to counter any criticisms by to those who asked whether or she was teaching at both at the presenting their side of the story. not she was going to follow in same time. When asked if she would ever her grandmother’s footsteps and Due to budget cuts, Miles is no consider responding to her students become an English teacher. longer a full time employee at FIU comments on the website, Miles Nearly 15 years have past since and is now an adjunct. responded with a “no,” stating that since that incident and Miles began As stated in the the website is really for students her teaching career shortly after. RateMyProfessors.com top 50 but that she was curious to know She is now ranked 30th on the lists ranking methodology, the if teacher’s responses would be Web site RateMyProfessors.com, Web site uses a fi ve point scale as defensive and that it might be where FIU’s faculty in general is well as a binary scoring system entertaining to read once in a ranked number 13 in the nation. for student generated professor while. According to the site, the rankings ratings. Professors are ranked When it comes to teaching, are entirely determined by the by having each individual rating Miles dislikes a professor-centered COURTESY PHOTO student’s ratings. standardized around their mean environment. TOP TEACHER: Adjun ct English professor Kimberly Miles is ranked In 1992, on the path of becoming score. Using this system from the “Instead, I try to create #30 among FIU faculty on RateMyProfessor.com. a technical writer, Miles was years 2005 to 2007 the scores were a student-centered or learner- approached by the director of computed. Only professors with 30 centered classroom,” she stated. class. specifically focused on candid composition and was asked to ratings or more were included to “This forces the students to be “She is always prepared for genetics and domestication. become a teaching assistant. provide statistical signifi cance. All active participants in their learning class and she will do research for In the future she hopes to After some convincing and professors were verifi ed as actively – and it creates a lively classroom, us that she believes is helpful to accomplish her personal goal of consideration she accepted the teaching in the current semester by which is much more fun than a our assignment,” she stated. “She becoming a successful fiction job at Mississippi State University each school at the time the lists lecture-based classroom.” is constantly trying to assist us writer in the fantasy genre. where she was pursuing her were compiled. In an attempt To facilitate the learning with any information as possible to The most gratifying thing about Master’s degree in English. to break ties, professors with a material for her students, Miles help any struggling students.” teaching, for Miles, is when her At MSU, Miles began teaching greater number of ratings were likes to joke with them, use Besides teaching enc. courses students finally understand the composition for two semesters ranked higher. If ties occurred, the analogies and examples to break such as freshman composition, lesson for the day. until she was transferred to the next available rank was given. down the lesson, making it easier literary analysis, and report and “I love seeing what I call the technical writing program where RateMyProfessors.com has for students to understand. technical writing, Miles fi nds the ‘light bulb’ moment when they she taught Writing for Engineers at also launched a new “Professor Literary analysis student, Lisa time to continue doing technical ‘get it’,” she stated. “When they the Engineering Research Center. Rebuttal” feature that enables Santos, feels Miles has done an writing on the side and enjoys understand a particular concept In 1994, Miles and her husband every professor rated on the site amazing job teaching her English reading empirical research studies they keep me young mentally.” 8 The Beacon – December 6, 2007 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com

December’s Gaming Releases Green fairy goes stateside

Name: Universe at War Absinthe now available in U.S. Release Date: December 10, 2007 Price: $49.99 JULIANA BARBASSA glass of absinthe in the traditional of 19th-century absinthe, he AP Writer way: placing a fl at, slotted spoon said. across a tulip-shaped glass, “The real high is the Green fairy, opalescent muse, balancing a sugar cube on top, associations,” he said. “Absinthe bottled madness, the essence of then opening a thin-spouted is pre-1915 Paris, when time Name: Showtime Championship Boxing life: absinthe has answered to spigot on a tabletop fountain unfolded differently.” Release Date: December 11, 2007 many names over the centuries, and allowing the trickle of water That’s precisely what is Price: $29.99 feeding inspiration and insanity to melt the sugar into the clear drawing new consumers to the in equal measures to artists from absinthe below. old spirit, said Lyons Brown, Baudelaire to Degas before On other tables, patrons tried importer of the Kubler brand. facing a ban that lasted nearly it for themselves, enjoying the Both brands retail for $50 to $60 a century. ritual involved in preparing the for a 750-milliliter bottle. Now the emerald witch is drink using the old-fashioned “There’s been this legend, this Name: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams stepping out of the shadows. glass fountains supported by lure to absinthe that never went Release Date: December 18, 2007 Since the federal government elegant metal pedestals. away” in spite of its ban in 1912 Price: $49.99 approved the sale of absinthe in When water was added, the in the United States, said Brown. March, two brands of the high- mixture turned a milky, alabaster “American consumers aren’t proof liquor, Lucid and Kubler, hue‚ a process known as the being introduced to absinthe‚ have been introduced to the U.S. louche, a French word meaning they’ve been waiting for it. The market. “shady,” which could be applied demand is already there.” Both made Using an 1863 recipe according to passed down through four original recipes, Oscar Wilde, Absinthe consumer generations of the Kubler they are fueling a family, distiller Peter revival among the “After the second, you see things as Karl macerates the herbs, THURSDAY • DECEMBER 6 inquisitive and they are not. Finally you see things as steeping them for a day WHAT: Anos Felices quenching the in wheat- and rye-based WHERE: Hard Rock Live thirst of cultish they really are, and that is the most alcohol warmed just above 5747 Seminole Way devotees. horrible thing in the world body temperature. Hollywood, w 33314 Drawn out by Then he distills WHEN: 8 p.m. the dissolution the mixture PRICE: $45 - $75 of national barriers in the to the drink’s opaque appearance slowly, ridding it of the European Union, absinthe also or to the allegedly dubious virtues chlorophyl present in WHAT: Tony Bennett is newly legal in its birthplace, of those who consumed it. French absinthe and WHERE: Bwrd Ctr for the Switzerland, and in France, Bohemian artists in Paris at which lends it stronger Perf Arts Amaturo whose fi n-de-siecle painters and the end of the 19th century lived fl avors and a green tint. 201 SW 5th Ave. writers enshrined its allure in a life beyond morality, spent in Indeed, shimmering Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33312 masterpieces that survived the search of sensual experience, in the dim recesses WHEN: 8 p.m. drink’s prohibition on the eve of even at the expense of madness. of a bar, its warmth PRICE: $50 - $125 the fi rst World War, and ensured Their drink of choice, absinthe, making conversation its reputation. came to embody those qualities flow above the din of “I’d read about it in Henry in the public’s imagination. music, Karl’s mixture FRIDAY • DECEMBER 7 Miller and Anais Nin, and I was The underground, even does seem to work the WHAT: Christmas Concert curious,” Stephanie Palmer, who dangerous image of absinthe was San Francisco crowd WHERE: War Memorial Auditorium works in software sales, said displayed in Edouard Manet’s into an exalted state‚ 800 NE 8th St. while sipping Kubler absinthe life-sized portrait of a Parisian “a different buzz,” Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33304 on the night of its sponsored street bum dubbed “The Absinthe cording to patron WHEN: 7:30 p.m. debut in a San Francisco bar. “It Drinker,” in the prostitute Nana, Tracey Grant, a PRICE: $25 - $50 has this mystique‚ all the stories from Emile Zola’s novel by the San Francisco about wormwood.” same name, who drank absinthe graphic Wormwood, an herb that to forget “the beastliness of men,” designer. SATURDAY • DECEMBER 8 grows wild on the slopes of Val- in the portraits of dissolution and Even a de-Travers, in the Swiss Alps, folly left by French 19th century century later WHAT: Alejandro Sanz is absinthe’s key ingredient, poets Paul Marie Verlaine, and a continent WHERE: American Airlines Arena and counterbalances the mouth- Arthur Rimbaud and Charles away, the 601 Biscayne Blvd numbing sweetness of the Baudelaire. poets’ muse Miami, Fl 33132 dominant fl avor, anise. The reputation wasn’t entirely lives up to her WHEN: 8 p.m. A relative of tarragon and undeserved, Conrad says in his reputation, PRICE: $57 - $97 mugwort, it imbues the drink with book, reporting the fi ndings of a leading bitter undertones and, reputedly, 19th century doctor who studied drinkers into WHAT: Keith Urban the drinker with a clarity of absinthe drinkers at a French a seductive WHERE: BankAtlantic Arena vision that made it both beloved psychiatric hospital. realm, though 2555 Panther Pkwy and banned. Describing its effects on a perhaps Sunrise, Fl 33323 “After the first glass you hardworking sculptor who was falling WHEN: 8 p.m. see things as you wish they prompted to leave work and short of the PRICE: $17.25 - $56.75 were,” Oscar Wilde once said of family and consume a dozen transcendence absinthe. “After the second, you glasses of the stuff at a go, the alluded to SUNDAY • DECEMBER 9 see things as they are not. Finally doctor wrote in his 1859 thesis, by the 19th- you see things as they really are, “He drank ... without the ability century WHAT: Between the Trees and that is the most horrible thing to get drunk: he was like a French WHERE: Studio A in the world.” beast.” poet Raoul 60 NE 11th St. A chemical present in And an excess of wormwood Ponchon Miami, Fl 33132 wormwood, thujone, has long can indeed be deadly, Conrad in his poem WHEN: 6:30 p.m. been credited with keeping said. “L’Absinthe:” PRICE: $9 the drinker lucid even as he But the chemical reputed to “...in your succumbs to the pleasant lull carry the hallucinogenic qualities opalescence WHAT: Chemlab of alcohol. Recent studies have is present in such low quantities in I see the WHERE: Culture Room shown that wormwood excites both current versions‚ as required full heavens 3045 N. Federal Hwy the nervous system, said Barnaby under the federal approval‚ and of yore, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33306 Conrad III, author of “Absinthe: the alcohol content so high at As through WHEN: 7:30 p.m. History in a Bottle.” more than 100 proof, that the an open door. PRICE: $13 “It’s a little like stepping on consumer would die of alcohol What matter, O refuge of the gas and the brakes at the same poisoning long before being the damned! - Compiled by Kassandra Pool time,” Conrad said. seriously affected by thujone, That you a vain paradise be, As he spoke, he prepared a Conrad said. That also was true If you appease my need...” www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – December 6, 2007 9 REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE)

coming, fallin’.” so those two tracks are bonus MUSIC Jay-Z: American Gangster There is also the catchy additions. They are great 80’s rap flavored ode to additions to an intellectual Film inspires concept album drug dealing, “Blue Magic, and grown up rap album. “featuring Pharrell. Even if Jay is getting Unfortunately “Blue old in rap years, he’s sure DOUGLAS FORTE includes frantic strings, more refl ective of today’s provides a smooth Isley Magic” is not quite formatted far from being washed Contributing Writer complete with Beyonce’s southern rap music. Brother’s sample for to the album’s theme, along up. American Gangster is smooth voice layered on top “No Hook,” evokes a dark “Ignorant S*”, while DJ with the ironically titled right below his other two Jay returns to his roots on to create a serious tone. mood, where he justifi es the Toomp adds some southern Just Blaze produced gem, classics, “The Blueprint” his 10th solo LP, American On “American Dreamin,” dirty actions of his past, thump for the latter “American Gangster”, and and “Reasonable Doubt.” Gangster, a concept album Jay spends some time and announces his state of mentioned track. inspired by the recently rapping on his wants and desperation with sincere “Success” featuring Nas, released film of the same intentions along a breezy lines such as, “poor me, dad isn’t a bad rap track by name, starring Denzel soulful backdrop courtesy was gone/fi nally got my dad today’s standards, but a A night out with Washington and Russell of Diddy and his production back/liver bad, he wouldn’t pairing of arguably the two Crowe. team, The Hitmen, who live long/it snatched my dad greatest rappers of today He takes familiar produced a majority of the back/guidance I never had should have produced a the Power Rangers emotions from the fi lm and album. that/streets was my second much better creation. elaborates on them in an Jay spoke about how home.” Nas’ verse leaves much to COLUMN, page 6 album that sonically refl ects he ended up working with The album then takes on be desired, and constant often do people get to the 70s, with lyrical content Diddy in several interviews, a lighter tone as the funky repetitive shouts over a was so unbelievably meet their childhood describing his life before stating that Diddy had some celebratory “Roc Boys,” stuttering dry drum track nice. heroes in such an intimate rap stardom. By drawing instrumentals that he felt and the sweet pop-sounding leaves the song feeling, I doubt the two will fashion? The encounter parallels between himself would mesh perfectly with love anthem, “I Know” well, dry. remember me for very has not changed my and the title character of the the concept album. follows after. The latter Jermaine Dupri handles long, but I think I made life or anything like American Gangster fi lm, he With Diddy and co. features Pharrell doing what the production duty on the an impression. I was that, but it has really sends listeners back to the producing the bulk of the he does best on the chorus fi nal song, which is a fi tting pretty much one of the made me appreciate the era of his classic fi rst album, material, the album is and production. and satisfying closer to a only fans not drooling show about teenagers in Reasonable Doubt. cohesive and stays true to Like any successful well-rounded and interesting over their Ranger days. spandex a lot more. The rapper starts with the concept and theme. gangster, whose career album. The track features I’m not saying those It may be a dumb the menacing sounds of the On the left-field inherently attracts Soul artist, Bilial, who lends who were drooling were kid’s show, but it’s a descriptive intro, emphasizes minimalist track, “Hello controversy and notoriety, an insightful chorus, while doing anything wrong, dumb kids show that I exactly what a gangster is, at Brooklyn 2.0,” featuring Jay focuses on the gangster Jay details the dramatic fall but because I wasn’t I grew up with and would least in his opinion. a wailing Lil’ Wayne on image on both “Ignorant of a drug dealer, with the stood out a bit. Or at least not change for anything Then he begs everyone the chorus, Jay opens up S*,” featuring a quick verse verses: “life is like a deck I hope I did. in the world. Well, to “Pray” for him on the to his true love and home from fellow Rocafella artist, of cards/now ya tumbling, One thing is for except maybe a dinner second track, as he dives town, Brooklyn, New York. Beanie Siegel, and “Say it’s humbling/ya’ fallin’, ya certain; I will defi nitely with Lucy Lawless, but into a life of crime to secure It is a turn in a different Hello”. mumbling/under ya breath remember them. How that’s a different story. his future. The instrumental direction and is sonically Producer Just Blaze like you knew/this day was

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For more information contact: 1-877-455-5757 www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – December 6, 2007 10

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Best, worst of fall sports highlighted

BONILLA, page 12 had a short roster throughout the season. The team’s roster would lose allowing two goals in the fi nal 10 one more player on Sept. 23 when minutes to lose 3-2 against No. 9 senior midfi elder Francesca Chong ranked Tulsa, the two upset wins are tore three ligaments in her knee as the best moment of 2007. her parents watched in the stands. The two games were not only Chong screamed on the floor the two lone upsets of the year by and could not walk under her own any team, but they came from an power. Chong’s season ending knee unheralded team and even less rec- injury is the second worst moment ognized . of 2007. If the best moments of 2007 1. The last game was inspiring, didn’t make fans cry, the worst but the fi rst game was just embar- moments surely will. rassing. Yes. The Golden Panthers’ THE WORST 59-0 loss at Penn State is the worst moment of 2007. 3. It’s an obvious move, but a Besides playing horribly in front necessary one. The football team of more than 100,000 people at the starts off the worst list with their 27- stadium, Gracie’s Grill held a watch 24 loss against Arkansas State with party in which Golden Panther fans two seconds left in regulation. assembled to watch the Nitanny This loss gave fans reason to Lions tear apart their team. believe the Golden Panthers would The game is a blur of miscues go winless in 2007. and destruction. The back and forth game reached Fans at Gracie’s Grill should’ve a stalemate at 24 with 1:31 left in suspected the game would not go the game. ASU rallied down the their way when it took the Golden fi eld to cash in a fi eld goal to extend Panthers nearly the whole fi rst quar- the losing streak then to 21 games. NICK WASS/AP PHOTO ter to obtain one fi rst down. The team’s best shot at victory all That first humiliation would season had been smashed by the SACKED: Former Golden Panther and current Baltimore Ravens linebacker Antwan Barnes sacks New foreshadow the football team’s next late fi eld goal. England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on Dec. 3. Barnes’ is still tied for the 10 games, but it could not predict Golden Panthers’ single game sack record. Barnes was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL 2. Injuries are an inevitable risk the inconsistencies and poignant draft by the Ravens. when playing sports on any level. moments of the remainder of the The women’s soccer team already 2007 season. MEN’S BASKETBALL FGCU 73, FIU 70 Abysmal free throw shooting downs team again

CHRIS TOWERS Nsangou, who came off the bench lead changes, but the fi nal one would cement the victory. Kenneth White, who had 10 points. Asst. Sports Editor and provided 17 points. take place with 48 seconds remain- FIU shot just 58.5 percent from All in all, 10 Golden Panthers Despite the efficient offense, ing in the game when FGCU’s Adam the free throw line, a pattern that has scored during the course of the game, Following the pattern of its FIU’s inability to hold onto the ball Liddell hit a lay-up to put the Eagles become all to familiar for Rouco, but aside from Nsangou, none of the season, FIU was unable to overcome ultimately lead to its downfall, as the up for good at 69-68. who has seen his team shoot just 63 players seemed to want to take the tentative play and terrible free-throw Eagles scored 27 points off of FIU’s Following the score, FIU senior percent from the line on the season. initiative to take over the game. shooting and dropped to 2-3 on the “We had Alex Galindo had a subpar offen- season following a 73-70 upset at 17 assists and sive outing, scoring just eight points the hands of the Florida Gulf Coast Sergio Rouco, head coach shot 54 percent on 3-of-8 shooting and 1-of-5 from University Eagles (3-5) on Dec. 2 at “At home, you’ve got to be able to put people away and we from the field; 3-point range. Pharmed Arena. that should be The game was the fi fth of a seven- FIU’s woes continued in the paint didn’t. With 23 turnovers you can’t win. This is no time to feel enough to win” game home stand that opens the as FGCU forwards Landon Adler sorry for yourself. he said. “But season for the Golden Panthers. and Casey Wohlleb combined for 44 when you shoot Following a game on Dec. 5 the points and 16 rebounds to lead the only 10-of-17 University of Buffalo, the University way for the Eagles, who are in their 23 turnovers. guard Chris Fuller attempted a 3- from the line, there’s no place to of Miami travels to University Park fi rst season of Division I play. “At home, you’ve got to be able pointer to retake the lead. He had hide.” for a Dec. 8 meeting. The Golden Panthers’ offense to put people away and we didn’t. hit one prior to Liddell’s score to Despite the efficient offensive “We’ve got to strap it up,” Rouco reached above 50 percent shooting With 23 turnovers you can’t win,” put the Golden Panthers up, but this day for the squad, only one other said. “This is no time to feel sorry for from the fi eld for the fi rst time this said coach Sergio Rouco. time his attempt bounced off the rim Golden Panther aside from Nsangou yourself. It’s time to move forward season, led by sophomore Erick In the second half, there were 13 and FGCU grabbed the rebound to had double fi gures in scoring, junior and it’s time to go. CLASSIFIEDS

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GIVING BACK

LYNN SLADKY/AP PHOTO

FIU MEDIA RELATIONS/COURTESY PHOTO MOURNING FAN: Washington Redskins’ fan Zena Williams, dressed in full Redskins’ colors, stands outside of the funeral service for Sean Taylor, at Pharmed Arena on Dec. 3. VISITING: Women’s soccer players Nitza Maldonado (left), Jessica Vaccarro (middle) Fans, players and students came to commemorate him. and Kisten Hurst (right) visit children at Baptist Children’s Hospital, along with other student-athletes from the women’s basketball and swimming diving team. Slain NFL player’s funeral draws players and fans alike

Children’s Creative Learning Center at FIU TAYLOR, page 1 The opening portion of the service was allocated towards remembering Taylor as a coach , to Redskins coach Joe football player and teammate, but it wasn’t Gibbs, to Reverend Jesse Jackson, to fans and until Taylor’s agent, , took students. Many took time off of their busy the stage that the startling realization hit many schedules to pay last respects. – more than just a football player was lost. Jackson, delivered a speech with Sean “I want to thank Sean for being a hero, Taylor’s father, Pedro Taylor. Florida City and giving your life to protect your Jackie and Police Chief Pedro Taylor took the opportunity Jackie,” said Rosenhaus, referencing Taylor’s We offer an opportunity for optimal to show why his son’s death needd to be a real- fi ancée and child, who were in the home on the growth and development for each child. ization of the violence engulfi ng the world. night of the shooting. “We’ve accepted violence as the norm [and] Jackie’s sister, Carolina Garcia, elaborated it must be rejected,” Jackson said. on that note. She told a story about how Sean Clinton Portis, a teammate of Taylor’s both fi rst met Jackie; Taylor went home and told at UM and in Washington, refl ected eloquently his parents that he had to learn Spanish so that on a side of Taylor the public didn’t always see. he could ‘woo’ Jackie. Caroline concluded her Speaking without any cue cards or prewrit- tearful eulogy by thanking Sean for “showing

Jesse Jackson, Reverend “If we turn tragedy into triumph then brother Taylor’s death will not be in vain.

ten speech, Portis was met with resounding me the meaning of unconditional love.” applause upon saying that Sean played with The four suspects in Taylor’s murder were more heart and passion than anyone he had held in Ft. Myers due to the family’s wishes Florida Gold Seal of seen take the fi eld. not to move them to Miami until after the The service began with a slide show dis- funeral. Excellence School playing Taylor’s career from a young teenager Taylor won a national championship with playing at Gulliver Prep, to succeeding and the Hurricanes in 2001 and joined the Wash- excelling at the highest point of competition, ington Redskins as the fourth overall pick in the NFL.While the slide show played, mourn- the 2004 NFL draft. Taylor reached the 2007 Ages 2 1/2 to 5 Years ers and fans could be seen fi xated on Sean’s and was acknowledged as having as highlights, a reminder of how magnifi cent a much talent as any other safety to ever play the Early Education Program Monday- Friday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm talent was lost. position by many sports followers. Pastor Alphonso Jackson III began the The Redskins honored Taylor in their game Express Educare/Flextime Program Monday- Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm service with a simple reminder. against the on Dec. 2 by putting “The earth has no sorrow that heaven ten players on the fi eld for the opening defen- cannot heal,” Jackson III said. sive play of the game – symbolizing the loss University Park Campus•11200 SW 8th Street•Miami A recurring, acknowledged theme was the of a teammate. passion and dedication Taylor had for his craft, “If we turn tragedy into triumph,” Jesse www.fi u.edu/~children (305) 348-2143 as tales were told of his isolated workout ses- Jackson said, “then brother Taylor’s death will sions and intense training. not be in vain.”

A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Thank you for reading Every Monday and Thursday To read about the UM-FIU women’s basketball game from Dec. 04 go to Beaconnewspaper.com Contact Us Sergio Bonilla Sports Editor [email protected] SPORTS The Beacon – 12 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 6, 2007 FALL VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL

THE GOOD: the team ended it’s THE GOOD: Yarimar Rosa was 23 game losing streak with a 38-19 win selected as three-time Sun Belt Player over North texas... of the week. THE BAD: ... but lost every other THE BAD: The team was knocked game they played, and usually by a out of the conference tournament in the wide margin. semifi nals. THE UGLY: They gave up 42 THE UGLY: The team was swept by

points in the fi rst half of a loss to Middle SPORTS rivals Middle Tennessee, winning just 2 Tennessee, a team that went on to a 5-7 out of 11 matches. record. MEN’S & WOMEN’S SOCCER THE GOOD: they made it to the Freshman Claudia C-USA fi nals before losing to No. 9 THE GOOD: Cardenas led the team with 12 points. ranked Tulsa. THE BAD: The team fi nished its THE BAD: They won just 7th consecutive losing season, going 3 games during the regular 3-11-3. season. THE UGLY: In their win against THE UGLY: On the verge Stetson, senior Francesca Chong tore of a conference title, they three knee ligaments and went down allowed 2 goals in the fi nal ten for the season. minutes to lose.

Th e good, bad and ugly of fall sports

my opinion. with a 3-4 record while entering 2. Sophomore quarterback the Conference USA Tourna- THE BEST Paul McCall had never started a ment thanks to a couple of wins 3. Entering the 2007 season, collegiate game, but the Orange against conference opponents. the volleyball team expecta- Bowl’s farewell was extra sweet After gaining a tournament tions were as high as any other for Golden Panther fans as the bid with a 3-12-2 regular season programs, albeit more realistic 23-game losing streak was record, the upsets ensued. Football coach Mario Cris- than the football and soccer snapped Dec. 1, in the final No. 5 ranked Southern Meth- REVIEW tobal was doused by the tradi- programs. Coming off the pro- game of the season. odist University defeated the tional Gatorade bath, poured on gram’s best record of 24-8 and The football team winning its Golden Panthers 2-0 in the a coach when his team wins the a loss in the Sun Belt Confer- fi rst game since current juniors regular season. The Golden Super Bowl, but FIU won just ence Championship game last were freshmen is moment No. Panthers’ lackluster offense one game. year, the volleyball team had 2. that only scored 12 goals in Men’s soccer regular season aspirations of returning to the For the first time in two 17 games exploded with three record was 3-12-2, yet it nearly championship and winning in years, fans had reason to cel- goals and defeated the strongest won the Conference USA 2007. ebrate. Players like McCall were opponent they had faced all championship title. However, the team was greeted and patted on the back. season 3-1. And a women’s soccer team eliminated by Middle Tennes- A drenched Cristobal bump- Had the Golden Panthers player suffered the most severe see State in the semifi nals of ing chests and hugging players stopped there, they wouldn’t injury of any player in any the tournament. As easy as it capped off what in many peo- have grabbed the No. 1 spot, but sport. would be to tag the volleyball ple’s minds is the best moment they were not done yet. As the football team played team as another FIU program of the 2007 season. But the one Marshall, a team that its fi nal game Dec. 1, the wacky falling short, its entire season is win in a 1-11 season could only defeated the Golden Panthers 1- Fall 2007 season concluded as best moment No. 3. This is the take the football team so high on 0 during the regular season, was well. same program that three years this list. What can overtake the their next opponent. Sophomore With so many highs and lows ago posted a 3-23 record. Coach biggest win in Golden Panther Juan Guerra lifted the Golden (perhaps more lows) this season, Danijela Tomic is steering the history? No. 1 on the list can. Panthers to euphoria and the what was the best moment of program in the right direction 1. In the beginning of its title game in the second minute the season? What was the worst and has shown that a complete season, the men’s soccer team of overtime. moment? The top three best and transformation is possible. resembled the football team as Although they melted down worst moments of fall are revis- Perhaps the volleyball squad it could not score or win. For- in the championship game by ited through this sports editor’s should play in the new football tunately, the Golden Panthers objective eyes. Well, at least in stadium next season. fi nished their last seven games BONILLA, page 10