The Beacon, January 7, 2008 Florida International University

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1-7-2007 The Beacon, January 7, 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. 20, Issue 37 www.beaconnewspaper.com January 7, 2008

PULLING THE SEAT THE RACE IS ON! APPLY YOURSELF STARTING SLOW P.R. Department gets new chair Huckabee, Obama take Iowa Facebook applications useful, fun Basketball teams suffering

AT THE BAY PAGE 5 OPINION PAGE 7 LIFE! PAGE 8 SPORTS PAGE 16

EMERGENCY PHONES ART FROM THE SKY First phase of emergency phone system completed

BEN F. BADGER JR. the surrounding area as well as Asst. News Director dial emergency services like 9-1-1 or Public Safety. The University began Phase one involved the installing emergency phones installation of phones in 77 in December during a three- classrooms in the Primera Casa, phase initiative to help increase Graham Center, Academic I security on campus. and Academic II buildings. “We’re still on target,” said All of the Voice Over Inter-

COURTESY PHOTOS Charles Cyrille, FIU’s emer- net Protocol (VOIP) phones gency management coordinator. were installed in December on PAINT JOB: The Antonov-2 “Phase two will be completed schedule. Colt biplane was painted by the end of the Spring 2008 “The ultimate goal is to on one side by Xavier Cor- semester.” have phones in all classrooms tada in memory of Cubans Phase two of the safety ini- and labs,” Cyrille said back in who suffered under military tiative will include the installa- the Nov. 29, 2007 issue of The rule. tion of 80 additional phones in Beacon. the Engineering Center, Green Funding for the initial two Library, the Chemistry and phases of the safety initiative Physics building, the Deux- comes from a $250,000 grant Plane used to ﬂ ee from Cuba ieme Maison building, Paul L. from the state. Cyrille said Cejas School of Architecture that Phase-two’s budget is still building, the BBC library, operating from the grant. donated as part of art exhibit the Marine Biology building “Florida International Uni- and Hospitality Management versity takes the security of its complex. students, faculty and staff seri- Cortada hopes that Cuban students things pretty, its about making them EVELYN DIAZ The phones can be used to ously and is continually finding look at the plane and reflect on real,” Cortada said. Staff Writer simultaneously broadcast an ways to improve its response their history and non Cuban stu- Part of the plane’s exhibit are emergency message to nearby In 1999, a Cuban family ﬂ ed dents look at the plane and learn 46 pieces of luggage that surround people of imminent danger in EMERGENCY, page 4 to the United States on a vintage something. the plane. Each piece is numbered Antonov-2 Colt biplane, landing “I created this exhibit in order in sequence from 1959 to 2004, safely in Key West. for my parents, grandparents and which are the years that the Cuban Cuban American artist Xavier all other Cuban exiles to not fade community had been under rule by Cortada donated that Antonov-2 from memory,” Cortada said on Fidel Castro. Colt biplane to FIU. his Web site. “The individual accounts of a Cortada painted a representation A painting of a key represents peoples’ journey to freedom can of freedom on half of the biplane the unlocking of freedom, while a never be forgotten. Carrying their and purposely left the other half painting of a white dove represents voices to future generations may in the same condition as when it a sign of hope. A painting of a light- prevent this tragedy from ever arrived in Miami. One of the main ened candle represents the meaning happening again,” Cortada said on reasons Cortada donated the plane of truth, according to Cortada. his Web site. is because of the large number of “Art and conception are the Cuban students and faculty at FIU. same thing, it’s not about making CORTADA, page 4 FIU STUDENT MEDIA Radiate FM, Th e Beacon launch new Web site for FIU community

CHRIS TOWERS FIU’s student media. and South Broward,” online and see what Asst. News Director The launch will said Pablo Penton, the we played at any time coincide with a transla- station’s general man- during the day. It is Beginning Jan. 14, tor station being raised ager. something that listeners The Beacon newspa- at the Biscayne Bay FIUSM.com will have really wanted and per, in cooperation with Campus. also allow Radiate FM always asked us about,” the Radiate FM stu- “The tower will listeners to track what Penton said. dent radio station, will have a radius of about the station is playing. For The Beacon, the launch FIUSM.com, 10 to 15 miles, which “We’d like to have new Web site will allow FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON increases our audi- plalists available so a Web site dedicated PHASE ONE COMPLETE: Just one of the many new emergency ence into North Miami that listeners can go to the two branches of WEB SITE, page 4 phones installed in the Primera Casa building. 2 The Beacon – January 7, 2008 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com

NEWSFLASH BALANCING RESPONSIBILITIES College of medicine announces affi liation with Miami Children’s Hospital Parenting still The College of Medicine at FIU announced an affi liation agreement with Miami Children’s Hos- comes fi rst for pital on Dec. 17. Dr. J. Patrick O’Leary, executive associate dean students with for clinical affairs at the FIU College of Medicine, said in a press release that the agreement with double duties Miami Children’s Hospital is part of an overall strategy to create a rich learning environment for CHARLIE GRAU medical students. Editor in Chief Miami Children’s Hospital has the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United A typical day for Simone States and trains 69 pediatric residents and 17 Bailey, 26, starts at 6:30 subspecialty fellows. a.m. and doesn’t end ‘till The College of Medicine has also announced midnight or later. operating agreements with Jackson Health Systems, The senior, majoring is which allows FIU medical students and faculty to anthropology, wakes up to work at Jackson North Medical Center, and with prepare breakfast for her Mount Sinai Medical Center. two children Abijah, 6, and Ani-Halla, 4, before drop- Doctoral student receives Fulbright Scholar- ping them off at school. ship Then it’s off to Young Doctoral student Erika Denise Edwards will Women’s Christian Associ- spend a year in Argentina studying the history ation, where Bailey works of Argentinians of African descent as the eighth as a massage therapist for FIU student to receive the Fulbright award since a few hours before heading FAMILY TIME: 1999. to class. Simone Bailey, a senior majoring in anthropology, (left) works on her class- Edwards’ research will focus on how slaves In the late afternoon work while her children Abijah (right) and Ani-Hall (center) look on. and free people of color used the legal process Bailey picks up her children in Córdoba, Argentina as the country gained its before heading home. have attempted to tackle Bailey’s job as massage and Noble, said that after independence at the end of the 18th century and Once home, Bailey pre- the dual roles as a mother therapist gives her the flex- 15 years of working in beginning of the 19th century. pares dinner and helps her or father and student. ibility she needs to juggle retail he was tired of the rat “I hope my work will allow me to serve as an children with any home- A recent study by the the many tasks. race. It was time for him to advocate for marginalized people whose contribu- work they have before U.S. Department of Educa- “It’s my line of work go back to school and get tions to the nation may be neglected or minimized,” tending to her own stud- tion showed that parents that allows me to make my his degree in information Edwards said in a press release. ies. with children attending own hours,” Bailey said. “I technology. The Fulbright Program, is sponsored by the “Between [switching to postsecondary institutions can work a couple of hours Still, Gonzalez regrets United States Department of State, Bureau of Edu- the three day class sched- increased by 21 percent in the morning, then go to not going to college right cational and Cultural Affairs and has helped fi nance ule] and the kids, I became over the past three years. classes, pick up the kids after high school. the education of approximately 279,500 people a little overwhelmed at the Bailey, who raised her and then work a some more “I feel really torn espe- since the program was established in 1946. end of last semester and two children alone since in the afternoon. It’s really cially when the kids want felt like I needed to take divorcing her husband, flexible [and] allows me to you to be home to play Architecture professor invited to propose instal- this semester off,” Bailey will take it a easy this pay the bills.” with them, but you got lation said. semester. For other parents to do what’s best for the Eric Goldemberg, an assistant professor in the For parents enrolled “I decided I’m going taking classes at FIU, like family in the long run,” School of Architecture, and his partner at MONAD in college with children, to go part time … I’m, Michael Gonzalez, 33, get- Gonzalez said. “The natu- Architects, Veronica Zalcberg, are among a few the difficulty of balanc- probably, going to take ting a degree isn’t always ral inclination is to go emerging architects who have been invited to ing responsibilities as a two to three classes this a priority. home after work and play propose an installation for the courtyard of P.S.1 parent and student can be semester. I need to get the “It’s really tough espe- with the young ones. It’s in Long Island City, Queens. overwhelming. hours under my belt,” said cially when the kids are not easy. It’s not easy at The team has been invited to design the court- With education becom- Bailey, who is just a few small. They don’t really all.” yard by early February as part of the ninth annual ing more available and credits short of graduat- understand why you’re Gonzalez often misses Young Architects Program presented by The flexible with universi- ing. gone all the time,” Gonza- out on family functions, Museum of Modern Art and P.S.1 Contemporary ties offering more online Despite all of the lez said. and family time in general, Art Center in New York. classes, weekend and eve- challenges of life as a Gonzalez, who works as to catch up on his readings Goldemberg’s work includes designs for a per- ning classes, more parents single parent and student, a day manager at a Barnes and homework. forming arts center in Norway, an urban bridge park “Putting in a full days in Marco Island, Florida, and a tsunami memorial work and then going to in Thailand. school at night, it’s tough. On the weekends, instead Parking and Transportation director gives tips of spending time with the for new semester family, like you would like It is the beginning of the semester, and that to, you have to spend time EDITORIAL BOARD INFORMATION means students will be frantically searching and on school assignments,” fi ghting for parking spots. CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF The Beacon offi ce is located in the Gonzalez said. CHRISTOPHER NECUZE Parking and Transportation Director Bill Foster PRODUCTION MANAGER Graham Center, room 210, at the The Children’s Creative University Park campus. Ques- has some tips for students looking for the right CHRISTINA VEIGA NEWS DIRECTOR Learning Center (CCLC) tions regarding display advertising places to park this semester. EDDITH SEVILLA BBC MANAGING EDITOR at FIU offers parents the GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. LIFE! EDITOR and billing should be directed First off, there are 750 parking spots available SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR to the Advertising Manager at option to keep their younger at the Panther Garage next to Pharmed Arena for FERNANDO GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR 305-348-2709. Mailing address: children close while they students to use. This gives students easy access to Graham Center, room 210, attend classes. BEN F. BADGER JR. ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR Miami, FL 33199. Fax number Ziff Education Building, College of Law, and Ryder CHRIS TOWERS ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR is 305-348-2712. Biscayne Bay Located adjacent to the Business Building. COREY ANDERSON ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR SUSANA RODRIGUEZ BBC LIFE! EDITOR Campus is 305-919-4722. Offi ce Graham Center Gallery, An additional 150 spaces are available next CHRIS MARTINEZ ASST. SPORTS EDITOR hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the CCLC serves children to the Wertheim Performaning Arts Center and CHRIS CABRAL ASST. LIFE EDITOR Monday through Friday. E-mail: ages three to six who are another 150 at the Graduate School of Business. Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online at KEVIN SMITH NEWS PAGE DESIGNER www.beaconnewspaper.com toilet trained. The cost of There also 400 spaces available in the gravel lots JESSICA MAYA SPORTS PAGE DESIGNER using the center varies due ANGELINA ESPOSITO OPINION PAGE DESIGNER on the northeast corner of UP. to amount in grants awarded As far as the Biscayne Bay Campus goes, there LEONCIO ALVAREZ COPY CHIEF The Beacon is published on Mon- from year-to-year, but prior- XAVIER VILLARMARZO is plenty of available parking in lots 3 and 4. COPY EDITOR days and Thursdays during the ity for registration is given RON MATHEW COPY EDITOR Fall and Spring semesters and Foster encourages students to allow a few min- ASHLYN TOLEDO COPY EDITOR once a week during Summer B. to full-time degree seeking PETER M.T. AGBEYEGBE utes of extra time for walking to class, and stresses COPY EDITOR One copy per person. Additional students with children fol- IRIS AMELIA FEBRES COPY EDITOR that instead of driving around trying to fi nd closer copies are 25 cents. The Beacon lowed by part time degree is not responsible for the content spots, students should just walk from the spots that ANA DAVIS AD REPRESENTATIVE seeking students children. GABY MORALES RECRUITMENT EDITOR of ads. Ad content is the sole are a little bit farther. responsibility of the company or For more information on TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER vendor. The Beacon is an edi- the CCLC and its registra- Compiled by Christina Veiga and Chris Towers ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA torially independent newspaper ALFRED SOTO ASST. STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR tion fee, visit the CCLC / Beacon Staff partially funded by student and services fees that are appropriated Web site at www.fiu.edu/ by Student Government. ~children. www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon – January 7, 2008 3 THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS • MONDAY • House 9a.m.-5p.m. General Meeting GSA Gradskeller FIU Men’s JANUARY 7 WUC 253 3:30 p.m. WUC 155 6 p.m. Gracies Basketball vs Grill Western Kentucky Ask Me Tables, Center for CSU Holy Mast 7 p.m. 8 a.m. -7 p.m. GC Leadership and Service Noon - 1 p.m. Anything Goes Volunteer Fair 11a.m.- GC 150 Anime General • SUNDAY • 1 p.m. GC Peer Advisor Meeting 8 p.m. - JANUARY 13 Announcements CSU Faith Jam Midnight GC 140 Dance Marathon 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 12 p.m. GC Pit FIU Women’s “So You think you can GC 2215 • FRIDAY • dance” auditions Basketball vs. SPC Comedy Noon -2 p.m. FIU Women’s JANUARY 11 Western Kentucky Show Spring Kick GC Pit Basketball vs Troy Ask Me Tables, 3 p.m. Off! 8 p.m. GC 5:15 p.m. 8a.m. -7p.m. GC Ballrooms SOC General • MONDAY • Meeting 5:30 p.m. FIU Men’s Engage Leadership

GC 150 Basketball vs Troy Workshop 12:30 JANUARY 14 5:15 p.m. p.m. -1:30 p.m. GC • TUESDAY • • WEDNESDAY • 305 Last Day to JANUARY 8 JANUARY 9 • THURSDAY • complete Late Registration Ask Me Tables, JANUARY 10 SPC Movie Ask Me Tables, 8 a.m. -7 p.m. GC “Across the 8 a.m. -7 p.m. GC Ask Me Tables, Universe” 7p.m. & Last Day to Drop 8 a.m. -7 p.m. GC Courses or Withdraw UP MPAS Open 10 p.m. GC 140 SGC-UP General from the University House 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Meeting 4 p.m. Week of Welcome • SATURDAY • Without Incurring a GC 216 Involvement Fair GC 150 JANUARY 12 Financial Liability SGC-BBC- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. BBC MPAS Open GC - Compiled by Beacon Staff

CONFUSED ABOUT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER?

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS?

RADIATE FM’S COREY ANDERSON WILL BE ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON JAN. 8 AND 10 BETWEEN 11A.M. AND NOON.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO [email protected] FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING ANY DEPARTMENT. 4 The Beacon – January 7, 2008 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com InformaCast improves Students get their news University communication faster with new Web site WEB SITE, page 1 might not have time to sit at FIU.” around and read the campus In the future, both parts reporters and readers to newspaper.” of student media will be respond to breaking news While The Beacon looking to grow. quicker. and Radiate FM already As this semester pro- “The new Web site is a had their own Web sites, gresses, The Beacon looks way of following the direc- FIUSM.com represents a forward to publishing three tion the world is taking fusion of both outlets. times a week, and in the when it comes to getting In time, students will be next few years the radio sta- info. It isn’t 100 percent about the information, but Joel Marino, Former Beacon Editor in Chief also interacting “ with it. Whether This is a frontier, and it is the cutting it is discussing it edge. Other college newspapers are with your peers or just getting it doing this, it is about time FIU did it as faster. It is making well. it our newspaper more interactive,” FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON said Rick Marti- TESTING: Installer Frank Zambrana tests one of the new emergency phones located in nez, an online editor for able to listen to live streams tion is going to try to install Primera Casa. FIU Student Media. of the station and sign up a station for the Biscayne The new site will also for the online edition of The Bay Campus. EMERGENCY, page 1 Cyrille said. funded by a previous allow readers to view back Beacon to be sent to their Along with publishing Phase three of the grant and safety initiative issues of the paper. e-mail inbox. three days a week, Beacon and ensure the safety of safety initiative will not directly involved with “More people get their “The biggest difference readers can expect online everyone on campus spe- begin as soon as addi- the current plan. news online than from the is that the old Web site was only stories that go more in cifically during emergen- tional funds are available, The University cur- print edition, and especially just a place to dump the depth in ways that the print cies,” said Vice President but Cyrille said that the rently uses the Informa- at a commuter school where articles that were written. edition does not allow. of Student Affairs and time frame of the final Cast system which allows students are going in for The new Web site will “This will help make Undergraduate Education phase’s completion is to the university to send class and leaving for work,” contain a lot more news. The Beacon more profes- Rosa Jones in a December be announced. audio streams or text mes- said Joel Marino, an online It will contain photo gal- sional,” said Marino. “This press release from Media The final phase is sages to Internet phones, reporter for The South Flor- leries, archives, exclusive is a frontier, and it is the Relations. the installation of large speakers and other paging ida Sun Sentinel’s online stories and have audio and cutting edge. Other college Cyrille said that the indoor speakers that can systems. edition and former editor- video,” Martinez said. “It newspapers are doing this; University Technology be used to alert people of It alerts students, in-chief of The Beacon will be your one-stop shop it is about time FIU did it Services department, possible danger. faculty and stuff during from 2006-2007. “They to ﬁ nd out what’s going on as well.” which installed the emer- In December, three emergencies through e- gency phones, is perform- large outdoor emergency mail, electronic signs at ing field surveys on the speakers were installed the entrances of the Uni- Alternate & Affordable installed phones. outside GC, DM and PC. versity Park and Biscayne “We are always look- But Cyrille said that Bay campuses, and local International Medical Insurance ing to improve safety,” those speakers were news outlets. for Students & Scholars Flying art will hang from Insuring Today’s Need for Tomorrow’s Future Since 1976 roof of Deuxieme Maison

CORTADA, page 1 the plane will eventually be tional Volunteer Award from hung for everyone’s viewing the U.S. Department of State The vessel arrived disas- pleasure from the roof of the and USA Today in 2000. In sembled to FIU on Dec. 22. Deuxieme Maison building. February of 2000 Cortada The plane will be stored at Cortada is known for was invited to meet Pope the Campus Support Com- his philanthropic endeavors John Paul II in Rome. plex. involving the Cuban com- For more information Madaline Baro, an assis- munity. visit Cortada’s Web site at tant director from Media He received the presti- www.cubanmonumenttofree- Relations, commented that gious Millennium Interna- dom.com.

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600 Corporate Drive, Ste. 101 I Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 I 954-771-5883 I 800-356-1235 Contact Us Eddith Sevilla BBC Managing Editor [email protected] AT THE BAY The Beacon – 5 www.beaconnewspaper.com January 7, 2008

Public Relations PLANNING THE FUTURE department hires chair from within Ahles’ family ﬁ rm comes ﬁ rst, Figueredo steps in as chair

SUSANA RODRIGUEZ increase graduate assistant enroll- Asst. News Director ment to help faculty with their research. Catherine Ahles, the Advertising “One of the accomplishments and Public Relations department I’m most proud of is the full time chair, is fl ying high. faculty we have now,” said Ahles. “Four years ago my husband “I say that because a successful ad SUSANA RODRIGUEZ/THE BEACON and I started a family business, an program depends on the quality of aircraft dealership with four people faculty and students makes it work. A POETIC MEETING: On Point Poetry Club members Nakeia Calvert, Odarris D’Haiti and Kertus M and its grown to 45 [employees],” I have no doubt we have the highest Toussaint work on the club’s Web site and discuss upcoming events while Adam Dogole practices his said Ahles in a telephone interview. qualifi ed faculty in the U.S.” recital. “Now we need full time advertising Ahles also helped implement and public relations so I’m going new certifi cate programs in tourism same time serve the needs of our expand the Berlin study abroad environment,” Figueredo said. back to what I’ve been trained to and marketing communications for students,” Figueredo said. “If I do program and create new programs Ahles is confi dent Figueredo’s do.” undergraduates and public relations that, our department and school in Spain and Argentina. An SJMC tenure will enhance the APR depart- Ahles joins Premier Aircraft management for graduates. This will benefi t.” Hispanic institute is also on Figuere- ment. Sales’ Fort Lauderdale branch, fall, Ahles worked with Kimberly Figueredo has held positions do’s agenda. “I have no doubt he’ll bring helping the dealership represent Harrison in the English Department such as vice-president of corporate “We live in a global community. great things to the department. I’m Mooney and Diamond airplane in developing an undergraduate communications for both AOL Our students need to be able to func- very excited for the future under his manufacturers. certifi cate in writing. Latin America and Lucent Tech- tion in a multinational, multicultural leadership,” Ahles said. Ahles led the School of Journal- Despite her dedication as depart- nologies as well as consulting work ism and Mass Communication’s ment chair, it’s the classroom that for AOL Latin America, Hewlett- Class brings new life branding, becoming involved with Ahles will miss most. Packard, Microsoft and the City of its Web site’s design. She also “It’s just sad to not be in the Miami International Council. affected enrollment in the Integrated classroom everyday. I worked at Figueredo recently served as Communications: Advertising and a community college in Michi- a managing partner for the Latin to a 1950s New York Public Relations program. gan, and have also consulted with American division at Porter- “She really helped diversify the numerous colleges in the fi eld so Novelli, an international public Advertising and Public Relations I’ve had a chance to look at various relations fi rm whose clients include JESSICA SENORIN “New York in the Fifties: Beats department by bringing in people student bodies out there. Our stu- the center for disease control and Staff Writer of a New Culture” is a three-credit from different experiences, from dents are very unique, they’re more Procter & Gamble. course taught by FIU creative writing health care to marketing,” said motivated than typical college stu- “I believe it’s important to pro- To many students, James Baldwin professor and Writer-in-Residence David Berry, SJMC’s marketing dents, they’re more serous. Many vide an element of the international and Allen Ginsberg are names on a Dan Wakefi eld. coordinator. have full time and part time jobs to to the department of Advertising page. To Dan Wakefi eld they were “Students will benefi t by learning Ahles handpicked some profes- pay for school,” Ahles said. and Public Relations,” Figueredo his friends, and subjects of continued how the seeds of change that were sorsto join FIU, including Fer- In Ahles’ stead, Figueredo, said. “Part of my interest is to fi nd inspiration. planted in New York in the 1950s nando Figueredo, Elizabeth Marsh associate professor for the SJMC, ways to increase the international This semester students will have ushered in the creativity and tumult and Lynn Farber. Ahles worked will ascends as interim department focus of our curriculum and course the opportunity to learn about Bald- of the 1960s and shaped the course with the SJMC dean in placing chair as of Jan. 2. offerings.” win and Ginsberg, among other of our culture in literature, music, an employee recognition program “I’m going to hopefully serve Figueredo hopes to increase fi gures of New York intellectual life that honors faculty and worked to the needs of our faculty, at the student internship opportunities, in the 1950s. Science of natural disasters taught during NEWnew YORK, page class 6

MONIQUE MATTIACE ogy of Disasters, Gladwin has also The fi rst half of the course will will soon live in cities. However, former FIU student Hans Morgen- Contributing Writer researched the perceptions of Gulf be dedicated to research, science most of these people will suffer stern believes this class can give Coast residents in evacuations for and some reporting; the reporting from poverty. In order to under- journalism students the tools they FIU is offering a new course to hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. section of the course will take place stand the consequences of global need to ask the right questions and help students understand the sci- “I thought it would be good after the midterm, when students warming, Davis takes a look at distinguish between propaganda ence and reporting behind natural to teach a course on hurricanes will receive given short writing where human populations are most and the facts as they report on disasters throughout the world, in the media. The students will assignments, said Gladwin. The vulnerable and most explosive, such issues. such as hurricanes that ripped learn a fair amount of science and course is open to all majors. according to Gladwin. “Those training to become through parts of Central America weather, but the focus is going to One of the required texts for “We have to look at the most journalists need to understand the in 2007. be on reporting,” Gladwin said the class, Storm World: Hur- horrible [but] conceivable things differences between myths, propa- Journalists need to understand “Climate Change, Hurricanes, ricanes, Politics, and the Battle that can happen, then look at ganda and scientifi c theories and the science behind these disasters and the Media” is designed to Over Global Warning,” written how climate change affects that,” research,” Morgenstern said in an and why they occur, according to show students the science behind by journalist Chris Mooney, is set Gladwin said. “These people are e-mail interview with The Beacon. Hugh Gladwin, associate professor the changes of the environment to take the confl ict among scien- moving into cities where they can’t “There’s plenty of that mixing it in the department of sociology and due to global warming, Gladwin tists concerning global warming support themselves except through up under the umbrella theory of anthropology. Gladwin is teaching said. and hurricanes head on. Mooney industry that is going to require global warming. a special topics course during the “The real goal of this course may also be a guest speaker in energy. These huge cities in the It should take an entire course spring of 2008 to help FIU journal- isn’t to teach everything there is to the class. slums are the biggest problem. to help students of journalism ism students understand the causes know about hurricanes or climate Another required book, Mike “If China or India decided, discern what’s propaganda coming behind natural disasters. change, but to teach someone Davis’ Planet and Slums focuses well, all we can do is burn tons of out of an agenda-interested politi- A contributor to and co-editor of how you, as a reporter, would on how city populations continue coal, it’s going to exhilarate the cian and the fruits of scientifi c fact the 1997 book Hurricane Andrew: understand the scientifi c issues and to grow. The book suggests that the global warming process.” and research, including that which Ethnicity, Gender and the Sociol- report on it,” Gladwin said. majority of the world’s population WSVN-7 Web Producer and has yet to be proven.” www.beaconnewspaper.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – January 7, 2008 6 So you know... Health Center highlights Memoirs CULTURE FOR EVERYONE New York in the Fifties is cross- listed for undergrads as AML 4930, evolve into class no. 19022; HUM 3939, class dangers of cervical cancer no. 19560; and SYD 4610, class no. 18922. For graduate students: CRW 5934, class no. 13780, with CATHERINE KAIMAN HPV vaccine, Gardasil. curriculum a permit from the English depart- BBC Life! Editor Gardasil is the only vaccine that may ment. Call (305) 919-5857 for guard against diseases caused by HPV NEW YORK, page 5 information. This course needs no With the recent introduction of a vac- Types 6, 11, 16 and 18. pre-requisites. cine to protect against the human papil- There are about 15 types of HPV that politics, journalism, theater and art,” Wakefi eld lomavirus, this year’s Cervical Cancer can cause cervical cancer; the HPV vac- said in an e-mail interview with The Beacon. can composer, conductor, musician and writer, Awareness Month holds special meaning cine protects against 70 percent of them, First offered in 2002, Wakefi eld recalled the David Amram, who collaborated with such for the Biscayne Bay Campus’ Health according to Web site www.gardasil. course’s discussion roots with Les Standiford, notables as Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Center and Wellness Center. com. director of the Department of English’s creative Monk. The event will take place on Jan. 10 in Velez says that one out of five FIU writing program. Former student Mary Jo Francis took the Panther Square at the Wolfe University student pap smears are abnormal, which “[Les Standiford] knew I had written the course four years ago and still appreciates what Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. can be indicative of genital viruses, cer- memoir, New York in the Fifties, and thought a she learned. “This will be mostly a table event with vical cancer and severe changes, such as good and unique course might be built around “The ‘50s in New York City illustrates the free giveaways and information pertain- HPV, in the cervix that can spread to the the subject,” Wakefi eld said. beginning of the questioning that led to the ing to cervical cancer,” said Dona Wal- uterus. Wakefi eld’s memoir and a documentary fi lm Civil Rights Movement, the Women’s Libera- cott, senior health educator of University “If we look at the national number of based on it will be part of the course. Wakefi eld tion Movement and the Antiwar Movement of Health Services, in a telephone interview 3,700 women who die a year from cervical plans to show period fi lms and play jazz music the 1960s,” Francis said in an e-mail interview with The Beacon. cancer, women should have an awareness of the era at the beginning of each class to with The Beacon. The Health Center will also sponsor about the vaccine and pap smears,” said supplement discussion. Melanie Neale, one of Wakefi eld’s former a limited number of free pap smears, a Yolanda Santisteban, a nurse practitioner Standiford advises anyone interested in graduate assistants, agrees. procedure which examines cells collected for the BBC Health Center for the last modern cultural periods to take this course “Students will come away with a truly from the cervix and the lower and narrow 10 years. because it gives them the chance to hear about authentic idea of what it was like to live in New end of the uterus. The event will also feature free makeup a part of American cultural history from a man York City during the 1950s, from the point Students must make an appointment to consultations and hand massages. who lived it on the inside and was a friend to of view of someone who not only was there, receive one of the 20 free vouchers. “[Students] can expect information, many of the writers, artists and social activ- but who surrounded himself with all types of “It is very important for [women] to hands-on tools and displays of the tests ists. people,” Neale said in an e-mail interview with know that human papillomavirus and that are used for HPV screenings,” said “There’s a lot of credibility behind him. The Beacon. genital warts can be screened for, and that Velez. “We also want to nurture women, There’s no one else with that kind of experi- Francis also emphasized Wakefi eld’s ability it is critical to follow up because severe talk to them and have complimentary ence … and no other course like it,” Standiford to give students a genuine glimpse into the era changes in the cervix can spread to other hand massages and possibly a Henna said. in which he lived. parts and can lead to cancers,” said Elvira artist.” Some of the personalities Wakefi eld knew “This is the kind of class that is so enjoy- Velez, director of Health Administration Walcott emphasized the importance of and whose work will be studied include Jack able and enlightening that you look forward to for University Health Services, in a tele- awareness. Kerouac, J. D. Salinger, David Amram and it every week and hate to see it end. He makes phone interview with The Beacon. “Cervical cancer can affect anyone, Joan Didion. everyone so comfortable [that] by the end of the Besides services such as pap smears mom, sister, cousin, anyone. That is why Students can also look forward to hearing course, I don’t think there was a student left who and screenings for genital warts and we are promoting the HPV vaccine heav- from a guest artist visiting in April — Ameri- wasn’t calling him ‘Dan,’” Francis said. viruses, the Health Center also offers the ily at this year’s event,” she said. Contact Us Charlie Grau Editor in Chief [email protected] OPINION The Beacon – 7 www.beaconnewspaper.com January 7, 2008 CTION ‘0 ELE IOWA CAUCUS 8 % OF DELEGATES 40

HuckabeeRomneyThompsonMcCain

Clinton Edwards Obama Richardson Big numbers mean GOP nominee still big changes for Dems unclear after caucus

CHRIS CABRAL equally powerful message. Invoking JUAN CARLOS ROBAINA New Hampshire now sits on deck Asst. Life! Editor the spirit of great Democrats Franklin Special to the Beacon waiting for the calendar to hit Jan. 8. Polls Roosevelt and Robert Kennedy, Edwards as of Jan. 4 show McCain leading New As Barack Obama claims victory in the promised to take on big business on behalf The people of the Hawkeye state left Hampshire, though they also show Giuliani nation’s fi rst presidential caucus and the of the middle class and the poor. their homes Thursday night for their latest making a late charge up the ranks. If the candidates soldier on to New Hampshire Though he lost, it is such compassion turn to shine in front of the nation. Brav- polls still hold for McCain, his comeback for the next contest, it may be easy to forget and courage to stand up against the power- ing the cold weather for the 7 p.m. central into national player status would be com- what happened in Iowa. ful that has historically distinguished the starting time, about 116,000 Iowan caucus- plete as he would likely take New Hamp- Before we move on to the next state, let’s Democratic Party and resulted in some of its goers arrived at schools, living rooms and shire and the momentum going into key take a moment to refl ect on the events of greatest accomplishments, from Pell Grants meeting halls all across the state to cast state races toward the end of January. Jan. 3. Something historic happened in Iowa to Social Security. their ballot for their Republican candidate What is also troubling for Huckabee is that cannot be overlooked: over 230,000 The winner with 38 percent of the vote, of choice. the number of evangelicals that supported voters turned out to vote for Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, was able to draw Mike Huckabee rode a wave of new- him in Iowa. Eight in ten Huckabee voters candidates. That is more than 100,000 more fi rst time caucus-goers in record numbers. found support to secure a victory in Iowa, identified themselves as born again or participants on the Democratic side than in Forty-one percent of fi rst timers voted for nine percentage points higher than his evangelical Christians, while two thirds of 2004 and double the Republican turn out him, as did 57 percent of people under 30, nearest rival. His victory in the state not those same supporters stated that a candi- of this year. Nearly six in 10 Democratic who came out in bigger numbers than in only propelled his campaign to legitimate date sharing their religious beliefs was very caucus-goers were fi rst timers. 2004. Obama called upon voters to believe contender status but also delivered an important. While six in ten Iowa voters Why did the Democrats draw twice as that they could change the country and help upset to Mitt Romney’s campaign, a blow identifi ed themselves as evangelicals, that many voters to the polls than the Republi- end the petty politics of fear and division believed to be fatal. percentage simply will not hold in the rest cans? Clearly, there is greater excitement dominating Washington. Governor Romney’s campaign was of the nation. Huckabee must connect to surrounding the Democratic field, with Democrats know the consequences hinged on a dangerous assumption. Victo- voters outside of his base in order to keep three very qualifi ed candidates claiming 97 of letting the politics of division triumph. ries in Iowa and New Hampshire, the fi rst his momentum. percent of the vote in Iowa. Though Obama When people focus on divisive issues like two states to hold presidential caucuses, Overall, the night held no big surprises. won, all three of the Democratic forerun- gay marriage rather than looking at the big meant important momentum needed before Giuliani’s dangerous bet of Florida or bust ners were able to draw tens of thousands picture, Democrats lose. arriving in South Carolina. Winning these led to his lackluster showing in Iowa, but of voters, each with messages that echo a It was such petty divisions and fear-mon- fi rst two states could have secured a knock- his campaign was prepared for this result. different strength of the Democratic party. gering that sank John Kerry in 2004, and if out blow on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5. Huckabee and McCain seem to be the only In third place was Sen. Hillary Clinton, Democrats are to win in 2008, they must Huckabee’s wide victory over Romney candidates willing to try and ride momen- who won roughly 29 percent of the vote, unite the country around the more important in Iowa, especially considering that he was tum through January. South Carolina will be running not only on her own accomplish- issues like healthcare and the economy. outspent there 15 to one, puts a huge damper an extremely important state for Republican ments within the U.S. Senate but also on the Regardless of who goes on to win on Romney’s plans. The biggest strike to hopefuls (again), as voters in Michigan and strength of the Clinton legacy. the nomination, be it Obama, Clinton or his campaign may actually come from Florida will be paying attention to how While she may have lost Iowa, her Edwards, the people of Iowa sent a power- someone who fi nished below him. viable the candidacies of Huckabee and stature as a strong candidate refl ects an ful message to the rest of America. With a Despite spending little money in Iowa McCain appear there. Two big wins in the indisputable truth: this country was more record turnout of over 230,000, people are and focusing more on New Hampshire, early three states should prove for a lead for prosperous when a Democrat was in the excited about the choices presented by the John McCain turned in a 13 percent show- either of the two if they can manage it. White House. Her campaign’s relative suc- Democratic Party. ing – a statistical dead heat with Fred Time will tell who the winner is. All that cess draws in large part from memories of a It is the Democratic Party, with the Thompson for third place. While most can be said with certainty now is that it is better time when our nation was at peace, its strength of all its powerful voices, that will would say 13 percent is nothing to be proud a tough race and everything can change on economy boomed and America had a presi- deliver that change. of, this should be considered an amazing any given Tuesday. dent who was able to speak articulately. feat when regarding McCain’s limited effort Second place fi nisher and former Sena- Chris Cabral currently serves as the there. He even performed better than Rudy Juan C. Robaina currently serves as the tor John Edwards, who also won about 30 president of the FIU College Democrats Giuliani, who clocked in at four percent president of the FIU College Republicans percent, campaigned on a different but after limited campaigning.

CAMPUS TALK What is your reaction to the results of the Iowa caucus?

Alex Ruiz David Bush Regine Azemard

“It was very surprising since those “It was extraordinarily unexpected “I hope the people will chose the two [Obama and Huckabee] and excitingly scintillating. It made right person, and I think [Obama’s] weren’t really the leaders in the me want to go buy a T-shirt.” the right person for the job.” caucus, or at any point and time.“ Contact Us Geoffrey Anderson Jr Life! Editor [email protected] LIFE! The Beacon – 8 www.beaconnewspaper.com January 7, 2008

Site offers users12,000 new ways to interact

CHRIS CABRAL is sagacious enough to answer this superlatives your friends can bestow There is an application for almost Asst. Life! Editor question once and for all. upon you in recognition of all your everybody on Facebook. Religious Yet, the social utility of the site’s accomplishments. people from Asia can add an appli- Do you have an acquaintance who applications does not end there. Thanks Your friends can bestow the title cation that posts scriptural verses in annoys the hell out of you, and you’d to Facebook, you can answer all those “most likely to” become a ninja or Mandarin on their profi le, while lonely tell them so if only you could do this questions you secretly have about burn in hell. And are there any better people can add the “hold me” appli- anonymously? Have you wondered if yourself. Like, “Are you stupid?”, accolades to add to your resume? cation, which will allow their friends you were a “Sex bomb…or da bomb”? “How fat are you?”, “Are YOU The more shy or duplicitous users to “virtually” hold them, so they can Are you a devout Christian fl uent in sexy?”, and even “Are you a dancing on Facebook may wish to send a “virtually” feel better. Cantonese? If so, odds are, Facebook Finally, if achieving a heightened has an application for you. level of self-awareness, or being Ranging from fun computer games voted “most likely to” burn in hell to absurd personality tests, Facebook aren’t enough entertainment for you, offers its users more than 12,000 dif- Your friends can bestow the title “most likely then the more demanding Facebook ferent types of amusements to help enthusiast can add one of more than people waste their valuable time. to” become a ninja or burn in hell. And are there 1,300 game applications to their pro- Of course, these applications any better accolades to add to your resume? fi le. A Facebook user can play classic should not be mistaken as anything games such as Tetris, Snake, and Pac- more than forgettable distractions. Man, or user generated games such as Some of the applications perform “Zombies,” where a Facebook user invaluable services that bring people can become a “zombie” and “infect” together and help them know them- star or a Karaoke idol?” Facebook message to a friend or enemy with- their friends. Sounds like fun! selves. will let you know the answer to these out revealing their identity. For this In the end, the purpose of Facebook Take, for example, applications questions, and more. And if you are purpose, a Facebook user can add the is to help people interact with others with personality tests. Among the a stupid, sexy, fat, dancing machine “honesty box” application to their online, and that’s what these applica- great questions facing every man, wouldn’t you want to know? Facebook profi le. tions are about. Whether you’re a woman and child on the face of the In addition to tests, Facebook Through this gimmick, people can “stupid karaoke idol” or a “fat and planet, is not one of faith or politics, features multiple applications that fi nally shed their pleasant facades and sexy gangsta,” Facebook has the but rather, something far more myste- allow Facebook users to award their tell the truth to other people, for once power to bring all of us together at the rious and important. “Are you a Gang- friends and enemies on Facebook in their life. The messages are color table of brotherhood. sta or a Wanksta”? Only the brilliant with “superlatives”. If you failed to coded by gender, so if you get a crush As fl esh eating zombies, and in creator of the Facebook personality be named most likely to succeed in message you would at least know if this crazy world, brotherhood is truly test, who goes by the name M.O.E., high school, there are numerous other the person is the right sex for you. a beautiful thing. www.beaconnewspaper.com ADVERTISEMENT The Beacon - January 7, 2008 9

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of mysterious origin wreaking One part “Road Trip” and Rambo character. Famous for havoc on New York City. one part Kevin Smith movie, over the top action and explo- CHRIS TOWERS work in fi lms such as “The action of “In The Name Of While not much is known “Fanboys” is the story of a sions, the Rambo series has Asst. News Director Transporter” and “Crank,” The King,” “27 Dresses” is about the exact details of the group of Star Wars obsessed become a cultural milestone, Jason Statham is hoping to a romantic comedy from the fi lm, it is known that the fi lm friends who plot to break much like Rocky. If you look through the continue his string of action writer of “The Devil Wears takes place in New York City into director George Lucas’ Twenty years after helping upcoming movie listings, you heavy hits with the video Prada.” The fi lm stars Kather- as fi ve friends are throwing Skywalker Ranch in order Muslim rebels fend off Soviet might find yourself disap- game adaptation “In The ine Heigl as a woman who has another friend a going away to allow their sick friend the invaders in Afghanistan, pointed at the lack of quality Name Of The King: A Dun- been a bridesmaid 27 times, party. opportunity to watch “Star Rambo fi nds himself living a movies this month. Histori- geon Siege Tale” based on but who has never consid- During the party, which Wars: The Phantom Menace” simple life in Thailand, until a cally, January has been a slow the computer game Dungeon ered the prospect of marriage they are fi lming with a hand- prior to its release. group of aid workers bringing month for movies as studios Siege, Statham plays the herself. Things change when held camcorder, the monster Featuring a cast that looks relief to a tribe in Burma is try to push their blockbusters role of a farmer whose life her younger sister becomes suddenly attacks the city, as though they could be kidnapped by rebels. and award hopefuls into the is turned upside down when engaged to the man of her throwing it into chaos. straight out of a “Star Wars” Rambo decides to pick up end of the year. his son is killed and his wife dreams and asks her to be a Fans of Abrams’ “Lost” convention and a story that is his gun again and come to However, that doesn’t is kidnapped. Also starring bridesmaid once again. will find many of the sur- every bit as ridiculous as its the rescue. mean there won’t be some Ray Liotta, Burt Reynolds, prise twists and unexpected premise entails, “Fanboys” If he can revive the Rambo diamonds in the rough this and Ron Perlman, this fantasy CLOVERFIELD (JAN.. 18) endings that his show has looks to be one of the funniest series like he did with Rocky, month. These are a few of fi lm looks to offer much of the Continuing in the grand become popular for. This, movies of the month. Stallone will have pulled off the most anticipated fi lms of same features of Statham’s tradition of films like plus the secrecy surround- two improbable feats. the month. previous fi lms: cheap thrills “Godzilla,” “King Kong” and ing its production, has led RAMBO (JAN. 25) With promises of big and lots of action and fi ght “Jurassic Park,” writer/direc- to “Cloverfi eld” being one After improbably resur- action and the return of a IN THE NAME OF THE scenes. tor J.J. Abrams – the creator of the most anticipated fi lms recting his career and fran- classic character, it wouldn’t KING (JAN. 11) of the television show “Lost” of 2008. chise character in “Rocky be a surprise to see “Rambo” Already well known in the 27 DRESSES (JAN. 18) – gives us “Cloverfi eld,” a Balboa,” Sylvester Stallone is make a big impact at the box action movie genre for his In direct contrast to the movie about a large creature FANBOYS (JAN. 18) looking to do the same for his offi ce.

JOIN OUR STAFF! The BEACON is always looking for talented and reliable individuals to join the staff. If you have an interest in writing, photography or even grammar, don’t be shy. Stop by one of our ofﬁ ces located in GC 210 and WUC 124. www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – January 7, 2008 11 Brother’s death inspires new outlook

Christmas Day. video games in the car. No him again. He was trying to make more scolding his hyperac- Death is always hard. a stop when an oncoming tive dog as it nearly bites Whether it’s sudden or not, car following close behind me. we feel the effects on an The Beacon rammed him from behind, It’s a shame that few almost daily basis. fl ipping his vehicle over of my friends ever actu- The day after Christmas A news headline, a phone to the side of the road. ally met him and wondered has always had some kind call, a disaster taking many Deniel Luis Garcia and how we turned out so dif- of signifi cance for me. It’s lives or an isolated incident needs YOU! Queen were both dead. ferent despite growing up the birthday of one of my taking only one. closest friends. It’s a gift return and shop- ping nightmare for retail It’s hard to think about my life in the same workers, A day that is just as way now that my brother is gone... No more dis- The Beacon is currently crazy as Black Friday. It’s also Boxing Day, cussions about topics such as poker or the decline expanding and is now celebrated by the United of video games in the car. No more scolding his Kingdom and Canada as more than ever looking well as St. Stephen’s Day, hyperactive dog as it nearly bites me. commemorating Christian- for talented individuals ity’s fi rst martyr. He was 32-years-old. as brothers and seeing the This year, however, Death is a very real part to help us in all areas! I can never count how similarities. December 26 became some- of life that many of us still many times my father Denny wasn’t always the thing even more to me: The take for granted, even in this always told me and my greatest brother in the world. morning I learned my older day and age of heightened brother to always wear a He and my parents were brother was dead. alert in the face of terror. We are currently looking to seatbelt in the car. never on the best of terms, It was 9 a.m. when I woke For most of us, we never All the late nights I but we still managed. up to a call from one of my truly realize it until we brush fi ll the following positions: spent picking him up after He never fi nished high brother’s closest friends. He near it, or a loved one faces playing poker, I found school but lived for the told me that my brother was it. I’ve had to relearn that myself stressing to him moment, going through in a terrible accident. lesson twice this year. the same thing. I thought many different jobs and - Page Designers I rushed over to my With 2008 just starting, he had fi nally taken it to staying with friends. Months father’s house to see friends we should look back on what - News Assistants heart. I was wrong. would go by without him, and family standing out in has passed and who has left It’s hard to think about but he would always appear, the lawn. My dad broke the us and, at the same time, we - Writers my life in the same way somehow, without fail. news. In the back of my should look forward to who now that my brother is He was doing well with head I already knew. we will meet and what will - Beat Reporters gone. life and was having ideas of My brother was driving happen in our lives. No more requests for playing professional poker. back up to Naples with his Good or bad, memorable money. No more discus- That can’t happen anymore. All positions are paid, so apply NOW in Belgian Shepherd, Queen, or not, each day is a gift that sions about topics such Christmas Day was the last on Alligator Alley after reminds us how precious GC 210 or WUC 124. as poker or the decline of day anyone would ever see having dinner with us on life is. 12 The Beacon – January 7, 2008 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE) GAME Alien Hominid GAME Geometry Wars: Galaxies Little alien has big sights DS game packs a punch

to his ship. Playing as the The Behemoth. alien character, you can run, The free fl ash version of LUIS H. GARCIA jump, duck and shoot your the game has only one level Staff Writer way through the mobs of but getting through it will agents. If you get hit just provide enough of a chal- It started out as a small mini game once, however, it will cost lenge to even the seasoned hidden within Project Gotham Racing 2 M any people may you a life. gamer. on the now defunct XBox. have already heard of Occasionally you will Although versions of Years later, Geometry Wars would Alien Hominid, the two run into helicopters and Alien Hominid have since become an online phenomenon offered dimensional side-scrolling vans full of agents or a been released on Micro- through XBox Live on Microsoft’s second action/adventure game by robot mini-boss set out to soft’s XBox, mobile phones, console, the Xbox 360. The latest rein- developer The Behemoth. destroy you. Nintendo’s Game Boy carnation of this game, Geometry Wars: Also, currency can be collected as you Since its 2004 release on Though the controls Advance and the XBox Galaxies, extends its addicting reach to the destroy enemies for purchasing new AI the Nintendo GameCube are very simple and revolve Live Arcade, most are just portable realm on the Nintendo DS. drone types to assist your ship and unlock and Sony’s Playstation 2, it mostly around the arrow lengthened segments of The premise of the game is a simple more stages. has received many awards pad, most of the controls the original fl ash game with throwback to arcade classics like Asteroids The DS manages to handle the dual- including the Innovation are intuitive; you’ll find better graphics and addi- and Robotron. You pilot a small ship in a stick controls of the original well, keeping In Visual Arts and Audience the challenge in the game tional bosses. confi ned space and shoot down seemingly the game’s pick-up-and-play feel intact. In Awards at the Independent comes mostly from the level Alien Hominid received never-ending waves of enemies. terms of visuals, Geometry Wars’ graphics Games Festival. of dexterity needed to keep a lot of attention in the As your score and point multiplier are similar to the vector line-drawn games But what many may not up with the scores of angry gaming world upon its increase so do your fi repower and enemy’s of old such as Atari’s Tempest. know is that Alien Hominid agents. full-length release for its attacks. A crowded screen illustrates the While not as vivid and smooth as the started as a free fl ash game Although you can fi nd unique art style and sense chaos created by numerous assaults, and 360’s Geometry Wars – slight slowdown on the Adobe flash Web Alien Hominid online at of humor, both of which because of this, your vessel is left con- may occur amidst the chaos on screen – the site Newgrounds.com. The most fl ash game Web sites, support the game’s very fi ned with little maneuverability and only DS handles the style and performance of original flash version can Newgrounds, its original simplistic gameplay in a way limited use of screen-clearing bombs is the original with good results. The music still be found online for free home, also has a few spin- that is both innovative and allowed. is fi tting to the old school look, with tracks at many popular fl ash game off games and short fi lms refreshing. Although the premise is reminiscent sounding out of a club mix CD. Web sites. inspired by the game such The Behemoth is cur- of older classics, Galaxies adds a few new With its ancient yet familiar visual The game focuses on a as Alien Hominid Christ- rently working on a second elements to the mix. fl air of yesteryear coupled with addic- nameless little yellow alien mas and Alien Hominid title which is set to release Now divided up into different solar tive gameplay and maddening challenge, whose spaceship is shot At My House. There’s also later this year. Until then, systems with each planet serving as a stage, Geometry Wars: Galaxies is a perfect fi t for down to Earth by FBI an Alien Hominid tribute we can keep ourselves occu- the game’s playing fi elds host a variety of Nintendo’s portable avenue to appeal to agents. In order to escape, by the original creators pied with Alien Hominid hazards along with new enemy types and gamers of any kind. he must fi ght his way back behind Newgrounds and for free, online. medal rankings. Catch the I.T. Wave

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SUN BELT MEN’S BASKETBALL STANDING Road to national title one less traveled

TEAM OVERALL CONF PCT RALPH D. RUSSO winner of upset of the year. was the fi rst time since the ing scary good, blowing out AP WIRE Not after October began 2003 season the No. 1 team opponents, most notably a South Alabama 11-3 3-0 .786 with 41-point underdog lost before the bowls. 48-7 thumping of Virginia Western Kentucky 10-4 2-0 .714 Remember back when Stanford beating superpower A few hours after the Tech. Troy 7-6 1-2 .538 South Florida was the talk Southern California, 24-23. Tigers were taken out by Other contenders would Middle Tennessee 4-9 1-2 .308 of college football? Suddenly, USF was the Wildcats in Lexington, fall fi rst. Oregon and Okla- Florida Atlantic 4-10 0-3 .286 Yeah, that didn’t last very ranked higher than USC. Ky., No. 2 California lost homa couldn’t overcome Florida International 3-9 0-2 .250 long. USF, a program born in a 31-28 at home to Oregon injuries to their quarterbacks Boston College was a trailer park during the Clin- State and for the fi rst time and lost games to unranked *All records up to date as of Jan. 4 nice story...for a couple of ton administration, reached in 11 seasons the top two foes.That set up a huge weeks. No. 2 in the rankings. But teams had lost in the same game in a longtime rivalry Kansas was everybody’s soon the Bulls went bust. By weekend. between two schools. SUN BELT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STANDING favorite underdog until Mis- then the No. 2 ranking was That uncommon occur- On the day before the souri took that title from the getting passed around like rence would become a trend. third-ranked Tigers faced TEAM OVERALL CONF PCT Jayhawks. The Tigers were a the spout at a kegger. It happened two more times. the second-ranked Jayhawks Western Kentucky 9-5 2-0 .643 big deal for about a week. When the regular season The new No. 1 almost by in the 116th and most impor- In the end, despite all the was over, eight teams had default was Ohio State. tant game in the heated Middle Tennessee 7-7 2-1 .500 yapping about parity and been ranked second in The Having said goodbye to rivalry, LSU lost again as South Alabama 11-3 2-1 .786 upsets and level playing Associated Press Top 25. November rolled around, No. 1, again in triple-over- Troy 1-2 8-6 .571 fi elds, the national title game Seven of those teams lost though, and the Buckeyes time. Florida Atlantic 4-7 0-2 .364 will feature two regular visi- as No. 2. had a second consecutive This time Darren McFad- Florida International 4-9 0-2 .308 tors to the BCS VIP room: The one team that escaped BCS national championship den and Arkansas topped the Ohio State and LSU. the curse of No. 2? LSU, game appearance in their Tigers, 50-48.LSU became *All records up to date as of Jan. 4 Like any good trip, the which started the season sights. All they needed to the fi rst team to lose twice best part of the 2007 season with national championship do was beat Illinois at home. in the same season as No. 1 was the journey itself.From expectations and ranked This time it was Illinois since Notre Dame in 1990. CLASSIFIEDS the beginning, we should’ve behind only No. 1 USC. spoiling the best laid plans. The fi nal BCS computa- known this was going to be Problems for the Tigers So, with three weeks tions favored Ohio State and FOR RENT a wild ride. came when they got to No. left in the regular season ... welcome back from the Movie Extras. New opportunities for upcoming pro- How could Appalachian 1. LSU hadn’t been No. 1 in and only one more chance dead, LSU.Perhaps we’ll ductions. All looks needed no experience required for State beating Michigan 34- the AP poll since 1959 when to impress poll voters, the never know for sure which cast calls. Call 877- 218- 6224 32 in the Big House not be it moved from No. 2 to the Buckeyes chances of earn- is the best college football a sign the college football top spot in the fi nal week of ing a spot in the national team in the country this Undercover Shoppers Earn up to $150 per day. Under gods were planning to have September. championship game were season. cover Shoppers needed to judge retail and dining some fun at the expense of Those good times lasted bleak. At least they could The wacky road trip that establishments. Exp. Not RE. Call 800-722-4791 the sports’ upper class? two weeks in Baton Rouge, still go to the Rose Bowl. was the 2007 college foot- By the time the season La. With Ohio State seem- ball season has reached its was over, Appalachian State On Oct. 13, Kentucky ingly out of the picture, final destination and all Sitters Wanted. $10+ per hour. over Michigan on the fi rst and star quarterback Andre LSU got a second chance those unlikely contenders Register free for jobs near campus or home. www. Saturday of September Woodson beat the Tigers at being No. 1. The Tigers that made it so much fun are student-sitters.com wasn’t even the clear-cut 43-37 in triple overtime. It had started the season play- nowhere to be found.

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For more information contact: 1-877-455-5757 www.beaconnewspaper.com ADVETISEMENT The Beacon – January 7, 2008 14 15 The Beacon – January 7, 2008 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com GoldenWOMEN’S BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK Panthers face Troy with injured players

inside presents, FIU has turned Rebounding duo absent against to outside shooting as a source of offense. The good news for the undersized conference opponent Golden Panthers is that they have quite a few effective shooters like DARREN COLLETTE time in her career and already freshman guard Fanni Hutlassa, Staff Writer recorded a double-double and senior guard LaQuetta Ferguson, new career highs in both scoring sophomore guard Monika Bosilj, Early in the season, the Golden and rebounding. senior guard Asha Neal and Panthers lost two of their best FIU does have more size it junior guard Iva Ciglar. players: junior forward Marquita can play thanks to 6-foot-4 fresh- Troy is led by senior guard Adley and 6-foot-2 sophomore men Maja Krajacic and 6-foot-1 Amy Lewis. She leads the team forward Elisa Carey. Liene Jekabsone. Depending on in scoring with almost 20 points Not only were they two of the the match-ups either could see per game. Lewis ranks number team’s best scores, but they were signifi cant playing time, despite one in 3-pointers made in the arguably the best rebounders on being somewhat inexperienced. Sun Belt conference (Ferguson the roster. In glimpses early this season ranks number two) and is second Now The Golden Panthers good things have been seen from to Ciglar for the lead in minutes (4-9) will take on the University both players as Jekabsone had 9 played. Junior Kylie Morrisy is of Troy (8-6) on Jan 9 at the rebounds against UM and Kra- the team’s second leading scorer Pharmed Arena with their two jacic nearly had a double-double with 14 points per game and key hustle players missing. It against the University of Texas leads Troy in rebounding with 5 will be the Golden Panthers third at San Antonio (UTSA) with 10 rebounds a game. conference game this season and points and 8 rebounds. Troy will be coming in follow- the fi rst at home. Size has been an issue in ing a 73-62 win over Sun Belt The only good news concern- some of Golden Panthers’ losses rival North Texas. ing their injuries is that they to bigger teams like Eastern The match-up should be man- happened early in the season, Michigan and Georgia. However, ageable for the Golden Panthers and they should both be allowed Tory is a smaller team with few thanks to the fact that they will to red-shirt this year. With the 6-footers and their tallest player not have a height disadvantage absence of Adley and Carey, is 6-foot-2. and should be able to win the the team has looked to 6-foot-2 In match-ups against smaller rebounding battle. senior Jasmine Jenkins, who up opponents such as Lynn Univer- FIU will need to focus on until this season had seen mini- sity, Hofstra and The University stopping Lewis from putting up mal playing time. of Miami, the Golden Panthers big numbers because in earlier FERNANDO GARCIA/BEACON FILE PHOTO So far Jenkins has done an have taken advantage of the games this season the defense has admirable job stepping into height discrepancy and won. LOSING CONTROL: Junior guard Iva Ciglar attempts to set up the given up high points totals to the offense against Lynn Unniversity. the starting line-up for the fi rst Due to their lack of a strong opponents leading scorer. CenterMEN’S BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK and perimeter play crucial against Troy at home

SERGIO BONILLA ing more than 6-foot-8. Conversely, the Golden Sports Editor They do not have a true Panthers’ guards will need center and play three for- to produce offensively As the Golden Panthers wards and two guards in order to compliment set to face University of every game. Hicks. Troy Trojans (6-6) Jan. 9 The Trojans main scor- He is facing one of at the Pharmed Arena, the ing threats are three guards the smaller lineups this presence of center Russell including sophomore season. It is imperative Hicks coupled with the Brandon Hazard. He is that he establishes his team’s perimeter defense shooting 44 percent from offensive game early in and offense will dictate three-point range includ- order to set up the FIU whether the team snaps its ing a 7-of-10 performance guards. losing spell. against Jacksonville. If Hicks does not have After beginning the Hazzard will most likely an impressive game, then season 2-0, the Golden pose the most problems for the rest of the team’s Panthers have gone 1-9 the Golden Panthers from shooting will falter. including six losses by the outside, but O’Darien Junior forward Alex more than double digits. Basset and Justin Jonus are Galindo has not performed The most notable of the best overall scorers. consistently thus far this those losses was the 92-49 Basset is leading the season and that has con- stomping at the hands of team in scoring with 18.7 tributed to Hicks’ lack of Kentucky on Dec. 31. points per game. He causes productivity. The Golden Panthers havoc on the offensive Galindo should be able began to struggle when side, but is a defensive to drive to the basket as he Hicks’ offensive produc- liability. Jonus is second is almost as tall as Troy’s tion dropped off, and he on the team with 13.6 tallest player. was barely attempting any points per game. Having two play- shots. The Golden Panthers’ ers controlling the paint Hicks got back on track guards will need to bully on offense will pose a scoring 20 points twice; the smaller lighter Troy huge problem for Troy’s however, now the team’s guards in order to slow defense. This is the same defense is not stopping them down and keep them defense that allowed 131 anyone. from shooting well from points to Paul Quinn Col- Opponents have lit the outside. lege, but the Trojans till up the Golden Panthers Hicks is a seven-footer won that game. defense from three-point but his defense is not his Therefore, it would not range. Kentucky shot 11- strongest suit. be wise for the Golden of-22 from three-point His height does not Panthers get involved in a range, and Robert Morris make up for his lack of shootout. shot 12-of-17 from behind lateral speed. He will need The team’s best chance the arc. his teammates to keep to win is to dominate the FERNANDO GARCIA/BEACON FILE PHOTO Troy sports a small their opponents in front of paint against the smaller SINKING: Junior guard Kenneth White drives to the basket in a 88-61 loss at home. White speedy lineup with none them and not force him to Troy roster while playing is one of the new players expected to provide signiﬁ cant offense throughout the season. of the starting five stand- try to block them. decent perimeter defense. Contact Us Sergio Bonilla Sports Editor [email protected] SPORTS The Beacon – 16 www.beaconnewspaper.com January 7, 2008

Men’s and women’s basketball seasons sucking away early

sometimes sending double teams and other defensive schemes to interrupt his touch around the basket. When this happens and he is forced to pass it out is where the problems begin. Junior forward Alex Galindo, last years leading scorer, is second with 11.8 points per game this season, but is doing this shooting barely over 40 percent from the fi eld and 29 Throughout the swirling coaching climate percent from three point range. Compare this in the FIU athletic department, basketball has to Hick’s effi cient 63 percent from the fi eld and been able to maintain consistent leadership the scoring struggles begin to make sense. despite drastic changes elsewhere. Kenneth White is the other new arrival from Men’s basketball coach Sergio Rouco has Texas, and while his talent is clearly evident, now been at the helm of the men’s program much work still needs to be done. White is for fi ve years while women’s basketball coach averaging 10 points per game but on 35 percent FERNANDO GARCIA/BEACON FILE PHOTO Cindy Russo has been guiding the women for shooting, drawing his accuracy into question. 29 years. Erick Nsangou started off the season fi ring TOUGH TIMES: Freshman guard Russell Tremayne looks down in frustration as the Golden With new coaches in football, baseball and away, getting promoted to the starting line-up, Panthers have not won a game in nearly a month. The men’s record is 3-9 while the women’s both soccer teams, great expectations were but has since cooled down. squad has started 4-9. leveled upon the two basketball squads to stand at the forefront of what FIU Athletics senior guard Chris Fuller is not only veteran have to offer. With new coaches in football, baseball leadership but an excellent lock-down defender It should suffi ce to say that those expecta- who can hit the open 3-pointer. tions haven’t quite been met. and both soccer teams, great expectations The key to turning everything around, The men’s team, despite terrifi c output though, is Kenneth White. The team needs him from newcomer junior center Russell Hicks, were leveled upon the two basketball squads to emerge from his shooting slump and become has gone dormant for a month, undergoing the all-around scorer he is capable of being. a six-game losing streak and dropping the to stand at the forefront of what FIU Athletics For the women, Ferguson is capable of fi rst two Sun Belt conference games in a have to offer. taking over a game when necessary, which is conference in which it was supposed to be something the men’s team hasn’t been able contenders. to fi nd. Meanwhile, the women’s team stands at mentioned, putting up double digits in scor- She is very skilled and never afraid to take 4-9. Although the women can claim a big win Nonetheless, he is still shooting 48 percent ing at 10.1 points per game and adding four an important shot. This may be a bit of a joke with their 60-58 triumph over the University from the fi eld and will need to continue to rebounds per game. sometimes, as the term ball-hog often gets of Miami, they too have dropped two confer- attack the basket to reverse the team’s recent Both teams are in trouble, there is no dis- slapped onto a player, but at the end of close ence games and have fallen behind early in misfortunes. On the women’s side of the court, puting that. FIU fans can take solace in the games it is comforting to know there is some- the race. senior guard LaQuetta Ferguson is putting up fact that both teams have a strong amount of one you can trust with the ball. For the men’s team, the problem has not a strong 18.1 points per game, but just like the potential and can absolutely turn things around Conference play is in full effect throughout stemmed from the newcomers but rather from men’s team, effi ciency is the problem as it is and revive the team’s tournament hopes and January, and the fi rst set of games can effec- the veterans. Hicks has been making a case for being done on 37 percent shooting. fan‘s hope. tively be disregarded as this is a chance for a All-Conference this season, averaging nearly Nobody with over ten shots on the season The men’s team has what is becoming clean slate. 14 points and seven rebounds a game and is shooting over 50 percent, and the team des- an established force down low in Hicks and Both teams have the ability to make a run cashing in a double-double against powerhouse perately needs Jasmine Jenkins to be a force Galindo’s talent has not left him. in the Sun Belt and, if college basketball has Kentucky. down low on the defensive end. Nsangou is extremely athletic and is as good taught us anything, it’s never to discount a Teams have begun to respect Hicks by Junior guard Iva Ciglar should also be a scorer as anyone when he is on his game and hungry underdog. WINTER BREAK SCOREBOARD MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE MIAMI 67, FIU 54 DECEMBER 8 EASTERN MICHIGAN 77, FIU 58 DECEMBER 8 UALR 75 FIU 67 DECEMBER 15 UTSA 68 FIU 57 DECEMBER 14 MTSU 72 FIU 63 DECEMBER 18 MTSU 77 FIU 64 DECEMBER 19 GEORGE MASON 86 FIU 68 DECEMBER 21 UALR 65 FIU 45 DECMEBER 22 PURDUE 59, FIU 44 DECMEBER 29 HOFSTRA 62, FIU 56 DECEMBER 29 KENTUKY 92, FIU 49 DECEMBER 31 GEORGIA 70 FIU 56 DECEMBER 30