Weekend A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 22, Issue 61 www.fi usm.com Friday, February 5, 2010 National Signing Day:

Golden Panthers add 21 recruits to roster PAGE 8

SPOTLIGHT AT THE BAY PAGE 3 Bookstore Weekends with Paradise: Our columnist brings you fun Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day date ideas. launches AT THE BAY PAGE 3 With the new Test-Wiseness Workshops at BBC, pulling an all- nighter could be a thing of the past. new rental OPINION PAGE 4 program

MELISSA CACERES Staff Writer Questions still keep fl owing about the future of the Republican Party. With prices on new and used text- How can the party survive the 2010 midterm elections and regain power books remaining high, students now have in Washington? another option when it comes to obtaining materials for classes. OPINION PAGE 4 Where to see the big game Beginning this Spring semester, the China owns us and it’s our own fault. How has the recent state of the ANTHONY CENTENO festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the FIU Bookstore will offer a book rental economy put the U.S. in jeopardy? Contributing Writer lounge of Building A. program through Barnes & Noble that will save students around 50 percent off LIFE! PAGE 5 University Park Towers will also be the cost of new, printed textbooks. Gables Gallery Walk lets people On Feb. 7, Miami will be hosting the hosting a watch party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. enjoy free art the fi rst Friday of biggest American sports event of the year – in the lounge. Students can enjoy food and The fee for renting a book is 42.5 each month. the Super Bowl. drinks while watching the game on a big percent of the retail price of the new text- book; so if a textbook is $100, then the SPORTS PAGE 8 This year, the Indianapolis Colts and the screen TV. These events are not exclusive New Orleans Saints will be squaring off in to residents only, all students are welcome rental version would be available for the 44th annual Super Bowl, which will be to join. $42.50. held at Sun Life Stadium. However, if students are interested in “The program is really to give students FIU students are already making their going out to enjoy the game, then they’re more options when it comes to buying plans for Super Bowl Sunday. already in the right place. Sports bars and textbooks,” said Jeff Krablin, the assis- tant vice president of Business Services Coach Mario Cristobal continues “For this year’s Super Bowl, I plan on restaurants all over Miami will become hot to try and establish a pipeline at hanging out with friends, having a barbecue, spots to watch the main event. at FIU. Northwestern High School. and enjoying the Saints run over the Colts,” “Even if you aren’t a big football fan, you “We recognize that they can be very said sophomore journalism major Christina can still go out and enjoy the atmosphere,” expensive and this is one of the options SPORTS PAGE 8 that we hope will lead to things being The Golden Panthers add several Watkins. said senior hospitality major Luis Vasquez. key players on off ense, including a Barbecues and get-togethers are classic If sun, fun and football sounds like a great more affordable.” blue-chip wide receiver, a quarter- Super Bowl traditions. combination, then one may want to check Krablin added that the program is still back for the future and strength on in its pilot stages and that it would be a the lines. If students living on campus would like out Ocean’s Ten on South Beach. This sports to watch the game, Housing will be holding bar is fully equipped with great food, full learning experience to determine if the events on game day. University Park Apart- bar and big screen plasma TVs throughout, system “runs smoothly.” UPCOMING EVENTS ments will be hosting a Super Bowl watch Among the 636 Barnes & Noble on- Paranormal Activity, Feb. 5, 5 and 8 p.m. party with food and drinks provided. The SUPER BOWL, page 5 campus bookstores, FIU was one of the SPC-MMC presents this low-budget yet 25 chosen nationwide to carry out the frightful fi lm for free in GC 140. Women and Men’s Basketball, Feb. 6, 12 and 2 p.m., respectively. Come cheer on RENTAL, page 2 your Golden Panthers as they take on North Texas at the U.S. Century Bank Arena. Free with Panther ID. Safety questions addressed Super Bowl Watch Parties on Campus, Class off ers Feb. 7, 4:30 p.m. Watch the game with friends at the Building A lounge in UPA. Victim Advocacy Center Sharon – More events can be found in our Monday Aaron. Nowell, Bejar, King and and Friday issues of Life!. PA system, emergency in-depth study Aaron are also members of the University Consultation Team, WEATHER procedures among topics responsible for dealing with FRIDAY disruptive or at-risk students. on HIV/AIDS Mostly Cloudy JASMYN ELLIOTT tant thing we can do than create Several of the concerns LOW: 69 HIGH: 79 BBC Managing Editor a safe environment,” said Vice voiced by those in attendance MARIELLA ROQUE SATURDAY Provost Steven Moll during his dealt with communication, Contributing Writer Few Showers Emergency telephones, fi re opening remarks. “If we don’t, LOW: 55 HIGH: 75 or the lack thereof. Staff, for safety and the lack of an alter- students don’t learn and we fail example, complained about the SUNDAY Biology of AIDS, a class offered at FIU since 1997, nate evacuation route were just in our mission [to educate].” confusion on whom to call in Partly Cloudy allows students to learn about AIDS from biological some of the issues raised during The EMG is responsible for case of an injury or a disruptive LOW: 55 HIGH: 68 and socio-psychological perspectives. the forum of Safety and Emer- restoring order during times student: 911 or FIU Police? Ophelia Weeks, Ph.D. and associate professor, gency Planning held on Feb. 2 of distress such as a natural According to King, every CONTACTS thought of the idea while taking a sabbatical in 1996 at the Wolfe University Center. disaster. The group comprises Fall, faculty receive a red folder at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. Editor in Chief ...... 305-348-1580 The forum allowed students, the following: EMG Assis- during orientation. The folder chris.necuze@fi usm.com Weeks said she felt many people were uneducated faculty and staff to voice their tant Director Dorothy Miller; contains a handout dictating MMC Offi ce ...... 305-348-2709 in the subject of HIV/AIDS. She returned to FIU news@fi usm.com concerns on various safety- Director of Counseling and what do to in certain scenarios, motivated to make a change. BBC Offi ce ...... 305-919-4722 related issues affecting the Psychological Services Cheryl which includes a contact “[Students] look at AIDS as somebody else’s bbc@fi usm.com University, with the Emergency Nowell; Vice President of number that corresponds with disease, [saying] ‘it has nothing to do with me,’” Tips & Corrections ...... 305-348-2709 Management Group present as Academic Affairs Elizabeth the severity of the situation. tips@fi usm.com Weeks said. “But they come out of the course much Advertising ...... 305-348-6994 a panel. Bejar; Chief Bill King of FIU advertising@fi usm.com “There is no more impor- Police; and Director of the FORUM, page 3 AIDS, page 2 2 The Beacon – Friday, February 5, 2010 NEWS www.fi usm.com

NEWS FLASH Program makes books aff ordable LOCAL RENTAL, page 1 Police vote ‘no’ to volunteer Super Bowl surveillance pilot program and the only university I think renting books is great for those within the state of Florida. So far, the students who have a hard time paying for Contract negotiations between the city of Miami program has raised around $23,000, and the police union intensifi ed with the union’s since it began and the number is new ones. members voting not to volunteer for off-duty security constantly increasing. details and overtime this weekend. “We’ve had a tremendous response Alejandro Gallego, sophomore According to The Miami Herald, union offi cials from students and faculty to our Computer Science say the union’s stance is not intended to undermine rental program and, as a result, have Super Bowl safety, but that they want to highlight continued to expand it to other colleges the students has been excitement even their books, which will ask for a credit over-reaching contract demands, unfair negotiating and universities across the country,” though they do wish that there were card to register into the bookstore tactics and an over-reliance on overtime and off-duty said Max Roberts, the president of more titles.” system. Even though the student can shifts. Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Unlike online renting companies use other means of tender, like cash, in a recent press release. like Chegg, that require very few a Panther card or book advance, the NATIONAL This semester, the bookstore is markings on their books, the Barnes credit card is needed in order to have offering 50 titles spread out among & Noble program actually allows a means of charging for consequences Helicopter crash in Germany claims victims basic to advanced level subjects. students to highlight the pages and like late fees. According to Krablin, the 50 books make notes on the margins normally at They also allow renting to be done A U.S. military Black Hawk helicopter crashed in available end up corresponding to their discretion. online and have the books delivered to Germany on Wednesday, killing three crew members. around 200 course sections since a “I think renting books is great for the student. CNN spoke with U.S. Army public affairs number of the titles are used by more those students who have a hard time “It really has caught on. Lots of specialist, Bruce Anderson, who put the crash site than one teacher. Over time the number paying for new ones,” said Alejandro schools are calling and lots of national near Darmstadt, south of Frankfurt, near a helicopter of books will increase as the program Gallego, a sophomore majoring in press are picking up on the fact that landing site in Mannheim. grows more successful and professors computer science. book rentals are now being offered Names of the victims were being withheld pending keep the bookstore informed of their Students are able to rent their from the big college bookstores,” notifi cation of relatives. future material. books in store using the special kiosks Krablin said. “It’s all part of the over- According to Anderson, the cause of the crash is “In order to expand the titles, the set up for them. With each of the 50 arching plan as it correlates textbook still under investigation. professors need to tell us ahead of time books, the tag that lists the price has affordability, which is to increase the which books they will be using so that a separate notice that the textbook is options available.” INTERNATIONAL we can try to have them available here rentable. For more information go to the FIU to rent,” said Meaghan Connolly, the The students will then be able to go Bookstore in the Graham Center or Former president leads Haitian aid efforts general manager of the FIU Book- to a separate register where they will visit fi u.bkstore.com. store. “All the feedback that I got from fi ll out the necessary paperwork to rent United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed former President Bill Clinton with overseeing aid efforts, as well as the reconstruction of Project ‘shocks’ misinformed students earthquake-ravaged Haiti. According to a spokesman for the Haitian prime AIDS, page 1 their grade and are paired The magazine displayed make you feel embarrassed minister who spoke to CNN, more than 200,000 into groups of fi ve, random- a series of condom adver- to make your mother go buy people have died from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. more aware.” ized by the professor. tisements geared toward one for you or for the lady “I cannot fi nd any other better suited leader than The course is offered in The HIV-related project college students, an inter- at the counter to look at you yourself, Mr. President,” Ki-moon told Clinton at the the Spring and Fall semes- can target a specifi c demo- view with an AIDS victim, a certain way for buying United Nations on Wednesday morning. ters at the Modesto Maid- graphic and varies from various HIV facts and a this specifi c condom,” said According to CNN, Clinton will help coordinate ique Campus and holds a AIDS awareness pamphlets survey conducted on 86 sophomore Karisa Falden, the work of U.N. agencies and the other international maximum of 40 students. to fundraising concerts. anonymous students in the another member of the Grey partners in Haiti, including government donors, private “The class is usually full “Students tend to be very residence halls with ques- Team. investors and non-governmental organizations. within the fi rst few days [of creative when they’re placed tions about the disease. “It made you realize why registration],” Weeks said. into randomized groups,” Robles explained that some people have unpro- – Compiled by Gabriel Arraras On the fi rst day of class, Weeks said. the results “shocked” her tected sex,” she added.

students are assigned a One group, nicknamed and opened her eyes to the Falden said she was so project worth 5 percent of the “Grey Team”, decided to lack of knowledge about impacted by the experi- design a magazine targeting HIV/AIDS. The results ence that she applied for the FIU community, specifi - showed that frequently, summer research involving cally housing students. students selected the incor- the immune system. “We felt it was a good way rect answer. “We feel blessed that we to start informing people,” Among class experi- were able to take the class, said senior Rachel Robles, ments, mandatory class it’s a good opportunity,” E-BOARD AND PRODUCTION STAFF INFORMATION pre-med major and one of lectures and discussions, the Robles said. the group’s members. students were assigned to “I really want to stress EDITOR IN CHIEF ASST. OPINION EDITOR The Beacon is published on A hundred copies of the purchase a type of condom, that HIV is real. You interact CHRISTOPHER NECUZE ODETTE BARRIENTOS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays magazine were passed out ranging from intrauterine with HIV positive people during the Fall and Spring semesters PRODUCTION MANAGER ASST. SPORTS DIRECTORS and once a week during Summer B. One to students in the Everglades devices to various other every day of your life and CHRISTOPHER LEE ADAMS STEPHANIE GABRIEL, JOEL DELGADO copy per person. Additional copies are 25 apartments, University Park kinds. To receive a grade, that’s a fact,” said Falden. cents. The Beacon is not responsible for Towers and the Engineering the students had to present “[HIV is] not very far away, COPY CHIEF the content of ads. Ad content is the sole BBC PHOTO EDITOR building as well as various the contraceptive in class. it might be sitting right next PAULA GARCIA responsibility of the company or vendor. TOMAS LOPEZ-MELIS The Beacon is an editorially independent spots all around MMC. “It was supposed to you.” newspaper partially funded by student NEWS DIRECTOR PAGE DESIGNERS and services fees that are appropriated JORGE VALENS JESSICA MAYA, LEONCIO ALVAREZ, by student government. The Beacon BBC MANAGING EDITOR ASHLEY SALAMANCA, CHRIS TOWERS offi ce is located in the Graham Center, Room 210, at the JASMYN ELLIOTT COPY EDITORS Modesto Maidique Campus and in the LIFE! EDITOR Wolfe University Center, Room 124, at CARLA GARCIA, ASHLEY CAPO, MARIE JOIN OUR STAFF! ASHLYN TOLEDO the Biscayne Bay Campus. Questions DUNBAR, ASHLEY SALAMANCA SPORTS DIRECTOR regarding display advertising and bill- ing should be directed to the Advertis- JONATHAN RAMOS RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR ing Manager at 305-348-2709. Mailing The BEACON is always looking for OPINION EDITOR address: Graham Center, Room 210, ROSALYN DELGADO DAVID BARRIOS Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305- talented and reliable individuals to join PHOTO EDITOR 348-2712. Biscayne Bay Campus is ADVERTISING MANAGER 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9 a.m. ALEX GARCIA the staff. If you have an interest in writing, BOBBY JOE BRACY - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online ASST. NEWS DIRECTORS at: www.fi usm.com. photography or even grammar, don’t be BUSINESS MANAGER GABRIEL ARRARAS, MAUREEN NINO TATIANA CANTILLO shy. ASST. LIFE EDITOR DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Stop by one of our offi ces located in GC JAMES RADZIEWICZ ROBERT JAROSS

ASST. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA 210 and WUC 124. ALFRED SOTO Contact Us Jasmyn Elliott BBC Managing Editor jasmyn.elliott@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 3 www.fi usm.com Friday, February 5, 2010

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP Test-wiseness workshop improves students’ exam-taking strategies

MAUREEN NINO “I just got out of high but instead provides general Asst. News Director school a few months ago and information to prepare college is very different and students for an exam by Cramming all night for I think [these workshops] teaching them specifi c test- a test may work for some will help me. The things I taking, studying and note- students, but usually the learned in high school are taking tips. best results come from prep- not really helping now and Yeroshova believes that aration, a technique students hopefully this will help me although she has been taking can now learn in Biscayne make a good transition into tests “forever,” the work- Bay Campus’ new Test- a higher level of thinking,” shop was still helpful. Wiseness workshops. she said . “It is very informative Federico Lastra, tutor and In the workshops, Lastra and he actually points out reading specialist at BBC, discusses strategies and tricks to help during a test. is the innovator behind the skills students may use There are a lot of small tips new workshop offered at during different types of that are very valuable,” she the Center for Academic exams such as multiple said. “These courses help Success, in Academic choice, essay format and calm me down and it feels Building I, Room 160. true/false questions . right. I don’t get nervous and According to Lastra, “For multiple choice tests if I do blank out I compose he just acted on what the I teach them how to read the myself and start from the students told him they question and go through the beginning.” needed. answer, automatically elim- The workshops have no TOMAS LOPEZ-MELIS/THE BEACON “I talked to [Lastra] inating the ones that do not additional cost and according Bernishka Hanna, a junior and accounting major, and Ana Perez, a junior journalism last semester about how a apply. I teach them to search to Lastra, the Center for and social work major, get ready to begin the egg race on the second day of the lot of students are nervous for cue words and how to Academic Success is using One World Celebration hosted by the SPC on Jan 27th. and don’t know how to organize their thoughts in its regular budget. take a test. He told me relation to the question,” Roberta Coaches, Center about his idea and thought Lastra said. for Academic Success it was great,” said Darya Lastra also suggested offi ce assistant, believes WEEKENDS WITH PARADISE Yeroshova, a senior and his fi rst rule for test taking: the program will be very psychology major. “Count how many questions helpful. The workshop will offer you have and the time on According to Coaches, Sappy sports fans have students strategic test tips the clock. Calculate that and the Invitational Scholars that according to Lastra may you know how much time Club has helped promote the be particularly benefi cial for you have for the question.” workshops. two busy weekends ahead students right out of high According to Lastra, this Although Lastra is school. is the fi rst time the Univer- currently the only instructor “A lot of students can’t sity offers these courses and participating, several am a huge fan of baguette for $8.45. a single lady, bitterness read the information. A lot they will be offered twice other tutors have shown Irelaxing on Sundays, They also hand out free slipped in). of them don’t know how a week during the second enthusiasm. but when I looked at my samples in the left hand Since this is the fi rst to read testing questions or and third week of the month “Other tutors have calendar this month corner of the store. Sunday without football of how to look at a multiple between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. expressed an interest in I did not think it COLUMNIST You did not hear the year, I say you spend it choice exam,” Lastra said. “In February there will possibly doing the work- would be possible. this from me, but with your special someone “Students can study as hard be two more workshops shops in the evening, The Super stand by there on the fi eld. as they want but if they added on memorization tips making it available to more Bowl is coming up while waiting for Head over to the Alonzo don’t know how to read a and techniques, and time students,” she said. “He is this weekend and your order to come and Tracy Mourning Sr. test question they may not management. These work- very energetic and he really Valentine’s Day is out. Free cheese, High School, 2601 NE 151 succeed.” shops will teach students enjoys what he is doing. He the weekend after, crackers and pesto St., North Miami, and pick Freshman and psychology how to balance and schedule took the initiative to start both of which are PARADISE – yes please! up a couple’s game. major Coryn Nimdelett everything out,” he said. the program and he is just busy days. AFSHAR Now, I prom- Who cares if you cannot agrees and believes these The workshops do not the perfect person to teach For girls who ised something play? It will still be fun workshops will benefi t her . focus on one specifi c course this,” Coaches said. are sports fans like me, this for the guys too. Why sit trying something new. is a win-win situation. But through a brunch when you Besides, it is a nice break Alternate routes discussed I know not every girl (or could be doing something from that played-out Valen- guy for that matter) feels the football-related? tine’s Day tradition of dinner same way. Well, because NFL stars and a movie. FORUM, page 1 In the same vein as evacuation, the ongoing No worries, it is really tend to go to this place a lot. Really, nothing says issue of a lack of an alternate hurricane evacu- simple to mix the two days I have seen Dan Marino, “I love you” like risking a However, he also noted that “911 calls trans- ation route was brought up. Citing the particu- so everyone is happy. Jason Taylor and Zach Marsha Brady moment with fers to Public Safety,” but the extension 7-2626 larly rainy weather on Feb. 1, King said, “If the If you are in a relation- Thomas from the Dolphins your signifi cant other. links directly to their offi ces. roadway is closed up, we are locked up. It is a ship and you are the one who there, or in the same plaza, Top it off with some- Another concern raised during the forum true disaster waiting to happen.” cannot stand sports but your quite often. Although he thing laid-back, like a picnic regarded the unsynchronized fi re alarms in the According to King, as late as last Fall, FIU signifi cant other is a sports never played for the NFL, on the bleachers, or you can connected buildings Academic I and WUC. Police has been in talks with the City of North junkie, go out for brunch at Dwayne “The Rock” just get ready for a night out “If the fi re alarms in WUC are going off, Miami to rebuild and reopen the former NE The Cheese Course, 1679 Johnson has been sighted afterward. how do we tell the people in AC I not to come 135th Street bridge as an alternate route in the Market St, Weston, on game there a time or two. Enjoy the game, have a in?” said Vicky Owles, associate director of event of the fl ooding of NE 151 St. They are day. Who knows whom you great Valentine’s Day, and Campus Life. also campaigning to get a federal grant to aid in They have an amazing will see on game day. GO SAINTS! After referring to the issue as “a thorn in my rebuilding the route. selection of cheeses from One last thing: if you side,” Miller stressed the importance of cooper- According to Moll, the process is taking so around the world, wines, bring your guy out to this Read Weekends with ation by way of exiting persons to redirect those long because city commissioners are afraid of sandwiches and salads. I place on Super Bowl Sunday Paradise every other Friday who may be unaware of the evacuation. “losing constituents” who have thus far vehe- am in love with the Alba- you are legally bound to sit for more tips on places to “It takes all of you to help us out,” Miller mently opposed the project, arguing that the core white tuna melt, which through the whole game go in the North Miami area. said. rebuilding of the bridge would cause a higher comes with Gruyère cheese, with no complaints. If you have any suggestions, Miller also stated that a PA system for AC I traffi c volume from the University. shredded carrots, extra So let’s talk about Valen- e-mail paradise.afshar@ and Academic II offi ces is in the works, citing Even so, King remains determined to fi nd a virgin olive oil, mayonnaise tine’s Day, my least favorite fi usm.com. The colum- that it would be easier for people to hear that solution. and greens on a foot-long day of the year (sorry; I’m nist pays for all food and there is a fi re-related evacuation rather than see “It is an issue on the front burner,” he said. people leaving the building. Contact Us David Barrios Opinion Editor david.barrios@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com Friday, February 5, 2010

Republicans need to DARN TOOTIN’ unite with new ideas

JULIO MENACHE privately hopes to make a resurgence through Staff Writer an “80-20 strategy,” which in simple terms, translates to 80 percent bashing Democratic A year into President Obama’s fi rst term, policies, while using the remaining 20 percent it seems that the stars may be aligning for to put forth an alternative plan. Republicans. In reality, the GOP has been using the According to a Rasmussen Reports’ public same tactic since President Obama was opinion poll, President Obama’s approval elected, earning the dubious distinction of the rating has sunk to under 50 percent, with “Party of ‘No.’” only 32 percent of Americans feeling that the Instead of coming up with a resounding country is headed in the right direction. counter message – you know, one that Following the stimulus bill, unemploy- has reason and facts – the GOP resorts to ment went up instead of down, and with name calling and fear tactics, which can many Democrats facing tough Republican lead to some pretty interesting slogans in opposition during the 2010 Congressional “Tea Parties” and town halls, including my elections, the president may be headed into personal favorite, “Keep government out of some stormy weather. my Medicare.” And yet, while the GOP may be able to Scaring those in your party to submission If anything, liberals are doing more Soon, the Tea Party movement created win a handful of seats, I don’t expect them trivializes our democracy, one that was built laughing than loathing against “poor” Sarah. an opposition not only to Obama, but to the to take back the House and Senate like they upon the principle of having an educated What the party needs to do is fi nd a leader moderate Republicans that held less conser- did in 1994. electorate. that can articulate about the principles of the vative views on certain issues. While the number of registered Democrats The party needs to reverse its strategy. It party: less government, lower taxes, high The strategy was put in full force when has fallen to its lowest level in seven years should spend most of its time presenting its prosperity, and frame it to the mood of the Tea Party activists ousted Republican candi- according to Rasmussen, Republicans have ideas instead of attacking. American people. date Dana Scozzafava in a special election not been able to capitalize on this, suffering If Americans are truly tired of Democratic With unemployment at an all-time high, for a New York congressional seat, leaving from even worse numbers. rule, they’ll come to it on their own terms. and many Americans feeling disillusioned by the Democratic candidate Bill Owens to Since the presidency of George W. Bush, They don’t need to be reminded by Repub- the slow pace of the economic stimulus bill in claim the seat. the party has become a mere caricature, lican offi cials, they just need to know that the creating jobs, the party will be able to make This baffl ed me as a political observer. devoid of strong leadership and a strong GOP has an alternative. some ground with a convincing message. Sure, Scozzafava was liberal on some social message that will resonate in the minds of the LOOK FOR A LEADER TO UNITE THE The GOP should look toward old faces issues, but might I remind my conservative American people. PARTY (HINT: IT’S NOT SARAH PALIN) such as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, cohorts that she was supported by the likes of The GOP itself is in need of both short and along with new faces such as South Dakota Newt Gingrich and the NRA. long-term reform, if it ever wishes to regain Just as the party will be haunted by memo- Senator John Thume for future leadership, The GOP needs to become a party that the trust of the American people. And here’s ries of Bush’s presidency, the party must look not radio personalities or soccer moms. stays true to its principles, yet unafraid to how they can do it: past the wench from Wasilla. include other independent voices. Repub- While some conservatives may argue, DON’T PURGE THE PARTY COME UP WITH MORE SOLUTIONS licans need to be the party of principle and “Oh, but she really gets on liberals’ nerves, THAN CRITICISM After Democrats took over the White pragmatism, not the party of parody and she must be getting to them,” that logic House and Congress, I watched in horror as bitter partisanship. And most importantly, not Politico recently reported that the GOP entirely misses the point. the GOP began to eat itself alive. the party of “No.” China challenges United States’ domination

proverbial shadow and is emerging as the new Obama will be metaphorically fi nancing a Chinese take advantage of the world leader. brand new Lexus when he should be borrowing We are witnessing the fall of a titan. The his cousin’s 1977 Ford Pinto. U.S., with Obama in offi ce, is simply unable It almost feels like the U.S. is the irrespon- mounting American debt crisis to maintain its position as the supreme leader sible sibling who spends his time hanging out of the free world. at the mall, eating in the food court and shop- ALICIA MONTALVO While many individuals and countries Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Republican. ping for new clothes. Contributing Writer may have purchased bonds during this period, However, Bush carried a big stick. Obama? While he’s goofi ng off, brothers China and China bought the most. It is the single largest Not so much. India are hard-working entrepreneurs hitting “You’ve been pwned!” holder of U.S. Treasury bonds, totaling just He is so preoccupied with domestic affairs the daily grind and wisely investing in a well- If you’re anything like me, you’ve used this under $1 trillion. such as health care reform, taxes and his diversifi ed portfolio. phrase to announce that you’ve beaten a friend In addition to owning us, China is bouncing socialist agenda that he has allowed countries Bad decisions by the U.S. have left the in a competitive game of bowling, Yahtzee, back faster and harder from the current like China and India (another emerging leader) door open for smarter, bolder countries to take Madden and so on. recession. to take the reins. over. We plebeians only have the ability to say U.S. employment fi gures are dismal, just If money is power, then it’s no wonder Generally speaking, I am an aggressive this in jest; Hu Jintao, China’s current leader, over 10 percent last month, but China’s export the U.S. is trailing. Our president is spending person who doesn’t like losing. This may be does not. numbers are increasing. Their people are money with his “Recovery” act like it’s going the root of my disappointment in both the China, quite literally, owns us. It’s all quite buying the most cars on the planet. The real out of style. president and the country. simple, really. estate market is not only thriving, but booming. Since Bush left offi ce, Obama has increased Obama needs to recognize this rear-naked When George W. Bush needed to fund the Demand for housing is through the roof. the gross debt in the U.S. as a percentage of choke, i.e. debt, China has us in will eventu- initial attack on Iraq and the stimulus checks, According to Newsweek, the price of gross domestic product from about 70 percent ally force us to tap out. he took out a loan. When Barack Obama high-class housing has risen by more than 54 in 2008 to over 90 percent in December 2009, The U.S. needs to not only repay debt, but needed money for his stimulus package, he percent in the last six months. according to Newsweek. stop incurring more if it is to regain control on also took out a loan. China has stepped out from the U.S.’s Some economists project that in 2010 the world – we cannot be pwned!

DISCLAIMER SEND US YOUR LETTERS WINNERLOSER QUOTATIONATION The opinions presented within Got a problem with parking? Want to Avatar. Although it fell short Megan Fox. Fox is nominated “Why, if gays are allowed into the this page do not represent the give kudos to faculty? Or do you just from Titanic’s 14 Oscar nods twice for the 2010 Razzie views of The Beacon Editorial have something to say about FIU? back in 1997, Avatar proves awards. Her two nods include military, soon the armed forces will Trans- Board. These views are separate Send your thoughts in to opinion@ to be a big name for the 82nd worst actress for both allow all sorts of other things.” annual Academy Awards with formers: Revenge of the Fallen from editorials and refl ect indi- fi usm.com or drop by our offi ces at nine nominations. Among the and Jennifer’s Body. Two vidual perspectives of contribut- either GC 240 or WUC 124. With your nine nominations were Best movies that are coincidentally ing writers and/or members of letter, be sure to include your name, Picture, Director, Visual Eff ects not vying for Best Picture Saxby Chambliss the University community. major and year. and Cinematography. Oscars. Republican Senator, Georgia Contact Us Ashlyn Toledo Life! Editor ashlyn.toledo@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – 5 www.fi usm.com Friday, February 5, 2010 WALK OF ART

From left to right: Sueños de un guajiro by Humberto Benitez, Escape from the traps by Klara Chavarría and Over and over 8 by Michelle Concepción. Gables art galleries open doors for Friday’s free art walks

ADRIANA RODRIGUEZ out the new exhibit Confl uencias: Inter- The book signing is in conjunction The Americas Collections sits right on Staff Writer sticios Entre la Literatura, el Cine y el with a preview of the gallery’s new collec- Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Andalusia Cartel, an art display exclusive of artists tion. Humberto Benitez works with only a Avenue, just a block away from Miracle If you’re in the mood for a little night from Latin America. limited number of monochromatic origi- Mile. The gallery has dedicated its efforts music and some art, check out Gables Next stop is Art Space/ Virginia Miller nals. The artist is known for clearing his to the proliferation of contemporary Latin Gallery Walk. Galleries on 169 Madeira Ave. Five studio and surroundings from all colors, American art with the inclusion of some Gables Gallery Walk happens on the Abstract Visions, the new exhibition at the then bonding with the strength of a single European and American artists in its fi rst Friday of every month. The walk, gallery which opens Feb. 5, will display tone. What he came up with is a series repertoire as well. The gallery built its which stretches from Douglas Road all the the works of Michelle Concepcion, Florian of black and white pieces that make a success on the principle that “the dynamic way to US1, gives participants a chance Depenthal, Andy Moses, Linda Touby contrast to the colorful display of Bonil- of a good contemporary gallery should be to check out the work of local artists for and Aaron Karp. The gallery says the la’s Rainbow House release party. to provide the most well-rounded assort- free. exhibit “offers a fascinating view of how You’ll probably be famished from the ment of renowned masters and emerging Don’t look for major crowds like at accomplished mid-career artists approach walking but hope is in sight. talents. [This] has made The Americas other art festivals because this walk is abstraction in very different ways.” Once you hit downtown Coral Gables, Collection an exciting and eclectic organi- more of a solo venture for most of the way Literature geeks and art fans collide there will be a plethora of restaurants. Step zation,” according to their Web site. until you hit downtown Coral Gables, at the H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery at 305 into Books and Books on 265 Aragon Ave. There’s a pocket of smaller art where you’ll bump into the date night Alcazar Ave., Suite 4. Starting at 6 p.m., for a look at some art and live music and, galleries next to Ponce Circle Park, which crowd at Miracle Mile’s restaurants. the gallery will open its doors to fans of while you’re there, grab a bite to eat at is nice for your feet or for your gas tank You can start the night off at Centro Janet Diaz Bonilla, who will be signing the café where they offer everything from for those not planning to do the trek on Cultural Español on 800 Douglas Rd., copies of her latest novel, Rainbow House. chilled gazpacho to red velvet cupcakes. foot. The Klara Chavarria Contemporary Suite 170, about two blocks east of Ponce The novel is about Camilla Miranda, a There’s also a cash wine and beer bar de Leon Boulevard. Here, you can check young woman who holds a dark secret. available. GALLERY, page 6

THE BEACON REVIEWS: EDGE OF DARKNESS Miami gears up for Super Bowl Mel Gibson reprises SUPER BOWL, page 1 Buffalo Wild Wings. “The crowd Those who stick around until goes wild with every touchdown, 9 p.m. can enjoy their usual all contributing to a lively it’s crazy.” Happy Hour with 50 percent off iconic revenge role atmosphere. This sports grill offers a boun- alcoholic beverages. On game day, specials like five tiful menu, including buffalo The recently-opened Bird beers for $20 on Miller Lite, the wings, cold drinks and other Road Sports Grill will be holding DAVID BARRIOS simple: They know how to play official beer sponsor of the Super foods off the grill. its own Bowl event. Opinion Editor “revenge.” Bowl, will be in full effect. Sports fans of all kinds can Specials on beer and their And make no mistake, that’s With the lure of Miami’s enjoy this bar located in the front award-winning chicken wings Like it or not, Mel Gibson is a what Gibson is looking for in already infamous beach life, section of Dolphin Mall. will be offered as all the grid- Hollywood icon. his latest fi lm, Edge of Dark- Ocean’s Ten is sure to be a hot Also at Dolphin, T.G.I. iron action is displayed across He’s survived a post-apoc- ness. Directed by Martin Camp- spot when Super Bowl fever Friday’s is upping the ante with multiple flat-screen TVs. alyptic wasteland, gained the bell (Casino Royale, Goldeneye), grips the city. several drink specials, including Located relatively close to ability to hear women’s thoughts the fi lm follows Boston homi- Lincoln Road Mall will be $2 drafts and bottles. the Modesto Maidique Campus, and, in between, helped found cide detective Thomas Craven, holding the “Ultimate Tailgate Those seeking food to go students can enjoy the Super two nations: the United States another offshoot of the typically Party.” Those who attend will with their drinks can enjoy their Bowl excitement without and Scotland. wronged man, whose daughter is see former NFL players, while special of an appetizer, an entree breaking the bank. The fact that he is a raving gunned down at his doorstep after enjoying a barbecue and other and a dessert for $12.99. Be prepared this weekend as anti-Semite is a moot point. returning home from vacation. foods. Halftime will feature its own the game day excitement spreads He just looks like an icon. It’s The motive for the murder South Beach may be one of events, including a Spin-the- from the field to across the city. been eight years since he’s been in seems clear; probably an old the most popular spots in Miami Wheel contest where customers Whether you’re a Colts fan or a a starring role and, sure, there are score being settled by an enemy to watch the game, but if you’d can win coupons and certifi- Saints fan, this Sunday, Miami is a few gray hairs on his head and, of Craven or an unknown debt rather avoid the beach-bound cates for various appetizers and the place to be. sure, his wrinkles have grown that went unpaid. Stay on the traffic, Buffalo Wild Wings may dishes. deeper and more cavernous, but force long enough and of course offer another solution. Flanigan’s near Doral will Additional reporting by James it’s still Mel, just like Clint East- you’ll rack up some enemies. But “I love going there, especially also be showing the game across Radziewicz. wood is still Clint and Lee Marvin Thomas Craven is a straight cop for a football game,” said Pris- its many TVs. Budweiser beers was always Lee Marvin. who doesn’t drink and doesn’t cilla Gomez, an avid customer of will be going for $2.79. Of course, the one tying factor between these three actors is DARKNESS, page 6 6 The Beacon – Friday, February 5, 2010 LIFE! www.fi usm.com

Quick Picks FISTFULS OF TECH MOVIES App Store’s biggest fl aw: no return policy When in Rome 28/100 he Apple App Store has App Store economy, spending $3 that will arrange my groceries by iPhone game “Doodlejump.” 20/100 Tcompletely altered the way is like buying a house with a heli- their spot on the food pyramid. As But at the same time, the fact “A picture that registers I spend 99 cents. copter pad. If an app costs money, I slowly come to that sad reality, I that the store is so limited to the between Abysmally Awful and Mildly Mediocre ... Call Apple’s mobile appli- it better be good. I will think I know the reason why. consumer really holds it back. it medi-awful.” cation directory has had its COLUMNIST spend hours researching The App Store’s purchasing I would be quite the spendthrift Richard Corliss share of success. Recently, a 99 cent app, looking at practices are in many ways very in the App Store if I knew that I Time Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, screen shots and reading black and white. could get my money back if I was announced that the App user reviews. Even then, Unlike the Android Market, unsatisfi ed. Hell, if I can do it on North Face Store has sold its 3 billionth my fi nger will hesitantly where there is a 24-hour trial period, Amazon, I should be able to do it 63/100 app, an impressive feat for hover over the “buy now” there is no return policy in the App on the App Store. 86/100 any mobile app catalog. button, weighing out how Store. Maybe I am just bitter because “Transfi xing in the way that well-told life-and-death The App Store’s appli- much I will be able to use If you spend $10 or so on an app I have a couple of high priced apps adventure tales inevitably cations range from free JORGE VALENS the app. you soon discover requires a very collecting digital dust on my hard are. It is the fi lm’s more to upwards of $70. The But as I sit here and expensive desktop client, or that drive. mundane elements -- an store’s price structure, though write this, I have to ask myself: Do app turns out to be awful, you are In the end, I think users need the awkward, under-nourished love story and half-baked politics -- that are convenient and benefi cial to devel- I take the same time researching stuck. same reassurance that they have in problematic “ opers, has completely skewed my the Mountain Dew, something I am Apple’s store policies are bril- the grocery store or the mall, that if Stephen Holden - The New York Times internal calculator. actually putting in my body? Nope. liant yet fl awed in that sense. they are unsatisfi ed with a purchase, Before the App Store, I would A single bottle of Mountain Dew The business of the App Store, a they can get their money back. GAMES walk into a convenience store and has 320 calories, 84 grams of sugar profi t split that sees the developers That would make the App Store not even bat an eye when I dropped and 110 milligrams of sodium. keeping 70 percent of the cash not only the best place to buy apps The Saboteur $3 for a bag of South of the Border So it seems that I will sooner their apps make, yields a growing but one of the best shopping experi- Multi Funions and a Mountain Dew. pay $1.25 for something that will marketplace for amazing stuff. ences on the Internet. 73/100 Three bucks is rather insignifi - most likely contribute to a future App developers can submit their 7.5/10 cant. Sure, it’ll get you something, case of adult onset diabetes than apps and become millionaires over- Fistfuls of Tech is a weekly tech “On paper, The Saboteur is but not a whole lot. However, in the 99 cents for an app for my iPhone night, exampled by the popular column. Look for it every Friday. a winner. But boil it down to the gameplay and you’re left with a good chunk of clumsy third-person shooting with New talent bits of awkward driving.” Tired plot line still entertains David Clayman - ign.com from the other is the acting set up a scene and tell a story. Rogue Warrior DARKNESS, page 5 dots art walk Multi talent behind it. You wouldn’t It doesn’t hurt when you take graft. Something’s up buy this movie if it were, have one of the great char- 28/100 GALLERY, page 5 and he knows it. say, Brad Pitt, in the lead acter actors of this generation 1.5/10 Cue another conspiracy as “This dreadfully boring, role. That’s because it takes in the cast: Ray Winstone. Art Gallery and Studio Space is dedicated to Craven looks into a corpora- a certain type of actor to sell Winstone plays a CIA agent expletive-fi lled, extremely tion his daughter was inves- Chavarria and showcases her philosophical and short shooter is an absolute torment, and Gibson does it who is sent to cover up infor- whimsical style, which incorporates fi gurative rip-off.” tigating called “Northmoor.” better than anyone around mation on the murder, and and abstract elements. Kevin VanOrd - GameSpot Craven becomes entan- today. your eyes are always on him. Right next door is the Jorge M. Sori Fine gled in forces much larger He plays anger so well and You’re not sure what he’ll than himself as he seeks Art gallery. The gallery displays the works of MUSIC the demons that he may very do or where his loyalties lie, Latin American artists Tomas Sanchez, Renato satisfaction. well have in real life trans- but watching him on screen If you say that you’ve heard Meziat and Ivan Loboquerrero. Rebirth - by Lil Wayne late well on screen. Gibson’s with a seeming lack of scru- Durban Segnini Gallery, next to Village this plot before, I wouldn’t savagery, honesty and drive ples brings back memories 35/100 3.9/10 contend that. Not just because of Merrick Park, specializes in contemporary sell this movie. of similar Claude Rains in painting and sculpture, emphasizing artists “A nimble, almost balletic rapper on countless mix- this is a remake of a 1985 Not to say that Martin Casablanca. tapes, singles, and Billboard-topping collaborations, the British television series, but who have worked with abstract expressionism, 27-year-old comes across both muddled and belligerent Campbell is an incapable So the story may have been abstraction, constructivism and kinetic art. The because the revenge thriller director. Campbell is one told before. What matters here on the much-delayed, extensively leaked Rebirth.” usually hinges on several gallery strives “to promote and diffuse new Leah Greenblatt Entertainment Weekly of the great action-thriller is characters, not story. key points: an innocent man artistic values as well as the historical vanguards genre directors because he is It’s not a great fi lm, but that have infl uenced those.” Couple Tracks: horribly wronged, haunted economical in his direction it provides much entertain- Gallery opening times vary, so be sure to Singles 2002-2009 by the misdeeds and slowly but also intelligent. No shaky- ment, and damn it, it’s better call before heading out. A list of participating by F***** Up moving toward a breaking camera setups a la The Bourne than watching Avatar for the galleries can be found at www.coralgables.com 83/100 6.8/10 point in search of the truth. Supremacy. He knows how to seventh time. under the Arts and Culture tab. “Think of this impressive, 25- What distinguishes one song double-CD compilation as Singles Going Screaming -- a testament to a Canadian punk institution.” Jason Gross SPIN THIS WEEKEND LEGEND FRIDAY, FEB. 5 SATURDAY, FEB. 6 SUNDAY, FEB. 7 Rottentomatoes.com ign.com PARANORMAL MISS FIU PAGEANT MUSIC & FIREWORKS DANE COOK SUPER BOWL WATCH SUPER BOWL XLIV Metacritic.com ACTIVITY PARTIES ON CAMPUS Pitchfork Magazine Scholarship pageant. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHEN: 4:30 p.m. HOW MUCH: Free WHERE: University Park Apartments, Building A, WHERE: GC Ballrooms Indianapolis Colts vs. Super Bowl Saturday WHEN: 8 p.m. Lounge SPC-MMC presents Friday Night: OAR, Barenaked New Orleans Saints. night movies. STAR PARTY Ladies perform. HOW MUCH: $38 - $102 WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: BankAtlantic WHEN: 6 - 10 p.m. WHEN: 5 and 8 p.m. WHEN: Gates open 4 p.m. Sudoku Center, 2555 NW 136th WHERE: University Park HOW MUCH: Free HOW MUCH: Free Ave, Sunrise, FL 33323 Towers, Student Lounge WHERE: GC 140 SUPER SALSA BOWL answers WHERE: Ft. Lauderdale TAILGATE PARTY Beach Park “An Evening at the CHAMBER WINDS www.nfl .com/superbowl FAMILY FUNDAYS ON from 1/27/10 FREE TO BE FUNKY Edge of the Universe.” CONCERT SUNDAYS FRESH & FLY Lecture by Dr. Webb. Refreshments provided, MEN’S BASKETBALL 9 3 5 8 1 6 7 4 2 observing after. WHEN: 8 p.m. FIU vs. North Texas. Hosted by Pollo Tropical. 2 4 6 3 5 7 1 8 9 HOW MUCH: Free WHEN: 2 p.m. Watch them break the 8 7 1 9 2 4 5 3 6 HOW MUCH: Free With works by Mozart Guiness World Record for WHERE: CP 145 Activities for the whole largest bowl of salsa. SPC-BBC presents Pan- WHERE: U.S. Century and Maslanka. family. 7 1 2 6 9 8 4 5 3 African Celebration. WHEN: 12 - 4 p.m. Bank Arena WHEN: 8 p.m. WHEN: 12 - 4 p.m. 4 5 8 1 3 2 6 9 7 HOW MUCH: Free WHEN: 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. LOVE CAMPAIGN HOW MUCH: $5 students, HOW MUCH: $20 general, W. BASKETBALL WHERE: Pollo Tropical 3 6 9 7 4 5 2 1 8 HOW MUCH: Free for Hosted by the FIU Wesley $10 faculty, $15 general free for members 19500 NW 27th Avenue 6 9 7 5 8 1 3 2 4 students, $3 general ad- Foundation. FIU vs. North Texas. WHERE: Wertheim WHERE : Fairchild Tropical mission (free with book WHEN: 12 p.m. Performing Arts Center 5 2 3 4 7 9 8 6 1 WHEN: 12 - 2 p.m. Botanic Garden donation) HOW MUCH: Free HOW MUCH: Free carta.fi u.edu 10901 Old Cutler Road 1 8 4 2 6 3 9 7 5 WHERE: BBC Ballrooms WHERE: GC Pit WHERE: U.S. Century Puzzle by websudoku.com Bank Arena Contact calendar@fi usm.com to have your event featured. www.fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – Friday, February 5, 2010 7 2010 FIU SIGNING CLASS Golden Panthers add NAME POSITION SCHOOL

Justin Halley S Boca Raton Mitchell Wozniak WR Pasco Sam Miller CB LaSalle Randy Williams S Miami Springs size, skill on offense Khambrel McGee CB Northwestern Richard Leonard CB Killian JOEL DELGADO Miami Springs wide receiver Willis Wright Jordan White DT Williston Glen Coleman WR West Jefferson (NO, LA) Asst. Sports Director would choose FIU over West Virginia and David Delsoin OT Sheridan Hills Christian Nebraska. Gregory Hickman LB Tampa Bay Tech You would be hard-pressed to fi nd a fax His name was added to the signing list after Isame Faciane DE Salmen (Sildell, LA) Kedrick Rhodes RB Trinity Catholic machine in Miami busier than the one at FIU Wright formally made his decision to become a Jerricho Lee DT Godby Stadium on National Signing Day, as coach Golden Panther, becoming the fi rst FIU signee Ceedrick Davis OT Forrest Mario Cristobal eagerly awaited letters of to come from the ESPNU Top 150 prospects Bryan Robinson DE East Gadson Willis Wright WR Miami Springs intent from athletes from across the state and list. The signing also made FIU the only non- Jake Medlock QB Fletcher country to make their way into his hands. BCS team to sign a player from that group. Caleb Vincent LB Hollywood Hills And as the fax machine began to churn out “Obviously a very smart young man,” said Jeremy Jermin DE Nassau JC (Brooklyn, NY) those letters, it became clear that FIU added a grinning Cristobal. “We’re glad to hear that TRANSFERS pieces to the offensive puzzle that may help he put on the right hat at the library at Miami Springs. Not only is he a great football player, Josh Brisk P Duquense put Cristobal another step closer to reaching Jeremiah Harden RB Syracuse his aspirations for the program. but he’s an awesome young man.” “We’re excited,” said Cristobal. “We’re on The lack of production on the offensive course to make another step toward improve- line was a major problem for FIU last season, ment, to get ourselves back on track to where contributing to struggles in the passing and Results, not recruits: the true we want to be: a championship football team.” running games, and Cristobal looked to help The fi rst step was taken when Fletcher address that need. High quarterback Jake Medlock’s fax arrived “The focus was trying to get bigger, stronger at FIU. and more athletic up front,” said Cristobal. measure of coaching success “You want to talk about a quarterback that’s “We got two real big bodies so far and we are a leader, he is that and more,” said Cristobal. looking to add more later on.” TOWERS, page 8 likes to think their coaching staff was able to “He’s gonna make a difference here.” The additions of tackles David Delsoin, an pick out 20 plus play makers that nobody else Medlock, a three-star recruit on Rivals All-Broward County selection, and Ceedrick whom have the desired size to make imme- can compare with. who also received interest from schools such Davis may add much needed help to the line, diate impacts. For all of the talk about the improved as Miami and Arkansas, suffered an arm but the team may look for further help on the The most important part of this class might recruiting classes that Cristobal has brought in, injury which cut his senior season short. The line during the spring with a handful of extra just be the fi ve guys being brought in for the there is still a need to see actual on the fi eld 6-foot-2 signal caller has since been cleared scholarships still left at their disposal. defensive backfi eld. A trio of All Miami-Dade improvement next season. by team doctors, however, and is expected to “We’re looking to possibly save a couple fi rst teamers in Randy Williams, Richard The only reason Hilton’s story is so nice for contribute after expected starter Wesley Carroll of scholarship offers for a little bit later in the Leonard and Khambrel McGee, make up what FIU fans is because he stepped onto the fi eld graduates. spring from a junior college perspective to fi nd Cristobal called one of the top defensive back and became a star. “He’s gotta continue to work on building his more mature bodies,” Cristobal added. classes in the country. If Wright and the rest of this class aren’t strength back in that arm,” said new offensive When the faxes stopped coming in and the able to make the transition to the college game coordinator Scott Satterfi eld. “He’s got good dust settled, it became clear that only half the TRUE STORY then all of the excitement over this class won’t size and has a good arm on him. Once he gets battle was won for the Golden Panthers. The Recruiting day is a time for heightened mean anything. here we’ll fi gure out what his true strengths are rest is left in the hands of Wright, Medlock and expectations. For every Willis Wright that Foundations are built with strong recruiting and we’ll utilize those into the offense.” the remainder of the class, hoping to make it looks like a can’t-miss prospect, every team classes, but games aren’t won on potential. The big story for FIU was whether or not happen where it matters the most: on the fi eld. Northwestern pipeline growing Transfers add depth

JONATHAN RAMOS Sports Director to ‘10 signing class

FIU cornerback Anthony Gaitor has many fond memories of the COMMITMENTS, page 8 of Carlos Munera. Perhaps the times when he roamed the defensive most satisfying transfer for FIU Among them, Jericho Lee backfi eld at Northwestern High, but came from running back Jere- and Jordan White are incoming he doesn’t remember playing much miah Harden, who Cristobal defensive tackles while Isame with a young Khambrel McGee. coveted two years ago. Faciane, Bryan Robinson and If McGee has his way, Gaitor Harden was the Golden Jeremy Jermin will likely play will defi nitely remember him now. Panthers main target in the 2008 defensive end. With FIU starving for defensive class, but he elected to play at “We went big. Jordan White backs heading into 2010, McGee, a Syracuse out of high school. After is an explosive game changer cornerback, will get another chance one season with the Orange, the and a big body that we have to share the fi eld with Gaitor as a former St. Thomas Aquinas star lacked inside for a long time,” Golden Panther next season, as he came back home to play at FIU. Cristobal said. “Outside is where signed a letter of intent to play for “One thing that I think some I think we really hit a home run FIU next year. local players are fi nding out is with Jeremy Jermin, an explosive McGee will also get the chance that either you pick FIU earlier, edge rusher with natural pass to team with former Northwestern or come back later,” joked rushing skills. We were looking Bull teammates, Wayne Times and Cristobal. to get big bodies anywhere we Kenny Dillard. The Golden Panthers will can fi nd them.” “It feels good playing with my bring in 11 defensive players and BEACON FILE PHOTO With senior defensive lineman former teammates,” Gaitor said. nine offensive players overall, Jonas Murrell and Justin West out “I’m glad they came to FIU.” Anthony Gaitor is one of four Northwestern High School alums on FIU’s in addition to Brisk on special of eligibility and a few losses on FIU head coach Mario Cris- roster, including new recruit Khambrel McGee. teams, in Cristobal’s fourth the offensive line, FIU needed to tobal has emphasized recruiting at recruiting class. not only fi ll those spots but also the local powerhouse, which won Same thing with Wayne Times and Panther for a long time. He made After NCAA sanctions limited upgrade them signifi cantly. a pair of state titles last decade. Kenny Dillard.” it public and he stuck with it,” the team’s ability to give out a Cristobal hopes that size will Times had 19 catches as a freshman McGee will look to provide Cristobal said. “It’s important to full allotment of scholarships in help make the difference. last season and Gaitor has evolved depth in the secondary this season, note that, because you get on the recent years, FIU will bring in a “We’re looking at body types into an all-conference performer. and will compete with incoming Internet nowadays and you’ll see full class. that give us a better chance to Dillard is expected to contribute cornerbacks Richard Leonard and kids switching back and forth 10 Besides the surprise acqui- be successful on Saturdays,” he next season as well. Sam Miller for playing time, as times and pulling off hats back and sition of Wright, Cristobal was said. “We had a tough time up “Northwestern High School has well as veterans like Gaitor. forth. pleased with the class, regardless front last season and that’s the bred champions for a long time,” Cristobal believes the trio of “It is what it is, but when you of whose name came through the glaring need.” Cristobal said. “I think everyone in incoming cornerbacks are among see a young man that knows what fax machine. that administration takes great pride the best in the nation, and he was he wants and eliminates all the play ‘COME BACK LATER’ “It’s like being a little kid at developing these young men. We especially impressed by McGee’s time about it and sticks with it, you the Christmas tree,” Cristobal have seen that in the guys that we demeanor toward the recruiting got to give credit to that young man. FIU also picked up key trans- said. “Is it the fi re truck or a have had over. Anthony Gaitor is process. In a pressure situation, he’s prob- fers, including punter Josh Brisk, Tonka toy? You’re just grabbing a champion in everything he does. “He’s been wanting to be a ably going to be all right.” who is expected to fi ll the cleats faxes as they come out.” Contact Us Jonathan Ramos Sports Director Jonathan.Ramos@fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 8 www.fi usm.com Friday, February 5, 2010 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY 2010 ONE MORE STEP Wright highlights class; Cristobal emphasizes size

JONATHAN RAMOS to rivals.com, had a similar signing day Sports Director scenario to that of T.Y. Hilton in 2008. Like Hilton, Wright starred at Miami As FIU coach Mario Cristobal waited Springs and chose FIU over West to receive confi rmation from committed Virginia, among other schools. recruits Wednesday morning, he was also Despite those parallels, Wright has a hoping to add prospects to the Golden different playing style than his former Panthers recruiting class who had yet to high school teammate. make a decision. “People want to say he’s the next T.Y, When the header on one of the pages but he’s different,” Cristobal said. “He coming out of the fax machine was from is an outside receiver that plays foot- Miami Springs High, he knew good news ball with tremendous explosion. There was on the way. is a reason Nebraska, Florida and Miami That news came in the form of Willis tried to come down and get him.” Wright, a wide receiver that chose FIU Along with Wright, FIU fi lled glaring over West Virginia in the last minute of needs along the defensive line, offensive the recruiting process. line and defensive backfi eld en route to Wright is one of 21 prospects who accumulating arguably the best class in signed letters of intent with FIU on Feb. the Sun Belt Conference. 3. BIG BODIES “It was like déjà vu,” Cristobal said. “I was really happy because when the The Golden Panthers added fi ve defen- header on the fax says Miami Springs, sive linemen, hoping to shore up what usually good things happen. What else can was one of the worst defensive units in you say about Willis Wright? The entire the country last season. country was coveting his services.” Wright, a three-star prospect according COMMITMENTS, page 7

QUICK FACTS ABOUT 2010 CLASS

Offensive Players: 8 Defensive Players: 11 • Two OL • Five DL • One QB, two RB • One LB • Three WR • Two S, three CB CHRIS GREEN/THE BEACON FIU head coach Mario Cristobal introduced his 2010 recruiting class to the media in the morning and later in a public event at FIU Stadium. Wright has accolades, but production is what matters

t was deja vu for Mario has entered into FIU lore (at on the depth chart behind more ICristobal. least, as much as something experienced players. Two years ago, the library can enter FIU lore), and maybe If the 6-foot-2, 205 pound at Miami Springs one day Wright’s story wide out doesn’t make an Senior High was the COMMENTARY will prove to be simi- immediate impact, there are site of wide receiver larly discussed. certainly others in the class T.Y. Hilton’s signing But for Cristobal, who look like they can make a day decision to come now that Wright has more immediate impact. to FIU, a decision that signed on the dotted With FIU’s struggles on has paid dividends for line, the only story he the offensive and defensive both Hilton and FIU as is concerned about line, there was a lot of room he has emerged as one CHRIS TOWERS is the one that takes for newcomers from last year’s of the top play makers place when Wright class, like freshmen Andrew in the Sun Belt Conference. steps on campus. Mattox, Rupert Bryan, Dave And on Wednesday, wide Istanich, Tourek Williams as BREAKING IT DOWN reciever Willis Wright was in well as JUCO transfers like the same library, and he had the FIU’s 2010 recruiting class Thatcher Starling and Cedric same decision T.Y. did: Stay is, at least at fi rst glance, the Mack. home for FIU, or go to West strongest in school history, as And despite the emergence Virginia and its greener BCS has been the story every season of those young players, there pasture. since Cristobal took over. may still be plenty of room Happily for Cristobal, Wright is the crown jewel, for David Desloin and Ceed- Wright, the fi rst ever ESPNU the guy to get the fans excited rick Davis on the offensive 150 player in FIU history, and to make headlines, but line and Jeremy Jermin, Bryan followed the same path as with FIU’s depth at wide out, Robinson, Jerricho Lee, Isame Hilton. he might follow a similar path Faciane, and Jordan White PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD BEACON FILE PHOTO The story of Hilton’s deci- as last year’s heralded recruit, on the defensive line, all of Willis Wright [left] joins fellow Miami Springs alum T.Y. Hilton [right] as two of the sion to turn down BCS schools Larvez “Pooh Bear” Mars, who Golden Panthers’ most talented receiving options. in order to be a Golden Panther spent much of the season buried TOWERS, page 7