Florida International University FIU Digital Commons

The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) Special Collections and University Archives

2-18-2009 The Beacon, February 18, 2009 Florida International University

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/student_newspaper

Recommended Citation Florida International University, "The Beacon, February 18, 2009" (2009). The Panther Press (formerly The Beacon). 269. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/student_newspaper/269

This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 21, Issue 69 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Adaptation proves Young coach and tennis entertaining but cluttered team off to good start PAGE 7 PAGE 12 SPOTLIGHT University discusses Golf cart AT THE BAY PAGE 4 tech fee implementation thefts

The Daily Show producer Adam Chodikoff set to speak on Thursday. DAVID BARRIOS campus. With the amendment of Section continue LIFE! PAGE 7 Senior Staff Writer Cathy Akens, assistant vice 1009.24 of the Florida Statutes, the Column: Eddith Sevilla gives you tips to president of student affairs, will University Board of Trustees can keep your heart healthy and happy. Students can expect to pay chair the tech fee commitee that choose to establish a technology unchecked OPINION PAGE 6 up to an additional 5 percent on has been established. The task of fee to be paid by all students, their tuition thanks to a new tech- the committee is to report recom- starting in Fall 2009. The fee may nology fee being considered to mendations on whether to estab- be up to 5 percent of the tuition CHERYL MALONE begin this Fall. This is in addition lish a fee and if so, to recommend charged per credit hour. During Staff Writer to the 15 percent tuition increase how large the fee should be. the fi rst meeting of the tech fee also expected to be effective in the “The Technology Fee committee on Feb. 11, possible As of last May, the Department of Public Safety has been on constant theft A simple device could greatly relieve Fall. Committee will make recommen- usage of the funds was discussed our parking woes by letting us know at The money from the fee will dations to administration by mid- including the expansion of the call. Though the theft reports may be a glance which garages have available be invested in the enhancement March. These recommendations University’s wireless network. coming in from all over campus and by spaces. of instructional technology for will then be reviewed and submitted “We installed over 625 wire- many different people, the calls are all SPORTS PAGE 12 students and faculty, including the to our Board of Trustees for fi nal less access points that cover all for the same reason: stolen golf carts. Softball wins third consecutive game in possible expansion of the Univer- approval,” said Rosa Jones, vice general purpose classrooms and The stolen golf carts are showing dramatic fashion. sity’s wireless network and the president of student affairs and up all over campus in odd locations, OPINION PAGE 6 expansion of computer labs on member of the committee. FEES, page 3 often damage-free, according to police If you’ve ever felt like giving up on a lost reports. cause, there just might be some inspira- The latest case of a stolen golf cart tion to stand up for what you believe in. was Feb. 6, when a report was made AT THE BAY PAGE 4 GOTCHA regarding a golf cart being driven in circles in the courtyard. Just as before, the person(s) responsible for the crime were nowhere to be found. Public Safety explained that security cameras would be a necessity every- Big wiener rolls into campus bringing where golf carts are parked on campus internship opportunity. to fi nd the person, or group of people, responsible for the crime. However, the UPCOMING EVENTS level of security cameras needed would come at a high cost. The Bohemia Room, Feb. 18, 9 p.m.: Do you enjoy feeling like a rebel without a Aside from courtyards, the golf carts cause while having your mother do your are being found outside offi ce buildings laundry? If so, visit the Miami Improv. and housing and apartments. Students of the National Association of The golf carts are often stolen from Teacher, Feb. 18, 12 p.m.: Get prepped and ready for protest. Go learn the fi ne the International Studies Department art of putting marker to presentation and rarely returned to their point of board at GC 343. initial theft, according to various case South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Feb reports. 19.: Over 21? Feel like having endless The greatest degree of damage to the glasses of wine? Then head over to sexy Delano hotel and mingle with celebs. golf carts was seen on Sept. 3, 2008, when one of the carts’ ignition switch Jam @ MAM, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.: What is the main concern of the contemporary art and the plastic casing were damaged. world? Stuffi ng free cheap wine down Public Safety believes that due to the your throats. The cheaper and fouler the insuffi cient security features on the golf better. Oh yeah, there´s art too. CHRIS GREEN/THE BEACON carts, they are easily accessible. For the complete calendar, please see page 9 or “Most of the golf carts are being visit FIUSM.com/calendar. FUN GAME: Anthony Baribato, sports management major and Samantha Andino, hospitality major, stolen via their key holes,” said Made- react to getting a faceful of shaving cream during the “Pie-a-Pi” event. The event, organized by Alpha line Baro, assistant director of Media Omicron Pi and Beta Theta Pi, was intended to raise money for Relay For Life. WEATHER Relations. “They are not designed for WEDNESDAY high security locks. The golf carts are Mostly sunny made for the golf course.” LOW: 62 HIGH: 78 The golf cart reports themselves THURSDAY Afrodita’s Garden in bloom Partly cloudy often have no witnesses, only sight- LOW: 54 HIGH: 82 ings of the actual golf cart, according to FRIDAY police reports. rentals, fl oral and event planning shop and we also take care of Sunny BRIAN ALONSO At this point, no extra precautions LOW: 47 HIGH: 70 Contributing Writer and delivery on and off campus. Greek life,” De La Rosa, who has are being made in preventing the theft For Greek students, it offers some been working there for a year, due to the manner of the crime, Baro Right across the University custom merchandise and T-shirts, said. “We make the shirts, we take CONTACTS explained. Park’s Bookstore in the Graham journals, picture frames and custom orders and we do fl ower “There is no way of telling who is Editor in Chief ...... 305-348-1580 Center and next to the informa- keychains . arrangements.” chris.necuze@fi usm.com authorized to be on the carts,” Baro UP Offi ce ...... 305-348-2709 tion desk there is a small shop that The store has been open for Last week was very busy as the said. “The only way to prevent the news@fi usm.com can easily be overlooked: Afrodi- more than three years and one of store dealt with fl ower and teddy thefts currently is to secure the steering BBC Offi ce ...... 305-919-4722 ta’s Garden, a store specializing in the employees, freshman Katerina bear orders for Valentine’s Day, wheel with a cable and padlock. This is bbc@fi usm.com fl oral arrangements and specialty De La Rosa, explained that it was according to De La Rosa. the same concept of the club device for Tips & Corrections ...... 305-348-2709 only last year that they added the “So far our sales have been tips@fi usm.com items. cars.” Advertising ...... 305-348-6994 Some of the special services Greek portion to the store. advertising@fi usm.com Afrodita’s offers include linen “We’re a full service fl ower FLOWERS, page 3 2 The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 NEWS www.fi usm.com

NEWS FLASH Lecturer talks veganism, animal rights

FIU LAUREN AGOSTO Staff Writer Eat what comes from the earth, every vitamin Four Generations of Dr. Bennie Osborne’s family will be examined for a new exhibit A vegan who was banned and nutrient that exists. Th ey have an original from fi ve countries came to the “Five Women: From Sharecroppers to Doctorates, University and explained why source and it’s not the animals. Survival Strategies for the Generations” is currently on he thinks every human is a Gary Yourofsky, president display in the Gallery at the Green Library. natural herbivore and clarifi ed Animals Deserve Absolute Protection Today and Tomorrow The exhibit, a series of paintings, poems and draw- his so-called “radical” views ings, profi les fi ve generations of women in her family on animal mistreatment. issue. I stopped for ethics and the food they wanted to eat, their saliva, in order to digest from the late 19th century to the present day, showing On Feb. 11, Gary morality, altruism and compas- while little babies are starving all the carbohydrates humans the evolution of African Americans in the U.S. during Yourofsky, president and sion for my animal brothers to death,” Yourofsky said. consume. Humans have broad, the last century. founder of Animals Deserve Absolute Protection Today and sisters,” Yourofsky said. “Sixty-fi ve percent of the short, blunt, fl at teeth with and Tomorrow, spoke at a “Nowadays, it’s never been world’s grains are set aside for canines, incisors and molars lecture sponsored by Earth- easier to be vegan: You can 50 billion land animals that are to eat harder foods like apples. LOCAL Save Miami, the FIU Yoga have the same smell, taste and killed every year instead for Human jaws are built to move texture of meat, cheese and feeding six and a half billion from side to side, like other High school steroid testing program cut Club and the FIU Environ- mental Club. milk without anybody having people.” herbivores, not just the up and to suffer and die for your “We’re trying to make down motion that carnivores Florida’s new program to test for steroids among ADAPTT is a non-profi t dinner anymore. They make excuses for things that we do,” have. high school athletes has been canceled after becoming animal rights organization all the products you like to said Ricardo Reillo, a senior. Yourofsky explained that a victim of budget cuts. State offi cials said that in geared toward abolishing the eat from soy, wheat, rice and “It’s just a matter of us real- humans are not born with the tough economy, they can’t justify spending the use of animals in medical hemp.” izing what we’re doing and carnivorous instincts. He said $100,000. research, product testing, Linda Bower of EarthSave making a change. There have all humans are born vegan, but Tests were randomly administered at 53 schools at circuses, rodeos and other Miami said she really enjoyed been points in society where only acquire a taste for meat, a cost of $166 apiece. Of the 600 students tested for entertainment. The organi- Yourofsky’s presentation. we have oppressed others, cheese, milk and eggs when drugs and steroids, only one student has tested positive zation opposes hunting as a “I think that his lecture is like slavery and genocide, and they are force-fed these things for steroid use. sport, wearing animal skins as clothing and eating meat, just the most amazing lecture I right now we have the oppor- during childhood. dairy, eggs and honey. have ever heard about compas- tunity to make a change.” “All I’m asking people to “I understand that we’re sion, kindness and going back The human body was do is something that’s normal NATIONAL all on a journey in life, we to a way of living that is going designed to be herbivorous, and natural. It’s funny how to improve our planet, not only according to Yourofsky. He people always think that Lincoln voted best president all have different likes and dislikes, different religions and for the animals, but for our said that, like other herbiv- vegans are radical. Enslaving own health and for the health orous animals, the lengths billions of innocent beings, Abraham Lincoln was voted best U.S. president nationalities. But there’s one of our planet.” of the human intestines are murdering them, cutting them in a poll held by C-Span that ranked presidents from thing that we need to have in According to Yourofsky, very long compared to the up into pieces and consuming George Washington to George W. Bush. Bush was common with each other and there is a common misconcep- length of the torso, seven to their corpses, fl esh consump- ranked at No. 36 on the list of 42 presidents. The list that’s peace, genuine compas- tion that animals cannot think 13 times. Carnivorous animals tion, gnawing on some- was compiled by 65 historians who ranked the presi- sion and genuine peace for for themselves. have much shorter intestines, body else’s rib cage – that’s dents by effectiveness on a scale where 1 meant “not our planetary companions,” “We all agree that animals only three to six times their radical behavior,” Yourofsky effective” and 10 meant “very effective.” George Yourofsky said. can use their eyes to see, ears to torso, because they are built said. “Eat what comes from Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roos- Yourofsky has been banned hear, nose to smell, mouths to to quickly push out the animal the earth, every vitamin and evelt and Harry Truman rounded out the top fi ve best by fi ve countries and arrested eat, legs to walk, feathers to fl y fl esh, protein, cholesterol, nutrient that exists. They have presidents. James Buchanan, the 15th president, was 13 times for what he refers to and fi ns to swim,” Yourofsky saturated fat and trans fatty an original source and it’s not ranked the worst president. as “random acts of kindness and compassion” toward all said. “I’m always perplexed acids, making it impossible the animals. We eat animals animals. that most people don’t believe for genuine carnivores to clog after they eat from the earth. – Compiled by David Barrios He was banned from that they can also use their their arteries. Stop fi ltering your nutrients Canada for releasing 1,542 brains to think and feel. Am I He said humans have carbo- through somebody else’s body, minks from the Eberts Fur supposed to believe that every hydrate digestive enzymes in it’s irrational and illogical.” Farm in Blenheim, Ontario. body part on the animal func- He was also banned from tions just like it’s supposed to England, Northern Ireland, except the brain?” Wales and Scotland because Ten billion land animals POLICE NOTES the United Kingdom felt that are mass produced every year, according to Yourofsky, EDITORIAL BOARD INFORMATION his presence there would not Feb. 9 be conducive to the public in order to feed about three EDITOR IN CHIEF The Beacon offi ce is located in good. million meat-eating Amer- CHRISTOPHER NECUZE the Graham Center, room 210, at the icans. He continued saying A student lost her wallet on the south side of the Graham University Park campus. Questions Yourofsky has not always Center. The wallet was valued at $35, containing a Hello PRODUCTION MANAGER that 95 percent of all the soy, regarding display advertising and bill- been a vegan. He ate meat for Kitty Bank of America credit card and $10 in cash. The JESSICA MAYA ing should be directed to the Advertis- the fi rst 25 years of his life and 80 percent of all the corn ing Manager at 305-348-2709. Mailing and 70 percent of all the oats student never returned to the scene of her lost wallet. NEWS DIRECTOR wore leather shoes and belts address: Graham Center, room 210, in America are set aside as JULIA CARDENUTO Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305- before he began to feel that it The windshield of a Honda Sedan was broken while 348-2712. Biscayne Bay Campus is animal food, but every two BBC MANAGING EDITOR was wrong. parked in Lot Six. The owner of the vehicle had parked his 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9 a.m. seconds a human dies from PAMELA DUQUE “I love the way meat – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. starvation. car on Feb. 6 and did not return to it for two days. Addi- LIFE! EDITOR tastes. Love it. Cheese, love E-mail: Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online “In America today not one tionally, the vehicle suffered from scratches to the right rear SUSANA RODRIGUEZ at: www.fi usm.com it. Cows’ milk, love it. Eggs, door panel and the upper right quarter panel. The Beacon is published on pig, chicken, cow or turkey SPORTS DIRECTOR love it. I didn’t stop eating Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays that stuff because of a taste missed a meal. They got all ANDREW JULIAN during the Fall and Spring semesters Feb. 10 OPINION EDITOR and once a week during Summer B. One ERIC FELDMAN copy per person. Additional copies are 25 A motorcycle was reported missing from Parking Lot cents. The Beacon is not responsible for PHOTO EDITOR Nine. The black 2005 Yamaha motorcycle was reported the content of ads. Ad content is the sole CORRECTIONS VICTORIA LYNCH responsibility of the company or vendor. stolen and placed in the Florida Crime Information Center/ COPY CHIEF National Crime Information Center.

PAULA GARCIA The Feb. 16 editorial titled “With cancelling of Legend event, SGC-UP should reconsider its lecture A student lost his cell phone in DM 100. When he real- strategy,” incorrectly stated the location of SGA’s ized and tried calling it, the call went straight to voicemail Fall Lecture Series, featuring Ivanka Trump. It took indicating that the phone was shut off. place in the Graham Center Ballrooms, not room 243 and it reached full capacity. Feb. 12

The Feb. 16 article titled “‘Deep Seascape’ An offi cer responded to a call regarding a golf cart showscase sounds of nature,” wrongly stated Erik driving in circles in the courtyard. Upon his arrival, the golf Deluca’s title. He is actually an instructor of Sound cart, No. E-38, had been abandoned. Students and staff Reinforcement. with I.D. will receive The Beacon will gladly change any errors. Call - Compiled by Cheryl Malone 10% DSCT. our UP office at (305) 348-2709 or BBC at (305) 919-4722. www.fi usm.com NEWS The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 3 Discreet fl ower shop Tuition may rise 5 percent fl ourishes on Valentine’s if tech fee is put in eff ect

FEES, page 1 the committee to represent student concerns FLOWERS, page 1 about a possible increase. most popular open areas that students visit. “I feel that students at fi rst will have objec- doing well,” she said. “Right tions to the tech fee,” said Kenasha Paul, now we’re trying to pick However, due to limited resources, we didn’t cover classrooms and labs that are operated vice president of BBC’s Student Govern- up Valentine’s Day sales as ment Council. “Especially during these well as picking up on our by colleges or units and we couldn’t cover all open areas where students often use their economic times, an increase in anything marketing.” is the last thing students want to hear. I They just created a Face- laptop computers,” explained Min Yao, chief information offi cer and another member of personally want to evaluate all the options book page as part of their before stating whether I object or not to the marketing efforts and it the committee. The creation of a virtual student lab was increase.” helped them during Valen- Nick Autiello, lower division senator, tine’s week. also mentioned, which would allow students to use lab software, such as PhotoShop and holds a similar viewpoint. “It was a success on “I sympathize with students in these Valentine’s,” said senior AutoCAD, 24 hours a day and seven days a week anywhere and anytime as long as there diffi cult fi nancial times. Just as our Univer- Antoinette Guaba-Ortiz, sity is facing fi nancial challenges, so are our store manager and an inter- is an Internet connection. “We have done so much in such a short students,” Autiello said. “At the same time, national relations major. “We our University is extremely underfunded used it to show pictures of time. We take pride in our progress and achievements. On the other hand, during this compared to other institutions throughout our merchandise.” the nation. Our technological infrastructure The week of Valentine’s rapid growth, the funding for technology infrastructure and services did not grow as is not on par with other major urban research Day did, however, pose a institutions and technological updates are challenge to the store. rapidly as other areas,” Yao said. A few years ago, EDUCAUSE, a national clearly needed.” “Considering that Valen- In the coming weeks, student govern- tine’s Day falls on a Saturday, consortium for college and university tech- nology organizations, did a survey of univer- ment is planning to distribute a survey to in the fl ower business that’s a the students to gauge reaction to the tuition really diffi cult position to be sity funding on technology. It found that research universities typi- increases that faces them. One of the ques- in,” De La Rosa said. tions on the survey asks students if they One of the diffi culties cally spent about 5 percent or more of their budget on technology services and infra- would support a technology fee and if so, they faced Valentine’s Day, how large of a fee. explained Guaba-Ortiz, is structure per year, teaching universities spent JAVIER DE LA VEGA/THE BEACON Marketing to the student body to get that fl ower shops tradition- about 4 percent and community colleges spent about 3 percent. FIU’s funding on opinions on the fee was also discussed at the ally do not open on Satur- FULL CAPACITY: Afrodita’s Garden in the Graham Center committee meeting with the possibility of days because they do not offers fl owers, gifts and Greek life souvenirs. technology services and infrastructure is about 3 percent. future forums to get students’ opinion. perform that well. “We talk about being a large research “It was a challenge Student Government Association offer] one or the other,” De merchandise, but they defi - members from Biscayne Bay Campus and university. Well, this is what large research getting a lot of people in on universities invest in,” Yao said. Saturday,” she said. La Rosa said. nitely need a little more University Park were also asked to sit on Afrodita’s is usually not Guaba-Ortiz added that variety,” said Shirley open on Saturdays, but Valen- her main concern is that Armenteos, a student passing tine’s Day was an excep- there is a “lack of knowl- by. tion. Specials for Valentine’s edge” about who they are A regular customer Day included free gifts with and what they offer. showed support for the early-placed orders such On the new Facebook store. as boxes of chocolates and page, customers are able to “I’ve always been satis- teddy bears. check merchandise prices, fi ed with the merchandise,” “We had a good show,” leave comments and place said Ruth Ann Maranto, Guaba-Ortiz said. orders. senior fi nancial assistant Scott Sakowski, a They are also focusing on for the student fi nancials freshman who was hired passing fl yers in the residen- department. last week, helped with the tial areas and setting up e- Making the fl ower growing number of orders. mail lists. arrangements and seeing “I’m appreciative that “We really want to pick customers walk away with they gave me something to up on our marketing so a smile is what De La Rosa do to make some money on everyone on campus knows said she enjoys the most the side and make people exactly what we do,” De about her job. happy,” Sakowski said. La Rosa said. “It seems our “This morning I had a “A lot of students don’t name is getting out there, a customer come and thank realize we do both fl owers lot of people have been stop- me for the job I had done and and the Greek store. People ping in.” that makes me happy,” she coming in seem to forget [we “I can order some said. Contact Us Pamela Duque BBC Managing Editor pamela.duque@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, February 18, 2009

SPC-BBC SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION 100 YEARS OF SERVICE Students, Jon Stewart’s poets secret weapon to come give lecture

DAINELYS MARTINEZ article by Paul Farhi. together Staff Writer Kate MacMillin, instructor and chairwoman of the Hearst Lecture MAUREEN NINO He was dubbed by the Wash- Series, was reading the Washington Contributing Writer ington Post as an “investigative Post story on Chodikoff and thought humorist.” He watches C-Span and he would be a great Hearst Lecture Fans of poetry and music can searches news footage for stories Series guest. JACOB KAISER/THE BEACON that are either ignored or overlooked “Students need to see who are attend the “It Was All a Dream” CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: The National Association for the by the mainstream news media. the people behind the scenes of event, which will consist of poetry Advancement of Colored People student chapter celebrated the Senior producer of Comedy these television programs. These and musical performances at the 100th anniversary of the foundation in Panther Square, Feb. Central’s “The Daily Show” Adam are the jobs that most of them are Wolfe Center Ballrooms at 7 p.m. 12. Petra Haven, Robert Jenkins, Melissa Binns and Christin Chodikoff, 37, will speak at the aspiring to have,” MacMillin said. Students and professional poets Battle, president of the NAACP FIU chapter, sing the Negro Mary Ann Wolfe Theater on Feb. “Comedy is a serious business. A lot will be displaying their skills at this National Anthem at the event. free event. 19 at 9:30 a.m. as part of the School of extensive research has to be done Both On Point Poetry, the Univer- of Journalism and Mass Communi- in both video and print to come up sity poetry club and the Student cation’s Hearst Lecture Series. with these segments.” reasons for going into Iraq, citing usually two speakers per semester, Programming Council will provide “It was great luck getting him,” Chodikoff, a Moorestown, N.J., different hearings and reports. Fall and Spring, according to headliners who combine poetry and said David Berry, SJMC marketing native, started as a researcher on “Without credibility, the jokes Berry. music. coordinator. “We couldn’t believe “The Daily Show” when it fi rst mean nothing,” Chodikoff said in Instead of the usual two guest Black Violin, with members Kev we got him. Students will get a kick began in 1996. an Oct. 17 article on Women’s Wear speakers, there will be a total of four Marcus and Wil-B, will present their out of him. Chodikoff has been “He has this amazing memory Daily, a publication for business this semester. The other speakers mix of hip-hop and classical violin booked since November.” for sound bites about anything polit- news and fashion trends. are: Lena West, media consultant, music. Shihan, known for appear- In his lecture, “Finding the ical or about policy,” said David More than 150 people are journalist, technologist and CEO at ances on HBO’s “Def Poetry,” will Funny: Thrilling Tales and Javerbaum, executive producer expected to attend the event, xynoMedia Technology will speak perform his hit poem “I Wanna Awkward Pauses from the Investi- of “The Daily Show” in the same according to Berry. Everyone from on Feb. 26; Bruce Shapiro, author, Love Like,” which has had over one gative Humorist,” Chodikoff will Washington Post article. “What’s the community is invited to the free will speak on March 26 and Byron million hits on YouTube. Throughout talk about his years with “The Daily remarkable is how many ideas he lecture. Pitts, the newest correspondent of the show DJ Push Play will provide Show,” his zeal for news and the initiates because he remembered The William Hearst Foundation, “60 Minutes” will speak on April music for performers on stage. enjoyment he takes from it. that this guy said this or that a year founded in 1945 by publisher and 2 during communications week, a “It’s not your momma’s poetry,” “At its best, Chodikoff’s work ago.” philanthropist William Randolph week to celebrate mass communi- said Kertus Toussaint, director/ goes beyond satire and into the realm One popular segment, “Mess Hearst, funds the Hearts Lecture cations at the University. producer and one of the hosts of of cold truth-telling,” according to O’Potamia,” accuses the Bush Series. About $2,500 are paid to For more information, contact the event and president of On Point an April 30, 2008 Washington Post administration of lying on the bring each speaker and there are David Berry at (305) 919-4411. Poetry. “It’s the true nature and refl ec- tion of what we’re going through.” There are several extremely talented, enthusiastic Univer- Oscar Mayer seeks fresh ‘hotdoggers’ sity students headlining, Toussaint added. JOSH GARCIA said senior Nelda Figueiredo, a public rela- According to the event’s orga- Staff Writer tions major. nizers, the purpose is to bring back In 1936, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile the passion behind words that are While a student at the University, public was introduced to the streets of Chicago as becoming obsolete. Both SPC and relations alumna Magaly Estrella never a way to promote the hot dogs the company On Point Poetry said they wanted to thought she would spend a year driving in a makes. Ever since its launch, the Wienermo- remind students about the substan- 27-foot hot dog-shaped vehicle. bile has become one of the most recogniz- tive power of words to unite and After attending an information session able symbols of the lunch meat industry as strengthen. Poet and senior biology last year, she found herself behind the wheel it travels across the country, according to the major Linsie Fleurizards said that of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. official Oscar Mayer Web site. writing is an outlet to convey her But Estrella’s time with Oscar Mayer is Estrella, also known as “Meaty Magaly” by message and felt that events such as coming to an end and the company is looking her fans from her journey on the Wienermo- these educate and allow students to for 14 interns to serve as official representa- bile, was offered a position as a “hotdogger” release their emotions. tives, or “hotdoggers,” to ride in the Wiener- last year, a title she still holds. “[My poems] are to educate an mobile throughout America to promote the She said that riding in the Wienermobile brand. was a great opportunity for her to gain expe- individual, whether it be in love or JACOB KAISER/THE BEACON life,” Fleurizards said. “Driving in the Wienermobile is a lot of rience in public relations and marketing and Several performers will also fun and it’s a lot of responsibility,” Estrella recommends the internship to communica- INSIDE THE RIDE: An inside look into the Os- appear from the Write Side Poetry, said. tion majors. car Mayer Wienermobile reveals the bright which has worked with On Point Career Services at Biscayne Bay Campus “Driving the Wienermobile has given ketchup and mustard themed interior design. Poetry since 2007. Write Side Poetry will be hosting an information session about me many professional opportunities,” said is a non-profi t organization designed the internship opportunity with Oscar Mayer Estrella. “For example, you meet a lot of “It’s buns of fun. I wish I could keep doing to inspire young writers. Its main on Feb. 19, in WUC 255. contacts on the road because you are always it after June,” Estrella said. “The experience mission is to “empower the next The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and the doing media interviews. Also, a lot of PR I gained from doing this job is amazing. I’ve generation of leaders, self-defi ned session is open to all students. and advertising agencies know about the seen more than half the country and I’ve been artists and visionary activists through “It’s a great opportunity for students to program and although we drive a Wiener- to places that I would have never dreamed of written and oral literacy,” according develop skills in public relations and learn mobile, there is so much more that goes on going to.” to the organization’s MySpace page. about marketing,” said Natasha Stubbs, behind that. We are getting so much expe- It’s recommended that students who Advertising majors Orane Carney assistant director of Career Services at BBC. rience, from contacting media in every city attend the information session come dressed and Ray “Knowledge” Dominguez, “It counts as an internship experience.” and doing TV interviews to being the face of in business casual attire and bring a resume who is also president and founder of “Oscar Mayer is a major corporation that Oscar Mayer’s 125-year-old brand.” along with a Panther ID. Food and beverages Write Side Poetry, will join Toussaint can offer really great opportunities. Having a Estrella said her position with Oscar will be provided to those who attend. in hosting the event. company such as this one come to FIU during Mayer will end in June and that she appreci- For additional information on the intern- “This event is not a show, it is an these difficult economic times can prove to ates the opportunity she has had to travel the ship visit www.oscarmayer.com or call BBC experience,” Toussaint said. be an asset to FIU communication students,” country in the past year. Career Services at (305) 919-5770. www.fi usm.com ADVERTISEMENT The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 5 Contact Us Eric Feldman Opinion Editor eric.feldman@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 6 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, February 18, 2009 READ THIS NOW! Uphill battles are NO still worth the eff ort VACANCY Parking continues to evolve through Despite its prevalence in class time, the administration the English language, the could not reject my request for term “lost cause” is really an a petition. Despite this, getting initiatives, construction of new garage oxymoron. If the fight was administrators to approve truly lost, why would there the petition was much harder VANESSA ESPINEL semester, you would know at what construction of a new garage. still be people fighting for it? than it should have been. Even Staff Writer times certain garages and lots are “We are beginning construc- This particular after taking all of the full. However, some people – at tion in the summer, which will COLUMN column is inspired by measures to make I do not know what possessed least I do – hold a, “Today I’m add more than 2,000 spaces to the several times in my sure that it complied me to take an 11 a.m. class on fi nally going to get that fi rst spot our inventory and provide added life that I was told that I with district regula- Tuesdays and Thursdays, but what- in the fi rst row” kind of optimism. convenient parking spaces to the shouldn’t bother trying tions, I was met with ever it was, it took over the minds Why else would we be daring area of campus along 8th Street,” to change something an administrator who of hundreds of other students as enough to enter the parking garage Foster said. I didn’t like because told me not to bother well. It’s not even that 11 a.m. is I would fail; but it is because there was no that early, more so the fact that it’s not about any of these ERIC FELDMAN chance in them letting when parking on campus is at its issues, it is meant to be the president back. worst. At universities, people already a manifesto to you, my reader, She clearly missed the point, Given that the time spent on to realize that whatever fight however, which was showing scoping out a parking spot is the know when the garages are full you want to take up, whether that we cared. It didn’t matter equivalent to four or more songs it be petty or life-changing, to me that he did not get his on a track, you can devote that – they come here every day. never back down in the face office back, it mattered that by time to either being irritated about of opposition, no matter how the time we were done, every why the car in front of the line Bill Foster daunting the task may be. administrator knew what the won’t ask if the person is leaving, I should mention that, in the hundreds who signed the peti- fi nishing your math homework or executive director, Parking and Transportation examples I am going to give tion and the large group that just thinking. you from my life, I “failed.” bore the shirts thought. That’s what I was doing as with people driving and turning The garage will be located adja- This column is not about Anyone who has ever I was stuck in line on the fourth the ramps at 30 mph? cent to the existing Red Garage. success. You will not find any supported a third party, or fl oor of the Red Garage when it “Even if the sign says ‘Full,’ Other new initiatives include inspiring stories about over- even an underdog candidate occurred to me that the Univer- people will still look or try to sit the University’s fi rst valet coming the odds and bringing for the U.S. presidency also sity should adopt the same system idling, waiting for someone to program. about change, but you will knows how I felt to be looked that airports and beach parking leave. Also, many times there are “We are beginning a valet hopefully find inspiration to at by someone in power as lots use: a parking availability misconceptions about availability. parking pilot program on Feb. 16 refuse to be trampled over some trouble-making teenager. indicator. If the sign says ‘Full’ and a car is by the Graham Center to make and to use your right to free I would know, because I’ve It would be benefi cial to coming out, people think that they parking more convenient in that speech, which is afforded to done that too. Which candi- students if Parking and Transpor- just left and a space is open. Of area. We are also evaluating a you with few conditions and date it was is irrelevant, but I tation developed a system that course, this could be a car that was possible shuttle option to help which many people in the spent many hours during the could monitor the parking spaces driving around hoping for a space students travel around campus world would die to have. primary election season last and display “Full” on a screen to open,” Foster said. more easily,” Foster said. In high school, my senior year holding signs on street outside the entrance. Foster also identifi ed cost as The valet parking is very class president was removed corners in the sweltering heat When approached with the idea, an issue. The signs are about expensive for students at $5 per from office by the school for the guy that I thought was Executive Director of Parking and $100,000 per garage for a basic hour or $20 per day, but perhaps administration over a contro- the most sensible and able to Transportation Bill Foster said package. could come in handy on those versial situation. I was one lead the nation. that they had done some research While Foster’s points are days when they’re just really late person who led an effort There was literally a guy into this, but discovered that it valid, perhaps an investment into for an exam and the program can among our class to reinstate who rolled down his window would not be an option to pursue the system, at least one garage at also bring in some revenue from him, including making shirts and said he thought what I at the moment. a time, would still be helpful to visitors to the University. and a petition. Never in all was doing was great, but that “First, the signs are used effec- students as they would know the With the parking sign idea of the years that I was given I shouldn’t waste my time on tively at airports, hospitals, etc., status of at least a few garages. unlikely becoming a reality, at a copy of the Student Code a lost cause. where people are usually not daily In the meantime, Parking and least not in the near future, take of Conduct to take home did Another person who just users. At universities, people Transportation have taken alterna- comfort in these newly imple- I ever think that I would actu- doesn’t get it. Whether my already know when the garages tive actions to make parking more mented measures that will surely ally need to reference it, but it actions had any impact on are full – they come here every available to students, including the help in addressing the ubiquitous would turn out to be one of who our president is today, it day,” Foster said. GreenRide Carpool parking issues. my first real lessons in civil feels a lot better knowing that You would think that after Program and the activism. I tried. attending classes (presum- The Code stated that so Granted, I am no savior ably) semester after long as I gave them a day’s of the First Amendment. A notice and did not interrupt lot of things in society make me uneasy and a lot that the Anyone who has government does makes me upset, as I’m sure is the case ever supported for many of you and I do a third party, or spend more time on Face- book than writing letters to my even an underdog congressmen. candidate for the But the point here is not to U.S. presidency fight every battle, or to fight them to the death. At the very knows how it least, stay informed of the STEP ONTO THE SOAPBOX feels to be seen as news and when something strikes you that you’re really Offi cer of a student organization? Student government member? University offi cial? Have something to a troublemaker. passionate about, let the world say? know. Contact us at opinion@fi usm.com and we’ll give you 500 words to share your opinion with the FIU community. Contact Us Susana Rodriguez Life! Editor susana.rodriguez@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – 7 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Pulse

Get pumped for a healthy heart now

If you didn’t get your heart broken on Valen- tine’s Day, good for you. But watch out! There are tons of things out there that will shatter your heart to pieces if you are not COLUMN careful. While there are some REVIEW heart disease factors that we can’t control, such as age and genes, there are others we Flighty play brightens can. From stress to phys- EDDITH SEVILLA ical inactivity and too much the Center’s Main Stage alcohol – yes, you read right, consuming too much booze – taking care of that little red organ that loves to pitter patter is pretty ANDREW CALIENES Despite the great performances much our job. Contributing Writer from the cast, it is a wonder how they Considering we’re just about halfway were able to turn such a confusing through the semester, we know certain events The Birds is a surprisingly mess into something your average are coming up: mid-term exams. And if you’re colorful blend of comedy, emotion FIU student could even partially taking four or more classes, I pity us . Nothing and song. The show forces you to understand. can be more stressful than having your nose suspend reality and enter a world Though the performances were stuck in book after book, day after day. where Greek mythology and modern highly entertaining, the soap opera But if you’re not careful, stress can lead to settings collide to form a sometimes moments sprinkled throughout the emotional, psychological and even physical confusing yet colorful show. show left the audience wondering problems, including heart disease and chest The Birds is a play by American what was going on every time they pains according to WebMD.com. Being able to playwright Len Jenkin who adapted walked on stage. identify stressors in your life and releasing the it from Aristophanes, an Athenian Nevertheless, the performances tension they cause are the keys to managing playwright. from most of the cast are inspiring. stress, according to the web site. The show centers on Ventable There are a few that bear mention, Now since everyone is different, I can’t tell Smoke (Dixon Gutierrez), a pathetic especially those by Denise Schwartz, you what will work for you. But for me, I fi nd lounge comedian and Arnold Sand Michelle Fraioli and Andrea Bovino that a good jog, a quiet time alone or even a (Alex Moreno), his nervous talent who played The Finches that are break from school and work to spend time with agent, who both work at the Solar slightly reminiscent of the Three my friends always helps. System Casino in Las Vegas. Stooges with their refreshing brand Besides making you feel sluggish and Mr. Smoke and Mr. Sand find of comedy. lazy, physical inactivity will do your heart in. themselves owing a considerable The other honorable mentions Regular, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity amount of money in gambling debts are Morgan Howland-Cook (Queen helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease, to a local gangster, Buddy Barracas Popsy) and Jennifer Jean-Louis but the more vigorous the activity, the greater (Alain Mesa). (The Ornithologist) who both stole your benefi ts, according to the American Heart After being beat up by his beau- the show with their energy and pure Association. tifully murderous henchwomen, Ms. talent. Now if the thought of hitting the gym – Jeckyl (Lali Navarro-Watts) and Each sang beautifully and made which we have available at both the Univer- Ms. Heckyl (DeAnna Drayton), they each of their songs enjoyable, though sity Park and Biscayne Bay Campuses – doesn’t are kicked out of town and into the the songs themselves could have sound appealing, then a walk around your neigh- desert. been omitted. borhood, skating, or an afternoon jog may work During their wanderings through If you decide to go watch the play, out for you. You may also try washing your car the desert, the two run into a make- be ready to sit back and accept what- instead of taking it to the car wash or hitting a shift bird seller who tries to sell ever The Birds throws at you. night club to dance the night away. Cleaning them two birds that can lead them to Overall, this is a fun show to your place is also good for the environment and Popsy, Queen of the Birds (Morgan watch. gets your heart pumping. Howland-Cook). It can leave the audience scratching And while you clean your place don’t forget At this point, down on their luck, their heads, even with the towering to consider the amount of booze you have stored they decide they should go in search abilities of its actors and scenery. in your kitchen. of Queen Popsy and see if she can Aristophanes’ age-old themes of Not only will it raise your blood pressure, help them hide from their debts. leadership and utopia are still there, contribute to high triglycerides, cancer and If the play weren’t already which can give the average student other diseases and produce irregular heartbeats, crowded and somewhat cumber- something to take home and think drinking too much alcohol can cause heart failure some, perhaps the musical numbers about. and lead to stroke, according to the AHA. Now would give it the tools it needed to The Birds is playing this weekend, there’s a scary thought. Next time you want to make complete sense. Feb. 19-21, at the Herbert and Nicole hit the bottle, consider your heart as it depends Instead, they are mostly haphazard Wertheim Performing Arts Center on you to make the right choices. and largely irrelevant. Main Stage. Now let’s all get up and start moving. Don’t just sit there in front of the computer all day. Remember your heart will only beat to the rhythm of how much you make it work. Check your Pulse for health, wellness and fi tness every Wednesday. E-mail Eddith at eddith.sevilla@fi usm.com. 8 The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 ADVERTISEMENT www.fi usm.com www.fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9 O’Brien looks to the past, to SPIRITUAL MUSIC the west as new show looms

DAVID BAUDER NBC had committed to giving him the AP Wire “Tonight” slot fi ve years ago, although it was only recently that current host Jay Leno Moving day approaches. decided to stay with the network and do a Conan O’Brien is about to pack himself up nightly 10 p.m. show. and head west, when he replaces Jay Leno as Most of O’Brien’s writers will head to Cali- host of NBC’s “Tonight” show in June. First fornia with him. Years ago, switching to that things fi rst, though, as a nostalgic O’Brien earlier time slot might have meant dramati- prepares for the last week of his 16-year run at cally changing the tone of the show to appeal “Late Night.” Feb. 20 is his last show before to an older audience. But the late-night habits turning it over to Jimmy Fallon. of viewers are different now — many watch “For a while, I was in denial — ‘Oh, we’ll the next day on digital video recorders — and just stop doing this show and we’ll move on to the need for such changes has lessened. the next one,’” he says. “That’s very me, very “The shows are an extension of the host male. Men don’t like to say goodbye. My wife and, like it or not, this is my sense of humor,” told me about six months ago: ‘I think you O’Brien says. “It would be a mistake to rein- have to admit that you have mixed feelings vent myself as a completely different person about leaving this late-night show, it’s very now.” emotionally charged for you. That’s OK.’” O’Brien will be facing more formidable From the very beginning, he says, it was competition with Letterman in his new spot. the show he wanted to do. Even recent Conan But O’Brien said one night on “Late converts would recognize some of the humor Night” that he was looking forward to the new from that fi rst show: He’s depicted walking schedule. down a street where a talking horse calls out “You can talk to me in a year and I’ll say to him “Better be as good as Letterman.” He ‘Well, there are some problems, there are sang “Edelweiss” hand-in-hand with Tony some complications,’” he said. “But I don’t Randall as the camera cut to a crying Nazi in know what they are. I don’t know if there will the audience. be.” “I’m proud of the show’s originality,” he O’Brien is trying to maintain the element says. “Letterman’s ‘Late Night’ was obviously of surprise for his last week of shows, saying brilliant and groundbreaking and changed all he wants to rely on old friends of “Late Night” of the rules and I’m very proud of the fact instead of stunt casting. that our show, in its tone and its look and its “The one thing that’s worked consistently approach had very little to do with the show for me is just to use your common sense, just that came before it or, I think, any other show try to be funny,” O’Brien says. “For 16 years, that came before it.” I’ve just been trying to think of funny stuff. Unpredictability and a childlike silliness We miss sometimes, we hit sometimes but I were its defi ning characteristics. think our average is pretty good.” ALEX GARCIA/THE BEACON RHYTHM NATION: Damian Trujillo, a junior criminal justice major, plays mara- cas and the didgeridoo while Joey Basna, a sophomore religious studies major, keeps the rhythm going on the drums in an impromptu jam session by the fountain Greeks celebrate one-year behind the Graham Center on Feb. 9. anniversary of council After spending several years fi ghting to percent plus one of each chapter must attend. install the Multicultural Greek Council at FIU, Last Fall they also participated in the Hasbro the fi ve-member organizations celebrated the toy drive, an annual toy sale that benefi ted the group’s one-year anniversary Jan. 23. Miami Children’s Hospital. WEDNESDAY• THURSDAY • The organizations that are part of MGC Right now MGC is looking at poten- are Lambda Theta Phi Latin Frater- tial candidates for its philanthropy. FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 19 nity Inc, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin GREEK LIFE Primarily, they are looking at the Sorority Inc, Lambda Upsilon Miami Rescue Mission, which reaches WHAT: Miami Heat vs. WHAT: South Beach Wine & Food Lambda Fraternity Inc, Sigma out to homeless men, women and chil- Minnesota Timberwolves Festival Lambda Gamma National Sorority dren. This year they donated food for WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHEN: 877-762-3933 Inc and Delta Phi Omega Sorority Miami Rescue Mission’s Super Bowl WHERE: American Airlines Arena WHERE: Delano Hotel Inc. party. CONTACT: 786-777-1000 CONTACT: 305-672-2000 “We really wanted to install There had been talk about installing WHAT: Rock Out WHAT: Las Artes de Mexico: From the MGC at FIU because we felt MGC AMANDA BATCHELOR MGC at FIU for a long time and could cater more to our needs. We do in Spring 2006 they began actively WHEN:4 p.m. Collection of the Gilcrease Museum things a little different than other Greek organi- working to get MGC put together. WHERE: Kendall Branch Library WHEN: 10 a.m. zations. For instance we don’t go through rush “JD Louk was our advisor last year and CONTACT: 305-279-0520 WHERE: Lowe Art Museum and MGC is able to focus more on us. I feel really helped us get started and Joanna Garcia CONTACT: 305-284-3603 like now we have a more united front,” said is our current advisor and she has been WHAT: The Bohemia Room: A Spoken MGC President Stephanie Wesseling a senior extremely proud of how we’ve come along so Word Experience WHAT: JAM @ MAM happy hour with and member of Delta Phi Omega. far,” Wesseling said. WHEN: 9 p.m. an artful twist The organizations of MGC at the University Currently there are about six other organi- WHERE: Miami Improv WHEN: 5 p.m. are historically Latin, South Asian and multi- zations who are interested in becoming part of CONTACT: 305-441-8200 WHERE: The Miami Art Mueum cultural, although at other campuses they have FIU’s MGC, however Wesseling said that if CONTACT: 305-375-3000 even more diversity. While these organizations they meet all their requirements they will be WHAT: Can You Rock A Little Softer? take pride in their diversity they do not discrim- more than welcome to join. Right now, MGC acoustic night WHAT: Game Room Chess inate against any other ethnicity and welcome is still new and Wesseling feels they need to WHEN: 10 p.m. WHEN: 5 p.m. others that share their same core values. improve a little bit more before they start WHERE: Churchills Pub WHERE: GC 305 Some of its activities this past year have installing more chapters. CONTACT: 305-757-1807 CONTACT: 305-348-1069 been MGC week in September, where there Wesseling said one of MGC’s main goals were different events and activities throughout this year is “to try to unify the Greek commu- WHAT: Students of the National WHAT: Hip Hop Club meeting the week and a step, stroll and salute exhibi- nity as a whole and participate in other Greek Association of Teachers WHEN: 6 p.m. tion where all the organizations of MGC came organizations’ events.” WHEN: 12 p.m. WHERE: GC 314 out and showed what they could do. There was In the short time MGC has been here they WHERE: GC 343 CONTACT: 305-348-1069 also a poetry open mic night, which drew in have already made a great deal of progress, so I CONTACT: 305-348-1069 many people. think we can look forward to seeing what they They also participated in Relay for Life can do this year. and blood drives last year. MGC is making it Greek Life runs every other Wednesday. Compiled by: Mariana Ochoa a priority to participate in at least two commu- E-mail Amanda at amanda.batchelor@ nity service events a semester, where at least 50 fi usm.com 10 The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 SPORTS www.fi usm.com Newfound off ensive success just what the team needed

Trade in those home run swings for bunt The offense was the missing piece to the singles. This offense can be shut down, but is machine. reliable enough to be tapped into if needed. During the fi rst fi ve games, the offense had Take, for example, the Golden Panthers’ the Golden Panthers sputtering like an last game where they trailed 8-3 in the COMMENTARY old lawn mower that just refused to fi nal inning. During the fi ve-run inning, turn on. Just one weekend and pressure the team manufactured runs by singling, situations made the softball team’s bats walking and making contact. There come alive to cut down four out of fi ve were no home runs and just one double of its opponents this past weekend. in the entire inning. Getting on base is The high-powered offense from the most pressure the offense will apply last season has not returned, but a to opponents. lower octane version of it is devel- SERGIO BONILLA Power pitching and timely hitting CHRIS GREEN/THE BEACON oping. With Sun Belt Conference collided to create the 6-4 team head coach Beth play just two weeks away, the Golden Panthers McClendon said she expected to make to the RING MY BELL: Pitcher Katie Bell pitched 3.1 innings and allowed two runs in the could not have found a better time to wipe off NCAA Tournament. The opening weekend left Golden Panthers’ win vs. FGCU. the early season rust. Just a bit more runs on the Golden Panthers with a losing record. Coach the scoreboard added to the team’s formula McClendon said the team’s freshmen needed to Gniadek gets third win; should grant them a strong chance at winning become acclimated for the team to have better the conference. success. It took two weekends for the Golden Predicted to be the No. 4 team by the Sun Panthers to fi nd their identity. Belt Conference Preseason Coach’s Poll After their next game against Fordham, the Bell gets winning single entering this season, the Golden Panthers might 13 remaining games on the schedule are versus take some opponents by surprise. Kasey Barrett Sun Belt Conference teams. The Eagles would score one in the top of was expected to be the team’s main source of The plan so far is developing as conve- SOFTBALL, page 12 the eighth, but Katie Bell, who went 1-for-4 pitching power. She got a little bit of help in the niently as can be. With the pitching staff solidi- bringing home Bell from third base to make at the plate, knocked down a single to score form of Jennifer Gniadek and Paige Cassady. fi ed, the freshmen have gained experience and the score 8-4. Iriseldis Soberon from third base. Gniadek and Cassady are eating up all the the offense has found ways to score enough runs McClain came up to the plate with the Gniadek shut down the Eagles’ in the top innings Barrett’s arm absorbed a season ago. before playing the most important games of the bases still loaded and hit a grounder to of the ninth, allowing FIU to pull through This season, the trio establishes the tone season. pitcher Alexis Casey who overthrew to the with the win after Landau scored. Gniadek every game by not allowing much offensive Finishing last season with a .500 record catcher, allowing two runs to be scored by (3-2) picked up her third win and allowed output early on; in 10 games, no team has scored against conference teams is something this the Golden Panthers. Welch then came up just one earned run while the team record in the fi rst two innings. This usually leads to team will not be content with, especially with with a double to bring runners home from improved to 6-4. low, hard-fought games, which just wears teams the Golden Panthers on a three-game winning fi rst and second to tie the score at eight all. “Every time we play Florida Gulf Coast, down headed into the late innings. After leading streak and second-year coach McClendon’s “I thought the last four innings were the it seems to end up this way,” said McClendon in the sixth inning, the Golden Panthers are a recruits gaining more playing time. fi rst ones this season in which we played to FIUsports.com. “We have a ton of respect perfect 3-0. McClendon’s team warmed up for two to our potential,” said head coach Beth for them, but our kids fought hard. Nothing Dominant pitching alleviates some of the weeks and is now ready to bulldoze its way to a McClendon. this offense does surprises me.” burden placed on the offense. conference title run. Fredi Gonzalez on Ramirez: ‘Th e guy’s a specimen’

STEVEN WINE three season from 17 to 29 to 33. AP Wire “I don’t think he’s overweight,” manager Fredi Gonzalez says. “The guy’s a specimen. Hanley Ramirez worked harder this offsea- The Dolphins could recruit him as a defensive son and ate better. Five days a week, his routine back.” included a 2½-hour gym workout, a one-hour The new physique coincides with a likely swim in his pool at home and a nice dinner. change in Ramirez’s role. Batting mostly lead- “I spend $100 a night in the restaurant,” the off, he scored 369 runs the past three seasons, Florida Marlins’ All-Star shortstop says with a most in the majors, and stole 137 bases. grin. “I used to spend $5 at Wendy’s.” But with the offseason departure of Mike With a fat new contract, the 6-foot-3 Ramirez Jacobs and Josh Willingham, who combined says he increased his weight 25 pounds to 225, for 47 homers last year, Ramirez expects to but the calories didn’t go to his waist. Instead be dropped to third in the order. Rookie center he’s thicker in the chest, shoulders and legs, fi eld Cameron Maybin is the leading candidate which he expects to help his durability. to hit fi rst. While Ramirez missed only 17 games the Ramirez has struggled as a run-producer past two seasons, a left shoulder injury re- in the past. His career on-base plus slugging quired surgery in October 2007 and bothered percentage is .777 in 55 games batting third, him again late last season. compared with .931 batting leadoff. He says “I went home and said, ‘I’m tired of that,’” teams pitched him differently when he batted the Dominican says. “That was the fi rst thing third, throwing him offspeed pitches in fastball — get my shoulder stronger.” situations. Ramirez had never worked out much in the Gonzalez fi gures Ramirez now has enough winter but created his own program. He laughs experience to adjust to any role. when asked if he found it on the Internet. “Wherever he hits, he shouldn’t change his “Yeah — HanleyRamirez.com,” he says. “I game or his approach,” Gonzalez says. know what I need. That’s why I don’t like per- Despite the added bulk, Ramirez says his sonal trainers.” focus is on his batting average, not his home- Even at a svelte 200 pounds, his listed run total. weight in last year’s postseason guide, Ramirez “It’s not about power,” he says. “I don’t was the Marlins’ biggest star. He has by far the think about home runs. Never.” most lucrative contract on baseball’s thriftiest Ramirez wants to play all 162 games. At team, a $70 million, six-year deal beginning age 25, he says he also wants to assume more this season that will pay him $5.5 million in of a leadership role to help the Marlins reach 2009. the playoffs. That’s an increase from the $439,000 he He set a good example in the offseason with made last year — hence the $100 dinners. his rigorous regimen. Ramirez appears to be a good investment. “When you’ve got a couple of years in the He’s a .308 career hitter with 137 stolen bases big leagues,” Ramirez says, “you learn to be a and has increased his home run total in his fi rst good teammate.” www.fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11 Interim coach lifts team with work ethic, energy

APPLEBAUM, page 12 “They respect the fact that I have played in every single level and they know my going into advertising, but she realized that judgment will help them,” she said. a 9-to-5 job was not meant for her. Applebaum implemented a new set of “They know it does not bother me to rules that took the players by surprise. The work 18 hours a day for them,” Applebaum girls have study hall, a curfew and a strict said. training schedule. Some of the girls took a After her short career in advertising, while to adjust. Applebaum coached at her high school, “It’s a big change,” said sophomore GIO GUADARRAMA/THE BEACON Gulliver Prep. In 2007, she led the boys Liset Brito. “We are doing more fi tness and SCOUTING: Priscilla Castillo (left), Liset Brito (middle) and Maria Vallasciani look on during a and girls middle school tennis teams, which working harder.” match this season. FIU is 3-3 thus far and play host vs. Troy on Feb. 20 at 12 p.m. showed her a new side of tennis. Junior Priscilla Castillo enjoys Apple- “It helped me learn the coaching side of baum’s drive to improving. it,” she said. I had to learn the basics.” “She pushes us to work harder and she’s One year after she took the job at on top of everything,” Castillo said. Pazo and Muci strive in doubles; Gulliver, she got the assistant coaching When Applebaum took over the program, position at FIU. Within her fi rst few weeks she had a vision of where she wanted to as assistant coach, she set up a booster club take the team. She wants the University to to raise funds for the team. be noticed and she is working on it. team hopes to shake off injuries In October, head coach Carlos Casely “I want to take this program to the next resigned for personal reasons, Applebaum level,” she said. “We want to get people inexperience won’t affect the while being bothered by a TENNIS, page 12 became the interim head coach and she had excited about the team.” team’s record. few nagging injuries, but now to make the transition from assistant coach As interim head coach, Applebaum are tired at the end of the “The team’s talent and is 100 percent. She is coming to head coach. plans on becoming head coach soon. season, we are going to be dedication will carry us on strong right when the team “As an assistant coach, you are there to “I worked very hard and I want to be feeling great.” throughout the season,” Pazo needed consistency the most. be a shoulder to cry on, a hand to guide the head coach, but I think it is out of my Off the court, Applebaum said. Pazo says staying healthy is them, you are there with an open door hands,” she said. wants her team to know that Pazo was even more crucial. to all their personal issues,” Applebaum Applebaum has set the goals high for her interim status is not an adamant regarding her “If we avoid injuries we said. “But as head coach, you want to be a this year’s team. FIU ended last season issue. thoughts on their ability to should be just fi ne,” Pazo friend and at the same time need to set up with an overall 19-5 record and No. 30 “They trust me,” she said. win this season. said. boundaries.” national ranking, according to Intercolle- “They know that I will not However, maybe the Having young and inex- The transition from assistant coach to giate Tennis Association. leave them. I’m not a quitter. biggest factor in the girls’ perienced players is a hurdle head coach did affect the players though. “This group of girls has the potential to They need to have trust in chances to make it back to the the team believes it can over- They would test the limits to see how far be top 25 in the country by the end of the the coach and I think that’s top of the conference will be come. Pazo feels this team they could push the envelope, but learned season,” said Applebaum. “We can be one something that was not there from an obstacle beyond their can bring back conference respect very quickly. of the best programs in the nation.” last year.” control. When asked what the championships to a program Another component of biggest challenge may be to two years removed from the team’s early success is the reaching their goals, the fi rst winning the Sun Belt. new doubles pair of Pazo and word both Pazo and Brito “We are all good friends, freshman Mariana Muci. said was “injuries.” we trust each other and have Pazo says the team’s Brito battled through a bit confi dence in our abilities,” overall youth and perceived of a slow start to the season she said.

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGEANT

Caribbean Pageantry is seeking contestants for their 4th Annual Miss Miami Carnival Pageant, being held Sunday September 20, 2009. For more information please call 786-356-0869.

Do you like sports? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to cover a sporting event? If you answered “yes” to both these questions, join our staff! Fill out an application in GC 210 or WUC 124 Contact Us Andrew Julian Sports Director andrew.julian@fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 12 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, February 18, 2009

TENNIS YOUTH IS SERVED Applebaum, 24, ready for challenge of coaching

LEILANI LAUREANO “Since I was a player so recently, Contributing Writer I can put myself in their shoes,” Applebaum said. Three years ago Melissa Apple- Applebaum has played tennis for baum competed in the NCAA tennis 20 years and she takes her experi- championship. This year she will be ence as a player and utilizes it for coaching girls a couple years her coaching. She tries to balance her junior. inner player to apply it to coaching. Last year Applebaum, who played “I think I try to use a little bit of

for the University of Miami in 2006, both,” Applebaum said. “I think that GIO GUADARRAMA/THE BEACON was the assistant coach at FIU. Now, they trust the fact that I have played; DUELING DUO: Pazo (right) and Muci have gotten off to a good start in at 24, she is the interim head coach they know what I tell them will doubles play for the Golden Panthers. for FIU’s tennis team. work.” Being so young, Applebaum Applebaum is full of energy. Her believes her age is an advantage parents put her in gymnastics and when working with the girls. She is tennis to control her energy when she Youthful roster jumps off to one of the youngest coaches at the was younger. In 2006, she considered University, but Applebaum sees it as a positive. APPLEBAUM, page 11 strong start behind Brito LUIS ESTRADA without having played a home match yet Contributing Writer and recently defeated the No. 42 ranked Long Beach State team. Maria Dolores Pazo knows what Sophomore Liset Brito, who has won it’s like to win a conference champi- three singles matches in a row, said the onship. As a freshman, she helped the team is unaffected by a lack of senior tennis team win a title. Now, as a junior leadership and that all the girls have on a team with no seniors, she under- taken an active role in becoming better stands exactly what it will take to be that leaders on an individual basis. successful again. Brito also said that regardless of “We fi nd it hard to accept defeat,” interim head coach Melissa Applebaum’s Pazo said. “We are built to win a confer- inexperience, it’s a huge benefi t having a ence championship and make a run in young coach who played the game and is the NCAA tournament.” very familiar with intercollegiate tennis. Last year, women’s tennis fi nished “Coach was able to get us organized with a trip to the conference fi nals and and motivated and we are improving as a an appearance in the regional play- team every day,” Brito said. offs. However, with a roster for this The fi rst-year coach is not letting her season fi lled with fi rst and second-year players off lightly during practice. players and a young interim head coach, “Every practice has a purpose,” JAMIE SCHWABEROW/AP PHOTO struggles were almost to be expected. Applebaum said. “When the other teams EXPERIENCED: Applebaum played tennis at UM and Gulliver prep recently, Someone forgot to tell that to the girls. giving the rookie recent experience most head coaches don’t have. The team is off to a solid 3-3 start TENNIS, page 11

SOFTBALL: FIU 10, FGCU 9 Team earns comeback victory

STEPHANIE GABRIEL The Golden Panthers were able in the following inning to take the Staff Writer to get the offense rolling early on. lead at 5-3. With the bases loaded and two outs Freshman Jennifer Gniadek came Down 8-3 in the bottom of the in the fi rst inning, freshman Ashley in during the seventh inning after seventh, the Golden Panthers found McClain smacked an RBI single to Barrett gave up a single and then an a way to fi ght back. center fi eld, driving in Kim Rodri- RBI double by Platt. Gniadek gave A series of miscues by Florida guez for the fi rst score. up two runs, one charged to Barrett, Gulf Coast University let FIU claw Welch came up next with a two- to make the score 8-3. its way back to tie the game. In the run single to make the score 3-0. Heading into the bottom of the bottom of the ninth, a wild pitch FGCU had just one hit up heading inning, FIU senior Katie Bell was hit paved the way for Jessica Landau to into the fourth inning, however, on a pitch by Cassady Rash with one score the game-wining run. the momentum switched up when out. Kim Rodriguez then singled to The Golden Panthers defeated Courtney Platt nailed a three-run left fi eld, allowing Bell to advance FGCU 10-9 at FIU on Feb. 15. homer into center fi eld, tying the to second. Jessica Landau was then Junior pitcher Paige Cassady score at three all. Kasey Barrett walked and FGCU switched pitchers made the start for FIU and allowed came in the game for Cassady at this with the bases loaded. However, two runs in 3.1 innings against a point and struck out the next two Lauren Spiers was also walked, CHRIS GREEN/THE BEACON team who scored 51 runs over their batters. However, the Eagles were RAW ROOKIE: Freshman Jennie Welch makes a play in the outfi eld previous fi ve games. able to score two runs off of Barrett SOFTBALL, page 10 against FGCU. The Golden Panthers are 6-4 on the season.