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Vol. 19, Issue 34 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 4, 2006 College of Law accredited in record time BEN F. BADGER JR. staff. Staff Writer Dean Leonard Strickman, associate deans Ediberto Román, Associate Dean of the College of Law Ediberto Román and Michelle Mason, Maid- FIU’s College of Law, a program which has ique and Madlyn Downs, program assistant “Today was a great moment and a bit of a ‘phew’ factor for been around for only four years, received full and law professor, appeared before the Council me. This is the fi rst milestone of many great achievements accreditation Dec. a, the quickest accreditation of the Section on Legal Education and Admis- granted in recent history. sion to the Bar of the A.B.A. There they were that FIU will make in the near future. “This was the fastest time possible in which subject to a series of questions. we could achieve accreditation under [the A half hour after their appearance, Strick- ‘phew’ factor for me,” Román said, relieved to granted. American Bar Association’s] rules,” Univer- man was informed that the College of Law hear about the accreditation. “This is the fi rst The program started in 2002 and sity President Modesto A. Maidique said in was approved for full accreditation by a 24- milestone of many great achievements that received provisional accreditation, one of a press release. “This accomplishment is a member panel consisting of state supreme FIU will make in the near future.” the necessary steps needed to full accredi- testament to the quality of the administration, court justices, practicing attorneys and law Now that the program is accredited, all the tation, in 2004. faculty and students of our College of Law.” school deans and professors from around the college’s graduates are qualifi ed to take the In order to be fully accredited, a col- The morning of the announcement was nation. bar exam and practice law, including those a tense one for the college’s administrative “Today was a great moment and a bit of a who graduated before the accreditation was LAW, page 2 M/W/F schedule confl icts discussed

MARIA CHERCOLES Asst. News Director

Although members of the committee in charge of implement- ing the new three-day schedule have more than eight months to work on the changes, the process may be more complex than it seems. The fi rst Classroom Utilization Implementation Committee meeting took place Dec. 1, a week after the new schedule was approved. was opened by Interim Provost Ronald Berkman, who underlined the diffi culty of the situation and the short time frame to fully implement the changes. “I want to emphasize the rationale of this decision,” Berkman said. “Even if we don’t know whether state funds will be taken away, there is still a threat. At the end of the day students will begin to realize this was the best for them.” He went on to say that this transition is the second-highest priority for FIU after the College of Medicine. The decision to change to a Monday/Wednesday/Friday class schedule was passed by the Faculty Senate Nov. 24 after the State Legislature proposed a bill that would reduce funds for universities ineffi ciently using classroom space. Berkman explained he noticed “student anxiety” about the decision, and wanted to make sure students understand why the CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON decision was made. He also pointed out he wants students who have been at FIU the longest to feel the IN PRINT: John Virtue, director of the International Media Center, looks at a freedom of the press poster in his offi ce changes the least. at the Biscayne Bay Campus. He has helped journalists in Cuba publish several hundered articles abroad. “We’ve made a contract with them,” Berk- man said. “My goal is to add regularity and predictability to scheduling.” Cuban reporters published abroad Berkman assigned a team of administration representatives to the committee, which include members from Enrollment Ser- “The Internet can only send e-mails acknowledges that some corre- vices, Academic Space, Student Gov- NAIHOBE GONZALEZ within Cuba, it is tightly controlled,” spondence sent by journalists may ernment and Student Affairs. Although Staff Writer Dalmau said. “The only way is to go have been intercepted, resulting in this meeting, like most FIU meetings, Jorge Dalmau has learned to to a hotel, ease your way in, dress and potential participants never hearing is open to the public under Sunshine outwit the Cuban government. Yet, appear to be a foreigner, and then pay $5 back from the center. Laws, no students attended, with the Dalmau is not a spy or a U.S. offi cial an hour for dial-up service — which is In a Nov. 16 article, The exception of SGC-UP President Alfonso — he is an editor for FIU’s Interna- asking you to spend half of your monthly Herald picked up on this and other tional Media Center. salary.” shortcomings in the program, and M/W/F, page 3 In his position, Dalmau edits E-mail communication is seldom expanded them into an article called, over 150 articles a month written by used, so program coordinators and par- “Cuba thwarts U.S. efforts to help independent journalists in Cuba. As ticipants also use mail correspondence to dissidents.” According to the article, many as 214 Cuban journalists have exchange articles, educational materials FIU’s program has “fallen short of its participated in the program: Profes- and feedback. mark” in its efforts to train indepen- sional Support for Cuba’s Indepen- John Virtue, director of the center, dent journalists in Cuba. dent Journalists. explained a complicated routing process The catch is that FIU has received Because of obstacles imposed used in the early stages of the program. $1.6 million from the U.S. Agency by Cuba’s communist government, “I’d have friends in Canada send for International Development to the International Media Center and mail to Cuba, but if back in Cuba they train independent journalists in the Cuban journalists employed unique put mail in an envelope and addressed it island since 1999. tactics to surpass what Dalmau calls to FIU in Miami, I’m sure it was taken USAID is a federal agency whose “a basic problem of communica- out of the mail,” Virtue said. tion.” As a result of these barriers, Virtue CUBA, page 2 2 The Beacon – December 4, 2006 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com

THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS College receives full accreditation MONDAY • DECEMBER 4 LAW, page 1 February of next year at a ceremony in our arriving at this result.” Celebrating Kwanzaa: 12 p.m., Fresh Food with special guest, U.S. Supreme Court The college currently has more than Company Cafeteria lege must have graduated its fi rst class Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, according 400 students enrolled with the number Chamber Winds: 8 p.m., Wertheim Concert Hall and successfully completed several to the press release. expected to exceed 600. reviews. In an e-mail sent to the college’s fac- According to the A.B.A’s website, TUESDAY • DECEMBER 5 The fi rst class graduated this May. ulty, Strickman expressed his gratitude there are 194 institutions approved as Factors that were considered for full for those who helped expedite accredita- of June 2006. SPC Cultural Celebrations presents accreditation included the quality of the tion of the law school. When freshman Arielle Capuano Israeli Culture: 12 p.m., GC Forum program, the curriculum’s rigor, their “I am grateful to the Florida Legis- found out about the news, she took a step RESPECT Movie and Discussion “Bad fi nancial resources and bar exam passing lature, the Governor, and the University back, covered her mouth and gasped. Santa”: 7 p.m., GC 140 rates, according to Strickman. administration for their support of our “We are on better grounds now to CES Workshop “Stress Management”: The fi nal step for accreditation was law school,” Strickman said. “And I compete with other Florida schools,” 12 p.m., GC 305 the completion of the college’s building, congratulate our faculty, law school Capuano said. “I know Dean Strickman CES Workshop “Introduction to Career the Rafael Diaz-Balart Hall at University administrators, staff, alumni and current had been working hard to get us fully Services”: 2 p.m., WUC 255 Park. The building will be dedicated students who all played important roles accredited fast.” New Music Ensemble: 8 p.m., Wertheim Concert Hall WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 6 GATOR GLIMPSE SPC Hawaiian Culture: 12 p.m., GC Forum THURSDAY • DECEMBER 7 SPC Indian Culture: 12 p.m., GC Forum GSA Gradskeller: 6 p.m., Gracie’s Grill FRIDAY • DECEMBER 8 SOC Winterfest: 6 p.m., GC 243 SPC Films “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest: 7 p.m., and 10 p.m., GC 140 Prims Concert – FIU Golden Panther

CORRECTIONS

In the issue dated Nov. 30, 2006, the At The Bay front page photograph titled Galloping Gobblers should have been credited to Cristela Guerra. In the same issue, the So You Know box that accompanied the article jump entitled “State funding affects scheduleing” included MWF times and TR times in accordancce with the email sent by Provost Ronald Berkman.

ANGELINA ESPOSITO/THE BEACON The Beacon will gladly change any errors. Call our UP offi ce at 305-348-2709 or BBC at 305-919- CRIKEY!: A baby alligator measuring around four feet in length was spotted in the lake next to the parking lot 4722. behind Primera Casa on Nov. 27. As of press time, there is no word whether the alligator has been removed. Virtue: Reporters not students SGA Notes CUBA, page 1 “I didn’t like Corral using regularly. Nov. 30 Call to Order: 4:00 p.m. Adjournment: 5:13 p.m. the word ‘students.’ They Over time, the center budget is appropriated by are mid-level career profes- has learned from its failures Congress, and FIU is among President (Alfonso “Alfi e” Leon): sionals, journalists, some of and successes. Today, fax few universities to receive • The Beacon Editor in Chief C. Joel Marino spoke about the paper’s role with SGA them in their sixties,” Virtue machines have stabilized funding from the entity. • Trustee meetings Dec.4-5. Dec. 4 issues: 8:30, Finance and audit, 11:30 Student said. “And they have learned communication between According to The Miami affairs, 2:00 Admin and athletics. Dec 5 issues: 9:00 Medical school, China everything they know about writers and Dalmau. Though Herald article, a sign of FIU’s campus, athletics/coaches journalism from us.” Virtue was only able to visit International Media Center’s Vice President (Providence Okoye): Most journalists partici- the island once to deliver his failure was that of its 214 • Intramural fi eld will continue construction, despite some controversy with lighting. pating in the program have workshop, the program now participants, only four actu- Comptroller’s (Nancy Cadavid): never seen a real newspaper employs video conferencing ally “completed the required • Readership survey – Goal: 500 responses by Dec. 4, 1000 by end of semester. but as a result of the train- and has strengthened its col- courses.” Judicial Board (Kathryn Cubbon): ing, editing and facilitation laboration with the U.S. Inter- The center disagrees. In • Write opinions for situations that might arise. “[For example] if someone drinks at provided by the center, many est Section in Havana. an unpublished letter to the a game and hits a person. While that's not something we deal with, we need to have have had their works pub- “It’s been a challenge, for editor, Virtue showed his policies in place in case someone comes to us with that. We need to decide how to lished in newspapers around them and for us — their very discontent with the article’s El deal with that as a council.” Latin America, including existence is illegal and no depiction of the program. Homecoming (Alex Ravelo): Universal of Caracas and one’s ever done this before,” “As a journalist whose El Tiempo • Looking at budget to see what we have left - need to fi x the Roary Balloon Bogota’s . Dalmau said. “But given our specialty is ethics, I was New Business (aye-nay-abstain): “We helped one journalist circumstances, we’ve been disappointed to read the ref- • Appropriation A06-31: FIU Wind Ensemble instrument rentals passed for $1000 get her articles published in very adaptive and fairly suc- erences to [FIU’s] training of The San Antonio Express- (11-0-0) cessful.” Cuban independent journal- News • Council Bill B06-10: Amendment to the bylaws regarding the Finance Committee , which led to articles Virtue agreed. ists,” Virtue wrote . The New York Times passed (10-0-1) in [and] “For 18 years we have According to Virtue, it Los Angeles Times - Finance Committee responsible for all allocations of the Finance Committee ,” Virtue trained over 8,000 journalists was “made abundantly clear” budget; must tell House of all appropriations, even if denied wrote. throughout Latin America. to the writer, Oscar Corral, • Council Bill B06-11: Amendment to the FIU SGC-UP Finance Policy was tabled: Others were not so suc- We were there when Democ- that the program did not (9-0-2) cessful. In 2003, 24 par- racy returned to Panama have a set number of required - Representatives can overrule Finance Committee with 2/3 majority ticipants were imprisoned and when the Sandinistas courses. Announcements: in a Cuban crackdown on left Nicaragua,” Virtue said. Virtue also resented the • Good luck on fi nals. dissidents. Of the remaining “We’re preparing the inde- author’s treatment of the par- participants, 40 are in exile, pendent journalists of Cuba - Compiled by Angelina Troff, Beacon Staff ticipants as students through- and about 100 are active for the day when there is out the piece. with the center, fi ling articles freedom of press.” www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon – December 4, 2006 3 UP Apartments to become a gated community

REUBEN PEREIRA now that I know that they’ll be open Senior Staff Writer to the public, I think it’s pointless and a waste of money,” Martinez Beginning Spring 2007, the Uni- said. “But at least it makes the versity Park Apartments will be set apartments look much better than to have the look and feel of a gated it used to.” community due to the addition of When the idea of the gates gates that are being constructed at was fi rst brought up, Housing and both entrances into the complex, Residential Life did look over the one located on 107th Avenue and possibility of closing the gates but the other located opposite the decided against it because stu- Health and Life Science Building. dents didn’t express a desire for it, The decision to construct the according to Wassenaar. gates was made primarily because Additionally, the closed gates the Department of Housing and could create lines of cars at the Residential Life decided that they 107th Ave. entrance to the apart- wanted the apartments secured ments. during the summer months when “We have some of the infra- the complex is closed, according to structure to do a more sophisticated Jim Wassenaar, executive director system but, really, from an opera- of Student Affairs Operations. tion standpoint, we haven’t decided “Basically, we have determined to do it and the concept is not going that during the summer months, to be taken into consideration any- EDDIE ZENG/THE BEACON when the apartments are closed, time soon,” Wassenaar said. “It it would be advantageous for us DRIVE THRU: Concrete pillars stand on the 107th Avenue entrance to the University Park Apartments where would also come with a signifi cant to secure that environment from a gate will soon be installed. This is an initiative to help to keep outsiders away during the summer. cost which would impact students’ vehicular traffi c,” Wassenaar said. rental fees.” According to Wassenaar, gate’s to be completed during the winter then that’s cool, too.” complex.” The second pair of gates built at construction would cost the Uni- break. Even though the gates will be Students like junior Rosanna the entrance facing the Health and versity roughly $30,000. During Although senior Sam Enos installed and operational for Spring Martinez, although happy at fi rst Life Science building will also be the winter break, a hedge will be didn’t care much about the gates at 2007 semester, they will remain with the addition of the gate, closed only during the summer, added 107th Avenue portion of the fi rst, he admitted that if the purpose open at all times and will only be believing they would give students except when the Department of fence. With landscape included, the of the gates was to keep students closed during the Summer semester comfort and security, changed her Public Safety makes its rounds. fence project is estimated to cost the safe and regulate external traffi c, when the apartments are closed. opinion once she learned that the Ultimately, Wassenaar added, University around $45,000. then it was a good decision. “The gate that we are putting gates will remain open 24 hours the purpose of the gates and the “Students brought to us con- “I’m graduating at the end of the up is actually very limited in its a day during the Fall and Spring hedge fence is for the protection cerns that they didn’t like the fact year, so the addition of the gates function,” Wassenaar said. “It semesters. and needs of the students. that there wasn’t a barrier between isn’t going to affect me. But if it will be locked in an open position “Being a resident of the apart- “I think it’s an improvement the main road and the apartments,” keeps the residents at the apart- during the Spring 2007 semester ments, I defi nitely thought that the over the past because students can said Wassenaar. ments safe, then it’s cool with me,” and students won’t be facing those gates would make the apartments now feel as if they’re in a gated The entire project is expected Enos said. “If it’s to regulate traffi c, gates when they try to get into the a much safer place to live in, but community,” Wassenaar said. Committee discusses three-day schedule’s problems

M/W/F, page 1 a team of logistics consultants and conducting Classrooms that have a large seating capac- dents ease in to the new schedule. a trial schedule. ity are also sometimes booked for less students, “I would like everyone here to encourage “Alfi e” Leon. Webb continued the discussion by asking thus changing the class capacity. And, accord- students to feel good about this,” Webb said. Berkman’s idea is to have students register how the 50-minute schedule will function ing to Sylvia Berenguer, director of construction The committee’s last meeting of the semes- for classes for the Fall and Spring at the same during fi nals and how it will affect the personal minor projects, larger classrooms are generally ter will be Dec. 8, and Spring semester meet- time, which will reassure that the classes they and working life of students. in high demand. ings will begin Jan. 5 and will be held every need will be offered when they need them. Jeff Gonzalez, associate vice president of Although there were no offi cial solutions, other Friday after that at 9 a.m. in MARC 530, Also, according to Berkman, each college offi ce of planning and institutional effective- Webb pointed out her interest in helping stu- University Park. will be assigned classrooms for specifi c time ness, presented a study conducted by the offi ce blocks for the entire academic year. Colleges of program policy analysis and government will have the freedom to control how they dis- accountability, which analyzed classroom usage tribute the classrooms and time blocks among in Florida’s 11 state universities based on all their departments and individual courses. The scheduled classes, number of classrooms and committee will supervise them, and depart- classrooms on use at every hour. ments that effi ciently use their classroom space Gonzalez showed the low classroom usage will be given additional space. at FIU, which is 11.9 percent below the state EDITORIAL BOARD INFORMATION “This is not to take central control of the average. Morning-time and Friday classroom schedule but to create an equilibrium. I don’t utilization were both 18.8 percent and 16.6 C. JOEL MARINO EDITOR IN CHIEF The Beacon offi ce is located in think the committee will be able to create the percent below the average respectively. CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER the Graham Center, room 210 at schedule, but instead it will create a policy “If we analyze the enrollment size and the the University Park campus. Ques- BETSY MARTINEZ NEWS DIRECTOR guidance,” Berkman said. class section counts, we clearly see we are doing tions regarding display advertising CRISTELA GUERRA BBC MANAGING EDITOR and billing should be directed Another option is to group classes in six, something wrong, and that is what we’ll have ALICIA BUSTAMANTE LIFE! EDITOR to the Advertising Manager at nine and 12 credits. For example, a group worth to work on,” Gonzalez said. JOSE DE WIT OPINION EDITOR 305.348.2709. Mailing address: nine credits would include a history, biology According to Gonzalez, having 50-minute XAVIER VILLARMARZO SPORTS EDITOR Graham Center, room 210, CHRIS CUTRO PHOTO EDITOR and math classes. However, Berkman said time blocks would allow the University to Miami, FL 33199. Fax number SAMIRA GARCIA RECRUITMENT EDITOR is 305.348.2712. Biscayne Bay this could limit the amount of class choices schedule 12 class times from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Campus is 305.919.4722. Offi ce for underclassmen because not all classes will while the current 75-minute classes only allow MARIA CHERCOLES ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., be grouped. the scheduling of 8.5 classes during the same YESENIA FORTE ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR Monday through Friday. E-mail: EDDITH SEVILLA ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR Corinne Webb, the committee’s chair, sug- time interval. Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online at: NICOLE ACOSTA BBC ASSISTANT www.beaconnewspaper.com gested a schedule system, supposedly used “This is a commuting university, but this is SHAWN SPROCKETT ASST. OPINION EDITOR across the nation that consists on fi rst asking not an excuse. There are other universities that GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. ASST. LIFE! EDITOR The Beacon is published on students what classes they want to take, then are commuter too and do better than us,” said CHARLIE GRAU ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Mondays and Thursdays during creating the schedule based on demand. Elizabeth Bejar, assistant provost, referring to the Fall and Spring semesters and ANGELINA TROFF NEWS PAGE DESIGNER once a week during Summer B. Webb also considered opening registration the low classroom usage in the morning. MICHELLE DIAZ OPINION PAGE DESIGNER One copy per person. Additional earlier for classes meeting at unpopular times But the OPPAGA report may have its fl aws. ALEJANDRA RAMIREZ LIFE! PAGE DESIGNER copies are 25 cents. The Beacon for students who really need them. Some rooms are registered with the state as is not responsible for the content ANGELINA ESPOSITO COPY EDITOR The committee is also debating whether the classrooms but are being used as research or of ads. Ad content is the sole BOBBY JOE BRACY COPY EDITOR responsibility of the company or change may decrease the number of full-time offi ce space. ASHLEY CAPO COPY EDITOR vendor. The Beacon is an edi- students, and how to accommodate scholarship Gloria Jacomino, director of academic space torially independent newspaper recipients who can’t take electives and must management, and a team of advisers, spent BEN BADGER JR. WEBMASTER partially funded by Student and take 15 credits to maintain their scholarship. the last six months visiting every classroom to Services fees that are appropriated TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER by Student Government. Berkman left before the meeting ended, but ensure they were still being used for lectures ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA before doing so, he said he is considering hiring and corrected the information with the state. ALFRED SOTO ASST. STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 4, 2006 Conference looks for peace through religion

JESSICA SOLIS doesn’t matter if we pray 10 times Staff Writer a day if there’s no heart in it.” No one on the panel tried to To Rabbi Mitchell Chefi tz, reli- separate the idea of peace from gion serves a universal purpose, religion. which is peace, happiness and Rather each included a mes- tolerance. sage of religion with a message Chefi tz was just one of a myriad of peace. of religious fi gures from around “When someone submits to the country and the world united God, he has peace,” said Imam for a common cause on Nov. 30 at Mohammed Zakaria Badat. the Biscayne Bay Campus’ Kovens He reminded the audience that Conference Center for the World no religion is intolerant, no matter Peace Conference. what the world is led to believe. An interfaith panel comprised A soft-spoken Paramahamsa of Muslim, Jain, Buddhist, Chris- Prajnanananda, spiritual leader tian, Jewish and Hindu speakers of the Kriya Yoga International provided a non-political forum Organization, spoke of the differ- where peace was key topic of the ence between spiritual and political discussion. peace, especially during a time of The rabbi spoke in a metaphor war where many are accustomed to of people of faith climbing up a use the word “peace” as meaning mountain, where at the base of the end of war. the mountain are people of differ- CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON “The political mind speaks of ent religions and traditions, but at GIVE PEACE A CHANCE: Arun Ghandi (center left), Mahatma Ghandi’s grandson, is joined by Lama Karma peace in the whole world; a spiri- the top of the mountain is peace, Chotso (left), Swami Paramahamsa Prajnanananda (right) and Nathan Katz (center right). tual mind speaks of peace within,” a concept all religions embrace as he said. refl ected in the panel’s views. More than a hundred people angry child. have to learn how to use our anger The conference opened the “It’s at the summit where we attended the event, a large crowd He was abused by white South positively.” eyes of for audience members like resemble each other,” Chefitz that included students and non- Africans for being “too black,” and Gandhi stressed that if people Layla Shanti. said. students alike. beaten by black South Africans for want peace in the world, they “It reminded me of a lot of Organized by the Kriya Yoga The highlight of the night for being “too white.” must work for it, and not just say things I’ve known, but I still Institute and FIU’s Center for the many was the presence of Arun “I was angry and frustrated,” they would like to see it achieved learned a lot about how to know Study of Spirituality, the confer- Gandhi, grandson of political and he said. “I wanted eye-for-an-eye by others. peace and bring it into your day- ence was called “Peace is our spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi. justice.” “Peace requires commitment, to-day life,” Shanti said. Birthright: Creating a Unified Just like his grandfather, Arun Eventually, Gandhi learned his passion and understanding,” Reverend Mary Tumpkin agreed Vision for World Peace” and was Gandhi has dedicated his life to family’s way and began to believe Gandhi said. with Rabbi Chefi tz metaphor and designed to unite members of non-violence and spreading the in the principles of non-violence. He also mentioned that there said skepticism will eventually be different religions to discuss the message of peace. “We need to get out of that was more to religion then habit. overcome by seeing peace work. issues of peace, non-violence and Raised in South Africa during negative mold and into a positive “There is a distinct difference “We have to practice what we spirituality. apartheid, Gandhi said he was an one,” he told the audience. “We between religion and rituals. It already preach,” Tumpkin said.

THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS QUESTIONS ON PEACE MONDAY • DECEMBER 4 SPC Release Week-Game Day: 11 a.m., Arun Ghandi Swami Yuktatmananda Panther Square Campus Life Holiday Fest: 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., QWhy are young people feeling more and Q What is your advice to students? Panther Square more separated from religion?

To fi ll the mind with noble thoughts and then try TUESDAY • DECEMBER 5 AMy grandfather used to say that our children do Ato fashion our life according to them. When one SPC Release Week-Massage Day: 11 a.m., what we do rather than what we tell them to do is young is the most important time to cultivate Panther Square ... We need to move religion forward to make the mind with these ideas because once we get BBC Wish Givers Holiday Auction Party its mythical stories understandable and have old, the mind is already covered with so many young people relate to them. experiences. and Wish Walk: 6 p.m., WUC ballrooms WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 6 Rabbi Mitchell Chefi tz Rev. Mary Tumpkin ISSS-Christmas Around the World: 12:30p.m., WUC 363 QHow do we separate the ego from the indi- QHow do we awake community consciousness vidual so that we can achieve inner peace? especially in such a multi-ethnic community CCC Impact Movement Weekly Lunch: as the one we live in? 2 p.m., WUC 245 SGA General Meeting: 3:30 p.m., WUC AIn every tradition in which I am aware there are AOnly when people have a change of conscious- 155 exercises to keep a balance between insignifi - ness and see each other as equal can they start SPC Release Week- “Wild’n Out Ape cance and signifi cance in the self. a community. A community is an inclusive place where we turn down the barriers. Style”: 7 p.m., Panther Square THURSDAY • DECEMBER 7 SPC Release Week- Video game tourna- Lama Karma Chotso Samani Charitra Pragya ment: 11 a.m., WUC ballrooms QHow do we reach our inner spirituality in QHow can we start the change? SPC Release Week- “Pirates of the Carib- our social context, which you have gotten to bean: Dead Man’s Chest” 7 p.m., Mary Ann know as a spiritual leader in South Florida? Wolfe Theatre

The best thing to do is to practice meditation A AWe have to start by minimizing our desire. We ... secular or religious, but we have to fi nd a FRIDAY • DECEMBER 8 live in a nation of consumerism; we have to way and use techniques to let go of a lot of our The Lounis Haitian Dance Theatre: An start making a distinction between our greed attachments and allow the purity of our minds and our need. Evening of Authentic Haitian Folk Dances: to come through. 8 p.m., Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre -Compiled by Begone Cazalis -Compiled by Cristela Guerra www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon – December 4, 2006 5 OPINION C. Joel Marino Editor in Chief • Christopher Necuze Production Manager • Jose de Wit Opinion Editor

ALL WORK, NO PLAY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Insuffi cient vacation time may be costing America Wild dogs pose rabies threat I am writing you about the the campus. SHAWN SPROCKETT working citizen. from their employers to put in recent article that appeared in I also greatly enjoy the nature Asst. Opinion Editor Similar organizations, such more hours. The Beacon about the roaming preserve, which is the winter as Work to Live, argue that the Ask yourself how many hours or “campus” dogs. home to many migratory birds, You’re completely stressing extended weekend has replaced you put into your job this week. I strongly object to keeping but now I am unable and afraid out about exams, aren’t you? most vacation plans. They also Now consider this: in Germany, them around and I feel that animal to go into the preserve because of Maybe you’re freaking out about point to the rise in technology, the economic powerhouse of control needs to take care of the these dogs. your relentless work schedule, like cell phones and wireless Europe, laborers put in an aver- problem now. Please don’t get me wrong, too. I bet you’ll even be anxious laptops, as a source of constant age of 18.6 hours a week. Although I sympathize with I love animals and have four over winter break, with all of distraction from recreation. In the United States, the aver- the students who see them as rabbits which are all rescues your multiple holiday obliga- Patriots might argue that age person works 46.2 weeks of campus pets, I have one word for (and live in my home and are tions. working hard is a part of our the 52-week year. The French those people: rabies. The campus “fi xed”), but roaming dogs do not The truth is you’re not alone, deeply-rooted American tradi- average is almost 2 months has its share of other wild ani- belong on a campus with 30,000 especially here in the United tion. shorter. mals, such as raccoons, which are students, faculty and staff. These States, where vacations have Critics say it is our slavery to Stereotypes paint countries notorious for carrying rabies. dogs are dangerous and should become increas- like Japan If people are genuinely con- be taken care of. Surely there are ingly rare. It may come as a surprise to Americans to imagine and China cerned about what will happen some wonderful people out there It may come the government forcing companies to provide paid as the most to these dogs, then I encourage willing to adopt them and give as a surprise to vacation for their employees, but in much of the industrious them to adopt one, take it to a vet them proper homes and care. Americans to fi rst world this is becoming the norm. and dedicated and have it spayed or neutered, imagine the gov- producers, but and vaccinated. Unfortunately, Georgiana Hall ernment forcing companies to mass consumption that compels the EPI shows that both nations’ these dogs pose a health and Astronomy Lab Manager provide paid vacation for their us to work ceaselessly. citizens receive a higher yearly security risk by roaming around Physics Department employees, but in much of the Activists say that worker average vacation time than first world this is becoming the unions have more power in Americans. Japan requires that norm. Europe than in the US. workers take at least 2 weeks According to the Economic The truth is we may never off per year. China mandates 3 Schedule change threatens Policy Institute, the United understand the cause of this “Golden Weeks” that allow citi- States is the only industrial- overworked lifestyle, but we zens a chance to recoup. academic performance ized nation that does not legally can certainly understand its If other nations are produc- obligate companies to provide consequences. ing more by working less, then As I opened my FIU web- have weekend jobs or work their employees with paid vaca- Statistics from the EPI show I believe the American govern- mail account, I was outraged longer hours Saturdays and tions. As a result, experts are that much of Western Europe has ment should stop and think for to fi nd that MWF classes had Sundays, so they use Fridays to worried that American workers surpassed the United States in a second. been implemented. Ironically accomplish school work. are becoming more stressed and terms of productivity. Human beings do have physi- enough, at the same time, I was Moreover, I know many less productive than their inter- The average American worker cal limitations. handed an issue of The Beacon students (particularly science national competitors. produces $47.42 worth of goods There is such a thing as work- containing an article titled “Stu- majors) who reserve their “free John de Graaf is the coordina- and services an hour, while ing too hard. dents have hard time juggling days” to take labs. Now, thanks tor of Take Back Your Time, an Norwegian citizens produce Taking a break now and then class, jobs, sanity.” to the new schedule, students organization fighting to decrease $62.66 per hour. The tiny island refreshes you, clears your mind Well, if students had to juggle will have to add their lab course the American workload. He says nation of Ireland produces more and allows you to concentrate before, now they will be forced to a fully packed week. As if that the issue has not made much than the United States, yielding better upon your return. to become trapeze artists. matters weren’t already bad headway in American politics $48.86 an hour. So when exams have passed, Once again, the school sugar enough, students can now wave due to the influence of big cor- Even France is more efficient, work is closed and the holidays coats their reasons for MWF good-bye to easy parking on porations. with an average $54.03 made in have arrived, do yourself a favor classes by claiming that this will Fridays. He also says that despite an hour. and enjoy your time off. aid student’s learning process. Coming into college, one of promises of economic prosper- To make matters worse, With the way things are here, Sure, more interaction could the ideas that attracted me most ity by the Bush administration, Americans are suffering from you may not get another chance prove to be benefi cial. But then was the notion that I would have little has been done to defend the stress and constant pressure soon. what about Tuesday and Thurs- complete control of my sched- day classes? ule, but now that freedom has Our MWF professors will be been ripped from me. Having able to spend more time with classes three times a week students than those who have should be an option, perhaps a Tuesday/Thursday block, even a recommendation, but not giving an unfair advantage to a requirement. MWF courses. I urge all those students who What truly gets to me is that are negatively affected by the the board has failed to analyze implemented schedule to speak student life and instead made up and demand a change. After a choice based on monetary all college is supposed to be benefits. Many students take about us, the students, isn’t it? Fridays off in order to be able to complete homework, meet Meliza A. Frias for group projects and study Freshman for classes. Also, many students English

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COURTESY OF THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR LIFE! The Beacon – 6 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 4, 2006 Holiday Horrors Santa fi ghts aliens, indulges carnal lust in bad Christmas fi lms

CHRIS CABRAL knows, the Martians are out there – and it’s then this movie may raise more than Christmas Silent Night, Deadly Night Staff Writer about time these jerks got what’s coming to spirits. Not only does Santa kill people in this (1984) them. Somebody needs to conquer Martians, movie, he robs a convenience store at gunpoint. Students tired of the hackneyed holiday and who better than Santa Claus? For those who have seen and enjoyed Christ- This fi lm was so amazing that it spawned several movie plots of Santa Clause 3 and Deck the In this fi lm, Santa does not attempt to mas Evil but feel it lacked the necessary nudity sequels, one in which the Santa Claus killer is Halls may be wondering if there are better subjugate the Martians through a bloody so often found missing from most holiday fi lms, brought back to life by a mad scientist. Christmas movies out there, fi lms that warm campaign of destruction waged from the the heart, lift up the soul, and massage the cockpit of his magical sleigh. spirit. Instead, he overwhelms them with the joy For these students, bad Christmas movies of giving and the Christmas spirit, leaving might provide an alternate source of enjoy- the aliens alive and free to threaten ment this holiday season. mankind some other day. Here are four Christmas fi lms that are so Christmas Evil bad they just might make you fi nd religion, (1980) as they are ranked among the worst movies ever, according to Internet Movie DataBase In most Christmas movies, (www.imdb.com): good and bad, Santa Claus is depicted as a blithely obese Santa With Muscles (1996) pushover, a kind soul who This deservedly forgotten Hulk Hogan metes out nothing more than fi lm, ranked #7 in the IMDB Bottom 100, coal to bad people everywhere. has the two corny taglines, “He’s naughty, In the real world, the bad deserve he’s nice, and he’s coming to save Christ- harsher treatment. mas” and “He’s arrived in the Saint Nick What if Santa Claus was tough? What if of time.” St.Nick was willing to unleash the holy fury Its cast features such actors as Ed Begley of holiday crusade upon those who provoked Jr., Clint Howard (the freakish looking his jolly wrath? brother of Ron Howard) and a young Mila In the 1980 Christmas Evil, a movie so Kunis of “That ‘70s Show” fame. The powerful it has been given alternate titles in movie is made all the more enjoyable with an attempt to label its majesty, Santa Claus the priceless line “Santa, you sleigh me!” makes a list, checks it twice, and then he pulls out his merry hatchet. Santa Claus Conquers Harry, the “hero” of the fi lm, catches the Martians (1964) Santa and his mother engaging in unspeak- Faring much better than Santa With able acts of carnal lust. Muscles on the IMDB list (#79), Santa He becomes traumatized, and once he Claus Conquers the Martians adds aliens grows up, he decides to dress up as Santa into the mix. and give the gift of death to all he deems As everyone who watched the film worthy. COURTESY PHOTO

“Grief is a very dark, empty The idea of the Internet as a place,” Harvey said in an e-mail grieving tool is not a new one, Internet gives mourners a interview. “Emotions don’t stick but use as such is accelerating. to a schedule, either. When I am Hayes Ferguson, chief operat- grieving at 2 a.m. or 4 a.m., I ing officer for Legacy.com, won’t call anyone, but I will log said the online obituary service place to express grief, pain in and pour my heart out in an was receiving no guestbook e-mail or I will post a poem on entries eight years ago but now MySpace.” receives one, on average, every DAVID HUNT Alicia Castaneda’s friends and Harvey, has kept the Web page A screen capture of the fi ve seconds. AP Wire family grieve on a personal Web running as a tribute to her daugh- myspace.com page for Alicia More and more funeral page the 19-year-old Orange Park ter, saying it’s a cure for loneli- Castaneda. directors are trying to harness “Even though I can’t see girl created before she died three ness that also lets the world see Amanda Lenhart, senior the idea to enrich brick-and- your face, I know you’re with months ago. The smiling pictures the compassionate, loving person research specialist for the Pew mortar business, said Clay me everywhere,” reads one she posted, listings of her favorite she was. Internet and American Life Proj- Roberson, president of the message. TV shows and music – even ref- Harvey is not alone. ect in Washington, D.C., said her Florida Funeral Directors “I miss you,” says another. erences to her boyfriend, Joshua In the online world, memorials group has ongoing research into Association. “I love you. ... I just wanted Maulsby, who’s charged in her often outpace newspaper obituar- the impact of social networking “I think it’s a great tool,” he to tell you that before I go to beating death – they’re all still ies, turning the digital traces of sites. Their role in people’s lives said, adding his three-decade- work.” there. someone’s life into a shrine when – especially young people’s lives old Port Charlotte funeral home Keystroke by keystroke, Castaneda’s mother, Gwen they die. – creates an obvious need for the put up a Web site six months The postings found on popu- sites in coping with death. ago. Now, friends and family lar social networking sites such “Many of these people are can post messages and even They’re wearing their hearts as MySpace and Facebook live conducting a lot of their lives download video tributes. on as a virtual facsimile of the on these sites,” she said. “What “Some people can’t make it on their sleeves and opening deceased, letting grievers say better place to grieve the death of up their Internet kimonos. goodbye just as they would have someone than in a site that they said hello before tragedy struck. themselves created?” MOURNING, page 7 – DAVE MARCUS 7 The Beacon – December 4, 2006 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com MySpace, Facebook among grieving tools for college students

MOURNING, page 6 guestbook for Cpl. Joshua Watkins who was killed in Iraq October 2006. “I just wanted to show teens that they’re to the funeral, but they still want to grieve. not invincible,” the 25-year-old San Fran- A lot of times the postings are funny cisco man said. stories and the, ‘I know him’ and other Some computer security experts theo- things the family would never know,” rize that online memorials could be an Roberson said. emerging tool for identity theft, albeit The downside of Internet memorials postmortem. comes from those who log on not to grieve Dave Marcus, security and research but to voice a grievance. manager for McAfee, said the criminal Of Legacy’s 75 employees, 45 are dedi- mind could use what little it learns from cated to reading through guestbook entries the sites to prey on people’s emotions, before they’re posted, deleting those that seeking sensitive information about the are in poor taste. deceased’s bank accounts and credit state- “Unfortunately, there are some folks ments. out there who try to use the guestbooks to “They’re wearing their hearts on their air dirty laundry,” Ferguson said. “It’s a sleeves and opening up their Internet tiny percentage of the millions of entries kimonos,” he said. “It comes down to we receive each year.” being very careful.” Most social networking services will Harvey said she raised an eyebrow at let a Web site live on until activity ceases the MySpace page her daughter posted for a year. while she was in high school. Now, she’s In the meantime, Mike Patterson seen such value in the service that she’s tries to determine who’s dead and who’s started a site of her own, which she uses simply not posting anymore. His Web to post “I love you” messages to her site, MyDeathSpace, grew from an online daughter’s page. forum he started in August 2005, now “I thought it was absurd for children attracting roughly 20,000 visitors a day. It or anyone to post all their information, links news articles about people’s deaths to pictures, etc. on the Internet for anyone to the personal Web pages they created. see,” she said. “I wasn’t aware of all the A screen capture of the Legacy.com wonderful ways you could connect.” 8 The Beacon – December 4, 2006 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com

REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE)

nature still remains. numbers. This is sad because Apocalypto adventure it is. MOVIE Apocalypto Apocalypto shares many similarities deserves to make at least the same amount Mel Gibson has always been a master at with The Passion of the Christ. Like The of money The Passion of the Christ made. visual direction and Apocalypto is no excep- REUBEN PEREIRA Passion, it is spoken in an ancient language. After all, it’s a far superior fi lm. tion. The fi lm is stunning to watch. Because Senior Staff Writer Like the Jesus movie, it is set in an ancient The heart of the story revolves around the dialogue of Apocalypto is in Yucatec, time period. And like The Passion, it’s an Jaguar Paw, a young tribesman who lives an ancient Mayan language, Gibson keeps Only Mel Gibson would make a fi lm as extremely violent and bloody affair. This with his very pregnant wife, child and the dialogue down to a minimum, which bizarre and sensational as Apocalypto. The fi lm isn’t for the meek at heart. extended family in his village in the middle makes the visuals impressive. Even more director’s fourth fi lm is a huge improvement If decapitations, blood, gore and faces of the rainforests – the fi lm’s world looks impressive is the recreation of the ancient over his previous fi lm, the supremely over- being ripped off don’t appeal to you, then like something out of Thomas More’s civilization. rated and $300 million-grossing The Passion chances are good that you won’t enjoy this Utopia. Gibson’s devotion to realism really pays of the Christ. movie. His world is destroyed one morning when off because, for once, you actually believe Apocalypto is engaging, involving and, However, unlike The Passion of the the village is ravaged and burnt to the ground that you’re watching something from the above all, interesting. It takes you into a Christ, it won’t have Christian fanatics or by hunters from the Mayan civilization. He time period. Be it the hunting techniques, the world that has never been fi lmed before and churches supporting it. Also, there isn’t any and his fellow tribesmen are then captured. rituals, the humor or the lives of the natives, shows us the genius of a civilization, but controversial buzz surrounding the fi lm. The crux of the fi lm chronicles Jaguar Gibson nails it. also reveals its barbaric side. It shows us Apocalypto has the added disadvantage of Paw’s escape from his captives and his Go watch Apocalypto. It’s something dif- that mankind may have evolved a lot since Gibson’s anti-Semitic rants over the summer. journey back home to fi nd his wife and child. ferent but it’s defi nitely worth your time. It its beginnings, but our primal animalistic This will undoubtedly hurt its box offi ce And this is what makes the fi lm the thrilling deserves to be seen on the big screen.

GAME Final Fantasy XII dom of Dalmasca attempts to some Old English thrown moves along at a very tion of Final Fantasy XII, negotiate peace, though other in. steady pace. there is no denying that LUIS H. GARCIA defi nitely seen some drastic motives soon surface. Going along with the XII’s While some will the magic that the series Staff Writer changes since the Tactics As expected from the radical changes with art direc- be turned off by has had is very evi- spin-offs. On top of new races series, the presentation does tion and sound, the gameplay the new direc- dent. It has been almost five like the Bangaa and the Seeq not disappoint. The graphics offers the most signifi cant It is possible to years since we have seen a living alongside humans, are top notch and present the departure from the previ- say that XII is the best traditional Final Fantasy. medieval fantasy has married world of Ivalice in a realistic ous titles: encounters are of the modern-day Granted, there have been high technology to give birth way. Cities are bustling with no longer random and FFs (VII onward) plenty of spin-offs, and XI to a vast unique world not activity and nearly every combat is now handled in and Square-Enix’s is still popular in the online seen very often, while taking locale explored is a sight to real time. effort on this title realm, but now the wait is design cues from their PS1 behold. The soundtrack also The quest is extensive, clearly shows it in over: Final Fantasy XII is classic Vagrant Story. does a great job of comple- while not too long and there every aspect. With the here in a big way because War and political intrigue menting the game’s various are plenty of side quests to next console genera- this installment of the series are the setups for the story- settings, and the voice acting embark so players who wish tion ahead, XII signals takes some bold moves that line. As the Archadian Empire is handled beautifully given to focus on the main quest the end of its run on many will either embrace or continues their advance an already very well written or explore the world. There the PS2 with a bang despise. taking over neighboring states script (with translation by are occasional load times, and takes a bow that is The world of Ivalice has throughout Ivalice, the king- Alexander O. Smith) with but otherwise, the game greatly deserved.

10872 SW 104th Street 305-595-9779 www.lemox.com 9 The Beacon – December 4, 2006 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com REVIEWS (CONTINUED) HIPS DON’T LIE GAME Every Extend Extra

LUIS H. GARCIA few new tricks to the game any shoulder button before Staff Writer while retaining elements from detonation. the previous installments. Bosses are now more chal- When the PlayStation You still use your own lenging as well. In order Portable system debuted last lives to create explosions for to do damage to them, you March, many players were combo points, time and lives must first create a combo caught by the spell of Q as well as earn “Quicken that exceeds a certain number Entertainment’s colorful and Pick-ups” to speed up game before you can affect the musically hypnotic hit puzzle progression to make the game boss, while you dodge more game Lumines. more frantic. Also, you still enemies and bullets. Once again, Tetsuya Mizo- start with three minutes to Multiple paths to different guchi and Q Entertainment complete each stage. stages become available as bring gamers another unique The major changes are you progress by fulfi lling cer- puzzler to challenge their numerous. Now, there are tain requirements in a stage, senses on the PSP: Every more stages to play and which adds to the longevity Extend Extra. unlock and, in the tradition and challenge of the game.

Anyone familiar with of Lumines, each stage offers Other modes in the game FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON Mizoguchi’s previous works a different art styles, themes include Stage Selection, Boss like Rez and Lumines knows and sound design that makes Rush (where you only play DANCING DIVAS: Students Maheen Moughal (left) and Anastasia Wallace (center) what to expect: elaborate the game quite a light show to against the stage bosses one learn some belly dancing moves from dancer Melly (right) in the Graham Center Pit on colorful visual stimulation, watch as you play. after another), a new Versus Dec. 1. The performance, which took place at noon and was set up through the Student a danceable soundtrack and The number of explo- mode, which allows for game Government Association, was part of a showcase celebrating Egyptian culture. simple yet high addictive sion options has increased sharing so only one person gameplay. as well. Now you can charge with a copy of the game is E3 is certainly no excep- your detonation by holding needed and also included is tion to this trend – Q Enter- a button as well as create a the original Every Extend. tainment managed to add a double explosion by holding Once again, Q Entertain- ment brings gamers a daz- THE UNIVERSITYof NORTH FLORIDA zling, almost hypnotic array Looking for a new professional opportunity of light, color and music, or a more sophisticated understanding of Q Entertainment man- blended with game play that your field of study? A UNF graduate aged to add a few new is accessible to anyone. Given the PSP’s porta- degree provides you with a tricks ... while retaining bility, E3 is a perfect fi t for recognized and respected elements from previous gamers on the go or those professional credential, as The Graduate who just want to kill a few installments. well as an in-depth view of minutes that could easily turn the world around you and of a School into hours. world yet to be explored. Transform your life - consider a UNF graduate degree. UNF knows there is no one quite like you. We invite you to find out why there's no place quite like this. No one like you. Erica Charles   No place like this. M.B.A. Candidate /$ 0#$   0 #$

        

      For more information on graduate programs call          (904) 620-1360 or visit www.unf.edu/graduatestudies                              Good luck  with fi nals!                  10 The Beacon – December 4, 2006 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com Del Rio, Th omas linked by Dolphins’ decision

MARK LONG my career, ended up not AP Wire playing anymore and Zach’s gone on and been JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jack Del a Pro Bowl guy and a Rio wanted to play one more season, and very good player.” coach Jimmy Johnson Thomas remembers gave him the chance. the day Johnson told him But an undersized rookie , he had beaten out Del Rio a fi fth-round draft pick from Texas Tech, for the starting job. unwittingly sent Del Rio into retire- “It was in the team ment. meeting room. He came Del Rio and Zach Thomas have been and told me and said, linked since. They will reunite again ‘You’re the man now,’” Sunday when the Dolphins (5-6) host the Thomas said. “I just Jacksonville Jaguars (6-5). thought I was going to “I guess I did a pretty good job mentor- start for a week to help ing,” Del Rio joked. motivate Jack, but Jack Del Rio spent a summer and a train- had a great game against ing camp in Miami in 1996, trying to Tampa. I remember like it extend his 11-year career. He knew the was yesterday. He made Dolphins had drafted another middle a big third-down-and-1 linebacker, but few expected Thomas to play, so I was thinking shine so soon. I’m just going to back Thomas’ play prompted Johnson to cut up the whole year. If he Del Rio. Thomas has since made six Pro went down, I’d have a Bowls, while Del Rio turned to coaching chance. WILFREDO LEE/AP PHOTO ALAN DIAZ /AP PHOTO and ended up with his fi rst head job in “When Jimmy told me ONCE TEAMMATES, NOW OPPONENTS: Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas (left) and Jacksonville Jacksonville four years ago. that, I didn’t know that Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio were once teammates in Miami until Del Rio was cut from the team. “I was at the end of my career and was they let him go. I was hoping to get another year with Jimmy a little shocked after that. I was a little Thomas has recorded 1,754 tackles, him some nuances of the position. down there in Miami and this talented nervous. We went to go play Chicago. I 18 1/2 sacks and 17 interceptions in 11 “I learned a lot from Jack. He was a kid came in there and just made play after missed like fi ve or six tackles. I thought I seasons since supplanting Del Rio. great player in his 11 years,” Thomas said. play everywhere,” Del Rio recalled. “It was going to get cut. That’s just the way By comparison, Del Rio fi nished his “He was a heck of a player that I looked up was obviously a good, sound decision the business is. It happens to every one of career with 1,078 tackles, 12 sacks and to, but I didn’t take his job. Everybody said by Jimmy. I’ve been fi shing with Jimmy us. When you get older, those younger guys 13 interceptions while playing for New I took his job. That’s not what happened. and joked, ‘Come on, Jimmy, what the will come in and take your job. Even if you Orleans, Kansas City, Dallas and Min- It’s just Jimmy wanted to look toward the heck?’ are a better player at the time, it’s the best nesota. He made the Pro Bowl once, in future, and that’s how it panned out. What “Jimmy made the right decision. decision going with somebody who’s less 1994. a great player _ he’s a great coach now. I It’s borne itself out. I was at the end of against the (salary) cap.” Thomas credits Del Rio with teaching have all the respect for him.”

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A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Thank you for reading Every Monday and Thursday www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – December 4, 2006 11 Bostic’s goal is to help young African-Americans

COACH, page 12 whether I’m playing in the NFL or work- ing,” Bostic said. always joke around. That’s the type of Bland has known Bostic for years and person he was.” has given him advice on entrepreneurship According to Bostic, he became and life. worried as he watched friend after “We talk about all sorts of subjects,” friend lose his life. Bland said. “Nothing specifi c, but we talk “I still believed in God, but I was about life in general.” scared for my life,” Bostic said. Bostic also wants to make sure he never His family and friends lent Bostic sees another young face in a casket. He strength as his losses mounted. His wants to help kids in the African-Ameri- parents told him not to worry because can community to reduce violence on the he had no control over the losses he streets. had suffered. “My goal is to help kids. Everyday, “I told him to stay focused. I let him African-American men are dying. Families know these types of things happen,” the have to go through that,” Bostic said. elder Bostic said. He is now a guide to his little brother Bostic is now concentrating on – after so many years of being led by his giving back to those who have helped older brothers, friends and Bland. him. Following the grief he has experienced, He is on the verge of receiving a Bostic believes he has become more bachelor’s degree in sports manage- strong-willed. ment with a minor in entrepreneur- “My whole outlook on life has changed, ship. but I’m not going to feel sorry for myself,” “I want to take care of my family, Bostic said.

JESSICA MARSHALL/THE BEACON

INTERESTING OPTION: (right), recently fi red from Alabama and son of the famous former Miami Dolphins head coach, would be a very intriguing hire for FIU. Garcia says it’s important to recruit in South Florida

COACH, page 12 alone would be enough to cuss the coaching search grab some recruits. and reiterated the impor- experience in the NFL and After guiding his team tance of the next head coach college. to a 10-2 record last season, being a great recruiter. Last year, he was the Shula was fi red after going “One of the things that for 6-6 this year. I would like to do in my the Arizona Cardinals and With the exception of career is establish an elite has worked with quarter- Wood, all of the candidates sports program at [FIU] that backs Daunte Culpepper have one thing in common: [the South Florida commu- and Randall Cunningham they are all young and great nity] can rally behind and be when he served as quarter- recruiters, especially in proud of,” Garcia said. backs’ coach for the Min- South Florida. And that’s When he signed to nesota Vikings. Under his exactly what they need, a become athletic director, watch, the Razorbacks are young hungry coach who Garcia was guaranteed that ranked 33rd in total yards can keep the talented local FIU would be very competi- of offense, 24th in points high school athletes in South tive — especially when it scored per game and fourth Florida. comes to salary — when in the nation in rushing. Upon his arrival to FIU, hiring a new head coach. Although he may not be Athletic Director Pete While at UM, Garcia the best canidate, he would Garcia stressed the impor- was known for his ability be the easiest to obtain. tance of retaining local high to evaluate talent and fi nd school students. athletes that other schools MIKE SHULA “We gotta get back our managed to over look or Even though he wasn’t own. And what I mean by never fi nd. mentioned with the five that is we have close to During UM’s probation above, it would be intrigu- 40,000 students here. We years, he was able to lure ing to see former University have over 100,000 alumni talented athletes to UM of Alabama coach Mike in South Florida [and] those despite the lack of scholar- Shula, son of Hall of Fame are the ones we gotta get ships the program had and coach Don Shula, receive to support our program in poor facilities. some consideration for the every way,” Garcia said. Let’s see if Garcia can job. On Nov. 29, Garcia sell the program to a coach Though Mike is receiv- appeared on 790 The Tick- as well as he can to high ing other offers, his name et’s Joe Rose show to dis- school athletes.

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Golden Panthers next season. While at UM, Chudzinski had a good Remember a couple of guys named relationship with high school coaches and Jimmy Johnson? in South Florida and had the Hurricanes Fiction. Don’t look for UM’s defensive offense scoring 30 points a game. Chudzin- coordinator to be stalking the sides lines of ski is a long shot and is more likely to stick Here’s where things get interesting. FIU next season. Besides being recruited by as an assistant coach in the NFL. Cristobal is widely regarded as one of the FIU, many believe him to be ’s best recruiters in the country, especially in WILLIE MARTINEZ successor if UM can’t land Rutgers coach South Florida. He has a good relationship FIU is among the many college football . Along with the possibility of Fiction. On Nov. 29, Carter Strickland of with high school coaches in Miami-Dade programs in search of new coaches. So as coaching the Hurricanes, Shannon said he the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported and Broward county. coaches bounce around from team to team, would never coach his son, Xavier, who is that Martinez had taken his name out of the There is speculation that Cristobal may being recycled like old car parts, the million the center for the Golden Panthers. running for the position. not be retained if Shannon is rewarded the dollar question is: who will land at FIU? “I don’t believe in getting a son on your “I’m extremely fl attered that Florida head coaching position at UM. Cristobal is Many reports have said that some team, if not he won’t develop as a kid. If International called and I had the oppor- also good friends with Rutgers head coach candidates have emerged as leaders for I’m here and he’s here, he won’t ever grow tunity to interview,” Martinez said to the Greg Schiano, who has been mentioned vacant head coaching position: University up,” Randy said. “Go any where you want Journal-Constitution. “But our family is as the leading candidate to be UM’s new of Miami Randy to grow but I told him you’ll never go any- very happy in Athens and I look forward to head coach. It is worthy to note that he Shannon, former UM offensive coordinator where where I’m coaching.” continue being part of the building process was offered a coaching position by the

and current San Diego Chargers tight ends that’s going on at Georgia. I think we have New York Jets, but declined the offer to coach Rob Chudzinski, University of Geor- a lot to look forward to here.” remain at UM. gia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, Another former UM coach, Chudzinski While defensive coordinator at Georgia, ALEX WOOD UM offensive line coach Mario Cristobal ran the offense when they were scoring over his defense has ranked among the top in the and University of Arkansas quarterbacks 30 points a game and the Hurricanes had the country year in and year out. Martinez used The Arkansas Razorbacks’ offensive coach Alex Wood. ability to score at any moment. to play for UM and gradu- coordinator has also been mentioned as a All fi ve candidates have ties to South He is currently the San Diego Chargers ated from Hollywood Hills High School. possible option. Wood doesn’t have much Florida, especially when it comes to tight ends coach and has been credited with Money talks, though, and many coaches experience recruiting in South Florida, recruiting. the development at All-Pro , have denied being interested in coaching but has more than 26 years of coaching So let’s separate the truth from fi ction the best tight end in the National Football jobs only to surprise everyone at the last and see who would be the best fi t for the League. minute and leave. COACH, page 11

Long Shots Possibilities

SHANNON CHUDZINSKI MARTINEZ WOOD CRISTOBAL Trouble and tragedy lead senior to mentorship

SERGIO BONILLA should work at funeral tic’s good friend. He was Panther linebacker, simi- Contributing Writer services part-time. killed by a gunshot fi red larly served as a guide “I’m working where? by another friend. when Bostic fi rst arrived at The Royal Funeral Ser- Funerals had always been “They were playing with FIU. Preston was killed in vice holds the casket of a one of my biggest fears,” a gun and Damien was shot a motorcycle accident this young boy. Bostic said. in the neck,” Bostic said. past Labor Day weekend The funeral service Several of Bostic’s By sophomore year in “He took me under his attendant watches the friends have died through- high school, Bostic had lost wing. I was one of the boy’s family sobbing and out high school and college: two of his closest friends. youngest players on the gripping the casket. The Damien Miller, Eviton When Bostic began to team, too,” Bostic said. attendant hides his emo- Brown, Lance Preston and excell as the team’s starter, On Nov. 7, Bryan Pata, tions and directs the family Bryan Pata. he admits he began to the ’s to their seats. Eviton Brown taught let the success get to his defensive lineman, was The funeral service Bostic the fundamentals head. shot and murdered. Bostic attendant is FIU linebacker of playing Linebacker. “I thought I was so big. was in disbelief when he Alexander Bostic III, who He was a starter at Nor- Tenth grade was my [indoor heard the news several worked part-time at the land High School at the suspension] year. I was the of Bostic’s friends have service this past summer. time, while Bostic rode class clown,” he said. died. The senior lineback- the bench. He looked up to Luckily, Bostic had two Though Pata attended er’s father is a pastor who Brown who was shot and older brothers, Eric and Central High School, Nor- serves as the service’s killed while Bostic was Sheldon. land’s rivals, both were chaplain. It was through still in high school. “They taught me how still friends. his father that Bostic met “He was one of my clos- to handle all types of situ- “Not Bryan,” Bostic and was mentored by Leon est friends. He showed me ations. Anything I would said. “I couldn’t believe Bland, Royal Funeral Ser- the ropes and he played think of doing they had it. I would see him at the vice’s owner. linebacker just like me,” already done,” Bostic combines and he would JESSICA MARSHALL/THE BEACON Bostic said. said. Bostic was surprised LOST FRIENDS: Senior linebacker Alexander Bostic III has Damien Miller was Bos- Lance Preston, a Golden when Bland suggested he BOSTIC, page 11 had four close friends die – three from fatal gun shots.