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A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 20, Issue 34 www.beaconnewspaper.com Decemver 3, 2007

WHO’S ANGELA? GOING GREEN CRAMMIN’ & JAMMIN’ PUZZLED PANTHERS Show inspires grammar campaign Enviromentalism not here to stay Students cram before exams Men’s basketball loses at home

AT THE BAY PAGE 4 OPINION PAGE 5 LIFE! PAGE 6 SPORTS PAGE 12

FIU 38, NORTH TEXAS 19 GOING OUT WINNERS football’s biggest stage fulfi lled or crushed on this night. For seniors, Team breaks losing streak there was only one goal: win. And they earned it. Adger has seen his share of ups in OB’s fi nal college game and downs in his fi ve years with the Fleming, Anthony Guli, Kerry Guy, team, battling injuries and being Zap Hawkins, Marcus Jones II and buried on the depth chart for much Lionell Singleton, were able to say of his time until fi nally earning and goodbye to their teammates in the holding the starting defensive end best way possible; a dominating, job for his entire senior season. But 38-19 victory over the University Saturday night’s, contest, where he For nine players, taking the fi eld of North Texas, in the fi nal college tied a school record with four sacks, at the Orange Bowl, Dec. 1 would be football game played at the Orange was the type of performance that can erase any bad memories of a their fi nal chance at victory. Bowl. FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON FIU’s nine seniors, Audric Adger, Players across the country saw VICTORY!: Sophomore offensive lineman Andy Levine celebrates with Roland Clarke, Jeffrey Eugene, Cory their dreams of playing on college TOWERS, page 9 fans after the team’s fi rst win of the season. MARCHING FOR THEIR RIGHTS E-mailUNIVERSIY-WIDE MEETING system to transition to Gmail interface

NICOLE ACOSTA accounts will also allow Asst. News Director for address books and links to FIU offi ces such as the Switching to a Google- Office of Financial Aid, provided University e-mail Hernandez said. system, classroom and Under her report, Her- Acquatic Center renova- nandez also talked about tions and using Student Fees the classroom renovations for fi nancial aid were some and upgrades she previously of the topics discussed at discussed with University the University-wide meet- Provost Ronald Berkman. ing held at University Park The project is being over- Nov. 29. seen by UTS and Facilities Marbely Hernandez, Management in order to DAVID ADAME/AP PHOTO University Park’s Student make sure all classes at POWER TO THE PEOPLE: FIU students from the United Students Against Sweat Shops were among the many who Government Association UP and the Biscayne Bay marched to Burger King headquarters in Doral Nov. 30 to protest the company’s alleged unfair treatement of president, discussed the Campus have the proper tomato pickers. For the story visit www.beaconnewspaper.com. transition students will be equipment to conduct class making into the new Google and do not have any struc- e-mail, or Gmail, system by tural damages. PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION next Spring. “There are a lot of “After looking at differ- classes here that don’t have ent vendors, I think Gmail what should be in a class- Agency hired to collect unpaid fees seemed to be the best for room and it’s not always the students and would be just the technology of it. I LUIS VALDEZ Bill Foster, Director of Parking and Transportation easiest for University Tech- know UTS is working on Staff Writer nology Services to work that aspect of making sure “The objective here is to enforce our parking regulations with,” Hernandez said. “A that everything works effi - In order to collect unpaid so that all of our customers have access to the product lot of the features that Gmail ciently,” Hernandez said. parking ticket fines, the offers will make it easier to The $1.3 million for this Department of Parking and they have paid for, in an organized manner. use [the FIU e-mails] and assessment was given to the Transportation is resorting to will make it better.” University as a nonrecurring the use of a collection agency. Bill Foster, director of the summer when the University does not receive any other The current web mail sum, or a one-time alloca- Unpaid tickets are turned over Department of Parking and approved a contract with personal information. system, Mirapoint, only tion, Hernandez said. to the agency after 210 days. Transportation. NCO Financial Systems. “We have to stay within stores 100 megabytes worth Besides classrooms, the “The objective here is to Following a state auditor’s NCO receives 25 percent the Federal Fair Debt of e-mails. With the new BBC Aquatic Center might enforce our parking regula- recommendations, the depart- of the outstanding debt they Collection Practices act. Gmail system, which will receive repairs if a new bill tions so that all of our cus- ment has been using collection collect, while Parking and When we contact students be ready for use by the regarding the use of SGA’s tomers have access to the agencies since February 2006, Transportation recieves the through the phone and Spring, will give students $4.1 million accumulated product they have paid for, in but the use of these agencies rest. Other than name and three to fi ve gigabytes worth an organized manner,” said was not formalized until this contact information, NCO FEES, page 3 of space. The new e-mail SGA, page 4 2 The Beacon – Decemver 3, 2007 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS BOUND FOR SPAIN MONDAY • DECEMBER 3 Campus Bible Fellowship: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Crew sets sail to disprove Columbus was the fi rst GC 314 (UP) Panther Rage General meeting: 4 p.m., GC ANDREW LEINS 140 (UP) Staff Writer Fall Teaser Fashion Show: 8 p.m., Mary- Ann Wolfe Theatre (BBC) Jose Valmana was work- ing the rudder of a sailboat TUESDAY • DECEMBER 4 in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean when it broke off from GSA General Meeting: 1 p.m., GC 314 (UP) the rest of the boat. There he SOC General Meeting: 5:30 p.m., GC 150 was, hundreds of miles from (UP) any dry land with no way to Campus Bible Fellowship: 7:30 - 9 p.m., GC steer the boat. 343 (UP) “At that point I was a little CLS Alternative Breaks Meet & Greet: 6 worried,” Valmana said. p.m., Everglades Hall (UP) Last summer, Jose “Joe” Valmana, 39, who graduated WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 5 from FIU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Catholic Student Union- Holy Mass: 12 - 1 was part of the crew of the p.m., GC 150 (UP) Abora III, a boat made with Catholic Student Union Faith Jam Lunch: 1 reeds, according to an Egyp- - 3 p.m., GC 2215 (UP) tian design that is thousands GSA- Webminar: Refworks Fundamentals: 1 of years old. Valmana and p.m., GC 2215 (UP) PHOTO COURTESY JOSE VALMANA the crew planned to sail from The Gift of Sorority: 7 p.m., GL 100 (UP) New York to Spain to prove CHANGING HISTORY: Jose Valmana standing on deck of the Abora III on way to Spain. that ancient sailors could have They wanted to prove ancient sailors could cross the ocean before Christopher Columbus. THURSDAY • DECEMBER 6 crossed the ocean long before Anything Goes Anime: 8 p.m., - 12 a.m., Columbus. Chemistry and Physics 145 (UP) Valmana found out about Valmana was seasick. He the expedition in Febru- preferred being outside as FRIDAY • DECEMBER 7 ary 2007 and contacted the opposed to being inside the project’s leader, Dominique little cabins. FIU Winter Star Part: 8 - 11:30 p.m., CP 145 Gorlitz, a German doctoral “I hated it when my shift student in botany and experi- was up and I had to go into - Compiled by Kassandra Pool mental archaeology. that dark cabin. We had to Valmana spent two months sleep four people to a cabin; in New Jersey during the we had to lie like Egyptian spring preparing the boat for mummies,” Valmana said. NEWSFLASH the journey. The crew was composed “The expedition leader of nine Germans including Funeral to be held Dec. 3 at Pharmed Arena wanted to see if you could two women, Valmana, who The funeral for slain NFL player Sean Taylor will bond with the crew. His main is half Cuban and half Slova- be held at the Pharmed Arena on Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. The criteria was a sense of humor kian, and a Norwegian named funeral will be open to the public with limited seating. and to be a team player,” said Tomrod Granheim. Granheim Classes are being held as normally scheduled except Valmana. is a self-described ‘profes- those held in the Pharmed Arena, which have been relo- “[Valmana] was always sional adventurer’ who once cated. The Panther Garage and Lot 10 are reserved for kind and with [a good] sense skied down Mt. Everest. those expected to attend the service. Students and fac- of humor. This is a very “We became almost like ulty should allow extra driving time and avoid the west important quality on a long- family, there was a great spirit side of campus, as traffi c is expected to be heavy. lasting expedition,” Gorlitz of cooperation,” Valmana Taylor, a 24-year-old Redskins safety, was shot in said in an email. said. the leg in his Miami home on Nov 26 in what police The ship, which was 40 On the days when there believe to be a random burglary. Taylor died the next feet long by 12 feet wide, were no winds, the crew day from loss of blood. was made with dried reeds would spend free time going The funeral was originally intended to take place at tied together in big bundles. swimming, reading and talk- the University of Miami, Taylor’s alma mater, but the The boat’s steering mecha- ing about food. PHOTO COURTSY DOMINIQUE GORLITZ BankUnited Center will be occupied through Tuesday nisms were inspired by cave “Joe’s a resourceful TRAVELING: The crew of Abora III set sail from New York with basketball games and preparation for a Republican drawings that Gorlitz saw in bloke, but very new to sail- to Spain. presidential debate. Egypt. ing, indeed. Even though he The reeds give the ship worked hard to adapt to the - Compiled by Beacon Staff a remarkable ability to stay new environment, he never ship. But [the crew] liked it. in the Azores on Sept. 11. afl oat. According to Valmana, stopped smiling. We shared You could just bring down the The Abora III sailed Visit our Web site it’s “unsinkable.” He helped a common interest for food sail and ride it.” over 2000 nautical miles, for the full briefs. coming within 550 miles of the Azores. Valmana’s wife, The ship, which was 40 feet long by 12 feet Katia Valmana, worried about wide, was made with dried reeds tied together her husband because she had little contact with him. in big bundles. The boat’s steering mechanisms “At fi rst I thought he was were inspired by cave drawings that Gorlitz saw crazy, but I’m glad he did it. EDITORIAL BOARD It was a once in a lifetime in Egypt. opportunity,” Katia said. He is writing a book about CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER his experience on the ship. build the cabins and the sur- and cooked some of the best The storms battered the He’s thinking about a humor- MARIA CHERCOLES NEWS DIRECTOR EDDITH SEVILLA BBC MANAGING EDITOR face structures on the boat, meals on board together,” ship and caused the stern ous title about a Cuban rafter GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. LIFE! EDITOR but the hull was previously said Granheim. to break off, but the Abora sailing the ocean. NICOLLE GARBER OPINION EDITOR SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR made in Bolivia by Aymara In August, the boat stayed afl oat. He currently works as FERNANDO J. GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR Indians. encountered several powerful A makeshift rudder was a real estate and mortgage INFORMATION As a diver, Valmana’s job storms and 18 feet waves, but used to steer the ship for fi ve broker in Doral. was to swim under the ship it didn’t bother the crew. days before it broke off in After spending two months The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, room 210, and tighten the ropes holding It was the most exciting another storm. at sea, Valmana was naturally at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display advertising and billing should be directed to the Advertising the reeds together. part of the trip, according to “There were concerns for relieved to reach the Azores, Manager at 305-348-6994. Mailing address: Graham Center, He also had to steer the Valmana. safety at that point, we had and solid ground. room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305-348-2712. ship and work the sail. “I knew that ship was to send out a distress signal,” “The fi rst time I smelled Biscayne Bay Campus is 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9 The Abora III sailed from unsinkable. The wind was Valmana said. the earth, it smelled like a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@

New York on July 11. For the howling and I could hear the The crew called in a ship to rotten grass, but it was a great fi u.edu. Visit us online at www.beaconnewspaper.com fi rst 10 days of the voyage, waves banging against the pick them up and they arrived smell,” Valmana said. www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon – Decemver 3, 2007 3 Tickets not sent to credit bureaus yet SGC-UP Notes FEES, page 1 he said the tone on the other I would pay it when I had to their eyes to comply with the line was less than friendly. renew my decal on Nov. 1, rules,” Adonnino said. Call to Order: 4:15 p.m. • Adjournment: 5:42 p.m. e-mail, we do it in a profes- Two of the calls came like how I have always done Pabon feels the practice is sional manner with a friendly to his home number and a it for the past several years, unnecessary. President’s Report (Marbely Hernandez): tone,” said John Adonnino, third call came to his offi ce. and she got very frustrated “I feel that it is ridiculous • The Board of Trustees voted to approve the vice president of educational He also received several e- and hung up.” that a collection agency is fi ve percent tuition increase. services for NCO. “You still mails reminding him to pay NCO feels that this is an going after me for only $30,” • 30 percent of the new revenue from need to respect them even his fi ne. effective method of making Pabon said. increased tuition will go to fi nancial aid. though they owe our clients, “In the first call, the people pay their depts. According to Foster, all the FIU, money. woman was very pushy. She “It really boils down to a money that is collected from Comptroller’s Report (Sergio Ibarra Bolanos): But when faculty member kept insisting me to pay the third party to help the Uni- parking tickets goes back • All current proposals will not be voted on Richard Pabon received a total ticket amount immediately,” versity. Being contacted by a into the Parking and Trans- until the Spring semester. of three calls from the NCO, Pabon said. “I told her that third party helps students open portation accounts to help pay for improvements, safety Academic Affairs: and the construction of new • The Learning Center will open late January parking areas and garages on or early February. THE DEMANDS campus. • All applications for the SGA scholarships Foster warns that students are due in March. and faculty need to be aware • Cram Jam will take place on Dec. 10 and of the possible consequences Dec. 11. for not paying their tickets. “At this time we are not New Business: reporting outstanding tickets • “A Typical Path to Offi ce, discussion with to the credit bureaus, but that Mayor Carlos Alvarez” appropriation to is certainly something we help cover event’s expenses for $105 passed. can elect to do in the future,” • In support of the FIU Business of Music Foster said. Class (MUM 4301/5705) “Secrets of Sound In addition to being aware CD Release Event” appropriation for $1170 of possible consequences of passed by President Hernandez after a tie not paying overdue fines, vote. Foster wants to clear miscon- • “Refi ll Not Landfi ll Campaign” ceptions about the types of appropriation for $225 passed. holds placed on students for • “ELITE ad-hoc committee” resolution parking tickets. retracted. “A single parking ticket does not hold a student’s - Compiled by Ben F. Badger Jr. FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON registration. An outstanding ticket, however, does prevent Visit our Web site GIVE US MORE: Senior Pablo Avandano presents the demands of higher wages in students from receiving their for the full notes. a letter to burger king in the Graham Center. diplomas and transcripts,” Foster said. Contact Us Eddith Sevilla BBC Managing Editor [email protected] AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 3, 2007

WORD CAMPAIGN BREAK TIME SJMC’s marketing coordina- Angela posters market tor, worked with Richards and McMillin in marketing Angela. grammar test support “We wanted to do a cam- paign against illiteracy,” Berry JASON BENITEZ greater attention to grammar, said. Contributing Writer Richards cited in his article a Berry thought it would grammatical mistake in the be a great idea to get the FIU students who have show “CSI: Miami.” cartoon around campus using seen her around campus Richards noted that the guerilla marketing techniques know her dilemma: every- character “H” used the phrase, reminiscent of a New York thing would have worked out “Between you and I” not aesthetic. perfectly, if only he hadn’t once, but twice on the show Large boxes of Angela said, “between you and I.” within a two-week period. t-shirts in all sizes can be Angela just had to say no to Angela’s purpose was to found in both Richards and bad grammar. design and market a fun way McMillin’s offi ces. Angela isn’t a student: of letting students know about Students who walk through she’s a poster. The idea behind grammar test support, accord- the courtyard of the Academic the Roy Liechtenstein inspired ing to Richards. II building can see a large cartoon was devised by Allan “On average, 40 percent Angela poster hanging from Richards, chairman of the [of Journalism students] pass the second fl oor. department of journalism the grammar test a year,” said Angela can even be found and broadcasting, and Kate Richards. on the SJMC Web site under MacMillin, professor and Richards, with the support the grammar study materials. faculty advisor of the Media of the School of Journalism Despite the campaign on Demand program. and Mass Communication’s efforts, some students are “We’re talking about good faculty and staff, has made uninspired by Angela. grammar as a lifestyle; we’re great strides in providing “I don’t think that would branding our program,” Mac- grammar test support and really help someone to take Millin said. “Angela rep- crunch study sessions in the grammar test support”, said resents the students in the form of “grammar slammers” Ahmad Alowaish, an advertis- JESSICA KERTZNUS/THE BEACON struggle to keep their stan- during his 10-year tenure at ing major. “She comes off as FOR THE KIDS: SGC-BBC Director of Public Relations, Daniella Ottati, teaches children from dards high.” FIU. a know it all.” David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center environmental issues at the Happy to be in Florida event. The concept leading to “People dread the gram- Regardless, Angela’s cam- Angela came about when mar test, but I wanted to make paign moves on at its own Richards wrote an article for it some fun,” Richards said. pace. the Miami Herald in April. What began as a way of “Slowly but surely it is “If language is your tool in getting the word out about taking steam,” Berry said. Alternate & Affordable [public relations] and journal- grammar test aid quickly “It’s a way of letting people ism, wouldn’t it be important evolved into a marketing all over the place know that International Medical Insurance to be good at it?” Richards campaign to promote the literacy is an issue and that said. importance of language. excellent writing skills are a for Students & Scholars Expressing the need for David M. Berry, the great asset.” Councils discuss future funds next Spring’s 5 percent tuition SGA, page 1 Hernandez stressed that the increase to the Offi ce of Finan- SGA restructuring proposal cash balance, funds accu- cial Aid, as mentioned in the will not involve disbanding mulated over the years from BOT meeting Nov. 16. the BBC council. Instead, organizations not using all of “A drastic number – about Hernandez hopes to add more their annual appropriations, 80 percent – of students who representatives for the Univer- passes. come to FIU are on some sort sity’s colleges and schools in The bill will give both of fi nancial aid, whether it’s a order to have more representa- councils access to $200,000 scholarship or a grant, and a lot tion as a whole. for emergency use or special of times these tuition increases “If we had more positions projects. are not expected and a lot available to go by the popula- The rest of the money of students worked hard to tion of each college, I think – $3.9 million – will be under come to the University. Even it would be useful for SGA the control and supervision though the state has given an because more people would be of Rosa Jones, vice presi- increase, they are taking a part involved in SGA,” Hernandez dent of Student Affairs, and in helping students,” Hernan- said. HIGHLIGHTS: go toward the BBC Aquatic dez said. Katiana Saintable, SGC- Center repairs and other build- The meeting did not end BBC president, asked Meyer • ACCIDENT & SICKNESS BENEFITS ings that may need repairs in without discussing Athletics at the meeting what SGC-UP • PHYSICIAN’S VISITS the future, said Sergio Ibarra Partnership Proposal, an SGC- hopes to see out of the possible • INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL COVERAGE Bolanos, SGC-UP comptrol- UP initiative that Arthur “AJ” restructuring. ler. Meyer, SGC-UP vice presi- “You don’t walk blindly • EMERGENCY ROOM BENEFITS The fi nal bill will be pre- dent, said would make athletic into something and say ‘what- • MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS sented to Jones and council areas such as the Football Sta- ever happens, happens’ ... We • X-RAY/LAB members from UP and BBC dium and the Pharmed Arena still don’t know what the prob- for approval sometime in more accessible to students. lems and expectations you • PRESCRIPTION DRUGS January. The Athletics Partnership have identifi ed are,” Saintable • MEDICAL EVACUATION/REPATRIATION “Since it’s something very Proposal will be open for said. “We want to reach a • TRAVEL ASSISTANCE sensitive, Student Affairs will student discussion at the next middle ground with this. have a say in it. This bill is still SGA forum Jan. 8 or 9, Meyer If what we’re doing is going to give a lot of power said. competing for certain things, Please contact our offi ce to discuss your needs: to Dr. Jones,” Ibarra Bolanos Also, the SGA infrastruc- it creates tension and that ‘one said. ture renovations, which some University’ facade will just be Insurance for Students, Inc. Hernandez told both UP SGC-BBC members believed ifs www.insuranceforstudents.com an illusion.” and BBC council members were linked to the Athletics The next University-wide about the Board of Trustees’ Partnership Proposal, was meeting will be held via phone 600 Corporate Drive, Ste. 101 I Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 I 954-771-5883 I 800-356-1235 plan to give 30 percent from mentioned at the meeting. conference Dec. 19. Contact Us Nicolle Garber Opinion Editor [email protected] OPINION December 3, 2007 www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon - 5

University increases safety eff orts GOING GREEN with new emergency calling system

In the wake of the Virginia One of the options being con- Tech shooting, which resulted in sidered is Miami-Dade county’s the deaths of 39 students, colleges emergency notifi cation system, nationwide have taken the initia- which alerts students of emergen- tive to improve security for their cies happening within county and students. FIU has also made such at the University. efforts by initiating a three-phase This would be very convenient effort to place telephones in every for commuter students who have classroom. to travel long distances, some- It is admirable that the admin- times uncertain as to whether or istration has chosen to ameliorate not cancellation of classes has the problem of University secu- occurred. rity by giving faculty and students The fact that this expansion ready access to public safety and of the University’s emergency other law enforcement entities. response capacities is being By taking these measures, undertaken with a grant awarded University administration has by the state, and not with students proven that its commitment to funds is also a relief, in con- the safety of the students is a top sideration of impending tuition priority. increases and other sky-high The fi rst phase of this emer- expenses for students. gency calling system is expected In lieu of this, however, some to be completed in late December, definite problems remain. The with phones being installed in 77 technical difficulties plaguing classrooms within Primera Casa Public Safety’s radio system has Fad leads to eco-friendly actions and Graham Center at University still not been rectifi ed, impeding a Park, and the Academic I and II great deal of coordination among buildings at the Biscayne Bay the offi cers and potentially endan- ERIC FELDMAN hype surrounding global warming. Vernelli said. Campus. gering students. Staff Writer Now, I’m not one to give more Celebrity interest in the environ- The entire process should The University should make weight to a political pundit than ment has become more popular also. be completed by the end of the every effort to correct this prob- The trademark, seasonal color established scientists on this issue, According to USA Today, Brad Pitt, Spring semester, according to lem and avoid any potential crises red is feeling lonely this Christmas, but Beck doesn’t dispute facts such Keanu Reeves and Alanis Morris- FIU Emergency Management that may emerge from it. possibly because this year it’s all as how much the earth has warmed. sette are all currently working on Coordinator Charles Cyrille. Otherwise, these changes are about ‘going green.’ However, the way the information is documentary projects involving the The University is currently of the utmost benefi t to faculty, Indeed, going green is one of the presented is very compelling. issue of global warming. speculating over a means by staff and students, and they mark biggest fads in recent history. That’s For example, Beck points out the Included is celebrity Gov. Arnold which to send mass text messages the beginning of FIU’s transition right, it’s just a fad: a temporary claim stated by EnergyStar, that if Schwarzenegger who in 2005 man- in the instance of an emergency to being a campus prepared for all movement of something relatively every household in the United States dated levels by which his state must situation, or school cancellation. emergency situations. trendy. While it is more important switched to eco-friendly light bulbs, reduce carbon emissions. He also than feeding your Tamagotchi or it would be equivalent to, “removing tailored his Hummer vehicles to be This editorial was written by Jose Martinez, assistant Opinion catching Pokemon, going green 800,000 cars from the road.” environmentally friendly. Editor, and is a valid representation of the thoughts and opinions shows all the signs of being a popu- Sounds great at first, except “I’d say the [global warming] of The Beacon’s editorial board. lar trend with little staying power. 800,000 cars is less than 0.1 percent debate is over. We know the sci- Saving the Earth is all the rage of vehicles worldwide, and cars ence,” Schwarzenegger told the these days, as both individuals and only account for one-fi fth of global Associated Press. institutions are working to lessen carbon emissions anyway. Debate is not over, however. Is their carbon footprint – the impact According to a press release our existence and technology the WHAT DO YOU THINK? one person has on global warming from his offi ce, Seattle Mayor Greg sole reason for global warming, or based on how much carbon dioxide Nickels is using Santa Claus this is there even such a thing as global Do you think the University is at fault for let- he or she releases into the atmo- holiday season to get the message warming? ting the Engineering Center go unprepared? sphere through daily activities. out about the issue, including why While it is agreeable that the Right here, at FIU, the Biscayne families should use eco-friendly planet’s welfare should come before • Yes – The repairs should have been made after Bay Campus Student Government Christmas lights. profi t, there are those who question Hurricane Wilma, when the damages initially took place. Council’s main focus this year has In a public letter to Santa, Nickels the way global warming numbers been on making BBC more eco- wrote, “It sounds like you had one are presented. 90% friendly. doozy of a summer up in the North In the early 90s, a slew of prod- “The environment is at the fore- Pole, and quite frankly I’m worried. ucts, such as vegetable-friendly • No – The process of recovery from storm damage front of our goals,” said Cassandra I read the stories about how the laundry detergent were marketed is a gradual one. It’s not unusual for there to be Andrade, SGC-BBC vice presi- Arctic Sea ice [is shrinking].” as “green,” but there was no market delays in making repairs. dent. A study released by NASA’s at the time, according to an article For the past month or so Students Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the from the archives of the National 10% for Environmental Action has set up University of Washington called the Business newsletter. recycling bins and has been handing changes in the arctic ice caps were Also, in the ‘70s, Time and Total participants: 28 out petitions at University Park. In “cyclical” and rather than caused Newsweek both ran pieces about Cast your vote at www.beaconnewspaper.com front of the Green Library at UP is by global warming. The study is scientists’ fears that the Earth was an unaesthetically pleasing mound on JPL’s government Web site, jpl. actually cooling too greatly. In the of trash waiting to be recycled. nasa.gov. end it’s because of better scientifi c On the corporate level, the media Some environmentalists have technology and more media expo- giant NBC-Universal has started even gone as far as getting abortions sure that’s been the charm for this SEND US YOUR LETTERS a major campaign called Green is to save the planet. latest eco-movement fad. Letters to the Editor must be dropped off at GC 210 at Universal. The campaign entails The British news outlet, Daily Santa has already responded to University Park, WUC 124 at the Biscayne Bay Campus the inclusion of environmentalist Mail, reported Toni Vernelli, Euro- Mayor Nickels’ concern that his themes in NBC television shows, pean campaign director for PETA home will melt in the near future. or sent to [email protected]. Letters must conservation at Universal theme ended her pregnancy and surgically In a press release from the Wash- adhere to a maximum of 300 words. Letters must include parks and tips for going green on became sterile to avoid having chil- ington Policy Center, a think-tank the writer’s full name, year in school, major/department its new Web site, www.greenisuni- dren who would continue to use the that responded to the JPL report, and a valid phone number for verifi cation purposes. The versal.com. Earth’s resources. Santa declared,“Ho, ho, ho! It is Beacon reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and/or In “An Inconvenient Book” “Having children is selfi sh. It’s good to know that I will be safe at spacing constraints. author Glenn Beck addresses some all about maintaining your genetic the North Pole for many years to myths and deceptions regarding the line at the expense of the planet,” come.” Contact Us Geoffrey Anderson Jr Life! Editor [email protected] LIFE! The Beacon – 6 www.beaconnewspaper.com December 3, 2007 Experiences defi ne life

HOMER: What's the meaning of life? GOD: Homer, I can't tell you that. You'll find out when you die. HOMER: I can't wait that long! GOD: You can't wait six months? -“The Simpsons”

I was 4 years old and my mother heard me crying. She laid blankets on the fl oor next to my bed and held my hand until I fell asleep. I spent prom night in a rented hotel room near Fort Lauderdale beach. The girls in the group took my clothes after we all went skinny-dipping. I read the Bible every night to my younger brothers when I was 10 years old; I saw my grandmother die when I was 16; my father once spanked me when he caught me watching an episode of “The Simpsons.” I didn’t kiss somebody until I was 18. The memories come to me in no particular order. Some CCrunchrunchTTimeime are clearer than others, some happier, some sadder. Details blur, incidents and names are Cram Jam adds movie to lineup of events mixed, or I’m surprised by sudden recollections of moments I’d thought I’d forgotten. BEN F. BADGER JR. will be the return of the coordinate this like any Dec. 10 - 12, GL will be PantherCard office will For the past year, I’ve been Asst. News Director midnight breakfast on other Friday movie,” open from 7:30 a.m. until be open from 11 p.m. to 1 chronicling the memories of what Dec. 10 at Fresh Food Tremols said. 4 a.m., Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 and from I thought were interesting people As the Fall semester Company. In addition to the a.m. to 1 a.m. and Dec. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. in this column. But none of them draws to an end, students Unlike previous years, breakfast and movie 14 from 7:30 a.m. until 11. The office will be could answer the article’s main have begun cramming the midnight breakfast screening, there will 10 p.m. selling duplicate IDs at a question: what’s the meaning of for those dreaded final will only happen the first life? A student who saw living exams. Junior Michel night of Cram Jam. as an adventure couldn’t wait Medina has been studying “I am very excited Nicole Cevallos, SGC-UP Academic Affairs Coordinator to embark on his next journey for all seven of his exams for Cram Jam this year “Usually the midnight breakfast is served on both nights – going to war as a U.S. Air Force since mid-November. because we decided to pilot. I refl ected on the death of “Finals usually change the schedule but this year we want to see how the students like the author Kurt Vonnegut, talked to involve no sleeping,” a bit,” Cevallos said. movie idea. a mother who felt her autistic Medina said. “Usually the midnight son ruined her life, interviewed a In order to give breakfast is served on friend who can’t sing but still lives students like Medina both nights but this year be many giveaways The first floor of GL reduced price of $5. like a rock star and I made some a break, the Student we want to see how the for students to enjoy will also be open 24 Despite the giveaways personal observations on the Larry Government Council students like the movie such as massages, food, hours during the last and events, Medina is Craig scandal. at University Park will idea.” memorabilia and the week of classes Dec. 3 unsure if he will attend It’d be easier to say that life was once again be hosting On Dec. 11 there will ever-so-important blue - Dec. 7. Cram Jam. meant to be lived, no more, no less, Cram Jam on Dec. 10 be a special screening book that many students The GC computer labs “I see it as a waste and leave the answer as vague and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. of the 1986 film Ferris are required to use during will be open 24 hours of time,” Medina said. open-ended as possible. I could and Dec. 11 from 8:30 Bueller’s Day Off, exams. Dec. 10 and will be open “You basically spend simply - that’s nonsense. I didn’t p.m. to midnight in the hosted by the Student “One of the main from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. two hours talking, and if agree much with the way some of Graham Center. Programming Council in goals this semester was on Dec. 11 through Dec. you’re on a deadline you my subjects handled their lives “This event allows GC room 140. to really focus on the 13. Dec. 14 they will be can’t be doing that.” - the depressed housewife who students a chance to take “We based the needs of the students open from 8 a.m. until Even though Medina loved God more than her life and a break from their studies movie we’re showing during this week,” 8 p.m. is unsure of Cram Jam’s couldn’t wait to die; an immigrant during finals week off [the SGC-UP’s 80’s Cevallos said. All Cram Jam usefulness, the event has family who’s biggest fear was and really ‘de-stress’ theme],” said Eduardo Finals week begins activities will be open always drawn in a large losing their middle class comfort. in a fun atmosphere,” Tremols, public relations Dec. 10 and lasts through to any registered FIU number of students who But they shared their stories with said Nicole Cevallos, coordinator for SPC. Dec. 14, and the SGC-UP student. want free stuff and a me, and that fascinated me. the SGC-UP academic “It’s a great opportunity has arranged for extended In order to participate place to relax. A memory is a story waiting affairs chairperson and to take a break.” hours in the Green in the events and receive “I am very sure all the to be told. Our lives are a string coordinator for this The film will begin Library and computer the giveaways, students students will enjoy [it],” of stories, and when we die, we semester’s Cram Jam. at 10 p.m. and before labs for students to study must have their Panther Cevallos said. ourselves become stories. One of the two main it starts, food will be in. ID handy. Visit the SGC-UP Life isn’t just about living; activities during the end served by the SGC-UP. The extended hours For those who do office in GC 211 for more it’s about what can be produced of the semester event “We just had to for GL are as follows: not have theirs, the Cram Jam information. through that life. www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – December 3, 2007 7 REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE) GAME Contra 4 GAME Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles Konami classic gets modernized Latest in series misses the mark LUIS H. GARCIA DS. Coupled with great NES emulations of the KEVIN CASTRO nearly identical yet with better sense of the history Staff Writer control, Contra 4 retains fi rst two Contras are just Staff Writer better graphics. What is of the game. RE:UC’s the series’ pick-up-and- the beginning. Sadly, the very disappointing about biggest fl aw is the critical Before there was play appeal. NES compilation lacks The Resident Evil franchise the plot of RE:UC is that hit system, as players can Gunstar Heroes and All the staple weapons, multiplayer capability, splits into two categories: the it completely ignores the shoot a zombie fi ve times Metal Slug, there was including the coveted but is a nice treat for fans original, more story driven events and plot points of in the face and it won’t Contra, the father of the Spread Gun, return in full nevertheless. survival games and the more games two or four. die. run-and-gun genre. The force and as any Contra Contra 4’s graphics action packed point and shoot The story arch is also The bosses in RE:UC very mention of that name game should allow, two go for a retro approach. games. While the shooting expanded as you get to are extremely challenging, can invoke memories players with the game Retaining the look and series has become quite unlock extra fi les allowing making the game seem of teamwork and brutal can take the bad guys feel of the eight and 16- popular in Japan, it is not so you to play the series from impossible to beat at diffi culty. Celebrating 20 head on. bit eras, Contra 4 does in the US. Resident Evil: The the perspective of other times. As seen in games years, Konami unleashes Contra has always a fi ne job of resurrecting Umbrella Chronicles (RE: famed RE characters, mainly like House of the Dead, Contra 4 for Nintendo’s been famous for its classic stages like the UC), is a fusion of both styles. Albert Wesker and Rebecca in RE:UC you can blow a portable DS in a package difficulty and this one jungle and old third Light gun games tend to be Chambers, giving you over hole through the chest of that oozes challenge and will not disappoint. Easy person stages in old- unpopular. It would seem that a 20 hours of gameplay. an enemy and have peices nostalgia. mode is a good way for school form while putting game like this would be about After you finish each of their arms fl y off. This Contra’s story remains beginners to learn the the DS’s capabilities to as welcomed as a drunk in a chapter of the game you are adds extra realism rarely as simple as it’s always ropes. However, only good use with over-the- country club, but thanks to the ranked on enemy hits and seen in a game. Even with been. Aliens invade Earth those brave enough to top moments fi tting of a Nintendo Wii all that has critical hits. The better the high tech graphics, RE: and you need to shoot tackle normal or hard Contra title. changed. The system’s the rank, the more UC fails to fully deliver them all. That’s basically levels will see the fi nal Jake “Virt” Kaufman innovative controller, points you as the weapon switching it. stages with the true does a superb job of makes shooting are given to is tedious at best and Charged with ending. composing memorable games easier. customize your infi nite ammo “pea- devloping this Contra As an extra incentive, tracks with remixes of The Umbrella your shooter” (pistol) does not title is WayForward and challenge mode provides classic tunes and new Chronicles details weapons and help either. it has done its homework, 40 exercises to test your music to further Contra the events that led new side chapters are Resident Evil: The no question about it. skills. From Pacifism 4’s enjoyment. to the rise and fall unlocked. As you play Umbrella Chronicles is the The core mechanics are (no shooting of enemies) Konami and of the Umbrella the game you can also best of the RE gun survival well intact: running and to timed stage runs, WayForward have blessed Corporation, the destroy elements in the titles. For the hardcore fans jumping on platforms Challenge mode will the faithful with a game company that game’s environment. beating RE:UC with 100 to avoid death at almost push players to surpass worthy of the Contra created the virus Doing so will reveal percent completion will every angle and collecting their limits, separating name. Those eager to that turns people hidden weapons and require a bottle of Advil, bigger guns to shoot with. casual players from the forge their gaming mettle into zombies. secret fi les. These as it is nearly impossible, This edition of Contra hardest of hardcore and or to get another chance Key parts of the fi les unlock extra as to unlock everything fi lls both screens to the serves as the means to to use the Konami code Resident Evil information you require an “S” or brim with action and unlock the cornucopia of (as any self-respecting prequel game, on weapons, “Super” ranking on every to accommodate this, a bonus content. Contra fan should know) the fi rst game, enemies and chapter. Even though it grappling hook allows An interview with will find it all in this and the third characters has considerable gameplay players to ascend to long-time series producer, tribute to a time that is in the series to give the fl aws, it still is a must have the upper screen of the Nobuya Nakazato, and anything but forgotten. are recreated, player a title for the Wii. 8 The Beacon – December 3, 2007 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE) GAME Pacxon GAME Assassin’s Creed Turning the tables on Pacman Rewriting the Th ird Crusade and, if your trail is reached by a temporary burst of speed, a ghost before you complete a flashing yellow dot to KEVIN CASTRO best. This has to be done you get a reward in the a section, you will suffer make the ghosts edible, a Staff Writer for each of the nine men. form of access to either the same consequence as bunch of bananas to slow To find out this crucial scholars or vigilantes; running into a ghost yourself, the ghosts down for a while From the fabled creator information, you can who grant you access to the loss of a life. and a pink popsicle to briefl y of the Rainbow Six series, eavesdrop on important restricted areas and block It’s probably safe to There are several halt their movements can be Splinter Cell, and Prince of conversations, use violence the guard’s way if they assume that almost everyone classes of ghosts, denoted found, giving you the perfect Persia, Ubisoft releases one to get information or even come after you. has played Pacman at least by different colors, which opportunity to box them in. of most highly anticipated perform assassinations. However, you won’t once in their lives. Even those behave differently and create Pacxon is an incredibly titles in 2007, Assassin’s The controls in the game fi nd any of these locations who are not usually drawn to different types of obstacles addictive, completely free Creed. In Assassin’s Creed are very simple to use. The if you do not scale the city’s video games have, at some on the board. Pink ghosts flash game that can be you play as an assassin button scheme is that of a staggering structures. point, found themselves bounce around the board, blue found online on numerous named Altair. The year is puppet. The Y represents These majestic edifi ces frantically trying to escape ghosts appear in conquered flash game Web sites; 1191 A.D. and you are in the head, X the weapon are the tallest in the land a mob of colorful ghosts in sections of the board, red www.mostplays.com, www. the middle of the Third hand, etc. and will reveal an area a desperate attempt to feast ghosts reclaim conquered gamesolo.com and www. Crusade when you are The way Altair climbs of the map with all the on every last dot. Finally, the squares one at a time and onemorelevel.com are just ordered to steal a treasure almost any surface and objectives. To get down, big, yellow, dot-loving circle tan ghosts patrol the borders a few of the many sites that and fail miserably. You are dashes across rooftops Altair must make a leap of will have his revenge. of conquered sections. As offer it. So before you start then stripped of your rank is truly astonishing and faith into a hiding spot. Pacxon is a game that you progress through the selling “unnecessary” organs and forced to earn it once realistic. Altair scales the Though Assassin’s Creed turns the arcade classic, game, more and more of to be able to afford Assassin’s more. To do this, you must walls according to what he performs majestically in Pacman, upside down. these ghosts will appear in Creed or Call of Duty 4, do kill nine specifi c men. can grab on to and where many aspects, it fails in The player still controls different, increasingly more yourselves a favor, leave You have access to three he can place his feet. others. It is fun to kill the the iconic yellow circle but diffi cult combinations. your spleen where it is and of the cities in the Holy You are given access rich old villains, but the this time, instead of running Also, you will begin the check out Pacxon online for Land: Jerusalem, Acre and to very few weapons, but game gets very repetitive. away from the ghosts, your game with considerable free. Damascus. Each city has that won’t matter since the The game lacks in mission is to trap them in speed but as you progress three districts: poor, rich A.I. is so simple-minded creativity; the side missions and conquer space on the you will become slower, and middle. Each district that it is possible to taken of fl ag collecting are dreary board. You use the arrow making it more diffi cult to contains one of the nine on thirty at a time in battle and unappealing. pad to move around the conquer large sections of the men you must kill. and win. Once you unlock Assassin’s Creed is grid and fi ll in space with board at one time. In order to assassinate counter moves, all the worthy of playing but not blue squares. However, you To aid you in your quest these men, you must fi ghts seem pointless. buying. must reach a previously for revenge, there are items first gather evidence Most of the fi ghts you After you fi nish it once conquered section of the very similar to those found of their cruel nature will get into are for saving you will never play it again. board before the spaces will in the original Pacman. A as well as where and persecuted citizens. After Ever. Save some money be permanently conquered pair of cherries to give you how to strike at them you kill the perpetrator, and rent it instead. www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – December 3, 2007 9

Game stats

SCORE BY QUARTERS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Finale points to bright future for team North Texas 6 6 7 0 19 Florida International 0 21 14 3 38 win of his career (as well as his fi rst water NT FIU cooler shower from his players), showed his FIRST DOWNS. 16 15 NET YARDS RUSHING 92 116 enthusiasm throughout the night. NET YARDS PASSING 253 228 While his fi rst season as a head coach TOTAL OFFENSE YARDS 345 344 PUNTS-YARDS 4-189 4-137 might have been disappointing for some, his KICKOFFS-YARDS 4-243 7-476 Punt returns: Number-Yards-TD. 2-11-0 2-16-0 enthusiasm for the game and his disappoint- Kickoff returns: Number-Yds-TD 7-162-0 4-167-1 ment with losses shows why he is the right Interceptions: Number-Yds-TD.. 1-0-0 2-16-0 Fumble Returns: Number-Yds-TD. 0-0-0 0-0-0 person to lead this young program. Possession Time 32:32 27:28 Third-Down Conversions 6 of 18 4 of 12 In fact, the enduring image for me of this Fourth-Down Conversions 4 of 7 0 of 2 1-11 season doesn’t have anything to do with Red-Zone Scores-Chances 3-4 1-2 Sacks By: Number-Yards 1-18 1-5 40+ point losses or an empty Orange Bowl. PAT Kicks 1-2 5-5 The image I will remember from this season took place following Singleton’s kickoff Florida International Individual Statistics return for a touchdown. Cristobal was the fi rst RUSHING Att Yards Avg TD Long ------person to meet Singleton on the sidelines and A’mod Ned 17 74 4.4 0 30 celebrate with him, jumping up and bumping Julian Reams 10 52 5.2 1 22 Kendall Berry 3 16 5.3 0 9 chests with his senior defensive back. PASSING Cmp-Att-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Perhaps lost in the shuffl e of senior night ------was sophomore quarterback Paul McCall’s Paul McCall 11-19-0 57.8 228 3 58 Colt Anderson 0-1-1 0.0 0 0 0 extremely impressive 11 of 19, 228 yard, 3 RECEIVING No. Yds Avg TD Long EDDIE ZENG/THE BEACON touchdown performance in his fi rst start. ------I have to admit I’ve been arguably one of Jeremy Dickens 4 45 11.3 1 23 PLAY ACTION: Sophomore quarterback Paul McCall fakes the ball to receiver Elliot Dix Trenard Turner 2 84 42.0 1 58 McCall’s biggest skeptics this season, mostly Elliot Dix 2 47 23.5 0 38 during the Golden Panthers’ 38-19 win over North Texas on Dec. 1. Marquis Rolle 1 31 31.0 1 31 because I simply didn’t see him fi tting into a Kendall Berry 1 23 23.0 0 23 system that requires a speedy, shifty quarter- TOWERS, page 1 one fi nal win. “We had to get a win for the seniors,” back. However, he impressed me quite a bit with his performance, hitting his receivers in sign of good things to come next year. With 23 -game losing streak. freshman wide receiver Marquise Rolle, who stride and making some really tough throws plenty of young talent, and Cristobal’s second Along with Adger’s big day, Singleton had caught his fi rst touchdown pass of his career, in traffi c. recruiting class coming in, I can’t help but be as big an impact as anyone, returning his 3rd said. “Let’s be the big dog for once.” Something has to be said about the play excited about the possibilities next year brings. career kickoff for a touchdown and picking The bond that builds between these players of the receiving corps, which had a severe A new, state of the art stadium and a collection up his fi rst interception of the season in the over the course of a season cannot be over- problem with dropping passes all season. of returning talent points to a promising future third quarter. Unfortunately, his collegiate stated and it is one of the things that make col- But on this night, they seemingly brought in for the team. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to career ended earlier than it should have, as lege sports more enjoyable than professional everything McCall threw at them. Speedy see the team fl irt with .500. he was helped off the fi eld following a leg sports. The fact that FIU’s younger players freshman running back Trenard Tunrner had And I’m not the only one who thinks injury. Despite his early exit, Singleton will were able to step up their intensity for their one big catch of 58 yards for a touchdown and this. be remembered as one of the team’s most teammate’s speaks volumes of the strength didn’t have any of the problems catching the “It is absolutely amazing. It is great for signifi cant playmakers on special teams and of their bond. ball he had had earlier in the season. our seniors. They went through so much.” defense. Of course, the players, weren’t the only While it is probably premature on my part, McCall said. “What losing streak? We’re on Understandably, the rest of the team wanted ones with added intensity for the game. Head I’m going to go ahead and say this game is a a one-game winning streak.” nothing more than to give the seniors their coach Mario Cristobal, who earned the fi rst Defense holds North Texas off ense after early defi cit Children’s Creative Learning Center at FIU

FOOTBALL, page 12

Lionell Singleton, the much heralded kick returner and defensive back, clocked out his career with an inspiring 80-yard kickoff return, limping into the endzone We offer an opportunity for optimal after injuring his leg at the 50-yard line . breaking away from two Mean Green growth and development for each child defenders. “I saw the hole opening up and I hit it as hard as I could,” Singleton said. The game started off on a sour note for FIU, who went three and out and proceeded to snap the ball over punter Chris Cook’s head. North Texas plugged the ball in from the 1-yard line on the ensuing play but missed the extra point. The Golden Panthers responded with a 22-yard touchdown run from Julian Reams after missing a fi eld goal on the preceding drive. Micah Mosley of North Texas scored three minutes later, but that would be his only score of the night. Giovanni Vizza, the true freshmen out of San Antonio, threw for 253 yards, a touch- Florida Gold Seal of down and two interceptions. FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON After the Mosley touchdown, Singleton Excellence School SHOWING LOVE: Head coach Mario Cris- responded with his dash to the end zone and tobal embraces sophomore quarterback Paul from there, the rout ensued. McCall following the 38-19 victory. McCall threw a 58-yard touchdown to Trenard Turner, followed by a 31-yard toss Ages 2 1/2 to 5 Years to Marquis Rolle. Bowl’s long history. Early Education Program Monday- Friday 7:45 am - 6:00 pm Vizza came back with a 10 play, 70-yard Perhaps overshadowing the contest was drive capped off by a 7-yard touchdown to the fi nal collegiate game ever played at the Express Educare/Flextime Program Monday- Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Brock Stickler, but McCall came back again Orange Bowl, and the Golden Panthers with a 23-yard strike to Jeremy Dickens. just may have taken away some of the The scoring ended in the fourth quar- attention. University Park Campus•11200 SW 8th Street•Miami ter with a Dustin Rivest field goal, and “The Orange Bowl is a winner,” said the losing ended as the clock struck zero, athletic director Pete Garcia. “It deserves www.fi u.edu/~children (305) 348-2143 concluding the fi nal chapter in the Orange to go out with a win.” 10 The Beacon – December 3, 2007 ADVERTISEMENT www.beaconnewspaper.com www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – December 3, 2007 11 Coach looks for answers following second loss

MEN’S BASKETBALL, page 12 from the fi eld and ended with a scorching opponents is the first challenge in the 70.6 clip from 3-point distance. Golden Panthers’ young season. Junior guard Kenneth White sparked Lee led all players with 21 points on “South Florida is better than us right the Golden Panther fans with a 3-point 8-for-12 shooting from the fi eld and grab- now and Robert Morris is better than us shot to make the score 25-18. bing 11 rebounds. Langerhurst scored 19 right now, but not 20 somewhat points On the ensuing possession, sophomore points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting perfor- better than us,” Rouco said. guard Jimmy Langhurst took the air out of mance, which included fi ve 3-pointers. the Pharmed Arena with a three of his own Although Lee led the team in scoring, to keep the lead in double digits. Langhurst made sure the Golden Panthers ROBERT MORRIS 88, FIU MEN 61 Both teams played sloppy basketball, would not muster a comeback at any junc- turning the ball 27 times in the fi rst half. ture in the game. RM FG FT REB A TO PTS MIN Eight steals fueled the Golden Panthers With four minutes left, junior forward Francisco, Bateko 1-2 1-2 0 3 0 3 20 offense as they scored 12 of their 25 fi rst Alex Galindo made a 3-pointer to cut the Langhurst, Jimmy 7-7 0-0 2 6 3 19 22 half points off turnovers, but the Colonials lead to 14. Langhurst responded with two Chappell, Jeremy 6-7 2-2 2 3 2 17 26 Jackson, A.J 4-9 6-6 8 1 1 15 27 led 37-25 at the half. consecutive 3-pointers to once again take Lee, Tony 8-12 3-5 11 8 1 21 31 Three minutes into the second half, the crowd and players out of the game. Nwige, Mezie 3-9 2-3 4 1 6 8 26 the Colonials extended their lead to 20 White led the Golden Panthers’ offense Team Total 21-51 14-18 33 23 23 88 200 by going on a 12-4 run consisting of four for the second game in a row with 18 straight 3-pointers. The string of threes points on 6-for-11 shooting. sunk the Golden Panthers and they would Galindo fi nished with 13 points on 5- FIU FG FT REB A TO PTS MIN not be able to recuperate. for-8 shooting and sophomore guard Erick Fuller, Chris 1-2 2-2 1 2 5 4 22 The team used a variety of defenses Nsangou scored 11 points. White, Kenneth 6-11 4-5 2 2 1 18 25 to try to cool down the Colonials’ hot Offensive continuity has been miss- Galindo, Alex 5-8 1-2 5 1 1 13 32 James, Michael 2-6 0-0 0 3 1 4 24 shooting. ing for the team as no player has logged Hicks, Russell 2-4 1-2 3 0 4 5 16 FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON “They shoot the heck out of the basket- in more than fi ve assists in the last two Russell, Tremayne 1-4 3-4 3 0 4 5 20 ball,” Rouco said. “We tried switching. We games against South Florida and Robert Nsangou, Erick 4-8 2-4 2 1 2 11 28 BACKING UP: Sophomore guard Erick tried zone. We tried everything.” Morris. Team Totals 21-49 5-15 23 9 22 61 200 Nsangou attempts to gain inside postiion The visiting team shot 60.8 percent The last two losses against formidable as he scored 11 points. Guard shines in team’s worst loss of the season

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL, page 12 missing its two best rebounders. in practice, go back to the drawing board and “Those are things we can work on, like work on the little things and fundamentals,” ing. by putting bodies on them,” Ciglar said. “It Ferguson said. “That’s how we get better and With Adley sidelined, freshman forward starts in practice. We realize that maybe we start winning games” Liene Jekabsone stepped in to help FIU’s are not doing so good in practice. We are FIU’s next game will be played only nine miles from home as the team heads to Coral Gables to take on the University of Miami

LaQuetta Ferguson, Senior Guard Hurricanes (3-3), who beat FIU last season “Basically, we got to get better everyday in practice, go 83–78. Ferguson led FIU with a then career- high 28 points in that game. back to the drawing board and work on the little things and fundamentals. USF 84, FIU WOMEN 56

FIU FG FT REB A TO PTS MIN inside game and would respond with a going to come back and start doing that and team-high seven rebounds in only 19 min- we are going to get better.” Ciglar, Iva 5-10 2-2 5 10 3 14 40 utes of play. Jenkins, Jasmine 2-5 0-1 4 0 2 4 12 “We are playing all freshmen inside right Carey, Elisa 1-4 2-3 10 1 3 4 34 The game would come to an end with now,” Russo said. Hutlassa, Fanni 3-8 0-0 4 1 3 7 23 FIU giving up an 8-0 run to make the fi nal Those freshmen are Jekabsone, Fanni Ferguson, LaQuetta 5-14 8-8 5 3 2 24 score 84-56. 29 Hutlassa and Maja Krajacic. Senior forward Bosilj, Monika 1-7 0-0 3 0 0 2 10 Following the game, coach Russo dis- Jasmine Jenkins is also likely to assume. cussed the Golden Panthers’ poor defense Junior guard Iva Ciglar managed to grab Team Totals 25-59 14-16 38 15 22 70 200 and the injury to Adley. six rebounds to go along with 10 points and TROY FG FT REB A TO PTS MIN “Losing Marquita hurt a lot,” coach three assists. Russo said. “I think we were down two After starting the season with a win, the Williams, Jade 8-14 3-3 5 2 7 22 37 when she went out, and she is a tremendous Roth, Liz 0-3 4-6 2 0 1 4 21 team is now on a fi ve-game losing streak. Golden, Carly 0-2 0-0 1 2 2 0 15 rebounder. I thought we gave up second The schedule has been tough as the fi ve Ahmed, Crystal 6-13 0-3 5 3 1 12 25 shots and we were hurt on the boards.” loses have all come to teams that made it Brockman, Rachel 3-11 2-4 3 2 6 8 29 Black, Vanessa 4-7 1-2 3 1 1 10 27 Sophomore forward Elisa Carey isal- to the NCAA or WNIT tournaments last FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON ready sidelined by a knee injury. The addi- season. Team Totals 24-58 10-18 35 11 22 62 200 BRIGHT SPOT: Senior guard LaQuetta Fer- tional loss of Adley means the team will be “Basically, we got to get better everyday guson led the eam with 18 points.

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FOOTBALL FIU 38, NORTH TEXAS 19 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL USF 84, FIU 56 Team loses STREAK OVER leading rebounder in fi fth loss DARREN COLLETTE Staff Writer

Senior guard LaQuetta Ferguson’s team-high 18 points could not lead the Golden Panthers to a win and stop the team’s fi ve-game losing streak. The Golden Panthers (1-5) fell 84-56 to the University of South Florida Bulls (4-2) on Nov. 29 at the Pharmed Arena. Shantia Grace led the way for the Bulls with a career-high 29 points. The game started with both teams hitting a 3-pointer, making a total 16 3- pointers at the end of the game, nine of which came from the Bulls. FIU led for the fi rst few minutes of the game, until Grace started to pour it on with 18 points in the fi rst 12 minutes

FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON of the game. Not to be outdone, Ferguson also CELEBRATION: Golden Panthers’ players celebrate following their 38-19 victory over North Texas on Dec. 1. The win was the Golden found her zone, hitting her fi rst three Panthers’ fi rst since 2005 and was the fi nal collegiate game played in the Orange Bowl. shots of the game, all from 3-point range. FIU Junior forward Marquita Adley got off to a good start with seven points Quarterback earns win in fi rst start and three rebounds, until she fell and left the game with an injury to her right hand CHRIS MARTINEZ “They are special guys, they are special back when you only win one game. But they with fi ve minutes to go in the fi rst half. Staff Writer people,” Cristobal said. “We came to build have proven that both guys can compete,” “She dislocated her thumb,” said something special and this is the beginning said Cristobal. coach Cindy Russo. “They are going The longest losing streak in the NCAA of it. Fortunately, we get to close down a Senior defensive end Audric Adger, play- to do an X-ray [Nov. 30]. She tore a Football Bowl Subdivision was broken Dec. special place.” ing in the fi nal college game of his career, ligament for sure and I hope it’s not 1 as the Florida International University Sophomore quarterback Paul McCall not made sure that his performance would be fractured.” Golden Panthers (1-11) defeated the North only led the offense in ending the streak, but one for the record books. He tied former When Adley left the game FIU was Texas Mean Green (2-10) 38-19 in the fi nal his performance may also have sparked a Golden Panthers defensive Antwan Barnes’ only down 32-29. However, with their collegiate game to ever take place in the quarterback controversy between himself record for sacks in a game, with four. best rebounder out, the Bulls saw red and Orange Bowl. and redshirt freshman Wayne Younger. “It was the last game and you got to let it went on a 14-2 run that would take them As the game came to a close, fi rst year McCall guided the offense consistently, hang loose,” Adger said. “It was awesome to into halftime with a 46-31 lead. coach Mario Cristobal could be seen cel- going 11-of-19 for 228 yards and three win the last game here. It’s something other The Golden Panthers started the ebrating and leaping on the sideline with his touchdowns, the most touchdowns thrown teams couldn’t do so we’re proud to close second half with a 6-1 run, but the Bulls players. The only thing putting a stop to his by a Golden Panthers’ quarterback since this building the right way.’’ would answer it with consistent scor- elation was his players drenching him with 2005. the long-awaited watercooler. “I don’t think you have a proven quarter- FOOTBALL, page 9 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL, page 11 MEN’S BASKETBALL ROBERT MORRIS 88, FIU 61 Outside shooting sinks Golden Panthers in blowout

SERGIO BONILLA same energy we showed against South Coach Rouco explained why Hicks Sports Editor Florida.” could not impact the outcome of the For the second consecutive game, game. Much like a one-sided boxing match, junior center Russell Hicks did not con- “They swarmed him,” he said. “We every time the Golden Panthers threw tribute much to the offense, scoring fi ve tried to force the ball to him when we a punch, the Robert Morris University points on 2-for-4 shooting. shouldn’t have. We’ve never played with Colonials countered with a fl urry of debili- On the fi rst possession of the game, a center before.” tating strikes. Hicks received an entry pass and drew On defense, the seven-footer was help- Just when the FIU offense was about a foul as he posted up on 6-6 senior AJ less against the Colonials’ speedy starting to gain momentum, the Colonials killed Jackson. It looked as though Hicks would fi ve, all of whom are listed at 6-6 and every run with an array of outside shots. be much more active and productive shorter. The Colonials used their speed to After winning their fi rst two games, the than in the team’s fi rst loss of the season drain 12 3-pointers on 17 attempts. FIU Golden Panthers (2-2) suffered their against USF. In the fi rst half, senior guard Tony Lee worst loss of the season, stumbling against However, Hicks would go on to make powered the Colonials’ offense, slicing the Robert Morris (3-2) 88-61 on Nov. 29 just two more baskets for the remaining through the Golden Panthers defense. at the Pharmed Arena. 39 minutes of the game. Lee scored three consecutive lay ups to FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON “Worst loss that I’ve had here in my “I think, overall, I need to try to post extend the lead to 10 with nine minutes up harder. I have to come off the screen left in the half. HELPLESS: Junior guard Alex Galindo drives four years of coaching here,” said coach harder and if they don’t see me, then I have to the basket in the Golden Panthers’ 88-61 Sergio Rouco. “There was no energy to yell,” Hicks said. loss to Robert Morris on Nov. 29 at home. to begin the game, no bounce, not the MEN’S BASKETBALL, page 11