The Beacon, January 22, 2008 Florida International University

Florida International University FIU Digital Commons

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

1-22-2007 The Beacon, January 22, 2008 Florida International University

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

Recommended Citation Florida International University, "The Beacon, January 22, 2008" (2007). The Panther Press (formerly The Beacon). 217. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/student_newspaper/217

This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Our View: SGC-UP trying to save a buck at other organizations’ expenses. Page 5.

A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 20, Issue 41 www.ﬁ usm.com January 22, 2008

A NEW PLANNER THE REAL RON PAUL CIRCUS TIME VERSATILE PANTHER Events coordinator elected Inaccuracies, lies dispelled Fair carries carnival theme Football player tackles the court

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

FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS AIN’T IT THE LIFE Board joins ﬁ ght over travel ban DANIELLA BACIGALUPO Staff Writer

Earlier this month, the Florida Board of Governors agreed with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Faculty Senate of FIU that the Travel to Terrorist States Act - which, among other things, bans university research travel to Cuba - should be reexamined to determine if it has constitutional merit. “These professors saw this law as a restriction on their ability to meet their obligation as professors in their ﬁ elds,” said Bill Edmonds, director of communications of the Florida Board of Governors. “We are agreeing that the court needs to look at the issue of non-state dollars [in the act].” Signed into law by the Florida Legisla- ture in 2006, the Travel to Terrorist States Act forbids the use of university state and non-state funds to travel to countries deemed “sponsors of terrorism” by the U.S. Department of State. The countries FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON deemed “sponsors of terrorism” are Iran, TIMES LIKE THESE: Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl performs during the band’s concert at Bank Atlantic Center on Jan.16. Against Me! and Jimmy Eat World also performed during the concert. Read a review of the concert in the Life! section on page 6. TRAVEL BAN, page 3

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL AFRICAN NEW WORLD STUDIES Proposal looks to So you know... Yoruba leaders HC, SOC, and GSA combine councils Budgets reveal written canon $197,000 - SOC $47,000 - HC CATHERINE KAIMAN the selective members invited BEN F. BADGER JR. to a group in need. BBC Life Editor to the meeting, hosted by FIU’s Asst. News Director SOC President Maria Cedaño $23,000 - GSA African New World Studies has concerns about the SIC pro- $73,000 - Council Expenditures After years of criticism for Program. A proposal submitted by the posal. Total: $340,000 not having a written religious “It is very important to reveal University Park Student Govern- “I believe it is in the best interest - $23,000 in U-wide spending canon, leaders of the Yoruba these texts at this time because ment Council could combine the of students that [the three councils] Total: $317,000 overall budget religion have decided to reveal people tend to think of African Student Organizations Council, have a more active input into the two original texts that were knowledge as a knowledge the Honors Council and the Gradu- proposal,” Cedaño said. kept for decades in the hands without texts, and we live in ate Student Association into the After the proposal was drafted Proposed SIC of privileged priests. a digital society where people Student Involvement Council if and presented to SGC-UP, the Budget The texts were showcased at have access to everything,” said approved on Jan. 23. three councils were asked to give a meeting for the inauguration Akin Ogundiran, director of the Sergio Ibarra-Bolaños, comp- input during a meeting, according $180,000 - individual groups of Africana Knowledge Work- ANWS Program. troller of SGC-UP, said that SIC to Cedaño. $80,000 - special allocations ing Group of South Florida African knowledge is a term would streamline financial pro- However, the meeting was can- held at Biscayne Bay Campus that encompasses African his- cesses, making them more effi cient celled due to the Dr. Martin Luther $40,000 - SIC Executive Board on Jan. 18. tory, culture and philosophy. and easier to do. King Jr. holiday, . Total: $300,000 This event marked the fi rst “It is time for the world to “Instead of a giant three-headed “It concerns me that the pro- time any sacred text of Santeria, see that we do have a religious Source: SIC Proposal monster, it would only be one giant posal is being rushed,” Cedaño the syncretic Yoruba religion, canon that is written down,” monster,” Bolaños said. said. has ever been exposed to the said Oba Ernesto Pichardo, an The merger would save $17,000 If the proposal for SIC is passed, power to call for a tabling motion, public. African leader. “This book was between the three councils. all SOC programs will continue as which would postpone voting until The Book of Diagnosis in a long process; slaves, Afro- Currently, an organization normal for the rest of the year. the next SGC-UP meeting, she Ifa Divination was written in Cubans, and priests took the could underspend its budget while “We are fi nishing our full year,” hopes a representative will call for 1940 by a group of priests and oral tradition and documented it another could be in need of those Cedaño said. “We were elected for one to allow more time for the pro- recopied by the same authors over a long period of time.” unused funds, Bolaños said. SIC a full year of service.” posal to be discussed by SOC, HC within the next ten years. would make it easier to move funds While Cedaño does not have the and GSA leaders with SGC-UP. The original was revealed to TEXT, page 4 2 The Beacon – January 22, 2008 NEWS www.fi usm.com

RECREATION SERVICES THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS Fourth annual ski trip planned

TUESDAY • JANUARY 22 AMANDA MASSA Anyone can attend, Included in the $225 fee students can bring friends SOC- Spring Club Fair 2008: Staff Writer according to Matt O’Connor, for FIU students and a $250 to accompany them, new 11a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lawn in front of GC Ball- intramural and club sport fee for all others is bus trans- friendships are also made rooms When an infrequent cold coordinator. portation, lodging, a lift during the trip. front hits South Florida, A non-FIU attendee must ticket, equipment rental, a “You don’t know a lot Honors Council Society Orientation: students and faculty around be accompanied by an FIU wristband for the amuse- of people at fi rst, but you’ll 3:30 p.m., Graham Center 140 campus pull out their winter student or faculty member. ment area and a beginner’s make a lot of friends on the wardrobe from the back of trip,” Pita said. “I still see Bring your resume to school day: their closets for a few days. Natasha Davila, FIU Alum people I know from the trip 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Panther Square (BBC) For those who wish to walking around today.” have a real winter experi- “Living in a place like Miami, there are The deadline for early ence, Recreation Services a lot of people who have never seen registration is Jan. 25. Stu- WEDNESDAY • JANUARY 23 has a solution: a ski trip. The dents who apply by the early The Chill Skill: trip is scheduled for Feb. 22- snow before. deadline will receive $25 off 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., WUC 255 (BBC) 24. The registration deadline the trip. is Feb. 1 at 5 p.m.. “Living in a place like ski lesson. “It’s affordable, fun and SOC- Spring Club Fair 2008: For the fourth year in a Miami, there are a lot of “The lesson is included, you meet a lot of people 11a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lawn in front of GC Ball- row, RS is presenting a ski people who have never seen so if you’ve never skied you’ll become friends with,” rooms trip for students, faculty and snow before,” said Natasha before, it makes it easier to Pita said. friends. Davila, a graduate student learn,” Davila said. For more information, Welcome Reception: The trip offers an outdoor who went on the trip last Davila and Stephanie contact O’Connor at 305- 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., WUC 2 1/2 Balcony recreation program for 50 year. “When they fi nally see Pita, who also went on last 348-7530 or, via e-mail, at guests. snow, they go crazy.” year’s trip, says that although matthew.oconnor@fi u.edu. Asian Student Union General Meeting: 6 p.m., Gracies Grill

”So You Think You Can Dance?” Auditions: Police Notes SGC-UP Notes Noon - 2 p.m., Graham Center Pit Jan. 7: An ofﬁ cer was dispatched to the PAC Call to Order: 4:10 p.m. • Adjournment: 5:40 p.m. SGA General Meeting: building after being told that a suspicious female 4 p.m., Graham Center 150 - non-FIU student - was sleeping in room 150, President’s Report (Marbely Hernandez): trespassing on school property. The ofﬁ cer on • RUCKUS music downloading software contract SPC BBC- Jerry Springer Lecture: scene recognized the female, having warned her has been approved. 8 p.m., WUC Ballroom (BBC) about trespassing at the school. • Student Involvement Council proposition voting is on Jan. 23. After giving the female another warning, she • New Gmail interface for student accounts THURSDAY • JANUARY 24 stated that she would not leave the campus launches on Jan. 28. How to prepare for a Career Fair Workshop: because she “had to dance,” and she felt she had 12 p.m. - 1 p.m., WUC 255 (BBC) done nothing wrong. The female was arrested for Comptroller’s Report (Sergio Ibarra-Bolanos): trespassing, after being warned, and was sent to • Student organizations must properly spend allo- Anything Goes Anime General Meeting: the FIU station for processing. The female was cated funds. If organizations do not spend funds transported to the TGK correctional center. correctly, they could be cut. 3:30 p.m., Location TBA

Italian Club General Meeting: Jan. 8: A female housing student said that, while Old Business: 3:30 p.m., Graham Center 150 sleeping, she heard an unknown male tapping on • Resolution “In Support of the Continued Tra- her bedroom window from the outside, saying dition of Gracie’s Grill” passed. Restaurant SPC BBC General Meeting: “I see you. I see you.” The female checked the location will now retain the name “Gracie’s” 4 p.m., Campus Life Conference Room (BBC) window, but there was no damage. She gave a regardless of food vendor present. delayed report to the Campus Safety. New Business: FRIDAY • JANUARY 25 Jan. 9: While playing basketball at the Recreation • Linda Arellano unanimously voted as new SGC- Resume Writing Workshop: Center on UP, a male victim was hit in the head UP clerk. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., WUC 255 (BBC) with an elbow. The victim refused medical • Appropriation of $1,000 passed for “Focus the attention and a friend transported him to see Nation.” ENGAGE Leadership Workshop: his doctor. The victim signed a medical release • New SGC-UP constitution proposed. 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Graham Center 305 waiver. - Compiled by Ben F. Badger Jr. / Beacon Staff Interview Skills Workshop: Jan. 10: Police were called after a male student 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., WUC 255 (BBC) reported that his 2000 Honda Civic 2-door was broken into while parked in the Gold Garage. Dance Marathon’s “So you think you can The victim said that his radio, cash and gear shift dance” Auditions: knob were the only items stolen from the car. No 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Graham Center Pit further information was given.

SPC BBC Movie- “Dan in Real Life:” - Compiled by David Barrios/ Beacon Staff 7 p.m., Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre (BBC)

SPC UP Movie- “Dan in Real Life:” 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Graham Center 140

SATURDAY • JANUARY 26 EDITORIAL BOARD Morale Captains Special Event: 10 a.m., Graham Center Ballrooms CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER

- Compiled by Kassandra Pool / Beacon Staff CHRISTINA VEIGA NEWS DIRECTOR EDDITH SEVILLA BBC MANAGING EDITOR GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. LIFE! EDITOR JOSEPH MARHEE OPINION EDITOR SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR CORRECTIONS FERNANDO J. GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR INFORMATION In the Jan. 17th issue of The Beacon, the story titled “Jerry Springer to defend show at lecture series” incorrectly listed that The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, room 210, money for the lecture was provided by the Student Government at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display Council’s lecture series at Biscayne Bay Campus. The lecture is advertising and billing should be directed to the Advertising sponsored by the BBC Student Programming Council. Manager at 305-348-6994. Mailing address: Graham Center, room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305-348-2712. The Beacon will gladly change any errors. Call our UP offi ce Biscayne Bay Campus is 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9

at 305-348-2709 or BBC at 305-919-4722. a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@ ﬁ u.edu. Visit us online at www.beaconnewspaper.com www.ﬁ usm.com NEWS The Beacon – January 22, 2008 3 Board struggles to establish ONLY THE BEST authority in university system

TRAVEL BAN, page 1 sity is particularly affected by the ment’s ability to deter terrorism, ban because a number of the aca- one aim of the act. North Korea, Sudan, Syria and demic research programs at FIU “There are serious implications Cuba. focus their work on Cuba. in national security. We might be The ACLU, in conjunction “A Cuban institute needs to in a better position to diffuse the with the Faculty Senate of FIU, know what is going on in Cuba terrorist situation here if we could brought a lawsuit against the state and the best way to know is to have better information from and the Board in 2006, arguing go there. For serious, scholarly these states,” Hensley said. that the travel ban is unconsti- research there is no other way Though the Florida Board tutional. to do it,” said Uva de Aragon, concurs with the ACLU over the In the latest chapter of the case, associate director of FIU’s Cuban issue of using non-state funds in January 2008, the Board fi led Research Institute. and that “it is in the best interest its own lawsuit against the state Rep. David Rivera, who co- of the state that academic leaders declaring the lack of differentia- wrote the Travel to Terrorist stay current in Cuban affairs,” tion between state and non-state States Act, insists that travel to the Board insists it has not sided dollars in the act is unconstitu- these countries, even to conduct completely with ACLU. Rather, tional. fi eld research, serves to aid terror- the Florida Board insists that the “We asked the court to look ists by indirectly providing them main issue is the struggle to estab- at the question of [whether] the with monetary resources. lish authority over the university legislature overstepped its author- “Any travel to a terrorist coun- system. ity,” Edmonds said. try necessarily subsidizes that According to Edmonds, the According to Brandon Hens- terrorist regime because money Florida Board is trying to assert its ley, director of communications will be spent … in that country … independence through a lawsuit for the ACLU, the travel ban that ultimately goes into the cof- against the state, claiming the manages solely to “hamper aca- fers of the terrorist regime,” said right to raise public university demic research” and “displace Rivera during his April 26, 2006 tuition without necessarily having intellectual capital” from Florida testimony in front of the Florida the state’s approval. universities since professors and Legislature. “So, I don’t believe Therefore, the Board viewed graduate students have moved to anything good could come out of the travel ban as an opportunity to other national universities where [researching in] Cuba, like for cement its argument that the state research travel is not restricted. example, researching agriculture cannot control what is done with “There is an important distinc- in Cuba.” non-state money, Edmonds said. VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON tion between aiding terrorist states Rivera’s opponents disagree “We did not want to ignore that and conducting research in these and even suggest the travel ban argument in this [travel ban] law- BEST IN CLASS: Alejandra Alberti, FIU student and winner of last states and using state funds and not only threatens to decrease suit. We wanted to be consistent year’s “Best New Artist” Latin Grammy Award poses at a banquet at non-state funds,” Hensley said. Florida’s academic output, but in the Board’s expression of its the Ronald W. Reagan Presidential House on January 17. Professors believe the Univer- also threatens the federal govern- principles,” Edmonds said. Contact Us Eddith Sevilla BBC Managing Editor eddith.sevilla@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com January 22, 2008 SOC-BBC elects new NEWSFLASH Scholarship winners to be announced at Breakfast Jose Marti Scholarship winners will be announced Jan. 28 at the BBC Wolfe Center Ballroom at 8:30 a.m. over breakfast. events coordinator Hosted by FIU and Miami-Dade College, the prizes will be awarded to two contestants: one for an essay in English and the other in Spanish. The event features keynote speaker Uva SAMIR AHMED Ivy Siegel, Campus Life Coordinator de Aragon, associate director of the Cuban Research Institute. Staff Writer “I was surprised that so many people applied For more information, call 305-919-5543. The Student Organizations It’s nice to see so many showed interest. Dancing with the Wolfe steps into Spring Council at the Biscayne Bay Dancing with the Wolfe will offer dancing lessons Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. in WUC 155. Mondays feature Campus elected Magaly Estrella, a Debby Nilsson, a junior majoring grade point average of 2.0 and Ball Room dancing, Tuesday’s Salsa, Wednesdays Belly senior majoring in advertising, as in public relations; Keish Bazile, a each had to be enrolled full-time Dancing, and Thursdays Hip Hop Dancing. Call 305-919- its new events coordinator during junior majoring in journalism; and at the University in order to par- 5280 for details. a special election held on Jan 17. Carla St. Louis, a junior majoring ticipate in the election. “I feel happy because this will in psychology. “There really wasn’t a particu- Middle East Society to present “Beyond the Veil: The give me experience in what I want “One of the applicants was a lar date that we wanted to have the Status and Role of Women in Islam” to do when I graduate, [which is] former member, and one was a position fi lled by, but we thought Aisha Musa, professor of religious studies, will lecture to open up my own event planning former peer advisor. We had a it would be important to have it “Beyond the Veil: The Status and Role of Women in Islam” as business,” said Estrella, who will lot of variety; this defi nitely was fi lled by the next SOC meeting,” presented by the department of international relations’ Middle apply the skills she has learned a good pool of candidates,” said said Mintz. East Society. The event will be held in Academic I, room 194 from working directly with the Ivy Siegel, coordinator in the Some of the responsibilities on Jan. 27. For more information, call 305-919-4839 or e-mail events coordinator of magazine department of Campus Life and of the events coordinator include MES@fi u.edu. 944 as an intern. Orientation. being accountable for the initia- The election was held at 4 p.m. The rest of the group consisted tion and programming of SOC- SJMC to host Spanish-language, bilingual media review in the Wolfe University Center of Dayamis, a senior majoring sponsored events, and recruiting SJMC will present Mark Fitzgerald’s presentation of “Dos room 155, and was over seen by in advertising; graduate students committee members for the pro- Rios, Dos Puentes: The Unique Dual Transitions Facing Hispanic all fi ve executive board members Jody A. Miller and Diana Maldo- duction of special events. Media,” a review of the current state of Spanish-language and and all registered members of the nado; and junior Angela Araya, The events coordinator is also bilingual media on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. Fitzgerald is Editor & Pub- SOC. all majoring in hospitality man- responsible for carrying out any lisher magazine’s Editor-at-Large. Attendance is free and open “We held a special election agement. offi cial assignments given by the to the public. For more information call 305-919-4411. because the current events coordi- Siegel was also pleased with president. nator, [Jessica Castillo], resigned. the turnout. Estrella hopes to come up with Osher Lifelong learning Instititue to present sound tour She is going to graduate and “I was surprised that so many different events that will promote The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will present a tour of wanted to focus on her educa- people applied. It’s nice to see student involvment through care- the Arthur and Mata Jaffe Collection and the Judaica Sound tion,” said SOC President Joe L. so many showed interest,” said ful planning. Archives at Florida Atlantic University Libraries in Boca Mintz. Siegel. “There’s a lot involved in Raton. The event will be held Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For The list of applicants consisted The election process consisted [planning]. You have to think members, the fee is $40 and for non-members, $50. Register of nine FIU students studying a of each of the 41 FIU clubs casting every possible detail through, you at 305-919-5910 or www.caps.fi u.edu/olli. variety of disciplines. The appli- one vote, with the winner receiv- have to be prepared for the good cants were Barbara Hawkins, a ing the most votes. The applicants that can happen, the bad. You have – Compiled by Susana Rodriguez and Catherine Kaiman senior majoring in humanities; were required to have a minimum to be very methodical,” she said. Africana group hosts inaugural meeting at BBC

TEXT, page 1 original texts, the meeting The meeting’s general inaugurated the Africana consensus was that the shar- Knowledge Working Group ing of the sacred text is not of South Florida. This group only benefi cial for Yoruba, is comprised of delegates but African history as well. from the Smithsonian, botan- “[These texts] are not ica owners, priests, healers, about religion, but about performers and spiritualists. knowledge and culture,” “One of our church’s said Ogundiran. “We can not fundamentals is afford to not take the Africana education,”Pichardo said. knowledge seriously.” “The trouble we have had In a 1993 landmark over someyears is not being Supreme Court decision, able to find an academic the justices unanimously institution that we could call ruled that a law passed in home to begin such important Hialeah that banned religious research and the [African animal sacrafi ce rituels, was New World Studies Depart- as unconstitutional because it ment] has now embraced EDDITH SEVILLA/THE BEACON overly suppressed the Church us and therefore our goal is A DIVINE PRESENTATION: Orlando Ramos (left), Ubaldo G. Porto (center) and Ernesto Pichardo (right) display the of Lukumi Babalu-Aye’s right finally met and this is the original sacred texts of the Yoruba religion to the public for the fi rst time in history. to religious freedom. kickoff.” “We have progressed The group’s goal is to Ava Purkiss, a graduate towards legitimizing Afri- these traditions into academ- understand the diverse cul- enough legally and academi- create and foster collabo- student in the department of can religions and will serve ics,” Purkiss said. tures in the world. cally at this point to bring out ration for research about ANWS, also believes edu- as a conduit - a foundation The group hopes that by “I am hopeful that FIU can the texts and integrate it so African history as well as cation is the best way to to some of the goals like expanding the curriculum of be the fi rst university in the that the study of the religion spread awareness of African enlighten mainstream cul- engaging the mainstream, classes that is taught in the nation to have a certifi cate in can be now taken to another knowledge and religions ture about historical African shifting paradigms, enabling ANWS program, students what I think should be under level,” Pichardo said. within the ANWS Certifi cate issues. tolerance, combating fear and and professionals across all Yoruba studies,” Pichardo Besides revealing the program. “I think it’s a first step ignorance and incorporating majors will be prepared to said. Contact Us Joseph Marhee Opinion Editor Joseph.Marhee@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 5 www.fi usm.com January 22, 2008

SIC merge causing unnecessary trouble

In an effort to save a dime, tions on the University Park the University Park Student campus. Government Council proposed Another detail of this merger to combine three prominent stu- that may signify a steadily dent organizations: the Honors widening chasm between the Councils, Graduate Student two FIU campuses is that this Association and Student Orga- merger is only being imple- nization Council. mented on the University Park If approved on Jan. 23, at campus and the current struc- the SGC-UP meeting, the three ture will remain at the Biscayne councils, while still be techni- Bay campus. cally operating as they had A move as hastily imple- before until the end of the mented as this could adversely semester, but under the com- affect the future activities of bined auspices of the Student many of the student organiza- Involvement Council. tions, and with this “simplic- RICK MARTINEZ/THE BEACON The merger of these three ity”-drive merger, the results CAMPUS SUPPORT: Ron Paul advocates set up a booth to promote their favored Republican candidate. councils, while regarded as may have the reverse affect on illogical, serve different pur- the student population: the cut Misconceptions of Ron Paul poses to the students of FIU, funds would potentially hurt appears to be of a purely fi nan- promotion initiatives for the cial motive: The combined councils, and fail to get more ERIC FELDMAN if he repudiates the newsletter’s forward to seeing” if they had budgets of the councils will be students involved. Staff Writer remarks, he stated that he did not. taken “one more step.” cut by $17,000 which would be A failure like that may result In fact, the Austin president of the The desecration of Paul’s utilized if the councils remained is a loss much bigger than the As the Florida primaries draw NAACP has decidedly supported cautionary stance comes despite independent of one another. dime the proposed Student nearer, Rep. Ron Paul remains one Paul on this issue. the fact that pre-emptive war The official motive, as Involvement Council has its of the most enigmatic fi gures of During the Jan. 10 GOP debates with Iran is an unpopular idea relayed by Comptroller, Sergio death-grip on. the upcoming presidential race. on Fox News, Paul urged that nationwide, especially since the Ibarra-Bolanos, was appar- Finances aside --as $17,000 Paul supporters tell the success America use restraint and reason release of the most recent National ently to streamline financial is a rather small amount for story of a humble Constitutionalist when dealing with Iran, stating Intelligence Estimate, which processes, and therefore make the councils as a whole—the OB-GYN who has out- that we must not let our guard suggests that the country’s nuclear them more effi cient as well as formal structure of the SOC is fundraised top-tier candidates in down against President Mahmoud program has been halted. simplistic. the model for the new Student a “revolution” set to return the Ahmadinejad. Paul would have a profound Bolanos described the Involvement Council, with the government back to its people. Meanwhile, Iowa caucus- effect on domestic policy. merger as tackling a, “giant Graduate Student Association Skeptics of Paul point out that winner Mike Huckabee warned His plans center on monster” rather than a “three- and Honors Council tantamount his policies are not only out of that if Iran ever “put their sights constitutionality and states rights, headed monster”. He continues to just two more organizations touch with the mainstream but on an American vessel,” the next such as eliminating the federal by explaining that if the merger under the umbrella of the SOC, implausible in today’s world thing they will see will be the Department of Education and were to go through and one just with a new name and fewer climate, and even accuse him “gates of hell” in response to an nullifying federal drug laws, council under-spends its budget, managerial duties to pay for. of being a racist conspiracy isolated incident with an Iranian The U.S. would save countless the remainder could be allocated This practice is ultimately inef- theorist. vessel. amounts of money and end elsewhere where unused funds fective because the GSA and Ron Paul is not a savior. Paul, on the other hand, Washington’s ineffi cient control could be put to good use. HC are catering to a very differ- However, an objective look at simply pleaded for restraint and of these institutions. The obvious dilemma is that ent part of FIU’s student base, his stances will show that he demanded that we not look for Of course, many of Paul’s with a lowered budget—even and therefore would not come is a sensible politician whose reasons to launch a new war. policies would have a diffi cult lowered only by $17,000— to expect the same things from policies can appeal to a majority Mediator Brit Hume proceeded time passing through Congress, some councils may have to a possible Student Involvement of voters. to ignore the warmongering of but it seems that the buzzword for completely reconfi gure fi nan- Council as members of the 150 First off, Paul is not a racist. Paul’s opponents and attempted this year’s elections is “change.” cial practices of years past. (and continually rising) clubs This allegation largely stems from to rip into his answer. A Ron Paul nomination would While $17,000 doesn’t on campus. newsletters attributed to Paul’s He insisted that Paul’s be a mandate from the people account for a majority of the In the larger scope of what name published over a decade opponents had just advocated a for a new course, and would respective council’s budget, a the benefits are to this pro- ago which contained negative passive response to Iran, when symbolically do more to spur the collective like the SOC could posal, the list is very limited comments about blacks. Paul has in reality, Fred Thompson had change of conventional politics suffer dramatically from a cut and essentially can be summa- repeatedly stated that he did not just stated that the offensive in America than the election to that size: the SOC currently rized by the dictum, “If it’s not write the comments, and when Iranians would be “introduced to offi ce of any candidate who uses represents over 150 organiza- broken, don’t fi x it.” asked by Wolf Blitzer on CNN the virgins they’ve been looking “change” as their platform. GOP candidates support Bush, yet keep their distance

CHRIS CABRAL the next president. the country. thinking in the White House. Good luck with that, Mitt – and Asst. Life! Editor With Bush’s approval ratings in Don’t let McCain or his surro- Giuliani has repeatedly alluded to oh, did I mention his actual name the tank, you can expect the Repub- gates convince you that his policies the possibility of invading Iran and is Willard? With our economy hurtling lican candidates to distance them- would be dramatically different from includes neo-Conservative master- It would be diffi cult to point out toward a recession, an unpopular selves from Bush. They’ll insist they those of the Bush administration. As mind Norman Podhoretz among his all the fl aws with each of the many war raging overseas and a broken are a “different” kind of Republican. he told the Republican National Con- top consultants. GOP candidates. Of course, it’s not health care system, you can fi nd few Yet when it mattered most, they vention in 2004, he thinks “President Ironically, Romney attacked like the GOP candidates are all bad. people in this country who are less defended and helped him. Bush deserves not only our support, the Democratic nominee for being In fairness, McCain deserves credit popular than George W. Bush. Take the so-called maverick but our admiration.” Expect him to inconsistent in his views in 2004, for opposing torture, and Giuliani In a poll conducted by Gallup, 79 John McCain for instance. Senator take that admiration and promises of while now in 2008 he is the one and Romney deserve credit for being percent of those who responded said McCain voted for the Iraq war and an endless occupation of Iraq all the being called a “fl ip-fl opper.” He has somewhat moderate the last time that the country needed to change now says he’d be willing to keep way the White House in 2008. a habit of making misleading and they held offi ce. direction from his policies. Yet as American troops there for “one Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney embarrassing statements, not unlike Yet when you examine their heir the 2008 election approaches, it is thousand years.” have both lauded Bush. Giuliani one President George W. Bush. plans for the country, all the Repub- important for people to remember: Though he has differed with said in 2004, “Thank God George Romney said he saw his father lican frontrunners would perpetuate Bush did not single-handedly lead Bush on a few issues, he is far from Bush is our president.” Considering “march with Martin Luther King” Bush policies. And that would be this country to ruin. He had a lot of a moderate. Last year, he received a Giuliani’s foreign policy views, Bush (never happened) and on his web- disastrous for the country. help. Many of the people who did glowing 90 percent grade from the and Cheney might be thanking God site claims he will “end energy everything in their power to keep John Birch society, one of the most for him, since he clearly wants to dependence.” Not dependence on Chris Cabral is also the President him in offi ce are seeking to become radically right-wing think tanks in keep their neo-Conservative way of oil, dependence on energy itself. of the College Democrats Contact Us Geoffrey Anderson, Jr Life! Editor geoffrey.anderson@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon –6 www.fi usm.com January 22, 2008 Your health in a nutshell

I am always looking for new ways to improve my diet. Like most of you, I do not own a portable kitchen that goes with me from school to work, and then back home to follow the same routine day after day. I simply do not have the time to deal with that. I am always on the run trying to keep a healthy diet. It is easier for me to pick a healthy meal at lunchtime because I do not like being involved in greasy and sticky situations. When lunch is over my body asks for des- sert. Since I do not get it, I crave it and most likely get it after as a snack at least once or twice a day. Couldn’t I enjoy a food that tastes good and cheers me up during the lows of the day and that is as fi lling as chocolate or cake and Annual club fair to move outdoors actually nutritious? Research has proved that nuts are one of those foods. Nuts combine great taste with JONATHAN DAVILA time. vices will be exhibiting on Jan. 23. great properties. Contributing Writer “It would be more interesting to have Sports clubs will not be represented Nuts are crunchy, fi lling and good for you. two days packed with intense activities on either day because these clubs are not Many people do not include them because The annual Student Organizations instead of four less active days,” said registered under SOC. they are high in fat content, but as Muscle & Council Club Fair will be taking place Oudit. In order to encourage clubs to partici- Fitness Magazine explains, the high fat content this Jan. 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 “We hope that clubs will take advan- pate in the Club Fair and other events and is complemented by a lot of protein and the fats p.m. tage of all that’s being offered to them activities, SOC created the SOC Point are comprised of mono and polyunsaturated Unlike previous semesters when the and do a brilliant job in representing System. fats, which make nuts a healthy food. fair was held in the Graham Center pit, themselves.” “[It] ensure[s] that the registered orga- When talking about nuts we are referring to the fair will be taking place outdoors, To go along with the carnival theme, nizations remain active and visible on almonds, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil on the GC lawn, and will be sporting the fair will be decorated with circus-like campus in order to receive funding and nuts and pistachios mainly. a carnival theme. inflatables and feature many outdoor have access to services on campus clubs Almonds are recognized as the “king” Stefano Boulos, President of the activities such as rock climbing and must attain a minimum of twelve points nut, according to an article in Men’s Health Chemistry Club, is excited about the dunking tanks. in order to be eligible for funding,” said by Bill Stieg. move to the outdoors. “We are already There will also be free food provided Oudit. “An ounce of almonds provides half the planning many things that usually we by Shorty’s BBQ, as well as popcorn, Clubs that participate in the fair will vitamin E you need daily, 8 percent of the wouldn’t be able to do indoors,” said cotton candy, and sno-cones. receive one SOC point. The best repre- calcium and 19 percent of the magnesium,” Boulos. However, SOC Treasurer, Robert sented table gains another point. Last Steig said in the article. “We’re going to be doing some Chung, advised that students must prove semester, the Chemistry Club won. “For If the shells or the aspect of the nuts bother chemistry demonstrations that we their participation in the fair in order to sure we will be part of the race again,” you, nut-based products, like peanut butter, usually wouldn’t do inside GC – it’s obtain the free food. said Boulos. are good for your diet too. Do not confuse not that they are dangerous, but being “Each prospective member will be Oudit has high expectations for the them with items that have added nuts such as outside will allow us to accommodate given a passport. For each person to get Club Fair this semester. “We at SOC are ice cream or chocolate, according to WebMD. ourselves a lot better.” free food they must visit five clubs and get extremely excited about this year's Club com. The fair was initially scheduled [the passport] signed,” said Chung. Fair and really look forward to seeing According to Muscle & Fitness Magazine, to run for four days next week but On Jan. 22, the Academic, Business, our clubs representing themselves in all almonds are high in protein and fi ber and they SOC Event Coordinator Nivv Oudit Cultural/Social, and Law/Political clubs their glory. boost heart health. Walnuts provide almost all explained that by condensing the fair will be represented. At the risk of sounding completely the omega-3s you need for the day and improve into two days there would be more Clubs representing the Arts, Engineer- pretentious, I reckon it's going to be the the ratio of good to bad cholesterol. clubs on site together at the same ing, Health/Wellness, Religious, and Ser- best Club Fair yet” he said. Peanuts are an excellent source of mono- unsaturated fat and Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which regulates thyroid function and, in turn, metabolism. Foo Fighters open 21-city tour Ideas to include nuts in your diet, as recommended by WebMD.com, to sprinkle cereals, FALLAN M. PATTERSON crowd. Although the band has been around for ole American rock n’ roll of Foo Fighters. yogurts, vegetables and breads with nuts. Staff Writer a decade on indie labels, they have begun to They resurrected a few old songs including Something to be careful about is the intake see major-label success off their latest album, “Sweetness” off of “Bleed American” and amount. Nuts are like popcorn. You may sit In a world overtly saturated with rap and New Wave. introduced many to the slightly softer in the couch with a bag to watch a show and, hip hop music, it was comforting to know Frontman Tom Gabel half and more emo sound of “Chase without noticing, you had the whole back that, for one night at least, rock and roll was screams, half sings to the audi- This Light”, including the new during one episode. not dead. A nearly full house packed the ence as his band thrashes to single “Always Be.” One ounce is the perfect measure. A small Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise Jan. 16 on the sound. Jimmy Eat World, The main course ran handful is about one ounce which, depending the opening night of the Foo Fighters 21-city touring for their new album out on stage full of energy on the nut, could be from 150 to 200 calories. tour. Joining them on stage was Against Me! , “Chase This Light,” is best and ready to rock. With a According to WebMD.com, a handful of a Gainesville, Florida punk rock band singing known for its 1990’s record dynamic frontman like Dave almonds is about 160 calories, walnuts are songs of political rebellion, and Jimmy Eat “Bleed American” which Grohl, former drummer to 180 calories and dry roasted unsalted peanuts World, an emo/alternative band from Mesa, featured the MTV over-killed 1990’s grunge gods Nirvana, are 160 calories. Arizona. hit “The Middle.” you better be off your seats and Do not make nuts an addition to your diet as Against Me!, with odes to Condoleezza While some of their songs can singing along. The large stage was an extra intake. Include them in your diet in the Rice and optimistic lyrics about looking be considered harder than others, this band extended on either side to allow Grohl room right amount and, as a replacement for sweets toward the future, commenced the evening was defi nitely the lull between the previous or greasy snacks and dressings. with full-throttle energy to a half-packed hardcore punk and the yet-to-come good FOO, page 9 www.fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – January 22, 2008 7 Solving your way out of the puzzle that is “Puzzleland”

As a gamer, I know the game I’m playing at the moment depends greatly on the sort of mood I’m in. Happy, sad, frustrated; there’s always that game that hits the spot. For those of you just looking for a laugh, I give you “Puzzleland”. “Puzzleland” is one of those gems you rarely come across and could easily overlook. A charming, hand-drawn, point- and-click adventure that, at first, may seem like a badly drawn flash game, but there is so much more to this game than COURTESY OF HEAVYGAMES.COM meets the eye. Meet James Mahogany, a yellow, in order to cross the chasm, you have to crudely drawn man who wears a grey find a way to wake the lumberjack to cut suit with a red tie and walks strictly the tree down, which falls on him, and sideways. then release a boulder to knock the tree Throughout “Puzzleland’s” five unique down over the chasm to serve as your levels, the goal is to help Mahogany bridge. defeat his arch rival Gregory. Every level is more complex, more To do so, you must point and click ridiculous and more satisfying than the on everything in the window to figure last. out what it does and, ultimately, what Even after you have defeated Gregory, sequence of pointing and clicking will get you will come back again and again for Mahogany to the other side safely. more. Sounds pretty standard, but this isn’t This game is easy to get hooked on. like any other point-and-click adven- It’s not only fun, it’s a completely free ture. flash game which means no downloads The graphics and sound alone would be and no waiting. enough to set it apart, but “Puzzleland’s” As far as point-and-click puzzle games gameplay is so out of the box it takes a go, “Puzzleland” is innovative in its chal- while to actually start thinking as uncon- lenges and unique in its sense of humor. ventionally as you really have to in order You can save Mahogany online at to solve the puzzles. http://www.mostplays.com. Even in the very first level, you prob- It is listed under the Puzzle section of ably wouldn’t automatically assume that the main page. 8 The Beacon – January 22, 2008 LIFE! www.ﬁ usm.com Sailing through a Semester at Sea

CHRISTIN ERAZO Recently, a group of FIU stu- Contributing Writer dents embarked on the Fall 2007 voyage on the MV Explorer to For most students, semesters tour Japan, Thailand, Croatia, are usually spent cooped up in and Spain. This 100 day voyage classrooms, listening to boring spanned three continents and gave lectures or sticking their noses these students an experience of a in books. lifetime. A more creative and interactive Lily Trelles, alumna, recalls way of learning – the Semester some of her best memories. at Sea study abroad program “Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunset, – allows undergraduate students visiting the pyramids and my to see world landmarks such as camel ride through the desert the Taj Mahal, the pyramids of were by far some of my favorite Egypt, and other famous places. memories,” Trelles said. COURTESY PHOTO The program is offered through Joining Trelles, Veronica SEAVOYAGERS: FIU students Lily Trelles, Veronica Caballero and Lisette Trelles took part in the Semester at Sea study abroad program last Fall. The the University of Virginia and is Caballero and Lissette Trelles girls visited countries such as Japan while earning college credits. sponsored by the International traveled to thirteen different ports Shipboard Education. while following curriculum that One class, entitled Global cides with the different port cities their home university. Students are sent abroad to required each student to take a Studies, is an upper-level geog- visited throughout the semester The program recommends stu- learn about different societies minimum of 12 credits. raphy course required for all so they are introduced to the city dents to follow up with their uni- and cultures. The undergraduate program students on board. before docking. versity’s registrar offi ce to assure Undergraduate students are allows students from all different The importance of the course is The University of Virginia and that Semester at Sea classes count targeted for the program, but majors to take required courses that it highlights the complexity, its Semester at Sea program fea- toward their degree. opportunities for high school stu- and electives in order to fulfi ll dynamics and interdependence of tures transferable credits, allow- dents are available as well. their course work. world systems. Curriculum coin- ing students to transfer credits to STUDY ABROAD, page 9 REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE) MOVIE Cloverfi eld MUSICMUSIC Canoe New York escape fi lm Indie folk-pop not for the faint of heart group going “Places”

SUSANA RODRIGUEZ party are shaky as Hud works characters know and where Asst. News Director the crowd gathering farewells they’re going. CHRIS TOWERS ful to the original’s melody and and last thoughts for his number Once life as they know it Asst. News Director chord change, Canoe’s version When Rob walked into his one dude before he fl ies off to shatters at the appearance of the adds an anxiety missing from the going away party, he thought Japan to begin a new life as a monster, Rob realizes he For the most part, when I review original, moving from the falsetto he would fi nally get a chance to company’s vice-president. And has to let Beth know he music, I review albums by artists and fi nger picked fi rst verse, to tell his friend Beth how he felt. every time you so much as think loves her come his whose work I am intimately famil- a more rocking third verse when But when an earthquake strikes you’re going to see the beast, or his friends des- iar with. This time, though, I’ve the normally timid Hoiland let’s Manhattan, Rob’s night is cut Hud panics and runs - the camera ignated survival decided to review an album by a loose for a cracked and emotional short as the streets surge with convulsing with each stride as rights. band that is all but unknown out- outburst that reveals an emotional people running away from the the pavement shakes and streaks Rob goes so far side the city of Portland, Oregon. core previously unseen. tremor’s source - a skyscraper on screen. as to put his crew Canoe is a five piece, folk- In between those two songs you sized monster that rises from the If you’re wondering where the through the middle pop group whose independently have “Anxious Jenny”, the only Hudson Bay and begins its ram- monster comes from or what of a military fire- released debut album, “Places” downright danceable song on the page through New York City. it is you won’t find these storm against the (available from iTunes or canoemu- album, and “Ugly Girls”, arguably Sound familiar? It’s not. answers in “Cloverfield.” beast in the journey to sic.net), came out earlier this month. the album’s best song. Director J.J. Abrams’ “Clover- Rather, knowledge is Beth’s apartment. Musically, they sound like Sufjan “Ugly Girls” is what would’ve fi eld” transforms the Japanese limited to He takes them Stevens fronting The Decemberists happened if Randy Newman was monster genre into a human only underground, hiking by way of Badly Drawn Boy, if you in a bluegrass group, and is one drama when he chooses to render what through the subway can follow that slightly disjointed of the best country infl ected pop events from his protagonists’ the tunnels as a shortcut musical lineage. With his pleasant tunes in a long time. point of view. and nearly gets his friends voice and affected falsetto style, it Unfortunately, outside of that The audience shares eyes with turned into shish-ka-bobs is almost impossible to not think 5 song run, many of the album’s Hud, Rob’s best friend and the by the monster’s spawn. of Stevens whenever lead vocalist songs run together and are easily most unreliable cameraman at Overall, “Cloverfield” Matt Hoiland sings. forgettable, suffering from a same- the end of the world, as they fl ee doesn’t want you to sym- Many of the songs on the album ness in sound and philosophy, from the gargantuan creature as pathize with its crea- are James Taylor-esque, finger preferring to pacify the listener it terrorizes the city. ture or point fi ngers at picked ditties, which even Taylor rather than challenge. Rob and Hud are joined by whatever organization has trouble making sound inter- There isn’t a bad song amongst fellow party goers and friends may or may not be to esting. Canoe runs into that same the 17 here, an impressive feat Jason, Lily and Marlena in a blame for its apparition problem. Repetitive, fi nger picked for a debut album to be certain, journey to escape from New (the movie opens with a chords do not make for interesting but much of the record is simply York and save the stranded Beth title card that this is U.S. musical sounds, unfortunately. forgettable, which is made all the (because, naturally, Rob alienates military property you’re Fortunately, a number of the more apparent by sticking the best her at the party causing her to watching). songs that do begin with the deli- songs in the middle. run home and giving us a story What it wants is for cate fi nger picked style pick up. Despite these shortcomings, to follow). you to realize that life is Midway through the record, the this is an impressive debut album “Cloverfield” isn’t for the preciously short, that every band really begins to swing, begin- for a band that has a fan base of faint of heart, much less those moment counts, so carpe ning with the fi nal 40 seconds of no more than a thousand listeners who have just had a meal. Shot diem and share your feel- “Drip, Drip, Drop”, and culminat- in their native Portland. If they using a single, hand-held camera, ings with the one you love. ing in an extremely impressive can strike a balance between the the screen jumps and jolts with Because a monster could cover of one of the best songs rawer, more exciting moments in the protagonists as they run just hop out of the ocean right of the past decade, Neutral Milk the middle and the subdued pretty through the city. Even the open- now and steal the chance to Hotel’s “Holland, 1945”. stuff surrounding it, they won’t ing scenes of Rob’s going away say “I love you.” While staying fairly faith- stay unknown for long. www.fi usm.com LIFE! 9 Foo rocks the Bank Atlantic Center Worldwide excursions lead to knowledge

STUDY ABROAD, page 8 Despite her hardships with both universities registrar offi ces, Cabal- Caballero explains the diffi culty lero still holds wonderful memories she had in transferring her credits from her excursions and describes to FIU. “To make sure that my them as memorable and unique. semester abroad would count was “The chance to visit all these extremely tedious,” she said. countries back to back and compare Veronica spent weeks before the diverse cultures was amazing. her trip fi lling out forms in differ- This is what stands out the most ent departments to ensure that her when I think about the voyage I credits were accepted. made.” “Even two days before I left, I Unlike Trelles, Caballero would PHOTOS BY FERNANDO GARCIA /THE BEACON not recommend the program on an EAT FOO: Foo Fighters (bottom right) rock out with Jimmy Eat World received a phone call telling me to academic basis. “I don’t know if I’d (above) and Against Me (top right) in Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise fi ll out more forms,” Caballero said. recommend the program,” Caballero on Jan. 16 Now that her semester abroad is over, Caballero claims there are still said. Due to the heavy course load FOO, page 6 With more than a decade of inadequacies with the program. and strict administration, Caballero to run across the room and a cat- music to choose from, the Foo had “My transcript was received by believes that it “took away from walk protruded out the middle of no problem fi lling a two hour set, FIU on Dec. 13, 2007. After calling the trip.” the stage, breaking up the large including a fi ve song encore. FIU’s registrar’s offi ce several times, “However, I recommend every- t group in the pit ready to mosh. At Since forming in 1995 after the they told me it’s going to take three one to experience cultures differen from our own and travel to eastern the end of the catwalk was a large suicide of Kurt Cobain, Nirvana’s more weeks for them to process. countries that we normally wouldn’t circle covered with a black tarp and creator, lead singer and guitarist, Now that I’m back, I still haven’t dare to visit.” Every semester, the another tarp suspended 200 feet into Foo Fighters have released five seen my grades,” she said. Semester at Sea program changes the air covering a surprise. albums and are touring for the latest Though diffi culties ensued, all their itineraries to include different The jaw-dropping began when “Echoes, Silence, Patience and students agree their experiences cities throughout Europe, Africa, the lights dimmed and an entire new Grace”. The show was an exciting, were magnifi cent. “We met in San Asia and North America. set lowered onto the end of the cat- raucous tribute to the power of Diego and drove down to Ensenada, In order to be admitted into the walk. The band then played a mini rock n’ roll and the artistry of Dave Mexico to board the ship,” Trelles program, students must submit concert within a concert of acoustic Grohl. said. “Next thing we knew we were an essay, be in versions of their songs, including off to Hawaii, Japan, China, Hong good academic “Marigold” and “Everlong.” Foo Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, India, standing and pass a disciplinary Fighters played a seven city acoustic Egypt, Turkey, Croatia and Spain for clearance. Visit FIUSM.com tour in the summer of 2006. Grohl a 100-day experience of a lifetime. For students needing fi nancial mentioned that they thought they I would recommend this program assistance, ISE accepts FAFSA and would bring a piece along since “he GO ONLINE TO SEE MORE to each and every student in the also provides awards for qualifi ed couldn’t be everywhere at once.” CONCERT PHOTOS United States and abroad.” students. 10 The Beacon – January 22, 2008 SPORTS www.fi usm.com Dream of making team stems from high school

ABBEY, page 12 ida Air Academy soccer had it all together during my the past few months, and job at The Beacon where I basketball for a while. four coaches in four years. senior year. So from the there is always a difference was able to get up close and Soon enough a knee but my bold response was, All of them were differ- beginning, I already felt between the two, mainly the personal with both of the comes ramming into my “I’m going to walk on at ent in their methodology, like I had a mental hurdle speed difference. school’s soccer teams. lower thigh, right above FIU.” but they pretty much used This gives me more of my knee, and the pain came When I said that I me in the same fashion. an idea of what to expect immediately. usually got a sarcastic- My coaches usually used When you’re sitting down, whenever these tryouts are I still feel pain, but I can sounding “good luck” as me as a wing back that scheduled – usually in late get back to 100 percent in a response. I think from would pick and choose his the game looks a lot slower February. There has been no the next three or four days. the beginning, this didn’t spots to join the attack. from than stands than playing offi cial announcement yet, Luckily, I’ve never exactly make sense to many That gave us another but I’m doing everything to broken anything in my people. weapon with the attack, on the pitch. stay ready. body, so healing fast has I always played good but there were times where Just a couple days ago, never been a problem. defense at Florida Air Acad- I became greedy and I realized I was doing too After the long weekend, emy, but there were times neglected my defensive to jump over. When you’re sitting much. I will be back on the intra- where my focus was right- duties. I also realized that I down, the game looks a My body couldn’t resist mural fi elds to practice. fully in question. In my eyes, inconsistency would be playing against lot slower from than stands going to the gym though I’m very ready and just I believe it came from would have defi ned my high these same guys that I than playing on the pitch. my mind wanted to relax patiently waiting for my my weird positioning. Flor- school career if I didn’t put have been watching over Thankfully, I was given a and I decided to play some opportunity. High school athletes angered over return of their coach

ABUSE, page 12 offi cials. They fi led their lawsuit the dent Deborah Orr and Scott Patrick, being identifi ed, to avoid revealing Podolefsky — then so be it. day after Hough’s return. assistant superintendent for student the youths’ identities. Some Warrensburg High parents said a parent of one of the plaintiffs. Supporters cite the school sys- services, as defendants. Hough, “I’ve lived here all my life,” he are going one step further, circulat- He’s a police offi cer and a lifelong tem’s internal inquiry, and a more who also teaches physical educa- said. “I can’t believe how many ing a petition asking the board of resident of this town, population narrow investigation by the state tion at a Warrensburg elementary people turned on my family.” governors to fi re Aaron Podolefsky, 17,000, a little more than an hour’s Department of Social Services, as school, did not respond to requests The youths’ attorney, Ronnie an anthropologist by training who drive from Kansas City. proof that Hough is innocent. for comment. Podolefsky, has been a particular became the school’s president in The situation dates back to 2004, They say the players’ real motiva- Patrick, whose daughter is on target in a town long-accustomed July 2005 after 15 years at Northern when a softball player accused tion is vengeance against a demand- the Warrensburg basketball team, to cordial relations with the Central Iowa, the last eight as provost. Hough of improper physical contact. ing coach, fueled by parents who defended the school system’s deci- Missouri campus. “It’s nothing new when the dis- More complaints were lodged with were unhappy over their daughters’ sion not to interview the youths “She’s the fi rst lady of educa- gruntled resort to the old stereotype school offi cials in 2006, and with lack of playing time, though four of before Hough was reinstated, noting tion,” said Greg Hassler, a local of an uppity wife who doesn’t know the Warrensburg school board last the players started last year and two that some were questioned when radio station owner and sportscaster her place,” Ronnie Podolefsky said. summer. were key subs off the bench. they voiced their concerns initially. whose on-air broadsides against “My career is independent and sepa- The school system placed Hough “I think they’re very unfair,” said “At that point it was contentious Podolefsky have fueled the criti- rate from the university.” on administrative leave with pay in Donna Warden, whose daughter is enough,” he said. “We didn’t feel it cism. “She’s supposed to be a com- The rancor in Warrensburg is not September, but reinstated him two not among the accusers and con- would be productive.” munity leader.” uncommon when trusted teachers months later after concluding the tinues to play for the Lady Tigers. The teens are identifi ed individu- By the estimation of Hough’s are accused of sexual abuse, said accusations lacked merit. The six “It ended up being a collabora- ally only as Jane Doe in the suit. The supporters, the college president’s Robert Shoop, a professor of educa- players now suing — all of whom tion because they want a different Associated Press generally does not wife is out of line. tional administration at Kansas State are basketball players — say that coach.” identify victims of sexual assaults or They want her to stop repre- University who has testifi ed in over during the internal investigation they The lawsuit also names the War- those who make such accusations senting the players, and if that 50 court cases involving accusations were never interviewed by school rensburg R-VI district, Superinten- in court. Their parents also are not means fi ring her husband — Aaron of sexual misconduct. CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Play JAI-ALAI right down the street! Free lessons, cestas, balls. Open 7 days/nights. 100% safe. American Amateur Jai-Alai academy. 1935 NE 150th St. (786) 629-5428 [email protected]

PLACE A VALENTINES GRAM! Want to impress a special somebody with a Valentine’s gram? Then place one with us! Your gram will run in the Valentines Day issue of The Beacon. For only $10 you can write a 25 word gram. Contact us at 305- 348-6993 or e-mail Beacon@ﬁ u.edu

FOR RENT

For Rent two rooms. Utilities included kitchen, swimming pool, tennis court. References required. Price is 490/month. 300 deposit required. 15 minutes from FIU. Contact Zuly 786-306-8281

A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Thank you for reading Every Monday and Thursday www.ﬁ usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – January 22, 2008 11 Hinton uses physical ALL IN THE FAMILY talents as small forward

HINTON, page 12 season is to do my best to degree to raise a family. contribute to the basketball “I’m just going to use did not have strict weight team in order to grow as what my coaches have limits,” Hinton said. much as I can as a player,” taught me, what I learned “I started playing orga- he said. on the fi eld and the court, nized basketball at 6 years Personally, Hinton has and in the classroom as I old and I would practice by defi ned his own future suc- continue at FIU,” Hinton using garbage cans and sim- cess as being able to uti- said. “I just want to always ulating the game the night lize his sports management better myself.” before a big match up.” As a forward, Hinton is undersized at his position. However, he feels playing football was the best physical preparation for transitioning onto the court. “Basketball just comes a little easier for me because the physicality of football has put me in a great position to perform on the court,” he said. Playing two different sports also means adapting to two different coaches, but Hinton sees no funda- mental difference between coach Cristobal and coach Rouco. With Hinton’s childhood dream coming true in his fourth year of college, he explains that football still has precedent over bas- JESSICA MARSHALL/THE BEACON FILE PHOTO VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON ketball. SWITCHING SIDES: Former Golden Panther center Xavier Shannon is attending “Really, my goal for the NEWEST ADDITION: Moses Hinton’s 265 pound frame is graduate school at UM where he will play for his father, Randy Shannon. last half of the basketball unusually robust among basketball players. Contact Us Sergio Bonilla Sports Editor sergio.bonilla@fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 12 www.fi usm.com January 22, 2008 Making men’s DOUBLE DUTY soccer team no Tight end Moses Hinton splits his time simple process on the fi eld and on the basketball court

mentally. AUDRINA BIGOS Why do I do this? Contributing Writer Because for almost an entire year, I have had As the newest addition to only one goal regarding the men’s basketball team, soccer: make the men’s Moses Hinton transitioned ll of my experiences A soccer team as a walk on. in a matter of weeks from playing soccer since I was It all started on Senior a Division I-A tight end 12 years old have been Night last year at Florida to playing his first three challenging yet positive. Air Academy. We found a minutes against Troy State Switching to defense in way to win 3-2 against our on Jan. 9. high school was challeng- archrival Melbourne Cen- “The game against Troy ing and positive. tral Catholic and every was my fi rst time playing an Playing Division I senior was interviewed offi ciated game of basket- soccer? At this point I after the game. ball in over four years, and I fi nd it more challenging When it came to my was nervous and even shak- than anything else. turn and I was asked, ing,” Hinton said. “Coach Ball drills, trying to “Where do you take your [Sergio Rouco] just told reduce my 40-yard dash soccer game from here?” me to go out and play, but time and watching a lot of Well I had no reason to all I could hear was my soccer is just a small taste think that it could happen, teammates from the football of what I’m preparing team cheering me on in the for both physically and ABBEY, page 10 stands and being really sup- portive.” While remaining to train with the football team, Hinton began practicing with his new team just prior to the start of the spring semester. “During Christmas break, while discussing fi fth-year eligibility, [football] coach [Mario] Cris- tobal asked me my interest in playing on the basketball

FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON FILE PHOTO team because coach Rouco felt that I could be a posi- SOCCER TRYOUT: The men’s soccer team fi nished with tive addition to the team at a 3-12-2 record in 2007. that point in the season,” Hinton said. After careful consider- Missouri divided ation, Hinton decided to begin practicing with the team a week prior to their over sexual abuse victory over Troy. “Even after his fi rst practice with us, I could tell he VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON case against coach was going to help us out,” TIGHT END/FORWARD: Moses Hinton practices with the basketball team as a forward. said junior forward Alex Hinton sufferd an injury in 2006, but now he plays for the basketball team. Galindo. “I am used to ALAN SCHER ZAGIE trash (three of the players seeing him with a helmet AP Writer who have sued the white on, but obviously he has chance of receiving a schol- 3, 265 pound tight end has spent the majority of his coach also are white, three brought us some luck with arship with a Division I-A defi nitely made his contri- college career playing foot- Like many high school ath- are black). They’ve been us winning his first two football team due to the bution on the football team. ball, he says basketball letes, the Warrensburg High insulted to their faces and games with us, so that’s a large number of players. Having to sit out six games is the sport he loves the Lady Tigers were admired on Facebook and MySpace plus.” Soon after, he received as a result of an injury most. throughout their small town. pages. Hinton’s transition from a scholarship fro former in 2006, Hinton became “I would say my big- Then they accused their bas- Their parents’ jobs the gridiron to the basket- Golden Panthers head coach more cautious and realized gest passion is for basket- ketball coach of sexual mis- have been threatened. And ball court came as a shock to some of the team’s bas- conduct. the involvement of their Moses Hinton, Basketball Forward and Football Tight End Now the six female ath- attorney, who also hap- ketball players. letes who sued the school pens to be the wife of “It defi nitely surprised “I would say my biggest passion is for basketball district and coach Russell the University of Central me. I have never heard of a Hough — after an internal Missouri’s president, has football player coming onto because growing up I was always too heavy to play investigation cleared him sparked a backlash that the basketball team halfway football and basketball did not have strict weight — are pariahs. includes efforts to oust the through the season,” said The bad feeling has gone college leader. junior center Russell Hicks. limits. well beyond a spirited defense “They tell us we’re “Regardless, I knew him of Hough, who also serves as tearing apart the com- before and I liked him, and the softball coach and insists munity. They’ve told us he defi nitely fi ts right in.” Don Strock. that protecting his physi- ball, because growing up he’s innocent. to leave town, (that) we Coming out of Ameri- Scoring the Golden Pan- cal health had to become a I was always too heavy to The teens have been called don’t love this place,” can Heritage High School, thers’ fi rst touchdown of the priority. play football and basketball liars, bullies and even white Hinton’s uncle explained 2007 season and averaging Although Hinton has a ABUSE, page 10 that he would have a greater 15 yards per catch, 6-foot- football scholarship and HINTON, page 11