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7-22-2009 The Beacon, July 22, 2009 Florida International University

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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 22, Issue 5 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, July 22, 2009 SSeagrasseseagrasses aarere ddisappearingisappearing IIss ttherehere a rreasoneason bbehindehind aatt aann aalarminglarming rrateate HHonduras’onduras’ ssingleingle terms?terms? PAGE 36 PAGEPAGE 84

SPOTLIGHT SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE UNIVERSITY-WIDE COUNCIL AT THE BAY PAGE 3 Councils A forum at the Kovens Center in BBC showcased how you can get a part of the economic recovery package by next semester. SHE THINKS SO aim to boost EDITORIAL PAGE 4 The CLAST examination’s repeal will leave students with inconvenient circumstances. Student vies for top spot alumni OPINION PAGE 4 on popular TV dance show membership ELSIE PUIG Staff Writer FRANCISCO MARADIAGA In 2008, Syesha Mercado was a fi nalist in Staff Writer American Idol. This year, fellow Golden Panther The “go green” movement, though Both Student Government Coun- noble, has become overbearing in Janette Manrara, 25, is making dance judge Mary advertisements. Murphy scream as she graces the stage of “So You cils came together to create a committee Think You Can Dance.” to study the merits of special elections, LIFE! PAGE 6 Manrara is competing for the title of “Ameri- unveiled plans to make every current FIU ca’s favorite female dancer”, a national tour with student part of the Alumni Association, and the top 10 of the show and $250,000. among other things, tweaked the constitu- On July 15, 20 of her close friends and family tion at their fi rst University-wide Council gathered at Don Shula’s Athletic Club to watch the meeting on July 15. show at 8 p.m. Karen Alvarez, one of her cousins, Anthony Rionda, SGC-Maidique New Web site uses an algorithm Campus president, motioned for the to make your decisions for you, said they gather religiously to watch Manrara freewill becoming obsolete. perform ever since she auditioned for the second council to be against special elections after time to be on the show. the SGC advisors of both campuses recom- LIFE! PAGE 5 mended to do away with them. A college age-old tradition comes “Janette is defi nitely one of the hardest to stage in the new version of working people I know and the fact that she made Speaking on behalf of both advisors, Reefer Madness. it to the green mile last year and got cut at the top SGC-MC advisor Jose Toscano pleaded 30 only added more fuel for her to better herself his case to the UWC that special elec- SPORTS PAGE 8 and secure her spot in Season Five’s Top 20,” said tions, held after the spring general election, her brother, Alex Manrara. cost both University campuses upward of Her brother Alex described the emotions he $1000 in coordinating and administering felt when he heard of news that she while only attracting around a combined had been selected at the auditions. 250 student voters. His suggestion was for “At around 6:30 p.m., while driving the senate to approve or reaffi rm students New martial arts inspired excercise seeking offi ce. program keeps students in shape at home from work, I received a call from the Rec Center. my sister letting me know she was the fi rst “To save all that time on both the admin- person in Vegas to fi nd out she made it into the top istrative side and the student that wants to get elected or reelected into the senate, we UPCOMING EVENTS 20. It’s hard to describe the mixture of emotions I felt. I completely stopped my vehicle and started are looking for you as the UWC to adopt Contemporary Art Boot Camp, July the idea to have students come and be reaf- 22, 7:30 p.m. Come out to the Museum yelling, crying, smiling, a little bit of everything. of Contemporary Art and free with your I was defi nitely the proudest brother in Miami at fi rmed through the senate,” Toscano said. $12 admission listen to a lecture about that moment, I could tell you that,” he said. During discussion on the motion, it was “Pleasure Principle in Art” . The group at the watch party cheered as she brought up that certain consequences may Hemingway Days Festival, July 22-26, received rave reviews from the dance judges arise from eliminating special elections. 3 p.m. It’s a haul but if you’re looking for One of them might be that students may something this weekend, who doesn’t like when she performed a Bollywood dance number Key West? It takes place on Duval Street with the fi ve remaining female dancers, and after circumvent the election process for the and is free! chance at an easier appointment in the fall, as well as the prospect of having offi cials International Bullriding Bash, July 25, PHOTO COURTESY: FOX DANCE, page 6 6 p.m. Taking place in the Davie Arena in seats that were not voted upon by the you can go watch a bunch of cowboys get entire student body. tossed off bulls; all for the low price of $15. BUDGET CRISIS SGC-BBC President Sholom Neistein argued against the notion that the student WEATHER body would be adversely affected seeing WEDNESDAY Institute to award scholarships how not enough students run to fi ll every Scattered T-Storms seat. LOW: 79 HIGH: 89 and anthropology alumn, spoke JOSHIMAR GARCIA economic stimulus package. “Four people ran when there were 20 THURSDAY at the forum about the economic Staff Writer CBCF is a non-profi t, non- senate positions,” said Neistein refer- Isolated T-Storms crisis. Benford is a community partisan public policy, research ring to past BBC elections. “If there were LOW: 79 HIGH: 91 organizer at the Miami Worker Public educational institu- and educational institute founded 20 people running, they would have been FRIDAY Center, which helps working-class tions are facing deep budget cuts, in 1976, which aims to improve elected.” Scattered T-Storms people build organizations, and LOW: 80 HIGH: 90 but through an economic stim- the socioeconomic situation of Rionda then withdrew his motion in organize campaigns and educa- ulus package, University students African Americans, as well as favor of creating an election committee tional programs. Benford's latest can expect help from the U.S. poor communities around the to evaluate the election process. It passed CONTACTS project is to launch campaigns to government. country. unanimously. Editor in Chief ...... 305-348-1580 study the impact of the recession The Congressional Black The event was free and open Neistein and Rionda presented the idea chris.necuze@fi usm.com in different communities. Caucus Foundation Inc. hosted to University students and the of making every current student a basic MC Offi ce ...... 305-348-2709 “There are educational impli- news@fi usm.com the “Economic Recovery Forum” general public. Multiple informa- member of the Alumni Association. cations for the work that we do BBC Offi ce ...... 305-919-4722 in the Kovens Conference Center tion sessions were held, ranging “Everyone would be an automatic bbc@fi usm.com because when you talk about the at the Biscayne Bay Campus. The from the green recovery efforts in member, and get all the discounts and Tips & Corrections ...... 305-348-2709 FIU cuts, those are just emblem- lecturers spoke about the Amer- South Florida, to the impact of the perks,” said Rionda. “But if they wanted tips@fi usm.com atic of state-wide cuts that are Advertising ...... 305-348-6994 ican Recovery and Reinvestment ARRA on the community. advertising@fi usm.com Act of 2009, also known as the Hashim Benford, a sociology STIMULUS, page 3 SGA, page 3 2 The Beacon – Wednesday, July 22, 2009 NEWS www.fi usm.com

NEWS FLASH CLAST repealed by legislature FIU Miami Dade College belongs to Alumni Association challenge exceeded Skills requirements still to be the Florida College System, both of which are separate entities func- The challenge set by FIU President-designate Mark met through alternative classes tioning under different protocols. Rosenberg exceeded its goals. The Board of Governors, at the According to the University, Rosenberg set a chal- head of the SUS, have yet to approve lenge of recruiting more than 2,000 members for the CHRISTOPHER LAZAGA or ACT scores. of the use of the CPT as a means of Alumni Association in less than two months. Staff Writer According to FIU’s online satisfying CLAS requirements. The deadline was June 30, and by that date, more than academic advising guide, scores “The Articulation Coordina- 2,000 people have joined the Association. After new legislation passed in yielding CLAS exemptions on the tion Committee (a committee in the “We recruited more new members in two months than March this year, the state of Florida SAT are 500 or above for both the Florida Department of Education) is many other schools recruit in a full year,” said Duane has made the decision to discontinue verbal and math sections. coming together to see how to come Wiles, executive associate director of the FIU Alumni the administration of the College- For the ACT, scores yielding up with alternatives,” Kulick said. Association, to news.fi u.edu. Level Academic Skills Test. CLAS exemption are 21 or above Kulick is expecting a directive Effective July 1, 2009, Senate Bill on the English and math sections as from the Board of Governors by the LOCAL 1676 repealed the use of the CLAST well as 22 or above in the reading start of the Fall semester, but it is not to measure academic proficiency in section. a certainty. State University System elects new chancellor areas identified by the College-Level Coursework exemptions at FIU Kulick stresses that students must Academic Skills Project. require a 2.5 GPA in ENC 1101 and understand that, despite the repeal of Florida Atlantic University President John Brogan Since August of 1984, the CLAST was chosen by the Board of Governors as chancellor for has been administered to all under- the State University System. graduate students enrolled in state Now, more than ever, [students] need According to The Sun-Sentinel, Brogan’s background post-secondary institutions in order ranges from education and politics as he has served both to ensure they possess the neces- to focus on coursework and doing well as education commissioner and lieutenant governor. sary communication and computa- so they can satisfy this Brogan will serve as FAU president until mid-Sep- tion skills for higher education. The tember. The FAU Board of Trustees will meet on July test satisfied the mandates of Section requirement... 22 to discuss plans for a national search. 1008.29, F.S. According to Gabriel Medina, Maria Kulick, director Turtle-hunting ban now in effect a senior History major working Center for Academic Success the front desk at the Center for The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis- Academic Success, administration of sion passed a strict ban on the commercial harvesting of the CLAST was discontinued for a 1102 (or their equivalents) and a 2.5 the CLAST, the CLAS requirement is freshwater turtles. simple, familiar reason. GPA in a pair of math courses, of still in place. It is of utmost impor- According to CBS4, turtle meat is in high demand in “Funding. [The state of Florida] which there are multiple options. The tance that students take the CLAS Asia which makes freshwater turtles an attractive target took away the funding for the office options are available on the FIU Web requirement into consideration and for hunters. that tracks the scores,” Medina said. site. ensure they have fulfilled it before The ban also prohibits the collection of turtle eggs, “They didn’t get rid of the office, According to Kulick, there is being barred from their majors’ upper however it will exempt local turtle farms, who will be but they’ve trimmed it down,” said a possibility that the CLAST will division classes. allowed to harvest turtles for breeding. Maria Kulick, the director for the be replaced by another exam, the “Now, more than ever, [students] Center for Academic Success. College Placement Test. need to focus on coursework and “What’s been eliminated is the Florida colleges, such as Miami doing well so they can satisfy this – Compiled by Jorge Valens option to test for [CLAS]. The Dade College, are already utilizing requirement before going into their requirement is still in place." the CPT as a CLAST alternative. majors,” Kulick said. According to Kulick, methods “We don’t do [the CPT] at FIU,” available to FIU students for satis- Kulick said. fying CLAS requirements are limited The reason being that FIU belongs to course work and satisfactory SAT to the State University System and E-BOARD AND PRODUCTION STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF ASST. OPINION EDITOR CHRISTOPHER NECUZE MATTHEW RUCKMAN Cheerleaders make fi rst stride as club ASST. PHOTO EDITOR PRODUCTION MANAGER COURTNEY BAAS CHRIS ADAMS JORGE VALENS ULS’s first division. the cheerleaders to continue washes. Asst. News Director As of this year the team on, however, they would Information on the BBC PHOTO EDITOR COPY CHIEF splits its home games need to work with Student newly formed sports club PAULA GARCIA SERGIO MONTEALEGRE The FIU cheerleaders between FIU Stadium and Affairs with regards to and a schedule of fund- NEWS DIRECTOR have partnered with Lockheart Stadium in Ft. organizing and maintaining raiser events can be found PAGE DESIGNERS JULIA CARDENUTO MiamiFC, a Miami-based Lauderdale, Fla. a budget and also looking on the cheerleaders’ Face- ANGIE ESPOSITO, JASMYN ELLIOTT, BBC MANAGING EDITOR United Soccer League Freshman cheerleader for donors and sponsors. book group, “Save FIU CHARLES GRAU, ASHLEY SALAMANCA PAMELA DUQUE team, as their first spon- Drita Dokic sees the part- Athletics will continue Cheer”. LIFE! EDITOR sorship since becoming a nership as “mutually to allow the cheerleaders to The cheerleaders will be COPY EDITORS CHRIS CABRAL University sports club. beneficial.” perform at athletic events. making appearances at both ASHLYN TOLEDO, STEPHANIE PI, SPORTS DIRECTOR The cheerleaders will “It’s a great opportu- The team was also home games on July 17 and ERIKA PEREZ, JASONN GONZALEZ, SERGIO BONILLA sell tickets to home games nity,” Dokic said. allowed to keep their July 19 against the Portland CARLA GARCIA, CHELSEA FRANCO OPINION EDITOR both on and off campus and The cheerleaders will be uniforms and will be given Timbers. IRIS FEBRES RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR will be able to keep some selling tickets throughout practice space in the U.S. According to the PHOTO EDITOR ROSALYN DELGADO of the proceeds to fund South Florida and also Century Bank Arena when MiamiFC Web site, tickets ALEX GARCIA their program. Monday through Thursday available. for games will cost $12 for BUSINESS MANAGER “We are still working in the Graham Center for The cheerleaders adults and $7 for children ASST. NEWS DIRECTORS TATIANA CANTILLO JORGE VALENS, DAIANA KUCAWCA through some of the the rest of the month. continue to explore under seven and students DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA process,” said Tommy Head cheerleading different opportunities with valid identification. ROBERT JAROSS ASST. LIFE EDITORS Knapp, director of Tick- coach Maria George was for fund raising, which RACHAEL CONGDON ASST. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA eting and Hospitality for unavailable for comment include holding regular car ASST. SPORTS DIRECTORS ALFRED SOTO MiamiFC. at the time this article was JONATHAN RAMOS, CHRIS TOWERS Knapp went on to say written. that the cheerleaders would The cheerleading CORRECTIONS INFORMATION be taking 50 percent of the program was recently elim- ticket revenues that they inated by Athletics due to The Beacon is published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the Fall and In the article titled “SPC hopes to attract more Spring semesters and once a week during Summer B. One copy per person. Additional raise. the department’s budget students with Summer Splash” published July 15, it copies are 25 cents. The Beacon is not responsible for the content of ads. Ad content is Also, as part of the deal, cuts, totaling $1 million. was stated that the Summer Splash will take place the sole responsibility of the company or vendor. The Beacon is an editorially indepen- 15 FIU Cheer members will However, Student July 23. The event will take place Aug. 6 from 7 p.m. dent newspaper partially funded by student and services fees that are appropriated by don MiamiFC uniforms and Affairs organized a meeting student government. to 11 p.m. in the pool area of the Aquatic Center. For The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, Room 210, at the cheer at home games begin- on July 7 to announce plans more information, call 305-919-5280. Maidique Campus. Questions regarding display advertising and billing should be ning on Aug. 1 against the to convert FIU Cheer into directed to the Advertising Manager at 305-348-2709. Mailing address: Graham Montreal Impact at FIU a campus sports club under The Beacon will gladly change any errors. Call Center, Room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305-348-2712. Biscayne Bay Stadium. the funding and support of Campus is 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through our UP offi ce at 305-348-2709 or BBC at 305-919-

Friday. E-mail: Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online at:www.fi usm.com. MiamiFC was founded Recreation Services. 4722. in 2006 and is part of the The move would allow Contact Us Pamela Duque BBC Managing Editor pamela.duque@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 3 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, July 22, 2009 SGA councils Seagrass vanishing at alarming rate

pearing at an alarming rate, said William meet to update Study co-lead by University Dennison, professor of marine sciences at the University of Maryland and one of the study’s co-authors, in a press professor fi nds reasons why release. constitution “Globally, we lose a seagrass IVAN FLORES ping sediments that would otherwise meadow the size of a soccer fi eld every wash out to sea. SGA, page 1 When SGC-MC Contributing Writer 30 minutes,” Dennison said. senator of College of “A decline in seagrasses could lead Reducing the amount of waste a card or a shirt, you Arts and Sciences Gabriel A new study said the alarming rate to an increase in beach erosion,” Camp- discharge and fertilizer in the water, and would pay maybe $5 a Medina asked Rionda at which seagrasses are disappearing not bell said. not walking through or boating over semester.” on his stance on the only threatens their existence, but also The problems seagrass commu- seagrasses, can help protect these endan- The hope for this move BOT’s recommendation the quality of the world’s water. nities face are chronic, according to gered communities. would be to raise both to raise outgoing Presi- The study, which was published in the Fourqurean. There is an excess of waste “Supporting legislative efforts for student pride and the dent Modesto Maidique’s Proceedings of the National Academy of being discharged into the water, making clear and clean water are also key to number of the University’s bonus to $100,000, Rionda Sciences Early Edition on June 29 and it diffi cult for the seagrasses to survive, protecting the seagrasses,” Fourqurean alumni base. would not comment on his was co-authored by University professor he said. said. “We would automati- James Fourqurean, showed that the Another major problem facing While it does take seagrass commu- cally have 40,000 extra world’s seagrasses are disappearing at seagrass communities is boat scarring. nities a long time to recover after they members,” Neistein said. about 42 square miles per year since As boats pass through shallow waters, have been destroyed, there are ways The cost of such a move I did not show any 1980, and humans are one of the main their hulls and propellers destroy the of replacing damaged seagrass with has yet to have a fixed objection to it. It is causes. communities, which take at least a seagrass that has been grown in a labora- figure. better than us nam- The comprehensive study looked decade to return to their original states, tory. But this method has been met with Rionda answered ques- ing something that at fi ndings from more than 200 other according to Campbell. diffi culties. studies that documented the loss of Forty-fi ve percent of the world’s tions on the changing of would take away “The problem with growing and University Park’s name by seagrasses around the world, the earliest population lives on 5 percent of the land planting seagrass is an issue of scale,” calling it a petty issue in from future fund- record extending back to 1879. near the coast, according to Fourqurean said Campbell, adding that it would the face of more looming raising opportuni- Justin Campbell, an FIU alum in a press release. Since seagrasses are be diffi cult to grow and plant enough concerns that faced the ties. working on a Ph.D. in marine science, is located in shallow coastal waters, like seagrass to repair an already damaged Board of Trustees at that studying the impacts of climate change the Biscayne Bay, overpopulation in ecosystem. meeting, such as program Anthony Rionda, president on seagrass communities, which provide these areas place seagrass communities “It is terrible that the seagrasses cuts. SGC-MC homes for aquatic life near the Florida in a vulnerable position. are disappearing,” said Gloria Lynch, As a member of the Bay, such as snappers, barracudas, spiny “If there was a decline in the a sophomore environmental science BOT, Rionda had a vote lobsters and manatees. seagrasses around FIU, the water would major. “More should be done to save in the renaming of Univer- vote. Rionda was not part Seagrasses reduce the effects of not be as blue or as clear as it is now,” them because they preserve our beaches sity Park, which he voted of the BOT committee that beach erosion by slowing down waves Fourqurean said. by being one of the fi rst defenses against in favor of. Had he voted recommended the bonus before they crash on shore, and by trap- Seagrass communities are disap- erosion.” differently, the outcome raise, the money for which would have remained the would come from the FIU same. Foundation. Recovery Act to ease budget cuts “I did not show any The constitution objection to it,” Rionda was also tweaked at the said. “It is better than meeting without the need STIMULUS, page 1 us naming something of a student body vote. that would take away The first change was happening in various sectors,” said from future fund-raising the striking of all mentions Benford. “For too long, we built our opportunities.” of University Park in the spending systems on very fragile struc- Rionda was referring to constitution to Maidique tures, and now that those structures are the fact that campus build- Campus. crumbled, people are getting laid off.” ings are usually named or According to Toscano, The ARRA will help prevent thou- renamed to honor outgoing Roberts Rules of Order sands of expected teacher layoffs by presidents, making it allows for such minimal allocating resources for school repairs impossible for them to be changes without a formal and improvements, and increasing renamed for money in the process. Jones, who fi nancial assistance for college students, future. could grant waivers to according to the CBCF Resource “We are Florida Inter- the process, allowed it as Guide for African Americans. national University, not it had no real impact on “Tax dollars can be used by the a campus,” Rionda said. the constitution and the states to supplement these budget “We have to get over it.” students. shortfalls, so they can direct them to Rosa Jones, vice pres- The second change universities like FIU to either create ident of Student Affairs, revolved around the consti- programs or save programs,” said acknowledged that there tutional prescribed date for Alana C. Hackshaw, senior research JOSHIMAR GARCIA/THE BEACON was sentiment among UWC meetings. According and policy analyst for CBCF and REACHING OUT: Hashim Benford, an FIU alum and community organizer, spoke the faculty, staff and to Article 7, the UWC is to project coordinator for the event. “The to attendees about the impact of the recession on different communities on July students that they were not meet on the last academic point of the money coming to the 18 at the Kovens Conference Center. consulted. calendar Wednesday of states is to help prevent things such as She said, however, every month. professors being laid off.” $5,550. for students who either go to school or that the BOT was within The UWC leader- States will be receiving $48.6 CBCF also offers scholarships. live in a CBCF district." its power to rename the ship saw a problem billion, according to the CBCF resource They currently have eight scholarship FIU is eligible for all of the schol- campus. She told the with meeting the last guide; 82 percent of dispersed money programs, which are partly funded by arships, according to Carter. Eligi- UWC that she believes the Wednesday of August as will go to elementary, secondary, CBCF's annual Golf and Tennis Tour- bility is determined by GPA, major renaming of the campus it conflicts with the first college and early childhood programs nament hosted every January, which and whether students meet the require- was not a thought-out week of Fall semester. from 2009 through 2011. raises $700,000 for scholarships. ments for the particular scholarship. process. Rionda read Article 13 “President Obama is trying to The types of scholarships range “I hope that whatever struggle FIU “I think this occurred of the constitution, which expand the resources being allocated from two that are open to all majors, is dealing with that some of the money as a response to certain allows the UWC and the to the schools,” Hackshaw said. “He is one for the performing arts, one from the Recovery Act will be able trustees who put the vice president of Student trying to increase the amount of money for visual arts and two for health to offset or alleviate that,” Hackshaw motion on the table to be Affairs to grant a waiver, going to college students through Pell sciences. said. “This is my fi rst time being here, able to honor Dr. Maid- lasting no more than a Grants.” "FIU students would defi nitely be and I hope that the University will ique,” Jones said. “It’s not semester, of any provision Under the ARRA, $17.1 billion eligible because they are in the district continue to get the resources it needs like they went into this of the SGA constitution. will be allocated for Pell Grants. In of Representative Kendrick B. Meek, a to support its students.” months or weeks thinking 2009, the maximum Pell Grant award black member of Congress," said Ja'net For additional information about about the process.” will increase to $5,350 for students. Y. Carter, scholarship coordinator for scholarship requirements and how to In 2010, the grant will increase to CBCF. "We promote our scholarships apply, visit www.cbcfi nc.org. Contact Us Iris Febres Opinion Editor opinion@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, July 22, 2009

CLAST repeal indicates financial smarts, but WASTE OF TIME students will suffer ‘Green’ movement necessary but overdone ANA AROCHA Suddenly, demand for more eco-friendly products soared The price of a low score on the SAT just Contributing Writer and producers responded powerfully. went up. There are green alternatives to all products hygienic, dispos- As of July 1, 2009, Florida’s university It seems as if the days of choosing paper grocery bags as able and edible. The television, radio and Internet are constantly system will no longer administer the College an earth-preserving precaution are long gone. Now, with all force-feeding us recycling tips such as composting pet feces Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST). Until the emphasis on going “green,” even the eco-friendly reusable and making the switch from non-biodegradable to re-usable. recently, students who had scored less than a canvas bag option does not seem to be enough. Stories of ice caps melting 500 on the SAT on either the verbal or math There is no doubt about it: our eco-negligence is and disappearing species are section or below a similar threshold on the burning a hole in our atmosphere and we are know- broadcasted constantly. Books ACT could take the test to fulfi ll Florida’s ingly depleting all our earth’s natural resources. on earth-saving advice are higher education requirements. But this is not a new concept. printed by the thousands Now, thanks to the passage of bill S.1676 The idea of a possible “greenhouse effect” every year and celebrity- by the Florida Legislature, students who score was proposed in 1896, though scientists endorsed “save the earth” below the minimum requirements on either test believed it would not happen for another projects are everywhere. will be forced to take two additional classes. thousand years. Don’t get me wrong: It’s Given the current state of Florida’s univer- However, in the 1950s and ‘60s, great that we are fi nally doing sity system, it is easy to understand the logic scientists realized that global warming something for our planet, but behind such a move. Requiring students to was beginning to take its toll. this sudden global toxic purge take the CLAST, which cost $80, would have Naturally, precautions were put into effect that the environmental groups brought substantially less revenue into the to help minimize carbon footprints; hybrid cars are suggesting is a bit much. university system than requiring them to take were developed that would reduce the amount of Pushing the “go green” move- two classes. greenhouse gasses released into the air, global warming ment down the consumer’s throat is A university like FIU stands to bring in education was brought to the masses and there came about an going to have the same effect that repetitive commercials have: hundreds more per student under the new rules. emphasis on recycling. They will be ignored. They become background noise and will Throw in the windfall earned from the increase Small steps like these kept people aware of the need for either go over people’s heads or completely annoy them to the in textbook sales, and FIU and the rest of Flori- reform and pushed us gently into a “greener” tomorrow. point of purposely not buying the earth-friendly products. da’s public universities stand to reap substantial But apparently these precautions were not enough to satisfy What the environmental groups need is to go back to the fi nancial benefi ts. the eco-obsessed. In the past few years, “green” advocates have good, subtle encouragements. They can scare us every once in Yet this added revenue comes at a price. made it their mission to drive the population crazy. a while with stories of the polar animals searching frantically Current students who were accepted to Al Gore’s 2008 documentary about global warming, An for a way to survive the alarming rate at which the poles are the University and other state universities Inconvenient Truth, unearthed a wave of fear we have been melting. But they have to be smart about it. expecting to be able to take the CLAST and harvesting since scientists fi rst discovered that all of our tech- Incessant advertisements will only annoy us and will had planned their schedules accordingly are nological advancements have been breaking a hole in our honestly not get them anywhere. now being asked to take two additional classes. atmosphere. Those who had put off taking the CLAST and are close to graduation now fi nd themselves six credits further from a diploma. SAY WHAT?!: Do you think the “Go Green” movement has become overbearing? This increased fi nancial burden is far from benefi cial for these students. FIU, and Flori- “It’s a good message but “It’s important but it’s time “I don’t pay attention to “Of course it’s important – I da’s other public institutions, accepted these it’s overdone. I don’t even to tone down the green mes- commercials, but I appreciate don’t think they should stop. students under pretense that they would only pay attention anymore, sage. There are too many the eff ort!” They should keep trying to have to spend $80 to make up for their low spread information.” scores. really.” advertisements.” Now they are being forced to spend ten times as much money, and far more time than the fi ve hours it would take to complete the Roberto Pereira Maria Santella Marjan Towfi ghi CLAST. Jon Gonzalez Senior, Computer Science Sophomore, Computer Engineering Senior, Anthropology/Asian Studies Graduate Student, Business While the changes certainly make fi nan- cial sense for Florida’s underfunded university system, their sudden and rigid implementation is unfair to students already admitted to their colleges. Th ere is reason behind Honduras’ one-term policy There is nothing wrong with applying these requirements to all students who have yet to DOUGLAS RIVERO article however, just as FIU Professor Eduardo to protect the power of the upper classes in be admitted to the University or other institu- Special to The Beacon Gamarra in a recent FIU panel of “experts,” Honduras. The overall goal was to crystallize tions. The state has a right and a responsibility fails to truly understand the events that led to the economic and political power of the rich to impose high standards on students attending This article is in response to Matthew Ruck- this coup in the fi rst place. Their biased anal- and their self-serving economic trade agree- public universities. man’s piece, which was published on July 8. yses, fueled by a strong hatred for anything ments with the U.S. It even calls for a one-term Moreover, some students no doubt stand to For the full version of this article, visit fi usm. hinting at communism, ignores the behavior of presidency. learn much more from taking an entire class com/opinion. the Honduran oligarchy and the U.S. in fueling Now does anyone even question the logic rather than cramming for a fi ve-hour test. Many support the June 28 coup under- Zelaya’s push for greater social and economic of having an executive possibly elected for just Current students, however, deserve to be taken by the Honduran military against Presi- justice in Honduras. one term? Why? The oligarchy in Honduras did given the option of taking the CLAST or a dent Zelaya in Honduras. Matthew Ruckman’s In 1982, the Honduran oligarchy, together not want to have their people elect their own similar test. Asking them to take on the added July 15 article cites Zelaya’s attempt to alter the with the United States, underwrote an extremely FDR who would push the drastic, necessary expense of two classes does more than hurt Honduran constitution and his desire to form a limited and biased constitution in Honduras changes for the country in order to improve the them fi nancially; it betrays their trust. Students closer bond with Venezuelan President Hugo during the height of Ronald Reagan’s geno- most impoverished nation in Central America. It who were accepted and told they would only Chavez as legitimate reasons for removing cidal war against the indigenous people of gives them time to remove a “populist” should have to take an additional test should be held to President Zelaya from power. Ruckman’s Latin America. The constitution was intended one come to power. the standards under which they agreed to attend the University. Florida universities shouldn’t get students EDITORIAL POLICY WINNERLOSER OPINIONPIECE QUOTATIONATION to attend their institutions under one set of Accio Harry Potter requirements and then impose another. Editorials are the unifi ed voice millions! President Barack Obama “I dealt with my past, of the editorial board, which and the Half-Blood Prince, hasn’t been so magical The Beacon believes that the repeal of the is composed of the editor in the sixth fi lm installment of lately. Last week he was and my future and J.K. Rowling’s book series, 40 CLAST is justifi ed and fi nancially savvy in chief, management, and the booed at the 2009 MLB All- my present by writing the long term, but students who were admitted editors of each of the fi ve sec- grossed $159.7 million Star Game during his fi rst tions. The Beacon welcomes since its opening on July pitch, and CNN reported on The number of years it about it ... It’s a gift.” expecting to be able to take the CLAST exam any letters regarding or in 15. As of July 20, the fi lm July 20 that his approval has been since the Apollo has a rating of 84% on should not be forced to take additional classes response to its editorials, send rating on handling health 11 mission, where man Frank McCourt (d. July 19, 2008) RottenTomatoes.com. instead. them to opinion@fi usm.com care has dropped. fi rst walked on the moon. Author of “Angela’s Ashes” Contact Us Christopher Cabral Life! Editor chris.cabral@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – 5 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, June 24, 2009

MOMENT OF CLARITY RREEFEREEFER MMADNESSADNESS Game wages A cult classic hits the University stage war on rap legend Jay-Z

DAVID BARRIOS Game must have no sense. Staff Writer The California rapper recently apologized for the highly-publicized “beef” he has with The shuffl ing feet of actors, the smell of cheap incense and his former label-mates on the sounds of singing emerge from DM 150 as members of the his former group, G-unit. theater program prepare for the looming production of Reefer A few years ago, Game Madness, their new musical production. blew up and released On this Friday night, less than a week before the preview dozens of songs dissing performance on July 22, the cast is doing a complete run- 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and through of the musical without costumes. the rest of G-unit, only to Based on the 1936 anti-marihuana cult classic fi lm of the retract it all. Game has done JOHNATHON same name, this is the fi rst time the musical will be performed other questionable things, RAMOS in the Miami-Dade area. such as publicly contemplate suicide, and At this rehearsal the cast runs through the song, “Listen to consider retirement. But Game might be on Jesus, Jimmy,” in which Jesus Christ performs a song and dance a one-way street to ending his career without number to warn the play’s protagonist, Jimmy Harper, that his even having to retire. pot- smoking habit will lead him to eternal damnation. In a performance last weekend at the “I fl oated down from heaven when I heard a lamb had Hammersmith Apollo in London, Game strayed. Look at you, Jim, your brain has turned to marma- went into one of his frenzies and attacked lade,” sings Christ (played by Fernando Lamberty) accompa- rap legend Jay-Z, all while getting the crowd nied by a full chorus line. to chant every profanity they could toward At this point it is evident that this is not your typical him. musical. Certainly, no other musical can promise you sex, mari- The problem is, Jay is as good as ever. juana, satire and cannibalism all under the same roof. Not even After the bump of his 2006 album, Kingdom Sweeney Todd. Come, he responded in 2007 with the release “We’re going to be doing some pretty risky things up there,” of a classic, American Gangster. On the eve said Joshua Dobarganes who plays Jimmy Harper, not wanting of the release of Jay’s new project, Blue- to go into details. print 3, Game is trying to bring attention to “This is a period piece based in 1936. Jimmy is a 16-year- himself with overseas disses in front of a fan old, all-American, goody-goody boy. Naïve and very willing base that mostly doesn’t know better. It is to grow up and do wonderful, wholesome things. The typical why, this time around, he seems to have split cookie cutter American boy,” Dobarganes said. personalities. Sadly, Harper is lured into the seedy drug world after being On his debut album, The Documen- offered “dancing” lessons by the local drug lord, Jack Stone tary, released in 2004, Game specifi cally (played by Jose Urbino). Harper takes the offer, hoping to be brought up Jay-Z in order to clarify a diss to able to dance with his best girl, Mary Jane (Andrea Bovino). another rapper, Ja Rule, and said he “respects Of course, after taking one puff of a joint, he becomes a “reefer legends.” fi end.” Game has changed his angle, and his new The musical then traces Harper’s downfall into a realm of act has made the headlines he was looking hellish madness, reminiscent of Faust or Dante’s Inferno, and for. On the other side of the news, Jay-Z shows the destruction the demon weed inevitably infl icts, not has remained completely mum. This is not only on Harper himself but on those who surround him. the fi rst time Game has chanted Jay’s name Reefer Madness is based on the 1936 fi lm of the same title, negatively, but it surely is the loudest. In light released as anti-pot propaganda during its time; it soon faded of these recent attacks, Jay-Z could release a into obscurity before being revived in the early 1970s, when single in retaliation. pro-pot groups discovered the fi lm and mocked its over-the-top Fans would love to hear one more diss depiction of marijuana addiction, terrible screenplay and medi- record from the man who made “Takeover” ocre production values and acting. and survived Nas’ ferocious blow in “Ether.” The musical was later written by lyricist Kevin Murphy and Of course, Jay will probably continue to take composer Dan Studney in 1998. It was then released in Los the quiet road, and ignore the less talented Angeles, produced off-Broadway in 2001 and, fi nally, adapted Game. to fi lm by the Showtime network in 2005. I can’t blame him for that, he has a reputa- Despite the original fi lm’s intention, its camp value has made tion that could get worse if he feuds publicly it a staple of cult-cinema, and the musical it inspired serves as a with Game. But should he answer Game’s satirical statement on society, authority and ignorance. provocations, it could cement his place as one “It’s about how people in power can use fear to manipulate of the best rappers ever. and intimidate the public,” said Marina Pareja, director of this Similarly to basketball legend Michael production. Jordan getting a sixth championship with the

“The show conveys the idea that authority and power can ALEX GARCIA/THE BEACON Bulls in his mid-30s, if Jay-Z could destroy be dangerously abused, and it asks audiences to be aware of SHOW TIME: Joshua Dobarganes (center) plays Jimmy Harper in Game in just one song, it would be a perfect propaganda messages,” Pareja said. the upcoming play Reefer Madness. way to punctuate his career. The show is being produced by the Alternative Theater Jay can pick any producer he wants, and Summer Festival, consisting of actors, directors and designers get the perfect beat for it. If it is effective, and from the theater department looking to gain experience and REEFER INFO up to his potential, another slew of mediocre continue performing during the summer. Dates & Times: July 23-Aug. 9, 8 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sundays) tracks from Game will not make any noise. The ATSF, however, is fi nancially independent from the It would take another, well-made, ether- theater department and has been operating since 2006. Where: DM 150 type song to singe Jay’s sterling reputation. “We try to show students how to build shows with very little Jay might not want to take that risk, because resources. For Alternative Theater, we have a revolving budget Prices: $5 for preview on July 22, $10 afterward Game, while not among the best, is very from each summer. Our shows are quite small and we reuse all capable. But if Jay-Z could end his career of our props,” Pareja said. 22, in DM 150 and will then run from July 23 – Aug. 9, Thurs- by triumphing over Game, and give hip hop Despite the low budget, Reefer Madness promises great enter- days through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sunday performances will also another gift like “Takeover,” it would be the tainment, biting satire and a singing and dancing Jesus Christ. be held at 5 p.m. Tickets for the shows will cost $10 while the defi ning moment in the career of one of the The show’s preview performance will be held tonight, July preview performance price is $5. genre’s best ever. 6 The Beacon – Wednesday, June 24, 2009 LIFE! www.fi usm.com Manrara gives playful Site takes the guesswork nod to family joke out of everyday decisions TREVOR NICHOLSON also have the option to disagree with DANCE, page 1 and allowed them to just have a great Contributing Writer the results, this will help Hunch hone time.” in on the best suggestions. a hip hop duet with Ade Obayomi. Before becoming part of the show’s top Her tight-knit group of cousins and For years, mankind had to think for So how does Hunch do it? No, 20, Manrara worked at a bank. itself. The question of what car to buy, it’s not magic and it’s not Skynet friends always wait for a signature gesture. When asked by the show what she would “If you ever see her roll her hands what candidate to vote for had to be from Terminator, at least not yet. The do if she were not a dancer, she said that she made by the individual. assumption Hunch has taken is along around, kind of like a tumbling gesture, would be a loan processor, but her passion that’s for her family. It’s an inside joke,” Thanks to hunch.com, all these the lines of “two heads are better than said her brother. tough decisions can be made by one.” Cousin Leo Ponton, along with girlfriend someone else. Basically the site absorbs the knowl- Julie Vanegas, wore shirts that read “Team She is an amazing All this thinking could put people edge from its users, runs it through an Manrara.” dancer, always the one in pretty uncomfortable situations algorithm created by some computer “She will definitely be in the top four, where they could make the wrong scientists, and then uses machine she has never been at the bottom, so I think focused and setting the decisions which, in some cases, could learning to increase the relevance. that says a lot,” said Bianca Lastra, a fellow cost them large sums of money or Apart for answering practical ques- dancer at studio DanceTown. example for the class. even their lives. tions regarding what products to buy “She has been able to handle everything The advantages of a Web site that and the like, the site also answers they’ve thrown at her, dance styles she has Bianca Lastra, dancer attempts to make decisions for a person important questions about the self. never even seen before,” she added. DanceTown are obvious. Users who are curious about how femi- Manrara, a junior finance major, began Hunch.com takes the guesswork out nine they are or what character flaws performing in musical theatre at the age of of decision making. Upon arriving at they may have can answer a series of 12, but her formal dance training did not the Web site, you answer the prelimi- questions and find their answer. has always been dancing and acting. nary 20 questions; these questions are Even the ethical questions humans begin until age 19 studying ballroom, ballet, “I would love to support myself and make pointe, jazz and hip hop. used to get a base understanding of have wrestled with for centuries can a living through dancing or acting and never your personality. finally be answered. One hunch.com Manrara told FOX that her strongest have to return to the corporate world,” she dancing style is salsa with a bit of ballroom Then, you are released into its test tells users whether or not they told FOX. extremely diverse and ever-growing should believe in god, while another flare. “I think the biggest impact for me was “She is amazing as a dancer, always the number of quizzes, each one comprised answers whether or not one should attending the first week’s live taping and of less then 10 questions to offer some baptize their child. one focused and setting the example for the hearing Cat Deely announce ‘Janette,’ and class,” added Lastra on Manrara’s dedica- solutions for your problems. So quit being an individual using seeing her shake and shimmy her way to the After completing a quiz it will free will and let the collective power tion to dancing. center of the stage,” said her brother. “I loved watching how much fun my present you with either percentages of the human population and an algo- There will be a watch party today, July weighing in the two options or, for rithm decide for you- because flipping parents and family would have dancing at 22, at 8 p.m at FIU’s Graham Center Pit. parties,” she said in a statement to FIU. multi-option decisions, it will present a coin is so last month. On that show, the top eight will compete the top three and a wild card. To try it for yourself head to http:// “Dancing and music always made their to stay in the top six. worries and problems go away for a while Don’t like the suggestions? You www.hunch.com. Chance meeting sets the dream of fi ve in motion

ANA ALVAREZ MacLaren and Sola are both Contributing Writer students at FIU and work hard to balance both school and their For most college students, musical aspirations. the thrill of commanding an MacLaren, a junior at FIU, audience as part of a rock band is studying political science and never comes closer than playing may minor in environmental Guitar Hero. studies. Sola is a senior and is For a pair of FIU students, receiving his bachelor’s degree members of the band Baker in environmental studies. Acted, that dream is becoming “At times it can be tough to a reality thanks to a fateful juggle everything, but I need encounter in a Little Haiti both in my life. I try to balance parking lot. them out but they can get in The band first came together each other’s way,” Sola said. only a few months ago and the Baker Acted has performed members had casually known in venues all over South Florida each other from going to live and is quickly becoming some- shows all of the time. thing of a staple in the punk “One night, we were in the music scene. parking lot of Churchill’s Pub Places where they have in Miami, and I had mentioned performed include clubs and PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSPACE.COM/BAKERACTED305 to “Baker” (real name Ranses bars such as The Firefly, Goo, Fundeora) that I wanted to start H.O.M.E. and The Yard. BAKED: From left, band members Jorge “Spaz” Sola, Raul Hernandez, Ranses “Baker” Fundeora, Ash- a punk band,” said lead singer Although their musical influ- ley MacLaren and Danny Escobar. Ashley MacLaren. ences range collectively from “Then [future band member] other bands such as The Dead aspiring rock singers at FIU. motivation to finish homework just going to school, getting Raul said, ‘Baker plays drums’, Kennedy’s, Blatz, Choking “Set aside specific days or and other academic responsi- a career, raising a family and then Baker said, ‘Raul plays Victim, The Dresden Dolls and times during the week that are bilities, Maclaren says that her dying.” bass’, so we decided to start Subhumans, they try to fuse for making music. Setting a academic life influences her Baker Acted is booking rehearsing and give it a go for several different styles together reward and goal is good too. music as well. more shows for the rest of July the next show.” to form their own sound, which Tell yourself you can focus all “I would say that the things and throughout the summer, Baker Acted consists of five they describe as “eclectic” and of your attention on your music that I learned in school have which are being announced members. “in your face.” once you finish your homework influenced my lyrics, which regularly on www.myspace. The singer is Ashley While balancing the respon- for the next few days or some- range from talking about poli- com/bakeracted305. MacLaren, Jorge “Spaz” Sola sibilities of band member and thing along those lines. It tends tics, human rights and so forth. Their next confirmed show is and Danny Escobar play the student can be difficult, lead to push me harder to get my “At the same time I am going taking place at 8 p.m. on Aug. guitar, Raul Hernandez plays singer Ashley MacLaren has work done.” to live my life to the fullest. I 28 at Goo, located at 150 N.W. the bass and “Baker“ plays the developed a system to deal with While the promise of working figured out a while ago that 54th St. Miami, Florida 33137. drums. both, and she offers advice for on her music can be a powerful there is way more to life than www.fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – Wednesday, July 22, 2009 7 Center has right to leave team despite possible fan backlash

RAMOS, page 8 Coach Rouco decided their point of view, even way. not to retain his scholarship among the most objective But if he could not dunk mentioned things very well, during the 2008 offseason. ones. the ball with force, snag it is different. The school sees So it is unreasonable for I have heard the opinion rebounds, and deviate oppo- potential to use his ability to the school to hold any athlete of many students and faculty nents’ shots, people would its advantage, and naturally, hostage after he already made on campus. Most will say barely notice. will not let him go. it clear he would not like Asprilla made a commit- Nobody can speak for But it doesn’t work both to return, especially since ment he should stand by. him, and nobody can make ways. Asprilla can be released if he Optimists will utter that decisions for him. According to NCAA does not perform. Asprilla should give Thomas As disappointing as it bylaws, the school has no a chance and come back to a may be, fans should brace THE FAN VIEW obligation to renew the revamped roster. for the likelihood of losing scholarships of their athletes The fans, however, will Everybody will say that a promising young athlete to every offseason. never be happy with Aspril- except for Asprilla. The what is part of the nature of In fact, former Golden la's decision. facts that Freddy has not college athletics. Panthers guard Erick But that’s what fans do. publicly commented and left VICTORIA LYNCH/BEACON FILE PHOTO Nsangou fi nds himself Losing a player of Asprilla’s the country so suddenly are playing at Barry University caliber will usually result in signs that he has not handled BACK AND FORTH: Center Freddy Asprilla left to Colom- for that reason. concern and scrutiny from the situation in a mature bia after Athletics hired head coach Isiah Thomas. Non-stop aerobics engage Student: Heat should students twice a week develop young players to choose an intensity that is this is a great opportunity for BODYCOMBAT, page 8 been rumored to be in talks a senior criminal justice appropriate to their level of FIU students not only to burn HEAT, page 8 with the Utah Jazz to bring major. “Boozer won’t fi tness.” calories, but to be taught by fi ght opponents in everyday Shaquille O’Neal. veteran forward Carlos solve the Heat’s problems With obesity increasing tremendous instructors.” settings. It’s not known if the Boozer to Miami. of defense in the paint. I rapidly across the United Edie believes the class “We do martial arts move- addition of Odom will The Sun-Sentinel don’t think Riley will make States, aerobic exercises he helps teach can also bring ments but it's not a self- satisfy Wade’s request of reported the Heat “has a move, period.” could help control the spread people closer to three health- defense class,” he said. “It's a roster change, but the not entered talks ... but is But Bell thinks Boozer of chronic diseases such as oriented goals: “Manage not a true martial arts class, 27-year-old guard wants monitoring” the Boozer would be a good addition cardiovascular disease, certain weight, get in shape, live a but we mimic martial arts Odom to come home. situation. for the Heat. types of cancers and type 2 healthy, long life.” movements.” “I want Lamar to do But one University “I think Boozer would diabetes. Adults in Florida "More intense than any He said hopeful participants what’s best for him and student thinks the Heat help. It’d put two big men have a 24.4 percent obesity kick, jump or punch is the should expect to be challenged his family because we should not make any moves on the roster for the play- rate, according to a 2008 report determination to not give by the workout program but love him as family, but on this season and instead offs,” he said. by the Centers for Disease up, because we do not stop not overpowered. the other hand, we want wait for the coveted class If Wade opts out of his Control and Prevention. throughout the class," Edie “People who come into the him back home, to come of 2010. current contract next year, Edie used another statistic said. BodyCombat class for the fi rst home,” Wade said Friday “Stick it out another he could seek a contract to demonstrate the importance time often feel very achieved in a telephone interview year. In 2010, there will be through 2015-2016, one of a demanding physical class for their fi rst session,” Ryan with the Associated Press. more free agents. Develop that could be worth up to like BodyCombat. Visit our Web site for footage of explained. “It's a very intense “His house is still there. Chalmers and Beasley, $45 million more. “Less than 65 percent of the BodyCombat class in action this class, but it's not overwhelming It’d be exciting to see what then try to get Chris Bosh, the adult United States popu- Thursday, July 23. even to the beginner because happens.” Ama’re Stoudemire, Josh The Associated Press’ lation does any type of contin- the BodyCombat instructors Aside from Odom’s Smith or even LeBron Tim Reynolds contributed uous physical activity, and are trained to help participants offer, the Heat have also James,” said Robert Fenton, to this report. SUMMER B INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL STANDINGS

MEN’S OPEN LEAGUE

TEAM OVERALL WP PF PA PD Vinsanity 4-0-0 1.000 230 178 52 ELE 4-0-0 1.000 212 136 76 Average Joes 2-1-0 .667 169 110 59 PIKE 2-2-0 .500 229 193 36 Doppler Effekt 2-2-0 .500 185 188 -3 RageNBallers 1-2-0 .333 126 156 -30 CNT 1-1-1 .333 134 157 -23 Bohica 1-3-0 .250 132 187 -55 Fresh Kicks 1-2-1 .250 115 185 -70 FIJI 1-3-0 .250 94 112 -18 DTF 0-1-0 .000 40 60 -20 Rasta’s 0-2-0 .000 0 4 -4

All standings for intramural basketball leagues are up to date as of July 20. PPantheranther SportsSports ! TTalkalk LLIVE!IVE Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 12-1 p.m. Tune in to 88.1 95.3 96.9 wrgp.org Contact Us Sergio Bonilla Sports Director sergio.bonilla@fi usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 8 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Athletics should release player if COMBAT CRAZE he wishes to leave

reddy Asprilla gave Golden Panthers fans plenty Fof reasons to head to the U.S. Century Bank Arena for men's basketball games last season. What made him stand out? Thunderous, rim-plowing dunks, the ability to inhale any rebound that came near him and a penchant for swatting opponents' shots away. When new head coach Isiah Thomas speaks of the colossal JONATHAN RAMOS Colombian, it is no surprise he is quite a fan himself. That's why Thomas would like to have Asprilla around while he attempts to reconstruct a Golden Panthers team that has failed to earn a winning season this decade. Lost in the optimism of Thomas' hire is the Golden Panthers' star big man, who has requested a release from his scholarship. The school did not grant Asprilla the release, and he reportedly missed the deadline to appeal. As of publication, Athletics has no update on this situation. With the sophomore not giving in, his attorney William Sanchez has indicated that a lawsuit could be in the works, The Miami Herald reported on July 7. It can only get worse for both parties, and ulti- CHRIS GREEN/THE BEACON mately Asprilla should be let go if he desires. STRIKE A POSE: Phillip Edie demonstrates one of the many martial arts movements students learn in the BodyCombat class. A SIMPLE REQUEST Athletes are granted releases from their athletic scholarships relatively often in college sports. Class pairs students with invisible opponents In most cases, a student athlete leaves an insti- tution when he becomes aware that he will not play LUIS ESTRADA more than that, take prior episodes in it’s a lot of fun,” Cagigal said. much, or he leaves a lesser known program in search Staff Writer their life that have caused them stress The 75-minute class consists of 10 of a bigger spotlight. or harm and stomp them out using our segments, varying from strength training Some student athletes request an exit when they Students test their endurance by techniques,” said Phillip Edie, a fi tness to endurance and conditioning. The see the coach that recruited them took another job throwing punches, performing side- instructor at the Rec Center. intensity of each segment is based on or got fi red. kicks, knee strikes and other martial arts Junior Bianca Cagigal has been the speed of the music track. To start the When former Golden Panthers coach Sergio movements for roughly an hour without attending the classes for several weeks, class, students warm up by learning the Rouco was reassigned within Athletics in April, point stopping. and she feels attacking an invisible moves that will be incorporated in the guard Josue Soto left to play professional basketball However, these students are not opponent is a good fi ght simulation for other tracks. By the fi fth track, the energy overseas. fi ghters. students who may not have prior experi- level reaches its peak, then the next track It was a direct result of Rouco’s demotion. The They are participants of a free cardio ence in mixed martial arts. slows down the pace. The fi nal track school did not waver, and made it easy for them to workout class, BodyCombat, offered at “I’m more of a dancer, but this is a gives students a chance to stretch and leave FIU. the Rec Center twice a week on Monday great way to get your cardio done without cool down. However, Asprilla ran into trouble when he left to mornings and Wednesday evenings. having to use a step machine,” she said. Edwin Ryan has been managing his home country in May. He left to Colombia soon BodyCombat students do not deal “It’s very engaging and energetic.” fi tness classes at the Rec Center for more after the Spring semester and was not as forward as with a person or a punching bag, but Another benefi t of the class is having than fi ve years and is the main instructor he could have been. rather an invisible opponent which they instructors who guide the students of the Wednesday evening class. Ryan But he could have been released by now, if not for have to attack with high-intensity martial throughout the workout. clarifi ed that BodyCombat is not a class his domination of the Sun Belt Conference. arts moves. “I don’t always do the punches that will equip students with the skills to The 6-foot-10 center listed at 280 pounds, is a “Our motivation is to try to get [the correctly, but there’s always someone smooth athlete for his size who did not see a Sun students] to visualize an opponent, or there to correct you. You learn a lot and BODYCOMBAT, page 7 Belt Conference defender stop him last season. During his lone campaign at FIU, he fl ourished MIAMI HEAT into one of the most dominant offensive players in the conference, and one of its most intimidating defenders. Free agents have decisions to make He is the team’s best player, and he is just a soph- omore. That's enough reason for Athletic Director JONATHAN DAVILA not accept an extension to ment major and safety for “There can’t be any Pete Garcia to hold onto Asprilla. Staff Writer keep him in a Heat uniform the Golden Panthers foot- major franchise changes At FIU, any student can transfer at any given until 2014, a move the 2006 ball team. made without his commit- time. After a 42-win turn- Finals MVP has said he’s in But Riley, who expressed ment,” said Riley at a press An engineering student with a 3.5 GPA can around season in 2008- “no rush” to commit to. his intentions to re-sign conference on June 18. leave at the completion of a semester without any 2009, the Miami Heat are He wants Heat Presi- Wade in a text message to But that hasn’t stopped problems. worried about losing again – dent Pat Riley to turn the him at 12:01 a.m. on July the Heat from offering a fi ve- A dean’s list regular won’t have a problem trans- but this time, it’s the team's Heat back into a champi- 12, the day the Heat could year package worth around ferring to another school. franchise player. onship contender before he formally offer the All-Star $35 million to forward If Asprilla is a “student athlete,” he should have NBA scoring champion commits to an extension. guard an extension, has said Lamar Odom, who played the same right. Since Asprilla can do the three afore- and Heat guard Dwyane “He works hard, and the team can’t make any with Wade on the 2003-2004 Wade can become an unre- he deserves to get the best moves unless they know Heat before being traded for offer,” said Antwoine Bell, a their star player is in it for RAMOS, page 7 stricted free agent after the 2009-2010 season if he does freshman business manage- the long run. HEAT, page 7