The Beacon, June 30, 2010 Florida International University

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6-30-2010 The Beacon, June 30, 2010 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 81 www.ﬁ usm.com Wednesday, June 30, 2010

FIU has much to gain from Ways for students to AdBeacondolore Editorial:mod Studentsel ex el interest in World Cup save on vacation deals ulputignoredex oneraesequisl. smoking ban SPORTS, PAGE 3 LIFE! PAGE 5 PAGE 5 OPINION, PAGE 7

Chili’s Too opening BE NEGATIVE reigns in the masses NICOLAS SARAVIA a source of payment. Staff Writer “The service was great in most aspects, except that the food took too As a crowd of students lined up to long,” said Khudaija Awan, a Speech order everything from quesadillas and Pathology major. fajitas to hamburgers, others enjoyed “This is a very interesting job,” said drinks by the bar while watching FIFA Vanessa Peña, Chili’s Too greeter. “We World Cup highlights during the grand have had a very successful opening day opening of Chili’s Too at the Graham and the clients are really happy,” she Center on June 23. added. Sitting booths were not completely While having a fairly successful filled, yet the waiting time averaged opening, the arrival of Chili’s Too to the twenty minutes; approximately 600 Graham Center was not free from contro- people congregated at the restaurant for versy. Mixed opinions have surfaced the aperture, with 1,500 transactions due to the serving of alcoholic beverages made the first two days. on campus grounds, which include piña The new Chili’s Too is scheduled to coladas, margaritas, beer, and wine. be open every Monday through Thursday “This is college and some people go from 11am to 8pm, during the Summer crazy with alcohol,” said Alberto Gomez, B semester. The total seating capacity a sophomore Biology major. “Hopefully ESRA ERDOGAN/THE BEACON of the restaurant is 316, with approxi- people will be able to hold their liquor,” University Health Center employee Albert Garcia gives freshman nursing major Tyler mately 204 inside and 112 seats outside, he mentioned. Crawford condoms in an effort to raise awareness about HIV on Monday Jun. 28 in 24 of which will be added during the To ensure responsibility, Aramark has front of Green Library. next month. added the Intelli-Check ID Verification Associated with Panther Dining system and instituted procedures based Services, the Chili’s at FIU also offers the option of accepting Panther Bucks as CHILI’S, page 2 Fraud hotline opened to report ethics violations

MELISSA CACERES medical, research, risk and safety matters, Staff Writer and academic affairs. Overall, the program is said to be costing In the effort to prevent further abuses to the University around $7,000 to $7,500, University policy, FIU has introduced the respectively. Ethics and Compliance Hotline. “It’s really not a lot when you look at what Through the company EthicsPoint, which the potential savings would be to the Univer- provides a confi dential internet and telephone sity,” Jessell said. “We’re hoping that this based service, members of the University will become just part of our regular compli- community are allowed to report any activi- ance of checks and balances program.” ties that might involve “improper conduct or The hotline is not merely one person violations to FIU policy.” disclosing information to another, but a This may include instances such as abuse, two-way dialogue that, while protecting the fraud or mismanagement of funds. anonymity of the person, enables the Univer- “This policy sets forth what we expect of sity to follow up on the caller for further our employees because they have an obliga- conversation about the abuse, according to tion,” said Dr. Kenneth Jessell, senior vice Jessell. president for fi nance and administration, and The calls placed through the hotline are not chief fi nancial offi cer at FIU. “If you think recorded or traced, leaving the person able to that someone is stealing or is not using the interact with the EthicsPoint representative University’s resources in the best possible who then provides a summary of the informa- way — maybe there is a cheaper version and tion in the form of a written report. Through we’re going out and buying the Rolls-Royce the Internet portal, each visitor is never iden- version when we don’t need it — to me that tifi ed by a screen name and the system auto- is an issue.” matically deletes Internet addresses. EthicsPoint, founded in 1999, is a nation- While FIU consulted with other compa- ally recognized fraud prevention company nies about the service, Jessell stated that that provides telephone hotline, web-based “what set [EthicsPoint] apart was having that reporting and case management services for interactive, anonymous code that can be used over 2,200 organizations. for additional feedback when necessary.” With the service being available 24 hours a “One of the elements of an effective day and 365 days a year, students, faculty and compliance program is to have in place and staff can fi le a report through two methods: to publicize a system whereby individuals online, by using the EthicsPoint website, or can report or seek guidance regarding poten- by calling toll-free at 1-888-286-5154. tial or actual misconduct without any fear BURKE HILL/THE BEACON Complaints can be fi led under specifi c of retaliation,” said Leyda Benitez, univer- Student enjoy alcoholic beverages while watching FIFA World Cup highlights at the categories: accounting/fi nancial, athletics, sity compliance offi cer and interim privacy bar during the grand opening of Chili’s Too. human resources, information technology, FRAUD, page 2 2 The Beacon – Wednsday, June 30, 2010 NEWS www.fi usm.com EthicsPoint to Chili’s Too manage hotline maintains FRAUD, page 1 part of FIU offi cer who is one of the three administrators in charge of investigating fraud claims. “EthicsPoint is the means to that end, as the individual who makes a report is provided with a unique key number history and password that allows the individual to check into the status of his or her report and communicate with Univer- CHILI’S, page 1 sity offi cials while being able to remain anonymous,” on the University’s Alcohol Policy. Benitez added. While Chili’s Too is brand new, it Using a supplemental video featuring University Pres- retains a part of FIU history, keeping ident Mark Rosenberg, the program was presented by the name of the Graham Center patio Jessell to the Board of Trustees through the Finance and as “Gracie’s Patio.” Audit committee on May 20. It was mentioned that the “Gracie is a part of the FIU history. past abuses of the University procurement card by faculty The former Rathskellar/Gracie’s could have been prevented and that FIU “had a lot of Grill facility proudly showcased the weaknesses in the system that came to light.” name of Gracie and at the Chili’s “I believe that FIU faculty and staff are principle and Too facility it will continue to be ethical professionals dedicated to doing the right thing,” memorialized” said Nancy Cadavid, said Rosenberg in the video. Marketing Manager of Business “Unfortunately, we’ve had some incidents of staff Services. members using the University-issued procurement card “This history is also near and dear inappropriately. Those incidents don’t detract from our to the hearts of our students, as SGA commitment to our highest ethical standards, but they do drafted a resolution a few years ago redouble our efforts to make sure we get it right.” in support of maintaining the name of Gracie” added Cadavid. The story of Gracie is usually part of the orientation script that is shared with NEWS FLASH incoming students. The restaurant’s management

BURKE HILL/THE BEACON has also confirmed that they will FIU be showing the rest of the games of Chili’s Too takes a fast food approach, taking all orders at the register, yet differs the 2010 FIFA World Cup currently from other FIU dining locations because of its waiting service. taking place in South Africa. Voting for energy fee referendum will be open to students State of the art GIS technology aids Students will have an opportunity to vote on the constitutional and green energy fee referendum on Wednesday, June 30. FIU students in research projects The Student Green Energy Fund is a Florida student-led initiative aiming to give students the right RUSSELL QUINOA FIU press release. The major focus of the research to vote on a m=inimal fee to generate large sums of Contributing Writer GIS technology can be used for center is in Web Portal GIS technology, money for campuses to spend on energy effi ciency scientifi c investigations, resource geospatial data dissemination and and renewable energy projects. The approval of the Some of the most modern tech- management, asset management, visualization and Geo-spatial metadata fund would give campuses the ability to reduce their archaeology, environmental impact management and creation. greenhouse gas footprint. While it did not appear nology in mapping and geography is no farther away than your local Green assessment, urban planning, cartog- GIS also hold annual events, on Student Government’s general elections ballot raphy, criminology, geographic history, including the recent GIS Day on last semester, students will be able to vote from 9 Library. The FIU Library Geographic Infor- marketing, logistics, prospectively February 23 where interested parties AM to 5 PM on Wednesday at http://www2.fi u. mapping, and other purposes. within and from outside of FIU commu- edu/~sga/index2.html. mation Systems (GIS) teaches many academic units in different fi elds and Gaby Herrera, 22, International nity got together to educate the public, – Compiled by Alexandra Camejo is located inside FIU’s Green library Relations major said “I’m looking exchange ideas, showcase research where it is currently available to all forward for a chance to use GIS in my activities and foster opportunities for students. next research project. I’m glad I can go potential collaboration. GIS supports research and teaching to school that can give opportunities to GIS Day had Everglades related with 25 high-end workstations, with use technology like this.” research using GIS and RS, Mapping specialized software for GIS and Modern GIS technologies use of bio-physical and geo-spatial data, statistical analysis and staff to help digital information, for which various Geo-spatial Web development of the digitized data creation methods are Everglades Digital Learning, History EDITORIAL BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION with digital projects. FIU is one of the few academic institutions in the nation used. The most common method of and Chronology of the Everglades, data creation is digitization, where a Everglades Who’s Who, Social science EDITOR IN CHIEF Modesto Maidique Campus: with a capability for geospatial statis- hard copy map or survey plan is trans- dimension of the Everglades and JORGE VALENS GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:30 PM tical analysis. (305) 348-2709 FIU’s GIS can help students in ferred into a digital medium through Digital libraries, the digital data repos- news@fi usm.com the use of a computer-aided design. itories of the Everglades. PRODUCTION MANAGER/COPY CHIEF many different fi elds including Earth JASMYN ELLIOTT Biscayne Bay Campus Sciences, Public Health, International WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 AM-4:30 PM (305) 919-4722 Relations, Civil Engineering, Soci- NEWS DIRECTOR bbc@fi usm.com ology and Anthropology. GABRIEL ARRARÁS Estefan Hernandez, 19, Undecided Editor-in-Chief: major said “It’s nice to know you can BBC MANAGING EDITOR (305) 348-1580 jorge.valens@fi usm.com have something so accessible, right in PHILIPPE BUTEAU your back pocket.” Advertising: According to the GIS website, “GIS (305) 348-6994 LIFE! EDITOR advertising@fi usm.com integrates hardware, software, and data ADRIANA RODRIGUEZ for capturing, managing, analyzing, The Beacon is published on Mondays, and displaying all forms of geographi- SPORTS DIRECTOR Wednesdays and Fridays during the Fall cally referenced information.” and Spring semesters and once a week JONATHAN RAMOS during Summer B. One copy per person. “GIS is a powerful and expan- Additional copies are 25 cents. The Beacon sive research tool utilized by many OPINION EDITOR is not responsible for the content of ads. academic disciplinary areas, so it CHRISTOPHER DIAZ Ad content is the sole responsibility of the makes perfect sense for there to be a company or vendor. The Beacon is an edi- torially independent newspaper partially centralized resource unit that is acces- PHOTO EDITOR funded by student and services fees that sible to all academic departments,” ESRA ERDOGAN/THE BEACON ESRA ERDOGAN

are appropriated by student government. said Jennifer Fu, founding director of FIU’s GIS-RS Teaching Center in a One of many work stations available at Geographic Information Systems research center in Room 275. Contact Us Jonathan Ramos Sports Director jonathan.ramos@ﬁ usm.com SPORTS The Beacon – 3 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, June 30, 2010

SOCCER HITTING A FEVER PITCH FIU has an opportunity to become regional soccer hub

It may be the hype In order for FIU to be the the community. surrounding the U.S match institutional center for soccer PLENTY OF OPTIONS with England to open the in South Florida there needs to World Cup for the be an active outreach, There are a number of American squad. Or COMMENTARY a calculated effort to options at Garcia’s hands that it could be uproar make FIU the most can make Miami’s soccer from the fans after attractive place for dreams a reality. He can the “foul” call that soccer in the region. actively look for potential disallowed the game- Pete Garcia, the MLS investors to bring a team winning goal against ambitious athletic to South Florida and to make Slovenia. Maybe it’s director that has the accommodations neces- Landon Donovan’s JOEL DELGADO already made strides sary to make FIU Stadium a thrilling goal in added time to bring the game on campus prime venue. against Algeria that propelled and has the tools necessary to He can lure Miami’s the U.S. into the knockout make a splash in U.S. soccer current pro team, Miami FC round. landscape, can only spearhead of the revived North American Regardless, one thing is such a campaign. Soccer League, back to FIU ELISE AMENDOLA/AP PHOTO abundantly clear: soccer has Such a campaign would after their move to Fort Lauder- dale’s Lockhart Stadium this ABOVE: Landon Donovan [left] scored the lone goal in injury time to give the U.S. arrived in the United States. bring people to FIU Stadium season and actively promoting a 1-0 victory over Algeria that rocked a nation and helped interest in soccer in the After years of frustration and who would never come other- the team as they re-launch next United States reach a fever pitch. disappointment with small wise. It would attract wealthy slivers of success riddled in high-profi le investors to our year as the Strikers. between, a nation was fi nally school that would pump in Furthermore, Garcia can watching, and the Yanks deliv- dollars to improve the visi- build on last year’s Gold Cup ered the theatrics necessary bility and economic stability event by inviting international to captivate a the U.S. on the of our school. It would give teams to play at FIU stadium, RIGHT: Paulo Araujo Jr. biggest stage in all of sports. our students a chance to see with the goal of bringing [left] of Miami FC, a local Walking around FIU players and stars from all the U.S. Men’s National pro soccer team of the new- campus over the summer, over the world instead of just Team, which held practices ly-created NASL, played dozens and dozens of students watching them on television at the Golden Panther’s foot- home games at FIU Stadi- are found huddled between screens with an entire ocean ball facility last year, in for a um in 2009. The team has classes (or maybe skipping separating us. friendly match with another since moved its operations class) around every plasma FIU hosted the Gold Cup international side. to Ft. Lauderdale. television screen in the Graham during Summer 2009, where It may be too late for Center watching any World a close to a capacity crowd there to be large-scale soccer Cup match that happens to be assembled at FIU Stadium matches to be played on a on at the time, which revealed to watch to Costa Rica face consistent basis this year, but a truth that has been hidden for Canada and El Salvador take 2011 can be a big year for FIU quite some time. on Jamaica. A token of FIU in terms of becoming a major soccer’s past was present as player in developing interest CULTURALLY TAILORED Tyrone Marshall, a member of in the game in Miami and for With a majority of its the squad that nearly won an being hailed by the large group student population boasting a NCAA Championship in the of soccer fans for attracting Hispanic heritage alongside a 90s, was on the fi eld for the quality matches to the area. blend of other nationalities that Jamaican squad. It is the perfect way to fan share a rich history and back- With FIU Stadium lying the fl ames of the soccer frenzy ground rooted in the beautiful dormant for the better part of that has been created by the game, the Golden Panther fan 8 months during the year and U.S. men’s national team in base could be the spark that built with FIFA specifi cations the past several weeks.It sure South Florida needs to kick- in mind, it makes sense to put beats watching games thou- start a new era for soccer in the the facility to good use and sands of miles away on televi- PHOTO COURTESY OF JASEN DELGADO region. attract soccer fans throughout sion all year long. MENʼS BASKETBALL Ferguson arrives on campus and makes fi rst impression

JOEY CRUZ FERGUSON ARRIVES Gary said. “And with Dominique’s length ON THE MEND Staff Writer and size, he’ll pose a defensive presence in Thomas has added Ferguson, however, the paint and up top.” Midway through last season, Gary After the FIU men’s basketball team who chose over top teams such as Kentucky, Gary also states Ferguson could play injured his knees for the first time in his scrambled to a 7-24 season in 2009-10, the UCLA, and even Duke. both forward positions, leaving FIU fans basketball career, dealing with knee tendi- team can finally begin to work with Isiah Gary has been impressed with Ferguson to wonder who will play center for the nitis for stretches. Thomas’ first full recruiting class as next thus far, even though they have only played Golden Panthers. “I never had to ice my knees,” Gary season approaches. in unorganized activities. Ferguson, who is 6-foot-8 and weighs said. “And towards the end of last season The buzz has been building since last “He is just nice,” Gary said. “He is 200 pounds, should immediately help the I had to worry about running too fast and season’s commitment from Rivals.com’s going to pose a mismatch night in and size-deficient team. cutting.” four-star prospect Dominique Ferguson. night out.” Thomas has also added two other notable Gary states he is getting a lot of rehab Now it can come full circle. Thomas focuses his coaching emphasis players: Phil Taylor, who was ranked 35th and even says he is close to 100 percent “We finished the season with a bad taste on the defensive side of the ball. Bringing out of 100 in the ESPN Top 100 2009-10 healed. in our mouth,” FIU point guard Phil Gary in this freshman may help the cause. recruiting class and Dejaun Wright, a 6- Jr. said. “Our defense will help find our offense,” foot-8 transfer from Gillete College. 4 The Beacon – Wednesday, June 30, 2010 SPORTS www.fi usm.com SPORTS REPLAY Wittels nominated for ESPY award after record season

FIU infi elder Garrett which includes University of from UCLA, Cal and Wash- Wittels enjoyed one of the Kentucky basketball standout ington among other FBS best seasons in FIU base- John Wall, who became the programs. ball history in 2010, and was fi rst overall pick in the NBA The 6-4, 312-pound showered with awards for draft on June 24, Ohio State lineman, who played at the his accomplishments shortly University basketball star College of the Canyons in thereafter. Evan Turner, University of 2009, will come to FIU as But, none of the individual Alabama football cog Mark a sophomore and will be accolades the sophomore has Ingram and University of eligible to take the fi eld this collected thus far can measure Wisconsin hockey star Blake fall for the Golden Panthers up to his latest nomination: Geoffrion. to add an instant boost to the An ESPY award for Best Wittels will be in atten- offensive line. Male College Athlete. dance at the event, and is “Caylin has the ability Wittels, who is currently hoping to get advice from the to be an instant difference- honing his skills in the some of the biggest stars in maker in the trenches,” Cris- Alaska College Summer sports. tobal said. “We’re extremely Baseball League, found out “I’m looking forward to excited about having Caylin the news from FIU media getting some advice from guys join the FIU family.” relations coordinator Mat like Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Ratner, who made sure he Wade, and Lebron James and MEN’S BASKETBALL was the fi rst person to tell the just sharing information about All-American. what we do,” Wittels said. Chris Coleman, one of “When I fi rst heard it I Wittels fi nished the season the top centers in the 2011 didn’t have much of a reac- with a 56-game hitting streak, recruiting class, verbally tion, but then I called my mom which is the second longest committed to the FIU and she was really excited, of all time, trailing only basketball program over the and it sunk in after that,” Robin Ventura, who acquired weekend. he said. “It’s every athletes a hit in 58 straight contests Coleman, a 6-foot-10 dream to get there. Just like in 1987 at Oklahoma State standout at Christian Life actors want to win an Oscar University. To go along with Center Academy in Houston, [award], athletes want to go the unprecedented streak, had received offers from to the ESPY’s.” Wittels also led the team FIU and West Virginia The former Dr. Michael Golden Panthers with 21 according to Rivals.com and M. Krop Senior High School doubles and 60 RBI. had been receiving interest star will know if he received from UConn, Marquette and the award when the ESPY’s FOOTBALL UTEP. take place on July 14 at 9 p.m. at the Nokia Theater in Los The Golden Panthers Compiled by Jonathan

Angeles. added JUCO lineman Caylin Ramos and Joel Delgado BEACON FILE PHOTO Wittels will look to beat Hauptmann, who signed with Inﬁ elder Garrett Wittels [left] hit in 56 consecutive games during the 2010 season. out additional nominees, FIU after receiving interest VOLLEYBALL FLORIDA MARLINS FIU picks up strong recruits Valentine no longer considered to replace key departures candidate for manager position

JOEL DELGADO class of recruits that she believes can come TIM REYNOLDS leagues.” third-base coach Bo Porter on Asst. Sports Director in and make an immediate impact for the AP Sports Writer When Gonzalez was Friday. Golden Panthers. dismissed Wednesday, there SI.com reported Sunday Danijela Tomic has spent a lot of time The recruiting class includes recent As the Florida Marlins’ was speculation that the short- that Valentine was no longer thinking about the upcoming season during signees Jessica Egan, Renele Ford, and search for a manager stop could have played a role a candidate for the job. In his the summer months. Una Trkjula, who joined Jessica Gehrke continued Sunday, Hanley in the move. Ramirez strongly role as an analyst on ESPN, Entering her sixth season as the head and Briana Spruill in the 2010 signing Ramirez wanted to clear the denied Sunday that was the Valentine said the sides coach of the Golden Panthers’ fl edging class. air about his relationship with case. remain “right in the middle of volleyball program, Tomic is facing what “This is probably our strongest the team’s former skipper. “Our relationship was the process.” might be one of the most challenging recruiting class,” Tomic said of the fi ve Yes, he and Fredi Gonzalez good after that,” Ramirez said. “We’re taking it day by seasons of her coaching career. additions to the roster. “They were all key clashed at times, something “Everything was good.” day,” Marlins president of With the graduation of All-Amer- members of their former teams and now that was no secret. Ramirez said he and baseball operations Larry ican Yarimar Rosa, arguably one of the they are entering a new environment so we But the All-Star shortstop Gonzalez exchanged pleasant Beinfest said Sunday. most dominating players in the program’s will have to be patient and see how they insists he wasn’t thrilled to see words after the fi ring was “I’m not hopeful one way history, paired with the departure of several will adjust.” Gonzalez fi red last week. announced, denying reports or another,” Marlins owner other key players, the team will look to As far as making up for the loss of “Everybody will miss that he celebrated Gonzalez’s Jeffrey Loria said when asked fi nd a way to build on a 32-4 campaign in Rosa, Tomic acknowledges that it is nearly him,” Ramirez said Sunday departure. about a hiring timeframe. “We which the Golden Panthers advanced to the impossible to simply plug in a player to at his locker before the “He told me to just keep have to do what we have to do second round of the NCAA tournament. replace the kind of leader and the numbers Marlins played the San Diego playing hard and keep doing and it’s a process. Right now “It’s going to be a much different team that the Puerto Rican native put up during Padres. “But at the same time, your thing,” Ramirez said. Edwin is the manager. We’ll from last year,” Tomic said. “One player her four years at FIU. you’ve got to forget and move “We’re going to see him soon. see what happens.” can change the dynamic of a team and we “You don’t replace a player like Yari. forward. A lot of people put He’s a good manager.” It was a rare pregame have new players coming in that will have Anyone who has coached someone of it on me. I don’t know why. It’s still a delicate time clubhouse appearance for to make the adjustments to the collegiate that caliber will tell you that,” Tomic It had nothing to do with for the fourth-place Marlins, Loria. Around the same time level.” said. “Every season has its obstacles and me. Things that should have who were playing Sunday for Ramirez was speaking, Loria In order to avoid the pitfalls of a transi- we’re going to have to deal with them as happened, happened. That’s the fi fth time under interim emerged in the same corner tional season, a lot will rest on the returning a team.” it.” manager Edwin Rodriguez, as his shortstop and expressed performers from last year’s roster to keep SCRATCH FREE Ramirez was benched in “My priority is being the his frustration with what he the squad competitive in 2010. May by Gonzalez after the manager and fi nding a way believes is unnecessarily “Our returning players know what As far as injuries are concerned, the shortstop’s lazy chase of a to help this team get in the negative media reports about made us successful last season and we will returning squad is expected to enter training misplayed popup allowed race,” Rodriguez said. “That’s the club, its expectations and be focusing on that and getting our new camp in good health. the Arizona Diamondbacks number one.” the managerial search. players to get used to our system,” Tomic Sabrina Gonzalez was nagged by a to score two runs. Ramirez The Marlins acknowledged “It’s fair to do whatever said. stress fracture on her ankle throughout the 2009 season, but has been cleared to defended the play the next interest last week in Bobby you think is constructive,” CAPABLE REINFORCEMENTS participate in training and should be ready day, and said Gonzalez Valentine, though those talks Loria said. “But it’s not fair to Tomic went out and brought in a talented for the 2010 season. “doesn’t understand” because have slowed. Florida offi - do destructive criticism. I can “he never played in the major cials also interviewed Arizona take anything.” Contact Us Adriana Rodriguez Life! Editor adriana.rodriguez@fi usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – 5 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, June 30, 2010

CHHEAPEAP GEETT--AAWWAYAY

Resources for students to vacation on a modest budget

JANET CAREAGA rants is an International Student Iden- countries with EF College Break for If the travel dates are fl exible, eling on a budget so they will be Staff Writer tity Card (ISIC). This card is the only less than $3000,airfare and lodging checking websites with travel price people of similar ages and interests. internationally accepted proof of included. predictors is a must. This allows trav- Finding the right hostel may seem Taking a much-needed vacation full-time student status and is used “It [EF College Break] is God’s elers to see when airline ticket prices tricky but companies like HI Hostels, might be high on a student’s wish by over 4.5 million students in 120 gift to college students—awesome are lowest within a given time frame. a non-profi t organization, specialize list but after paying for tuition, books countries. trips that won’t hurt your pocket,” There are also many web sites that in helping youth fi nd quality hostels and all other unexpected student Not currently a full-time student? Gomez said. act as search engines comparing the in countries all over the world. expenses, vacations sit low on the The ISIC Association also offers a With Contiki, every tour includes lowest price for airlines like Orbitz, All-inclusive packages are a great fi nancial priority list. card with similar benefi ts for anyone highlights of each destination in the Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak. way to stay within a certain budget. “This is the age when we’re at our under the age of 26, the International price. Finding hotels at low rates can be Sometimes it is more economical most adventurous and most curious,” Youth Travel Card (IYTC). “Wherever you are, we’ll line up tough, especially in a popular travel than booking a fl ight and hotel sepa- said Natali Aguero, a junior majoring “Special prices for students are trips to famous monuments, guided destination. rately, and many of these packages in English. “We want to see the world important since we don’t have time walking tours, organized nights out An alternative to the conventional tend to include meals so there is not but the world doesn’t make it easy.” to work enough to save up for a trip and more, at no extra cost,” boasts hotel is a hostel. A hostel is a more as much outside spending required. The key to fi nding a good travel because we have to go to class and the company’s website. budget friendly accommodation Even if there are no immediate deal is research. Time, patience, and pay for those classes,” Aguero said. Knowing where to look is impor- where travelers can rent a bed in a plans for travel in the future, it doesn’t searching multiple places are essen- Group travel companies like EF tant so ask around. shared room. The thought of sharing hurt to sign up for e-mail newsletters. tial. Never book a fl ight, hotel, or College Break and Contiki tours Friends can be more of a resource a room with a bunch of strangers is It is possible to unknowingly stumble travel package without searching for also offer tours just for young people than just for class notes or what’s a scary idea, especially when movies upon a great deal that wasn’t planned multiple websites fi rst for the best varying between the ages 18-35. happening this weekend. Their expe- like “Hostel” portray negative images but it is in the realm of possibilities. deal. Vanessa Gomez, a junior envi- riences and information are a useful about this kind of lodging. It is hard to turn down a good travel A great way to get discounts on ronmental studies major, took an 18- source for narrowing down your Guests at hostels are generally deal, especially as a student on a anything from plane tickets to restau- day trip and visited four different search base. young because they are students trav- budget.

FISTFULS OF TECH Limited internet access a dumb choice for smart phones

ost of us who have smart phones love a two-tier price structure with the highest plan one gigabyte much less two. However, a cap is might as well stick with them. The fact is, Mthe fact that we can surf the Internet capped at two gigabytes. Verizon announced a cap and in the event you do go over, you’ll be for the average user two gigabytes of data is and use our apps as much as we want. But that it would follow suit later this year. slammed with overages. more than enough, even if it is a looming clock recent moves by Verizon Ironic isn’t it? The same company who As a student with a smart phone, I can say ticking over your head, as Jarvis might say. COLUMNIST Wireless and AT&T are gave the world unfettered access to the Internet that it can be pretty easy to go over your data. Your second option, and your most extreme, looking to put a stop to that is now taking it away, announcing it near the Downloading email attachments, large appli- would be to abandon ship as soon as you can. and I’m going to tell you release of the new iPhone 4 no less. cations, watching the World Cup on my iPhone Both Sprint and T-Mobile, though lower in the why that sucks. “And now it’s AT&T that turns the clock during a boring class; it adds up. mobile food chain, both offer very competi- In the late 90s, AT&T back on,” said Jeff Jarvis, writer of BuzzMa- A side that not too many people notice tively priced unlimited data plans. was the fi rst company to chine.com and professor of Journalism at City however is that this cap won’t just affect users, If you can put up with the lesser quality introduce the idea of unlim- University of New York. “Just as mobile is it will affect developers as well. network, or when compared to AT&T an JORGE VALENS ited Internet to the masses. about to explode with new devices… AT&T Who would want to develop an app that equally qualifi ed network, these carriers might When this happened, says it wants nothing to do with that explosion users won’t use for fear of data overages? be able to accommodate you. Both have a Internet service providers either died or (because it would have to work harder and Moreover, developers will now have to keep great line-up of phones and work well in the dramatically restructured, like AOL, who is invest more to do better).” the data caps in the back of their minds as Miami area. now a more content focused company. It’s true. AT&T doesn’t want to convenience they design and develop their apps, stifl ing The average user may never notice the The unrestricted, unlimited Internet is what you with better pricing; it just can’t handle the creation. caps, but rest assured they are there and if you made everything what it is now. It paved the load anymore. It refuses to expand and better So what should you do? Well, you have a go over them, they will charge you extra. In the way for Google to dominate the cloud and it it’s network so it imposes a boundary on your few options. end, these caps serve only to hurt the Internet. led to the dissemination of Internet access data use, at a time when you use it the most. Your fi rst option is basically to shut up and AT&T should invest in their infrastructure and to mobile smart phones and now tablet AT&T’s network can’t handle a fi ve minute accept it. Verizon and AT&T are, sadly, the make sure that when they promise unlimited, computers. phone call with my mom, much less a Hulu two biggest carriers in the United States. They they can deliver it. AT&T Mobility announced last month that or Netfl ix app. have the most users and the largest network. it would be doing away with the unlimited data Now, two gigabytes of data is still a lot for If you enjoy Verizon’s reliability or the Fistfuls of Tech is a weekly technology plan on its handsets and will be transitioning to the average user; I myself haven’t gone over fact that AT&T has the phone you like, you column. 6 The Beacon –Wednesday, June 30, 2010 LIFE! www.fi usm.com

REVIEW: TOP GIRLS DYNO’MITE Theater festival begins with moving comedic production

MARIA MURRIEL children attacked. Joyce, bitter and beautiful sister of Staff Writer Heria, the same actress that Marlene’s, in the end giving an over- spent most of the fi rst act of the play the-top dance interpretation of her On Wednesday, June 23, at 8 devouring strawberries as a barbarian, battle with emotional baggage. p.m. outside the lower level of also brought a staunch performance A special mention should go out Modesto Maidique Campus’ Deux- of a disenfranchised working woman to Zayika Markland—although her ieme Maison building, theatergoers in her forties and a submissive but hilarious, energetic performance milled around a small box offi ce motivated wife, determined to save of a lying interviewee may have table, waiting to take their seats in her husband’s pride. taken precedence to her main role as what would be the premiere of the Heria, like some of the other Angie’s young friend Kit, her impres- fi rst play in the Alternative Theater performing ladies, demonstrated sive voice was the undeniable force Summer Festival, Caryl Churchills’ her on-stage versatility by quickly behind Jamison’s slam-dance. Mark- Top Girls. switching from one type of role to land sang fearlessly, her voice full of The fi rst full-length feature another, all within the same play. body and feeling. directed by FIU Theater student All in all, the roughly two-hour- Top Girls has been deemed a Shani Bernard, Top Girls demon- long piece was dotted with subtle dramatic comedy, and rightly so. strated an admirable level of profes- yet evident stains of sexual and While at the very beginning, sionalism and talent from the partici- gender oppression. Jordan Sasaki sparks of comedy fl ew from the picnic pating cast and crew. and Amanda Sparhawk, especially, set, as the story progressed and the The fi rst sequence, a traditional clearly portrayed the dutiful woman, plot revealed itself and became more Japanese fan dance, took a few in the bending every which way to “serve” intelligible, the sour tones of family audience by surprise. Perhaps, after their male partner, whether it be an gripe emerged. However, throughout reading the play’s description, the emperor in feudal Japan or a prince the outline of Angie’s irreverent dance came on a bit disconcerting. noble enough to take in a peasant. antics, characters like Sparhawk’s Nevertheless, the scene progressed Though Marlene, brought to life Nell and Emily Barona’s Win kept into a disorganized hen party carried impeccably by Jeannette Galup, was the mood light. out by several female characters from the protagonist, the entire perfor- The show was a long, moving the past, and one Marlene, brand new mance was bursting with strong presentation of the challenges of top girl at Top Girls Employment acting. Sarah Bartels as the matron womanhood in the modern work- Agency. It was a picnic by a cherry Isabella Bird, in her divine, unfal- force. Aside from one or two dancing blossom tree, attended by a pope, tering British accent; Michelle sequences that didn’t seem connected a geisha, an English traveler and a Moreno as the female pope, fl ailing directly to the storyline, the fl ow of ALEX GARCIA/THE BEACON warrior. The party waved through herself in madness at the thought of events was generally uninterrupted, Tommy Sanchez, a bassist, provides musical entertainment at the various ups and downs, going from her own death by stoning; Faduoa and the acting was immersive and fi rst Dyno’Nite Music and Happy Hour on Friday Jun. 25 at the a labyrinth of high-pitched cackle Hanine as an insufferable, heart- respectable. FIU Wolfsonian Museum in Miami Beach. and commentary to a solemn mono- wrenching Angie, the troubled child The fi rst run of this year’s ATSF logue delivered by Sarai Heria about whose struggles are both painful and opening number was, indeed, a ster- having her village pillaged and her infuriating; and Krista Jamison as ling success. Summer television promises athletics, action, drama

KATHY PAZ One of the most talked- p.m, and is available on Hulu meals in our nation’s capital Orlando auditions, you can The show, which includes Contributing Writer about segments on the the following day for those on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. see it Tuesdays and Wednes- material shot in South Beach, airwaves right now comes without a subscription. Also kicking off a new days at 9 p.m. won’t be premiering until What was once “Lost” has from the athletic realm. What If action is your calling, season is “America’s Got If you prefer drama and July 29th. now been found. “Glee” is is widely considered the the USA metwork has got Talent” on NBC. Tune in to fi ghting over competition, Whatever your preference, on summer vacation, “Grey’s largest and greatest sporting your answer. Filmed right in see a variety of talents ranging you’ll rejoice in “MTV’s this summer’s got something Anatomy” is in surgery and event around, The FIFA World our own backyard, hit series anywhere from singing to Jersey Shore” returning to for you in the world of televi- “The Offi ce” is closed for Cup, is currently taking place “Burn Notice” has begun martial arts to ice sculpting. the air. But, you’re going to sion. So, kick off your shoes renovations. You won’t have in South Africa. Three games airing new episodes. Now in Having just wrapped up its have to wait a little bit longer. and enjoy! to worry about spoilers either take place daily and can be its fourth season, the show because “Gossip Girl” is watched on “ABC”/“ESPN” follows the story of Michael having problems connecting (live at 7:30 am, 10:30 am Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a CLASSIFIEDS to the Internet. and 2:30 pm or on late night burned spy, and the missions These are just a speck repeats). So, check out your he takes on as he tried to get JOBS on the spectrum of televi- favorite team’s schedule, back into the fi eld that has sion shows that have either grab a vuvuzela and start shunned him. If you haven’t NEW SPORTS BAR IN DORAL looking for experienced waiters/waitresses. wrapped up their series or your cheering section! seen an episode of this show (305) 592-1361 season. If football doesn’t tickle already, you’re missing out! While the majority of our your fancy, fret not. Base- Catch it Thursdays at 9 p.m. favorite shows are simply on ball season is also currently TNT’s “Leverage” will hibernation for the summer, underway. also return for the summer. big hits like “Lost,” “Law One of television’s most Staring Timothy Hutton, the and Order” and “24” have, popular shows last year has show revolves around the in fact, gone off the air for also returned to the screen. operations of his group of good. “HBO’s True Blood” has professional thieves with a So, what is there to watch commenced its third season. Robin Hood complex. It airs after a long day at the beach? Based on “The Southern Sundays at 9 p.m. As you douse yourself in Vampire Mysteries” novels Battling reality televi- aloe vera and fi nd a comfort- by Charlaine Harris, this is sion cravings? Fox has your able spot on the couch, feel one show that packs a punch. dose. Season seven of the free to pick up the remote Don’t be hasty to throw network’s hit competition, control. Surf the channels, this show into the “Twilight” “So You Think You Can and you just might fi nd your- category just because Dance?” is currently under self hooked and held over vampires are the subject. way. It airs Wednesdays at 8 until the fall. Emmy award-winning, “True p.m. Whether you’re a sports Blood” is dramatic, sexy, and Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” junkie, a drama queen, an witty with the perfect balance has also returned for its action afi cionado or a reality of fantasy, drama and dark- seventh season, this time buff, summer television ness. Starring Anna Paquin set in Washington D.C.. See programming has something and Stephen Moyer, it airs chefs from around the country for you. on HBO Sunday nights at 9 whip up some incredible Contact Us Christopher Diaz Opinion Editor christopher.diaz@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 7 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Need for oil drilling unfounded Administration blowing ROMNEY MANASSA With alternative energy sources appar- sends us nearly double of the next runner- Contributing Writer ently unfeasible or slow to come, fi nding up, Saudi Arabia. smoke while students oppose our own domestic source of oil seems like The fact of the matter is that oil, As of the writing of this article, millions an acceptable alternative. Such a quick whether outside America or within it, is a tobacco-free campus plan of gallons of crude oil are still being spewed fi x, however, will only be a bandage of a fi nite resource. While it’s not agreed when Campus-wide smoking bans are not a new into the Gulf of Mexico from BP’s Deep- greater problem: our energy policy, as it peak oil will be reached (or if it already has trend within the university system. The University water Horizon oil platform. This incident stands, is unsustainable for the long run. been), the reality is that oil will run out, and of Florida has a smoking ban and tag themselves as is already believed to be the worst envi- Our long-term energy needs won’t be met we’ll be woefully ill-prepared to convert a “tobacco-free” campus. ronmental disaster in American history by increased domestic oil supply, and the our fossil-fuel based economy and liveli- On March 23, the Tobacco-Free Steering and, two and half months later, little has costs far outweigh the benefi ts. hood to adjust to it right away – unless we Committee hosted a town hall event to allow been accomplished in stopping it. Some, With just 5% of the world’s popula- start to prepare now. students and faculty to chime in on this highly like Republican Congressman Joe Barton, tion, we’re responsible for a quarter of the Instead of putting all our efforts in fi nite contentious issue. Many of those who spoke out at would like to continue drilling for oil. I am planet’s global consumption of oil. There oil supplies, we should seek to bring up the event were against the initiative. not amongst them. is clearly a correlation here: oil consump- domestic renewable energy sources to far Many students came to the event to let the admin- Florida’s association with the spill, by tion has grown so fast, even beyond what’s past the 5% they are currently at. Though istration know they were adamantly opposed to the nature of its proximity to it, has threatened needed for a developed nation, that we’ve many alternative sources of energy, such smoking-ban. They left unconvinced otherwise. the state’s vital tourism industry, leading outstripped what could be provided by as nuclear and solar power, are compar- What we at The Beacon have discovered during one economist from the University of domestic supply. atively more expensive than petroleum, this meeting is a disturbing trend established by the Central Florida to declare it the “the worst The American public’s insatiable appe- technological improvements are being committee: complete disregard to those against the disaster in the history of Florida tourism.” tite for cheap gas – and lots of it – is partly made every year. More investment will be smoking-ban. Though students spoke, there was Florida is calculated to lose nearly $3 to blame for disasters such as this spill, in needed to continue development and inno- no discussion. The committee stoically sat there billion in tourism revenue, a big part of which the petroleum industry often cuts vation in these relatively new and under- and listened to one student after another without the state’s already troubled budget. FIU corners or pursues oil in riskier regions funded initiatives – we shouldn’t give up responding. It was as though student and faculty students should contemplate the damage in order to keep the oil fl ow constant, and on them yet. Alternative energy sources input, positive or negative, was irrelevant. They this spill could likely cause to school cheap, for consumers. Urban sprawls like are only half the battle; focusing on energy might as well have been speaking to a wall. funding. Miami are indicative of an entrenched effi ciency and getting more from less will If there was to be any shift in public thinking, The full economic effects for the long automobile culture that feeds this increas- be just as crucial in weaning ourselves off it would have to come at later town hall events, term, though unknown, are predicted to be ingly risky and dangerous industry. of oil and easing our dependence. promised by the committee. severe. One University of Georgia academic Even much of the reasoning behind A few decades are not much time to The next event was to be held May 4th. It was believes the industries, like the environ- expanding drilling – such as cutting foreign prepare, and oil ventures into this ulti- postponed at the last minute to May 11th, leaving ment, could take decades to recover. Tell- dependence – is rife with misconceptions. mately exhaustible research will only students standing in an empty room. On May 11th, ingly, the area around Alaska that had been Despite the popular perception that most distract us from facing the inevitable. In the students once again found themselves stood up. affected by the relatively smaller Exxon American oil imports come from countries meantime, our environment and industries Contacting the steering committee, they were told Valdez spill of over 20 years ago still has in the middle-east or OPEC, our greatest may not be able to handle any more disas- that no such meeting was ever scheduled. In actu- yet to fully recover. source of oil is Canada, which every year ters along the lines of Deepwater Horizon. ality, the event had been scheduled and was posted on Facebook by STOPP, an organization that has a seat on the committee. Arizona law sets dangerous precedent The committee had decided to renege on its promise for future town hall forums without bothering to inform students. In their place, they MICHAEL FOLEY that punish employers who offi cials to arrest and detain any Leslie wasn’t even in Arizona, decided educational forums would be best. Why? Contributing Writer knowingly hire illegal aliens. individual who is an illegal alien, yet she was targeted, ques- The smoking-ban had become inevitable, despite However, the process and spec- and has committed a felony in tioned, and arrested by federal plenty of opposition. Thus speaking in opposition The porous borders that have ifi cations of such an act have the United States. So, you might offi cials in Miami. The law has to the smoking-ban would be like spitting into the come to symbolize this country caused commotion in the legis- ask, was Leslie Cocche, on her been turned on its head across wind. But that appears to have been the case all are on the path towards forti- lative halls on both state and metro ride to school in the act of the country. If you can’t provide along. These town hall charades were a smoke- fi cation. Tell Everyone you federal levels. committing a felony? Had she proper identifi cation enjoy your screen. Why pretend that students and faculty have know. Tell your aunt Olga who’s There is at least 12 million ever committed any felonies in trip to jail. a voice and a say in the matter? This disingenu- visiting from Norway, warn your illegal aliens currently living in the United States? The answer Leslie Cocche was eventu- ousness is downright insulting, but sadly it is not cousin Mompati from Sri Lanka, the United States. A majority is no. ally released from her detain- all that surprising. If the administration cared about your friend Hiroko from Japan, came across the US-Mexico On the state level, Arizona’s ment. However, she will not be student opinion, then it would have held a vote and your visiting secret admirer, border. This entrance of undocu- S.B. 1070, infamously gives the last to be discriminatively much like the University of Florida did. Esperanza, from Mexico. mented aliens has added costs to authorities the ability to arrest questioned. What followed the town hall forums was an I imagine that a harsh, repug- the American economy, lowered anyone without a showing of Most likely, as the fervor educational forum on May 25th, where students nant taste would linger in your wages, resulted in uncollected prior felony charges. Further, surrounding the immigra- and faculty could sit and be mesmerized by statis- mouth if your expatriated friend tax revenue, and created an under a clause of the Arizona tion reform ascends, people in tics and shed tears at touching anecdotes. It was experienced what Leslie Cocche unfair labor advantage for busi- bill, enforcement of the immi- Miami will be spotted and ques- as if the committee was running the D.A.R.E. play did on March 12th, 2010. nesses that have hired them. gration law is exercised where tioned. Miami is often consid- book. Where the previous town hall forums fi lled While in transit to Miami-Dade The passing of Arizona’s “reasonable suspicion exists that ered a desirable immigration the GC Ballroom to capacity, this educational College, Leslie was questioned immigration bill, S.B. 1070, has a person in question is an alien spot and such a reputation will event could barely fi ll the fi rst two rows-and there and arrested by U.S. Border acted like a virus to the rest of who is unlawfully present in certainly augment one’s chances are more of these educational forums to come. Control. The 18 year-old Peru- the country, impacting even our the United States.” Strikingly, of being interrogated. Yet the purpose of the educational forum is to vian was believed to be an illegal own community. Since its recent the Arizona law gives much It is necessary to fi x our market this smoking-ban. The smoking-ban rests, alien, living under the auspice drafting, 18 other states have broader power to its state offi - immigration system. However, at least initially, on social enforcement. The expec- of her family. She was imme- considered adopting compa- cials compared to the Federal the proposed Arizona bill is tation is that students and faculty will walk up to diately detained and transferred rable laws. This bill has not only law. putting the nation on the wrong smokers and tell them smoking is not allowed on to Immigration and Customs changed the way offi cers do The criminality of the path. Although the law doesn’t campus. This in turn will pressure people to stop Enforcement (ICE). their job, but has given steam to person is not a focus, but openly authorize discrimination, smoking on campus. Of course, in order for this The immigration reforma- nativists across the country. simply a cosmetic one. It seems the law in its nature and through to work, students and faculty have to support the tion in the U.S. is happening Currently, on the federal level, no longer that authorities are its implementation, will be a smoking-ban. quite peculiarly. Polls indicate authorities operate pursuant to focused on criminals, but rather unequally and discriminatorily In all likelihood, social enforcement will not that Americans favor the tight- the Code of Federal Regulations. performing sweeping, discrim- executed. For now, it’s best to work. No amount of educational forums will ening borders and uphold laws This permits law enforcement inating raids in public places. keep your ID on you. change this. If the administration wants to effectively market this smoking-ban then it needs to begin by making QUOTE OF THE WEEK EDITORIAL POLICY SEND US YOUR LETTERS genuine attempts at listening to those against it. Editorials are the unifi ed voice Got a problem with parking? Want to They need to recognize that rolling ahead with the “If somebody’s gonna smoke a joint in their house and of the editorial board, which give kudos to faculty? Or do you just smoking-ban, while facing plenty of opposition, not do anybody any harm, then perhaps there are other is composed of the editor in have something to say about FIU? chief, management, and the Send your thoughts in to opinion@ means their social enforcement plan will fall on things our cops should be looking at.” editors of each of the fi ve sec- its face. If they want the cooperation of students tions. The Beacon welcomes fi usm.com or drop by our offi ces at then they need to work with them and not despite any letters regarding or in either GC 240 or WUC 124. With your letter, be sure to include your name, them. Former Governor Sarah Palin response to its editorials, send them to opinion@fi usm.com major and year. Contact Us Philippe Buteau BBC Managing Editor philippe.buteau@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 8 www.fi usm.com Wednesday, June 30, 2010

SGC-BBC SPINNING FACTS Executive, legislative branches discuss salaries

PHILIPPE BUTEAU with each other and have a relationship,” BBC Managing Editor Battle said. “And it’s hard to do that when you know your counterpart is making double The executive branch of the Student what you’re making.” Government Council at Biscayne Bay The goal is to put everyone on the same Campus has made a proposal to balance the playing fi eld, Battle said, but in trying to emoluments of the councils at BBC with deal with that animosity some adjustments those of the Modesto Maidique Campus. had to be made. Some positions received Emoluments, both a tricky word and cuts and others received increases. She tricky subject, refers to the salaries of added, however, it wasn’t about increasing members of SGC and governing coun- or decreasing specifi c positions. cils, which are below SGC in terms of The original plan, Battle said, was for hierarchy. These governing councils are senators of both campuses making the same Student Organizations Council, Student amount, but senators of SGC-BBC felt SERGIO MONTEALEGRE/THE BEACON Programming Council, Panther Power and differently. Darrell Reagan, a senior in engineering (left), and Damauri Sims, a senior in communi- Bay Vista Housing. Dametreus Vincent, graduate senator cations (right), spin a wheel to see their reward for participating in an STD awareness Christin ‘Cici’ and speaker pro survey by nursing students and the Health Center in Academic One, June 28. Battle, SGC-BBC tempore, told president, said in Student Media he an interview with wouldn’t mind cuts, Student discounts planned Student Media that We’re trying to push but feels the BBC emoluments have people to work senate shouldn’t take been reviewed Walgreens initially wanted to set up deep cuts because JACQUES ROZIER and changes have special discounts for Welcome Week in the together and have a their work load has been made but Contributing Writer fall. However, Battle seeks a more perma- doubled. not in the sense of nent discount program. She is also plan- relationship SGC-BBC isn’t Students may soon save a little more someone will have ning on meeting with them again in the near complete as a legis- money with local businesses if a new initia- an increase in their future. Dametreus Vincent, Speaker Pro-Tempore lative body. Of the tive is successful. salary and another Though the tentative start date will be SGC-BBC 20 senate seats avail- Student Government Council at Biscayne person will have a for Welcome Week in the fall, starting the able at SGC-BBC, Bay Campus President Christin “Cici” decrease. She said program sometime in Summer B is not out only fi ve have been Battle is working on a plan that would get the changes are being thought about in of the question. fi lled. Therefore, Vincent and his fellow students discounts with stores on Biscayne terms of the University as a whole and not Walgreens is in preparation to post fl yers senators have had to cover every school at Boulevard. campus-specifi c. on campus to raise awareness about the BBC and do the work of the unfi lled posi- “We have many [resources] in the area Currently, senators of SGC-MMC are offers they provide students. tions, he said. and I don’t feel they cater enough to the FIU paid a total of $600 for a two-semester According to Battle, beginning with “I wouldn’t want to do a lot more for a lot students,” Battle said. term and SGC-BBC senators are paid a Walgreen’s is actually a good fi t for the less,” Vincent said. In its current state, the program is mainly total of $1,100 for the same period of time. BBC community, tying in with concerns of Vincent, who took charge of writing the an information initiative to educate the The president of SGC at MMC and BBC being unable to get food and other ameni- proposals for the senate because the senate students. There are many businesses already make $13,000 and $12,000, respectively. ties on campus after 8 p.m., when all venues speaker was out of town, said the salaries of providing discounts to FIU students such Battle said the changes are being made on campus are closed. the two SGC legislative branches shouldn’t as T.G.I. Fridays on Biscayne Boulevard in so that “presidents make about the same “They are open kind of late and we do be the same. He said if the SGC-BBC legis- North Miami. [salary] and senators make about the have housing students here,” said Battle. lature were to receive cuts, it should be a The problem is no one knows the conces- same.” She said animosity is created when The program can incorporate more $100-$200 cut. sions exist, Battle said. certain positions make more or less than businesses to offer special incentives to According to Vincent, the decision of who One of the important factors of the program their counterpart at the other campus. students who support their stores. Battle has gets how much rests on the executive branch. is that it is not designed to raise any student Emoluments are campus specifi c but attempted to reach Friday’s as well. The senate does not vote on the matter. fees to fund it, nor will it require special allot- Battle said to help the relationship between The program will be used through the The proposed cut to the senator salaries ment from SGC-BBC’s budget. the two SGCs she and Helena Ramirez, PantherCARD or a separate discount card was $300, but Battle adjusted it so the senate Battle is currently in talks with the SGC-MMC president, are working exclusive to FIU students. According to would not receive any cuts. Walgreens on Biscayne Boulevard and NE together. Battle, there is no program such as this at Regarding the other governing councils, 151st Street concerning the logistics of the “[Ramirez] gave me her set of emolu- the Modesto Madique Campus, although the plan is to allow them to set their own program. Battle fi rst met with a Walgreen’s ments and what she was planning for her local businesses around MMC offer similar salaries. manager between spring and summer semes- council and I tried hard to make [emolu- deals. This discount program is the begin- Vincent said SGC-BBC plans to allot ters. She became aware of a mutual interest ments] even,” Battle said. ning of various initiatives designed around money for the governing councils so that between Walgreens and BBC at that point. “We’re trying to push people to work students’ wants and needs. they can make their own decisions. Wolfe Center renovations bring needed improvements

BECCA GRIESEMER are asked to fi nd an alternate route which had worried John Cal, asso- of student affairs, agreed. ment Council at Biscayne Bay Contributing Writer through Panther Square, as traffi c ciate vice president of Facilities “We hope they will remedy the Campus and the Wellness Center will be redirected to minimize the Management. water leaks in Panther Square,” were moved to the third fl oor at the The sky’s the limit with the number of people around the work “This will be a great help in the Olson said. site of the former fi tness center in Wolfe University Center’s latest site. event of a hurricane since protecting The approximately $78,000 early 2010. renovation. Jennifer Cooper, assistant them with shutters was diffi cult and cost of the replacement skylight In addition, the WUC expects to Students and visitors to WUC at director for operations, said that the dangerous,” Cal said. windows will come from Public start construction within the next the end of Summer B should expect windows haven’t been replaced in Moreover, deterioration of the Education Capital Outlay infra- few months on the old second-fl oor to fi nd new skylight windows. her 15 years at FIU, and possibly caulking, a waterproof fi ller and structure, a state program run by cafeteria, pending budget approval. Pirtle Construction Inc, which since the building opened in its sealant used in building repair. the legislature that provides funds The proposed layout for the began the replacement of Panther current form almost two decades Current technology has allowed the for the maintenance, repair and space includes new offi ces for the Square’s skylight windows on June ago. University to replace the skylights construction of public education women’s center, several storage 21, expects to fi nish by July 30. Besides leakage during heavy with impact resistant windows. facilities. rooms, two “multi-functional” Scaffolding and a lift have made rain, the current windows weren’t “We’re very happy about that,” This renovation is part of a meeting rooms, and a game room Panther Square unavailable for designed to withstand impacts Cooper admitted. larger effort to revamp the WUC. for students, which includes a pool events. Students, faculty, and staff during hurricane-force winds, Gregory Olson, senior director The offi ces for the Student Govern- table.