The Beacon, April 16, 2008 Florida International University

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A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University Vol. 20, Issue 65 www.ﬁ usm.com April 16, 2008

MONEY WOES BUDGET INJUSTICES STATE SIGHTS FADING SEASON BBC concerned about cuts FIU’s priorities are not in order Road trip destinations Baseball team suffers in conference

AT THE BAY PAGE 4 OPINION PAGE 5 LIFE! PAGE 6 SPORTS PAGE 12 Students INSUFFICIENT FUNDS show up, speak out

GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. Life! Editor

For two hours on April 14, a section of the Graham Center Ballrooms seemed more like a ninja convention than a town hall meeting. Dozens of headband-wearing students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and others attended the meeting to support their respective schools, which they feel are threatened by FIU’s state-mandated budget cuts. Supporters of the Center for Labor Research and Studies carried a hand- made sign in front of the ballroom’s stage reading “Save the Labor Center.” Similarly, SJMC students with head- bands reading “SJMC Rocks” prepared their own defense during the meeting’s Q&A section, citing the School of Journalism and Mass Communications’ reputation for producing Hispanic jour- nalists. At the meeting, University President Modesto Maidique, Provost Ronald Berk- TOUGH TIMES: University President Modesto Maidique, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer Vivian Sanchez and Execu- man and Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer Vivian tive Vice President and Provost Ronald Berkman take turns answering questions during Monday’s Town hall meeting. Sanchez proposed a three-year budget

President discusses REACTIONS, page 2 cuts with community Maidique’s CHRISTINA VEIGA our recommendations are for News Director closing the gap, rather than leave everyone in the dark.” blame game Top University offi cials pre- Opposition arose when Berk- sented a contentious three-year man took the stage to detail plan detailing how FIU will the four-tier system used to unfounded survive pending budget cuts at determine the importance of a second town hall meeting on colleges, schools, centers, institutes and departments. Berkman April 14. PHOTOS BY GIO GUADARRAMA/THE BEACON University President Modesto announced that all centers and JUST THE FACTS: Maidique, Executive Vice Presi- institutes have been granted level President Modesto Maidique presents a Power- dent and Provost Ronald Berk- four status, with many being Point presentation on the upcoming budget cuts. man and Senior Vice President closed, restructured or pressured and Chief Financial Officer to fi nd alternate sources of fund- have to say is ‘how dare you?’” Maidique blamed Medicare Vivian Sanchez presented tiered ing. Sanchez was also met with and Medicaid for straining the The crowd in the Graham Center approaches explaining which Representatives from the backlash in response to her four- national budget, and the crippled Ballrooms buzzed with a nervous com- areas of the University will be Center for Labor Research and tiered approach, with vehicles, housing market in Florida for the motion as tense students and faculty most affected by the cuts of up Studies, which faces restructur- mail/duplicating/printing, e-mail state budget defi cit of nearly $5 members waited to see where the ax to $35 million. ing, were present with signs to support, construction manage- billion. would fall. All emphasized that none of protest their position as a low ment and real estate development “Since construction and hous- University President Maidique the plans will be fi nalized until priority to the University. cited as level four priorities. ing are such important elements stood before the crowd, the room fell the Faculty Senate, Budget Sta- Tier three colleges and schools Various mail center employ- of our economy, if those sectors into a grim and somber silence. bilization Taskforce and Board include the College of Law, ees were present to protest the have a cold, Florida gets a pneu- As FIU stands to grapple with the of Trustees review them and give College of Education, School possible outsourcing of their monia. And when Florida gets consequences of a catastrophic $2 ultimate approval. of Journalism and Mass Com- department. They encouraged pneumonia, we, who are funded billion cut to public education by the “What we are going to discuss munication, Engineering, School Sanchez to look within for cre- primarily through the state of state government, President Maidique and put on the table today are not of Business, International Studies ative solutions for saving their Florida, experience a real prob- placed the blame for this crisis squarely decisions that have been made,” and Architecture and the Arts. department. lem,” Maidique said. where it didn’t belong: on the “secular Berkman said. “I felt, and the “There has been a push by the “You have the talent here. Maidique presented his plan force” known as the Medicare/Medic- president felt, that it is better as provost to eradicate the school There is too much politics,” said for “FIU 3.0,” which detailed a a community to share with you of mass communication,” said Urias Martinez, a mail room what we are thinking and what Roberto Moreno, senior. “Sir, all I employee. BUDGET CUTS, page 2 CABRAL, page 5 2 The Beacon – April 16, 2008 NEWS www.fi usm.com Centers, institutes at most risk for future cuts

CHARLIE GRAU and institutes self suffi cient," "The center has served the Editor in Chief Berkman said. "Most univer- community over the years. sities have forgotten about the This shows a lack of com- Centers and institutes fi nd responsibility of centers and mitment to the community, themselves on the chopping institutes to provide a return especially to the under-served block while the University on that investment.” population of the community figures out how to combat Over the next year, some like the homeless and immi- a budget crisis for the next centers will either be con- grant community. It's people fi scal year. solidated, closed down or like that who benefit most At a town hall meeting have 21 to 50 percent of their from our research and train- on April 14 in the Graham budgets cut. ing," said Center of Labor and Center Ballrooms, Executive Berkman said that every- Research Studies Director Vice President and Provost thing presented at the meet- Dawn Addy. Ronald Berkman said the ing was not defi nite, but just “They claim they want to University started taking a recommendations. serve under-served communi- look at the dollar savings that But some faculty from ties and claim they want to be are in centers and institutes. centers and institutes disagree a new urban community, well In order to help combat the with Berkman's view. here we are, we’re the ones 4 to 7 percent budget cut the Bruce Nissen, director that do that,” Nissen said. University is facing, various of research at the Center of Despite the bleak news centers and institutes would Labor and Research Studies, that was delivered, some be closed down or consoli- said the provost's remarks students believe there is still dated. about centers and institutes hope. According to Berkman, owing money to University Research assistant for the closing the centers and insti- was "hogwash." center Cynthia Hernandez tutes will help save state funds "The Labor Center was and Freshman Kevin Gon- which would in turn be used created with a special state zalez walked in front of the to hire more faculty. appropriation and FIU got audience minutes before the "Centers and institutes extra money to create the town hall meeting started with GIO GUADARRAMA/THE BEACON are started and funded with center. It was created by an a huge banner that read, "Save POINTED QUESTIONS: Jose Pagliery, a senior in the School of Journalism and Mass institutional dollars for a cer- act of the state legislature and the Labor Center." Communication, asks a question during Monday’s town hall meeting. tain number of years. The funding by the state legisla- "Our struggle is going to expectation is that these cen- ture," Nissen said. continue and we're going to ters and institutes will take The center is one that has continue to fi ght. The support these dollars over a three been proposed to have its is continuing to grow. I don't Worried students fi ght year period and use those budget reduced by 50 percent think the battle is over and dollars to generate grants and this year and 100 percent the we're certainly not fi nished," for future of colleges gifts that will make centers next. Hernandez said. REACTIONS, page 1 number of class offerings. colleges because they will Executives lay out plan “I fi nd it ironic that there’s be fighting for funding plan for the University. The an insistence on having from an already stretched plan places each University enough classes offered when budget. center and department in there are journalism students “These priorities pit to deal with budget cuts one of four levels of prior- who have been here fi ve or college versus college ity: those in the fi rst tier will – ultimately dividing the more years because they are BUDGET CUTS, page 1 out his fi ve most important Medicine receive the least cuts while trying to get the classes they University,” Dial said. areas for preservation. They • Growing student life those in the lower tiers will need.” Despite student con- new plan for the University included: activities and alumni affi nity receive more. Berkman, however, said cerns voiced at the meet- in response to the cuts of 4 to • Becoming a top 15 • Focusing on advance- The Labor Center is a the potential cuts would not ing, faculty and staff 7 percent. public research university; ment capabilities through level four priority; SJMC affect class offerings. greatly outnumbered stu- The new plan calls for FIU down from Maidique’s origi- capital campaigns is considered a level three “One way I will not allow dents in attendance at the to become a comprehensive nal goal of reaching the top “These are cuts that we priority. the deans to meet the cuts is packed ballrooms. Mar- urban research university 10 must live with year after “The politically expedi- to gut the instructional pro- bely Hernandez, current with a “sharp strategic focus,” • Increasing undergradu- year,” Berkman said. “To ent thing would be to make gram,” Berkman said. “ SGC-UP president, said managed enrollment, higher ate retention and graduation make one year cuts and not all the victims equal,” Berk- Other students such as one reason for this is stu- tuition, more public assis- rates by adding more advis- worry about the out years man said. “But it is not the David Dial, Student Gov- dents’ lack of understand- tance, private partnerships ing staff and what units are going to responsible thing to do.” ernment Council-University ing in budget issues. and more effi cient manage- • Focusing on health and do in the next two years will Stephanie Palacino, a Park nursing representative, “Students need 360 ment and infrastructure. life sciences by moving for- make the cuts all the more senior majoring in journal- are worried that the priority degrees understanding The president also laid ward with the FIU College of painful.” ism, is concerned about the system will encourage com- of these issues,” Her- cuts and their impact on the petition among the different nandez said. “A lot of students feel that priority four or three means that CLASSIFIEDS their school will be closing overnight. That’s not true.” JOBS EDITORIAL BOARD Hernandez does admit that these budget cuts will Barbers needed for a new & cool barbershop opening in Fontainebleau Blvd. Call CHARLIE GRAU EDITOR IN CHIEF CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER pose challenges for the 786-329-1154 now. future SGA administra- CHRISINA VEIGA NEWS DIRECTOR EDDITH SEVILLA BBC MANAGING EDITOR tion. GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. LIFE! EDITOR “SGA still needs to ANNOUNCEMENTS ERIC FELDMAN INTERIM OPINION EDITOR SERGIO BONILLA SPORTS EDITOR be the cohesive student FERNANDO J. GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR voice,” she said. “It’s a Drop of Hope is a non-profi t charity that collects reusable clothes and other items LEONCIO ALVAREZ COPY CHIEF different year and there and sends them to needy families in Colombia. If you would like to donate, please INFORMATION has to be a focus on pro- e-mail [email protected] with the list of items you would like to The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, room 210, viding knowledge on donate. at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display these issues to students.” advertising and billing should be directed to the Advertising The next town hall Egg donor needed. Looking for an intelligent, healthy, Egg Donor of Manager at 305-348-6994. Mailing address: Graham Center, meeting to discuss the room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305-348-2712. Czechoslovakian or Eastern European heritage to help a loving Florida couple Biscayne Bay Campus is 305-919-4722. Offi ce hours are 9 budget situation is sched- have a child. Ages 20-32. Compensation starting at $5000. Information is

a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@ uled for May 15. confi dential. 1-800-395-5449, www.adption-surrogacy.com fi u.edu. Visit us online at www.beaconnewspaper.com Contact Us Eddith Sevilla BBC Managing Editor eddith.sevilla@fi usm.com AT THE BAY The Beacon – 3 www.fi usm.com April 16, 2008

TOWN HALL MEETING Proposed STUDYING IN THE SUN consolidation concerns SJMC

to figure out a way to get School ourselves back to that balance without relying on Tallahassee and that’s worried it what I’d like to hear more of which I haven’t heard [and that is] what are we will lose going to do to make more money?” One of the greatest con- its identity cerns that BBC faces is the future of the SJMC. EDDITH SEVILLA The School falls under BBC Managing Editor priority three, which goes up to priority four, of the The University-wide funding list and is being town hall meeting that considered to fold into was telecasted simultane- The School of Arts and ously to the Biscayne Bay Sciences.

Campus from University “We defnintiely want NATHAN VALENTINE/THE BEACON Park caused grave concern to keep our identity as a among faculty and staff. school. We have our own REDUCING STRESS: Alicia Eisenbach studies for her law and ethics exam in the shadow of “No Turning Back,” a “We’re definitely in activities we have our own sculpture made by environmental artist Ross Power on loan to Biscayne Bay Campus, April 14. crisis,” said Zachary thing going on and it just Trautenberg, IT and mar- feels like we would lose keting specialist for the a lot and if something Wolfe University Center like that happens we will Aspiring artist J.Carr satisfi es his at BBC. lose a lot of folks too and In order to bridge the that’s a little scary,” said estimated $10 million to Veronica Sztam, assistant $36 million gap that the director of student services ‘need for speed’ through lyricism state budget cuts will have for SJMC. on FIU, University Presi- “The ball is in the SHERVIN BAIN dent Modesto Maidique dean’s court. She will need Contributing Writer J.Carr, The Future of the Franchise presented a budget reduc- to make some important tion strategy that will have decisions and hopefully To most of the stu- “I have so much to live for and I have so much that I’ve an impact on the Univer- she will be able to deliver a dent body, Orane James already had to live with. [It’s] the need to keep going, not sity. program that is tight, well Carney is simply a junior “Its very important focused and still sustain- majoring in advertising stop; all the negative backlash. You can’t slow down. for the FIU community abale,” Fernandez said. here at FIU, but unbe- first to be aware of what’s With all the concerns known to many, he is happening and second to the budget cuts created, pursuing a career in the Jamaica, J.Carr came to the ever seen depressed. build a good relationship be conscious of the facts Fernandez was excited to entertainment industry U.S. at age two. “I have so much to live with local artists around that these cuts are neces- see the amount of student as J.Carr, “The Future Of He moved to the Cayman for and I have so much that FIU,” said Cadet, who is also sary, they’re unavoidable participation at the town The Franchise.” Islands during middle I’ve already had to live chair of Release Week. and hard choices must be hall meeting. “Even if I wasn’t me, school, then returned to with,” J.Carr said. “[It’s] the There will be eight other made,” BBC Vice Provost “I’m very proud any- you would still the U.S. for high need to keep going, not stop; rappers performing at this Damian Fernandez said. time that I see students criticize me, school. all the negative backlash. event including Joe Hound, Although the budget feeling strongly and com- so what’s the J.Carr’s absent You can’t slow down.” C-Ride, Young Breed, Hus- cuts are a concern to Jose pelled to take action,” use of slowin’ father promised Christopher Cadet, a tleman & Ghost P, Smokey Rodriguez, director of Fernandez said. “That’s down? I gotta him a saxophone sophomore majoring in tele- and AJ. student services for the why we are education our need for my so that he could vision production, enjoys The show will take place School of Journalism and students so they can voice speed,” are play with the high J.Carr’s music and predicts at 10 p.m. in the Biscayne Mass Communication, his their opinion. It’s a great just some of school band. a bright future for him. Bay Campus’ Wolfe Univer- main concern is what the lesson in citizenship I’m the lyrics writ- “I was one of “He’s pretty good. He has sity Center Ballroom. University will do to gen- happy for this oppeness ten by J.Carr. the best on the a west coast style mixed with J.Carr explained that erate more revenue. and for students express- His lyrics islands if not the Miami, and he really knows unlike the claims of many “You have to operate ing their opinions and I are intended to J.CARR best - I was a sax- how to rhyme,” Cadet said. rappers, he doesn’t pretend either in the balance or don’t think those opinions endorse dili- ophone prodigy,” “I can see [J.Carr] expand- to keep it “real.” in the black and we have fall on deaf ears.” gence and encourage a J.Carr said. ing into other things besides “Who does keep it real? I positive attitude to all He never received the rap, kind of like Will Smith. keep it realistic. We all have who listen. instrument, so he explored I can see him being a host, dreams. We’re all dreamers. “I make music for me, another form of entertain- an actor or a comedian.” I mean, I don’t say I kill any- and then again, I make ment - rap. J.Carr will be performing body; I don’t say I ride in a music for when someone Although he is inspired live at The Pre Finals Finale big bodied Benz, but when is doing something and by many pessimistic sce- during the 2008 Spring Pep a metaphor comes across, they say the words to my narios, he said his music is Rally on April 17. I’ll say something like, ‘You song, it will make [them] optimistic. “It’s part of Release can’t see me, ‘cuz I’m ghos- feel better about what J.Carr’s goal is to be an Week, which is to help stu- tin’,’ I’m not a ghost.” you’re doing,” J.Carr entertainer. He is known by dents calm down and relax To get a preview of said. his peers to be an enthusias- before fi nals, so they dont J.Carr’s music visit: www. Born in St. Elizabeth, tic individual, and is rarely feel stressed. Also, [it’s] to jcarrmusic.com Contact Us Eric M. Feldman Asst. Opinion Editor eric.feldman@fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – 4 www.fi usm.com April 16, 2008

Administration’s budget plan painful, DOUBLE WHAMMY but an unfortunate reality we now face

There is no question that the and two, are those that are either University is facing the worst essential to the core curriculum budget cuts in its history. or have “a high mission align- The State is asking University ment.” administration to cut anywhere Those departments ranked from $9.2 to $16 million from its lower by the administration have annual operating budget. “less mission alignment,” access In lieu of this, University to alternative funding to offset President Modesto Maidique the cuts or centers and institutes and his staff have been forced to which do not produce a suffi cient make some diffi cult decisions, return on investment. which they announced at a town Being classifi ed as a Carnegie hall meeting April 14. Research I institution, the Uni- They have had to prioritize versity is expected to publish a academic centers and several certain number of scholarly arti- operational factors such as per- cles. When articles are published, sonnel and technology services. the University not only accrues This prioritization is unpopu- prestige but receives grants and lar and was met with hostil- alternative funding which is ity from students, employees both a return on investment and and professors alike who were is in line with the University’s all disheartened to learn their institutional mission, which lists respective departments were research as a top priority. lower on the priority list than Those programs which not they had hoped. only fail to publish regularly, Peoples’ initial reaction to the but also have numerous, high- Blinded by the injustices cuts are understandable. Many cost degree programs with few cannot seem to grasp what their students are departments which department has done to merit have been considered a low being placed among the lowest priority. BEN F. BADGER JR. nity. Not only will the majority team it will turn a profi t. At least in FIU’s list of priorities. Though these departments Asst. News Director of those students go on to teach this is what Athletics Director It’s OK to be upset with these have not been held to such high in Florida, but in the mean time Pete Garcia and Maidique have decisions, but realize that you publishing standards in the past, During a town hall meeting, they help shell out thousands hinted at many times in various are reacting on emotion, right- in a time when the University University President Modesto of dollars worth of volunteer public forums. fully so. must decide which departments Maidique announced FIU’s fund- service. This logic is discredited as “My understanding is that it considers a high priority, those ing priorities. Right at the top Every education student has to a complete myth, according to initially, the school was supposed departments which have been is Athletics and the College of volunteer at local public schools research by Robert H. Frank, a to receive a substantial budget yielding an adequate return on Medicine. as part of their course load. Henrietta Johnson Louis profes- reduction; however, there has investment can understandably Not a big surprise to see The college produces roughly sor of management and professor been a push by the provost to be placed in a higher tier. these areas at the top. However, $200,000 worth of volunteer of economics at Cornell Uni- eradicate the school of mass Students do not, nor can they the decision to put several col- service in just one semester versity (which can be found at communication. be expected to understand such leges, schools and programs at It’s sad that the University knightfoundation.org). Sir, all I have to tell you is: things as they are completely out the bottom of the barrel was a is taking the same stance with According to his research how dare you?” said Roberto of their control. huge one. educators as the rest of the published in 2004, the success of Moreno, an impassioned and Cutting every program When I found out that the Col- country; overwork, underpay, a University’s athletic program well-intentioned SJMC student equally may have been the fair lege of Education “does not mean- present at the meeting. and easy way out, but not the best was being lowered ingfully increase The fact of the matter is that for the future of FIU. It’s easy in priority, it felt either the amount the administration is not making to blame University officials like one of my eyes When I found out that the Col- of alumni donations was just poked out, nor the quality of these cuts because it wants to, it for coming up with a strategy lege of Education was being low- is making them because it has to try and minimize the harm as I’m majoring in a college’s student to. And because it is the nature the budget cuts are inflicting education. ered in priority, it felt like one of my applicants.” of tough decisions, not everyone on FIU. As if that were eyes was just poked out. Essentially, the is going to be happy with the We must realize that they are not bad enough, FIU article also states outcome. working with limited resources just had to blind me that the most a win- The University has developed and trying to minimize the when it decided to ning football team a set of criteria to base its deci- damage the budget crisis has lower the School could do for its uni- sion on. The University bases already done. of Journalism and versity is slightly ranking of departments on sev- It’s OK to disagree with the Mass Communications as well, under appreciate and now under increase the number of average eral factors. Those departments criteria the University is using lumping the SJMC into “niche” fund them. students (based on SAT scores) that are among the top priority to make its decisions, but this is programs. An institution that serves the who apply to the university. for the University, levels one the reality we face. The University does not have community to this extent should Given our enrollment caps its priorities straight. For starters not be moved to the lowest level next year, means that even if we the College of Education has of importance. Not when the had a winning football team, it produced over 16,000 educators over-funded and over-glorifi ed would not do FIU any good. since it opened. Those educa- Athletics remains at the top. Cutting back a little on Athlet- WHAT DO YOU THINK? tors have spread throughout the Athletics already received a ics would not hurt either. country, but most of them teach fee increase that I think it should “The empirical literature pro- Do you think the University has its right in our own backyard in not have gotten. In 2007, it lost vides not a shred of evidence to priorities straight? South Florida. 12 athletic scholarships because suggest that an across-the-board According to Marty Medina, it was not properly managing its cutback in spending on athletics • Yes – The University is dealing with the budget director of academic administra- students. would reduce either donations defi cit in a fair and effi cient manner. tion for the College of Education, And then there’s the football by alumni or applications by the school had 2,347 students team. The same team FIU puts so prospective students,” Frank said registered in Fall 2007 and an much stock in, is the worst team in his research. • No – The wrong colleges, programs and average of 2,789 students per in Division I-A football, only For sports fans it’s a hard centers are being affected. semester since 2003. garnering one win out of its last truth to hear, but football or Clearly the college serves a 24 games. any sport for that matter helps Cast your vote at www.fi usm.com large number of FIU students and But the logic is that if the more importantly, the commu- University has a great football EDUCATION, page 5 www.fi usm.com OPINION The Beacon – April 16, 2008 5 Putting a Healthcare blamed for cuts’ impact halt on CABRAL, page 1 aid program. Of course the ballooning cost expansion -care programs have contributed in part to the current budget shortfall, but President Maid- might help ique’s overly simplistic explana- tion for the budget disaster our state is currently facing leaves EDUCATION, page 4 far too many people off the hook. In fact, the primary reason our no one in society, but its all state is in the bind boils down to about the “prestige” according one critical factor – and it is not to Maidique. Medicaid. If prestige is something the The primary reason, that most University wants so badly, why defenders of the cuts cite, is a would it consider putting the decline in sales tax revenue due SJMC at the bottom of its pri- to the recent economic downturn. orities? As The New York Times noted on As it stands it is one of the March 17 of this year: only six schools of journalism “Florida has seen its sales tax in the state that is accredited by revenue decline for two straight the Accrediting Council on Edu- fiscal years, the first time officials there recall that happening, cation in Journalism and Mass VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON Communications. as a result of a collapsing housing market that has homeowners IN LABOR: Students to save the Labor Center hold a banner in support of the center. As part of the plan to Overall there are only 110 ease the effects of the expected budget cuts, the center will lose 50 percent funding. programs accredited by the spending less. ACEJMC in the country. The state, which has no income It has produced successful tax, relies heavily on sales taxes School of Journalism and Mass man. Nevertheless, someone and not a word of criticism graduates such as Liz Balmaseda, for its state programs.” Communication and the School who has pushed for a $2 billion was uttered for those in Tal- Manny Garcia, Eunice Ponce, It is the economic climate of Arts and Architecture, who cut to education that will likely lahassee preparing to give Mireidy Fernandez, Johnny Diaz itself that is at fault, not the may see their schools disbanded result in the loss of thousands final approval to these cuts. and Jasmine Kipalani who have “secular force” Maidique seems as a result of these cuts, would of jobs and the elimination of To borrow a phrase used all won Pulitzer Prizes. so eager to blame. disagree. hundreds of higher education by Chief Financial Officer While I’m on the subject, they Yet for some odd reason, So will as many as 200 fac- programs across the state should Vivian Sanchez multiple have won more Pulitzers than all Maidique seemed to cast these ulty members who stand to lose not be praised by the president times during the meeting, the other universities in Florida health care programs as the their jobs. of our university. it must be nice to “live in a put together, and Balmaseda and reason for the cuts. Yet President Maidique, who In fact, there was a bizarre, world” like the one described Garcia have each won twice. He reserved no criticism for deserves credit for taking ques- deceptively upbeat quality to by this school’s administra- But FIU seemingly wants to Florida House Speaker Marco tions from many irate students, Maidique’s remarks. tion – a world where shutting abandon its already established Rubio, the Speaker of the State heaped praise on Rubio, speak- Maidique, and the massive down schools constitutes prestigious colleges to build new House, who not only approves ing of his “great efforts” on the PowerPoint slides projected an “evolution,” a lost job ones. Imagine how things would of these massive cuts but says issue of education funding. behind him, described the is an “opportunity” and the stand if there were no upcoming this budget will leave Floridians Perhaps he has done good changes to FIU (as a result of the “friends” of FIU in Tallahas- College of Medicine. “better off.” things for FIU in years past, and cuts) as an “evolution,” as if to see bear no responsibility for Instead of having to divert “It’s the kind of budget the I’ve been told that the cuts to imply these changes constitute the horrific consequences funding away from pre-exist- people of Florida need at a time FIU are less severe than to other some sort of progress. of budget cuts they’ve cre- ing institutions on campus, we like this,” Rubio said, in an inter- universities. The potential elimination of ated. could use that money to keep view with the Palm Beach Post on March 31 of this year. Many of his defenders jobs and programs were called everything going without major Chris Cabral can be reached The students who attend the describe him as an honorable “restructuring opportunities,” cutbacks. at chris.cabral@fi usm.com I understand that medical school or football stadium fund- ish television station, but were he “upset” the donor, Herbert vital programs already in place. yet. Irrevocable damage has not ing cannot legally be diverted told no because FIU already hit Wertheim, namesake of FIU’s The only alternative is to stop been done. Hopefully FIU will elsewhere. But could the admin- them up for funding for the new performing arts center. expansion. Why can’t FIU wait come to its senses before it’s istration at least not take away stadium. While it’s wise for any uni- a few years to start the medical too late. possible private donations from And let’s not forget last year versity to invest in their future school or expand the Athletics deserving schools? when Maidique lost $40 mil- students, we are faced with a department so that other areas Ben F. Badger can be reached The SJMC tried to solicit a lion worth of donations for budget crisis right now and do not have to suffer? at ben.badger@fi usm.com donation from Univsion, a Span- the College of Medicine when money needs to be focused on the Budgets have not been slashed

CAMPUS TALK What were your reactions to Monday’s town hall meeting?

Paul Ashe Roberto Moreno Marbely Hernandez Sophomore Senior Senior “Its been great to see so “Students should be encour- “This was a great opportu- many students come out and aged to come to all of the nity for students to show the support their degree pro- budget hearings.” administration how impor- grams and provide insight to tant these changes are to the administration.” us and what their decisions mean to our future.”

Marianna Castro Jane Daugherty Dorothie Lagerre Junior SJMC Faculty Junior

“I didn’t expect the reaction “Journalism students showed “It’s pretty messed up. from the students toward the up and excercised their They’re taking money away speakers and vice versa.” freedom of expression in a from our education and put- creative and positive way.” ting it into sports and invest- ing in Athletics. It’s not like they’re winning games. Contact Us Geoffrey Anderson, Jr Life! Editor geoffrey.anderson@ﬁ usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – 6 www.ﬁ usm.com April 16, 2008 Summer-ready vacation spots right in our backyard

SUSANA RODRIGUEZ Saloon, the state’s oldest bar ings and seances. While there, skeletons. Just an hour west Asst. News Director which was once an icehouse you can even take classes in of Orlando, a visit lets you and city morgue, and the mediumship, intuitive devel- unleash your inner paleontol- It’s time to throw down Banyan Resort whose former opment and self-realization to ogist to carry out some “fi eld your books, toss your pens owner, Mr. Cosgrove, still connect with the spirit world. work” by digging in the park’s in the air and rip your sched- walks its halls. Not up for Visit www.cassadaga.org for fossil dig and boneyard. ules into confetti - summer a spooky nighttime walk? more information. With the $12.95 entry fee, is finally here! Are you so Instead, stroll through the Want to see mermaids? you even have access to the excited that you have no clue city cemetery in the daytime. Zip over to Spring Hill to see park’s museum where you what you’re going to do with Located at 701 Passover Lane, some perform in an under- can ogle dinosaur eggs and your new found freedom? the Key West cemetery is water, synchronized ballet at raptor claws. Go ahead and Well, grab a few friends and home to memorable epitaphs Weeki Wachee Springs. In drool away - at last you can take a geeky road trip through such as “I told you I was sick” business since 1947, Weeki live out those “Jurassic Park” your home state. Florida is so and “at least I know where Wachee’s mermaids perform fantasies with abandon! Park chockfull of strange places to he’s sleeping tonight.” themed shows such as “The details can be found at www. visit, you’ll be able to satisfy If you want to know your Little Mermaid” and “Fish dinoworld.net. the most eclectic of tastes. future, drive up to Cassadaga Tails,” daily from 10 a.m. to While all this awesome can Start your engines and aim - the self named “psychic 4 p.m. for $24.95. be overwhelming, don’t forget for the southernmost point to capital of the world.” Located These sirens have man- to mail some postcards back take a haunted tour of Key north of Deltona, Cassadaga aged to ensnare a visit from home to family and friends at West. Featured on the shows was founded in 1875 by New Elvis himself, and have had the smallest post offi ce in the “America’s Most Haunted Yorker George Colby. Colby Brit pop band, Supergrass, U.S. The Ochopee Post Offi ce Places” and “Weird Travels,” followed his spirit guide down shoot their video for “Low is a roomy seven-by-eight feet Ghost Tours of Key West to Seneca, now our modern C” on location. You can visit in size and sits at the edge of will take you on a 90-minute, day Volusia County, and them online at www.weekiwa- the Everglades on U.S. 41. half-mile walking tour of the started the spiritualist camp. chee.com. Pre-stamped postcards are creepiest places in historic Today, Cassadaga is home If there’s one thing cooler already waiting for you on Old Town. to more than 47 mediums than mermaids, it’s dinosaurs. the counter top, so don’t keep For $15, tours begin at who offer services ranging Dinosaur World in Plant City them holding out for long - get 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., visiting from tarot readings and aura is home to more than 150 life- in your car and start road-trip- places like Captain Tony’s photography, to spiritual heal- sized dinosaur models and ping today.

Diversions www.ﬁ usm.com LIFE! The Beacon – April 16, 2008 7

College gossip ﬁ nds new ENCORE home at Juicy Campus

KASSANDRA POOL category depending on the Even though the site is DANIEL GARCIA student’s subject. Students anonymous there is a way to Beacon Staff can write about faculty, track down who wrote what, administration, Greek orga- but it can only be done by In our tech savvy world nizations, sports/athletes, an internet specialist with it seems that everyday there spring break, students or a warrant. is a new Web site vying for even things they overhear Although FIU is not listed the public’s attention. Some on campus. among these schools the site last, such as Myspace, and Ivester’s goal is for the allows anyone to suggest a others wane over time – who site to expand across the school as long as an e-mail visits Bored.com anymore? country to different cam- address is provided. The latest in this chase for puses all over the states. The site is user gener- brain space is www.JuicyC- Currently some of the ated, since at the end of ampus.com, a Web site that schools listed are Colum- the day it is the students dishes the dirt on campus bia University, University who are writing about their life across the nation. of Miami, University of campus. FIU College of The site was created with Florida and University of Law Assistant Professor the intention of giving stu- California Los Angeles. Cyra Akila Choudhury said dents a place to share their The site has been the sub- that it would be nicefor stu- interesting campus stories. ject of much controversy, dents to exercise restraint “Thinking back to my with CNN noting that it “has when posting on the site. college years, there were proved so poisonous there “Everyone has the right always crazy hilarious are signs of a backlash.” to express their own opin- things that were happen- Stanford University ions, but it depends on how ing. Why not give people a forced a similar Web site the person expresses their place to share these stories?” to shut down almost a opinion and if they do it said founder and CEO Matt year ago. On Dec. 9, 2007, appropriately,” Choudhury Ivester. Carlos Huerta was arrested said. FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON The Web site, which is at Loyola Marymount Uni- Nursing student and TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: Joseph” Onkore” Hernandez headlines owned by Lime Blue, a versity for criminal threats sophomore Dena Jette felt at the CD release party of “ All Rights Reserved” on April11, 2008 Nevada LLC. was founded he allegedly posted on the that her reputation might be held at Flavour. The CD was produced entirely by Professor Oswaldo on Aug. 1, 2007 with the site. He was released the fol- tarnished if FIU was on the Rossi’s music business class. mission of enabling online lowing day on bail that had Web site. anonymous free speech on been set at $100,000. “I wouldn’t want to see college campuses. A student from Colgate FIU on the web site because me,” she said. students have to say about for students to say what’s The site allows students University was also arrested I wouldn’t want my class- Whether it is to vent their campus, JuicyCampus. on their mind about their to select their school and for making similar threats. mates speaking bad about or simply see what other com is certainly a good way university.

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BASEBALL SERIES: MTSU 3, FIU 0 BASEBALL NOTEBOOK POOR HOME OUTING Inﬁ elder ﬁ nds his stroke at the plate

LUCA MESSINA Staff Writer

Home runs and RBI are two of the most glorifi ed offensive statistics, so FIU’s starting second basemen Ryan Mollica performances this season have been quite underrated. Currently on a 21-game hitting streak, Mollica has rebounded from a season-ending elbow injury that limited him to just seven games last year. Besides making some nifty plays in the fi eld, he has come up with several VICTORIA LYNCH/THE BEACON timely hits this season. COLLISION: Junior catcher Steven Stropp gets called out on a meeting at the plate with Middle Tenesee State’s Tyler Acker. The Golden “Coach Turtle [Thomas] worked Panthers are now second to last in the Sun-Belt conference standings. with me a lot in the Fall and Spring, so I feel good, and I’m swinging the bat well,” Mollica said. “But it’s not an individual sport as coach tells us.” Postseason hopes growing thin after sweep After his performance in the April 11-13 series against Middle Tennes- LUCA MESSINA The one-run lead quickly evaporated and only one out. see, he currently ranks second in Staff Writer in the following inning as MTSU put up Chris Allen started for FIU after serving batting average behind senior Jorge three more runs, with the help of three his two-game suspension after hitting a Castillo, posting .377 average with The Golden Panthers baseball team was FIU errors, in the top of the second inning batter in the previous series against Western one homerun and 26 RBI. He also has swept at University Park on April 11-13 by to go up 4-2. Kentucky. 46 hits and has scored 27 times. the Middle Tennessee State. The Golden The Blue Raiders put two more runs in He lasted only 1.1 innings before being In the fi eld, he has a .953 fi elding Panthers’ postseason aspirations are now the third inning and one in the sixth before replaced in favor of James Lajiness. He percentage to go along with eight in serious jeopardy. fi nally going on to win by a 7-3 score. allowed six hits, three earned runs and errors and has started 30 of the 38 FIU (12-26, 5-10 Sun Belt Confer- Kenneth Roberts (4-2) picked up the didn’t have a walk or a strikeout. games played. Despite his lengthy ence) led at one point in each of the three win while Langdon Stanley recorded his “It’s a very tough loss,” Thomas said. hitting streak, Mollica tries not to games but was unable to come away with second save for Middle Tennessee. “As a matter of fact, we had a lot of good think about it when he steps up to a victory. “We gave a lot of effort and tried hard performances today. There were a lot of the plate. The team has now lost six consecutive we just got to be able to hit the baseball clutch performances on our part and I was “I just feel good at the plate, and conference games and this is the second better,” said coach Turtle Thomas. “Steven very proud of how they played today.” I’m honestly just trying to get a hit consecutive series that they have been is a little bit down on himself, and he’s got MTSU 11, FIU 8 (10 INNINGS) every at-bat for the team,” he said. swept. to start to pick it up and pitch more like “I’m not worried about the hitting Steven Stewart’s ability. He’s got great FIU dropped the fi nal game of the series MTSU 7, FIU 3 streak. I’d just rather win some ability. In fact, he’s got more ability than in 10th inning again as the Blue Raiders games.” Senior Steven Stewart (0-5) was given any pitcher on our staff.” completed the three-game sweep. His most recent clutch perfor- another opportunity to start after losing his Sophomore lefty Corey Polizzano MTSU 9, FIU 7 (10 INNINGS) mance came in the second game of the turn in the previous weekend series and started for the Golden Panthers and left three game set against MTSU. With struggled from the start. The Golden Panthers responded to a with a comfortable 6-2 lead. the Golden Panthers trailing 7-6 in the His shaky performance was not as the lackluster offensive performance by put- “I did OK. I mean, I didn’t have my bottom of the ninth inning and runners Golden Panthers committed fi ve errors. ting up seven runs but ultimately fell to stuff, but I just tried to throw strikes and on fi rst and second, Ryan delivered a make them get outs themselves,” Polizzano timely single to right fi eld that was said. “They just made little dinkers that good enough to score pinch runner Turtle Thomas, oach found the holes and scored some runs.” Chris Altieri and tie the game. After tying the game in the eighth “I knew that I had to come through, “We gave a lot of effort and tried hard we just got to be inning, FIU pitcher Carlos Martinez (1-1) because we hadn’t been coming able to hit the baseball better. struggled and loaded the bases with two through and it was up to me,” Mollica outs. Pitching Coach Felipe Suarez opted said. “I just calmed myself down and to make a change and summoned Steve put a good swing on it.” He fi nished “I felt good, just a couple balls didn’t the Blue Raiders in the 10th inning after Stewart to try and get the Golden Panthers this series hitting 6-for-11 with three bounce my way, and we kind of dug our- MTSU shortstop Tyler Burnett delivered out of the jam. RBI and three runs scored. selves into a hole because of those errors,” what would be the game winning two-run On a 3-1 count, MTSU third baseman Mollica’s contributions surely Stewart said. “I just have to keep the ball home run off of FIU reliever Jorge Marban Zach Barret lifted a fl y ball that was just have caught the eyes of the coach- down more and be more mentally focused (0-2). out of the reach of FIU centerfi elder Ty ing staff and his return next year as on the whole game instead of letting a FIU showed much resiliency by tying Main. a senior will surely be something to couple of errors get into my head. That’s up the score 7-7 in the bottom of the ninth The hit scored three runs and the Blue look forward to. been my main problem.” inning after Ryan Mollica singled home Raiders added two more on a two-run home Up- Next The Golden Panthers After a allowing a solo home run to Blue pinch runner Chris Altieri. run by fi rst basemen Rawley Bishop. will look to improve upon their 5-10 Raider leadoff hitter Nathan Hines to put The Golden Panthers went into the Jorge Castillo added a two-run home run Sun Belt Conference record as they go FIU down 1-0, sophomore Tyler Townsend inning trailing 7-6. Senior Jorge Castillo to right fi eld to cut the score to 11-8 but that on the road to face New Orleans in a hit a two-run blast off of the scoreboard in had an opportunity to win the game for was all the Golden Panthers could muster. three-game set April 18-20. left centerfi eld to put the Golden Panthers FIU but grounded into an inning-ending Tyler Hyde picked up the win for MTSU up 2-1. double play with runners on the corners and Chad Edwards recorded the save.