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Vol. 19, Issue 25 www.beaconnewspaper.com October 30, 2006 Public Safety forum addresses student fears
NAIHOBE GONZALEZ practice safety measures like keep- four cases. This year, there have Staff Writer ing room doors closed and not open- been two cases. ing entry doors for strangers. They Stalking cases have seen a Students raised questions and also offered other safety tips. similar decline, from 18 reported shared opinions with University According to Law Enforcement incidents in 2005 to four to date administrators at a safety forum held Captain Jesse Scott, Public Safety this year. Figures for other crimes at Lakeview Hall Oct. 17. divides crimes into two categories against persons have remained The forum is part of the Depart- – crimes against property and consistently low. ment of Public Safety’s attempt to crimes against persons — to gauge Crimes against property are keep up with the growing needs of how safe the campus is. decreasing as well. In 2004, there the University. “Is the campus safe for students? were 86 burglaries. That number The forum was coordinated and That’s the key question. Could you decreased to 58 in 2005. So far this hosted by Christopher Agard and have your car stolen? Sure, maybe. year, there have been 42 reported Robert Nguyen, president and vice We’re not trying to undermine those burglaries. president of Lakeview North. kinds of incidents, but our ultimate Vehicle theft in particular has “Things have happened to people priority is the personal safety of the seen the largest increase. In 2004, to receive increased funding to time of the day and night, and that I’m close with; like one friend students and faculty,” said Scott. 14 vehicle thefts and attempts were match FIU’s growing population. close to 4,000 students who live on finding a man in her room that He pointed to decreased num- reported. In 2005, however, the The number of active offi cers is campus, we’re talking about almost wasn’t supposed to be there. Then bers of crimes against persons: number increased to 17. This year, also expected to increase in the a small city,” King said, assessing it happened to another friend. I including rape, aggravated assault, there have been 61 auto thefts and near future. the campus’ safety needs. realized it could happen to anyone,” and robbery. In 2004, there were attempts so far. “If you look at the size of the King asked students to guess the Nguyen said. 14 reported cases of aggravated Bill King, chief of Public Safety University, with 38,000 going on Presenters asked students to assault. In 2005, there were only said the department was expecting 40,000 students on campus at any CRIME, page 3 Admissions IN HIS TWENTIES test to be revamped
BEN BADGER JR. Staff Writer
Some major changes are in store for students taking the Medical College Admis- sions Test. In the past, the MCAT was only admin- istered twice a year, once in April and again in August. According to Pre-Health Professions Advisor Dr. Barbara Roller, the dates in which the MCAT used to be held were very detrimental to students. “Students tend to blow off classes or study time in order to study for the MCAT,” Roller said, who added that the previous dates did not give students enough time to retake the exam if need be. One major change is the exam’s avail- ability. Beginning January 2007, the test will be available 22 times out of the year.
The real change, however, is that it will FERNANDO GARCIA/THE BEACON no longer be a paper based test. Instead, the LIFE OF THE PARTY: President Maidique cuts a cake at a surprise party held for him on Oct. 26 by the Division of MCAT will be completely computerized. Student Affairs and SGA at the Betty Chapman Plaza to commemorate his 20 years of service as University president. “There is no reason it should remain a paper test,” Roller said. The MCAT will be conducted by Pro President celebrates 20 years of service Metric, a company that administers various computer tests nationwide, according to Matt Fidler, MCAT program manager for REUBEN PEREIRA Betty Chapman Plaza and hosted by the people who schedule me. I want to Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. Senior Staff Writer Division of Student Affairs and the Uni- know if I’m really going to San Diego As a result, Fidler warns students to be versity Park and Biscayne Bay Campus today?” diligent about signing up for classes. With an outdoor setting, food, confetti, Student Government Associations, was a The event started at 12:40 p.m. “Each Pro Metric testing location can party hats and salsa music, the surprise light-hearted affair, attended by University at the north entrance of the Graham usually accommodate about 20 people,” event to commemorate Modesto “Mitch” delegates, administrative, staff and student Center where the FIU Marching Band, Fidler said. “Many locations will fi ll up Maidique’s 20 years of service at FIU as body members. former SGA Presidents and the FIU fast.” University president had more in common “The fi rst thing I’d like to tell you is thank cheerleaders and Dazzlers awaited the In the past, the MCAT took an entire day with a brunch party than a formal University you and, boy, am I surprised,” Maidique arrival of Maidique from the Faculty to complete. With the new computerized gathering. said to the crowd of nearly 100 revelers. “I version, the testing time will be cut down to have now lost complete confi dence in the The surprise event, held Oct. 26 at the MAIDIQUE, page 3 MCAT, page 2 2 The Beacon – October 30, 2006 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS Lectures mix education, religion MONDAY • OCTOBER 30 NAIHOBE GONZALEZ Scenes From Mozart Operas: 8 a.m., Staff Writer Wertheim Concert Hall, Free Panther Rage Meeting: 4 p.m., GC 150 A feminist theologian, a Grammy SPC Murder Mystery Dinner: 8 p.m., GC award-winning singer and a yogi chef Ballroom are just a few of the people that the TUESDAY • OCTOBER 31 Center for the Study of Spirituality has invited to FIU this year. Game Day: 12 p.m., Student Lounge, Free The center was inspired by the Dalai SPC Meeting: 3:30 p.m., GC 140 Lama’s 1999 visit, when he addressed RHA Halloween Extravaganza: 6 p.m., the role of spirituality in American Panther Hall education. “In the modern education system, WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 1 you pay attention to the proper devel- SGC-UP Meeting: 4 p.m., GC 150 opment of the brain, but you do not SPC Coffee House: 6 p.m., FIU Starbucks pay adequate attention to the develop- SPC Race Show: 8:30 p.m., GC Ballroom ment of the warm heart,” he said in an address to an audience of over 5,000 THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 2 people. Nathan Katz, who was responsible MELINDA BOONE/THE BEACON HLSA’s Abuela “Flan” Cook-off Student for both of Dalai Lama’s visits to FIU, JUST PREACH: Rabbi Daniel Lapin lectures on Oct. 24 at the Central Bible Cafe: 12 p.m., School of Law, $3 to try the desserts. took the words to heart and by 2004 AG Church as part of the Center for the Study of Spirituality lectures. Festival Grand Opening: 8 p.m., Wertheim had established an interfaith multi- Concert Hall disciplinary institute housed under the In past years, scholars have included “I always offer fi ve points of extra College of Arts and Sciences, stepping a kabbalist, a contemplative monk and credit to students who go to the lectures FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 3 down as the founding chair of the a Tibetan lama. Some students were and I’ve even been to a few myself surprised by the center’s choice for ... They’re interesting and highly rel- SPC Film “Talladega Nights: The Legend Department of Religious Studies to this year. evant,” Shulkes said. of Ricky Bobby” 7 p.m. become director of the center. According to Katz, the center is “Gloria Estefan? That seems a little University President Modesto. A. SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 4 primarily concerned with the study of different, when you’re coming from Maidique has also taken notice of the secular spirituality, what he calls, “a the Dalai Lama who’s made spirituality center’s work and last year wrote a FIU Big Band: 8 p.m., Wertheim Concert contemporary phenomenon that con- his entire life,” said freshman Jeffrey piece for El Nuevo Herald highlighting Hall nects spirituality to … everything.” Nejad. its role for the University as a whole. Adventure Recreation: Big Cypress Swamp “Our role is to build bridges and However, the center’s “big project” “People are passionately inter- Hike connections where the academic and this semester, according to Katz, is ested in spirituality, both for personal professional disciplines of the Uni- a program on the Torah and Qu’ran reasons and because of its profound SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 5 versity are addressed by spirituality,” that explores how Jews and Muslims impact on society, so we attract a lot perceive each other’s presence in the of attention,” Katz said. Amernet String Quartet: 8 p.m., Wertheim Katz said. Holy Land. In light of the long-run- The center relies heavily on this Concert Hall The center’s most successful tool in forming these bridges has been ning tensions between the two groups, attraction, as it is fully funded by - Compiled by Maria Chercoles its popular lecture series, which has Katz calls the event, “very important community donations and grants. It brought to FIU the Dalai Lama and and timely.” functions on fl uctuating annual budgets other spiritual leaders, including Nejad agreed. of $50,000 to over $100,000. rabbis, priests, imams, as well as pro- “What the center’s doing is great The center also aims to infuse an fessors from prestigious institutions because it keeps the lines of com- educational curriculum with spiritual- NEWSFLASH such as the University of London and munication open between groups. ity education and is set to propose to Yale University. Recently, the center When you don’t have a free exchange the University Curriculum Committee FIU invited the world-famous entertainer of ideas, that’s how confl ict evolves,” an undergraduate certifi cate program in Gloria Estefan as this year’s World Nejad said. “I hope more people get the study of spirituality. FIU’s new Visual Student Center website offers Wisdom Scholar-in-Residence. involved in this.” “What we’re doing is unique in valuable help to students “This program brings in a scholar Students are not the only ones who higher education … [People] may or [or] artist who is also a practitioner perceive the center’s mission as signifi - may not be personally interested, but FIU launched an addition to its website called of spirituality. The scholar spends a cant to the general FIU community. I think everyone has at least some Virtual Student Center to help students in both week on campus, guest teaching in a Instructor Russ Shulkes, who curiosity — and that is a good thing,” their personal and academic areas throughout their variety of classes and meeting with teaches a course in religious analysis Katz said. school years. student groups at both campuses and and interpretation, encourages his A calendar of the center’s events Academically, VSC has study resources for classes also gives one major public lecture,” students to attend events hosted by can be found at http://cas.fi u.edu/Spiri- such as chemistry and math, helping students fi nd Katz said. the center. tualityCenter/lectureseries.htm. a tutor, and fi nding scholarships and jobs among other things. VSC also has a feature called Cinemath where Modernization streamlines exam students can fi nd dozens of virtual math class sessions.This allows students to watch mini movies to better understand whatever math subject they are MCAT, page 1 gives you more opportunity be collected after the exam erized it will only take about dealing with. to analyze the test.” to be discarded, and it will four weeks for the MCAT Another special feature of the website is the Sophomore pre-med stu- not be let out of the testing to be graded,” Roller said. student-to-student option, which connects each four and a half hours. dent Ana Lanza says that room. “Then when the computer- through a posting function. This helps students “Students need to under- the new computerized ver- According to Fidler, stu- ized test reaches its second locate study partners, student-tutors and other stand what it’s like to take sion of the test will have its dents will be able to high- year, only about two weeks tutoring services, look for a roommate, and put the MCAT on the com- advantages and its disad- light various objects on the for it to be graded.” together car pools, puter,” Fidler said. vantages. computer screen to organize Normally, registration The new site can be navigated at www.fi u. “It’s not going to be like any interface they have “It will be even harder possible answers. for the MCAT starts about edu~vsc used before. That’s why because you will not be Students will be able to six months before the – Compiled by Ben Badger, Beacon staff. Kaplan has set up a free able to go back and forth change answers in any given scheduled date, but for the practice test for the MCAT between questions,” Lanza section. January testing dates, regis- at Kaptest.com/mcat. Stu- said. “But it’s an advantage However, once the time tration at aamc.org/mcat is dents will be able to get a that you will have so many for that section has run out, expected to begin sometime feel for the interface as well opportunities to take it.” students will no longer be in November. as some understanding as to While students may not able to go back to edit their “Overall there are defi nite CORRECTIONS the type of questions on the have the same amount of answers. advantages to the computer- MCAT.” flexibility when it comes Time seems to be the ized version of the test,” In the issue dated Oct. 26, 2006, A.J. Costa was Despite the benefits of to how they look over their greatest improvement when Fidler said. “Students do misquoted as saying her mother was a lesbian. The having the MCAT comput- tests, they will be still pro- it comes to the new comput- need to know all of the same quote should have read her “aunt and her partner were erized, pre-med students still vided scratch paper in order erized MCAT. content as they would have not just roommates.” seem to prefer the paper- to take minor notes during In the past the MCAT for the original test. Even The Beacon will gladly change any errors. Call based test. the exam, according to the took over eight weeks to though there are going to our UP offi ce at 305-348-2709 or BBC at 305-919- “I like the traditional MCAT’s website www. be graded, according to be less questions, the same 4722. way better,” said pre-med AAMC.org. Roller. subject matter will still be student Salvador Cotes. “It The scratch paper will “Once the test is comput- covered on the MCAT.” www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon – October 30, 2006 3 Maidique receives awards, expresses gratitude
MAIDIQUE, page 1 “Through his years as president, a 2006 Graduation Class T-shirt, an ing a “very special award” to the have the opportunity to come to Modesto “Mitch” Maidique has iPod Nano, a world atlas and a jar president – a scaled version of the this country, to go to one of the allowed for the development of of M&Ms. mural that decorates the Atrium and foremost academic institutions and Club; Provost and Executive Vice programs that have enriched the As a fi nal gift, Silva and Leon the North entrance of GC. to be the president of this great Uni- President Ronald Berkman had education of students at FIU,” Silva gave Maidique a “Student Gov- “It is a graphic artistic replica- versity for 20 years. I think it says previously escorted Maidique to the said. “SGA would like to show its ernment Key of Success” and a tion of your many accomplishments more about the United States than Faculty Club from his offi ce. appreciation to President Maidique “Crystal Ball” for his 20 years of here at FIU,” Jones said, before about me. I think with hard work, After being led into GC by Berk- for his contribution to students by service to the University. unveiling the mural. “There’s a integrity and tenacity, anything is man, Maidique was welcomed by honoring him as a student.” Following this presentation, place at GC that you very much possible.” SGA presidents Alfonso “Alfi e” Leon added that Maidique had Silva and Leon read a new resolu- admire: the actual graphic that “The one thing you need at this Leon and Camilo Silva as well as always wanted to be a graduate of tion that established the Modesto demonstrates the many accom- University is student support, and, former SGA presidents and the the University and joked that the A. Maidique Leadership Award plishments of FIU. We think that boy, do I have the support of stu- FIU Marching Band that led the president even married an FIU which, starting in 2007, will award it represents everything positive dents today,” Maidique said. parade through GC playing “Hail graduate to fulfi ll his wish. students who demonstrate vision about you, in terms of your accom- He concluded his speech by to the Chief.” To honor the president’s wishes, and creativity on campus as part of plishments, and we hope you will thanking his wife Nancy and led After a brief introduction by Leon and Silva named Maidique as the Student Life Awards. admire it for many years.” the crowd in a salsa dance. Vice President of Student Affairs an honorary member of the 2006 Following a banner presentation “I don’t know how many of you “And now I came to do what Rosa Jones, Leon and Silva led the graduating class and light-heart- by the children of the Children’s have lived in other countries but all of you came here to see and proceedings by honoring Maidique edly presented him with fi ve items Learning Center, Jones took the I’d like to say ‘What a country,’” that is to see Nancy and I dance,” on behalf of the student body. a student would need: a book bag, podium once again by present- Maidique said. “To allow me to Maidique said. Offi cers’ advice ‘common sense’ HAUNTED! CRIME, page 1 Safety is evolving to meet to keep their personal prop- the ever changing needs of erty protected.” average number of offi cers the University, specifi cally Sophomore Maday Her- on patrol at any one time. addressing the rise in crimes nandez, uses common sense As most students called out involving vehicles. but finds FIU to be a safe numbers in the teens and “When we see patterns place. twenties, one student guessed in any type of a crime, we “When I’m here late I try correctly. adjust our patrols around that to walk with my cell phone in “Who said ‘three?’ That’s particular area. We may put hand, or with a friend, but I it, that’s what we got,” King some people in plain clothes feel safe. I also worry a little said. “I’m not complaining to do a little more surveil- about my stuff sometimes, about the number that we lance,” said King. “We also but I don’t feel like I should have, but we do need to have try to put out information to worry too much. I’ve never a few more offi cers.” students, faculty, and staff so had any problems,” Hernan- According to King, Public they can use common sense dez said.
JOSE PAGLIERY/THE BEACON TRICK OR TREAT: Freshmen Michelle Fraioli, Liz Grear and Mark Kennedy scream as they walk through the Fiji fraternity’s fourth annual Haunted House event at the fraternity’s house Oct. 27. Students were led through an intricately designed haunted house that zig-zags across the entire fi rst fl oor of the complex. The tour in- cluded Bloody Mary, a Hostel-like kitchen, The Ring’s infamous wet-and-scary little girl, hanging spiderwebs, random body parts, blood-tattered walls, and undead zombies jumping out of every corner. The annual event was open to students at no charge.
EDITORIAL BOARD INFORMATION
C. JOEL MARINO EDITOR IN CHIEF The Beacon offi ce is located in CHRISTOPHER NECUZE PRODUCTION MANAGER the Graham Center, room 210 at the University Park campus. Ques- BETSY MARTINEZ NEWS DIRECTOR tions regarding display advertising CRISTELA GUERRA BBC MANAGING EDITOR and billing should be directed ALICIA BUSTAMANTE LIFE! EDITOR to the Advertising Manager at JOSE DE WIT OPINION EDITOR 305.348.2709. Mailing address: XAVIER VILLARMARZO SPORTS EDITOR Graham Center, room 210, CHRIS CUTRO PHOTO EDITOR Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305.348.2712. Biscayne Bay MARIA CHERCOLES ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR Campus is 305.919.4722. Offi ce YESENIA FORTE ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EDDITH SEVILLA ASST. NEWS DIRECTOR Monday through Friday. E-mail: NICOLE ACOSTA BBC ASSISTANT Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online at: SHAWN SPROCKETT ASST. OPINION EDITOR www.beaconnewspaper.com GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. ASST. LIFE! EDITOR CHARLIE GRAU ASST. SPORTS EDITOR The Beacon is published on Mondays and Thursdays during ANGELINA TROFF NEWS PAGE DESIGNER the Fall and Spring semesters and MICHELLE DIAZ OPINION PAGE DESIGNER once a week during Summer B. One copy per person. Additional ANGELINA ESPOSITO COPY EDITOR copies are 25 cents. The Beacon JESSICA ISER COPY EDITOR is not responsible for the content BOBBY JOE BRACY COPY EDITOR of ads. Ad content is the sole ASHLEY CAPO COPY EDITOR responsibility of the company or vendor. The Beacon is an edi- BEN BADGER JR. WEBMASTER torially independent newspaper partially funded by Student and TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER Services fees that are appropriated ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA by Student Government. ALFRED SOTO ASST. STUDENT MEDIA DIRECTOR AT THE BAY The Beacon – 4 www.beaconnewspaper.com October 30, 2006 STROKE...STROKE
H. DWIGHT HOLMES Institute for Diversity in Journal- Contributing Writer ism and served as professor and associate dean at the University of Frederick R. Blevens was Oklahoma from 2002-2006. named one of the nation’s best He’s has been involved with journalism educators in 2001, but diversity programs since the mid that news came as a shock because 80s solving recruitment measures. he had only been teaching full time He has also received many honors for about six years. and is co-author Twilight of Press “I was fl oored. This is an award Freedom, a book that focuses on that usually goes to people with a how world journalism is veering lot more teaching experience. That away from the traditional idea of made it even more rewarding,” the great value of press freedom. said Blevens. Q: What is your fi rst Today, Blevens order of business here is the new associate at the School of Jour- dean of the School of nalism and Mass Com- Journalism and Mass munication? Communication. He I’m still trying to get holds a bachelor’s and oriented. I am trying to master’s degree in jour- fi gure things out to the nalism from Ball State point where I can con- PHOTO CREDIT/THE BEACON University and a doc- tribute to the program. KAYAK DAYS ON THE BAY: Biscayne Bay Recreation took students and others on a kayaking adven- torate degree from the I am not here to make ture through the mangroves of Oleta River State Park across from BBC campus Friday Oct. 27. University of Missouri BLEVENS radical changes. School of Journalism. Q: What’s the most Blevens was one of only three unique thing about SJMC’s addressing that disparity, like doing some- college professors to receive the diverse population, and what thing about it? Journalism Teacher of the Year challenges does it pose for you, Faculty representation is important for THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS Award given by The Freedom as the new associate dean? students, especially in an area where one has a Forum, a nonpartisan, interna- Well, the thing that is the most diverse student population. Faculty diversifi ca- MONDAY • OCTOBER 30 tional foundation dedicated to free unique about the school and the tion is probably the hardest thing too because SPC Affair of the Arts: Arts & Crafts Day press, free speech and free spirit. University is the diverse student, there are so many things working against you 11 a.m., WUC Panther Square “The award has made me think staff and faculty population. The like, one is pay, and the other one is how many SAA General Meeting: 3:30 p.m., WUC 159 deeply about why I left the news- challenges are meeting needs of of them are there to recruit from. SPC Dancing with the Wolfe Series: 6 p.m., room for teaching. It also has the very, very diverse population. Q: Why did you leave newspapers for WUC 155 (Also on Oct. 31) increased my determination to Q: You started a diversity academia? BBC Wishgivers-Hallo’s Eve Auction: 7 move from being a good teacher to program at one of your previous Well I always wanted to be a teacher; I p.m., WUC 244AB a great teacher,” Blevens said. schools. Are you concerned that studied to be a teacher when I was an under- He was a reporter, copy editor, the faculty here at the SJMC is graduate. TUESDAY • OCTOBER 31 and senior editor at several metro- not very diverse? Q: What’s the most important thing for SOC Lead/Engage: 12 p.m., WUC 159 politan newspapers and has taught I think that’s true, and am I FIU J-school students to learn here before PRSSA Club Meeting: 3:30 p.m., WUC 157 at Ball State, Texas A&M and concerned about that… oh, abso- they graduate? SPC Affair of the Arts Movie Day: 4 p.m., Southwestern. lutely. They have to learn how to gather information WUC 244A Blevens founded the Oklahoma Q: Have you thought about properly, and also analyze the information. SPC General Meeting: 5:30 p.m., WUC 159 Inactive honor society revived WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 1 Panther Power Meeting: 2 p.m., WUC 157 SPC Affair of the Arts Artwork Reception: SAMUEL HYPPOLITE its own Honor’s Council moved to other universities campus government, Jour- 2 p.m., WUC 101 Contributing Writer and represent the various in 2005, the Circle of ODK nalism: speech and mass SGC-BBC Meeting: 3:30 p.m., WUC 155 major’s there. was obligated to cease at media, and creative and ANSWER-US Interest in the Middle East: The Omicron Delta “It’s a great asset to FIU,” he said. performing arts. 7 p.m., WUC 155 Kappa is a national lead- the campus and promotes “But this semester, we Fifty-three applications SPC Movie Series, “Talledega Nights:” 8 ership honor society that more involvement. Having want to revitalize it with have been received in both p.m., WUC 100 has over 285 active circles our own Honor’s Council upper division or gradu- BBC and UP; 27 applicants on college and university would distinguish us. We ate students and faculty were accepted. THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 2 campuses throughout the do have great students at members who volunteer to Former members are also SPC Affair of the Arts- Tai Kwon Do: 11 United States. our campus, but they never cooperate with ODK and eager for the societies com- a.m., WUC Panther Square About a year ago, FIU get the chance to get fully other leadership organiza- back to BBC. SPC Affairs of the Arts-NWC Play: 7 p.m., had an active ODK Circle, recognized. I think this is tion at FIU.” “I graduated right after WUC 100 but after suddenly ceasing a good chance to show our Unlike many other honor my induction into ODK, ANWS- Black Studies in the New in 2005, it is being revived distinguished students,” said societies that focus mostly as did most of my fellow Millennium: 7 p.m., WUC 244A this year at Biscayne Bay Izaguirre. on students’ class rank, the inductees. Thus, it was Campus. The Honor’s Council’s ODK requires more than mostly inactive during the FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 3 The circle is under the purpose is to recognize that. 2005-2006 school year,” Cuban Dance Fever Class: 12 p.m., WUC University Park Honor’s students for “academic The seven members of said graduate student Micah Panther Square Council, an organization excellence and promote the ODK commitee evaluate Mintz. Conference for Hispanic Journalists: 6 which handles all honors’ scholarship and community students qualifi cation based “But I hope that the p.m., WUC 157 societies that represent most involvement,” according to on their GPA and their lead- incoming class of inductees their website. ership involvement. will revitalize the organiza- majors as well as various SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 4 departments and leadership According to Bronwen A 3.0 GPA for under- tion, and I look forward to organizations. Bares, ODK advisor at graduate and 3.3 for gradu- participating with them,” Conference for Hispanic Journalists: 7 Edgard Izaguirre, elec- BBC, the ODK was disabled ate students is required and Mintz said. p.m., WUC 157 tions commissioner for the because there were no more at least one of the following “We know that many Iranian Cultural Club Meeting: 7 p.m., Student Government Coun- active members to help it experiences is required: students have good grades, WUC 155 cil at BBC hopes to even- continue. scholarship, athletics, and but we are trying to fi nd stu- tually allow BBC to have “Because a lot of our campus or community dent who are exceptional,” - Compiled by Maria Chercoles members graduated or service such as social and Bares said. www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon – October 30, 2006 5 OPINION C. Joel Marino Editor in Chief • Christopher Necuze Production Manager • Jose de Wit Opinion Editor Votes: They only make a difference if they’re cast Th e ballots that students fi ll out today will decide the policy that aff ects their lives tomorrow
JOSE DE WIT gunned down four students. extra credit to students who can Opinion Editor Their high-minded efforts prove they cast their ballots on Occasional visits to the polls didn’t do much: a generation Nov. 7. College students in the ‘60s later, things are still the same. As students, we should not A recent poll showed that intermittent voters account for about one in missed the point: they set their Nonetheless, it’s probably need such incentives to motivate five in the U.S. expectations way too high for the safe to assume that if these kids us to get out and vote. The Regular Intermittent Registered/rarely Not registered political system. were willing to invest the time choices we make at the booth Voting by age, percentage … education As idealists, they expected and effort to get beaten and shot, have direct effects on our lives 18-29 22% 13 25 40 College 46% 22 20 12 politics to make the world a they probably went out of their as students, and that should be graduate 35 21 24 20 better place. way to vote, too. incentive enough for us. 30-49 Some college 38 20 24 18 Politics is a dirty business; its The ballots they cast did not On Oct. 24, the Faculty 50-64 42 24 20 14 High school 28 20 24 28 purpose is not to make our ideals give us world peace, but the Senate voted to extend the class 65+ 41 22 22 14 graduate or less candidates they chose determined schedule to include classes on a reality, but rather to determine … race … party identification and manage the administrative the domestic policies that gave Friday. This is something the White 37 21 22 20 Republican 41 25 20 14 details of our country. You don’t them the lifestyle they enjoy University needs to do in order need to care about world peace now. to secure state funding. Black 31 23 29 17 Democrat 39 20 21 20 to vote Nov. 7. You just need Voter turnout among the 18- The only reason the University Hispanic 24 16 20 40 Independent 30 17 26 27 to care about how public policy to-24-year-old age group has needs to take such measures is NOTE: Survey of 1,804 adults, including 1,503 registered voters was conducted Sept. affects your private life. declined steadily since 1972, that the funds the state gives to 21-Oct. 4 by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and has a margin ± From the mid-1960s to the and now averages about 30 universities for construction and of error of 3 percentage points. early 1970s, university students percentage points lower than maintenance are expected to SOURCE: Associated Press-Pew poll AP churned out en masse to demand the turnout for the rest of the decrease after 2007. that the United States pull out of population. The amount of money the Vietnam. For the most part, students are state can allocate for these funds Friday class next year, you can minorities in other states, good More than 100,000 students unwilling to take a second from each year depends directly on blame Jeb Bush and your friendly for them. joined the Students for a their classes and jobs – let alone gross tax receipts – the amount Florida legislature. You don’t have to want to Democratic Society and clashed their busy social lives – to think of taxpayer money it collects that Forget the high-minded make the world a better place to with law enforcement in anti-war about politics. fi scal year. Thus, the amount of motives that drove students in go out and vote. Sheer selfi shness protests on hundreds of campuses It’s not unheard of for civic- money available for universities the ‘60s to political involvement. is reason enough. around the country. In one such minded professors, in a last-ditch is a function of the state’s tax If they felt the need to go out Indulge yourself for an hour protest, at Kent State University effort to coerce their students policies. of their way and do something on Nov. 7 and vote for a candidate in 1970, the National Guard into behaving like members of a By that logic, when you’re about the plight of Vietnamese whose decisions will affect your participatory democracy, to offer driving to school for your 9 a.m. peasants or the civil rights of daily life.
FIU must reconsider dismissal of players WINNER & LOSER
TY WRIGHT The real culprit was the exceed- Donna Shalala announced Oct. 17 WINNER Contributing Writer ingly competitive mood in the that although the incident is still Little kids: Halloween means candy, parties and atmosphere that day – between the under examination, UM “will not creative costumes for all. Too bad the television New athletic director Pete Garcia rival coaches and players, as well as throw any student under the bus premier of Shaun of the Dead will keep them from did not demonstrate any measure students, staff, alumni and fans. for the public restoration of our sleeping. of reason or consideration when The game was marketed as a image.” Instead, UM’s coaching administering severe punishments to colossal extravaganza in the promi- staff and athletic director are being two Golden Panthers football team nent ads featured online, in news- held accountable for the actions of LOSER members, Marshall McDuffi e and papers and on countless posters the team they lead. Political candidates: Sadly, fake masks and cre- Chris Smith. McDuffi e and Smith throughout the city. To make matters It is imperative that FIU students ative fallacies are also in-store for politicians in the are the two players who have been worse, it was sold as pay-per-view and faculty support the two players fi nal stretch of their election campaigns. dismissed from FIU’s football team rumble for the locals who could not who got the rawest end of this deal for their involvement in the now get tickets. All this inevitably created and pressure the athletic department infamous “Orange Brawl.” tension, and the volcano erupted. to overturn the players’ dismissal. Some players from FIU and the The NCAA and Sunbelt confer- A group of students led by WHAT DO YOU THINK? University of Miami have known ences handed out penalties accord- Carmen Vaz have taken the initia- each other since high school, and ingly and swiftly – not because they tive to create a petition to do just Are you planning on voting in the players from FIU state that those were attempting to accommodate that. With a twist of irony, most midterm elections? friendships remain today. the schools, but because they were University cooperation has come Contrary to what UM coach experienced and assessed the situa- from Pete Garcia’s offi ce. Garcia’s • Yes – I’ve been following the election issues all along Larry Coker stated in a press con- tion carefully. secretary provided the students with ference following the scuffl e, it was On Oct.16, Garcia exacerbated the procedures and protocol to begin • Yes – I don’t know who’s running, but I’ll vote anyway not FIU players’ resentment over the situation by dismissing two the petition. “The response has been being Golden Panthers that caused FIU players, effectively holding very positive and students now look the brawl. McDuffi e and Smith accountable for us to inquire about the petition,” • No – I’m sure my vote won’t make a big difference f o r the actions of two said Dee Dee Fletcher, a member of entire univer- the petition campaign. Cast your vote at www.beaconnewspaper.com sity teams. You can fi nd the petitioners in the In con- Breezeway Cafe or crusading inside trast, UM and around the Graham Center. Once President the signatures have been collected, SEND US YOUR LETTERS they will be forwarded to Garcia, to FIU President Modesto Maidique, to Letters to the Editor must be dropped off at GC 210 at the FIU coaching staff and possibly University Park, WUC 124 at the Biscayne Bay Campus to media outlets. or sent to [email protected]. Letters must Perhaps we can still salvage what adhere to a maximum of 300 words. Letters must include is left of FIU’s image by giving the writer’s full name, year in school, major/department McDuffi e and Smith an appropri- and a valid phone number for verifi cation purposes. The ate shot at redemption. In time, Beacon reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and/or this foul-up will seem distant when we look back through the rearview spacing constraints. mirror at FIU’s progress. LIFE! The Beacon – 6 www.beaconnewspaper.com October 30, 2006 Society aids campus, community
JOSE PARLADE Contributing Writer
For Gamma Epsilon Phi President Adriana Hernandez, her organization’s visit to a local elementary school for a new reading program was a rewarding experience. “My best memory with Gamma Epsilon Phi was going to F.C. Martin Elementary School for our newly established reading program and seeing the looks on the faces of the children when the team walked into the classroom,” said Hernandez. “They were so happy to see us and could not wait for our return.” GEP, the Honors College honors soci- ety, upholds philanthropy as one of its four core values, and membership into the organization is exclusive to Honors College students. However, it is up to the individual students to determine what role they will play, if any, within the Organization seeks to educate organization. To sophomore Kristen Larson, enroll- ment into the society allows her to become students through social work more involved with the community and form bonds with other students. “What I like about GEP is that it is not only a group which allows you to social- MICHELLE VEGA and in 2006 it was recognized as the feature ize with other Honors College students Contributing Writer student club on the Student Organizations outside of your Honors class, but it also Council semester newsletter. gives you a chance to get involved in, and Last summer, 300 South Florida stu- Supported by the Center for Leadership contribute, to the community,” Larson dents, including several from FIU, joined and Service, SFP has worked with the Alter- said. together with native university students in native Spring Break program and traveled Members are given the chance to par- the Dominican Republic and refurbished to the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua ticipate in community service projects their local schools. This coming Spring, to work with local schools. such as the Oct. 21 Susan G. Komen Race FIU students will help with an international “We enhance education in these coun- for the Cure, a marathon held in order to volunteer project in Managua, Nicaragua, tries,” said Silva. “We adopt an elementary help raise funds for breast cancer research where an elementary school will be adopted school and paint new schools. We work and outreach programs. The group also and remodeled – two new classrooms, a with their native university students on the recently completed their Miami Children’s library, a computer lab and more facilities projects.” Toy Drive, a service project dedicated are set to be built. Aside from hosting international proj- to gathering toys for patients of Miami The FIU students involved in the two ects, the organization deals with local Children’s Hospital. service projects are members of Service communities. Local projects supported by Although community service plays For Peace, an international non-profi t orga- SPF include neighborhood clean-ups, door- an important part within GEP, another nization that has a chapter at FIU and lets to-door informative campaigns, Adopt a integral part is the education of its mem- students engage in direct service within local Yard and the City of Miami Gardens, a city bers. and international communities. where members have adopted a road and “We try to make our members grow The idea for an organization dedicated to built a community playground. socially and culturally throughout the bettering communities started with Harold Mendez recalled a service event that year,” said Alejandra Maruri, a member Silva, former FIU student and founder of the group aided at the Hope Center that of the GEP Board of Directors. the FIU Service For Peace Chapter. Actively was sponsored by a non-profi t organization GEP and the Honors College set up involved in the Center for Leadership and providing assisted-living and day-training lectures, known as “Honors Hour Lec- Service, Silva decided that he wanted to programs for the disabled. tures,” in order to do just that. A wide establish his own chapter so he gathered “The beauty about this event … was that range of topics are covered in various a group of FIU friends and colleagues and we got to work directly with the residents fi elds of study in order to break the ties of started one. that we helped. As we did gardening, many ethnocentrism and to expand knowledge “When Harold approached me and told of the residents joined us and gardened of certain issues. me he wanted to expand Service for Peace or made every attempt to do so,” Mendez Both the Honors College and GEP into a university club, I was more than said. recently presented an edition of the eager to help him and share with FIU an By getting students involved in volunteer “Honors Hour Lectures” that featured Dr. organization that has truly changed my life,” work, Silva hopes that “their experience fos- Akin Ogundiran, director of African new- said Sabrina Mendez, member and former ters the students’ academia by applying what world studies for Biscayne Bay Campus president of SFP. they know and learning new things.” and associate professor of History; he Within SFP at FIU, students network with Aylin Ruiz, current President of SFP, educated more than 100 students on Afri- students from other institutions, residents, believes that groups of dedicated individu- can new-world studies. Other lectures are faculty and community leaders focusing als, such as SFP and other service organi- held throughout the year so that Honors on transforming communities through the zations, can have a profound impact on College students and members of GEP are active civic engagement of volunteers. SFP communities. able to expand their cultural knowledge has become one of the most active student “There is strength in knowing one single and their common perceptions. organizations on campus: In 2005, SFP was person can make a difference, but it is even Any students interested in GEP can fi nd awarded the Outstanding Service Award better when a group of people can come more information on the society’s website from the Student Organizations Council, together and make a greater change.” at www.fi u.edu/~hcs. www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – October 30, 2006 7 Visitors watch their step at local feces exhibit
JESSICA GRESKO science in all aspects in life and AP Wire this thing that adults don’t like to talk about.” Meadow muffins. Guano. Miami is the exhibit’s second Feces. Solid waste. Kaka. stop after opening at a Virginia The words for poop are end- museum in May. Created by less, but the Miami Metrozoo has Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland in another term to add to the list: Allenwood, Pa., it is based on educational. a 2001 book of the same name. Now on display is a 5,000 After the exhibit closes at the square foot exhibit on excrement Metrozoo in January it will make titled “The Scoop on Poop,” stops in Philadelphia and Pitts- which invites visitors to explore burgh, Chad Peeling said. the science of scat. The exhibit is not the fi rst to The exhibit is fi lled with photos feature feces, however. An exhibit of animals in some of their most called “All the Poop” toured indelicate moments. Stool sample Japan in 2001 and another in Eng- models abound: hay-like football- land showcased scat samples. sized balls (elephant), kidney- On a recent afternoon one bean-looking pellets (porcupine) woman cheered “go, go, go” as and coal-like lumps coated with two children raced model dung fur (black bear). beetles at a station in the Miami Beyond the “ick” factor, how- exhibit. Students on a class trip ever, zoo offi cials and the exhib- posed in a cutout of a person sit- it’s creators say there is a lot of ting in an outhouse. WILFREDO LEE/AP WIRE information being imparted. Visi- Others examined slides of EXCITING EXCREMENT: Stephanie Rey plays ‘Turd Trivia,’ a game at the Miami MetroZoo tors can smell the stench of fl ow- parasites found in dung using a exhibit ‘The Scoop on Poop.’ The exhibit educates visitors about fecal matter. ers that mimic dung to attract fl ies microscope, while classmates for pollination. Videos include weighed themselves on a scale of which burrow inside dung sonnel have also brought out a shortly, has already shown up on one of a hippo spreading its designed to tell them how long to eat and rest. But he did not bowl of chocolate-covered candy, YouTube and features a variety of droppings around to mark its it takes an elephant to poop their know about its uses as a type of inviting visitors to take one if grunting noises. territory. Simple games include weight. waterproof plaster for the homes they dare. One couple, who are zoo “Who Dung It?” and “Test Your “I don’t think it’s that disgust- of Masai people in East Africa, Elephant keepers, meanwhile, donors, even called to offer .2 I.Q.” ing,” said Bruno Cazarini, 13, which he learned from informa- were charged with weighing the to loan the zoo a scat sample “We didn’t want this to be a of the exhibit’s topic. “I think tion at the exhibit. amount of elephant poop one of of their own. The pair has a gross exhibit for shock value,” plenty of people get the wrong Adults have had fun with the zoo’s Asian male elephants, lump of excrement from 1973 said Chad Peeling, who helped impression.” material, too. Some volunteers Dahlip, produces in a 24-hour Triple Crown winner Secretariat create the display. “Our goal with Cazarini, who was visiting the and zoo employees have started period. The turd total: 540 pounds. enclosed in a glass globe, which the exhibit was to make people zoo with a school group, said he wearing plastic poop pins that Meanwhile, a commercial for the the zoo plans to put on exhibit think, kids especially, about the knew about dung beetles, some look like the real thing. Zoo per- exhibit, which will begin running within a few weeks. 8 The Beacon – October 30, 2006 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com
The Beacon’s REVIEWS (YOU CAN USE)
GAME Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 MUSIC Rotary Downs – Chained to the Chariot
BEN F. BADGER JR. battles with Donkey Kong, players must pay JOSE DE WIT day Home,” the album takes a steep hike Staff Writer attention to both screens simultaneously. Opinion Editor from slightly annoying to electrifying. For boss battles, Donkey Kong will appear From that track onward, Chained to the The rivalry between Donkey Kong and on the top screen and proceed to throw For a band impudent enough to Chariot is all sharp turns and unexpected Mario has been going on for generations. various objects at your Minis. The number of release an album almost entirely dedi- corners, complex melodies and playful, With the release of Mario vs. Donkey Kong times you can be hit by these objects before cated to ripping off Pavement, Rotary catchy hooks. 2: March of the Minis for the Nintendo DS, the “game over” depends on how many Minis Downs could have done much worse. Some of the best tracks on the album the rivalry has stepped up a notch. you were able to get through the doors in each Under any other circumstances, pop up when Rotary Downs drops all pre- Unlike the fi rst Mario vs. Donkey Kong, level; this is why it’s so important to save as trying to replicate the legendary Stock- tenses and lifts from Pavement unabash- players do not control Mario in an attempt many Minis as possible––they determine your ton, California indie band––indeed, for edly. to save Mario’s mechanical toy versions of strength in these “Kong Battles.” many, the most important indie band of On “A Feast in Squalor” and “Pedi- himself. Rather the game mixes in an element Boss battles are also where players get the the ‘90s––would be a capital offense. gree,” vocalist James Marler pulls off from the original Donkey Kong: you have to most action in the game. The way you defeat Pavement died in ’99, though, and Malkmus’s free-association rambling and save the damsel in distress with the use of Donkey Kong is by shooting your Minis at none of its former members have smooth, sudden pitch changes perfectly, your Mini Marios. him like missiles using a variety of contrap- released any material that comes close while “Me Lion Races Ruin” resembles The object of the game is to get as many tions ranging from sling shots to cannons. to what they recorded as a band. Scott Kannberg’s off-key guitar rambles Mini Marios as you can through doors to The use of both screens really makes this The only post-Pavement solo effort to the T. Meanwhile, “Black Town” could reach a battle with Donkey Kong. Rather than task challenging as players progress through worth mentioning is Stephen Malk- well be an outtake from Terror Twilight. simply control the Mini Marios, a player uses the game. mus’s material, which is half-decent Where Chained to the Chariot truly the stylus to point them in the right direction Game play aside, the graphics in the game at best. shines, however, is when Rotary Downs and watch them walk to their destination are fl awless. The movie scenes are wonder- After nearly seven years, what’s a sets its Pavement-pilfering aside and or off a cliff. You can’t take your eyes off fully rendered on the DS’s dual screens, and die-hard Pavement fan dying for new dares to go further and beyond their idols’ the screen lest one of your Minis bites the each game level is vibrant and full of detail. material to do but settle for a bunch bounds. dust. But on the bright side, you can replay Another bonus to the game is being able of snot-nosed, college-aged copycats? Take the aptly-titled “Djinni Stomp,” a level as many times as you want until you to design your own levels. After you com- Besides, on their new album, Chained for example: a frantic, claustrophobic get the results you want. Players can receive plete stages in the story mode, new building to the Chariot, Rotary Downs do the frenzy that inevitably makes you dance all four rankings after each level: none, bronze, pieces will become available for you to use job so, so well. funky in the shower. It’s delicious. silver, and gold. in constructing your own game level, though The album comes off to a shaky start Also “Old Museum,” possibly the most If you have played the game Lemmings, it the design process can take a while if you’re with a mediocre fi rst four tracks, all memorable track on the album, builds on will all seem very familiar. planning on a well designed stage. of them sounding like any other ‘fun’ a classic Malkmus song structure and then March of the Minis really makes use of the Overall, the game has hours of replay indie song out there. adds the sinister, zonked-out guitar effects DS’s dual screens. For the most part, players value attached to it, so it’s worth the roughly Each would be just as much at home from the Ventures’ “Walk, Don’t Run.” only have to focus on the bottom screen as $30 for it. Just try and remember to take a on a Cake album, a Beck album or a For a bunch of snot-nosed, college- most of the game levels are played entirely on break every now and then unless you want a Weezer ablum. aged copycats, Rotary Downs gets the the bottom screen. However when it comes to sore neck (ouch). Suddenly, on the fi fth track, “Holi- job done.
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REVIEWS (CONTINUED)
MOVIE Running with Scissors FOOD The Big Squeeze Juice Bar
SHAWN SPROCKETT exception to the rule. Despite the reputa- LALINDA DE LA FUENTE (which later transitions into James Taylor Asst. Opinion Editor tion of Nip/Tuck’s creator, Ryan Murphy, Staff Writer and Sublime). the acclaimed director’s movie version If you couldn’t see Dixie Highway, you’d If you’re getting ready to go see Run- of the popular memoir draws overly sim- Among the hustle and bustle of feel like you were on the beach. ning with Scissors this week, you’d better plistic characters and significantly less Miami’s metropolitan atmosphere, The Big Squeeze is the perfect place read carefully: this fi lm may not be what humor. Readers will be disappointed to we sometimes forget that we’re in a to stop in and have a fresh fruit juice or you expect. fi nd that the comical stylings of Augusten tropical haven, complete with swaying smoothie. Running with Scissors is the fi lm adap- Burroughs are practically lost amongst the palm trees, relaxing beaches and warm All its fruity concoctions are made com- tation of the popular book by the same dried-out dialogue and lack of character weather. The Big Squeeze Juice Bar pletely from scratch with natural ingredients name. The story follows writer Augusten development. (18315 West Dixie Highway) brings you – I watched as they fi lled a blender with Burroughs (Joseph Cross) through his To the second group who’ve never read back to just that. lemons, pineapple and mint to create my adolescence as he copes with an alcoholic the book: don’t be fooled by witty trailers. Inconspicuously situated on West refreshing and delicious mint lemonade. father, Norman Burroughs (Alec Baldwin), Running with Scissors is far from your Dixie Highway in North Miami, The Big Although their drinks are pricey (about and a manic-depressive mother, Deidre typical dark comedy. Emphasizing the Squeeze offers patrons a respite from the $5), their food is affordable. Burroughs (Annette Bening). story’s drama, the fi lm is more depress- heat with fresh fruit juices and smoothies The menu offers a variety of sand- At age 13, the young boy is given up ing than amusing. Rather than playing on as well as healthful affordable fare. wiches and salads that are around for adoption to his mother’s psychiatrist, the humorous dysfunctions of Augusten At The Big the same price as drinks. Dr. Finch (Brian Cox), and his highly Burrough’s nightmarish family, the fi lm Squeeze, customers The Big Squeeze’s dysfunctional family. Here, he experiences delves into deep themes of drug abuse, the can choose to either sandwiches and wraps can his homosexuality and feelings of abandon- dangerous fl aws of psychoanalysis, and the sit outside under the be topped with a variety of ment amidst the insanity of his caretakers oppression of homosexuals. These themes Miami sunshine or take sauces that are brought to and their children. deserve attention, but don’t buy tickets for a break inside – the atmo- your table. Watch out for Gwyneth Paltrow takes a minor role this fi lm expecting laughs of Little Miss sphere is relaxed so you the green sauce made with in this film as Hope, the cat-torturing Sunshine proportions. better not be in a rush. cilantro if spicy isn’t your daughter of Dr. Finch. Other roles worth The fi lm suffers from a problem that all However, it is an under- thing. For everyone else, it noting are that of Agnes Finch, played true-to-life stories deal with: they’re less staffed restaurant, with serves as the perfect kick for by Jill Clayburgh, and Diedre Burroughs, entertaining than invented plots. While servers doing everything the sandwich. played by Annette Bening. Both Clayburgh a screenwriter with a fresh start might from waiting to making the The grilled snapper sand- and Bening have been nominated for an have developed more closure and humor juices, thus making the ser- wich is also a healthful choice. Academy Award twice before. Their stellar to carry the often-dragging plot, the story vice slow, albeit conductive to Fish can be expensive but at performances in Running with Scissors are was bound to real life and all its inconsis- the relaxing environ- around $5, this sandwich is both sure to land them on the Academy’s ballot tencies. ment. easy on your wallet and satisfying once again. While the movie has sat uncomfortably Laid back to the palette. There are two kinds of people who with readers and critics, it still delivers an is the mantra Finish any meal with a will go see this movie: those who read inspiring message of determination in the here with cool smoothie to go as a refreshing, the book and those who didn’t even know midst of a devastated familial background. water mists healthful and fruity dessert. there was one. Despite criticism, Running with Scissors sprayed from Their smoothies pack The fi rst group is rarely ever pleased has plenty to offer to those with an interest above and so much fruity punch by cinematic adaptations because movies in dark humor, abnormal psychology and Bob Marley that the traditional ice seldom meet the level of depth possible unbelievable stories that challenge you to playing in cream or cake will be by literature. Running with Scissors is no follow your dreams. the background forgotten. PILING IT ON
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CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON yw [w{ ~ cw h{{wy~ W yw{ w IFKCLLKCJNOK CAJUN CUISINE: Freshmen Joe Kadis (left) and Chin Okoro (right) enjoy the food at the Homecoming 2006 Cajun Cook Out held in the Housing Dz} J {Dy zwD Quad on Oct. 26. 10 The Beacon – October 30, 2006 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com Lantz is inspiration to some players CLASSIFIEDS LANTZ, page 12 HELP WANTED coaches’ lives and the Univer- sity.” SarasSexyToys.com needs two sales representatives for Home/ Lantz was born in Lafayette, Adult Parties. Great Commissions, work when You want. Must Indiana, but has resided in Miami be outgoing. Sara 786 247 7761, [email protected]. since he was eight years old. He studied psychology and studio art at Rice University; however, he is Tutoring center in Miami Lakes hiring tutors for all subjects and currently completing his masters grades. Flexible hours. (786) 246-7438 or (305) 825-9918 at American University of Bibli- cal Studies. Administrative Assistant – medical equipment company seeks Alexander Bostic III and intelligent, highly motivated individual to assist with operations. Antwan Barnes have known Lantz Duties include payroll, accounting, and management functions. since he was their chaplain at Nor- DME billing experience preferred. $12-14/hr. land High School. Email resume to [email protected]. “He is the one piece of inspira- Shells Seafood Restaurant now hiring servers for afternoon and tion we need as a team,” Barnes evening shifts. Apply in person 7390 sw 117 Ave, Miami said. CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON Bostic recalled his first col- ALSO A FRIEND: Team chaplain Steve Lantz spoke at Lance Preston’s Computer Data Entry: $8/hr, Part-time, 9-1 p.m., Doral area. legiate game against Indiana memorial service Sept. 14 at the Pharmed Arena. Contact Monica Lorenzo 305-592-3307 State, which Bostic did not start but did not prevent Lantz from deeply. but he does it to dispel the stereo- attending. Lantz’s presence at Preston’s type that people with piercings are ANNOUNCEMENTS “He was with us in high school; memorial service fulfilled his degenerates. now he’s with us on the big stage,” expressed duty as chaplain and his “Players would ask me, ‘Steve, Bostic said. inherent duty as Preston’s friend. do you think people with earrings Sigma Alpha Lambda, a nat’l Honors and Leadership orga- According to Lantz, he cares for “So many of his friends were are bad?’ I would always say no, nization is seeking members and offi cers for the FIU chapter. the players whether they gain 400 in a despair almost without hope,” so I got one to prove my point,” Contact:[email protected] or [email protected] yards or no yards – regardless of Lantz said. “I tried to offer hope in Lantz said. how they perform on the fi eld that situation. I felt that, as chap- Throughout his life, Lantz has Queen Pillowtop Mattress Set $195, brand new/still in plastic, The loss of any of the friend- lain, that’s my job. I was thankful had one governing philosophy can deliver - 305-968-8129 ships Lantz established with the to be somewhat of a comfort to that his mentor chaplain, who is a team is extremely painful. The some people.” Colonel in the United States Army, Brand New Full Size Ortho Mattress Set, in package, sell for death of former FIU football As a chaplain you wouldn’t taught him: $159 - 786-390-1609 player Lance Preston hurt him expect Lantz to wear an earring, “You serve everybody.” Kremser has won over 300 games while coaching at FIU
KREMSER, page 12 always want to compete against coach. I decided to coach. They the best.” had tournaments each year and I role as a mentor and friend. Kremser immigrated with his enjoyed that.” “Every coach has his own family to the United States when Kremser got his coaching style, but I can say that he’s a he was seven. He was a well- license and coached Palm Springs very good friend of mine,” said rounded athlete as a child, com- in the early ‘70s. Munga Eketebi, a long-time peting in basketball, track and He then made the leap to the assistant coach who played under soccer, which he fell in love with high school level as he took over Kremser from 1983-1986. while in junior high school. Killian Senior High School’s Kremser, a native from Salz- He was completely drawn to soccer team in 1975. At Killian, wedel, West Germany, took over the game. he lead the team to its fi rst ever as FIU’s men’s soccer coach in “I enjoy soccer because of state-championship in 1976. 1980. The team was a promising [the] pure joy of it. It gives every- The following year, he made Division II program that was body the chance to do something the transition to college as he just hitting its peak. Although with the ball,” Kremser said. took over Davidson College. He Kremser’s goal was to maintain “Every single player on the fi eld was selected Men’s Coach of the the status of the program, he fur- is almost the quarterback because Year in his third and fi nal season ther progressed it as he took the they have to make decisions with there. team to four NCAA national title the ball.” It was after his stint at David- games in a six-year span and win- Kremser attended the United son when Kremser began his ning titles in 1982 and 1984. States Military Academy at West legendary career at FIU. The program made the leap to Point as a high jumper and soccer Kremser is currently married Division I-A in 1987 and contin- player. to his wife Hill and has two sons, ued its success, posting winning He transferred to the Univer- Jon and Kurt, who are both in seasons and national title appear- sity of Tennessee to further pursue their 30s. ances in 1996 and 2000. his opportunity as a high jumper. After retirement, Kremser Kremser has won over 300 However, he couldn’t continue would like to travel to places such games for FIU, as well as numer- his soccer career because Ten- as Asia, the South Seas, South ous Coach of the Year awards. nessee didn’t fi eld a soccer team, America, Alaska and Russia. He’s also coached 32 All-state so he became the place kicker for Today, however, Kremser’s selections and 38 of his players its football team. extensive coaching resume is have moved on to the profes- A mist of serendipity arose something that makes him proud sional ranks. as he was drafted by the Miami and fortunate. However, Kremser’s most Dolphins in 1969. This gave “To me, coaching is a dream,” proud moment in FIU has been him the opportunity to come to Kremser said. “When my father the school’s ability to compete Miami, where he quickly found came to this country, he broke with much bigger schools. himself out of a job and in need his back. To me, I never felt like “I’ve enjoyed, more than any- of an opportunity to coach. I worked a day in my life. This thing else, playing with the big “I had no ambition to actu- is something I really enjoy. It’s boys,” Kremser said. “It’s always ally coach,” Kremser said. “I a labor of love. People who do a challenge because when play- had a huge house payment and physical, manual labor, that’s ing better teams in the country, a I [needed] to work, so I got a hard work. lot of times we’re in a disadvan- job at Palm Springs Junior High “This isn’t hard work. You tage because of the budget they school in Hialeah, where I [had can’t ask for more because I’m have. As a coach and athlete, I to decid] whether to teach or to involved with young people.” www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – October 30, 2006 11 Harrington a better fi t for the Dolphins’ off ensive scheme
DOLPHINS, page 12 much as Culpepper, but it problems with. Except The defense, which was worthless to be in the top quarterbacks start making could also be because Har- for “the little engine that always a strong point for 10 in the league in total better passes, the running finished with six-straight rington doesn’t hold the ball could” Wes Welker, most the Dolphins teams of the defense when it’s only two game begins to pick things victories, half of those wins for eight seconds, scanning of the Dolphins’ receivers past decade, is still a strong or three big plays that are up, the defense starts stop- came in meaningless games the field like Culpepper have been pretty inconsis- point today considering causing you to lose. ping teams on third down (for the opposing team) does. I know the o-line is tent. In fact, two of Joey it’s in the top ten in almost As much as it sucks to and stops allowing big and, in essence, were sham not that good but how can Harrington’s three intercep- every defensive category in admit it, folks, the Dolphins plays, the special teams victories. you expect them to hold a tions against the Green Bay the NFL. will not be coming home for puts the offense in better That means all the pre- defense for eight seconds? Packers came as a result However, the defense is Super Bowl XLI. fi eld position, Olindo Mare season hype – including Ridiculous. of easy catches that were terrible in stopping third- Unless, of course, their starts making some clutch being picked as the Super Quarterback and offen- tipped in the air. down conversions and has offensive line improves fi eld goals and, of course, Bowl winner by ESPN the sive line aren’t the only Let’s face it; the entire allowed many game-chang- dramatically, their receivers win nine-straight games. Magazine – was a sham as positions the Dolphins have offense is in shambles. ing big plays. It’s really start making big plays, their Yup. They’re screwed. well. It’s really gut wrenching for a fan to realize his team is highly fl awed, even more so when others agreed with you and thought the team was supposed to be good. If one crazy guy starts running down the street yelling, “The world is going to end! The world is going to end!” you would be quick to brush him aside like the loon he is. Now if a group of 10,000 people were running down the street yelling the same thing, you’d be more likely to listen. You might even join in. After all majority rules, right? Well, I listened to those 10,000 people, except these people were yelling, “Dol- phins Super Bowl!” I had my doubts going into the season, even after the six- straight wins to fi nish off last season, but I fell for the hype. I was legitimately convinced this team was a contender, even though their only “upgrade” was at quarterback – and we’ve seen how successful that’s turned out so far. Now a guy who was almost literally pushed out of the Detroit Lions’ organization is taking the snaps for us. What kind of a player are you if you’re not good enough to play for the Lions? Surprisingly enough, this “reject” is actually playing better than our supposed savior, Daunte Culpepper. Joey Harrington is a better fi t for the Dolphins’s offense in its current state. Harrington has a quick release, which works better with Miami’s mediocre offensive line. Harrington is on pace to be sacked almost half as
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GC-210 (UP) WUC-124 (BBC) SPORTS The Beacon – 12 www.beaconnewspaper.com October 30, 2006 A NEW OUTLOOK Now is the Kremser’s coaching style has changed after 27 years time to panic, Dolphin fans
E ven as Halloween nears, noth- ing has been or will be scarier than the football the Miami Dolphins have been playing every week this season. Thankfully the bleeding (i.e. losing) stopped Oct. 29, in Week eight but only MY VIEW because the Dol- phins did not XAVIER play at all. VILLARMARZO With a 1-6 SPORTS EDITOR record, it’s about time the Dol- phins’ organiza- tion press that panic button. In fact, the button should have been pushed after the loss to the woeful Houston Texans. At this point, missing the playoffs for a fourth-straight season is a foregone conclusion - unless the team runs off nine-straight wins, which we all know is too tall a task. The Dolphins have lost to a 2-4 team and three 1-5 teams. That should tell you just how terrible things are and how much worse things can get. JESSICA MARSHALL/THE BEACON The remaining schedule includes STORIED CAREER: Men’s soccer coach Karl Kremser has coached at FIU for 27 years and has over 30 years of overall experience. games on the road against the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts and SERGIO CARMONA Baffl ed by the coach’s tranquility, the ask, ‘Why is it going badly?’ and ‘What home games against the New England Staff Writer alumnus asks him if there’s anything can I do?’” Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars. wrong. This 62-year-old, ultra-competi- Kremser’s assistants have noticed the Hell, every single team the Dolphins Men’s soccer coach Karl Kremser tive soccer coach has learned to alter his shift in his stern approach. play from here on out will be tough and looked a lot calmer than he did a few coaching style after over 30 years of “Karl has mellowed over the years,” they have now become one of the “easy years ago. coaching the game––27 of them with said assistant coach Joe Massi. “He has teams” on a good team’s schedule. As a former player looked on, he was FIU. adjusted to the players because players are After repeatedly bashing my head surprised to see a peaceful coach standing “If you let your emotions get in the different and that’s a good thing. Society against the keyboard, I’ve come to real- on the sidelines instead of the fi ery one way, you couldn’t rationally look at the changes and kids change.” ize that this has been just another rebuild- who blasted players for mistakes. game the way it should be,” Kremser said. Despite his unique approach to the ing year. Even though last year’s team Kremser now keenly observes the play- “I’ve learned that you have to look at the game, former players respect Kremser’s ers’ mistakes rather than show his once game and see what you can get from your usual tirade. players rather than get upset at them and KREMSER, page 10 DOLPHINS, page 11 Team chaplain not just a spiritual advisor PRESEASON HONORS
SERGIO BONILLA personnel on game day, such as a Contributing Writer rabbi or an imam. Providing game-day chapel While the football team prac- is his expressed job, but implicit tices, shadowed by coaches’ in his job, according to Lantz, is instructions and commands, a large the duty “to be there everyday for man paces the sideline conversing practice because you never know with coaches and substitute play- what’s going to happen.” ers. He huddles up with the entire According to Lantz, if a player GALINDO VILLEGAS team at the end of practice and is seriously injured, he’s the guy yells ”FIU” with them who pats the player on the back ALL-CONFERENCE: Senior center Lasma This man is Steve Lantz, foot- and tells him everything’s going to Jekabsone (left) was named second team ball team chaplain. be okay. Lantz feels that if he is not preseason All-Sun Belt Conference. From Lantz’s primary duty is to visibly available to players, then he the men’s team, senior guard Johan Ville- provide chapel service on game hasn’t fulfi lled his role as chaplain. gas and sophmore forward Alex Galindo, day, which is optional to players. Even though the chaplain position who transferred from the University of He reads excerpts from the Bible, holds great responsibility, enjoy- Kansas last season, were named to the alluding to stories of strength ment can be extracted from it. third team. Jekabsone led her team last and courage in order to instill “What I enjoy the most are the season averaging 15.8 points and 10.2 confi dence in the players. If there friendships,” Lantz said. “Being rebounds a game. Villegas led the team were a group of Jewish players or able to be part of the players’ and with 74 three-pointers, while Galindo is set Muslim players on the team, then to begin his fi rst season with FIU. Lantz would provide the necessary LANTZ, page 10 CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON