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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Student BBC News: Newspaper Promotional items of Florida International inspire students to University vote. 3 THE BEACON Vol. 17, Issue 53 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM April 18, 2005 25 YEARS LATER Mariel inﬂuence still felt throughout Miami community

This is part one of a two-part series on the 1980 Mariel boat lift and its effects on the South Florida community 25 years later.

By GIOVANI BENITEZ Staff Writer

As dawn broke over the Port of Mariel in northern Cuba 25 years ago, Cubans from all over the communist country knew their lives were about to change. For over 125,000 Cubans, a historic ﬁve-month mass exodus began on April 20, 1980. Just two weeks prior, thousands of Cubans stormed into the Peruvian embassy in Havana to seek political asylum. It was then that Fidel Castro opened the Port of Mariel to Cubans who wanted to leave. Author Mirta Ojito, who recently published Finding Mañana, a detailed book on Mariel experiences, was just 16 years old then. She came to the United States on the Mariel boat lift and a quarter-cen- tury later, understands what the boat lift represents to the community. “It means that we have a responsibility, and we are marked by an exodus that changed Cuba, changed Miami, changed THE ARRIVAL: Mariel refugees arrived at Key West Harbor on April 23, 1980 aboard U.S. vessel “Big Baby,” just days after South Florida, and in the end, ended up Fidel Castro opened the Port of Mariel to Cubans. That day, over 4,500 refugees arrived in South Florida. MURRY SILL/THE MIAMI HERALD changing U.S. immigration policy toward Cuba,” Mirta Ojito said. I had my eyes checked, so I had been May 11, when some 4,500 refugees them. I stayed for 17 days in the Mariel For Mirta Ojito, it was April 23, 1980 given a drug to dilate my pupils and I arrived in South Florida. It was her bay waiting for the Cuban authorities to when Mariel became a personal issue. could hardly see,” Mirta Ojito said. “I uncle, FIU Accounting Coordinator let me bring the family over,” Oswaldo “You are going to el norte,” a sobbing didn’t know if it was the tears, or the fact Oswaldo Ojito, who made her destina- Ojito said. aunt told her that morning. that I couldn’t see, but I do remember, tion a reality. The boat he acquired for the trip was Sadness overcame her. almost immediately, that my vision was “I said, ‘This is the time to get the called Valley Chief. On the day Oswaldo “It was a terrifying moment. I had blurred.” family out.’ When the opportunity came gone to the doctor the day before and Mirta Ojito did not leave Cuba until with the Mariel, I went in a boat to get See MARIEL, page 2 New BBC gym on pause due to erroneous design

By ANA RIBEIRO painted facility with 45 machines, six Staff Writer Elias Bardawill, Assistant Director offices (including one exclusively for the swim team), locker rooms, a conference In September 2004, FIU’s Student “Our usage is going to skyrocket, based on the connec- room and a separate adjoining aerobics Affairs announced the construction of a tion with the aquatic center. You can’t only think of it as room and dance studio. Bardawill said new gym, set to stand at 10,000 square Campus Recreation intends to extend its feet between the Wolfe University Center a [new] gym – it’s a mega recreation center.” operating hours and the number of fitness and the Olympic-size pool at the Biscayne classes available. Bay Campus. of its property or capital improvement. the Wolfe Center and has 33 machines. Recreation team leader Joey Casanova It was scheduled to open the following Olson said the construction of the Fitness clerk Nancy Audain compared said they plan to add mostly cardio, resis- August as an easy-access fitness center facility could begin as soon as April, the gym to an office and said that, during tance and free-weight machines because connecting both facilities. However, but he could not give an estimate as to her four-hour, three-day weekly shifts, at of the high demand by students and there’s still no semblance of a new BBC the completion date. Meanwhile, Elias most only 30 people come in to use it. faculty. gym. Bardawill, assistant director for BBC’s With the new BBC gym, Audain said Among the machines available at the According to Greg Olson, director for Campus Recreation, said the gym could she hopes comparisons to the University current gym, some will be refurbished Student Affairs at BBC, demolition on the be ready as early as January 2006. Park campus gym will subside. for use at the new gym. The old space in future gym’s site along with underground Bardawill said his department has Bardawill said that while UP’s new the Wolfe Center will then be vacated at work began in August 2004 and has just no control over the starting date of the gym will have 40,000 square feet, BBC’s FIU’s discretion. ended. He said the reason for the delay in construction, although it is very excited will be 20,000 square feet larger, includ- The new BBC gym won’t come too the construction was an erroneous design about it. ing the aquatic center. soon for some students, who have been for BBC’s underground structure of pipes “This is definitely a step forward in “Our usage is going to skyrocket, demanding improved facilities. and communication lines, which had to campus development,” Bardawill said. based on the connection with the aquatic “Come on now. We have such a lame be corrected before work could begin. “The campus is in great need of its own center,” he said. “You can’t only think of gym compared to [UP’s]. We need The budget for the construction fitness center – it’ll help foster campus it as a [new] gym – it’s a mega recreation more cardio machines, more space [and] remains the same at $1.7 million, which life.” center.” more of everything,” said junior Jennifer comes from the portion of the university’s The current BBC gym, a 2,400 square The blueprints for the future fitness Rodriguez, a frequent user of the current trust fund reserved for the improvement foot facility, is located on the third floor of center reveal a modern-looking, brightly BBC gym.

Healthier school lunch menus, Pg. 4 Tips on turning 21, Pg. 6 Report card for FIU baseball team, Pg. 12

04-18-05.indd 1 4/15/05 11:39:42 PM 2 The Beacon – April 18, 2005 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com Mariel served as turning point for many THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS MARIEL, from page 1

Ojito was given permis- MONDAY • APRIL 18 sion to take his family to the United States, the Artful Citizenship – Student Exhibition: All engine on the Valley Chief Day, The Wolfsonian Museum wouldn’t start. Frost Art Museum: BFA Spring 2005 Opening Just when the Ojito Reception: 8 p.m. PC 110 family thought their jour- Panther Rage Meeting: 4 p.m., GC 140 ney was over, they came SPC American Heritage presents Promo/ across another boat with Games: 2 p.m. GC Pit a generous captain. This vessel was appropriately TUESDAY • APRIL 19 named Mañana. Ojito used that name Artful Citizenship – Student Exhibition: All for the title of her book. Day, The Wolfsonian Museum She describes the boat lift Students United for Palestinian Equal Rights through her own eyes, SORORITY SUPPORT: Christine Denton was congratulated by her Alpha XI Delta but provides an in-depth (SUPER) and Muslim Student Association sisters after she and Prado were announced the winners. ALEX HERNANDEZ/THE BEACON present film “Peace Propaganda & The Prom- look at what Cuba was like ised Land.” Mid-East Food served. Donations to before Mariel and what women’s Internet Community Center in Balata other Marielitos experi- Refugee Camp (West Bank, Palestine): Food, 6 enced in 1980. THE JOURNEY: A Cuban immigration official stands guard next to a U.S. vessel filled p.m. Film, 7 p.m. GC 140 “I’m trying to show with Cuban refugees before leaving the Port of Mariel. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MIAMI HERALD SPC American Heritage presents “Meet and what life was really like Greet Disney Characters”: 12 p.m. GC Pit in Cuba in the 1960s called sin of wanting to the way was opened once reflection for Marielitos, SPC American Heritage presents “Mad and 1970s, which is leave their country, that again today, half of the many of whom work as Hatter’s Tea Party”: 6 p.m. Gracie’s Grill the reason why, all of I was ready to go myself. Cuban population, if not lawyers, doctors, journal- a sudden, in a span of I no longer wanted to more, would flee to the ists and psychologists. five months, 125,000 live in that kind of coun- United States. “There’s been enough WEDNESDAY • APRIL 20 people would leave,” try, where people threw Whether or not a Cuban time for those who could Mirta Ojito said. eggs and tomatoes to their exodus could happen to prove themselves, and Artful Citizenship – Student Exhibition: All “I had already lived neighbors and called them again, most agree that I think Marielitos have Day, The Wolfsonian Museum through so many disap- horrible names simply those five months in 1980 proved themselves exactly FIU Golden Panthers Softball hosts FAU: 6 pointments,” Mirta Ojito because they wanted to served as a turning point as earlier waves of immi- p.m. University Park Softball Field continued. “And I had leave Cuba.” for South Florida and the gration from Cuba have, Golden Dazzlers hosts a dance clinic and especially seen the acts of Oswaldo Ojito said the nation alike. and others that have yet to audition information session: 6 p.m. Pharmed retaliation against so many Mariel is proof of what he Mirta Ojito said the arrive or have arrived since Arena. Cubans simply because calls terrible conditions in 25 years after the boat lift 1980 undoubtedly will,” FIU School of Music presents Wind Ensem- they committed the so- Cuba and is certain that if have served as a time of Mirta Ojito said. ble & Symphonic Band”: 8 p.m. Wertheim Per- forming Arts Center Concert Hall. SGA General Meeting: 4 p.m. GC 150 SPC American Heritage presents “Game POLICEBEAT Show Mania”: 12 p.m. GC Pit WEDNESDAY • MARCH 30 THURSDAY • APRIL 21 A male student reported that he parked his vehicle belonged to the Youth Development Center. Artful Citizenship – Student Exhibition: All adjacent to Academic II Lot 2NB at the Biscayne An FIU student reported that she left her book Day, The Wolfsonian Museum Bay Campus. Upon his return, he noticed that an bag with wheels along with two class books, “Statis- FIU School of Music presents “Arturo San- unknown person(s) had removed the library book tics for Business” and “Psychology Themes,” unat- doval and the FIU Big Band”: 8 p.m. Wertheim “Saudi Arabia: The Paradoxical Kingdom and His- tended at UP. When she returned two hours later, Performing Arts Center Concert Hall tory of Modern Latin America,” as well as a camp- her property had been removed by an unidentified FIU Cuban Research Institute and Latin ing bag, brief case and credit cards from his vehicle. individual(s). Quarter Culture center presents a night of There are no suspect(s). Cuban and Puerto Rican literature, poetry and An FIU staff member reported that he parked his theater with Yara Gonzalez Montes and Matias FRIDAY• APRIL 1 vehicle momentarily at Biscayne Bay Campus’ Park- Montes-Huidobro: 7:30 p.m., Latin Culture ing Lot 1 in front of the library. When he returned Center, 1501 S.W. 8th St., 305-348-1991 An FIU graduate student reported that her $300 to his vehicle, he noticed that an unknown person(s) video camera was stolen when an unknown person(s) had used a black pencil to write derogatory terms FRIDAY • APRIL 22 entered University Park’s DM 269-F. The property on his car.

Free Fridays at The Wolf: 6 p.m. The Wolf- – Compiled by Rodolfo Roman sonian Museum Film: Public Domain Playhouse: Scenes from the House Beautiful: 7 p.m. The Wolfsonian Museum EDITORIAL BOARD

ALEJANDRA DIAZ EDITOR IN CHIEF SATURDAY • APRIL 23 JOHN LOVELL MANAGING EDITOR SAMANTHA QUIÑON COPY MANAGER SPC presents Pantherstock 2005 featuring INFORMATION Lloyd Banks & Young Buck from G-Unit plus HARRY COLEMAN NEWS EDITOR ANA SANCHEZ BBC EDITOR local performances throughout the day: 12 p.m. The Beacon office is located in the Graham Center, room 210 at the LEONCIO ALVAREZ LIFE! EDITOR University Park campus. Members of the editorial and production staffs Visit www.yourspc.com for details. JESSICA ISER OPINION EDITOR and questions regarding display advertising and billing should be directed FIU Golden Dazzlers Dance Team Audi- XAVIER VILLARMARZO SPORTS EDITOR to the Advertising Manager at 305.348.2709. Mailing address: Graham NIKOLAY OREKHOV ASST. SPORTS EDITOR tions: 10 a.m. Pharmed Arena, University Park Center, room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305.348.2712. BETSY MARTINEZ ASST. LIFE! EDITOR FIU Golden Panthers Softball hosts West- Biscayne Bay Campus is 305.919.4722. Office hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 ISIDRO PENTZKE PHOTO EDITOR ern Kentucky: 1 p.m. University Park Softball p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@fiu.edu. Visit us online at: www.beaconnewspaper.com Field ALICIA BUSTAMANTE LIFE! PAGE DESIGNER MICHELLE SANTISTEBAN SPORTS PAGE DESIGNER LUIS NIN ILLUSTRATOR PUBLISHING POLICY SUNDAY • APRIL 24 ALYSON VONSCHRILTZ COPY EDITOR HEATHER VONSCHRILTZ COPY EDITOR The Beacon is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the Fall FIU Golden Panthers Softball hosts Western TANYA GONZALEZ COPY EDITOR and Spring semesters and once a week during Summer B. Advertising C. JOEL MARINO RECRUITMENT EDITOR inquiries for classified, local and national ads may be addressed to our Kentucky: 1 p.m. University Park softball field advertising department in our newsroom.One copy per person. Additional JAGDEEP WADHWANI ADVERTISING MANAGER copies are 25 cents. The Beacon is not responsible for the content of ads. HATZEL VELA BUSINESS MANAGER Ad content is the sole responsibility of the company or vendor. The Beacon ALFREDO SOTO ASST. DIR. OF STUDENT MEDIA is an editorially independent newspaper partially funded by Student and – Compiled by Reuben Pereira ROBERT JAROSS DIR. OF STUDENT MEDIA Services fees that are appropriated by Student Government. [email protected]

04-18-05.indd 2 4/15/05 11:48:07 PM BBC NEWS April 18, 2005 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM The Beacon - 3 NASA sponsored lecture THIS WEEK AT BBC TUESDAY • APRIL 19 inspires students, faculty School of Hospitality and Tourism Man- agement presents “Tuesday Evening Dinners” By ANA RIBEIRO Complimentary Reception: 6:30 p.m., HM Staff Writer 129

Fifty-three scientists WEDNESDAY • APRIL 20 attended the NASA-sponsored seminar, “Blazar Biscayne Bay Campus Lunch Club Lecture Variability Workshop II: Series presents “Rousseau’s Emile and Social Entering the GLAST Renewal in Gustave Courbet’s ‘The Painter’s Era,” held April 10-12 at Studio’: 12:30 p.m., HM 129 the Kovens Convention Center at the Biscayne Bay THURSDAY • APRIL 21 Campus. Participants included The White Orchard Theatre presents theorists, professors and “Kreutzer Sonata” – A two act play by Leo students of physics and Tolstoy: 8 p.m., Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre astrophysics from all over the world, who shared results of their individ- FRIDAY • APRIL 22 ual research on electro- magnetism – perhaps a African New World Studies presents 2nd future energy source for Annual Haitian Women’s Conference “Hai- the earth, based on outer tian Women: Honoring the Past, Embracing the space processes. Future”: 9 p.m., WUC Ballroom Junior Greg Azarnia and graduate student SATURDAY • APRIL 23 Humberto Velasquez, who SPACE JAMMING: Profesor Jim Webb and guest speaker Alan Marscher display their collaborated with orga- talent by playing the “Astronomy Song”. COURTESY PHOTO The White Orchard Theatre presents nizer Dr. James Webb in “Kreutzer Sonata” – A two act play by Leo the physics department at light years away from the conference brings that,” physics department con- Tolstoy: 8 p.m., Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre FIU, displayed their study earth. These jets come Thompson said. tributed $2,000. of visible light on posters from quasars and blazars, Webb, a physicist, In addition, Webb SUNDAY • APRIL 24 at the seminar. bright objects with black emphasized the impor- said the Southern Cross “My favorite part [of holes in the center that tance of the coming Astronomical Society, an The White Orchard Theatre presents this seminar] has been suck in matter and then together of the scientific amateur scientific group, “Kreutzer Sonata” – A two act play by Leo hearing what these people squirt out electromagnetic community. sponsored Professor Vladi- Tolstoy: 8 p.m., Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre have to say and their inter- waves at nearly the speed “This conference was mir Hagen-Thorn, from actions,” said Azarnia. of light. designed so people could Russia’s St. Petersburg – Compiled by Reuben Pereira “You can’t get that from “Blazar jets are pointed form collaborations,” said State University. His career [email protected] any book or any paper at the earth,” explained Webb. He explained that as an astrophysicist spans – that’s why these lectures Thompson. “If they were the scientists sought to four decades. Hagen- are so important.” in our galaxy, their powerful draw from each other’s Thorn gave a lecture enti- Lectures consisted of scientists at the convention David Thompson, a radiation would roast us.” conclusions to reach a tled “Variable Sources in Power-Point presentations, center. Maryland-based astro- The participants were better understanding of Active Galactic Nuclei.” scientific jargon and inside “The banquet was excel- physicist representing experts in different types of blazars, whose jet pro- At St. Petersburg State jokes on blazars. They lent. We had London broil NASA, said that the space radiation, presenting their cesses could one day lead University, he had been the lasted 10 to 30 minutes and and sang space songs,” agency will launch a new observations and findings to the harnessing of an mentor of Svetlana Jorstad, were open to questions and Webb said. satellite telescope named in relation to blazar jets energy source even more a guest speaker on high discussion. University of Webb and Marscher sang GLAST in August 2007. and variability to the scien- efficient than nuclear con- frequency blazar jets. Michigan’s Dr. Hugh Aller, and played the guitar to He said that the tele- tific community gathered version. Jorstad has become a a pioneer in extragalactic their original compositions scope would be capable of at the conference. N A S A p r o v i d e d a senior research associate radiation research, gave a about blazars and outer clearly detecting gamma “NASA realizes that $15,000 grant for expenses at Boston University. She final summarizing lecture. space. Webb’s songs can rays – the most powerful in order to make the best such as food and the rent- collaborates with Boston His colleagues dedicated be found on his demo CD, source of radiation in the use of this [telescope], ing of the conference professor Alan Marscher, the conference to him. “Out in Space.” He also electromagnetic spectrum we need to work with all center for the seminar, who gave a lecture on the On April 11, a special sings them to lower division – in energy jets billions of kinds of scientists, and this Webb said, while the FIU imaging of blazar jets. banquet was held for the physics classes at FIU. Promotional items cause higher turnout vote By MICHAEL HAINES “We spent about $2,000 on said Owles. had [donated] bagels,” Zapata right person got [elected],” said Contributing Writer promotional items for this elec- Owles stated that Campus said. junior Mirlande Germain. “I tion, and I am pretty sure that Life receives a yearly budget The donated food may have voted because of the issues … Over six times the number is more than in past elections,” of $6,000 to cover the cost helped the turnout. like having to pay for the bus to of students from last year voted said Zapata. of the major elections in the “It was a very active campaign [UP]. If we have to pay it should in this year’s Student Govern- Zapata stated that Vicky Spring semester and the special during election week, but it be on a semester pass basis.” ment Association elections on Owles, assistant director for elections in the Fall semester. might have had something to do Germain also offered a reason April 5 and 6 at the Biscayne Campus Life at University Park, Owles was unable to supply the with them offering free food if for the poor turnout last year. Bay Campus. Six hundred forty could provide better informa- total cost for this year’s election you voted,” said junior Leskaria “[The presidential candidate] students cast their ballots – the tion on the money spent for the because the final figures haven’t Ransom. was running unopposed,” Ger- second highest turnout in BBC election. been tallied yet. “Whatever it takes to get main said. history, according to Sarah “We had to spend a little The promotional items for them to the polls,” Zapata said Unlike at BBC, the Uni- Davis, Campus Life office man- more money than usual, because the election included flyers, t- in response to Ransom’s com- versity Park campus SGA elec- ager. we were transforming to the shirts, banners, stickers, buttons ment. tions only saw an increase of According to Rafael Zapata, new Panthersoft system, but the and balloons. Not all of the students needed 66 voters from last year to this assistant director for Campus rest of the election was paid for “We had a red carpet, easels, to be enticed by the food, how- year – a small percentage of Life at BBC, funding made the from the same budget and has t-shirts and posters at the polls ever. the over 3,800 students who difference in this year’s elections. not changed since last year,” on election days, and we even “I wanted to make sure the voted there.

04-18-05.indd 3 4/15/05 11:44:39 PM 4 The Beacon – April 18, 2005 www.beaconnewspaper.com

OPINION Alejandra Diaz Editor In Chief • John Lovell Managing Editor • Jessica Iser Opinion Editor UNHEALTHY

School cafeterias phaseChoices out junk food

school. If at least one meal and snack are consumed at school, what they are consuming based on availability can potentially affect their health. Though schools are beginning to take action, it is the parents who need to reinforce those healthy decisions affect- ing the other two-thirds of their children’s diet. If Junior Amy Harmon was a parent, she wouldn’t be likely to advocate the diet plan the school board is presenting. “I think sometimes when a kid is having a rough day or needs a little sugar boost, they need junk food,” said Harmon. Benjamin Clark, a junior at Palmetto High School, expressed his outrage regarding the new changes. “Apparently the school board is under the assumption that by eliminating sodas we are somehow benefit- ing. Rather, we are suffering. When going to lunch, the last thing I want is chocolate milk GRAPHIC BY LUIS NIN to quench my undying thirst,” said Clark. By DARA BRAMSON Schwarzenegger is in the process was difficult. At the beginning apple; F6 gets you a moldy carrot. At Mill Creek Elementary Staff Writer of preparing the United States of the school year, each child’s Sounds to me more like a scheme School in Osceola County, the for “Terminator 4: Rise of the height, weight, blood pressure to eradicate children with a new process of adjustment may take a During a question-and-answer Fatties.” His first invasion: public and pulse was recorded. In April, strand of E. coli. In all serious- while for the students. However, session with fans on March 5, the schools. these numbers will be reevalu- ness, the plan, if executed well, it is inevitable that after a while, final day of the Arnold Classic, Much of the action toward a ated to determine any change. could potentially work wonders. kids will simply get hungry and the annual bodybuilding contest healthier country is originating Just imagine the new vending Kids spend an enormous use their lunch money for junk that bears his name, California in public schools. Among these machines: G2 gets you a rotting amount of their adolescent life at food. Governor Arnold Schwarzeneg- proactive schools are several With that said, these are ger explained some of his motives elementary schools in Kissim- encouraging signs. I do not see to promote health awareness. mee, Fla. HEALTHY NUTRITION FACTS this as infringement. If a parent “First of all, we in California According to a report on is fattening their child up for the this year are introducing legisla- CNN.com, six schools there yearly pig roast, by all means, tion that would ban all the sale are participating in a study by a – THE BIG SIX: The 6 essential nutrients are he or she is free to send them of junk food in the schools,” said research center founded by Dr. protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins to school with a pillowcase full Schwarzenegger. Arthur Agatston, author of “The and minerals. of candy. According to CNN, he also South Beach Diet”. Seeing as I’d probably be said junk food will be pulled The objective of the study is 10 pounds thinner if public from school vending machines in to see whether school cafeterias – CHOCOLATE’S GOOD FOR YOU: The schools didn’t have Skittles at favor of healthier foods, includ- are capable of serving more Department of Food and Nutrition sugges ts my disposal, it’s impossible for ing fruits and vegetables. nutritious food, whether kids cutting down on fats to fit chocolate into me to disagree entirely with the Arnold Schwarzenegger may will eat it and whether their your diet, because it may lower cholesterol endeavor to put more healthy be one of the only political fig- health will improve. Half of the levels. foods in schools. Though I do ures that has not blatantly lied students did not eat their lunches not think any harm can come to the United States. “I’ll be at the beginning of the year. out of encouraging students back” was no exaggeration. Due Grade school kids are accus- – FAST FUEL: Breakfast is the most to eat healthier, ultimately, it is to his integrity, we can trust that tomed to pizza and chicken important meal of the day. Studies have the parents who need to help his current endeavors will likely nuggets, and getting used to shown that eating breakfast can help you bring this lifestyle change into be accomplished as well. Now whole–wheat bread and grilled concentrate better. their child’s life, not the school that he’s back and in full force, chicken for many of the students cafeteria workers.

OP 04-18-05.indd 1 4/15/05 10:41:14 PM The Beacon – April 18, 2005 OPINION www.beaconnewspaper.com 5

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

How do you feel about the SGA election results?

• I agree with the SGA election results. The elected candidate’s platforms and the changes they promise to bring to FIU seem reasonable.

• I don’t agree with the results. I feel the other candidates were overlooked by the student body.

•W hat’s SGA?

• I don’t really care about the results. I voted for whomever gave me free food.

• Wow. The elections were this week?

Cast your vote at www.beaconnewspaper.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR WINNER & LOSER Student finds death Perhaps the next time a of some of our most influential member of The Beacon staff educators. Thus far our efforts WINNER penalty article poorly forms an opinion and attempts have been in vain. The lucky charmed: Seo Sang-moon of Seoul, South researched to convince readers of it, he or This semester we are yet Korea had taken 5 years, payed over $100 in fees and she can provide the FIU com- again experiencing a great loss. C endured the academic part of his drivers license test 271 I was disappointed to read munity with one that is more Dr. Kelly Laurence who has times. Finally, he passed the test on his 272nd try. Dara Bramson’s opinion piece responsible or at least one that been an adjunct for 10 years is Next step: learning to drive. on the death penalty. It is makes sense. not being re-hired, very much understandable that an editorial against the students’ will. We will be slanted, but Bramson Andrew Kameka have met with the chair to LOSER should have researched the Journalism Major express our disapproval and we Graham Center frequenters: Graham Center has been topic before attempting to were given a series of excuses. invaded by scientologists offering free “stress tests,” address Beacon readers. D perfume salesmen and random people passing out flyers The war in Iraq is a more The first was that it was due to Sh e conveniently glossed to parties. By the end of the day, students who walk pertinent issue a budget cut. over the fact that for every This does not suffice for sev- through GC leave with thousands of flyers, smelling seven people executed on death of a combination of flowers and rubbing alcohol and It seems to me that Mr. eral reasons: 1) Other adjuncts row an innocent person is will still be teaching (who have believing we’re all reincarnated aliens. exonerated as being wrongly Muela has too much time on his hands when he wrote his not been teaching as long as she convicted. Bramson could have has.) 2) New faculty is being discovered this with a simple piece on “cell phone disease.” Clearly he should use his time hired (and they get paid more search for “death-penalty” on than adjuncts). 3) New build- Google. more appropriately and be QUOTEABLES more concerned about perti- ings are being constructed and Television shows like Law remodeled constantly, and the nent issues that affect young “She’s a very earthy, funny woman. You can swear in & Order make people think library has new computers at Americans, such as that 1,000 front of her.” that DNA evidence is always every desk. Does money appear plus have been unnecessarily – Joan Rivers, TV personality, on Camilla Parker available, but the reality of the to be the real issue here? 4) Our justice system is that cases are slaughtered in an unjust and Bowles, Prince Charles’s new wife. expensive war. tuition is continuing to increase largely circumstantial. at an alarming rate. Our country is considered a “I think about it. I’m not at the freak-out point yet.” Witnesses lie or are confused, We are paying more money pariah in the eyes of the world, – Mariah Carey, singer, on her thoughts on having evidence is withheld from the than ever before, yet the quality jury, and jurors are human, and young people are going to children. have to bear this financial cross of our education is diminishing. therefore capable of making This is an injustice! for years to come. “I love throwing up in movies. ... I’m getting really mistakes. Unlike most professors, Kelly Also, he should be aware that better at it. I know how to make the projectile sound much So exactly how does Bramson Laurence does not teach for he, like other young people, better.” reason that the convicted are the money or the prestige, she might still get called to be – Drew Barrymore, actress, on using her special almost certainly guilty? does so for the students only. Another search with the sacrificed when this adminis- “talent” in her films. tration leaves Iraq in shambles Her goal is to transmit her Florida Department of Law knowledge and prepare us for and takes on Iran in the not so “Talking about music is like talking about sex. Can you Enforcement would have shown the future. distant future. describe it? Are you supposed to?” that the number of murders in We were informed that new I believe ending this debacle – Bruce Springsteen, singer and musician, on discuss- Florida (a state with the death faculty is being hired because penalty she currently lives in) and saving our brethren’s lives ing music. has more precedence than they will bring with them money went up by 5 percent in 2004. in the form of research grants, eliminating cell phones. “I woke up about two or three years ago, and I was like, Maybe these new murderers and prestige for FIU. Perhaps ‘What is it everyone runs from?’ Cameras aren’t guns. They did not receive the memo about the university’s priorities are not David M. Gonsalves can’t really hurt you.” the death penalty making crime the same as the students’. Graduate Student – Matthew McConaughey, actor, on being followed less frequent. Due to Dr. Laurence’s tre- by the paparazzi. Forgive me for momentarily mendous impact on our lives, standing on this soap box, but FIU does not re-hire we feel very strongly about our America is a nation in which psychology professor cause. We are currently express- rights are valued and should be ing our discontent in the form protected, not cast aside simply FIU is undergoing some of letters, a petition (posted on SEND US YOUR LETTERS because a few people fear for dramatic changes. In the Psy- the psychology bulletin board, “the innocents” as Bramson chology Department there has DM, second floor) and a rally Letters to the Editor must be dropped off in GC 210 at mentioned. been a continuous fluctuation held on April 19. the University Park campus, WUC 124 at the Biscayne Bay I am much more comfort- within its faculty and staff, You may contact us at Campus or sent to beacon@fiu.edu. Letters must include able in my ability, as well as that along with the arrival of a new [email protected] for more the writer’s full name, year in school, major/department of most American parents, to department chair. information. and a valid phone number for verification purposes. If protect my own children than Since last semester, students brought in to an office, a legitimate ID may be acceptaed I am in the justice system not have begun to voice their dis- Thalita Baccarin instead of a phone number. The Beacon reserves the right allowing innocent people to be agreement with numerous Karina Diaz, to edit letters for clarity and/or spacing constraints. Letters convicted and executed. decisions, such as letting go Psychology Majors must adhere to a maximum of 400 words.

OP 04-18-05.indd 2 4/15/05 11:12:23 PM ! April 18, 2005 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM The Beacon - 6

way. “MAY I BRING A FRIEND?” As far as location is concerned, you want to choose The answer to this question a place that you don’t mind is tricky. Just think of it as a eventually turning into Mt. formula: For every person you Trashmore. If you have it at allow to come, that is another your house, make someone piece of your mom’s china you BOOZIN’! (who intends on being sober) in can consider broken or miss- charge of loss prevention. ing. The last thing you need is To think of it even more to find someone booty danc- mathematically, let’s say that ing with Mima’s 3-foot-tall you invite 50 people. If each a person invites two more per- porcelain statue of San Lazaro at 3 a.m. sons, then you have 150 people If you’re the kind of person at your house, and 2/3 of them guide who goes to school and holds don’t even know it’s your birth- down a job (or two), I cannot day. Once your original invites stress enough the importance of start drinking, that 1/3 won’t asking for time off. If possible, remember either. to request to have both the day of your party, and the day after, off. OH, THE HUMANITY: You’ll need the time to recover THE AFTERMATH or to at least piece together the turning awesome fragmented memories At around 2:37 p.m. the next of the night before. day, you’ll wake up and groggily try to compose yourself in order DECISIONS, DECISIONS… to start cleaning. Forget about the two heap- Ah alcohol, the sweet lubri- ing piles of vomit in your room. cant of social cogs. Choosing You won’t remember if they’re the right stuff to have at your your piles, but there will be time party is essential. You’re going for DNA tests and beat downs to want to have a keg, even if it later. Discourage your dog from acts as a Lojak for all fraternities lapping up the beer and bong in a 30-mile radius. water and get to work. It’s important to have a good If you were smart, you asked variety of liquor, but don’t your good friends for two bend over backwards trying things: alcohol and janitorial to please everyone’s taste. You back up. should never have to bend over When the smoke clears, you’ll backwards on your birthday. find the destruction immense Well, except for the occasional and the journey treacherous, GRAPHIC BY LUIS NIN 21kegstand. but if you can sucker some Tell everyone to bring their friends into cleaning for – or own liquor and stash some for rather with you, it won’t be Except of course, when you the low down: yourself on reserve. so bad. turn 21. In America, 21 means You really don’t want some- Attempt to remedy the mas- it’s time for some dirty, rau- A TIME AND A PLACE one to scream “The keg’s out!” sive hangover you’ve acquired cous, illegal, sexual, animalistic and have everyone scramble and check your e-mail for some interaction – in other words, the No good party has ever for the last drops of your Grey kick-ass digital camera pictures greatest party this side of the started before midnight. While Goose. of the night before from your Mason-Dixon Line. technically it may not be your Your first drink of the evening friends. Then you can proceed Birthdays are a time for The necessities to throw birthday anymore, you’re should be somewhat ceremo- to sit back and smile while you growth and reflection. They’re (and survive) a successful 21st really just celebrating a concept nial. You can toast to health think to yourself, “Wow, who the days when you can look birthday party are numerous. anyway. This gives you enough and wealth if you like, but most brought the sheep?” to the past and see how in a While many of us know the time to prepare, compose your- likely, your toast will be that Enjoy yourself and never short year, you have matured basics, it’s difficult to grasp all self and get any pesky “family finally the binge-drinking you’ve forget the cardinal rule for turn- and gracefully taken one step of the nuances that turn a good time” (aka birthday cupcakes been doing every weekend is ing 21: The less you remember, closer to full-fledged adulthood. party into a great one. Here’s at the local Sizzler) out of the now legal (see graphic above). the better the party was. New Fall Out Boy single shows promise for up-coming album By NICOLE DIAZ Your Grave, and have yet to Staff Writer leave the list. Alternative Press has also hailed From Under The You either love Fall Out Boy Cork Tree as one of the “Most or you hate Fall Out Boy. You Anticipated Releases of 2005.” either think they are God’s gift Take This To Your Grave has sold to music, or you consider them over 200,000 copies and incited equivalent to the gum on your legions of fans so dedicated that sneakers. some have tattooed the band’s Either way, you will probably lyrics onto their bodies. Now, still feel that way after hearing that’s devotion. their first single, “Sugar, We’re Straight out of Chicago, Fall Going Down” off their upcom- Out Boy rose from the ashes ing album, From Under The of local hardcore bands. The Cork Tree. pop-punk quartet recorded Fall Out Boy have been on the their debut full-length, Fall tip of everyone’s tongue. Rolling Out Boy’s Evening Out With Stone put them on its “10 Art- Your Girlfriend, for Uprising ists to Watch” list. They were Records. The music found its at the top of Alternative Press’s Reader’s Chart for months with FALLING OUT: Pop-punk quartet Fall Out Boy gained popularity with their first album and are in the process of their last album, Take This to See BOY, page 10 rehearsing their next. The single “Sugar, We’re Going Down” features the band’s unique musical style. COURTESY PHOTO

LIFE!04-18-05.indd 1 4/15/05 9:20:03 PM www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – April 18, 2005 7 uess G ho? SOME FAVORITE THINGS Revamping a classic children’s game for college-age fun! BY JESSICA ISER – W OPINION EDITOR

1. THE SMITHS To me, The Smiths were the most perfect band that ever existed. Morrissey supplied the voice and the lyrics, while Johnny Marr provided the perfect accompaniment on guitar. Favorite album: Louder Than Bombs

2. CHUCK PALAHNIUK Chuck Palahniuk’s dark humor and cynicism ﬁll every one of his books, and you better believe I’ve read all six off them … multiple times. He’s the only author whose work I’ve been able to read again and again. Favorite novel: “Invisible Monsters”

3. EXPLODINGDOG.COM Even though the pictures drawn by Sam Brown are simple, they always seem to lift my spirits with their bright colors and odd characters. Favorite Drawing: “I love the Zoo”

WHO’S THERE?: Making your own Guess Who? game is a good way to pass those boring, rainy afternoons. Replace the game’s standard cartoon pictures with images of your friends and let the fun begin. RAQUEL COOL/THE BEACON

By RAQUEL COOL Staff Writer

If you have 24 friends, you can Invite all the friends featured in your game for the make your very own Guess Who? “ game. unveiling of your creation. An advantage to having This project requires a lot of com- a personalized version of the game is that the clues EXPLODINGDOG.COM COURTESY PHOTO mitment, but the final product is a great way to show off your friends. don’t have to be limited to physical characteristics. 4. PROCRASTINATING Try mixing nostalgia with the present Because procrastinating is one of my favorite by axing the cartoon strangers and parts of their face cropped out of The featured font is called Cooper things to do, I wanted to spend a lot of time replacing them with tiles and tiles of the picture. Looking back, I got so Black, size 30. making my explanation perfect ... but then I ran familiar faces. impatient that I started to sculpt Once you’ve completed all 24 out of time and the Life! Designer wrote this for To do this, you’ll need a frame for digital foreheads in place while I tiles, print out three copies of each. me. Alicia rocks my socks! the tiles. Invest in a knock off version waited. One is for each of the two frames, of Guess Who?. They are sold at Wal- Even when you have the pic- and the third is for the separate deck 5. PINK LEMONADE Mart in a set with three other games: tures, you’ll still need to edit them. of face cards. Some people smoke; some do drugs. My Tic-Tac-Toe, Pseudo-Connect Four This project is significantly easier if Before you cut out the printed addiction is pink lemonade. My day is shot if I and Snag ‘em. Or, you can keep your you have experience using a digital tiles, glue the back of the sheets to can’t drink at least one bottle. Is there a Pink eyes peeled and try to find a real editing program such as Adobe wrapping paper so that they have Lemonade Drinkers Anonymous? Favorite brand: Guess Who? game at a thrift store ... Photoshop, which is available in the good looking backings. Now, you’re Minute Maid. but don’t hold your breath, because FIU library on the computers with ready to cut. the chances are slim. scanners. Refer to the Guess Who? frame to Once you have a game at hand, To begin, choose a background measure how to cut each tile. Make set up the plastic frame without that stands out. Instead of using sure to practice first so that you don’t including the provided tiles of car- a simple color, opt for quirky and mess up. toon faces. familiar objects with texture to Once your game is set up, you’re Now you’re ready to embark on make the faces pop out more. The ready to play! Invite all the friends the most tedious part of the project: background should not be too featured in your game for the unveil- begging your friends for suitable busy-looking; it should compliment ing of your creation. An advantage digital pictures of themselves – “suit- instead of distract. to having a personalized version of able” being the operative word. I decided on macaroni and cheese, the game is that the clues don’t have You’d think that in this Myspacian provided by Google Image Search. to be limited to physical character- The first Crayola crayons came in a box day and age, you could easily access Other ideas are watermelon seeds, istics. of eight. By 1957, 40 new colors were the selection of pictures that are grass or french fries. For example, instead of asking introduced. Today there are more than 120 already available, but clever angles Here’s some technical infor- about the color of someone’s eyes, crayon colors. Over 5 billion crayons are and bathroom mirror shots don’t mation: Crop the background to say, “Is this person obsessed with produced each year. really work for this. 200x302 pixels for each tile. The sushi?” Instead, make sure you ask them faces should pasted on, sized approx- Be weary – this friendly game can – http://www.didyouknow.cs for a clear, head-on shot with no imately 125x170 pixels. easily turn into a gossip-fest.

LIFE!04-18-05.indd 2 4/15/05 9:09:23 PM 8 The Beacon – April 18 , 2005 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com Tropical Chinese pleasantly surprises patrons

By ERIK TIRUMS 10 experienced chefs cooked on huge any Asian cuisine, and I enjoyed plum Staff Writer woks atop gasoline firepits. Our dim wine with my dinner. Tropical Chi- sum (appetizers) included fantail nese also offers an extensive wine list, Being a culinary professional and shrimp wrapped in wonton chips, wines by the glass and a full bar. new to the Miami area, I’ve enjoyed shrimp egg rolls and Chinese spare The dining experience was well tasting my way through the city to ribs. The entrées included orange orchestrated by a large and expe- learn about its food culture. flavored beef, XO sauce prawns and rienced staff. Drinking glasses were From sushi at Doraku, to four-star seafood fu-chow fried rice. All the rarely left empty and our food arrived dining at Norman’s, my personal cuisines were prepared in front of us, in a timely fashion. experiences have been broad but have and though each had its own char- The cooks in the kitchen clearly not included a great experience with acter and flavor, they were all fresh, cared about their craft as they stole Chinese food. Until now. very hot to the touch and correctly glances at our plates to see how we Tropical Chinese sits on the west prepared. were enjoying them. The timing in side of a dingy shopping plaza. With The fantail shrimp, deep fried in the kitchen was so perfect that no skepticism, my party and I walked wonton chips, were crisp, light and heat lamps were used for food, and in, only to be immensely surprised not greasy at all. The ribs fell off the it still arrived at the table piping hot. and delighted. It felt like walking bone. The prawns were perfectly A minor complaint about the service into a restaurant in New York City’s cooked, but not overcooked, and would be the bus staff that many Chinatown. Red lanterns hung every- the beef had rich ingredients but times left dirty dishes on the table. where in a dim restaurant accented was still light because of the orange Dinner even ended perfectly with by a huge performance window zest accents. sake soaked orange slices and light showing the well-trained cooks. A The fried rice was cooked in a vanilla fortune cookies. From the chest next to the hostess stand held casserole dish which was almost New unassuming outside, to the pleasant all the awards, accolades and rave Orleans style. I am a fan of spicy, rich surprises inside, this restaurant is reviews from Gourmet Magazine, cooking, which is what the dishes definitely worth a visit. Zagat survey, as well as The Miami might have lacked. But the freshness Herald and The New Times. I had and quality made up for a taste that RESTAURANT stumbled upon Miami’s most criti- doesn’t suit all diners. ★★★★ cally acclaimed Chinese restaurant. A Lychee Nut Martini made with Luck was on our side that night Ketel One vodka was the perfect Tropical Chinese as we were seated right next to the apéritif. The lychee’s raspberry but 7991 SW 40 St. Miami, FL 33155 performance window, through which almost floral flavor is delicious with Band’s new single solidifies pop-punk sound

From BOY, page 8 Boy on its roster with their fol- Out Boy’s popularity. They have messed up how I am just dying gets your toes tapping and will lowing album. perfected the pop-punk sound, to be him,” causing to everyone have you singing along by the way onto the Internet, and the This worked out nicely for finishing where The Starting who has ever had such a crush to second verse. band’s popularity skyrocketed the band, as they got points for Line left off and achieving what relate and keeping it personal. As catchy as the hook is, in no time. having a highly respected indie bands like Simple Plan and Good And of course, there is the it’s repeated about eight times After being courted by tons label put out their album, while Charlotte wish they could sound chorus. This song has a hook throughout the song, and it is of major labels, Fall Out Boy still having a major label budget like. that will be stuck in your head only a matter of time before it landed upon a pretty sweet deal: to work with. That fueled by “Sugar, We’re Going Down” for months. Highly energized gets boring. So many repeated Island Records and Fueled By Ramen album, Take This To Your is more of that winning formula choruses are part of Fall Out choruses leave underdeveloped Ramen made an arrangement Grave, became a huge success that has gotten Fall Out Boy so Boy’s signature style, and this verses, which are, at best, weak. in which Fall Out Boy would and earned the band a level of far so fast. The lyrics are a story one is so catchy you physically For a brief moment, it almost record their next album for fame they had only dreamed about a boy lusting after an unat- can’t help but sing along. seems as though Fall Out Boy Fueled By Ramen but with a of. tainable girl and are emo enough The melody to the ﬁrst line, has run out of ideas, and if that budget set forth by Island. In If the new single is any indi- to stir sentiments in even the “We’re going down, down, in is the case, the album, which is turn, Island would then be able cation, then From Under The Terminator. Vocalist/guitarist an earlier round, and sugar, scheduled for release May 3, will to decide if it wanted Fall Out Cork Tree should only secure Fall Patrick Stump sings, “Isn’t it we’re going down swinging,” not be worth anybody’s time. Alpha XI Delta’s ‘A Knight to Remember’ proves successful

By MAILYN MEDEROS They competed in categories such as Staff Writer “Best Features,” “Most Talented” and a “Worst Case Scenario.” The Alpha XI Delta sorority, founded The top five finalists had to answer in 1893, presented its 4th annual XI this final question: What do you think Man Pageant on April 12. Pi Kappa Phi should exemplify the next Alpha XI senior, Brian Swenson, won the XI Man Delta Man and what would you do title among 13 contestants. to make sure those characteristics are The event entitled, “A Knight to followed? Remember,” raised over $2,000 from FIU Golden Dazzler and sorority donations and ticket sales. The pro- sister Luli Duarte entertained the audi- ceeds will benefit Choose Children, ence, while the judges chose the top which works with disabled, abused or finalists. neglected children in need of medical Albert Gonzalez, from Sigma Phi assistance. Epsilon, was the second runner-up and Alpha XI Delta’s philanthropy mission Malik Wilkes, from Pi Kappa Alpha, was statement reads: “Children deserve the the first runner-up. opportunities to develop to their fullest “I’m very honored that Brian [Swen- potential – intellectually, socially, emo- son] took the time to come back for four MEN FOR SALE: (Left to Right) Alex Ramirez, Jorge Rosales, Malik Wilkes, Albert Gonzalez tionally and physically – in an environ- years. It shows dedication and that’s the and Brian Swenson competed in the Alpha XI Delta Man Pageant. COURTESY PHOTO ment conductive to the development of XI Man we want,” said Senior Christine character …” Denton, Alpha XI Delta’s president. “I think Brian was a great choice has held other philanthropic events “It was very successful; we made over Swenson, next year’s homecoming because of his dedication to FIU and including a baby item drive, Relay for $2000, which is double of what we made director, has been competing for XI Man his good character,” said junior Monica Life, Fuzzie Football Tournament, Fall last year. I’ve been working on XI Man since the pageant began four years ago. Borcegue, a sorority sister majoring in Ball, Halloween candy drive, a toy drive since December and we started promot- “I feel great,” said Swenson. “It has finance. and car washes. ing the event two months ago,” said been four years in the making and it Jessica Franchi-Alfaro and Alex Prado, “It has been one of the best [XI Junior Vanessa Canals, Alpha XI Delta’s finally happened! I get to represent an last year’s XI Man winner, hosted the Man Pageant] turnouts ever. We had a vice president. awesome group of ladies.” show, which ran from 9 p.m. to 11:30 great turnout from different organiza- The contestants represented various Swenson spent a couple of months p.m. tions, whether they were participating fraternities such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, Pi brainstorming for the talent segment; The pre-sale tickets were $5 and the or watching. I couldn’t imagine being Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Mu, Pi Kappa he sang, did kung fu moves and created door tickets were $7. a judge because all the candidates were Alpha and Phi Gamma Delta. a PowerPoint presentation. During the past year Alpha XI Delta great,” said Denton.

LIFE!04-18-05.indd 3 4/15/05 9:09:55 PM www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon – April 18, 2005 9 10 The Beacon – April 18, 2005 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com Tennis star wants to go pro after graduation

By ANDONI GONZALEZ-RUA It’s different because last year Staff Writer I wasn’t very mentally prepared. I didn’t have that much game; Ranked No. 36 in the country I wasn’t playing that many in women’s singles, Colombian matches. Now throughout the Paula Zabala has prove that she whole season I have been get- is a force to be reckoned with ting more mature and mentally on the court. So far, she has tough, and that has helped me led the Golden Panthers to a to improve and stay in every No. 45 ranking nationally and match. a perfect record in the Sun Belt Q: How tough is the com- Conference. petition against other 1’s? As Zabala and the Golden It depends. Usually they are Panthers eye a conference title all tough matches. Some of after finishing third last year, them are better than others, but The Beacon sat down to get whenever you play 1 they are all acquainted with the unheralded going to be good players and rising star of FIU sports. it’s always tough. As long as I Q: How did you get started can get mentally ready and know in tennis? what my game is and know what I started because my mom I am supposed to do for every used to play tennis, and I used point, it’s tough, but as long as I to go with her when she used do the things that I’m supposed to go and play. I would pick to do, I’ll be fine. up the balls and just be around Q: You still have two years the whole court watching her. I of eligibility left. What are started hitting and she got me your goals for the next two into it. I started playing when I years? was five years old. As I play here, my goals are Q: Where did you go to to be the best and play as well high school? as I can in improving my game First I went to Calusa, a pri- and hopefully, that will show vate school here in Miami, and as maturity on the court and then I moved to home-school- improve my rank. Hopefully at ing, because I wanted to play SERVES UP: FIU number one singles player Paula Zabala is ranked No. 36 in the country and has led the end I can be in the top 20 or more tournaments, and I wanted even top 10; those are my goals the Golden Panther to No. 45 national team ranking. ALEX HERNANDEZ/THE BEACON to travel. I traveled around a lot, in terms of ranking. playing a lot of tournaments, so and at the same time try and play make a good team. It’s much the season? Q: What are you going to I did home-schooling for 10th, pro and for college of course. better to have someone that I We have conference coming do after you graduate from 11th, and 12th grades in Laurel Q: Assistant Coach Carlos know. up. We are pretty excited, and FIU? Springs School, a school in Casely is also your personal Q: How long have you been hopefully we can win it and go I’m planning to play. I want California but it was considered coach. What is it like working working with Coach Casely? the NCAAs. I think we have a to play some tournaments, some home-school. with him on a daily basis? Since I came to the states; I good chance. As a team we are satellites playing pro – that’s Q: Coming from the west Well, its really good since came here when I was 12, and doing well. We feel confident what I want to do the most. coast, what made you decide I know him from before, and I was looking for an academy to and we have a good chance to Q: Finally, who is your on FIU? now he’s the assistant coach. start playing at here in the U.S., go out and win the whole Sun favorite tennis player? I was undecided as to whether So, it’s really nice that he knows and I went to his academy and Belt Conference. My favorite player is Anas- or not I was going to play tennis my game and what I have to that’s were I started. It’s been Q: In the last poll that tasia Myskina. She’s from and try and be a pro, or I wasn’t improve on – my ground strokes eight years now with Carlos. came out on April 5, you were Russia. She is very tough on sure what I was going to do. and everything that I have to do Q: Taking a look at the ranked 36 in the country in the court, and she fights for Since I live here, I was like, why … my technique. So it’s a good record, the team is 3-0 in the singles. How has your play every ball and she is always in not come here to FIU? It’s closer thing he’s always there helping conference and ranked 45 in this year differed from your it. She doesn’t give up. I like to my house, to my family, and I me and always giving me good the country. What are your play last year, when you first the way that she is mentally can start doing my schoolwork advice ... and with Ronni they expectations for the rest of became a 1? ready every time.

2005 ATHLETIC ACADEMIC AWARDS BANQUET

HONORED: FIU student-athletes honored one another April 15 at the Pharmed Arena. Over 350 coaches, athletes and administra- tors were in attendance. Many student-athletes received awards in categories including, academic, sportsmanship, community service and spirit. GEOFF ANDERSON/SPECIAL TO THE BEACON www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – April 18, 2005 11 Team needs improvement in conference play

BENDAYAN, from page 12 NON-CONFERENCE PLAY: B

While a 19-9 record is way better than Ricardo Humaran and James Knapp to the 15-19 record FIU put up last season, see if any of them can handle the late the reason for the ‘B’ is its lack of wins innings. against quality teams. In 2004, their record against top-25 DEFENSE: C teams was 2-5. This year, it’s 0-4. Other than series wins vs. St. John’s and Rut- Head Coach Danny Price made field- gers, FIU hasn’t fared well against teams ing a top priority after FIU finished last that are post-season regulars. That will in the conference in defense last season. become an issue should it need a post- FIU had the highest fielding percentage season at-large bid to enter the College in the conference early in the season, a big World Series. reason why they started 18-8.

FIU has slipped ever since. Their 22 CONFERENCE PLAY: D errors in Sun Belt play are the highest in the conference. Almost everyone in the The only reason I’m not giving an ‘F’ infield has struggled, including defensive is because FIU won two of three games stalwarts first baseman Mike Lopez and in the opener against a much-improved shortstop Luis Rivera. Arkansas State ball-club. However, the When FIU wins, they average just over one game FIU lost saw it blow two one error a game. In their losses, they late-inning leads and that has become average three errors. If they find a way to a trend. reduce their errors, wins will come. When FIU lost two games at New

Orleans, it blew a six-run lead in one of OFFENSE: A the games. The team blew two more leads in both Seven hitters are batting over .300. BATTER UP!: The baseball team is reaching a stretch of conference games which will of their losses to South Alabama. Good Right fielder Yahmed Yema is leading show them where they stands heading into the SBC tournament. ALEX HERNANDEZ/THE BEACON teams don’t blow leads, especially to a the team, flirting with a .400 batting Privateers squad that is 10 games under average. Yema already has 10 more RBI 22 games, and eight of those games saw improved from 2004. .500. better than he did all of last season and 10 runs or more. But bad pitching and Pitching coach Tony Casas must figure FIU will face a tough Sun Belt team in he has tied his 2004 home run total (9). errors have wasted much of that produc- out who can give him quality innings out the next week, top-25 ranked Louisiana- Third baseman Nick Cadena – a career tion. of the bullpen, and find a third starter Lafayette. If they can find a way to win .249 hitter – is hitting .375. Center fielder who will be consistently decent. that series, they should be fine heading Dennis Diaz’s on-base percentage has COACHING: B Price’s aggressive offensive style has into the weak part of the conference jumped over 30 points from 2004. usually paid off, but he may need to start schedule. FIU is second in the nation in stolen I salute hitting coach Chris Holick for showing a quicker hook when his pitch- bases with 94, behind only UCF. They’ve the job he’s done. ers struggle. Better defense must be a scored at least five runs in 20 of their last Almost everyone in the lineup has priority, too. OVERALL TEAM GRADE: C CLASSIFIEDS JOIN THE HELP WANTED

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Ads for Free. Over 100,000 Local Ads. www.Backpage.com WUC 124 to apply or e-mail Need to sell supplies right away for a student interested in taking Draw- Recruitment Editor, Joel Marino at ing classes at UP during the summer or fall semester. Supplies include graphite pencils, drawing board and pad, erasers and charcoal.E-mail Alex [email protected] at [email protected]. Buy it all for $40 O.B.O. SPORTS 12 – April 18, 2005 THE BEACON www.beaconnewspaper.comwww.beaconnewspaper.com Golfer admires hard work, new home

By XAVIER VILLARMARZO “Everything is a lot bigger [in Miami],” her homeland. that work hard impress me.” Sports Editor said Samuelsson. “Everything is a lot “People are more open [in Miami],” Samuelsson gives up a lot for the game quicker.” Samelsson said. “Back home, we don’t she loves, mainly things most people are When Rebecca Samuelsson stepped Fresh out of her Swedish high school, say ‘Hi’ to everybody, like here … It’s a not willing to give up. She rarely goes to foot on the FIU campus at the beginning Katrinelundsginasiet (“They always spell lot different.” the beach, only when her family comes of the Fall 2003 semester, two things it wrong,” she said), it was hard for But the main reason she’s here? to visit her. were evident: Samuelsson not to compare Miami to “The weather [and] the golf “We usually practice every weekend, courses.” so there is no time to go,” Samuelsson In Sweden, Samuelsson played in the said. “Even on the weekends I have off, highest level of junior golf and earned I’m usually very tired.” many accolades for outstanding perfor- She almost always practices by herself mances in tournaments, such as winning and puts in the most practice hours on her club championship eight strokes over the team. She even puts emphasis on the the second-place finisher. non-physical aspects of the game. So when it came time for her to go to “I work on my mental game,” Samu- college, her national coach gave her a list elsson said. “I talk to psychologists to get of schools well-suited for Samuelsson’s the right thinking going.” playing style. And what is the right thinking going Samuelsson sent applications to many into a golf tournament? schools, and FIU golf coach David Pez- “One shot at a time,” Samuelsson zino was the first to send her a reply. said. “You can never think about the end “Everything sounded good, [even score. You always have to think about though] I really didn’t know about the the present. Once you hit a shot, that’s school,” Samuelsson said. gone. You can’t do anything about it.” But despite that she is the best player In the game of golf, thinking about on the FIU team statistically and is ranked a bad shot can mess up your whole per- seventh in the Sun Belt Conference, and formance. But doing extremely well can despite all her previous accolades, Samu- also mess you up. elsson did not pick up golf until late in “In my first tournament, I played so her childhood, at the age of 12. good my first nine [holes], I was leading,” Her best friend at the time was going Samuelsson said. to a junior golf camp However, she says she became com- and she decided to placent and didn’t do so well in the final tag along. It was nine holes. there where she “When I play a tournament, I don’t was discovered by really look at the other girls I’m playing her future national [against],” Samuelsson said. “I’m more coach, who was run- into my own game. But you can see other ning the camp. girls – their mental game affects their S o m e w o u l d [overall] game so much.” expect Samuelsson Her 16-year-old brother also plays to admire country- golf. Samuelsson says he is a “real talent,” man and elite golfer but his overall game gets affected because Annika Sorenstam in of his mental focus. above all others, but Samuelsson also does some weight she truly admires training, claiming it gives more stamina anyone who shares during tournaments, especially 36-hole a similar trait with ones. According to her, the most tiring her. aspect of the game of golf is walking “I look up to through the course to hit her ball, because anybody that works college golfers are not provided with golf hard,” Samuels- carts. son said. “It can be Despite her accolades in Miami, and someone who’s not not to mention the weather, Samuelsson SWEDISH SENSATION: Sophomore Rebecca that good, as long still misses Sweden, but is torn between Samuelsson has taken FIU golf by storm since arriv- as they try the best both places. they can. I’m a hard “When I’m home, I miss being [in ing from Sweden in fall of 2003. (TOP) GEOFF ANDERSON (INSERT) DANNY KAMBEL/SPECIAL TO THE BEACON worker, so people Miami],” Samuelsson said. “And when Golden Panther baseball mid-season progress report

we’re getting graded, then why shouldn’t contender for the Sun Belt Conference season strong, but it’s been a different COMMENTARY FIU’s baseball team? Freshman of the Year award. story lately. Three of his four losses – tied No pluses or minuses given. The reason for the ‘B’ is the other start- for the team lead – have come in the last Attendance is mandatory. ers. Ammer Cabrera’s control problems two weeks, and he’s given up six earned Class participation is factored into the have led to lots of walks and hit batsmen, runs in his last six appearances. What has grade. and he might be benched for good after saved him from the bench is that only South Alabama rocked him. Occasional Gonzalez has pitched well in relief. STARTING PITCHING: B starter Jon Banke has not pitched well, Junior Matt Rainey has struggled all so don’t be surprised if Frank Gonzalez, season with an 8.83 ERA in 16 appear- David Asher has become the ace FIU who’s been great in long relief, gets a ances. Leo Calderon, a major part of last By MESSOD BENDAYAN needed. When he’s in control, he’s domi- chance to start. year’s bullpen, is hurt. Other than lefty Staff Writer nant. His 6-0 record with a 2.64 ERA and Chris Siebenaler (who’s been decent), 64 strikeouts prove it. BULLPEN: F no one else has been used consistently. The semester is almost over and FIU Elih Villanueva is FIU’s best freshman The Golden Panthers might have to turn professors will soon ﬁnalize the grades pitcher since Derek DeCarlo in 2002. If Gonzalez becomes a starter, it makes to Denny Hernandez, Les Rodriguez, we hold so dear. With that in mind, I’ve Armed with a ﬁlthy breaking ball and an already shaky bullpen a lot shakier. traded in my books for a red pen. So, if a 6-2 record, with a 4.03 ERA, he’s a Closer Danny Hernandez started the See BENDAYAN, page 10