The Beacon, January 30, 2006 Florida International University

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Vol. 18, Issue 40 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM Grace Taylor January 30, 2006 Couple Former MMISSINGISSING IINN AACTIONCTION officer accused of spying on found Maidique

BY C. JOEL MARINO guilty Content Editor

Carlos and Elsa Alvarez gave BY ANDREW LEINS details to Cuban intelligence handlers Staff Writer about a visit made by University President Modesto A. Maidique After an hour of deliberation, a to the White House, according to jury found former Public Safety offi cer a report published in The Miami Frederick Currie guilty on Jan. 26 of Herald on Jan. 25. one count of sexual battery and one The document that revealed this count of battery against an 18-year-old information and other facts was woman. found in the Alvarezes’ home com- The crime took place on July 8 of puter, although their University Park last year. offi ce computers were also searched According to the CBS4 News web- on the night of Jan. 12. The two FIU site, Currie, 35, took the stand on Jan. faculty members were charged with 26 in his own defense. being unregistered foreign agents for He denied the allegations that he the Cuban government last month. assaulted the 18-year-old woman and Quoting the government affi da- her boyfriend. vit that contained the information Currie was placed on administrative details, The Miami Herald men- leave with pay the night of the incident, tioned that “Both Carlos and Elsa pending investigation and was arrested Alvarez reported on prominent on July 20, 2005. university-level academics in South By being found guilty for sexual bat- Florida,’’ including reports on uni- tery Currie lost his police certifi cation. versity colleagues and Maidique’s Before the incident, FIU had twice White House visit. fi red and later rehired Currie due to Although the affi davit does not the dismissals being overturned by an mention the specifi c date of the visit, outside hearing offi cer. Mark Riordan, director of media Currie’s previous criminal charges BEACONLESS: On Jan 26, an order for the removal of The Beacon relations, told The Miami Herald were not included in the prosecution’s newspapers from University Park and Biscayne Bay Campus stands was that Maidique had indeed been to the case; the charges in those cases were all issued by Marcos Perez, vice president of administration and Cristina White House at least a dozen times dropped. Mendoza, the University’s general counsel, according to Public Safety throughout the years. The newspaper According to testimony, the victims HRIS UTRO HE EACON Chief Bill King. C C /T B also found that Maidique attended were assaulted while Currie was search- a ceremony at the White House in ing the woman and her boyfriend for For the full story see page 9. January 2001 and is a member of drugs at Tamiami Park. President George W. Bush’s education advisory panel. The affi davit also mentions that Carlos Alvarez willingly told Cuba’s Directorate of Intelligence that one Career week offers job opportunities of his students was an FBI analyst because he feared his position at the DI would be damaged if his superi- BY GRACE TAYLOR Week, different workshops will be avail- Graham sees the Career Fair as a great ors found that he’d been interacting Contributing Writer able that provide several tips and practice opportunity for students looking for jobs with a U.S. government employee. skills to help students prepare for the task before or after graduation. The affi davit also attempts to form Students looking for an opportunity of job hunting. “Employers can see the quality of stu- a connection between a non-profi t to submit resumes, obtain interviews and Some of the workshops available dents that FIU has to offer,” she said. exchange program called Puentes ask questions concerning their major, are: resume writing, interviewing skills, Many of the companies which come Cubanos (Cuban Bridges) through now have the opportunity to do so. internship 101, walk- in resume critiques to the fair are very famous or large busi- which Alvarez took students (some Career Services will host Mega Career and career services 101. nesses around the country. of them from FIU) to Cuba and Week at University Park from Jan. 29 In order to make a professional impres- Companies such as Target and Disney recruitment efforts. to Feb. 4. sion, to attend the Career Fair students are common names which have attended “The DI was interested in which This week gives students who are are required to wear business attire. the fair before. Other companies such as of these exchange students would be interested in attending the Career Fair The Career Service website warns All State Insurance, American Express amenable to recruitment by the DI. for a chance to prepare for job interviews that those who are not dressed in the and others come to interview and answer Although Carlos Alvarez stated that on Feb. 6. proper attire will not be permitted to questions for students seeking future he never received a follow-up request The Career Fair is a bi-annual event participate. employment as well. for actual names of potential recruits, and occurs during the Fall and Spring Graduate student of student affairs Graham encourages all students to he has stated to FBI agents that he semesters. administration, Jonelle Graham, is assist- attend. would have provided that information Over 120 tables of employers will ing in the organization of the event. “[The event] is for everybody. Fresh- if asked,” the affi davit stated. sit down and interview students during As a member of Career Services, she is men can come to ask questions and The Alvarezes are currently being the fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the in direct contact with the employers who fi gure out what they want to major in, or held without bond at the Miami Pharmed Arena. will be attending the fair and interviewing Federal Dentension Center. During the course of Mega Career the students. See CAREER, page 9

Death penalty needs review, Pg. 4 Nostalgia for our generation, Pg. 6 Star player talks about season, Pg. 12 2 The Beacon –January 30, 2006 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com

THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS Professors to debate on hot issues BY DAVID BERRY MONDAY • JANUARY 30 Contributing Writer Rocio Perez, Honors College student Wild Succulent Women: 8:30 p.m., Bay Vista Since the week of Hur- I saw a need in FIU for political activism and education Housing (BBC) ricane Wilma, honors stu- “ FIU BBC Campus Library presents MFA dent Rocio Perez has and what better way to promote that than professors Reading Series: 8 p.m., Library Reading Lounge wanted to hold a debate debating and students questioning them? (BBC) between professors. Kokology: 9 p.m., Panther Hall 4th Floor “During the week of Lounge (UP) the hurricane, I came up contemporary social, Each of these profes- dents with a forum to dis- with the idea after reading political and economic sors represent a different cuss these issues with their TUESDAY • JANUARY 31 an article about the need issues, specifi cally the eco- academic department, and professors,” he said. “It’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Career for education in universi- nomic status of women, likely an equally diverse exciting, because rarely Fair: 9:30 a.m., WUC Ballroom (BBC) ties about public issues,” gender equality and collection of opinions. All does the University see SPC General Meeting: 3:30 p.m., GC 243 Perez said. the empowerment of professors voluntered for an event that involves stu- (UP) Her dream will fi nally women. the event. dents and their professors Women Coming Together: 2 p.m., GC 2220 come true. “Professors won’t be A unique feature of in an educational forum (Women’s Center) (UP) The Honors College, the only ones voicing and this event is the role of outside the classroom.” Men’s Basketball hosts Western Kentucky: the Student Government defending their opinions; the audience. There is no cost for 7pm, Pharmed Arena Tickets - $5 (Adults), $3 Association and Alpha students will also par- The participation of entry to the debate, and (Faculty, staff, seniors, children), Free (FIU Stu- Xi Delta will host the ticipate and engage in the students is crucial there will be free food. dents with ID) (UP) inaugural Head to Head the discussions. It’s taken to the success of the In addition, there will Challenge Feb. 1. four months to plan and event, as they will have be a dance performance as WEDNESDAY• FEBRUARY 1 “I saw a need in FIU for develop. A lot of interns an opportunity to ask a prelude to the event. political activism and edu- have been working on questions and voice their As for the future of SPC Pan African Celebration Opening Cer- cation, and what better it since December [and opinions on the topics the event, Rocio’s goal is emony: 11 a.m., Panther Square (BBC) way to promote that than given them an opportu- discussed. for the event to grow to SGA General Meeting: 4 p.m., GC 150 professors debating and nity to get involved in Alex Prado, president a larger scale, potentially (UP) students questioning SGA],” Perez said. of SGA, agrees. as a debate that pits FIU SGA and The Honors College present the them?” Perez said. The professors turned “I really liked the idea professors versus Univer- “Head-to-Head Challenge” a debate between The Head to Head panelists who are sched- because it’s something sity of Miami professors, professors dealing with global issues: 3:30 Challenge is a debate uled to debate are: Elis- that is very collegiate. It as well as students from p.m., GC Ballrooms (UP) that showcases University abeth Prugl, Irma T. combines the social UM. FIU New Music Ensemble feat. director professors discussing their Alonso, Ronald Cox, Marc aspects of college with The event will take Orlando Jacinto Garcia: 6 p.m., Frost Art views on social justice Resnick, Nejat Anbarci contemporary issues that place in the Graham Museum (UP) topics. and M.O. Thirunaray- are also relevant to our Center middle ballroom Dance Tryouts (Caribbean Panthers): 7 These topics include anan. lives, and provides stu- at 3:30 p.m. p.m., Everglades Hall Second Floor Lounge THURSDAY• FEBRUARY 2 POLICEBEAT Hearst Distinguished Lecture Series 2006: “Turning Your Brand Over To The Con- sumer” feat. Russ Klein (President of Burger FRIDAY • JANUARY 13 King Brands, Inc.): 6:30 p.m., Mary Ann Wolf Theatre (BBC) •. Sometime between 3:00 p.m. on Jan. 13, and 9:00 p.m. on Jan. 17, two laptop com- Writers on the Bay: 8p.m., WUC 155 puters and an LCD projector were stolen from rooms 258-A and 256 at the College of (BBC) Education There were no signs of forced entry or damage to the offi ce doors. The property Caribbean Student Association Festival: was valued at $4,100. 5p.m., DM 100 (UP) SPC General Meeting: 3:30 p.m., WUC SATURDAY • JANUARY 14 159 (UP) • On Jan.14 a student’s digital camera was stolen from the Graham Center build SPC Pan-African & NPHC Fashion Show: ing’s south side. 8p.m., GC Ballrooms (UP) Advisory Council Meeting: 10 a.m., GC 2252 (UP) – Compiled by Andrew Leins Symposia – 360 degree Design: 7 p.m., The Wolfsonian FRIDAY• FEBRUARY 3 Campus Life Leadership Summit: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wolfe University Center (BBC) SPC Cinema Fridays presents Saw II: 7 p.m., 10 p.m., GC 140 (FREE) (UP) Amernet String Quartet performs: 8 p.m., EDITORIAL BOARD Wertheim Performing Arts Center (Concert

Hall 170) (UP) HARRY COLEMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF LEONCIO ALVAREZ MANAGING EDITOR INFORMATION SATURDAY• FEBRUARY 4 C. JOEL MARINO CONTENT EDITOR

Panther Rage Southern Challenge: 1 ANA SANCHEZ NEWS EDITOR The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, room 210 p.m., Baseball Stadium (UP) BETSY MARTINEZ BISCAYNE BAY EDITOR at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display adver- Golden Panther Baseball hosts Univer- XAVIER VILLARMARZO SPORTS EDITOR tising and billing should be directed to the Advertising Manager CHRISTOPHER NECUZE OPINION EDITOR sity of Central Florida: 1 p.m., University at 305.348.2709. Mailing address: Graham Center, room 210, MICHELLE SANTISTEBAN LIFE! EDITOR Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305.348.2712. Biscayne Bay Park baseball fields Tickets - $5 (Adults), CHRIS CUTRO PHOTO EDITOR Campus is 305.919.4722. Offi ce hours are 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., $3 (Seniors, children), Free (FIU Students Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@fi u.edu. Visit us online with ID) ADRIAN DIAZ ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR at: www.beaconnewspaper.com ALICIA BUSTAMANTE ASSISTANT LIFE! EDITOR Golden Panthers Men’s Basketball hosts Middle Tennessee in a Sun Belt TARA WONG SPORTS PAGE DESIGNER Conference match: 7 p.m. PUBLISHING POLICY ASHLEY CAPO COPY EDITOR YAHNILET COLON COPY EDITOR SUNDAY• FEBRUARY 5 ANGELINA ESPOSITO COPY EDITOR The Beacon is published on Mondays and Thursdays during SPC Campus Entertainment Super Bowl the Fall and Spring semesters and once a week during Summer B. VERONICA FERNANDEZ GRAPHIC DESIGNER Advertising inquiries for classifi ed, local and national ads may be Tailgate: 6p.m., Gracie’s Grill (UP) addressed to our advertising department in our newsroom. One Student Concert – Chamber Music Fes- BEN BADGER WEBMASTER copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents. The Beacon is not tival: 4pm, Wertheim Performing Arts Center responsible for the content of ads. Ad content is the sole respon- (Concert Hall PAC170) (UP) TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER sibility of the company or vendor. The Beacon is an editorially ALFREDO SOTO ASST. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA independent newspaper partially funded by Student and Services ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA – Compiled by Reuben Pereira fees that are appropriated by Student Government. BBC NEWS

January 30, 2006 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM The Beacon - 3 Poetry club focuses on international issues

BY DIANNE DAWKINS in everything that is said. more on visuals that we see or comedy show. people and give them knowl- Contributing Writer This isn’t just any type of in a video, not on the actual Although the club pays edge about what is really poetry; you are witnessing the words.” respect to other types of going on in the world around Imagine attending an event art of spoken word. On Point Poetry was poetry, their inspiration comes them,” Moline said. with no loud music, only cool The On Point Poetry Club founded in May 2005 and from spoken word artists such Not only does the club give urban beats and the steady is on the scene to bring people has since been dedicated to as Maggie Estep, as well as unknown poets a place for sound of African drums. A back to the world of spoken bringing recognition to tal- music from The Roots, India exposure, it also gives them a spotlight shines through dark- word poetry. ented poets to the Biscayne Aire, and Angie Stone. place to expand their skills. ness and brings a single poet “I do not think poetry is Bay Campus. Spoken word poetry is an “I give [members] home- and a microphone into sight. a lost art but I do think it On Point is also hoping urban, artistic form of deliver- work every week,” Moline As the poet speaks with pas- is unappreciated,” said club to bring together the non- ing poetry aloud. said. “I will give them a word sion and personality, you lose President Mara Moline. “I poetic students of BBC for It is performed in front of or idea to write about for the yourself in the words, taking feel that the focus today is something other than a party an audience rather than just next meeting.” written. These types of exercises It’s a form of poetry that challenge the poet’s creativity has been around for decades and give them the opportu- and was a necessary oral tra- nity to write about something CCREWREW OONN CCAMPUSAMPUS dition when poems could not they normally would not. be printed. On Point Poetry also chal- Currently, the club is made lenges poets by holding poetry up of three spoken word contests. poets. Most of the entries are Each member has a specific spoken word and are per- style and message delivered in formed, if you are too shy each line they speak. you can submit your poem in Christian Jeannot writes writing. and speaks about love, social “I had no idea that there issues, Africa and religion. were spoken word events at Elvia Brazil performs her this campus but, now that words about love and emo- I know, I can’t wait to be a tions. part or it,” said Junior Sueane And, Steven Ramirez pro- Walker. motes charity and awareness “It is all about bringing us about AIDS, drugs, society, as students together to hear diversity and politics. and to learn what others have On Point Poetry is dedi- to say about the world that we cated to bringing back that share today,” Moline said. “I power of speech through hope that this year we can get both written and spoken more members to share their word poetry, according to thoughts with us.” Moline. For more information about WORK SITE: Construction crews continue to work on a sewage and water hook-up for the new With topics ranging from On Point Poetry, students can Marine Biology building and the Wolfe University Center. Vice Provost Raul Moncarz estimates politics to poverty, On Point join them every Monday from the work will be completed within the next four weeks. BETSY MARTINEZ/THE BEACON Poetry is more than just a 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and again on club, it is a movement. Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. “I want this club to awaken in WUC 155. Japanese ‘mind, sensibilty’ learned through anime

BY LORA PINEDA workshops and fi eld trips to Japanese people from the community could come members are welcome to take part in Contributing Writer museums. to watch and enjoy Anime,” Folkman this event. But the main activity of AGAN is said. “[Students get to] see new titles and AGAN meets every Wednesday from From “Sailor Moon” to “Pokemon” watching anime. things they’ve never seen before, and are 5 - 10 p.m. in the BBC Library 124. to “Dragon Ball Z,” the popular form “Each semester we vote on which able to discuss the titles and meet new For more information, visit their web- of Japanese cartoon known as anime anime we’ll be showing. At the start of people with shared interests.” site at http://www.fi u.edu/~aganime. has become a popular trend in the the the semester, we usually show samples But AGAN is not United States. from a lot of different anime so that just about watching With the growing popularity of anime people can decide what they like and anime and reading and manga, which are a Japanese comics, can vote for it,” Christina Folkman, manga. groups such as, Anything Goes Anime president of AGAN, said. “Once the list It is also a place North, are developing among universi- is decided, we show a certain number of where members can ties and colleges in America. episodes each week.” learn about Japanese AGAN is a club at the Biscayne Bay Club meetings last about fi ve hours. culture. Campus that is dedicated to the world of The fi rst three hours are spent watching “I really want anime, manga and video games. anime and the last are either spent watch- members and any- Originally founded in 1997 at Univer- ing an episode or playing video games. body who is inter- sity Park, the club made its way to BBC In addition to watching anime, ested to get an in 1999 with the help of some library members also spend their time reading appreciation for employees. manga. Japanese culture,” “We decided we should start showing AGAN chooses anime that appeals Pearson said. “I anime, we wondered if there were other to both genders and people of all ages, think anime and people who were interested,” George according to Pearson. manga are windows Pearson, a reference librarian at BBC “We try to pick one show with boy into the Japanese and faculty advisor for Anything Goes anime and one show with girl anime, that mind and sensibil- Anime North, said. “We did some pub- gives some balance,” said Pearson. ity.” licity around the Wolfe Center and a lot AGAN provides a place for Anime fans In the future, of people showed up.” to come and enjoy anime together. AGAN plans on In the past, AGAN members have “The student who started it all just holding a video taken part in origami, anime drawing wanted a place where students and game night. Non- VERONICA FERNANDEZ/THE BEACON 4 The Beacon – JanuaryOPINION 30, 2006 www.beaconnewspaper.com

Harry Coleman Editor in Chief • Leoncio Alvarez Managing Editor • Christopher Necuze Opinion Editor Review of death penalty necessary in Florida

BY CHRISTINE LIRIANO state of guilt. Contributing Writer Even if the bill gets passed in California, it would still need California lawmakers have approval from the state senate and proposed a bill that will put Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, executions on hold so that they who has not yet granted clemency may re-think the death penalty. in any capital case since he’s been Since the execution of Stanley in offi ce. “Tookie” Williams, founder of It is impossible to really know the infamous Crips street gang, if an inmate is guilty or innocent, the state of California has begun but some time away from this act hearings on a bill that would and we might actually fi nd some suspend the death penalty until other way to deal with this prob- January 1, 2009, a good move, lem. Just as in the fi ctional movie, in my opinion, by the state. The Life of David Gale, in which Subverting the state’s death an innocent man is sentenced to penalty law is not what is intended death for a murder conviction in to be done, instead it is meant to which he claims he is innocent, reassess the system to assure no the true verdict of a person is inmates are needlessly executed. never absolutely known. Other than California, New Jersey Perhaps Florida will wait and has been the only other state to see how everything works out propose a bill to suspend the with California and New Jersey death penalty for a few years. before deciding to follow in According to the site death- OLD SPARKY: After the execution of Stanley Williams some opponents have suggested that states should their footsteps. Yet in order for penaltyinfo.org, there have been take a second look at their death penalty policy. COURTESY PHOTO Florida to consider having this 784 executions in the U.S., suspension occur, as with any bill mostly by lethal injection since the back anyone who is on death row it shouldn’t affect us too much, Death row is an extremely long proposal, a bill will have to be fi rst reinstating of the death penalty in another three years right? What if tomorrow Gov. Jeb process that can take anywhere proposed, accepted, reviewed by 1976, when the U.S. declared it The three-year hold on execu- Bush decides he wants to follow in from 10 to 40 plus years. That both houses of the Senate and constitutional. Since 1973, over tions will give California a chance the footsteps of the lawmakers in said, an additional three years then signed by Gov. Jeb Bush, 120 people have been exoner- to study its capital punishment California and do the same? doesn’t seem like such a big deal, the latter of which may prove to ated from death row across the system and make recommenda- The state of Florida should, especially if in that time any bugs be most diffi cult. country. Thirteen states includ- tions for reforms. Temporary with an open mind, consider in the system can be fi xed. The Some time to study and make ing Alaska, Massachusetts and death penalty suspension has the taking the same actions and re-assessment of the death penalty improvements on capital pun- Michigan have since abolished support of 73 percent of Califor- putting a short hold on the may give wrongfully convicted ishment may be exactly what is executions – declaring it morally nia voters, 40 percent of which death penalty. Along with all the inmates a second chance to prove needed in order to be sure that incorrect and unconstitutional. voted for the death penalty in the money the state will be saving and their innocence. Justice served on as many problems with the system If all goes as planned, the state fi rst place. Since all of this com- using for other important causes, a guilty inmate gives us a feeling can be taken care of before it takes of California will put a stop to motion is happening thousands reviewing capital punishment may of relief; accidentally punishing the lives of more wrongfully con- executions until 2009, pushing of miles away, it may seem like be good for the system. an innocent person puts us in a victed prisoners. Big Oil ‘price gouging’ benefi cial for U.S. in long run

BY J. BENNETT JOHNSTON cents as refi neries and pipelines nationality. KRT Campus have come back on line. Yes, To satisfy millions of individ- We all know the havoc wreaked by Hurricane many Americans – especially ual and mutual fund shareholders Ferocious natural disasters in the Northeast – are paying and stay in business in a fi ercely Katrina. The emergence of full-throttle econo- and soaring federal budget defi - more for heating oil and natural competitive global marketplace, mies in China and India, nations whose peoples cits notwithstanding, 2005 was a gas to warm their homes and the oil and gas companies must account for a third of the Earth’s population, robust year for the U.S. economy workplaces this winter, but this plow much of their profi t back – as most fourth-quarter earnings is a consequence of many factors, into finding new petroleum has ratcheted up demand – and prices. reports undoubtedly will confi rm not corporate greed. reserves – often in dangerous in the days ahead. Consider for a moment what parts of the world. Basic research Katrina and Rita last summer on federal price controls or new At the same time, it’s easy determines the price of fuel and capital investment in new caused pain at the pump for every taxes on energy companies. to predict that the good news and how global energy markets refineries, tankers, trucks and American motorist. Thankfully, By contrast, the windfall prof- of strong profi ts for America’s work. Not surprisingly, about pipelines require additional bil- the pain was temporary for most its tax of the 1980s proved energy companies will be vir- half the retail price of a gallon of lions. because the crude oil market harmful to U.S. energy supplies tually drowned out by critics’ gasoline is the cost of crude oil We all know the havoc reacted as markets are supposed and consumers in many ways: accusations that Big Oil is “price- itself – money that goes directly wreaked by Hurricane Katrina. to do: supply shortages produced reducing domestic oil produc- gouging” and “making obscene to suppliers in the oil-produc- The emergence of full-throttle temporary high prices and some tion, increasing oil imports and profi ts.” And once again, many ing countries. Today, we import economies in China and India, momentary cutbacks in con- depleting investment revenues of the critics will call on Congress nearly 60 percent of our crude nations whose peoples account sumer demand until resurgent for future energy production. to enact a windfall profi ts tax and, oil from 30 countries on six for a third of the Earth’s popu- market supplies and reallocations Artifi cial price controls and wind- perhaps, even institute price con- continents. An additional 20 to lation, has ratcheted up demand adjusted for the situation. fall taxes on domestic energy trols on the alleged miscreants. 30 percent of the pump price – and prices. We avoided the prolonged producers are an unnatural inter- I’ve heard the name-calling pays for refining, distributing Investors know that the mere energy crisis generated by the vention. They proved to be a and cries for retribution many and marketing of the gasoline. threat of an Iranian oil cutoff can 1973-74 Arab oil embargo and bad idea when they were tried times before, especially in elec- Federal, state and local tax col- send global stock markets into a the 1979 shut down of Iranian in the past. They are still a bad tion years. lectors get most of the remainder tailspin. Yet overall, the actual oil. There were no lines at neigh- idea now. Before rushing forward in – about 20 cents on the dollar. profi t of the U.S. oil and natural borhood gas stations, no ‘odd- A vibrant economy is a shared a vindictive lather, the critics Oil companies in recent gas industry amounts to less than day, even-day’ pump rationing national asset. Let’s allow the and their allies on Capitol Hill months have been keeping about eight cents per dollar of sales – or schedules, no widespread fuel markets to work the way they need to take a deep breath and a dime a gallon. That’s a lot of roughly the same percentage as shortages. Four months later, are supposed to, according to consider the facts. The peak money because Americans buy all U.S. industries combined. retail pump prices have returned the natural laws of supply and gasoline prices of last summer far more gasoline and drive The disruption of supply by to pre-hurricane levels, and they demand. We will all benefi t as have plunged by an average 75 far more miles than any other the one-two punch of Hurricanes have done so without relying a result. www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon – January 30, 2006 5

New Canadian Prime minister WHAT DO YOU THINK? What are your thoughts on the expected to bolster ties with U.S. University’s decision to increase the BY CHRISTOPHER NECUZE 124 seats, compared inter-campus shuttle bus fare? Opinion Editor to the liberals’ 103, the conservatives did • That’s total nonsense. If it keeps going up then it When you think of Canada, win more seats in stops being useful. what comes to mind? Most the parliament, but people think of hockey, cold the government is 61% weather, a single basketball team still minority-led as a and that signature utterance majority stake would after every phrase ‘ey.’ Being require the acquire- • I guess it depends on how much the price is unlike most people, when I ment of 155 seats. increased. think of Canada, I think of the So what does this 23% politics, the policies and the mean for us? On his liberals. “Live on Broadway” The latter has all but changed, stand-up act, come- • It’s fi ne. You still save some money. thanks to the recent elections dian Robin Williams in Canada, which ousted the described Canada as 9% ruling liberal Party for the more “the loft apartment conservative one. I don’t know over a great party.” • There’s another campus? about you, but it seems to me This new govern- that Liberals everywhere are ment will hopefully 7% running out of places to hide. score our neigh- The new Prime minister, Ste- bor to the north an Total participants: 56 phen Harper, has many things exclusive invitation. VICTORY: Newly elected Prime minister, Cast your vote at www.beaconnewspaper.com on his agenda that make liberals What I mean by Stephen Harper, will take a more conser- foam at the mouth. During his this is that a conservative approach. COURTESY PHOTO tenure as Prime minister, Harper vative government plans to touch on same-sex mar- should better our relationship Canada is the seventh-larg- WINNER & LOSER riage, abortion issues and seeks with Canada, a relationship est producer of oil in the world to (gasp!) lower taxes, just to that is becoming increasingly and it sends 99 percent of its name a few of his policies. more important as oil from crude oil exports to the U.S. WINNER Hamas: The Palestinian political party, that has Social matters, however, may the middle-east either becomes In 2004, Canadian oil was the also been listed as a terrorist group by the Euro- prove to be the mere tip of the more scarce or harder to get. single largest component of all pean Union, Canada, Israel and the United States, iceberg when it comes to the In 2003 alone there was over U.S. oil imports. The new Prime has won a majority of votes in the Palestinian par- Canadian political arena. Paul $460 billion (with a “B”) worth minister plans to develop the oil liamentary elections. The defeated Fatah party has Martin, the outgoing Prime of trade between the United industry in Canada to increase begun burning cars. Hooray for democracy! minister, failed throughout States and Canada, making it output. his term to address many of the United State’s most impor- The Canadian public does, Canada’s most pressing issues, tant trading partner. An even for the most part, have a general LOSER such as the country’s embar- lesser known fact, but just as distaste for the Bush administra- The United States: The economy grew at its slow- rassing national defenses and or more important, is that in tion. Nevertheless, it is impera- est pace in three years, Iran is playing around its illustrious public health 2005 Canada reported 178.8 tive that the U.S. and Canada with nuclear power, there are high fuel prices, the program which is in dire need billion (also with a “B”) barrels repair relations. We are each unemployment rate was 4.9 percent as of Decem- of maintenance – and that’s of crude oil reserves, making its other’s most valuable ally, and ber and yes, there were democratic elections in putting it lightly. reserves the second largest in in times of need, you must be Palestine, but Hamas? At least Chevron’s earnings Nevertheless, it will defi nitely the entire world, second only able to call upon your neighbor rose a record 20 percent ... oh wait that’s because not be easy for Harper. Winning to Saudi Arabia. for help. of high fuel prices. Terrorism policy missing the point QUOTATIONATION BY DANIEL CORDOVA 15 showed that 94 percent of problem. We are going after the Americans believe there are ter- symptoms, not the virus. Contributing Writer “Clearly what they did is unlawful. Government rorists inside the U.S. who are Al-Qaeda, Hamas and other Osama is back. On Jan. 19, planning future attacks. People such fundamentalist groups are offi cials are not allowed to confi scate student news- Bin Laden broke his 13-month certainly don’t feel any safer. continuing to recruit new mem- papers. The information was obtained legally and by silence and released a tape over But this isn’t the real prob- bers, establishing an even wider confi scating the newspapers they crossed the line.” the Internet. Dispelling rumors lem. Having invested billions network of ‘anti-American’ – Mike Hiestand, legal consultant for the Stu- of his death, Bin Laden offered a of dollars into establishing a individuals who are willing to dent Press Law Center, commenting on the recent truce and also warned Americans democratic Iraq in the Middle die for their principles. While we removal of The Beacon from newstands by FIU public of further attacks. Yes, Osama is East, one wonders if we are harass a grandmother because alive and well, and this raises a doing everything we can. The she brought her nail clippers safety on the night of Jan. 26. number of questions. U.S. managed to overthrow a in her carry-on, we should be How is Osama Bin Laden ruthless dictator, yet the very focused on quelling the efforts “The success of the fi lm demonstrates that Americans still alive? Despite extremely man responsible for the attacks of terrorist organizations that are much more accepting of gays and lesbians than advanced technology, highly that spawned this ‘war on ter- continue to grow to this day. ever before.” trained specialists and a prac- rorism’ is still making home The hatred toward the U.S. – Afework Afework, president of Stonewall Alli- tically unlimited budget, the videos. Our efforts have not is prevalent in the Middle East. ance, on the growing popularity of the controversial mighty United States govern- been concentrated in the cor- We need to go to war against ment cannot seem to capture rect places. this hatred. The best way to fi lm Brokeback Mountain. this one man. Amidst all the chaos, from combat this is by reaching the Many Americans, like myself, 9/11 to Afghanistan to Iraq, people. To reach the people you “I’ve heard disagreements: ‘preserve your gunpowder are wondering how one man has few have dared to address the must meet their needs; build a for the future.’” been able to evade special forces real problem: The fact that these school, not a tank; supply medi- – John Kerry, the democratic senator, on his for four years my merely hiding groups have such a strong hos- cines, not guns. attempts to fi libuster Judge Samuel A. Alito’s nomi- in a cave when most people can’t tility toward the U.S. Is it their Our goal in this war should nation to the supreme court and on some of his even hide from telemarketers. perception of our interference be to meet the needs of the Are we any safer? Since the with their culture? Is it our people, to overcome the hatred fellow democrats’ attempts to stop him. 9/11 attacks, billions of dollars unwavering support of the state and ultimately establish positive have been poured into Home- of Israel? relations. “Community service is an extremely worthwhile land Security and, thankfully What needs to be addressed Is this the plan of our admin- activity.” there have not been any more is the driving force behind the istration? Maybe. The public has – Leonard Elbaum, professor for the physical attacks in the U.S. since then. hatred. We are wasting time been kept in the dark about the therapy department at FIU, on the FIU AIDS walk However, the level of paranoia and money with new laws and real plan because they are not has skyrocketed. A poll con- regulations, such as the Patriot addressing the real problem, for Orphans taking place Feb. 6 – an event he helped ducted by CBS News on July Act, that don’t attack the real hatred. organize. ! The Beacon - 6 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM January 30, 2006 OSTALGIA TTACK

A fond look back at ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture

BY C. JOEL MARINO Whitaker. “It’s like they’re positive memory cues to the Content Editor giving me details on things I otherwise negative cues of the Power thought I had forgotten and it fl ashbulb memories. Smurfs, Power Rangers, the helps bring back a lot of good When asked why events Rangers Oregon Trail, Michael Jordan, memories.” like the explosion of the Chal- Based on the Pogs, the Spice Girls, ‘Saved Although Youn doesn’t lenger shuttle or the Clinton by the Bell’ – Lauren Andreu watch many of these programs, impeachment trials were not Japanese “Super and Sam Youn, both juniors, he says he still can’t help reliv- registered into nostalgic con- Sentai” television laugh and yell “I remember ing all those childhood memo- versations, Youn stated that series, “Mighty that!” every time a new object ries because it allows him to “we didn’t care back then Morphin’ Power is added to the list, their faces bond with friends when they’re about the news.” Rangers” was a full of excitement. not doing much. “The Challenger exploded widely popular live- Like many college students “Sometimes we’ll just be once, but the shows we loved action children’s around the country, both standing around, not doing played every day,” he said. show that began in Andreu and Youn admit to anything, and then someone Whitaker agrees with Youn’s 1993. The series’ having a fascination with this will just say, ‘Do you remember opinion and believes that many incarnations random recollection of cul- … ?’ and we all join in,” he said, remembering good, silly things tural references from the ’80s “It’s just something everyone’s from the past can be a helpful are still popular. and ’90s, usually making these been doing.” tool for teenagers just entering lists with friends of the same Bennett Schwartz, an FIU adulthood. age. associate professor in psychol- “The older you get, the more “There were so many things ogy, agrees that this popular you think about serious subjects growing up, I don’t think I can impulse by adolescents and like everyday responsibilities Spice Girls say them all,” Andreu said. “It young adults is carried out in and death. This helps people kind of makes you feel old.” order to bring people of differ- deal with it,” Whitaker said. Selling over 45 And feeling old may not ent backgrounds together while Even as Hollywood and million albums, the necessarily be a bad thing these providing a shared identity. the commercial mainstream Spice Girls were the days. “These common cultural try to cash in on this need for most popular girl memories both bind us together light-hearted closure, Schwartz From announcements that group of the ‘90s. Steven Spielberg will produce a as a culture and also differen- thinks that, in the end, popular live-action version of the popu- tiate us from other cultures yearning for days past will con- Each member had lar 20-year-old “Transformers” or, perhaps, sub-cultures,” he tinue as a struggle between the a distinct persona TV show to a continual praise stated via an e-mail interview. generational gap. making the group of all things retro by music “So your 15 – 25 [age group] “I also think part of it is relatable and acces- channel VH1, media markets is bonding by learning a set of an attempt to understand the sible for young girls across the country have begun common cultural icons and at parental generation, hence worldwide. to make a trend out of a very the same time distancing them- the focus on the ’80s today,” unlikely feeling: teenage nos- selves from the icons of their he said. “When I was a kid, talgia. older peers and parents.” there were lot of TV shows and VH1 itself can be seen as a However, Schwartz also movies that took place in the main pioneer in this profi table states that there are certain ’50s, the coming-of-age time industry after its highly rated recollections called ‘fl ashbulb for my parents, [like] ‘Happy Gameboy 2002 program “I Love The memories’ which register where Days,’ Back to the Future, ’80s” was followed by shows on a person was and what they etc.” Originally released the ’70s and ’90s. Soon after, were doing during important Even though Andreu some- by Nintendo in other cable networks like Bravo national events, usually tragic times feels annoyed by the 1989, the Game and E! began airing similar pro- ones. reminiscence of older folk, she gramming, eventually leading These sort of memories says that won’t stop her from Boy handheld game to a full out return of once-dis- usually do not make it onto being nostalgic herself. system – along posed pop material as remakes the wistful lists, and Schwartz “‘Teenage Mutant Ninja with its addictive dominated the summer box maintains that shows like “I Turtles,’ Gameboys, ‘Full best-selling game offi ce and old TV shows found Love The ’80s” and the nos- House,’ skirts with leggings Tetris – became the new life on DVD. talgia-on-demand “Best Week – I remember all these things ultimate car-ride “Yeah, I like watching all Ever” (which magnifies the because they remind me of companion for chil- those shows that have to do events of a previous week as special times growing up,” she dren of the day. with stuff from when I was a though years had gone by said. “And that’s what really kid,” said freshman Jemelle since they happened) serve as makes me happy.” www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – January 30, 2006 7 Cowboy fl ick a phenomenon

BY REUBEN PEREIRA Staff Writer

The nominations for the 78th annual Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 31. Many predict Brokeback Mountain will be one of the fi ve fi lms nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Also expected to get nominations are Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllen- haal for Brokeback Mountain, Philip Seymour Hoffman for Capote and Felicity Huffman for Transamerica. A common factor all these movies share FIVE QUESTIONS OF INTEREST is a gay character in the starring role. This has led some Oscar pundits to dub this year’s upcoming Academy Awards as the ‘gay Oscars.’ NAME: Many in the film world have A. PHRED heralded Brokeback Mountain as a BOY MEETS BOY: With Brokeback Mountain’s great success, HUNTER landmark fi lm because it’s the fi rst controversial issues do not stand in the way of its widespread gay-themed movie to potentially reach CURRENT popularity. COURTESY PHOTO a mass audience. POSITION: The western about two Wyoming president of Stonewall Alliance. conservative.” ASSISTANT ranch hands, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Since the fi lm’s opening in mid- Lesley Northup, associate professor GENERAL Twist, who meet and fall in love in December, controversy has plagued of religious studies, agrees. MANAGER, 1960’s Wyoming has picked up acco- the fi lm, mostly ignited by the contro- “It’s not a recruiting fi lm as some UNIVERSITY PARK lades from almost every major critic versy-fueling media. However, critics may think,” Northup said. “We have BOOKSTORE group across the country, including of the fi lm are far and hard to fi nd. the worst ideas of what a gay rela- the Los Angeles Film Critics and the Most of them, including conserva- tionship is and we have never seen New York Film Critics Circle – widely tive radio hosts and columnists have what a three-dimensional relationship considered the most prestigious fi lm admitted that the fi lm is beautifully between two men would be like.” 1. WHY DID YOU GET OUT OF BED THIS critic groups in the country. written, shot and acted and deserves President George W. Bush, when MORNING? Lines from the fi lm, such as the now the praise it’s getting. asked about the fi lm in a recent press A) I had to go to the bathroom B) I had to infamous “I wish I knew how to quit Audiences from the South and conference, replied that he hadn’t take my daughter to school and C) oh yeah, my you,” are being used in everything the Midwest are perhaps having the watched the fi lm but had heard of it. boss likes it when I show up to work. Actually, from late night shows with Jay Leno, hardest time accepting a fi lm of this A visibly uncomfortable Bush had the I’m just a workaholic. Jon Stewart and David Letterman, nature. A theater in Utah banned the opportunity to take a shot at the fi lm to parody skits, CNN and everything fi lm from screening due to a personal but decided not to. 2. IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR in between. The movie has become a bias of the owner, much to the dismay Despite the controversy and subject A DAY (FROM ANY TIME OR PLACE), WHO pop culture phenomenon. of the Utah audience. matter, the fi lm continues to perform WOULD IT BE? The fi lm has received almost unani- “The reception towards the fi lm exceedingly well at the box office. Any or every major prophet, be it Moham- mous praise among the gay and les- from Christian groups and organiza- Since its opening at six theaters on med, Jesus, Moses or Buddha. I sometimes bian community including FIU’s own tions is going to be very negative,” Dec. 9, the fi lm has grossed $547,425, wonder if it was diffi cult for them to do the Stonewall Pride Alliance. said Daniel Alvarez, instructor of the highest per-showing average for right thing. “The success of the fi lm demon- religious studies at FIU. “Because, any drama in fi lm history. After the strates that Americans are much more particularly in the South and the Mid- Golden Globes, it was the highest 3. WHAT TV ACTOR OR PERSONALITY MAKES accepting of gays and lesbians than West, the dominant interpretation YOU CHANGE THE ever before,” said Afework Afework, of Christianity that prevails is very See COWBOY, page 8 CHANNEL IMMEDI- ATELY? Tom Cruise because he’s the single most overexposed celebrity. HOUSING ROYALTY I’ll watch his movies, I just don’t want to hear him speak. [Also,] Howard Stern because I think he’s just plain offensive. CRUISE

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IRAN WANT- ING TO FURTHER THEIR NUCLEAR PROGRAM? I’m afraid of everyone wanting to further their nuclear program.

5. WHAT SONG REGAL STYLE: DEFINES YOUR LIFE? Vaughn Johnson Umm ... it’s tough STERN to pick one song that and Stefanie Miller defi nes your entire life. I tend to have happy were crowned Mr. songs of the day. Today my happy song is “Walk- and Ms. Housing ing on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. 2006 (left) at the “RHA Mr. and Ms. - Compiled by Reuben Pereira Housing” pageant that took place Jan. Know an interesting professor? Does 27. The competition your friend have a cool campus job? included a talent Then recommend them for this sec- portion, where both tion feature by e-mailing beaconlife@ winners chose to yahoo.com sing (above, right). EDDIE ZENG/THE BEACON Look for the Life! 5 feature every Monday issue. 8 The Beacon – January 30, 2006 LIFE! www.beaconnewspaper.com Film addresses touchy issues Sun Spot From COWBOY, page 7 Boy, in this case), fall in love and fall out of love. It’s a conventional Hollywood fi lm,” grossing picture in America for three said Barbara Weitz, director of FIU’s Film days. Thus far, it has grossed around $41 Certifi cate Program. million and at the rate it’s going, with the The marketing department of the upcoming Oscar nominations, the $100 fi lm hasn’t concealed the subject matter, Fungus Study! million mark is easily within its grasp – not although in some cities some award bad for a fi lm that cost just $14 million promos have depicted the men with their to produce. wives, implying heterosexuality. The poster “The fact that it’s performing so well in of the fi lm has drawn comparisons to the states that aren’t known to be gay-friendly, Titanic poster, implying that the market- speaks volumes on how [far] we’ve come ing team is pushing the fi lm as a conven- You may be eligible to participate in a as a society,” Afework said. tional romance. It is, in the end, a love Some say the fi lm is revolutionary fi lm- story like most love stories in fi lms. And clinical research study if you: making but others disagree. like Oscar-winning romances Titanic, The “It’s a conventional romance and it English Patient and Gone with the Wind, it • Are over the age of 18 follows the tradition of other Hollywood is about a forbidden love. romance fi lms. Boy meets Girl (Boy meets “As time passes, there will be a better • Have spots of your skin that understanding that these people do not tan and turn white are humans, that they have feel- • Can visit our office 3 times in ings, that they are very much about 5 weeks like us,” Alvarez said. “There’s such a great divide in our society. We view them as lepers, something impure or dirty. Contact International Dermatology Research at I’m very hope- ful that a film like Brokeback 305-225-0400 Mountain will be a valuable FORBIDDEN LOVE: Brokeback Mountain’s similarity to the contribution to Titanic movie poster suggests its marketing teams pushed breaking down for a conventional romance. COURTESY PHOTO these barriers.” Earn up to $105.00 for participation!! BEACON THE IS LOOKING FOR:

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Stop by our ofﬁ ces in GC 210 or WUC 124 to apply! www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWS The Beacon –January 30, 2006 9 University removes student newspapers

convicted of one count of pers. rights who were publishing the Administrators, student sexual battery and one count Public Safety returned the newspaper,” Julin, of the law of battery against the victim issues at 10 p.m. on Jan. 27. fi rm Hunton & Williams said. on Jan. 26. “Clearly, what they did is The Beacon felt it was an press learn legal lesson The same day, Larry Lun- unlawful. Government offi cials unfortunate incident. sford, associate vice president are not allowed to confi scate “The University felt that it BY BETSY MARTINEZ by Marcos Perez, vice president of student affairs and university student newspapers. The infor- was the right thing to do and Biscayne Bay Editor of administration and Cristina ombudsman, was contacted by mation was obtained legally obviously they were wrong and Mendoza, the University’s Rosa Jones, vice president of and by confi scating the news- violated our fi rst amendment The Department of Public general counsel, according to student affairs and undergradu- papers they crossed the line,” rights. We are looking toward Safety removed copies of The King. ate education, and informed Mike Hiestand, attorney and the future and continuing to Beacon’s Jan. 26 issue at Uni- “We were protecting the him of the situation. legal consultant for the Student publish a paper that informs versity Park and Biscayne Bay rights of a person who may not “There was a misinterpreta- Press Law Center, said. the student body,” Harry Cole- Campus on the night of the have wanted her name revealed. tion of a statute. It was not Tom Julin, legal counsel for man, editor in chief of The issue’s publication. She should be the person who intended to be censorship. The Beacon, agreed, citing the Beacon, said. Public Safety Chief Bill gives the authority to print her They were looking at how to 1994 Florida Supreme Court Lunsford said it’s an educa- King confi rmed that the issues information,” King said. lessen the situation,” Lunsford case Florida v. Globe Commu- tional lesson for the University were removed pursuant of The Beacon published a story said. nications Corp. and The Beacon. Florida statute 794.03, which in which, at the time of publica- Lunsford recounted the crit- When the Globe was crimi- “The University can’t tell states that it is “unlawful to tion, an alleged sexual offense icism The Miami Herald faced nally prosecuted for publishing students what they can say or publish or broadcast informa- victim was identifi ed. by publishing a photo of ex-city an alleged victim’s name, a trial write,” Lunsford said. “That’s tion identifying sexual offense The story involved an FIU commissioner, Arthur Teele’s court, a state appellate court what’s great about press and victim[s].” Public Safety offi cer, Frederick corpse laid out on The Miami and the Florida Supreme Court democracy. There’s two sides “There appeared to be a vio- Currie, who was arrested and Herald building lobby. all agreed that the state law was and people learn on both lation of a Florida statute that charged with allegedly sexu- “Remember what The unconstutional. sides then go forward because covers a sexual victim’s identity ally assaulting an 18-year-old [Miami] Herald went through “The Beacon’s publication Monday brings another paper, and we removed the newspa- woman while on duty July 8, in publishing that? It’s sort of of the name does not violate another day.” pers to lessen the impact,” King 2005. the same thing [The Beacon] is Florida law. The statute was Mendoza and Perez were said. “We only did as we were The victim was not an FIU being accused of and that is, declared unconstitutional 12 not available for comment at told to do as far as removing student, and Currie was placed ‘did [The Beacon] make a good years ago. I don’t think they the time of publication. the papers.” on administrative leave with judgement?’” Lunsford said. had any right to [remove the Additional reporting by The order to remove the pay. Lunsford has served as advi- newspapers] and that doing Managing Editor Leoncio Alva- newspapers was handed down Currie was charged and sor for three college newspa- was in violation of the students’ rez. Students fundraise for AIDS Professionals to

BY JENNIFER MESA It also covers historically focuses on “caring for orphans interview potentials Contributing Writer important marches and walks, and children made vulnerable by which inspired Felix and her the disease, preventing the spread CAREER, from page 1 FIU Honors College stu- group to organize the fund- of HIV/AIDS with education criminal justice, said. In addi- dents, in collaboration with other raiser. based on biblical principles and tion to her personal benefi ts organizations, will join in the FIU “Community service is an advocating for effective programs what they want out of their from the program, she feels AIDS Walk for Orphans Feb. 6. extremely worthwhile activity,” that transform communities and major,” she said. “There are that other students should The 6,000 step walk will begin said Elbaum, who encouraged save lives,” according to a press all sorts of internships and engage in the event. in the Betty Chapman Plaza. Felix to get involved with chari- release. positions available for all “I think it’s a lot of help. Each step will represent the 6,000 table walks after fi nding out that While the group as a whole types of majors.” You’re studying to later on children who are left orphaned she was double majoring in eco- has not set any monetary goal The Career Fair and Mega obtain a career. Attending is every year because their parents nomics and religious studies. to fundraise, they have agreed Career Week events are acces- worth it,” she said. died from HIV/AIDS. As the project progressed, Felix that their main goal is to raise sible to current, graduate or Even if students do not Junior Andrea Felix, along realized that it was “growing into awareness and support from the alumni students. want to attend this year’s with a group from her honors something much bigger.” community, according to group However, if students wish events, Graham recommends course, Aesthetics, Values, and Besides the Honors College, member junior Robert Sobrado. to be interviewed by employ- that students should not delay Authority, with Leonard Elbaum, other contributing organizations Another committee member, ers on the day of the fair, their pursuit toward a career. a professor for the physical therapy include the Student Government Junior Fritz Murphy has set a they must register for Golden “Students should not department started the fundraiser Association and Baptist Health personal goal of $6,000. Panther Services at www.fi u. wait and start to build their as a project for the course. South Florida, among others. Felix hopes for a turnout of at edu/~career. resumes now,” Graham said. Elbaum’s physical therapy All proceeds will be given to least 500 walkers. Students such as junior “That’s what [Career Ser- courses focus on kinesiology, the the Hope Initiative Program of For information on how to Jacqueline Toledo are taking vices] is here for, to help them science of human movement and World Vision, an international get involved go to www.fi rstgiv- advantage of Career Week. prepare.” gait or walking-analysis. non-profit organization that ing.com. Toledo signed up for the Those who want more workshops in order to obtain information concerning the an internship. fair or Mega Career Week can “I’m interested in learning visit the Career Service center what’s out there job-wise,” in the Graham Center room F.Y.I. Toledo, who is majoring in 230 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. FIU AIDS Walk for Looking for Orphans journalism experience? The Beacon is • When: Feb. 6 now hiring! • What time: 10:30 a.m. We are currently looking for: • 6,000 step walk Assistant News Editor, • No registration fee Page Designer • Free T-shirts and snacks for walkers Stop by GC 210 or WUC 124 • For more information visit www.fi rstgiving.com and pick up an application! 10 The Beacon – January 30, 2006 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com Almonte says opponents, fans respect team more

ALMONTE, from page 12 that we didn’t have last year, talent- We can go as high as winning the “It’s FIU, it’s easy,” but this year, you wise, and we didn’t win the conference conference championship, that is our can see in the fans and the teams that this and that, but but we were a pretty hard team to beat. goal but it‘s not that I think about it; they respect us a lot more. at the beginning of We have players like Ish [N’Diaye], it is something that we can do. If we keep playing the way we are the season, coach Kenny [Simms], Jayce [Lewis], Cesar Most of the teams that we have playing, and keep doing what the coach Rouco [gives] [Chavez-Jacobo] and myself that were played in our conference don’t look wants us to do, sometimes as basketball everyone an oppor- here last year and played. much better. It’s not as if we are going players, you want to do this and shoot tunity to play in Now, over the last couple of weeks, into games thinking we are going to it here, but that’s not the way it is in order to see who people are buying into what we did last get beat. college. can play down the season and trying to play more inside, Everyone knows that when we go If everyone buys into what the coach stretch ... now is more hard nose basketball and they are on the road, we are going to play hard wants us to do, we will play well and when you need the seeing that it works. and compete and try and win all our have a real good chance to win the ALMONTE people to play. Q: How far do you think this team games. conference. Everyone at the can get this season? What needs to Last year, we would be on the plane For the rest of this interview, read beginning was not buying into what we be done on a nightly basis for that and people would say, “It’s a loss.” the Thursday, Feb. 1 edition of “The had to do for this year. We had people to happen? People would come to play us and say, Beacon”.

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SOFTBALL TABITHA EMBRY C

Embry, who earned first team all-conference honors last season as a third baseman, makes the move back to her original position of catcher. Embry nearly doubled her batting average from 2004 and hit .417 in conference play, ranking second in the Sun Belt. The junior tied for third in the conference in triples and is currently tied for second on FIU’s all-time list with four.

2005 STATISTICS AVG. AB R H HR RBI SB PRESEASON .281 171 19 48 4 24 4 ALL- SUN BELT TEAM DEOMNI MURRAY OF BASEBALL A first-time conference honoree, Murray was one of only two Golden Panthers to start in all FRANK GONZALEZ RHP 62 games and made just one error the entire season. The Junior’s .261 batting average was Gonzalez earned Second-Team All-Sun Belt Confer- third on the team and was a 142-point improve- ence and Second-Team American Baseball Coaches ment from her freshman season. She also enjoyed Association All-Region recognition last season. The a seven-game hitting streak to match the team’s third- senior led the team and finished second in the con- longest of the season. ference in ERA. He also led the team in opposing batting average and appearances and was second 2005 STATISTICS on the team in wins and saves. Gonzalez enters AVG. AB R H HR RBI SB his final seeason as the team’s closer. .261 205 25 53 1 8 19

2005 STATISTICS JENNIFER POWELL DH/C ERA W-L APP SV IP BB SO 2.70 8-1 29 3 66.2 19 51 Powell, sleected to the all-conference second teamer in 2005, made herself one of the best power hitters in the conference as she put up MICHAEL LOPEZ OF/1B career numbers for the Golden Panthers last As the starting first baseman last season, Lo- season. The senior led her team in homeruns pez ranked among the top five on the team in and RBI and was second on the team in hitting multiple offensive categories – including first in and runs scored. walks, tied for first in doubles, second in RBI, third Powell had a team-high 10-game hitting in runs scored, fourth in hits and total bases and streak (March 18 – April 9), which tied fifth in home runs. Lopez will see some time in the for fourth-longest in school history. outfield this season 2005 STATISTICS 2005 STATISTICS AVG. AB R H HR RBI SB AVG. AB R H HR RBI SB BB .277 166 22 46 7 25 7 .312 202 51 63 5 47 10 29

Hialeah Park near highways; CLASSIFIEDS ideal for public transportation HELP WANTED

HIALEAH, from page 12 have built the stadium right next to the Orange Bowl, altering the historic sta- Easy work near FIU General office position available. like your getting rid of the Washington dium that is still used by the University Conducting telephone surveys North Miami location. Flexible hours. Monument. Some people who live in of Miami football and for other sporting NO SALES Bilingual preferred. Eng/Spanish or Hialeah don’t even know what’s on that events. Work eves./weekends. Eng/Chinese. Call Peggy Craven at plot of land. Construction on the Orange Bowl site No experience necessary. We Train. (305) 653-0674 x 210 Another problem facing the Hialeah would be a nuisance to those schedul- Call 305-553-9828 Park location is that there are no major ing sporting events there, as well as the PERSONAL ASSISTANT, 20 hours Help Wanted! College Student to highways in its immediate vicinity, so fans who attend them. Construction in a week, fl exible hours. Nice family in serve as nanny for a young child. traffi c before and after games will make Hialeah Park would not bother anyone, Coral Gables needs assistance with Must have morning classes. Bilingual Hialeah traffi c even more horrid than it except for maybe a few brides-to-be. research, planning, organizing and and an education or related major already is. Even if the construction should extend errands as well as help with school age preferred. In exchange, student The park is about two miles east of the beyond the enclosed Hialeah Park, Hia- children. Looking for energetic, intel- will receive free room in MTV- Palmetto Expressway and Okeechobee leah residents wouldn’t mind all that ligent student wit positive disposition. penthouse, BMW, car insurance, free Road and only four miles west of I-95. much because we are already used to it. $15/ hour Please E-mail you resume groceries and a small cash The biggest draw, however, would be Take a drive through Hialeah and you’ll to [email protected] or allowance. Contact Teddy @ its proximity to the Metro Rail station notice a lot of roadwork being done, call 305-665-6545 305-318-3973 – literally a one-minute walk. which perplexes us residents because So, Palm Beach and Eastern Broward there was nothing wrong with the roads Aviation consulting fi rm looking for newly graduated students with residents can take the Tri-Rail, connect to in the fi rst place. excellent knowledge of either Korean, Japanese or Chinese who are the Metro Rail and save the hassle of driv- But that’s beside the point. available full time, who can travel occasionally with the right to leave and ing south on I-95 during rush hour. Political experts are saying that the work in the U.S., excellent knowledge of Excel/ Spread Sheet/ formulas On paper, the idea seems marvelous; Marlins are using Hialeah as a tool to tables and offi ce functions. Above position open for executive assistant, especially when coupled with the fact restart talks with the city of Miami, but project manager, executive secretary and receptionist. Position also open that the Marlins don’t draw too big a the Marlins might have found a better for computer technician/ computer internet security specialist and web crowd. locale. The team has said all along that it designer/web programmer. Send a detailed resume with motivation letter to: The two other reported sites, Amelia wants to remain in South Florida. With [email protected] or by fax to (305) 675-0919 Earhart Park and plot of privately owned Hialeah, they have a legitimate chance. land near I-75, can be equally suitable to Hialeah has called itself “the City of ANNOUNCEMENTS those who commute by car but will be Progress” for as far as I can remember diffi cult to get to by those who use public and they have the potential to live up transportation. its motto. Are you LOOKing for a novel with humor, satire, sex, action and adventure?? The reality of the move is highly Now, the question is, where are the And free of charge and S&H? If so, my novel, LOOKing for a 21st Century unlikely but only because it makes too Marlins going to get the rest of that Virgin is for you! E-mail: [email protected]. Offer ends 2/14/06. much sense. The original plan would stadium money? SPORTS

12 – January 30, 2006 THE BEACON www.beaconnewspaper.comwww.beaconnewspaper.com Senior forward talks about team Move to Hialeah BY ANDONI GONZALEZ-RUA makes sense for Staff Writer

With the Golden Panthers men’s Marlins, city basketball team on a two-game conference win streak and a 10-day layoff, COMMENTARY The Beacon sat down with senior leader Ivan Almonte and spoke to him on the team’s struggles, their dreams for the season and a little about himself. Almonte was an all-Sun Belt first teamer last season and a preseason all- conference player at the beginning of this season. BY XAVIER VILLARMARZO As of Jan. 30, Almonte is averag- Sports Editor ing 13.2 points per game and 11.4 rebounds per game this season. At one Imagine going to a baseball game point in December Almonte ranked and as you’re waiting in line to enter second in the nation in rebounds per the stadium parking lot, you see game. street vendors ready and willing to Q: Are things going the way you sell you anything from churros, to expected so far for the team? water bottles, to bootleg Spiderman Well, not really. You know we had infl atable dolls. All without having to the bad stretch; we lost 11 games and leave your car. it was really hard for us. I got hurt a There isn’t anybody who is more little bit and so did some of the other excited about the possibility – albeit players, so it was really hard to find very slight – of the Florida Marlins ourselves. building a new stadium in Hialeah We have more talent this year, but we than me. didn’t put everything together at the And not because it will bring eco- beginning of the season. After the last nomic prosperity to the notorious city, two games I think everybody is buying or because it will keep the Marlins in more into what [head coach Sergio South Florida. Rouco] wants us to do, the things we My reasoning is purely selfish; have to concentrate on, like defense because I live in Hialeah. and playing hard. My initial thought on the possibility of a new stadium was that it would I think everyone is playing together never happen – and I’m probably right more and trying to win. Maybe at the on that point. I thought the only beginning of the season things went the good thing to come out of the move wrong way, but now we are picking it was that it would cut the commute to up and I think we can finish the season stadium by 90 percent – for Hialeah the way we expected. residents, that is. Q: What needs to be done to fix However, the more I thought these problems? about it, the more I realized how I don’t think we need to do a lot much sense it made. of changing. We just need to keep on The once-famed Hialeah Park playing hard, like in the last two games. thoroughbred track sits on 220 acres When conference starts it is really hard of practically unused land. The track to go out there and execute because hasn’t had a racing event since 2001 everybody scouts you and knows what and is now primarily used for wedding you are going to do. and quinces pictures. So last year we did a lot of different The biggest problem with con- stuff for every team but, with a lot of struction on the land is that Hialeah new players this year, it is really hard to Park is listed on the National Register put up new stuff for every game. of Historic Places. The park is also I think we just need to execute the an Audubon Bird Sanctuary because new plays we are learning so that every- many pink fl amingos live there. one can do it and we can play hard. What to do about that, you say? Q: What were your sentiments Get creative with the proposed during the losing streak? LEADER: Senior Ivan Almonte is averaging 13.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game stadium’s architecture. The Los It was really hard for everybody. It Angeles Angles of Anaheim have a in his fi nal season as a Golden Panther. FIU ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS PHOTO was just hard losing and when you play waterfall behind the centerfi eld wall. hard, but maybe we would just play during your senior year, not just for me ourselves until later. This year, I think The Kansas City Royals have luscious hard for one half and then the second but for everyone else. we have a good opportunity to win the greenery and a water fountain beyond half play poorly. Everyone that is here comes from a Sun Belt. the outfi eld wall in their stadium. The It was hard knowing we had the winning program and a winning men- Q: Comment a little on the output Houston Astros have a freaking train talent to win the games, but we couldn’t tality. It is really hard when you come from the other players on the team. that travels around the perimeter of do it. I don’t know why. Now that we to a school like this and you are trying Are they playing the way you would the ballpark. won the last two, everyone cares and to take the program to another level. have expected or are they yet to get So, as homage to Hialeah Park, things have changed in a positive way. When we came last year we knew the into stride? the new Hialeah stadium should have We think we can play with anybody in [men’s] basketball program was a little Most of [us] have came from high some of the greenery that graced the the league. down and I think we did pretty well for school or junior college, where [we] park, a replica of its famous fountain Q: Is this the kind of season you ourselves last year. were primary options on offense or and remain a sanctuary for the fl amin- would have expected for your senior In college basketball, the non-con- whatever else {we] did. gos. Not many stadiums can say they year? ference schedule, you really want to win We have kids who were used to scor- have a bird sanctuary behind their You always plan on more success all the games but that doesn’t really ing 25 points per game. When they outfi eld walls. As for the whole National Regis- than you have. We were expecting to matter. What really matters for a confer- came to this kind of team they were ter of Historic Places thing, it’s not win 20 or 25 games because that is ence like this one is conference play. probably thinking we are going to do human nature. It has just been hard Last year, I think we lost the first six See HIALEAH, page 11 to come in and lose that many games conference games and we couldn’t find See ALMONTE , page 10