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2-16-2006 The Beacon, February 16, 2006 Florida International University

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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The aP nther Press (formerly The Beacon) by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Student Sports: Newspaper Basketball of Florida International wins on University BEACON Valentine’s THE Day Pg. 8 Vol. 18, Issue 45 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM February 16, 2006 WARM RECEPTION SGA in process of budget deliberations

BY REUBEN PEREIRA organizations are given between 10 to Staff Writer 15 minutes to present their case to the voting body of the SGA and persuade The Student Government Associa- the members why they need the budget tion began conducting its annual Budget they want. Hearing process Jan. 27 and is expected Once the University-wide hearings to continue with the hearings throughout have concluded, the voting body starts its February. system of deliberations during which the The decisions are made by the voting voting body takes a look at the money the council of the SGA which include president SGA has and the money they allocated to a Alex Prado and vice president Christine particular organization during the previous Denton, who will determine how much academic year. money will be allocated to organizations “We do this to see if the organization in the upcoming academic year. needs the increase in budget or not,” During the proceedings various uni- Denton said. “Because everyone proposes versity-wide and regional University Park an increase, we have to see who needs and Biscayne Bay Campus based organi- the increase the most, who isn’t using zations will present their proposals to the the money responsibly and who will gain council. the most and who has more money than The SGA has two sets of budget required.” hearings. There are the University-wide The second set of hearings, the campus hearings – which are usually conducted – based hearings, take place once the Uni- fi rst – and then the campus based orga- versity-wide deliberations have concluded nizations. The University-wide hearings and the funds for these organizations include the cases put forward by organiza- have been allocated. During this period, tions and departments which have a single the student government of each campus budget for both campuses. independently reviews the proposals of Departments which fall under this their campus based organizations. category include the Student Alumni For example, the SGA of UP will pre- Association (SAA), the recreation center, side over hearings of organizations solely the volunteer action center, the center for based at UP, whereas the SGA of the BBC EDDIE ZENG/THE BEACON leadership, the radio station Radiate 88 will respectively preside over hearings at POLITICAL TALK: Former Vermont governor, 2004 presidential candidate and and The Beacon. the BBC. current chairman of the Democratic National Committee Howard Dean visited “It is usually the organization leaders, Organizations which fall under this cat- University Park on Feb. 14 to address an enthusiastic crowd on the future plans directors or presidents who show up to egory include the Student Organizations of the Democratic party. present their cases to the SGA along with Council (SOC), Student Programming For the full story log on to www.beaconnewspaper.com. their advisors,” Prado said. During the budget-hearing process, See BUDGET, page 2 Students petition against hate speech on campus

BY ASHLEY CAPO the university. The only thing ronment of hate and intolerance, Copy Editor missing on that day, though, was but of danger. There’s a link Smock. between actual actions and what As many students at the Uni- “Even though he didn’t show you’re trying to say. That’s what versity Park campus have been up, it was still a success due to the the petition is all about,” Malik aware of since Jan. 31, cutting fact that we have gotten signatures said. across the fountain near the to prevent people from preaching The FIU student code of Green Library has been no easy hate,” said junior Ryan Jones, conduct is quoted in the peti- task, seeing as it has been the a co-founder of the Alliance of tion, stating that “students are podium for evangelist Christian Diversity. “It would’ve been more expected to conduct themselves Jed Smock and, as his companions effective [to our cause] if he was in a manner in which exemplifi es call themselves, the “Jed Heads,” here; in this case, we did, sort of, respect for people of all races, a group representing Campus get what we wanted – which was religions and ethnic groups, and Ministry USA who are known preventing him from preaching to adhere to one’s personal values for riling up crowds with their hate here on campus.” without unduly imposing them religious speeches. The petition, which was given on others.” After many angry slurs, picket to passerbys to sign, will be sent to However, Jones believes that signs and banners, the Alliance the faculty of the political science it is every students’ responsibility of Diversity, a student organiza- department to see if they can help JOHN HANCOCK: Sophmore Adriana Zambrano (middle), Senior to take action if they see indi- tion comprised of campus groups the group take action against the Muhammed Malik (right) of the Alliance of Diversity ask students like vidual rights being violated. like the National Organization speakers, who have been accused freshman (left) Francisco Surace to sign a petition Feb.14 to forbid the “I think there needs to be a call for Women and Amnesty Inter- of using hateful and discrimina- use of hateful language from Jed Smock, a preacher who comes to to action from students,” Jones national, decided it was time to tory language as attacks on the University Park representing campus ministry USA. GABRIEL CORREA/THE BEACON said.” There needs to be a sense fi ght back. religions, sexuality and race of of revolution from the students The students gathered to pro- FIU students. senior Maciel Cuellar. “They can national, took great offense to to make changes here on campus test against what they perceived “A girl next to me was accused preach what they believe in, but Smock’s demonstrations, as he if there is hate speech. You can’t as the hateful language of the of automatically having STDs just don’t go against people like that. found him to be abusive toward walk around campus and think Campus Ministry USA on Feb. because she dressed a certain way That’s not right.” another Middle-Eastern student about how much you hate it, 14, expecting Smock to use his which wasn’t even, how some Senior Muhammed Malik, by calling her “a terrorist.” you need to stand up and do permit and once again return to people say, provocative at all,” said a member of Amnesty Inter- “He created not only an envi- something.”

Columnist discusses gay issues, Pg. 3 Skating on campus, Pg. 4 Softball drop three of four, Pg. 8 2 The Beacon –February 16, 2006 NEWS www.beaconnewspaper.com NEWSFLASH Akens “advocates” for students Compiled by Ana Sanchez from Beacon staff BY JACKIE DIAZ of students. and wire reports Staff Writer Akens, a native of Cleveland Ohio, came to LOCAL The new year has Miami 12 years ago when brought changes to stu- offered a job at FIU. Doral man kills wife, mother-in-law then dent affairs at the Biscayne She began her work at himself Bay Campus. In Decem- the University as an asso- ber 2005, Cathy Akens ciate director of housing The morning of Feb. 14, after shooting and kill- was appointed assistant believing she would only ing his wife and mother-in-law, a man in his 40s, vice president of Student stay a couple of years and shot himself, according to Miami-Dade police. Affairs and began her posi- has been here since. The couple’s 8-year-old son called the police tion Jan. 9. “The University has to report the death of his parents, he was Akens essential role is given me a great oppor- unharmed. to provide leadership to tunity to advance profes- When the police arrived, the husband and wife the Division of Student sionally,” she said. were already dead and the mother-in-law was air Affairs at BBC as well as DIRECTING: Cathy Akens went from being director of Her interest in pursuing lifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital were she later Residential Life on both residential life on both campuses to assistant vice president Student Affairs came when died. campuses. of student affairs at the Biscayne Bay Campus. Until the she was an undergraduate “It is my goal to ensure University hires someone to replace Akens as director of student at the University NATIONAL that the programs and residential life, Akens takes on both roles. CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON of Toledo. services we provide to “I was involved as a stu- Cheney cited for failing to buy $7 stamp students support their Akens also hopes to She also provides great dent and worked a couple academic success at the establish a strong relation- leadership.” of different jobs, includ- Vice president Dick Cheney was given a warn- University,” Akens said. ship with Student Govern- Aside from her new ing as a resident assistant ing citation for failing to buy a $7 stamp which Through this goal, Stu- ment and other student profession, Akens also and in an advising offi ce,” allowed him to shoot upland game birds. dent Affairs would like to leaders around campus. teaches graduate courses Akens said. After the Texas Park and Wildlife Department see students involved on “While I truly enjoy in the Higher Education It was through these investigated Cheney’s accidental shooting of campus and enjoying their these opportunities to program at FIU. experiences that she Harry Whittington on Feb. 12, they cited the college experience. interact with students, “I teach a course called realized how much she vice president. “When students feel a these relationships will College Student Develop- enjoyed the university connection to other stu- particularly assist me in ment Theory for students environment. Immigration divides Republican party dents, faculty and staff, knowing how to best who are aspiring to work “I was fortunate that and when they feel sup- advocate for the needs in Student Affairs as a a supervisor talked to me At the Conservative Political Action Con- ported they are more likely of our students,” Akens career,” Akens said. about turning those inter- ference, a national gathering of Republicans, to succeed,” she said. said. The course deals with ests into a career,” she immigration issues split the party in two. Student Affairs works Most seem to be satis- the study of college stu- said. Republicans against immigration, criticized in conjunction with many fi ed with the new appoint- dents and how they learn After receiving her the support of “open borders” and its lust for departments to achieve ment. and develop during the bachelor’s degree in Com- “cheap labor.” their goals of enriching the “She’s a true profes- college experience. munications, she earned Those who are in favor of immigration students learning experi- sional, nurturing with According to Akens, her master’s degree from argued that the decrease in foreign workers ence, including Campus lots of experience in stu- the knowledge that is Michigan State University would slow the economy. Life, International Stu- dent affairs,” said Gregory gained about students in college and university Bush supports giving some immigrants tem- dents and Scholars Ser- Olson, senior director of helps aspiring profession- administration and later porary legal status to work in the U.S. which vices, Residential Life and student affairs. “Everyone als and current staff learn earned a doctorate degree critics dismiss as amnesty. the Health and Wellness [who] works with her the best method to impact in higher education at Centers among others. feels privileged to do so. the educational experience FIU. GLOBAL Protestors in two Pakistani cities become violent Organizations wait on budget decisions

See BUDGET, page 2 SPC with their concerts, because John Bonanno, nizations must creatively Thousands of protestors stormed into a diplo- comedy shows and films assistant vice president of make use of their current matic district and torched Western businesses and Council (SPC), Greek or SOC and their various student affairs, will be retir- budgets for the Summer a provincial assembly in two Pakistani cities. Affairs, Panther Rage and organizations,” said Nancy ing March 1. semester. They were in protest of the Prophet Muham- Homecoming. Cadavid, Comptroller for “He is a great asset in The SGA has only pre- mad drawings which fi rst appeared in a Danish Like the University-wide the UP SGA. “We review our decision making pro- sided over the University- newspaper in September. Two people were killed hearings, the campus based their proposals in past years cess,” Prado said. wide hearings. and 11 injured. hearings are followed by and see if they used the Roughly seven and a half The deliberation process their own set of delib- money they were allocated million dollars of budget is expected to take place erations, during which the wisely.” money comes from stu- Feb. 17, with the campus voting body again votes The SGA conducts its dents’ activities and service based hearings set for Feb. on what decisions will be budget hearings every year fees and are allocated to the 24. made as to who gets what during mid-March and organizations in August at “We haven’t come to any HARRY COLEMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF and why. early April. the beginning of each Fall decision as yet,” Denton LEONCIO ALVAREZ MANAGING EDITOR “We break down every- However, they decided semester. said. “The fi nal decisions C. JOEL MARINO CONTENT EDITOR one’s budgets and look at to bump up the proceedings Since the budget is only will only be made in the

ANA SANCHEZ NEWS EDITOR what they have done. Be it this year to an earlier time allocated at this time, orga- following weeks.” BETSY MARTINEZ BISCAYNE BAY EDITOR XAVIER VILLARMARZO SPORTS EDITOR CHRISTOPHER NECUZE OPINION EDITOR MICHELLE SANTISTEBAN LIFE! EDITOR CHRIS CUTRO PHOTO EDITOR POLICEBEAT ADRIAN DIAZ ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR THURSDAY • JANUARY 26 TUESDAY • JANUARY 31 ALICIA BUSTAMANTE ASSISTANT LIFE! EDITOR •A student left his belongings on a desk in • At University Park Apartments, at around BIANKA GOMEZ NEWS PAGE DESIGNER TARA WONG SPORTS PAGE DESIGNER the Green Library including his cell phone and 7 p.m., public safety responded to a report of went to the rest room. When he returned, the possible marijuana use. As the offi cer arrived TATIANA CANTILLO BUSINESS MANAGER phone was gone. at the apartment, the suspects were leaving ASST. DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA ALFREDO SOTO A police offi cer made a report and advised the room. ROBERT JAROSS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA him to check the circulation desk. The resident gave the offi cer consent to search the apartment. While the offi cer was INFORMATION searching, a student turned the contraband over SATURDAY • JANUARY 28 to the police offi cer. Three other students were The Beacon offi ce is located in the Graham Center, room present in the apartment. 210 at the University Park campus. Questions regarding display • A guest at FIU got stuck in an elevator at advertising and billing should be directed to the Advertising The suspect stated that they had not used Manager at 305.348.2709. Mailing address: Graham Center, the Biscayne Bay Campus Library for nearly an the marijuana. The case was referred to the room 210, Miami, FL 33199. Fax number is 305.348.2712. hour. Miami-Dade fi re rescue was called and University Offi ce of Judicial Affairs. Biscayne Bay Campus is 305.919.4722. Offi ce hours are 9 a.m. the man was removed from the elevator. This – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. E-mail: Beacon@fi u. occurred between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. – Compiled by Andrew Leins edu. Visit us online at: www.beaconnewspaper.com www.beaconnewspaper.com The Beacon – February 16, 2006 3

Harry Coleman Editor in Chief • Leoncio Alvarez Managing Editor • Christopher Necuze Opinion Editor Act vital to protect innocence BY RUTH BARROCAS 9, 2005, the Florida Crimi- zens are asked to consider if Contributing Writer nal Procedure Rules Commit- it is truly honorable for us to tee voted unanimously to file take the right away from these Twenty-four years after being an emergency petition to the individuals who claim to be sent to prison, Alan Crotzer Supreme Court of Florida pro- innocent. regained his freedom when he posing the elimination of any If there is even the slightest was exonerated by DNA evi- deadline to Florida Rule of possibility that they do not dence. Criminal Procedure 3.853. deserve a life behind bars, is The 45-year-old St. Petersburg As such, in March, lawmakers it not our job as fair and just man was among the fi ve men will come together to hopefully Americans, of a fair and just cleared in the state of Florida by make this law permanent. society, to give them some way Safety and ignorance share the Florida Innocence Initiative The United States is a nation to prove their inncoence. Act. He spent nearly a quarter of based on the surfacing of truth I believe that it is only no place in gay community a century in prison for a crime he and the freedom of the common right to let the truth become did not commit. man. The FII allows innocent evident. Accused of robbing a Tampa individuals to have their freedom The Florida Innocence ing about what’s happening family, using a sawed-off shot- back. Initiative gives people the to other gays outside our gun in July 1981, Crotzer was Prior to the existence of the opportunity to prove they unscathed realm, but we do found guilty of kidnapping and initiative, Barry Scheck, founder are innocent; we should defi - have to be conscious of what raping the mother and daughter. of the Innocence Project, trav- nitely make sure more is going on both nationally and While in a police photo lineup, eled to Florida State University’s laws like this are globally to those like us if we he was picked out by one of the law school when the statute of actively kept. ever want to be fully accepted victims and was prosecuted. limitations for fi ling post con- for who we are. His sentence of 130-years was viction DNA motions was six We cannot just pretend that cut short when, in a review of the months and no organized effort as long as we’re able to walk evidence, his DNA was not found to assist the hundreds of inmates Being gay and living in around Miami holding hands on the victims. All of this was seeking legal help existed. He Miami is kind of great; at least with our signifi cant other with- thanks to the Florida Innocence worked with a few students from the chances of being gunned out an excess of points and hol- Initiative’s ability to test physical FSU, searching over 200 cases, in down at a gay bar here are slim lers, that those who share our evidence. order to assess the viability. to none ... unless it’s by the same emotions and feelings, Like him, there have been In the best interest of the jealous tranny who’s upset you nation or even world-wide have others acquitted by the Flor- American public, it is impor- danced with her man. the same freedom we do. ida Innocence Initiative. The tant that we keep laws which For those who aren’t caught Even though Miami is one Initiative’s goal is to exonerate protect the innocent. It is up with recent news, last week- of the safest places for gays in individuals who are not guilty of evident that most cur- end, in the ever popular city of the United States and, so far, committing a crime through the rent political lead- New Bedford, Mass., a crazy hate crimes are not as violent as use of “post-condition DNA test- ers in the state Neo-Nazi entered a bar, asked they occur in other cities, this ing in the State of Florida.” of Florida are if it was a gay one and thought doesn’t mean hate crimes are They are also known for pro- siding with it to be a good idea to take out completely obscure through- viding legal services to individuals eliminating a hatchet and gun and cause out the city. who would otherwise be unable the deadline some destruction. A major hate crime that to take on legal assistance or fi le for this law. Three bar patrons were hurt, occurred not that long ago claims of unjust convictions. Citi- two suffering gunshots in the in our very own backyard was The Initiative is committed to back and chest. when Carl Zablotny, editor and its goal to train and educate the The suspect, later identi- publisher of Wire, a gay weekly attorneys of tomorrow, in order fi ed as Jacob D. Robida, 18, magazine. He was followed by to better defend the innocent escaped and traveled all the a group of gay bashers as they and to provide the public with way to Arkansas, where he was screamed obscenities such as, information about wrongful killed by police after he sup- “Don’t worry, he’s one of those convictions. posedly shot a cop on a routine – he’s a fag and he won’t do In July of this year, traffi c stop. anything.” however, the law This leads me to the point of As Zablotny reached for his that allows these this column ... can we expect cell phone to call the police, inmates to incidents similar to this one the men struck him, knocking prove their ever to happen in Miami? him to the ground and began innocence My prediction: not to the to beat him. will expire. same extent. Zablotny suffered severe On Sept. JIM CRAIGMYLE/CORBIS I’m not saying that a crazy injuries to his face, forehead person can’t walk into Ozone and torso. next weekend and shoot the Paradise is hard to fi nd, and place up because we have ‘gay incidents like that of Zablotny LETTER TO THE EDITOR cooties,’ but hopefully, most just prove that no matter where ‘Phone jammers’ can help insure an enjoyable theater experience Miamians have been educated you live, no matter how safe enough to know the differ- you feel, ignorance is still a I disagree strongly with without these cell phones. phones off. ence between right and wrong vital problem community has Christine Liriano’s article on If you are so disabled by not Until people begin to be and in this case, sane and psy- to deal with. the issue of phone jammers having your cell phone operate more considerate of others chotic. Miami might not be the (“Phone jammers excessive at all times, then I think there (which probably wont It will take much longer worst place to live if you are in theaters”); to me this is is a larger problem. happen soon) then I think strides for homosexuality to be gay, but it still has its demean- the best idea and has been Furthermore, because these types of measures are completely accepted across the ing attributes. long in coming. people apparently are not con- appropriate, necessary and nation, but if any local doesn’t If you ever experience a I fully understand that siderate enough in silencing something I strongly sup- know by now that Miami isn’t hate crime on or off campus, some people may need their their phones. I think silencing port. a gay condemning community, whether it is due to sexual ori- cell phones for emergencies, it for them is the best idea, then they’ve been living under entation, ethnicity or religion, but we often forget that especially when those incon- -Joe Vazquez a rock. contact the Victim Advocacy before cell phones, people siderate individuals are apt to senior However, this doesn’t mean Center’s 24 hour hotline at went to the movie the- ruin a perfectly good evening Political Science and that we, should take for granted 305-348-3000. atres, out to the opera and (and expensive) because they International Relations this immunity. functioned in every day life did not want to turn their major I don’t think we should Look for this column every live our lives constantly think- other Thursday in The Beacon. ! The Beacon - 4 WWW.BEACONNEWSPAPER.COM February 16, 2006 Infl uential guitarist’s tribute OLLIE album befi tting, oop! haunting

Skateboarders from around city attracted to campus’s unique structure

PHOTOS BY JAVIER BLANCO/SPECIAL TO THE BEACON

BY GEOFFREY ANDERSON JR. good places to skate around in Miami,” scared of hearing those skateboard BY LAURA JOKISCH Staff Writer said Nova Southeastern University wheels whirring behind me. It makes Contributing Writer sophomore Javier Blanco. “Because there me think I’m going to get hit from Every day, skaters can be seen all over are a lot of hills around FIU, it’s a really behind.” Despite the fact that John Fahey is University Park riding their boards and good place for me and my friends to skate. Chip Steeler, the Frost Art Muse- considered to be one of the greatest speeding around buildings; blurs whiz- Plus, the ramps in the parking garages are um’s Sculpture Park coordinator, guitarists of all time, the chances of you zing by as one exits the Green Library. great for skaters, too.” shared similar feelings about campus recognizing his name are slim to none In 2003, the Miami New Times named Even though University regulations skateboarders and their use of the – but you know his work. UP as the best spot for guerilla skating, forbid the use of skateboards within facili- campus sculptures for tricks. His ghost echoes throughout genres or skating without the confi nes of an offi - ties, Blanco does not believe the rule is “There’s this sculpture named much more popular than his own as cial park. The various garages, handicap strictly enforced. Torre Pieno Nel Vuoto in the Deuxieme uneasily categorized melding of folk, ramps, railings and stairwells on campus “I skate at FIU two to three times Maison amphitheater that skaters have blues, industrial, classical, country and let skaters execute their best techniques. a week and I’ve never had any real damaged as a result of their grinding. electronic experimentation, as well as the Although skating in parking garages problems. There aren’t many people I actually fi led a police report about native sounds of India, Southeast Asia and and doing tricks off handicap rails are on campus at night and I’ve only been the damage. I haven’t seen skaters the Scottish Highlands which reinvented popular actions among FIU skaters, bothered once by security. They just told actually skate off the sculptures, but the steel-string acoustic guitar as a solo many of them have used their boards my friends and me to be careful. We were the evidence is there,” said Steeler. “I instrument. as not only a means of perfecting their just having fun and not hurting anyone,” grew up skating, so I know the cause Like all great artists, he was not fully skills, but as a legitimate form of campus Blanco said. of the damage.” appreciated during his lifetime. It took transport as well. However, other skaters have had prob- Nevertheless, UP has been the three years to sell a meager 95 copies of “I always hear about kids coming to lems with offi cials, but they don’t let that center of attention for many Miami his fi rst album, Blind Joe Death in 1959, FIU at night and using the garages or stop them from skateboarding. skaters. MySpace groups such as which is now considered a treasure by rails to improve their skills and have some “Sometimes I’m sick of walking so I Sector Niners post pictures of their collectors. fun,” said junior Jose Rodriguez. “I just throw down my skateboard and ride it UP exploits and several online skating Fahey wrote music that musicians use my board to get me from one place to all over campus and occasionally through interviews list it as a skating hotspot. listen to and his influence resonates another around [campus.] If I’m running buildings. I get yelled at by the building As word-of-mouth continues to through every sect of truly alternative late, using my skateboard is quicker than offi cials, but I’m too quick to get caught spread about the campus land- music, from the indie-pop of The Shins running to class.” by them. It’s more convenient than walk- scape, UP’s reputation as and The Decemberists to the art-punk of According to the 2005-2006 Student ing, that’s for sure,” said a freshman who a local skateboard- Sonic Youth to folksy singer-songwriters Handbook, “the use or operation of wished to remain anonymous. ing paradise will like Sam Beam of Iron & Wine. rollerblades, skates, skateboards, bicycles, Although the skateboarders believe inevitably His diverse disciples have gathered mopeds … inside of University facilities” they are not harming anyone, the increased grow. under the direction of producers Stephen is prohibited. Nevertheless, some stu- popularity of campus skating has annoyed Brower and Matt Ward – a songwriter dents do not take these rules seriously. some students. who may be better known to our gen- If they’re too fast to be caught, who can “As I’m walking to class behind eration for his collaborations with Bright hold them responsible? the library, there’s always some Eyes and My Morning Jacket – to cover “FIU is an ideal place for skating. guy skating around and their favorite Fahey recordings for I Am Unlike a lot of other locations, it’s free whizzing past me,” The Resurrection, a collaborative 13-track to skate [here] and it offers plenty of said junior Kristel tribute released Feb. 14 on Vanguard opportunities for awesome tricks and cool Lopez. “ I’ve Records. moves,” said sophomore David Shaw. started to The eclectic line-up on Resurrec- While FIU students can be seen using get tion is a testament to the late guitarist’s their skateboards daily around campus, legacy, attracting artists as varied as David UP has also been used as a skating haven Immergluck of Counting Crows, Camper by non-FIU students. Skating enthu- Van Beethoven’s Victor Krummenacher, siasts living near campus stop indie-rock band Calexico, solo psyche- by throughout the day and delic powerhouse Devendra Banhart and use the terrain to their post-rock instrumentalists Cul de Sac. advantage. In order to unite their vision to pre- “There are vent one of America’s most gifted guitar almost players from being forgotten by the no mainstream, they have guided themselves to assemble a seamless, cohesive tribute PHOTO album of haunting melodies. COURTESY The end result is at once primitive and sophisticated, intense and lighthearted; a varied but coherent track listing of instrumentals which weave a flowing

See FAHEY, page 5 www.beaconnewspaper.com LIFE! The Beacon – February 16, 2006 5 Stevens shines on Fahey tribute

From FAHEY, page 4 Stevens contribution is a sweetly received late in his life before he passed melancholy track that opens with away in 2001 came after he transi- paradox that does Fahey justice. the pointedly cheerful atmosphere tioned into industrial rock. At the time The Fruit Bat’s cover of “Death of of a Wes Anderson fi lm, gradually he was playing the ambient acoustic the Clayton Peacock” is easy on the devolves until a well-timed upswing folk commemorated by the majority of THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 16 ears and heavy on the heart, while of new vigor and exits with simple, the artists on this compilation, he was WHAT: Student Organizations Council Club “When the Catfi sh is in Bloom” as bittersweet vocals. playing stranger’s weddings and living Fair performed by Peter Case of the Plim- The album wraps up with the in motels. The market for his music is WHERE: WUC Panther Square souls pulses with a playful energy and interesting addition of a piano rendi- tragically modest. WHEN: 11 a.m. surreal darkness fl ickers at the edge of tion of “My Grandfather’s Clock.” Calexico’s “Dance of Death.” As Howe Gelb, formerly of Giant WHAT: Sephardic & Oriental Jewry Guest The highlight of the album is Sand explained, “[Fahey] can play I AM THE RESSURECTION: Lecture found in “Variation on ‘Commemo- guitar like a piano player, which I can A TRIBUTE TO JOHN FAHEY WHERE: WUC Ballrooms rative Transfi guration & Commu- relate to from playing the piano like WHEN: 6:30 p.m. nion at Magruder Park,’” courtesy a guitar player.” ★★★ of acclaimed multi-instrumentalist However, as Fahey said of his own 3 out of 4 stars WHAT: African New World Studies Program Sufjan Stevens, who, in true Fahey album City of Refuge, “I have trouble presents “Egypt: the Oldest Daughter of fashion, is no stranger to bold experi- picturing who’s going to listen to it. Artist: Various Artists Ethiopia”; guest speaker Dr. Theophile mentation, wandering freely between Who’s going to buy it?” Released: Feb. 14 Obenga banjo and electronica. The little recognition Fahey Genre: Alternative Rock WHERE: Kovens Conference Center WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHAT: Black Students Mixer Dem Franchize Boyz fail to deliver WHERE: WUC Panther Square WHEN: 7 p.m. BY HARRY COLEMAN Editor in Chief WHAT: University Chorale WHERE: Wertheim Performing Arts Center Listening to On Top of Our Game Concert Hall (PAC 170) – the new album of the group Dem WHEN: 8 p.m. Franchize Boyz – is like listening to a compilation of different artists due to WHAT: SPC and CSA present Heartbreakers the group’s lack of originality. Party The Atlanta based foursome WHERE: Gracie’s Grill – Parlae, Pimpin, Jizzal Man and WHEN: 10 p.m. Buddie signed under Jermaine Dupri – fail to stand out from other rap art- ists on their second album. FRIDAY • FEBRUARY 17 On Top of Our Game is like every- WHAT: SPC Pan-African UP Dance Show thing the hip-hop world has heard WHERE: GC Ballrooms before. In fact, the only game the WHEN: 7 p.m. group is on top of is music from other artists. CRUNK: Parlae, Jizzal Man, Buddie and Pimpin of Dem Franchize Boyz produce WHAT: YMCA Gospel Night out Concert On “Ridin’ Rims,” DFB sounds an unoriginal second album, On Top Of Our Game. MARK MANN/VIRGIN RECORDS WHERE: WUC Ballrooms more like the Big Tymers’s Manny WHEN: 8 p.m. Fresh and Bryan “Baby” Williams as – “I Think They Like Me,” and they are the kings of the club. While they rap about 23 inch rims, Alpine “Bricks 4 The High,” – are due to their music is catchy at the club, they WHAT: Bassoon Concert with Piano and radios and car TVs. its guest artists. On “I think they like are defi nitely not the kings of lyrics. Clarinet The uncanny resemblance between me,” Dupri, Da Brat and Bow Wow While the album does have a good WHERE: Wertheim Performing Arts Center DFB and the Big Tymers is defi nitely provide some of the best verses on the mix of beats, the rap fl ow of DFB is Concert Hall (PAC 170) noticed when they call themselves album. On “Bricks 4 The High,” Jim weak. This is not an album to stack WHEN: 8 p.m. “No. 1 Stunnas,” one of the Big Jones blows away DFB with a true next to your Jay-Z and Tupac collec- Tymers’s nicknames and the name rap fl ow, compared to DFB’s crunk tion, but with your party music that is WHAT: Earthquake performs at the Improv of a track that helped them reach hip-hop style. only hot for a short while. WHERE: The Miami Improv Comedy Club mainstream level. A common theme on every song WHEN: 8:30 p.m., 10:45 p.m. The group tries to hard to have an is DFB’s constant mention of white album full of club hits that on “Lean T’s. They mention it so much that HOW MUCH: $23.54 Wit’ It,” the group’s crunk style can’t it makes you wonder whether they ON TOP OF OUR GAME disguise the similarities on the chorus make a profi t for every white tee sold ★★ WHAT: Wu Tang Clan to Fat Joe’s “Lean Back.” The beat in the United States. WHERE: The Revolution (200 W. Broward and fl ow are identical. Again, the One of the only different songs on 1 1/2 out of 4 stars Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL.) group makes it obvious as they rap, the album is “Freaky As She Wanna WHEN: Doors open at 9 p.m. HOW MUCH: $32.50 “Lean back like Fat Joe and snap your Be,” which includes an R&B chorus. Artist: Dem Franchize Boyz wrist back.” On the track, the group compares Released: Feb. 7 SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 18 The two best tracks on the album themselves to King Tut, insinuating Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop WHAT: Earthquake performs at the Improv WHERE: The Miami Improv Comedy Club WHEN: 7:45 p.m., 10 p.m., Midnight CAPOEIRA TECHNIQUES HOW MUCH: $23.54 WHAT: Concert of New Music & Technology featuring Morton Subotnick WHERE: Wertheim Performing Arts Center Concert Hall (PAC 170) WHEN: 8 p.m. SUNDAY • FEBRUARY 19 WHAT: North Miami Concert Band WHERE: Gwen Margolis Community Center (1590 NE 123rd St. North Miami, FL.) WHEN: 2 p.m. DANCE FIGHTING?: Instructor HOW MUCH: $3 Marcio Pizanelli (far left) and sophomore David Kasprzyk (right) WHAT: Earthquake performs at the Improv engage in an Afro-Brazilian martial WHERE: The Miami Improv Comedy Club art demonstration called capoeira, WHEN: 8:30 p.m. which consists of swift acrobatic HOW MUCH: $21.40 movements.EDDIE ZENG/THE BEACON – Compiled by Reuben Pereira 6 The Beacon – February 16, 2006 SPORTS www.beaconnewspaper.com No. 10 Georgia beats softball, CALIFORNIA SWEEP scores four runs in sixth inning

SOFTBALL, from page 8 from the Arkansas victory, FIU went into the second game of making the score 3-1 in FIU’s the double header with hopes of favor. sweeping the day with two vic- Arkansas would tie the game tories. Georgia wasn’t about to 3-3 in the fourth, but would let that happen and showed why leave the bases loaded to end they are No. 10 in the country. the inning. The fi rst inning proved to be The very next inning, Brittany very painful for fi rst baseman Witherow hit an RBI single, Brooke Ruiz, who was hit by which gave FIU a 4-3 lead they the ball in the mouth as she was would not relinquish. attempting to catch it with her FIU pitcher Penny Eastman glove. Her return to the game relived Houck at the bottom of was a positive sign, but the rest the fi fth inning and Arkansas had of the game had to be much no answers for the freshman as more painful for the rest of her she struck out four batters and teammates. STRIKE: Sarah Belanger pitched allowed no runs in her two and Despite pitching all seven seven innings and struck out eight two-thirds innings of work. innings and striking out eight, batters in the loss to Georgia. redshirt freshman Sarah Belanger Not only was the pitching FIU ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS PHOTO near perfection after the fourth and the Golden Panthers couldn’t inning, but the offense suddenly Gwydir had positive things to overcome a four-run sixth inning caught on fi re, particularly in say about her ball club. by the Bulldogs, who were lead the seventh inning, when the “I think we were pressing a by third baseman Alison Horne, Golden Panthers scored four little bit to begin the game. We who went 2-for-3 with three runs to make the score 8-3. The were trying to do a little too RBIs and a run scored. seventh inning assault began much,” Gwydir said. FIU attempted to gain with senior Jennifer Powell, who Gwydir felt star senior Powell momentum in the bottom of had been 0-for-3 prior to that was pressing also, due to her the sixth inning when outfi elder at bat, hitting a double to start increased leadership role on the Deomni Murray hit a single, the offensive on slought. Later team. which was followed by Powell on at the top of the inning, the “I had to tell her to relax, let hitting a single, leading Murray WEST SIDE SLIDE: The University of Southern California bases were loaded and FIU took the game [come] to you. Once to score after she had stolen swept the baseball team in a three-game series Feb. 10-12 advantage, scoring four crucial she and the other players did two bases. This made the score in Los Angeles. Prior to this series, the last time these two runs to ice the game. that, we were alright,” Gwydir 5-1 after six innings but Georgia teams met was in 2001 for a Super Regional matchup that Offensively, Bell was the star said. quickly scored another run at put the Golden Panthers against current Chicago Cub Mark for the Golden Panthers, as she With the win, Houck the top of the seventh inning to Prior, who is considered one of the best college pitchers of went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. improved her record to 1-1 and make it 6-1 and subsequently all time. The losses drop FIU to 2-5 on the season, while Gwydir was very impressed with Eastman was credited with her putting the game out of reach. the Trojans improve their record to 4-3. Walker Whitley her second baseman, calling fi rst save. Belanger’s record fell to 0-1. [above] pitched seven and one-third innings for a no-deci- her play “outstanding” during “Our pitching tired out, sion in game two’s 5-4 loss. The Golden Panther lost game FIU 2, UGA 6 the game and throughout the but our defense has to help our one 12-0 and game three 13-4. CHRIS CUTRO/THE BEACON weekend tournament. Playing off the momentum pitchers,” Gywdir said.

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U.S. citizenship is required. Equal opportunity employer. www.beaconnewspaper.com SPORTS The Beacon – February 16, 2006 7 Russo’s team sweeps Arkansas schools Men score fi rst six BY ALDEN GONZALEZ They will come back half to take a four-point named in ESPN The Mag- Staff Writer home for a Feb. 16 meet- lead. Back-to-back buckets azine’s district III second ing against South Alabama by freshman Renee Renz team for excellence in the points of match After a crushing loss – the fi rst meeting of the – who finished with 12 classroom and the bas- to South Dakota State at season between the two points and 7 rebounds ketball court, Jekabsone BASKETBALL, from page 8 up eight, 36-28. home Jan. 28, the women’s teams – with tip-off at 7 – tied the game at 51 with proved her worth by put- “I thought we basketball team geared up p.m. just 4:38 left. ting up her sixth straight a timeout and I told started with a great for a crucial four-game But FIU was just too double double with 18 them they need to sort flow,” Rouco said. FIU 60, UALR 55 road trip with all their much to handle as they points and 18 rebounds. it out because I didn’t “Then anytime some- games being against Sun The Trojans were fresh shot 9-10 from the free- She also tied her career- want to bring them body changes it up Belt Conference foes. off snapping ASU’s 13- throw line and limited high with seven blocks to back and yell at them. a little bit on us, we The trip did not go as game winning streak, but UALR to just one fi eld goal move her into third place We have done that but start tightening up. planned at the start, as had no such luck snapping in the fi nal minutes to get on the FIU all-time list they have to sort it We have to learn to they dropped their fi rst two FIU’s 13-game winning the win. with 143 blocks. out [and] talk to each play through adjust- games versus East Division streak versus them Feb. LaQuetta Ferguson and The fi rst half was a for- other, and they did.” ments. It’s great when leaders Middle Tennessee 11. Marquita Adley proved gettable one for FIU. They Rouco’s men got off it’s going great but and Western Kentucky. FIU was just too good vital off the bench and committed 15 turnovers to a solid start, scoring then when they make After losing to Western from the free-throw line. combined for 19 points and shot 35 percent from the fi rst six points of an adjustment [things Kentucky by the largest They shot a season-high and 12 rebounds. Jocelyn the fi eld and were down the match-up and then change].” margin of the season (22 91.7 percent from the stripe Love, UALR shooting 44-26 at intermission. pulling off an 11-2 run The Golden Pan- points), dropping three and held UALR to no fi eld guard, came off a 36-point But the Golden Pan- with under 10 minutes thers continue home games in a row and giving goals in the fi nal nine min- performance in the win thers went on a 13 point to play in the fi rst half play Feb. 18 as they up the East Division lead of utes of the game to claim against Arkansas-State and run and with a lay-up by that built a 12 point host Troy before a the Sun Belt Conference, the fi ve-point win. fi nished the night with 25 center Liene Bernsone, lead. Following a late match-up, Feb. 20, the lady ballers were deter- UALR fell to 12-11 points. FIU took its first lead. rally by the Osprey, the against West division mined to fi nish strong. and 4-6 versus Sun-Belt Then the three-pointer Golden Panthers went leaders South Ala- FIU 67 ASU 63 They bounced back Conference foes. by Iva Ciglar put them up into the locker room bama. and ended up 2-2 in their Junior Lasma Jekabsone The Golden Panthers four with just three minutes road trip, with key victories was up to her old tricks showed resiliency Feb. 13 remaining and they were versus Arkansas Little-Rock as she achieved her fifth in front of 2,119 people at able to hold on. and Arkansas State. straight double double the Convocation Center. ASU completely fell The back-to-back wins with 21 points and 13 They erased a 20-point apart in the second half. put FIU at 14-9 and 7-3 rebounds. It was her 11 defi cit in the second half, as They were outscored 41- in conference games. They fi rst half points that kept they claimed the four-point 19 and only made two now stand in third place FIU in the game as they victory. fi eld goals in the fi nal nine of the East Division of shot an abysmal 25 percent The come-from-behind minutes of the game. the Sun Belt Conference from the fi eld. win is the third largest in FIU shot a whopping – one game behind Middle The Golden Panthers NCAA Women’s Basket- 63 percent from the fi eld Tennessee and Western went on an 8-2 run in the ball history. in the second half and out Kentucky. beginning of the second Shortly after being rebounded ASU 44-32 for the game. Ciglar scored 14 points and a game-high three- pointer. Makela and Fergu- son each put up 11 points DEEP THREAT: Freshman Johwen Villegas was 5-of-8 and four assists, while Faeza fom 3-point range and fi nished the afternoon with Bouderra added eight 15 points in FIU’s victory over UNF. FILE PHOTO points and six assists. 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8 – February 16, 2006 THE BEACON www.beaconnewspaper.comwww.beaconnewspaper.com Men’s basketball beats in-state foe

BY ANDONI GONZALEZ-RUA Staff Writer WEEKEND In what turned into a lack luster performance on Valentine’s Day, FIU took care of business when it counted and scraped out a deserved win. IN The Golden Panthers (7-16), who came off an 85-84 overtime loss at the hands of conference foe Arkansas State SPORTS Feb. 11, were not even the most exciting part of afternoon as they beat out-of- conference rival North Florida (6-19) FEBRUARY 71-57 in front of a minuscule Valentine’s THURSDAY Day matinee crowd. Just over 500 people witnessed three WOMEN’S BASKETBALL fans try their best to collect $1000 cash Home vs. S. Alabama in a fan giveaway at halftime as well as 16 7 p.m. the Golden Panthers ending their seven- game losing streak against their fi nal FRIDAY non-conference opponent. The Osprey loss marked their 17th TENNIS straight road loss. Home vs. UCF “We have won four out of the last 17 12 p.m. seven,” said head coach Sergio Rouco. “We have lost three games that were pos- SOFTBALL session games. We could have been seven Adidas Golden Panther and seven, but the kids know that; they Invitational are hungry enough. We made a stretch University Park run last year and we will [again], God- willing, we stay healthy and we will again SWIMMING & DIVING as we continue to get better.” Sun Belt Championship Ivan Almonte led the way for the Denver, Colorado homeside, fi nishing the afternoon with SATURDAY 17 points and nine rebounds as his newborn son watched for the fi rst time MEN’S BASKETBALL from the sidelines. Home vs. Troy Streaky shooting from long range 18 7 p.m. threat Johwen Villegas proved the dif- ference as the fi rst-year man connected WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on fi ve of eight tries from behind the Away vs. Troy arc, four of which came in the fi rst half, 8 p.m. and fi nished with 15 points. Sophomore Kenny Simms joined the BASEBALL two in double fi gures; having a dominant Home vs. Florida A&M day inside the paint and contributing 15 1 p.m. double header points and eight rebounds. VALENTINE VICTORY: Sophomore Kenny Simms recorded 15 points and eight rebounds North Florida was led by Rashad in FIU’s 71-57 Feb. 14 win over in-state opponent North Florida. FILE PHOTO SOFTBALL Williams and Chris Timberlake, who Adidas Golden Panther combined for 30 points, 20 and 10, rebounds by FIU’s tough defensive as they managed to pull a 19-9 run to Invitational respectively. presence. end the game. University Park Alain Laroche had been the hottest Despite a 12-0 run with under 10 “I didn’t want to react,” Rouco Osprey, having notched 20 or more minutes to play by UNF that brought said. “I told them I wasn’t going to call SWIMMING & DIVING points in seven of his last 11 games, but the game within fi ve with 7:36 to play, Sun Belt Championship was held to just nine points and nine the Golden Panthers showed maturity See BASKETBALL , page 7 Denver, Colorado

SUNDAY BASEBALL Softball loses three of four in tournament Home vs. Florida A&M BY PATRICK JORDAN is playing together as we lost our Fall tha Card also was walked and the Golden 19 1 p.m. Contributing Writer [semester] due to the hurricane.” Panthers posed a threat with runners on The Golden Panthers will look to fi rst and second and no outs. Freshman TENNIS After dropping the fi rst two games improve on their record when they par- second baseman Katie Bell followed up Home vs. North Carolina Feb. 10 to No. 19 Iowa and North Caro- ticipate in the Dunkin’ Donuts Classic with a single and Embry scored, tying 10 a.m. lina, it was hard to gauge how the softball Feb. 17-19 in Boca Raton, Fla. the game at one. team would respond the next night in The score would remain tied until the FIU 8, ARK 3 SOFTBALL their double header against Arkansas and top of the fourth inning, when fi rst base- Adidas Golden Panther No. 10 Georgia. Despite a delay prior to game time, man Brooke Ruiz hit a double to start Invitational The Golden Panthers opened up the it quickly became a thrilling match up. things off. Her double was replicated by University Park evening by doing damage to Arkansas Sophomore Kerri Houck was the start- Bell and Ruiz scored to make the game before losing the second game to Geor- ing pitcher for the Golden Panthers and 2-1 with two outs. SWIMMING & DIVING gia. They followed up Feb. 12 with a loss Katy Henry was the starting pitcher for Shortstop Desiree Fink also got into Sun Belt Championship to Georgia in the semifi nals. the Lady Razorbacks. the mix, hitting a single, which couldn’t Denver, Colorado The Golden Panthers dropped their Lady Razorbacks started things off in be caught by third baseman Carrie Egnor, record to 1-4. However, head coach Kim the bottom of the fi rst inning with Shana making the score 3-1 in FIU’s favor. Gwydir isn’t concerned with her team’s Easley hitting an RBI sacrifi ce fl y, making Arkansas would tie the game 3-3 in the slow start. the score 1-0. fourth, but would leave the bases loaded “I’m very happy with them, overall, as FIU quickly responded as Henry to end the inning. we’re an extremely young team,” Gwydir walked catcher Tabitha Embry to begin said. “This is the first time our team the second inning. Third baseman Saman- See SOFTBALL , page 6