News
Sports
Baseball resumes play with non-conference matchup against USC 6
Graduation streaking video could win $5,000 Vegas trip from ManiaTV.com 4
C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, F u l l e r t o n
Tu e s d a y, M a y 1 7 , 2 0 0 5
Quran mixup creates protest
Daily Titan
OC agency aims to stop alcoholism
Surf City, USA
New initiative aims to curb abuse of alcohol among CSUF students
Newsweek retracts inaccurate report that resulted in bloodshed
By KRISTINA RIDENOUR Daily Titan Staff
The Associated Press
NEW YORK – Newsweek magazine, under fire for publishing a story that led to deadly protests in Afghanistan, said May 16 it was retracting its report that a military probe found evidence of desecration of the Quran by U.S. interrogators at Guantanamo Bay. Earlier in the day, Bush administration officials brushed off an apology that Newsweekʼs editor Mark Whitaker made in an editorʼs note and criticized the magazineʼs handling of the story. “Itʼs appalling that this story got out there,” Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said as she traveled home from a one-day visit to Iraq. “People lost their lives. People are dead,” Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said. “People need to be very careful about what they say, just as they need to be careful about what they do.” Following the criticism, Whitaker released a statement saying the magazine was retracting the article. “Based on what we know now, we are retracting our original story that an internal military investigation had uncovered Quran abuse at Guantanamo Bay,” Whitaker said. Newsweek reported in its issue May 9 issue that U.S. military investigators found evidence interrogators placed copies of Islamʼs holy book in washrooms and flushed one down the toilet to get inmates to talk. Whitaker wrote in his note to readers that “We regret that we got any part of our story wrong, and extend our sympathies to victims of the violence and to the U.S. soldiers caught in its midst.” Whitaker said in his editorʼs note that while other news organizations had aired charges of Quran abuse based on the testimony of detainees, the magazine decided to publish a short item after hearing from an unnamed U.S. official that a government probe had found evidence corQURAN 3
Vo l u m e 8 0 , I s s u e 5 1
w w w. d a i l y t i t a n . c o m
GABRIELA ALONSO/Daily Titan
Brett Simpson, of the Orange County Octopus, sizes up the face of the wave during a new competition called The Game. The best-of-three championship series finishes today in Huntington Beach. See story on page 6.
Kidnapper receives death penalty for child murder Jury decides life in prison not adequate in Samantha Runnion case The Associated Press
SANTA ANA – A jury Monday decided a factory worker should get the death penalty for killing Samantha Runnion, a 5-year-old girl who was seized kicking and screaming outside her home in a case that stirred outrage and led to stronger efforts to rescue abducted children. Alejandro Avila, 30, was convicted last month of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault in the 2002 slaying.
The jury had a choice between the death penalty and life in prison without parole, and took about seven hours over two days to decide. Orange County Superior Court Judge William Froeberg set sentencing for July 22. Outside court, Samanthaʼs mother Erin Runnion called the jurors “amazing” and thanked them for the decision. “Itʼs hard to believe itʼs over,” she said through tears. “The fact of the matter is one is down but my baby is still gone and there are still going to be children victimized if we donʼt do something to stop it.” After her daughterʼs death, Runnion started a foundation to help parents protect children from
predators. Defense attorneys had urged jurors to spare Avilaʼs life, arguing that the abduction of Samantha was an impulsive act prompted by a brutal childhood in which he was beaten by his father, raped by an uncle and neglected by his mother. The defense had no comment Monday, and jurors left court without speaking to reporters. But alternate Lisbeth Heywood, who said she agreed with the juryʼs decision, dismissed the defense argument. “He had been a victim and he knew what it was like to be a victim. He didnʼt need to make Samantha Runnion a victim,” said Heywood, 40, who works for the
on May 2. “I miss the daily interaction with students and colleagues,” she said. “But Iʼll still keep in touch with the university.” Fleckles came to CSUF almost 24 years ago when Dean of Graduate Studies and History Professor Giles Brown hired her in October of 1981. Previously, she had been working as the assistant graduation admissions director at Wheaton College. Regarding her efficiency and moti-
vation on her new job, Brown said, “She made my job easy and she was always pleasant.” As the graduate studies director, Fleckles was not only working with and advising students - she was also helping graduate program advisers by sharing her wealth of knowledge on university policies. “Gladys did so much for and with students,” said Jeanie Weir, Flecklesʼ secretary of eight years. “Her forte was that she could sit down and talk
RUNNION 3
The County of Orange Health Care Agency unveiled its new initiative to help curb alcohol abuse among students and discussed future efforts in its first meeting on Monday. The agencyʼs Alcohol, Drug Education and Prevention Team bestowed grants to Cal State Fullerton and the University of California, Irvine to implement a plan to use a variety of methods to reduce highrisk drinking among Orange Countyʼs young adults, ages 18 to 24-yearsold. “We are all here for the common goal of keeping our students safe when it comes to alcohol abuse,” said Dean of Students Kandy Mink. The reason for obtaining the grant was initiated by various incidents that occurred on CSU campuses four years ago. These incidents included one death and one hospitalization. The campuses were concerned about the alcohol abuse, so the committee created a plan to focus on the problem. Some of the various ways they tried to seek out students was to reach them through sub-communities among first-time freshmen, the Greek Life system, athletes and resident students, said Mink. Once the schools received the grants, the Campus Community Alcohol Management Project was born. With this project, CCAMP aims to reduce access to alcohol by underage drinkers in order to result in a decline of underage students who purchase alcohol. Additionally, it aims to result in reducing the number
of students who supply alcohol to youth and the number of students who experience alcohol-related problems such as alcohol poisoning, fights, sexual assault and regret, according to a press release from UCIʼs Health Education Center. Thomas Parham, the assistant vice chancellor of Counseling and Health Services at UCI, welcomed the crowd at the meeting. He spoke about why he was interested in the program and why he felt alcohol abuse was such a huge problem among young adults. “I have known several friends who have gone through alcohol problems. I also have been a victim of a drunk driver and had to receive extensive spinal surgery,” he said. “I believe the main factor when dealing with students with substance abuse problems is to remember that they are dealing with enormous peer pressure when it comes to the consumption of alcohol.” Barbara Ryan, a senior advisor at the Center for College Health and Safety, outlined various research methods and stories from the field during the meeting. The research is used by the group to help pinpoint effective ways to make students become more aware of the alcohol-related problems on campuses. Various strategies include brief, personal interventions at student health centers, increased enforcement of minimum-age drinking laws, campaigns that correct misconceptions students have about drinking and the banning of alcohol on campus, Ryan said. “Each year, 1,400 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, while 500,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol,” Ryan said.
Gladys Heckles waves goodbye to Fullerton past Previous coworkers, faculty members pay tribute to CSUF retiree By STEFANIE FRANKLIN Daily Titan Staff
Today marks the third week of retirement for Graduate Studies Director Gladys Fleckles, since her goodbye party at Cal State Fullerton
with troubled students so that when they left, they were a lot happier than when they came in.” Fleckles developed CSUFʼs first thesis manual as a compilation of style tips and guidelines for graduate students. She also held an accompanying thesis workshop for students and presented at other seminars too. Weir said Fleckles held workshops for international grad students to help acclimate them and outline the expectations of the university.
Fleckles developed the starting blocks for the university-wide View project, which helped market the graduate program and initiated growth of new graduate programs and courses. She secured university-wide graduate orientation funding from Associated Students Inc., implemented and maintained the Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award, helped to write the proposal for non-resiFLECKLES 3
Unveiling mystery behind outdoor campus sculptures Artistic creations hidden throughout CSUF reveal stories of inspiration By APRIL MILLER Daily Titan Staff
It wasnʼt meant to become a piece of art. But the 10-foot, vanilla and chocolate topped ice cream cone, rumored to be rescued years ago from an ice cream shop near the campus, has become part of the outdoor sculpture collection at Cal State Fullerton. “Originally the ice cream was strawberry and pistachio,” said Marilyn Moore, an assistant to the art director on campus. “But [School of the Arts] Dean Jerry Samuelson liked chocolate and vanilla, so it was painted white and brown.” In addition to the ice cream sculpture, just north of the new parking structure
and south of the Titan Student Union lies a treasure of sculptures by internationally known artists. Some are tucked into alcoves and some are placed in plain sight. Some have been donated and some have been left behind by students. They have become part of the ambiance of the CSUF campus, and there is a story behind each one. Seven pyramids appeared on campus near State College Boulevard and Dorothy Lane about 30 years ago. The pyramids were built of approximately 1,000 burlap bags that were stacked six feet high and 70 feet long. Over time, the bags have disintegrated and the adobe soil in them has worn away. It was meant to disappear over time, Moore said. Now itʼs no more than a berm of dirt, which bicyclists and skateboarders try to conquer. “The Wall Gazing Gallery” by Richard Turner, appears to be a small set of bleachers half in and half out of a reflecting pond. This covered piece of art
encourages people to sit, read or relax and watch ducks swim past. “My favorite sculpture isnʼt here in the Arts Center; itʼs Michelangeloʼs ʻDavidʼ,” said Scott Hilton, a grad student who is graduating with a masterʼs in art. “I appreciate the fact that a destroyed piece of art says something about history.” The statue had been at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, but fell during the 1987 Whittier earthquake. It is now located, in all of itsʼ broken glory, north of the Education Classroom Building near the 57 Freeway. It was donated to CSUF and lies in the approximate position in which it originally fell. Near the construction of the new Performing Arts Building is “Water Wall” created by the late Professor Ray Hein. Water streams down this copper and bronze abstract sculpture, which has turned various shades of turquoise from the copper weathering. “Some of the pieces need to be cleaned
up or painted,” Moore said. Compiling a new brochure detailing the 30 pieces of art on campus would be nice, she said. The “California Carwash, 1887,” tucked behind the north side of the Visual Arts Center, is the work of Dustin Shuler, a California artist. This piece incorporates palm trees depicted in rusted metal with a flattened car hanging between them. An unknown student attached his project of a wire body hanging by his fingertips to the roof of the sculpture building. “I always loved that piece, especially at this time of year when students are hanging on,” said Jerry Samuelson, the dean of the Arts Department. Some sculptures are hard to find, but a casual stroll through corridors and buildings on campus reveals the beauty and humor of the treasure of sculptures. Just one question remains unanswered: if it were real, how many gallons of ice cream would the ice cream cone hold?
APRIL MILLER/Daily Titan
A student looks up at the wire sculpture hanging by its fingertips to the side of the sculpture department building in the Visual Arts Center.
2 Tuesday, May 17, 2005
News IN RIEF
World
NEWS
www.dailytitan.com
news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415
Today
Final rush
MAY 17, 2005
B
If you love to study so much that your diet for finals week is Starbucks and No-Doze, the Titan Student Union will be open for AllNight Study for the remainder of the semester. For more information, please call (714) 278-4219.
At least 24 Iraqis killed; 50 bodies found
Show your Fullerton pride by supporting Titans baseball at 3 p.m. at Goodwin Field. The Cal State Fullerton Titans will take on the University of San Diego Toreros.
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Mortars, bombs and drive-by gunmen killed at least 24 Iraqis, and the new government Monday vowed to capture and punish the killers of at least 50 other people found slain in the past 48 hours, charging that insurgents were trying to start open warfare between the countryʼs Shiite majority and Sunni minority. Underscoring the threat, two car bombs exploded within minutes at a mostly Shiite Baghdad market, killing at least nine soldiers and a civilian in a rash of attacks many here worry could deepen the conflict beyond the deadly insurgency against U.S. forces and their Iraqi allies.
Today is the ASI Board of Directors meeting. ASI weekly meetings are opened to the public. The Board of Directors will meet at 1:15 p.m. in the TSU Legislative Chambers I and II.
Fox apologizes for distasteful comment
MEXICO CITY – President Vicente Fox reversed course Monday and apologized for saying that Mexicans in the United States do the work that blacks wonʼt. Despite growing criticism that included a stern U.S. response, Fox had repeatedly refused to back away from the comments he made Friday, saying his remark had been misinterpreted. MEGAN DANGERMOND/Daily Titan
Nation Panel seems receptive to base-closing plan WASHINGTON – A commission charged with reviewing the Pentagonʼs proposal to close or downsize 62 major domestic military facilities sounded largely receptive as Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld testified Monday that the sweeping reorganization was vital to U.S. success in the war on terrorism. “The changes are essential in helping us win in this conflict,” the Pentagon chief said, adding that eliminating unneeded property to save money for combat capabilities was “more necessary, not less, during a time of war.”
Harman guilty on Abu Ghraib abuse
FORT HOOD, Texas – A military jury Monday convicted Spc. Sabrina Harman on all but one of the seven charges she faced for her role in abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison. A panel of four Army officers and four senior enlisted soldiers convicted Harman on one count of conspiracy to maltreat detainees, four counts of maltreating detainees and one count of dereliction of duty.
State OC lawyer sheds light on inequality SACRAMENTO – An Orange County lawmaker is trying again to make amends for a shocking but little known episode in American history _ one he discovered because he wanted a book to read on a cross-country flight. “Decade of Betrayal” tells the story of the deportation of about 2 million Hispanics, including 400,000 Californians, to Mexico between 1929 and 1944. An aide gave it to state Sen. Joe Dunn, D-Garden Grove, about four years ago and he grabbed it to read on a trip to the East Coast. “I was blown away by it,” he said in a recent interview. “It was a chapter of American history that Iʼd never ever heard a thing about. I was shocked to read about it.”
Woman commits suicide after shooting
VICTORVILLE – After allegedly trying to shoot her ex-husbandʼs girlfriend, a Mojave Desert woman apparently committed suicide by deliberately ramming her SUV into an oncoming big rig. Lalena Pacheco, 33, of Victorville allegedly took aim with a handgun in a Wal-Mart parking lot Sunday evening but didnʼt hit anyone, investigators said. The name of the person targeted wasnʼt disclosed. Trucker Randy Fischer, who wasnʼt hurt in the crash, said he attempted to avoid the sport utility vehicle but the driver maintained her head-on course. Reports compiled from The Associated Press
DAILY TITAN EDITORIAL
Executive Editor Managing Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Features Editor Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Internet Editor Production Editor Production Editor Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 News Line (714) 278-4415
Marti Longworth Ryan Townsend Ryan McKay Ashlee Andridge Niyaz Pirani Josh Diggs Kevin Metz Kym Parsons Rudy Gharib Laura Gordon Shannon Anchaleechamaikorn David Pardo Brittany Kuhn Kim Stigerts Brian Ramuno Manuel Irigoyen Theresa Vergara Tom Clanin Editorial Fax (714) 278-4473 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com
ADVERTISING
Advertising Sales Director Asst. Advertising Sales Director Classified Manager Promotions Ad Production Manager Ad Production Designer Ad Production Designer Ad Production Designer Ad Production Designer National Sales Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Jr. Account Executive Jr. Account Executive Distribution Distribution Business Manager/Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 Advertising (714) 278-4411
Kevin Cook Can Sengezer Emily Alford Jackie Kimmel Seeson Mahathavorn Keith Hansen Theresa Vergara Eric Shih Yiyi Sun Maria Petersson Lesley Wu Jessica Leventhal Rick Leon Vanessa Rumbles Kimberly Leung Derrick Salatnay Rich Boyd Santana Ramos Robert Sage Advertising Fax (714) 278-2702 E-mail: ads@dailytitan.com
The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSUF System. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free. Copyright ©2005 Daily Titan
Students walk past a mural that blocks view of the construction of the new Performing Arts Building on campus Tuesday afternoon. Final exams begin next Monday.
Did you
KNOW?
Parisian cook murdered by Internet acquaintence PARIS - A cook at a Paris childrenʼs hospital was killed in a sword attack Saturday evening by a man he met on the Internet, police sources said Sunday. The fatal attack took place inside the Necker hospital, after a disagreement between the 34 yearold victim, who has not yet been named, and his attacker. “He stabbed him. The security team and one of his colleagues tried to intervene, but were unable to do anything,” Isabelle Lesage, director of the hospital, told Reuters. The attack was carried out with a short Japanese sword, known as a “katana,” a police source said. “The cook suffered one or more sword blows, particularly in the area of the carotid (artery), which caused a quick death,” a police spokesman said. A police source said the attacker, a male in his 50s, then went to a police station with the weapon, and told police he had just killed
someone. Police said he had been examined by psychiatrists but appeared to be of sound mind. Wild deer discovered “shopping” at Wal-Mart NORFOLK, Neb. - So exactly how do you stop a charging deer in Wal-Mart? You take away its credit card. Shoppers at the Wal-Mart here wish they would have thought of that. It would have been a whole lot easier. A deer without a grocery list entered through the doors of the supermarket part of the store Thursday. The storeʼs greeter didnʼt see the deer enter through the exit, but she did see the critter when it hit the slick floor and fell. It quickly recovered and went scurrying down the aisles. After doing a little looking around, the deer was tackled by a customer. Others of the human persuasion then tied the deerʼs legs so it couldnʼt kick, placed it in a shopping cart and pushed it outside. Officials took the animal to nearby Ta-ha-zouka Park and released it. Compiled from Reuters and The Associated Press
Sound
BITES
“I think I would have realized if something like that was happening to me, whether I was asleep or not.” -Macaulay Culkin, testifying in the Michael Jackson trial that he was not sexually abused. “What message are we sending [when] we have sought to appoint an ambassador to the United Nations who himself has been accused of being arrogant, of not listening to his friends, of acting unilaterally, of bullying those who do not have the ability to properly defend themselves?” -Senator George Voinovich, the pivotal Ohio Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, explaining why he plans to vote against the confirmation of John R. Bolton as U.N. ambassador. “We were agreeing so much with each other, I think people thought, “The end is near.ʼ” -Senator Hillary Clinton, Democrat of New York, after a meeting with former foe Newt Gingrich about healthcare reform. Compiled from Time Magazine
Itʼs all about art appreciation in the Titan Student Union as two students feature some of their work in an art display in the Atrium Gallery. Ryan Ross and Anita Sinclair will have some of their sculptures pieces on display. The display will be up until the end of May and for more information, please call (714) 278 – 3915. Head out to a Drop-In Fitness class tonight. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the Cardio Funk class will be going on in KHS 203. At the same time, there will be a Yoga class in KHS 264. And at 6:30 p.m. students can get a kickboxing workout in KHS 203. All classes are free to CSUF students with a valid ID. Rec Members may purchase a pass at the Rec Office for $60 a semester. The “Fall of Empire” exhibit will be on display today in the Main Art Gallery of the Visual Arts Building from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibit features a glass installation by Einar and Jamex de la Torre. The Geography Club will be meeting at noon in room 422 of the Humanities Building. All events are free and on campus unless otherwise indicated. If you would like to have a specific entry put in the calendar section, please send an e-mail to news@dailytitan.com.
Weather
FORECAST
Tuesday, May 17 Partly Cloudy Low 57°
74°
Wednesday, May 18 Sunny Low 64°
79°
Thursday, May 19 Partly Cloudy Low 63°
82°
Compiled from The Weather Channel
NEWS
Daily Titan
FLECKLES
Tuesday, May 17, 2005 3
news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415 from page 1
dent graduate student tuition waivers and assisted in authoring a grant for underrepresented minority graduate students. Additionally, she secured a partnership with Kaiser Permanente for the universityʼs Nurse Anesthetist Program and edited the CSUF catalog of classes. She also assisted in the development of coordinating the catalog Web site. Fleckles attested to her responsibility jokingly at an Academic Senate meeting tribute. “Most people, once they hit 50 or so, count down the years at CSUF to retirement,” Fleckles explained. “I counted catalogs.” Another of Flecklesʼ favorite programs was the nursing program, which involved working with Kaiser to establish a university partnership. “There were interesting dynamics to figure out, but I enjoyed it like putting together a big puzzle,” she said. Dr. Christine Latham, the chair and a professor of nursing, worked with Fleckles on establishing the anesthe-
tist program. The program, she said, brought five full-time nursing professors to CSUF, which are paid for by Kaiser. Kaiser chose to begin a nursing partnership with CSUF after coming from Cal State Long Beach, and after considering UCLA. Gladys was instrumental in the relationship by communicating the program guidelines with her knowledge of university rules and regulations, Latham said. “Her demeanor was so positive working with the team,” Latham said. “She helped us move forward to forge a valuable and revenue-generating partnership with Kaiser.” At an Academic Senate meeting on April 28, Fleckles was honored with a plaque by Senate Chair Jack Bedell, which outlined all of her accomplishments at CSUF. Bedell noted that Fleckles was an invaluable asset to the senate and President Milton A. Gordon characterized her as “good people.” In addition to the plaque, Fleckles was presented with a brass CSUF and Academic Senate key chain for her work on programs that brought
national recognition to CSUF. “The extent of the Academic Senate tribute surprised me,” Fleckles said. “And on the following Monday, President Gordon granted me Emeritus status.” The transition to retirement proved gentle as she worked part-time over the last year before officially retiring on April 14. “I look forward to not having the pressure and responsibility of the job, but Iʼm still going to miss it,” she said. “Graduate studies is like my baby, and now I have to give it up for adoption.” But thatʼs what happens when you leave, Fleckles said. And sheʼll be content to play a sort of grandmother role now, in which she still gets to be part of the program, but is no longer responsible for it, she said. In retirement, Fleckles intends to write and speak on her favorite author, C. S. Lewis. Students may even see her on campus every so often. “Developing people is my passion and CSUF gave me the platform to do that,” Fleckles said. “Iʼm grateful for that, and can look back at all the memories.”
RUNNION
from page 1
federal government. Prosecutor David Brent praised what he called a “serious, no-nonsense” jury. “I always felt like the truth would win out,” he said. Brent, displaying photos of a smiling Samantha to buttress his argument, had reminded jurors of the “horrendous” nature of the crime and its effect on the girlʼs family. “Itʼs just as bad a crime as any human can commit,” he said. During the trial, prosecutors
QURAN
from page 1
roborating the charges. However, on May 13, a top Pentagon spokesman told the magazine that a review of the militaryʼs investigation concluded “it was never meant to look into charges of Quran desecration.” The spokesman also said the Pentagon had investigated other desecration charges by detainees and found them ʻnot credible.ʼ Whitaker added that the magazineʼs original source later said he could not be sure he read about the alleged Quran incident in the report Newsweek cited, and that it might have been in another document. “Top administration officials have promised to continue looking into the charges, and so will we,” Whitaker wrote. Newsweek Washington Bureau Chief Daniel Klaidman said the magazine believes it erred in reporting the allegation that a prison guard tried to flush the Quran down a toilet and that military investigators had confirmed the accusation. “The issue here is to get the truth out, to acknowledge as quickly as possible what happened, and thatʼs what weʼre trying to do,” Klaidman told the “CBS Evening News” on
used cell phone and bank records to link Avila to the crime. A friend of Samanthaʼs also gave police a description of Samanthaʼs abductor that produced a police sketch resembling Avila. Also, prosecutors said his DNA was under her fingernails, and sneaker prints and tire tracks found near the girlʼs body were connected to the defendant. Samanthaʼs DNA was found on the inside of the door of Avilaʼs car, probably from tears or mucus, prosecutors said. During the trial, the defense challenged the accuracy of the DNA analysis and collection methods
and suggested that the material found inside Avilaʼs car had been planted. Samantha was abducted from outside her Stanton home July 15, 2002. Her nude body was found the following day in mountains some 50 miles away, left on the ground as if it had been posed. After Samanthaʼs death, thenGov. Gray Davis ordered a statewide expansion of child abduction alerts posted on electronic billboards along freeways. So many were moved by the young girlʼs murder that more than 4,000 people attended her funeral.
May 15. Many of the 520 inmates at Guantanamo are Muslims arrested during the U.S.-led war against the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies in Afghanistan. In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the original story was “demonstrably false” and “irresponsible,” and “had significant consequences that reverberated throughout Muslim communities around the world.” “Newsweek hid behind anonymous sources, which by their own admission do not withstand scrutiny,” Whitman said. “Unfortunately, they cannot retract the damage they have done to this nation or those that were viciously attacked by those false allegations.” After Newsweek published the story, demonstrations spread across Afghanistan and Muslims around the world decried the alleged desecration. In Afghanistan, Islamic scholars and tribal elders called for the punishment of anyone found to have abused the Quran, said Maulawi Abdul Wali Arshad, head of the religious affairs department in Badakhshan province. Arshad and the provincial police chief said the scholars met in Faizabad, 310 miles northeast of the capital, Kabul, and demanded
a “reaction” from U.S. authorities within three days. Lebanonʼs most senior Shiite Muslim cleric said May 15 the reported desecration of the Quran is part of an American campaign aimed at disrespecting and smearing Islam. In a statement faxed to The Associated Press, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah called the alleged desecration a “brutal” form of torture and urged Muslims and international human rights organizations “to raise their voices loudly against the American behavior.” On May 14, Pakistanʼs President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, both allies of Washington, demanded an investigation and punishment for those behind the reported desecration of the Quran. The story also sparked protests in Pakistan, Yemen and the Gaza Strip. The 22-nation Arab League issued a statement saying if the allegations panned out, Washington should apologize to Muslims. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley said in an interview for CNNʼs “Late Edition” that the allegations were being investigated “vigorously.” “If it turns out to be true, obviously we will take action against those responsible,” he said.
www.dailytitan.com
4
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
NEWS
www.dailytitan.com
news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415
Fraternity president Graduation: awarded internship to streak or Matthew Della Mora selected from national leadership competition By STEPHANIE PARK For the Daily Titan
Phi Kappa Tau, Gamma Omicron Chapter President Matthew Della Mora won a competitive internship with his national fraternityʼs Leadership Academy, which will take place from July 10-17. As one of only five people selected in the nation, Della Mora will serve fraternity members attending the five-day Leadership Academy by teaching leadership skills and character development in Oxford, Ohio, at Phi Kappa Tau headquarters. Kyle Bjorback from the Alpha Pi chapter at the University of Washington, David Haney from the Theta chapter at the Transylvania University in Kentucky, Dave Hoffman from the Epsilon Omega chapter at Shepherd University in West Virginia and Steven Lerer from the Epsilon Kappa chapter at Rutgers University in New Jersey were also selected for the internship. Megan Vadnais, the director of educational programs for the fraternity, said the Leadership Academy is the primary leadership event. “We expect 300 students to come,” she said. “The Leadership Academy is what sets our fraternity apart from all the [other] Greek organizations.” The Leadership Academy is held every other year and it lasts a week. Interns spend two days working with logistics and the remaining
five days working with students. Della Mora and friend Jorge Olveda, who both grew up in Salinas, Calif., became members of Phi Kappa Tau in the fall of 2003 after they transferred to Cal State Fullerton. Della Mora and Olveda had big dreams of college life in Southern California. Della Mora said he and Olveda thought they would get jobs and live on campus. “CSUF [is] a commuter campus and it [isnʼt] like that at all,” Della Mora said. Della Mora quickly became a part of his fraternityʼs leadership and currently lives at the Barn, the fraternityʼs house located on the corner of St. College and Yorba Linda boulevards. The fraternity, although a lot of fun and games, holds a long tradition of generosity. Della Mora organized a Monte Carlo night this past fall, which raised $1,500 for their national philanthropy group, Hole-In-The-Wall camp. As for his leadership ability, both Olveda and fraternity brother Bassio Boulus agreed Della Mora is the best leader theyʼve seen in the past four years. “He provides motivation for anyone, heʼs willing to help anyone out.” Olveda said. “If he says heʼs going to do something, then you know it will get done.” Boulus shares Olvedaʼs sentiments. He added that Della Mora is a good leader and listener. “He tends to get a little paranoid in tense situations, but he wonʼt take it out on you,” Boulus said. “Iʼve seen four presidents. I can say heʼs one of the best.” Boulus knows all about the Leadership Academy from personal experience. “I went two years ago to the Leadership Academy as a student, so I know that being an intern is really an honor,” Boulus said. “Itʼs a great opportunity.” Although he has never attended, Olveda also knows what the honor of the internship means to the chapter as a whole. “Itʼll put us on the national map,” Olveda said. “They know weʼre not just here to party, weʼre striving to
improve our house.” The Fullerton chapter of Phi Kappa Tau appears to be a closeknit group. Many of the members are living at the Barn, working at the Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney and studying for business degrees. Della Mora originally applied to be a character coach at the Leadership Academy, but because there were no more positions available, Vadnais asked him if he was interested in applying for an internship position. Winning the internship didnʼt appear to be on Della Moraʼs mind when he said, “Sure, put my application into that one.” Following several telephone interviews with Phi Kappa Tau leaders, Della Mora was told that they would get back to him in a week, but Vadnais called the same day with the news that the internship was his. “Iʼm hoping [the internship] is going to show me how to define my leadership skills more; I want to get as much out of it as I can,” Della Mora said. As for what heʼll actually be doing, Della Mora said, “I have general ideas, but nothing specific. Iʼll be coordinating and implementing policies.” In the little time he does find to have fun, Della Mora enjoys knee boarding, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. “When Iʼm driving around, I mostly listen to R&B, rap or alternative. My favorite groups are A.F.I., Linkin Park and Yellowcard,” Della Mora said. “Late at night, I like to play video games and watch movies.” As for his plans for the future, Della Mora plans use his leadership skills and put his business degree to work. “Iʼd like to get into importing and exporting. Itʼs the most fun class for me right now,” Della Mora said. “I really donʼt know. Iʼll probably hang on to the Rainforest job until I find a different one. I think it would be cool to work for a big company, but Iʼm not sure I want to stay here in Southern California.”
not to streak ManiaTV.com offers students $5,000 trip, police advise against By LISA VERGARA For the Daily Titan
Nothing completes student graduation like flowers and picture-taking sessions with family members … and some students at Cal State Fullerton may even witness a streaker or two. The Internet-based www. ManiaTV.com is hosting its “National Co-Ed Streak-a-thon,” June 20-25. In celebration of the event, until May 31, a $5,000 trip to Vegas will be awarded to the streaker and the friends who record the streaking. Mania TV established a point system and whoever has the most points will win. Some of the points awarded include: 50 points for screaming “ManiaTV made me do it!” in the video. Forty points will be awarded to someone who runs across a college graduation stage in the buff, 30 points for getting mentioned in the schoolʼs newspaper, and 25 points for footage of being hassled by security. Robert Palmer, the vice president of student affairs said the $5,000 would most likely go to lawyer fees. “Itʼs unfortunate and irresponsible on those who choose to do such and act,” Palmer said. “Some people think itʼs funny and innocent. I donʼt share those thoughts. Graduation is a very special time in the lives of students, their families, faculty and staff, with the combination of long hard work.” Some students have mixed feelings about the streaking contest. Courtney Martin, a soon-to-be graduating senior liberal studies major, feels a streaker wouldnʼt ruin her graduation, though it would be a
memorable event. “If it happens at my graduation, my first reaction would be to laugh, but at the same time be serious and reflect that itʼs my graduation. It should be taken seriously,” Martin said. Brett Meyer, a junior film major, said if the prize was $5,000 cash, he would do it. “For $5,000 in prizes for a trip to Vegas, Iʼm not a big advocate of Vegas, but maybe I would,” Meyer said. “Five-thousand dollars can come and go, but for a reputation at risk? Maybe.” Meyer said, however, he would not be offended if there was streaking at the graduation. “I donʼt think itʼs very drastic in itself,” he said. “Itʼs only drastic because people tend to base things around it to make it drastic. To me, itʼs the human body and is no big deal. Society takes a looking-downit approach and I donʼt really agree with that. Nakedness is pureness.” Lt. Will Glen of University Police said getting naked is also a violation of penal code 314. Glen said this code states that, “every person who willfully and lewdly, either exposes their private parts in any public place or in any place where there are present other persons to be offended or annoyed thereby; or assists any person to expose themselves in public view, such as offensive to decency or is adapted to excite to vicious or lewd thoughts or acts, is guilty of a misdemeanor.” Glen also said a citation will be given to the violator to appear in court. If convicted by the court, they may be titled as a sex offender. As far as the school system is concerned, authorities said streaking at graduation will be taken seriously. Penalties can be sought out in a wide variety, from being reprimanded to possible expulsion. In this case, some students may decide to sit down and enjoy the commencement and plan a trip to Vegas later.