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VOL. 114 ISSUE 17
Delegates visit China
Program is to “promote world peace in an individual level and encourages citizens to better understand community by contrasting their way of life with another culture.” The city’s connection to Rugao emerged as Bing Energy International’s decision to relocate its headquarters to the area. The company also has a facility in Rugao. A total of eight delegates took part on the trade mission to Rugao alongside Marks to promote the city’s economic, academic and research development. During the visit, the trade mission found significant opportunities for increased Special to The Famuan commerce between Rugao and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks gets interviewed by a Chinese reporter in Rugao during last week’s Tallahassee businesses. trade mission. “The Tallahassee Trade Jannina Spates spent last week in Rugao, China Chen as well as Daojian Wu, the Mission to Rugao, China Staff Writer signing a Sister City agreement vice mayor of Rugao, to sign a Accomplishments and Ongoing with Secretary Huijuan Chen, proclamation making the Sister Initiatives Report,” outlined how Tallahassee Mayor John the highest-ranking official in City status official between Rugao and the Yangtze River Rugao and Tallahassee. Marks, along with area state, the city. The goal of the Sister Cities Last Wednesday, Marks joined local and university officials, China 3
spends week City bus service honored Student in Washington, D.C.
File Photo StarMetro was recognized by the Florida Public Transportation Association for its improved safety record.
Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Deputy News Editor StarMetro has recently received numerous awards from the Florida Public Transportation Association and the American Public Transportation Association
for safety and marketing. StarMetro was honored at the 2011 FPTA annual conference with two first place awards for “Most Improved Safety” and “Overall Safety Record.” For the Overall Safety Record, the FPTA examines the accident reports per 10,000 miles for the previous fiscal
The Florida Board of Governors recommended the University of Florida rework its proposal to expand its dental program with Florida A&M and make it less costly for resubmission in January. The proposed expansion would cost $6 million in recurring fees by the fourth year of operation.
A public meeting will be held to discuss the available options for the renovation and reuse of the old electric building located in Cascades Park. The meeting will be Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center in the second floor conference room.
DETROIT (AP) - Police in suburban Detroit mistakenly arrested the head of a popular Arab-American cultural center and held him overnight in jail, believing he was a man charged in a conspiracy to funnel money to Hezbollah from the sale of stolen and counterfeit goods.
Lifestyles pg.4 This past weekend Lee Hall Auditorium was seneraded with the sounds of the Munich Symphony Orchestra. Fans of all walks of life watched conductor Maestro Philippe Entremont, who has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall as the top international pianist.
Sports pg.6 Lavante Page added his 13th and 14th touchdowns of the season in Saturday’s 31-10 victory over North Carolina Central. The team extended its win streak to four games. The team will face Bethune-Cookman University in its next battle to determine who will finish second in the conference.
year, according to Heather Teter, Marketing Specialist for StarMetro. “They [StarMetro] are very safe and very helpful with students like me who are from out of state,” said Victoria Hawkins, first-year biology student from Hampton, Va. “They deserve it.”
StarMetro 3
Phase II of Gaines revitalization begins Tamickqa Johnson Correspondent The Tallahassee City Commission has approved the beginning of phase II of the Gaines Street Revitalization Plan. The city’s Director of Public Works Gabriel Menendez said the phase II construction covers the improvements between Macomb Street and Stone Valley Way. “It will basically reconstruct that portion of Gaines Street to match what we have already done in Phase I between Macomb and Monroe,” Menendez said. “The project will take the industrial look [on Gaines Street] that you have now and make it more of a pedestrianfriendly environment.” The new renovations will include a new curb and gutter sidewalks, pavement, asphalt, landscaping, reconstruction of underground duct banks, retaining
walls, crosswalks and streetlights. Menendez said the commission approved the award to Allen’s Excavation, an incorporated contractor. “At this point we will take that approval, finalize the contract with Allen, and move into the phase construction,” Menendez said. “My anticipation is that we will be able to start construction just after the first of the year, and it should take about 12 to 18 months to get that construction completed.” The budget for Segment II is $6.8 million, and the funds available for Segment III are $1 million. The second phase will not be the final phase to Tallahassee’s new look. “Phase III is the final phase of Gaines Street, which runs from Lake Bradford to Stone Valley Way. It includes intersection improvements and so on,”
FAMU WAY 4
Special toThe Famuan Reamonn Soto was selected to attend the White House Community Leaders Briefing Series.
Latoya Chambliss Staff Writer Florida A&M student Reamonn Soto was been invited to the White House to participate in the White House Community Leaders Briefing Series on Nov. 10 for Florida Leaders. The series is an opportunity for grassroots leaders to come to Washington to hear directly from White House officials on issues that are affecting communities across the country. They will also have an opportunity to learn more about Presidents Barack Obama’s priorities and initiatives from the people that work on them every day. Soto said he expects to talk with White House officials about programs Obama has implemented that communities don’t know about. “Understanding these programs and learning from the other community leaders across the state of Florida will make me more aware of the issues,” said Soto, a physics student from Tallahassee. “I hope to return to Florida with an arsenal of information on programs to help meet challenges
citizens are facing with governmental solutions.” The meeting will benefit both the participants as well as administrators. Administrators will learn what is going on in cities and towns across the country directly from the experts – the grassroots leaders. Soto said the highlight of his trip won’t be what others are expecting. “Although, many are looking forward to meeting President Obama, I look forward to learning more about the issues from the communities that have not been heard in popular political conversation,” Soto said. Participants are local leaders who are involved in their cities and towns at the grassroots level – in their neighborhoods, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, environmental groups, activist and advocacy groups. They each have a common goal, which is to continuously improve their communities. Soto plans to make FAMU a topic of concern. “FAMU is who I am,” said Soto.
Latoya Chambliss famuannews@gmail.com
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Events and Announcements Announcements November 2011 The Social Work Association of Graduate Students (SWAGS) is in the process of collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to make baskets to hand out to those in need in the communities surrounding Florida A&M’s campus. Bins have been placed at the following locations: In Tucker Hall on the1st floor, in the SBI Building on the 1st floor, the Social Work Building on the 3rd floor, in Foote-Hilyer on the 1st floor, the Pharmacy Building and in the library by the snack room. Items will be collected until Nov. 18. The FAMU Electoral Commission has an open position for Precinct Supervisor. To receive an application, send a request to the FAMU Electoral Commission’s email at famuec2011@gmail. com. The applications are due by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Any questions related to this position can be directed to the same email mentioned previously. Her Campus Florida A&M is looking for writers, photogra-
phers, models, videographers and new members. Applicants don’t have to be writers to be part of HC FAMU. Applicants must be for new, fresh, bright and unique ideas. For more information contact the Campus Correspondent, Itopia Mills, at itopiamills@hercampus. com. The “Show N Tell” event at Walker-Ford Community Center has been postponed until further notice. For more information please call/ text 352-874-1186.
2. If found guilty, students have the right to appeal and go before the SGA Traffic court. 3. If the SGA Traffic court finds the student guilty, they can appeal at level 4. A decision will then be made by student parking services.
Classifieds Housing
The Student National Alumni Association along with the Campus Activity Board are hosting a dorm canned food drive from Oct. 21 until Nov. 16. The dorm that donates the most cans wins a dorm lobby make over. Boxes have been placed in the lobbies of each dorm facility. For more information please email famu.snaa@gmail.com
Looking for a non-smoking female roommate to share 3/br/3bth condo. It is walking distance to FAMU. The roommate would share the living room, kitchen and utilities. Rent includes cable, internet access and water. The apartment is furnished and costs $450. It can be seen upon request. For more information, contact Lois at 813-503-6412.
Have you received a ticket that you felt was unjust? Know your rights, with these easy tips:
Employment
1. Students have five days after receiving a ticket to appeal with Student Parking.
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To place an announcement in the Calendar, email your submission to famuancalendar@gmail. com at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number and email address is required to correspond with the individual submitting announcements. If you do not desire that number to be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
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3.news
Organization builds more habitats Marie Eustache Staff Writer The Big Bend chapter of the Habitat for Humanity is continuing its mission of providing safe housing for the area’s low-income residents. Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating homelessness and substandard housing, is building two homes for two Tallahassee families. The organization built 29 houses in Leon County and surrounding areas from 2005-2010. “I think that the work they’re doing is really great, Habitat has shown that it cares about the future of our community,” said Sandy Jean Pierre, a fourthyear criminal justice student from Fort Lauderdale. Every year, Florida A&M’s Habitat for Humanity chapter assists Florida State in building a house through volunteer work. On Sep. 17, Habitat held the groundbreaking ceremony for
FAMU Way said Menendez. “The million dollar balance that is still in the program for that phase was efficient. We believe it is at this point, but we couldn’t provide any more details because there are just
Star Metro For FPTA, an accident is any collision that causes $25,000 in damages or if someone involved in the accident dies. For FY2009-2010, StarMetro had no reported accidents. StarMetro also received third place for “Top Mechanic Award.” “For the past six years, we have consistently placed in the maintenance category,” said Ron Garrison, executive director of StarMetro, in a press release dated Nov. 8. “In fact, we’ve placed every year except one.” StarMetro was also the
FL teacher fired for refusing peer evaluation
the home being built for Betty Kendrick. The organization is partnering with Hopping Green and Sam’s, a local law firm specializing in environmental and landuse law, to build the Kendrick family a home. Faith Build, in partnership with Cheryl Jackson, is also working to build the Kendrick’s home. The houses are expected to be completed by the beginning of 2012. Both homes are being built in the Mabry Oaks neighborhood in Tallahassee. “It is rewarding to know that we are helping people who would not otherwise be able to purchase a home,” said Karen Nixon, the business manager for the organization. Habitiat for Humanity has built 400,000 homes and served over 2 million people since its founding in 1976. It has two headquarters locate in Americus, Ga., and Atlanta.
Marie Eustache
famuannews@gmail.com
Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A veteran high school teacher has been suspended after refusing to schedule a peer observation as part of a Gates-funded initiative to change how public school teachers are evaluated in Hillsborough County. The St. Petersburg Times reports Joseph Thomas rejected the observation because he felt the evaluator was not qualified to judge him. Thomas, a social studies teacher with 18 years of experience, said the new system is demoralizing and highly subjective. He noted his peer evaluator teaches elementary and sixth grade, while he teaches high school. The district says evaluators undergo extensive training. The Gates Foundation is providing Hillsborough County School District $100 million over seven years to provide teachers with mentoring, professional development, and other opportunities aimed at improving student performance. Special to The Famuan The Tallahassee Chapter of the Habitat for Humanity continues to build homes for the area’s most needy residents.
Associated Press
too many moving parts.” The third phase of the project is the section of Gaines Street that is adjacent to the new College Town development. The development includes the intersection improvements on Stadium Drive at the intersection of Lake Bradford and Gaines.
College Town is said to become a link between downtown and FSU’s campus, according to a 2010 FSU news release. The new development will also be adjacent to the new intersection of FAMU Way and Lake Bradford Road. Menendez said there is a lot of private work construction
happening in the area, as well as the ongoing public effort to revitalize the area. He said with all the changing parts of the Gaines Street project as a whole, he cannot be sure what the final product will look like. “We do know that it is going to enhance the aesthetics
there, and tie into and match what we have proposed now in Phase II in terms of the pedestrian amenities and beautification,” said Menendez.
recipient for two secondplace awards in “Electronic Media-Other” and “Electronic Media-Radio” as well as third place in the “Instructional Information” category. The “Electronic MediaOther” award was for seven webisodes posted online that educated the public about the new routes, how to make parallel and perpendicular transfers and how to stay safe. These webisodes are still on the website. Nationally, StarMetro was awarded first place in the “Print Media/Schedule” category for the revamping of the Ride Guide. Opposed
to the cumbersome, fold-out map that shows all routes and times at once, the Ride Guide is now a booklet that opens twice revealing four distinct panels. In these panels are individual timetables and routes, making it easier for the StarMetro patron to pick the right bus. “That is the award I am most proud of because that puts StarMetro in the national spotlight,” said Teter. “First place in a national competition is very, very good and shows what we can do for StarMetro with our marketing. All of the awards came from the campaign for the new system.” Some StarMetro patrons still
find the route system to be too complicated, while others believe the marketing of the new route helped patrons understand the routes. “A lot of people I know think the routing system is off,” said Ashley Johnson, a firstyear pre-nursing student from Orlando. “You have to take three different buses to get to one place and then you have to take a completely different route to get back to where you were originally.” Hawkins disagreed, and said riding the bus and finding her routes has been easier since the new system was implemented. “It is easier to find the time
how they have it laid out. I know for me the biggest thing is finding out the time the bus is coming,” said Hawkins. The StarMetro paratransit division also received three second-place awards at the 19th annual Transportation Disadvantaged Best Practices and Training Workshop. The awards were for “Innovations of the Year,” “Dispatch Scheduler of the Year” and “Urban Coordinator of the Year.”
China Delta region are particularly interested in green technology and sustainable business practices. There are newly emerging and continuing opportunities for research and academic alliances between Florida State, Florida A&M, Tallahassee Community College and Chinese universities. “The trade mission to Rugao laid the groundwork for increased economic development and academic partnerships between Tallahassee and Rugao,” Marks said in a press release.
We’ve identified exciting new opportunities for Tallahassee’s businesses and higher education institutions, which will lead to benefits for the entire communit.” On Nov. 11, the delegates and Marks met with the Tallahassee City Commission to outline the progress and accomplishments of the Sister City Partnership. The Tallahassee and Rugao, as reported in the press release, have partnered with the Rugao Economic Development Zone Management Committee on renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, research,
engineering and information technology. This will also encompass opportunities in workforce development, commercialization of research and new business formation. A Sister City agreement is formalized when two communities from different nations join together to develop a friendly and meaningful relationship.
Tamickqa Johnson famuannews@gmail.com
Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez famuannews@gmail.com
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New School to expand on environmental programs Shari Baron Correpondent
This summer, Lorielle Jackson walked across the stage in the Al Lawson Center as the first graduate of The School of The Environment. Florida A&M’s former Environmental Science Institute was known for its research and is the largest producer of black doctorates in the environmental sciences. In July 2011, the institute underwent a name-change from The Environmental Science Institute to The School of the Environment. However, the documents supporting this name change weren’t drafted until recently. “The School of the Environment is arguably one the most productive schools on campus in terms of funding for research,
Special to The Famuan
providing full scholarships and internships to students and also in graduating students with Ph.D.s,” said Jackson. Richard Schulterbrandt Gragg, associate director and professor in the former ESI, said he hopes the name change will put FAMU’s environmental programs on par with others nationally. “The school has been a goal
since I began with the institute in 1994,” said Gragg. “The program is put on an equal footing with other environmental schools, creating more collaboration, new faculty and opportunities.”
Shari Baron
famuannews@gmail.com
No Films Showing Today Tue - Thu Monday thru Thursday showtime after 3pm College student Thursday $2 tickets with student ID.
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4.LifeStyles
A classical performance
J.L. Evans/The Famuan The Munich Symphony Orchestra performed Saturday night in Lee Hall as a part of FAMU’s Lyceum series.
Lechelle Powell Correspondent The crowd was slim, but the music radiated through the auditorium in lee hall. The Munich Symphony Orchestra is a collection of 55. Florida A&M’s Lyceum Series presented The Munich Symphony, featuring Philippe Entremont as their last event of the fall semester. The event started at 7:30 p.m.
with an introduction from Shelby Chipman, the associate professor and associate director of bands at FAMU. He greeted and welcomed the crowd with assurance that the night will be filled with surprises. The orchestra began with “Mozart Sernade No.6 in D major,” written by Famous European Cmposer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, under the direction of Entremont, a wellknown conductor and piano soloist.
“I generally had no favorite piece to perform,” said Entremont. “Everything they performed I liked.” “Like a Chef in a kitchen you hope that it will be pleasing for the audience and communicates what someone else has written,” Entremont said. Wolfgang Simons, the orchestra’s management, said preparing is what they did the most of the time. “Most of the musicians practice during their leisure
time in the hotel,” said Simons. “They were effective and focused. Some nights there was only enough time for thirty minutes stage rehearsal.” The orchestra then played “Piano Concerto No.12 in a major K.414” which was composed by Mozart in 1782. Jamon Green, a fifth-year music education student from Orlando, said the crowd’s reaction was definitely in the musicians favor. “I felt as though the musicians were well-rehearsed,” said Green. “The seriousness of the music chosen made a great performance. The last piece kept the audience in tune. The selection was called Verkalarte Nacht, meaning (Transfigured Night), and was composed in 1899 by Arnold Schoenberg.
Theatre director’s guidance comes from growing pains Anthony Bivins Correspondent Students and faculty came in droves to support fellow Florida A&M theatre professor Marci Duncan as she directed Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters this weekend. Duncan was born in Rivera Beach, and moved to Tallahassee when she was in the fourth grade with her three siblings. She graduated from Rickards High School and is a FAMU alumna, class of 2001. “Growing up, I would always tell my mother I wanted to be a superstar,” Duncan said. While attending FAMU, Duncan would participate every semester in a show produced by the Essential Theatre. Some of her lead roles were in “Pretty Fire,” “Tambourines to Glory,” “Dearly Departed, “The Mighty Gents,” “Medea” and “Colored Museum.” Duncan’s senior year of college, she got pregnant, but strived to maintain the balance between family and work. `I would look in the mirror all the time and just think, I did not fit the Hollywood standard of what a woman should look like and how a woman should act,` said Duncan Duncan finished graduate school at the University of Florida with a master’s degree in theatre. Her son motivated her to attend graduate school, she said. Duncan has worked with Fantasia Barrino and Debbie Allen on “Life is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story” and was the mother of a young aspiring hip-hop rapper in “Just Another Day 2010.” She has
Isaac Carter, a fourth-year music industry student from Tampa, said the night was filled with various emotions. “The Musical Selection was very dynamic and it felt as though you were in the middle of a film score recording,” said Carter. “You can vividly paint the picture in your mind of the incredible movie presented through sound. Powerful, emotional, romantic, heroic and scary, the selection touches on every single musical emotion of the human mind”. The orchestra has performed in Arkansas, Kansas, North Carolina and Florida. The program began Oct. 8 and played two weeks from Arizona to California.
Town Hall meeting will allow residents to rank StarMetro Mhisha Compere Correspondent
Keenan Doanes/The Famuan Marci Duncan, a theatre professor and FAMU alumna, directed the Essential Theatre’s production of “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.”
also been invited to join the Screen Actors Guild, and several other professional actor unions. “You won’t find many professors like Mrs. Duncan,” Da’Nita Davis, a third-year theatre student. “You can tell she really cares and she is extremely passionate about her job and students. Some professors don’t even like talking to their students during office hours. FAMU is lucky to have her.” Duncan said she encourages her students to follow their dreams and know their career goals early. It is never too late, she said, to pursue a dream. “I would like to own an acting
studio which offers smaller oneon-one specialty classes that teach people how to audition and work on stage,” said Duncan. James Webb, a FAMU alumnus, playwright of “Black Widow” and a long-time friend, said Duncan has always been a leader, teacher and inspirational coach. Webb said she inspires him to continue to work on himself. “Mrs. Duncan has always been a very hard worker, disciplined and devoted to the craft of acting,” he said. “She is like a flower that continues to blossom and bloom.”
Lechelle Powell
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
In addition to local men and women using StarMetro to get to work and run their everyday errands, the bus system is also used by thousands of college students. Students will have the opportunity to attend a town hall meeting discussing Tallahassee’s public transportation system. Florida A&M’s Department of Social Work and Social Work Association of Graduate Students (SWAGS) will meet with a guest panel of city and county officials, StarMetro officials and other community leaders to acknowledge criticisms. The town hall meeting will be open to the public. Members of the community will have the opportunity to express their concerns and comments about the transportation system. The changes in the bus routes and schedules that went into effect over
the summer have received more negative feedback than positive, according to a survey conducted by social work graduate students. “I like that the time it takes to get to your destination is shorter and that we don’t have to wait at the bus terminal anymore, but the bus drivers make random stops at gas stations since they don’t have breaks between routes at the terminal anymore,” Milca Joseph, a second-year political science student from Miami, said. “The wait time is a lot longer than it used to be. The buses are always late and they’re always packed.” The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16. From 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. at the SmithWilliams Service Center at 2295 Pasco Street. For more information, call 850-599-3830.
Mhisha Compere
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Early help comes for families
Anthony Bivins
famuanlifestyles@gmail.com
Special to The Famuan For full coverage on Bethel’s basket giveaway, visit thefamuanonline.com.
Keenan Doanes/The Famuan ‘Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters’ was shown in FAMU’s Essential Theatre from Wednesday Nov. 9 to Saturday Nov. 12. The production was based off a book by John Steptoe.
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Let’s bring the sexy back D.A. Robin Multimedia Editor In the 90s, during that decade of sweeping social change, conservation was sexy. Or at least the idea of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle seemed sexy enough to want to spread. Who else remembers Captain Planet, the mulleted defender of the Earth? He was a product of the ‘90s.
So was Nickelodeon’s “The Big Help,” an annual cleanup and conservation project. (MTV’s “Reduce Your Daily Impact” campaign is only about seven years old) My guess is 90 percent of people reading this article are also ‘90s babies. My question is why, when we’re at a point globally where there are constant threats of widespread flooding, super hurricanes and long droughts, that living green - using and consuming only enough and giving back as much as you can - doesn’t seem as sexy? I really don’t know. This is not rhetoric. If someone has a real answer, email me. Be Honest: when was the last
time you considered 1) where your tap water comes from 2) the light(s) and appliances you left on/plugged in for hours and 3) the possibly recyclable trash you threw away? You know, I don’t even blame you too much. A lot of people just are not thinking ahead. China definitely seems to be looking ahead, however. If you’ve been paying attention to renewable energy news lately, you’ll recall that U.S. solar company Solyndra went bankrupt a couple months ago because it couldn’t compete. Who was outselling it? Chinese solar-panel manufacturers. Last month, the New York Times examined China’s bid to expand its desalinated
water (brine that is purified for consumption) production, despite taking a huge loss. Yes, it’s costing them four times as much as they make in selling it - now. With one billion and counting citizens, resources will matter sooner than later. And they’re getting ready. Tomorrow is America Recycles Day, an initiative that also came out of the ‘90s. To commemorate it, FAMU will be hosting a gathering on The Set from 11 a.m. Bring your recyclables in the morning. Let’s bring the sexy back to green, because the problems are real.
D.A. Robin famuanopinions@gmail.com
Editor-in-chief thefamuaneic@gmail.com Clarece Polke Managing & News Editor: famuan.metro@gmail.com Jason Lawrence Deputy News Editor: famuannews@gmail.com Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez Opinions Editor: famuanopinions@gmail.com Angie Meus Deputy Opinions Editor: Kristin Broner Lifestyles Editor: famuanlifestyles@gmail.com Winnie Moime Deputy Lifestyles Editor: Roscoe Thompson Sports Editor: famuansports@gmail.com Royal Shepherd Photo Editor: famuanphotography@gmail.com Keenan Doanes Deputy Photo Editor: Britney Buchanan Assistant Photo Editor: Alvin McBean Visuals Editor: jeffrey1.morris@yahoo.com Jeffrey Morris Multimedia Editor famuanlive@gmail.com D.A. Robin PR Coordinator: famuancalendar@gmail.com Chakiara Tucker Program Coordinator: Valerie McEachin
John Cole The Scranton Times-Tribune
Students should stay informed about elections
Kristin Broner Deputy Opinions Editor President Obama may have a chance at winning the elections again. According to Quinnipiac University polls, President Obama and presidential hopeful Mitt Romney are tied in the polls in Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Now for those who don’t know,
Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania are the three swing states. These states can make or break an election. Most presidential hopefuls who are running must win at least two of these states. The polls in the swing states generally reflect who will win the presidential election. “Since 1960, no candidate has won presidency without carrying at least two of these three states,” Quinnipiac reported. For me, an Obama lover and critic, this is good news. Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I will vote for him in this next election, nor am I saying I want him to win. But I know I don’t want him to lose to Herman Cain or Michelle Bachmann. I generally don’t care about what any polls say, primarily
because in previous years I wasn’t old enough to vote. But this coming election I do, because I want to make an informed decision for whom I will vote for in the upcoming election. I don’t want to vote for Obama just because he is black and a Democrat. I want to ensure his policies and beliefs are aligned with what I believe. During this upcoming election, I challenge my fellow Rattlers to not only listen to what President Obama says and does, but also to what all the presidential hopefuls in the Grand Old Party are saying as well. I try and watch every GOP debate. Not because I am a journalist, and we are just boring people who love to be up to date on the most current events; but
because I want to explore every possible argument and angle and make my own decisions. Since I was a child, I would support whatever candidate my grandmother was rooting for and she is a democrat. Now that I am in college and on my own, I want to vote for a candidate because I did research and thought he or she was the best candidate. This year and next, as we all gather to watch the debates and support whatever candidate, let it be because we’re informed about the polls, the debates and listening to their speeches, not because of who momma and daddy are voting for.
Kristin Broner
famuanopinions@gmail.com
TheFamuanOnline.com
How often do you recycle? A. All the time
B. Sometimes
C. Never
Adviser: andrew.skerritt@famu.edu Andrew Skerritt Fax 850.561.2570 Editor in Chief 850.561.2569 Secretary 850.599.3159 Newsroom 850.599.3011/ 561.2569
The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press Association non-daily finalist, is published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not reflect the administration, faculty or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded partially by activities and services fees.
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6.Sports
Team plans to get crown back Courtney Warren Correspondent
File Photo The Lady Rattlers volleyball team is eyeing the conference crown that eluded the team last year. The team won nine consecutive titles prior to then.
The Florida A&M Lady Rattlers volleyball team ended its streak of nine consecutive Mid-Eastern Conference Athletic championships last year. This year, the Lady Rattlers are looking to get back on top and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Rattlers remember how last year ended well and have learned from that experience, Trifonov said. “Hopefully we learned we need to play consistent and mentally strong,” Trifonov said. “We have to compete and not overlook an opponent. We had a bad day last year and hopefully the team is a little bit hungrier to bring the championship back to Florida A&M.” Trifonov said the team’s approach to the MEAC tournament would be to focus on the task at hand. “We have to approach it one game at a time and not worry about who is coming up next. If we overlook somebody, that might be our last match,” Trifonov said. “Every game is like an elimination game, so we have to play like there is no tomorrow.” Playing tough opponents early on in the season has helped prepare the Lady Rattlers for the tournament Trifonov said. “It’s easier said than done, but we have to be creative with the schedule and our conference is one of the lowest RPI’s conference ranking in the nation,” Trifonov said. “We try to schedule as many tough teams in the start of the season as we can. All the good teams are going to prepare us for the MEAC tournament.” The Lady Rattlers want to avoid self-
inflicted mistakes during the tournament. “We can be our own worst enemy,” Trifonov said. “It’s up to the mental approach for the team and hopefully we remain healthy coming into tournament play, but we are ready and we have to show what we have learned and improved on this season.” Middle Blocker Pamela Barrera said FAMU volleyball is back and the team just has to play its style of volleyball to win. “The MEAC title is coming back to FAMU where it belongs,” Barrera said. “We are playing well and we just have to play our brand of volleyball.” To win the conference and head back to the NCAA tournament, they must communicate well Outside Hitter Maria Ceccarelli said. “We have to continue to talk to each other,” Ceccarelli said. “We have what it takes to bring the crown back home to Florida A&M.” With new faces on the team, the Lady Rattlers feel the pressure is not on them but the other teams to beat them, Trifonov said. “We are always there so we have to worry about us not other teams,” Trifonov said. “If we go and play our style of volleyball the other teams don’t really matter.” Bringing the MEAC championship back home is the goal for Florida A&M. “It’s keeping the tradition, the proud tradition at Florida A&M,” Trifonov said. “Another championship means another trip to the NCAA tournament. It’s always been the goal more times and we have achieved that goal more times than not.”
Courtney Warren
famuansports@gmail.com
Rattlers run through NCCU Eagles Royal Shepherd Sports Editor
In the two team’s first meeting since 1973, the Florida A&M rushing attack was more than enough to help the Rattlers garner a 31-10 victory over the North Carolina Central Eagles on Saturday. Lavante Page scored two touchdowns and Eddie Rocker ran for 128 yards in the teams’ fourth consecutive win. Page carried the ball 12 times for 32 yards en route to his 13th and 14th touchdowns this season. Page leads the conference in touchdowns (14) and scoring (8.0) this season. Rocker, FAMU’s leading rusher on the season, had his second consecutive 100-plus yard game, the first being a 107-yard performance against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Damien Fleming improved to 4-1 as the starter for the Rattlers, going 15-of-24 for 186 yards and two passing touchdowns.
Kevin Elliott led the Rattler receiving corps with five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. After Page’s two scores, Fleming found Anthony Ray, who fumbled near the goal line. Tobias Lee recovered the fumbled and scored the third FAMU touchdown. Anthony Shutt’s interception helped the Rattler defense move to second place all time in school history for interceptions in a season, breaking the tie with the defense of 1999. The 1981 squad maintains the record with 35 takeaways during that season. Shutt also led the team in tackles for the game with eight (one for a loss). NCCU (2-8, 1-6 in the MEAC) was led by quarterback Michael Johnson, and his 17 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He went 16-of-31 for 185 yards and an interception. He would also get the Eagles only score of the day on a three-yard run. Decona Roberts led the Eagles in receiving with 50
yards on four catches. The Eagles defense was spearheaded by Brandon Outlaw and his game-high 11 tackles, eight of which were solo. FAMU (7-3, 5-2 in the MEAC) now leads the all-time series against the Eagles 5-1-1. With their win against Morgan State University, the Norfolk State Spartans clinched the conference crown. The Rattlers are tied with their next opponent for the second spot. The team’s next challenge will come in the Florida Classic, where the team will battle the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats in a match-up for a second place finish in the conference. The game will be held at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. And will be broadcast live on ESPN Classic.
Royal Shepherd
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Keenan Doanes/The Famuan The Rattler’s rushing attack features the confrence’s leader in scoring in Lavante Page.
Cracking the case of the Lady Rattlers not afraid of UCF Knights school’s missing mascot KS W J hadijah ohnson taff riter
File Photo Venom has not been present on the sidelines all season long. See why in Wednesday’s edition of The Famuan.
The Florida A&M Lady Tennis team has worked to improve its game in preparation for a dominating spring season. With the UCF game coming up, the team has been honing its skills strategically. Nikki Goldthreate, head coach for the women’s tennis team, said the team has improved its fundamentals to stay sharp. “You have to start with our foundation; that’s where the footwork comes in. With consistency, we just need to get more balls in the play. I think we’ve improved a lot with staying focused on those two things,” Goldthreate said. Opening the season with a tough team like University of Central Florida will affect the future of the teams’ success. According the Goldthreate, the squad always starts with tougher teams because it challenges the team mentally, keeping them on the right track. Last season, FAMU suffered a 7-0 defeat against UCF as they collected victories in singles and doubles. The Rattlers said they won’t be making the same
File Photo
mistakes again. “During the pre-season, we’ve improved on being more competitive with each other during games and practice time. Our main goal is always to win a MEAC championship, but I think we definitely have to go through it one team at a time,” Goldthreate said. “We’re looking to improve each match that we play. The more we do it, the better we’ll get.” The team has improved on levels other than strength as well. Sagni Williams, a first-year biology student, said she played a few games on a sprained ankle, but her dedication allowed her to continue practicing. “I look forward to ‘beasting’ this year,” Williams said. “I want my teammates to do well and make an
impact on our conference.” Co-captain Britney Dean has also worked to improve her athleticism. “I have more patience, and my mental state has gotten better. Before, I was trying to get the point too soon. The objective is to get more balls in than the other opponent, and with me not being patient I got frustrated and couldn’t do that,” Dean said. She said the Knights don’t faze her, as she still has faith in her team. “They’re not so tough,” Dean said. “As our mental strength improves, I feel like there’s no team we can’t beat.”
Khadijah Johnson
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