MINARET UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1933
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October
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Libertarian on Ballot for Gubernatorial Election See NEWS Page 5
Local Talent Showcased at Plan B Block Party See A&E Page 7
American Horror Story: Stealing Inspiration? See OPINION Page 11
Burke Leads Charge As Volleyball Maintains Top Ranking
See SPORTS Page 20
Changes to Music Education Degree Students Express Frustrations About Requisite Changes
By MIA GLATTER Editor-in-Chief
The Bachelor of Music in music education degree (BME) has undergone changes in the past year that make it so incoming students can easily finish the major and gain more experience in a timely and affordable four years. Upperclassmen who are currently working on or are close to finishing their majors in music education, however, have struggled with the changes. Some have decided to change their majors because they would not be able to meet all the new requirements in time to graduate. Senior Jeff Dyal, a former music education major, believes the changes
are drastic and are not benefitting returning music education majors. “Originally it was a four year plan and at the end of the four years you did two internships and graduated with a Bachelors of music in music education,” Dyal said. “It is now a Bachelors of Music Education and will require me to stay an extra year and a half. They decided in the spring of my junior year (spring 2014) that I have over 100 hours of observation required to graduate as well as a whole new list of classes I needed to take. Since I originally wanted to graduate in the spring of 2015, this was unfeasible.” Dr. Bradford Blackburn is the Chair of the Department of Music and Dr. Jeffrey Traster is the Coordinator of the
Music Education Degree Program. They explained collaboratively via email that the changes were implemented in fall of 2013 in an attempt to lower credithour tuition and help students complete the music education degree in a shorter time which was a concern at the time for music education students. “The best way to fix this problem turned out to be making the pedagogy courses in the BM in Music Education degree music specific, and teaching them in a more streamlined manner that still met state certification requirements,” they said. Previously, music education majors were tackling music theory as well as To MUSIC Page 4
Lightning Players, Coach Talk About Strengths This Season By DOMINICK FALCO
Sports Writer
The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming off of a marvelous season in which they earned 101 points and made the playoffs for the first time since 2011. As great as the last season was, this team cannot waste time reflecting on their past success. The organization has made a plethora of moves to improve the team and take the next step to another great season. The team has brought many new veterans in to help the team, along with infusing it with some young prospects. The new additions include Jason Garrison, Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman, Brenden Morrow and Evgeni Nabokov. When asked about which new teammate he was most excited to play with, forward Ondrej Palat said, “[Jason] Garrison is a good addition; he has a great shot vision and everything, [Brian] Boyle is a big body, also [Brenden] Morrow is a good
veteran leader, [Evgeni] Nabokov same thing. I’m really excited to go into the season with those guys.” Associate Coach Rick Bowness added his thoughts on Stralman. “Yeah, he’s pretty good. He is everything we hoped for and more. He is a wonderful person but when we signed him, [Alain] Vigneault, who is a good friend of mine, called me and said ‘you want this guy, he does everything well,’ and he does. He moves the puck well, he defends well, he gaps up well and makes great plays. What you guys don’t see on the bench is the eyes, we see calmness. We see guys that get their eyes and they’re all wired up and then we see other guys that are nice and calm and can see the ice in slow motion and he has that ability. He is very calm and that’s what you see on the ice with the puck, he just never panics.” To LIGHTNING Page 19
Clyde/Flickr Center Steven Stamkos looks to rebound from last season’s broke tibia and lead the team to the playoffs.
M
OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
MINARET
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mia Glatter
mia.glatter@theminaretonline.com
MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Richey
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ART DIRECTOR
Justine Parks justine.parks@theminaretonline.com
NEWS + FEATURES
Katherine Lavacca, Editor
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Zoe Fowler, Asst. Editor
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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Jackie Braje, Editor
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Selene San Felice, Asst. Editor
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OPINION
Richard Whitaker, Editor
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Avery Twible, Asst. Editor
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SPORTS
Phil Novotny, Editor
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Jordan Llanes, Asst. Editor
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MULTIMEDIA
Doha Madani, Editor
doha.madani@theminaretonline.com
Savanna Blackerby, Asst. Editor
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PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Budd, Editor
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ADVISER
Tiffini Theisen
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NEWS + FEATURES
Poetry Is Not Dead
Art Form Revived with Social Media Influences By BRIANNA KWASNIK
News Writer
“I think the culture has become so increasingly pop culture oriented, that writing for many, has been confined to really only novels and songs. Poetry became archaic, distant and sometimes even uncool,” Tyler Knott Gregson said a humble poet from Helena, Montana. After finding a typewriter in an antique shop, Gregson began using it to write his poems. He decided to utilize the web to share his work with family and friends. What he never expected was his popularity to grow to the point of hundreds and thousands of followers and his first book deal. He hopes in some way to be part of poetry’s revival, and in large part, he has. The presence of poetry on Instagram and Tumblr has increased drastically because of Gregson’s contributions. Many poets like R.M Drake and Christopher Poindexter have even adopted his method of typing out their poems on a typewriter, sans editing. Describing his first poem on the typewriter, he said, “I typed it without thinking, without planning, and without the ability to revise anything. I fell in love.” Tyler describes the urgency offered with the typewriter: the inability to edit, revise or erase. It provides the opportunity to create an imperfect stream of thoughts. In the age of social media and 140 characters, the desire to filter and edit dissipates and you are stripped bare, left with raw organic emotion. Chasers of the Light, Gregson’s first published collection of poems was released last month. In just a few weeks, it proved that there is still a large public hungry for poetry when the book climbed up to the No. 3 spot overall on Amazon for Poetry and No. 3 spot for Art. The book also debuted at No. 4 on the Chicago Tribune Bestsellers list, No. 4 on the Publishers Weekly and No. 9 on the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. When promoting his book, Gregson said, “Let’s show the world that poetry
christopherpoindexter.tumblr.com
from being typed out on the typewriter, to being digitalized on social media and back to print in Chasers of the Light. “We live in such a digital world now, it means so much to hold analog words. To put something out that will be in libraries and bookstores and hopefully, maybe just maybe, pass the test of time. I don’t know if it will, but holding them in a book gives me a lot more hope than looking at them on my computer screen alone,” Gregson said. Modern day poets like Gregson, R.M. Drake and Christopher Poindexter have utilized social media platforms like Instagram and Tumblr to share their work with a widespread audience. Much like Gregson, R.M. Drake is a writer whose art urges feelings of hope, love and empowerment. He currently has three collections of his work available on Etsy like Science: the stars in me are the stars in you, Spaceship: a collection of words for the misunderstood and Beautiful Chaos. Poet Christopher Poindexter is not yet published, but continues to run a shop on Etsy
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STAFF WRITERS Kai Miller Madison Irwin Dominick Falco Sammi Brennan
COLUMNISTS Marcus Mitchell Griffin Guinta Terry Preston Liz Rockett
MORE INFORMATION THE MINARET is a weekly student-run publication at the University of Tampa. Letters to the Editor may be sent to editor@ theminaretonline.com. To reach THE MINARET call 813.257.3636. Your first two copies of THE MINARET are free. Each additional copy is $1.00
Robert M. Drake/Facebook
matters. Let’s show publishers that poetry can become a bestseller. It’s up to us to push poetry back where it belongs.” The name, Chasers of the Light comes from Tyler’s belief that everyone is always chasing a light: a person, a place, a job, a validation, something. “We are all chasing something and I think it’s what keeps us alive, keeps us human and waking up,” Gregson said. “Chasing the light is about finding passions and having the courage to run them down, even if you never catch them.” The interesting thing about this collection is that it has gone full circle:
where he sells prints of his poems. He has a following of over 160,000 on Instagram. These writers serve as proof that you no longer need to be published in literary magazines to be recognized as a poet. With hundreds of thousands of followers a piece and their own online shops, they beg the question of whether social media may be enough to establish a name for yourself. What is unique about these writers, is that although they have made a name for themselves through the use of social media, there are very few interviews about the men behind the keys. There are very few interviews where these distinguished poets are revealing
anything about themselves. “Poetry lives as long as people read it and say it and try to write it,” said Donald Morrill, Dana Professor of English. “Poetry tries to get at the mystery of the world, the seemingly unseen order of things, the vivid but elusive sense of life. How can one be fully awake without engaging the essential amazement in our situation, every day?” When the new poet laureate, Charles Wright, was asked if he always wrote good poems, he responded, “I wrote junk for a year, and then semi-junk, and then quasi-junk, and then I wrote a poem,” according to USA TODAY. The poet laureate is appointed by the Librarian of Congress and serves from September to May. Their main role during this term is to raise greater appreciation for the reading and writing of poetry on a national scale. Poetryfoundation.org deems Wright “one of the best American poets of his generation.” Wright however does not appreciate this acknowledgment stating, “One wants one’s work to be paid attention to, but I hate personal attention. I just want everyone to read the poems. I want my poetry to get all the attention in the world, but I want to be the anonymous author.” If you want to tap into your poetic side, there are a variety of poetry classes and opportunities offered on campus. Some classes include: poetry writing, poetic forms and directed poetry writing. Students can send submissions to Neon and the Tampa Review for a chance to have their poetry of prose published. UT also sponsors a Writers at the University series, USF and Eckerd College are known to put on various lectures throughout the year with different authors as guest speakers. Some small bookstores like Inkwood, or small local publishers such as Yellowjacket Press hold events like their Annual Florida Poets Happy Hour, which took place on Sept. 26. Inkwood is holding a poetry night on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna. kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu Tyler Knott Website: tylerknott.com Instagram: @tylerknott Twitter: @tylerknott R.M Drake Instagram: @rmdrk Twitter: @rmdrk Christopher Poindexter Website: christopherpoindexter.tumblr.com Instagram: @christopherpoindexter Twitter: @healthesebones
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
NEWS + FEATURES
3
St. Jude’s Up Til’ Dawn Comes to UT
Tau Kappa Epsilon to host event for their philanthropy on campus. By BIANCA LOPEZ
News Writer
Owls and partygoers will not be the only ones awake from midnight to 6 a.m. on Nov. 15. For one very early morning only, the University of Tampa will stay ‘Up ‘til Dawn’ because, “No child should die in the dawn of life.” These are the words by which the late actor and comedian, Danny Thomas, who founded the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1962. St. Jude believes that no family should ever have to pay for their child’s treatment. All medical expenses including money for treatment, travel, housing and food are covered through the generosity of donors. “The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $2 million, which is primarily covered by individual contributions,” according to the hospital’s website, www.stjude.org. One of the ways that St. Jude raises the funds is through events like Up ‘til Dawn. “I’m so proud of the accomplishments that the executive board has made thus far and know that with their passion and efforts on campus they will truly be a part of paving the way to a world where no child dies in the dawn of life,” said Emily Parker, Regional Development Representative for St. Jude. Unlike fundraisers such as Relay for Life, participants in Up ‘til Dawn do not sell items or attempt to raise funds on the actual day of the event. Rather, it is a celebration to applaud teams after they have gathered donations for St. Jude. Participants will enjoy food
Ginny Up Til Dawn/Flickr UTampa’s first Up Til’ Dawn will be hosted by TKE on November 15. All students are encouraged to participate.
catered by restaurants like Oxford Exchange and Dominos. They will play fun games that nod to activities that St. Jude has for the children. For instance, St. Jude offers fun red wagons in place of utilitarian wheel chairs to make the hospital feel less like a hospital. In honor of this, teams can compete in wagon races during Up ‘til Dawn. St. Jude shows the kids how to
paint with syringes to lessen their fear of needles, so at the event students can show their artistic side by trying their hands at syringe painting. UT’s chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) holds close ties with St. Jude because the hospital is the fraternity’s philanthropy. TKE often supports St. Jude by attending and walks, galas and other events.
St. Jude approached TKE about helping to get Up ‘til Dawn on to campus. Tyrone “Josh” Bridgemohan, a senior accounting major and the previous Philanthropy Chair for TKE, has held a part in making that happen. “[St. Jude] is awesome because no one ever pays for anything. They cater to kids in other countries too,” Bridgemohan said. “One thing I love about St. Jude [is] the people that work there are so caring and they pay attention to detail.” Bridgemohan is the Logistics Director of the event and has the support of his TKE brothers as well as the executive board. The board has been tabling in the Vaughn Center to muster participation for Up ‘til Dawn. To join, all you need is a team of 2-6 people. Each team must sign up and fundraise a minimum of either $100 per member or a total of $600 as a team by Nov. 8. The board encourages asking for donations from loved ones and people that they are close to. “People care about people, not causes,” said Ashley Suarino, a senior and Public Relations Director and Social Media Chair for Up ‘til Dawn. “Every dollar counts.” Due to contributions from donors and fundraising events like Up ‘til Dawn, St. Jude has had the opportunity to invent treatments that helped raise the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to over 80 percent. St. Jude continues to operate by the promise: “We won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.” “[This event] should be important to others because we all know someone, either directly or indirectly, who has had cancer,” Suarino said. “Especially as a child, that is a lot to go through.” Bianca Lopez can be reached at bianca. lopez@spartans.ut.edu
INFORMATION
POLICE BEAT
Reports compiled by Zoe Fowler You Da Real MVP On September 30, delayed report of a theft of a ID holder with cash from the cafeteria in the Vaughn Center.
Are We There Yet?? On October 3, a vehicle immobilization device was placed on a student’s car for failure to adhere to university parking regulations.
A Sticky Situation On October 1, a student placed tape over camera lens in a residence hall elevator, compromising the security for the building.
Not Gonna Tell You Twice On October 3, a student on suspension was found inside a residence hall in violation and was issued a written trespass.
Shh... People are Studying! On October 1, an unknown student caused a disturbance in the library and then left prior to officers arrival.
Rules? What Rules? On October 3, an intoxicated, underage student was found to be in possession of a fradulent driver’s
Police Graphic by Guerra Quintanilla, Spartan Graphic by Orun Bhuiyan
STUDENT GOVERNMENT UT Athletic Marketing Midnight Madness Tuesday will be Tuesday, October 14th this year at 11 p.m.
Terracycle Competition A compeition is being held between all the SG committees to gather Terracyclable items and promote general recycling. For the next three SG meetings, items will be collected. Students can give recyclables to student organization leaders.
4 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
NEWS + FEATURES
Sykes College of Business Revamps Programs By JAKE VAN LOON News Writer
This year, the Sykes School of Business will match the enrollment of the entire University of Tampa a decade ago. With this rapid expansion, the business college’s administration has rolled out three new academic programs in the last 12 months. With 2,182 undergraduates and a little over 600 graduate students, Sykes is at its largest at just over 2,800 students. Dean of the Sykes School of Business, Frank Ghannadian, emphasizes that the greatest accomplishments of the school are its accreditations and the intellectual capital in its faculty members. The college recently retained its status as an AASCB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accredited school. Even with an increase in standards from the accrediting
association, UT passed with flying colors. The college has also secured an ABET accreditation for its information systems and information technology programs. Ghannadian also highlighted the college’s faculty at an all time high at 75, over 30 of which Ghannadian had hired in the last seven years. The new Finance Enterprise System Major is an updated version of the college’s Financial Services and Operations Major. The major is a joint Finance and Information Technology degree. The degree is a step away from financial services with a new degree with “technology embedded into the finance,” says Ghannadian. All students in this program would still have to complete the core classes of the business school then complete two groups of classes in Finance and IT. Elective classes are 300 and 400 level
classes including courses like: Business Intelligence and Analysis (ITM 456), Intermediate Financial Management (FIN 410) and Applied Finance and Accounting using Enterprise Systems (FIN 419). To students, the turn to technologyfocused degrees makes perfect sense. “It will play a big role,” said Madison Freeman junior and marketing major. “Companies look for employees well versed in Information Technology.” Ghannadian knows all too well how big of a role “Big Data” will play. “Ninety percent of all data has been generated in the last two decades.” Ghannadian says, “It is important to know how to use this data!” This was the mindset behind the Business Analytics minor. Ghannadian hopes the minor will give business and nonbusiness students the skills necessary to analyze big data. Any business, regardless
of field, will compile statistics on sales, usage, demographics and timeframes. Having the skills to interpret this data can often make or break a business. The minor consists of six courses, including Business Intelligence and Analytics along with Advanced Managerial Statistics. Another addition this year is a 4+1 MBA program. If a student has a 3.5 GPA or above entering their junior year, the student can elect to stay an additional fifth year to earn a Masters in Business Administration. Ghannadian and the rest of the College of Business keeps looking to the future. There are plans for a full major in Business Analytics along with a Bachelors and Masters and in Cyber-Security. Jake Van Loon can be reached at jake. vanloon@spartans.ut.edu
Students, Professors Discuss Recent Contraception Rulings Philosophy professor hosts discussion on hobby lobby lawsuits. By IRENE SIDEDE News Writer
The University of Tampa’s Sykes Chapel was filled with students and professionals ready to discuss some of the issues pertaining to the rejection of contraceptive mandates for corporations. The conversation occurred on Oct. 1 with guest speakers exploring the ruling of the Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case that happened earlier this year. The case challenged the requirement of companies providing contraceptive coverage to their female workers as most Americans are covered by employer-sponsored health insurance. Marcus Arvan, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, began the conversation with the fundamental question, “Does the Affordable Care Act in its regulations or tasks ensure every woman gets contraceptives?” Arvan gave the audience a brief about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that was passed in 1933 by the US Congress. He explained that the act prevents restrictions caused by various laws based on “religious exercise.”
The Hobby Lobby arts and crafts company run by David Green, filed its lawsuit in 2012 after dropping its coverage to provide contraceptives PlanB and Ella. The Hobby Lobby Company and Conestoga Wood Specialties emphasized on running their businesses based on Christian principles. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations controlled by religious families cannot be required to pay for contraception coverage for their female workers. The decision caused a major stir as the public were concerned that the decision violated the Affordable Care Act, a federal law, in the attempt of protecting religious freedom. “This is my body, my autonomy, basically it should be my decision what choices I make and what actions I take,” said Mollie Hamel, a senior Government and World Affair student. “I believe the decision should be based on what options a woman and her doctor discuss, a doctor and patient decision, not a supreme court.” Guest speaker William Myers, an assistant professor of Government World Affairs touched on the moral of the Hobby Lobby case with a main focus being on the theory of Kantianism which is based on treating people like humans rather than like objects. “Pregnancy is not a disease, therefore the use of contraceptives is a deception. People now think pregnancy
http://progressivepolitics.net/
Students gather to discuss a recent decision denying birth control in corporate settings. is to be stopped or that they have a choice to prevent life when it’s a blessing. It’s pure deception.” “Prevention is a word used to avoid something that harms you negatively and pregnancy should not be viewed that way,” said Jake, a Christian health care provider in favor of the Hobby Lobby decision. Sheneen Soares, a student Criminology student at the University
of Tampa said, “ I think it is a good thing that Hobby Lobby won. People keep saying that they have no right to impose policies on their employees regarding their health care, but people simply need not to apply for a job at the establishment if their policies are deemed intrusive.” Irene Sidede can be reached at irene. sidede@spartans.ut.edu
Administration making strides to help music students with concerns MUSIC from page 1 classes taught by the general education department. With the changes the classes are now taught solely by music professors. “Because the degree is now increasingly focused on music, the students graduating from the program are better prepared for their work as music educators in the future. For example, music education majors at UT are now taking part in regular observations and practical teaching experiences beginning in their first semester and continuing throughout the four years of their degree,” they said. Dyal believes he has not had adequate assistance from the administration
in solving his degree concerns and has decided to change his major to a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in psychology. “So far they have not offered any solutions for me or any of the other music education majors and have only said that we should stick it out and as well as switched us to the 2013-2014 catalog, which is obviously not the catalog we were admitted with,” said Dyal. “I will be the seventh person to switch out of the major in the last semester alone.” Junior Christa Kondraciuk has also decided to change her major to a Bachelor of Arts in music in response to the changes. “I am now working on a BA in music
because I can’t finish the degree in time for me to graduate in four years. Now I am having to find some other way of becoming a teacher like an independent certification,” said Kondraciuk. “The degree change has made me wish I attended another school and I probably would have if I had known all that I do now.” Blackburn and Traster along with the rest of the music department recognize the problems the students are facing and are seeking to aid them. “The music faculty care deeply about all of the students in the program, and are committed to doing all that we can to help students make timely progress towards achieving their degrees. There is never an easy way to make substantive
degree changes while students are enrolled, and the students who were in the music education degree program when the revisions were implemented have been our biggest concern,” they said. “We have been offering courses on an expedited rotation and have granted course waivers and substitutions to those students affected, whenever possible and appropriate. Although the transition has not been entirely seamless, we believe the music education students at UT are now benefiting from a much improved degree, and one that is more affordable as a consequence of the positive improvements that were made in Fall 2013.” Mia Glatter can be reached at mia. glatter@theminaretonline.com
NEWS + FEATURES
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
5
Libertarian on Ballot for Gubernatorial Election
By KRISTA BYRD A&E Writer
Florida voters will decide the next governor in the 2014 upcoming gubernatorial election in November. The date is quickly approaching and while some may have heard of Charlie Crist or Rick Scott, libertarian candidate Adrian Wyllie has the ability to take enough votes to help or hurt the other candidates. Until recently, Wyllie seemed to be unknown. After having his driver’s license expire three years ago, Wyllie decided that the laws of Florida identification were too strict and imposing. He continued to drive without his license, gaining some public attention. With a handful of cases in small claims court, a pending foreclosure on his home and a middle class budget, Wyllie decided to run for governor after realizing that people were searching for an alternative to Crist and Scott, according to his website WyllieforGovernor.com. Since deciding to run in 2013, Wyllie has operated on a modest budget of $50,000, and has gained the attention and respect of the working and middle class. He also has come to be respected among the young 20-40 year old crowd that favors less government in their daily lives, according to various news sites such as the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Tribune. “I have lived in Florida for two years, but I haven’t heard of Wyllie,” said Hope Boullianne sophomore and allied health major. Wyllie is a Tampa native and the cofounder of the AM radio station 1787 radio network, a political talk show platform, and has also been the president of an IT consulting firm. He has served in the fifty-sixth Air Defense Artillery and the fifty-third Infantry Brigade and as the chairman of the Libertarian Party of Florida. Wyllie and his running mate Greg Roe of Pasco County have taken a stand on many big
Issue
Position Solution/Proposal
Gay Marriage For
Abolish marriage licences completely and make marriages an agreement between two people and a church.
Common Core Against
Abolish common core and keep government out of your kids education.
Taxes
Wants to repeal property taxes completely
Against
Medical Marijuana For
Legalize marijuana and make better rehab centers
Healthcare Against
Wants to leave healthcare and other medical needs to the private citizen or to help organizations.
Social Security Against
Wants to leave organizations to help those in need and break off from federal help like social security
Transportation
No definite stance
Homeless For
Wants to help the homeless with more private organizations providing help, but does not want to involve government in that help.
issues that Scott and Crist have been debating. When it comes to the hot button issue of legalizing marijuana, Wyllie supports it. “The war on drugs has been an abject failure. People are still doing drugs despite the laws,” his website states. He also stands behind marriage equality. If elected, he plans to change Florida marriage licensing laws so that individuals can make agreements between themselves and churches to be married without needing a government document (i.e. no marriage certificate or license to be married). Wyllie has a seven point economic plan that includes cutting taxes and reducing regulation on private businesses to create more jobs and protect the value of a dollar in Florida. His solution to many of Florida’s economic woes
is to forbid government from bailing out any corporation or business so that our capitalism is more of a free market. In addition, Wyllie supports the second amendment and our right to bear arms in any public place, according to his website. To compare, Scott has signed 12 gun-related laws into effect since 2011, all of which were backed by the NRA, whereas Crist has supported bills in the past to regulate gun use more heavily, according to NRAILA.org. One of the main ways that Wyllie differs from the other candidates is that he is against “Common Core” being taught in schools, which is supported by both Crist and Scott. “Common Core” is the highly debated new set of standards being taught in 43 states, created
by lawmakers and teachers from 48 states. It was created to ensure every student is being taught the same information to get them ready for the workforce or college. Corestandards.org stated that “Common Core” standards change the way that children are taught math, researching and essay writing to create a more equal learning experience for every student. Wyllie believes that the federal government should have no say in a student’s education, but that it should be a more locally involved decision making process, according to his website. Another way that Wyllie differs from both Crist and Scott is that he believes Florida should make alternative forms of currency, so that the U.S. dollar is not so heavily relied on. If elected, this could have a potential negative impact on the way public universities are funded as well as having an impact on trade with other states. Although the issues being debated in the gubernatorial election would have a direct effect on many UT students, there are still students who are not registered to vote. “I am from out of state, so I’m not registered to vote,” said freshman and communications major Cassie Sandau. “I haven’t heard anything about the governor.” You must be 18 years of age or older to vote and must be a legal resident of the state of Florida, according to the Florida Divisions of Elections website. Typically, if you have a Florida drivers license, you are a legal resident, even if it was issued in a different county. Although many students share the same distance from the election, especially students living on campus from different states, it is still important to register to vote. The issues, such as education and the economy have a direct effect on students. The deadline to register to vote in the gubernatorial election is Oct. 13. To register to vote and for more information on the candidates, visit RocktheVote.com. Krista Byrd can be reached at krista.byrd@ spartans.ut.edu
6 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
DIVERSIONS
ON CAMPUS
OFF CAMPUS
OCTOBER 9
OCTOBER 14
OCTOBER 9
OCTOBER 11
Urban Adventures
Closet Chronicles
Music & Movies in the Park
Impressionist Exhibition
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 14
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 14
Dakaboom Performance
Homeless Helpers
Art on the House
Target Tuesday
OCTOBER 11
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 15
Blended Screening
Slut Walk
Brews by the Bay
Wandering Eye Paint Class
OCTOBER 13
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 11
OCTOBER 15
Minaret General Meeting
Men’s Support Group
Pumpkin Festival
Clearwater Jazz Holiday
A trip to Taco Bus sponsored by Campus Recreation. Students must bring their own money for food. Meet up in the lobby of Plant Hall at 7:00 pm.
A performance that “must be seen to be understood.” In Reeves Theater from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
A free showing of romantic comedy Blended in Reeves from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free popcorn and safari stuffed animals offered.
Join The Minaret editors at the weekly interest meetings to get involved every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Vaughn 212.
Support fellow community members as they share their “coming out” stories in the Rathskeller from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Jessica Valdes will speak in the Vaughn Lobby from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. about why she chose to make a difference and help the homeless.
Join the walk to spread awareness and demonstrate that sexual assault is not made acceptable by what a woman wears. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Vaughn Courtyard.
Discuss health issues, relationships, career development and academic concerns with fellow classmates in the Sykes Chapel at 2:00 p.m.
The weekly series features local musicians and classic movies. Post up with a picnic and a water view starting at 6:00 p.m.
“Pay-as-you-will” admission at the Tampa Museum of Art every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Hit the Florida Aquarium in Channelside for a selection of over 100 brews from around the world. All money benefits the aquarium’s education and animal rescue programs.
Enjoy more than 100 craft booths, fun games, pony rides, and live music at this family approved fall-themed festival. Tickets are $10.
PICTURE of theWEEK
Join the Tampa Museum of Art’s opening day of the Impressionist exhibit to see pieces by Monet, Renoir, and the works. Tickets are $5 with a student ID.
All guests receive free admission at Glazer’s Children Museum the first Tuesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to paint Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” for only $30 at the Wandering Eye art studio in Ybor.
Join the 35th annual four-day festival with various Jazz artists on the waterfront Coachman Park. Headliners include Edward Sharp and the Magnestic Zeros, Earth, Wind and Fire, and more. Prices start at $15.
CONTACT US Want to include your event on our diversions page? Email the details to ut.minaret@gmail.com.
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@theminaret
@minaret
The Minaret Photo by Selene San Felice
Lead singer Lauren Mayberry from indie electro-pop group CHVRVHES performed in Tampa for the first time at The Ritz, Ybor on
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
7
Local Talent Showcased at Plan B Block Party By KAI MILLER
Arts + Entertainment Writer
In its second year, Plan-B Block Party brought music lovers together for a night filled with local bands and good vibes in Ybor City. On Oct. 4, more than 50 bands performed at clubs throughout Ybor including the Crowbar, New World Brewery, Market on Seventh, The Social, the Dirty Shame and Tequila’s; posing a difficult choice for local music fans in which acts to support. However, each venue’s lineup consisted of an earful of local talent to appease a variety of musical tastes. The Plan-B Block Party was spawned from the dissolving of the popular St. Pete Antiwarpt Festival. In spite of this, Antiwarpt co-founders Phil Benito and Sean O’Brien of Brokenmold Entertainment coordinated the event for another go-round this year with support from local promoters Aestheticized Presents, THX MGMT, Soulshine Music and the blog NineBullets.net. The multi-stage festival lineup ranged from indie rock to punk rock to hip-hop this year. Local acts included Nervous Turkey, Wolf-Face, Radarmen!, Feral Babies, Zillionaire and Empire Cinema. Major headliners including Kishi Bashi, So So Glo and Saskatchewan took center stage as well. The violin virtuoso, Kishi Bashi closed out the night at the Crowbar with his vibrant, psychedelic sound layered into catchy hooks bringing about a joyous atmosphere. Festival goers were taken on a trip down memory lane at the Market on Seventh, after getting an earful of Thee Wilt Chamberlain. The Orlandobased surf-rock band is reminiscent of The Ventures with a modern day edge. Tracks like “TF B” and “For Joe
Photo by Daniel Diasgranados Orlando-based surf-rock band Thee Wilt Chamberlain performed at the Market on Seventh, as did other local talents Radarmen!, Fayroy, Poetry N’ Lotion, and Luxury Mane.
Meek” are ideal for a day at the beach and even persuaded members of the audience to start dancing. For Tampa native Christina Sanchez Thee Wilt Chamberlain proved to be the best act of the night. “They were awesome,” Sanchez said. “It’s not the current sound that you’re used to. It was something else, which I love.” Sanchez, along with her friend Erica Leggatt, attended The Plan B Block Party in hopes of catching a jam session from local bands such as Florida Night Heat, Luxury Mane and Saskatchewan. Although Thee Wilt
Chamberlain’s set was comprised solely of instrumentation, Sanchez found their sound to be rather unique. “I like the instrumental stuff,” Sanchez said. “I mean half the time you can’t hear the lyrics. My favorite part is definitely just the instruments.” Leggatt, a St. Pete College student, is a newcomer to the local indie scene. This past weekend was her first time attending the annual Plan-B Block Party. She was invited to serve as a volunteer for the event through St. Petersburg College. As a volunteer, Leggatt experienced first-hand the
chaos that often occurs during a large scale event. She cited the need for more organization in regards to programming for next year. However, Leggatt feels music festivals such as the Plan-B Block Party are instrumental in bringing together the Tampa community and showcasing the arts. “Everybody listens to music,” Leggatt said. “So if music’s involved, people are going to want to come out. And it’s a great way to get to know people too.” Kai Miller can be reached at Kai. miller@theminaretonline.com.
International Curry Festival Spices Up St. Pete By MADISON IRWIN
Arts + Entertainment Writer
Despite popular belief, curry is not a dish served only in India. Although the entree originated in the country, curry is a flavor that is served worldwide. On Oct. 4 over 5,000 people gathered together for the third annual Tampa Bay International Curry Festival to share and experience the various ways in which curry can be used. This year the event took place at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg and ran from 12:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. The admission, which was $12 per person and free for kids under five, included live music and local entertainment, a variety of reasonably priced food, dozens of vendor booths, bounce houses and a curry contest cookoff. Proceeds from the event went towards charities You Inspire, Derek Brooks Charities, Golfers vs. Brain Cancer, Helen Ellis Memorial Foundation, Georgetown Wesleyan University of Americas (GWUA), Patel Foundation, Patel School of Global Sustainability and Save Abee, The Children of Tomorrow. When it came to the food, there was a wide array of options. The event of course had some festival classics, like hot dogs and funnel cake, but the main attraction
was the curry. Many restaurants from the Tampa area had their own booths set up in which each chef prepared and served a signature dish from their menu along with their curry dish. From thai curry to jamaican curry, the selections were endless. One of the restaurants that served Indian curry was Mayuri, an Indian cafe located in Temple Terrace. Mayuri specializes in authentic South and North Indian, as well as Indian Chinese cuisine. Venkat Kuppula, who is the owner and head chef, served a plethora of different items, including vegetarian and chicken masala curry, butter chicken, boondi ladoo and Mayuri’s most popular dish, samosa chaat. Samosa chaat is an Indian savory snack in which Venkat’s recipe consisted of chick peas, samosas (fried potatoes) and freshly cut veggie toppings. “This is our second time here at the curry festival and we really enjoy being a part of it,” said Sam Kumar, one of the chefs at Mayuri. “It’s nice to have the opportunity to share our culture with others and to bring the community together.” Another restaurant that was featured in the festival was Jerk Hut, an authentic jamaican restaurant with locations in both Downtown and South Tampa. Panchito Brown is the head chef at Jerk Hut, and
he served two specialty items from their menu, Jamaican curry chicken and jerk chicken. “Our Jamaican curry chicken is very good, but our most popular dish is definitely the jerk chicken,” Brown said. Jerk Hut seasons their jerk chicken with Jamaican herbs and spices and also serves jerk pork and oxtail. Another popular item on the menu is their sweet fried plantains. Aside from food, the festival also offered a variety of unique vendors. One of the companies, Som Som, sells handmade knick knacks and jewelry that is imported from Thailand. The place just opened up their own store two weeks ago. They travel to Thailand to buy their merchandise then bring it back to the states and resell it. Another company that was included in the event was Hawaiian Sarongs, which imports their items from India. The owner, Melanie Baghela, works from Orlando. “My husband came up with the idea,” Baghela said. “He’s from India, so he loves to bargain for everything. I only do festivals, but we sold out a lot of stuff, so people must like it. I do hope to have my own store eventually, though.” To match the diversity of the food, plenty of unique performances were held throughout the entire festival. Some of
these included Indian and Polynesian dancing, and some local artists including DJ Roy, Ann P, On Que Players, Monetique, Kinston and Professor Grizzly. Wayne Wonder, an international recording artist from Jamaica, headlined the festival and played his style of reggae fusion for the crowd. Despite having to compete with vendors and entertainment, the curry cook off stole the show. The cookoff included two competition categories: professional and amateur. In each category, three winners were chosen and each winner received a cash prize ranging from $250 to $5,000. The third place winner for the professional category was Michael Crippin, the executive chef at The Moon Under Water who received $500 for his prize. Located in St. Petersburg, Moon Under Water is a British colonial tavern that has been open for fifteen years. Crippin, who is originally from Manchester, said it was his first time at the curry festival. “I was very happy to place in third,” Crippin said. “What’s special about our curry is that it contains over 32 different spices. We have kept the same original recipe for eighteen years now.” Madison Irwin can be reached at Madison.irwin@spartans.ut.edu.
8 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET MOVIES
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
This Week In Theaters
Gone Girl/ Independent.co.uk
David Fichner Brings Gillian Flynn’s Bestseller Gone Girl to Life on the Big Screen By SELENE SAN FELICE
Arts + Entertainment Assistant Editor
The hauntingly provocative story that is Gone Girl has finally been brought to life. David Fincher (Fight Club, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) lives up to his outstanding directorial reputation while under the guidance of Gillian Flynn, who wrote the bestseller as well as the screenplay for the film.
4 out of 5 stars Gone Girl follows the story of Nick and Amy Dunne (Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike) as their relationship spirals into oblivion leaving the fate of their marriage and lives at stake. On the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick returns home to find an obscure crime scene and his wife, Amy, missing. Nick is seen as the only suspect and must find his wife before he is arrested and blamed for her disappearance. As viewers follow the story of Nick and Amy’s doomed marriage and maniacal relationship, each plot twist is more jarring than the next. While the characterization of Nick Dunne did not require stuntmen or car chases as per Affleck’s usual action roles, his performance in Gone Girl is remarkable. Affleck perfectly channels Nick Dunne as a tortured husband trapped under the eye of the public and a failing marriage. The aloofness and moral ambiguity of Nick Dunne’s character is divergent from the alphamale good guy Affleck usually plays, but the contrast makes it one of his best performances yet. Almost outshining Affleck is Rosamund Pike as the unforgettable Amy Dunne. Although Pike is not as prominent in the film world as Affleck, her performance as Amy is shocking, intense and disturbingly believable. Viewers find themselves falling for Amy and hoping for her downfall all at the same time. Affleck and Pike weren’t the only
great performers in this film. Stepping aside from the role of How I Met Your Mother’s outgoing ladykiller Barney Stinson, Neil Patrick Harris is sweet yet eerily persistent as Amy’s high school sweetheart and stalker, Desi Collings. While Tyler Perry does not don his outrageous Madea costume in his part as Nick’s lawyer, Tanner Bolt, he still offers tasteful comedic relief throughout the movie. Less well known than her fellow costars, Missi Pyle (Big Fish, The Artist) is by far the most believable role in the film as trash-TV host Ellen Abbott. Pyle channels the southern drawl and badgering personality of her HLN and Court TV inspirations so well, viewers may wonder if they’re seeing Nancy Grace herself onscreen. Along with hiring a stellar cast, Fincher’s visible aspect to the Gone Girl story perfectly captures the tone of the book. Dark lighting and color scheme are utilized on screen to encompass the depression of Nick and Amy through the hard times of their marriage and accentuate the hopelessness and desperation their actions have led to. While a lot of blockbuster movies seem to have sex scenes randomly thrown in with no benefit to the plot, Gone Girl’s electrifying love scenes engross viewers without grossing them out. Scenes between Nick and Amy Dunne are meant to show the passion they once had for each other and deeply contrast with the coldness that their relationship takes on. Although the scenes can be intense (definitely don’t see this one with your parents) they’re tasteful and the passion between characters matches the level of drama in the film. The most shocking and perhaps infuriating aspect of the Gone Girl text was it’s unforgettable ending. Fichner and Flynn have made sure that viewers, whether they have read the book or not, have that same jaw dropping feeling when the credits roll as readers did at the turn of the last page of the novel. Love or hate the ending, Gone Girl will undoubtedly resonate with every viewer in the theater. Selene San Felice can be reached at Selene.sanfelice@theminaretonline. com.
Kill the Messenger/ youtube.com
Student Journalist gives perspective on modern cautionary tale Kill The Messenger By BRIANNA KWASNIK Arts + Entertainment Writer
My expectations for Kill the Messenger were extremely high. My roommate dreams of working for the government and I dream of being a journalist for The Washington Post, so it’s safe to say this movie has been marked in our planners for weeks.
5 out of 5 stars The film follows the true story of journalist Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner) as he investigates a tip he received regarding the CIA’s involvement in importing cocaine into the U.S. to raise funds for the Nicaraguan Contras rebel army. Despite warnings from his editors in the newsroom and from Washington D.C. against him pursuing the story, stating, “some things are too true to be in ink,” he decided to go ahead and run with it. While in Nicaragua, Webb interviewed imprisoned drug baron Norwin Meneses (Andy Garcia). Meneses told him, “I’m going to introduce you to people you should talk to and then you will be faced with the most important decision of your life: deciding whether to share it or not.” This stuck with me, because this is something all journalists will deal with sometime in their career. Once you receive information it is your job to investigate the credibility of the source and the tip they have provided you with and decide whether or not it is essential for the public to know. The fact that Webb had no hesitation about whether or not to run the story reminded me of the determination of another two remarkable journalists, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who provided the public with the facts of the Watergate scandal. As the story began to unveil itself, you see Webb’s career, family and credibility slowly begin to fall apart. The movie is high suspense. With
twists and turns at every corner, no one in the theater dared get up from their seat. With high suspense, I found myself rooting for Webb and his family. I wanted him to be able to save his family and still uncover the story. As the CIA is conducting illegal business, viewers naturally root for the underdog and his audacity to challenge those in authority. This is a movie that will be relevant throughout time, because journalism will always be essential to the well-being of the public. It is the responsibility of the journalist to provide the public unbiased information so they can decide their own stance on matters. Sometimes, the information they are reporting may be risky to their career, but it is up to them if they are willing to take that risk. The prime responsibility of a journalist is to challenge those in authority, to ensure that they are not taking advantage of the powerless, and if they are to, to bring light to the situation.
“
This is a movie that will be relevant throughout time, because journalism will always be essential to the well-being of the public.
”
When the credits began to roll, and the lights slowly began to brighten, there was a silence in the theatre. “Wow,” “amazing,” “holy sh**,” were among the whispers. From a journalist’s perspective, I left feeling inspired and excited to embark on the journey of becoming a news reporter. I thank Gary Webb for setting the bar a little too high for all of us. I can only hope we as journalists can compare to the tireless dedication he put into his work. Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at Brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
CHVRCHES Makes Upbeat Tampa Debut
9
By JACKIE BRAJE
Arts + Entertainment Editor
Electro-pop trio CHVRCHES brought enough bass to The Ritz to make your glasses shimmy and slide right down the bridge of your nose. In lieu of their most recent album, The Bones of What You Believe, the indie super group took to Tampa for the first time on Oct. 6, accompanied by ultra-chill electronic musician, The Range. It was a full house, the beardtattoo ensembles were aplenty, and solo DJ-esque musician The Range set the chilled-out vibe for the evening as opening act. Given the honorable title of “Best New Music” from Pitchfork, the music cleverly Photo by Selene San Felice blended elements CHVRCHES’ debut album The Bones of What You Believe dropped in 2013 and has since gained widespread attention from BBC, Pop Justice, South By Southwest and more. of 90s hip-hop and ambient tunes with hushed lyricism just scarcely floating Scottish pop trio falls somewhere all for aesthetics, but it’s really just most famously heard on the 2014 to the surface. in the realm of dreamy synth pop to hide the bags under my eyes,” Commonwealth Games Opening Two long, narrow, mirror-like and pure euphoria, and lead singer Mayberry said mid-set, pointing to Ceremonies in Gasglow. It’s airy screens stood on each side of the Lauren Mayberry has much to do with the stripes of gold glitter below both yet weighty on the claps, ecstatic, lone synth board on stage projecting the euphoric overflow the group’s of her eyes. sticky, and so painfully catchy. trippy silvery images throughout the very distinct sound, simultaneously However, the upbeat energy Essentially, the audience nearly cried set. The graphics pulsed along with helium-high and angelic. didn’t falter once throughout the for an encore, which consisted of the heaviness of the bass, allowing The ending of the first cut melted show, thanks to keyboardist Martin “You Caught the Light” and “By the for a very sensual performance, into “Lies,” the group’s debut song Doherty and his contagious all-overThroat.” both audibly and visually intriguing. that dropped last May and gained the-place dance moves. The frosty I couldn’t blame the guy with the However, the opening set stretched them widespread notoriety, landing pop bits were all accompanied by aggressive vogue-style dance moves out into one long, nonstop track. The them on a few Best Of ’13 lists, crazy intricate light displays, flashing throwing his elbows in my face the performance was fluid enough to such as “Sound of 2013” for BBC hot pink and orange, almost like an whole night, because CHVRCHES’ make one feel as though they were and “Scottish Album of the Year” at allusion to the opening scene of Enter music kind of sounds the way you being rocked to sleep by a sea of the Say Awards. They’ve also been the Void. Some of the following songs wish you could wake up every synth. selling out shows from the U.S. to the included “Lungs,” “Stronghand,” and morning: clear, blissed out, and CHVRCHES definitely picked up U.K., keeping them plenty busy. “Recover.” anticipating every single beat. the groove, opening their set with “We went out to Miami last night The set wrapped up with “The Jackie Braje can be reached at the bombastic track “We Sink.” The and… People think this glitter is Mother We Share,” previously and Jacquelyn.braje@theminaretonline.
Poet Laura McCollough Reads From New Book By FATIN AMIN
Arts + Entertainment Writer
Staged on the ninth floor of Vaughn, UT students were engrossed with the notorious poet Laura McCullough as she read her original works to the crowd on Oct. 2. As McCullough read pieces from her latest books, Rigger Death & Hoist Another and Jersey Mercy, she kept the crowd in the loop with the stories that influenced her work. McCullough’s red curly hair gave inspiration to her piece “Beauty Salon Love.” The poet joked, “My hair has been mentioned since I got here. We’ve been talking hair. Right gals?” Her poem caught everyone’s attention as she recounted a salon artist’s critique of her red colored hair. After McCullough describes the artist rattling off a list of hair products she reads, “ Oh we’ll talk color next time;/ Your red is so good, we don’t need to go there yet.”
Laura McCollough/ lauramccullough.org
Before reading her poem “Nautical Tattoo,” McCullough noted that before she wrote the poem she never had tattoos. The poem however had a deeper, more personal meaning for her . “Tattoos have increasingly been a theme for me,” McCullough said. “Up until recently, I didn’t have any. I have
two tattoos, and I understood why some people want them. My mother died in April from a sudden illness. She read to me every night as a child. I walked into a tattoo parlor the day after my mother died with the illustration book, Golden Treasury Children’s Poetry, and asked if they could do it.” After her reading, McCullough opened up to the audience for questions and offered advice to fellow upcoming writers. McCullough’s mother played a huge role in inspiring her to play poetry. “I said all the quotes from the Golden Treasury Poetry through labor and delivery of my kids,” McCullough said. “Nothing really inspired me to be a poet. Language is how I operate. I have read thousands and thousands of cereal boxes.” As a writer, McCullough has told students that she prefers to do her work on the computer. “Pen and paper,” McCullough said. “If I was stuck on an island I would be
scratching away with my fingernails,but I am not a pen and paper gal. I am a computer gal. I am a professor so I deal with a lot of papers. I need to be able to write anywhere.” Ayanna Allington, a junior international business and economics major, thought McCullough’s reading was beautiful. “I loved her reading voice.” Allington said. “It was calming without being droning. She also had emphasis on the right syllables so it was very compelling. I’m glad we are able to have this at UT.” Breeann Roberts, a sophomore and biology major with a minor in marine biology, also enjoyed the event. “It was very informative,” Roberts said. “I especially liked how her answers were formatted towards oncoming writers and short story novelists. It was very inspirational and informative at the same time.” Fatin Amin can be reached at f.mohamadiamin@spartans.ut.edu.
10 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
Netflix Guru’s Pick of the Week
By CLAIRE FARROW Arts + Entertainment Writer
The dawning of Oct.1 has unleashed a torrent of films on Netflix, particularly ones from the good ol’ days--the 1990s and early 2000s-only the greatest time in the history of our lives. It would seem that for this edition of Guru nostalgia is on order, just in time for Throwback Thursday. These flashback films will bring a little bit of sci-fi, a lot of laughs and quite a bit of heart to your screen.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
What is it?: A parody film that explores the what-if scenario of aliens getting their hands on Star Trekesc episodes, and what they might do with it. What would happen once they viewed this form of human entertainment? Would the meaning be taken as fiction, or instead, as fact? This question is explored when aliens enlist the help of hasbeen sci-fi actors and sweep them off for a real space adventure that parallels and surpasses the mediocre storylines of the actors’ old show. To a degree the plot is simple, one that could be figured out before a quarter of the film has been viewed. However, like many parodies, while the basic story is somewhat dry, the delivery is what sells this film. Why you should be watching: While not cinematic gold (could pass for a nice shiny bronze, perhaps), this quirky tale weaves spoof and sci-fi into an entertaining 102 minute film. What makes this movie so enjoyable is
the cast, who execute decent dialogue with comedic, somewhat melodramatic flare. Tim Allen (Toy Story 3, Last Man Standing), Sigourney Weaver (Aliens, Avatar), Alan Rickman (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt 2; Love Actually), Tony Shalhoub (Monk, Spy Kids), Sam Rockwell (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Iron Man 2), Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars, Flashpoint), Missy Pyle (The Artist, Gone Girl), Justin Long (Accepted, Live Free or Die Hard) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, Super) create a geek-tastic cast (also, if you watch closely, there is a small part for a very young Corbin Bleu!). The fact that this film breaks the fourth wall (for example, the pure absurdity of having bone-crushing, maze-like machinery in the middle of the engine room, causing Weaver’s character to demand the death of that particular episode’s writer), while still suspending reality for its audience garners a great movie atmosphere that draws chuckles and bursts of laughter. The great one-liners don’t hurt either. Definitely a must for any sci-fi or comedy fan.
Gilmore Girls (2000-2006)
What is it?: A dramedy that centers around the lives and relationships of the two Lorelai Gilmore women, who live in a small town in Connecticut. Simple premise, true, but it is the paramount mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory that carries the most weight and makes this entire series work. Why you should be watching: If you
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Galaxy Quest/ i.kinja-img.coms Sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest features an all-star cast of Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sam Rockwell, and Justin Long.
were unfortunate enough to miss out on this show’s original television run, or are a casual or die-hard fan needing to revisit this series, this is a great gift given to us by the Netflix gods. This show is an entertaining mix of comedy and drama, full of snark, witty banter, great writing, believable characters and great actors. The family dynamic conjured on this show is refreshing. While authentically portraying the positives and negatives all relationships can have, Gilmore Girls also celebrates the need for family and friends and
how important they are in one’s life. Lauren Graham (Parenthood, Evan Almighty) and Alexis Bledel (Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Sin City) are perfectly casted--their mother/ daughter relationship is perfectly constructed and executed, capturing its audience and keeping them engaged throughout the whole show. Gilmore Girls is perfect for those much needed diversions from school, assignments, work and/or life in general. Claire Farrow can be reached at Claire.farrow@spartans.ut.edu.
Underground Sound: Betty Dawl By KAI MILLER
Arts + Entertainment Writer
Tampa native Betty Dawl is the furthest thing from a conventional rapper. For starters, her petite frame and imaginative style challenge the long-thought physical stereotype of a true emcee. Yet, what’s even more interesting is that the 23-year-old doesn’t even consider herself to be a lyricist, but rather a poet. “I’m naturally a poet,” Dawl said. “Even when I’m talking to people, I’ll be naturally rhyming.” As an adolescent, Dawl had a great interest in English. “I remember being in school and not taking any subject seriously,” Dawl said. “But when they started teaching English I was like, ‘Woah this is cool.’” It wasn’t until the age of 11 that poetry would play a major role in Dawl’s life. In the fifth grade, Dawl read her first poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” which led to her infatuation with words. “‘Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ was so psychedelic,” Dawl said. “There was so many metaphors and symbolism. Symbolism just blew my mind.” Since then, Dawl has made poetry her way of existence. “It’s just one of those things that’s a piece of me,” Dawl said. “All the aspects of poetry really inspire me.” Her other creative talents such as DJing, producing, and writing music have spawned from her poetic inclinations. “I just started composing songs maybe a year or two ago,” Dawl said. “It’s just escalated now, like I can’t stop.” Dawl’s DJing skills are inherently her own as well. For about a year now, Dawl has served as what she best describes as an “atmosphere giver” for local venues throughout the Tampa area. Friday nights you can find the 5’2” beaut chopping and screwing some of her favorite tunes at Czar. “I don’t even call myself a DJ,” Dawl said. “I’m more of a blender.”
Betty Dawl/ Instagram
Poetic Resume is expected to drop on Nov. 11.
Although Dawl’s eclectic sound isn’t readily available on the web yet, support for her work is steadily increasing throughout Tampa Bay, as witnessed during her first show in Ybor City. Dawl performed in front of a packed crowd for the very first time on Sept. 21 at the staple Ybor venue, The Social. “I was definitely nervous because I had never done anything like that before,” Dawl said. In spite of her nerves, Dawl’s musical variety was definitely a crowdpleaser. The track “Savvy Microsoft Word Shawty” was only a taste of Dawl’s effortless wordplay and an informal invitation into her experimental realm. “The fact it was so packed made me feel so much love,” Dawl said. “That is why I exist, to bring people together.” The wait for Dawl’s music to hit the Internet will soon come to a close next month. On Nov. 11, Dawl’s first project Poetic Resume is slated to make its debut. “I’m ready to get it off my chest,” Dawl said. “The new stuff I’ve been working on is way different.” Kai Miller can be reached at Kai.miller@ theminaretonline.com.
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THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
OPINION
11
American Horror Story: Stealing Inspiration? By SAMANTHA ALLEN Opinion Writer
References to other popular entertainment in our favorite books, shows and movies are a great way to connect with audiences. Characters become more relatable and atmospheres can seem more realistic when a snippet of the real world is incorporated into fictional entertainment. But how many popculture references are too many? American Horror Story, which has been guilty of name-dropping from the very first season, may have gone too far. American Horror Story: Coven reportedly broke FX rating records this past year by attracting 5.5 million viewers, according to The Huffington Post. It is obvious by these numbers that the show has a large fan following. But is the popularity of the show due to the incorporation of popular artists, like Stevie Nicks in season three, or is it the series’ delightfully morbid subject matter? Byron Gamble, a UT student and loyal American Horror Story fan gave me a little insight into his enthusiasm for the show. “I really enjoy the visual aspects of the show. It’s the cinematography, lighting and color schemes that make it work for me, even more so than the plot. These elements really give the show it’s chilling aura and I love it,” Gamble said. No matter what your opinion
of American Horror Story is, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see it as brilliant when you look just a little closer. I think AHS is an entertaining show, however, the list of AHS references in the first season alone is staggering. Specific examples in the first season appropriately named “Murder House” include “The Shining” (the dead twins, Moira’s constant changes from old maid to young woman, and a deleted scene depicting blood rushing down a flight of stairs), “Rosemary’s Baby” (The demonic birth), “Poltergeist” (the quote: “You’re going to die in there” used repeatedly) and the countless scores taken from other films, just to name a few. One of my earliest peeves with the first season was the fact that the relatability of Tate Langdon’s character had become cheapened by too much of a reliance on references to other things. He says he aspires to be like “Kurt Cobain” and “Quentin Tarantino” embodying the teen angst stereotype, but it seemed to me to be a pathetic ploy to get viewers to sympathize with him. In fact, there appears to be many references specifically involving Tate. Scattered throughout the first season there are images of Tate wandering through the halls of Westfield High School, with a chilling whistle playing in the background. Many recognize this whistle song as being from Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill.” The song,
American Horror Story Freak Show/ Facebook
AHS Freakshow, premiering Oct. 8 steals a lot of plot detail from past moveis and events.
SuperStitchieux/commons.wikimedia
American Horror Story premieres October 8 on FX at 10pm with their new season.
however, predates “Kill Bill” by almost 40 years. The song is called Twisted Nerve and appeared first in a film of the same name in 1968. “Twisted Nerve” follows a man named Martin, who tries to get close to a beautiful woman by pretending he is mentally disabled, meanwhile Tate meets Violet because he is seeking therapy from her father. American Horror Story’s Tate storyline parallels “Twisted Nerve” a little too closely, which diminishes the show’s credibility. Martin has a sibling with downs syndrome, just like Tate, and tries to escape his domineering mother, who shows obvious disappointment in him for not taking advantage of the health that he has, but does not appreciate. Tate’s mother, Constance, also criticizes Tate for the very same reason. Tate and Martin are both highly manipulative, going to drastic lengths in order to win the hearts of the women they love, and have both expressed great distaste for the men their mothers bring into their households. There is also issue with murder. Martin and Tate both murdered people who got in the way of their desires. These similarities are more than references. Since “Twister Nerve” has been nearly forgotten by the majority of the show’s target audience, the show’s unabashed usage of the content begins to feel like plagiarism. Another practice American Horror Story is fond of is incorporating real life events and dramatizing them in enhance the story. As for the third season called “Coven,” this worked beautifully. Though they used historical figures, including Marie Laveau (the voodoo queen) and Delphine LaLaurie (the serial killer), AHS did not attempt to present these figures as factual representations of their real life counterparts. The producers did an excellent job of establishing that this was a form of historical fiction. However, one historical reference from the first season was truly unsettling and entirely uncalled for. In the first season when Tate’s High School victims, sometimes known as “The Dead Breakfast Club,” confront him on his crimes, one of the characters says “You asked me if I believed in God and you put a gun to my head. I said yes. It wasn’t even true but I
said yes.” This is a direct reference to Cassie Bernall, a girl murdered in 1999 during the Columbine High School Massacre. Cassie’s mother, Misty Bernall, published a book in late 2000 with the claim that the shooters asked Cassie if she believed in God before shooting her, to which she supposedly said yes. While the claims made in Bernall’s book have been disproven, it still shows a considerable amount of disrespect to reference a tragic event like the Columbine Massacre for entertainment sake. The “Dead Breakfast Club” victims were given no form of closure and Tate did not answer for his crimes by refusing to acknowledge the horrible things he had done to them. This reference trivializes the trauma of the real life event; by delivering such a low blow the show becomes off-putting. Even now when I watch the show for fun, I cringe at this scene. Despite all of the aforementioned, I too enjoy watching AHS, I just find it a shame that the producers cannot seem to focus of their own ideas in order to bring along their stories. American Horror Story: Asylum, for example, had some great ideas but was bogged down by scattering too many different subplots, some of which bared little relevance to the story. For example, the Nazi doctor storyline worked interestingly for the majority of the plot, however, the creatures that were created by Dr. Arthur Arden were not utilized and therefore became useless. The producers instead decided to fill the plot with miss-match events, like aliens, and a satan possessed nun. Had the makers decided to do away with the alien subplot and instead focused on the creatures created by Dr. Arden, Asylum’s plot would have been more coherent. The references made by American Horror Story appear to be too great in number to be a mere homage. If the makers of AHS dedicate their time to formulating their own ideas toward one well defined direction it will result in a better series. I have high hopes for season four, American Horror Story: Freak Show, which aired on Oct. 8 and have a genuine desire to see the show do well. But the references? They need to go. Samantha Allen can be reached at samantha.allen@spartans.ut.edu
12 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
Olympian Michael Phelps Checks Into Rehab After Second DUI
OPINION
By EMILY SILVERMAN Opinion Writer
On Sept. 30, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence, with additional charges for speeding and crossing double white lines in Baltimore, Maryland, according to USA Today. He had a blood alcohol level of .14 at the time of the incident, according to The Chicago Tribune. Phelps is known in the United States as a champion, icon and the most decorated Olympian in history. Phelps and his twentytwo Olympic medals, however, have become a controversial topic of debate due to the swimmer’s occasional run-ins with the law. All the way back in 2004, at 19 years old, Phelps was put on probation for eighteen months after his first DUI arrest, according to USA Today. The media questioned him again in 2009, when he was suspended from USA swimming because a photo of him holding a bong was circling the Internet, according to USA Today. Public figures, including athletes, have chosen career paths that put them directly in the eyes of the public; people are constantly watching and closely following the lives of celebrities, such as Phelps. Because of their strong ability to influence society, celebrities should feel a sense of moral obligation to do so in a positive way. Unfortunately, they often glamorize recklessness, and their fans may be negatively influenced to behave in the same manner. Despite their influential relationship with fans, it must be recognized that famous people are just that-- people. Celebrities are scrutinized and judged constantly and while this is
Radar Online
Michael Phelps, the most decorated US Olympian ever, was caught driving while intoxicated on Sept. 30 and is attending rehab.
to be expected with fame, it needs to be acknowledged that people make mistakes. It is undeniable that Phelps’s mistakes are huge ones, for which he deserves to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Phelps should feel morally obligated to behave differently because of his position in society. On the other hand, the public should be willing to accept that public figures cannot be perfect all of the time, just like everybody else. In the United States, around 900,000 people are arrested every year for driving under the influence, about one third of whom have been previously arrested on the same charges, according to www.drinkinganddriving.org. Fortunately, Phelps seems willing to work on improving his behavior, and
in turn any impact it could have on society. Phelps has been both remorseful and apologetic in regards to his current charges, tweeting “I recognize that this is not my first lapse in judgment, and I am extremely disappointed in myself,” according to The Washington Post. He also stated that he will be taking action to correct his wrongdoings by taking “some time away to attend a program that will provide the help I need to better understand myself,” The Washington Post reported. While Phelps should in no way be excused for his crimes, he should be given credit for making a legitimate effort to better himself and his influence over his fans. Drinking and driving is a serious crime and should be treated as such.
Phelps used incredibly poor judgment in choosing to drive while under the influence, but was thankfully pulled over by police before any accident could occur. His decision led to legal action as well as causing further damage to his already tarnished reputation. Phelps is not the first celebrity to break the law, and he won’t be the last. Being in the public eye makes messing up a much bigger deal than it would be for anyone else because the whole world is watching, creating a responsibility for them to act accordingly. Nothing can lessen the severity of Phelps’s actions, but he should not be treated differently in regards to the situation just because of his fame. Emily Silverman can be reached at emily.silverman@spartans.ut.edu
“Yes Means Yes” California Law Clarifies Sexual Consent By LIV REEB Opinion Writer
The state of California passed a law on Sept. 29 clarifying that the only consent for sex is a clear and verbal “yes.” This is to say that past excuses of victims being silent, unconscious, or drunk will no longer have any effectiveness. California is the first state to implement this policy and hopefully the others will catch on. The “Yes Means Yes” law states that ongoing “affirmative consent” must be given during any sexual activity, according to npr.org. Everyone involved in sexual activity now legally has the responsibility to make sure that their partner is still consenting to what’s going on. If any party is incapacitated due to drugs or alcohol, unconscious, or unable to communicate due to a mental disorder, don’t have sex with them. Silence and/or lack of protest are not consent. Also, consent can be revoked at any time, meaning that if your partner is ok with oral sex but not with intercourse, it’s important to comply with these wishes. Basically,
just check in with your partner and see if they’re cool with what’s happening. Colleges in California are required by this law to use these standards when dealing with rape cases. Colleges are also required to have a comprehensive prevention program including, but not limited to, prevention strategies, outreach programs and risk reduction; all of which will be taught at new student orientations. Now before freaking out about new rules, realize that all that really needs to happen is some simple communication with your partner. Even the catch phrase, “Yes means yes,” puts sex in a much more positive light than the original, “no means no,” which is negative and ambiguous. Sex should be fun and enjoyable for all parties involved. Consent is just as sexy as sex itself-- you can’t have one without the other. Ask them if they like what you’re doing or if there’s anything they’d like to try. Asking for consent can even double as talking dirty. A simple and
sexy “Do you like that?” will work. Questions like, “I’m really into __, would you like to try?” and “It’s hot when you do __, what do you think is hot?” count as asking for consent as well. The artist, The Weeknd does consent right by asking, “Do you like the way I flick my tongue or nah?” If the answer is, “or nah,” agree on something better to do instead, or stop completely. It’s also exciting to know that California college campuses are being required to provide comprehensive prevention programs and resources for victims. It’s important to know how to protect yourself and others. It’s also great that the law has something written in it about enforcement and making sure that the people affected know what the law means by requiring orientation programs about it. One could argue that the law has flaws, like being too ambiguous for example. Creed Smith, a sophomore film major said, “Yes doesn’t always mean yes. If she’s drunk she may say yes because a guy is forceful.” He makes a good point.
The tagline for the law is open to some misinterpretation. However, the law states that being too drunk is not consenting to sex. The law also states that the individual can still be accused if they’re being reckless or don’t take reasonable steps to be sure that the other party is consensual. Being forceful is not a reasonable step. Another issue is that people may not always want to be asking their partner what they want throughout sex, begging questions about body language. However, if she seems to like it, it shouldn’t be a problem to ask her if she likes it. And generally speaking, if she’s screaming “Yes,” you’re probably doing something right. California is incorporating this new, “yes means yes” law into college campuses. Being drunk, drugged, silent, or otherwise incapacitated does not qualify as consent. The only way that consent can be given is with a clear and verbal “yes.” Liv Reeb can be reached at olivia. reeb@spartans.ut.edu
OPINION
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
13
FBI Uses Phony Case to Catch Corrupt Philadelphia Judge By REBECCA TURNER Opinion Writer
In 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) used a fictitious defendant in an entirely set-up court case to catch a corrupt Philadelphia judge in the act, according to information released by the FBI on Sept. 28, 2014. This already sounds like one of those crime shows on television, but the only director in charge of this ‘episode’ is in the FBI. The FBI’s fake defendant, ‘David Khoury,’ was arrested during a traffic stop that was set up by the FBI in order to catch the corrupt judge, according to The New York Post. Despite the FBI’s shady methods, it was an entirely valid way to uncover corruption, and the judge involved is the only one at fault. It doesn’t seem real at all, but this dramatic episode truly did play out in a Philadelphia courtroom. The judge hearing the phony case, Dawn Segal, was not the one who FBI agents were trying to snare, but she agreed to do a favor for her colleague. Judge Joseph Waters Jr. was actually the FBI’s target and he idiotically pranced right into the trap they set for him. The target judge was being investigated for corruption, according to The New York Post, and it turns out he was not only corrupt, but also a fool since he did what was expected of him and did a favor for a “campaign donor.” The judge was allegedly asked by an unnamed campaign donor, who was in reality an FBI agent, to help
mitigate defendant Khoury’s sentence. Waters should have explained to the donor that he could not be bribed to influence the case. Waters instead called Segal and asked Segal to go easy on Khoury, falsely referring to the FBI plant as his business associate’s cousin, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Apart from the clear manipulation, coercion, and corruption on Waters’s behalf in contacting this other judge, he loses just that much more respect morally-- having lied to Segal about his connection to the defendant. This move gave Waters a new perspective of the courtroom from the defendant’s seat, though, as he was charged with and subsequently pleaded guilty to federal mail-fraud and wire-fraud charges. These charges are a result of Waters’s request to Segal over the phone, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Despite Judge Waters’s position of prominence, University of Tampa Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Sean Maddan said that Waters will probably plead out and that if “he gets a year, I’d be sort of shocked.” The law doesn’t lend too severe a punishment for Waters, and his position as a judge will likely lessen his punishment, even when it should be the other way around. Due to his position of prominence, Waters should be more heavily penalized because a higher level of comportment is expected of him. At the very least, however, Waters
will be permanently disbarred, whereas Segal, who actually followed through on the favor, may not even get that severe of a punishment. This is one of the most ridiculous aspects of the case, emphasizing the faults in our legal system. Waters asked for the favor, but Segal followed through. While Segal likely will not face any legal ramifications, she has been pulled from the bench for the time being and is under “investigation by the state’s Judicial Conduct Board,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Morally and ethically she is at least equally at fault with Waters, if not more so, but legally Waters will pay the grander, yet still relatively inconsequential price. One must consider why Waters is paying a price at all. The FBI set him up, but Maddan concedes this is completely legal despite the phony case. The FBI and similar organizations perform similar stings quite frequently and probably would perform more phony prosecutions if not for the legal gray area surrounding them, as reported by The New York Post. It makes sense, after all, to catch a criminal in the middle of doing whatever crime he is suspected of committing. While explaining the frequency of traditional stings, Maddan referenced a case from the 80s where law enforcement caught a dealer trying to buy cocaine with use of a hidden camera hotel room and a phony distributor. What makes Waters’s case so unusual and cringe-
worthy is that he’s a judge at the center of the sting, not the expected common criminal. What keeps this method legal is the result of minor distinctions. After all, the FBI set him up and any TV crime show today would have us thinking: This is entrapment right? Wrong. Entrapment lies beyond the fine line of “going hunting and shooting ducks in a barrel. It’s when there’s no chance for that person to get out of the situation,” according to Maddan. The stings are used as a method to catch somebody doing they would under ordinary circumstances, and since rumors of Waters’s corruption led to the investigation in the first place, it only makes sense to test him. If Waters had simply said “no” to the supposed campaign donor who had asked this of him as a part of the investigation, then nothing would have happened. He chose corruption over upholding the legal system. He just arrogantly thought it wouldn’t catch up to him. Waters had a way to avoid the situation, but the FBI caught him once he made the wrong choice as they anticipated he would. Therefore, Waters deserves little sympathy in the situation. What FBI actually offered him with their strange tactic was the opportunity to choose right over wrong. Waters and Segal both chose poorly, demonstrating the key problem in judicial elections and thus ruining their futures. Rebecca Turner can be reached at rebecca.turner@spartans.ut.edu
Technology Dependency is Reaching New Extremes By LIZ ROCKETT Opinion Columnist
Have you ever noticed how every time you set foot in an elevator, every person inside is suddenly glued to their phone? The days of casual conversations seem to be over because not only are we too preoccupied with our digital devices, we are too awkward as well. Access to technology has altered human interaction as well as productivity. Leading neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson discussed how digital devices trigger the same brain systems that addictive substances do at the Thrive CEO Summit at Adweek on Oct. 1, reported The Huffington Post. These brain systems give immediate feedback and are highly reinforcing. Davidson described how “mindfulness and stress-relieving practices” can help us use technology when we really need it, as opposed to in excess according to The Huffington Post. Davidson also suggested tools such as plug-ins that block social media to aid in lessening dependency on technology. While plug-ins appear to be an efficient way to reduce our access to social media at all times and places, Colin Rego, a senior international business and marketing major at the University of Tampa believes that there would be a lot more repercussions that people would immediately think of. “I feel that for other people to control when you could access things would violate so many laws and cause so many issues. I don’t think it would work,” Rego said, who strongly believes that
our society is addicted to digital devices. “Anything that… we find some sort of joy and pleasure and some sort of accomplishment...through electronics,” said Rego, “it becomes addictive, it becomes who we are. Like if I took your phone away you wouldn’t be the same person... phones are becoming an extension of our
However, technology addiction doesn’t stop at phones and social media. In October 2007, 16 year-old Daniel Petric shot and killed his mother and seriously injured his father after they took away the violent video game Halo 3 as reported by ABC news. The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology discussed
Casey Budd
Today’s society revolves and relies on the use of technology on a day to day basis for everything.
personalities.” He explained how he thinks people cannot go more than two minutes without utilizing their mobile devices.
how growing bodies of research have demonstrated a causal correlation between video game violence and aggressive
behavior, thoughts, and feelings. With video games facilitating changes in our behavior, especially to extremes such as Petric’s, I am concerned with the amount our society engages in technology. It seems to me that in Petric’s case, he was brainwashed by the content in the video. Constantly gunning down opponents who are almost humanized during online play with other people, desensitizes people to murder and violence in general. The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology reported that with as little as ten minutes of exposure to violent content in video games, people become more aggressive. This research has changed my attitude toward violent video games. I think these type of games should be watched more closely and more studies should be done regarding why these types of games can facilitate acts as violent as murder. It bothers me that social interaction is more difficult and awkward because of social media. If we changed the way we use technology, and use it to its full potential instead of using it to stalk people’s Facebook, there would still be some mystery and intrigue when it comes to meeting new people. Technology can also have much more damaging effects than an awkward social life, such as aggressive attitudes and behavior. I think it’s important for our society to take a step back and consider the possible consequences of the future: a world where we cannot confidently and effectively communicate face-to-face. Liz Rockett can be reached at elizabeth.rockett@spartans.ut.edu
14 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
OPINION
SEX AND LOVE COLUMN
Tips to Approaching Sex After Breakups; Readiness and Patience are Key
By TERRY PRESTON Opinion Columnist
The most appealing aspect of a relationship is comfort—the comfort to talk about feelings, to perform bodily functions without (much) judgment, and above all, the comfort with performance in a bedroom. It is common knowledge that when the sex dies, the relationship is headed for trouble—but when the relationship goes, why should your sex life suffer eternally? It is important for anyone to make a fluid transition (or transmission) to a lifestyle of singlehood once again. When coming out of a relationship, there is a variety of culture shocks one is faced with. These include no longer having a guaranteed date to social events and date functions, never knowing where your next kiss is coming from, and experiencing the sudden realization that articles on Elite Daily that tell you why being single in your twenties is okay now actually relate to you. Above all, there is also the discomfort of knowing that you, yourself, will probably be the source of your next few sexual encounters. “When you’re not in a relationship, intimate relations carry a lot less meaning,” said Shaun Lamoureux, a sophomore International Business major. “It’s more material—like selfinterest. When in a relationship, it’s more about closeness than accomplishment.” The shift in romantic encounters
may come as a surprise. When exiting a long-term relationship, one is likely used to a sex life that is very open to communication, experimentation and exploration. When in sync with another person for an extended period of time, opening up (your legs) to a new
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filled with slut-shaming, the act of ostracizing individuals for participating in sexual practices, many are quick to publicize their judgments about the sex lives of other people. One must tune the opinions of others out entirely. No other person has the right to take control of your
When in sync with another for an extended period of time, opening up (your legs) to a new person can feel something like being pushed down a flight of stairs.
partner can feel something like being pushed down a flight of stairs—bumpy, uncomfortable, unpredictable, and a great story to whisper about to only your closest friends. On the other hand, it is also possible that you could find the experience to be eye-opening, and will help you to learn more about your own likes and dislikes. Be open to this kind of exploration—the most exciting part about starting over is getting to know yourself. While there may not be the same level of closeness that comes with being in love, experiencing relations with another person is completely healthy. In a campus and world
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reproductive organs, so use them (or don’t use them) to your heart’s content. Most importantly, one should not have sex until they are absolutely ready. Following the demise of an intimate relationship, it is likely that one’s feelings will be scattered, unstable and unpredictable. Do not act on a whim, because the unfortunate truth is that there is no undo button on your sex life-- there is only the undoing of buttons. As a result, pick your partner, or partners, wisely. After a break-up, the last thing one needs is yet another regret. The easiest way to develop a sex life once again is to make like
Nike and just do it. It truly is that simple—but it is vital that one acts responsibly. Becoming single and ready to mingle doesn’t mean that you should try to get to know the nether-regions of everyone you know (unless you really want to, in which case, more power to you). For safety’s sake—be sure to always use protection. Straight or gay, the use of condoms is essential. Many neglect to use condoms when they are on the pill, because they have eliminated their worry about conceiving a baby. An important reminder: The pill does not protect against STD’s, people often forget to get tested, and UT’s campus spreads a lot more disease than you’d probably think. For those that are not on the pill and still are not using condoms, remember: Getting a baby inside of you is easy. Pushing it out of you is much more difficult. Like all aspects of one’s life, good experiences must be practiced in moderation. Let sexuality continue to be a part of your life, but don’t let it rule as your number one priority. Humans are social creatures, and especially after a breakup, it is important to act on this. Spend time with your friends, take control of your education, keep up with extracurricular activities, and have fun. By removing the focus of trying your hardest to get laid, the stress of the topic will subside almost entirely. Be patient, and your future sex life will come (and so will you). Terry Preston can be reached at terrence.preston@spartans.ut.edu
Female Reporter Seeks “Happy Ending” From Masseurs By SELENE SAN FELICE Opinion Writer
In a poorly executed attempt at arguing for gender equality, a reporter from the online publication YourTango has gone to great lengths to prove that women can indeed be just as monstrous and exploitative as men. The love and relationship web publication YourTango posted an article on Oct. 3 by Melissa Lafsky entitled “I Went Undercover To See If A Girl Could Get Happy Ending Massage.” As one would expect, Lasky, along with her “sexy and adventurous” friend Joanna, visited several spas within New York City in search of male massage therapists who will “finish them off.” Lafsky explains her reasoning for her happy ending search by saying “Any ‘rules’ restricting female sexuality are dying as fast as Sex and the City repeats can slay them, and it was only a matter of time before women embraced the notion that “quick releases” aren’t just for men.” Those “rules” are called laws and as Lafsky casually mentions, happy endings are considered prostitution. With the exception of Rhode Island and Nevada happy endings and all other forms of prostitution are illegal in every U.S.
State. While Lafsky is attempting to prove that women and men both have sexual needs, there are so many more legal and morally acceptable ways that those needs can be fulfilled. In Lafsky and Joanna’s search they are rejected by several masseurs who
those workers, only mentioning that there are “gray areas surrounding sexual assault.” Lafsky also hides behind the “real life accounts” of women who have previously enjoyed taking advantage of their masseuses. These stories make
Wikimedia.org
Reporter and friend visited multiple massage therapist around NYC in search of a “happy ending.”
insist that they need to keep their jobs and integrity, yet the women continue to badger spa workers without blinking an eye. The article only considers the feelings of those who exploit spa workers for happy endings, yet never actually takes into account the feelings
happy ending prostitution seem like a healthy spa perk or even a way to hook a boyfriend. Lafsky writes “Chemistry with your masseur is a key factor and one that can’t always be controlled. But if it’s present, the possibilities are endless.” This is still under the
assumption that massage therapists are looking to have sex with patrons. The massage therapy industry is one that fails to be taken seriously because of people like Lafsky who just assume paying for a massage means making another human being their personal sex slave. Lafsky writes that women “like massages and we like orgasms, so why shouldn’t the two... come hand in hand?” This glamorizes sexual assault by implying that women are simply sexual beings who deserve to be serviced under any circumstance they want. “If men can do it, we can too” is the thought and this is not what feminism is about. Gender equality means breaking the boundaries on those oppressed by gender-stereotypes. If the stereotype is that men get happy endings at spas, the reply shouldn’t be that women do too. Instead society should be working to stop the oppression and abuse of others for sex-- no matter the gender. Although Lafky makes an attempt at gender-equality, her search for a happy ending is a slap in the face to feminism and the profession of massage therapy. Selene San Felice can be reached at selene.sanfelice@theminaretonline.com
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
OPINION
15
Teen Pregnancy Glamorized by MTV Shows By CAITLIN MALONE Opinion Columnist
On Sept. 30, I was doing my usual scroll through my Facebook newsfeed on my phone when something one of my friends had shared caught my eye. An article with the title, MTV begins production on a new show ‘12 and Pregnant.’ The scary thing is that I really wasn’t that shocked but more intrigued. I mean, I didn’t even know where babies came from when I was 12. The article was posted on July 15 by Empire News which is known by some to be a satirical news website. This was the first time I had heard anything about this article and it was shared a number of times on my feed in the past week. I brought it up in one of my classes and another student agreed to seeing it as well. I may have had a small feeling that this might not be true, but for the most part I believed it and I wasn’t the only one. Tessla-rae Bomberry left this comment on Empire News’ Website in response to the satirical article. “You’re assuming that everyone knows this website and what it puts out to the public,” she said. “There is no indication that this article is satire besides the website itself: but most people aren’t surfing the website...This is a pretty believable article to be honest, and it almost had me until I realized who posted it. In this day and age, I wouldn’t be surprised if this kind of show actually happened, and apparently lots of other people are in the same boat.” We can’t really blame the website for posting an article about something that isn’t really happening because it does seek to create content filled with satire in order to entertain its readers rather than to inform them, according to Empire’s website. However, what is more disturbing is that people are not questioning the actual concept of such a show, even though it isn’t true, but is “believable” because of shows like “16 and Pregnant” that are already out there and are very popular. This whole incident says horrible things about our
entertainment culture today and the people that are a part of it. It is seriously disturbing to see the obsession with such outrageous shows. What I wonder about shows like this is if they glamorize the lives of these young girls with kids or do they work as a form of birth control dissuading people from getting pregnant young? I think the answer is both. For some it makes having kids young look appealing because it got these girls onto a TV show, but for others the struggle and hurt that the girls face on the show brings the realization of how important it is to wait. A study done by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that shows like “16 and Pregnant” did help to reduce teenage pregnancy in America by 5.7 percent in the 18 months following the shows release. Melissa Kearney of the University of Maryland and Phillip Levine of Wellesley College were the two authors of the study; they tracked Google searches about the show and birth control, along with Tweets, all of which were very high when the show went out, according to economist.com. It is hard to say if whether this decrease is solely because of the show or if better understanding of STD’s and methods of contraception being introduced had a factor as well, which they probably did. I, however, am one of the girls that these shows serve as a warning for. I see the lives of those girls, and my feelings about prevention are reinforced once again. I worry for the other side of this argument in which shows like this glamorize teen pregnancy. For girls that see it that way it becomes a sort of example and not a good one. Most girls who become pregnant as a teenager do not graduate from high school. In fact, only about 50 percent of teen mothers will receive a high school diploma by the time they turn 22, compared to 90 percent of women who do not become pregnant, according to cdc.gov.
Another shocking fact is that the children of teenage mothers are more likely to struggle in school and possibly drop out, have a number of health issues, become pregnant as a teen and deal with unemployment as a young adult, according to cdc.gov. It affects both parties in a negative way. The good news is that teen pregnancy rates are dropping. In the year 2012, we saw a 6 percent decrease in the number of pregnant teens from the year 2011. We don’t know for sure what may be causing this decrease; it might be more girls on birth control or it might be shows like “16 and Pregnant” that are discouraging ladies
from going down that path before they are truly ready. The article Empire News posted about MTV supposedly producing a show about pregnant 12 year olds should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. Shows like this are out there already and are going on multiple seasons. A show about pregnant 12 year olds is outrageous, but a show about pregnant 16 year olds is not much better. It really is disappointing that for a show to be popular today it has to straddle the line between what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. Caitlin Malone can be reached at caitlin.malone@spartans.ut.edu
High Fashion Uses Double Standard for Profit By KAI MILLER Opinion Writer
This year’s New York fashion week was filled with lots of eccentricity, geometric shapes, and flattering color palettes. However, what really caught my attention were the so-called trends for spring 2015. American fashion designer Chromat had models sport cornrows and the iconic fashion house DKNY had models strut their stuff with “slicked down tendrils,” commonly known as gelled down baby hairs, down the catwalk. Each designer’s choice in styles was praised by fashion royalty as being “chic” and “epic.” But what I find ironic is that these same trends that are a staple among many black women are often referred to as “ghetto” fashion statements. Cultural aspects of black America that once held negative connotations are being transformed into fashion trends and are praised and profited from. Now, my issue isn’t with the borrowing of elements of style which originated from the heart of the Black community. Fashion is ultimately an aspect of pop culture that is continually recycled and presented in a manner to appear fresh and innovative. However, what I do find difficult to digest is the complete change in disposition when a particular style
style.com
Corn rows seen on models at New York Fashion week, but seen as “ratchet” on black women.
appears on a black woman as opposed to a white woman. For instance, in Katy Perry’s most recent video for “This Is How We Do” she sports cornrows, gelled down baby hairs, and acrylic nails in a few scenes. Perry received praise from Rolling Stone as being “hyper-stylized” and by Billboard for championing “vintage fashion.” Yet, when these same cultural markers appear on black women they are referred to as “ratchet” or “ghetto.” Furthermore, the lack of cultural appropriation is frustrating. Black
women are not commonly credited for their influence over the fashion world. Last month, in its roundup of fall hair trends, the L.A. Times published an article about the growing popularity of cornrows and didn’t credit a single Black woman for the trend. Instead, the author, Ingrid Schmidt cited 70’s film star and model Bo Derek as pioneering the hairstyle. To make matters even worse, aspects of Black culture are often exploited in a manner which turns flattery into an outright insult. On Sept. 22, VICE
Magazine published an editorial piece titled “Nasty Nails” featuring two white women eating watermelon with obscenely long nails. An image such as this is a prime example of how cultural aspects of black America are mocked and used to either gain attention or profit. In January, Rick Owens had male models wear du-rags on the runway during Paris Fashion Week. Several publications like GQ credited the inclusion of these head accessories on the runway to Hip-Hop’s influence. However, it made me rather uncomfortable to see du-rags being fashioned in a manner that’s acceptable for everyday wear. The sole purpose of a du-rag is for grooming within the household. It’s practical for maintaining wavy or corn-rowed hairstyles. It shouldn’t be deemed an accessory especially at the price of $270, purely for the luxury designer name. Ultimately, fashion is a form of expression. It’s imperative that we as consumers remain conscious of the messages being displayed on the runway and on our bodies because they are inherent to the culture. As consumers, we are literally walking billboards. So, whatever your sense of fashion may be take pride in that but also consider the statement that you’re making. Kai Miller can be reached at kai. miller@spartans.ut.edu
16 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
SPORTS
The Return of the King
LeBron James, back in Cleveland, is looking to polish his already legendary NBA career. By JAMES BELLUSCIO Sports Writer
At this time last year, the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat seemed to be clear favorites in the Eastern Conference. With LeBron James landing back in Cleveland and Indiana’s Paul George brutally breaking his leg during a United States National team scrimmage, this year has entirely new expectations. The Heat has ruled the Eastern Conference since the arrival of the “Big Three” in 2010, reaching the NBA Finals all four years. But with no king, the reign of Miami is diminished. Just hours after James announced he was returning home to the Cavaliers, the Houston Rockets offered a whopping 4-year, $88 million offer to Heat forward Chris Bosh. Thankfully, all was not lost for Heat fans and Bosh resigned and will seemingly finish his career in South Beach. The Heat have made other acquisitions like small forward Luol Deng and power forward Josh McRoberts in the offseason, which strengthens their depth and size. With that said, star guard Dwayne Wade is battling knee injuries and seems to be a shell of his former self. Wade and the Heat are good enough to be a fourth or even a third seed at best, but they lack the youth star-power they will need to
Keith Allison/Flickr
LeBron James returned to Cleveland to help the Cavaliers capture their first title in franchise history.
make a deep playoff push. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love aren’t Wade and Bosh, but they’re younger, arguably more dynamic and have a higher ceiling than any other team in the league. The Cavs look to be the heavy favorite and why not? Any team with LeBron James has to be considered a potential NBA Finals team. Since the Cavs have added Love, who can drop a 20-point, 20-rebound game at will and
a top five point guard in Irving, they are not only a championship favorite but a potential dynasty in the waiting. Naturally, veteran players like power forward Shawn Marion jumped on board to boost the bench and smart play any team needs to complete a playoff run. Who doesn’t want to play with King James? Another team that is in contention for not only a top seed but possibly the league’s best record is the Chicago
Bulls. They lost Carlos Boozer, but signed power forward Pau Gasol to fill the void. More importantly, superstar guard Derrick Rose is back. He is coming off knee surgery on alternating knees during the last two seasons. Rose is the type of player to take a team all the way, but clearly his health has always been a question mark. His athletic and soaring-through-the-air type of play puts him one slip away from re-injuring one of his knees, but with every drive to the basket, D-Rose amazes. So for the entire league’s sake, we can only hope for his health. He is arguably one of the most impressive players to watch when he is at his best. If he stays on the court, look for the Bulls to be the top seed coming out of the East. The last team in the Eastern Conference that is worth mentioning is the Washington Wizards. They have one of the best young backcourts in all of basketball with Bradley Beal and John Wall. Both guards in their early twenties, have dazzled the league with their fast pace and athletic play. The duo can take over any game at both sides of the spectrum. Their defense turns to offense because of their highrisk, high-reward mentality. The Wizards also had a very underrated acquisition in Paul Pierce in the offseason. His experience and ability to make the big shot at the end of the game could put them over the top and emerge them as one of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. James Belluscio can be reached at james.belluscio@spartans.ut.edu
Ageless Duncan,Spurs Aspire To Repeat As Title Winners By CONNOR ANTHONY Sports Writer
After winning their fifth championship in 15 years, the San Antonio Spurs have cemented themselves as one of the greatest basketball dynasties ever. The Spurs, who lost in the 2013 NBA Finals to the Miami Heat, were able to exact revenge this time around. Led by the ageless wonder Tim Duncan the Spurs embarrassed the Heat their second time around by taking the series four games to one. It seems like the Spurs get older and wiser with each passing year, they are still the reigning champions and favorites to repeat come June. Opening Night on Oct. 28 will feature the Spurs against their in-state rivals, the Dallas Mavericks and dominant veteran forward Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks, who entered the playoffs as the number eight seed, nearly upset the Spurs in the first round before losing the series in seven games. The Mavericks acquired guard Raymond Felton and welcomed back center Tyson Chandler when they traded point guard Jose Calderon, center Samuel Dalembert, shooting guard Wayne Ellington and point guard Shane Larkin to the New York Knicks. The Los Angeles Clippers have been the talk of the NBA since the beginning
of the year when recordings leaked of owner Donald Sterling making racial slurs. Sterling was banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5 million by new commissioner Adam Silver. While Sterling tried to fight the NBA and take them to court, the team was eventually sold for a record $2.5 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The Clippers won a nail biting first round series against Golden State (in seven games) before losing in the second round to the Thunder (in six games). Despite the disappointment of getting knocked out in the playoffs, the Clippers are finally the number one basketball team in Los Angeles and one of the more fun teams to watch in the NBA. With the Donald Sterling affair over and a new owner who appears to be willing to spend what it takes to be the top dog in the West, look for the Clippers to improve on the number three seed where they finished last year. Superstar forward Kevin Durant won his first MVP award during the 2013-14 season, finally being able to push past the “second best NBA player” label he’s dealt with while LeBron James has been stacking MVP awards in South Beach. Durant lead the league in scoring for the fourth time in his career and added 6.9 rebounds per game (RPG) and 3.5 assists
per game (APG). The Thunder will be needing more than the 46 games they got out of point guard Russell Westbrook last season to be able to win the Western Conference. Westbrook who had surgery on his right knee causing him to miss 36 games, is the x-factor to the Thunder. A healthy and productive Westbrook will help take pressure off Durant and allow the Thunder one of the best two player punches in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers set a franchise record with 55 losses last season, as they had their worst season in franchise history. Kobe Bryant only played in six games and the team played absolutely pitiful. With a healthy Bryant returning and acquiring point guard Jeremy Lin, power forward Carlos Boozer and forward Julius Randle (the seventh pick in the draft) the Lakers will improve from last season. While many consider Boozer’s career on the decline, it won’t be as bad a season as last year, but expectations aren’t too high. The Western Conference will once again be highly competitive (the West’s number eight playoff team had a better record than the East’s number three seed). These teams will once again beat up on each other and make it any teams race until the playoffs start. Even a team like the Minnesota Timberwolves,
Geoff Livingston/Flickr Tim Duncan returns for his 18th season with the Spurs.
who finished two games under .500 will be one of the most watched Western Conference teams after acquiring 2013 top draft pick Anthony Bennett and 2014 top draft pick Andrew Wiggins in the deal that sent power forward Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the Spurs are the favorites right now to repeat, this conference can go anyway and once the playoffs start, expect things to get messy. Connor Anthony can be reached at connor.anthony@spartans.ut.edu
SPORTS
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
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17
18 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
SPORTS
Chelsea Tops Table As Premier League Gets Rolling By MARCUS MITCHELL Sports Columnist
With seven weeks done, the English Premier League is now firmly underway. The clubs of the world’s top-flight of football have shaken off their rust from the offseason and the pretenders and contenders are revealing themselves. In one of the most surprising clubs this September, Southampton sits third on the table with 13 points in what has been a strong start to the season. The Saints have only allowed five goals over the course of seven matches, the fewest in the league, and their stout defense has led them to the top-end of the table. Another unexpected team on the top half of the table is Swansea City of southern Wales. Swansea are currently placed fifth on the table with 11 points and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson has been in spectacular form with a goal and six assists so far. However, despite the increased competition from regular outsiders, there has been one club which has placed itself firmly on top of the league table. Chelsea are a clear five points ahead of Manchester City to claim the top spot of the table with 19 points. Unbeaten so far, Chelsea boasts one of the strongest defenses in the game which allows manager Jose Mourinho to go all-in on offense. Averaging three goals a game, Chelsea’s offense has been on fire and that’s mostly thanks to their transfers made this summer. Transferring from Barcelona, midfielder Cesc Fabregas leads the league with seven assists in seven games and former Atletico Madrid
Keith Allison/Flickr, Salina Canizales/Flickr Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is a key component of Chelsea’s offensive attack, along with Diego Costa.
man and striker Diego Costa, leads the league with nine goals. Chelsea has been the most complete club by a large margin and are the clear-cut favorites to win the title as of now. Right behind Chelsea are last season’s title winners, Manchester City. With 14 points, Manchester City sits near the top of the table but have done so by the skin of their teeth. They have struggled at home in the Etihad, but have been road warriors with three important wins and ten goals scored. Forward Sergio Aguero has five goals so far and Stevan Jovetic is evolving into a superstar right before our eyes. City are now heading into a difficult series of matches against Tottenham, West Ham, and crosstown rivals Manchester United. City must also deal with their demanding Champions League schedule, which requires them
to travel to Moscow in between the Tottenham and West Ham matches. It will be a busy month for City and will be crucial in how long they stay afloat at the top of the table. Fourth on the table with 11 points, Manchester United are looking to secure a spot in the top four this season after their humiliating campaign last season. United’s new manager, Louis van Gaal, spent big this transfer season, a season which was capped by the surprise loan signing of Colombian superstar Radamel Falcao. United boast one of the strongest attacking units in the league with a lineup that includes Falcao, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria, and Juan Mata. Di Maria has been the star of the squad so far with three goals and three assists and has been the catalyst of the team. With a strong win this past weekend
over Everton, Manchester United have turned hopes into legitimate chances at a league title run. Currently sitting eighth on the table with 11 points, Arsenal have struggled to win games so far. They have gathered four draws over seven games and suffered a devastating blow to lead striker Olivier Giroud. However, that injury prompted them to sign Danny Welbeck from Manchester United, who has had an immediate impact as striker. Another good sign for the Gunners is that blistering winger, Theo Walcott, is set to return this month. Walcott, along with an impressive midfield led by Mesut Ozil, could help Arsenal climb the table. Also with 11 points, Liverpool is currently ninth on the table and are looking to rebound after a mediocre showing in their first seven matches. The loss of forward Luis Suarez leaves a huge hole on the pitch for the Reds. Recent signing Mario Balotelli has been unable to get the ball into the net, despite logging 23 shots so far. While the season has been middling to say the least, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Venue Information Henderson have shown as bright spots on the team as the wreak havoc with their blistering speed in the midfield. The season so far looks to be one of the most competitive in a very long time. It’s early, but teams who are regularly in the middle of the table look good enough to take down some of the powerhouses and mix up the status quo in England. In a league where everyone has a chance at the title, this season looks to be one of the closest races yet. Marcus Mitchell can be reached at marcus.mitchell@spartans.ut.edu
Icing The Kicker Policy Now Considered To Be Ineffective By PHIL NOVOTNY Sports Editor
It’s the fourth quarter with less than five seconds left and your favorite football team is lining up to kick the game winning field goal. With the pressure all on him, the kicker kicks the ball through the uprights as him and the rest of team begin to celebrate their victory. All of a sudden, the referee blows a late whistle and informs the crowd that the opposing team has called a timeout. Since the timeout was called before the kick, it negates the play entirely which means that they have to rekick. The concept of delaying the kicker by calling a timeout in a high pressure situation is called icing which means a team purposely delays the kicker’s concentration with the game on the line. If a team has to resort to icing the kicker instead of trying to block the field goal then that team is copping out of their job as a defense. Icing the kicker is a recurring theme in football, but does it really work? The answer is no. A study performed by University of Chicago professor Tobias Moskowitz compared the success of kicks that were classified as iced and non-iced. The study involved nine years of field goal kicks, and it revealed that icing had a minimal effect on kickers. Most importantly, it proved that kickers are more accurate with 15
seconds or less to go in a game. Also, former New York Jets and Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini tells the New York Times that he believes icing the kicker has run its course: “Special-teams coaches and kickers have adjusted to it to where it’s almost like de-icing the kicker. Maybe it should be called that: de-icing.” Former New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes takes it a step further by stating that icing the kicker is “the most ridiculously talked-about and overanalyzed issue in the game.” In theory, even if this concept worked at all (which statistics have disproved) then teams have already prepared for the use of this tactic on the field. In other words, the element of surprise was the only positive aspect of the tactic but now that teams know about it, it is completely worthless and should be thrown away. In addition, Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski tells the New York Times that icing helps kickers: “I think it’s better for the kicker because it gives you the opportunity to get warm. It gives you extra kicks,” said Janikowski. One of the most recent instances of icing was during a Week Two matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The Eagles were lined up in field goal range with only a few seconds to go. Eagles kicker Cody Parkey made a 36 yard field goal and the players began to celebrate.
Football Schedule/Flickr Falcons kicker Matt Bryant is one of the many kickers that have been affected by the tactic of icing.
The celebration was delayed as the refs acknowledged the Colts called timeout as Parkey was about to attempt the field goal to win the game. Eventually, Parkey made the field goal to clinch the victory, but fans need to look at the big picture. If you think about it, icing the kicker can be considered a legal delay of game penalty. The coach intentionally calls a timeout to delay the kicker from making the last play of the game. NFL rule four section two states that if the start of the game is delayed by a team or a player then they are penalized for 15 yards from the start
of the kickoff. Barring an injury on the field, if a team calls a timeout to intentionally delay a kicker from ending the game then the team who calls the timeout deserves a penalty. Football is a game that is known for ending in a timely manner and icing a field goal kicker has been known for being ineffective and should be taken out of the game completely. Hopefully, the NFL and the NCAA will take action and eradicate this concept from the game as a whole. The sport’s integrity will benefit because of it. Phil Novotny can be reached at philip.novotny@theminaretonline.com
SPORTS
THE MINARET | OCTOBER 9 2014
19
Club Hockey Starts Season With Highlight Reel Wins By CHANCE SMITH Sports Writer
Photos Courtesy of Matthew Fenby The men’s club hockey team has started their fourth season off strong against opponents such as UCF.
The No.15 ranked Spartan club hockey team started their season on Sept. 12 with a win against the No.7 ranked University of Miami, 5-4. The 25-man team has played five games since their match-up against the Hurricanes and currently holds a record of 2-3-1. “We have some great things to look forward to this season,” said senior captain Matt Fenby. “This is only our fourth year of existence, and since my freshman year, we have gone from a team that doesn’t have ranked opponents on its schedule to being ranked number 15 ourselves.” The team, which participates in the Division III American Collegiate Hockey Association, or ACHA, opened its inaugural year in the Southern Collegiate Hockey Conference with two losses in a series against No.2 ranked University of Central Florida on Sept. 26 and 27. However, they are excited to build on the new found success of last season, where they received their first ever top 15 ranking in the team’s short history. The top 15 teams in the Southern region receive a ranking every year, according to Fenby. Out of those top teams, only the top 10 are guaranteed a trip to postseason play. By stacking up their competition this year, the team hopes to make some noise on the regional rankings and break into that elite 10 for the first time in school history. They’ll have their work cut out for them as the Southern regional title holders and current first place team
in the league, Florida Gulf Coast University, travels to play the Spartans at their home stadium, the Brandon Ice Sports Forum, on October 10. However, Fenby believes that the veteran leadership on the young team has created an atmosphere that is helping the team play the best that it has played in its four year history. The stalwart defensive pairing of seniors Brendan McDonnell and Corey Tudor have done an excellent job thus far of complementing four year starting goalie Greg Lemrow. On the offensive end of the ice, returning leading scorer junior Evan Stawarz has received a new boost of attacking pressure with the help of rookie sensation Matt Antonacci. Fenby believes that these players, along with newly-minted senior Assistant Captain Joe Tully could be the key to the Spartans success this year. The Spartans will host Life University for their homecoming game at the Brandon Ice Sports on October 17 in what Fenby says will be a “packed stadium.” The team are going to have a set of fan buses bring students from campus to the Brandon Ice Sports Complex and the team expects a great turnout. “We had a huge turnout for our big games against The University of Miami and UCF,” Fenby said, “and the team has only played better as a result of that. It’s a lot of fun to get loud and there’s always a ton of Spartan gear for sale. We really appreciate all of the student support.” Chance Smith can be reached at chance.smith@spartans.ut.edu
Lightning look to take the next step for 2014-15 season LIGHTNING From Page 1 other guys that are nice and calm and can see the ice in slow motion and he has that ability. He is very calm and that’s what you see on the ice with the puck, he just never panics.” In addition to the new acquisitions via free agency, captain Steven Stamkos is excited to be playing with 2013 first round pick Jonathan Drouin. “I think each guy brings a different dynamic but we are obviously excited with Jonathan Drouin. Hopefully he can get healthy soon and we can see him. He is a high pick guy that brings a lot of skill and worked extremely hard this past summer to get ready. It was unfortunate that he got injured before but looking forward to see what he can do this year,” Stamkos said. The Lightning have 2014 Calder Trophy Candidates Tyler Johnson and Palat returning to the team and are looking to improve on last season. “It was a good season and I just want to get better. I worked hard during the summer to work on everything and I just want to be better than last year,” said Palat. The Lightning have their two most important players trying to work themselves back from injuries after an offseason of rehab in Stamkos and goalie Ben Bishop. Stamkos is still recovering from a broken tibia that he sustained in a game last November. Meanwhile, Bishop is recovering from offseason wrist surgery. When asked about if he feels 100 percent, Stamkos said, “Yeah, I mean, I’m definitely getting better day by day. I don’t know percentage wise where it’s at but it’s definitely getting better. It is way better
than where I left the season off last year.” Bishop also talked about working his way back from injury. “Yeah, I’m getting there. I don’t think ever think you will be back at 100 percent after surgery but I feel better. That the key, so hopefully I’ll feel better as the season gets going,” Bishop said. The Tampa Bay Lightning organization is ready to start the season after a successful training camp. Bowness spoke to the things that he saw during training camp that he wants to see the team improve on during the season. “We want to cut down on goals against. We made huge strides last year from where we were two years ago, but it’s still not good enough. We want to continue to cut down our chances against, shots against, goals against. If you look at the L.A Kings, one of the lowest scoring teams in the league, they win the Stanley Cup because they keep the puck away from their net. Our offense will take care of itself. We need to continue to focus on keeping that puck out of our end,” Bowness said. Stamkos talked about what he is looking for from the team this season, Matthew D. Britt/Flickr “We just want to build on last season. Center Steven Stamkos will look to anchor the Lightning in their quest for the Stanley Cup. I think it was a pretty big step for us last year to kind of transform our team. We got a lot of young guys this year, a anything can happen.” up the Stanley Cup for the first time since lot of new faces, those young guys have The Lightning are excited to get back 2004. the experience now and we are going to to playing meaningful games and improve Make sure to come out and watch the expect that and more this year and the on their success last season. As Stamkos Lightning’s success this season. There new guys coming in, veteran guys that said, this season will be a challenge are plenty of opportunities throughout have won. This will be a good test for but the Lightning are ready for it, and the season with the team’s student rush us this year; it’s not gonna be easy, but I they will push to be a contender in the promotion, which has tickets for only $20 think at the same time we are ready for Easter Conference. The team is set up for for college students with school IDs. that. Obviously our goal is to get back in them to make a run and they have a real Dominick Falco can be reached at the playoffs because once you get there chance. It will end with the team holding dominick.falco@spartans.ut.edu
20 OCTOBER 9 2014 | THE MINARET
Burke Leads Charge As Volleyball Maintains Top Ranking
SPORTS
By TESS SHEETS
but she also excels academically, maintaining above a 3.5 GPA while playing all year round. Playing on a team with 37 “There’s no other dual sport consecutive Sunshine State athlete here that is playing on two Conference victories can be teams that are NCAA regional intimidating, to say the least. Yet level or better every year,” after four years of playing for the Catanach said. “She plays regular UT volleyball program, senior season and postseason in both middle blocker Meagan Burke sports. That in itself is almost seems to be up to the task. While impossible to do these days. the UT volleyball program is That to me sets her apart from highly competitive and currently any athlete at UT, not just the the most successful Division II volleyball players.” program in the country, Burke Keeping up with a schedule of provides a strong mix of skill and two collegiate sports, as well as positive attitude on the court that the work attached with graduating keeps her a dominating force and as an Allied Health major is propels the team through each enough to make any student victory. overwhelmed. However, Burke “Meagan’s a fun-loving kid assures that the opportunities and brings a lot of energy,” head that she has been given to play coach Chris Catanach said. “She the sports she loves and form motivates a number of people and significant relationships top all she’s also great for lighting up of the hard work that she has Photo courtesy of Tom Kolbe Senior middle blocker Meagan Burke has been one of the leaders for the top ranked volleyball team. the team. She’s a jokester and is endured. entertaining. It’s great to have a “It’s really not as bad as personality like that on the team.” room, or in the classroom, we give it well, she couldn’t lead,” Catanach said. everyone thinks it is,” Burke said. “It While Burke’s lightening mood our all to be successful. Our team all “But she’s improved that. Now she can helps me to manage my time wisely helps the team remain relaxed has the same end goal so we are all lead even if she’s not performing well. and plan out my daily schedules. through intense matches, much of willing to do whatever it takes to be That is a huge improvement that will Also, I feel privileged to be able to the team’s success, she says, comes victorious.” carry on even until the next stage of form amazing friendships with girls from players and coaches that are all Being one of only three seniors on life as well.” on both the volleyball team as well as fighting for the same goal. A unified the team, the level of responsibility While the understanding of the the softball team. I have made many pursuit of a national championship to be a leader for her teammates has game that Burke has acquired over friendships that will last forever, title is what keeps the team motivated escalated, and Burke has risen to the her time spent playing for Tampa is and I couldn’t imagine my college and prosperous in their day-to-day occasion. Whether she is competing to something to be noted, what really sets experience without them. I am so glad endeavors. the top of her ability or not, Burke has her apart from her other teammates I chose to play on both teams, and if “Our team and our coaching staff used her experience to raise the level of is her participation on not only the given the opportunity, I would do it all prides ourselves on working hard command she takes on the court. volleyball team, but also the softball over again.” on and off the court,” Burke said. “She struggled early on in her team at UT. Not only is Burke one Tess Sheets can be reached at tess. “Whether it’s in practice, in the weight career, where if she wasn’t playing of the only dual-sport athletes at UT, sheets@theminaretonline.com Sports Writer
Moore Continues To Provide Offensive Spark For Women’s Soccer By REGINA GONZALEZ Sports Writer
In order to succeed every team needs those few players that have the great leadership skills to motivate their teammates and be role models on and off the field. The term “role model” happens to be an understatement to describe senior midfielder Lauren Moore. Growing up right here in Tampa, the 5’9” fun loving athlete has been playing soccer for as long as she can remember. “I became interested in playing because all of my cousins played growing up, soccer has always played a huge role in my life,” Moore said. While playing as a child she looked up to professional players such as Mia Hamm and the other star female athletes of the 90s. As a teenager, she challenged herself by joining her high school soccer team while attending Gaither High School and began playing for a club team. The sky was the limit for her success as she racked up 38 goals and 19 assists in her high school career, 12 of them during her senior year alone. Leading her team into the 2010 and 2011 regional finals, she was also chosen to play for an All-Star team for Hillsborough County as well as an AllState team, representing Western Florida. Also in 2010, Moore aided her team in advancing to the State Cup Final Four, defeating the number one team in the nation to advance to the State Cup Finals. Being a primetime high school player
and ACDC Champion, Moore then decided to continue her soccer career as a Spartan on the fields of UT. “I wanted to play for UT because it was close to home, a beautiful campus and my family could come and support me,” she said. As a freshman, Moore quickly earned the respect of her coaches and teammates. Her immediate quick wit and diligence from day one helped lead her to the captain she became this season. “Lauren brings a strong soccer IQ to the field. She understands the game very well and is an intelligent player. She is well respected by her teammates and our coaching staff both on and off the field. She possesses a balanced mind that allows her to bridge the gap between the players and coaches,” said women’s head soccer coach Gerry Lucey. Moore dazzled under the lights of Pepin Stadium and across the east coast as she scored nine goals her freshman year and 18 goals her sophomore year, helping her team to the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) tournaments both years and coming out with wins for each. She also triumphantly won Offensive Player of the Year her sophomore year and received a Daktronics All-American, honors impressing her teammates, family and even herself. Currently a senior, Moore has proved to be one of the top women’s soccer players to ever perform at the university. What’s the key to her success? Her teammates. “I consider myself to be very
close with my teammates. We’re always is in high hopes to continue playing together and always there for each other after college. She is a public relations during the more challenging times. We and marketing major and plans on can count on one another on and off the working in the sports industry if playing field and they have helped me grow each professionally falls through. As of right season,” Moore said. now, Moore hopes to win the national Even her coach noticed the valuable championship and to continue having a relationship Moore developed with his successful season with the people she other girls. “Lauren has earned the respect loves. of her teammates over the past couple of Regina Gonzalez can be reached at years and this has allowed her to function regina.gonzalez2@spartans.ut.edu in many capacities as a leader within the squad. A captain is an extension of the coaching staff and also a member of the team. Lauren’s maturity has helped mold her into the individual she is today,” Lucey said. Moore’s encouragement and innervating attitude as a captain quickly captured the hearts of everyone on the team, especially the current freshmen who were thankful to have such a great senior role model to look up to. “Lauren is probably the best role model out of anyone on the team,” said freshman defender Madison Cox. “I appreciate her humility and personality the most. She is nice to everyone on the team and never belittles anyone for being a freshman or a nonstarter. She has helped us stick together as a unit and cheers us up when we are down. She cares about what’s going on in our lives and isn’t just a ‘captain’.” Although it is Moore’s final season playing for UT, her future success is boundless with all that she has Photo courtesy of Tom Kolbe accomplished so far. Right now she Lauren Moore has been key to women’s team.