UT Professor Teaches Life Lessons In and Out of the Classrooom By ROBERT STEPHENSON News Reporter
TAMPA - As the department of communication chair and professor of government and world affairs at The University of Tampa, a public official, father of 10 kids, deacon and author of an upcoming book, Scott Paine has had his fair share of life experiences. The issue that Paine hopes to tackle in his new book is that of the loss of trust amongst public officials and those they govern. The idea for the book started three years ago. Paine said the idea for the book began to crystallize and he began testing ideas out. It developed out of a lot of workshops, seminars and presentations for public officials over a number of years. “Thematically, what the books comes down to is the overall critique of where we are,” said Paine in respect to how newly elected officials can adjust to the new political landscape. Paine draws a lot of his thoughts and interpretations of situations from day-today living and is able to translate them with his love for words, reading and telling stories. “I tend to move back-and-forth between some ordinary experience of ‘normal life,’ of everybody’s life, and then finding a way to bridge that reflection to something like political leadership or public policy issues...That’s probably my pattern.” His book intends to create a dialogue on where America is now as far as trust and leadership go. “This isn’t to only show where we are as a country—but as a culture,” Paine said. “Some of it talks about political reform and its effects, but then some of it speaks about technological changes and industry changes that are affecting the culture of political engagement.” Speaking Paine from first hand experience, Paine said that “If you’re a public official, it means you’re doing your very best to explain something. But only one in about every five people is likely to believe what you have to say. So what do you do with that?” “I want people to know we have this fundamental problem with trust...The core idea of the solution is all about integrity and having a deep sense that as a public servant in whatever role, you really are a servant,” Paine said. Paine hopes the book is useful in teaching individuals how to improve their trust, leadership and thought process so that officials can actually enact improved services for their community as a whole. But these important inclinations didn’t start growing from just anywhere—they started with a boy named Scott in Michigan. Growing up in the Detroit area, Paine admired writing from a young age. “I have children’s stories I have written,” Paine said. “You know, I think the oldest thing I have is from the fourth grade.” Professor Paine did his undergraduate work at Kalamazoo College, a small private liberal arts school in Kalamazoo, Mich. where the max enrollment was 1,501. Paine graduated with honors in [See 3]
Vol. 76 No. 24
April 2, 2010
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Do Visible Tattoos Cost Students Jobs?
theminaretonline.com
Slightly Stoopid Concert at UF Shuts Down Early By JOHN JACOBS News Reporter
Barton Silverman/The New York Times
Tattoos adorn the body of Darnell Dockett, defensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals.
By Erin Palmer TAMPA - Thirty-six percent of 18 to 29 year olds have tattoos. Though getting inked has become more accepted, there is still an ongoing debate about tattoos in the workplace. Every business has different guidelines regarding permanent body art. Lisa Brock, adjunct professor at UT and principal of Brock Communications does not hire people with visible tattoos. “At Brock Communications, tattoos must be hidden. It is not the brand image I want to reflect and my clients, for the most part, are not comfortable with them either,” she said. “At any rate, this is a good subject to research before you interview. Tattoo expression and adornment is clearly a statement of this generation but it doesn’t belong in my work place.” However, a company without a tattoo policy still may not encourage visible tattoos. It is important for students to consider job prospects before making the decision. Freshman Kyle Kempinski has a cross design on his back where it wouldn’t be seen during an interview. However, he does not believe that employers should turn people away because of body art. “Having a tattoo should not be judged as a ‘bad’ thing in any way,” he said. Junior Shane Armbrister agrees. “If someone is the best candidate for a job, then they should absolutely get hired, regardless if they have a tattoo showing,” he said. Though his tattoo is not in a visible location, he would not let a potential job affect his decision about getting another one. He feels that an employer that would judge him based on his appearance would be “losing the opportunity for a good employee.” For some students the decision is contingent upon the particular job.
should be hired, but you also want someone who can represent your company positively and respectfully,” senior Shannon Navarro said. “Tattoos can be distracting and inappropriate.” Navarro would never consider getting a tattoo. “As a performer, my body is my instrument. I don’t want anything that’s going to stop me from a getting a part in a show,” she said. “I have to be a blank canvas.” Though senior Erin Branzell considered future employers before getting a tattoo, she put herself first when making the decision. Branzell has “hello beautiful” in her own handwriting tattooed on her forearm. “I pretty much decided that any job that would turn me away because of my tattoo wasn’t a job I wanted to have,” she said. “A future employer’s opinion is never going to trump what I feel is appropriate to put on my body.” Junior Verner Dsouza doesn’t have a tattoo, but he plans on getting one someday. Dsouza believes that tattoos can be a form of self-expression. His opinion about tattoos in the workplace is also varied. Dsouza would understand if an employer chose not to hire someone with tattoos all over their body. “But I think employers should ask about the reasoning behind those tattoos before make assumptions about them,” he said. Dsouza wants his future tattoo to be significant to him. “My tattoo is going to be engraved ‘believe’ on my right chest, and it’s going to be in reversed font, so I can only read it when facing a mirror,” he said. “That’s the first thing I want to see at the beginning of my day. It’s a form of motivation.”
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Slightly Stoopid pose for album cover.
“Whoever is best for the position…
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Last Saturday on The University of Florida’s campus, Slightly Stoopid performed in front of a crowd of 12,000, only to have the whole concert shut down a mere six songs into their set. The school was completely unprepared for the huge crowd that showed up, which led to problems that ultimately ended the concert early. Police warned the crowd before the concert was stopped that they would end it early if people didn’t calm down. Brent Colbourn, a junior at the University of Tampa who attended the concert, was able to elaborate in detail on what exactly happened up to the event’s early ending. From where he was in the crowd, Colbourn could see people being pulled near the stage for medical attention. “The cops warned the crowd, but most people were acting orderly so it seemed like an empty threat,” Colbourn said. About two songs after the cop’s warning, Colbourn said that a UF Student Productions member got on stage and announced that the concert was being shut down. The band then apologized to the crowd and played one more song before leaving the stage. “After that, there was a feeling of uneasiness in the crowd, as if something bad might happen,” Colbourn said. Katie Kerins, UT’s Student Productions music chair, said that what happened at UF will not happen at UT because the concert is available for UT students only. “From what I’ve heard, the show getting shut down at UF was caused by a rough crowd resulting from a very large crowd, [because] their show was free to anyone who wanted to attend,” Kerins replied in an e-mail. Kerins said that SP has met with UT Campus Safety and Security and officers will be checking student IDs at the event. “UT students can definitely look forward to an awesome Slightly Stoopid show here in April,” Kerins said.
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This means that 15 fewer metric tons of sulfur dioxide will be emitted into the atmosphere.
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EPC, BBB and Student Government purchased the pollution rights for 15 metric tons of sulfur dixide.
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA’S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1933
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Going Green
3 Meditation an Alternative to Medication
8 UT Hosts V-Day Campaign
12 The West and Muslim Marriage
12 Zorilla Stays Hot for Tampa Rays
2 Tico Torres Raises Awarenes
7 Ultra Music Fest in Miami
11 Female Singlehood: A
11 Sophomore Develops
Disease That Must Be Cured
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MINARET
2 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
NEWS
Being Safe, Not Sorry P.E.A.C.E. hosts free HIV testing and education
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Did you at least get in? On Mar. 25 at 4 p.m., a silent Tag! You’re it witness reported an off campus On March 22, a vehicle hit hazing that occurred. another vehicle on the first floor of West Parking Garage and left Smiley’s not smiling anymore the scene without notifying the At 1 a.m. on Mar. 28, secuowner. rity responded to the lobby of Smiley Hall because of a possiA very early morning bust… ble battery on a female student. On March 23 at 9:40 a.m., The student was referred to the security was dispatched to meet judicial board. with the area coordinator in Smiley Hall in reference to a silent Beaten up witness’ complaint about marOn Mar. 28, a student notified ijuana. The students were re- security about damage to her veferred to the judicial board. hicle in the McKay lot. The police were called and a report was Maybe they were lost… made. At 1:30 p.m. on Mar. 24, a student reported their car in Cara Fetzer can be reached at Thomas Parking Garage was il- cfetzer@ut.edu. legally entered and a GPS unit was removed without the own- From the reports from March 22er’s permission. March 28. The Minaret
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Tim and Tracey Dannemiller give a “Straight from the Heart: an HIV/AIDS Awareness Experience” talk in Reeves Theater after each student was tested. By SARAH WICKHAM The Minaret
On the second floor of Vaughn Center, many students sat waiting for their number to be called. Some might have mistaken the crowd for students waiting to pick their rooms for next year, but in fact, it was the HIV/STI testing site organized by P.E.A.C.E. The testing was free and open to anyone. “This is about the age range where people have the most unprotected sex,” said Tracy McNamara, who organized the event. “It is important to provide this service in a way [that] is approachable and comfortable, so we provided it on campus.” McNamara has seen a big increase in the number of people being tested from last semester to this semester, and she couldn’t be more pleased. There was an estimated 100 students who came in to get tested this semester, which was a 50 percent increase from last semester’s total. McNamara said that the improved promotion of the event was the probable cause for the increase in students who showed up to be tested. Alongside McNamara was Sarah Dabney, who works for the Tampa-Hillsborough Action Plan (THAP) group in Tampa. THAP’s center is located right near campus and provides free HIV/STI testing as well.
She was excited that UT would do on-campus testing, but said that the space to do it in was limited. They tried to hold the testing in the Health Center, but they said that the Health center would not allow it. As a result, the testing was done in two rooms; there was a bit of a wait for those being tested. The testing itself takes about 15 minutes, and is very easy. For both males and females, there was Gonorrhea and Chlamydia testing, which required a urine sample; the HIV testing only required a mouth swab. Students were required to return at the same time in two weeks to get their results. Following the testing, P.E.A.C.E. and Straight From the Heart, held an educational presentation on HIV and AIDS. The event was held in Reeves Theater. Tracey Dannemiller and her husband Timothy Dannemiller spoke about how HIV has affected people around them throughout their lives. There was also an educational video. If anyone missed this semester’s HIV and STI testing, it is also available at the THAP location downtown. They welcome free walk-ins at 712 W Ross Ave., Tampa, Fla. 33602. For more information, contact THAP at 813-417-7233.
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Enter and Meet Bon Jovi’s Drummer By DANIEL FEINGOLD The Minaret
Pricefalls.com is offering an exclusive chance to win two tickets to see Bon Jovi on Sunday, April 18 in Sunrise, Fla. The prize includes a meet-and-greet with drummer Tico Torres following the show. The awarded seats are located in the front row of level 300. Pricefalls.com is also teaming up with the Tico Torres Children Foundation to host a Circle Tour auction on the Pricefalls.com web page. The purpose of the online auction is to raise awareness for the Tico Torres Children Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to “assist children in need to fight hunger, disease, homelessness, neglect, abuse and illness,” according to the mission statement on their website. The tickets will be priced at a “ceiling” to begin the auction.
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Contestants are to offer their own low prices and the actual pricing will decline as the auction progresses until the winning bid is reached. Pricefalls.com is an online auction site with a distinctive descending pricing model that features a full online marketplace available for consumers and merchants. Visit www.Pricefalls.com for more information. Daniel can be reached at dfeingold@ut.edu.
You can reach The Minaret directly at 813.257.3636 The Minaret is a weekly student-run publication of the University of Tampa. As a student organization, The Minaret invites all students to take part in its production. Inquiries and comments may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com Visit theminaretonline.com for up-to-the-minute information on top stories and breaking news. Your first two copies of The Minaret are free. Each additional copy is $1.00.
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Tracey Dannemiller educates students on the affect of living with AIDS/HIV.
Spring Speech Contest Set By DANIEL FEINGOLD The Minaret
The University of Tampa’s ninth bi-annual speech contest will be taking place on Thursday, April 15. The grand prize winner will receive $150. Competing students are to present a six-to-eight minute persuasive or instructive speech that will be judged by faculty and community members. The criteria for judgment will be the strength of the thesis and the contestants’ presentation skills as well as the quality of his or her
overall argument. Contestants are encouraged to pick their own topic and style of writing. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. and be held in Riverside, room 107. The general public is welcome to attend. The event is sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters and the department of speech, theatre and dance. Contact professor Chris Gurrie at cgurrie@ut.edu or professor Ann Marie Coats at acoats@ ut.edu for contest registration forms and more information.
Finance bills: -OSLE $118.93 for recycling bins - Spartan Netballers $1,500 for competition - Phi Beta Sigma $762.74 for conference - GLTSBA $1,500 for event - UN Student Alliance $1,166.75 for event - Sigma Lambda Gamma $1,197 for convention - Catholic Student Organization $900 for event -Intervarsity Christina Fellowship $1,500 for retreat -Delta Zeta $1,500 for convention -Remember that this past week was the last week for funding. Organizations with receipts, please contact mtanafon@ut.edu as soon as possible. -SG Election results will be in by Friday, April 2 -Senior Party will be April 23: Sign-ups begin April 5 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) & April 7 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) in Vaughn lobby and will continue throughout the month!
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THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
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The Possibility of Meditation Replacing Medication By ALEXA ERICKSON The Minaret
As an avid yogi, it seems odd to me that I don’t meditate on a regular basis, especially since I have good reason to. I have been on anti-anxiety medication for two years now, due to uncontrollable anxiety. While the severity of my anxiety has lessened, my will to wean myself off of the medication is absent. I recently read an article from MedicalNewsToday.com that discussed a study concluding that meditation is a working therapy in the reduction of anxiety, depression, anger and blood pressure amongst college students. “The study was conducted at American University with 298 university students randomly allocated to the Transcendental Meditation technique over a three-month intervention period,” the article reported. “For the entire sample in this study, there was a significant improvement in students' mental health.” As I read this, I wondered, “Why do I spend $80 a month on my medication, to relieve something that could potentially be cured through meditation?” I knew this therapy had potential for me since yoga, which incorporates meditative exercises, has proven to both uplift my spirit and relax me. I called the Lotus Room yoga studio shortly after reading this article and signed up for a onehour meditation class. I walked to the back of the
studio and into a medium sized room that instantly beckoned me with its blue and purple tapestries, which draped down from the ceiling to represent a darkened sky. Buddha was present, seated in Lotus Pose welcoming me with his wooden smile. Candles were lit, incense was burning and the teacher, a thin, beautiful and peaceful looking woman named Sahara Rodriguez greeted me with a smile, as she sat cross-legged on a pillow in the middle of the room. “Take a moment to close your eyes and become aware of your breath” was the teacher’s introductory statement. We were instructed to deepen our breath, inhaling and exhaling through the nose. After some breathing exercises, we were led through a series of visualizations, each one tuning into a specific chakra, or one of the seven centers of spiritual energy in the human body, which include: the crown of the head, the brow (or third eye), the throat and neck area, the heart, the navel, the pubic area and the last bone in the spinal cord. Things became a little difficult for me once we began the visualizations. For starters, the man across from me was no longer sitting, but lying down with his legs reaching across the rug and almost touching mine. This was a problem because my legs were becoming very cramped and all I could focus on was wanting to stretch them out, but I was also very insistent on not opening my eyes to find a place
to put them. I tried for the longest time to keep them crossed, but they hurt so badly and my anger grew for the man across from me as he snored loudly, disrupting me even further from blocking out my external sounds and thoughts. I finally did open my eyes, however, and found a place to stretch my legs out and was able to return to my practice. For a good 20 minutes thereafter, I followed the visualizations and felt my mind, body and
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Meditation offers multiple benefits.
soul center into one. This feeling was not consistent, but when I escaped my sense of being, even for a brief moment, I felt something in me, which is unexplainable, but it was true and deep. After a while, I found my eyes peeping open to stare at the clock, conveniently located on the wall in front of me. I kept thinking that as much as I liked the benefits I was already feeling from being there, it was necessary to be done with it. Once I had this in my head, it was impossible to concentrate anymore, so for the rest of the time I thought about everything from homework, to my boyfriend to what I wanted for dinner. When the class ended, I felt a sense of relief. I knew an hour was just too long for me to start off with. Neither my mind, nor body was prepared for such stillness. After everyone left the room, I stayed behind to talk to Sahara about the class. I asked her for both some insight and advice on practicing meditation. “Don’t be intimidated by the practice, but embrace it with an open mind,” she said. Many people recite a mantra, which is a commonly repeated word or phrase to keep one focused. She gave me a very simple one to try, “sitting, breathing, smiling.” I left the class feeling a huge sense of accomplishment. I had meditated, or tried to, for a whole hour. To get a good sense of whether or not this therapy would help
relieve my long term anxiety issue, I knew I needed to attend the class a couple more times. I attended her class two more times this spring, and each time, I slipped deeper away from my external state and into utter relaxation. Of course, there were many times when I lost focus due to the snoring man and other annoyances, but it became easier every time to return to focus. “Sitting, breathing, smiling” I would say to myself until I drifted back into a blissful place. Normally, I end my yoga sessions in Savasana, which is meant to relax all limbs and all thoughts by lying on the back. Although I usually practice this to cool my body down, it has become a longer, more meditative rest for me. I’ve been using Savasana as my meditation time because I have noticed the progression of my focus and control over thoughts in those three classes with Sahara. For two years now, medication has been the controling mechanism over my anxiety, but since I began practicing meditation a few times a week, I’ve come to understand that medication is not the only path. “The pill that works best is to clear your head and meditation offers a time to do just that,” said Cheryl Crider, a health issues journalist for Helium.com. While I have yet to slowly diverge from the pill popping, I have discovered a possible alternative, and hope that in the near future, I will find the strength and courage to replace medication with meditation.
Professor Adapts Political Reform to Technological Changes [From Front] political science in 1979. He continued his education at the Maxwell School for Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. His soon-to-be wife Carol attended the university’s nursing program. He earned his PhD in political science in 1984. Paine taught at the University of South Florida and the University of Albany before settling down with The University of Tampa. “He has a way about teaching that makes me want to learn,” said senior Emily Sarecky, when she was asked to express thoughts about Dr. Scott Paine. “Out of all the teachers at UT, he is one of the few that I will always remember throughout my life.” Since the early ‘90s Paine has helped and strived to serve the public in positive ways. He was elected to Tampa City Council in 1991, where he served two terms. He was reelected in 1995, but then lost the election in 1999 by one vote in a 31,000 cast of votes. Paine has also served on the transportation and planning board and chaired the Metropolitan Planning Organization and its advisory council. Currently Paine is not serving on any boards. Apart from spending time with his children and wife, Paine was recently ordained a Deacon at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, and last spring he was elected Chair of UT’s communication department. For the past few years he has been putting together a book called
Rethinking Public Leadership for the Twenty-First Century. Professor Juliet Davis, who has grown familiar with Paine, said, “The thing about Scott is that he is not just another faculty member. He is a mentor to his colleagues. He cares about people’s professional lives as well as personal lives. And it is because of his spirituality that he is a person who cares about community and looks past microcosms of individuals. He will see the larger picture of existence and humanity. He is one of the few people who is truly extraordinary in all facets of his life.” Senior Jennifer Pio remembers Paine throughout her years at UT. “Dr. Paine is one of the most dynamic, engaging professors I’ve had throughout my four years at UT. While I found his course to be challenging, I felt his teaching style encouraged and facilitated a strong desire to do well in the class and in life,” Pio said. Tim Kennedy, professor of communication, commented on his relationship with Paine: “Dr. Scott Paine is admired by his faculty colleagues and his students for his personal integrity and his astute academic mind. It is a privilege to know him.” The book is progressively gaining more attention and Paine aid he couldn’t have finished it without his wife and kids by his side. He also felt that The Florida League of Cities and and the University of Tampa stood behind him during his work. “I have put my family through a lot of stuff--running for public
Photo courtesy of Scott Paine
Paine and his wife Carol.
office, holding public office, and then all the work with the League of Cities, and writing of this book and then the diaconate. But I can say with all honesty that my kids and my wife are the most incredibly patient and tolerant people when it comes to giving me space when I need to do these things. I try to never abuse that reality,” Paine said. “There is a sense that I may not be the smartest guy on the block or best writer on the block. But I have something relatively unique, which is I am reasonably smart, I am an academic, I am also a practitioner. And there aren’t a whole lot of us out there. Then I can write well and I can speak well. And there aren’t many of us out there, period. That’s been my forte that makes me a unique bridge. I can do a good job of lecturing a classroom or speaking to 50 municipal officials.” Thanks to his recent amount of free time, Paine is doing some personal reading: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell and Pope Benedict The XVI’s First Book on Jesus of
Dr. Scott Pai
ne’s book co
ver.
Nazareth. Paine spoke of inspiration and remembered Kenneth Boulding, a Nobel Prize winner, who instructed a seminar and Q and A back when he was in school. He remembered asking Boulding “How in the world have you gotten all of this done? I mean really, how do you do this?” According to Paine, Boulding said, “If you wait to get it right, you’ll never get it written. Don’t use that as an excuse for being sloppy or being careless and doing a lousy job. Nonetheless--write the
article, get it out there and let people react. Because it does reflect your way of thinking at a point in time. But if you keep saying you want to get to that definitive moment, it’ll never come. If you obsess about perfection, you’ll never get anything out the door.” “That really stuck with me,” said Paine. Follow Paine’s blog posts on the Florida League of Cities website: www.floridaleagueofcities. com. Robert Stevenson can be reached at rstephenson@ut.edu.
4 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
NEWS
Jewish Students Celebrated Two Passover Meals at UT By SARAH GOTTLIEB The Minaret
Two Passover Seders were held Monday night at the University of Tampa. Passover is a reminder and celebration of the Jewish people’s escape from enslavement in Egypt thousands of years ago. The Seder, a kind of ritual feast, is held to mark the beginning of Passover. The UT chapter of Hillel held its firstever Seder at 6:30 p.m. in the Plant Hall Music Room. One hundred and two guests attended for a night of prayer, song and a traditional Passover meal. Attendees included students from Hillel chapters of various regional colleges, including Eckerd, USF and New College. Food was brought in from Lynn’s Catering of Tampa, Inc. A separate, smaller Seder was held at
7:30 p.m. in the Brevard community room. This celebration was hosted by the UT Chabad and organized by Rabbi Levi Rivkin and his wife Chana Rivkin. This was the Chabad’s fourth annual campus Seder. Louis Gold, UT Hillel chapter president, organized the Hillel celebration and Rabbi Ed Rosenthal of Suncoast Hillel led the Seder. Gold said he plans for UT to host another Hillel Seder next year as well as additional Hillel events. His goal for next semester includes hosting three Shabbat dinners each month plus one activity per month. “Our goal is to expand Hillel at UT,” Gold said. “The main objective is to have Jewish students identify with Jewish culture, and to bring Jewish students together in a social setting.”
Scott Silvestro/The Minaret
Kelsey Eisenbeis dips her finger into wine 10 times to represent each plague Moses cast upon Egypt.
UT Groups Purchase Pollutants to Prevent Emissions By CARA MARZILLI The Minaret
The University of Tampa is doing its part to prevent pollution. The Environmental Protection Coalition (EPC), The Biology Honors Society Tri-Beta and Student Government have all worked together to purchase the rights to 15 metric tons of sulfur dioxide, a pollutant that effects air quality. Purchasing the rights to the pollution prevents the small amount of pollutants from entering the environment for up to 15 years, a small feat against the constant battle for a healthier environment. According to Dr. Daniel Huber, professor of iology, it’s the small steps that are making the biggest impact. “A lot of people think pollution is such a big problem, or a major issue, what could they do to have an effect on this?” Huber asked. “It’s changing the mentality of sustainability that this helps to establish,” Huber said. “Knowing a small quantity can in fact reduce the amount of pollution.” Huber started as a professor at UT in 2006, when the school was just beginning its efforts to create recycling and sustainability options. After teaching an environmental science course, he pitched the idea to student groups to begin investigating options for
Monica Almeida/The New York Times
The emissions reduced by UT’s purchase will help prevent poor air quality as seen here in Los Angeles.
pollution prevention. Which is where the EPA’s auction of pollution rights first occurred to him. “Three types of organizations purchase pollution rights through the EPA. First, big companies that may release pollutants into the environment. That way if they are ever audited, they have purchased the rights to these pollutants to a certain degree. Next, Brokerages houses, like Morgan Stanley or Chase, who then resell the pollution rights
to make a profit. And finally, Environmental groups. The purpose of an environmental group purchasing these rights is so that they are shelved, and no one can use them to cause any pollution damage,” Huber said. The second year as a professor at UT, Huber successfully bid to have funding for the rights to the pollution. Last year, TriBeta raised $400 through fundraisers and membership dues, and requested $600
from Student Government. The organization was then able to enter the auction with $1000 and purchased rights in the Spot auction (for current pollution rights) and in the seven-year advance auction (for future pollution rights). Resulting in the purchase the rights to the production of four tons of sulfur dioxide emissions. This year, student government doubled what the group had raised, and the 15 tons of pollutants directly resulted in the removal of .01 percent of pollutants to the air. “What’s most important is not the quantity, it’s the culture that it helps to establish. The sustainability effort brings awareness and can change the way people think and act in there daily lives,” Huber said. Over the course of the past few years, Huber has seen a sharp increase in the level of awareness and demand for ‘green’ options. “Freshman now would be shocked if recycling wasn’t available, it’s expected that recycling be an option,” Huber said. The shift in views towards a cleaner, healthier environment is taking place across the country, but UT’s own contribution to pollution prevention is worth noting according to Huber. “It’s all about how it carries over into our culture and lifestyle, from being temporary to a more permanent shift in sustainability.”
You heard right! Shorter session. Longer vacation. New! 2-Week MayTerm May 10-21
maKe it a
6-Week Sessions May 24 – July 1 July 6 – August 12 12-Week Session May 24 – August 12
More courses, flexible sessions and smaller classes let you earn credits your way in our summer sessions. For a complete schedule visit: /
*Congratulations to the selected participants for our first ever Summer Domestic trip to YMCA Camp Campbell in Boulder Creek, Calif.: Ashley Hawley, Brittany Crosby, Jessmy Lebron, Bryant King, Elise Koen, Jennifer Buckley, Jordan McCullough, Brittany Mielcarek, Tiffany Gale and Rachel Munro *Also, a big thank you to everyone who interviewed for the position of Alternative Breaks Coordinator for 2010-2011!
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Alternative Breaks at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Gainesville, Fla., February 2010
Diversions
Brett Pollack / The Minaret
An old kitchen sink is utilized as a planter box last weekend during GreenFest in Plant Park.
Horoscopes By Linda C Black / Tribune Media Services
Aries (March 21-April 19) If you can strike a balance between power and personal comfort, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish today. Work hard but use logical arguments.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) If possible, stay home to take care of challenging work that requires physical exertion. Enlist anyone you can as helpers or cheerleaders.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Persuasion comes in the form of a movie or other visual demonstration. You get to choose the media. Take the message to heart and share it with others.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Take time to consider activities with a significant person. You may not seem headed in the same direction, but you can accomplish individual goals together.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Successful outcomes depend on your ability to identify challenges correctly. Avert difficulties by asking good questions, then adjust your sights.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) As long as you maintain emotional calm, everything will run smoothly. Even the biggest challenges can be handled through gentle persuasion.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) Others would love to tell you what to do today. Reality check: No one understands your desires as well as you do. Manage your own destiny.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You find yourself a bit off balance. One person pushes you to try something outrageous. Others would prefer that you stick to tried-and-true methods.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Your enthusiasm can overwhelm coworkers. They need an energy boost, best supplied through lunch or dessert.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You stand on your principles today, delicately balanced. Resist pressure from someone close to you that would compromise an ideal. Think it through.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Although today’s activities take you in diverse directions, ultimately the focus is on partnership and support. Make it your business to express your feelings.
Urban t i w T and by Austin Daniels
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Difficult issues involving resources can be resolved in two ways. First, an assessment shows where you are. Then, throw your energy into getting the job done.
THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
5
FOR RELEASE APRIL 19, 2010
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Anti-fur org. 5 Ambassador’s forte 9 Eggs on 14 Oft-palmed cards 15 Prefix with cultural 16 H.H. __: author known as Saki 17 Conks 18 Central Chinese tourist city 19 Tall tale tellers 20 San Francisco players not paying attention? 23 Haberdashery accessory 24 URL ending for 52-Across 25 Minnesota players from old Bangkok? 32 Hot time in Alsace 35 DH’s stats 36 Artist M.C. known for illusionary work 37 Snacks at the bar 39 Robert E. Lee’s org. 41 Classify 42 African with pierced lips 45 Terminates 48 iPhone, e.g. 49 Anaheim players tripping over their own feet? 52 Longhorn State sch. 53 Word in an oxymoronic Michael J. Fox movie title 57 Pittsburgh players from old Algiers? 62 Omega’s opposite 63 Eye, on the Eiffel Tower 64 Anchovy containers 65 Trig function 66 Double Dutch need 67 Slurpee alternative 68 Adjust a little 69 Overwhelms 70 Crows’ cries DOWN 1 Blue Ribbon brewer
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(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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6 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
Arts + Entertainment
Electronic Beats Make Waves at Miami’s Ultra Music Festival By ZACH FRASER
Arts & Entertainment Music Reviewer
The UMF, which signals the end of spring break in Miami and hosts an array of dance festivals over the world, saw its first sellout crowd in its 12 year run. With the star-studded lineup for this year’s festival, it really is no wonder that so many people were anxious to attend. Some of the world’s premier house/ trance/electronic artists, such as Deadmau5, Tiësto and Armin Van Buuren, graced a few of the seven stages in Miami’s Bicentennial Park this year. Devout fans flooded the Miami Beach area from all over the country to watch their favorite artists play at what has been called “the Warped Tour of dance music.” The first day of Ultra Music Festival, which started at 4 p.m., featured artists Kaskade, Eric Prydz, LMFAO, will-i-am and Passion Pit amongst many others. These artists took their turn pumping up the crowd for the night’s headliners: David Guetta and Tiësto. Arguably the most recognized name in the U.S. dance scene, French DJ David Guetta entertained the crowd for nearly 90 minutes with his fusion of house and pop music. His radio ballads such as “When Love Takes Over” and “Love Is Gone” immediately grabbed the audience and the dancing and glow stick twirling commenced. After David Guetta made his exit, many assumed that the concert had ended. With adrenaline sky high, Tiësto, one of the greatest trance DJs ever, played the final set on the main stage.
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His light show alone was something to write home about, not to mention his performance. The Dutch DJ played nearly a two hour set that featured songs such as “Feel it In My Bones,” “Escape Me” and the powerhouse trance hit “Adagio for Strings.” As if Friday night wasn’t enough for the fans, Saturday showcased more of the world’s top DJs. Although the festival started at noon, fans, regardless of their hangovers, managed to wake up in time to wait outside for the show’s beginning. A slew of artists started the day in the blistering heat, showing off their unique styles of electronic music. Saturday afternoon was eventful, but the party really began when Benny Benassi took stage. Known for his deep bass and build-ups, the Italian DJ brought an eclectic mix of old and new material, including the smash hit “Satisfaction.” Ranked as the number one DJ in the world for the last year, Armin Van Buuren also played a star studded set for the UMF. His build-ups and enthusiastic performance had the Miami crowd singing and dancing along. But the real treat, arguably the best set of the night, was still to come. The powerhouse trio known as Swedish House Mafia took the second-to-last slot of the main stage Saturday night. UT student and Swedish native Daniel Bergstand could not have been more excited. “At one point I was lifted above the crowd and I was waving my Swedish flag to the music,” Bergstrand said.
Gurtta mixes live during Coachella 2009.
“It was by far the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” Finally, after nearly 36 hours of anticipation, UMF’s main headliner Deadmau5 took stage to conclude the festival. The Canadian DJ, famous for his custom-made mouse mask, wrapped up the festival with a heart-pounding set that was the perfect ending. UMF in Miami will go down in the books as the first in the series to sell-out, but it will also go down as some of the funnest times the audience members will remember. It’s rare enough to catch one of these foreign DJs in the U.S.A., but to catch so many at the same time is something many never expected. Whether you like dance music or not, one thing’s for sure: the dance music scene is storming the United States. Zach Fraser can be reached at zfraser@ ut.edu.
Drew “Rukes” Ressier / flickr.com
Drew “Rukes” Ressier / flickr.com
Benassi at Electric Daisy Carnival 2009.
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- Attend The Minaret Concert Series at 6 p.m. in Plant Hall’s Grand Salon. - Check out The Dali Gems at The Dali Museum this weekend. Visit http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/ for more information. - Join the Honors Program Symposia with Dr. Denis Rey in the Macdonald-Kelce Library Wednesday at 4 p.m. - Go see Persepolois in the UT International Film Festival in Reeves Theatre, Thursday at 2:30 p.m. - Get your tickets for Smucker’s Stars on Ice on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the St. Pete-Times Forum. - Download The Minaret Online Edition for your mobile device. - Take a trip to M.O.S.I. for the Da Vinci: The Genius opening daily at 9 a.m.
THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
7
Hot Tub Time Machine Leaves Audiences Drowning for a Laugh By DANIEL FEINGOLD
Arts & Entertainment Columnist
Surprisingly, John Cusack and his overthe-top team of misfits develop a plot that is ridiculous, yet works in Hot Tub Time Machine. Adam, played by John Cusack, is going through a rough time in his life. He has distanced himself from his friends and his girlfriend has just left him. Adam’s former best friend Lou (played by the always funny Rob Corddry) winds up in the hospital due to his own stupidity. In an effort to raise spirits, Adam rallies the old gang, along with his nephew (played by Clark Duke), together for a vacation at an old ski lodge where some of their best memories were made. While Adam, Lou and Nick (played by Craig Robinson) are now way past their prime, they get a second chance to relive those fearless days of their youth. Here is where the title Hot Tub Time Machine comes into play: while relaxing in the tub, the friends are suddenly transported to their ever so familiar past. Legal disclaimer: do not try using your household hot tub as a time travel device. Although some jokes fell flat, the group of friends, especially Corddry, drew laughs from the audience. The gang of losers was likable and portrayed as a group of average guys who have come up short of their dreams. Cusack, who also produced the film, was as convincing as in every role he plays, despite the hilarity and borderline ridiculousness of the movie. Corddry showed off his comedic skills with a hilarious performance in his biggest role yet in a feature film. Craig Robinson, who is best known as Darryl in The Office, is certainly beginning
to make a name for himself in movies, rather than in just the hit series he stars on. Finally, Clark Duke did a respectable job playing the stereotypical dorky guy who keeps everything in check, even though it seems like a comedic role that has been overused the past few years. Though you need to use your imagination while seeing this film, the plot actually turned out to be halfway decent. Somehow, someway, director Steve Pink tied some pieces of the puzzle together to form a storyline that maybe, kind of, almost made sense. For that, I tip my cap to the cast and crew. Additionally, throughout the latter half of the movie, I realized that there was a touch of deeper meaning and some life lessons buried underneath all of the profanity and humor. As far as the negative sides of Hot Tub Time Machine, there weren’t enough to make the movie not worth seeing. You are probably well aware of the movie’s title, and you’ve most likely seen the previews for it, so what would you expect besides comedy? If you go to see this movie with the right expectations, you will definitely walk out of it with a wide grin on your face, as I did. I think Hot Tub Time Machine has the potential to be one of those cult classics-you know, that movie that is forgotten by the general public over time, but always has a small and loyal following. Then, when somebody mentions it, you go, “Oh yeah, I remember that one…Why was John Cusack in that?” Go see Hot Tub Time Machine to relax, have a good time and laugh a lot. Try not to get too dizzy and confused by the wild rollercoaster ride of magical hot tubs and craziness of the ‘80s.
Screen Capture
Screen Capture
Time Runs Out for Fox’s 24, but a Film Version Beckons By DENISE MARTIN and MARIA ELENA FERNANDEZ The Los Angeles Times
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MCT CAMPUS - Jack Bauer has cheated death a few dozen times, but he couldn’t avoid cancellation. After putting the tireless Counter Terrorist Unit agent to work for eight extra-long days, Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly has ordered that Jack stand down at season’s end. Although everyone on set reacted to the news emotionally, no one is perhaps sadder than the man who brought Jack Bauer to life. “It’s very sad. The only thing tempering this from being all-out heartbreak is the fact that we have this sense of accomplishment,” Kiefer Sutherland said. “That’s the only thing holding people up. Because for me and all these people who’ve been with us since the beginning, it’s a very special thing, and it’s very sad to see it end.” The termination notice comes in the middle of Day 8, which critics have panned and the audience has largely shunned. The most recent episode of the show, March 22, drew 8.7 million viewers — down 34 percent from Season 7’s average of 13.3 million. While the ratings have cooled, the cost of producing 24 has continued to increase. “Everyone concurs that we want the show to end as close to peak form as possible,” executive producer Howard Gordon said. “If they said tomorrow that you have a ninth season, it’s not something we’d be up for because we realize Jack’s story in the real-time format has been told. “Jack is a wonderful character who can live past the 24 real-time franchise.” Indeed, Jack may not be retiring just yet.
Sutherland, also an executive producer on the series, is eager to get started on a 24 movie, and 20th Century Fox has hired a writer, Billy Ray (State of Play), who pitched his own version of a bad day for Bauer in Europe. At its peak, 24 helped transform Fox into a ratings powerhouse in the early 2000s. Alongside shows such as American Idol and House, it vaulted the network into the No. 1 spot among the coveted 18 to 49 yearold demographic. “I know the end will be a very difficult day, and I would love to have avoided it,” said Sutherland. “It’s hard. I broke it down the other day: I’ve worked on 24 more than half of my professional career. “We’ve made 196 hours of TV ... close to 100 movies. That’s a very successful career in itself. “I think Gene Hackman and my father (Donald Sutherland) are the only two people who’ve made more stuff than that. “So it would be silly for me to pretend the end of this would not have a huge impact on my life.” The clock stops ticking May 24.
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8 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
UT Hosts V-Day to End Violence Against Women By SOPHIE ERBER
Arts & Entertainment Columnist
The University of Tampa is once again taking part in V-Day, the global movement to end violence against girls and women. The Vagina Monologues, a benefit production originally scripted by V-Day Founder Eve Ensler, will be performed Saturday at 7 p.m. in Reeve’s Theater. UT’s tradition started 12 years ago and is something that the community proudly takes part in. On Valentine’s Day 1998, in New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, the very first performance of The Vagina Monologues was staged for a sold out audience of 2,500 people. Renowned actresses Whoopi Goldberg, Glenn Close, Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon appeared in that debut performance. Now V-Day has grown and spread far beyond the borders of New York. The Crown Vic Theatre in London held its own V-Day performance the next year, with its own share of world famous performers such as Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and Christiane Amanpour. Today, hundreds of thousands are exposed to V-Day and millions of dollars have been raised for anti-violence charities that have resulted from V-Day events. Over 400 cities participated in the VDay Campaign, for a grand total of over
3,000 benefits in 58 countries world wide. V-Day is by far one of the university’s most monumental annual events. UT is one of 700 colleges that have accepted the V-Day invitation to participate in its College Campaign. Through performances at schools, thousands of students are exposed to V-Day and its message. UT student Charu Bahl has been an active member in the university’s V-Day activities and annual performance since her freshman year. “The show is sponsored by Residence Life and you have to audition to be in it,” said Bahl. “Any female student, faculty and staff can audition for the monologues.” All interested members of the UT community are encouraged to audition. “The audition process is really simple; you go in front of the chairpersons for the show and perform one or two monologues on the spot. It is not nerve-wrecking at all.” Bahl says that some girls simply read the introduction pieces as their audition. “The chairpersons decide who would be a fit for the monologues that they have chosen for that year. “Every year, we have some returning monologues that the audiences have liked and then we have new ones to keep the audiences excited and entertained.” UT’s male population, V-Day is not for women alone. On the contrary, there are hundreds of
UT International Film Festival
Movie Poster
By Mandy Erfourth
Arts & Entertainment Columnist
International Programs is sponsoring The University of Tampa International Film Festival from Monday through Wednesday in the Reeves Theater on the second floor of Vaughn Center. The films will start at 2:30 p.m. and will provide food and refreshments that correspond with the country featured in the film. The films that will be shown are The Class, The Counterfeiters and Persepolis. “Each film will be introduced by a professor or expert in the field,” said Brook Pawlak, coordinator of International Programs.
The Class takes places over a whole school year in a multicultural high school in Paris. It’s about a teacher's interactions with his students and how the students challenge the teacher in return. The Counterfeiters is based on the memoir of Adolf Burger and takes place in Germany during World War II. Persepolis is an animated movie about a girl growing up in Iran in the 1970s during the Iranian Revolution. She struggles to find herself in Iran and in Vienna when her parents send her there to attend school. Persepolis and The Counterfeiters were both nominated for Academy Awards. The Class won an Academy award for Best Foreign Film. International Programs chose the films, but ran them by UT professor Tom Garret before finalizing their picks. Pawlak said that in the past they have done human rights movies, but they chose to go with nominated films this year. Pawlak said this is the third International Film Festival she’s been to at UT and she thinks it’s the fourth one total. International Programs hosts othe events throughout the year as well. Whatever your taste in movies, these three should satisfy most of them, whether you're looking for a high school flick, a war movie or a coming-of-age tale. Enjoy the free food and films and immerse yourself in a foriegn culture for an afternoon. Mandy Erfourth can be reached at mcarr@ut.edu.
male participants of V-Day and its message. Mark Matousek, author and close friend of Eve Ensler, pioneered a male side to V-Day: men sharing stories of witnessing female abuse and shedding light on, what Matousek calls “The epidemic of violence being perpetrated by members of our sex.” “It became clear to me (as it already was to Eve) that violence against women was not merely a female issue, it was a human dilemma twisting the lives and consciences of men...[Their] voices needed to be heard in order for the dialogue that began 10 years ago with the founding of VDay to be complete. “In the months to come, we will be presenting a series of pieces written by men with the hope of bridging this gender gap.” All audiences, regardless of gender, have something to gain from watching the show. All proceeds from the performances go to various anti-violence charities for women and girls. “The show,” Bahl said, “is a lighter way to reflect on a more serious issue. “I believe that people come back and see these monologues because even though they are entertaining, there’s a strong message behind them. So come out and support us.” Sophie Erber can be contacted at serber@ut.edu.
Production Poster
Ensler’s Vagina Monolouges has been performed in 700 colleges.
Your guide to the upcoming flicks hitting theatres this weekend.
“Clash of the Titans” Rated: PG-13 Time: 118 minutes Genre: Action A battles ensue between men, kings and gods. Born a god but raised as a man, Persues must now save his family from Hades.
“The Last Song” Rated: PG Time: 188 minutes Genre: Drama Based on Spark’s best-selling novel, an distant father spends the summer with his unenthusiastic daughter.
“Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” Rated: PG-13 Time: 118 minutes Genre: Comedy The orginal cast is back to deal with new issues surrounding the struggles of married life.
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THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
9
10 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
Commentary
Ultra Music Fest: Get Your Freak On While Watching Freaks
By JOHN JACOBS Columnist
Last Saturday I was lucky enough to attend Ultra music fest in Miami (for journalistic purposes of course). It’s the largest gathering of trance/techno/house/ dance DJ’s in the world. If you’ve never been, I’d recommend it to anyone as it’s the most ridiculous experience you’ll ever have in your life. You’ll see people who you can only imagine only come out in the sunlight once a year just for this music festival, and even if you aren’t really into the music, by the time it’s over it’s all you’ll want to listen to. There are five different stages with DJ’s all performing at the same time throughout the day starting at 12 p.m. going through the whole day to 12 p.m. With so many different stages playing music at once you can literally stand anywhere in the park and feel the bass going through your body. Scattered around the park were a bunch of food vendors with anything they could throw together and charge a ridiculous amount of money for. Regardless you basically get pound of raw fat covered in oil for $10 and if you wanted water with that it would cost you another $5. With prices
that high you would have to be on drugs to actually pay that! (Oh wait…) It should be illegal to charge such a high price for water when (spoiler alert) around 95 percent of the people there are on ecstasy, and a water could literally save their life! That’s like a government charging high prices for medicine that sick people need to live! (Good thing that’s never happened.) Throughout the day, I spent most of my time at the main stage which is where the bigger name DJ’s would perform and tens of thousands of people would be in the crowd watching. Basically, the crowd was broken down by the closer you were to the stage equals the crazier you were. Holding down the back of the crowd was more of the college students staying in Miami for the weekend who haven’t really been to a music fest before getting pretty wasted and just shouting “Yeah Ultra!” every few minutes. As you approach the stage you see less and less shirts on people, and more glow sticks randomly attached to people’s bodies somehow. These are the people who are less interested in the music and more interested in the visual effects because they’ve all realized today that, “neon lights are the coolest thing in the world” and literally look like they’re all in a trance with the music. Ahead of that group are the diehard fans who have decided they need to get as close to the stage as possible as if their life depended on it. The fans who are thinking, “I’ll punch
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a girl in the face to get as close to Deadmau5 as possible.” and figured the more space they take up while dancing, the better the music is. The kind of dancing where they need at least a five foot perimeter to safely do their back flips to the beat. But still, there’s one group of people ahead of them literally right in front of the stage. The people who are so wacked out of their mind they don’t realize they’re at a concert anymore. You’ll see a grown man dressed in a full body Pikachu outfit with neon lights in his mouth doing jumping jacks screaming “I have to keep dancing or they won’t let me into heaven!” The kind of people who haven’t blinked in the last two hours and don’t understand when the music stops playing, they just keep dancing. And their dancing looks as if they’re in an intense fist fight with an invisible enemy, but they can never win so they just try even harder until they eventually pass out. All of this is going on in the crowd while the DJ on stage is by far having the most fun out of anyone. I’ve never seen an artist more energetic and excited about their own music than the DJ’s at Ultra. Nobody else in the world is so proud of their own work and willing to openly show their enjoyment more than anyone else. It’s like if you gave a PowerPoint presentation in class than clapped for yourself louder than anyone in the class after you finished. The more DJ’s that performed and the later it got in the night,
One of the many bizarre sights one fins at Ultra Fest.
the more the whole area looked like a war zone, except instead of scattered shell cases it was glow sticks and neon head bands. I walked by more than one person in the fetal position in the middle of the park just shaking but you can’t tell if they’re in need of medical attention because all their friends are sitting around them as if nothing’s wrong, but there’s no use in trying to have a conversation there with anyone you don’t know. “Hey your friend’s been shaking on the ground with her eyes closed, is she ok?” “Yeah she’s fine, she’s just dancing, she loves this song.” “I walked by her a half hour ago and she was shaking like this, are you sure she’s ok?” “Yeah I have some if you
ultramusicfest / Flickr
want to buy it…Wait, what did you ask me?” As the show ended 100,000 people filed out into downtown Miami which looked like the strangest invasion I’d ever seen. As everybody tried to find a way to get home, we decided to take the metro back to the apartment along with thousands of other people from the music festival. It was an interesting ride back as the same person who was having the most fun at the concert was now just some guy in pink spandex leggings and an American flag wife beater awkwardly standing on a train. It’s truly a great music festival when someone can go from being completely normal to strange in a matter of minutes. John Jacobs can be reached at jjacobs@ut.edu.
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THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
COMMENTARY
Editorial: Leaders of Tomorrow Need Better Ones Today
& Suckers
Skeptics
Funny Facebook Statuses
Relationship Facebook Statuses
Lions
Lambs
Jeers
3-D Glasses at Movies Marshmallow Peeps in the Microwave
3-D Glasses as a Fashion Statement
Cheers
Metal Forks in the microwave
It doesn’t seem right that too many leaders are being written about in the media not because of what they did right but what they did wrong. It doesn’t leave this generation of students much to look up to or even work toward. Perhaps the bar has been set lower not higher. Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has made the most recent news. He is now being accused of overseeing the shuffling of priests under his jurisdiction that were accused of molesting young children in their parishes. Even if one is not religious, a certain mutual respect has been afforded to the Pope. If there is any leader that should be looked up to for moral guidance and support, it should be a religious one. Even though Catholic doctrine
perceives the Pope as infallible we must face it and realize that he is not but has been placed in that position for a reason and that is certainly not to do wrong. The ripple effects have finally reached Vatican City and the world watches during Holy Week as reports of abuse continue to pile in from all corners of the globe. This is not what needs to happen. Over the last year we have seen multiple reports of federal, state and local government officials who have found themselves on the other side of the law. These are the people who we have elected in many cases to lead our community and country. They know they are public figures but that doesn’t stop them from breaking the law of the land. We have chosen these people to do the right thing and they do not.
Some look up to sports players for inspiration. Many looked up to Tiger Woods and could never imagine the outcome. Out of all of the sports figures in the country, Tiger Woods was the last one to travel the road that he did. The leaders of today need to realize that they are leaders and they hold in their hands the ability to shape new leaders. If they do not act as leaders then the future leaders of the world will not look so good. The future leaders are sure to be challenged with the same challenges of today and possibly even worse but they will have to break the mold of these leaders which are making themselves look bad in more ways than one. Our leaders of tomorrow are going to need someone to look up to today.
Mental and Verbal Abuse Against Women Will Never Remain Silent
By NICOLE ROBINSON Columnist
Mental abuse. It’s the most unassuming of threats to many women, and sometimes men, that can lead to some of the most dangerous situations. It starts with little abuses to your self-esteem that soon transform into psychologically damaging assaults to your character. These can eventually become physical blows when the insults fail to maintain their
sharpness. Mental and verbal abuses are the most dangerous because they’re hard to report and even more difficult to detect. “Mental abuse is a bit trickier than verbal abuse. Mental abuse is a pattern of behavior or speech that makes you feel you are being played with, controlled, and intimidated,” says Dr. Barbara Rose. “When you are the victim of mental abuse, you find yourself feeling more and more insecure, less and less vibrant, and more confused; you feel as if you need to ask your partner for permission to do things, buy things, go places. You may even feel that you need to ask permission in regard to your spiritual preferences.”
Mental abuse seeps into your life; it’s as sudden and subtle as a germ, a disease that slowly weakens you until it’s much too late to cure. Like a snake, it twists its way around you, constricting you, tighter and tighter, each time you attempt to free yourself. It squeezes you into submission. Some don’t want to believe it’s happening because after all, he’s so charming and your friends and family think he’s a great guy. So it can’t be that bad, right? Well, at least until you realize you’re becoming insecure about things you’ve almost never had a problem with. He’ll tell you to diet or “cover that up, it’s ugly” or even make
you feel obligated to continually inform him of your whereabouts. But I beg you not to fall for it. It almost always begins with the person trying to separate you from your friends because “they’re stupid,” or “don’t know you like he does” and then what was a demeaning comment here and there transforms into a tirade of insults that control you every action. Unfortunately, the solution to this sort of abuse never can begin with the source of abuse backing down. It almost always ceases when the victim of abuse steps up. But there is help. Talk to someone. Although the bridges between you and old friends have been strained, there is always
someone who will accept your reaching out to them. Also, even on this campus there are victims advocates and counselors that would be more than happy to assist you and are well versed on all the signs of mental abuse and how to help you. In the end, the change begins with you. You have to get up. You have to realize that relationships aren’t supposed to have intimidation, fear and dependence as motivators to continue. You have to refuse the empty apologies of “I’ll never do it again,” just as you are showing signs of being fed up with the situation. Find the strength, talk to someone leave and never look back. Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@ut.edu.
answer to your relationship status is “Single.” It’s as though they’re looking at you, waiting for you to sprout horns or a third eye so they can figure out what’s wrong with you and say “Yup, that’s it. That’s why she’s still single.” You want to know why I am still single? Because I choose to be. There’s plenty of women on campus just like me who could pick up a boyfriend tomorrow if they really wanted to, but simply choose not to cause no one really strikes their fancy. It seems like today’s society is so driven on persuading women that they need to have a man. That without one there’s just a part of their life that’s just not whole; they’ve just not achieved all their goals in life. You see it everywhere, in magazines, commercials, films,
shows, music videos—a woman’s completion is attained when she bags herself a man who’s completely smitten with her. If she never does, she’s referred to as a spinster; if she chooses to date out of her prescribed age, she’s a cougar. If she’s desirable, but chooses to give men a hard time, she’s a ball-breaker. If she’s successful and independent, she’s intimidating; the dragon-lady waiting to have her flames doused by some man who’s going to come along and convince her that she really wants to iron his shirts every morning, and make his chicken dinner. It seems like society’s cure to “female singlehood” is a good, sturdy man who’ll wear the pants in the relationship during the day, and turn her into a blazon sex-
goddess at night. It’s positively ridiculous. Since that’s the drug society’s selling to “cure” me, I’m not buying. Neither should you. There’s nothing particularly wrong with being in a loving relationship, in fact in my past I have experienced the sort of love that makes you feel so connected to a person that their love is the axis around which your world revolves. Love and commitment are both blessed things. What I want to get rid of is the idea that if a woman is single, she’s only single because no man has seen fit to scoop her up yet. I want to advocate positivity and respect towards women who are single like myself, and knowledge that they’re not miserable, desperate, sex-starved or slightly diabolical.
There is no cure to prescribe to the women like me who choose singlehood because we are not ill. We are not empty, we are not forlorn and we are not afraid to uphold our ideals of who we should be and what we expect above those of society. I wish to say to my fellow women, if you are intelligent, strong, courageous, funny, wise, brilliant (which most of us are) never feel that because you are single you should feel as though something is missing. To be a woman is to embody strength, wonder, beauty and wisdom. You don’t need anyone’s stamp of approval in order to be proud to feel complete in yourself.
Female Singlehood: A Disease that Must be Cured?
By PHILIPPA HATENDI Columnist
People sometimes ask me why I’m still single, and every time someone asks me that it confuses me. It’s like as though when you’re a certain type of woman, you have to have a man to qualify you as socially acceptable. If you meet everyone’s standards of what a girl with a boyfriend is (beautiful, fun, sexy, loving, approachable) then it almost seems like the universe in itself is out of balance when the
Philippa Hatendi can be reached at phatendi@ut.edu.
12 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
COMMENTARY
The West and Muslim Marriages: Debunking Stereotypes
By CAROLINA MEDELLIN Columnist
Marriage is one of the most controversial issues in Islam, from forced marriage to polygamy. One of the biggest misconceptions is that Muslim women can be forced into arranged marriages. I’ve heard a lot of stories about girls in that situation. It has happened before, and it is happening now. But, as usual, it is not good to judge Islam by practices held in some Muslim countries, or by some Muslims in foreign countries. Most of the time those marriages happen because of cultural practice, and not really because Islam authorizes it. First of all, it is key to understand the importance that marriage has in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) explained this in many Hadiths such as: “He who is able to marry should marry, for it keeps the eye cast down and keeps a man chaste” (Bukhari and Muslim) and “Those of you who marry have fulfilled half of the religion, so you must fear Allah regarding the remaining half” (Bayhaqi). Marriage is more important than just signing a paper; it’s a lifetime commitment that will help you fulfill your religious practice. Many Muslims forget this, forcing their daughters into marriages. This is a practice that is condemned by Islam since its beginnings. Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said “The widow shall not be married until she is consulted, and the virgin shall not be married until her consent is obtained. For that it is sufficient that she remains silent” (Abu Huraira). This means that, if a woman does not like the guy who is proposing to her, she can speak up
and refuse to be married. When we talk about this topic, it usually refers to Aisha, and the age she married. Some believe that she was around eight years old when she got married to Prophet Mohammad. However, I really advise you to go online and read an article written by T.O. Shanavas and published in 1999 in The Minaret about this subject. It really helps to better understand this “issue.” Another misconception many have about marriage in Islam comes to the dowry. I’ve had many of my friends tell me that this is a way to “buy a bride” and stuff like that. It is nothing like that. The dowry is just a “gift” that the groom makes to the bride, and not to the father of the bride. It is required in Islam as part of the marriage, but doesn’t need to be an enormous amount of money; in fact, the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Look for one even if it was an iron ring” (Bukhari and Muslim). Islam encourages the husband to take care of his wife and be always respectful to her. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “A believing man must not hate a believing woman (his wife); if he dislikes one trait in her, he will find another trait in her with which to be pleased” (Muslim). That being said, it is time to get into what I would say is the most controversial part of this topic: polygamy. I would be lying to you if I told you that polygamy in Islam is not allowed, because it is. However, just as everything else, things have to be taken within a context. First of all, polygamy in Islam is restricted to up to four wives. Yeah, it’s still polygamy, but at least it puts a limit to it. Before Islam, men used to have more than four wives. Let’s just put it the way it is: many think that polygamy is just about sex. And maybe it is because when we place it in today’s world perspective that’s the way we see it. However, polygamy in Islam
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Though Islam condones polygamy to a point, marriages are respected as are the wives.
has a different purpose. Back in the time of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) polygamy was often the only option for many women. In fact, as result of the wars that were taking place in the Arabic Peninsula there were more women than men. Many of those women were widows with children who had nobody to support them financially. Also, many single women would not have found a life partner or have a family if it wasn’t for polygamy. The Holy Quran says in chapter 4, verse 3: “If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them, then marry only one.” We can see how here the word ‘orphans’ is used, thus making reference to the idea of polygamy as a way to help widows and orphans. This verse doesn’t encourage polygamy; it just makes it a legal practice. In Islam, when a man marries
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as far as I understand, it wouldn’t be polygamy. And if getting one woman’s consent for a second marriage is hard, you can already guess how getting two or three women to agree would be! Most of the time, we tend to judge the practice of polygamy from “Western perspective” (because believe or not, I’m a “Western”) and it seems to us something terribly humiliating to women and extremely painful to accept. Well, there I would have to say that we don’t have any better. When a husband cheats on his wife, it is just as humiliating and painful with the difference that at least with polygamy the women are aware of what’s going on. I’m not trying to say polygamy is good or bad, better or worse, I’m just trying to say that sometimes we should just stop judging things that we are not really fully aware of, and try to fix our own problems first. Carolina Medellin can be reached at colaya@ut.edu.
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more than one wife, he is expected to be fair to all of them. He has then to provide not only the same financial stability to all of his wives, but also has to have the same “amount of love” for them, which we know is impossible to achieve for human beings. The Holy Quran also acknowledges this problem in chapter 4, verse 129: “It is not within your power to be perfectly equitable in your treatment with all your wives, even if you wish to be so; therefore, do not lean towards one wife so as to leave the other in a state of suspense.” This verse shows how important it is for a man to be fair to his wives, and discourages the practice of polygamy, by acknowledging the difficulty to achieve this requirement. Another thing that it is important to note is that in Islam, a man needs the approval of his first wife in order to marry for a second time. If she refuses he has two options, either he doesn’t marry again, or either they divorce, and,
techsupremo / Flickr
By NARISA IMPRASERT Columnist
There is nothing like a little white lie. The one that gets you out of opening work at 4:30 a.m. or having dinner with the in-laws. A lie is just a few words, use them. Headaches and sinus issues are always seen as poor excuses, but when a girl pulls out the Mother Nature card, no one hassles a female Godzilla. But once you start having “the time of the month” three times in April, I’m sure someone will smell something fishy going on. Don’t forget to improve your lying skills. Maybe even intern to become a professional liar with lawyers, politicians or those handy used car salesmen. They perfected the art, but I’m sure they understand how these things come naturally. According to Panic at the Disco, “lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off” and I think they got it right. When it comes down to it, lies are in our nature. A good lie is in our daily
agenda because it simplifies things and its downright fun. Whether you say you’re “fine” when you’re really about to jump off a bridge or you tell someone you love them when they’re just a back-up plan, lies are just lies. No one wants you to kill their day with depressing facts. Plaster on a fake smile, say things are good—never just fine, and you can cry in your car later. Such simple things keep people from getting hurt. A good friend of mine always says, “I only lie when it’s easier to explain than the truth.” Ah the truth, it’s such an interesting concept. I’m sure thousands of couples have broken up for speaking the truth. I’m sure even ten times that amount stay together because they avoid the truth. The truth is a tricky fellow. He tells us her butt indeed looks fat in them jeans, but our head persuades us that a bootylicious behind is anything but bad. Such an internal monologue plagues my mind set, but I often lie. I admit to vocalizing that I like an outfit when I really dislike it, and I admit to kissing someone when I really don’t like them. Lies are not always a bad thing. It keeps the annoying people from bothering you, the jerks from hitting on you, and the best friend from asking you
every five seconds if you are okay. Sometimes you just need a good lie. Go down to the park and make up a story. Tell someone you’re brother and sister just because you look slightly alike. Play the ethnic card and feed a stranger’s gullible personality. Maybe even try persuading your neighbor about the blind squirrel that hangs around the Sykes building. Test yourself now because you never know when you are going to have to pull one out on a whim. Overall, lying is an ancient pastime. Our grandparents have been telling us about Santa Claus for years. How he climbs down our chimney, (or uses the front door for us southerners), eats our cookies, and leaves us wonderful presents that our parents actually purchased. Of course all of this happens in one night and he watches us at all times. Apparently, Santa is a nosey man, and the tooth fairy tends to invade our space at night. If we make silly faces, it’ll stick that way and if we tell someone they look good when they look less than good, they will hate us. When in doubt, dish out a good lie because after all, ignorance is bliss. Narisa Imprasert can be reached at nimprasert@ut.edu.
THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
13
Break the Ice, Not the Mood, on a First Date By HEATHER GROMLEY Love Columnist
If you read last week’s article you know where you can go to maybe find someone who is worthy boyfriend/girlfriend material. But what happens if you get that first date? So many times people make some major first date mistakes. First of all keep it light and fun. No major first dates of insane dressing up and over priced food. No one can relax in that situation. If you’ve met through a sporting event or something like that, you could use that as a first date. It’s something you already have in common and feel comfortable with. Or because you’ve met there and you may want to seem like you have a life outside of baseball and a dinner out is nice. But where for dinner? Again, ladies realize that most of you (not all) don’t want to come across as spoiled brats, so choose a place that isn’t going to break this guy’s bank account. So Bern’s Steakhouse is out, unless of course this guy is the heir to like Microsoft or a Yankee’s player. Choose a place with some variety if you don’t know what they do and don’t like. If you know a food that you both like, like sushi or seafood then go to a place that’s reputable. Trying new places can be fun, but things
off the beaten path may lead to an upset stomach. Atmosphere is also important. Make sure it’s a place you can hear the other person, but not so reserved that if you breathe the room knows. Also, be forewarned of going to places that your friends frequent. Though your friends should meet this guy at some point, having them spy or sit a table next to you will offer a wonderful awkward turtle moment. Other good first date alternatives are movies (not much talking if you get nervous easily), bowling (being active is good!), the aquarium (you can walk and talk… or enjoy the fish if the date is sinking like the Titanic). So once you’ve picked a place to eat or place to go here are some rules of etiquette. Be careful of messy foods like spaghetti. Having red noodles hanging from your mouth on the first date doesn’t scream please kiss me and take me home to mom. Also, no talking with your mouth full, that’s just not attractive and rude. Common decencies are important, looking someone in the eye when you talk to them, attentively listening (even if you want to gouge your eye out with a sharp object), just being overall respectful. Ordering an alcoholic beverage at dinner—I wouldn’t really recommend it unless it’s like a beer at a baseball game. Use your judgment and see if they order something or offer to buy you a drink. Otherwise I would show that you can be an adult on a date without alcohol.
Conversation is key. I know I’m an open book and will pretty much tell you anything you ask about my life. But there has to be a censor sometimes. First impressions are important and if you start in on how much you hate or love something, it could be a major turn off. I am also all for honesty, but be careful being too honest or upfront with people when you first meet them. In this culture we live in, we think we are “honest” but sometimes it just comes off as being rude or judgmental. Unless you know someone is passionate for or against something stay away from shoving certain topics down your date’s throat-politics, religion, the future and how many kids you want to have and the names you already have picked out (they will run in terror), personal family matters (fights, etc), ex’s (this is a convo for later if you two become serious), money, etc. Most of the things are common sense, but at the same time don’t get too caught up in complaining about your boss or how much you just spent on some Jimmy Choo’s. Because trust me, he doesn’t know or care who Jimmy Choo is and what your shoes look like. I don’t want to come off as wanting you to change everything about yourself. One thing that bothers me about dating shows such as Millionaire Matchmaker, is that the women have to dress a certain way before they are allowed to meet the men. First impressions are definitely important, but I would never suggest losing your identity for a guy.
First date success is as easy as being yourself.
With that being said, I also wouldn’t recommend showing up in your pajamas or after a week of not showering. Now what should our expectations be of our date? Ladies, as much as we want to be swept off our feet, guys take awhile to get on their feet. Don’t expect flowers, every door opened, someone fanning you and feeding you grapes. Let’s get a grip here. Yes, doors being held open and chairs being pulled out are things I think guys should do, but he’s nervous too and may forget to do everything on your prince charming checklist.
David Steinlicht/ MCT Campus
In the end just make sure that you are being respectful and being respected. Have some fun and get that second date and maybe a lasting relationship! If you don’t get that date, don’t worry about it. For me I’m completely happy being single and am not looking for anything any time soon. Either way do what makes you happy and make sure you meet people who also make you happy. Heather Gromley can be reached at hgroms@gmail.com.
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Thursday, April 1st at 7pm (open dress rehearsal)
Saturday, April 3rd at 2pm rd
Saturday, April 3 at 7pm in Reeves Theater
This show is intended for mature audiences
$5 for UT students, faculty & staff $10 for the general public 80% of the proceeds will benefit The Ophelia Project and Boys Initiative 20% of the proceeds will benefit the V-Day 2010 Spotlight: Women and Girls of the Democratic
14 APRIL 2 2010 | THE MINARET
SPORTS
Sports Release Grows More Unique After Becoming a Spartan [From Back] He holds a 0.73 ERA, and has only walked six batters while striking out 37. Coach Urso noted that quite possibly the biggest difference between Meagher’s two years at UT is the number of walks he has allowed. “His strength in junior college was that he didn’t walk anyone. His junior year here, he was a little bit erratic with his command. He has figured it out since and [has been] throwing really good quality strikes down in the zone,” said Urso. Something that has progressed as Meagher has become more of a veteran to the game of baseball is his pitching delivery. It is unique in that he raises his left arm up to the sky before actually throwing the pitch. While Meagher notices that he does it, he actually isn’t sure why or how it started. “Sometimes I see pictures or video and I don’t even know how it gets that high,” Meagher said. “My coach at [SPC] has seen me here since I’ve [transferred] and he said it wasn’t that high at St. Pete. I guess it
just got higher and higher.” With his dominating performance throughout the entire season, professional scouts may come looking in Meagher’s direction. While Coach Militello feels that Meagher may not be the prototypical major league pitcher, he said that he has essential qualities that make him special. “The most important thing is [that] he’s a winner and he gets guys out,” said Militello. “If somebody sees that and likes that, then [they’ll] give him a chance.” A business management major, Meagher admitted that even though he hasn’t been thinking about being drafted, he would play professional ball if given the opportunity. “I would definitely go if I got drafted,” said Meagher. Meagher and the Spartans will be back in action, on the road, as they take on SSC rival Saint Leo University in a three game set. Daniel Feingold can be reached at dfeingold@ut.edu.
Spartans Stand Atop SSC Conference School Tampa Florida Southern Barry Florida Tech Rollins Nova Southeastern Saint Leo Lynn Eckerd
SSC Record 12-0 6-3 6-3 7-8 4-5 4-5 4-8 1-5 1-8
Overall Record 31-5 26-5 21-8 23-9 20-13 19-15 15-19 10-22-1 15-13
Abby Sanford/The Minaret
A look at Tom Meagher’s release. His arm slot has grown more unique as he has developed.
Tampa Rays Set to Open 2010 Season on By BRENTON BURKETT Sports Writer
The Tampa Bay Rays stumbled into third place last year after winning the American League pennant in 2008. The 2010 rebound started early with spring training. As of March 30, the Rays held the best spring record in baseball at 18-7. It’s hard to find the best story in Rays training camp because there are so many good ones. Sean Rodriguez, the main piece of the Scott Kazmir trade, came in fighting for the second base job. After hitting .439 with six home runs, it’s fair to say he made a convincing case for himself. The Rays may not miss Akinori Iwamura, while the Angels may regret letting Rodriguez go. Evan Longoria is still the star the Rays know and love. He posted a .313 average and four home runs along with his usual flair with the glove at third base. Expect him to be in the mix for MVP. With three long home runs, B.J. Upton announced that his power is back.
New hitting coach Derek Shelton worked with Upton during the offseason to cut down on the “moving parts” in his swing. Now his quick wrists are doing all the work and there is no shoulder injury to bog him down. Also on the rebound is Dioner Navarro. Despite a leg injury suffered in a collision
in mid-March, Navarro hit .471 as he began his quest to return to his 2008 form. He and newcomer Kelly Shoppach are pushing the best out of each other. The healthy competition is paying off. Jason Bartlett was one of the Grapefruit League’s best shortstops. He hit .340 this spring and struck out just four times in 50 at-bats. Bartlett is a man opposing pitchers should target. Ben Zobrist is not a fluke. The 2009 All-Star hit .333 with three home runs and two stolen bases. “Zorilla” adjusted well as pitchers figured him out late last season. That’s what professional hitters do – stay one step ahead of the pitchers. Speaking of last year’s surprises, Jeff Niemann totaled 24 strikeouts to three walks. He, Matt Garza and James Shields kept their ERAs below 3.00 and stayed healthy for the start of the season. Sure, the Rays still have a share of problems. Carlos Pena started slowly, Pat Burrell hit below .200 and right fielder Matt Joyce spent most of March injured. The bullpen also faced struggles from top to bottom.
And yes, some of the numbers may be inflated because of minor league-level competition. But it’s spring training for everyone. For every Triple-A pitcher, the Rays faced a Josh Beckett. So while these numbers may not be gospel, they reveal that the Rays are ready to battle it out in baseball’s toughest division. The stage is set. Let the real games begin. Brenton Burkett can be reached at bburkett@ut.edu.
SSC Showdown Probable Starters Sean Bierman Junior 4-1 Record 2.79 ERA 29.0 Innings Pitched 25:4 K:BB
Matt Smith Junior 4-5 Record 6.11 ERA 53 Innings Pitched
AJ Pinera Senior 3-1 Record 4.86 ERA 35.1 Innings Pitched 34:9 K:BB
Marshall Stalvey Junior 2-4 Record 4.31 ERA 48 Innings Pitched
Josh Bowman Junior 5-1 Record 4.06 ERA 44.1 Innings Pitched 44:10 K:BB
Aaron Brandt Sophomore 4-1 Record 4.50 ERA 40 Innings Pitched
vs
vs vs
UT
SPORTS
THE MINARET | APRIL 2 2010
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Sophomore Looks to Gain Confidence Against Opponents By ARTURO UZCATEGUI Sports Writer
When sophomore Briana Ryan first joined the UT Tennis team her mind was set on only one thing, improving her tennis abilities. And she’s been doing so ever since her freshman year. Ryan, up until the match against St. Petersburg College, had collected seven victories in singles and four in doubles competition, better than just her four victories in the singles competition last season. “When I first met Coach DuFaux I liked him and when I came to the school I liked it too,” said Ryan. “I saw Plant Hall and I thought it was pretty cool. Then, I met the girls and thought that I could have a great time here.” Briana Ryan After making the team and experience her first wins as a Spartan last season, the biology major knows she has had an athletic growth playing for Coach DuFaux. “I think I became more of a consistent player. Consistency is what helps you win matches at UT, you can’t just smash the ball and kill it every time like I did my freshman year.” Ryan said. And that freshman year is well in the past. Ryan has shown a great development, said Ryan, since joining the squad and she’s been getting a little help from teammate and doubles partner Ally Wooten.
They both have a 4-7 record playing doubles together so far this year, and even though the record might look dismal the partnership has done its job by teaching Ryan how to play as a team player and how to be better every day. “Ally is a really good player and she has a lot of experience being a senior. She has gotten me through the double matches working together,” she said. “We complement each other pretty much, when I am not playing well she catches me and when she is not playing well I try to win some points.” Being in her second year at UT, playing with a partner in the doubles competition now and having a great athletic guide Abby Sanford/The Minaret in Coach DuFaux has helped Ryan to be a Ryan working with Ally Wooten in doubles match play. The duo has learned from each other. better player and she is aware of that. “Besides my consistency, I have been concentrating on playing directionally which is basically following through with your hips to the crack side,” said Ryan. “Also, my serve has been going in a lot more often and I have sped it up a little bit.” Bri, as she is known by her friends, also commented that next season she hopes to be more consistent hoping to have a record above .500, with victories than defeats. She also said that in order to get better as a team, they all need to be more confident and come out stronger to every match. “I believe we need to go out there more confident and win more double matches because double matches are the key.” Ryan finnaly said. Ryan will continue her strong playing and continue leading the Spartans offensively as they take on Eckerd on Apr. 7, at 3 p.m., hoping that the women can finish the season strong and improve their record as a squad. Abby Sanford/The Minaret Arturo can be reached at juzcategui. Briana Ryan hitting the ball for The University of Tampa tennis team. Ryan is 4-7 in doubles play. gomez@spartans.ut.edu.
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The Record
SPORTS
Star Catcher’s Comeback Proves Big for UT Walk-off grand slam among Vyzas’s contributions since return
Baseball [31-5, 12-0] April 2 at Saint Leo [1519, 4-8] 6 p.m. Coach Militello on Saint Leo: “If we can just play well this weekend and maybe put some more distance between us and them, that would be huge.” John Wiedenbauer on Saint Leo: “Pretty much every series from here on out is really important. We’ve already gotten a nice lead and we’re going to try to keep on winning these important games.” History: Tampa leads the all-time series 88-28. The teams met already this season with Tampa taking the game 11-3.
Softball [15-10, 6-3] Heather Van Landingham earned her second straight Sunshine State Conference weekly pitcher of the week honor. S h e tossed two complete games including a 40 and a 3-1 win, without allowing an Van Landingham earned run.
Tennis [2-14, 0-7] April 7 at Eckerd College [6-1] 3 p.m.
Andy Meng/Sports Information
Becky Vzyas swinging at a pitch for UT. She is returning from a broken wrist. By RYAN BURKETT Sports Writer
University of Tampa softball catcher Becky Vyzas may have broken her wrist in January, but it didn’t keep her down for long. The injury occurred in what
Vyzas described as a “freak accident” on Jan. 7 of this year. Vyzas was sidelined for the first 13 games of the regular season as a result. Junior Kristi Humphrey filled in at catcher, starting all 13 of those games and maintaining a
1.000 fielding percentage. Since her return to the lineup, the sophomore has been on a tear, hitting .371 with two home runs and 23 total bases in 12 games. Still, Vyzas sees more work to be done. “I’m still working on my swing,” Vyzas said. “It’s not where it was last year.” Vyzas is picking up where she left off last year when she turned in a remarkable freshman season. She set team highs in batting average (.386), hits (44), doubles (eight), triples (six), home runs (five), slugging percentage (.693), RBI (24), walks (16) and total bases (79). “It’s no secret she’s probably our best hitter,” UT head coach Leslie Kanter said. “We might have won a couple of the games she missed had she been in the lineup.” Vyzas’s return proved valuable in a home game against conference rival Lynn on March 20. The Spartans trailed 4-1 and were one out away from defeat when UT loaded the bases for Vyzas. The star delivered the ultimate blow, depositing a changeup for a walk-off grand slam to win it for Tampa and cap off a weekend sweep. Although please with
the result she wasn’t trying to hit the ball out of the ballpark. “I was nervous,” Vyzas said. “I just wanted to get a hit to score one or two runs, then Brittany Hipple would bring the rest of them in.” Kanter added to the experience. “It was exciting,” Kanter said. “To hit a changeup out of the deepest part of the ballpark like she did shows how strong she is.” Vyzas only got better last weekend at Florida Tech. Her 6-10 weekend included a double, a triple, her second home run of the season and two runs batted in. UT won two of the three games in the series. Despite Vyzas’s extended absence, Kanter said the rest of the Spartan lineup felt no extra pressure. “There are a lot of new players this season who didn’t really know what she could do until she was back,” Kanter said. Now that Vyzas has again proven herself as a lethal hitter, the team appears confident going forward. “It’s great to have her back,” Kanter said. Ryan Burkett can be reached at rburkett@ut.edu.
Pitcher Regains Confidence After Summer Season By DANIEL FEINGOLD Sports Writer
Out of Slidell, La., second year Spartan Tom Meagher began playing baseball purely for enjoyment. “I started playing when I was eight and it was always just fun for me. I guess once I got into high school, it started getting more competitive,” said the senior UT pitcher.
Though he is currently committed to playing baseball, Meagher was an athlete of all sorts when he was younger. “I played football, basketball and baseball when I was younger,” said Meagher. “I was the best at baseball so I just kept playing that and I stopped the other two.” Meagher played high school ball at Jesuit High School, located in New Orleans. While he could both pitch and
Coach DuFaux on Eckerd: “The first time we faced them we beat them and I would expect to beat them again and finish the season strong.” Briana Ryan on Eckerd: “We need to go to the match confident, keep the ball, and win double matches. Definitely doubles is the key.” The teams met twice in 2009 with Tampa sweeping the Tritons.
Women’s Basketball For the first time in program history the UT women’s basketball team stayed nationally ranked the full season. Tampa started the season ranked 22nd and tied the program’s best 26 wins, including a clean 14-0 record at home. The Spartans finished ranked 18th overall.
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Andy Meng/Sports Information
Tom Meagher releasing a pitch while warming up in the bullpen for UT.
play the outfield, it was during his time at Jesuit when he became a true pitcher. “At my high school, [most players either] pitched or played a position. They didn’t have many two-way guys,” Meagher said. Coming out of high school, Meagher said he was not scouted by many Division I or Division II schools. He ended up attending and playing for Saint Petersburg College (SPC) in Florida. “I knew a guy back in New Orleans that was friends with the coach at St. Pete,” Meagher said. “I came down, I tried out, and I just decided I liked the school; so, I decided to go there.” It was not until his move to Florida that Meagher knew much about The University of Tampa. The Spartan coaches got a chance to see Meagher pitch, and with both parties interested in one another, Tampa felt like the right school for him to transfer to. “I love the area down here and I wanted the chance to win a national championship so I thought it’d be a good fit,” said Meagher. Head Coach of the Spartan baseball team, Joe Urso, spoke about UT’s relationship with the baseball program at SPC. “We have a big track record with St. Pete. They’re one of the better junior colleges in the state of Florida year in, year out,” Urso said. “We try to go after a lot of those guys because they’re in a winning program at the junior college level.” Sam Militello, the Spartans’ Assistant Head Coach and Pitching Coach, liked what he saw out of Meagher while he was pitching
at SPC. “He was a guy that threw a lot of strikes, had a lot of movement, competed very well and I think he had Tom Meagher this confidence about him too,” Militello said. As a junior and a first year Spartan in the 2008-2009 campaign, Meagher struggled to get settled in the Division II atmosphere. In over 43 innings, Meagher went 4-2 with a 5.15 ERA. Additionally, he had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 54 to 33. Coach Militello attributed Meagher’s improvement over the past year to his extra work put in over the summer. “[He] had a lot of success over the summer and was able to come back with some confidence,” said Militello. “I don’t think it was a whole bunch of mechanical stuff, [rather] more of just a mental thing.” In the summer between his junior and senior years, Meagher pitched well enough to be selected as an all-star of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, in which he played for the Keene Swampbats. Returning for his senior year, Meagher has undoubtedly come back strong. In 12 appearances and 24.2 innings pitched, Meagher‘s record stands at 6-0. [See 14]