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Volume 77 Number 14 • December 3, 2010 • ut.minaret@gmail.com • minaretblog.com • theminaretonline.com

‘There is a Rethinking Responsible Recycling

By CHANNING HAILEY

Cockroach In

My

See Page 5

Special to The Minaret

The recycling program offered at the University of Tampa seems to have an invisible sign hanging over it: “Serious Recyclers Only, Please.” Though the P.E.A.C.E. Volunteer Center and UT’s administrative operatives have brought more recycling opportunities to campus, the lack of awareness of recycling centers’ locations and their relative inconvenience leaves many students throwing out their recyclables with the trash.

Richard Ogoreck, Vice President for Administration and Finance, has headed UT’s efforts to encourage more recycling on campus.

“An excess of twenty containers are placed in offices and labs on campus where paper can be placed and securely shredded to go back into the recycling stream,” Ogoreck said.

These papers are picked up every Friday by Waste Management Corporation, which is also contracted to handle “legally and safely” the hazardous byproducts from the science and maintenance programs.

There are also two “single stream” recycling containers on campus, one located between ResCom and Thomas Parking Garage and the other behind the baseball field near the Cass building.

At this point, students wishing to recycle must personally take their recyclables to these sites themselves.

P.E.A.C.E. has worked along with administrators and student leaders to make recycling centers more accommodating for students.

Senior Michael Seitzler, Head Coordinator of P.E.A.C.E.,claims that because the single stream recycling containers weren’t

Illustration by Alex Vera/The Minaret

[See Recycling, 4]

NEWS + FEATURES Four Loko Craze Comes to a Halt

[Page 2]

Soup!’

WikiLeaks Exposes Inner Workings of U.S. Diplomacy

By MICHEAL ANGELO RUMORE Asst. Arts + Entertainment Editor

Thewhistle-blowerorganization WikiLeaks recently began releasing over 250,000 top secret diplomatic cables.

The cables, detailing the inner workings of the State Department and private remarks of U.S. diplomats, unleashed a strong response from the U.S. government and the global community.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking at a State Department news conference, said, “The United States strongly condemns the illegal disclosure of these documents.

It puts people’s lives in danger, threatens our national security, and undermines our efforts to work with other countries to solve shared problems.”

Mrs. Clinton did not comment on specific allegations of the cables, but presented them as positive evidence of the Obama administration’s “robust” foreign policy.

Attorney General Eric Holder said that WikiLeaks is currently under criminal investigation.

Western apprehension over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program is a frequent topic of the leaks.

The documents reveal that some of Iran’s neighboring Arab countries, including Egypt, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, also espouse a concern over Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, is reported to have urged the U.S. to engage in military strikes in Iran.

Referring to Iran, King Abdullah pushed the U.S. to “cut the head off the snake.”

Iran maintains that it has a peaceful purpose for its nuclear program.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad alleged that the leaked cables were part of a U.S. plot to damage Iran’s relationship with its Arab neighbors.

“Some part of the American government produced these documents,” Ahmadinejad said.

“We don’t think this information was leaked. [. . .] They are pursuing political goals.”

[See Diplomacy, 3]

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT •

•

Student Chorale Group Showcases its ‘Opus’ How to Enjoy Winter Fashion Despite Florida’s Warmth [Page 8]

COMMENTARY Religion, Race, Gender, Sexuality: The Topics People Love to Dodge [Page 12]

M

MINARET

2 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

NEWS + FEATURES

Four Loko Craze Comes to a Halt

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alex Vera

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ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mike Trobiano

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NEWS + FEATURES

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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Mandy Erfourth, Senior Editor Micheal Angelo Rumore, Asst. Editor

Cornered by the mounting controversy, the manufacturer is removing caffeine and two other energy-inducing additives to soothe consumer trepidation over the new product.

COMMENTARY

News Reporter

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Daniel Feingold, Senior Editor Kyle Bennett, Asst. Editor minaret.sports@gmail.com

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By JEFFERY PALMER

The newest popular beverage to sweep campus, the energy-alcohol hybrid beverage known as Four Lokos, can be purchased at nearby as Metro Food Mart or Walmart.

The controversial concoction that UT senior Michael Hannon referred to as “the quintessential black-out drink” is typically sold in large, 23.5 ounce cans and comes in an impressive array of nine flavors like citrus and blue raspberry.

The beverage is roughly 12 percent alcohol, comparable to about four beers, according to the company’s website, and has the caffeine equivalent of a venti-sized coffee at Starbucks.

It is relatively affordable for the average college budget at around $2.50 a can. Four Loko’s high potential for a quick buzz, its role in helping to alleviate tiredness, and, not least of all, it’s increasingly taboo status, has made it highly attractive to

young drinkers across the nation.

Unfortunately, these same factors have caused the beverage to come under recent scrutiny for health concerns.

From a dietary perspective, Four Lokos is obscenely fattening. One can contains a staggering total of 630 calories and 60 grams of sugar.

The dual combination of depressants and stimulants has many critics worried.

Not only is the composition potentially detrimental to heart health, but it tends to confuse drinkers as to their true state of intoxication and alertness while they are under the influence.

The growing notoriety of the beverage has caused experimentation on a mass scale.

K. Ryan Jones, a well known New York filmmaker, even went so far as to document his personal encounter with the drink for the purposes of advancing science and educating viewers. His resulting decline into a state of paranoid drunkenness is as sobering a spectacle as it is laughable.

Numerous other documentaries and

discussions of the controversial drink have surfaced all across the web. A more tragic instance of potential Four Loko abuse can be found in the unfortunate tale of Florida State University sophomore Jason Keiran.

Less than a day after imbibing the beverage, 20-year-old Keiran accidentally shot and killed himself with a loaded pistol belonging to a friend.

Although a matter of ranging opinion, the grieving parents blame his jumpiness and lack of judgment on Four Lokos. They are pursuing a lawsuit against Phusion Products, the manufacturer of the drink.

UT senior Sarah Curran expressed her concern over the new craze. “I think its fun to get one and have a little buzz and be pumped up,” she agreed. “But any more than that and I get scared that my heart will stop or something scary. I’ve heard too many bad stories about those things!”

And as such “bad stories” continue to circulate, restrictions have tightened on the sale and distribution of Four Lokos nationally.

Several states have already banned the beverage, most recently New York, and more are sure to follow. Individual college campuses, where excessive drinking is especially prevalent, have also put restrictions on the infamous drink.

“I think its stupid to ban them,” UT junior Nick Theobald said of the drink.

“No matter what, college-age kids will find new and better ways to get drunk. Maybe there could be a regulation on how much caffeine is put in the drink.”

Jumping the gun on an immanent FDA decision regarding the legality and safety of energy drinks containing alcohol, Phusion Products has vowed to do just that.

Cornered by the mounting controversy, the manufacturer is removing caffeine and two other energy-inducing additives to soothe consumer trepidation over the new product.

Jeffrey Palmer can be reached at jeffrey. palmer@spartans.ut.edu.

Tampa Brings Skating Outside

By TRINITY MORGAN News Reporter

The Tampa Department of Recreation recently opened an ice skating rink.

Tampa’s Downtown on Ice is located in front of the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on Ashley Drive.

The rink, which will operate until January 2, is a good way for the Downtown Tampa community to get moving.

J.R. Malone, the venue’s manager, said the rink has been extremely successful and that its been “super busy on the weekends.”

Downtown on Ice, which opened November 19, attracts students looking for an alternative to their usual activities.

They’ve been seeing a lot of younger Dina Caloma/The Minaret children during the week.

“Last week we had 500 kids a day The price is only 10 dollars for a 90 minute ice skating session at the outdoor rink, including skate rentals. The rink is open until 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. when school was out,” said Malone.

“I’m seeing a lot of adults who skated as kids. Now they can bring their kids and introduce them to the sport.”

“The company I work for has even at Downtown on Ice. Outdoor ice-skating is a favorite holiday done ice rinks on the beach in Panama— Harrell says working at the rink has tradition, though obviously normally and without a tent.” been a great experience. located in cities that have colder climates.

Downtown on Ice could become an “I get to meet a lot of new people,” Downtown Tampa is lucky to have annual tradition if the rest of its term Harrell said. “People of all ages come one of the few outdoor ice skating rinks in continues to be successful. here.”

Florida.

“I don’t make the final call, but if it Skating at the rink is priced at $10 for With the right equipment, the does well this year, we might be able to 90 minutes, including skate rentals. maintenance is easy. bring it back next year,” said Malone.

The rink is open for skating Monday Downtown on Ice uses a high tech People who visit the ice rink like to through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., cooling system and tent to keep the ice come back, usually to introduce it to some Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to cold and block out sunlight. of their friends.

10 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 8 p.m.

“Its just a matter of enough cooling “A lot of the kids come back over and Trinity Morgan can be reached at power,” said Malone. over again,” said Jessica Harrell, a cashier tmorgan@spartans.ut.edu.

NEWS + FEATURES

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

Spartan of the Week: Ashley Lay

Lay Lands Role as ‘Modern Family’ Extra

By RICHARD SOLOMON News Reporter

Ashley Lay Sophomore, film and media art, 19 What makes Ashley Lay your Spartan of the Week? Other than the fact that her email would be ALay, the 19 year old sophomore made it to the small screen two weeks ago. If you happened to see Modern Family on November 17th, the Film and Media Art major was there in the background as an extra. Read on to learn more about Ashley Lay’s experience.

The Minaret (M): Explain to us how you got onto Modern Family!

Ashley Lay (AL): I had jaw surgery over the summer and I think my dad felt really bad for me. My sister is a supercomp dragster driver and she was doing that all summer while I was stuck at home eating out of a syringe from the surgery. So he went on to this website called charitybuzz and won an auction to go out and see Modern Family.

(M): And is Modern Family your favorite tv show?

(AL): Yeah it’s my favorite comedy.

(M): Did you get to meet any of the cast while you were there?

(AL): I met most of the cast and a lot of the crew. They were shooting an onlocation scene the day we visited at a mall near LAX. It was their most expensive episode yet. It was tons of fun. I met Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron; Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell; and Ty Burrell who plays Phil even though it

wasn’t even his day to shoot. The next day I met Julie Bowen who plays Claire.

(M): Who’s your favorite character on the show?

(AL): My favorite character is Phil. I really like Cam and Mitchell but recently I’ve started to like Phil more. It was awesome to meet him because he wasn’t even supposed to show up that day but he was on set anyway.

(M): What were they like?

(AL): They’re so nice. The cast and crew are like one big, happy family.

(M): What were the actors like in real life?

(AL): Cam is very different off camera.

They call cut and he switches to normal so fast. He’s such a guy.

(M): “He’s such a guy.” What does that mean?

(AL): He’s so funny. During filming he’ll be very flamboyant, then they call cut and he’s talking about sports.

(M): It’s “guy” to talk about sports?

(AL): Yeah, that’s guy.

(M): Okay… Was there anyone from the show you were dying to meet but didn’t get the chance?

(AL): Not really, I met all my favorites.

We were paired up with this production assistant named Rachel who had just graduated from Northwestern. We kind of had the same interests and we still talk, so hopefully she’ll help me get an internship one day.

(M): Would you want to be on Modern Family some day as a star?

(AL): That’d be cool!

(M): What’s the plan for the future? Is it in line with acting, or was this just a cool one-time thing?

(AL): I want to write and act, direct and produce.

(M): Oh wow, that’s a lot. So you want to do the whole gambit?

(AL): Yeah, I’m the next Ron Howard.

(M): Like Happy Days?

(AL): I haven’t actually seen that, I’m just behind on stuff.

(M): Okay, Happy Days is three decades old. Anyways, what are your favorite tv shows?

(AL): Modern Family of course, and I like Greek. My cousin is on Greek actually. Her name is Spencer Grammar, she plays Casey Cartwright.

(M): Speaking of tv, how many fingers would you cut off to be on Modern Family?

(AL): None. I don’t want it that badly!

(M): Clearly you don’t want it that badly then. What are you impressions from this whole experience?

(AL): It was really cool to just meet everyone and get their feedback and experience. It was cool to see how it all comes together. The screenwriting and the cast and crew, lines of trucks.

(M): What was your favorite episode of Modern Family?

(AL): I really like the one I was there for. Not because I was there, but because it was really funny.

Richard Solomon can be reached at richard.solomon@spartans.ut.edu

Leaks Show Diplomatic Dirty Work

[From Front, Diplomacy]

Another revelation from the leaks confirms a secret U.S. missile attack on suspected terrorists sites in Yemen. Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh previously took responsibility for the bombings.

Dozens of Yemeni civilians were reportedly killed during the air-strikes.

U.S. diplomacy concerning North Korea’s debilitated leader Kim Jong-il is also disclosed by the leaked cables. U.S. and South Korean diplomats are shown preparing aftermath scenarios should Kim Jong-il pass away.

Additionally, the leaked documents reflect the Obama administration’s effort to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.

Though the prison’s population has dwindled from 240 to 174 under President Obama’s watch, the documents outline the

difficult process of finding nations willing to take custody of its prisoners. The U.S. sought countries that could be trusted with the detainees.

Some European countries, like Germany, accepted a limited number of detainees, though well short of the amount the U.S. hoped to transfer.

In response to the leaks, the State Department and the Pentagon vowed to tighten information access and controls to prevent similar leaks in the future.

Current information control policies were influenced by concerns that a lack of information sharing between government agencies was a contributing factor in the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks Michael Angelo Rumor can be reached at michealangelorumore@gmail.com.

Police Beat Nov. 22-28

Compiled fom November 22-28 reports.

Somebody’s Going to McDonald’s At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 21, a student reported to security that an unknown black male came into her room and stole $5.00. The case is still open.

Surprise!

At 10 p.m. on Nov. 22, security responded to Vaughn to a call about an intoxicated female student in the lobby. The student was referred to the judicial board.

Barnes & Not-So-Noble On Nov. 26, security responded to the

Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Vaughn when the burglary alarm went off around 1 a.m.

3D: Drunk Driving Drift On Nov 27, a Tampa Police Officer requested information from security about a student involved in an investigation of a DUI. The student was referred to the judicial board.

Toe-tally Rough On Nov. 28, a female student came to the security office to report a broken toe.

Cara Fetzer assembled these reports.

This Week’s Student Government Meeting... *It was discussed to extend the hours of the Macdonald-Kelce Library to 2 A.M. SundayWednesday. This change will hopefully be made next year. *The idea to increase tuition rates to re-establish a UT football team was proposed. *National Bone Marrow Registry representative Marc Silver encourages students to donate for the bone marrow drive on Dec. 6 and 7. Their goal is to spread the word and get 500 donations over the course of those two days.

Have any questions or concerns? Contact Student Government at SG@ut.edu.

Student Government is your voice. Join us at our meeting every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Reeves Theater. All students are welcome.

3

4 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

NEWS + FEATURES

Efforts Grow for Plant Museum Evokes a Past Era Student Takes a Walk Through Time More Recycling [From Front, Recycling]

“convenient enough,” the organization pushed for Can/Bottle Recycling Centers to be placed around campus.

“We now have approximately 16 in set locations around campus; they are similar to the already existent trash cans around campus, but if students look carefully, they can easily recycle their can or water bottle,” Seitzler said.

Freshman Josh Jacobs captured the sentiments of many new students living on campus when he said, “All the recycling bins I’ve seen have been just randomly placed around campus. I often find myself looking for one for a while, to no avail. I go through like a 12 pack of soda every two weeks; all those cans? Trash.”

It’s not only freshmen that are unaware of the locations of recycling bins and the single stream containers, though. Sophomore Leah Wilkinson said, “We recycle water bottles in our room, but there’s not really a place for them to go.”

When asked if there had been many barriers in the process of bringing more recycling bins to the campus, Seitzler said, “The largest hurdle we face in our recycling efforts is making sure that we match our campus’s aesthetics. Our campus is trying very hard to create a certain look, and with our green efforts, we want to stay within those limits.”

Freshman Nick Pauquette felt this stress was unnecessary.

“I think they can find a happy medium between maintaining the aesthetics and making more noticeable recycling bins,” said Pauquette.

Even those that are aware of recycling sites on campus are admittedly not using them to their full potential.

“It really isn’t that far, but if you have a lot going on, it makes it seem farther than it is. Sometimes our recycling overflows, so we end up just throwing it away,” said junior, Mark Baccoli. , To address this, Seitzler said that P.E.A.C.E.’s current plan is to put one 28-quart recycling container in every dorm room. The students will have to empty their containers into the single stream recycling centers themselves. Seitzler made a point of putting emphasis on “themselves,” as he said. “We have to put this effort on the students because we cannot have our student body complain that we want recycling in our residence halls but ‘only if it’s convenient for us and if we don’t have to put a lot of effort into it.’”

Seemingly, what it comes down to is the lack of translation from the goals of P.E.A.C.E. to the actions of students on campus. Students show interest in recycling but are still more concerned with their own convenience than with the “Green” opportunities presented to them. The only way to expand the recycling program is for more students to actively participate.

“If the student body really wants more recycling, we are going to have to show the university administration that we want to put our own effort into making UT greener,” Seitzler said.

So what can students do to let the administration know they are serious about recycling? If P.E.A.C.E.’s initiative to put recycling bins in dorm rooms goes as its members hope, more students will find themselves making the trip to the recycling centers since they have already sorted between their garbage and their recyclables. An increase in usage of the recycling bins currently available and the single stream containers on campus could send the much-needed message to the administration that the student body wishes to move UT in a greener direction.

By WENDY PLANT

Special to The Minaret

Tucked away in a wing on the ground floor, the Henry B. Plant Museum stands as a testament to life at another pace.

Stepping inside the beveled glass doors, I was immediately immersed into a leisurely world of simpler pleasures.

Pastimes, such as sewing, games of bridge, and writing, are captured in rooms devoted to life in a time without so many distractions.

I could imagine men and women, dressed in their stiff woolen ensembles and high buttoned shoes, rocking in fine mahogany chairs, sipping tea and engaging in spirited conversations about the politics and events of the day.

It is a world away from the students in their shorts and flip flops who seem more immersed in a text message, tweet or Facebook friend than in the person across the table.

Life as it was in 1891, when the Tampa Bay Hotel was built, came alive as I entered the rooms.

The slightly musty smell of carpet and furnishings worn and burnished by the years was somehow nostalgic and comforting.

Henry Plant built the hotel as a destination for the country’s elite traveling on Plant’s railroad, the first to the west coast of Florida.

Since Plant had admired Moorish architecture on his extensive travels, he hired New York architect, John A. Wood, to recreate the intricate ornamentation and soaring minarets.

The 511 rooms were the first in Florida to have electricity–cutting edge technology for the time, like University of Tampa’s fully-wireless campus today.

Guest rooms display their original glory with fine linen bedding and mosquito netting over the beds.

After all, this was Florida before air conditioning and extermination, and there had to have been more than a few critters crawling and flying around to annoy the occupants.

Formal dresses, elaborately embellished hats, men’s ascot ties and suits are carefully laid out as they would have been by the owners’ maids and butlers in preparation for the evening’s festivities.

Ornately gilded mirrors lining the hallways reflected diners in their fine attire on their way to gourmet dinners at 6:00, and a museum docent told us that orchestras played in the circular balcony in the dome over what is now Fletcher Lounge so that the music fell softly around the guests as they enjoyed their meal.

Music for all to enjoy – not just those connected to their iPods.

Other areas of the museum showcase some of the men’s favourite pursuits, such as cigar smoking, gambling, golfing, hunting, and fishing.

In the glory years, there had been a casino along the river that fell victim to a fire.

Vintage photographs and a video about “Plant’s Palace” illustrate what is now Plant Park.

There were exotic gardens, containing a zoo with a menagerie of alligators, peacocks and other animals, a boat pavilion, bandstand, as well as

plantmuseum.com

Cornered by the mounting controversy, the manufacturer is removing caffeine and two other energy-inducing additives to soothe consumer trepidation over the new product.

plantmuseum.com

Guest rooms display their original glory with fine linen bedding and mosquito netting over the beds.

hunting and fishing areas.

Hotel guests could amuse themselves on a nine-hole golf course, horse stables, and a race track that were available for entertainment on the grounds. Photos show hotel guests in their long gowns and parasols being carried by human powered rickshaws around the gardens.

During the Spanish American War in 1898, the hotel played an important role in American history when the American Army used the hotel as a headquarters and staging ground, and Plant’s railroad and steamships transported troops heading to Cuba.

Generals and war correspondents stayed in the hotel, and Colonel Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Rider soldiers trained on the grounds.

Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, also stayed in the hotel while gathering supplies to care for the wounded, and hospital nurses and workers were headquartered in the hotel’s casino.

A touching display houses uniforms, letters from the soldiers to their loved ones, and other poignant memorabilia that are a tribute to the hardships endured during the war.

This was truly one of the first fine resorts in Florida, but the heyday didn’t last for long. Henry Plant died in 1904, and the city of Tampa ran the hotel until 1932 after a lengthy family legal battle over his estate.

It found new life when UT moved

there from its home in a local high school in 1933.

A special treat waited at the end of my tour when I stepped into the museum’s gift shop.

There are plates and jewellery designed especially for the store, fine silver and china treasures from Victorian times, and beautiful photographs and books that freeze the period in time.

Upon leaving the museum’s quiet ambiance, I burst back into the bustle of a busy modern day university. The sunlight sparkled off the silver minarets silhouetted against a cornflower blue sky, and students gathered in groups in Plant Park.

A tour bus pulled to the curb to deposit its cache of curious visitors eager to enjoy a few relaxing hours in this oasis from another time.

The museum hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. A special treat is to go during the month of December when the museum is decorated for the holidays as was done in Victorian times.

Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens, and $5 for children 4 - 12 years. UT students, faculty and staff are given free admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Store, including the Victorian Christmas Stroll.

NEWS + FEATURES

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

5

UT Student Finds Cockroach in Einsteins Soup

[From Front, Roach]

By ALYSSA MAJOR News Reporter

On Tuesday, freshman Krystal Bleiler found a full-size cockroach floating in the Broccoli Cheddar soup she purchased from Einstein Brothers Bagels in the Spartan Club.

Bleiler and Kreider were grabbing lunch, as they routinely do every Tuesday from Einsteins, just before 1 p.m.

“She yelled, ‘There’s a cockroach in my soup!’” said Bleiler’s roommate, Camille Kreider, who witnessed the incident.

“I said, ‘What?’ And she said, ‘There’s a cockroach in my soup!’”

When they got to their room in the Vaughn Center, Kreider said Bleiler immediately opened her closed container of broccoli cheddar soup and began eating it.

“She was actually eating the soup,” said Kreider. “I guess she took a scoop of it and saw it floating.”

“I was a quarter of the way finished with my soup and I kept seeing this ugly piece of broccoli. I thought it was burnt,” said Bleiler.

“I was scooping it trying to get rid of it, I had it in my spoon and I realized it was

a...cockroach with all six legs intact.”

In shock, Bleiler dropped the spoon and the bowl. “It was really gross,” she said.

After discovering the roach, Kreider insisted they go back to Einsteins so Bleiler could get her money back.

Although Einsteins sported a long line of people, they managed to flag down an employee.

Kreider said the Einstein employee, Danielle Alvaro, offered Bleiler a bagel or other substitute for her meal, but Bleiler refused and requested only her money back.

Kreider said Alvaro threw the soup away and then called over her supervisor, Elisamuel ‘Sammy’ Rodriguez, to give Bleiler a refund.

“It took them like twenty minutes to come and give me a refund,” Bleiler said.

“Even if they were busy, they should have done something. I mean, if I were them I would have [thrown] out the soup right away and told everyone to get away.”

Kreider and Bleiler said they did not think the batch of soup was changed.

“I didn’t see them do anything but serve more soup,” said Bleiler.

When contacted by The Minaret hours after the incident, Amy Truong, dining

services general manager, said she was unaware of the incident and was very concerned about why she had not been notified.

According to protocol, before Alvaro threw out the soup, she should have shown the food to the manager.

Rodriguez said he never saw the roach.

“I just gave her her money back,” he said. Alvaro “told me there was [a cockroach]. I didn’t actually get to see the soup.”

According to Truong, “In the past, when anybody complains about anything the employees save the container and show it to the manager.

“Anytime they say whatever it is—hair or whatever—we switch out the pans right away or we throw out the food right away.

“Before we switch out the pan we want to see what it is, so we know how to handle it.

“That’s why I am a little concerned about why Danielle didn’t show me the soup.”

Truong said that in her seven years as general manager for UT dining services she has never experienced a situation like this.

She stated that pest control comes

twice a week and they have never failed an inspection or had any health code violations.

“All our health codes are very good,” stated Truong. “From the state and the county.”

Truong said students should inform her if anything should ever happen like this.

“We do care,” she said.

Meanwhile, Bleiler and Kreider agree that it will be a long time, if ever, before they eat at Einsteins again.

“I’m thinking I’m going to go on a bagel and soup free diet,” Bleiler said.

Alyssa Major can be reached at amhoward@spartans.ut.edu.

Poll:

Will you still eat at Einsteins despite the recent unsanitary discovery?

Visit The Crescent at minaretblog.com to cast your vote.

Inexpensive Florida Travel at Its Finest

By CHRIS CAMPO

Special to The Minaret

With the economy still being in a state of renewal, students, young people and citizens everywhere have to watch how they spend.

Even though money is tight, students and working citizens still want their vacations from the stresses of everyday life.

Even outside of Tampa, Florida has much to offer the person that wants to hop in the car and take a journey with friends or family.

The key to having a successful trip these days is having the maximum amount of fun without breaking the bank.

The sunshine state is a vast region of great food, attractions, sights and people.

There is a way of getting a taste of all these wonderful pleasures while leaving a few pennies in your pocket.

Traveling inexpensively can be done in different ways.

Before thinking about where to go and what to do in Florida, consider a form of transportation.

Getting around can get pricey with the high cost of gas along with the other operating costs of vehicles.

A lot of students live without cars when living in the dorms in Florida schools.

To accommodate these students, the University of Tampa now offers the convenience of Hertz rent-a-car directly on campus.

Traveling within Tampa city limits has gotten considerably easier without the use of a car.

Public transportation is growing rapidly throughout the city and students can get to just about anywhere around the bay area.

The TECO Line is Tampa’s best source for in-city transport.

The streetcars run on tracks similar to the famous trolleys of San Francisco.

Tampa’s streetcar line runs from the convention center all the way into Ybor city.

This route is a traveler’s dream being that it passes attractions like Channelside

restaurants, the St. Pete Times Forum and the Florida Aquarium.

The city is currently extending the track line even deeper into downtown, so that more citizens can benefit from this great form of transportation.

The other branch of the TECO line is the purple line bus that runs from Harbour Island all the way to I-275.

The best part of these streetcars is that both cost under $2.00 to ride.

Bobby Winsler, UT senior, likes to take advantage of the cheap fares the TECO line offers.

“My friends and I have used the street cars to get down to a Lightning game or to eat at Channelside and it’s always been easy and inexpensive,” said Winsler.

For the brave and adventurous, there are several ways to explore away from campus.

Duncan Creedon, concierge and head bellman at the Marriot Waterside Hotel, is an expert at showing travelers how to have fun around the area.

“If young people are looking to have a great and inexpensive vacation, I would direct them to places like our great Gulf of Mexico beaches only about a half hour away or a they could check out a place like the Florida Aquarium, which is cheap.

And it might be a nice change for the college crowd,” said Creedon.

While many students and young people seem to get into a routine of what they do with their free time on weekends, it sometimes gets hard to think outside of the normal leisure activities.

Theresa Whittredge, junior, agrees with the trend of consistency.

“I feel like my group of friends does the same things with our breaks from school,” Wittredge said.

“We live in Florida for a majority of the year. So, I think we should get out and see more of the state and do different things.”

The weather is why most are drawn to Florida.

Two people that have an immense amount of experience traveling all over Florida are Bill and Diana Gleasner, the authors of a complete guide to everything Florida named

dixiehwy/flickr.com

“If young people are looking to have a great and inexpensive vacation, I would direct them to places like our great Gulf of Mexico beaches only about a half hour away,” said Duncan Creedon, concierge at the Marriot Waterside Hotel.

Florida: Off the Beaten Path.

“If young people are looking to travel around Florida, I would advise them to get out of their routines and take advantage of the state park system,” said Bill.

“Florida has the largest amount of camping areas in the country.

“Why not take advantage of the tropical-like climate and see incredible wildlife conservancies like Cedar Key or Ding Darling?”

These parks and conservancies offer incredible sights of Florida native wildlife and can be a great adventure for a group of friends or family that wants to take advantage of being outdoors.

Diana has also had a lifetime of world travel and knows how to advise young people to a wonderful, yet inexpensive trip

in Florida.

“My best advise is to head to the panhandle if your thinking of taking a trip,” Diana said.

“The panhandle has a lot of great deals on lodging, there is a great aviation museum in Pensacola that is free and, like Bill said, tent-camp anytime you can.”

Their advice is simple: be open and creative when thinking up the ultimate, but cheap Florida road trip.

“There are so many parks, gardens, beaches, everglade safaris, to get out and see if you’re down here.

“Especially if you are a student or just visiting,” said Gleasner.

“It is a more rewarding vacation than if you were to go to your usual bars or nightclubs. Get out and see the world.”

6 DECEMBER 6 2010 | THE MINARET

NEWS + FEATURES

The perfect holiday gifts for the gadget lover in your life

By Gregg Ellman

McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

The latest and greatest in the technology world exists for just a few days.

Capturing that elusive “must-have thing of the moment” for the tech geeks on your shopping list can be quite a challenge, and horror of horrors if you end up giving someone last year’s iPod. To help you in your tech quest, we’ve compiled a list of what’s out there for this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Headphones make a great gift and iFrogz has a few reasonably priced additions.

The DJ-style headphones, named the Ronin and Mogul headphones, are for anyone wanting comfortable overthe-ear fit without having to spend your entire holiday budget.

Both models work with any electronic gadget having a 3.5mm headphone jack.

They feature adjustable over-the-ear style cushioned speakers, good to wear over a long period of time, and both fold up for storage.

The Moguls ($69.99) feature AeroFoam cushions, which help keep out unwanted noise and give you great sound from speakers featuring 50mm drivers producing good sound with a good amount of bass.

They are available in black, magenta, sky blue and white.

The lesser-priced Ronins ($49.99) have standard cushioned padding and are available in black, blue, red and white. They have the 50mm drivers to deliver clear sound in comfort. ifrogz.com

iFrogz Moguls

iFrogz Ronins

Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800

Logitech’s Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is a full-sized option for any Mac or PC user working day or night.

What makes it stand out from other keyboards is its ambient light and motion sensors.

The sensors detect how much light is in the room and the motion sensors work well to detect when your hands are on the keys, turning the backlighting on and off as needed. Thus the keys are backlit with the correct amount of light for viewing, regardless of how much light is in the room.

The rechargeable wireless keyboard can enjoy longer battery life because of this, up to 10 days before needed a charge.

Charging is done with a microUSB connection, and it doesn’t matter if the keyboard is in use while recharging the built-in AA NiMH batteries.

Typing with the keyboard is very comfortable due to the Logitech PerfectStroke technology and key system.

Users type, as Logitech describes it, in a “stroke comfortable, fluid and whisperquiet” manner.

The full-sized keyboard includes a number keypad on the right, the standard F1 through F12 keys, volume controls and more.

A connection to your computer is made with a small 2.4 GHz wireless USB connection, which can stay in the USB port and also will control a Logitech wireless mouse. logitech.com, $99.99

Kensington PowerBack

One of the hottest items on the market continues to be Apple’s iPad, and there is no shortage of accessories for them.

Kensington has what I think is one of the best — the PowerBack ($129.99) battery case with kickstand and dock, which has gotten the official Apple stamp of approval.

With a portable device like the iPad, power is critical and portable power is often necessary. This case gives you both and more.

The iPads have great battery power, but often it’s not enough and the PowerBack is a great choice.

In addition to the added power, you get a hard-shell case for protection and a built-in kickstand for hands-free use.

The kickstand opens to a 65-degree angle, allowing for a separate keyboard (not included) and landscape or portrait viewing.

To attach, slide your iPad in; it snaps together in seconds to protect your expensive device from scratches and other environment hazards.

A micro-USB cable is included for charging the PowerBack 4200mAh battery, which should give your iPad about five additional hours of life.

The XtremeMac Luna SST joins the crowded field of AC powered docking nightstand alarm systems, but manages to set itself apart.

What makes it stand out is that the unit splits into two pieces; one can be placed on another nightstand. This is handy since the Luna features dual-alarm capabilities with full stereo sound.

The clock is easy to view on the large LED backlit face with orange numbers, which adjusts from bright to dim.

Alarm controls and the everimportant snooze for the dual

To find out how much power is left in the extra battery, an indicator has four lights to display with a push of a button.

If additional power isn’t needed, Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard and Case for iPad ($99.99) falls in the functional and well-built category.

The synthetic leather case stores your iPad and has wireless Bluetooth keyboard with rubberized keys built into the device.

The keyboard is also charged with a micro-USB connection and has rubber keys to ensure that they won’t scratch the device when not in use.

Both the PowerBack and the KeyFolio give users full access to the iPad when attached including the 30-pin connection for charging and syncing. us.kensington.com Kensington KeyFolio

alarms are well-placed on both the main unit and the detachable speaker.

Users can dock an iPod touch or iPhone for the audio and video content as well as charging. Anything on these devices can be played to wake up, as well as FM radio chimes.

There’s also an XtremeMac Alarm Clock App to create a customized wakeup. This lets users choose what they want to wake up to (music, sounds, etc.) and set the snooze times.

The Luna SST sounds great as a

Joby’s Gorillatorch Switchback is a new addition from the company known for the Gorillapod line of tripods for cameras and iPods or iPhones.

The light comes in a kit with the tripod to attach an LED lanternheadlamp in any environment where extra portable lighting is needed.

Six light modes are available along with an adjustable dimmer switch to control five powerful LEDs projected with a 92 percent ultra-efficient holographic lens.

How much it lights depends on your environment, but Joby states it is capable of illuminating an 8-person family tent or small cabin.

With the famous Gorillapod tripod included, attaching it to most anything is simple.

The flexible tripod legs can stand upright on any flat surface, attach to a pole, doorknob or most anything it can wrap around.

The versatility doesn’t end there; a woven headband is included to take the light off the tripod to wear while hiking, trolling around an attic or just trying to get more light anywhere it’s needed.

Using the headband, it will light up to 60 feet ahead.

In addition you get two white LEDs for flood lighting and two red LEDs to preserve night vision on headband. joby.com, $59.99

sound system. The included wireless remote is helpful to change the sound settings (bass and treble), your choice of tunes and the volume.

XtremeMac.com, $129.99

Xtreme Mac Luna SST

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

Diversions

7

FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 13, 2010

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Dina Coloma / The Minaret

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 __ Squad: Best Buy service team 5 Paving surface 8 Classic orange soda 13 Bit of subterfuge 14 Naked 15 Ruthless J.R. on “Dallas” 16 Inland Asian sea 17 Write on, as sheet metal 18 Mediterranean island country 19 Restaurant special 22 Barrio uncle 23 MSN rival 24 Rap’s Dr. __ 27 ’60s ABC boxing show 32 Fillies, as adults 33 Singer Chris or actor Stephen 34 Tennis star/antiapartheid activist Arthur 35 Microwave gadget 36 Sci-fi escape craft 37 Geometry calculations 38 Minute stake?

39 Vienna’s land: Abbr.

40 Nasal detections 41 Featured mailorder club offering 44 B’way “no seats” sign 45 Contrived 46 Run in 47 Motor Trend magazine award 53 Ribs sauce style, briefly 56 Silents actress Theda 57 Niger neighbor 58 French parting 59 What avengers get 60 Study a lot in a short time 61 Roger who played Bond 62 Low grade 63 Cathedral recess

The temporary ice skating rink at the Curtis Hixon Waterside Park defies the Florida heat.

12/13/10

By Gareth Bain

DOWN 1 Mardi __ 2 Continental cash 3 Biblical twin 4 Brown seaweed 5 Bit of body art 6 Semicircular entrance 7 Prepared, as leftovers 8 Doe, for one 9 On holiday, say 10 Zero, in soccer 11 Explosive abbr.

12 __ Khan 14 Suits 20 Catchall category 21 Qatar’s capital 24 The Kalahari, for one 25 Uninspired new version 26 Barely gets by, with “out” 27 Key of Beethoven’s “Appassionata” Sonata 28 “You are not!” rejoinder 29 Plato’s language 30 First-year student, briefly

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

31 __ Terror: Bush campaign 35 Bills at bars 36 Finished dealing with 37 Hacienda brick 39 “We Three Kings” adverb 40 Certain Nebraskan 42 Opposite of transparent 43 Main dish

12/13/10

47 Trucker with a handle 48 Top choice, for short 49 Song sung with arm motions 50 O.K. Corral name 51 Word of sorrow 52 “The __ of the Ancient Mariner” 53 “Pow!” cousin 54 Hoo-ha 55 __ Grande

Week ending Nov. 30, 2010

#1 Album

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

United States Firework .DW\ 3HUU\

(3) 1

The Time %ODFN (\HG 3HDV Burlesque Soundtrack

(5) 2

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3

We R Who We R .H KD

(1) 4

What’s My Name? 5LKDQQD 'UDNH

5

United Kingdom Your Song (OOLH *RXOGLQJ

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Poison 1LFROH 6FKHU]LQJHU Now That’s What I Call Music! 77

2

Thinking of Me 2OO\ 0XUV

4

Like a G6 )DU (DVW 0RYHPHQW

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Spain Only Girl (In the World) 5LKDQQD

(1) 1

The Time %ODFN (\HG 3HDV Via Dalma 6HUJLR 'DOPD

Loca 6KDNLUD

(3) 2

Who’s That Chick? 'DYLG *XHWWD 5LKDQQD Cry Cry 2FHDQD Source: iTunes

(2) 3 4

(4) 5

© 2010 MCT

Horoscopes

By Linda C Black / Tribune Media Services

Aries (March 21-April 19) The pendulum swings in the direction of independence.

Listen to your own feelings first. Share them with others as needed, to create harmony and balance.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Surprises at work could provoke big questions, and cause some degree of pain. A compassionate discussion relieves fears and provides a logical solution.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re ready for the next task before others are satisfied with the progress. Give them a few minutes, but don’t let the momentum drop. Plan ahead.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) As luck would have it, a dream provides just the info you need to complete your work. You may have to bend a rule (but don’t break it). Imagination knows no limits.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) A social event inspires you to greater creativity. You manage to get the recipe for a treat to try at home. Practice before presenting to guests.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Members of your household have special needs today that require your attention. Compassionate attention allows the group to function well together.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Ideas flow around concerning both cost and timing.

You perceive more than one possible solution. Let someone else make the decision. Then schedule it.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Others express their feelings through interesting questions.

Explore what they really mean before you decide what to do. Then adapt the plan to suit.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) An associate presents an interesting question regarding finances. Spend time reviewing the logic the two of you have been using. Exchange ideas for better management.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You need to be at the top of your game today. Personal insights indicate ways to integrate thought and action skillfully. Test assumptions as you go forward.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) As luck would have it, your favorite people ask questions and you have just the right answers. Be gracious, and still enjoy the results produced.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Insights come out of the blue to fire up your imagination.

Now apply logic. You need more than ideas -- you need the practical means to apply them. You can get them.

8 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

Arts + Entertainment

Student Choral Group Showcases its ‘Opus’

BY MICHEAL ANGELO RUMORE Asst. Arts + Entertainment Editor

The student choral ensemble Opus shared their favorite selections from musical theater with an audience at Falk Theatre Tuesday night.

The sixteen-member group composed of music majors performed a diverse set of songs from various popular musicals.

The event was sponsored by the Department of Music and directed by David Clark Isele.

Mistress of Ceremonies Lisa Leonard opened the show, promising the audience that their ears would “be treated to wonderful sounds.”

Accompanied by virtuoso pianist Beth Waligorski, Opus took the stage with an energetic rendition of “Comedy Tonight” from the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

The enthusiastic demeanor of the performers filled the theatre.

A series of solos and duets followed.

The sparse piano background put students’ voices front and center. “Stud and a Babe,” by Stephen Padgett and Lauren Andersson, portrayed the frustrations of two lovers with low self-esteem.

Padgett’s comedic interpretation of an unattractive man drew guffaws from the audience.

Though the choreography ran smoothly throughout the evening, Padgett admitted after the show that many performances were hastily compiled.

“Most of the duets and solos were last minute,” he said.

Jessie Bergman emerged as the evening’s standout performer.

Clad in a sleek pink dress, she commanded the stage even during group

numbers. During the duet “I’ll Never Be in Love Again” with Alexander Crenshaw, she was convincing as the controlling half of a distrustful relationship.

However, Bergman really scored with a solo performance of “The Spark of Creation.”

Given license to shine on her own merit, her powerful voice sounded louder than the entire ensemble combined.

She took over the event with a natural demeanor and Broadway-ready vocals.

Other standouts included David Bevis’s whimsical rendition of “Do You Remember?” from Pan. Out of context, the song required a disclaimer.

“I am not a child molester in this song,” Bevis said, clearing up any awkward interpretations of lyrics praising youth.

“It’s from a new musical based on Peter Pan.” Surprise guest Justin Lore, a University of Tampa alumni and former Opus member, harmonized with Director David Clark Isele.

Fresh off a stint in New York City theaters, Lore’s masterful performance presented a good role model for the current generation of Opus.

Pointing at the front row towards the attentive Opus group, Lore said, “They’ve all got it.”

Assuring that Beth Waligorski’s selfless, supportive piano accompaniment was not overlooked, Lisa Leonard presented a plaque thanking Waligorski for her longtime service to the UT Music Department.

If there was any hint of stuffiness in the audience as the concert wound down, Meagan Nagy shattered it with an irreverent rendition of “In Short.”

Justin Davis/The Minaret

Pictured left to right, David Beris, Gabe Saienni, Jordan Stovall, and Gordon Bonnet perform selections from various musicals as members of the student choral group Opus. In addition to group numbers, they also had chances to show off their talents in solos and duets.

Beginning the song with a deceptive sweetness, Nagy quickly morphed into a malicious persona. “In short,” Nagy sang, “I hope you die.”

Her facial expressions, alternating between an unhinged scorn and a badgirl grin, were perhaps the evening’s most impressive role-playing portrayal.

But how did she create such candid animosity?

“All my exes,” she said. “I just think of them.” Nagy also expressed frustration from being forced to recite the word “frigging” instead of the song’s uncensored adjective. Maybe this dismay contributed to the performance’s emotion.

Senior Chelsea Bagley was thoroughly impressed by Opus’s performance. “It’s

only my second time seeing them,” she said.

“I know about half of the cast. They are all very talented.”

Other members of this semester’s Opus are Bela Aquino, Rhianna Crawford, Sarah Friswell, Ally Hanskutt, Natalie Lopez, Chelsea Wulff, Gordon Bonnett, Amos Leger, Gabe Saienni, and Jordan Stovall.

Upcoming events sponsored by the Music Department include: The Annual Christmas Festival on Dec. 5 at the Sacred Heart Church, Percussion Night on Dec. 8 in the Music Department, Room 90, and Dances with Winds on Dec. 10 and 11 in Falk Theatre.

Michael Angelo Rumore can be reached at michaelangelorumore@spartans.ut.edu.

How to Enjoy Winter Fashion Despite Florida’s Warmth

By MIRIAM WOLF

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, even though it doesn’t quite feel like it.

While many of our friends and families are in the cold weather, University of Tampa students are fortunate enough to be enjoying the beautiful sunshine and warmth of Florida.

Since our winter is much warmer than most, some of us may feel unable to participate in the winter trends that people up north are sporting.

Although living in a warm climate is a luxury most of the time, I must say I do miss some of the cold weather styles that would make us sweat.

Luckily for us, living in warm weather does not mean we can’t enjoy some super cute accessory trends.

Roses_487 /photobucket.com

Cat eye sunglasses are available in shapes and colors for all faces.

Check out some of the hottest accessories of the season including watches, leopard prints, and cat-eye sunglasses.

An uber sexy piece that everyone can use this season is a gold watch.

[

Real gold watches can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s best to just fake it.

Some fashion pieces have to be selected carefully, because they cannot be worn in excess.

Luckily for us, living in warm weather

does not mean we can’t enjoy the super cute accessory trends!

While gold is not usually my accessory of choice, a gold watch can be an excellent finishing touch to the near-perfect outfit.

When choosing a watch, try to keep it simple so that you can pair it with many different outfits.

A simple gold watch can be dressed up or down and worn during the day, to work or class, or out at night.

Try to pick a watch with a simple face.

Getting carried away with extremely large watch faces or bejeweled faces will make your watch look like costume jewelry.

You want to purchase a timeless piece, no pun intended.

But it doesn’t have to be real gold to look fabulous.

The key to having your watch appear expensive is to go with a darker tone.

Really bright yellow tones of gold will look cheap.

]

Animal prints happen to be one of those pieces. Just a pinch of animal print is needed to complete the perfect look.

Leopard print has been seen quite a bit on the red carpets this season.

When using this print as an accessory, it’s best to pair it with a plain solid item, so your outfit doesn’t appear too “busy.”

Leopard print is best suited on a clutch, belt, scarf or shoes.

Since the print is an instant stand out item, accessories are just enough to keep your outfit fashion forward.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the next trend, but now it has really grown on me.

I know what I want for the holidays: cat-eye sunglasses.

Cat-eye sunglasses have an oldHollywood feel that can really look good on anyone.

The upward slant of the sunglasses

beautifuldiva / photobucket.com

Leopard print is a great accent for shoes, scarves, and belts. Not for the timid, leopard print accessories ensure that the wearer will stand out in a crowd.

show off more of your face and can enhance your cheekbones.

No wonder these “sunnies” were seen all over the runways and on our favorite celebrity faces.

The best part about this style of sunglasses is there are a lot of variations, so it is easy to find a pair suited to every face shape.

In most cases, the smaller the lenses, the more dramatic.

But if you still want that cat-eye look, search for a pair with bigger lenses.

Ditch the aviators and large square look. These vintage-inspired glasses are the way to go.

Miriam Wolf can be reached at miriam. wolf@spartans.ut.edu.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

‘Today’s Special’ Tampa Theatre’s Film Du Jour

By JP BUSCHE

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

Florida’s population fluctuation pattern has, for the most part, been rather straightforward.

As older people move here, the aspiring young one’s leave the state.

However, moving away does not spare those individuals from visiting the Sunshine State, as seen at Tampa Theatre last weekend.

[

to eventually become a chef.

However, his boss remarks that his cooking is passionless and that it is “not giving him a boner,” which explains why Samir’s dream of moving up the kitchen hierarchy does not come true.

Angry with his boss, he decides to quit.

When he meets his father in front of the family restaurant, Samir mentions plans of moving to Paris for an unpaid internship.

Although similar stories have been told before, Today’s Special does not bore, reinforce stereotypes, or seem uncreative.

Last week Mandvi and Wetherell, both former Tampa residents, returned to present the opening of Today’s Special.

Mandvi, who wrote and played the lead, appeared on Saturday, while Wetherell, associate producer, participated in a postscreening Q-and-A on Friday night.

The picture features a significant amount of Indian cast members and its narrative consists of dreams, inspirations, and the fulfillment thereof.

Samir, (played by Mandvi), works as sous chef at a fine dining venue and hopes

When: Friday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m.

Where: OSLE, Vaughn Center room 215 What: See students artwork that has been on display in OSLE and meet the artists.

Admission: Free

Poster Art

Today’s Special, the story of a New York chef, features a bevy of Indian cast members.

That said, the picture makes a great recommendation for families and friends and, given its feel-good nature, might also be a good pick for a date.

JP Busche can be reached at jbusche@ spartans.ut.edu.

Jim Carroll’s ‘Diaries’ of Drug Addiction

By CONNER MCDONOUGH Arts + Entertainment Columnist

READ This

Now

Within the last few years there has been a spike in the number of books chronicling teenage addicts of all sorts.

Readers should negate these fictive tracts of phony sentimental garbage and go right back to the source: Jim Carroll’s 1978 memoir, The Basketball Diaries.

The memoir follows a young Carroll

[

He robs old women, breaks into businesses, beats people up for chump change, and even becomes a boy prostitute to keep his habit fed.

This is not one of your run of the mill addiction stories. There is a sense of innocence to the writing.

Carroll consistently charts his progression—from trying heroin for the first time, to getting hooked, to the downward spiral of narcotic delirium— while attempting to search for something pure, something holy.

To complement the action and story of the memoir, the reader witnesses brilliant writing from the hands of a teenager, offering a fresh perspective on a period of time that has often been left to the adults to relegate.

]

We experience the shakes, the chills, the sweats with him, and when he gets a hit, we get one as well. You will not be able to find another teenage memoir about addiction as emotive as this one.

from the age of 12 to 16, detailing his everyday life and experiences as he grows up in New York City. Carroll is a junkie.

facebook.com

Jim Carroll’s portrayal of heroin addiction differs from the cliché in its innocence.

We see teenage angst, the terrors of growing up during the Cold War, the plight of New York City as it falls into urban decay.

However, Carroll takes on an almost nonchalant approach to these things in his writing, offering the wisdom that only a hardened city kid can.

As the jacket of the book proclaims, “He’s a wise-ass kid getting wiser on the streets of New York.”

The attitude of this does not last, though. As the memoir progresses, and as his dependency on heroin intensifies, Carroll begins to lose that wisdom and to embrace fear.

There is a feeling of sympathy evoked within the reader for Jim Carroll.

Part of the reason for this sympathy is due to the use of heroin as a character within the memoir.

When he’s on it, the passages have a relaxed intensity about them, this laissez-faire attitude about life’s problems and his dying city.

The Scoop OSLE Art Gallery Open House

]

News of the premature plan collides with his father’s nutrition and the old man suffers a stroke.

Samir is suddenly left with the responsibility of a Queens-based restaurant that’s about as dainty as the long-tailed organisms in New York’s subway stations.

Long story short, the picture does a great job at entertaining, inspiring, and amusing its audience.

Although similar stories have been told before, Today’s Special does not bore, reinforce stereotypes, or seem uncreative.

9

SP Presents: Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas When: Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.

Where: Reeves Theater What: Showing of the film plus free popcorn.

Admission: Free

Winter Rockefeller

When: Friday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.

Where: Plant Hall Music Room What: Presented by Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Music by DJ Davye Admission: $5 in advance, $7 at door.

UT Film and Digital Festival

When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Where: Reeves Theatre What: Student’s narratives, documentaries, experimental and animated films.

Admission: Free

Annual Christmas Festival

Cover Art

Jim Carroll’s 1978 memoir The Basketball Diaries follows the author’s descent into drug addiction.

When he’s off of it, the reader is exposed to the harsh realities of the blighted New York—junkies, street crime, extreme poverty, and an almost apathetic approach to life in general.

As Carroll withdraws, the reader withdraws, hoping that he will find heroin soon and whisk us away from the underworld of rotting Manhattan.

We experience the shakes, the chills, the sweats with him, and when he gets a hit, we get one as well.

You will not be able to find another teenage memoir about addiction as emotive as this one. This is pure heart-pounding, gut-wrenching, filthy autobiography with soul.

This is a memoir so real that you can feel the grime, smell the sewers, taste the polluted air, and hear the busy sounds of the inner city.

Read this now.

Conner McDonough can be reached at cmcdonough@spartans.ut.edu.

When: Sunday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.

Where: Sacred Heart Church 509 N. Florida, 33602 What: A holiday concert with Collegiate Choral, Women’s Glee Club and Opus.

Admission: Free

BFA Exit Show

When: Dec. 6-17 Where: Scarfone/ Hartley Gallery Bailey Art Studios What: Work from December graduates.

Admission: Free

Exam Jam

When: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m.

Where: Vaughn Courtyard What: Relax with SP and customize your own snow globe, drink hot chocolate and watch a movie.

Admission: Free with student

10 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Winter ‘Winds’ Blow for UT Musicians and Dancers

By SOPHIE ERBER

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

The University of Tampa’s Departments of Music and Speech/Theatre/Dance present the premiere winter concert “Dancing With Winds”.

The show is a beautiful collaboration of the UT wind ensemble and dancers— the forty-five musicians and 30 dancers are coming together for the first time in the university’s long history for two nights only—Friday and Saturday, December 10 & 11 at 7:30pm in Falk Theatre.

The program consists of five main sections: “Cave of the Winds” by Russell Peck is a five minute piece that will start the concert off with a jazzy feel, a steady drum beating like a heart from beginning to end.

For this song, the band will actually be moving around the stage with their instruments in a choreographed routine, so memorizing the music is a must. “’Cave of the Winds’ is going to be a lot of fun,” says Music Department Chair and Band Program Director Dr. Jeff Traster.

Next are the Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof, the well-known Broadway musical.

After Fiddler is the series of original tunes composed specifically for this concert by UT’s own Haig Mardirosian, the department Dean. His composition, “A Ritual of Dances” makes its premiere performance at this unique musical event.

There are seven parts of the composition, all very interesting and different from one another. The dances that were put to these special tunes are also unique and fit the various tones of the melodies.

“’Ritual of Dances’ conveys many different moods, creating a sense of energy more than a sense of melody,” says Dr. Traster. “’Intrada’ is a very majestic song, and ‘Meditation in Motion’ has a soulful soprano saxophone solo in it. They’re all great.”

In the next section, entitled ‘Chorale’ there is no dancing—it is strictly a wind ensemble piece.

The finale is called “The nUTcracker”, lasting ten minutes and broken into seven segments: The Overture, Marche, Arab Dance, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, Russia Dance, Chinese and Reed Dances and Waltz of the Flowers.

During the Russian Dance, UT dancer and wind ensemble horn player Patrick Justin will jump up from his seat in the band and dance to the familiar Nutcracker tune.

Dr. Traster is very excited for the debut of this special event.

“I’ve never worked with dancers before,” Traster says. “We’ve been planning this since last fall; Haig was sending music over by January, and we got together with Susan in the spring.”

UT junior choreographer Preston Burris was one of the few choreographers chosen to incorporate their Fall Dance Happening piece into the show.

“I was originally told that they wanted to have a small cast. So from there I asked my dancers who would be able to do the performance and it worked out that four out of my seven dancers were able to do it.”

Although his dance was being used, he would need to rework it around the unique

a1ms/ photobucket.com

The UT wind ensemble and dancers will join forces for “Dancing With Winds,” the first collaboration of its kind.

set design for the concert—the band will be on stage, with dancers performing in front and around them.

“I was also made aware of the new spacing we were going to have to work with,” says Burris. “So when I went to restage my dance I picked the best parts of my piece and isolated those phrases.

My dance was given a full section of music and we were all given one rehearsal to stage our pieces.”

Neither Preston nor any of the other choreographers have had the opportunity to rehearse with the band but Burris feels that the challenges presented will work themselves out.

“I feel the choreography is solid enough

to stand on its own.”

Wind ensemble percussionist Mark Baccoli also looks forward to the event.

“I think this is an excellent opportunity for the wind symphony to do something a little different,” says Baccoli.

“Sharing the stage with UT dancers will be a first and exciting experience for everyone in the band. We have been preparing our music for several months and will be ready to put on one heck of a show.”

Admission is free with a UT ID. You do not want to miss this one of a kind, debut musical event. See you there!

Sophie Erber can be reached at serber@ spartans.ut.edu.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

11

Experience the Taste of Texas at Smoke Barbeque The Dish

By MORIAH PARRISH

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

I drive past Smoke Barbecue and Grill everyday on the way to the University of Tampa.

It sits on the corner of Platt Street and South Boulevard. The luring scent of smoked something has been calling me for months.

So, I decided to stop in one Sunday afternoon.

The small wooden building mimicked rural smokehouse traditions.

A metal screen door barred the entrance.

As I entered, the kitchen staff that I could see through the open window looked pleased to see a customer.

Other than a couple of two-tops, the place was empty.

A lanky, young server greeted me.

“Sit anywhere. Anywhere you’d like.”

I made my way through what I thought was the dining room.

There were open, airy windows, concrete floors, and outside furniture for tables.

But I found a door leading to a more traditional dining room, complete with wooden floors and cozy booths.

I chose a seat in one of the booths and ordered one of my all-time favorite drinks: IBC root beer in a glass bottle.

The server handed me two menus. I was confused as to the purpose of them, because they contained the same items on larger or smaller paper.

I chose to focus on the larger menu, and found the section I was looking for: the smoked meat selections covered almost an entire page.

(They also offer sandwiches and kabobs, for those with a lesser appetite.

I settled on the Texas-style slowcooked beef brisket that came with a choice of any two sides.

It was hard to choose from the twelve offered, but potato salad and passion pepper baked beans sounded like the perfect compliments to barbecue.

Curiosity overcame my rationality, so I also ordered the cornbread skillet.

While I waited, I hummed along to some classic rock playing overhead.

Aerosmith, Journey, and the Beatles make excellent lunch companions, as it turns out.

Before two whole songs had finished,

IBC Root Beer: Cornbread Skillet Pecan Pie:

$2.00 $3.50 $6.00

Atmosphere: Modern American Variety: Moriah Parrish/ The Minaret

A cozy atmosphere is the norm at Smoke Barbeque and Grill. The restaurant devotes almost an entire page of its menu to a selection of smoked meats, served in generous portions.

Moriah Parrish/ The Minaret

Smoke Barbeque and Grill is located on the corner of Platt Street and South Boulevard. The building’s wooden frame is in the style of rural family smokehouses.

the meal arrived.

The plate was huge.

I began to worry about my ability to eat everything. Doubts aside, I delved in, taking full advantage of the two barbecue sauces on the table—one mustard-like and the other tomato-based.

I noticed a steak knife was absent, and almost asked my server for one, but I opted to try it with a butter knife first.

There had been no need to fret.

The brisket was amazingly tender and separated easily under the blunt blade. The thinness of the slices helped.

The flavor was indeed smoky, but also a little on the peppery side, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The generosity in portion size didn’t end with the brisket.

Two large bowls contained the side I had ordered and the cornbread had come in a small skillet.

The potato salad was made from red

Traditional Barbecue Fare

Service:

Young and laid back

Wine:

Red, White and Sangria

potatoes chopped into quarters, and had a light, creamy dressing.

It was tasty, but a little fancier than I expected for such a country-style joint.

The same went for the baked beans.

They were delicious, and the dish was not restricted to the traditional one-bean stew.

They had thrown in a medley of beans, along with tomatoes, peppers, and pork.

Again, a very classy side dish.

The cornbread was also a pleasant surprise.

Served with some kind of cheesy, buttery spread, it was perfectly moist and had small pieces of chopped jalapenos and onions.

It was the perfect sweet and spicy compliment to the brisket.

I requested a box to save myself. The server asked if I had saved room for dessert.

I declined, but inquired as to the desserts they offer. When he said the words “pecan pie,” I knew I was doomed to continue my Thanksgiving binging.

The pie was amazing. It was everything a good pecan pie should be—warm, decadent and served a la mode.

Now truly filled to the brim, I sleepily paid my check and gathered my box, thanking the server for a wonderful allAmerican experience.

Moriah Parrish can be reached at mparrish@spartans.ut.edu

Annual Cabaret Returns to Reeves Theater

By AMANDA SIERADZKI

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

On December 11 and 12 at 8 p.m., you should be in Reeves Theatre. Yes, you.

Why? Some of UT’s finest singers and songstresses will be belting out notes that could shake Vaughn Center to its foundation that night.

Sophomore Rhiannon Crawford would like you to be there, too.

“It’s a wide variety of talent and the songs are a unique style,” he said.

The theatre department will be hosting its annual cabaret performance for two nights only completely free to UT students and you do not want to miss it.

Professor Michael Staczar is directing the show named An Affair of the Heart.

The show will consist of some musical theatre-style numbers, as well as more contemporary and jazzy songs—a variety show that appeals to everyone.

The students that will be participating

in the show this year are a talented group.

Not all are musical theatre majors, either.

Each has dedicated their time since late September to rehearsing for the cabaret.

According to the cabaret’s Facebook event, the cast this year features Lauren Andersson, Rhiannon Crawford, Ninotchka Ivonne, Kaitlyn Rosen, Kayla Schaffer, Matt Duhamel, Zachary Hines, Gabe Saienni, Brandon Shea and Jamie Wasley.

The music will be performed by Tara Swartzbaugh.

Stage Manager Meagan Tucker will be working behind the scenes.

You may not recognize every song that is performed, but Crawford is sure that students will still connect with the emotions evoked by the show.

“Prepare your heart for the journey it’s about to take,” said Crawford.

For more information please contact at (813) 253-6212.

Amanda Sieradzki can be reached at asieradzki@spartans.ut.edu.

Pictr 30D/ flickr.com

The College of Arts and Letters’ annual cabaret An Affair of the Heart will be hosted at Reeves Threatre on December 11th and 12th. The show covers a mixture of traditional musical theater and more contemporary numbers.

12 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

Commentary

Religion, Race, Gender, Sexuality: The Topics People Love to Dodge

By NICOLE ROBINSON Columnist

It seems like the tense atmosphere that surrounds the subjects of race, gender and sexuality has heightened so much that people will move mountains to avoid discussions on them.

It’s either that or the complete opposite and the conversation quickly makes a dark turn for the worse with two people shouting over one another.

This campus sure isn’t new to tensions of this sort.

Several people I talked to on both sides of the subject of tenure-ship were very heated and passionate concerning their opinions.

It was intriguing and enlightening to hear their opinions, but I couldn’t help but wonder what use were these opinions without a good conversational setting?

Talking only to the kinds of people who will always agree with you can suffocate your mind.

Yes, it’s great to talk to all your friends about how great Glenn Beck’s show is or about the depths of genius that John Stewart, Colbert or Rachel Maddow delve into, but what about a good spirited debate for a change?

If the saying is true “opinions are like (fill the blank), everybody has one,” why not let them be known and use them for good?

I can’t even count how many conversations I’ve heard and participated in that could benefit individuals and even the school as a whole. It was only through

conversation and acting on the conclusions that we came to concerning Sodexo, that things actually ended up changing on campus.

Who cares about religion or black people? Don’t be afraid to discuss the hard issues with others The nation is enraptured in debates over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and which pundit or anchor is getting fired from their network this week for racial or religious insensitivity. It’s important to discuss these things inside and outside of the classroom.

Are you involved in a religious group?

Go talk to someone in another group.

There are Muslim, Christian, Jewish and agnostic students alike on campus.

If everyone stays in their comfort “bubbles,” nobody benefits.

Being understanding and able to discuss and even laugh about our inherent similarities and differences is a great quality to have.

It’s a good challenge to embark upon to try to find someone you may not agree with (we all know that person) and have a nice conversation about some of the issues.

Even if you feel well-versed on an issue, it’s more than likely that someone with a different opinion will introduce you to a new way of approaching a subject.

It’s great to have the foundations of your views challenged and then coming back with a great counter statement.

Rather than weakening your beliefs as some may fear, it just might end up strengthening them.

If you don’t quite understand what “bisexuality” means or what life is like for openly gay students, go talk to people in GLSTBA, for so long.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people about controversial issues or topics that you have

taragj420/photobucket.com

Learning how to coexist with people who’s views do not echo your own is important in widening your viewpoints of the world. Talk about the difficult subjects. Its the best way to learn.

always been interested in.

Most of the time people are more than happy to discuss with you, so long as even tempers and level heads are maintained.

If things get heated, remain calm and understand that the point of these conversations is not to change the minds of others, but, rather, to enrich your own

thinking.

This week I challenge you to have a conversation with someone who you know has different view than your own.

You might be surprised with what you find out about them and yourself.

Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@spartans.ut.edu.

Getting Felt Up: The Ups and Downs of Travelling Today

By JOHN JACOBS

Asst. Commentary Editor

For Thanksgiving break, most students travelled home to celebrate, which, in most cases, meant dealing with the new TSA security measures.

Now, with the new procedures in place, when you go through airport security, you’ll either step into a machine that performs a full body scan or get a pat-down from one of the security guards.

The body scan is helpful because by fully scanning everyone we can know whether or not that 5-year-old is bringing a bomb onto the plane or whether that nice old lady is smuggling cocaine (again).

The problem with the stricter security is that some people become uncomfortable when they are told their whole body will be scanned, or that they’ll be patted-down (felt-up) by a security guard.

The trick to dealing with this kind of discomfort is by making the other person feel uncomfortable.

Some people have made claims that the full body scans feel like letting the security see them naked.

If that’s the case, before walking into the scan announce to the security personal viewing the body scans, “Enjoy the show!” then wink to him before it begins and make direct eye-

contact with him the whole time. That should work.

Or, if the body scan is not your thing, you can make the security people feel more uncomfortable by getting an erection.

Yeah, all of a sudden they won’t want to search you so much anymore.

If they try to ask you how that happened or if you have some sort of problem just say, “I really love planes.”

I’m sorry girls, but that trick can only work for the guys (unless you’re a girl with a “secret” you haven’t told anyone).

Of course, another option for travelling home is to drive back.

Whether it’s a short trip or 16-hour drive, the most important thing is deciding which friend you’re going to be making the trip with.

prestonjjrtr/photobucket.com

Security searches have become so thorough, they’re starting to ignore comfort zones.

I’ve figured the longer the drive is, the more you should like that friend you’re going to be driving with.

Think about how long a 16-hour drive is. It’s only going to be you and that one friend you’re with.

Even if you plan to just listen to music, you can only listen to music for so long before it becomes uncomfortable.

Also, the longer the drive is, the more intense the conversation is going to be, so you need to be prepared for that.

If it’s only a couple hours, topics you’ll generally talk about are current events, sports, music, pop-culture and school.

If the drive is more like six-to-eight hours long, eventually the conversation will lead to deeper things like, family, life goals, high school memories and relationships.

If you’re in a car with someone for over 15 hours, be prepared to hear about things like, “that horrible thing I’ve never told anyone before” and “how something that happened to me when I was five has affected the rest of my life.”

Choose carefully your driving companion or things can get real uncomfortable and awkward.

If you still need to travel, but aren’t taking a plane and can’t find a ride, the last option is to take a bus.

Now I’m not saying a long-distance bus ride is horrible, but, yes, that’s basically what I’m saying.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some luxury buses you can take.

With luxury buses, we can assume that people are choosing to travel that way,

when most people who take buses have no other choice.

I’m pretty sure every bus station doubles as a homeless shelter. As you move about one you’ll find yourself stepping around sleeping people.

Sometimes the same one twice, depending on where they’re laying down.

If you accidentally wake one up, just make sure not to move, as they’re completely blind in the light and can only sense movement.

Once on a bus, it’s common “bus rules” not to make eye contact with anyone and to not speak unless spoken to first.

The other passengers on the bus will usually consist of the woman who looks deeply depressed, the runaway 14-yearold (who will go back home in two days), the old prostitute, a Vietnamese man with a Lakers hat and a homeless man sleeping in the bathroom and migrating west for the winter.

Just think about how much money you’re saving and hassle you’re avoiding by not taking a plane or driving.

That should help get you through it.

There’s no better feeling than getting home to see your old friends and having a break from school.

But no matter how much fun it is being home, you’ll still find yourself missing the 75 degree Tampa nights, the familiar glow from the many neon lights outside the strip clubs and the thousands of drink specials at the bars on any night of the week.

John Jacobs can be reached at jjacobs@ spartans.ut.edu.

Editorial: Consumerism Masks The True Purpose Behind Black Friday At a quarter to noon crowds swarmed the mall frantically. It was a Friday like no other.

In the past, I have been the type to wake up early or even not sleep at all to take advantage of the infamous Black Friday deals.

My perspective on Black Friday has changed somewhat over the years.

I think to myself many times, “What’s the point?” Not to say there are not deals, but it always seem like stores hike up the prices of products, then reduce the price back down and add a “markdown” tag to indicate that it’s a “hot deal.”

As someone who once worked in retail, I can attest to this tactic being used.

Let’s be honest, people are not looking at prices most of the time.

They are looking for the “half-off” or “buy one, get three free” specials.

This year, I almost skipped out on the deals instead of catching up on much desired sleep. I woke up at nine in the morning.

The streets were bare. It seemed everyone was already shopping.

To my surprise, I didn’t see as much road rage as I had in previous years. For the most part, people seemed calm and collected. Despite the calm, yet busy, environment, people still had that “in the zone” look, keeping their eyes peeled for the latest and greatest products.

Meanwhile, other stores around the country saw fighting amongst frantic customers.

10Connect news reported a specific incident that happened at a Walmart.

Customers were fighting over a $59

TomTom GPS. Stores attempted spreading out deals throughout the store as well as staying open all day to avoid upset crowds. Needless to say, that didn’t stop all the pushing and shoving.

To add to the madness, new apps focused on Black Friday deals were released on the iPhone and Android.

The TGI Black Friday app, which was featured on ABC, CNN, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, was used by over 500,000 iPhone users.

The amount of preparation and time preparing for one day still perplexes me. It used to be that the day after Thanksgiving was a day to decorate or spend time together with the family at home.

Instead, many have converted it into a day of shopping. Black Friday has emerged as a ritual centralized around materialism and in an economy where sales are down and, for many, going out has become too expensive, Black Friday still remains an option, even to those who are unemployed.

Cyber Monday, also drew in a larger crowd than years before.

According to comScore Data Gem, there was a 20 percent rise in online sales for that day.

What’s next? The time to start shopping is getting earlier and earlier and people only seem to be shopping more, despite a struggling economy living out a facade of glitz and glamour.

The Editorial Board can be reached at editor@theminaretonline.com or you may submit a Letter to the Editor form online at www.theminaretonline.com.

Satire on Culture Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

By STEPHANIE SELANDER Commentary Contributor

As a writing major, I am often told that there is no such thing as a new story, there are only the old ones being retold.

If you’re curious about old stories, you could either Google some profound quotes from dead people, or Google TvTropes.

If you visit TvTropes, however, expect to waste a good few hours of your day, maybe a few days of your life.

TvTropes is a site that started out as a board for people to discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the different clichés that were rampant in the series.

From there, the conversation spread to discussing other TV shows, movies, comics, video games, and so on, referring to the different clichés “tropes.”

The site is styled a lot like Wikipedia in some ways, but the language is more informal, anyone can edit it, and it tends to be more tongue-in-cheek than anything.

So reads the site itself: “We are not Wikipedia. We are a butt-load more informal.”

Think back a moment and you’ll probably be able to infer what the following tropes are: “the cheerleader,” “don’t you dare pity me,” “friend in the black market” (the one who can get you anything you need), “hooker with a heart of gold.”

But think back further and I’m sure you can think of at least five examples of tropes in pop culture, even in your high school

reading curriculum.

Some tropes are named after especially notable persons. “The Hunter S. Thompson” comes to mind Some people can be so iconic that they create their own tropes.

While it’s mostly meant for humor, the site does make a poignant statement about our culture and cultures in general: we recycle the same ideas over and over again, even the ones that are completely ridiculous.

People enjoy parallels, they like clichés.

They are what can tie Shakespeare, The Little Mermaid, Full Metal Alchemist, and Fitzgerald together (Ambition is Evil, anyone?).

Tropes are timeless, constantly growing and festering like a fantastic disease with each new novel, TV show, and freshly posted addition from witty internet-goers.

A good artist knows this and manipulates it to his or her advantage.

Tropes are tools. Tropes can add a century’s amount of commentary into a single short story.

Now that, my friends, is power. Check the site out for yourself.

The sunlight and I will be waiting for you when you return.

Stephanie Selander can be reached at stephselander@gmail.com.

13

EDITOR THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

COMMENTARY

LETTER

TO THE

Botjer Replies To The Nov. 19 Issue of The Minaret On Diversity The Minaret’s Diversity Issue (19 November) was a multi-faceted panorama, as revealing as a thick textbook.

Nearly a year has gone by since Bill Maxwell, the Times columnist, first tried and failed to secure an interview with President Vaughn.

Subsequently, the University hired the two candidates for tenure who are named on Page 3.

Over the past 30 years since the Benjamin case, there may (or may not) have been other tenure track African

Americans.

But none of them ever got tenure.

Up to the present day, not one.

Yet a plurality of your 19 Nov. commentators, including UT’s senior administrators, turned their backs on this salient fact.

For them, things are just fine.

This University deserves better.

George F. Botjer Professor, Geography and History

ear

Eric

Sex With the Ex: People Seek Comfort Over Holiday Break By Heating Up Old Flames With Thanksgiving break over and done with, we now have a few short weeks before the long winter break. Something many college singles may do over winter break will be their ex’s.

Dear Eric, Every break I find myself falling back into the beds of my old boyfriends.

During this recent break I did the same.

As soon as I got home my phone vibrated with a booty text from an old hookup.

He wanted me to watch a movie, but everyone knows what that means—you watch ten minutes and his hand is in your pants.

I felt like maybe I shouldn’t go, but I went anyway. I feel kind of guilty leading him (and a few others) on. I don’t want to him to expect sex every time I’m on break.

Sincerely, Back Home Booty Dear Back Home Booty, You do not have to worry about your hometown romp at all.

It is totally normal. If you are single or in a non-monogamous relationship, I see zero issue with having a little nostalgic fun with an old flame.

Of course, this definitely depends on the person or persons you are keeping up the heat with.

If the ex was clingy and overpowering during the relationship, ex-sex probably isn’t the best idea. If he wasn’t clingy, then go for it. The holidays have family, food, shopping, and unbelievably cold temperatures, so going to “watch a movie” may be a much needed break from the strain of the holiday season.

You should make sure that your booty call is exactly that, a booty call. Make it clear that this is not a recurring event. Then you won’t feel as guilty.

Keep in mind that ex-sex isn’t for everybody.

While many people enjoy it, some cannot hook-up without becoming attached to their partner, especially if past feelings are involved.

That may be the source of your guiltiness.

Make sure you follow your gut.

Don’t do anything you feel uncomfortable with.

Stay Safe!

Have Questions? Send your sex, love and relationship questions to Eric Zorn at ezornUT@gmail.com. Make sure your subject box contains the word, “UTampa.”

Make sure that you are always practicing safe sex. For even more information about staying safer between the sheets visit the Planned Parenthood website of FAQ’s about safer sex.

14 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

COMMENTARY

George Takei Says: ‘Don’t Listen to The Douchebags of The World’

By RICHARD SOLOMON Columnist

Many people are familiar with George Takei.

He was Sulu in Star Trek, he played Hiro’s father on Heroes and he’s been the butt of several jokes on Scrubs.

Many people are also familiar with Clint McCance, the Ark. school official.

McCance was torn apart by Anderson Cooper when he posted the comment on his Facebook page, “I like it when gay people die.”

McCance, the school district vice president, had other things to add to this remark.

Outraged by the nationwide decision to wear purple on Oct. 20 in support of the gay youths who had committed suicide, McCance said, “…they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide.”

Other comments McCance made include, “The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of the world have gotten this stupid.

“We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed thereselves because of their sin. REALLY PEOPLE.” “It pisses me off though that we make special purple f-- day for them. I like that f--- can’t procreate. I also enjoy the fact that they often give each other AIDS and die.”

McCance went on to say that he would disown his own children if they were homosexual.

McCance was later interviewed by Anderson Cooper and apologized, saying he would resign from the school board.

But what do George Takei and Clint McCance have in common? Well, according to Takei, “Mr. McCance, you are a douche-bag.”

Terrible spelling and grammar aside, George Takei was angry enough to make a two minute long video denouncing McCance.

The video has gone viral on sites like YouTube, where an angry George Takei stares straight into the camera and tells McCance, “You are always going to be a total douche-bag.”

As angry as Takei is though, he tells McCance not to kill himself over what he’s done, because no person should ever wish suicide on another.

What makes this video so awesome?

We often see celebrities promoting clothes or energy drinks, appearing on cereal boxes, and wearing classy sunglasses.

But, every once in a while, we get to see them championing causes and organizations, trying to inform the public, and do some good.

But we rarely see a celebrity stand up and call out another person. And, truly, we need more of this.

Takei represents something different.

Here is an older homosexual actor of notoriety standing up and attacking a bully.

Takei ends his video by encouraging people to not give in to bullying.

With people like McCance in the world,

GeneD5/photobucket.com

“For every douche-bag out there we need someone to stand up and tell someone just how terrible they’re acting.” George Takei’s example is one that needs to practised by everyone.

we need more George Takeis.

For every douche-bag out there we need someone to stand up and tell someone just how terrible they’re acting.

It’s almost 2011.

We’re supposed to be in the most advanced and most intelligent era of mankind ever.

We’re supposed to be open-minded.

But it seems like the ‘60s did a better job of accepting others than we do now.

And that pains me to write, because I

hate hippies. So stop the hate.

Tell someone when they’re being a bigot.

Inform your roommate she’s a douchebag, tell your boyfriend he’s a tool, let your parents know that they’re being inappropriate.

Stop the hate.

Except for hippies.

Richard Solomon can be reached at richard.solomon@spartans.ut.edu.

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

COMMENTARY

15

Over-Exposure of The Human Body Has Left Us De-sensitized

By PHILIPPA HATENDI Commentary Editor

The invention of table skirts during Victorian times came about because people were afraid that men would get excited by the sight of femininely-shaped legs.

Even if they were the legs of a table.

In Japan, women were not supposed to show the inner part of their wrist because it was believed to be incredibly sexually exciting to a man.

Some cultures still cover their women from head-to-toe for fear that their shapely bodies will encourage sexual advances from men.

Nowadays, I can hardly imagine any man getting excited by seeing a woman’s ankle. These days less has most certainly become more.

Whenever we hear about being sexy in society it always has to do with being overt and ascribing to society’s ridiculous standards of perfection.

Every person who is considered sexy in society is a beacon of supposed physical perfection.

Usually in pictures of desirable celebrities, they are portrayed wearing very little clothing, leaving practically nothing to the imagination.

As a result, people come to believe that in order to be considered sexy they have to bear everything all the time.

In addition, whatever flesh is visible must be worked to the height of physical perfection.

This one-sided portrayal of sexiness is the reason why most young girls these days have blouses with more falling out of them than is kept in.

They believe that desirability is about aggression and explicitness and forget about subtlety.

However, I think that by doing this, not only do they lose respect for their bodies, but other people lose respect for the female form as well.

People become incapable of understanding how one could be desirable without having everything on display all the time.

Being desirable has more to do with sensuality and with respecting your body enough to keep the parts that matter to yourself.

In such a fast-paced society no one wants to take the time to truly understand the value of sensuality because it requires too much thought.

Who can be bothered to look at the sensuous beauty of a woman’s legs and feet, when you can just search the internet and see her in the nude?

Defining desirability as being overt, fast-paced and deeply superficial is not only affecting younger teens and children.

Its affecting college students and the sexual and may affect the romantic relationships we have later in life.

Since desirability and sex are categorized as easily obtainable and superficial things that we go after simply for our pleasure, we no longer learn to truly cherish them.

We no longer understand the power of suggestion, and have become immune to the beautiful sensuality of the human body.

Worse yet, we are becoming immune to it due to over-exposure.

I love that winter is nearly upon us.

Winter is the season of sensuality.

When women are covered all over for warmth, people truly learn to appreciate the subtle sexuality that women possess.

Its the season to be jolly indeed, for now its the nape of the neck, the crook of a shoulder, the ankles that peek out of the bottom of stockings that will be appreciated again.

Leaving things to the imagination is an important concept because it imbues the human body (especially the female form) with the awe and magic that it deserves.

Finally that sensitivity will return. That reverence is necessary for us to respect the beauty of the human body instead of simply objectifying it.

Remember, it’s the little things that make a woman desirable. Show a wrist for a Wajahat Syed/flickr.com change, instead of your whole decolletage.

Over-exposure of the human body has created Philippa Hatendi can be reached at immunity where there should be reverence. phatend@spartans.ut.edu.

Only A Brave Few Can Handle the Hazards of Dorm Sex

By HANNAH WEBSTER Love and Sex Columnist

“Hey baby, your dorm or mine? Oh, wait, let me see if my roommate is there.”

This is how the fiasco of trying to hookup in a dorm room usually starts.

You need planning, perfect timing, or maybe a little bribery to send your roommate off to Starbucks for an hour or two.

Or four.

Then there is the aspect of sneakiness when trying to get your partner in and out of the room without arousing suspicion.

Sometimes the excuse that it’s a project you’re working on, or you need help with a paper, or “I just needed to borrow his Swiffer.”

Oh, I bet you did.

None of these tactics ever work, by the way. I don’t know what English course you’re taking, but no presentation I’ve ever seen requires that kind of noise.

Trying to get it on in a dorm room is almost as bad as telling your hook-up to wait for the futon to unfold or climb the ladder to your loft bed.

Being sexy can get a little difficult when her four inch heels are caught in those little metal rungs or when having to get on your knees has nothing to do with sex and more to do with avoiding hitting your head on the ceiling.

But there is something special about the running start required to make it onto most extra-long (and extra-high) twin beds found in college dorms.

Perhaps it is the exhilaration of hoping to make it over the dangerous metal frame.

Unfortunately, the awkwardness continues after making it onto the bed.

What now? Even snuggling is difficult.

What is most likely to commence is a long series of attempts to navigate the small mattress: moving to opposite ends when you want to switch things up, saying silent prayers that your mattress pad won’t slip off and send you or your partner’s head into a desk.

Ouch.

“It’s impossible. It just doesn’t happen,” said Cole, a freshman from down the hall.

“Its good birth control, I guess, but it’s never very good on the bed. I normally have to move to the floor.”

So, if you are planning to hook up in your dorm, accept that the experience will be mediocre at best.

At least for a while.

And forget about spending the night.

Unless you’re a contortionist or both of you are the type of people who fall asleep and wake up in the same position, don’t count on being comfortable enough to sleep.

The beds are hard enough to sleep in alone, let alone with another person.

Perhaps it’s the school’s way of subtly discouraging inter-dorm frivolity.

But in spite of the closed, locked, tiedaround-the-handle doors, dorms aren’t exactly the first place where residents mind their business.

If the girl in 216B made-out with the guy in 309A, almost everyone will know within a few hours—whether they care to or not.

In other words, your floor is a condensed version of high school.

On crack.

“Don’t do anything you don’t want your whole dorm to know about,” said Jorgia Stone. “Chances are everyone will find out, and they’ll probably hear a twisted version, rather than the truth.”

And don’t forget, if the person you bring home only lives a few doors down, you’ll see them the morning after.

And every morning after that.

Your hook-up could potentially end up being more awkward than trying to bust out your fancy moves on a 39-by-80 inch mattress.

But even with all these restrictions, students find a way to make it happen.

Everyone knows this, of course,

because those metal frames aren’t exactly quiet when they start hitting the wall.

Anyway, good luck to all those brave enough to tackle the confines of dorm life.

And, please, try not to get hurt.

Hannah Webster can be reached at hannahkarine31@gmail.com.

Hannah Webster/The Minaret

Sometimes getting onto the beds in the dormitories for some “special attention” can be more of a feat than any circus trick. Proceed with caution on all fronts.

16 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

Sports

Cross Country Women Advance to NCAA Championships

By MICHAEL PAONESSA Sports Writer

There is no question that this year’s women’s cross country team has faced adversity and have stepped up to the challenge with success.

With All-American runner Jess Butler out all year due to a leg injury and eight freshmen on the roster, the team has rallied and sprinted to awards and honors this season.

The squad won their fourth straight NCAA Division II South Regional championship last Saturday in Huntsville, Ala. to advance to the NCAA Championships in Louisville, Ky. Senior Heather Nicolosi, a member of the 2010 All-SSC team led the Spartans with a first place finish with a time of 20:50 in the 6k race. Adding to the trophy case, Nicolosi also took home 2010 Conference Runner of the Year honors.

Finishing behind Nicolosi in the top-10 was junior Lindsay Edwards, (4) and sophomore Kaia Hampton (10). Both women also claimed All-SSC honors.

Other noticeable runners for the Spartans were Iolani Scanlon (17th, 23:27.3), Kelly Hagan (20th, 23:34.1) in the field of 104.

UT’s women team left the South Regional championship knowing that they will be traveling to the NCAA Championships on Saturday Dec. 4.

Nicolosi knows it will be tough with the roster present, but believes the team can overcome obstacles.

“I think our team has worked extremely hard this season. We are a very young team entering nationals and it will be a very big challenge for us,” Nicolosi stated.

In the beginning of the season, the Andy Meng/Sports Information Spartans welcomed eight new freshmen to Notching both conference and regional titles, the Spartan women will head to nationals. the team while losing successful runners to “I and two other girls are the only girls show the success of a team, but along with graduation.

The NCAA Championships is not a who have been to nationals. I do think our runners claiming awards, Coach Slaven foreign site for the Spartans. The squad team will do well, it’s just hard to judge took home the Sunshine State Conference is entering their fourth consecutive a team from year-to-year because it is Coach of the Year.

Slaven and the cross team will try appearance after posting a 10th place each person in the group who makes a to bring back the coveted national finish in 2009, and a 14th place showing difference,” said Nicolosi. in 2008.

As the team travels to Kentucky, Coach championship trophy on Saturday Dec.4 in With success evident in the 2010 season, Jarrett Slaven will try and guide the team to Louisville, Ky. Michael Paonessa can be reached at optimism stays strong even with a younger a national championship. team compared to past seasons.

In a season, it is usually the runners who mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu.

UT Cricket Club Earns Bid in National Championship

‘Wii Not Fit’ Defeats ‘4Sum’ in First Round of Playoffs

By MIKE MARCIANO Sports Writer

Kushal Desai/American College Cricket

The 2010 UT cricket club with American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah.

By DANIEL FEINGOLD

Sports Editor

Although not necessarily a common sport to America, the University of Tampa is represented on the field of play by a cricket team. UT’s cricket club is led by team captain Kaushal Vaddiraj.

Vaddiraj had played cricket in India prior to attending UT in the Fall of 2009.

“I realized that a lot of people interested in cricket are graduate students and some undergrad students as well so I decided why not start a cricket club,” said the sophomore.

He also credited the Director of Campus Recreation, Charles Yezak, faculty advisor Dr. Hemant Rustogi and assistant captain Ishan Patel for helping in the creation of the team.

Vaddiraj said that the club was formed last Spring semester, and attention was first focused on just drawing some interest in the team. During this past summer, while Vaddiraj was playing in a local cricket league, he received a call from an organizer of the American College Cricket league, who suggested that UT join.

After becoming a member of American College Cricket this semester, the UT cricket club competed in the Southeast Championship on Nov. 5, 6 and 7.

Including UT, the tournament featured seven teams- the University of Florida, the University of South Florida, the University of Miami, Florida International University, the University of Central Florida and Auburn University.

“Actually when we were going to the tournament, I told my team that we [should not] go in with any expectations, we shouldn’t be disappointed if we lose games because we’re playing against universities that are much, much larger than us,” Vaddiraj said of his expectations going into regionals.

“They have a larger player base where they can pick people from. We don’t have that option.”

Tampa faced off against both USF and UM, defeating Miami but fell short in the matchup to USF. “We were disappointed we lost to our cross-town rivals, USF, but it was a very close game,” Vaddiraj said.

However, with the one victory, the UT men finished the tournament in third place, earning them a bid in the 2011 American College Cricket Spring Break Championship in March. Thirty-two universities in all will compete for the title.

To further gel as a team, the UT cricket club will play in a tournament at USF this weekend.

However, Vaddiraj explained that this tournament does not have any real implications for the club.

“This is more like a fun tournament, it’s not like a really serious cricket tournament but my expectations anyways are to perform really well and give a good fight and make a name for UT,” he said.

Daniel Feingold can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com.

On Nov. 29 UT kicked off the opening round for the men’s 3-on-3 intramural basketball playoffs. In the 11 p.m. game the 7th ranked “4Sum” team faced off against 10th ranked “Wii Not Fit”.

The game started off with a quick three by Jared Pane of “4Sum”. Besides the early lead, positive events were few and far for “4Sum.” The height and pure athletic and technical ability put the lower seeded “Wii Not Fit” in the driver’s seat. From boxing out to finishing screens and isolating on offense, they just outplayed “4Sum.” “4Sum” didn’t lose due to lack of effort though. At the end of the first half they trailed by just four points.

They forced “Wii Not Fit” into taking some bad shots that kept the game close.

Sean Duplantis’ quick dribbling and footwork kept the “Wii Not Fit” defense on its toes for most of the game.

Often he drew double teams and help defense and found Jared Pane for open threes.

Matthew Lamolli lead off the second half with a quick release for two points.

His basket started a very quick 14-0 run for “Wii Not Fit” and extended their lead to 34-16, the largest of the night, early on in the second.

The guard play by Lamolli and Kendy Masson along with a few spectacular dunks by Jackie Hicks proved to be too much for “4Sum.” While both teams had to contend with the outside wind gusts moving the ball “Wii Not Fit” shot above 50% in the second half to extend and secure their lead.

The shots that weren’t falling for them in the first half were ripping through the net in the second.

It seemed as if every person on the five man squad had a hot hand. Likewise the exact opposite also happened for “4Sum.” The normally easy shots were being contended and forced away.

The final score of the game was 49-34, “Wii Not Fit” will play “We Hate Lebron” in the quarterfinals on Tuesday Nov. 30.

Mike Marciano can be reached at mmarciano@spartans.ut.edu.

Kara Wall/The Minaret

“Wii Not Fit” glides to the quaterfinal round of the playoffs as they use both size and speed to outwit the higher ranked Team “4Sum”.

SPORTS

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

17

Women’s Basketball Prepares for Tough Schedule

Abby Sanford/The Minaret

Catriana Messina returns for her senior season with the Spartans after appearing in all 31 games last year. She is averging just under seven points and over three rebounds a game.

By MAYA TODD Sports Writer

The University of Tampa’s women basketball team is tipping off again for its 2010-2011 season. Gianna Messina made some points about this year’s team.

“We are a new team, with eight newcomers and only four returners. It will take some time for the system to become smooth, but when we all begin to click as a unit I believe that we can be a special team,” she said.

The trial began when the Spartans’ played their first game on Nov. 15 versus Warner University.

Things were looking good for Tampa at

the end of the first half. When the buzzer sounded, Tampa led Warner 38-27.

The Tampa squad did not seem to lose any momentum during halftime. In the second half, UT put up another 43 points – 20 points more than its opponent had recorded.

The Spartans total field goal percentage improved by 3.3 points. They made six of their 11 three point attempts and five of their eight free throws.

Tampa’s Sara Wickham led the team with 20 points while Messina tallied six rebounds and six assists.

The final score in the books read 81-50 with Tampa on top.

The next game was not quite as easy.

The squad faced Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Ga. on Nov. 20.

Both teams showed a tough defense while there were only a total of 37 points put up in the first half by both teams.

Tampa collected a field goal percentage of 28.6, compared to Valdosta’s 19.2.

The Spartans were up 21-16 at the half.

During the second half, both teams demonstrated a struggle to get the ball in the basket.

Putting on the pressure with less than five minutes to go, Valdosta was able to take the lead in the second half. The two teams would exchange the lead a few times before the final buzzer.

At the end of a nail-biting last few minutes, the UT squad was one point away from tying and two away from victory.

The women on UT could not seem to capitalize with the time remaining and lost the game 44-43. Taja Green recorded a total of 11 points in the game while Messina collected 12 rebounds and two assists.

Messina noted the skill level of the next four opponents the Spartans would be facing.

“Our next four games are all versus teams that competed in the NCAA tournament last year, which will present a good test for our team.”

On November 26, the Tampa squad traveled to Denver for the Colorado Mines Tournament. The women were scheduled to play two games. The first contest was versus Colorado Mines University.

Both teams’ offense showed up in the first half as the teams went into their respective locker rooms tied at 32.

With the lead changing six times in the second half, frustration was evident. Tampa Coach Tom Jessee received a technical foul with less than seven minutes left to go

and the women were now being coached directly under his assistants Nikki Jessee and Phyllis Kessel.

After coming back from an eight point deficit produced in the second half, Tampa worked its way to take a one point lead with 29 seconds left in the game. CMU made two free throw attempts after a foul was called.

With the time remaining, Tampa would not be able to regain its lead. Tampa lost by one point in back-to-back games. Messina totaled a team-high of 24 points in the game, yet UT’s record on the season would read 1-2.

UT faced Regis University in its final game of the tournament.

Tampa came out strong in the first stanza shooting 45.2 percent from the field goal range compared to its opponent’s percentage of 33.3. In particular, UT’s Lindsey Watson put up 14 points and hit six of her six free throw attempts.

Tampa came out just as strong in the second half and never game up their lead.

The squad would finish the game with an 84-61 victory.

While Watson collected 10 rebounds and seven assists, Messina led the team with a new team-high of 26 points. Tampa’s record improved to 2-2.

With 22 games left in the regular season, UT’s women’s basketball team continues practice each day and is not underestimating any opponent.

“We have a difficult schedule this year, but as a team we are ready to embrace the challenge.” Messina made aware, “We will look to repeat as conference champs and take the conference tournament title and advance in the NCAAs.” Maya Todd can be reached at mtodd@ spartans.ut.edu.

18 DECEMBER 3 2010 | THE MINARET

SPORTS

Miami Heat Will Struggle to be a Title Contender

Dori/flickr.com

The Heat’s frustrations continue into December as they have found it difficult to win games. Head Coach Erik Spoelstra is already on the hot seat, and the big three haven’t found their groove.

By TIM SHANAHAN Sports Writer

Utter disappointment. Sheer frustration.

Frequent tension.

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are a part of a mediocre Miami Heat team.

After eighteen games this season, the team has posted a 10-8 record. The Miami Heat, who once looked like a shoe-in for

the title, are shaking their heads at the way their season has begun.

The Heat are in the middle of the pack in almost every statistical category in the league, including their record.

They have three of the best ten players in the game. The team looks dominating on paper. How can this be? There are a few factors influencing these results: Leadership: The squad is lacking leadership. Lebron James and Dwayne

Wade have not proved to be complimentary parts. Wade, who has always led by example, has failed to do so this season. He has appeared hesitant at times, proving his discomfort playing side by side with King James.

They play the same role in the offense.

Before Monday night, the two players have been on the court for sixty five minutes together. During this time, the Heat have been outscored by thirty eight points.

All of the Miami Heats’ players need to start holding each other accountable. They need to step on each other’s feet in order for changes to occur.

Chemistry: The Heat are 1-7 against teams above .500. Fans are saying players need time to mesh as a team. I do not buy into this particular theory.

The Boston Celtics are a perfect example. The Celtics traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the 2007 NBA offseason. There was no hitch in the team’s chemistry. The Boston Celtics started off the season 29-3.

They ended up winning 66 games, a 42 point turnaround from the year before.

And yes, they won the NBA title. The USA Olympic team does not have much time to practice before entering world competitions.

They mesh as best they can and produce victories. It is purely a scapegoat for Heat fans to say the team needs more time to interconnect.

Roster Depth: The Heat spent nearly 45 million on a 58 million dollar salary cap on three players. Their big man is undersized and old; Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Their guard is not getting the job done either; Carlos Arrojo. The Heat’s competition has further depth.

As far as coaching goes, I predict that there will be a change in the near future.

Spoelstra is feeling the pressure, and he is beginning to panic.

In that type of atmosphere, players are not able to practice relaxed and a great deal of strain is put on everyone to succeed.

I believe Lebron’s bump is a sign of disrespect for his coach.

Spoelstra is not the guy to manage these bloated egos, and he will be replaced by Pat Riley in due time.

There is still more than three-quarters of the season to go. The Eastern Conference is feeble.

The Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic are the most gifted out of the bunch.

If the Heat can carry on at the pace they are at, they will make the playoffs.

However, I do not believe they boast the chemistry or depth needed to advance in the playoffs. The Miami Heat sure look illustrious on paper, but the game is won and lost on the basketball court.

Editor’s note: Statistics accurate as of Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.

Minaret Staff Pick ‘Em: Critiquing Participants’ (Bad) Picks Parks, Bennett and Feingold hibernate during break; find themselves in the basement

By KYLE BENNETT Asst. Sports Editor

­­­­­It was a long, warm Thanksgiving break in Tampa, Fla.; Miles Parks disappeared in what seemed to be pure hibernation. When he awoke, he found his life in shambles; he was down in the basement.

Although The Minaret was taking a week-long vacation during the Thanksgiving break, the pick ‘em lived on.

Saturday afternoon a mass text message was received which read: “MINN @ WAS, GB @ ATL, JAC @ NYG, PHI @ CHI, SD @ INDY. MAKE YOUR PICKS,” sent from the Blackberry of Sports Editor Daniel Feingold.

Feingold had already recorded his picks as he received responses from four writers: Kyle Bennett, Michael Paonessa, Mike Marciano and John Hillsenroth.

There was only one problem as Feingold recorded the picks; where was Miles Parks? Had he vanished to the valleys of Downtown Tampa? Had he fled to the top of the Bank of America building in search of a mountainous holiday?

No one knew.

Afternoon drew to night, while another text message was sent to Parks – no response. Sunday morning. Gameday. 10 a.m. – a phone call to Parks. No answer.

What was Feingold to do? He had only one option. Parks was forced to forfeit all five games for the week.

Talk of the Town Professional Sporting Events in the Region

In defense of his manhood, Parks tried to defend himself, attacking Feingold saying that he was “set-up” and confused since we never submit our picks so late in the week.

To make matters even better (or worse, for himself) Parks eventually broke down and said that he thought these five games were for next week – week 13.

A self-proclaimed NFL guru shattered any reputation he had created for himself by trash talking like Cortland Finnegan following his 5-0 week 11.

As it turns out the 0-5 week from Parks really didn’t separate me or Feingold from depths of last place as we both had awful picks for the week.

For contestants like Parks, Feingold and me, it has been a very up and down year – similar to the San Diego Chargers.

It’s like whenever we put ourselves back into a position to take third place away from Paonessa, or maintain pace with the unmistakable football prowess of Marciano and Hillsenroth (both New York fans: Marciano a supporter of the Jets, Hillsenroth a supporter of the Giants) we choke much like the season – and franchise as a whole – of the Buffalo Bills.

If Parks and I continue to keep making the same random picks, we are doomed for eternity in the basement. Or, the opposite, we could be the ones sitting pretty with the number one spot. Only time will tell.

Kyle Bennett can be reached at minaret. sports@gmail.com

@ The Bucs fell to the Baltimore Ravens a week ago, and now face off against arguably the best team in the NFC. The Falcons come to town, and gametime is set for Sunday, Dec. 5 at 4:15 p.m.

TAKE YOUR SHOT

Week 13: Primetime Games We Actually Care About Standings

Mike M. [28-22] John [28-22] Mike P. [27-23] Daniel [25-25] Kyle [25-25] Miles [25-25]

@

@ Eagles Daniel Mike M. John Kyle Miles Mike P.

Daniel Mike M. John Mike P.

Kyle Miles

@ Buccaneers Daniel Mike M. Miles

John Kyle Mike P.

Ravens

Steelers

@ Falcons

Daniel Mike M.

John Kyle Miles Mike P.

@ Texans

Titans

Jaguars

@ Off to a hot start, the Magic look to continue their successful 2010 campaign against the Detroit Pistons, a team that is well below .500. The game will be played on Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Patriots

Jets

Mike M. Miles

Daniel John Kyle Mike P.

@ The Lightning have had a hot and cold season thus far, but maintain strong position in the Southeast division standings.

They will play host to the Avalanche on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

THE MINARET | DECEMBER 3 2010

SPORTS

DECEMBER SPORTS SCHEDULE Friday, Dec. 3 Volleyball NCAA Semifinals vs. Central Missouri or Wingate, if necessary 5:30 p.m. (in Louisville, Ky.)

Saturday, Dec. 4 Cross Country NCAA Championships, noon W. Basketball at Barry 2 p.m.

Volleyball NCAA Finals, if necessary 4 p.m. (in Louisville, Ky.) M. Basketball at Barry 4 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 6 M. Basketball at Palm Beach Atlantic 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 W. Basketball vs. Ave Maria 5:30 p.m.

19

Young Spartan Team Finding Early Success

[From Back, M. Basketball]

“They’re really good leaders,” Schmidt said.

“I think the freshmen respect them. And they realize that they need to emulate them as much as possible.”

Coach Schmidt is cognizant that his team is young, they haven’t had the minutes needed to be as efficient and effective as other teams in the Sunshine State Conference.

He realizes that they may falter down the stretch.

So he is always looking for ways to get freshmen into games, though it has been difficult this season.

Not only have the games been close, but UT has been winning, putting more priority on the outcome of each game rather than developmental value.

When asked if he starts the best five players on his team, Coach Schmidt smiled.

He explains that a lot of teams don’t start they’re “best” five, but they would rather have a few guys waiting in the wings until the time is right.

It keeps defenses on their toes, and fresh legs on the court.

In January, 6-foot 7-inch forward Fred Woods becomes eligible to play, which should give the team even more bench strength and a lot more size, which is exactly what the team is lacking.

“Right now, we’re just playing guys.

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Ashton Graham battling for a loose ball against the Southeastern University Fire in Monday night’s contest. Graham is averaging nine points and just under 20 minutes player per game.

Whoever shows up, and is playing well that night, that’s who we’re playing,” Schmidt said.

UT men’s basketball continues on it’s best start since the ’01 season, Dec. 4th at Barry University.

The coaches will have to continue to tinker with the roster and bench to deal

with injuries and other circumstances.

But for now, it’s best just to enjoy the ride.

“Honestly,” said Schmidt. “Right now, we’re probably playing as good as we can play.”

Miles Parks can be reached at mparks@ spartans.ut.edu.

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MINARET

4

SPORTS

Intramurals [16]

The Win

UT’S SOURCE SINCE 1933

Non-Starters Bring Spark From Bench Unexpected contributors help guide Spartans to 7-0 start

By MILES PARKS Sports Writer

A brief rundown of Spartan sports

M. Basketball [7-0] Dec. 4 at Barry [2-4] at 4 p.m.

With a victory over Southeastern on Nov. 29, the Spartans improved their 2010 record to a perfect 7-0. That is the best start since the 20012002 season, when UT won its first eight games before suffering a loss.

UT leads the all-time series record against Barry 37-16, but lost to Barry twice last season.

Averaging 16.6 points per game, guard Rashad Callaway leads the team in points scored.

Volleyball [29-3, 15-1] Dec. 3 vs. Central Missouri or Wingate for the NCAA Semifinals, if necessary 5:30 p.m.

A game against Grand Valley State on Thursday, Dec. 3 will decide if the Spartans advance further into the NCAA Tournament.

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Senior guard Rudy Jean looks to feed the ball to freshman Stefon Barfield.

Though not a starter, Jean is second on the team in assists this season.

team’s performance this year.

“We grew and progressed as a team, and got a lot better in time.

The girls trusted and believed in the system, and believed in themselves,” he explained.

The team’s confidence grew exceptionally, after tying defending national champion Grand Valley University 1-1 in a

The tournament is being held in Louisville, Ky.

[

W. Basketball [2-2]

The Spartans finished 11 at the Colorado Mines Tourament, posting a win against Regis University.

Dec. 4 in the NCAA Championships at noon. The women’s team will compete, as well as men’s runner Tony Nicolosi individually.

The event will be held in Louisville, Ky. Last season, the Spartan women competed in the NCAA Championships and placed tenth as a team.

[See M. Basketball, 19]

goaltending this year, but their primary focus was on academics.

The team earned an NSCAA Academic Award due to their average GPA of above 3.0.

Coach Lucey lets the team know early that academics must be taken very seriously.

“We have a strict policy about missing classes. If it happens once

]

“We grew and progressed as a team, and got a lot better in time. The girls trusted and believed in the system, and believed in themselves.”

Dec. 4 at Barry [3-2] at 2 p.m.

Cross Country

Osby Kelly is averaging 21.3 minutes a game this season, he has the second most rebounds of any player on his team, and his coaches consider him one of their best defenders.

In short, he does pretty much everything a starting guard should; Except start.

As the University of Tampa men’s basketball team has gotten off to a quick 7-0 beginning, it’s been obvious that the first five guys playing the game, aren’t going to be the only ones who contribute to the outcome.

Kelly in particular has been a pleasant surprise coming off the bench.

“Osby Kelly has been coming up huge,” said assistant coach Justin Pecka. “Getting rebounds, he’s been one of our top rebound guys. He’s just stepping it up a notch.”

According to Pecka, Kelly worked diligently in the offseason to improve his entire game. It hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially on the stat sheet.

At 6-foot 2-inches tall, it seems odd to be considered a goto-defensive rebounder, but that’s just what he’s become.

After averaging less than one rebound a game last year in limited minutes, Kelly is averaging almost six boards a game, including a 10-rebound performance against Puerto RicoBayamon on Nov. 27.

Kelly’s emergence is one that really encompasses UT men’s basketball as a whole this season.

Hard work and leadership can often overshadow a lack of blatant talent or size.

Leadership comes from the coaches and stars, but role players as well.

Rudy Jean finds himself in his senior year, and for the fourth consecutive season, a reserve player. But he hasn’t let it affect his play, nor his numbers.

He is second on the team in assists, often sharing the court with star guard Rashad Callaway.

And he is perfect so far this season from the three point and free throw lines.

But the biggest thing he brings to the table is a knowledge of the game and a voice in the locker room.

Coach Richard Schmidt mentioned both Jean and Callaway in regard to who heads the team both on and off the court.

Women’s Soccer Falls in Penalty Kicks at Home

With a victory in the semifinals, UT would advance to the finals on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Tampa leads the overall series against Barry 37-17.

The two teams faced off last season twice, with the Spartans coming away with wins in both games.

W. Basketball [17]

-Gerry Lucey, UT’s women’s soccer head coach

Maxine Rice/The Minaret

The Spartans made a run for the National Championship, but came up short in 2010. They lost to Florida Tech in the NCAA South Regional Final.

By JOHN HILSENROTH Sports Writer

After a disappointing 6-11-1 record in the 2009-2010 season, the University of Tampa Women’s Soccer team went 16-5-2 this season.

The team was on an eightgame unbeaten streak until they lost in dramatic fashion to Florida Tech in penalty kicks despite outshooting the Panthers 17-9 in the

South Regional Final.

Coach Gerry Lucey was saddened that the season ended the way it did.

“It really hurt losing to them after we had already beaten them twice, even though it took overtime both times. We know we are the better team, and we would beat both teams that advanced nine out of ten times each,” he said.

Although the season is over, Lucey was very pleased with the

preseason match.

“Even though it was a preseason match, that game did wonders for our confidence. “We knew we were good enough to contend for a title right then and there,” Lucey said.

The team was able to get ten more wins than they did last year, and was a serious contender for the NCAA Championship, after winning the SSC Championship.

Lucey credited the change in record to an improvement in defense and goaltending.

“We had basically the same offensive stats as last year, but our goal keeping and defense were much better this year. Attack is important, but defense wins championships,” Lucey said.

The team stressed defense and

it doesn’t matter who you are, there will be consequences,” Lucey said.

After some positive strides this season, the women’s soccer team promises to work even harder next year and continue working toward the ultimate goal; getting to the Final Four, and winning the National Championship.

With only three seniors leaving, and a plethora of returning soon-tobe sophomores, the Spartans will welcome back nearly the entire core of the team.

The future looks bright for the young, experienced group and they are looking forward to working hard in the spring both tactically, and athletically, in order to prepare for the next season.

John Hilsenroth can be reached at jhilsenroth@spartans.ut.edu.