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Volume 77 Number 20

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February 17, 2011

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Driver Charged in Nicoletti’s Death Sentenced to 15 Years Tampa father of two convicted of hit-and-run and leaving the scene of a fatal accident

By JOSHUA NAPIER

News + Features Asst. Editor

Originally posted on Erik Nicoletti’s Facebook Page

Former communications major, Nicoletti, pictured above during a trip to Bangkok, was killed in November 2009 during a hit-and-run accident.

It has been more than a year since University of Tampa student Erik Nicoletti died in a hit-andrun accident.

Last week, the man charged with his death was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

According to police, in late November 2009 Nicoletti and Cree Riley, an acquaintance, were walking along Kennedy Boulevard late at night when Tampa man Andres Trujillo hit them with his vehicle.

Both Nicoletti and Riley were taken to Tampa General Hospital, where Riley was treated for a broken arm and jaw. Nicoletti was pronounced brain dead a day later and was soon taken off life support.

Trujillo, 29, was sentenced to

15 years in prison and 15 years probation following his release after being charged with leaving the scene an accident with death.

Trujillo has also been ordered to serve 100 hours of community service and pay restitution to the victim’s families.

In addition, he will permanently lose his driver’s license.

Riley, 20, spoke to Trujillo at the trial last Tuesday.

It was the first time she had seen him or spoken to him in person. “I just want to know why?” Riley asked through tears.

“How could you leave people by the side of the road? You just left us there like we were nothing.

How could you do something like that?”

“Erik was unfairly robbed of his life at a young age,” said Nicoletti’s mother, Dorothy Nicoletti, in court.

See 2, Nicoletti

Master Class: University to Launch Creative Writing MFA

By SHIVANI KANJI News Reporter

The University of Tampa is exploring new boundaries as they approve a new Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing.

The degree will be offered beginning in January 2012 and will be a two-year program.

According to the university website, “Students attend four 10-day working residencies on campus, capped off by a fifth, culminating residency.

Each residency is followed by a five-month, one-on-one tutorial with a faculty mentor.

As part of the requirements for the degree, students will complete a substantial manuscript of original work in a selected genre.”

The Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Donald Morilll, explained, “The new low-residency MFA in Creative Writing has been approved, and the first residency will be held on the UT campus, Jan. 5-14, 2012.

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It will feature the inaugural and guest faculty listed on the UT web-page and program overview .pdf, as well as other guest writers yet to be named.”

Tuition for the January 2012 residency is $7,200, with an additional $1,000 optional housing fee for universityarranged accommodations.

Morrill also explained on the school website that “the program is designed to help poets, fiction writers and creative nonfiction writers advance their command of craft through exposure to literature from a writerly perspective and with supportive critique and mentoring.”

“UT is also conducting a national search for a program director and hopes to have this person in place by June 1, 2011,” the website goes on to say.

Some of the details about the program are yet to be finalized, but should be available to the public soon.

The English and Writing Department is excited about

3 Tips for Eating Healthy in Preparation for Spring Break 5 McCall 5K to Raise Money for High School Runners

this new step and for the new opportunities it will bring for future students.

“It is the first graduate program for UT’s College of Arts and Letters and thus an exciting new venture for the college and the program’s home department, English and Writing, as well the university at large,” Morrill said.

“Our aim is to make this program one of the finest in the country.”

He said that the reason why the university decided on creative writing was because, “[The university] has a strong creative writing faculty in its English and Writing Department; and the College of Arts and Letters, and the university at large, is committed to adult students as part of its mission of encouraging life-long learning.

“Across the country, there is an increasing demand for exceptional academic programs dedicated to the personal and professional growth of adult learners,” Morril went on to say.

“The low-residency format is

[

]

“The program is designed to help poets, fiction writers and creative nonfiction writers advance their command of craft.”

- Donald Morilll, Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies

a new paradigm for UT, and with the great flexibility it provides, we expect to draw students of all ages from across the country and make UT a preeminent literary community.”

The Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Haig Mardirosian added that, “No other MFA ideas in [the College of Arts and Letters] were ready for discussion outside of their departments. The Creative Writing MFA is the flagship MFA for the university.” “[The] curriculum is proposed and approved by faculty. Faculty in the English Department had

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT 8 2011 Grammys: Full of Musical Surprises 11 How to Become a Campus Chick Magnet

COMMENTARY

been working on a proposal for graduate study in Creative Writing for many years. Clearly, it represents a strength in the College or Arts and Letters and across the campus as a whole as well as a field where there is demand from individuals already in the profession who seek to deepen their experience and abilities,” said Mardirosian.

More information about the degree can be found on or by contacting the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies.

Shivani Kanji can be reached at shivani.kanji@ut.edu.

12 Keep Your Money If You Want Woman to Value Your Heart 13 “I’m Failing as a Teacher”

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2 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

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Court Case Brings Closure to Nicoletti Family

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Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

[From Front, Nicoletti] “He was robbed of his potential and the world was robbed of the inevitable impact he would have had on it.”

Trujillo turned himself in the day after the accident.

He said he had not been drinking, and because he initially fled the scene there was no way of testing the veracity of his statement. “I’m so sorry,” Trujillo said to police at the time. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

More recently, in court, Trujillo said, “I, too, suffer from this unavoidable accident.

Not a day goes by that I don’t pray and ask God why.

I have two beautiful baby girls who don’t think of me as an animal and love me.”

UT senior Michael Marciano, a friend of Nicoletti’s, attended the trial last Tuesday.

“Having lived down the hall from [Nicoletti] during my sophomore year,” said Marciano, “there were more times than I could count where Erik would stroll into my room with a goofy smile and a oneliner that would make anyone laugh. You could not ask to be friends with a better kid.”

Nicoletti was a communications major at UT. He was passionate about film and had aspirations of being a filmmaker after graduation.

Nicoletti’s mother recalled her last conversation with him, saying, “I told him to be careful, which is what I always did whenever we spoke. . . . Erik said, ‘Mom, don’t worry. Don’t worry. I love you,’ and that’s the last time I heard his voice.”

Nicoletti’s family have established the Erik Vincent Nicoletti Film Production & Broadcast Studio and Scholarship Fund to raise money for a studio at Nicoletti’s high school in North Salem, N.Y. Donations can be made to North Salem Middle and High School, in the name of Erik Nicoletti Film and Broadcast Studio and Scholarship, 230 June Road, North Salem, NY 10560.

More information about the scholarship can be found at www.evnfoundation.org.

Originally posted on Erik Nicoletti’s Facebook Page Joshua Napier can be reached at Nicoletti pictured above in 2007. joshua.napier90@gmail.com.

No Laptop Policy Requires Student Flexibility

By NICK HONEGGER

Trinity College, HackCollege.com

UWIRE - Today's guest post is from Nick Honegger, a fellow student at Trinity University.

Like many of you, he can't stand being told to keep his computer in his bag. He has a few tips if you find yourself with a technophobic professor.

The semester has started and you find yourself stuck in a class that has a no laptop policy, what do you do?

The most basic option you have is talking to your professor outside of class to discuss the possibility of you using your laptop.

Most professors fear students who use laptops in classes are either playing games or surfing the web.

In an attempt to distance yourself from this perception, try explaining why you find a computer is helpful to your note taking process.

If you can convince him or her that the computer is more efficient for you they may change their mind.

Offer to make some sacrifices to prove you are willing to be diligent. For example, I’ve had teachers be content with laptop users if they sit in the first three rows.

The best way for this strategy to work is to be polite and explain why your laptop is so vital for your learning process.

This works more than you would expect, and as long as you do not appear to be distracting your classmates, you will be in the clear.

If this fails, try using the next best (however expensive) gadget, a tablet.

While typing lecture notes on your onscreen keyboard may not sound satisfying, it is better than nothing.

Professors who reject computers generally do not like that the student’s face is covered, especially in discussion based classes. Tablets allow you to look

hackcollege.com

Stripped of your laptop? You can still find a way to stay digital in class. (Image courtesy of Tulane Public Relations and licensed under CC)

more involved in class because you are not covered by a screen.

The downside to this is that your notes may not be up to par with your laptop notes, however at least it will give you an option for eBooks and handouts.

So you tried everything... There is hope, thanks to Livescribe. Livescribe’s smartpens allow students to write their notes while recording the professor's lecture.

Aside from recording the lecture it records what your write so you can have electronic copies of your notes.

The Livescribe desktop application allows you to export your notes to Everonte and even convert your handwritten notes into text.

For a more in-depth review, see HC’s coverage of the new smartpen at CES here. The downside to the pen is that is it is expensive if you just want to use it for a few classes.

The price is roughly $170 if you

purchase the pen and paper from Amazon, but if you know your future classes will not be computer friendly, it may be worth your money.

If you do not feel like spending the money, here is a cheap way to get your notes onto your computer. If you don't have a scanner, you can write your notes in class than type them later.

I know this sounds obvious, and maybe like a waste of time, but it has benefits.

While you take notes in class uses different colors to signify things for when you type your notes.

For example in my notes I use green ink to signify when I need to get an article offline to add to the notes for that day.

The process of typing your written notes that day helps you study the information and allows you to make a study guide as the semester goes as opposed to cramming.

This is by no means the best case scenario, but at the end of the day at least your notes are digitized.

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THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

3

Tips for Eating Healthy in Preparation for Spring Break

By CAROLYN HATCH Staff Writer

Spring break is right around the corner and if you happen to visit the pool, you will most definitely hear that it is “time to stop eating” at some point during your time there.

Ladies, it is time that you realize taking laxatives and eliminating food altogether will do nothing but harm your metabolism and general health in the long run.

Maintaining a healthy diet and level of activity is the key to weight management and an altogether healthy lifestyle.

Rather than starving yourself, start off your weight loss routine by visiting the dietitian here on campus or going online to determine the necessary calorie intake for your body.

Once you are aware of your daily calorie requirements, it is time to figure out how many calories will be burned during your exercise routine and how you will be consuming extra calories.

A food journal can be very helpful in keeping track of your calorie intake, as well as what types of food your body needs. An exercise log can also come into play when planning and carrying out weekly physical activity.Water is a key ingredient in losing weight, not only because it flushes toxins out of the body, but also because of its ability to squelch hunger.

In order to get your digestive juices flowing, water is a great way to start the day, and every meal. Staying hydrated will keep you feeling fit and energetic throughout the day and intensify your daily workout.

Rather than drinking fruit juice that is often sweetened, a better option is to eat fresh fruit that contains natural sugars, much-needed fiber and an array of vitamins.

Processed fruits are also usually sweetened and lack fiber; so, again, fresh fruit is a much better option.

When it comes to shedding pounds, it is crucial that your body gets the five

servings of fruits and vegetables that are needed daily. Include at least one salad per day, and choose the darkest leaves that are available.

Cooking vegetables depletes many of the vitamins and nutrients as well as the amount of fiber they contain.

This is why boiling, steaming or eating your vegetables raw is most beneficial.

Next time you see that chocolate cake in the pastry section, think about whether your body really needs it. The answer is, “it doesn’t”; so clench your fists and walk away, because you know that the calories will add on somewhere.

If you need a sweet fix, fresh fruit can be a satisfying option. Now this does not mean the slice of birthday cake or “cheat food” is off limits. Indulging in the occasional treat is acceptable in moderation. Savor the flavor and avoid going overboard.

Decide how many meals you are going to have per day, and when you are going to have them. Eating at fixed times throughout the day allows you to avoid becoming so hungry that you overeat or binge.

Grazing, otherwise known as eating five to six times per day, rather than just three, is a key player in weight loss and management.

In America, a morning coffee is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, tea and coffee alone are completely harmless and one cup of black coffee before a workout can even increase weight loss.

What really adds on the pounds is the cream and sugar that are put in coffee.

Believe it or not, a cup of tea or coffee with cream and two cubes of sugar is just as fattening as a slice of chocolate cake.

In addition, drinking too much coffee can desensitize your body to the fat burning effects of caffeine.

So next time you go for that morning coffee, just remember that it can be a hinder to your weight loss.

Telling you to stay away from fried things, avoid alcoholic beverages and watch your sugar and fat intake is just stating the

mralan/flickr.com

A food journal can be very helpful in keeping track of your calorie intake, as well as what types of food your body needs. An exercise log can also come into play when planning and carrying out weekly physical activity.

obvious. However, many students do not realize the negative impact of skipping meals.

By skipping meals, not only is your blood sugar level adversely affected, but your “fixed schedule” is thrown off, confusing your body’s cycle of hunger. You are now more likely to binge or overeat, and this can quite quickly lead to weight gain.

Your mother always told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day and, guess what, she was right. It is crucial that you eat a hardy breakfast within one hour of waking. This way, your body is able to charge itself with the energy that is needed for your daily activity.

Eating too many eggs is not a great idea, but if you do need to have a morning egg, remember that salt is one of the major causes of obesity, so limit your use.

Bringing us back to biology class for a moment, your diet should consist of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats) and nutrients. Carbohydrates should make up about 50 percent of your diet, proteins about 25 percent and fats only 15 percent.

Stay away from red meat in favor of white meats, fish and tofu, which are less caloric. White bread is nothing but empty calories, so stick with high fiber multigrain breads that also contain protein.

Always remember to chew your food and enjoy the taste, this will help you to eat slower and know when you are satisfied.

Adding saliva to the food allows the sugars to be digested, and our body is then able to benefit from the food that is taken in.

Even liquids and soft foods should be chewed at least eight to 12 times, but many of us are guilty of eating “on-the-go” and “inhaling” our meals.

When you do begin to notice a change in your physical appearance, it is important that you reward yourself. This does not mean go spend your money at Dairy Queen.

Instead, buy a new article of clothing to compliment your new shape or go on an adventure with a friend.

Next week is Body Awareness Week, so love yourself, love your body, and treat it with care.

Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.

Compiled from the Feb. 7 to Feb. 13 reports.

“The Art of the Steal” On Feb. 7, a student reported that a large plastic bin containing her assorted art supplies was stolen from her room on the 3rd floor of Stadium between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2 Wrongs Make a Bike At 9:26 p.m. on Feb. 8, security responded to the Vaughn Courtyard concerning two suspicious people at the bike rack. An arrest was made.

Drugs AND a PC...big day On Feb. 10, there was a Silent Witness Report of a narcotics sale and computer theft in Brevard Hall.

Being One with the Music On Feb. 11, there was a Silent Witness Report about drug use in the Ferman Music Center.

Tip: Befriend Security At 5:12 a.m. on Feb. 12, an underage student was found in the Straz Hall lobby to be intoxicated and in possession of a fraudulent I.D.

This Week’s Student Government Meeting...

Dealing on the Streets On Feb. 12, a student was arrested off campus on drug charges. They were referred to the judicial board.

*Deadline for adviser change requests for the Spring Semester is Feb. 28.

Due to Fear of Valentine’s Day On Feb. 13, an underage student was intoxicate in public and causing a disturbance on North Boulevard.

Parking Drift On Feb. 13, a student failed to adhere to directives and parking regulations while outside of Straz Hall.

Reports compiled by Cara Fetzer.

*The Spring Leadership Retreat is Feb. 26. Register in the OSLE office in Vaughn, Room 215. There is a $10 deposit fee.

*The Delta Sigma Theta’s theme week is March 20-26. *Student Government Election will take place soon.

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.

4 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

NEWS + FEATURES

Technology’s Toll on Lifestyle Facebook In Memoriam

Social networking site creates memorial pages

By MIRIAM SHUMWAY

The Daily Universe (Brigham Young U.)

UWIRE - For some, Facebook is life.

For others, it is a place to celebrate a life that was once lived.

After a Facebook user passes away, family members can request for the account to be closed or turn the account into a memorialized page as a tribute to the life of that loved one, only accessible to confirmed friends.

“The Wall remains, so friends and family can leave posts in remembrance,” the Help Center reads.

Tahna Black, 20, an undeclared major from St. George, said her friend’s sister died three years ago. Since then, the woman’s profile has become a memorial site.

“I actually am glad that Facebook has that feature because then you’re always able to remember her, and it’s kind of a celebration,” Black said.

Facebook has designed the memorial pages differently than a normal profile; the profile is never part of friend suggestions and a viewer cannot look at past information and status updates.

Only confirmed friends can find the profile in a search.

The Facebook Blog recorded why the idea took hold and the benefits to memorializing a page.

“When someone leaves us, they don’t leave our memories or our social network,” the blog reads.

“To reflect that reality, we created the idea of ‘memorialized’ profiles as a place where people can save and share their memories of those who’ve passed.”

The idea of sharing memories is comforting, Black said. She said it is nice to have a place everyone can join to commemorate her friend.

“If you thought of a certain memory, you can share it with others,” Black said.

Memorialized profiles consist of posts from friends and family, pictures and videos that are uploaded about the person who died.

The page can also be a place to promote memorial runs or scholarships that were put in place.

According to the Facebook Help Center, the most important requirement needed to memorialize a page is proof of death.

The process also requires the requester’s relationship to the person and the account e-mail address.

Facebook is a social network that has 500 million active users. People spend more than 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook, according to Facebook’s website.

By TRINITY MORGAN News Reporter

[

Because electronic devices offer something to do every second of the day, they make great boredombusters.

But these devices can have a negative effect on the brain, vision, sleep and stress levels.

Would-be “down time” is turned into “thinking time,” when people resort to constantly fidgeting with their cellphones or portable video games and music players.

“People think they’re refreshing themselves, but they’re fatiguing themselves,” Marc Berman, a scientist at the University of Michigan, told The New York Times.

Most people don’t notice the tiring effect constant stimulation has on the brain, because it requires very little physical exertion and fills the spaces between daily obligations.

Even with all the research findings about the damaging effects of the constant use of cell phones— including those that suggest a link to brain cancer—people everywhere find it difficult to go without.

“I feel like I’m disconnected if I don’t have it on me,” said UT student Sara Hylas, “I hate not having entertainment. I go on Facebook on my phone when I’m bored.”

According to The New York Times article “Your Brain on Computers,” a University of California, San Francisco study found that rats show heightened brain activity when they are introduced to a new area, but only process this information to create permanent memories when they are able to rest.

The idea of being “unplugged” makes most students uncomfortable, but taking a break from electronic devices can improve the brain’s ability to make permanent memories.

In another New York Times article, “Outdoors and Out of Reach, Studying the Brain,” Psychology Professor at the University of Utah, David Strayer said that too much daily digital stimulation can “take people who would be functioning okay and put them in a range where they’re not psychologically healthy.”

Electronic devices can improve

]

“It’s hard to be productive when you have all these electronics around you... Especially the computer, you can get lost in there for hours.”

-Serenity Hanrahan, UT Senior

overall productivity on some levels, allowing students to keep track of important dates, assignments and receive important e-mails on the go.

However, because these devices make great procrastination tools, they can hinder efficiency just as easily.

“It’s hard to be productive when you have all these electronics around you,” said senior Serenity Hanrahan.

“Especially the computer, you can get lost in there for hours. It’s like a timeeater.”

Digital devices also make it difficult to communicate face-to-face.

“I ate lunch with my friend and I noticed we were both on our cell phones the whole time,” said Hanrahan. “You lose your train of thought and keep saying ‘um.’”

Constant availability is mentally fatiguing, and puts more pressure on students, but they rarely associate high stress levels to their digital usage.

Senior Charlie Lane said going without a phone for a while would mean fewer responsibilities.

“I use my phone for business more than recreation, so if people couldn’t contact me I’d have more free time in my schedule.”

Over-usage of electronic devices can also cause vision damage. “I feel sluggish and my eyes feel strained— especially from the computer,” said Hanrahan.

Long hours in front of the computer can be unavoidable given the amount of required research and writing that must be submitted electronically, but it takes a toll on the eyes.

The extra digital stimulation from portable devices during downtime

only exacerbates the vision problems that occur from long hours in front of a screen.

In his article in Physicians News Digest, Nathan Banilla-Warford, an optometrist with a private practice in Tampa, said, “The eyes function best when looking at something in the distance … When the eyes look at something close-up, they accommodate.”

Warford said frequent breaks from the screen are necessary because while this doesn’t take much effort initially, the strain adds up over time, and can cause frontal headaches, blurry vision and eyestrain.

Electronic devices also take their toll on people’s sleep cycles.

Many students keep their cell phones on and near them, even in bed, making them constantly available when they would otherwise be at rest.

Often, students find their sleep interrupted, causing them to feel tired and unrelieved of daily stress.

“I have to put my phone on alarmonly if I want to actually sleep,” said Hanrahan, “If I don’t turn off the ringer, it’s like I’m not fully asleep because I’m not going to go an hour without at least a text, no matter what time of the night.”

Unplugging for an hour or two a day can give the brain time to rest from electronics during the day, and silencing cell phones at night allows the brain to process information, improve mental functionality and memory and lower the impact of stress.

Trinity Morgan can be reached at tmorgan@spartans.ut.edu.

]

NEWS + FEATURES

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

5

McCall Memorial 5K to Raise Money for High School Runners

By SHIVANI KANJI News Reporter

On Aug. 19, 2009, University of Tampa student Ryan McCall was killed in an armed robbery on his way back from a friend’s birthday party.

McCall was a dedicated member of the Cross Country team and excelled in athletics. Head Cross Country coach Jarrett Slaven described McCall as, “a wonderful young man with a great personality. He gave track 100 percent effort and was a fine leader.”

Assistant Cross Country Coach Dror Vaknin added, “As a young kid, he was your typical Pennsylvanian boy: a little goofy and all about football.”

Vaknin had known McCall since he was about 13 years-old, and had also coached his older brother. He said that he was a great kid who “got along with everyone.”

Fellow Spartan Matt Hockenjos grew up in the same small town with McCall.

He recalled, “In high school we ran against each other and we knew each other, but not well. When I got to Tampa, I had a lot of big decisions to make as far as staying with track and what not, and he was one of the only people who I could really go to that would give me a straight answer.”

“Ryan pulled everyone together and got people excited,” said Hockenjos. “He set the mood for a group. I don’t think I ever heard anything negative come from his mouth.”

McCall’s passion for athletics as well as coaching led him to Tampa Preparatory School. He volunteered there, coaching students as a way of giving back to the community.

“You can tell the kids [who] had him

as a coach truly loved him. Last track loved people and running. So the run is Online registration is available at www. meet I noticed a couple kids still [wearing] perfect. Ryan would have loved it.” ryanpmccall.com/registration. the tall black socks to honor him,” said All proceeds will go towards a The 5K run will begin at 7:30 a.m., the Hockenjos. two mile walk will begin at 7:40 a.m. and scholarship for one high school male Referring to McCall’s involvement in a 100 meter fun run for kids will start at student and one high school female the community, Vaknin said, “He always 8:20 a.m. student. Students may be eligible for the wanted to do more and more for the kids” The cost of registration for an individual scholarship if they are on the cross country A 5K run has been planned in his is $20 until March 18. The price will be or track team in a Hillsborough County McCall’s honor and will be taking place raised to $25 after that day up until the day high school, maintain a 3.0 GPA and are on March 26 at Ybor Centennial Park. of the run. involved in the community.

Although there have been runs in McCall’s The kids fun run is free for children 10 Kevin encourages everyone to come honor before, this is the first time the event and under. Same-day registration will be out and support Ryan and the ideals he will be taking place in Tampa. taking place at 6:30 a.m. on March 26. believed in and give back in his name.

McCall’s older brother Kevin McCall, More information about the run can be who is organizing the event said, “It’s found at www.ryanpmccall.com. something we wanted to do since he Shivani Kanji can be reached at shivini. passed, so we could spread his name in the kanji@spartans.ut.edu. community and do the good he wanted to do.”

Although Vaknin will not be able to attend the run, he helped Kevin get everything set up.

“It is a great way to get the family involved and do something that Ryan wanted to do,” said Vaknin.

Hockenjos is not sure if he will be able to participate due to a sprained ankle, but he ensures, “If I can’t run, I will be there to show support.”

Hockenjos is excited about the upcoming run and feels that it is an appropriate way to honor McCall.

“I love the idea of the run; it’s a chance for those who knew him to come together and tell old stories. And it’s a chance for people who didn’t to learn his story Andy Meng/Sports Information to come together. Ryan In memory of Ryan McCall, a UT sculpture student created a bronze cast of McCall’s running shoes.

Miss Tampa contestants receive thousands of scholarship dollars.

Enter the Miss Tampa Pageant… or Miss out.

Go to www.misstampa.org for all entry info Entries must be received by February 21, 2011 Questions? Please contact Tiffany Green at tg41@ntrs.com

***The Miss Tampa Pageant will be held on Saturday, March 5th.*** An official preliminary to the Miss Florida & Miss America Scholarship Pageants

6 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

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THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

Diversions

7

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 28, 2011

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 One with a degree 5 Double reed instrument 9 Bit of campaign nastiness 14 Assistant 15 Course of action 16 Croatian-born physicist Nikola 17 *1968 sci-fi classic remade in 2001 20 Jewish 21 Rotten 22 Conference including Duke and UNC 23 *Chili competitions 28 Liver secretion 30 “What’s up, __?”

31 Clean the floor 32 Was victorious 33 Dissertations 36 It can be airtight or waterproof 37 Fishing pole 38 Rank that goes with the first parts of the answers to starred clues 40 Support garment 41 Slightly 43 Jump (on) suddenly 44 Tennis call 45 Keg party attire 47 Band-Aid and Barbie, e.g.: Abbr.

48 Like much wine and cheese 50 *Reason for rhinoplasty 52 Rover’s warning 53 Corn unit 54 Inexpensive brand 58 *1980 Disney comedy about an all-night puzzlesolving race 63 Overindulge, as kids 64 Wrinkle remover 65 Fight for air 66 Wedding dresses 67 Fey of “30 Rock” 68 School attended by many princes and prime ministers

Dancers prepare for the Spring Dance Concert.

They will be performing in Falk Theatre Thursday though Sunday.

2/28/11

By Jeffrey Lease

DOWN 1 Spaces 2 Annoy 3 TV Batman West 4 “I did not!” is one 5 __ nerve 6 Voting group 7 Palooka 8 Tolkien’s Treebeard, for one 9 Texas Roadhouse fare 10 Grassy fields 11 Sixth sense, briefly 12 Pub pick 13 Dorm supervisors: Abbr.

18 “And so on and so forth,” for short 19 “True Blood” airer 23 Party disguise 24 Indian and Arctic 25 Lacking strength 26 Dreaded 27 Bug-hittingwindshield sound 28 Owie 29 Spectrum color between blue and violet 30 Train stations

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

32 Ire 34 Occurrence 35 Start of a guard dog command 39 Approached 42 Deceived 46 Slow mollusks 49 Farm 51 Nonprofit’s URL ending 52 The Gold Coast, since 1957

2/28/11

54 “Let’s roll!”

55 __ moss 56 “This __ silly!”

57 “Monday Night Football” channel 58 Chinese food additive 59 Wall St. debut 60 Wall Street index, with “the” 61 Smack 62 Prefix with athlete

Week ending Feb. 15, 2011

#1 Album

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

United States Born This Way /DG\ *D*D

Never Say Never -XVWLQ %LHEHU Sigh No More Mumford & Sons

Firework .DW\ 3HUU\ S&M 5LKDQQD

What the Hell $YULO /DYLJQH

1 2

(2) 3 4 5

United Kingdom Born This Way /DG\ *D*D 21 $GHOH

1

Price Tag -HVVLH -

(1) 2

Grenade %UXQR 0DUV

(2) 4

Rolling In the Deep $GHOH Eyes Wide Shut -/6

(3) 3 5

Spain Born This Way /DG\ *D*D Lead the Way &DUORV -HDQ Pablo Alboran 3DEOR $OERUDQ

Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You) (QULTXH ,JOHVLDV The Time Is Now 9LUJLQLD /DEXDW Mr. Saxobeat $OH[DQGUD 6WDQ Source: iTunes

THAT MONKEY TUNE by

Michael A. Kandalaft

1 2

(1) 3 4 5

© 2011 MCT

Horoscopes

By Linda C Black / Tribune Media Services

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today presents challenges. Together with a partner, you can sail these rough seas. Stay focused, present and quiet inside, even with 10-foot waves. Learn to surf.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Should you run a marathon in old, lesssupportive shoes, or wear the new ones that you haven’t broken in yet? You know the answer. Talk to your feet.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Spend sometime outdoors with family and children. Go on a hike. The best things in life are free, and today’s good for inexpensive pleasure. Save money by lazing around.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Sometimes it’s hard to get out of the house, but you know you’ll be grateful.

Give time to reflect on the day’s challenges before you address them. This pays.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Again, self-discipline and thrift pay off today. Don’t judge yourself (or others) harshly ... you may not see results right away, but consistent forward movement keeps up the momentum.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Own the rules to win by them. To own something, practice it to mastery. Play the game with that goal. Don’t worry about the other guy’s game, his cards or comparisons.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Someone else may seem more beautiful, fit or desirable. Let go of comparisons, and just go out and play. Moving your body is good for all of you, and it’s free.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Six-time Ironman Triathlon Champion Mark Allen failed six times before his unbeatable streak. He finally won by being himself. Be open to failure. It provides the missing link.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) It’s a good time to develop a routine to handle boring, repetitive work. Whenever possible, inject some fun into it by inviting friends to join in. Save your pennies.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Routines could be tedious, but then again, practice makes perfect. Slow down to get there faster. Add play to the equation, and include time with your family.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Stick to your high standards. A child has a valuable insight. Plan your travel itinerary well with a good map. Avoid rush hour.

Take a detour on a whim, if you like.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Focus on your career. Choose family over friends. They’ll understand. It’s not a good day to lend or borrow money. Take time for simple pleasures.

8 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

Arts + Entertainment

2011 Grammys Full of Musical Surprises

By LAUREN ROSSI

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

The 53rd annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, in Los Angeles.

The three and a half hour show was jam-packed with performances from 12year-old Jaden Smith to 67-year-old Mick Jagger, with other talented musicians inbetween.

As for the awards, country group Lady Antebellum stole the night away as their hit, “Need You Now,” won five Grammys including record of the year.

Opening the show, a female vocal powerhouse quintet comprised of Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, Florence Welch and Yolanda Adams payed homage to “the Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, who to date has received 18 Grammy awards herself.

Aguilera might have made up for her fumble of the National Anthem’s lyrics

[

the center piece to their performance was a giant bonfire.

Guerra enjoyed all of their performances, saying, “they each have a unique and entertaining style.”

Other performances of the night included Bruno Mars, who was barely recognizable without his signature fedora, along with B.O.B., Katy Perry (who sang to a montage of her and husband Russell Brand, just in time for Valentine’s Day), and rock star Mick Jagger didn’t miss a beat proving that at 67-years-old he can keep up with the young music generation.

Aside from Lady Gaga’s always surprising antics and Cee-Lo’s feathery costume, the two biggest shocks of the night were the recipients of the best new artist and album of the year awards.

Jazz singer Esperanza Spalding beat out Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence and the Machine, and Mumford and Sons for the best new artist award. Serinis’ question of the night, one echoed by many

“I always love her and she never ceases to amaze me. Her new song did not impress me, but her costume was quite amusing and different.”

during last week’s Superbowl, as the group’s performance received a standing ovation from the audience.

Bizarre as always, Lady Gaga arrived on the red carpet while incubating inside a semi-translucent egg until her performance of new single, “Born this Way.” Gaga fan and University of Tampa junior Alex Guerra said, “I always love her and she never ceases to amaze me. Her new song did not impress me, but her costume was quite amusing and different.”

Gaga hatched on stage wearing a yolkcolored latex ensemble from the gigantic egg just in time for her three-time platinum, The Fame Monster, to be awarded the Grammy for best pop vocal album.

Although Lady Gaga had been incubating for hours inside this massive egg by herself, from the looks of it, CeeLo Green could have hatched from an egg, too.

Cee-Lo was dressed as an overly flamboyant bird, covered in feathers and a sequined skull cap while performing “Forget You” accompanied by Gwenyth Paltrow and Muppet backup singers.

Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith, the youngest performers of the night, sang “Never Say Never,” sharing the stage with music veteran Usher.

Usher performed “OMG” immediately following the young duet. Bieber even joined in with his mentor for a dance sequence to end the performance.

UT senior Alyssa Serinis said, “Justin Bieber and Usher’s performance was really cute because Usher is his [Bieber’s] idol”.

However, teenage sensation Justin Bieber walked away from Sundays show, empty handed. Usher was awarded contemporary R&B album for Raymond V Raymond. Rihanna had not one, but two performances of the night.

First she paired up with Eminem (winner of best rap album for Recovery) along with Dr. Dre and Adam Levine as they performed “Love the Way You Lie” and “I Need a Doctor.” Secondly, Rihanna performed a fiery rendition of “What’s My Name” with Drake.

The chemistry between the two was so hot, the stage was on fire - literally, as

Lionel Hahn/Abaca Press/MCT

In one of the most bizarre red carpet entrances in recent years, Lady Gaga arrived housed in a semi-transluscent egg.

]

-Alex Guerra, UT junior

other viewers, was “why the hell did she win?”

Second shock was the awarding of album of the year to the rock group Arcade Fire for their album The Suburbs , which won over Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Eminem.

The viewers’ reaction to Arcade Fire’s win of the biggest award of the night was, essentially, “Who are they?”

Even award announcer Barbra Streisand seemed confused as she stuttered to announce the album tittle.

Lauren Rossi can be reached at lrossi@ spartans.ut.edu.

WINNERS Record of the Year “Need You Now” Lady Antebellum Album of the Year The Suburbs Arcade Fire Song of the Year “Need You Now” Lady Antebellum Best New Artist Esperanza Spalding Best Female Pop Vocal Performance “Bad Romance” Lady Gaga Best Male Pop Vocal Performance “Just The Way You Are” Bruno Mars Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals “Hey, Soul Sister” (Live) Train Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals “Imagine” Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck & Oumou Sangare

Robert Gauthier/Loss Angeles Times/MCT

Young stars Jaden Smith and Justin Beiber teamed up to perform “Never Say Never.” Beiber was also joined by his mentor Usher.

Best Pop Vocal Album The Fame Monster Lady Gaga Best Dance Recording “Only Girl (In The World)” Rihanna Best Electronic/Dance Album La Roux La Roux Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance “Helter Skelter” Paul McCartney Best Hard Rock Performance “New Fang” Them Crooked Vultures Best Rock Song “Angry World” Neil Young Best Rock Album The Resistance Muse Best Alternative Music Album Brothers The Black Keys Rap/Sung Collaboration “Empire State of Mind” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Rap Album Recovery Eminem

Comedy Album Stark Raving Black Lewis Black Female Country Vocal Performance “The House That Built Me” Miranda Lambert Male Country Vocal Performance “’Til Summer Comes Around” Keith Urban Contemporary Jazz Album The Stanley Clarke Band The Stanley Clarke Band Contemporary Folk Album God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs Contemporary Blues Album Living Proof Buddy Guy Producer Of The Year, NonClassical Danger Mouse Producer Of The Year, Classical David Frost Urban/Alternative Performance “F---You” Cee Lo Green, Pop Instrumental Performance “Nessun Dorma” Jeff Beck

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

CAL Dean Tames Sykes Chapel Organ

By AMANDA SIERADIZKI

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

To many organs bring to mind weddings, churches and even Count Dracula.

Last Saturday evening, however, the organ was an instrument of celebration as Haig Mardirosian played his “Dedicatory Recital” inside the Sykes Chapel Center for Faith and Values.

The chapel’s walls arched over the goodsized crowd gathered for Mardirosian’s grand debut on what he calls “the most powerful, colorful and misunderstood of instruments.”

Mardirosian is dean of the College of Arts and Letters and professor of music at the University of Tampa.

He has been a concert organist for 45 years; he has performed and been broadcast worldwide.

Mardirosian said the “pipe organ offers a range of expression, from literal whispers to the stereotypical thunderclaps.”

There was plenty of each as he launched into the first piece of the evening, titled “Prelude and Fugue in B” by Marcel Dupré.

Each composition performed on the organ was larger than life, overwhelming the chapel with sound.

The second piece was a crowd thriller, entitled “The Cortege and Litanie,” also written by Dupré.

Mardirosian swayed back and forth on the bench as the music began as a soft processional.

The notes built up to a crescendo before bursting into a climax that sounded like

something from Nintendo. Dueling keys slowed to three final pulses as the audience erupted into applause.

Underneath our feet, the bass lingered from the giant instrument whose body makes up an entire wall of the chapel.

Dietrich Buxtehude’s “Prelude and Fugue in F# Minor” was the third piece in the night’s repertoire, with a playful beginning in the higher ranges of the organ.

Overall the piece was jovial, and seemed to sample a familiar melody.

A photo negative of the piece before it, “Sicieliene” by Maria-These von Paradis, was slow and solemn. At times, the organ appeared to mimic the sound of birds chirping.

The notes created a story in my head, as I thought of snow-covered fields melting away, remembering spring and slowly awakening.

Mardirosian gave a short intermission in which he noted that the builder of the organ and the Director of the Dobson Organ firm were both in attendance.

Mardirosian also explained the mechanics of the Lynn Dobson Organ, which was built in three parts. He noted that the “trumpet-style [centerpiece] is the crowing glory of the organ.”

Mardirosian’s next piece, a Florida premiere performance called “Acclamation and Song,” composed by Robert Shafer, showcased these “trumpets.”

With a startling beginning, the piece was jarring, but not unpleasant. Think Jaw’s theme music, but with a softer undertone that is pensive, but just as suspenseful.

The evening ended with the gargantuan

Relive Roarin’ Twenties at Spring Dance

By SOPHIE ERBER

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

Ballet, flamenco, modern and jazz— the University of Tampa Spring Dance Concert has it all this year.

“The concert offers an array of musical and dance styles, featuring a wonderfully talented pool of choreographers and dancers,” said department chair Susan Taylor Lennon.

“Themes from this year’s concert range from scenes of a haunted theatre to a 1920s speakeasy, where the Charleston is all the rage.”

Linda Lopez is the choreographer of the 1920’s Broadway style production titled Billion Dollar Baby. Her piece captures the essence of the prohibition period.

“Imagine [the] show is time warped to 1929,” said Lopez. “There are gangsters stealing illegal glances from scantily clad flappers in fringed frocks, all dancing to the beat of heart-pumping, hot music.”

In this piece alone, there are acrobatics, tapping, ballroom partnering and ballet.

“I guess I remember when my grandmother used to take me to all the Broadway shows in NYC and the feelings I would get,” Lopez said.

“The awe-inspiring music and dance that fills you up and echoes later on in your head. That’s what I’m going for with Billion Dollar Baby-to have the audience leave feeling like they just want to get up and dance.”

Glynn Owens, teacher and dancer at the Florida Dance Theatre and Patel Conservatory, choreographed a lively piece that features contemporary dance performed to David Garret’s “Vivaldi vs.

Vertigo,” an uplifting mixture of classical and rock music. Other choreographers include University of South Florida professor Merry Lynn Morris, Chicago Lyric Opera dancer Bill Philin-Ploplis and Metropolitan Opera dancer Ya-Ju

Lin. Michael Staczar is bringing back his original piece from 2001 entitled “Reverie,” featuring alumni Susannah LeMarquand and Lauren Gilbert, who originally performed in the dance and are now choreographing their own pieces in this year’s concert in addition.

Other dances involve “cutting edge technology” and “spicy flamenco themes” said Lennon, who is choreographing a beautiful, contemporary piece of her own.

“This concert truly offers something for everyone,” Lennon said.

Come out and support your Spartan dancers Feb. 17, 18 and 19.

The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on all three nights with one matinee at 2 p.m. on the 19th.Admission is free with a Spartan card. See you there!

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

Mackenzie Crowley/The Minaret

This year’s concert will include numerous types of dancing including ballet, modern and jazz.

Mackenzie Crowley/The Minaret

There will be a lot of choreography that had feeling of 1929.

9

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Spanning the entire wall, Skyes Chapel’s organ has a larger than life, powerful sound.

Audiences noted Mardirosian passion as he swayed energetically to the music.

“Sonata on the 94th Psalm” by Julius Reubke. Played in three sections, the Sonata built upon a constant hum, exploding with sound, then calming back to its original ohm-like serenity.

After a standing ovation, Mardirosian returned for an encore.

The evening truly showed off the Dobson organ’s disregard for limits, defying every stereotype that organ music perpetuates.

“I certainly hope to play concerts regularly,” Mardirosian said.

Amanda Sieradizki can be reached at asieradizki@spartans.ut.edu.

Check out more Sykes Chapel Recitals: Who: Carol Terry, Professor of Organ and Harsichord University of Washington.

When: Saturday March 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday March 13 at 2 p.m.

Who: Kurt Knecht, Music Director St. Marks on the Campus Church, Lincoln, Neb. When: Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday April 17 at 2 p.m.

The Scoop

Writers at the University Present: Erica Dawson

When: Thursday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m.

Where: Grand Salon, Plant Hall What: Dawson, a new professor at UT has her first reading at UT. Admission: Free

Screening of Unreturned with director Nathan Fisher When: Monday, Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Reeve’s Theatre What: screening and Q-and-A with director.

Admission: Free.

10 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

The Religious Experience of Carver’s ‘Cathedral’

READ This

Now

By Conner McDonough Arts + Entertainment Writer

In 1983, poet and short story writer, Raymond Carver published arguably one of the best American short story collections in literary history: Cathedral.

Consisting of twelve separate stories—ranging from “Feathers,” in which a peacock takes the focal point, to “Cathedral,” wherein a wary married man befriends his wife’s blind friend—Carver creates little vignettes of everyday life with everyday people.

Easily one of the most powerful contemporary American short stories in existence would have to be Carver’s, “Where I’m Calling From.”

The story follows an unnamed narrator as he makes another attempt to recover from alcoholism, this time at a “dry out” facility, just over the hills from Jack London’s cabin (this is a fine example of Carver exercising his knowledge of literary history).

The narrator encounters a variety of career drinkers, including a chimney sweep whose marriage has deteriorated, and rehab counselors who ask him whether or not he wishes to end up like Jack London, who was a notorious alcoholic.

The other focal point of the collection, and probably the most often recognized, “Cathedral,” is another of Carver’s master creations.

As mentioned earlier, the story deals

with a married man whose wife invites her older blind friend to stay in their home, thus causing concern for the husband.

After an evening of relaxing, the blind man and the husband begin to bond when the husband watches a cathedral on the television and the blind man asks him what it looks like.

The story and book end powerfully with an image of the husband, with his hand over the blind man’s, drawing a cathedral on a piece of paper, the two of them finally bonding, despite the husband’s previous apprehension.

As with most of Raymond Carver’s work, the stories (in particular, “Where I’m Calling From” and “Cathedral”) all deal with elements of autobiography.

“Where I’m Calling From” came out of Carver’s torturous struggle with alcoholism, a struggle that he ultimately beat, causing him to regain ten years back on his life. “Cathedral” was borne of an occasion when his wife, the poet Tess Gallagher, invited a blind man to their home.

By reading these stories, Carver is ultimately bestowing the readers with his memoirs of growing up in bluecollar America, outlining the struggles of ordinary people who often find themselves in what most would perceive to be ordinary situations.

This is possibly one of the most amazing things he accomplishes as a writer. There is no one other than Carver who can turn a story about a dinner party with two working class families into an extraordinary story that fills pages without any mention of the food at all.

Another stroke of genius on his part is his focus on what he called “brevity and intensity.” Because he first started writing

during his breaks at work, Carver became a master of terse syntax, accomplishing in ten words or less what it might have taken Hemingway twenty-five words to accomplish.

Carver purely focuses on the action and we as readers can only hold on and let him guide us through his own fiction-tinted autobiography.

Carver passed away in 1988 of lung cancer, thereby depriving us of any continued literary greatness, but he did leave behind an absolutely stellar body of work.

If you enjoy this collection, chances are you are going to enjoy his other short story collections, namely, Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? and What We Talk About When We Talk About Love. You will not be disappointed.

Read this now.

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

Carver’s Cathedral (1983) has become a bible for aspiring short story writers.

From Quilt 2010 Legionnaire’s Prayer by Cody Waters

Our Mother Who art wherever Uncommonly Greek by thy name.

And you’re not our mother, either.

If thy cabals come, They will might be done If we fell like it, Whenever.

Give us this day our hot dog buns And forgive us for eating them, Though we are sure you do not care.

Lead us into temptation And deliver us a pizza, For thine is the Apple And the chaos And the Phhhbbtbtb-sound raspberries make Forever. Or not.

Awesome.

Your guide to the upcoming flicks hitting theatres this weekend.

“I Am Number Four” Rated: PG-13 Time: 104 mins

John Smith, better known as number four, has extraordinary powers. He is just one of his kind, but the first three are dead, and he must try to keep himself from ending up like the rest.

“Unkown”

Rated: PG-13 Time: 113 mins

Liam Neeson stars in this thriller about a man who gets in a car accident while overseas in Berlin. Following the crash, his identity is taken, and he is left alone to unravel the mystery.

“Big Mammas: Like Father, Like Son” Rated: PG-13 Time: 107 mins

Martin Lawrence is back in a fat suit as the lovable Big Momma in the third installment of the series. This time, he teams up with his stepson as they go undercover.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

How to Become a Campus Chick Magnet

11

Small Steps Go a Long Way in Attracting the Fairer Sex

By CAROLYN HATCH

Arts + Entertainment Columnist

For all you men on campus that spent this Valentine’s Day realizing you might need a little extra style “boost,” I think it is quite evident that girls here at the University of Tampa are attracted to one specific style: the prep.

Preppy does not have to mean over-thetop brand names and styles that are out of your comfort zone. There are many ways to make it your own.

To achieve this look, it’s important that you never wear too much jewelry. Watches are a definite staple, but try to stick with the sterling silver or platinum and stay away from wearing too much gold. Hats are fine in most situations, but I suggest keeping in mind that if you are taking a girl out

[

As stated earlier, it is important that you find your own style.

Choose a color group that looks best on you, not your favorite celebrity. The clothing that you wear represents who you are, so be tasteful, but not too ordinary. It is crucial that each outfit is clean and crisp, never stained or rumpled.

Unfortunately, there are many men that are guilty of wearing clothes that are two sizes too large. If you are one of them, then, please, we are all begging you to start wearing the size that is meant for your body. The key is to have things fit close to the body, but not tightly.

Guys, dress shoes and slacks are not necessary, unless you are going to a meeting. If you are this important, then make it known, but, if not, I am sorry to inform you that overdressing for your

Preppy does not have to mean over-the-top brand names and styles that are out of your comfort zone.

to dinner, the hat should remain hanging on your bedpost. Now, by “hat” I mean a nice baseball hat with a sports team or a brand name, not an over-sized flat-brim or the old Toyota hat that you got for free in 1997. Keep it classy at all times.

Speaking of classy, many men are under the impression that glasses are “dorky” or unattractive. Not true. A polished man with the right set of glasses can be very popular with the ladies. And don’t forget those sunglasses, because the right pair of aviators can go a long way on that afternoon at the pool.

]

everyday life in this society does nothing but scream “desperate.”

Now this does not mean that it is in any way, shape or form acceptable to wear a sneaker with a tongue that comes up over your jeans.

Those Phat Farm sneakers that managed to hit the market during the good old middle school days are no longer an option. I suggest moving onto a different type of shoe.

If you can afford Lacoste or Ralph Lauren, then good for you; but if not, then there are many other reasonably priced

goodluck20081/photbucket.com

Preppy-style clothing is always a safe bet for men trying to woo the ladies. This includes polo shirts, which are dressy without being too formal.

brands out there such as Nike and Asics.

Boat shoes will always be a classic choice of shoe, as are loafers, which can be a good “fit” for many occasions.

Although “mandals” have not been given the best reputation, they are acceptable in appropriate weather (aka beach days) if you keep those feet well groomed.

Keep in mind, this does not mean high socks with your sandals will be a huge hit with the ladies.

Carolyn Hatch can be reached at cvhatch@spartans.ut.edu.

Where Art Thou, Gnomeo?

Gnomeo and Juliet has something for everyone, fun for the kids, comedy for the adults, and Shakespeare for the Shakespeare lovers.

By CORY EMERSON Special to The Minaret

Shakespeare buffs will appreciate the inclusion of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Movers and the addresses of the gnomes’ homes: 2B and Not 2B. Adults will laugh at clever lines like “May he rest in pieces” and the idea of a flamingo dancing flamenco.

Of course, children will love the lawnmower races, the dancing lawn ornaments, and the gnomes’ stealthy attempts to use the Internet. I personally enjoyed the elderly neighbor rocking out to the Pussycat Doll’s “Don’t Cha.” “Gnomeo and Juliet” borrows heavily from other animated films, most notably “Shrek” and “Toy Story.” The concept of all of the characters from the backyard coming to life when the owners aren’t looking is almost identical to Woody and the gang’s adventure in the Pixar classic, and the interaction between Gnomeo and Juliet emulates Shrek and Fiona’s relationship almost line for line.

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with making a movie that we’ve all seen before.

There’s a reason that all of these films have a cocky prince (McAvoy), a sassy princess (Blunt), an overprotective father (Caine), an arrogant bad guy (Statham) and a bumbling sidekick: They are fun to watch.

3/5 stars.

Cory Emerson can be reached at cory. emerson@spartans.ut.edu.

[

“Gnomeo and Juliet” morphs Shakespeare’s classic into a backyard brawl—with gnomes.

The voices of big-name actors like James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, and Jason Statham add flavor, but it’s the absolute absurdity of romancing garden gnomes that makes this film enjoyable.

With heavy doses of Elton John music and plenty of humor that flies right over the Grated audience’s head, this animated film has something to offer for everyone.

]

Shakespeare buffs will appreciate the inclusion of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Movers and the addre sses of the gnomes’ homes: 2B and Not 2B.

zen8860/photobucket.com

Boat shoes are an attractive alternative to bulky sneakers such as Phat Farms.

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12 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

Commentary

Keep Your Money If You Want Women To Value Your Heart

By PHILIPPA HATENDI Commentary Editor

I tend to hear a lot about women only requiring men for material purposes.

“Golddiggers” are personified by their soul-sucking, wallet-digging tendencies and the rest of us women are often saddled with that generalization.

This however is not an article to refute the existence of golddiggers, or to somehow validate them.

No, this is about the ignored part that men play in allowing themselves to “fall victim” to these types of women.

There is an overwhelming amount of men these days who choose to advertise themselves to a prospective partner by flashing their financial abilities.

Its has trickled down from the things we’ve seen on TV and in movies and is becoming a social practice.

Music lyrics often advertise a man’s most appealing characteristics as: 1. his sexual prowess and 2. his insanely large bank account. But, for fun let’s look back on some memorable songs.

How about T.I’s “Whatever You Like,”

Rick Ross’s “Super High” or Fabolous’s “Throw It in the Bag”? There are numerous songs like this that profess that a man’s worth is measured in what he can buy for a woman, the life of wealth and luxury that she will be privy to with him.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your wealth, the problem only comes when you advertise it as the main reason that people should want to be around you.

It may be seen as “weak” to actually try to appeal to a woman on a personal, rather than superficial, level.

However, I am sure if men really tried they would find women out there willing to acknowledge them for more than the amount of zeros on their paycheck.

If you complain about how women are always trying to wheedle their way into your heart so they can get to your wallet, then maybe you should stop using your wallet as the billboard for your whole personality.

This habit generally tends to expand to a bigger problem of self-worth, wherein a man only considers himself appealing when he has money.

People value you in accordance to the value that you place on yourself. If that value is based on monetary wealth, then you are at risk of being considered worthless once that wealth is gone.

You are going to find it hard to build any meaningful, emotional relationships with women. At the end of it all, as much as men try to hide it, I think they do want to be loved for the individual personality traits that define them.

The best way to do this is to showcase them and elevate them over your financial wealth. That way when you draw women to you, you will draw ones who are actually attracted to the other parts of your

personality. Though I think it is nice to know, as a woman, that a man can provide for me financially (if need be), I don’t find it appealing when he wants that to be the reason I should be attracted to him.

Promote your heart before your wallet, and you might come to find that someone out there actually cares enough to want to know your personality.

Philippa Hatendi can be reached at phatendi@spartans.ut.edu.

flyinghawaiaan23/photobucket.com

The strength it takes for a man to achieve greatness should be elevated over his financial wealth.

There should be more to value a man with than just his money.

What’s Your Number? Ways of Sharing the Truth About Sex

By HANNAH WEBSTER Love and Sex Columnist

Maybe it started with his kissing.

His lips blend perfectly with your own personal style.

On one hand, you’re relieved that he isn’t sucking your bottom lip off or tasting your tonsils with his tongue.

In any case, you stop thinking and start enjoying.

But as things progress and the bases you’re running around start to blur, you find that your partner’s expertise expands much further than kissing.

Sure, you can pretend you haven’t thought about it, don’t want to know, or simply don’t care (ha), but we all know.

Eventually, the question is bound to explode out of you like vomit on your 21st birthday.

The question isn’t exactly rare.

Couples—especially young couples— usually feel a need to know about one another’s past relationships.

Whether it’s because they want to know what not to do, what their competition is or if the girl really had that “lesbian experience,” curiosity happens.

But the number question exes want to know? What’s your number?

No, not your phone number.

Translation: how many people have you slept with? (Hopefully anyone who is asking you that already has your phone number.)

Girls have a tendency to want to keep their admitted number low, no matter how high it is in reality.

It doesn’t matter who they are talking to—girlfriends, love interests, guys they’ve stuck in the “friend zone”—the

lower the better. “I always ask the guy his number first and then base mine off of his,” admitted one junior.

“I never want a guy to think I am way more or way less experienced than him.

“If your number is a lot higher, you are a whore, if it’s a lot lower you are a prude, but if your number is close to theirs than you’re usually good.”

In most cases, guys have a more complex system.

Like women, they prefer to say a lower number to someone they’re interested in seriously dating.

A high number usually stirs the assumption that the avid love-maker is more interested in one-night stands than commitment.

But when it comes to being in a big group of guys, especially if they don’t know each other very well, the trend usually turns toward exaggeration.

“I think when a guy is with a group of guys he wants to make it sound like he is the alpha of the group by saying he has gotten with a lot of girls” said freshman Jesse Dahms.

“But when talking to a girl, it’s the opposite: guys want to sound experienced, but not too experienced.”

You’ll often see a girl cringe if she can’t hold up her “number” on one hand, or worse, two.

But a guy will proudly declare that he has gotten with more girls than he can count on his fingers AND toes.

In the case of wanting to build real relationships, the “number question” leaves many wondering if honesty is really the best policy.

The past can’t be taken back and the digits can never decrease.

If you went through a “s--- phase” but have since changed your ways, it’s hard to communicate that if someone is merely focusing on a concrete fact—and nothing is more concrete than a single number.

Hannah Webster/The Minaret

The sexes are in conflict over revealing their detailed sexual past. However, it is the past for a reason, because it is not what should be used to define the person you are now.

That said, the past is also the past. No one can teach you a lesson better than you can learn it yourself. Maybe it is some people’s goal to sleep with as many people as possible.

If your number becomes something you’re ashamed of, screw the shame (no pun intended)—what’s done is done.

“If I’m in a relationship with a guy or seriously getting to know him, I don’t have a problem talking about it,” said freshman Jorgia Stone.

“You can’t have a relationship if you’re not honest with the other person.”

When you find yourself with the right person in a strong relationship, the only sex that will matter is between the two of you.

Who you “did” in high school really won’t matter too much.

The obsession over “the number” won’t likely change and neither will the multiple ways they are shared, hidden and altered.

But don’t confuse “obsession” with “definition”: whether it’s very low or somewhat high, don’t be defined by your digit.

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

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

COMMENTARY

Editorial: A Hero After Death Last week marked the closure of ongoing court battles and grief for the family of Erik Nicoletti, a University of Tampa student who was killed in a late 2009 hit-and-run accident.

Nicoletti, a UT junior at the time, was walking with a friend, Cree Riley, at the time they were hit. Nicoletti and Riley were taken to Tampa General Hospital and Nicoletti died days after having been diagnosed with severe brain injuries.

Andres Trujillo, 29, was arrested on Nov. 11, 2009 for leaving the scene of the crash that killed Nicoletti, fraudulent use of a credit card over $100 and petty theft (theft of $100 or less). According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Trujillo violated his parole of previous fraud charges.

On Feb. 8, Trujillo plead guilty in front of both Riley and Nicoletti’s family. He was given a sentence of 15 years in prison with an additional 15 years probation thereafter. For the family, this was not a sufficient punishment for a man who has clearly violated all of his previous outstanding charges.

Trujillo has an ongoing criminal record that dates back to 2003 and includes charges of domestic violence, battery, battery of a law enforcement officer, disorderly intoxication, driving with a revoked or suspended license and fraud.

Whether he hit a vehicle or not, Trujillo disregarded the fact that he might have hit someone. Did he ever bother to look in the rear-view mirror to see what he had hit?

“I just want to know why? How could you leave two people in the road? You just left us there like were were nothing,” said Riley.

Trujillo did show remorse for the Nicoletti’s death, but he also said he was aware that saying “sorry” wouldn’t fix things. Hopefully, Trujillo’s 15-year sentence will give him enough time to think about how much pain and sorrow came from his actions.

Nicoletti’s family can now move on knowing that the man who took Erik’s life is behind bars.

In a heroic act, Erik’s parents donated his organs, which contributed to saving the life of another Tampa man, Louis Olivarez. Olivarez underwent a tripleorgan transplant, the first to be conducted in the Bay Area, after having suffered injuries to her leg, arm, hip, shoulder, chin, jaw, eye socket and collar bone.

Nicoletti will be remembered not only as a UT student and friend to many, but also as a hero.

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.

Letters to the Editor Redefining UT for the Better My daughter is in her first year at UT and I wanted to respond to the article referring to the Urban Dictionary definition of University of Tampa.

It’s kind of sad that UT has a party school reputation and that its good features aren’t promoted more. I hope this article inspires some discussion about why UT has that reputation and what can be done about it.

I read some of the internet web sites when my daughter applied to UT that it had the reputation as a party school but I read negative comments about every school (even Harvard).

Some people party and some don’t but no one at UT parties all the time. I’m appalled that this web site would post a comment from someone saying that UT girls are sluts.I think my daughter is getting a good education at UT just from some of the papers she wrote that she sent me and the books she has had to read her first semester: Man’s Search for Meaning and Persepolis just to name two. Since coming to UT she articulates her thoughts and ideas in a more sophisticated and meaningful way when we communicate.

UT is not Harvard; that doesn’t mean the kids who go there are dumb or party animals.

I’m willing to bet that most state schools, including USF, and private schools are at the same caliber. The students at some of these schools may or may not have a lower ACT score or lower high school GPA but that doesn’t mean they don’t do as well in college or that they don’t work as hard.

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UT is a smaller school and I think that has given my daughter more individual attention than a large university where she would get lost in the crowd. I feel that she’s getting a college education that will prepare her for a job and life in general which is really what college is all about.

-Karen Nolan, UT Mom It’s a Traffic Signal, Not a Stop Light Thank you for your informative article “Black History Tidbits to Help You Start the Month.” Please allow me to clarify one point of fact that was misspoken in your article. Garret Morgan did not invent the “stop light.” This idea of Morgan inventing the stop light is a factoid and also a widespread myth in the African American communities. Indeed, Mr. Morgan invented the “traffic signal.” This is the traffic control device that was precursor to the stop light.

The traffic signal Morgan invented was the device with the arms that went up and down showing either stop/go printed on a flag-like plate. We see these devices in very old movies.

The traffic signals we call stop lights were not Morgan’s invention. These came later. Morgan’s traffic signal was, nonetheless, the first traffic management device.

This is reason enough to celebrate his accomplishment because Garret Morgan’s traffic signal inspired the invention of the stop light.

-James J. Martin, UT Government and World Affairs (Adjunct)

Faculty Column Submission: ‘I Am Failing As A Teacher’

By MICHAEL R. WEEKS Special to The Minaret

I confess that I don’t read The Minaret every week. The headlines come to my inbox and I read the occasional article.

Nevertheless, articles from the last two editions caught my eye and made me consider that I should pay more attention to our university’s weekly newspaper.

Those articles were Camilla Chebet’s, “Military Service Preys on Fragile Minds of the Youth,” and Hannah Webster’s January 26, 2011 article — I’ll put it delicately — about relationships. Both articles had a powerful message for me.

Despite the fact that I have not had either student in class, the clear message is that I am failing as a teacher. After all, I am a part of the university community that is responsible for their education.

The Minaret articles in question coincide with my reading of the recently released book Academically Adrift by Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa.

Arum and Roksa present research showing that universities are not achieving important learning objectives in the first two years of college, including improving students’ critical thinking skills.

They hypothesize that this may be due to recent changes in curriculum or it may be because current students say in surveys that they study about half as much as previous generations.

Arum and Roksa also document how universities have lost their place in society as developers of moral purpose and character. The Chebet and Webster articles indicate that Arum and Roksa’s research is on target.

Let’s start with Chebet’s article about military service.

She is concerned that military recruiters target young men and women and hypothesizes that they do this because young minds are fragile and will “easily submit to authority.”

Her assertions confirm the findings of Arum and Roksa and tell me that I may be failing in my attempts to improve critical reasoning skills in the classroom.

If I had done my part Chebet may have considered that one reason the military prefers younger recruits is that military careers are often physically demanding and better suited for young bodies, not necessarily young minds.

If I had improved her critical thinking skills even more, surely she would have consulted published research about why people join the Army rather than making the assumption that recruits join because of “the allure of adventure and being exposed to guns and actually being able to use them [sic]. ” If she had consulted published research she may have found a 1999 Rand study that indicates that the primary reason recruits

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The Chebet article raises other concerns for me as an educator. Aside from my failure to improve her critical thinking skills, I fear I have not done enough to teach Ms. Chebet about history and traditions of western thought. She seems to think that the U.S. employs military power primarily to invade sovereign nations and “steal resources.”

I know this line of thinking is prevalent in some areas of our society; nevertheless, have I not taught her about the terrible history of totalitarian and fascist regimes in the twentieth century?

Have I not exposed her to discussions of just war theory? Have I not given her sufficient knowledge of American history

“We’ve got to engage beyond our narrow disciplines or we are failing as teachers.”

enlist in the Army is for the education benefits. She might have even seen the irony when comparing the initial drafts of her article and the published research.

Finally, if I had really made an impact on her critical thinking skills, she would have actually talked to some of the many ROTC cadets on this campus and asked them why they chose to serve their country.

I suspect if she had done that, her findings would have mirrored my discussions with young people choosing to serve today.

In my experience mentoring ROTC cadets in a post-9/11 world, I find that they are very aware of the risks and sacrifices of military life and have no illusions that military service promises them “glory.”

If Chebet had taken the steps I suggest, she may have reached broader conclusions about the role of the military in society versus the role of universities.

Certainly universities can have a positive influence on character development; however, as a 21-year veteran, I know that the military is also well aware of its impact on the character and moral development of its recruits.

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to appreciate the noble role that the United States has often played in world affairs?

I know America has not been perfect in its conduct throughout its journey, but have I focused too much on its imperfections and not enough on its achievements?

I fear that I have failed Ms. Chebet and I will strive to do better in the future.

So now that I have discussed evidence that I am not teaching critical thinking skills or history very well, what about my influence on the character and moral development of the students?

Ms. Webster’s article indicates that I am failing here too.

I must only consider that nowhere in her article about the role of oral sex in relationships is there a discussion about the moral implications of promiscuity for young adults.

I know her article implies that students are in “relationships” and one may argue that this doesn’t imply promiscuous behavior, but let’s get real here and ask what is the length of these relationships?

Is there more to consider than her statement that “I don’t think oral sex is

something that should be given out as easily as handshakes?” Have I not taught her that decisions about sexuality in college can have far reaching consequences for future happiness in relationships?

Have we not had discussions about the health risks of promiscuity?

I know that we have taught her that it is important to feel good about your body, but apparently we have not taught her that everything that feels good is not necessarily a positive course of action.

Additionally, I am concerned that her article shows no indication that we at UT have taught her anything about propriety.

Have we had no discussions that maybe some topics are not suitable for a news publication — at least when those topics are dealt with so flippantly?

These recent Minaret articles trouble me and cause me to reflect on the role of higher education in society.

Arum and Roksa conclude, “Historians remind us that higher education institutions initially were created largely to achieve moral ends.

A renewed commitment to improving undergraduate education is unlikely to occur without changes to the organizational cultures of colleges and universities that reestablish the institutional primacy of these functions — instilling in the next generation of young adults a lifelong love of learning, an ability to think critically and communicate effectively, and a willingness to embrace and assume adult responsibilities.”

What role do I have in this charge from Arum and Roksa?

For one, it has been over three years since I have written a column for the Minaret.

These recent articles make me think that I should contribute more frequently.

Maybe contributing to the Minaret is one way faculty members can expand our role in the university community beyond the classroom. Clearly we’ve got to engage beyond our narrow disciplines or we are failing as teachers.

Michael R. Week is an Assistant Professor of Management in Sykes College of Business.

14 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

COMMENTARY

The Human Heart Endures In the Face of All Obstacles

By CAMILLA CHEBET

Columnist

Pianoforte. Direct translation: loud, soft.

If one were to describe life in terms of a piano, the white keys would be the happy moments, while the black keys would be the sad.

What we must not forget is that black keys make music too.

There some mistakes that can never be undone.

It is important, to find ways to deal with these things one way or another, but it is more important to know when to change a mindset instead of trying to change the situation itself.

Some of the issues we try and deal with are major historical events that have altered the reality in which we now live.

Efforts were set in motion to deal with the problem, those who were in the situation went through it and came out on the other side.

That’s the point: to go through something so you can get to the other side.

Racism is one of the most horrible things that a human being experiences.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is defined as “the belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities.”

Racism is based on physical attributes, but it has grave implications mentally and intellectually for those who experience it and for generations to follow.

The worst thing one human can do to another is make them feel like they are not free; this is what slavery was in a nut shell.

Racism was the basis that allowed for it to be acceptable in historical times.

During the Holocaust, the Jews felt they were not free; Africans during colonialism believed they did not have right to their own land; Tibetans felt like they had no say in being thrown out of their own land; African-Americans still feel like they are not equal with the Caucasian community.

There are countless examples today and in history that illustrate racism and its impact.

The commonality between all these events is that they occurred between 50 and 100 years ago.

I believe that the victims of racism should not be forgotten, but I also believe that it is time that people see themselves as free beings.

As able to do anything they want, and to stop groping at racism as the reason for

failure or lack of success. Bob Marley said that we ought to “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery,” since no one can be free unless they can free their minds.

This is true of many of the situations we can’t change.

Instead of crying over it, pointing fingers, or harboring grudges and hatred, I believe it is best to try to move through these problems.

There are of course many instances where racism is still seen directly or indirectly.

One has to look at the issue from many sides.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Caucasian males in the working age was eight percent, while that of AfricanAmerican males was 15.7 percent.

Patrick Gage/flickr.com

President Obama is a prime example of not allowing race or the tragedies in his life to impede his ability to be successful. He overcame all hardship like the prejudice to achieve his presidency.

That number is almost double.

But consider the percentage of people in both populations that attend an educational institution, then also take into consideration their self-perceptions of their own abilities.

Take another look and consider yet other side: affluent African-Americans hold 45 percent of the buying power in the AfricanAmerican segment (amounting to $893 billion dollars), according to a marketing study conducted by Packaged Facts on 80,000 African-Americans in 2008.

This segment is considered the main target for marketers in the corporate world.

Even looking at the top, towards our African-American President, it is clear that, despite race, one can succeed.

What sets people like President Obama apart from others (despite his race) is his attitude and mentality towards problems.

Sure, we cannot forget that upbringing, environment and education are factors that shape how successful one can become, but if one can choose to look beyond race as the main reason for failure, then they can overlook and gradually dispel stereotypes and racism.

Make no mistake, I do not say we should pretend that racism doesn’t exist, but I believe that we should not give it so much importance that it is able to stagnate our positive attitudes towards goal achievement and progress.

The heart is strong enough to endure many things.

If we try to protect it too much and do not allow it to learn to pump harder or slower when the body needs it to, we are not allowing it to do its job.

Like racism, if we dwell on it and become afraid to talk about it in a mature fashion, we fail to learn from our mistakes and progress in our society.

Camilla Chebet can be reached at cchebet@spartans.ut.edu.

Facebook: A Vehicle For Creepers and Bootycallers

By DOMINIQUE C. BARCHUS Love and Sex Columnist

Facebook, Facebook, Facebook.

Everywhere I look I see someone updating their status, looking at profiles and finding new friends from their computer and, a lot of the time, their phones.

The thing about Facebook is that it was meant to be a social network to communicate with friends, family and businesses.

But Facebook is turning into a dating site or human encyclopedia.

This may not be bad, because Facebook was created so that all different kinds of people could communicate with one another.

It’s interesting to see that people are using Facebook to “creep” on other people to see who they are “hooking up” with, or are looking for someone to “hook up” with.

Facebook is the easiest way to meet new people—on the Internet anyway.

I don’t know how many times I’ve looked in my news feed and noticed that my friends are now friends with other people that I know, yet I know that they have never actually met before.

They legitimately call themselves “Facebook friends” when I ask them how they know each other.

I wonder if these friendships can be considered real ones. I’ve noticed that the majority of the people that “meet” on Facebook act quite awkward when they meet one another for the first time face-toface.

It’s as if talking to someone through the Internet is so much easier than talking to them in person. You get time to really think of what to say and the conversations are so broken up that it is quite easy to get the other person going.

Once you both get face-to-face, it seems like neither person has much to say and the conversations end rather quickly.

Student Elisa Rodriguez said, “There was this guy on campus that requested and messaged me on Facebook.

We could talk nonstop. We talked via message for about a week or so and then we both talked about meeting up at this house party. I got all dressed up and I was hella excited to meet up with him.

“I get there and I see him, but he kind of avoids me. First of all, he didn’t look as good as he did in his pics, and when we finally talked, the conversation was so freaking short, then he left and chilled with his boys and other girls. Never again will I do that. I need to meet guys in person first and then they can hit me up on Facebook.”

I know for a fact that there are quite a few guys and girls that will go through the friends of the opposite sex in order to become buddies online and maybe get a shot at meeting someone new as well as maybe someone with the potential to date.

Dominique C. Barchus/The Minaret

Facebook was supposed to be used as a way to network, however now its networking purposes are being used for all the wrong reasons. We should step back and re-evaluate our addiction.

“My roommate kept telling me about this guy that she saw at a party and said he was really cute. [...] She, of course, went straight to Facebook and searched their friends for the guy and ended up finding him, requesting and messaging him.

“She told him how she saw him at the house party and how cute she thought he was. He actually never responded to her message and he deleted her from his friends soon after.

“Later on we found out, from looking at his profile, that he had a girlfriend. That potential date was a fail,” stated Melissa Calvinese.

A Facebook page can tell so much about someone.

It can sometimes sum up what kind of person someone is.

Their pictures, wall posts and statuses can tell so much about them.

Although great conversation can happen online, it may not always transfer over well in person.

Remember, when you’re creeping on someone’s profile and passing judgment, there is probably someone doing the same to you.

Dominique C. Barchus can be reached at dominique.barchus@spartans.ut.edu.

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

COMMENTARY

15

What Happened To The Soul From Our Soul Music?

By NICOLE ROBINSON Columnist

Where is the soul music? In fact where is the music at all?

We need somebody to save us from the digitized monotony we have gotten ourselves into.

Soulful voices used to move people into tears or into action in a world in which equality was not yet a reality.

Since soul was born from Gospel music, the world hasn’t been the same.

It inspired other forms of music like the funky sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire or the pleading tones of R&B singers Boys 2 Men. In the age where the radio was one of the only judges concerning who stayed relevant and who did not, pure talent ruled the airwaves.

People wanted a message and a feeling from their music and that’s what they got.

Artists like Al Green sang about the problems people faced and still face today.

“Tired of Being Alone” was relatable and real.

When the drums start beating louder than your heartbeat and the strong sound of a smooth horn section replaces the thoughts and worries buzzing around your head, you can’t help but be deeply connected with the song.

That connection has been lost in this world where synthesizers and short, quick, disconnected beats rein.Soul artists, like Mahalia Jackson, who sang “In the Upper Room” were so honest and moving with their lyrics and the delivery of their songs, which still move us today. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Lee

Bouvier shared a dance to the still popular ballad “At Last” by Etta James in 1961.

President Obama even recently noted that artists like James Brown aided in the moral of those in the Civil Rights Movement.

Those who could not find support elsewhere could find it in music.

While other forms of music were a bit rigid, soul allowed people to let loose and feel something when they heard a track.

Lines that stay with us today like “Black and Proud” were the anthems of those who were tired of being told they were nothing.

There’s still hope, however.

Bruno Mars recently paid tribute to soul performances of the past during his own performance at the Grammy’s.

Prince has done a wonderful job of keeping “funky” alive and some other original soul artists remain.

While the original will inevitably slip away, we must remember them and pay tribute to them by keeping real music alive.

While music these days insn’t terrible, there still is a slight disconnect that wasn’t there when soul, funk and rock-and-roll ran the airwaves.

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

This Black History Month remember those greats in music and the words that helped propel a movement.

Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud Some people say we’ve got a lot of malice Some say it’s a lot of nerve But I say we won’t quit moving until we get what we deserve We have been bucked and we have been scorned We have been treated bad, talked about as just bones,

CaramelGirl9/photobucket.com

Legends in music like Al Green used to create music that reflected social situations and problems, they sang about the heart of their communities. We must remember and emulate them.

But just as it takes two eyes to make a pair, ha Brother we can’t quit until we get our share Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!

Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!

One more time! Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!

I worked on jobs with my feet and my hand But all the work I did was for the other man Now we demand a chance to do things for ourselves,

We’re tired of beatin’ our head against the wall And workin’ for someone else We’re people, we’re just like the birds and the bees We’d rather die on our feet Than be livin’ on our knees Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud -James Broen Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@spartans.ut.edu.

Scientific Knowledge is Being Swallowed By Ignorance

By ALEX CARABALLO Commentary Contributor

I remember as a child seeing some of the dinosaur exhibits at MOSI and standing there in awe of the fossils that were displayed with such grandeur.

I would gasp in amazement when the tour guide would tell us that the dinosaurs died out over 65 million years ago— an unfathomable number to a child who thought 15 minutes was an eternity.

Over ten years later I stand in amazement at the sheer ignorance of the American public in respect to modern science.

According to Gallup, the polling research firm, only 16 percent of Americans believe that evolution is the best explanation for the origin of humans.

A full 38 percent believe creationism is the best explanation and 40 percent believe that the earth was created 6000 years ago— despite the fact that there is unanimous consensus from all fields of science that the earth is close to 4.2 billion years in age.

Another area of concern is climate change.

A full 67 percent of Americans believe that climate change will not be a serious threat within their lifetimes.

This, in spite of the fact that 2010 was recorded as the warmest year on record and had several, severe, weather anomalies all over the globe.

Just in the past year record rains flooded almost a 1/3 of Pakistan.

The Amazon Rainforest suffered a record drought.

Russia suffered the worst drought in 50 years, leading to a ban on foreign export

thebadastronomer/flickr.com

It could be said that our lack of accurate knowledge about modern science is the reason we are falling behind as the world innovators the field. We need to open our minds to learning.

of its grain. America has been under siege by unprecedented amounts of snow. Yet the globe as a whole experienced the warmest January ever recorded. What should really raise eyebrows is the rate of American scientific literacy.

According to research done by Dr. Jon D. Miller of Northwestern University, only ten percent of Americans know what exactly

radiation is and a stunning 20 percent still believe the sun revolves around the earth.

While these statistics may seem a little abstract, there are real-life consequences to our scientific illiteracy.

What really affects our nation is that scientifically illiterate Americans vote and they can be easily manipulated into voting for positions that defy common sense.

Take, as an example, the 2007 Republican presidential primary debate in Iowa, where not one Republican presidential candidate would raise their hand affirming that “global climate change is a serious threat and caused by human activity.”

While there may be a financial incentive in the campaign donations from oil and energy companies, there is now an entire political party that completely ignores science.

This is a symptom of a larger hardline anti-science platform supported by Republican voters.

No Republican today could be elected by stating full support for teaching evolution in school, climate change or stem cell research.

When one political party completely sticks its head in the sand on such basic scientific principles, it’s no wonder our country is in the dismal state it is.

When the people leading our country dismiss science, it frankly scares me that ignorance is seen as something to be proud of and run on in a campaign.

We are the country that put men on the moon, invented the internet and made just about every major technological innovation of the 20th century.

Now is not the time to dismiss scientific progress for religious fundamentalism, but to move forward and lead the world again in innovation and education so that future generations visiting museums can marvel at the scientific and technological achievements of our generation.

Alex Caraballo can be reached at acaraballo21@gmail.com.

16 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

Sports

Junior Pitcher Tosses Second Perfect Game in UT History

By JOHN HILSENROTH Sports Writer

The University of Tampa softball team started off their 2011 season perfectly.

After missing the entire 2010 season due to a torn left hip labrum, red-shirt junior Deanna Henriott retired all 15 batters that she faced, striking out 11, in the team’s debut. That was Henriott’s third no hitter, but first perfect game, and only the second perfect game in UT’s history.

Henriott said that prior to last season, she had pitched for about a full year with severe pain in her hip. Eventually she tore her left hip labrum and was forced to redshirt all of the 2010 season. That injury hit the team hard, because the two years prior to it, Henriott was a top pitcher in Division II softball.

“She (Henriott) could have definitely gone D-I. That girl has some arm on her,” said Head Coach Leslie Kanter.

College scouts started hearing serious buzz about Henriott when she ranked second in the county in ERA as a sophomore in high school.

Her junior year she went 19-4, striking out a dazzling 333 batters, compiling five no-hitters, including back-to-back perfect games. In her senior year, she went 19-2 with an ERA of 0.06.

That microscopic ERA led her to UT, where she was able to make a smooth transition into college ball.

Henriott set the UT school record with 251 strikeouts her freshman year. She was able to take on the roll of the ace right away, and struck batters out with ease.

Henriott threw no-hitters in each of her first two seasons. However, the hip pain increased, and eventually led to the torn labrum. Forced to miss the 2010 season, Henriott pitched three times a week for six months while undergoing rehab.

Her first game back, she threw the second perfect game in UT’s history.

“I really didn’t know until coach said anything,” said Henriott. “It was really amazing to pitch a perfect game, because nohitters are just on me where perfect games can’t be thrown without defense. I owe it to my defense, the infield especially.”

Pitch location is the main reason of how Henriott has been so successful.

“Her fastball has a natural movement to it, and her curve and changeup have really developed, but she can put the ball almost anywhere she wants at times, and that’s what sets her apart,” said Kanter. “We’ll see how good her hip is when she pitches three games in a row a little bit later in the season.”

Henriott spoke of the injury that plagued her all last season, and her recovery.

“I am definitely fully recovered, and all of the pain is gone,” said Henriott. “I would just like to thank all of those who supported me, especially my coaches. I couldn’t have done it without [them] all.”

Heriott’s chemistry with battery mate Becky Vzyas is a catlyst to the success of the pitching staff.

“Deanna was really good friends with Becky when we were recruiting them and they both could have gone D-I. Getting Deanna to sign with us really helped us get Becky as well,” said Kanter.

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Coming off of a torn labrum injury which sidelined her all last season, Deanna Henriott hurled a perfect game to open the 2011 season. It was Henriott’s first perfect game in her collegiate career.

On top of her talent behind the plate Vyzas is a huge threat at the plate for the Spartans, anchoring the middle of UT’s lineup.

“Becky is a machine at the plate. She is definitely going to be a tough out for teams this year,” said Kanter.

When asked what had the higher probability, Henriott throwing another perfect game this season or Vyzas batting

.400, Kanter replied, “probably Becky hitting .400”.

She went three for three her first game and one for two in her second, evening her average out to .800 for now.

The 2-0 Spartans battle Palm Beach Atlantic this Friday, Feb. 18 for a doubleheader in Palm Beach.

John Hilsenroth can be reached at jhilsenroth@spartans.ut.edu.

From Community College to Division II, Green Excels Senior Spartan makes a smooth transition between colleges

By MICHAEL PAONESSA Sports Writer

There are not too many players in a sport who play every single game of every season. Injuries are frequent occurrences, lineup changes are made and athletes get days off to rest. Senior Taja Green wouldn’t know anything about that.

The University of Tampa’s women’s basketball player Taja Green has been off to an impressive 2010-2011 season to add to her already decorated basketball career.

The senior, from Peoria, Ill. is playing in her second full year at UT. Green played her first two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS. A small community college in a small town is exactly what sums up Coffeyville.

“Everybody knew everyone in the town and there was always a full crowed at our games. It was a fun experience,” said Green.

At Coffeyville, she made the All-Region VI and All-Conference team in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. When the offseason arose for Green in 2009, a decision to come play for Head Coach Tom Jessee and the Spartans became reality.

UT attracted Green in many ways, which made her decision process to come play in Tampa easy.

“I instantly liked it down here. The women’s basketball program has a rich history of winning and the consistent nice weather really added to my decision,” she said.

Coming from a basketball family, Green has been around the game since she was a

toddler. Her mother played high school and collegiate basketball along with her sister, who also played at the high school level.

Starting at a young age at the local YMCA in Illinois, Green began to learn the basics from her mother who is one of Green’s biggest basketball influences.

Green has played many positions in her life, dating back to high school. At CCC and UT, she has played the forward position with different challenges presented to her.

“At the community college level, I was noticeabley taller than everyone else.

Division II has a lot more height in the game, which can affect the way you play,” said Green.

Being content with playing power forward, her game has not only been impressive, but one filled with endurance in her time as a Spartan.

Green has played all 22 games this season and entered all 31 games for the Spartans last season, starting in 29 of them.

She has been the main catalyst for the Spartans this season averaging a team-high 17 PPG and shooting 52 percent from the field.

With individual success prevalent, team chemistry has impressed Green as of late.

“At the beginning of the year, we had to get used to all the new players coming in, but I think the team’s chemistry is starting to really click recently,” she stated.

The relationships between the players and coaches at UT have been rewarding for Green.

“I love Coach Jessee. He’s an amazing teacher who knows how to really convey his message positively and beneficially.

I’ve been blessed with great coaches,” Allen, an elite sharp-shooting NBA stated Green. superstar, has drawn Green’s attention ever As for Coach Tom Jessee, Green’s since he came into the league in 1996. transformation into becoming a star for the “He has been an inspiration for me. team has been humbling.

Watching him break the all-time three “Taja really got into terrific shape pointers made record was amazing to to become an excellent player for us. watch,” she said.

After transferring to UT, she made the As Green continues to impress and transformation to Division II productively dazzle the Sunshine State Conference this and gives girls hope on how to deal with season, she believes the team has what it change,” Jessee said. takes to become champions.

The basketball appeal that UT exerts has “I think we can go all the way and win made the experience for Green something the conference. I know we can.” that she always enjoys.

Michael Paonessa can be reached at “I love how everyone wants to beat us. mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu.

Playing for UT, you have so many rivals that every time you go out and play, you have a chip on your shoulder,” she said.

With a busy workload for Green on the basketball court, one may not forgot the off-the-court effort athletes experience in the classroom.

Green is an exercise science major who eyes a future job in physical therapy. Having this particular major has been difficult at times because of her basketball duties, but she believes it will be worthwhile in the end.

A vice for Green has always been basketball when dealing with stress.

Battling a challenging workload has turned out to relate to basketball.

“Basketball has always been a stressreliever for me. I’ll go to the court and shoot sometimes to clear my mind. I can’t live without the game,” Green said.

Green’s biggest professional basketball icon has always been Boston Celtics Samantha Battersby/The Minaret shooting guard Ray Allen.

Green is averging 17 PPG this season.

SPORTS

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

Coach Expects National Title From This Year’s Group [From Back, Baseball] Pitcher Max Krueter, who has tossed one and a third innings and struck out two batters so far this season, believes the key to success for the Spartans is in the field and on the mound.

“Coming off a big three game weekend I believe we need to keep it simple and continue to play great defense and pitch well like we’ve been doing,” the junior lefty said.

“Our timely hitting will come through and with all that, we will come out on top and continue rolling.”

The Spartans might not produce 10 MLB prospects this season, but a positive and productive season is in sight.

In past seasons, UT has made it to national championships with physically smaller players, and this year resembles the past.

“This year’s team is not big in size but we can pitch and play defense. I think our pitching is as deep as it has ever been,” said Urso.

With three out of the five freshman players starting on a regular basis, the future looks bright for the Spartans. A tradition of winning has always been the goal for the UT baseball program.

According to Coach Urso, nothing has changed.

“It’s always the same for us year in and year out. UT is expected to win the National Championship.”

The team will play host to Stillman for a four game series this weekend, beginning on Friday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m.

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret Michael Paonessa can be reached at Junior Shawn Pleffner hustling down the first baseline as he beats the throw to the bag. Through mpaonessa@spartans.ut.edu. six games, the transfer from Tallahassee Community College has a .417 BA and five RBI.

17

FEBRUARY SPORTS SCHEDULE Friday, Feb. 18 Swimming at the SSC Championships, Orlando Softball at Palm Beach Atlantic, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Baseball vs. Stillman, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 19 Swimming at the SSC Championships, Orlando Softball at Lynn, noon and 2 p.m.

Baseball vs. Stillman, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

W. Basketball vs. Nova Southeastern, 2 p.m.

M. Basketball vs. Nova Southeastern, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 20 Swimming at the SSC Championships, Orlando Baseball vs. Stillman, 11 a.m.

Tennis vs. Nova Southeastern, 11 a.m.

18 FEBRUARY 17 2011 | THE MINARET

SPORTS

Pitchers and Catchers Report to Spring Training Batteries to keep an eye on as the new season draws near

By TIM SHANAHAN Sports Writer

The time has come. Plyometrics, sprints, long tossing, ball pickups and PFP’s (pitcher’s fielding practice).

Pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training this week in warm weather Florida and Arizona. Big League veterans report and greet their longtime teammates.

Minor Leaguers report to the backfields of spring training complexes, being served cold pizza for lunch.

During the offseason, some players completely shut down their wing and routine until February comes. Others have continued to throw and improve on their incomparable skills.

Stories are shared about offseason experiences. Parties, fishing and children are discussed. But quickly, focus is on the season ahead; the journey the organization is about to embark on. These are the teammates they will be surrounded by for the majority of the next eight months.

There is an excitement and aura about moves made by certain teams. Everyone in camp is optimistic at first with their team’s chances. Everyone feels they have a shot.

The time ahead is a true long haul.

Pitchers have to build their arm strength back up. They have to get back into the

routine of working out everyday from Feb. 5 until late October. If one is 22 or 38 years old, the body takes a detrimental toll over this time period.

This routine needs to work like an efficient machine. Pitchers have to figure out when they will work out with the team and on their own. They have to figure out when to long toss, throw off a mound and to not throw at all. Lastly, players need to rework their iTunes playlists to jolt their motivation in the weight room.

The most intriguing pitcher/catcher combo is Cliff Lee and Carlos Ruiz. The foremost reason why Lee came back to Philadelphia was because he more felt comfortable with Ruiz behind the dish.

With Philadelphia in 2009, Lee went 40 in the postseason. He took less money to go where he felt increased contentment with his battery mate. The Phillies have the most to be eager about with their pitching staff this season. Lee will join Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels as the best combo of starters in the entire league.

The staff’s closest competition is the San Francisco Giants cluster. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Jonathan Sanchez head the defending World Series Champions.

Twenty-three-year-old Buster Posey will be the battery mate of the lethal staff.

The Giants are motivated to prove last year

was no fluke. The team came together late in the season. Every player found their niche when it mattered most. With added experience, the Giants hope to keep their same underdog mentality and succeed.

For the Cardinals, aces Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter go perfect with Yadier Molina. He is nothing short of a cat behind the plate. The Cardinals staff is set up to have a dominating year with Molina calling games and gunning down runners.

The Yankees come into Spring Training unable to make desired moves for Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford. During the offseason, the team did acquire veteran catcher Russell Martin to add depth to their offense.

The bullpen was further strengthened by the accompaniments of Rafael Soriano and Pedro Feliciano. It will be interesting to see how Martin works with the returning Yankee pitchers, as well as the new ones.

A lot of buzz and excitement is added to the air this week. Spring Training games begin Feb. 25 as the Giants take on the Diamondbacks. The regular season begins on March 31. The Yankees will play host to the Detroit Tigers. There are many intriguing matchups and storylines to look artolog/flickr.com forward to in the upcoming season.

Lee returns to the National League to pitch with Tim Shanahan can be reached at the Phillies and battery mate Carlos Ruiz. tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.

Recent Brawls May Have Broken the Unwritten NHL “Code”

By DANIEL PINEYRO Sports Writer

The big news out of the NHL last week was the discussion of fighting in the game of hockey. Last week featured two of the most physical and penalty-filled games in nearly a decade.

One of these games was an original six rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, the other involved the injury-plagued Pittsburgh Penguins and the lowly New York Islanders. While both of these games were hard-hitting and exciting to watch, they were completely different when interpreted through the unwritten “code” of hockey.

In hockey there is an unwritten code of conduct that governs the physical actions that take place on the ice. This code is interpreted in many different ways, and as such, it has been a hotly contested issue in the hockey world for decades.

The purpose of the code is to uphold the honor and integrity of the players on the ice so that no cheap shots are thrown and only willing combatants take part in any fights.

Believe it or not, the code actually prevents more fights than it causes, and this is the big misconception among people who don’t fully understand the game of hockey.

Last week’s game between Boston and Montreal was a definite game of the year candidate. It featured 14 goals, seven of which came in a span of 6:19. The game

Talk of the Town Professional Sporting Events in the Region

was also heated and was highlighted by 12 fighting majors and a total of 182 penalty minutes.

But despite all of this, the league handed out no suspensions or fines. This can be attributed to the players sticking to the code.

Players stood up for their teammates, but they did so only by fighting with those who were willing. Not a single cheap shot was thrown, nor were there any hits from behind or to the head.

So while the game may have seemed out of hand to some, in reality the fans, players and coaches around the league all thoroughly enjoyed the game and even referred to it as a clean game.

Just two days after that game, the Pittsburgh Penguins rolled into Long Island to take on the Islanders who were looking to get revenge for a hit on forward Blake Comeau that occurred just weeks before.

Early in the game, the Islanders had jumped out to a massive 6-0 lead when Matt Martin of the Islanders skated up to Maxime Talbot and sucker-punched him from behind, giving him no opportunity to defend himself.

Then, in the third period, Trevor Gilles took a run at Penguins youngster Eric Tangradi, hitting him high and then throwing several punches while Tangradi appeared slumped over and injured.

In the ensuing brawl, Michael Hailey, after finishing another fight with Talbot, skated towards the penalty box un-escorted,

madmiked/flickr.com

A game this past Friday night between the Penguins and Islanders ended with a total of 346 penalty minutes and three player suspensions. New York went on to win the game 9-3.

was challenged to a fight by the Penguin’s goaltender Brent Johnson. Hailey accepted and another brawl ensued.

Overall, 346 penalty minutes were handed out and the league suspended three players for a total of 23 games in addition to fining the Islanders a total of $100,000.

The code was not at all followed in this game. Martin’s sucker punch has no place in the game of hockey and Gilles hit to the head was a stupid and pointless play.

That being said, the refs were absolutely

at fault as they completely lost control of the game and failed to take appropriate measures to prevent the chaos that lead to the suspensions.

These two games exemplified the need for the existence of hockey’s code.

Without it, we see the worst in hockey, but with it we are treated to the intensity, physicality and above all, integrity that make up the game of hockey.

Daniel Pineyro can be reached at dpineyro@spartans.ut.edu.

@ Rays’ pitchers and catchers reported to Charlotte Sports Park on Tuesday to officially get the season started. Recently given an invite to spring training is FA reliever Chris Bootcheck.

The Magic enter the All-Star break in fifth place of the Eastern Conference standings. After the week off from competition, the Magic will take the court against the Sacramento Kings.

Following the shootout loss against the Flyers on Tuesday night, Tampa Bay’s record improved to 34-17-6. The Bolts are back on the ice at the St. Pete Times Forum on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

THE MINARET | FEBRUARY 17 2011

SPORTS

19

UT Swimmers Dive Towards SSC Championships

By APRIL WEINER Sports Writer

The University of Tampa swim teams will compete at the inaugural Sunshine State Conference Swimming Championships this weekend, Feb. 17-20.

This will be the teams’ last competition to qualify for the NCAA Tournament next month. In 2007, the team competed in the Sunshine State Championships, but swimming wasn’t an official conferencesponsored sport because not enough of the SSC schools had swim programs at the time.

Then in 2008, the swim team competed in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference.

This year, they are back in the SSC now that swimming is an official conference sport.

“It will be a little different this year before nationals because our conference meet is closer to nationals. We have to be ready to swim fast for both meets in a close time frame,” junior swimmer Jason Waterman said.

The conference championships and nationals seem to be creeping closer together each year.

Prior to 2009, they had about a month between the two, to Jason Waterman prepare for nationals.

Last year, they had about three weeks, and this year, even less.

The SSC Swimming Championship will be held in Orlando, a much closer destination for the Spartans to travel versus

when they competing in the Bluegrass Mountain Conference.

“The Bluegrass meet has twice as many teams competing. I doubt if that will have a negative impact on our performance,” said Coach Ed Brennan, who has been with UT for 30 years.

“Traveling to Orlando instead of Charlotte will help [as well].”

Another benefit is that the teams have already faced all of these conference rivals.

They have fared well against them too. The men went 4-1 in conference play and the women were undefeated.

That being said, this championship will not be easy either.

“I expect the SSC meet to be closely contested,” Brennan said. “Florida Southern and Nova [Southeastern] will be tough to beat on the men’s side. Nova has already beaten us in a dual meet.”

Additionally, Brennan explained, Florida Southern has expanded their roster since they faced them in October. They have added three new swimmers.

“Our women have beaten every team in the conference, but Southern has added a girl in the second semester that we really can’t beat in any event she chooses to swim.”

However, Brennan feels as though they will be adequately prepared and in good position to perform well.

“As long as we perform to our ability, I think our depth will make the difference and we should be able to come away with the women’s title,” he said. “It is close enough though that one mistake, like a relay disqualification, could send us home as runner-up.”

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Heading into the SSC Swimming Championships, the Spartans have fared well during the season in conference play. The men won four out of five SSC meets, and the women went undefeated.

Senior swimmer Ellie Eshleman is confident about the teams’ chances as well.

“It is more competitive this year, but I know we are ready. There is no doubt in my mind we can bring home the first place trophy,” she said.

The swim teams have a lot of freshmen who will get their first taste of collegiate championships. Their elder teammates are there to support them and give them advice, though.

“I would tell the freshmen that they have already put in all the hard work over the year and now is the time to have it all pay off,” Waterman said.

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“I feel everyone is going to have a good meet next week, they just have to be mentally ready to lay it all on the line for the University of Tampa. If everyone swims well at the meet, we should be very competitive and hopefully can win conference.”

The championship meets will take place at the Central Florida YMCA Aquatic Center this weekend.

Students who want to come out to support the team will gain admittance for free, with presentation of their school identification.

April Weiner can be reached at april. weiner@spartans.ut.edu.

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Men’s Hoops Aims to Spartan Baseball Improves Strenghten Post Presence to 4-2 on the Season

By MICHAEL PAONESSA Sports Writer

The No. 5 University of Tampa baseball team looks to continue its rich history of winning in the 2011 season.

The Spartans finished the 2010 season in impressive fashion, ending the year with a conference and south region championship while also sending 10 players into Major League Baseball.

With so much success coming to the team last year, the squad enters five freshmen and a different look around the lineup.

Kicking off their season may have Head Coach Joe Urso not been what the Spartans were looking for. They lost two out of three at home to No. 4 Georgia College with defensive struggles haunting

them. UT committed six errors in those three games.

As the team left the series, they traveled to Greenwood, S.C. to take on three teams, two of which were ranked in the top-25 of Division II baseball rankings.

The Spartans swept the weekend series, improving their record to 4-2. UT opened the weekend with a 5-2 extrainning win over Lander University on Friday and rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat No. 25 Grand Valley State on Saturday night.

In the weekend finale, the Spartans recorded a 10-4 victory over then-fifthranked Mount Olive College.

“I am very proud of the improvements our team made in Carolina. We responded extremely well, limiting the defensive mistakes, and it was great to see our team take all three,” stated Coach Joe Urso.

[See Baseball, 17]

Extra Innings Briefs from the UT Sports Scene

Abby Sanford/The Minaret

Forward Fred Woods has been a solid lowpost force for the smaller sized Spartan team.

By MILES PARKS Sports Writer

By DANIEL FEINGOLD Sports Editor

Lacrosse The University of Tampa athletic department announced earlier this month that a men’s lacrosse program will be added to the list of sports UT has to offer.

The team will begin competitive play in the spring of 2012, competing at the Division II level.

With the addition, UT now features 18 varsity teams. University of Tampa Athletic Director Larry Marfise shared his thoughts on the new team.

“This is a sport that continues to grow in popularity and I look forward to making this a part of our rich tradition.”

Tino Martinez Award Watch List Named after the former Spartan and long-time Major League Baseball player, the annual Tino Martinez Award is given to the most outstanding player in Division II baseball. Spartans Patrick Donahue and Taylor Wrenn were listed as two of the 90 players on the award’s initial watch list.

This list will be updated in mid-April, and players who did not make the first list are not excluded from being added later.

National Signing Day Earlier this month, Head Coach Gerry Lucey and the women’s soccer team announced the signing of seven studentathletes to National Letters of Intent.

The group of new UT women includes three midfielders (Carley Keene, Lauren Moore, Gabby Russo), two defenders (Ashley Cartlidge, Candice Shields) and two forwards (Jenny Karl, Taryn McClendon). Most notably, the Spartans gain an offensive threat in Karl, who scored 44 goals and notched 18 assists in her senior season at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey, Fla.

Perfect Game University of Tampa junior Deanna Henriott threw a perfect game to kick off the 2011 season for the softball team.

In the five inning contest, in which the Spartans won 8-0 over Bowie State, Henriott struck out 11 batters. It was the first perfect game Henriott has tossed in her career, and her third no hitter in college.

Following a sophomore season when she was named first-team All-SSC, Henriott missed all of last season due to a torn labrum in her hip. She received a medical redshirt, and the recent perfect game was the first time she’s seen action since May of 2008.

Webber Invitational Win Behind third place individual finishes from upperclassmen Nicolas Jutigny and Mark Cleary, who tied at 11 over par, the UT men’s golf team placed first at the Webber Invitational on Monday, Feb. 14.

The win marked the second tournament victory of the season for the Spartans, who next will be competing at the West Florida Invitational on Feb. 28.

Women’s Golf The University of Tampa women’s golf team competed in its first tournament in program history this past Sunday and Monday.

The Spartan women placed ninth out of nine teams competing, with Florida Southern College taking the win at the Webber Intertational Invitational.

Sophomore Kara Flando had the best individual score for UT, placing 38th out of 50 golfers.

The next tournament for the team is at the Florida Southern Invitational on Feb. 21.

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

After practice is finished, Rashad Callaway and Glyn Hunter stay a bit longer to take a few more shots. Callaway drills three, then four, then five jump shots in a row.

As a big man, Hunter is less accurate, but still manages to knock the majority down. One would never assume shooting woes the this team has encountered.

In its loss to Eckerd College on Feb. 9, the University of Tampa men’s team shot 40.4 percent from the field, including 29.6 percent in the first half. It’s been a common theme, dating back to the beginning of the men’s basketball cold streak. The team hasn’t made more than 45 percent of its shots since its Jan. 5 game also against Eckerd.

Reasons range from bad execution to bad luck to bad officiating, but whatever the problem, Head Coach Richard Schmidt says it’s one that needs to be fixed if they hope to beat upcoming opponents like Nova Southeastern and Florida Southern.

“Last time we played Nova was the last time we shot well in months,” he said.

“If we don’t shoot well, it’s going to be awfully tough.”

The Spartans went 2-5 from Jan. 19 through Feb. 9, so a week without games may provide a much needed break from the action.

The team had from the 9th till the 16th off, giving coach Schmidt time to reinforce and review plays that may have an impact on UT’s amount of open shots.

The break also gave the players a time to rest their legs and get to full strength before the post season push.

Schmidt says the week off helped get freshman forward Stefon Barfield back on the court after a bout with the flu kept him away from the Eckerd game and practice.

This is a key return if UT hopes to contain Nova in the paint on Saturday.

“He’s a big factor for us,” Schmidt

said. “He’s by far the most athletic, long armed, big man we have inside.”

UT’s dependence on the 6 foot, 6 inch young man is no surprise, as they’ve struggled to measure up to other team’s height, especially within Sunshine State Conference play.

Forward Fred Woods has carried most of the load but questions about another big man stepping up are looming. It hasn’t helped that Woods (academic ineligibility) and Barfield (knee surgery) have missed large portions of the season.

Glyn Hunter, one of the team’s starting forwards, says the team’s troubles with rebounding and containment shouldn’t fall solely on the guys up front.

“I wouldn’t single out the guards or the big men,” Hunter said. “It’s a team effort.

We made mental mistakes in the Eckerd game, both big men and guards. We’ve got to take responsibility as a team.”

In the loss against Eckerd, UT was outrebounded 40-25 and outscored in the paint 30-20. The Tritons also got to the free throw line 50 times. This could be attributed to the size difference, but also to questionable officiated according to Coach Schmidt. But he said it’s not something you can dwell on.

“Giving up 50 free throws- that’s pretty hard to overcome,” said Coach Schmidt.

“But those kind of things go on in every game, officials miss calls all the time. If you’re playing really good defense, you can overcome them. We’re not playing really good defense.”

Even though Nova has lost six of its last eight games, they’re still a team not to be taken lightly. They have an overall record above .500, and they can score points as well as any team in the SSC. They’ve scored 98 or more points five times this season, including putting up 120 in a win against Johnson and Whales University on Nov 15, but Glyn Hunter is confident UT can sweep the season series.

“We beat them last time,” the forward said. “We can play against big teams, we can play against small teams. They’ve got to guard us just like we’ve got to guard them. It’s size versus quickness.”

With three games left in the season, all against opponents with equal or lesser records than Tampa, there is still plenty of hope that the season can culminate into an NCAA tournament bid.

UT is ranked fourth in the most recent Division II South Region rankings. The top eight teams in the rankings at the end of the season make the tournament.

The pressure that’s been put on the Spartans is unexpected after a 16-0 start, but that’s what happens when you lose five games in the span of a few weeks.

Guard Rashad Callaway says that the team understands what it has to do, and they know the consequences if they can’t get it done.

“I think if we buckle down and keep boxing out and keep playing defense like we played at the beginning of the year, then I think we can finish out strong,” he said.

“We gotta turn it up quick or our season can go down the drain just that fast.”

Miles Parks can be reached at mparks@spartans.ut.edu.