Florida’s Top College Paper
New TMA Opens Feb. 6
Vol. 76 No. 18
ut.minaret@gmail.com
By Charlie Hambos Editor-in-Chief
See “Hojo” [3]
February 5, 2010
SUPPORT
Hojo Residents Back to Campus Several residents of the Howard Johnson were furious after receiving an email from Residence Life on Monday night saying that they were being forced to move onto campus within a week. The email said that University of Tampa officials were “consolidating all Howard Johnson residents to campus” by Monday, Feb. 8. Students were given the option of participating in an open room change, but were informed that if they did not choose a room they would be given one and notified via email. “We were forced to form a community and they are breaking that up,” said Chris McEleveen, a transfer entrepreneurship major from Birmingham, Ala. “I feel like we’re inventory in a warehouse and there is nothing we can do about it.” Eric Cárdenas, director of Public Information, said that Residence Life is hoping to move all of the students out over the weekend. “It’s been the university policy to move students back on campus when rooms become available,” Cárdenas said. Currently, there are less than 50 students staying at the Howard Johnson, but there were 260 students that moved into the hotel at the beginning of the fall semester to compensate for the large incoming freshman class. Throughout the semester students were moved onto campus as rooms opened up. In fall 2008, 70 students started their UT career in the Howard Johnson and all were eventually moved to campus after the fall room change. In 2006, UT used the Hyatt Downtown to house students and many of them stayed there until winter break. According to Cárdenas, Residence Life has not received any complaints from students or parents, but regardless, the students certainly have an opinion on the matter. “I’m kind of pissed off about it,” Melinda Bellis, a transfer nursing major, said. Bellis and her twin sister were originally promised that they
www.theminaretonline.com
See pages [4-6]
Haitians gathered for an outdoor prayer session.
Damon Winter/The New York Times
New Health Center to Open by End of Year
By Rob Stephenson Reporter
Five months after the H1N1 virus overwhelmed the 1,800 square foot Health Center with sick students, the University of Tampa is expanding the facility to five times its size. Officials announced Monday that the new Health Center would open by the end of the year. The UT Health Center saw the need of its expansion early last fall as universities across the country braced for the H1N1 virus. Students became frustrated and waits became longer as the facility took in a record number of students each week, but the need never met the demand. The former Health Center which was 1,800 square feet will begin its transformational upgrade to 10,300 square feet on Friday, Feb. 5 at noon. For the remainder of the semester, the Health Center will be moved to a modular facility on UT's new property by the former Valencia Gardens restaurant. The new facility will have a second floor, along with a larger waiting area, eight exam rooms for optimum patient privacy, staff offices, group counseling rooms and a pharmacy.
Acquired by the University in 1997, the old Health Center only had to accommodate about 2,800 students, but since the school now has a population of 6,300 along with a higher influx of student applicants each year, it has been decided that a new health center is needed. “Student enrollment was half of what it is now, so the school needs this sort of upgrade,” said public information Director, Eric Cárdenas. “While the construction is going on, students will be able to begin going to the new tempo-
Inside ...
rary Health Center modular at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8.” “We’re committed to provide top-level support for the wellness of all of our students, and this new facility will greatly help,” Dean of Students, Bob Ruday said in a UT press release. “The new facility will allow our staff to provide health services more efficiently and effectively and will enhance student’s overall experience at UT. We’ll be able to see more patients, and they’ll have much more privacy.” With the current Student
UT Professor Published [2] Cass Bridge Update [3]
RunwayRundown.com [9] Haiti’s Glorious Past [14] “What is Love?” [9]
Non-Violent Islam [13]
February Breakdown [17]
Double Trouble [18]
Courtesy of Public Information
Health Center seeing as many as 1,000 students a month for health and counseling services, an additional second floor and increase in the amount of patient exam rooms makes the most sense to meet the needs of students prone to illnesses, accidents or mental fatigue. “Our health center now resembles a trailer and if I were visiting the campus for the first time I’d never guess it was even a health center. It’s about time we get a new
See “Expansion” [3] News....................[1-6] Diversions..............[8] A&E....................[9-11] Editorial...............[12] Commentary....[12-15] Sports..............[17-20]
“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.” [Brandi Snyder]
News
2
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
AmeriCorps Representative Joins UT Community By Jeffrey Palmer Reporter
Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos
charlie.hambos@gmail.com
Asst. Editor-in-Chief Layout/Design Editor Mel Steiner mel.c.steiner@gmail.com
A&E Editor Mike Trobiano
minaret.arts@gmail.com
Commentary Editor Derrick Austin minaret.commentary@gmail.com
Sports Editor Kyle Bennett
minaret.sports@gmail.com
Online Editor Alex Vera
minaret.online@gmail.com
Head Photographer Abby Sanford abbster50@aol.com
Adviser Stephanie Tripp, PhD. stripp@ut.edu
Staff-At-Large
Jeffrey Palmer, Reporter Mandy Erfourth, Reporter Sarah Gottlieb, Reporter Coryn Doncaster, Reporter Zach Fraser, A&E Max Roberts, Artist Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Emilse Alvarado, Layout Scott Silvestro, Photographer Kara Wall, Photographer Brenton Burkett, Sports Ryan Burkett, Sports Daniel Feingold, Sports Laura Theobald, Copy Editor (News and A&E) Heather Gromley, Copy Editor (Sports and Commentary)
You can reach The Minaret directly at (813) 257-3636
The Minaret is a weekly student-run publication of the University of Tampa. As a student organization, The Minaret invites all students to take part in its production. Inquiries and comments may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com
Check out TheMinaretOnline.com for up-to-the-minute information on top stories and breaking news. Your first two copies of The Minaret are free. Each additional copy is $1.00.
AmeriCorps, an organization devoted to the betterment of impoverished and troubled communities across the nation, newly assigned representative Karen Lederer to a coordinator post at UT. A recent university graduate herself, Lederer recognizes the importance of educating people on the role AmeriCorps plays across America and the services it makes available to the community. “Many students don’t know what AmeriCorps is,” Lederer said. “I know I didn’t when I was in college and I just graduated in May.” A native of Louisville, Ky. and an alumnus of Marietta College in Ohio, Lederer was initially drawn to AmeriCorps by a sense of indecision and a desire to do good in the world. “I have always wanted to make a difference in the world,” she asserted, “and I felt that serving as a volunteer for AmeriCorps was a great opportunity to do so. Although joined by the purpose of raising American living standards, Americorps is comprised of three distinct programs each dedicated to complimentary missions. AmeriCorps VISTA, the
branch for which Lederer is a service coordinator, is dedicated primarily to working with the existing local support structures to combat poverty in the nation’s most underprivileged areas. AmeriCorps state/national fulfills similar community service needs by participating in a variety of programs to uplift the homeless, care for the elderly, rebuild neighborhoods and augment education and tutoring services. The AmeriCorps NCC program is dedicated primarily to disaster relief and community restoration.
Dedicated to the mission of the office she now holds, Lederer is determined to brighten the surrounding community and lend it strength through cooperation with like-minded organizations in the vicinity of the University of Tampa. “I have teamed up with the Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County in hopes to spread more awareness about the homelessness problem in the Tampa Bay area,” said Lederer, “I also hope to help in the process of developing a service-learning com-
mittee at UT.” In addition, Lederer is working closely with work-study programs of local school systems and is seeking to recruit UT students to enter the Spartan Mentors Program. As an AmeriCorps representative, Lederer receives only a small living stipend and the respect and gratitude of the community for a job well done. She will stay with the University for her assignment period of one year before moving on. The future of the position at UT and its likelihood of continuing past the current year is at present uncertain. “The University of Tampa will be submitting paperwork to continue with the AmeriCorps position for the 2010-2011 academic year. However, it is up to Florida Alliance for Student Service whether or not we receive the funding and position for another term.” As to her personal future, Karen is likewise tentative. “I am still looking into what path I might go down after my year of service—perhaps something with teaching or animals,” Lederer said. Lederer can be reached between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in her P.E.A.C.E. room office on the second floor of Vaughn.
John Edwards’ Mistress Once a Spartan By Sarah Gottlieb News Editor
Hunter, formerly known as Druck
Those in touch with current news know former Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards recently admitted to fathering a daughter with his mistress, Rielle Hunter. What many may not know, however, is that Rielle Hunter was once a student at The University of Tampa. Hunter, formerly known as Lisa Druck, entered the University of Tampa in 1982 as a freshman,
but transferred after two years. Hunter changed her first name to Rielle in 1994 because it “just came to her,” according to People magazine. She gave birth to Frances Quinn Hunter on Feb. 27, 2008. Edwards denied fathering the child until Jan. 21, 2010, when he made a statement to the media confessing his paternity just days before the release of a tell-all book written by a former campaign aide. The Politician, by Andrew Young, details “John Edward’s pursuit of the presidency and the
scandal that brought him down.” Edwards met Hunter in New York’s Regency Hotel bar in Feb. 2006. That August, Edwards hired Hunter as a campaign videographer. Edwards denied having an extramarital affair until Aug. 2008, when an abundance of photos of he and Hunter surfaced. His latest confession of paternity confirms what many say they already knew. Sarah Gottlieb can be reached at sgottlieb@ut.edu.
Criminology Professor Publishes Officer Manual By Alex Krischik Reporter
Our media is saturated with stories about big police agencies and ripe with scenes of hurried agents bustling through crowded stations with phone lines and computer keyboards creating a busy clamor in the background. In many communities across our country though, law enforcement is burdened with a budget that limits their equipment, numbers and the integral training of their officers. Christopher Capsambelis, associate Professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Tampa and professor here for 14 years, realized all this and decided to help these disadvantaged agencies with his recent publication, Policing in Rural America.
Capsambelis, who always wanted to write something as a professor, resolved to combine his law enforcement background, pedagogy and passion for the field into a book. During his sabbatical, he found that, despite the overwhelming number of rural agencies, very little research and study was directed towards them. "It just fit what I was interested in writing," describes Capsambelis. When he contacted a publisher to begin writing his contract requested a finished product in 18 months. It was done in 12. To capture a regional perspective on the issue, Capsambelis traveled across the country to examine different police agencies. During his one year tour, he visited the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, and Mid-
west of the United States. He questioned officers as well as chiefs, rode with them during their work, and even talked to particular members of the community, incorporating the different viewpoints and stances into his book. It became apparent that many of the key issues, constrained funding, man-power, and training, were shared throughout the nation. The book serves several purposes. It can be a refreshing manual to officers, reminding them of protocol during certain situations to balance out their lack of formal training. There are tactics on how to effectively handle specific crimes, investigations and criminals, and procedures that could potentially save lives.
Capsambelis
There are also chapters that deal with management and with informing agencies that they are not alone in their budget shortages. "A lot of it was just what I wanted to say," he explains. Capsambelis recommends his work to anyone who plans to become an officer, noting that it may not be necessary for a four-year undergraduate. However, to all students of UT, he assures that "if you set goals for yourself, and you take things step by step, you can reach your goals."
News
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
3
“Expansion”: Front one; we deserve a new one,” said Justin Bitensky, a junior at UT. UT’s nursing students will still work closely alongside the nurse practitioners, but along with constructional changes comes additional office changes. “There will be nurse practitioners who work under the auspices of a supervising doctor. Plus, the Health Center staff will continue to be happy to refer anyone who prefers to see a physician to facilities off-campus,” said Bob Ruday. “Dr. George Northrup, the supervising psychiatrist, comes to campus regularly to assess counseling patients and still will.” “I wish the new Health Center had started sooner,” says Emily Sarecky, a senior at UT. “It just isn’t what a health care facility should be structured like and it’s understaffed. I won’t get to see the new one in the fall, but at least they’re improving it for the remaining students.”
Second floor plan
First floor plan
“Hojo”: Front could live together, but when she asked Residence Life they said they couldn’t guarantee anything. One student, John Maichin, saw the move as an inconvenience because he had already made the necessary purchases for his Howard Johnson room and now he is going to have to buy more items once he moves to campus. Another transfer student from New Jersey was feeling pretty beat when he heard the news of the move after living at the Howard Johnson for only three weeks. Maichin in his hotel/dorm room. Lewis Bruno, a sophomore marketing major, thinks that people that don’t have a roommate to move in with should go to the open spots so roommates can move in together. “Who wants a new roommate when you just got used to it?,” Bruno asked.
Cass Bridge Construction By Coryn Doncaster Reporter
Abby Sanford/The Minaret
feel like we’re inventory in a “ Iwarehouse and there is nothing we can do about it.
Blockbuster Express ($1 a night DVD rental) will be on campus this Friday! Students will be allowed to sign up for Connect by Hertz Feb. 11. The registration is being delayed due to website updates. Approved Funding: Delta Sigma Pi - $1,149 Indian Cultural Association- $450 Environmental Protection Coalition$1,000 Have any ideas to improve our university? If so, please email sg@ut.edu
“
During the 2009-2010 school year at the University of Tampa, it has been hard to go places on campus, such as the scenic Plant Park, and not notice Cass St. Bridge standing straight up, clearly not in use. According to Director of the City of Tampa’s Media Affairs, David Vaughn, the Cass St. Bridge has been closed since August for renovation. It was finally reopened for through traffic at 5 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21. Many students and Tampa civilians have inquired as to why the bridge has been closed
for five months. “This was a $1.7 million contract. It was more than doing a little bit of painting. It was a significant amount of work,” said Vaughn. In order to complete renovations, workers had to repair, paint and replace the steel and refurbish all of the gear that raises and lowers the bridge. The bridge is not completely finished with renovations. A few more minimal changes need to be completed, but David Vaughn assures the Tampa community that all this work will be done with the bridge open to through traffic.
4
News
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
See the Haiti Editorial Page 12
Helping to Heal Haiti A woman begged to be let out of line as she was crushed by people trying to get food
People made their way through the rubble in downtown Port-au-Prince
A boy bathed in the street of Port-au-Prince
Ruth Fermson/The New York Times
Micheal Appleton/The New York Times
Damon Winter/ The New York
Thousands of people anxiously awaited to get into Jermie Damon Winter/The New York Times
A woman used stones to make her way across a flooded lot Damon Winter/ The New York Times
News
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Soccer Star Supports Native Haiti with Faith
5 One in a M I L I E N High School (Auburndale) • 114 career goals; 40 assists • Two-time Lakeland Ledger Player of the Year • Named player of the year by News Chief • Florida Gatorade Player of the Year • Florida Farmers Player of the Year • Admiral Cup MVP Freshman (Lindsey Wilson College) • Six goals; five assists
Pascal and teammates after he scored a goal. By Narisa Imprasert Staff Writer
Over the past two weeks, the news has been covering the traumatizing earthquakes in Haiti. But it took a seven point earthquake followed by another one days later to portray a true natural disaster at its worst. One University of Tampa student in particular, Pascal Milien, has been affected personally both physically and emotionally. Milien is a 23 year-old senior who plans to play professional soccer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in March. The Leogane native was born and raised in Haiti, but made the trek over to the United States in Nov. of 2002. Not having returned to Haiti in seven years, he was excited to visit the day before the quake, but rescheduled last minute due to a required attendance to the AllAmerican Convention for soccer. The Major League Soccor draft, according to Milien, saved his life because “God was on [his] side.” Upon boarding the plane to his soccer convention, Milien received a phone call about the quake in Haiti.
Abigail Sanford/The Minaret
Scared, yet curious, Milien quickly searched the internet for the level of disaster concerning the incident. Unable to fathom such an event, Millien found it hard to voice his opinions. “This disaster was like God was talking to us directly. We are a country with a lot of violence and crime, but I feel that messages are never taken positively,” Milien said. Milien is a true believer in praying for better times to come because he views this disaster as neither a punishment nor warning, but as a way for his people to move on and start off fresh. Along with over 100,000 fellow countrymen and women, Milien suffered the loss of three cousins and an uncle. Milien was heartbroken to hear the lost of his close family members and stated, “I didn’t know how to feel. All I can do is pray for my family and pray we can all live in peace.” Forced to confront the reality that his family was engulfed by the most devastating earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years, Miien continues to pray for protection and finds it extremely tough
to deal with the misery that has plagued his home. Milien’s family, with the exception of his father and a few relatives, is waiting anxiously to see this disaster out and view the bulk of the damage. He has been in contact with his family, but after several attempts to call, failed to connect and can only rely on his family’s limited access to call him. For days after hearing the shocking news, Milien felt simple everyday tasks like eating and sleeping very troublesome. He feels God is working on his side and that God saved him from boarding that plane that could have potentially ended his life. Even with all the pain and suffering, Milien still remains optimistic. He believes that this disaster is a fork in the road that can only lead to progress. Milien hopes that we as a supporting nation can eventually put this disaster behind us and at least “pray for survivors to have a better life and help us as a country to go forward.” Milien relies heavily on the support of his friends and family. After all, he was a simple
UT athlete that enjoyed watching movies, playing sports and playing video games in his free time. Though his focus was on professional soccer for the years to come, his plans have shifted in the aftermath of the quake. Milen’s goal preceding the quake was in regards to helping Haiti; not only by supporting the community, but by providing inspiration for the future generations. He wants the children there to get the same opportunity as him and bring over a soccer camp to avoid the prospect of kids with big hearts and the potential for success simply giving up. However, with the melancholy thoughts of the quake’s aftermath in Haiti, Milien finds himself with troubling free time. With all the save and support Haiti benefits surrounding campus, he is constantly reminded of his loss, but is cheered up by the support of his UT community. As an optimistic reminder, he picks up a bible every now and then to instill confidence in a seemingly lost natural disaster. Like Grandma Milen always says, “after the storm it’s always a good day.”
Sophomore (University of Tampa) • Two goals; six assists • SSC all-tournament team • SSC tournament Most Outstanding Player • Team-leading six assists Junior (UT) • 11 goals; 17 assists • First-team All-SSC • Daktronics first-team All-South Region • NSCAA first-team All-South Region • Daktronics first-team All-American • NSCAA third-team All-American • SSC All-Tournament Team • NCAA South Regional All-Tournament team • Most Outstanding Offensive Player • NCAA National All-Tournament Team Senior (UT) • 12 goals; seven assists
Pascal Milien dripples the ball up field
Abigail Sanford/The Minaret
The devastation suffered in Haiti has impacted many families and students on our campus. You have all seen the students downstairs collecting donations, and selling T-shirts and bracelets to raise money. The PEACE Volunteer Center is helping this initiative by collecting any and all donations students are willing to donate at any time, and many our campus organizations are stepping up to help ship these items to Haiti as quickly as possible.
Primary needs are diapers, baby food, and money. Please help any way you can, as every little bit helps in this time of need. Students can also text the word “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to Haiti relief. If any organizations would like to help please contact peace@ut.edu. All donations are accepted through out our office hours Mon-Thurs 9a-6p and Fri 10a5p as well as 2p-8p in Vaughn Lobby.
• All-Sunshine State Conference first-team • NSCAA first-team All-South Region • Daktronics first-team All-South Region • NSCAA third-team All-American • Daktronics second-team All-American • SSC All-Tournament Team
News
6
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Facebook Connects Cause and Students to Help Haiti
Students at the Haiti Vigil
Abigail Sanford/The Minaret By Cara Marzilli Staff Writer
Five days after the ground shook in Haiti, Marco Duverseau returned to Tampa. The UT sophomore and Haiti native had returned to Florida just days before the earthquake. Him and his aunt helplessly watched the CNN news coverage of the devastation in his homeland. “The general area where it [the earthquake] hit is where the people I know live, and no calls were going through,” Duverseau said. “All I kept thinking was, everyone’s there and I don’t where they are.” Marines held back a surging crowd at a food distribution point Duverseau eventually reRuth Fremson/The New York Times
ceived the news that his grandmother was alive, but half of her house collapsed. By the time he contacted his mother, Haiti had experienced over 20 after-shocks Duverseau’s mother is a doctor in Haiti and once everything was shaking, she ran out of the house and straight to the hospital where patients were flooding in. It would be longer before he heard from his father, who is also a doctor. “Someone told me they saw my dad in my hospital and I didn’t know if it was true. I couldnt eat, I couldnt sleep and I had a headache for three days,” Durvseau said. Miraculously, many of Marco’s family members survived the disaster. The worst part were the rumors he said. “People were posting on Facebook ‘so-and-so is dead, soand-so is dead’ but no one knew for sure,” Duverseau said. “People were posting pictures from their mobile phones, it was so much worse than we actually thought it was.” Melissa Jiha, UT senior and Haiti native experienced the earthquake first hand, and was driven to help her fellow countrymen facing the devastation. When Durveseau got to campus, Jiha called him and said ‘we’re the only people who know what happened there, we need to get people to help.’ That night we made our Facebook group. Duverseau and Jiha created
the Facebook group, titled ‘University of Tampa for Haiti earthquake.’ Boasting 420 members, the group asks for idea submissions to help mobilize people in Tampa to donate to the relief effort. Two days after creating the group, the organizers had a table in Vaughn to collect donations of food, clothing and water. They visited Brevard hall and asked residents to donate anything they could. “Donations were pouring in. Just by knocking on Brevard doors we had boxes of stuff,” said Duverseau. So far, UT’s donations allowed more than 60 boxes to be sent to Haiti through the Red Cross. Organizers also sold ‘Help Haiti’ t-shirts and bracelets, and also organized a candle-light vigil held on campus Jan 29. The projector screen normally would have cost them $1500, but the company donated it for free. “I was really impressed with how much people cared,” said Duverseau. As the semester continues, the group hopes to continue fundraising and awareness for the people in Haiti. “Most people don’t know much about Haiti, it’s a small country. But we need to help everyone there more than ever.” Visit their Facebook group for more information on how to become involved.
GET CONNECTED! Office of Residence Life
Log on to
Housing Selection 2010-2011 Step by Step Instructions
Step One: Log on to SpartanWeb and pay your deposits!
Feb 2 by Noon: $175 Non-refundable Housing and Damage Deposit deadline
Step Two: Log on to SpartanWeb and select your option
Feb 9 by 11:59 pm Option 1a: Group-of-4 Applications due. Option 1b: Special Needs Applications due. Feb 23 by 11:59 pm Option 2: Singles Application due. M arch 26-31 Option 3: General Lottery
Step Three: Select your space
M arch 1&2 Option 1 Selects M arch 16 Option 2 Selects M arch 26-31 Option 3 Selects
Step Four: Cancellation options
June 1 Deadline to Cancel Deadline to be terminated for excessive damage Deadline to register for classes
Step Five: Check in Welcome Back!
August 27, 9:00 am Residence Halls open
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Advertisement
$50 Move-in Special
When you bring this ad to The Province Clubhouse
7
Arts & Entertainment
8
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 22, 2010
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
Abby Sanford / The Minaret
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Surgery marks 6 “Hawaii Five-O” setting 10 Heist target 14 Sully 15 Whirled, as a top 16 Opposite of windward 17 Impressive display 18 Kids’ plastic brick maker 19 “What’s in a __?”: Juliet 20 Sales agent, briefly 21 Dangerously uncontrollable type 24 Taken by a shoplifter 26 Pub order 27 Weekly dressdown times 34 Requests 36 More than asks 37 Detroit-based labor gp. 38 Supportive sound from the crowd 40 Sidekick 41 Best-seller list datum 43 Sch. near Harvard 44 Ukrainian seaport 47 Dover flatfish 48 Music genre heard in elevators 51 Slithery swimmer 52 Letter-shaped shoe fastener 55 Chemically treated tresses 61 Gallery display 62 All done 63 Honey spirits 64 Still-life fruit 66 Whimper 67 Puzzle with only one way out 68 Old anesthetic 69 Artist Warhol 70 Greek god of war 71 Cowboy’s rope DOWN 1 Clear-night twinklers 2 Insertion symbol 3 Causes of in-flight “bumps”
- Tiara Cook of the UT women’s basketball team fights for the ball during Saturday’s game.
2/22/10
By Jennifer Nutt
4 Protein synthesis molecule, for short 5 Salon dos 6 Norway’s capital 7 Gibbons, e.g. 8 Extremely big 9 It may direct you to skip, draw two, or reverse 10 Forbidden 11 Astronaut Shepard 12 Nautilus captain 13 “Peachy-__!” 22 “Movin’ __”: “The Jeffersons” theme 23 Elite invitee roster 25 Cut with a surgical beam 28 European peaks, to Pierre 29 “It’s the __ I can do” 30 Spurious 31 Celebrity signatures 32 Southern pronoun 33 Popeye’s __’ Pea 34 Very top
Saturday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
35 Denomination of Islam 39 Wimbledon’s official timekeeper 42 Stevie Wonder’s “__ She Lovely” 45 Perplexing problem 46 Against 49 Annual 50 Six-Day War country
2/22/10
53 Setting for van Gogh’s “The Night Café” 54 Wing: Prefix 55 Fontana di Trevi city 56 Tied, as a game 57 Lascivious 58 Darling 59 Mist 60 Fruity summer drinks 65 Educ. support gp.
Week ending Feb. 2, 2010
#1 Album
Top tracks
( ) Last week’s ranking in top five
United States Need You Now s ,ADY !NTEBELLUM
Hope for Haiti Now Various Artists
1
Imma Be s "LACK %YED 0EAS
(4) 2
TiK ToK s +E HA
(3) 3
Hey, Soul Sister s 4RAIN
(5) 4
I Gotta Feeling s "LACK %YED 0EAS
5
United Kingdom Fireflies 2ZO &LW\
(1) 1
Under Pressue -HGZDUG Hope for Haiti Now Various Artists
Don’t Stop Believin’ *OHH &DVW Replay ,\D]
2 (2) 3 (3) 4
Empire State ... Broken Down $OLFLD .H\V
5
Spain
Hope for Haiti Now Various Artists
Meet Me Halfway s "LACK %YED 0EAS
(1) 1
TiK ToK s +E HA
(2) 2
Stereo Love s %DWARD -AYA 6IKA *IGULINA Bad Romance s ,ADY 'A'A I Gotta Feeling s "LACK %YED 0EAS Source: iTunes
3 (4) 4 (3) 5 © 2010 MCT
Horoscopes By Linda C Black / Tribune Media Services
Aries (March 21-April 19) Be thankful for the energy to handle your many projects. Your partner has urgent business matters. Offer help in the form of communication, written or otherwise.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Get down to business. Shoulder your responsibilities and get creative in finding ways to outpace co-workers. Mind and heart are on track together.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Your commitment to a social or charitable effort reflects your philosophical platform. Create a powerful message of love.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Remove all restraint. Today you get to try anything and everything. It’s not about work. It’s about play. Enjoy the game!
Gemini (May 21-June 21) You conduct a lot of business and grow your income now. Leave doors open so that you can adapt to changing customer needs. Get rest before supper.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) All of the best efforts today occur behind closed doors. Be polite but firm. You have a lot to accomplish by the end of the day.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) You face adjustments to your schedule and your thinking, especially in the work arena. Talk is cheap. Actions are far more convincing.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) If you haven’t already done so, expand your vision to include humanitarian efforts. Do this even if it doesn’t make sense. You could simply pledge to your favorite nonprofit.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Finances loosen up a bit when an associate kicks in some cash. Then you can throw yourself into the work. Design your message as you would a painting. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Every step you take brings you closer to a desired goal. Baby steps are fine. You gain momentum as you stretch your imagination.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You may do a lot of talking, but the work resists completion. Save your energy. Sometimes business has to wait until the time is right. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You really want to be on the road now. However, there are a few things to finish first. Handle your own responsibilities and leave the rest to someone else.
Urban and Twit
by Austin Daniels
Arts & Entertainment
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Never Shout Never Asks ‘What is Love?’ By Zach Fraser Staff Writer
It’s kind of hard to believe that Christopher Drew is only 18 years old. He’s toured the country, put out an array of EP’s and been featured on MTV all before he could legally vote. Never Shout Never, the musical vehicle/alias of Drew and company, has been causing quite the commotion in the music industry for some time now. The teenage songwriter has gathered a cult following of fans gawking at every song, picture or blog created by him. After drawing attention from many major record labels and creating a small bidding war amongst them, Warner Bros. victoriously signed Never Shout Never to their label. Drew has almost become the poster child of emo music in the last couple of years. What Is Love?, the debut album from Never Shout Never, is a polarizing first album. All of his releases prior to What Is Love? have covered basically one subject and one subject only: the longing for love. To say that What Is Love? doesn’t have the typical “love and heartbreak” theme to it would be a fabrication, but at the same time it does show Never Shout Never venturing into uncharted territory. Confronting religion and dealing with drugs are repeating
- Pick your roommates for next year. - Support the Men’s and Women’s basketball team on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. in Martinez.
themes on the album, but heartache and girlfriends float around as well. “Sunday morning, wake up early,” sings Drew, “skip church service to find my Jesus. I know it sounds so sacrilegious, but I just don’t belong in a place like that. I love the cause, but not the act.” But don’t be fooled so quickly. Although What Is Love? shows glimpses of maturity and growth, Drew still features the old whiney voice and mushy lyrics that has kept his audience’s demographic under the age of 18 for so long. “‘Cause I’m overly attracted,” Drew confesses, “and terribly convinced that she could be my princess and I could be her prince.” The song is an eclectic mix of lyrics that the whole album dis-
plays. Although What is Love? finds some memorable tracks in California and The Past, it falls short almost everywhere else. What is most surprising is that the album features only eight tracks and clocks in around 20 minutes. While there are other editions featuring various bonus tracks, the basic album seems to be more of an EP than a full album. While Christopher Drew has made long strides in music since his band’s conception, he still seems to have trouble making songs that don’t come off as simple love songs. What Is Love? is a step in the right direction for Never Shout Never, but they still seem to have a long way to go.
Minaret writer & fashion contributer, Daniella Fusari, gives tips to UT’s fashion forward students.
The Stylist
RunwayRundown.com Vogue, Elle, and Glamour are just a few of the many fashion magazines we have available at our fingertips. It’s the fashions inside the magazine that are harder to come by. The fashion designers that grace the pages of these magazines leave us yearning for their thousand dollar dresses and luxurious accessories, but spending thousands of dollars on runway clothes isn’t exactly “fitting” in this economy, especially considering a typical college student’s budget. So how can you get that head-to-toe look without draining your account? Check out Runwayrundown. com. The website pulls runway looks and gives you the alternatives for less money. So you can search for that Oscar de la Renta dress you were lusting over during fashion week, and see if there is a less expensive version for you. You can search by designer, season, retailer, price, clothing type, style or color. The website is user
friendly and will give you a direct link to purchasing the clothes from a provided retailer. So next time you fold down the page in those mag-
azines for fashions you adore, make sure to go back to runwayrundown.com and check if your designer duds are a practical desire.
- Join Career Services for Speed Networking Night in Vaughn Center on Feb. 9, at 5:30 p.m. - See John Mayer on Friday Feb. 5 at the St. Pete Times Forum. - Spend a night at home and recover from Gasparilla. - Visit the new Tampa Museum of Art on it’s opening day, Saturday Feb. 6. - Stay ahead and complete your FAFSA application for next year.
9
Arts & Entertainment
10
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Several Underdogs Nose Way Onto the Nominee List By Steven Zeitchik Los Angeles Times, MCT Campus
LOS ANGELES — The underdogs had bite after all. Although many of the major Oscar categories unfolded pretty much as experts predicted, several surprises nosed their way onto the list of nominees when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its choices Tuesday. Most face long odds to win a statuette, but their inclusion shows a voting body willing, at least in some cases, to defy conventional wisdom. Two mainstream hits that were on the preseason ballots of few awards experts, The Blind Side and District 9, snagged spots on the best picture list. A pair of low-budget, independently made films, In the Loop and The Messenger, nabbed major nominations (both in screenplay categories and the latter in supporting actor). And a long-shot who had never been nominated for an Oscar, Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart), edged out a four-time nominee and pundit favorite, Julianne Moore (A Single Man), in the supporting actress category. “It’s an acknowledgment that you don’t need do a multimilliondollar movie with singing or danc-
ing.
“You just need to make sure you worked really hard,” said Armando Iannucci, the director and co-writer of In the Loop, who was nominated for best adapted screenplay. Traditionally, the academy has often taken heat from both flanks of the film world. The independent wing has chastised it for neglecting lowbudget films that get limited theatrical play, while the studio world has criticized it for ignoring broad commercial successes. But the nomination for In the Loop would seem to contradict the first argument. It was the first time, as representatives for the film pointed out, that a movie that had premiered on video-on-demand concurrent with its theatrical release had been nominated for a major Oscar. And The Messenger, an Iraqthemed Sundance movie distributed by upstart outfit Oscilloscope— the film has earned less than $1 million at the box office—implicitly made a similar case with the nomination of Oren Moverman and Alessandro Camon for best original screenplay and Woody Harrelson for best supporting actor. Meanwhile, the best picture and best actress nominations for The Blind Side—a $238 million
hit at the multiplex whose filmmakers came with no Oscar pedigree—seemed to rebut claims of an anti-mainstream bias. Broderick Johnson, who produced Blind Side with partner Andrew Kosove, acknowledged he thought the movie’s Middle American flavor and success might work against it. “Your mind does wander to (Oscars), because you believe the movie is so wonderful,” he said. “But then you have to step back and think, ‘Even though audiences enjoy it, it’s not necessarily the movie people think about for awards.’” The underdog choices also negate the trope that the season’s most anointed performances—as Moore’s was when A Single Man premiered at the Toronto Film Festival—are Oscar shoo-ins. Gyllenhaal, who had been on the awards roller coaster before with indie projects, said that because others were getting more buzz, she began to take a back seat. “At first, I was more invested in the awards stuff this year. And when none of it happened, I thought it was a good lesson to let go,” she said. Although she did a raft of events at the beginning of awards season, “I’m not tired, because I haven’t really been running around
Bands Pack Orlando’s BackBooth By Kristen Vasquez Staff Writer
On Tuesday Orlando’s BackBooth Bar housed a packed crowd for headliners Monotonix and Surfer Blood, accompanied by the Tenant, Yip Yip and Basements of Florida. The show was started out right by Basements of Florida with a heavy wave of guitar, drum and instrumental sounds. Yip Yip played next, with their electronic two-man frenzy being heavily complemented by complete costumes of white jumpsuits and what appeared to be laboratory goggles. The Tenant played a gorgeous set with minor technical
difficulties. Front man Brad Register kept the crowd entertained with endearingly awkward small talk. Dancey, yet melodic tunes and a haunting organ kept the audience’s vibe up and ready. Surfer Blood did not disappoint, but definitely lived up to their recently acquired hype a la Pitchfork review. They played a full set, keeping up their positive vibes song after song. There’s nothing better than watching people get really into their music and these guys were fun to watch. Their charming demeanor and happy upbeat pop rock was offset by the complete destruction of their equipment, but these guys
were just preparing us for what Monotonix was about to bring. After one of the longest setup waits I’ve ever experienced, it was clear that something incredible was about to go down. Choosing to abandon the stage and play entirely in the crowd, Monotonix gave all new meaning to “audience participation.” Using volunteers, beer cans, available women, crowd surfs, and dispelled bodily fluid (snot galore!), Monotonix provided an incredible show that ended up outside in the streets with a running mob. If you missed out on this experience you’ll definitely have to regret it. Who knows when Orlando’s going to see another one like this.
$1 Burgers Mondays 5-10pm
campaigning.” In the process of choosing the underdogs, though, the academy left out a few favorites. The inclusion of The Blind Side and District 9 for best picture coincided with the exclusion of a fashionable preseason choice, Clint Eastwood’s Invictus. And as the Iraq picture The Messenger joined the similarly themed The Hurt Locker on the original screenplay shortlist, the breakup dramedy (500) Days of Summer and its Golden Globe-nominated writers, Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, missed the cut. “Next year,” Neustadter deadpanned, “I’m totally writing a war movie.”
photo from photobucket.com
Your guide to the upcoming flicks hitting theatres this weekend.
“Dear John” Rated: PG - 13 Time: 108 mins When a girl falls for her new soldier boyfriend, she tries to keep the relationship alive while he is away at war for seven years. “From Paris With Love” Rated: R Time: 95 mins Longing to become a “real” agent, a personal aide is given the chance and sent to Paris to stop a terrorist attack.
“District 13” Rated: R Time: 85 mins Civil unrest hits the state again when a group of corrupt police officers and district officials plot against the citizens.
“Ajami” Rated: NR Time: 120 mins
*NOW DELIVERING TO UT* 1 block from campus
909 W. Kennedy Blvd.
813.425.DOGS (3647)
Set in the diverse city of Jaffa, religious unrest ensues forcing two brothers to fear for their young lives.
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Arts & Entertainment
11
Is This the Best the Grammy Awards can Offer to Viewers?
By Tomithy Finn Kansas City Star, MCT Campus
The two big numbers that emerged from Sunday night’s Grammy extravaganza: six to four. That’s the score of Beyonce vs. Taylor Swift. But those numbers don’t matter much, especially after Swift demonstrated how much she doesn’t deserve most of her awards, at least any that have to do with performance. She may be a good songwriter,
but even on great days her voice can’t be described more generously than “average.” The three and one-half hour marathon gave the recording academy a chance to show off what’s going on now, in a music world quaking with uncertainty and confusion, and the way things were, when huge labels and corporations, including radio stations, controlled everything and lots of people made tons of money. When Beyonce sang a bit of Alanis Morissette’s You Oughta Know, she invoked the era right before the Napster infestation, when bands and performers would sell one million or more records in a week. That moment alone must have set hundreds of hearts sinking in the Staples Center. Oh, the days of tyranny. Recording academy President Neil Portnow delivered his usual
scolding to consumers: stop stealing music. But his speech is now rote and irrelevant. Not only are the horses out of the barn, the barn isn’t even standing any more. If any group needs to change its name to Move On, it’s the academy. Sure, artists need to be paid for their work, but the industry needs to go full-steam, fearlessly and adventurously, into the future instead of whining about the new days and pining for the old. It’s more than ironic that Swift was ordained the new princess of pop. Her performance with Stevie Nicks was worse than bad karaoke. Anyone unaware of her preposterously thin amateur voice must have wondered (a) why she was rewarded for it and (b) why she got signed as a performer in the first place. Yes, she sells records and tickets, which is all the industry cares about. But she may be the last kind of royalty needed in a universe that needs to start looking as if it wants to work with its consumers instead of foisting fakes and frauds upon them. The Black Eyed Peas ought to be thankful for Swift’s performance, or their high-school level exhibition would be the one most
talked about—and not in a good way. And that Jamie Foxx number with T-Pain started off as a mess and deteriorated into a debacle. Really? These are the best of the best? And whose idea was it to invite Lil Wayne on with Eminem and Drake and then censor about one-third of what they said? There were some fine moments Sunday night, and those came when some of the genuine, eminent talents performed: Maxwell, Jeff Beck and Mary J. Blige with Andrea Bocelli. I’m not a big fan of either one’s music, but the Zac Brown and Dave Matthews bands both showcased some real players— ”artists,” if you want to go that far. It was good to see Leon Russell get some love during the Brown Band’s jam—the kind he can’t get from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’m on the fence over the Green Day-meets-Glee performance of 21 Guns, but I’ve seen them in concert, and they’re one of the best live bands out there. And though it’s hard to look past her freaky visual excesses, Lady Gaga came off as someone with more than outlandish costumes hiding behind a garish facade. She is, at least, a musician. And she can sing. Sunday’s unofficial final score
was six to four, and there will be other numbers to examine, like how many people watched. The ratings have been flat for about five years (around 20 million viewers), save a few spurts of renewed interest here and there. According to preliminary Nielsen numbers, viewership this year was up almost 30 percent from 2009. However, those numbers don’t reveal anything more than how many people bothered to watch something more compelling than the NFL Pro Bowl. And the numbers won’t account for viewers’ reactions to what they saw and heard. If industry leaders were hoping the broadcast would showcase the best new or young talent and prompt more people to buy music in any form, they have to wonder whether the execution of that plan backfired. Portnow ought to be challenging what’s left of the label system to sign real musicians and good songwriters it can nurture and promote, not concoct personae it can market. Changes in production and distribution have turned the industry upside down, but that doesn’t explain why so many contemporary big-label performers can’t do what their predecessors did: write good songs and perform them, live and well.
Commentary
12
We Should Be Charitable in Good Times and Bad
& Minnie Riperton
Minnie Mouse
Jeers
Lady Gaga at the Grammys
Lady Gaga at the AMAs
Giant Squid
Sharks
JD Salinger The Super Bowl
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Teen Angst
Cheers
The Hollywood Bowl
Early Spring
Six More Weeks of Winter
Oscar Nominations
Razzie Nominations
Girls Scout Cookies
Oreo Cookies
Year of the Tiger
Year of the Ox
For Haitians around the world Jan. 12, 2010 will be a day to solemnly remember for the rest of their lives. This was the day an earthquake with the strength of 7.0 on the Richter scale devastated the small island nation that was desperately in need of help before the catastrophe. Immediately help poured in from around the world. No one could imagine that the death toll would be so great. Medical and emergency personnel did what they could do in the situation and continue to struggle today with the minimal amount of supplies that they have. Students from around the country were studying abroad, doing mission work or visiting family when the earthquake hit. This particular issue of The Minaret focuses on a University of Tampa student and star athlete's account of the time he heard the news that some of his family members had been killed by the earthquake. One of our rival institutions, Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., had 12 students and two professors in Haiti and many of them
became trapped when the earthquake hit. So far eight students have returned home. Four students and both professors are still missing. UT students immediately took action and began collecting supplies to ship over to Haiti. The P.E.A.C.E organization put their original plans on hold to focus on the support needed in Haiti. Several other students have also answered the call for service. Everywhere students go, we can be reminded of the event. Perhaps your roommate is from Haiti or you know someone that knows someone that worked in Haiti. When something like this happens on such a large scale we are all affected in one way or another. How can we do more to help? Perhaps students can offer more of what they have. Perhaps students could sacrifice one beverage that they would usually have on a Thursday night and contribute it to Haiti relief in some way. Or maybe we can discover new volunteer opportunities to help out. Maybe we can help our Haitian friends here and give them support.
The bottom line is that we will all be in need at some point in our lives. How we choose to use our time and the resources that we are blessed with is ultimately up to us. Universities around the country are banding together for our fellow world citizens. Let’s do the same. Don’t just think about Haiti, find something to do that can help with the relief. Go to the P.E.A.C.E office and see how you can help. UT students need to show that they can stand up for something. Many times we have become apathetic, but there are a select few who know what’s going on and have a genuine platform to stand on while others just walk around and focus on the next night’s adventure. It’s time to wake up and see that the world is in need. If supporting Haiti sounds too tough, start by supporting your family, your friends and your roommates. Haiti needs our help, but so could the people right next door. Start supporting those in need because there will be a day when we will need that helping hand.
the same amount of time it’d take to get Obama tickets (and even then it’s not guaranteed). As long as you don’t have class that day, you’ll probably be able to get a solid shower in. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and it’ll rain that day so you can just get naked and stand outside for a while. I’m not the only one who’s been upset by these new shower heads being installed, many other students in stadium are outraged by this new change and have explained in detail how this action has made them feel. When stadium resident, sophomore Chris Mitchell, was asked how it made him feel that UT would replace our shower heads without any warning Chris responded, “Bad.” And when resident Junior Brent Colbourn went on to elaborate how he felt about the new shower heads by stating, “I don’t like this.” As you can see, students are outraged and they’re not afraid to be vocal about their dislike of the new weak shower heads. How are we supposed to wash away the shame of Gasparilla without any power?
However, besides the new shower heads, the University has made some positive changes this new semester with the addition of a fresh sushi deli in the “Gourmet Grocer” and two new cars being available to rent to any students on campus. The sushi deli is great because now people actually have a reason to go into the Gourmet Grocer besides “the line for Salsa Rico and Pandini’s was too long.” The only problem is any sushi not on a meal exchange aka “the ninja special” you can’t use Spartan dollars to pay for it (because we can’t let things be too convenient for us). The same way you can use UT dollars at the school store but not Spartan dollars. I’m sure soon enough we’ll create more useless “dollar” categories just so the school can make more money. “Hey I’ll pay for the sushi with my ‘Spartan sushi dollars’ I should have about $40 left.” “Oh no sorry, ‘Spartan sushi dollars’ can only be used on Mondays from 1-1:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7-7:12 p.m. Do you have any ‘Spartan universal dollars’ left?”
“I have ‘Spartan global dollars’ is that what you mean?” “No that’s different, ‘Spartan global dollars’ can be used to buy DQ hot dogs and Mountain Dew. ‘Spartan universal dollars’ can be used for sushi and yellow highlighters.” Besides the sushi, with the new cars being available to rent, now students who have been thinking “I wish I had a car to get to work” and “I want to know what happens when I pull the E-break going 60mph but I don’t want to risk it in my car” can finally achieve their goals! This is a very risky idea as people might not feel the responsibility to treat these rentals as if it were their own car. Most likely the phrase “screw it, it’s not my car!” will be said many, many times by the students driving it. So besides the new prison style showers, at least now I can eat fresh sushi while driving a rented Mini Cooper which has been at the top of my “things to do” list for a while now.
Another Crazy Year, More Crazy Improvements at UT
By John Jacobs Columnist
Since the new semester has begun something significant has happened at The University of Tampa that will forever change the lives of a select group of students. Of course I’m talking about the new “low flow” shower heads being installed into the Stadium dorms. When I got back I was excited to see some new cool looking shower head until I turned it on to see the light misting of water which is a sad attempt at a shower. Standing under one of these new “low flow” shower heads could only be compared to the feeling of being urinated on. Not that I actually know what that feels like, but I’m imagining it would feel like this. I was proud of our shower heads before. Now the University has taken away one of the best parts
of the dorm. Every day I would wake up and think “God I’m so happy to have a powerful shower!” but now that’s all changed. The only reason I can figure the University would do this is to save money on water use and somehow attempt to “go green” and save water. Because we all know UT is environmentally aware with the constant watering of random patches of grass every single night. Every patch of grass all around campus is being watered every night! I can understand the sports fields being watered, but does it really matter if the grass around the parking lots which nobody walks on gets a little brown? It doesn’t really serve a purpose but it sure looks good. Who would’ve thought UT was a school so focused on aesthetics? Maybe they changed out the shower heads because kids were just “too clean” (highly unlikely) and the University figured we should dirty things up a bit. Whatever the reason is, now to take an effective shower you need to be in there for roughly
John Jacobs can be reached at jjacobs@ut.edu.
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Commentary
13
Breaking Stereotypes: Islam Doesn’t Condone Violence
By Carolina Medellin Columnist
The column I wrote two weeks ago generated lots of reaction. Different people e-mailed me, asking about my conversion. Some had difficulty understanding how I could choose a religion like Islam. Despite the fact that Islam has been “opening” to the Western world during the last decade, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about it. “Why did you choose a violent religion?” and “Why as a woman do you convert to a religion that diminishes and segregates women?” I’ll focus on the issue of women and Islam in a later article, but here I’ll focus on Islam in general. Unfortunately, 9/11 and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan presented a violent religion. Islam was then seen as a religion of blood, oppression and brainwashing. As always when it comes from news, people rarely bother to look beyond. Islam is not a violent religion. When two Muslims meet they say, “Salam Aleykoum” meaning “Peace be with you.” The first thing that needs to be clarified is the concept of Jihad. Jihad is wrongly translated as “Holy War” and would apparently mean that if you blow yourself up then you will go directly to paradise. Sounds simple, uh? Unreasonably painful, but simple— however, Jihad is a little more complex. It does not mean “holy war,” it means “struggle.” There are two types of Jihad, the big Jihad and
the small Jihad, and no, it does not correspond to the size of the building. The big struggle is an intellectual battle, an internal battle against yourself. The big Jihad corresponds to everything you do to improve yourself and show people the proper image of Islam. Going to college is a big Jihad, just like writing a book, volunteering, being part of a Muslim association or anything that can help your community. The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) was asked once what the best type of Jihad is. He answered: “Speaking truth before a tyrannical ruler” (Riyadh us-Saleheen). Pretty different from shooting someone, and certainly more difficult. The small Jihad corresponds to the war you lead to defend yourself, your family and your country when you are being attacked. You have the right to defend yourself if someone attacks you; however, the Koran opposes Muslims attacking first: “Fight in the way of God with those who fight with you, but do not aggress: God does not love the aggressors” (Holy Quran, 2:190). Even when war takes place, there are certain rules Muslims must respect. For example, you cannot kill innocent people; you cannot kill women, children or elderly people; you cannot contaminate sources of water or food; you cannot destroy places of worship. Many argue that the Koran has verses in which hatred against non-Muslims is commanded. That too needs to be clarified. For Muslims, the Koran is the fourth Holy Book, revealed by God to the Prophet Mohammed
Islam is a religion of tolerance; one that respects both Judaism and Christianity.
(pbuh). The other three books are the Torah, revealed to the Prophet Moses, the Psalms, revealed to the Prophet David, and the Gospel, revealed to the Prophet Jesus. Muslims believe that out of those four books, the Koran is the only one that has been preserved since its revelation up to now, it has not been changed. The Koran was revealed in Arabic, but this is not the same Arabic that is spoken nowadays in Morocco, Jordan or Saudi Arabia. It’s like reading Old English, you can kind of understand it, but it’s not at all the way you express yourself. Arabs constitute around only 15 percent of the Muslim population, so, for those of us who cannot understand Arabic there are translated copies of the Koran. But translation can be dangerous and incredibly difficult, which is
partially why there are so many different views of Islam. I translated documents in high school from Spanish to French, and it was hard. I cannot imagine what it would be like to translate God’s Word. Translators co-author whatever they translate. You have to be careful with what translation of the Koran you read. Also, many Muslim scholars differ in which interpretation should be given to certain verses. What I was taught by Muslims in Colombia, France and the U.S., all from diverse backgrounds and countries, was that Islam is a religion of tolerance. As always there will be, of course, people who think otherwise. Islam is a religion of middle ground, of compromise. The Prophet himself said: “Islam is very easy and whoever overburdens
Carolina Medellin / The Minaret
himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded” (Sahih Bukhari). Historically, Islam has been one of the most tolerant religions. Under the Ottoman Empire, Muslims, Christians and Jews, lived together for various centuries. Even today in different countries that were once part of this Empire you can see a church, a synagogue and a mosque in the same area. Sometimes the easy way to look at things is by letting the media think for you. However, when you do some digging, you will find new things that can surprise you. Carolina Medellin can be reached at colaya@ut.edu.
Commentary
14
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Haiti’s Glorious Past Will Lead It to a Triumphant Future By Amadu Wiltshire Columnist
The world’s eyes are now on Haiti as the horror which has been bestowed upon that Caribbean island has once again reminded us of the unpredictable but yet powerful forces of nature. However, even though many of us look down on that nation, whether it may be with eyes of sorrow or disgust, many of us know very little about Haiti. An island and people rich in tradition, the history of Haiti is one of struggle, rebellion, tenacity and yes, even turmoil. As the first republic in the new world, Haiti showed the entire world that it was a force to reckon with, over two hundred years ago. The St. Domange revolution led by the late great Toussaint L’ouverture and the Black Jacobins, ended slavery on that island and secured independence for Haiti from its then colonial masters, France. However, with the securing of independence for Haiti many European nations tried to invade the island and colonize it or recapture it in the place of France. It must be noted that Toussaint L’ouverture was a former slave, but he was an educated black man. He, along with the help of
other former slaves fought off and defeated many European powers. Toussaint and his group even defeated the great Napoleon Bonaparte. The spirit of revolution in Haiti served as a catalyst for many revolts in the Caribbean, in which slaves began to fight back against the unfair system of slavery. Haiti ignited the torch, which lead the rest of the world to liberty. Besides having a rich history and being the first black republic in the new world, the nation of Haiti has been victim to many social and economic ills. Today, Haiti has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in this region. Additionally, the health care system of the island is in shambles, there are many instances where the people of the nation are too poor to even afford basic health care. This has led to the death of many people who could have been cured of simple infections. Additionally, with one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS per capita ratio, Haiti does not provide free Antiretroviral drugs to its citizens. This is due to the fact that the country plain and simple cannot afford to provide that service for free and many other services pertaining to health. Besides the health sector of the island, Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Once the Pearl of the Antilles, as it was called during slavery, due to it being the most profitable island, is now a dented pearl and
a true example of neglect by the international community. With very little economic power Haiti has been plagued by many issues, one of the main issues being its inability to educate its citizens, something many parts of the world takes for granted. This has led to more than half of Haiti’s population being illiterate. Thus, while the present may look bleak for that nation, the future also seems extremely grim. Another major spin off from Haiti’s economy being in shambles is the poverty. Over half of Haiti’s population lives on less than two United State’s dollars a day. Yes many of them live in abject poverty. In many instances, purchasing a door is a luxury for the poor of Haiti. The many luxuries which we are born with, that we just expect to be part of our lives are not even known by the majority of the people of live in Haiti. The infrastructure of that nation is extremely underdeveloped and with the occurrence of this devastating earthquake it is literally nonexistent. Improper roads and drains have hampered communication, transportation, etc. It has also led to mass flooding on the island. Within the last three years Haiti has also been battered by four hurricanes. It seems as if the island has been taking a pounding from Mother Nature on many fronts.
Haiti’s history features revolutionary figures like Toussaint L’ouverture. Public Domain / Wikipedia
However it is extremely shocking and would many times make one marvel at the tenacity of the people of Haiti and their ability to overcome. From slavery to revolution, the environmental and economic destruction, lack
of opportunities and the list can go on but in the end the people of Haiti have continued to toil and survive. Amadu Wiltshire can be reached at awiltshire@ut.edu.
It’s Hard Avoiding the Lure of Cynicism
By Kristen Vasquez Columnist
are selective and demanding, that the great divide between socioeconomic classes still stands, and that people die in other countries from lack of resources that we have wasteful abundance of. Women still can’t earn equal pay, the LGBT community still faces admonishment, and yet people still devote themselves and their enjoyment to the belittling of others in the media. What I am trying to say is that it is very hard to not be a cynic unless someone is missing a questionable segment of his or her brain. I’m not saying that one should be hyper-aware of every world problem that we face, but I do think there is an issue with never finding reason to see the bad instead of the good. The bad helps us realize how grateful we should be for the good. How the good comes from triumphing over the bad, and hopefully spearheads us into acting upon all that ails and changing it into something better. So when we are all done with our college bubble and it is time for us to jump ship, I hope we can look at the glass objectively. It is half empty, someone will either drink it or spill it, but somehow you’ll refill it and get your fix. In your cynicism may you find peace, and eventually find your optimistic future.
The other week, when Conan O’Brien aired his final show, I admit I welled up a bit during his speech. His advice “Don’t be cynical” has been ringing in my ears. I am a self-admitted cynic, through and through. Pessimist, Debbie Downer, Realist to a point, these words could all be used aptly to describe me and my perspective. Annoyance comes whenever I am faced with someone entirely the opposite, someone who sees roses and good spirits in even the worst of times. Let’s just admit it-when things are terrible, that light at the end of the tunnel is quite hard to keep envisioning. I hear far too often that I am “too young” to be this way. However, what constitutes as the age limit for the glass half empty crowd? Is there a ceiling for the age range? I think that being so young, as we all are, shouldn’t necessarily mean that the world has already hardened us, but I do think that if we have been living with our eyes opened we will have much understanding as to why someone might find their reasoning relevant. My confusion is this-we live in times that we are told over and over how hard it will be for us to find jobs. That the national debt has grown to incredibly massive Kristen Vasquez can be reached amounts, that graduate programs at kvasquez@ut.edu.
Commentary
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
15
We’re All Facebook Stalkers, But Beware of Obsessions By Heather Gromley Columnist
“O is for the only one I see.” And “O” is also for obsession and people who need to chill out. Maybe I’m slightly bitter, or maybe I’ve been there too many times before, but one thing that really bothers me is when we get so obsessed about other people. There needs to be some self restraint. We all need to put our lives into perspective. There are several different types of this obsession, and we are all to blame. One of my favorite kinds is Facebook obsessions. I will admit to being one of these people, a “Facebook Creeper.” I check on my crush’s profile
almost daily and try to make an effort to say something. Sometimes I creep on my ex’s page, whether to reminiscence or hope that he is going through the pain he put me through. It’s not a pretty picture, but it’s the truth. Recently, a friend heard of someone who met her standards: foreign, cute and financially stable. I, of course, approved that a little creeping was necessary to see if he was someone she would like to meet. To our pleasant surprise he seemed like a decent guy by his profile, but there seems to be something wrong when we obsess over someone’s profile. Anyone could lie about their interests, jobs, school or even their pictures. There are also the premature obsessions we go through when we like someone new. I am going through this now, always trying to find ways to hang out with this
person. This early obsession ranges from constantly texting to hang out, to always wondering or second guessing yours and their actions and of course some Facebook stalking. There is also the obsessing in a relationship. Girls, you should not “whip” your boyfriends or be a control freak, let them enjoy their life and have some manly bonding with their friends. And guys, girls are allowed to have guy friends and you should not feel threatened. I know that I am able to talk to my best guy friend about anything, things that my girlfriends roll their eyes about. Another type of obsession is when we obsess in a negative way, specially with ex’s and those girls we secretly hope gain 30 pounds and don’t make it from our high schools. I have a friend though, who seems to constantly shed negative light on her ex that she dated for a
very short amount of time. I agree the guy was a shmuck, but there wasn’t one good thing to say about him or one happy memory? Instead there is a slew of jokes and ridiculous ideas about close lining him off of his bike, which I have to admit, may be just what she needs. Honestly, it makes us feel good to obsess negatively, but what do we have to gain from that? We get a good laugh, our self esteem rises, we feel like we’re better off and we go to bed thinking their life has to be terrible without us. Reality check, they are most likely either doing the same thing to you behind your back (calling you obsessive) or have moved on. I’m in the moving on stage. I’ve realized that no matter how nice I am or how mean I am, my ex will never get what I felt or how I feel now. My negative obsessing is over for 2010; at least I’m going to really
try. There is no gain for me to stalk or talk to my ex, to hope the girl from high school is failing or to creep on potential new guys. With Valentine’s Day coming fast and all the things we should be thankful for, especially after seeing the devastation left in Haiti, we should be obsessing on how to be better people, better students, better friends, better daughters, sons and better lovers. Let’s obsess over helping others, in finding the joy in life, the things that make us tick. Let’s obsess over being healthy, happy and counting our blessing constantly. Let’s obsess over normal and non-obsessive relationships. Let’s obsess over loving each other no matter what. Chill out everyone, life and love goes on. Heather Gromley can be reached at hgroms@gmail.com.
No Matter How Complicated, Sometimes All You Need is Love By Narisa Imprasert Columnist
A good friend of mine always says, “If I don’t fall in love at least once each day, I consider it a day wasted.” But with all this talk of love, can you really define it? Does this thing called love really exist? According to the “everreliable” Wikipedia, love is defined as “a number of emotions related to a strong sense of affection and attachment.” This makes love seem like a creepy stalker-like idea, way too technical. Love can’t be defined by a Google search. I’ve learned from my wonderful English professors, concepts like “truth,” “justice,” and “love” are difficult to define because they vary from person to person. As the stereotypical lovesick fool, I catch myself staring into the eye’s of a beautiful guy or girl, watch their kissable lips.
Even Shakespeare would call this cliché, but I can’t help but say that the reddish coral shade of her lips suddenly makes my favorite color look dull. Even with the extremities of love, the overwhelming feelings, and knowing that there is no guarantee when it comes to matters of the heart, I can’t help but fall in love over and over again. Obviously, love is not a joking matter, but essential to life. Simply put, love is anything but easy. But at the end of the day, love is worth every single tear shed, every false pretense of happiness and every lost friend. These last few years, I’ve developed an appreciation for love, not just sex or tokens of affection. The sound of my lover’s steady breathing regulated mine, the stable heartbeat became a melody to my ears and every flaw was seen as a passionate characteristic. I always wanted to tell the love that got away, “If only you knew
that every time you touch me, I can barely speak. Every time you hug me I stop breathing. Preying on each moment, each brief encounter makes my day. You see beneath my overconfident front that disguises my nerves. Sweetie, you are forever my ideal, my utopia.” But that just may be the crazy lovesick poet hidden inside of me. I admit to having succumbed to this lifestyle drowned in love, but to this day I allow myself to dream. Wishing I could kiss the eyelids of a lover before they surrender themselves into the night. That way my beloved could think of me as they dream. Regardless, no matter who you are, endure this thing called love; in that one moment where everything seems alright, all because he or she smiled at you, your life seems complete. Narisa Imprasert can be reached at nimprasert@ut.edu.
Love connects us to each other, it makes us better people.
Neys / Flickr
Not Just the Man’s Job: Women Need to Be Proactive In Their Sex Lives
Men and women need to be prepared for sex. By Philippa Hatendi Columnist
Pregnancy has never really made sense to me, I know that sounds weird, but to be honest, it really never has. Sure I understand all the biological aspects of it, I understand that babies are a result of sex, the sperm and the egg meeting and all that.
Gilberto Filho / Flickr
What I don’t understand is how someone “didn’t mean to get pregnant.” That, to me is the most absurd thing in the history of all existence and I have sat for nights on end pondering how someone could do that without meaning to. And I’ve heard it said and seen it done so many times. It has always been my perspective that if you really didn’t want to get
pregnant, there is no reason why you should. Especially in this day and age with all the contraception available and all the sexual awareness that is present in American culture, I would have thought we were past that whole mentality. But then today, I went to the pharmacy and looked at the prices of birth control. Then I understood the reasons why people may get pregnant without ‘meaning to.’ Contraception is so expensive! The birth control patch in itself is about $71.00 with a prescription; I mean I never would have thought that you would have had to pay an arm and a leg (nearly) just to keep from getting pregnant. In England, it’s free! I don’t believe that the government is helping young women (especially those on a college student’s budget) who really want to keep from getting pregnant before they graduate by making it so costly to
attain contraception. From what I’ve been told the whole idea behind making contraception so expensive is so young people choose to abstain from having sex because of the risks of getting pregnant. Clearly, congress doesn’t understand that this is college and abstinence is the last thing on anyone’s mind regardless of the reason. Nevertheless, a woman has to make a decision here, which means you. Once you think about the alternative it’s not really a tough choice. Would you rather pay the $71.00 for the patch, the $500 and upwards for the abortion or the never-ending amount it takes to actually take care of the baby? When you look at it from that perspective (unsympathetic as it may be) that $71 really doesn’t look so much like an arm and a leg. Pregnancy is always a costly business, whether those costs are financial, emotional, physical or
psychological. I’m glad to see most students on campus practicing safe sex by using a condom, however, lest the condom messes up, consider having made the choice to take contraception. No matter what you have been taught to believe, the condom isn’t always enough. So regardless of the fact that contraception costs are expensive; the fact that one is able to avoid pregnancy if they do not want it is still prominent. I encourage all the ladies (and gents) to please continue being in control of your sex lives by advocating safe sex, contraception and STD testing on campus. Visit Planned Parenthood or the Student Health center for accessible contraception if you’re unsure how to go about things. Always remember, the sexiest thing you could ever do is to be safe. Philippa Hatendi can be reached at phatendi@ut.edu.
The Minaret | February 5, 2009
Advertisement
16
17
Sports
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
FEBRUARY SPORTS SCHEDULE Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Golf Brevard Invitational (Cocoa Beach)
7 Golf Webber International Invitational (Lake Wales)
1
15
21 Softball vs. Valdosta State (Eckerd Tournament, at Clearwater) 9 a.m. vs. West Florida (Eckerd Tournament) 2 p.m. Baseball at Stillman 11 a.m.
22
28
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
3
4
10 W. Basketball at Saint Leo 5:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Rollins 6 p.m. M. Basketball at Saint Leo 7:30 p.m.
11
12 Baseball Baseball vs. Southern Arkansas vs. SAU 1 p.m. 6 p.m. vs. SAU 4 p.m. W. Basketball at Rollins 2 p.m. M. Basketball at Rollins 4 p.m. Tennis at NSU 10 a.m.
16 Tennis vs. Saint Leo 3 p.m. Baseball vs Warner 6 p.m.
17 W. Basketball vs. Eckerd 5:30 p.m. M. Basketball vs. Eckerd 7:30 p.m. Swimming at Bluegrass Mountain Conference Championships (Charlotte, N.C.)
18
19 Softball vs. Florida Tech (Eckerd Tournament, at Clearwater) 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Baseball at Stillman 5 p.m.
20 Softball vs. Drury (Eckerd Tournament) 11 a.m. vs. Nova Southeastern (Eckerd Tournament) 4 p.m. Baseball at Stillman 1 p.m. at Stillman 4 p.m. W. Basketball at Barry 2 p.m. M. Basketball at Barry 4 p.m.
23
24 W. Basketball vs. Florida Southern 5:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Saint Leo 6 p.m. M. Basketball vs. Florida Southern 7:30 p.m.
25
26 Tennis at Embry-Riddle 3:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Valdosta State 6 p.m.
27 Baseball vs VSU 1 p.m. vs.VSU 4 p.m. M. Basketball vs. Palm Beach Atlantic 4 p.m. Tennis at Florida Tech 1:30 p.m.
Baseball vs. Embry-Riddle 6 p.m. PPD Golf Brevard Invitational (Cocoa Beach)
8 9 Golf Tennis Webber International at Florida Southern Invitational (Lake 3 p.m. Wales)
14
Tennis at Barry 10 a.m. Baseball vs. Southern Arkansas 11 a.m.
Wednesday 2
Tennis vs. Eckerd 3 p.m.
W. Basketball at Nova Southeastern 5:30 p.m. M. Basketball at Nova Southeastern 7:30 p.m.
Baseball at Georgia College & State 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tennis vs. Rollins 3 p.m. PPD
5
Baseball at GCSU 1 p.m. W. Basketball vs. Lynn 2 p.m. M. Basketball vs. Lynn 4 p.m. Tennis vs. Rollins 11 a.m.
6
13
Sports
18
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
Twins Creating Double the Trouble for Tampa Opponents
By Arturo Uzcategui Sports Writer
Ever since they were born, the Messina twins have been surrounded by one sport and one sport only, basketball. Gianna and Catriana were born into a basketball family. Both their dad and brothers played. “Our two older brothers played basketball, and our dad played in high school and college, so we’ve kind of grown up around basketball in general,” said Catriana. “When we were born our dad gave us a basketball at the hospital. So, basically it’s always been around us.” Although always surrounded by the game, it took some time before the sisters collaborated on the court. “Well, I don’t think we ever played on a team until we were eight but like she [Catriana] said we grew up around it,” Gianna said. “Our parents never really forced us to play so it was like we came to it in our own side.” The sisters have been playing well together lately with Gianna shooting the best she has all season and Catriana becoming a great part of this 18-2 season. Both sisters agreed that Catriana was the better player when they were young. “I would beat her on everything,” said Catriana. “I was always the star and then the roles got reversed when we got to col-
lege and high school.” There was a point where the sisters decided to go to different colleges, but the love for the game brought them back together. Gianna was first recruited by the University of South Florida to play basketball there, while Catriana had her mind already set to become a Spartan. During her freshman year at USF, Gianna saw action in 29 games, starting 10 of them. “Obviously USF is in the Big East which is the best conference in Basketball for women, and actually for men too,” said Gianna. “That was one of the reasons [for going there]. I thought it would be a good opportunity and had a good balance between academics and athletics.” After USF gave off more of a business vibe to the game that she loved, she realized that Divsion II basketball was a better fit for her. "I just thought of all those arrows pointing at the direction to come here," Gianna said. Meanwhile, Catriana was starting to make a mark at UT. “I got recruited by a few other schools. But I never really wanted to leave Tampa so it was either go to USF and not play basketball or come here and play,” she said. “But, I wanted to play and I liked the campus experience and the educational program. I don’t know, it felt like it was the perfect fit too, everything I wanted to do in one package.”
Full Service Hair Salon WALK-INS WELCOME
KENDRA/DIAZ
A Salon on Grande Central 813.251.5766 403 W. GRAND CENTRAL TAMPA, FL 33606
“STUDENT PRICES” Around the corner from the Retreat
thetampaupsstore.com
Mention UT for VIP Discount (5% off tires & 10% off service) *Shuttle Service to & from School or Home*
The sisters have great chemistry both on and off the court and people are starting to take notice. Prior to their last game against Florida Tech, Catriana had 23 assists in the past four games, 12 of which had come on baskets by her sister. In the game against Barry, they combined for a total of 37 points including 11 three-pointers leading the team to a 63-39 victory. “I think when we were in high school we were a little bit more competitive just because there is a whole recruiting process and we were trying to get scholarships or whatever," said Catriana. Gianna agreed that they play together better at UT. “Yeah, we’re definitely more collaborative in college and when I’m on the bench I want her to play the best she can play, when she’s on the bench she’s my biggest fan too," said Gianna. The twins will not settle with the performance they are having thus far. They know their game can get better and they keep working hard with the team and listening to their coaches. The UT women's basketball team is having a successful season and the Messina twins are adding double to that. Arturo Uzcategui can be Catriana Messina dishing the ball inside as she draws to defenders. Messina reached at juzcategui.gomez@ has 42 assists on the season thus far. Abby Sanford/The Minaret ut.edu.
Tennis Debut Delayed Due to Weather By Kyle Bennett Sports Editor
The University of Tampa tennis team’s season opener was delayed one day due to weather concerns. Rather than opening the season on Feb. 5, UT will host SSC opponent Rollins on Feb. 6. The Tampa squad is composed of nine women, five of which are underclassmen. Kourtney Stark, a senior, returns for the Spartans after winning 10 singles matches and nine doubles matches. Ally Wooten, senior, was one of four UT student-athletes to turn in a 4.0 GPA both semesters of her junior year. Also returning for the Spartans is Head Coach Al DuFaux. He has been with the UT athletic stafff since 1999 and head coach of the tennis team since 2000. In his 10 seasons as head coach DuFaux has compiled a 78127 record. DuFaux turned in his best year as head coach in 2007 when the team finished 15-10. The 15 wins marked the program’s best season Also in 2007 Tampa made its first NCAA Tournament apperance in the program’s history. Since the 15-win season the Spartans have slightly dropped off posting back-to-back 10 win seasons, but even still this is a large improvement since 2000 when the Kourtney Stark serving for the Spartans in a doubles match. Archived photo/The Minaret team went a dismal 0-10.
The Minaret | February 5, 2010
19
Sports
Dream Career is now a Reality for Rays Radio Broadcaster Daniel Feingold Sports Writer
Born in Maryland, growing up a Baltimore Orioles fan, Andy Freed was certain of his future career he wanted to be a broadcaster. “This is always what I wanted to do with my life. A lot of kids want to be players; I wanted to be a broadcaster. People ask me, ‘how long have you known you wanted to do this’, and I go back to when I was eight years old,” Freed said. Freed has been the radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays since 2005. Although his current job, working for a Major League Baseball team is all that he has hoped for, Freed explained that it was not necessarily easy getting to where he is today. “It’s interesting looking back. It all seems like ‘well, it worked out’; this seems like it would always happen, but it was a lot of years in the minor leagues, 11 years, traveling around, making no money, feeling like my life was just kind of in a stall position,” Freed said. “Knowing the ending, that I made it, is wonderful, but I didn’t know that for so many years, and I feel very fortunate that this opportunity came along.” Freed got his start in broadcasting when he attended Towson State University. The college specialized in broadcasting. The school had a signal that reached across four states. Freed got experience broadcasting for a variety of sports, all
while receiving critiques on his performance in the booth. Freed was never able to get the opportunity to broadcast baseball for his college, thus he was forced to look elsewhere. He landed an internship with Jon Miller. At the time Miller broadcasted play-by-play for the Orioles on their flagship radio station, WBAL. Miller is also currently broadcasting for ESPN’s ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ telecasts. Freed also worked for WBAL. There he added knowledge and experience to his broadcasting resume. Freed believes that broadcasting with every opportunity you get, just as he did in his college years, is essential to improve your on-air ability. “I’ve always said for young people that want to do this as a career, if you want to be on the air, then get on the air, and figure out a way to stay on the air,” said Freed. “The only way to get better is to do it, and repetition just like a player, just like anything in life.” In 1993, Freed started off his professional baseball broadcasting career calling games for the New York Mets single-A affiliate. He then got a job in the Boston Red Sox organization. He broadcasted for double-
A Trenton program for five years before moving up to the triple-A Pawtucket affiliate. He then moved into the position he is in today with the Rays. Freed has dabbled in both radio and television broadcasting, but for now, he seems to appreciate the radio industry a little more. “I love the simplicity. I love the fact that it’s basically just you and your voice, and your mind and creating word-pictures,” Freed said. Freed feels that there is a common misconception about the technique involved in being a successful broadcaster. “I think, actually, voice is overplayed. I think that’s way down on the list of important things for a radio broadcaster,” said Freed. T h o u g h he says that you
must have a “listenable” voice that sounds “pleasant”, Freed believes there are many other characteristics that make for an excellent broadcaster. “I think it’s important to be able to be nimble on the air and to be able to capture something live. I think the ability to know grammar properly, to speak well, to have that word in your mind and access that word right when you need it [is important],” Freed said.“I think all those things are important, but to me, and it’s the most trite thing, you hear everyone say it, but just being yourself; find out what makes you unique.” Although Freed may never have actually played the sport competitively, he takes pride in having what he calls an “umpire’s knowledge of the rules” in baseball. He makes up for not having played by using his ability to communicate on-air as well as giving the listeners many different perspectives that a former playerturned analyst may not have. He also spoke about other outlets for where he gets his knowledge and understanding of baseball. “I think it’s very important to know the game and I think it’s important to have an inherent curiosity about it also the ability to ask questions and listen,” Freed said. “I’ve always been lucky; through my career, I’ve always been around people, whether it be managers, coaches, [or] people in the knowthey’ve been willing to give me
time and answer my questions,” Freed said. As far as the Tampa Bay Rays are concerned, Freed has seen plenty of ups and downs as he has been with the team through first place, last place, and practically everywhere in between. Freed expect the young Rays squad to put together a successful season. “I expect big things,” Freed said. “I think we absolutely, without a doubt, have the tools to win the division and win the World Series.” On top of his broadcasting work, Freed also dedicates his time to some organizations in the community. He is involved in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). He volunteers and hosts events to help fight the disease. Freed and his wife also lend their help to Jackson’s Hope, a foundation which raises money to find a cure for Batten’s Disease. For now, Freed is satisfied with his job working with the Tampa Rays. “People assume that A, you want to get to TV, or B, you want to go national. If those things happen for me one day, then that’s the way it goes, but I’m not dying for that,” Freed admitted. “To me, I’ve always been much more interested in being a part of a local community and really sinking my roots into one area.” Daniel Feingold can be reached at dfeingold@ut.edu.
Four Spartans Score Double Digits in Come-Behind Gasparilla Victory By Brenton Burkett Sports Writer
On a rainy Gasparilla Saturday, UT women’s basketball rained on Florida Tech’s parade. The No. 14 Tampa Spartans (18-2, 8-1 SSC) came back from a first half deficit to defeat Florida Tech (10-10, 2-7 SSC) 75-62 at the Martinez Center. The visiting Panthers led 3013 nine minutes into the game, thanks largely to costly turnovers. Head coach Tom Jessee blamed the slow start on the weeklong layoff between games. “We were just a little rusty, sloppy with the ball,” Jessee said. “We thought that might happen early. Give some credit to Florida Tech. They shot 59 percent in the first half. We know we’re going to get everybody’s best game. You’ve got a target on your back when you’re the numberone team in the league.” U T pulled to within three at 37-34 by Tiara Cook halftime.
Senior forward Tiara Cook stormed out of the gate to score the Spartans’ first 10 second half points. The lead changed hands several times until a 9-0 run starting with 8:41 left gave Tampa the advantage for good. “Being down doesn’t mean that it’s over,” Cook said. “Those five people on the court just have to carry out the gameplan and keep pushing.” Jessee commended the team on its persistence. “It was a character test,” Jessee said. “We don’t ever panic, that’s one thing about our veteran ball club. As long as there’s time on the clock, we have time to come back.” Gianna Messina led UT with 25 points. Cook finished with 21, Angela Guiu added 12 and Taja Green posted 10 to round out the double-figure scorers. Panthers guards Kristen Dixon and Ashton McClairen each scored Taja Green
14 points in their losing effort. The game was littered with fouls and physical play. Tampa shot 43 free throws while FIT went to the line 29 times. “It was very physical,” Cook said. “Tech has always played like that during the four years I’ve been here. We just have to be ready for it. It makes us players hustle after every single ball.” Not all fouls took place on the court. The referees hit Jessee with a technical foul in the first half for arguing over a foul call. Florida Tech coach John Reynolds received a technical of his own in the second half, also for a verbal dispute. Jessee said after the game that it was solely “the officials’ judgment” that got him called, but declined further comment. UT’s next game is at Nova Southeastern, the site of this year’s Sunshine State Conference Tournament, on Feb. 3. The Spartans return home Feb. 6 to face Lynn, who handed them their lone conference loss Jan. 9. Brenton Burkett can be Tiara Cook going for a lay-up against Florida Tech. reached at bburkett@ut.edu. Abby Sanford/The Minaret
“It isn’t hard to be good from time to time in sports. What is tough, is being good every day.”
-Willie Mays
3
‘n t u O
Season Opener
Baseball: The 2010 baseball season opener was postponed on Feb. 2 due to inclement weather. Following a three-game weekend road series Tampa will return home on Feb. 10 as they take on SSC rival Rollins. The Spartans finished the 2009 season with a 39-17 record and look put together another winning season.
Overtime Stumble M. Basketball: Tampa suffered its sixth straight Sunshine State Conference loss in an overtime effort against Florida Tech. The game featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties. Tampa led at the break before FIT tied the game at 70 at the end of regulation. In the end, Tampa would fall by the score of 86-78 at the final overtime buzzer.
Spartans Set to Blackout the Martinez Center for UT Support Ryan Burkett Sports Writer
Remember last fall’s Spartan Blackout? The concept was devised by the University of Tampa Athletic Department last year. Spartan Blackout is where UT’s home fans fill the venue with as many black shirts as possible in support of the team during a given athletic event. In October 2009, more than 900 people attended UT’s first Blackout event, a men’s soccer match against Saint Leo. The Spartans won the match 5-1 and captured a share of the Sunshine State Conference regular season championship that night. Based on the success of that game, UT plans on holding more Blackout events. The men’s basketball team will be the next squad to try it, as they face Lynn on Feb. 6 at the Martinez Center. Much like the first Blackout event and similar promotions at
other schools, this team hopes to fill up their side of the gym with the familiar black shirts. “Some of the teams do similar things around the country,” Tampa head coach Richard Schmidt said. “It’s a good thing.” According to junior Rashad Callaway, the University came up with the idea after he and others involved with UT athletics attended a conference in Boca Raton last September. “Saint Leo had a Whiteout game,” Callaway said. “We got the idea from them, and shortly after that we did the Blackout for the soccer team.” And a good idea it was. Saint Leo’s first Whiteout volleyball match in 2008 drew a Division II record crowd of more than 500 fans, and the success has yet to let up for either school. Now that Tampa is in on the fun, they plan to maximize the event’s potential. “The school is trying to do it for all the sports teams,” Callaway
said of the promotion’s future. Schmidt is hopeful that the Blackout will bring more energy to the game. “We’ve been getting some students,” Schmidt said. “But they were out of school so long (during the winter break) that it was bad for some of our confer-
ence games. Hopefully this game brings more.” The Blackout game against Lynn tips off at 4 p.m. on Feb. 6, following the women’s game against the SSC rival.
Seniors Alex Koronis, Danny Kefe and Jose Jimenez were drafted in the 11th, 14th and 49th rounds, respectively. Also taken in the draft was Carmine Giardina, in the 22nd round, but with a year still left of eligibility Giardina elected to return for his final season. Tampa will also return lefthanded pitcher John Wiedenbauer. He threw a team’s best 52.2 innings, started 12 games, appearing in 13, and posted a 5-1 record in 2009. Among others added, UT picked up transfer student Mike Blanke from St. Petersburg Community College. As a sophomore at SPC Blanke batted .329 with 10 home runs and led the state in RBI with 70. Blanke also tagged 13 doubles and five triples. Evan Stobbs, a junior transfer from UCF, brings versatility to the Spartans. Stobbs comes in as both a right-handed pitcher and a first
baseman. He hit above .370 for the twostraight year, driving in seven and scoring five runs in his sophomore season. On the mound Stobbs appeared in 19 games, striking out 29 batters in 43 innings of work, while also posting a 1-1 record in two starts. Tampa returns its full coaching staff. Head Coach Joe Urso is entering his 10th year with UT. With the Spartans Urso has compiled a staggering 400 wins with 126 losses and one draw and has already gone down as Tampa’s winningest baseball coach. Urso has also turned in two NCAA Championships, six SSC Championships and five NCAA South-Regional Championships. Tampa will attempt to open its season on Feb. 5 as they travel to take on Georgia College & State in a three-game road series. UT’s next home game will be played on Feb. 10 against Rollins as they open a six-game home stand.
Ryan Burkett can be reached at rburkett@ut.edu.
2010 Season, Home, Opener Postponed Due to Weather
Tampa Rolls W. Basketball: Tampa secured its fifth straight overall win and its 15th straight win at home. The Spartans defeated Florida Tech 75-62 after overcoming a halftime deficit. With the win UT improves to 18-2 and 8-1 in conference play. Tampa leads the SSC standings with Rollins, Florida Southern, Barry and Saint Leo rounding out the top five.
The photo taken of the crowd at last year’s Blackout game. Andy Meng/Sports Information
2009 star Casey Albanese making a play for the Spartans. Kara Wall/The Minaret
A make-up day for Tampa’s home opener has yet to be announced. The University of Tampa The Spartans are coming off a baseball team’s season opener was 39-17, 16-8 SSC season in which postponed on Tuesday Feb. 2 due they had four players taken in the to inclement weather. MLB draft. By Kyle Bennett Sports Editor
No. 14 W. Basketball
M. Basketball
No. 7 Baseball
Jan. 6 @ 2 p.m. vs. Lynn
Feb. 6 @ 4 p.m. vs. Lynn
Feb. 5 @ 3 p.m. at Georgia College & State
>>> Tampa moved up two spots in the USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. UT holds a record of 18-2, 8-1. Its only conference loss came at the hands Lynn on Jan. 9.
>>> Following an away match against Nova Southeastern, Tampa will host SSC rival Lynn. UT will then go on the road for two SSC games. Tampa’s record is 9-9, 3-6 SSC.
>>> Tampa will open its season on a three-game road stint as they face Georgia College & State in a double header on Friday, Feb. 5 and a single game on Feb. 6.
Tennis Feb. 6 @ 11 a.m. vs. Rollins >>> After being bumped back a day, due to weather concerns, UT tennis will host Rollins in its season opener. Tampa finished its 2009 season 10-14, 0-7 SSC.