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February 6, 2009
Kitchen Fire Disrupts Super Bowl By Bobby Winsler Sports Editor
Idolize This ... Page 2
Students in Straz Hall were evacuated last Sunday at the end of the third quarter of the Super Bowl after a smoke detector on the fourth floor triggered the alarm. Resident Assistant Roman Dagesh left his stove on when he went on duty for approximately 30 minutes before returning to grab class materials. “I was basically boiling hotdogs,” he said. “I thought I turned the stove off, but apparently I didn’t.” Smoke was originally contained by the door, which hid the odor from neighboring rooms. There were no flames. As soon as it was released, Dagesh began acting on his RA training. “First I turned off the stove,” he said, “then the fire alarm went off about a minute later.” Krystal Schofield, Director of Reslife confirmed that this was not the first time an incident like this has happened but did not discuss the security of Dagesh’s position with anyone other than the RA. Residential policy doesn’t
Stove tops like this are what is used in dorms such as Straz Photo by John Meacham
explicitly state that students must turn off stoves before leaving the rooms, though the university’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is purposely vague. “The EOP is not intended to be an all-inclusive, comprehensive set of directives but rather an organized series of guidelines that may be used in a variety of crisis management situations,” the UT website states. Some residents evacuated the building leaving their ovens and other appliances on thinking that there was no fire and the drill would end soon. However, due to Martinez Gym and the Cass Building used as Super Bowl halftime staging
locations, the fire engine and vent truck were delayed in arriving on scene. Students were advised by the RAs to finish watching the Super Bowl elsewhere. “About an hour after the fire marshals left, I went around to make sure there’s no smoke in their [the resident’s] rooms,” Dagesh said, “and that they’d be able to sleep. Everything was fine.” Despite the EOP, Schofield acknowledged that there are holes in the way it is written. “None of our policies are written specifically for these types of incidents,” she said. “This is because these types of incidents are few and far between.”
DPB Battle Ends with New Benefits The Time Has Come By Journalism I
A week after Hillsborough County commissioners shot down a similar idea and two months after Florida voters rejected gay marriage, the University of Tampa agreed Wednesday to begin offering domestic partner benefits for homosexual couples. Beginning April 1, UT will allow same-sex domestic partners to secure health insurance and other employee benefits. The offer does not apply to heterosexual domestic partnerships because those couples are allowed to marry under state law. “It’s about time,” said Matt Gould, president of the Gay Lesbian Transgender Straight Bisexual Alliance, a UT student group. “I think it’s great that UT is implementing [benefits], but I think it’s wrong that the entire county won’t.” Last week, Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner asked his colleagues to consider having the county offer domestic partner benefits. His request was rejected 5-2, and commissioners declined to even allow county staff to study the issue
further. In 2004, commissioners also declined to offer benefits to gay couples. In Dec.2007, The Minaret reported faculty dissatisfaction with the lack of benefits at UT, characterizing the quest for same-sex benefits as “a 15-year administrative shell game in which
deliberate analysis. In 2008, the university hired an independent consulting firm, Sibson Consulting, to analyze issues and assess the feasibility of offering benefits to domestic partners. The plan listed four requirements: -- Be made available to employees who are in long-term, committed relationships and cannot I think it’s marry according to Florida state great that UT is laws. implementing [ben--Offer equity with married efits], but I think employees to the extent permitted it’s wrong the entire by federal laws. country won’t. -- Be financially responsible. -- Not jeopardize the taxMatt Gould, president favored status of any of UT’s of the UT GLBTA programs. “Because of the first condition, the biggest losers are progress, Sibson’s study focused on the equal rights and the university’s potential design and implementation reputation.” of a same-sex domestic partner Faculty voted twice in four (SSDP) benefit program,” the email years to endorse the benefits but continued. claimed their requests were being “Their research and recent ignored by President Ronald L. presentation of findings helped Vaughn. us determine that offering sameUT’s new benefit plan was sex domestic partner benefits is announced Wednesday in an e-mail feasible and beneficial to the UT community. to faculty members: “The decision to offer samesex domestic partner benefits was See “DPB” [3] made after a lengthy, thorough and
“
”
Inside ...
By Derrick Austin Commentary Editor
Last week, the University of Tampa granted domestic partner benefits (DPBs) to same-sex couples, giving health insurance and other benefits extended to married faculty. It’s about time! This big example of much ado over nothing has been frustratingly drawn-out for years, a tug-of-war between faculty and UT administration. Still, we should bask in this progressive step forward while we still can because, tragically, the rest of Hillsborough County is not so fortunate as county commissioners outvoted a measure to even discuss DPBs. Last week’s legislative measures shouldn’t be looked at as minor, local victories—they’re an example of how our culture is revolutionizing yet warring with itself.
Recent Resident Mistakesw[4] Black History Month [8] DPB Reaction [6]
Stoner Athletes [15]
Soccer Returns [15] Super Bowl Entertainment [10]
Hoobastank Concert[10]
“The existence of the sea means the existence of pirates.”
After all, opinions will show that DPBs are still controversial and not without detractors. The Gay Rights movement is unsettling our nation like the Civil Rights movement, Feminist movement and every other social movement in American history. Like every other social struggle before it, the Gay Rights movement is dismantling what may be the final frontier of patriarchy. Not in the faux-feminist sense of men getting the biggest slice of the pie all the time, but in the sense that our culture is shaped from a (white, heterosexual) male perspective. Here’s something we use everyday: speech. From a male (though technically sexless) God to our rather limited vocabulary when it comes to sex (think long and hard—pardon my crude pun— about what sex sexual verbs derive from), our language is pretty much male. When people want to preserve “traditional values,” what they See “Time”
[6]
News.................[1-5] Commentary.. .[6-8] Editorial .............[6] A&E.............[10-12] Sports ..........[15-16]
[Malayan Proverb]
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
Daughter Carries on Family’s Military Tradition By Jeannie Carlson Beacon Beach
Editor-in-Chief Peter Arrabal parrabal@gmail.com
Asst. Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos chambos@ut.edu
News Editor Ellery McCardle minaret.news@gmail.com
Commentary Editor Derrick Austin minaret.commentary@gmail.com
Sports Editor Bobby Winsler
minaret.sports@gmail.com
A&E Editor Mel Steiner
minaret.arts@gmail.com
Online Editor Alex Vera
avera813@tampabay.rr.com
Head Photographer Mindy Tucker mtucker@ut.edu
Adviser Charles McKenzie charles.mckenzie@ut.edu
Staff-At-Large
Josh Kratovil, Staff Assistant Sarah Gottlieb, Asst. News Editor Jillian Randel, Reporter JP Busche, Staff Writer Emily Williams, Reporter Delaney Spoerl, Reporter Stephanie Roman, Reporter Thiago Queiroz, Reporter Erika Escobar, Reporter Megan Smith, Reporter Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist John Meacham, Photographer Elizabeth Harm, A&E Kadie Hayward, A&E Kristen Vasquez, A&E Shelby Kuni, Sports Olivia Glynn, Sports Kyle Bennett, Sports Samuel Gerb, Sports Shannon Grippando, Copyeditor
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
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N O RT H R E D I N G T O N BEACH – Last week Major Kimberly Bennett deployed to Iraq with the 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army. Her parents, Mary and Richard Bennett of North Redington Beach came to Fort Hood, Texas, to wish their daughter well before her departure. Major Bennett has been in the army for nearly 15 years and is a chemical officer. Her assignment in Iraq is as a chemical and biological weapons specialist working on the division staff, advising the division commander on everything that involves chemicals on the battlefield. “You would be amazed,” said
Bennett. “Google ‘chemicals in Iraq’ and see how many hits you get.” Bennett received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and a master’s degree from Baylor University. After doing non-traditional Army work for the last six years, including three years teaching chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Bennett asked to go to Fort Hood because she knew they were preparing to deploy to the Middle East. “It’s my turn,” responded Bennett when asked how she felt about going. Bennett admits that it was her father who inspired her to seek a career in the Army. Commissioner Richard Bennett served 26 years in
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (three years active duty during the Vietnam era and 23 years in the reserves). “I think my Dad being in the Army made me see how, even though a lot of people are patriotic, it takes something more,” said Kim. “Being in ROTC in college confirmed for me that the Army was what I wanted.” Bennett’s assignment in Iraq is for 12 months. She acknowledges that the vacillating political climate may alter that either way and says she is prepared for whatever happens. When asked what she would miss most while out of the U.S., Bennett responded, “I think I will have everything I could ever need or want, short of my own bed, my family and friends.
In reflecting on her deployment, Bennett had this to say: “Well, I think the support the American people have for our service members is amazing, and we certainly appreciate it,” she said. “It’s a shame that politics get in the way of all that sometimes. I just hope people continue to support our troops and our commander-inchief regardless of the decisions that are made for our future in Iraq. We have a job to do and I think we have to finish it before we come home – if for no other reason than to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice trying to get the job done.” Article originally published by Tampa Bay Newspapers
UT Student Vies for Top Spot at Idol Auditions By Nicole Robinson Columnist
Pop culture seems to have landed on UT and refuses to leave. Last week the campus was abuzz with the Super Bowl and celebrity sightings and parties galore. But don’t put away your paparazzi cameras away just yet. It seems that the University of Tampa is the home of a rising celebrity, Julissa Veloz. Veloz is a Junior, International Business major with a remarkable talent for singing. She auditioned in Jacksonville for the titan of reality T.V., that is “American Idol.” Last week she sang a powerful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” and kept her cool when ex-pop songstress Paula Abdul threw a fit over being overlooked as a judge and stormed out of the audition room. She even managed to coax the pouty judge back into the audition room to resume the decision on whether Veloz was to receive the “Golden Ticket” to Hollywood. Although Simon was hesitant (big surprise), UT’s own Julissa Veloz was through to Hollywood. The Minaret wanted to know all the details about who she is and how American Idol is when the Camera’s are shut off. Minaret: What did you sing on Tuesdays Episode and why did you sing it? JV: “I sang “Inseparable” by From “DPB”: Front Page Officials said more details would be available soon on the school’s employee Web site. Reaction on campus was mixed.Michael Burns, a Spartan Club employee, called the vote “a good thing. I think people that have been together so long, they deserve it.” “I don’t think (homosexual employees) should get special treatment,” said Shanney Myers, a sophomore criminology major. “Benefits are given to a husband or wife when their husband or wife work here. This is not a good thing.” Linda LaComb-Williams, who teaches a nursing lab, disagreed. “It’s a progressive step in taking the stigma away from people who need equal rights,” she said. Gould also thinks UT’s decision is a positive change – especially in
Natalie Cole. As a singer it’s hard to find a song that I connect with but when I sing it (Inseparable), it feels like I’m singing a new song each time.” Minaret: Was your Jacksonville Audition your first audition for American Idol? J V: “ N o , l a s t s e a s o n I auditioned and I didn’t make it past the first round.” M i n a re t : H a s a n y t h i n g surprised you about this process? JV: “I didn’t think people would recognize me so fast! Not only in Tampa but also in Orlando. My hair is curly now, different from how it was on the show but still people are like, ‘HEY!’ Minaret: Are the other people supportive or really competitive? JV: I met a lot of really amazing people while I was there. It seems like we’re really competitive but most of the time we’re trying not to pee our pants trying to impress the judges! Minaret: Any cute guys that you connected with on the show? JV: OH MY GOD we had such a good looking group of hotness! Both guys and girls. Everybody was just so good looking! There were all different types of nationalities, all different types of people but everyone was just ridiculously good looking. It was crazy. Minaret: Have you learned any lessons from your experience
on the show so far? JV: After this experience, I came back a lot more confident in my songs and singing potential. My mind is a lot clearer as to where I’m trying to go with the music. I’m meeting a lot of the right people so I’m really exited about that. I came back so much more confident in myself and as an artist. Minaret: You’re getting a lot of positive feedback now, but with more and more fame come criticism. Should the tables turn, would you be ready for that? JV: I have already gotten negative comments. Some people think I’m not that good but others think I sang my song better than Whitney Houston herself which I don’t agree with because hey! Some people said, “That’s not her real hair!” They think I’m wearing a wig or something! Some people even say I’m retarded sounding, Including Simon. But I just laugh it off. They say these things but that means that they’re paying attention so I don’t mind it. Minaret: Do you have any tips
a state where 62 percent of voters amended the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. “It’s not like people in gay relationships are going around trying to convert their heterosexual friends,” said the sophomore English major. UT FACULTY RESPOND President Vaughn issued this statement to The Minaret, “ The university underwent exhaustive research on providing domestic partner benefits, and I believe this decision will help UT address the reality of a changing workforce, provide a diverse campus community and compete in a highly competitive higher education market.” UT history professor and president of the faculty union Albert Tillson called the new ruling “simple justice.” “It’s a good thing for the university, I know that it is more attractive to lot of people.” However, he hopes that the university will
consider giving benefits to oppositesex partners as well. Evan Chipouras, president of the UT senate faculty is proud the university implemented domestic partner benefits. “There has been a lot of talk on campus lately about values and ethics. I think this policy speaks volumes to the university.” ELSEWHERE Other private universities, including Lynn, Nova Southeastern and the University of Miami, offer domestic partner benefits, as do approximately 80 percent of U.S. News & World Report’s top 50 colleges and more than half of Fortune 500 companies, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. UT is not alone in the benefits debate that has been brought up in recent news. The University of New Hampshire has already gone through this process, and by law in New
for people who might want to be on American Idol? JV: One thing, it’s not like it looks like on TV. It’s a very tedious process. It was long nights of not sleeping and waking up and people getting sick and just hard crazy work all day. It’s really intense. Minaret: What’s something about American Idol that most people wouldn’t know? What’s a little secret that you can let us know? JV: I can’t really talk about like - I can say one thing. Simon is really nice. Minaret: Really? JV: Yeah! At the end of my audition in Jacksonville on TV it seemed like he gave me a tough time or whatever, but when I went to hug him, he whispered in my ear, “Good job kiddo!” He’s really nice and positive. I liked him. Minaret: Are there any lucky routines you have when preparing for an audition? JV: No, I wouldn’t call it luck but I pray before so I get into the zone. Students and America will be watching to see if this talented young woman makes it through the competition and will be cheering her on as the competition becomes fierce. Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@ut.edu Hampshire, a civil union must be forged in order to share benefits. The University System of New Hampshire has just ruled that samesex partners will lose their health benefits unless they are legally in a civil union by July. In Texas, state-funded schools are prohibited by the state from offering benefits to same-sex couples. Texas Christian University, a private school, has offered benefits to homosexual couples since 2005. This year, a bill is to be addressed that will overturn laws preventing the University of TexasAustin from extending benefits to homosexual employees.
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
News
UT vs. The Retreat: Business Feels Bullied
By Liz Harrington Staff Writer
Buses block N. Boulevard to transport crowds for the halftime show (above) P.E.A.C.E and Extreme E.L.I.T.E. volunteer at Boys and Girls club Fri. Jan. 30 (below) Photos by John Meacham
The University of Tampa recently challenged the liquor license of The Retreat, a local bar and close neighbor of the school. The dispute revolved around wet-zoning authority that was eventually approved by the city’s variance review board last December. However, there is yet another court date this March due to an appeal by university attorneys. The bar won the last session with a 6-1 vote, but UT is appealing the decision. Branden Logue, the general manager of the Retreat, explained that the university claimed the bar was in violation of serving beer, wine and liquor due to the history of the land use over the years. The Retreat, which falls under the same ownership as the local Green Iguana chains, had more than enough evidence to prove that the venue has always distributed alcohol, the zoning board ruled. “One thing I know is that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent by UT on this case,” said Logue. “Their points were moot and argument tacky.” Logue also said that given UT’s background of excessive
AVID: UT Educates Students About College By Cristobal Gomez and Anne Orban Staff Writers
The University of Tampa recently began a program to mentor over 100 local elementary students UT hosted around 100 local elementary school students on Monday to kick off it’s participation in a program geared toward keeping kids from dropping out of high school and helping them get to college. Advancement Via Individual D e t e r m i n a t i o n ( AV I D ) i s a nationally recognized program that focuses on grades eight through twelve to help students become eligible for college. Two local schools, Shields School and Burns Middle School participated. The event was organized by professor Martha M. Harrison and Burns Middle School teacher James Gibbs. “We wanted to show students that private universities are in their
reach,” Gibbs said. “We wanted co-operation between UT and the students.” “I hope this is going to lower the drop out rate and keep kids engaged in learning,” said Sarah Young, graduate assistant to Martha Harrison. Several UT officials welcomed the middle school students, including Dean Bill Rhey, Dean Anne V. Gormly and Education Chair Hunter O’Hara. They encouraged the students to study hard and go to college. “UT has a vested interest in getting young students to think about their college careers,” said Dean Gormly. Gormly said she has been involved with helping children for a long time and is “very excited about this program.” S o m e c h i l d r e n i n AV I D feel strongly about what the program is giving to them. “We’ve been in this program since the begining of the this school year and it’s helping me in my classes. I’m getting better grades than I ever
Photo by Cristobal Gomez
did before,” said Burns Middle School student Amy Rivera. “I like AVID because you make a lot of friends and get to do a lot of activities,” said Peter Lepeiretta of Burns Middle School. “I hope it will help me get a scholarship so I can have the money to go to college.” “I hope [Avid] will help me rise above others and to succeed at anything I want. I want to be a marine biologist one day,” said Mikaela Jarman of Burns Middle School. The children in the AVID program took grasp to the opportunies that UT had to offer them and the program is hoping to come back next year.
Going Up! Maybe Not: Elevators Stall Use a phone to call security if you get stuck By Charlie Hambos Asst. Editor-in-chief
The University of Tampa’s Plant Hall houses one of the oldest elevator in the state of Florida, but unfortunately this honor doesn’t prevent any modern elevators problems. Recently, several elevators have stopped functioning in both Stadium Center and Straz Hall. Kevin Howell, Assistant Director of Safety and Security, reported two separate occasions in which elevators stopped with students on board. On Jan. 22, in Straz Hall
several students were stuck between floors one and two. Security reset the elevator, which returned to the first floor. Facilities Management called Otis Elevator, which is under contract to repair UT’s elevators. In a more recent incident, students in Stadium Center on Jan. 27 found themselves trapped for approximately two hours. Howell said that security’s override did not work. They had to call Facilities which has access to the main controls and even they could not bring the elevator down. Finally, Otis elevator was called to do a complete override
and the students were released. Howell said Tampa Fire and Rescue were called just in case the problem was not resolved, but the students were taken care of and in complete communication with the rescuers. UT has somewhere around 32 elevators on campus and a majority of them are working properly. “We haven’t had a lot of elevator issues,” Howell said. If any student does get stuck in an elevator, Howell said that the best thing to do is to use the phone in the elevator which directly connects to UT Safety and Security.
alcohol related violations with students on campus, it was almost hypocritical for them to attack his bar on related grounds. The Retreat caters to young professionals from the downtown area, and Logue mentioned that less than one-third of their customers are students from the university. Besides that, the Retreat has never been raided nor any patrons arrested for any charge related to fake identifications or underage drinking. “We’re professional and we’ve invested thousands of dollars to help increase the image of our immediate neighborhood,” he said. The Retreat is not alone. With the city’s plans to increase social activities downtown with ideas like
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the “river walk,” the neighborhood around UT will only continue to grow with similar business. Hyde Park Av e n u e , w h i c h also includes the popular restaurant Café European and many other small businesses, would be the perfect place for UT to expand with a much needed parking lot, Logue said. If UT were successful in their fight against The Retreat, a “big dog” on the street, they won’t have much trouble bullying the other businesses right out of their way, Logue added. He also feels this is the underlying incentive to the stubbornness of the university, though Dean of Students Bob Ruday declined to comment on the issue without first speaking to the school’s attorney. Liz Harrington can be reached at swim0688@gmail.com
UT Holds Gay Rights Presentation By Megan Smith Staff Writer
Friday, Jan. 30, guest speaker, Professor Johnson, gave a powerpoint presentation on gay rights at The University of Tampa. The presentation was held in the library at 4 p.m. Johnson discussed the underground movements of which the gay movement started. “The Making of a Homosexual Minority in the United States,” published in 1983, discusses the gay rights movement between 1940-1970. In 1951, small underground gay political groups began to form. Then in 1969, one of the largest gay political movements, Gay Pride, began taking hold that June. The advertising and consuming of goods were being
used as a gateway for the gay political movement. Physique Magazine had about 1,000 total subscribers. 1945-1969, consuming networks of the first gay commercial market gave supporters of the gay movement the right to produce and consume goods before the revolution of the gay community movement. “Frank Kamney’s Attic” was a well known gay and lesbian protect location in Washington, D.C. Kamney, was the founder of The Madison Society in Washington. Bill Kelly, another gay rights supporter, grew up in a small town in Missouri in the 1950s. He purchased a Physique Magazine as a gateway into the gay community. The importance of these magazines became a huge tool for the gay rights movement.
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
Stolen Gorilla Found in Smiley Hall Store Owner to UT: Don’t discipline those who stole my mascot
By Charlie Hambos, Peter Arrabal and Mel Steiner
The iconic gorilla stolen from the State Vacuum store on Kennedy Boulevard was found on the west side of Smiley Hall around 3:40 p.m. on Friday Jan. 30. The life-sized replica was seen leaving campus that afternoon. The St. Petersburg Times reported that store owner David Epstein wrote a letter to UT president Ronald Vaughn asking him not to discipline the girls caught with the gorilla. “We’ve all done something stupid. Just not all of us got caught.” The Rescue Two freshmen girls were caught with it inside their dorm room and Tampa Police have confiscated and returned the stolen gorilla to State Vacuum. “To my understanding they apologized [to the owner of State Vacuum],” Cardenas said. Epstein was both ecstatic and
Photo by St. Petersburg Times
grateful to have the gorilla back in his posession. “It’s really good to have him back,” Epstein said. However, he noted that the gorilla was missing the Cardinals jersey and that the girls were still looking for it. He has decided not to press charges.
“We’ve all been young once. We all were Freshmen at some point,” he said. Is this end of the motorized mascot? Epstein commented that the gorilla will be placed outside of the store following the rain. The Search Surveillance videos at State
Vacuum on Kennedy Boulevard and an article comment on tampabay. com sparked the University wide investigation on Thurday to locate animal wearing an Arizona Cardinals jersey in honor of the Super Bowl. According to tampabay.com, security footage showed two young women, between the ages of 18-25, stealing the gorilla. The article comment tipped UT to look in either Urso Hall or Austin Hall. “If you go to UT dorms the first dorm located on kennedy, it is in that dorm, the two girls are roomates, and they snuck the contraption in and wrapped it in a bed sheet!!,” commented ‘Shawn’ on tampabay. com. Cardenas said that UT security looked through security footage at the residence halls that were vaguely mentioned in the article comment and at that time did not find anything. He also said RAs did a visual inspection and nothing was found. Housekeeping was also notified.
Great Moments in Recent Resident History 1. Stealing a local landmark, (GORILLA!!!)
2. Leaving your on the stove on unattended. “Fire in the hole.” 3. Hanging your clothes on the fire sprinklers. 4. Having more than 3.4 students or any in your room. 5. Pulling fire alarms for “fun.”
Tampa Readies for State Fair By Delaney Spoerl Staff Writer
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With the Super Bowl, Gasparilla and now the Florida State Fair, the city of Tampa is having its fair share of a good time. University of Tampa students are cashing in on the all the fun. “I went last year and I was surprised at how much there was to do [at the fair],” sophomore Katherine Simpson said. “I’m from a small state and I’ve never seen a fair like this. There were so much good food, rides and animals.” With an average of 500,000 visitors in a twelve day period, the state fair is considered one of the top five largest events in Tampa. Carnival warehouse.com ranked it number 38 out of North America’s top 50 fairs. The fair includes hundreds of attractions from agriculture and equestrian shows, music, rides, food and shopping for twelve consecutive days. Gates open daily at 9 a.m. and will close according to the day of the week and weather conditions. When asked what her favorite
The Florida State Fair in Tampa is ranked 38 out of North America’s 50 fairs Photo by flickr.com
thing was about the fair, Kerry Cashmen, another UT student said, “The fireworks were my favorite It’s fun to see them in February, being from [Massachusetts] the only time we ever see them is in July.” There are four nights of fireworks, Friday and Saturday Feb. 6-7 and 13-14. Some other attractions include the live shark encounter, La Plaza
Hispanic village cultural expo, concerts and rides. Regular gate admission Monday through Friday is $10 for adults over the age of 12 and $5 for children ages 6-11. Saturday and Sunday it is $12 for adults and $6 for children, which does not include tickets for rides. Tickets will be on sale until Feb. 4 for a reduced price, $8 for adults and $6 for children.
Career Services: Take the Extra Step Impressions go a long way, and can easily lead to a job opportunity
By JP Busche Staff Writer
As students get back into school mode, so does the Career Services department to help the returning kids. With the current economic situation, job opportunities have considerably diminished. The Tampa Bay area alone has an unemployment rate of 8.3 percent, according to tampabay. com, higher than the usual 8.1 percent unemployment rate for the state of Florida. Before the recession, Florida used to be well below that number. “The economy in Florida
has taken a complete shift,” Tim Harding, Director of Career Services said. It is currently more important to become an active jobseeker, then it has ever been before. Career Services works with a number of local and state employers to build career fairs. In a time of more layoffs rather than hires, students are advised to network instead of just sending out resumes. Professionals are well aware of the importance of networking and know people in other branches quite well.
Impressions go a long way, and can easily lead to a job opportunity when networking. Career Services offers training sessions in networking, speed interviews and business etiquette. Harding also offers a class on how to prepare for job interviews, build a solid cover letter and sell oneself, which provides students with some necessary tools. For those opting for further education, he said, “Students attending grad school need to be focused instead of considering it the better alternative in a bad economy.”
Feb. 3 Meeting
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
Spring Leadership Retreat is Feb. 27-28. Only 50 spots available. Sign up in OSLE for refundable $10. Campus Movie Fest is Feb. 25. CMF will have a table in Vaughn Lobby until Feb. 11. Sign up online at campusmoviefest. com. The new elected officers are: Vice-President of Communications Hannah Pothier and Student Commuter President Eyleen Torres Dir. of Public Relations Mark Kieslor is looking to add weather updates and Google search to the home screens on campus computers. For more information email Mark at mkieslor@ut.edu. Feb. 21- UT v. Florida Tech- Women’s Basketball- 2p.m. Game, Men’s Basketball – 4p.m. Game * Both games will be held in Bob Martinez Gym
By Josh Kratovil Compiled From Reports Provided By UT Security Oh, I’m just bumming around … UT officers responded to a call of a homeless person sleeping in the third floor Vaughn Center study room on Jan. 26. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the subject, as he was walking towards the doors in the Vaughn lobby. At least there’s plenty of water … you know, if there was actually a fire. Officers were dispatched to the Boathouse on Jan. 27 in reference to a fire alarm activation. Upon arrival they checked the building and reset the alarm panel. The alarm was on the “off line” mode at the time due to two previous malfunction activations during the day. Soon thereafter facilities and the alarm company responded and repaired the malfunction and returned the alarm back to its online status.
Hey, another dr—oh, wait, not this time … Officers responded to the food court area of Stadium Center on Jan. 27 in reference to a female student passed out on the floor. Upon arrival the officers found the female student still lying on the floor but she was now alert and coherent. She advised she had just flown in from an over seas trip and felt light headed due to not eating for sometime. She refused medical attention and was released to her friends. Either this was a prank or a really, really stupid burglar Officers responded to a delayed report of a possible burglary to a Straz Hall room on Jan. 28. The student reported that when she
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returned to her room she was unable to enter as there was something lodged against the door. When access was made it was found that one of her crutches was leaning against the door to cause the difficulty in entry. The dorm tech was interviewed and reported that she was in the adjoining room and heard noises. She assumed it was a roommate and did not investigate the cause. The student surveyed the room and reported that nothing appeared to be taken. There was no damage to the door or doorframe and no other damages to the room either.
Check out www.theminaretonline.com for the rest of this week’s police beat.
UT Press Writer Visits for Poetry Reading By Emily Brenham Special to The Minaret
All poets have their own special time and place where they create their craft, and Jenny Browne gets creative early in the morning on the porch of her Texas house. Browne, a creative writing professor at Trinity College in San Antonio, Texas, visited the University of Tampa for a reading of her works. Unlike some poets, she writes her very best as early as 5 a.m. when there is no noise around to distract her. She claims to enjoy writing at this time and place because she is able to witness the “silence of the world.” Browne has completed three books of poetry, which include “The Second Reason,” “At Once,” and “Glass.” She has been with the University of Tampa Press since 2003, where she has completed her two most recent books; “The Second Reason” and “At Once.” Browne was raised in San Antonio as a child, which provides her with many memories and opportunities for new poetry as she raises her own children in the same location. The poetry that Browne creates is unique in the way that she begins with a real life image, situation or thought and precedes to trail as far away from her initial starting point as she possibly can, while still remaining close enough to tie it all together. She describes the middle of her poems as “packed full of lies”. Browne’s talent allows her to be both serious and humorous
within the same poem. The thought process that weaves in and out of Browne’s head as she creates her poetry is both simple and complex. In her first draft of her poems she writes down anything and everything that comes to mind. Sometimes her poetry takes several attempts where the final draft has only a slight resemblance to the first draft. Other poems that she creates might reach her satisfaction after one or two drafts. She never tells herself not to include something that comes into her mind as she creates her poetry. Browne stated that she is envious of musicians because they are able to create lyrics as well as instrumental sounds in order to capture a person’s attention and bring them to another place. As she writes her poetry, Browne strives to create the same atmosphere for her readers as musicians do. Two of her favorite musicians are Steve Earl and Townes van Zandt. During her reading, Browne quoted Earl, who once said “Townes van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” Browne has shown a real interest in the way music can relate to poetry. She is a poet with many dreams of creating more books of poetry for the future. Emily Benham can be reached at ebenham@ut.edu
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Commentary The Minaret | February 6, 2009 The Minaret “Advocates” A New Position In our first edition of the semester, The Minaret put out a list of 10 things we would like to see from the University of Tampa community. One was to hire a “student advocate” to act as a mediator among faculty, administrators and students. However, a full explanation of our request would better explain why this job does not belong to the Dean of Students, as many have suggested. A student advocate should never have the fear-inducing title of “Dean.” A dean is someone who rejects your overload requests or tells you that your campus housing has been terminated. A student advocate fights to get that overload processed and suggests other ways to fulfill your requirements. A student advocate makes sure you utilize every appeal and resource you have the right to in your conduct hearing. This position should be modeled after hospitals’ patient
advocate system. When you arrive at an emergency department, you are often assigned a patient advocate to find out who you are, family contacts, what insurance coverage you have and more. The advocate acts as a mediator between the patient and the medical staff. He or she explains anything the patient has a question about and translates the doctor’s orders into terms the patient can understand. If a patient is unhappy about anything, the advocate is there to mediate any problems. If the patient wants a new room, the advocate fights to find an open space. Nurses and doctors have bigger problems to worry about, just like professors and administrators do at UT. As it stands, there is no person in this capacity. This is not an attack on the job that Dean of Students Bob Ruday does; rather, it is a suggestion for a more efficient model of student advocacy. If you have a problem with a professor who misses classes but
demands the work be made up, you could contact the student advocate, who would then work out a solution in a reasonable amount of time. When your financial aid disappears, and you have no idea why, the advocate can explain why in understandable terms. The people in the financial aid office have enough to worry about; their job is difficult and time consuming. As this position does not occur now, there is no central person to contact with all of these problems. Instead, we have an endless bureaucracy of appeals and administrators. Create a student advocate position. It doesn’t have to be one person, and probably shouldn’t. It should be a team of people who are hired with the mind-set that they are here to help the student work with the university, not against it. Maybe it would create a new breed of student who is less resentful of the problems they run into.
Student Reconciles With Personal Beliefs And Domestic Partner Benefits
By Stacy Vieux Columnist
Right off the bat I am going to make it clear that I do not condone same-sex relationships. I believe that a romantic couple should consist of one man and one woman. Before you stop reading this article because of our different opinions, I invite you to continue reading so that you may better understand my beliefs on this issue. After reading my introduction,
one would probably be surprised then good for you. that while I do not condone same Initially I did not agree with sex relationships. UT’s decision. Since then, I learned I actually think that offering to separate my personal beliefs and same-sex partner benefits at UT is realized that extending benefits to not a bad move. same-sex couples does not hurt Right now, in America, times anyone. are hard. I sat down and thought and The made the “I do not encourage scenario economy is at an same-sex relationships m o r e all-time personal low, and but...I feel like benefits to me. no one is should not be denied...” I exempt asked f r o m myself, feeling the turbulence. “Stacy, what would you do if For that reason—but not that a family member of yours was reason alone—I feel like it is hard gay and, therefore, was denied enough to catch a break around benefits?” here lately. “How would you feel if they So if you can catch a break, got sick and could not afford
medical attention?” “How would you feel if, ultimately, a family member’s sexual preference played a role in hindering their abilities to receive medical attention?” If a family member or someone I care about was gay, I would not cut them off, but I would not give them my approval either. Instead I would love them through it because no one can be perfect. To those who agree with me that a romantic couple should consist of one man and one woman but disagree with me about same-sex partner benefits being a good move, I would like you to think about this: the fact that UT now extends benefits to same-sex partners will financially help a lot of people.
I am not going to hate on any financial blessing. Even if it is awarded to someone who practices something that I do not condone, I can’t be mad at good fortune. I do not judge people because I myself do not want to be judged. I do not encourage same-sex relationships, but in this situation I feel like benefits should not be denied to those in same-sex relationships. There are murderers in prison who have better benefits than you and I. And the worse part about it is, you and I pay for those benefits. So why not award benefits to someone who actually works hard for them? Stacy Vieux may be reached at svieux@ut.edu.
Domestic Partner Benefits Expand Narrow Definitions Of Domestic Life From “Time”: Front Page really seek to protect are malecentered values; the Gay Rights movement destabilizes what could be the final wall of patriarchy. It is gay men particularly that throw this “traditional values” crowd through the loop—not that lesbians don’t have it rough, but I feel gay men generally break more cultural rules. A guy puts on a dress and it’s gender-bending. A girl throws on sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt—it’s a day in the park. Female intimacy is perfectly acceptable. From a young age, girls are encouraged to be sociable and forthright with their emotions. Developing deep emotional relationships with other girls is part and parcel of being a girl and maturing into womanhood. Do people even use the phrase “male intimacy? There really isn’t a cultural equivalent or at least a fostering of relationships between men. Culture is defined by what men do.
As long as men stay in that box, then all is well with the world, which is one of the cultural reasons gay marriage is such a hot topic. A same-sex couple alters what exactly a family in the “traditional” sense should do. There are no obvious roles like mommy and daddy, nurturer and provider. Though there are rights to be won, there is so much squabbling between feminists, gays and racial minorities (not to mention all the in-fighting) that a lot of people are blind to our common goals. Belonging to all three groups, I’ve always been a fan of moral justification for defending the civil liberties of any oppressed group, but here’s a cultural one: not too long ago, culture was a white, male heterosexual patriarchy. Everything was defined by white men. Groups are so self-absorbed and busy individualizing their historical sufferings—forgetting that all suffering is suffering and an affront to essential human dignity— that we’re all wasting tremendous amounts of time! At the end of the day, we all suffer for being ignorant, for thinking our pain is greater than
someone else’s pain or our belief is right. Feminists, gays and other minorities—as the small fish in the great pond we call America; we need to work together in solidarity. We share collective pain. As survivors of struggle and hardship, we owe it to ourselves, each other and those to come to put aside our ignoble self-pitying and work toward bettering our country. Division has been our greatest foe, yet here we are separating ourselves, both within and without our separate groups. Civil liberty and justice need to be claimed because this is a collective fight. When your great-grandmother could vote for the first time with other American women, our votes mattered. When my grandfather could drink fountain water without being told he was a second-class citizen, it was the coolest drink we’ve ever tasted. When everyone is granted civil liberties, it’ll be your sweetest day. Derrick Austin may be reached at daustin@ut.edu.
Image by Mrinkk / sxc.hu
The Minaret | February 6, 2009
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Commentary
Showing Job Initiative Lessens Everyone’s Stress By Kadie Hayward Columnist
“That’s not my job.” We’ve heard it a million times. It might have been from a department here on campus. It might have been from a professor or even a resident assistant. It might have been from the guy at Subway or the waitress at Denny’s. For some of you, it could have been the bartender at any of the many clubs in Ybor or on Channelside. “That’s not my job.” No four words frustrate me more than that cop-out answer. Sometimes we get lucky and get an apology—but not often. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard those words and wanted to say, “Well, I’m glad you
get paid for nothing.” But I’m far too polite for that and usually follow up with, “Whom can I speak to about this?” An assistant in a department here on campus used that horrible phrase. I was looking for a few answers regarding some important academic business. After going to three different offices and being assured that this office was, in fact, exactly where I needed to be, I was shocked to hear an employee tell me, “I can’t help you with that. It’s not my job.” Now, I’m quite sure it was this individual’s job to provide me with the information I was looking for, but perhaps they just weren’t in the mood to speak with any more students. Perhaps they forget the answers and thought refusing me information was a better option to giving me
the name of someone who might while they are on the clock when there is good work to be done; good actually be able to help me. It doesn’t just happen in work that probably just doesn’t fall offices, it happens all over campus, under the job description. If everyone made a little extra in classrooms and in student effort to make “it” his or her job, so organizations. How many times have we been much could get accomplished. Students would be far happier told by an officer of a group we are involved in that something just leaving the various offices of the isn’t their job (which is just the easy university, dealing with schedules way of saying, “I’m far too lazy to or financial aid. Students would feel valued do anything that is not specifically listed in my job description and will and invested in while in the continue to make more work for classroom. Students would be encouraged you and the rest of those involved to participate in activities, where by refusing to help you”)? The not-my-job mentality that peer leaders took on a little extra we have all become so accustomed that “wasn’t their job.” Next time you are compelled to to is truly just a mark of complacency say, “That’s not my job,” consider and idleness that ALLOY seemsMEDIA to define & MARKETING how you can make it your job. our generation. JSEFYAN More and more people want to rc may be reached Kadie Hayward do less and less work, wasting away hours a day on Facebook or texting at khayward@ut.edu.
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College Job Experiences Will Fatten Your Wallet And Resume By Anne Napatalung Columnist
Image by SteveMcM414@Gmail. com / flickr.com My father immigrated to the United States with about $40, and my mother grew up in a household with five children where money was often tight. Needless to say, I was taught the importance of a dollar early on. While I respect that some of our student body here at UT may not have to work for whatever reason, I do believe there are many things those of us who are employed are gaining. Granted, not all students who are working are doing so because of financial reasons.
Though I work to be able to pay my tuition and to support myself, I know there are some students who work for the experience and some students who just need the extra spending money. Heck, those club covers and bar tabs add up! However, I think there are many common factors among students who work, which I believe will benefit us in the future. Understanding the value of a dollar becomes very important. We begin to learn what time and effort means in exchange for money. Suddenly, that $135 pair of Jordans becomes three or four nights of tip money. Though many students still receive some support from their parents, learning how to work for what we want prepares us for a time when our livelihood will depend solely on ourselves. The experience we gain is phenomenal. Even if our job isn’t directly related to the field or profession we are looking to go into, we are learning how to work with others (and how to work in general). A job requires patience with others—both co-workers and customers—cooperation, pushing our limits, learning new things and learning to work for and please someone (whether we like them or not).
In addition, for those of us who work in a field similar to our desired profession, the handson experience, knowledge and connections we gain are crucial to our future in (gasp) the real world. What better way to prepare us for what lies ahead than practice? Time management is also something we all gain from working at this age. My job in Ybor City requires late nights; I usually get off around 3:30 or 4 in the morning and don’t find myself asleep until around 5 or 6 a.m. I have learned (as I am sure most working students have) to manage the tasks of homework, clubs, social activities and other numerous commitments around my hours of work. While I am absolutely grateful for the economic boost our school and city have received, I’d like to give a written shout-out to those who worked; I want give my support to the working student. You are not alone in your struggle with sore feet, the fact that you forgot to eat for a couple days or your total of six hours of sleep in a single weekend. To my employed peers: Keep up the good work! The benefits are ours to reap. Anne Napatalung may be reached at anapatalung@ut.edu.
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Commentary
The Minaret | February 6, 2009
Black History Month Reveals New Shades Of American History By Nicole Robinson Columnist
Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Those are five Americans off the top of my head that are not directly part of my lineage racially, but they are all part of my national lineage, my American heritage. Now if I were to ask for someone to switch it around and ask for five names of African American historical figures, could you do the same? This is my query because, believe it or not, some people question the significance of Black History month. Common questions—or rather complaints—I hear are: “Why should they get their own month?” “Why do they separate themselves from the rest of us?” “I think Black History month is racist.” “Barack Obama is president now, doesn’t that mean racism is gone?” “Why do we need to dwell on the past?” and “Who was Malcolm X?” It would be my pleasure to clear up this issue, but we should first venture into the history of Black History month. Black History month was first Black History week. It was developed because history books did not contain realistic accounts of the atrocities of slavery (to say they did not give realistic accounts of slavery is a great understatement).
My parents would tell me that when they were children, Black History month was a mere week and basically all they were taught was that slavery happened. For those of you who still don’t know or understand (because there are many who do not), slavery was a period in our history that lasted well over 200 years, and it more than “just happened.” It wasn’t an inconvenient time, it wasn’t simply bad, it wasn’t an uncomfortable experience for those who happened to be slaves. It was a disgusting, vile fate that I would venture to say was almost worse than death (partially brought about by slave trade between African tribes). Just because runaways weren’t killed or survived their transAtlantic voyage did not by any means make them fortunate. Slaves on ships were closely chained together and received treatment worse than dogs. Because of the lack of food, some slaves had to eat their own regurgitation for survival—or worse. If you happened to be next to one of the many that died on the voyage, you would have to be chained to that individual’s decomposing corpse until you arrived to port. Women were raped on a regular basis or forced to “breed” with other slave men, only to have their children ripped from their arms to be sold off and worked like cattle in another plantation. If you were a strong man, you
were a “buck,” if you were a woman, you were a “breeding wench.” You were a mere possession, even a sex slave. Gathering all the slaves together to see torture and decapitation, removal of genitalia and other disgusting acts on their fellow slaves was a common occurrence to terrorize slaves. That is a history not always portrayed in schoolbooks whether you want to believe it happened or not; it did. Black History month was not a separation of our history from everyone else’s (because at that time it already was); it was simply another exhibit in classroom’s American history tour. Many feel threatened by Black History month—some say that going into detail about what happened is somehow antagonizing white people. Let me just tell you now that it doesn’t and that’s ridiculous. The only reason I could think of why someone would be threatened by the notion of learning about slavery and other aspects of our history is because maybe they want history to repeat itself. Did anyone ever think that we had a whole different type of history than the rest of American society? For example, when George Washington was fighting the battle
Image by Danny PiG / flickr.com for “independence,” slavery was a 170-year-old tradition. Later, while Albert Einstein (a German adopted by America) received his Nobel Prize, the culturally rich Harlem Renaissance was going on—all the while, lynchings blazed across the south. One must realize the socially correct sugarcoated versions of black history are not all that reliable—Beyonce, Flava Flav, “New York” and video girls do not represent my culture. My culture is rich with artists, scientists, thinkers and abolitionists who all contributed to who we are today. Obama is not the end of Black History (nor is he the symbol for
Photoshop Airbrushes The Spirit Of Picture Day
Image from roniweb / flickr.com By Lauren Schmidt Special To The Minaret
Have you ever had a school picture where you look a little less than perfect? Maybe a hair was misplaced or that big red pimple just wouldn’t go away? This day and age, you don’t need to be ashamed of how you look in a school picture, because with a click of a mouse and a push of a button, all of your imperfections are retouched and wiped away. Kelly K. Spors of The Wall Street Journal addresses this ongoing trend in “Where All School Photos are Above Average,” saying that studios across the nation are charging “$7 to $10, and can usually wipe out imperfections in a matter of minutes.” With the use of Photoshop,
photographers can get rid of anything from tattoos to halfclosed eyes. Spors takes this topic and provides an informative, unbiased essay that lets the reader in on the happenings of school photography. Using specific and sometimes shocking examples, she highlights individuals and families who have had retouching done on their yearbook pictures and senior portraits. For example, Nicole Benson from Melbourne got her braces removed for her senior picture, stating, “I think I look a lot better without braces.” Well, Nicole, I hate to break the news to you, but I’m pretty sure nobody enjoys how he or she looks
with braces. Take my fifth grade yearbook picture for example. It included a bowl cut, butterfly hair clips and the standard bright blue braces. However mortified I was at the time, it was just a fifth grade yearbook picture. I don’t stay awake at night tossing and turning because my school picture from the most socially awkward years of everybody’s life contains me wearing braces. According to the photocorrecting customers Spors talked to though, “for kids who are particularly self-conscious… getting rid of braces or other embarrassments can be an esteembooster.” What happened to the days when it was typical to have a bad school picture? When nobody poked fun or looked down upon someone who didn’t look smoothed and untouched, but instead looked like a living breathing human being? I don’t condone the use of these image-enhancing programs because it creates unrealistic expectations. Sure, you can look real good for a picture, but what about when you have to stand in front of somebody? When you look in the mirror? You still have that zit, you still have those braces and you still have that tattoo from spring break last year. By erasing all of these socalled “problems”, we are denying what we were born with or given. Spors points out an example that truly illuminates this ridiculous
idea. “One mother asked to digitally repair a decayed tooth in a her thirdgrade sons photo” Spors writes, “by replacing it with a shiny white one.” That mother got rid of a decayed tooth for a school yearbook picture, but what about for the rest of this young boy’s life? Maybe instead of trying to cover it up, she should take her son to a dentist and teach him proper dental care. The people I feel the most sorry for are not the kids who can erase themselves on a computer, but the people who don’t get the service done. The students who have yearbook pictures that are normal and standard now look like freakish outcasts compared to the Barbie and Ken clones that school photography companies are spitting out. I want to see the day when it is okay to have zits. The day when people don’t shun their school yearbook photo for being terrible, but instead embrace it because it teaches humility. I want to see the day when people stop obsessing about how they look on the outside but instead start working on what’s inside, such as their personality and character. Maybe then we can make these photo-correcting services obsolete, and people can welcome their true selves. Lauren Schmidt may be reached at lschmidt@ut.edu.
the end of racism), but he is a good example of why we need to look back in time. He showed it takes hard work to get to where he is. It also took hard work for him to even dream of having his position. Nat Turner, George Washington Carver, Aretha Franklin, Peg Leg Joe and the true story of Malcolm X. If you don’ know them already, try and get to know them this month. Learn your country’s history. Black History month is also your history month. Nicole Robinson may be reached at nrobinson@ut.edu.
Make-Up Picture Day! The Moroccan will be hosting picture day Mon, Feb 23 Wed, Feb 25. Pictures will be taken in Vaughn Lobby (across from B&N). This is open to underclassmen and seniors! These are make-ups and not retakes. This is your last chance!
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009 Arts & Entertainment Hoobastank Proves They Are Here For(n)ever By Katy Sandusky Staff Writer
Hoobastank just released their highly anticipated album, “For(n) ever.” It is their fourth major album, in addition to a few self released albums, as well. Finishing a recent show in Tampa, Hoobastank continues to tour with 3 Doors Down after the recent release of their new album. The album poses no disappointment to Hoobastank fans and shows development in vocals and guitar. The content is predictable, with the typical self-indulgent
broken heart ballads, but the sound is more evolved than earlier albums. There are more risks taken with the guitar and vocals. The vibe is classic Hoobastank: high energy, leaving fans declaring “For(n)ever” Hoobastank’s best album yet. Lead vocalist, Dan Estrin’s vocals are more mature than past albums and experimental at times. “All about you” shows off a raspier sound than usual. The guitar rifts are welldeveloped and even surprising at times.
There is obvious use of well-placed reverberation. The track titled “gone, gone, gone” epitomizes the versatility of the guitar with rifts that sound almost psychedelic followed by sections of heavy playing. The album is overall impressive and well worth listening to. Unlike many pop-rock bands, the songs on Hoobastank’s latest album sound distinctly different. At no point does the listener wonder if the tracks are on repeat. Well worth the buy, this album delivers unexpected versatility and dramatic musical growth.
Springsteen Bruces Up Tampa Super Bowl Halftime Show By Zach Fraser Staff Writer
This year’s Super Bowl has come and gone once again. The clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals was entertaining to say the least, but this year’s game will need to leave room in the books for an asterisk, reading only this: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band. The band Journey opened up the Super Bowl pre-game event with their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, performing their hit “Don’t Stop Believing.” Although it was a really good performance, the song choice couldn’t help but underline what every loyal Journey fan was thinking, “Don’t stop believing that Steve Perry, the original lead singer, will someday sing with the band again.” Faith Hill sang “America the
Beautiful” and Jennifer Hudson, moving to see Hudson get back on in her first live performance since her feet after a horrible year. Springsteen performed the her family tragedies, sang the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show. National Anthem. For the entirety of the set, According to MTV.com, Super Bowl Producer Ricky Minor the 59-year-old legend strutted around the stage requested that only justifying Hill and Hudson why his persona lip-synch to prename is simply recorded tracks the “boss.” of the songs they They started were supposed to off the halftime be singing. show with, “That’s the “Tenth Avenue right way to do Freeze-Out” it,” Minor said. “There’s too followed with many variables to “Born to Run,” go live. I would both of which never recommend are off his breakany artist go Photo by Oscar Algote/flickr.com out and third live, because the studio album, slightest glitch would devastate “Born to Run.” As the set progressed, the the performance.” Although lip-synched, both “Boss” ran right into his most performances were very good in recent single and the title track for their own right, and it was truly his latest album, “Working on a
Dream.” And when fans thought it couldn’t get any better, they were all given shots of adrenaline when the intro to “Glory Days” was strummed so loud you couldn’t help but dance around. Crowd interaction, kneeslides, jumps, smiles; everything was there during his performance. The one thing that any aspiring musician should take away from Springsteen’s performance during the Super Bowl is this: enjoy what you do. Today, stage performances can be described as overdone, redundant and trite. Springsteen and the E-street Band did exactly that on Sunday. If there can be anything said about the “boss” and his performances, it is that he not only throws amazing performances, but you can actually tell he loves what he does. Nearly every second of the
halftime show was filled with contagious Springsteen emotion. Running around, grinning from ear to ear, dancing, crashing into camera men, you name it, the “Boss” proved why his name has become synonymous with the best concerts around. Of course, it is a given, when Super Bowl XLIII is brought up five years from now, people will rant and rave about a great game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. But, I believe that somewhere in that conversation, Springsteen’s name will be brought up, whether it is for his stage performance, the songs he played or the overall affect he had on the viewers watching, that can be contemplated. But this is for certain: Bruce Springsteen and the E-street Band have officially etched their names in Super Bowl history.
Sub-Par Super Bowl Commercials Anger Fans By Vicky Blyde Special to The Minaret
The all-star cast says, “He’s Just Not That Into You” Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck and more are a group of twenty- and thirty-somethings whose lives intertwine as they face singlehood, marriage and everything in between. If you have ever wondered why he didn’t call, why he doesn’t want to sleep with you, or why he stares at other women while you’re talking – he’s just not that into you. Director: Ken Kwapis Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 129 min.
Coraline, A-door-able! Coraline, the voice of Dakota Fanning, ventures through a secret door in her new home to find an alternate version of her life. When the fun newness of the world wears off, things get dangerous and she must rely on her resourcefulness to survive. Director: Henry Selick Rating: PG Running Time: 100 min.
Average advertising leaves viewers wanting more
By Zach Fraser Staff Writer
Whether you watched for the game, the festivities or the downright social aspect of it, the Super Bowl this year seemed to fall a little stagnant and prove this year to have many ad flops. Oddly enough, two brothers who entered in a Doritos advertising contest made the commercial that seemed to get the most positive feedback. Joe and Dave Herbert gave the Super Bowl audience a great laugh in their, “Snow Globe” commercial where two office mates asked their future to a snow globe, being rewarded with free Doritos. Not only do they have a great commercial to look back on, but also a not too shabby one million dollar reward for winning. Another commercial that entertained audiences was the CocaCola “Picnic” advertisement. The minute long commercial featured all sorts of bugs and insects depriving some man napping in the pack of his beloved Coke. The computer animated commercial was ever so appealing to the eye which made it a success. Pepsi’s advertisement used Bob Dylan’s song “Forever Young” as the backbone to their refresh everything slogan. Although
the commercial meant well, I highly doubt that Bob Dylan’s counterpart in the ad, Will.I.Am will lead anything close to a revolution like Dylan’s musical career. All and all though, it was a fun commercial that is riding the coattails of Pepsi’s past success with their Jimi Hendrix Super Bowl advertisement. GoDaddy.com. I get it. Sex sells, I’m a 20-year-old male in college; no one gets that better than me. But, believe it or not, most of us have younger siblings that we’d like to shelter for just a little bit longer. Priceline continued with their awful advertisements featuring William Shatner. Shatner gives a struggling couple something to be excited about when he gives them a great deal on a vacation. The plot doesn’t sound too bad, but the over-the-top acting and hideous “Priceline Negotiator” jig makes nails on a chalkboard sound more appealing. And William Shatner, does anyone dislike him as much as I do? Not necessarily bad, Budweiser followed in their own footsteps with making more commercials including their signature
Clydesdales. The commercials which have had success in the past are starting to become a little bit to overdone and hopefully next Super Bowl we’ll have a different direction with Budweiser’s advertising. To me, the most interesting thing about the Super Bowl commercials this year was not the awful ones nor the great ones, but the movie teasers, which seemed to stir up the most commotion. Teaser trailers for the new “Fast and Furious movie, new Will Ferrell movie” and new Pixar movie seemed to make everyone excited. Not to mention, “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” surely to be one of the year’s biggest blockbusters. Overall, the Super Bowl commercials were average this year, leaving room for much debate as to which was the worse and which was the best. Super Bowl XLIII did give us though is anticipation for next year’s commercials, in hoping that they improve, greatly. Photo Illustration by Max Roberts
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Arts & Entertainment
The Minaret | February 6, 2009
Quilt’s Corner CHILD SOLDIER By Sean Malloy
Start your morning off right with this energy-inducing breakfast By Michelle Magner Staff Writer
Eggs are a perfect way to turn a dismal meal into an egg-static extravaganza. Eggs can be used in each course of the day whether they are scrambled for breakfast, tossed in egg salad for lunch or dipped to coat chicken. Breakfast is the first and most important meal of the day. My eggs, onion and ham recipe offers the energy and protein to start any morning off right. Yes, scrambled eggs are good, but adding more ingredients to them adds flavor and fun. Bacon, peppers and sausage are some options to add, and you may be thinking it’s just like an omelet; but now you don’t have the hassle of trying to flip the egg over perfectly so it looks like it came from one of the Food Network chefs. This recipe is easy to make and delicious to eat. Your body will thank you throughout the day!
Photo by Michelle Magner
Ingredients: 3 Eggs 2 Tbsp milk 1 ½ Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp oil 2 slices of cheese (broken up into small pieces) 2 slices of ham 1 small yellow onion Dash of salt and pepper
Preparation: Chop up onion and ham, and place in an oiled skillet. Stir on medium heat. In a separate bowl mix together eggs, milk, mayo and cheese. Add the ingredients to the skillet. Using a spoon, scramble the ingredients from side to side. Cook until eggs are light and fluffy.
Raise a gin bottle, for this story is true About a child soldier, he’s a person, too But he is a boy with no name, he’s a number instead 497K carved with a blade on his head Rocket propelled grenades strapped to his back Feed him cocaine ‘til his world fades to black An amphetamine demon awakens from deep within The devil himself crawls beneath his scarred skin He knows no English, barely knows his native Krio Obliged to fight the Diamond War of Sierra Leone He can recognize the pitter pat-pat of an AK-47 He has experienced so much, yet he is only eleven But he kills because it is all that he knows Forced to commit atrocities by the white dust in his nose Kill, Beat, Maim is embedded in his brain “Mercy to no one” was
how he was trained He watches Rambo films, to desensitize his soul His heart ceases to exist, it’s replaced by cold He sometimes dreams of his mother’s reassuring voice But he was kidnapped by rebels, he had no choice He had to prove himself worthy, show he was a man But what they made him do, no real man can He watched the bullet pierce his mother, and tears streamed from his eyes He would no longer go to sleep to her sweet lullabies He was forced, FORCED by the rebels and the drugs FORCED to shoot his mother, with whom he shared blood He is caged up. Surrounded. Bars all around This boy represents the irony of “Free”town A youngster with the weight of a divided land on his shoulders CHILD SOLDIER…
“Castle Crashers” Breaks Boring Game Barriers On Xbox Live Arcade
By Shannon Grippando Staff Writer
Xbox Live Arcade downloads are a crap shoot. Games like “Geometry Wars” and “Mega Man 9” are well worth your precious Xbox Live points, but do you really want to dish out $10 for “Texas Hold ‘Em” or “Spongebob Squarepants: Underpants Slam?” I was hesitant to cash-in my $15 worth of points to download “Castle Crashers,” a 2D flash game apparently developed by some chumps at newgrounds.com. I’m not knocking these guys, but it seemed a bit sketchy. Luckily, some motivation by a friend and the free trial finally convinced me to cough up the cash for what is currently my favorite Xbox Live Arcade game in my library. “Castle Crashers” is a beatem-up game with a few twists, reviving a dying genre of games. By their nature, beat-em-ups have fallen off the
face of the gaming map with their repetitive tasks and shallow button mashing. Gaming geeks of yesteryear are sure to remember games like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turles: Turtles in Time” and the gigantic X-Men game cabinet UT’s lovely Spartan Club houses. Sure, beat-em-ups are fun with a group of friends for maybe an hour or two, but mashing two buttons over and over again to do the same kicks and punches is bound to get older than reruns of “The Golden Girls” on Lifetime. “Castle Crashers” sets new expectations for the genre. You and three of your friends are brave knights who must traverse forests, volcanoes, deserts and (of course) castles to rescue four princesses (who curiously resemble the Power Puff Girls) kidnapped by a sorcerer. Why were they kidnapped? I’m not too sure to be honest. I suppose it’s just because they’re princesses. That seems to be the role of royal damsels in video games ever since a pudgy Italian plumber rescued a certain brunette from a covetous ape more than 25 years ago. Don’t question it, just suspend your disbelief. Like a RolePlaying Game, as a character gains experience from
beating up on baddies in “Castle Crashers,” it levels up. New combos are unlocked through leveling like uppercuts and headbutts. This keeps the fighting fresh and interesting. While there aren’t as many unlockable combos as I’d like there to be, it’s a nice addition to give players motivation to level. Along with gaining combos, players can upgrade their skills in strength, magic, defense or agility. It’s a simple customization option, but the benefits a character reaps are robust and rewarding. It’s particularly fun when each member of your group customizes their character favoring a particular attribute. This forces your group to fight as a team and develop new strategies onthe-fly. Part of the fun of “Castle Crashers” is when you must stop fighting as a team and concentrate on number one: yourself. In arenas or whenever you save a princess, characters must duke it out against their comrades to determine who the mightiest knight is. The victor gains bragging rights and a smooch from the lovely princess. Weapons are plentiful, providing the usual swords, maces, wands and spears. But some interesting additions are included like sausages, light
sabers, and spoons. My personal favorite is the lobster. Players can obtain animal orbs to gain special power-ups like enhanced defense or a pet that shoots ice pellets randomly. The animals seem to block your view more than help, but they’re a nice addition to customization. The real charm of “Castle Crashers” comes from its humor. From defecating deer to beetles that wave a white flag of defeat and melt away when killed,
this is silly toilet humor at its best. Hey, I’m not above laughing at fart jokes, and you don’t have to be either. The artistic style and comedic appeal fit perfectly together, providing a fantastic tongue-incheek adventure. It’s cute, it’s quirky, it’s just plain fun. “Castle Crashers” is a must have for Xbox 360 owners with a few fellow gamer friends. It’s a refreshing addition to the beat-em-up genre, packed with hilarious fun. But don’t take my word for it. A free trial is available on Xbox Live Arcade. Download it and see for yourself. I give “Castle Crashers” for the Xbox Live Arcade a five out of five.
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Arts & Entertainment
By Linda C Black Tribune Media Services
Aries (March 21-April 19) It’s best not to tell everybody what you have in mind until you have more of the bugs worked out. Give yourself some leeway, so you can make changes before you go public. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re studying to learn what to do. The more valuable information would be to find out what you should avoid. Don’t run away from the problem; that won’t work. Gemini (May 21-June 21) You can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip, but there are ways to squeeze a few more items through the checkout line. Remember how your folks used to economize when you were a kid. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Don’t assume that just because you’re right, you’ll get agreement. Somebody wants to argue with you just for the fun of it. Don’t be crushed; produce facts. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Unfortunately, while you were conferring, your work was stacking up. So what are you going to do about it now? Give it to your administrative assistant. You don’t have one? Bummer. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t talk bad about anybody behind their back, especially now. They’ll find out
by Austin Daniels
The Minaret | February 6, 2009
if you do. It’s a sure bet. Don’t pass on other people’s gossip either. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) A conflict between your career and domestic life requires your attention. If you’ll be home late, let them know, OK? And take them a special treat. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) What you’re discovering seems to conflict with what you already know. Could there have been trickery involved? Well, actually, yes. Continue your investigation. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Should you save or should you spend? Oh, the horror, of making these decisions. You want to spend, so get yourself a pack of gum. Chew on that, and think. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) There’s going to be competition. You expected that. In a way, it’s good. It keeps you sharp and also helps you meet people who are playing the game at your level, and above. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Changes in your assignment are the only thing you can assume. Everything else needs to be checked and verified three or four times. In writing, preferably. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) This evening, someone you know well needs more personal attention. You’re very good at listening, and that will sure help a lot. Your patience will be very much appreciated.
The Minaret | February 6, 2009
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
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The Minaret | February 6, 2009
15
Sports
Soccer Dedicated to Rebounding after Disappointment
By Shelby Kuni Sports Columnist
Dec. 5, 2008 is a date the members of the University of Tampa men’s soccer team will never forget. It was the day the Spartans’ remarkable run at a national title ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to Cal State-Dominguez Hills. Having been in their exact
position only a few years ago, I could identify with the emotions they were going through when that final whistle blew all too well. The pain of such a big loss is unexplainable, but so is the determination it instills in you. “Honestly, it was the worst thing I’ve ever gone through in my life,” said junior captain Ryan Thompson. “I didn’t want to look at a soccer ball the entire [holiday] break.” With only the first week of spring training under their belts,
I can personally attest to the newfound ambition and enthusiasm implanted in the men’s team. A handful of them attend UT’s weight and running coach Rafael Ruiz’s optional 5:30 a.m. workouts on top of team practices and team weight lifting/running sessions with Ruiz. I can look out my window (fourth floor Straz) at any moment and see multiple players on the field or running on the track; at night time I see them playing in pick-up games with each other.
“I’ve never seen this before,” Thompson said. “We’re still in the process of getting over what happened to us, but everyone has been working so much harder, and players are actually going out to do stuff on their own. We are working on getting better individually right now.” Although they only lost two players, both to the MLS (Ryan Maxwell to New England Revolution and Sean Bucknor to FC Dallas), the team has been spending the last couple of weeks
still coming together as a whole. “Maxwell and Bucknor are true inspirations,” Thompson said. “They have motivated all of us to work even harder, and the level of intensity at practices has been amazing.” Head coach Adrian Bush hasn’t stopped giving his team positive advice throughout this whole ordeal. He is keeping the guys focused on their overall goals…one which ends with a national championship next season.
Phelps and Parker Share Botanist’s Taste and a Super Blunder in Pot Problems By Kyle Bennett Online Sports Manager
Michael Phelps Nationally-known swimming icon Michael Phelps was photographed taking a hit out of a marijuana pipe. The photograph was published on Super Bowl Sunday in a British tabliod. Phelps, who planned to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa,
quickly decided not to attend the game. Just three years after his 2006 guilty plea to drunken driving charges, what is Phelps thinking? Is he still just an immature 23-year-old boy? All signs point to yes. Can he turn his image around? As it looks now, no he cannot. Check out the rest of this post at www.theminaretonline.com/ overtime. Send entries to minaret.overtime@gmail.com.
Preston Parker A long overdue dismissal was finally handed out by head coach Bobby Bowden of the Florida State Seminoles. After his third arrest since 2006 and second arrest in one year junior, Preston Parker will keep his scholarship at FSU, but will no longer wear the garnet and gold on the gridiron. Parker was arrested and charged with driving under the in-
fluence after an officer found him asleep in his car on Jan. 21, 2009. The car was still running. Police reported that the junior up-andcoming star admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana. Parker’s dismissal leaves the FSU receiving corps very thin. With Greg Carr’s departure the Seminoles will look with very sharp eyes at the newly recruited class. If the new class doesn’t bring with them more class Florida State University will soon become the Felonies Start Up School. Their new motto: “come learn to be a criminal in garnet and gold.”
Fire Fuels Steeler Riots
By Brenton Burkett Sports Blogger
Phelps was honored after winning eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics.
Photo by Monica Lopossay/MCT
As approximately 100 percent of Americans found out on Sunday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. While Tampa was the epi-
center of the sports universe, the postgame celebrations were based around the hardworking citizens of Pittsburgh, Pa. Thousands of fans jammed the streets in sub-freezing temperatures in the aftermath of their beloved Steelers’ victory. They could not topple innocent bystanders’ cars thanks to well-placed police barricades – though I think they would have attacked cardinal red vehicles first. So they performed the next best celebratory ritual they could, which was lighting couches on fire. In Tampa, when the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays won, I do not recall having ever witnessed the arson of perfectly useful furniture in the name of sports. Maybe they wanted to stay warm? But couches only cost several hundred dollars, while cars cost thousands. This economical tip may come in handy at future riots. Check out the rest of this post at www.theminaretonline.com/ overtime.
Super Bowl Shake-Down “I think it was good but I think the wrong team won, and I think Larry Fitzgerald should have been MVP.” –Melissa McCall “It was an incredible game. The last four minutes were the craziest four minutes of football that I’ve ever seen in my life. They should have reviewed that last minute [Kurt Warner fumble] call.” –Cory Porteus “I was going back and forth, originally for the Cardinals, I didn’t really take it seriously, but I was glad that the Steelers won.” – Savannah Audino “I was going for the Cardinals the whole time, I thought that it was a very evenly matched game.” – Ariel Borrego “It was entertaining all the way through.” – Kasey Cleaver
Get your articles in print and your blogs posted online. Contact minaret.sports@gmail.com to find out more information.
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‘n t u O
Sharp Shooters
The men’s basketball team defeated Palm Beach Atlantic for the second time this season on Jan. 31 with a score of 75-64. Leading the Spartans with 26 points was Rashad Callaway, followed by Johnathan Ball with 13. The win helped the Spartans to a 11-7 overall record.
Fastpitch No. 10 The University of Tampa Softball team has earned a spot in the Division II Top 25 Poll for the first time in the program’s history. The National Fastpitch Coaches A s s o ciation chose the Spartans as the No. 10 team in the Henriott country. UT will return seven starters from last year’s team (35-13), including Deanna Henriott, who had a recordbreaking 251 strikeouts last year. The Spartans open up their season on Feb. 20 against Palm Beach Atlantic.
FINALLY, BASEBALL’S BACK!
By Kyle Bennett Online Sports Manager
The University of Tampa Spartans proved to the conference why they are the favorite to take the SSC crown. Receiving 15 of 16 first place votes in the preseason poll, Tampa easily is the favorite to win. Florida Tech came into the Feb. 3 night game with a 2-0 record and a fourth place preseason conference ranking. Prior to the game head coach Joe Urso expressed confidence in his returning stars as well as the newcomers. “The guys have played so many practice games against themselves,” Urso said, “they are just ready to get out here and get some outside competition.” During the offseason the Spartans were not resting whatsoever. Countless hours were spent in the weight room and on the field. “I’m really excited for the guys,” Urso said, “They have worked really hard on the field and in the weight room.” The Panthers were only able to hold down the Spartans for two innings. In the third UT took advantage of a three-error inning by the Panthers. Transfer junior
Jose Jimenez slides in after knocking a double to rally his team to an 11-1 victory.
Correy Figueroa led off with a single. Senior Jesus Barroso followed behind him with an RBI triple. A throw into Tampa’s dugout brought Barroso around to score. UT added another run in the inning to make it 3-0. Following the three run third, UT starter Josh Bowman gave up a solo home run to Florida Tech. With a 7 run fourth inning the Spartans put the game away. Sophomore Jared Simon finished
the game 4-for-4 and led off the inning with a homerun. “I was real pleased.” said Urso. “ It’s the first night and you never know what your players are going to do.” A solo homerun by Steven Broschofsky took the game its final score of 11-1. Thomas Meagher tossed three scoreless innings for the Spartans. Danney Keefe and Alex Koronis
Jimenez guards the plate though he used to play first base. By Olivia Glynn Asst. Sports Editor
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim drafted Jose Jimenez in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball Draft, but he has returned to UT to play his senior season with the Spartans in hope of winning another national
Photo by Abby Sanford
championship. “We have so much fun here playing baseball and winning two national titles, and losing last year pretty much had a big part of it,” Jimenez explained. “I wanted to come back and try to win another one, and get closer to finishing school.” Falling short of the national
M. Basketball
W. Basketball
>>> The men face a strong Rollins team as they contend for an important conference win against the Tars.
>>> The Lady Spartans look to stop an aggressive Rollins squad, who currently sits at the top of the SSC standings.
Feb. 7, 4 p.m. vs. Rollins
also tossed one scoreless inning apiece. “We weren’t really sharp early on,” said Urso, “but we settled in pretty good our second time through our lineup. We did real well.” The head coach was overall very pleased with the performance of his men. Kyle Bennett can be reached at kbennett@ut.edu.
Spartan Selects Education over Major Opportunity to go Pro
Melbourne Mulligan The UT golf team kicked off their spring season on Feb. 2 and 3 at the Titan Winter Invitational hosted by Brevard College in Melbourne. The Spartans finished sixth out of nine teams. Leading Tampa was Kris Shane who shot +7 over the two days. The next challenge for UT comes on Feb. 7 and 8 at the Webber Invitational in Lake Wales.
Photo by Abby Sanford
Feb. 7, 2 p.m. vs. Rollins
championship last year was sure to have an impact on the first baseman’s choice to stay, but so did his final year in college. “I just wanted to come back and enjoy my senior year of school, that was my biggest thing. We’ll see at the end of the year how that goes,” he said. The decision to fulfill his
lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseball player was in his hands last June, but he turned it down to return to school. “It was tough because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I was given the opportunity to pick and I didn’t think it was going to be this hard to decide. It was definitely tough,” said Jimenez. The Spartans opened up the 2009 season this week with a target on their backs, being preseason favorites to win the Sunshine State Conference. Jimenez is looking forward to a great season and having as much fun as possible. The former first baseman defended the plate against Florida Tech in their season opener. As for his decision to stay at UT instead of joining the Angels, Jimenez is satisfied with his choice. “I felt a lot better when I finally came to my decision,” he said, “and I haven’t regretted it one bit.” Olivia Glynn can be reached at oglynn@ut.edu.
Baseball
Feb. 8, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. vs. Georgia College & State >>> The Spartans will host the Bobcats in a double header on Sunday. The third game of the series will be on Monday at noon.
Two athletes get into similar trouble and Pittsburgh riots...almost [15]