Florida’s Top College Paper
U nve i l i n g The Truth: Boathouse Curtains Update [3]
Vol. 75 No. 23
ut.minaret@gmail.com
www.theminaretonline.com
March 27, 2009
Having A Bad Day? Gripe Here By Peter Arrabal Editor-in-chief
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oday, I spent six hours looking at fmylife. com. I failed two tests, got a parking ticket, and forgot to eat lunch. FML. Fmylife.com, a user-generated blog, is filled with self-degrading anecdotes and has exploded in popularity, especially with University of Tampa students. “Some are hilarious, some are hard to identify with,” junior Jay Creighton said. “You get some 13year-old talking about how their ‘crush’ walked by them and they dropped their book on their shoe and I don't find that as amusing. They need a fmylife jr.” The site has gotten so popular See “Fmylife”
[2]
How Students Really Feel About Alcohol EDU By John Jacobs Columnist
Between looking at porn and doing my homework, sometimes at the same time, I received an email telling me I needed to complete the Alcohol EDU online course. As you can imagine, I was very excited. The course starts off with a long video (you can’t skip it, I tried) with a few college kids talking about random things, trying to get us interested. It usually starts with a guy and a girl sitting on a couch talking, with a ping-pong table and vending machines in the back. “Hey, Marissa, wasn’t that test lame in Biology yesterday?” (Oh my God! I can relate! They so get me!) “Yea Jake, it was totally stupid! That Mr. Daniels is such a loser!” (They’re being mean, this is funny!) The guy and the girl chat, as a second guy walks into the room, See “Alcohol”
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Mike Seitzler (left) and Julie Gillham (right) Hairdressers: Shauna and Deborah Photo Illustration by Alex Vera
[13]
Boathouse Curtains Update [3] Approaching Dilemmas [4] Fashion: Keeping Casual [7]
Inside ... Global Warming Hype [11]
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P.E.A.C.E. gave back with their annual Locks of Love hair-raiser last week. Five girls and one guy lined up to donate at least 10 inches of hair each. All donations went to children under the age of 18. For more information visit www.locksoflove.org.
CD Review: Thursday [7]
7 Things [8] Blogs From Overtime [15]
Softball Success [15]
“The source of all man’s creative power is his power of making images or the power of imagination. ”
News.................[1-5] Commentary..[10-13] Editorial ........... [11] A&E.................[6-9] Sports ..........[15-16] [Robert Collier]
News
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The Minaret | March 27, 2009
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9 0 0 2 k e Greek We 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
Photos by John Meacham
A&E Editor Mel Steiner
he Greeks invaded Pepin stadium last Monday night. Organizations paired up to compete in various events. Competitions included a pie eating contest and tug-of-war. The presidents of each organization tried their luck in an egg toss. Each fraternity and sorority elected a Greek God and Goddess to represent them. These individuals had to face questions about Greek unity on campus and personal role models. Also, Greek life brought a guest speaker Rick Barnes to improve responsibility among members. On March 21, Greeks cleaned the city participating in four hours of community service each. The final events of the week included the awards night hosted at the sticks of fire and a stroll-off in Martinez Gym on Thursday. A penny war was held throughout the week to raise money for charity.
minaret.arts@gmail.com
Online Editor Alex Vera minaret.online@gmail.com
Head Photographer Mindy Tucker mindy.minaret@gmail.com
Adviser Charles McKenzie charles.mckenzie@ut.edu
Staff-At-Large Josh Kratovil, Staff Assistant Sarah Gottlieb, Staff Writer Jillian Randel, Staff Writer JP Busche, Staff Writer Delaney Spoerl, Staff Writer Thiago Queiroz, Staff Writer Megan Smith, Staff Writer Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist Abby Sanford, Photographer Kara Wall, Photographer 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, Copy Editor David Glenn, Copy Editor
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.
UT’s “Big Give” to Raise Awareness for Multiple Disorders By Ashley Dignam Special to The Minaret
"The Big Give" is a week-long event giving University of Tampa students the chance to give back to the community. Students will raise awareness for various causes, including some of the most deadly diseases. The week will begin Monday, April 6 and end Thursday, April 9. Student organizations are encouraged to make a team to compete for the most hours during the week. Each organization must pay $20 to participate. If organizations participating have fewer than 20 members, they will only be charged $1 per person. Interested parties should pay (checks to “Alpha Chi Omega”) at "The Big Give" table
in front of Sykes on April 6. Extra community service events will take place on April 4 and 5. Participating student organizations can earn double points for the amount of hours worked. In order to receive points for these projects, organizations must fill out the P.E.A.C.E form before submitting it at the table in front of John Sykes by Monday, April 6. Monday April 6 Students should wear purple for Domestic Violence Awareness. Purple ribbons will be sold at the table in front of Sykes for 50 cents each. Each member of an organization who comes and shows Alpha Chi Omega their purple shirt will score a point for their team. lumi-
Plant Alarms Upgraded By Thiago Queiroz Staff Writer
Keeping an historic landmark up to date with modern fire codes isn’t an easy task. Since November of 2008, the third floor of Plant Hall has been undergoing an extensive upgrade in its entire fire system to meet new standards. During winter break, the new system was completed, tested and is now fully functional. Over 50 strobes were installed on the third floor alongside sound horns and a new control panel. Among its new features is an addressable PA system, according to Frank Lidiak, General Manager for Facilities at the University of Tampa.
“With this new feature I can address the public verbally and tell them to ‘get out’ if it’s necessary,” he said. This is a continuous upgrade that is done periodically to ensure that even historic buildings are safe. “Plant Hall’s fourth floor was upgraded last year, and the second floor will be next summer,” Lidiak said.
Photo by Abby Sanford
nary bags may be purchased for $5 and made for anyone affected by Domestic Violence. The bags will be lit that night at 8:30 p.m. in front of Sykes. Tuesday April 7 Please wear black on Tuesday for AIDS awareness and score a point for your team. Come out to hear special guest speaker Ethan Zohn from "Survivor Africa" in Fletcher Lounge at 8:15 p.m. In honor of Zohn's visit to campus, t-shirts will be sold at the Alpha Chi Omega table by Sykes. All proceeds will go to Zohn's foundation, “Grassroots Soccer.” Wednesday April 8 Heart Disease Awareness day. Wear red and get more points.
The blood drive (sponsored with The Diplomats) will be taking place from 11a.m.-7p.m. Every member of an organization that gives blood will earn 20 points to be added to their team's total. Thursday April 9 Wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness day. UT Tatas will be raising money for a three day, 60-mile walk to help support Breast Cancer research and awareness. Every member of the team must raise $2,300 by October. Any money raised will earn extra points for organizations. If anyone is interested in joining Alpha Chi Omega for “The Big Give,” email Ashley Dignam at adignam@ut.edu by April 2.
From “Fmylife”: Front Page
“It was empty but I was thirsty so I picked it up thinking I could try to get that little bit of Coke always left at the bottom. When I took a sip I found out he had been picking his fingernails and putting them in the can. FML.” Viewers rate submissions as either, “I agree, your life is f***ed,” or “you deserved that one.” The older FMLs have 300-orso votes, while new additions get 20,000 approvals in a few hours. Sure, some of them are complete lies. No one could possibly do some of these things, right? Failed a pair of tests, got a ticket and missed lunch? Yeah, you deserved that one.
“fmylife” will be published by Random House sometime soon they say. Everyone has their favorite FMLs. “Today, I received my passport in the mail,” starts the top FML. “They got my birth date wrong. Then I picked up my birth certificate that I had sent in with the application. Turns out my parents have been celebrating my birthday on the wrong day for 16 years. FML.” Not all of the submissions work out well. “Today, my friend had a Coke can on his desk in class,” says one of the top flops, or poorly-received FMLs.
Peter Arrabal can be reached at parrabal@gmail.com
News
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
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Six Boathouse Residents Abandon Ship over Curtain Flap After fire marshal declared decorations a hazard, ResLife ordered privacy curtains to come down. The only alternative? A $200 upgrade. Residents are protesting. By Delaney Spoerl Staff Writer
"It's a good thing we're all friends," Boathouse residents say, as they feel their privacy has been stripped since a Tampa fire marshal declared their curtains a safety hazard. “It sucks without curtains," said freshman Boathouse resident Brooke Hudgins. "Now guys can just run in and sometimes we’re naked. That goes for the maintenance workers as well.” The controversial issue involving the Boathouse and the curtains that used to separate student’s beds continues to be a problem. After fire marshals entered the residence hall and checked for fire hazards earlier this semester, students were given a deadline and were told they must take the curtains down and move the furniture around to ensure that all the exits had enough room around them. Not only is the residents privacy compromised but other issues like school work are being affected. Jeff Clements, a freshman and also a resident of Boathouse said, “It just sucks because you can’t get any work done. The only good thing is we get along, it wouldn’t work if we weren’t friends.” “There is no such thing as your own room now, it is one big room,” Ryan Linares, a freshman and Boathouse resident said. Since the curtains were taken down, six residents have left the Boathouse, four males and two females. Stefan Allard said, “A lot of
our roommates left. Everything is a mess, it’s basically one big room with a lot of trash.” Expensive New Curtains In addition, residents were told if they wanted to put any type of curtain back up, it had to be a certain type of Chinese curtain, costing approximately $200, and that they were to pay out of their own pockets. Residents in Boathouse have yet to buy these curtains. Matthew Lebrasseur, area coordinator of Stadium Center, McKay, Boathouse and Smiley spoke at a recent building meeting with residents about the curtain changes and advised students to present their concerns to a RHA meeting. “Many of the residents did just that and the RHA Executive Board heard their complaints and have been having discussions with Krystal Schofield, director of residence life as well as representatives from the facilities office about what can be done to improve the spaces in Boathouse,” he said. The RHA meeting was held Feb. 24 in order to request partitions for the boathouse. The RHA executive board then visited boathouse to get a better idea of their space and how they could assist them. Molly Murphy, president of RHA and UT senior, has been trying to help the students resolve this problem as quickly as possible. The complaints were taken to ResLife and they are currently speaking with the fire marshal to create a permanent and economical solution.
“What we do not want in this case, is to provide partitions for the boathouse residents that are not approved by the fire department and the fire marshal,” Murphy said. She recommended that residents continue to come to the meetings as they are held in an open forum and the debriefing of the progress will be better explained. Marshal Checked In After the curtains were taken down, a Tampa fire marshal came back to make sure the curtains were down. "To my knowledge the inspection went fine and there were no additional concerns," LeBrasseur said. “We’ve gone to all the meetings but still no curtains or dividers. Kaitlyn has been doing all the work but nothing has been accomplished,” Hudgins said. Linares said, “No one has bought the curtains because we already spent too much money on the curtains we thought we could have.” Lebrasseur said, “Most of the residents that I have spoken with since the initial floor meeting seem to be adjusting to the changes without any major complaints.” Linares sums up the problem, “It sucks because everyone can see what you're doing. They can see you sleeping and anyone can come in.” Until the improvements are made, Boathouse residents will continue to live with limited privacy. “The Residence Hall Association is doing everything they can to make sure that the boathouse receives assistance in this instance however, we are simply waiting for a response from the fire marshal,” Murphy said. Delaney Spoerl can be reached at delaney83090@aol.com
UT Readies for Relay By Jillian Randel Staff Writer
This year the University of Tampa will again play host to its annual Relay for Life event. Relay for Life is sponsored by P.E.A.C.E., which has participated in the community-wide event for many years. The event will be held on the UT track. Campus organizations including sororities, fraternities and clubs have been asked to form teams for the overnight event. Each team camps out and sends at least one volunteer to walk the track at all times. The teams solicit sponsors to raise money for the American Cancer Society. “People really get into it, doing dances and other forms of entertainment," Lucy Monette, a UT sophomore who is helping to orga-
nize the event said. "It is really popular on campuses nationwide.” Relay for Life will take place on April 24 and 25, starting at 6 p.m. Teams are asked to raise as much money as possible, though there is no minimum or maximum amount. To register, go to www.relayforlife.org/utsl and click “sign up,” then “sign a team.” All money raised will go to fund cancer research and treatment. For further questions, contact Lucy Monette at lmonette@ut.edu, or call the P.E.A.C.E. office at 813253-6263. Jillian Randel can be reached at jillianrandel@yahoo.com
Photo by Jeffrey Sims/MCT
Residents were forced to take down their curtains due to a fire code violation Photos by Abby Sanford
FOCUS GROUP PARTICIPANTS NEEDED We need M/F ages 18-24 $30 for one hour April 8, 12:30 PM E-mail name & phone number to rnh02c@yahoo.com
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News
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
Private Colleges See Applications Decline as Economy Crumbles
By Darina Shtrakhman Daily Pennsylvanian, U. Penn
As admissions officers sift through applications this spring, some schools’ choices may be more limited than they were last year. Many private colleges - especially top liberal arts schools - saw declines in application numbers this year, which admissions experts attribute to both the economic downturn and a natural fluctuation in the admissions cycle.
cause it inflates their acceptance rate. U.S. News & World Report factors in acceptance rates when determining rankings, according to the magazine’s website. Michele Hernandez, president of Hernandez College Consulting, noted that “of course the economy affects the numbers of applicants at expensive top-tier liberal arts schools,” but explained that some change is normal from year to year. “It’s good to keep in mind that applications have gone up just about every year for the past 10 to 15 years, so it’s not unusual to see small drops to make up for the gains,” she said. For example, she explained, applications at Williams were up “a tremendous amount last year,” so the drop this year is not so much a decline as a “stabilization.” Michael Chimes, director of college guidance at the Gill St. Bernard’s School in New Jersey, has noticed this trend as well. He stressed that “families are nervous about their economic futures, and the price tags of the more expensive private institutions, like Penn, are very intimidating.” In terms of the trend’s possible impact on Penn, Hernandez suspects the biggest effect will be in the school’s yield this year. “Some students might get accepted but not be able to attend,” she said. She predicts more waitlist activity this year than in previous years.
Application numbers declined by 20 percent at Williams College, 12 percent at Middlebury College and 10 percent at Swarthmore College. By contrast, Ivy League institutions did not see any significant declines. In fact, Penn was the only Ivy League school whose application numbers went down overall, and the decrease was only 90 applications. Colleges typically worry about declines in applications be-
Study Seeks Women Who Are Experiencing Depressed Mood (or Have in the Past Year) Participate in a Research Study on Caffeine & Visual Judgments Earn up to $25 Common Signs of Depression: Loss of interest or pleasure in activities; negative mood; Concentration problems; Sleep problems; Hopelessness
Who is Eligible? Women 18 years or older who are not pregnant; Nonsmokers; Must not experience mania; Duration: about 75 min.
How Can I Get More Info or Sign Up? Contact Dr. Mike Stasio (x3074) or mstasio@ut.edu Study has been approved by the IRB
The Department of Speech, Theatre, and Dance Presents:
SPEECH CONTEST APRIL 15, 7 PM
TS N E UD
A O T EN
OP
ST T LU
L
Present a 6-8 minute persuasive or informative speech. Scored on strength of thesis and performance quality.
$150 GRAND PRIZE
Registration forms available through Professor Chris Gurrie at CGurrie@ut.edu or Professor Ann Marie Coats at ACoats@ut.edu Special Thanks to the Tampa Rotary Club for their support
Most regular-decision admissions decisions will be released at the end of the month. Penn, as well as the other Ivy League schools, will post decisions online on March 31. When asked by The Mina-
ret, Brent Benner, UT admissions director said numbers were not available as to how many prospective students have applied to UT and if the number of applications have increased or decreased in the past year.
High cost of higher education The Higher Education Price Index reflects increases in institutional salaries and benefits, utilities, supplies and materials.
HEPI versus CPI
Annual percentage increases in the HEPI compared to the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index HEPI 4%
CPI
3.2%
3.2%
3 2
2.6%
2.9%
1 ’97
’98
’99
’00
’01
’02
’03
’04
’05
’06
’07
NOTE: CPI shown for fiscal year (July 1-June 30); annual published CPI is calculated for the calendar year
Tuition hikes: In dollars
U.S. average tuition and fees, in 2007 dollars Private $9,172 Public $2,225
$9,872 $12,808 $15,416 $17,823 $20,778 $23,172 $2,194
$2,699
$3,444
$4,022
$4,715
$6,185
Tuition hikes: In percent change
Percentage increase over five-year intervals 30% 20
Public Private
+31% +16%
10 0 ’77-’78 ’82-’83 ’87-’88 ’92-’93 ’97-’98 ’02-’03 ’07-’08 Source: College Board, Research Associates of Washington, Commonfund Institute, U.S. Labor Department © 2007 MCT Graphic: Betsy Bock, Sergio Pecanha, The Dallas Morning News
Biology Profs to Discuss A New Approach to Dilemmas By Jeffrey Palmer Staff Writer
Two University of Tampa professors will team up to present a novel method of problem solving that emphasizes the use of varied disciplines to solve the modern challenges of our world. A collaborative effort by UT professors Dr. Stephen Kucera, interim dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences, and Dr. Heather Masonjones, associate professor of biology, will explore avenues of alternative Kucera reasoning which they see as instrumental in meeting the myriad of challenges tomorrow may present. This unconventional method of practical thinking constitutes what they have dubbed "The Jack of All Trades Approach to Problem Solving" and will be the primary subject of their discussion. Kucera said the talk Masonjones will use different media and ideas not to provide the audience with the answers, “but rather to illustrate the value of this historically tried-and-true approach to finding solutions to questions and problems…and the value of citizens seeking this
knowledge as we think about how to address the vexing problems facing our civilizations around the world.” The entire spectrum of disciplines, even ones that seem irrelevant, can be utilized to provide unlikely but brilliant answers to dilemmas otherwise unsolvable. In this modern era of technology, with all of the world’s knowledge at one's fingertips, mankind is entering a new age of unlimited potential. "Fundamental to this approach is the understanding that everyone has a potentially valuable opinion to contribute to the resolution of world problems," Kucera said. "It is more important than ever," Kucera said, "to proceed with open-minded optimism and unbridled hesitation in expressing our thoughts. The conventions of the past no longer restrain us." This approach affirms the idea that with diversity comes strength. “With so much knowledge and information freely and easily available today, innovations will come from people unafraid to pull ideas from unrelated sources and blind to the traditional barriers so many see standing between diverse disciplines,” Kucera said. Kucera and Masonjones will present April 1 at 4 p.m. in Reeves Theater. Jeffrey Palmer can be reached at jeffrey.palmer@ut.edu
Mouse Goes Missing A professor called security to report the theft of items from his Plant Hall office on March 16. Officers met with the professor in his office where he explained that his laptop bag was missing from his office. He reported last seeing the bag on 3/6/09 in his office. The bag contained a wireless mouse and two CDs. At 4 p.m. on a Monday? Congrats, UT Officers were called to an Austin Hall room by an RA in reference to an alcohol violation on March 16. During a room inspection, a bottle of alcohol was found in the room by the RA. The residents of the room are all under age 21 and were referred to the conduct board for the violation. The alcohol was disposed of at the scene. Boomshakalak-OW! Officers were called to the basketball courts on March 16 in reference to a student with a possibly broken ankle. Upon arrival, McNiff staff were attending to the student and applying ice to his ankle. The student refused the offer to call EMS to have his ankle examined. He requested to be taken back to his room and was transported his hall where he was then escorted to his room by two other students. Bad Luck of the Irish A student came to the security office on March 17 to report the theft of her key ring that had her keys, ID and other financial cards attached. She informed officers that she had been in the Vaughn Café at approx 5:00 p.m. where she last used the key to purchase her meal. She
Mar. 24 Meeting •
Attention All Seniors! Register for the Senior Party on the following dates: March 25 2-4 p.m.; March 26 12-2 p.m.; March 27 2-4 p.m.; April 1 2-4 p.m.; April 2 12-2 p.m.; April 3 2-4 p.m.
•
Candidates for SG Exec. Board for Fall 2009 school year will be making YouTube promotional videos. They will be posted on the SG Website for all students to vote on.
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SG Constitution- held their third reading for seven new amendments.
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Section 3.04, part g- The general assembly will be meeting twice a semester instead of once.
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Section 3.05-, part g- Open positions within the Senate will be filled by having a secondary campus election by the SG President.
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Section 4.02, part b- vice president of programming will be appointed through the regulations set forth by the Student Production Constitution.
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Section 4.03, part b- The Student Government president shall set the time and place for meeting with his Cabinet.
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Compiled From Reports Provided By UT Security
was leaving the Vaughn Center soon thereafter and discovered it missing from her pocket. At 8:40 p.m. she learned that one of her financial cards was used at a local establishment without her knowledge. She completed a criminal complaint with the Tampa Police Department and canceled her cards with her financial institutions. (Investigation still open with TPD) Cab Unfair Tampa Police responded to a call in front of the Stadium Center residence hall and called to request security assistance at on March 18. Officers were informed that a taxi had brought back three students (two female and one male) to the campus. One of the females and the male began to argue in the front seat of the cab about who would pay the fare. The male left and the female became enraged. She broke the dome light of the cab and left without paying. The students were seen on video entering the building, and they will be identified via photos with staff. The information will be forwarded to Tampa Police for their follow up on the theft and criminal mischief charges filed. Must have been a Slooooooow Chase. A Tampa Police unit was trying to stop a car on N. Boulevard as it continued to drive into the West Garage on March 18. When the car finally stopped, the officer approached the vehicle and UT officers assisted. The driver was removed from the car and a field sobriety test was performed to determine if the driver was impaired. The student was charged with misdemeanor possession of narcotics and given a date to appear in court. His information, along with the violation, was forwarded to student conduct. That’s Gotta be Worth at
Least a Couple Meals. A student came to security on March 18 in reference to the theft of his cell phone. He informed the officers that he had gone to the Grill in the Spartan Club between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. for food. After his purchase, he left his cell phone lying by the register. He walked off and returned less than five minutes later to retrieve it when he remembered leaving it behind. When he returned, he was told they did not have the phone. (Investigation still open) Maybe the Couch Stole It? A student came to security to report the theft of his wallet from within his Stadium Center room on March 18. He indicated he had left it on the couch but when he returned it was missing. The next day the student came to security again to advise that his roommate had found the wallet and all contents under the couch. Man, I have to See This VHS … and I Know Just the Place to Find a Player … A professor reported that a VHS/DVD player was missing from a Walker Hall classroom on March 18. The professor advised that the player was observed missing on 3/16/09 by another professor, but it is unclear when the last time the player was seen actually seen in the classroom. The room is utilized by several other departments, so it is unknown at this time who may have removed the player. I’mma havea Drink Nheres Noonegonnstop Me! Officers responded to the A/C’s office in reference to a subject who was being detained at Stadium Center on March 18. The A/C reported that a female subject was standing outside the building drinking beer and he knew her as a former student. The female subject was confirmed to not be a student and appeared to be intoxicated. She did not have any business on campus and was issued a trespass warning from the property. She then called an unknown person who responded and picked her up from off campus. Right of Way, Wrong of Behavior. A subject entered security to report damage to his vehicle in the Thomas Garage on March 19. He was a non-student visiting a student overnight on campus. When he was looking for a parking space in the garage, he became involved with a female about the right of way. He parked his car and went to his friend’s room, not to return until the next morning. When he returned to the car, he found expletives carved into the side of his car. Frozen Pump Heats Up the Vaughn Center Security was notified about a fire alarm activation in the Vaughn Center on March 19 indicating 3rd floor smoke. Officers were dispatched and located the source of the alarm to be a third floor storage room. There is a fire control panel with a sprinkler control motor inside. The motor had “frozen up” and was emitting smoke causing the activation of the alarm. This particular pump and motor only serviced the Vaughn Center Reeves Theater and no other part of the building.
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The Minaret | March 27, 2009
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Arts & Entertainment
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The Minaret | March 27, 2009
Students Shoot Film On Campus By Micaela Lydon Staff Writer
Misfit Monsters from Earth Take on Aliens from Space What would the U.S. government do to combat an alien invasion? “Monsters vs. Aliens” is a 3-D animation voiced by many well-known actors such as Rainn Wilson (The Office), John Krasinski (The Office), Seth Rogan (“Knocked Up”) and Amy Poehler (SNL) . This movie should be a monstrous success - fun for the youngsters and eliciting laughs for all ages. Directors: Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon Rating: PG Running Time: 94 min A House, a Haunting, and a Funeral Parlor When a family moves into an old funeral parlor, its history haunts them. Based on a true story, “The Haunting in Connecticut” chronicles the supernatural incidents plaguing a family as they try to uncover the truth and manage to stay alive. Director: Peter Cornwell Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 92 min
By JP Busche Staff Writer
After UT brought in notable speakers such as Gregg Hale, the producer of "The Blair Witch Project" and Fabio Arber, who was a line producer for "Miami Ink," UT film students gathered to shoot a short film. The film,"The Source, is about a vice cop named Kevin Waterman who accidentally kills a civilian child while working on a routine case. At the same time, a new kingpin, only referred to as "the source" is taking over the town. Waterman sees a new goal in catching "the source" and bringing his life back on track. The movie is written and directed by junior Joshua Long, who worked as an Assistant Director at the Northwest Florida State College, as well as on a number of thesis films at UT, FSU and NYU. He was inspired by watching the Show "DEA" on Spike, where an unknown gangster was referred to as "the source." Furthermore, this action movie is influenced by his belief in God. Upon gradutaion, he would like to become a director. Most people see the director as the big guy in charge, Long says, while he
sees his role as small. He stresses the importance of being focused. "If there is no focus, the film will suffer," Long said. Nevertheless, he enjoys directing through the numerous nights with just three hours of sleep. On the set, Long focuses on the details, making sure that the people involved are motivated and driven. The kickoff for the movie was the last Thanksgiving break, when he decided to write the script. After revising it over the holiday break, he scouted for the perfect location for the setting. He also looked for actors from around and outside the school. The shoot began last Friday. Senior Zach Remos, the production designer of the movie, heard about the script and was immediately drawn to the story. He helped Long revise over the break. Remos assisted in casting the film as well as making sure that the set and the costumes looked authentic. "The project is a huge investment, mentally, physically and monetary, but that's what every film needs," Remos said. Clint Morino, the documentarian, filmed the behind-the-scenes of the film. He met Long in Professor Tom Garrett's production class.
After the two dicovered that they like to "strike when the iron is hot," they decided to work together. Being aware about the importance of time management and dedicated work he says that the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. Andrew Ortoski, the director of photography, said that the small budget was mainly used to rent additional equipment, such as the Red One Camera. “As a DP, I’m excited to be able to film this project using the state of the art Red One Camera. It will give us the look of film while having the flexibility of shooting on digital,” he said. The shoot is on UT's campus in the Tampa bay metro area, Nico’s Diner, The Don Vincente Inn and the Sacred Heart Church. “Money is not the issue, they either want you or not” said Michael Long, professor and producer. Film friendly locations are always an enormous help for student movies, since they have very limited funding. The movie is supposed to be released in the summer. The crew is looking forward to submitting it to a number of film festivals. Look for "The Source" production on campus. The release of the film is yet to be announced.
BE A GOOD FRIEND
If a friend is in trouble, don’t be stupid. Get help.
Do you know UT’s amnesty policy? If you or a friend needs help due to overuse of alcohol or other drugs, no student seeking medical attention for intoxication or overdose shall be formally charged University policy for use or underage possession of alcohol. For the full policy, please see www.ut.edu/deanofstudents/drugfree
Take CARE of yourself. Take CARE of eachother.
Arts & Entertainment
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
7
Keeping Casual In A Fast-Paced World A Guide To An Easy Everyday Style By Kristem Vasquez Staff Writer
Every day is a fashion show. Every time you step out of your door, the photographers’ flashes blind you, the wind seductively whips your hair around and your walk must be as sultry as possible because you are the queen supreme. Your fans are screaming from the barriers and you ever so smoothly in your most casual outfit, blow an air kiss and walk away. All that may have been a minor elaboration of your
Photo from flickr.com
typical day, but truly, what is the meaning of casual? For someone used to the question, “Why are you so dressed up?” casual is a mysterious island lurking out of the fashionable abyss. From heels and dresses to suits and ties, these are merely my casual wardrobe options. Is casual defined as the college I'm-late-for-class uniform: sweatpants, bed head, and oversize everything? Or is it more refined, more of a psychological art that requires little to no thought? Let us examine. When I think casual, I think jeans, ultimately. Actually, according to the vestibule of knowledge that Wikipedia is, blue jeans and a t-shirt are the standard casual uniform. For a man, you have a few options in the pants department. This means cargo shorts, cut-offs or khaki pants. Unless you are a fan of the kilt, your options stop there. But for women, we have variations of jeans, leggings, shorts, simple skirts and so on. You can explore with colors, length, patterns
and styles to create your very own casual. As for tops, men, you have it simple with t-shirts, long-sleeve cotton shirts and button downs. Keep it simple without elaborate designs or Italian silks and I’m pretty sure you’ve mastered it. Ladies, yet again our options are seemingly endless just as long as there isn’t enough cleavage to distract the world. Variations of how things fit as well as material are also important things to keep in mind, because your skintight leather cocktail dress does not scream “Hire me!” There is also the footwear option. A as long as they do not involve any type of heel or complicated cage structure, you are pretty much set to go. Think “Could I run from an axe murderer in this outfit?” If your answer is “Possibly?” then you are set! There is an entire art dedicated to being casual that comes a long with more then just wardrobe choices, but the attitude is something I can’t help you on. Casual can honestly be anything you want to define it as, but all in all it is just a buckled down version of comfort. But, keep in mind-when you dress yourself, you are putting your personality on a visual representation to the world. And you wouldn’t want to disappoint.
Hearty Hot Dogs, Potatoes and Onions don’t need to buy them fresh. You can use frozen hot dogs in the recipe and the meal will be just as delicious. The onions and potatoes are items in the kitchen that stay fresh for a while. If your ingredients are coming close to their expiration date, then this is the perfect and simple meal to cook.
By Michelle Magner Staff Writer
Ingredients: 2 Large Onions 5 Medium Potatoes 9-15 Hot dogs Butter Preparation: Peel and cube potatoes; cook in salted water until tender. Slice onions and sauté in large skillet in 1-2 Tbs. of butter. When onions are soft and translucent, drain cooked potatoes and add to skillet. Slice hot dogs into ¼-inch slices; add to skillet with potatoes and onions and cook until hot dogs are browned and heated through. Add more butter as needed to keep from sticking. (Serves 4-6)
Photo by Michelle Magner
Hot dogs, potatoes and onions might seem like an odd combination but with a little bit of ketchup on top it’s a meal you’re going to crave every week. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients; it's definitely a college meal. A couple ways to jazz it up would be to add some cheese so every thing melts together or use sausage instead of hot dogs. Veggies such as corn or green beans would complement the ingredients to put some more vitamins into your meal. The good thing about the hot dogs is that you
Thursday Brings The Best of the Week By Zach Fraser Asst. A&E Editor
Thursday has either been loved or loathed by critics since their beginnings, some media hailing them as the pioneers of the post-hardcore genre and other’s treating them as nothing more than a musical scapegoat. The band is no stranger to being accused of falling into the abyss by the shadow their successful breakthrough album “Full Collapse,” cast, but Thursday look, to rid the “washed up” stigma that plagues the band once and for all with their most recent release.
“Common Existence” is the fifthstudio album from the New Jersey natives and one of the hardest hitting Thursday records since the bands founding years. Make sure to catch your breath before you take your first listen to “Common Existence” because the only breath of calamity you’ll find on this album is in the fractions of seconds between tracks. The first song on the album, “Resuscitation of a Dead Man,” opens like a bullet flying out of a .22. The song draws on up-beat drums, hard hitting guitars and guest
vocals from Tim McIIrath of Rise Against. Lyrics from the entire Thursday catalog never seize to draw connections to the deepest of human emotions. “Common Existence” is no different when lead singer Geoff Rickley expresses his inner-struggles on “Last Call.” “Everything we build,” sings Rickley, “It falls apart, and the architect abandons us.” The rest of “Common Existence” follows in the path of highly distorted guitars, deep bass lines and sonic keyboards with key tracks such as “Unintended Long Term Effects” and “You Were the Cancer,” keeping your pulse straight through the rough until the 11-song album concludes. For a band that has struggled against harsh critics and fans for the last eight years, it seems that the light at the end of the tunnel is finally shining trough for Thursday. Rickley, who knows the battle is far from over for Thursday, confesses on the album that their common existence has been revived and the future may be uncertain, but is surely on the horizon. “Can you feel a pulse? It’s been gone for so long, can you start it? Can you feel a pulse? It’s been gone for so long, let’s restart it.”
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Arts & Entertainment
By Linda C Black Tribune Media Services
Aries (March 21-April 19) You’re strong, intelligent and lucky now. You have your plan worked out. Launch with confidence, quickly. This assumes you’re ready. If not, get ready and then do it. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Set priorities first, otherwise you’ll be swamped. Take on more responsibility so you can call the shots. You’re getting stronger by the day. Put yourself in line for a promotion. Gemini (May 21-June 21) You practically invented networking. You have more friends than Carter has peanuts. They’ll come to your rescue again. Let them know what you want. Cancer (June 22-July 22) A controversy arises. Keep your opinions to yourself. Let the others duke it out first, while you consider your options. Include potential fringe benefits. Proceed with caution. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Conditions are perfect, but you’d better get into port before nightfall. Complications are brewing and there could be trouble this weekend. Be tucked away in a safe harbor by then. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Put everything into order, both down and across. Focus on the details, and the puzzle falls into place. Stick to your plan and you’ll be successful. And don’t look down. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You generally fall for the
1. Go see UT’s “A New Way to Pay Old Debts.” 2. Find old friends from middle/high school on Facebook. 3. Prepare your schedule for next semester. 4. Go to the roller rink and pretend you’re back in the 70’s. 5. Take a walk alone with just your camera. 6. Write a famous person on Twitter and see if you get a response. 7. Journey to the local thrift store for a new outfit.
by Austin Daniels
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
wild, adventurous type. You’re not that outrageous yourself, but you do find it quite attractive. Somebody like that is driving you crazy now. Settle down and start making plans. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Don’t let somebody else’s problem give you a big headache. Instead, offer your services to someone who’s planningchallenged. Help get past this emergency and prevent the next one. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Launch new projects, make commitments and decide what you want to happen. Visualize yourself 10 years from now, happier than ever. Describe what that looks like and half the battle is already won. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Looks like you’re making money from your home as well as pouring money into it. Maybe you’re selling old furniture so you can buy something new. Whatever you’re doing, it will work out for the better. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Tackle the problem with enthusiasm and energy. The more you learn, the more questions pop to your mind. There doesn’t seem to be an end to it, and this is good. Look forward to the challenges that lay ahead. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) It should be pretty easy to get what you want under these conditions. Go ahead and say you can do what’s required, even if you know you’ll have to study to keep that promise. You know you will.
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
9
Arts & Entertainment
Video Game Review: Sonic and the Black Knight By Austin Ashby Staff Writer
been having some issues getting back on his feet. Sonic’s latest adventure finds himself on the NinSonic, back in the Genesis tendo Wii. Is this adventure worth and Dreamcast days, used to be the checking out is the true question? hedgehog everyone adored. Of course it is not worth looking Ever since those days, he’s into, but instead is another crapfest that the Sonic Team has released (though it’s not all horrible). The story has Sonic being brought into a fantasy world that bears the mythology of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sonic has a duty to defeat the evil that King Arthur is bringing into the Kingdom. Even for a Sonic game, the story is simply atrocious. The dialogue is another stroke of horror brought upon the game. For every cut scene that contained dialogue, I wanted to bash my head against my bedroom walls. There is nothing kind I can say about the story at all. I must give some major kudos to Sonic Team for making the game look as great as it does, though. The story sequences there are beautiful drawn scenes pushing the storybook angle of the game. When the game is not in the storybook sequences, it is still a beauty to look at. The best thing UTREG-004_AD_halfpage 3/5/09 9:20 AM Page 1 about the game is eas-
ily the graphics which push the Wii hardware to its limits. The audio is another high point of the game. Crush 40 is back to perform the soundtrack (always a good thing), and the score is great; very Sonic-like. The soundtrack is very catchy and the singing portion of the game is a treat to listen to as well. The voice acting is back to being mediocre, though the credit should go to the horrific dialogue more than to the voice actor/actress. For a game to be wonderful, it has to have some marvelous gameplay. Sonic Team has a different philosophy all together, apparently. I kind of want to see what kind of drugs they were taking to make them think that the gameplay was even remotely bearable. Imagine everything that you loved about the old Sonic games or even the new ones, strip out all the good parts and throw in a crappy sword that goes around destroying the flow of the game. Do you remember how Sonic used to move extremely fast? Well, this time Sonic moves pretty slowly through the missions levels. It literally took me around five to seven second for Sonic to move at a decent pace. Each time I swung my sword, Sonic went a tad slower than before. The controls are just complete garbage as well. For example, during one of the missions I was playing, I was tilting the nunchuck left, and Sonic was moving right. Now
c'mon, there is something seriously wrong with that design! The controls are just a complete mess and Sonic moves to his side at a ridiculously slow pace. The game is broken up into several missions. The missions that Sonic undertakes are usually only four minutes at best. The problem with the missions is that they become so repetitive and dull that they’re a massive chore to play through. The bosses (with the exception of the last boss fight) are so easy to beat; all you need to do is waggle and occasionally hold the Z button to guard. There is another major problem the game had and that would be the length. Calling Sonic and the Black Knight short is quite the understatement. Short tends to be five to six hours long. Finishing the story will take under three hours to accomplish, and playing through the game again would be purely agonizing. Sonic Team realizes how short the game was, so they added a multilayer mode to it. Good, right? Well, I had a friend over,
and we just chuckled how bad the multi-player really was. Seriously, do not even bother with the multi-player mode since it is a huge joke of a system. Bottom line, I really want to know what sorts of drugs the Sonic Team has been taking. While the graphics and audio are both great, the most important part of the game is suicide inducing. I was in horrible pain while playing through the game due to how truly atrocious it was. Sonic and the Black Knight only deserves a spot in my fireplace. I’d give this game a disappointing final score of 3 out of 10.
Fall Registration Begins April 2 Go to www.ut.edu/schedule for instructions Fall classes begin August 31
(813) 253-6251 • Fax: (813) 258-7238 • registrar@ut.edu
10
Commentary
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
Event-Seeking Students Miss Gems All Around Campus Happenings In The Next Two Weeks By Kadie Hayward Columnist
There was a picnic in the park complete with free ice cream, live entertainment and dozens of men and women dressed up like pirates. There were numerous poets, writers and filmmakers visiting campus offering their words of wisdom (not to mention their autographs) to students. There was a forum with business executives from around the country. It was free for all UT students, but just like these other events, was free of UT students. These events are just a small percentage of the opportunities offered to students at the university, yet students are rarely in attendance. Are we missing out? Absolutely. On any given day, you can find dozens hanging out by the pool. On Thursday nights, check any club and you’ll stumble across hundreds carrying the Spartan ID. D r i v e b y M a c D i n t o n ’s on Fridays and observe many classmates making the most out of $10 happy hour. Nothing comes between us and our social habits, be it the pool or
Film Direction Workshop with Director John Avildsen
Art, Politics, Religion and Revolution
April 01, 2009
April 03, 2009
2-5 p.m.
4 p.m.
FMA-Soundstage
Reeves Theater
UT’s International Film Festival
Women and Gender Series: Gay Cinema
April 01, 2009 - April 03, 2009
April 06, 2009
6 p.m.
6 p.m.
Reeves Theater
Reeves Theater
Annual Juried Student Exhibition
Seven Deadly Juniors: Performing Arts Junior Recital
April 03, 2009 - April 30, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Gallery Hours
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Scarfone/Hartley Gallery
Reeves Theater
the pub. What is it that motivates us to be so committed to these habits that get us nowhere but forces us to ignore experiences that could better our college life, our resumes and our futures? Any major interest is supported by a number of events that happen each and every day on campus and in the downtown area. Few of us have valid excuses for not attending: most of us count on good old-fashion laziness to keep us from these chances to network and further our potential careers. It isn’t just the academic
opportunities we skip out on. Today I attended the Picnic in the Park. Aside from the school’s band members who were performing, I counted six students there. Just six. Only a handful of students took the opportunity to enjoy free ice cream (who turns down free ice cream?), an afternoon of entertainment and an opportunity to support the UT community that so often supports us. I’m not saying I’m perfect here. Heck, I’ve only made it to a few Honors Symposiums this semester and even fewer Writer’s Series presentations.
But why do we continue to miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities but consistently find time to hit up the hottest concert or Day Glow night at the club? I wonder if we all realize that after our relatively short four years here, these things just stop. No more free movies. No more free networking opportunities. No more free ice cream. I’d like to blame it on poor advertisement, but anyone who takes a few seconds to visit the university’s website can find a dozen or so interesting events to check out in the coming month. I’d like to blame it on poor
scheduling, but we all know that isn’t that case either. It comes down to us. We’re a live-in-the-moment kind of generation, perhaps. We’re not thinking about how quickly we’ll be pushed out into the real world where ice cream costs money! Our lack of prioritizing may be to blame. Whatever it is, it is about time we stop ignoring opportunity and start to embrace it. Ybor can wait. Kadie Hayward may be reached at khayward@ut.edu.
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11
Commentary
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
Cheers
& Jeers
Springtime
Snow Days
Climate Change
Global Warming
Being A Diva
Politeness
Volunteerism
Apathy
Remixes
Radio Edits
Fans
Air Conditioners
Comedy
Tragedy
April Fools’ Day
Easter
Poetry
Fiction
Locks Of Love
Long Hair
Free Presses Strengthen Universities Unfettered freedom of the press is essential to the freedom of citizens, and not just at a local, state or national level. Colleges and universities, too, must have a free press to have a free student body. Last week, the Board of Trustees at Clark College (Washington) rejected tenure for a professor despite a unanimous recommendation from a faculty committee. The journalism professor, Christina Kopinski, was the adviser to the community college’s student newspaper, which criticized campus security and some administrative decisions, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Clark College’s president Robert Knight denied that the tenure rejection was due to her advising, but the questions remain. Student journalists and their advisers need to live without fear of retribution from university administrators. Schools that exercise prior restraint over articles are doing a disservice to their students.
Time Magazine reported this week that a recent Princeton study suggests that when a town loses its newspaper, civic engagement drops dramatically. Voter turnout drops, fewer people run for office, and people care less about the issues. Other studies have suggested that even the simplest of things, such as going bowling, decline as newspapers fade away. The Minaret is the primary news source for University of Tampa happenings. While there are two major newspapers in town, neither the Tampa Tribune nor the St. Petersburg Times has much of an impact on what goes at UT. The Minaret does. We are your fellow students, your peers, your classmates, and your watchdogs. We are the investigators with the duty to question the answers. There is no slant at The Minaret in our reporting. There are no biases. Our writers have no agenda, but we provide an open forum for students to express their ideas, particularly
in the commentary section. To even suggest this is absurd and unwarranted. A healthy UT depends on a healthy news media. Progress comes through an informed populace, not through a shadow government of faceless decrees and commands. We are confident that UT is a better place because of our diligent work. The Minaret is the strongest source students have to reach out to the larger community. Our journalists are dedicated, intelligent and hard-working. Our adviser is experienced in the media world and is devoted to a better Minaret and to producing better journalists. The key to a free and informed student body is a strong free press. Instances like Clark College undermine the abilities of students to represent themselves and understand their community. Students need to stand up for their own rights, and that starts with understanding the need for their freedom.
Media Hype-Machine Overheats “Global Warming” By Alyssa Lum Columnist
I care about our environment and what we’re doing to it, but I need to get one thing straight. I can’t stand the term “global warming.” It’s an overused media phrase that’s become a quick excuse whenever something happens. The cause for increased hurricane seasons? Oh, it’s global warming. More active volcanoes all over the world? Global warming at its finest. Ice caps melting; polar bears lose their habitats? Yup, you’ve guessed it: global warming. I know the earth is getting warmer. But by what means and how much of it is the phenomenon of “global warming?” Take for instance temperature
graphs in support of global warming. You’ll be lucky if they go before 1900 just to show how much warmer the earth has gotten since then. Then take a look at graphs over the last 400,000 years, and you’ll see how earth’s climate has changed on its own. It has gone through periods of warming and cooling with anomalies in between. The earth’s cycle right now is coming out of what’s been called a “little ice age” over the past couple thousand years. The earth has gotten warmer (1 degree Fahrenheit) from 1900 but that’s still far from the hottest temperatures known to exist on earth thousands of years ago. So is the human emission of carbon dioxide the cause of all the heat? It’s possible but our emissions have only caused carbon dioxide levels to rise between five and ten percent. Once again, sticking to the facts, carbon dioxide levels are still at least 2,000 parts per million (PPM) below some of the past ages
in earth’s climate. Here’s the simple fact: earth does what it wants with or without human help. Climate is different than weather. Cold winters have to reoccur consistently years on end (not five) for it to be considered climate. It irks me to no end when some news reporter or even the government talks about “global warming” as if we’re all going to die in ten years. The earth doesn’t listen to us.
Image by MCT Campus
The planet operates uniquely and is affected by numerous variables. At any time can throw us for a loop. We’re in what’s called an interglacial period a break to our usual cooler climate.
But we’re entering into the 18,000 year of this process. We could enter back into an ice age at any time—this is how unpredictable climate change is. This would take many more years but that’s the process of the
earth’s climate. The fact is we can survive with increased carbon dioxide levels. Do I think we need to clean up our act and stop abusing the environment? Of course, I do. I’m sick of rain forests and other natural habitats being bulldozed over for the unnecessary expansion of human cities. My point is global warming has become a joke. The media has made hundreds of millions of dollars off of it. They want to provoke fear out of us to get us to buy into the scheme. Global warming is used to describe things that are more often than not weather-related and not climate-related. The earth adjusts whenever it feels like it much like a college kid adjusts without having enough sleep. Don’t believe everything you hear and find the facts for yourself before calling something “global warming” just because you can. Alyssa Lum may be reached at alum@ut.edu.
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13 Commentary Violent Confrontation In Ybor Exhibits Humanity’s Worst Trait: Apathy
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
What would you do?: A call to recognize our shared humanity and help those who need it a Gothic club witnessed the attack and made no effort to stop it. They looked on and did nothing. Outside the gates of the church were people I assumed were the By Nicole Robinson attacker’s friends. Columnist One person spoke up and We could hear an old man’s said, “Hey man, come on so we raspy screams for help around the can go?” corner. He didn’t even say, “Hey I dialed 911. man stop beating down on an old, Granted, we were in Ybor late helpless man.” at night and it could have been any That was the extent of that number of situations, but the man’s group’s efforts to save the victim of tone indicated that gruesome it wasn’t a “That experience assault. joke. was a lesson to me d o wF na r t ht he er What my friends and I on the coldness that s i d e w a l k , witnessed was we as human beings another group unbelievably of men were show towards one standing right brutal. T h e o l d another.” beside the car man was within my friends and the confines of I were going to an old church, surrounded by a leave in. green fence about as tall as the They, too, did nothing. average person, standing at the top They were just looking at the of the church stairs, blood running scene while I was on the phone with over his face from wounds inflicted the police. on him by a drunken twentyThis experience was a lesson something man. to me on the coldness that we as He told us later his assaulter human beings show toward one strangled him in a headlock to stifle another. his calls for help. There are some psychological The scene disturbed me to my explanations as to why events occur core. like social loafing (people make less About six men and a woman in effort when in groups than alone)
and diffusion of responsibility (people less likely to act when responsibility is not explicitly assigned). Still, it is hard to understand why we can’t just help someone in need. In this situation everyone probably had a cell phone yet they decided not to use them. One would think that even if an individual feels that they can not physically intervene in a violent situation, they would at least call on somebody who could. I can only hope if I find myself in this situation, that my brothers and sisters (because we are all brothers and sisters) would come to my aid. Could I have done more? Probably, yes. I could have yelled that the police were coming and maybe that would have scattered the group of criminals or maybe they would have come for me too. Who knows? I did what I could. All that I or anyone can ask if in a situation like that is, “What can I do?” And to do what you can is hardly ever “nothing.” Shows like What Would You Do (a hidden camera show) showcase people just walking by as people are being openly beaten, publicly hazed, roofied and other
Image by Hypen /Wikiped
ia
vile behaviors. In nearly every case they find that a majority of people don’t involve themselves. Some citizens, as in the public hazing skit, even aid the people blatantly doing wrong. A fifteen-year-old girl helped Saran wrap a sorority pledge to a pole and could not see the wrong in what she did. Others took pictures but didn’t bother to intervene.All I can say is that we need to do better. No one says that we need to go gallivanting off to Ybor and look for those in need to help them (although that would be nice).
Just don’t deny your instinct to help someone. You could even start by helping someone out by opening a door or two if their hands are full. Just take time to help those in need and we won’t have to worry about people being senselessly beaten and left without help. It should be natural for us to want to help those who need it. Take initiative and help your fellow man. Who knows, next time the one who needs help might be you. Nicole Robinson may be reached at nrobinson@ut.edu.
Wasted Time: Program Patronizes Students About Alcohol’s Dangers From “AlcoholEdu”: Front Page “Hey, are you guys talking about Mr. Daniels’ test and how stupid it was?” (Okay, is anything related to alcohol going to happen anytime soon?) “Yea Tony, we’re totally talking about that stupid test! Which reminds me, would you guys want to go consume alcohol with me?” (Uh oh.) After a long lecture from each person about the dangers of alcohol and how drinking will murder your family, it’s time to take some surveys and tests! The surveys are usually great; half of them involve figuring out things you can do besides
drinking. “Let’s say you’re at your dorm and your roommate asks you if you want to drink a beer. Name four things you can tell him you’d rather do than drink.” Answer: just about any other drug. None of those involve drinking—besides a lot of water for the ecstasy. Did I win yet? Is the course over? Not yet. After the survey, it’s time to do a video activity (sounds fun!) where a scenario plays and you’re supposed to make things right. The scene usually starts off with a guy and a girl drinking on a couch with a ping-pong table and vending machines in the back (familiar?). “Wow Marissa, you’re really putting down those beers. Do you feel okay?” “Of course I’m okay, Jake! Now here’s the question for you.
Can I give you a B.J.?” Then the video freezes and a question appears on the screen: “Marissa is clearly under the influence of alcohol and has offered you a B.J. Do you: A) Accept the B.J. and hope she forgets about it tomorrow. B) Tell her ‘Why stop at a B.J.?’ and pressure her to do more. C) Be a good guy and point her in the direction of your friend who never gets any action. D) Tell her that’s inappropriate and she would regret it the next day, sit down with her and explain the effects of alcohol on her judgment and why she doesn’t really want to do what she just said; make her drink three full glasses of water; then call her parents, and tell them their daughter may have a serious problem which effects a large amount of college students.”
“Did you know that 48% of teens regret drinking and driving? Did you know that 33% of teens who get alcohol poisoning don’t enjoy it?” “Did you know 50% of girls taken advantage of while intoxicated were not happy about it?” u
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Uh, was it B? It doesn’t matter what you answer because you can’t fail these little exercises. Instead they give you a little bit of encouragement as if you did get it right. “Oh, so close but not quite! Good try though!” (Thank you.) After that fun, little activity another long video of kids sitting on a couch in a common room comes up once again. At this point I figured out the trick to get around those long videos: put the video on mute, minimize the window and then do whatever you want. Every couple minutes or so maximize the window to see if you’ve finished “learning” yet. After the video they give you a list of some quick facts that’ll really stick and make you think twice about drinking.
“Did you know 90% of UT students don’t read the paper so it makes no difference what I’m writing right now?” Then the last part of the “class” jumps up on you, which is the final test you must get at least a 70% on to pass the class. Remember all that fun you were having during those videos and the exercises? Yeah, no more fun and games, time for serious business. All of a sudden questions turn from “Is alcohol legal if you’re under 21?” to “If Jake has two beers, five ounces of wine, one shot of vodka and a Jager bomb, what is his BAC?” I clearly did not pay attention to what was going on. Anyway, one failed test and a few guesses later, I passed. Another great couple hours of my life have gone by, and I’ve learned nothing. John Jacobs may be reached at jjacobs@ut.edu.
FLORIDA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING
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The Minaret | March 27, 2009
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Compulsive gambling is both diagnosable and treatable. For help with a gambling problem, call the confidential 24hour HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT or 888-236-4848, or the University Counseling Center, located behind Austin Hall: (813) 253-6250
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Sports
The Minaret | March 27, 2009
Student Spends a Day in the Club (House) and NFL Stabbings in
Major Deal By Michael Franz Sports Blogger
If you had told me when I was 10 that one day I would be in the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training clubhouse, I probably would’ve fainted or screamed myself hoarse. But at 9:42 in the morning on Saturday March 14, 2009, I entered the clubhouse at Ed Smith
Stadium in Sarasota. I’ve known MLB Hall of Fame Writer Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News since I was young and met him for the first time when I was in fifth grade back in Dayton, Ohio. I’d only known him as the beat writer for the Reds at the local paper, but today he was my host and mentor. See the rest of this post at www.theminaretonline.com/ overtime.
Crazy Cutter
and instead of using her words, decided striking Hayes, 21, in the head with a pair of scissors would best convey her message. As the linebacker gained control of the scissors, his 19-yearold girlfriend then snatched a knife and added emphasis with a blow to the neck. She was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, but was released on $25,000 bail. Hayes was treated at the
hospital and confessed that he and his significant other were having an argument. Though it remains undisclosed what prompted the disagreement, I can only speculate what Hayes, a former player at Florida State University, did. He probably cheated. Bobby Winsler can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com. Keep checking www. theminaretonline.com/overtime for daily updated blogs.
Photo by Abby Sanford
Strong pitching and defense for the University of Tampa women’s softball team can be noted for their current 19-5 record. Their bats have also given them comfortable leads and wins. UT currently sits atop of the Sunshine State Conference, winning six of their seven conference matchups so far. Coming off a record-setting season last year, sophomore Deanna Henriott (12-3) leads the
Spartans with her pitching. With a 14 strikeout performance against American International earlier in the season, Henriott earned her first no-hitter of the season and her second as a Spartan. Heather Van Landingham (62) also takes the mound for the Spartans and has been successful in her junior season. Proving to be dominant in the conference at this point in the year, the Spartans will face only SSC opponents for the remainder of the
regular season. The lineup has proven to be dangerous for opposing pitchers, as UT has outscored opponents 125-50. Freshman catcher Becky Vyzas has earned her spot by consistently producing at the plate. She has numerous multi-hit games and is making a good name for herself. The Spartans will face Florida Tech in a three-game weekend series at UT starting at 7 p.m. on Friday.
seasons, bringing back-to-back national championships to Tampa in 2006 and 2007. “Forty wins marks a good year for college baseball,” Urso said. “You get 40 wins and most of the time you’re in the postseason.” Urso says hitting the 400win mark would be nice, because it shows he is carrying on UT’s winning tradition. Always being a family man,
soon to start a family of his own, Urso sought and landed the head coaching job at his alma mater, UT. As if getting the UT head coaching job wasn’t exciting enough, Urso’s wife, Juile was due with their first child. He was offered the job two days after his son JD was born. The proud new parents, who met in California, made the cross-
country move to Florida. Back in the Tampa area, Urso reunited with his six siblings. All of Urso Urso’s older brothers were involved in baseball in some way. Only one of them played
junior college ball. However, his younger brother Sal played AAA ball and also a year in Japan’s professional league. “I’ve come from a baseball family, so I think a big part of that family I’ve brought to coaching. These guys [his players] know that [family] is very important to me,” Urso said. Kyle Bennett can be reached at minaret.overtime@gmail.com
By Bobby Winsler Sports Editor
If you’re wondering which would hurt more, getting stabbed in the head with scissors or taking a knife to the neck, just ask Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Geno Hayes. Hayes’ girlfriend became belligerent after a late night argument earlier this month,
Spartans Strong in Conference Clashes as Softball Success Continues By Olivia Glynn Asst. Sports Editor
Catcher Becky Vyzas slides safely into second.
“Urso” [Back]
to-back national championships. One year they broke the single season win record as they tallied 54 wins. He also comes in as the winningest coach in UT history with a winning percentage of .767 and a record of 360-109-1. He has taken his team to the regional tournament all eight
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‘n t u O Blame it on the...
Rain was the reason for unplayable fielding conditions at the Lynn University softball field last weekend in Boca Raton, Fla., causing the softball games to be cancelled. The baseball team had similar problems on Saturday, when they visited Nova Southeastern for a doubleheader. The games were rescheduled for Sunday and the Spartans split the two games.
All-South Selection Hailee Sullivan became the first member of the University of Tampa basketball team to earn a spot on the NCAA South Regional AllTournament team. In two NCAA tournament games the senior guard s c o r e d double figures and averaged 17.5 points Sullivan for the SSC champion Spartans. Joining her on the team are two players from Delta State and two players from Ouachita Baptist.
Rowdies Reach Out In 2010, Tampa Bay will be home to another professional sports team. The Tampa Bay Rowdies will be a United Soccer League First Division team. Before the start of their season however, the Rowdies will take part in a youth outreach partnership with YMCA’s in the Bay area. The program will host camps for children ages five to 14, and clinics for YMCA coaches and staff. Clinics will be held on weekends beginning in April and during summer break.
Tennis Extends Win Streak, Longest in Years By Olivia Glynn Asst. Sports Editor
After dropping the first 10 matches of the season, the current streak for the University of Tampa tennis team looks much better at seven wins. The season is finally starting to go their way. “We play our hardest teams first,” explained freshman Victoria Bell. “For some reason, it’s set up like that and we have a really tough schedule at first.” After losing the No. 1 player prior to the start of the season and losing the No. 2 player shortly after that for personal reasons, the team has worked together to combat their losing streak with a winning one. “We lost two players early that we had been practicing with in the off season,” said Bell. “Everyone had to switch up, so the doubles players we got used to, it all changed.” It took some time for the new duos to connect, but they have finally gotten used to playing with each other. After losing 10 straight
matches, the Spartans notched their first victory against Eckerd, winning 9-0. The current seven game win streak is the longest for the tennis team since at least the 2006 season. “When we finally got used to playing with each other, and when we have momentum going into singles, that helps,” she said. “We know we can win and that’s a huge deal, it makes a huge difference.” Bringing the energy from a doubles win allows the team to carry the confidence that they need into the singles matches. With four matches left in the regular season, Bell, along with other members of the team, can rest assured knowing that they turned their season around. They played through a tough season that could have ended up much worse than it will. Bell is happy with the recent success and thinks that the team can now compete at the level they are capable of. “Just by being positive,” she said, “and going out there knowing we can win now.”
Claire Runge stretches to make the shot.
Photo by Kara Wall
Coach, Former Player Continues Legacy At UT
Urso carries out winning tradition on way to postseason
By Kyle Bennett Online Sports Editor
For anyone who has ever met Joe Urso, the word ‘championship’ probably comes to mind. Not many people can say they have won championships at three different levels. Urso has captured a high school state championship, three collegiate national championships (both playing and managing) and one minor league championship. In 1988, Urso’s senior year at Plant High School, they took the state championship and Urso was twice named first-team all-area, all-county, all-conference and second-team all-state during his high school career. Urso then continued his
personal winning tradition at UT. Playing four years of varsity baseball. Starting his freshman year, the Tampa native became the starting second basemen for all four years. Urso ranks fourth all-time in games played (258). Among these staggering records, both current and previous, Urso turned in a .377 batting average and stole 11 bases in 15 games against Division I opponents in his senior season. Upon graduation Urso entered the draft and was picked up in the 49th round by the California Angels. Although drafted in the late rounds, the winning tradition never faded for the college standout. When he moved on to minor
Urso’s Notable Numbers UT School Records: Career Runs (since broken) Season Runs (since broken) Career Walks (still holds) Season Walks (since broken)
258 76 176 54
league baseball, his last year they After managing at the minor won the state championship. league level for two years, Urso He credits Tom Kotchman, heard the news that UT’s Terry his former minor league manager, Rupp was leaving for a another for the advice. coaching job at Maryland. And through those minor In his ninth season as the league years, “[he is] probably the Spartan’s leader, Urso has won 40 most influential guy that I’ve been or more games in seven of the past around,” Urso said. “He is the eight seasons, including two 50+ winningest minor league manger win seasons that resulted in backin the history of the game.” He played five years until See “Urso” [15] he saw his name on that devastating board in 1995 telling him that he would not be moving up in the Angels system. He then opted to step down to A level from AA division to take a player/ coach position. He was the hitting instructor under Kotchman at Boise, Idaho. Kotchman taught Urso valuable lessons to bring out the best in his players. “He has taught me how to treat players, raise their expectations and how to win late in the game,” Urso watches his team play. File Photo Urso said.
March 28, 10 a.m. vs. Lynn
March 27, 7 p.m. vs. Florida Tech
Softball
No. 19 Baseball
>>> The Spartans take on the Fighting Knights to restart conference play. Lynn is currently at the top of the SSC.
>>> With an extended break due to rain outs, the women will take on the Panthers to kick off the second half of the season.
>>>The Spartans will host the Fighting Knights for a weekend of conference play as they enter the final stretch of the season.
Tennis
March 27, 7 p.m. vs. Lynn
Living the dream and a piercing disagreement [Page 15]