The Minaret 1/19/2012

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Volume 78 Number 13

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January 19, 2011

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Failed Tampa Terrorist Plot Puts Spotlight on UT’s Emergency Plans

Campus Safety Director: School Has ‘All-Hazards Response’ Procedures

By YASAMAN SHERBAF News Reporter

According to authorities, a terrorist attack came close to being carried out in Tampa during the weekend of Jan. 7th.

Sami Osmakac, 25, from Pinellas Park, allegedly planned to place a car bomb in Ybor City and separately bomb MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in South Tampa.

He wanted to execute the attacks in locations here he knew that there would be a lot of people.

Osmakac has been charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. According to Tampa Bay Online, law enforcement took him into custody after an FBI sting operation in which Osmakac tried to buy explosives, grenades, Uzis and an AK-47.

This latest plot, coupled with last semester’s high-profile shooting and campus lockdown at Virginia Tech, has placed a spotlight on the importance of campus-wide preparation and readiness in the event of terrorism or another emergency situation.

Rape Definition Expanded

By HANNAH WEBSTER Columnist

For the first time in more than 80 years, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has expanded the definition of rape.

The old definition applied only to women and required some form of resistance and vaginal penetration for it to be considered rape.

This completely alienated men and those who are incapable of putting up a fight as possible victims, entirely distorting what could have been an accurate account of the extent of this horrible crime.

In the new definition, men are included. Oral sex, anal sex and assault with an object are added as possible offenses, and resistance is no longer required—lack of consent is enough to make the action criminal.

See RAPE, Page 13

In Other News...

At this point, Kevin A. Howell, director of campus safety, confirmed, “The campus security does not have specific terrorist attack [response] plans or instructions if something were to occur.”

According to Howell, the plans in place are not geared specifically for terrorist attacks. “Our plans are more designed as an all-hazards response to events,” Howell said. “We have a plan in place for a weatherrelated incident as well as others that are in the realm of ‘attacks.’”

Howell stated that readiness for a terrorist attack should involve a unified response involving other local law enforcement and area fire and rescue personnel.

While specific details for a plan cannot be explained due to safety reasons, Howell said it would certainly follow the rules and regulations of well-known organizations that have instituted policies on terrorism response.

He specifically referred to FEMA’s NIMS (National Incident Management System) and ICS (Incident Command System).

Screenshot from YouTube

In this YouTube video, ‘Sami Osmakac Declares Ahmed Bedier, Hamza Yusuf, CAIR, ISNA as infidels’, Sami Osmakac can be seen standing just feet away from UT property in 2010.

Howell said campus safety also has trained personnel ready to act in the event of a terrorist attack.

“Our relationship with Tampa PD, Tampa Fire, Hillsborough County SO and federal partners are strong,” he said,

“and representatives from all areas are very familiar with the university and its commitment to the safety of everyone in our community.”

Yasaman Sherbaf can be reached at ysherbaf@spartans.ut.edu.

Lectores Series Exposes Writers to Tampa Community

By TRINITY MORGAN News Reporter

Last week marked the inauguration of both the MFA in creative writing program and the much anticipated “Lectores Speaker Series.”

The program brought experienced student writers from all over the world for 10 days of intensive workshops with faculty.

Lectores was a seven-day nightly event series that director Jeff Parker affectionately referred to as a “festival for writers.”

“Our biggest hope for this first one is that we

Mikey Rumore/The Minaret

The MFA in creative writing starts up Lectores speaker series beginning this semester.

3 UT Student interns in London 7 New Year’s Solutions to your Resolutions

would bring in really interesting writers from around the world and expose them to other writers that they wouldn’t otherwise get to see, but at the same time we wanted to put on a really lively and interesting reading series.” Parker said.

Lectores gave people who wouldn’t normally be exposed to each other’s work the chance to sit down and discuss their creative processes, as well as the challenges and rewards that accompany being a writer.

While the daytime workshops were only open to students, the nightly Lectores reading series was free and open to the public. Lectores hosted well-known writers like Michael Connelly, Amy Hill Hearth and George Saunders, as well as other experienced guest and faculty writers.

The eclectic assortment of writers were well received by listeners. Erica Dawson, a faculty member in the MFA in creative writing program was enthusiastic about the visiting writers.

“For me, as a listener at a series like Lectores, I always leave with the urge to write,” Dawson said, “But, I also leave feeling I know something new about a particular writer’s process.”

Students and guest speakers participated in Panel discussions during which many students voiced their anxieties as writers.

“I learned student writers are interested in publishing, interested in how to live life as a writer, interested in getting through those moments when you want to throw the laptop

7 Minaret Movie Critic Rounds Up Top 10 Flicks of 2011 13 Last of US Troops Withdrawn from Iraq

off the balcony,” Dawson said. “I definitely will address these concerns in my classroom.”

The nightly reading series was welcomed in the Tampa Bay community, but also drew people other areas including Lakeland, St. Pete, Clearwater and other parts of the greater Tampa area.

“We thought that the interest was phenomenal, especially for the first time,” Parker said.

“We hope the Lectores series becomes a center for the literary arts for the region and in the state.”

Last week was the first of what will be a biannual speaker series at UT. The first series was successful, and both Parker and Dawson have high hopes for future Lectores events.

“It’s good for UT and our graduate and undergraduate students; but, it’s good for our city. I hope future Lectores events continue to bridge connections between UT, USF, St. Leo, all other campuses and writers and readers who love good writing,” Dawson said.

The next Lectores series is in June, and Parker is looking forward to it.

“It will take place during the summer session so interested undergrad students who weren’t on campus for the first one will hopefully attend,” he said. “We hope to continue to bring in interesting writers from around the country and around the world.”

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

20 More Sad Than Anything; An Offseason Acquisition Brings a Troubled Past to Tampa Bay

News..................................2 Diversions.........................6 A+E....................................7 Opinion............................ 11

Sports..............................17

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NEWS + FEATURES

JANUARY 19 2012 | THE MINARET

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Education Reform Focus for Both Parties

By SARAH STEMEN UWIRE

With Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Columbus Thursday focusing on education, President Barack Obama has indicated that he thinks education reform will be a decisive issue in the upcoming 2012 presidential election.

Biden visited Gahanna Lincoln High School with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss the importance of higher education. Biden said the Obama administration has and will continue to focus on doing everything possible to make sure middle class families can send their children to college.

“Plato once said ‘education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire,’” Biden said on Thursday. “I promise you, high school students, you’ll be surprised what a spark will burn for your entire lifetime if you get a college degree.”

Mitt Romney, a Republican presidential primary candidate and recent winner of the Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses, said he believes in increasing standards for education and quality-based incentives for teachers. During a Republican primary candidate debate in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 22, Romney voiced his thoughts on education reform.

“One, education has to be held at the local and state level, not at the federal level,”

Romney said. “We need to get federal government out of education. And secondly, all the talk about we need smaller classroom sizes — Look, that’s promoted by the teachers unions to hire more teachers.”

Duncan highlighted the programs and initiatives during the event that Obama has put into place during his time in office.

“We’ve tried to do a lot and we haven’t done everything perfectly yet,” Duncan said.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m actually really, really proud of what we have done so far.”

Duncan said the Obama administration has “dramatically simplified” the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) form.

They have also created “PayAs-You-Earn,” a program that allows loan repayments to be capped at 10 percent of an employee’s income.

“As you go forward, your loan repayments are going to be based on your income,” Duncan said. “So if you have a higher income job, you pay more and if you have a lower income job, like in the public sector as a teacher, you’ll pay less.”

Ron Paul, another Republican primary candidate and runner-up in the New Hampshire caucus, said the

Flickr/ Center for American Progress Action Fund

The education reform will be a decisive issue in the 2012 election.

student loans system has failed.

“I think the policy of student loans is a total failure.

I mean $1 trillion of debt?

And what have they gotten?

A poorer education and costs that have skyrocketed because of inflation and they don’t have jobs,” Paul said during a November debate.

During the debate on Sept.

22, Romney criticized Obama, but praised Duncan.

“I think the Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, is doing a good thing by saying, ‘You know what? We should insist that teachers get evaluated and that schools have the opportunity to see which teachers are exceeding and which ones are failing and that teachers that are not successful are removed from the classroom,’” Romney said.

“Those ideas by Secretary

Duncan, that is a lot better than what the president did, which is cutting off school choice in the Washington, D.C., schools.”

Biden said during the Thursday event that higher education directly impacts the unemployment rate.

“Unemployment rate is one half for college graduates of what it is nationally, so it matters folks,” he said. “Sixtyeight percent of jobs in the next decade are going to require a college degree.”

The unemployment rate in the U.S. and Ohio is at 8.5 percent, as of December 2011.

The unemployment rate for a college graduate over the age of 25 with a college degree is 4.1 percent.

The next primary race for the Republican candidate will be in South Carolina on Jan. 21.

Ohio’s primary election will be on March 6.

Biology Professor Awarded Equine Research Grant

By LAUREL SANCHEZ News Reporter

Over the break, a University of Tampa professor received a faculty/student research grant.

The grant, worth $3,200, was awarded to Dr. Rebecca Bellone.

Bellone, who has taught at UT for 10 years, received the grant from TriLink BioTechnologies.

This grant was awarded for her research in the “tiger eye” in Puerto Rican Paso Fino horses.

In her 10 years at the university, Bellone has participated in other research, mainly surrounding horse genetics. Recently, she has been internationally recognized for her research on 25,000year-old cave paintings of spotted horses in caves in Pech Merle, France. She spoke of a recent research opportunity surrounding the nature of Appaloosa’s spot patterning.

She said, “[research projects] are fun and exciting and you get to meet new people.”

In this research project, she travelled up to the University of Saskatchewan and studied with veterinary ophthalmologists.

The interesting discovery this research uncovered was that the genetic markers, what is found on the DNA to show certain traits, behind the spots on an Appaloosa horse were linked to congenital night blindness.

According to the article found on the UT website,

Bellone’s specialty is in molecular biology related to animal genetics. She said that her passions are the genetics behind and related to horses and their pigmentation and teaching. “I can do both!” she said.

What this research project is about is a specific genes that causes “tiger eyes” in horses, specifically Puerto Rican Paso Fino Horses. Typically, horses have brown eyes or if they have white spotting, they tend to have blue eyes. “Tiger eyes” are an orange-yellow to an amber color.

“I was originally contacted by breeder JoAnne Ferre Crosseley to find out what markers can be found on the DNA,” said Bellone.

She also mentioned that this is the primary research done on this trait, so they have to make sure to find the right markers.

For help on her research, Bellone chose UT student Elizabeth Kowalski. Kowalski is a senior biochemistry major who has received previous research grants and has done previous independents studies through the university. Bellone chose her to do her research because she has shown interest since she was “in her lab freshman year.”

The grant is what is known as an external grant, which Bellone applied for

Photo courtesy of Lauren Stamm

Bellone and Kowalski received a grant for equine research they did.

independently. In the UT website article, it mentions that she has received previous grants from them in 2003 and 2005.

“I stumbled upon this firm a while back when I first started teaching,” Bellone said. “I then found out that the CEO, Richard Hogrefe, was a UT alumnus and that was pretty neat.”

TriLink has a program called TriLink Research Rewards.

This program, according to the UT website, targets “educators and academic researchers” who need additional funding.

Bellone said that the grant helps them purchase the necessary items for their research.

One biology major, Jessica Fernandez, is very interested in this grant. “I know Dr. Bellone is a great professor who takes

all her research to heart,” she said. “Anything that she is willing to put her time towards has to be worthwhile.”

Fernandez does have a few questions about the grant after finding out about it. She commented, “My question would be how does it benefit the breeders? It does mention that it is a favorable trait but does that mean that it would make the horse more valuable or that it would benefit the horse in any other way?” Bellone’s dedication and passion for the research that she is executing translates directly to her students’ lessons on how to apply their majors to a broader cause.

Laurel Sanchez can be reached at lsanchez@spartans. ut.edu

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THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2011

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CAPA International Education Sends UT Student to London

By KELLY ST. ONGE News Reporter

The Office of International Programs at the University of Tampa offer students a range of education abroad trips.

Among the trips offered are internships abroad. According to the school’s website students can “gain valuable career experience and become culturally aware by completing an international internship.”

This past summer, Jenna Tinney, a sophomore at UT completed an internship through CAPA International Education and earned six UT credits. Her internship took place in London, England. Tinney said there were definite cultural differences.

“The funniest culture difference though was one day in the office,” she said. “Teach Me How to Dougie’ came on my iTunes and they had never heard it and all became obsessed and wanted to know what the Dougie was!”

Aside from cultural differences in pop culture and language, she said the office atmosphere was different too.

“I thought I’d be going in and the biggest responsibility would be making everyone’s afternoon tea and acting as

the boss’s pet,” she said. “But I was treated as if I was their employee and not just an intern who did silly tasks.

Tinney’s internship lasted six weeks and she was enrolled in two classes: “Learning Through Internships” and “British Broadcasting.”

During the internship she spent three days a week working in an office for the company Captive Minds. She said she enjoyed the hands-on experience she gained there.

“In the office I did a lot of media coverage,” she said. “I also helped with writing press releases for events, updating our social media sites, contacting clients for updates, and putting together different promotional giveaways.”

Tinney is a communications major and advertising minor, and she said her internship with CAPA is helping her to propel forward with her career. At the end of her internship she was given a recommendation letter for future opportunities.

“My internship with Captive Minds has helped lead me into two more internships in Tampa, along with an internship in New York for next summer,” she said.

Kelly St. Onge can be reached at kst.onge@spartans. ut.edu.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Tinney

Jenna Tinney participated in a six credit hour internship in London, England over the summer.

National Honor Society Accepts the University of Tampa

By STEF CROCCO News Reporter

This past fall semester the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society unanimously accepted the University of Tampa into its organization. Alpha Sigma Lambda recognizes top non-traditional/adult students for their scholastic achievement while balancing family and work.

According to Gary Simon, director of adult and summer academic programs at UT, non-traditional students will have “an extra incentive to achieve distinction and recognition for their high level of academic achievement through UT’s Upsilon Tau chapter.”

Additionally, according to Simon, the acceptance puts UT into the company of other Alpha Sigma Lambda chapters, such as those at Northeastern University, Boston University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Virginia, Northwestern University, Mercer University, Rutgers University and many more.

“I am hopeful that it will help draw more attention over time to the contribution made to our campus community by our non-traditional/adult students and that it will give them an additional reason to be proud of their academic achievement,” Mr. Simon said.

Students do not have to apply to join the organization.

However, this spring semester, qualified students will be notified if they meet all necessary criteria to join. Students must have at least 24 credit hours at UT before being eligible for membership into the chapter. That means incoming students will not be immediately qualified due to this criterion.

For those with enough credit hours, GPA and whether or not they have declared an undergraduate major are other criteria that are taken into consideration. Students need to have at least a 3.2 GPA in order to be invited, and they also must have declared an undergraduate major or have a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree. Qualified student

candidates will be inducted into the society during the spring 2012 semester when UT holds its first induction ceremony.

Alpha Sigma Lambda comes with many benefits for those who do accept membership into the society. Not only will they be officially recognized on campus for their high academic achievement, but also, according to Simon, “Membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda is a nationally recognized credential that validates a student/graduate’s achievement with employers and others in the community.”

Simon further explained that students who accept their invitations will be grouped with others that may have similar characteristics and will be provided with social networking forums for them to communicate with each other.

With the spring semester soon to be in full bloom, the Upsilon Tau chapter will have a lot to look forward to at UT. For more information about Alpha Sigma Lambda, contact Gary Simon at gsimon@ut.edu.

Stef Crocco can be reached stefcrocs@yahoo.com.

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From the Dec. 17 to Jan. 15 reports

iSteal Your Stuff On Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m., a crew member reported theft of an Apple iPad computer near the Boathouse.

Lost, Please Do Not Return On Jan. 5 at 10:33 a.m., a student called and reported the theft of his textbook from a classroom.

Stranger Danger At 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 15, a non-student was found inside a university building and issued a written trespass warning.

The Ultimate Key Master On Jan. 6 at 3:00 p.m., an ELS staff member reported the master keys to a campus building missing and possibly stolen.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun On Dec 30 at 4:45 p.m., security responded to a report of an injured female visitor outside of the Plant Hall Museum on University Dr. (fountain) You Booze, You Lose At 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, four underage students were found in a closed residence hall and in possession of alcoholic beverages in violation of university policy. They were referred to the judicial.

Fast And The Not So Furious On Dec. 17 at 10:19 a.m., a student was observed driving recklessly and he failed to stop for law enforcement. The student is still under investigation.

A Major Water Leak On Dec. 17 at 11:40 p.m., a broken window was discovered at the Aquatic Center.

Reports compiled by Chelsea Daubar

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NEWS + FEATURES

Capping off the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

By EVAN BIRSIC Arts + Entertainment Writer

On Sunday evening, the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards were held in Los Angeles, Ca. Hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the Globes honors outstanding achievement in various categories for film and television, both domestic and foreign. This year’s ceremony was hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais, known for his rather, curt, views on the Hollywood lifestyle. All in all, 93 awards were handed out during the course of the night. Like most awards shows, the winners weren’t exactly unprecedented and the most entertaining portion of the ceremony were reaction shots or speeches.

Here are some highlights: To the shock of no one, Meryl Streep won Best Actress in a drama for her performance in The Iron Lady. Later that night, the Hollywood Foreign Press announced that Streep was the first nominee of 2012 for her performance in Meryl Streep is the Only One Surprised Meryl Streep Won an Award.

Michelle Williams took home Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy for taking on the role of the legendary Marilyn Monroe in My Week With Marilyn. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her daughter and apologized for reading her bedtimes stores in Monroe’s sex kitten purr for six months straight. George Clooney’s comedy/ drama/mystery The Descendents, starring

Screenshot from The Iron Lady

Streep won Best Leading Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for portraying Margaret Thatcher.

Screenshot from YouTube.com

Actor/comedian Ricky Gervais returned to host the Golden Globes for his third straight year.

Clooney and that one chick from that ABC show about all the pregnant teenagers, won for Best Picture in the Drama category.

The perpetual bachelor also took home the Best Actor in a Drama award. During the allotted four-minute speech window, Clooney spent approximately three and a half minutes praising fellow nominee Michael Fassbender’s phallic area, leaving 30 seconds to thank everyone else in the room.

Perhaps the most memorable event of the night stemmed from one of the most boring awards, Best Original Song. During a preshow interview, nominee Elton John demonstrated a reductive (look it up) grasp on tact when he said fellow nominee Madonna didn’t “stand a f***ing chance” in winning.

Low and behold, Madonna’s “Masterpiece” won Best Original Song.

When asked about John’s comments during

a her post-award interview, the pop legend said, “Elton John is great and I’m sure he’ll win something soon.”

Nothing too eventful happened with the TV awards. Modern Family took home a GG for Best Comedy while Downton Abbey won for Best Mini-Series or TV Movie. The most shocking part of the television awards was when Matt LeBlanc won the Best Actor in a Comedy award.

Credit to you if you knew Matt LeBlanc was currently on a television show.

All in all, a good time was had by everyone at this year’s Golden Globes.

The only people that need be worried are Lea Michele’s agents because she hardly got any screen time to dole out a dose of her best “I just got stabbed in the stomach” reaction face for every award Glee lost/ won.

Evan Birsic can be reached at evan. birsic@spartans.ut.edu

Hulu Plus: The Collegiate Perspective of Online TV HACKCOLLEGE.COM

On Christmas Day, I was so excited – as usual – to play with my new toys. Both my Kindle Fire and my 12-month subscription of Xbox Live allowed me to watch my Netflix subscription, but they both heavily advertised Hulu Plus as well.

Hulu Plus, at $7.99/month, piqued my interest. I’m a heavy TV watcher and the idea of having up-to-date shows on my TV and e-reader just seemed perfect.

But all that glitters isn’t gold. Hulu

Plus is completely unfeasible for a college student.

College students aren’t Scrooge McDuck, so every expense is one worth scrutinizing, and Hulu Plus doesn’t stand up to its competitors – Netflix Instant Streaming and Amazon Instant Video.

The main issues come down to lack of unique, available content and lack of compatibility with the mobile devices – a feature it boasts. Not all shows were available on Hulu Plus, and that consistently dropped its credibility with me, even though I understand there’s much

more to providing a TV show online than what’s seen at the surface.

Amazon Instant Video provides free content for Amazon Prime subscribers – a deal that some college students, myself included, have to provide for expedited delivery of textbooks and other supplies from Amazon. After a free year of Amazon Student, Amazon Prime is half-price for current students.

Netflix Instant Streaming has gone through a rough year on the PR front, but still consistently provides more content – TV and movies – than Hulu Plus and by far.

The only benefit Hulu Plus would provide over Netflix is same-season availability for some series, and the availability of a few more programs like Modern Family and The Daily Show. I enjoy both shows, but not $7.99/month enjoy.

Hulu Plus certainly can stand as a formidable competitor to Amazon and Netflix, but it needs to provide for more access of its programming on mobile devices and more diverse programming than its competitors if it wants to break out of the mold.

of youth arrests to a more formal legal system in the United States.

“Fifty percent of the time, we expected delinquent activity to just be reported to our parents,” Kramer said, referring to his generation’s interaction with police several decades ago.

Over the past 40 years, laws have also expanded, Kramer said, which contributes to the increased number of arrests. For example, motor vehicle laws and underage drinking laws are stricter now than ever before, Kramer said.

Brame, also a professor at U. North Carolina-Charlotte, echoed Kramer’s reasoning. He added that many more incidents will trigger law enforcement involvement today than in the past.

Strict “no tolerance” policies in schools also did not exist when the study was conducted more than 40 years ago, Brame said, which may have contributed to the increased number of arrests.

Because of the changing times, Brame

said an updated study “needed to be done.”

Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics between 1997 and 2008, researchers analyzed individuals who were between the ages of 12 and 16 at the end of 1996, Brame said.

The same group was asked a variety of questions over the 11-year time period.

One of the questions was if the individual has been arrested or taken into custody for something other than major traffic violations, Brame said.

To experts like Kramer and Brame, the results were not surprising.

Kramer said during criminology classes he instructs, he teaches his students the recent “broken window” movement of police — another reason why it may be more common for youth to be arrested.

The police mentality, he said, is that small things can become big things.

More serious crimes can occur if police are lenient and do not report less serious

offenses, he said.

Forty years ago, a crime such as vandalism may have resulted in just a phone call home. Police must now file the crime in the legal system to deter more serious crimes committed by the same person, Kramer said.

Through his more than 20 years experience as a Pittsburgh magisterial district judge and private attorney, Lou Coles said he has seen firsthand that lowlevel offenses are treated differently now than they were in the past.

Coles said on Friday and Saturday nights, it is very common for police to arrest people who drink alcohol on the streets or urinate in public. But decades ago, police would have just issued a citation, instead of making an arrest, Coles said.

One possible reason, Coles said, is the money each arrest brings the municipality.

“Crime is a gross business,” Coles said.

“It keeps lawyers, judges and police in business.”

Study: One in Three People Will be Arrested Before Age 23

By JESSICA TULLY UWIRE

A simple phone call to parents is no longer a common punishment for young troublemakers when police catch them in the act, experts said.

Nearly one in three people will be arrested by the age of 23, according to a study published in the January 2012 edition of Pediatrics, a peer-reviewed national journal. When the study was published in 1967, researchers found 22 percent of young adults would be arrested by age 23.

In the latest study, researchers concluded 30.2 percent of people will be arrested by age 23, said principal author of the study Robert Brame.

But Penn State U. professor of sociology and crime, law and justice John Kramer said the increase in arrests isn’t due to an increase in crime. In fact, the crime rate has substantially decreased in the last 15 years, Kramer said.

Rather, Kramer attributes the increase

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THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2011

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James Rogers / Will Shortz ©New York Times Across 1. Clipper feature 5. "Hogwash!"

10. Coventry cleaner 14. Cousin of a hawk 15. Up the ante 16. Take on 17. Improve one's golf game?

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34. Sticky stuff 35. Like some noodle dishes 39. Inexperienced golfers?

42. Links rarities 43. Cheer 44. Hardly cheery 45. 1996 A.L. rookie of the year 47. Composer's basis 48. Bewildered 52. First name in Polish politics 54. Mach 1 breaker 55. Common fraternity activity 56. Friend of Pooh 58. Taking one's time on the green?

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Week of the

11. Language from which "thug" is derived 12. Alan of "Gattaca" 13. PlayStation button 18. Horse operas 19. "How'm I doin'?" asker 22. Arthur Murray lesson 23. Father of Esau 24. Noncommittal response 28. Takes off 30. "That's amazing!"

31. Like Vassar, now 33. Beget 35. Brit's "Baloney!"

36. Zeroes (in on) 37. First vice president

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38. ___ of Langerhans (pancreas part) 40. Rebellious Turner 41. Become wizened 45. Hemingway's Barnes 46. Rasta's music 48. iPod maker 49. Made level 50. Beyond full 51. Diary bit 53. Potter's buys 56. Trillionth: Prefix 57. Warty hopper 59. Loser to J.F.K. 60. Charlottesville sch.

61. Approval of sorts 62. Genomic matter

Quote of the Week “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”

Sydney J. Harris, journalist

Horoscopes

By Linda C Black / Tribune Media Services

The Weekend Update Scavenger Dash Tampa

When: Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 Where: Gilligan’s Hideaway 202 N Morgan St Tampa, FL 33602 What: Scavenger Dash is a wildly fun urban adventure that is as much adventure race as it is scavenger hunt.

Compare it to The Amazing Race, but on a local level, where anyone can participate!

Website: http://www.scavengerdash. com/tpa.html Admission: $130 (cash) on race day

Art After Dark

When: Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 7 p.m.

Where: The Dubliner Irish Pub 2307 West Azeele Tampa, Fl 33606 What: Live Art and Music at The Dubliner Irish Pub Every Sunday. Join us for a collaboration rotation of three talented local artists bringing their skills together on canvas. Enter our $10 charity art raffle for a chance to win an original painting!

Admission: Free

Karaoke Night

When: Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Where: Vaughn Lobby What: The Tau Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is welcoming students back from the holiday break with a fun night of games and karaoke. Come, meet new people and have a great time. For more information, please contact the Deltas at dsttauiota01@gmail.com.

Introduction to Tai Chi When: Tuesday, Jan. 24 2012

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Sykes Chapel Rm. 115 What: The Wellness Committee is hosting Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Fist). It is an ancient martial arts exercise developed in China to improve mind, body and spirit. For more information, please contact Brandon D’Arezzo at Brandon. darezzo@spartans.ut.edu.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Define your terms, and prepare everything in private. Negotiations come to fruition easily. Relax and figure out what to watch for next.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Relax and enjoy the view. Notes prove valuable. Think over what you want. Define terms, review the steps, and sell it. Prepare everything in private.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Something you thought wouldn’t work will. Seek funding for it. Accept it as a gift, maybe. Giving it to you may serve someone else. Research outside your genre.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Pay attention to new financial opportunities without losing sight of your commitments. Have a conversation with your accountant. Diligence pays off.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) An expert opens your eyes to a whole new level.

Although you love action, what you need now is peace, quiet and stability. Work together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Focus on the openings instead of the blocks.

Find beauty in the details. You move the idea outside the box. Prepare more than you think you can cover.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Your willingness to learn new technology gives you an edge. Watch out for surprises at work. Write up your thoughts. Follow up on correspondence.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Do your share of the work. Communicate long distance. Being interested makes you interesting. The more you discover together, the deeper your love grows.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t forget the truth… it’s always a good starting point. Talk a little. Define your terms.

How do you want it to be? Work it out so everyone wins.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Reward your partner with quality time, as much as possible. Go ahead and get romantic.

Watch out for surprises. Epic dreams paint a dynamic vision.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Your real friends are there to help you get grounded. It’s a great time to tell your story.

Let your emotions pour out. Don’t hold anything back.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Have you considered writing a book? Even if you don’t write, you could get a ghostwriter.

You can accomplish more than you thought possible now. Dream big.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Arts + Entertainment

THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2012

7

New Year’s Solutions to Your Resolutions

By NATALIE HICKS

Asst. Arts + Entertainment Editor

It’s the start of a new year, and it’s time for Americans to yet again begin their love-hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions. Be it weight loss, volunteerism or personal improvement, now is the time to hit the ground running (for some, your resolutions might require you to take this literally).

The goals seem quite successful the first week of January, because they are fresh on your mind. Then in February, you must constantly remind yourself of the straining promise you made to yourself just one month ago.

Come July, you might as well forget about it and call it quits. For the most part, that’s the pattern that the majority of people follow when it comes to New Year’s resolutions.

But this year doesn’t have to happen like that. The year 2012 will be special.

After all, it’s a leap year and the world is supposed to end in December. This year, take matters into your own hands and see just how long you can make your resolutions last.

If all goes well, you will never have to make said resolutions again because you will incorporate them into your lives until the day you die, right? Right.

According to inquisitr.com, 37.29 percent of people said their goal for the new year was to lose weight and/or get fit. If your resolution falls under this category, McNiff Fitness Center and Powerhouse Gym Group Fitness Instructor Gina Zito provides

some tips on how to stay motivated.

“Always have a specific and realistic goal in mind, (e.g ‘I want to lose 1 inch around my waist in one month by doing one hour of cardio at least three times a week and only eating dessert twice a week’),” said Zito.

“Also, make goals public. If you post on Facebook ‘Only 5 pounds away from my ideal weight!’, then you are going to feel more obligated to go through with your commitment, and you will have plenty of emotional support and tips from all your friends by having it on your social network.”

Becoming a better person came in second place, according to the research of mlive.com.

While this may be a vague statement, personal improvement betters oneself as well as society, no matter how small the gesture.

For some, their resolution could be as slight as smiling more at strangers.

For others, it could be to spend more time with family and less time stressing about work and school.

“I want to be a better listener and actually engage in meaningful conversation. I feel like it will help me be a better friend,” said freshman Logan Cummings.

The nice thing about New Year’s resolutions is that you can pick up where you left off whenever you want.

If you swore to yourself on Christmas day, after stuffing your face with mashed potatoes and pie, that you were going to run a mile at least three times a week in 2012, it’s not too late. Just because you

Steve Tolcher/flickr.com

A Zumba class shakes their way into a new year with new goals for health and body awareness.

didn’t run like Forrest Gump on New Years Day doesn’t mean that you still can’t do it tomorrow.

It’s not that people don’t care about New Year’s resolutions, but they often forget or don’t know how to get inspired. If you truly plan on sticking to your resolutions, then the trick is to constantly remind yourself.

Forget Post-It notes on your mirror saying “You’re a shining star” and “You’re the most beautiful girl in the world.”

Do you want to lose weight? Sign up and pay for a workout class. The strict

schedule will prompt you not to skip out on classes, and the payment will urge you to get your money’s worth.

Do you want to improve others’ lives, not just your own?

Join the PEACE Volunteer Center. They send out steady updates on ways to get involved in the UT and Tampa Bay community, or make a promise to yourself that is realistic to keep.

Like Nike says: Just Do It, and Yesterday You Said Tomorrow. Live like everyday is New Year’s Eve. Natalie Hicks can be reached at minaret.arts@gmail.com.

Minaret Movie Critic Rounds Up Top Ten Flicks of 2011

Kelly Reichardt follows three families in 1845 traversing the endless Oregon desert.

It may test your patience, but it would be a shame to let this subtly brilliant exercise in storytelling and spot on realism of a period piece slip past your viewing.

By DANIEL FEINGOLD Associate Editor

Let me waste as little time as possible and just get to it. With the Golden Globes behind us, and the Screen Actors Guild and Academy Awards taking place in the coming weeks, I have compiled my list for the top 10 films of 2011. I used no other formula but the basic combination of my enjoyment of the movie with how excellent the filmmaking in itself was.

It’s a challenge any year to narrow this list down to simply just 10 films; many more deserve recognition for stellar acting, magnificent storytelling, foolproof direction, what have you. And while certain limitations have prevented me from seeing every movie potentially worth crediting (for instance, movies like Shame, A Separation, Take Shelter, among others, either have not been released nationwide quite yet or are just difficult to come across), I feel confident in giving a nod to the movies that follow.

First, here are a few tremendous films that represent the cream of the crop in ’11, but just missed making the list: (in no particular order) Moneyball, Super, War Horse, The Artist (I’m predicting this win the Oscar for Best Picture), Midnight in Paris, The Beaver, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and Bridesmaids.

Now on to the top 10…

9. The Ides of March

While Clooney is racking up awards for The Descendants, the movie he directed and co-starred in for 2011 was also a success.

The Ides of March is an excellent political thriller that cares about its characters, dialogue and story. It balances nicely on the line of political motivations and personal melodrama—something that, if not done properly, can bog the film down and wear an audience out. Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman in particular give great performances among a star-studded cast.

8. The Muppets

10. Meek’s Cutoff

Released in mid-April, this little known gem has gotten lost among the late-year surge of Oscar hopefuls. Based on a true story and starring the always reliable Michelle Williams, this film helmed by director

Muppets’ stars Amy Adams and Jason Segel, top, hold their own in the presence of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy given their musicality with over-the-top acting. Below, George Clooney in The Ides of March yet another great performance.

It’s not an easy task to please the longtime Muppet faithful while welcoming new fans into the mix, but Kermit the Frog and his crew do exactly that. Jason Segal and Amy Adams, with grins made for the stage, tone up their performances to a perfect degree while letting the real magic be done by the Muppets themselves.

Unfortunately for our furry friends, they are in the strange position during awards’ season; being a non-animation movie geared towards a younger audience, I don’t see The Muppets getting any bones thrown their way in the form of nominations, let alone awards. That’s a shame, considering this is easily the most enjoyable moviegoing experience of the year.

See MOVIES, Page 8

8 JANUARY 19 2012 | THE MINARET

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Rooney Mara, Ryan Gosling Headline Last Year’s Best of the Best

2. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

From MOVIES, Page 7

Not a dull moment is to be found in the 158-minute American remake and adaptation of the wildly popular Swedish film and novel, respectively, of the same name. These actors bring author Stieg Larsson’s characters to life with the most impressive excruciating detail, namely newcomer Rooney Mara, portraying the obscure heroine Lisbeth Salander. Mara deserves the stardom she is receiving upon the film’s release; this is the kind of role that catapults a young actor’s career, and Mara puts forth one of the best performances of the year.

There are several scenes featuring Lisbeth that are quite difficult to watch, but Mara’s role commitment coupled with director David Fincher’s proficient vision and style makes it easier for a viewer to understand the importance those moments play in the cohesiveness of the film, rather than coming off as offensive or tasteless.

Certainly this will not be looked back upon as Fincher’s greatest work (Se7en, Fight Club, The Social Network—take your pick), but Dragon Tattoo still comes in as the second best movie of the year. That’s how impressive he is as a director.

7. The Tree of Life

It’s not necessary (nor is it possible) to fully understand every aspect of the gripping, thought provoking Tree of Life to appreciate what superior filmmaking it is. This is more of an experience than it is a movie. With Tree of Life, Terrence Malick has created one of the most visually breathtaking and deeply profound masterpieces in cinematic history.

It’s his brain child (he wrote and directed); this seems a movie intended almost as much for him as it is for moviegoers. As such, things are much too lofty for us to understand. Regardless, this movie seems to connect with people on some level— whether it is with faith, religion, purpose— and have a definitive impact on the way we perceive life.

6. The Descendants

Not only is George Clooney dating model and former WWE diva Stacy Keibler; he was also in two of the best movies 2011 had to offer. Clooney (who just won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama – at the Golden Globes) leads the way of great performances from a talented cast also featuring Shailene Woodley and Judy Greer. Mix that together with Alexander Payne’s heavy hearted original screenplay and direction, and we have a really touching film. After its big win at the Globes (Best dramatic Motion Picture), it now has to be a frontrunner (alongside The Artist) to take home the top prize at the Academy Awards.

5. 50/50

This movie’s prosperity can be credited in large part to Will Reiser’s semiautobiographical screenplay and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s leading performance. With strokes of both drama and comedy, sometimes blending together, Reiser has created a very balanced approach to handling a film centered around a character with cancer. And GordonLevitt proves to be one of the most likeable young leading men. Along with the rest of the cast, he realistically switches his emotions with ease. The only negative I found in 50/50 was that it went by too quickly. I’ll have to gladly watch it again.

1. Drive

Clockwise from top left: George Clooney and Shailene Woodley in The Descendants; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; The Tree of Life; and Ryan Gosling in Drive.

4. The Help

From Viola Davis to Bryce Dallas Howard, The Help touts the best cast in all of 2011. The Screen Actors Guild presents an award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture; it would be a huge snub if The Help didn’t win.

Based on a 2009 novel of the same name, this is a fine example of a story that transitions smoothly from on paper to on screen. It’s a film of great value that has plenty of things to teach and an abundance of lessons to learn. Your eyes should well up at least once during a viewing of The Help.

3. Hugo

Martin Scorsese is magnificent. It’s astonishing how easily he goes from hardhitting movies like Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Departed to the wondrous family film Hugo. Based on Brian Selznick’s novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Scorsese crafts yet another masterpiece—this time in 3D. Movies that actually excel with the use of that extra dimension are rare, but Hugo takes full advantage with depth and crisp colors to spare. A tribute to the art of movies and the filmmaking experience, the story is one that’s easy to let yourself get immersed in. Just another wonderful movie-going experience for an audience member of any age.

A uniquely thrilling movie with an oddly intoxicating performance by Ryan Gosling tops my “best of the best” list for 2011. Gosling says little, as he lets his facial expressions and actions carry the weight. His top notch performance is met by supporting actors Albert Brooks, playing off type as an unfunny villain, and Bryan Cranston as Gosling’s father figure sidekick. The cast in general hit all the right keys as the two storylines— one a different take on a love story, the other an action-filled crime—play off one another and complement each other perfectly. Drive plays like a 1980’s neonoir set in present day, with a catchy, whimsical soundtrack and director Nicolas Refn’s extremely toned down and subdued style. Exciting, engrossing and worth multiple viewings, Drive was my favorite film of the year.

Daniel Feingold can be reached at dfeingold91@gmail.com.

TV Shows 2012: Musicals, Criminal Masterminds and Jack Bauer

By EVAN BIRSIC

Arts + Entertainment Writer

It’s a new year, which means new shows. Say hello to some of your incoming nightly distractions for this semester.

Smash

If you’re a fan of musicals but sick of Glee’s lack of plot or wondering if Chris Colfer has teeth, then Smash is the show for you. This NBC musical drama follows a group of New Yorkers trying to bring a musical based on Marilyn Monroe’s life to Broadway.

Featuring all original music and a talented cast including Debra Messing, Anjelica Houston and Katharine McPhee, Smash is sure to make you wish it were acceptable to break into song in real life.

Alcatraz

If you’re a fan of musicals but sick of Glee’s lack of plot or wondering if Chris Colfer has teeth, then Smash is the show for you. This NBC musical drama follows a group of New Yorkers trying to bring a musical based on Marilyn Monroe’s life to Broadway.

Tune In! Smash - NBC Channel 7 Mondays at 10 p.m.

Touch - FOX Channel 14 Mondays at T.B.A. Are You There, Chelsea? NBC Channel 7 Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m.

Alcatraz - FOX Channel 14 Saturdays at 11 p.m.

Featuring all original music and a talented cast including Debra Messing, Anjelica Houston and Katharine McPhee, Smash is sure to make you wish it were acceptable to break into song in real life.

Are You There, Chelsea?

Follow the semi-autobiographical, often drunken, misadventures of Chelsea Handler on NBC’s Are You

There, Chelsea? I know what you’re thinking- “Doesn’t Chelsea Handler already have two shows on TV right now?” The answer is yes, but this incarnation is in sitcom form. Chelsea? is based on Handler’s bestselling book, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea and follows the life of 20-something bar employee Chelsea Newman (That ‘70s Show’s Laura Prepon) and her group of friends as they navigate through life.

Handler serves as executive producer and makes frequent appearances as Sloane, sitcom Chelsea’s older sister.

Touch

Touch has one of the most interesting concepts out of all of the mid-seasons shows. Keifer Sutherland plays a father who discovers his mute autistic son can predict the future through a complex number system. The way it goes, son predicts bad events, dad uses his connections to try to stop said bad event. Sounds simple enough, but creator Tim Kring (Heroes) is known to rival J.J. Abrams in the amount of plot twists crammed into one season.

Evan Birsic can be reached at evanbirsic@gmail.com.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2012

Film vs. Novel: Will Woman in Black Come to Life At the Theater?

By AMANDA SIERADZKI Arts + Entertainment Editor

Daniel Radcliffe is making his first post-Potter debut on February 3rd. He’ll star as Arthur Kipp, a London lawyer circa the Victorianera, in the film The Woman in Black based on the 1983 novel by Susan Hill (and additionally, a revival of the 1989 TV adaptation) of the same name. In anticipation of the upcoming horror-thriller, I got my hands on a copy of the novel to see what audiences have to look forward to.

At 164 pages, the novel makes for a quick read while moving steadily through the plot. It begins with Kipp, the narrator of the story, describing a Christmas Eve many years removed from his terrifying encounter with the Woman in Black. He decides the only way to exercise her ghost from his mind, is to tell his haunting tale.

Truthfully, I think the book could have began on page 20, omitting the dragged out overture and frustrating hints at past horrors from Kipp. He describes in excruciating detail “the sparkle and glitter and color of the Christmas decorations” while his step-children tell ghost stories by the fire (something I find quite odd, but Kipp refers to it as an “ancient” Christmas Eve tradition).

Kipp becomes overwhelmed by their merry-making, which causes him to remember the horrors of his past, and storms out of the house.

After much wordy explanation as to how he feels, how he felt, how the wind was blowing that evening and a lot of bogged down description, the plot finally picks up again with Kipp telling his story of the Woman in Black.He takes us back to when he was a young man of 23, and how he worked as a lawyer for a prestigious London

firm. He is sent out on assignment to investigate the death of one of their more mysterious clients, Mrs. Drablow. He takes several trains out to a remote countryside village called Crythin Gifford where Mrs. Drablow’s quiet funeral takes place with only Kipp, another solicitor and the pallbearers in attendance. This is

Reading as more of a short story than fully fleshed out novel, The Woman in Black may fulfill its spooky potential on the big screen.

where Kipp first sees the Woman in Black; a widower dressed in black mourning clothes, her face pallid and partially wasted away.

When Kipp asks his fellow funeral guest Mr. Jerome who the woman is, Mr. Jerome nearly passes out, giving him no answer. In fact, the entire village either gives only half-answers or ignores Kipp altogether when he inquires about the identity of the strange woman.

Carrying on with his tasks of going through Mrs. Drablow’s old papers, he travels by “pony and trap” to the Eel Marsh House, her estate. The estate sits on an island that can only be reached by the Nine Lives Causeway, and only at low tide. This is the perfect set-up for Hill’s spooky story, allowing Kipp to be isolated from the secretive Crythin Gifford citizens while he experiences the eerie and ominous aura of the estate.

Within the next few chapters, the Woman in Black as well as other disturbances such as frets of fog, screaming and creepy bumps in the night are sighted and heard by Kipp. Despite the spookiness throughout the novel’s latter portion, I felt unsatisfied when the story reached its end.

It felt as if I had been cheated, only given short shocks of thrill without any real explanation or backstory to the ghosts in the tale. I think part of the problem was how Hill began her novel with Kipp as narrator. While the first-person view helps to add

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to moments of rising suspense, in the back of my mind I knew that Kipp had survived whatever horrors he hinted at, taking away from the ending.

By the last paragraph, everything tied up into a messy and extremely disturbing little bow, histories revealed and Kipp’s horrifying ending leaving me distraught. Besides the handful of events which made me jumpy after reading, (I nearly leapt eight feet in the air when my phone went off halfway through the book), I can only hope that the movie adds more oomph to the story.

I don’t often look to Hollywood when it comes to novel-to-film adaptations with anticipation, or even hope, however The Woman in Black will certainly be an exception. The subtlety of the book’s chills and thrills shock you without having a ghost jump out and shout boo, but that same scary quietness is exactly what left me unsatisfied.

I felt the backstory was resolved too quickly, the Woman too subdued. The ending is abrupt, but shocking enough to leave you haunted for a while afterwards. In terms of the movie, I look to Radcliffe’s skills as an actor, as well as director James Watkins’ guidance, to bring this novel’s rigid vernacular and halfhauntings to life.

Amanda Sieradzki can be reached at minaret.arts@gmail. com.

Why the GRE Must Go: The Tyranny of Standardized Testing

By MIKEY ANGELO RUMORE Asst. Opinion Editor

Like many students, I recently took the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): the standardized test widely required for graduate school admission. Of course, in my preparation, I had heard that the test is especially grueling, clocking in at around four and a half hours with barely any break between sections. Yet, as I signed in at my testing center, I was unprepared for the oppressive atmosphere that the GRE elicits.

“Flip your pockets inside out,” the testing proctor told me. I complied; my pockets contained nothing but lint, which the proctor glared at suspiciously until I threw it away. I didn’t say anything. I felt voiceless. “Stand over here and raise your arms,” she continued. I held my arms out, as I would at airport security, while the proctor ran a handheld metal detector over my body. Complete submission.

Total demoralization. I half expected to be frisked. Even waterboarding didn’t seem out of the question. The environment was undoubtedly prison-like—tightly regimented and controlled. The testing room, suffocatingly cold and quiet, emitted a culture of obedience. At that moment, my being, my will, was contained within the rules and regulations of a standardized test.

At stake: the future of my education.

In the classic book on education in the United States and Canada, Life in Schools, Peter McLaren writes: “many educators and psychometricians agree that using a single test score to make a high stakes determination represents an ethical abuse.”

Yet, Educational Testing Services (ETS),

which administers various tests including the GRE, SAT, TOEFL and AP exams, is exceedingly powerful in controlling access to various educational benchmarks.

As the largest private testing organization worldwide, ETS has been described as having a virtual monopoly on such testing. ETS even exclusively administers the California High School Exit Exam, which all California high-schoolers must pass in order to graduate, effectively controlling the standards for graduation that all California students and teachers must adhere to. As a non-profit organization, ETS pays no federal income tax on most of its operations. Yet, despite its non-profit status, ETS has been criticized for high executive, board and member pay, and for selling testpreparation materials for its own tests at high prices. Make no mistake: educational testing is highly profitable. My GRE General Test alone cost well over $100 to take, and the big three testing companies (ETS, College Board and ACT Inc.) raked in a $59 million profit in 2009.

To make things worse, standardized testing, as embodied by ETS, exercises its vast power over students by advancing a corporate conception of education that is oppressive, unequal and flawed. Tests such as the GRE denigrate and redirect the work of teachers and students to serve a corporate agenda of obedience and powerlessness. As the Kaplan New GRE: Strategies, Practice, and Review 2011-2012 workbook says: “the [revised] GRE may have been structured to look more like the GMAT, the test for entry into business school, because the skills tested are so similar.” The “critical” skills as tested by the GRE can only be as critical

as the ideology of the test could allow: the ideology that education serves the needs of the market, not a public good linked to democracy and critical citizenship.

The GRE, as do almost all standardized tests, measures a fleeting acquisition of “reasoning skills” in a noncritical way. Such standardized tests assume that all students must “master” the same skills in order to be academically successful, and the high-stakes nature of the tests limits the capacity of students to acquire a critical education. While the

]

the GRE represents the colonization of a student’s ideas or possibilities. High-stakes standardized testing is about artificially reproducing an unequal class system in education that bars access for students that don’t fit into the dominant culture.

Educators that do not speak out against high-stakes tests like the GRE, whether they realize it or not, are consenting to the hegemony of corporatized education.

Some professors that I’ve spoken to privately confided that, in some instances, graduate schools will quietly subvert

]

At that moment, my being, my will, was contained within the rules and regulations of a standardized test. At stake: the future of my education.

GRE is not “taught to” like the SAT or standardized high school exit exams, it nonetheless does require that a student submit to the philosophy of the test, a philosophy concerned with conformity, consumption and corporate efficiency. In other words, these tests argue that students must live with the world, not in it.

Simply, the biggest problem with tests like the GRE is that one cannot challenge the validity of the test itself.

Instead, the test-taker must work within the established rules of the test, whether or not he or she accepts them, or face permanent consequences to the future of his or her education. This is the antithesis of empowering education. In essence,

the GRE by requiring scores but taking them less seriously than other factors.

This approach, in my view, still does not challenge the dominance of ETS and other standardized testing services in dictating national and international educational agendas. Students and teachers must begin demanding that the validity of the GRE and other standardized tests goes unrecognized.

We must reassert the power of students and teachers in forming their own education, instead of allowing them to be dictated to by multinational corporations such as ETS. Rejecting standardized testing starts here at UT, if we want it.

Mikey Angelo Rumore can be reached at michaelangelorumore@gmail.com.

10 JANUARY 19 2012 | THE MINARET

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THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2011

Opinion

11

Last Candidate Standing: America’s Presidential ‘Survivor’

By ALEX CARABALLO Columnist

There are few comparisons to the events that have occurred in the race for the Republican nomination for presidency over the past few months. A TV game show is probably the most apt description of the Republican primary.

The nomination process has essentially become a political version of survivor played out across the early primary and caucus states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Mitt Romney is the young, presidential looking candidate that everyone else hates and wants to beat. Rick Santorum is the flavor of the month that has a serious Google problem. What’s the third candidates name again? Oh, it’s Rick Perry who has had a difficult time remembering the three government agencies he wanted to abolish.

Newt Gingrich has secured the role of the cranky old man who just wants to stick it to Romney. Herman Cain had more sexual harassment problems than Senator Larry Craig in an airport bathroom. Ron Paul’s sole mission in life seems to be to anger the party establishment for actually being genuine.

Congresswoman Michelle Bachman can finally go back to making Minnesota look bad for electing her. Finally, there is Governor Jon Huntsman who is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, served as ambassador to China and has the most extensive resume of the pack, yet was forced to drop out after dismal polling.

Flavor of the month “Anti-Romney” is the only way to describe the Republicans who continuously take the spotlight every month only to fall back to earth.

Michelle Bachman was the first candidate to experience this surge after winning the

Ames, Iowa straw in health care coverage and poll. Her spotlight access. Apparently, making quickly faded as the sure the sick and poor are taken popular governor of care of is a deadly sin by the Texas, Rick Perry, Tea Party. entered the race. He Despite calling themselves was quickly routed the pro-life party, attendants as America witnessed at the debates yelled “YES” his self-destruction on to a question about whether TV during the debates. the uninsured should be left The obscure to die. The attendants at the Herman Cain then subsequent debate cheered stole the show in with applause when Rick Perry November, only to mentioned how many inmates end his campaign he had executed as governor. amid multiple Seeing those reactions, sexual harassment it’s no wonder the party is allegations and a more split than in any time multi-year sexual in recent history. There is the affair.

December sane establishment side of was Newt Gingrich’s the Republican Party and the time to shine, a man completely insane Tea Party who left his wife for Base. his mistress, twice.

It’s hard to unite those two DonkeyHotey/flickr.com and Mitt Romney will have He spearheaded the impeachment of Is the Republican primary a serious political process or a season of Survivor? a tough time doing so in the Bill Clinton while months to come. conducting an affair.

One of the things that I feel Rick Santorum rode the last flavor of the be despised by his party’s base. In 1994 seems lost is that these are candidates for month surge to a virtual tie with Romney Romney openly campaigned against president. An office held by great men such in Iowa, but lost by a wide margin in New Ted Kennedy by being pro-choice and a as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Hampshire. supporter of gay rights. There’s also that Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt.

Mitt Romney has now become a health care problem.

The Republican primary has become a juggernaut after simultaneously winning Mitt Romney’s health care reform in joke, and a disgrace to the office of the Iowa and New Hampshire, a feat that has Massachusetts served as the role model presidency. never been accomplished before in the for the National Health Care Reform The process to nominate a presidential Republican primary. There is no single passed by President Obama in 2010. Why candidate should not be akin to a reality TV candidate left that can stop what seems to this is considered an albatross around his Show, where every moment is documented be Romney’s inevitable nomination. This neck among conservative voters is a sad in detail and the more outlandish something is much to the chagrin of the party base that statement on Republican politics. is said the more attention the candidate extremely dislikes the moderate Romney Over 98 percent of Massachusetts gets. The presidency is a very serious job but cannot find a viable conservative alternative. residents have health insurance, which and these are just not serious candidates.

It’s easy to see how a moderate is the highest rate in the country.

Alex Caraballo can be reached at Republican governor of liberal state can Massachusetts now leads the country acaraballo21@gmail.com

College Stereotypes and Their New Year Resolutions

By DOMINIQUE BARCHUS Columnist

“New year, new me,” that’s all I’ve been hearing. Let’s be honest, just because the last digit of the year changes overnight, doesn’t mean you will.

For some reason most people always use the New Year as an excuse to become a “better” person than they were last year. They make all these New Year’s resolutions that they usually have a hard time keeping.

The most popular is getting in shape and hitting the gym on a regular basis.

Even with the strongest willpower, this is only going to last for a couple weeks. After those days pass you’re back to midnight snacking, afternoon naps, eating out every night and saying “I’ll go to the gym tomorrow” and it never happens.

Everyone has something that they want to change for the New Year, but the most interesting resolutions are those of a college student, which are based on incidents that occurred the semester prior. Mistakes were made and these college goers would prefer not to repeat them.

For instance, my resolutions consist of not putting so much energy arguing over petty issues, making more time with friends I had the tendency to neglect and the ever so popular effort to stop procrastinating.

These seem pretty basic and doable, but I know there are college students out there that have a much different approach to what they are planning to change for the new year.

Warning: The following resolutions are merely predictions based off the observation of my fellow classmates.

The party girl a.k.a. “The drunkest girl at the party” will make the resolution not to make a fool of herself at the parties she attends. She will make an effort not to be drunk before 9 p.m. so that she will be coherent enough to acknowledge that just because her friends are invited to a room to pre-game, doesn’t mean she was. She’ll be able to realize that there are people that genuinely do not like her and nor do they want her in their room.

Consequently preventing her from going back to her room a shoeless, drunken, emotional mess and risk further

embarrassment as she faces her sober roommates.

The angry frat guy will learn to pace himself when he drinks so that he can actually realize when is he beginning to get drunk. That way, if his frat brothers play a prank on him (and they will) his equilibrium won’t be completely out of whack and he won’t miss when he tries to hit one of them.

Then there’s the “inconsiderate dorm slut”. Everybody knows her name, where her room is, doesn’t actually like her, but will sleep with her in a heartbeat. She will make an effort to wear the proper underwear beneath her already extremely short skirt in the hopes that she can keep some of her goodies under wraps.

She probably won’t change her “snuggling” habits and will continue to bring questionably attractive guys back to her dorm room, but this time she will actually remember their names in the morning.

On the opposite side of Sam Battersby/The Minaret the spectrum, Losing weight is a common resolution, regardless of age. there is the quiet,

shy college student who has been fortunate enough not to have any drunken stories or “I wish I didn’t do that” experiences. They seem to be on the right track, however, they are sick of being the spectator and they want to have an experience that’s worthy of talking about. Sadly, they’ll pick a night to get drunk, find out they are a lightweight, throw up and won’t even make it out their dorm room to the actual party.

Obviously this isn’t the life of every college student. There are students that make goals that will actually help them strive to do better. They vow to do better in school, find a job and do more productive activities as opposed to partying, however some would rather vow not to show up to class hung over, not drink on Tic Toc Tuesdays and not lose their shoes after a long night of partying.

The problem with college resolutions, or resolutions in general, is actually keeping them. Once the New Year begins, most people are under this notion that they will miraculously become this different person overnight; it doesn’t happen that way.

If you’re going to make a real resolution, do it when you’re ready to actually commit and put forth the effort, not because it’s a New Year. Nine times out of 10, things will never go as planned. So when the New Year starts, be the one person that watches the other nine people around you relapse from their “new self” back into their old habits.

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

12 JANUARY 19 2011 | THE MINARET

OPINION

Reverend Gets Relevant: Opens Up Tattoo Parlor In Church

By ANNA WESTERHOLM Opinion Writer

Whether a pastor is putting a tattoo shop in his church, or displaying publicly the importance of sex in marriage, they are doing all they can to increase interest in services and strengthen their congregation.

Reverend Steve Bentley of The Bridge, a church in Michigan, opened a tattoo parlor called Serenity Tattoo located not far from his office inside the church.

Bentley, who has two tattoos, said tattooing is “morally neutral” and similar to ear piercings.

Tattoo artists Ryan Brown and Drew Blaisdell work Monday through Saturday, noon to 8 pm. Brown is a recovering alcoholic who said the environment he is now working in helps him stay focused on the right path.

Bentley recognizes that some find the tattoo shop inappropriate. However, he told the Flint journal in Michigan, “We are about doing church in a different way and being relevant to people.”

For me, tattoos have become common and a form of art and body decoration. I personally have two tattoos and am a Christian.

The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord.”

When the verse says “for the dead,” it is referring to a witchcraft rite to mourn the dead.

Even though scriptures should not be expected to evolve as the times of the world change, I do not believe a tattoo opens a person up to a satanic attack.

Along with times changing, however, in the biblical era up to colonial years and well after that, religion was the most important thing in most every person’s lives. Now, a new religion is being created every day.

I feel tattoos are a personal decision, just like which god to worship is a personal decision, just like which major to declare is a personal decision.

It does not matter what the topic is; no

one wants to be judged.

When someone is capable of making those decisions, it shows strength, confidence and independence.

By opening a tattoo parlor inside a religious house sounds inappropriate at first, but once I gave it more thought, I can now understand and support Rev. Bentley’s goal.

He makes an effort to speak to each customer that comes into the tattoo parlor according to the Laughing Squid/Flickr.com Flint Journal. Bentley has Insert something here. provided a comfortable setting to be able to relate to people better.

Reverend Bentley has done something unconventional by opening up a tattoo parlor in his Erin Quirk/The Minaret church.

Reverend Steve Bentley opened a tattoo parlor inside his church, seeking to stay relevant to his congregation.

I give him kudos for trying something so out and Pregnant and the nonchalant depiction Both Reverend Steve Bentley and there in order to increase popularity for the of sex, the idea of sex being a holy union Pastor Ed Young are thinking outside the establishment and for making his place of has gone out the window. box by taking unconventional measures to worship personable and more comfortable With sex becoming so common, I think draw attention to their churches. In order to for those who are curious, but may not it is important to do things like Ed and be more personable and to strengthen the want to attend a service.

Lisa Young are. Maybe doing it on top of a faith in their congregations, both leaders Over in Grapevine, Texas, pastor Ed roof is a bit extreme, but emphasizing the are providing unordinary means to fire up Young and his wife Lisa are planning to importance of sex to married couples is a and encourage their congregations. spend 24 hours in bed on the roof of their good thing. “We always like to say what On one side, a tattoo parlor in a house church to depict the importance of sex in marriage. God created is never x-rated,” Ed Young of God and church leaders having sex on They want to encourage more couples said. What God created is also specifically a roof is inappropriate. On the other side, to have sex. meant for couples who have vowed their seeing a tattoo shop in a church would Ed Young challenged the couples in his lives to each other. be just random enough to attract people congregation to have sex with each other Sex should not be about how good you inside. Ed and Lisa Young’s goal is to for seven days in a row. feel, but how good you make your partner make married couples excited over each “This is about discovering intimacy,” feel. A connection outside of marriage or other when their love needs rekindling.

Lisa Young told the Flint Journal. strong commitment would not allow for Their actions open up for great debate “We’ve looked at sex too casually. It’s such selfless activity, in my opinion. and speculation, but in both cases, these not a casual thing, it’s a profound thing, Ed and Lisa Young are doing their leaders are making people interested in and it’s definitely not a profane thing,” Ed “sexperiment” to strengthen the bond of church while provoking curiosity.

Young said. marriage between the couples in their Anna Westerholm can be reached at I think with shows on TV now like 16 congregation.

Anna.Westerholm@spartans.ut.edu

Homeless Woman’s Tweets Change Her Life

By PAOLA CRESPO Opinion Writer

My last article in 2011 for The Minaret was based on technology and how it has changed our lives in terms of our relationships. This year, the theme of technology has continued when AnnMarie Walsh’s life changed thanks to social media.

The 41-year-old Walsh was homeless in Chicago for more than four years after losing her job. Suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome and a rheumatoid condition, she says she joined Twitter to help her function better in social settings. She began tweeting, using the handle @padchicago, from a local library about homelessness in an attempt to raise awareness and erase stereotypes that people hold against the homeless. Walsh spoke of misconceptions that people have when thinking of homeless people, saying that they think, “homeless people are all criminals, on drugs or alcoholics.”

However, she explained that homeless people are just ordinary people who have “college degrees and because of the economy got laid off” and are now simply suffering from financial difficulties. She also urged people to “sit down and talk to someone who is homeless once in a while and find out more of the story” before judging them.

As time went on, she began to gain more followers and is currently followed by almost 6,000 people. Walsh says that

Padschicago/Twitter.com

“I know it hurts, but stopping cursing in God’s house.”

using Twitter has made her “realize how many good people there are out there.”

And indeed, these good people have come out in masses to help her.

From offering to pay for her cell phone, to giving her gift cards, clothing, bus passes and even a laptop, some of Walsh’s followers have tried to make her situation easier.

A filmmaker even reached out to

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contact with a hospital social worker who helped her move into transitional housing.

She now lives in a facility for women in Chicago called Deborah’s Place. Founded in 1985, it is run by volunteers and staff who help homeless women in Chicago find stable housing, steady income and improve their situations.

Thanks to her publicity on Twitter and with the help of good people, Walsh has

“...homeless people are just ordinary people who have ‘college degrees and because of the economy got laid off.’”

Walsh and asked her to be a part of his documentary “Twittamentary” that speaks on homelessness in America. Because of this documentary, Walsh now attends “Tweet-ups”, or Twitter meet-ups, across the country speaking on the subject of homelessness and sharing her amazing story.

However, the biggest gift of all that Walsh received was a home. She attended a Twitter event more than a year ago and made

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been off the streets since April 2011. She says “This has been amazing how my life is changing because of social media! Never in life [did I guess that] I’d be international news.”

She uses her twitter account to promote organizations such as a website called “justcoz.org” that allows people to donate a tweet to help raise awareness for various causes.

One such cause on this website is “Stop

Child Abuse”, which spreads awareness about child abuse and collects money to help children in the U.S. Another cause which Walsh supports is the OpSafe foundation, which gathers relief funds to send to Japan due to the devastating earthquake it endured last year. In response to a comment about how these groups’ publicity is being increased due to her support, she says, “I don’t think that I am so amazing. It’s the power and community of social media that is.”

It’s a story like this that really illustrate how much technology, specifically social media, can affect a person’s life. If AnnMarie Walsh had not created a Twitter account and began writing about her situation, her story would never have been known and she would still be homeless.

We all have various reasons why we use social media.

Sometimes we use it just to pass the time, or for more vain reasons like wanting to be reminded about how many people we have as “friends” and because we feel that our every thoughts should be shared with the world.

But AnnMarie Walsh’s story shows that social media can also be used to better one’s life.

Specifically, it is the good people on these social media sites that can help one another and improve a person’s situation; something for which I am very happy about.

Paola Crespo can be reached at Anna.

Westerholm@spartans.ut.edu

THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2011

OPINION

13

D e f i n i t ion o f Rape Recei ves N ecessary Up d a t e From RAPE Page 1

This is important to cases when the victim is drugged, unconscious or mentally and physically incapable of giving consent.

The Obama administration claims the reason behind the change is to further understand a crime that is so rampant.

Rape has long since been considered the most under-reported crime based on its very nature. Victims often think they did something to cause it, are embarrassed to report it or are not even sure if what happened to them can be considered a crime—especially since the majority of cases involve a pre-existing relationship with the attacker.

The question remains whether or not this change will cause people to come forward and lead to more accurate reporting of rape instances. The emotionally scarring aspect of rape leaves many hiding in shame rather than searching for justice. But if there is a more concrete meaning in place, perhaps those affected by sexual assault will be more willing to report it.

“If people know about it more and know the definition has been changed, they’ll gradually start to come forward,” said junior Annie Clift, a marine bio major.

Illustration by Lauren Acri/The Minaret

Statistic taken from the Unified Crime Report on fbi.gov.

“It clears things up, victims would be sure that they were violated. “ Though the federal government has no impact on how states define rape, other states have already broadened the meaning of the crime. Hopefully the FBI’s recent change will encourage states that have yet to make changes to do so.

While this is a huge victory for both men and women, I can’t help but wonder why it took over eight decades for a change to be made. Women’s rights activists, victim

advocates, gay rights activists and many other groups have long since been pushing for this, with little progress.

“I think it’s long overdue,” said sophomore communications major Christian Reich. “As far as a gay person’s perspective goes, I don’t think it should be different from a straight person’s. A lot of the problem seems to come from stereotypes.

A straight guy gets raped by a man and gets made fun of for being gay. This causes the crime to go

unreported.”

The American media is filled with violent images. The news rattles off updates in high-profile rape cases like baseball scores, meanwhile fictional shows like Law & Order and CSI dramatize what is happening in the real world as a means of entertainment.

We live amongst a constant demand for equality between the sexes, yet a woman previously couldn’t claim she was violated by saying someone had sex with her while

she was unconscious, or a man couldn’t even say he was raped in any circumstance under the technical definition of the law. Sure, there have been allowances made and specific situations taken into consideration, but the fact remains that it took the better part of a century to make violation and equal term and take blame off of the victim. Perhaps our current time of mass desensitization also calls for a new understanding of what this crime really is and how it affects people.

But like many other overdue updates in our justice system, we can at least be thankful that someone finally came to their senses in hopes of ending violent acts.

Much like any other monster that must be sought and destroyed, the crime of rape must first be understood. Because of the vast amount of under-reporting, the true extent of this offense has yet to be uncovered.

Hopefully the broader definition of rape will lessen the fear within victims that they will go unheard and encourage them to come forward. The more knowledge that is gained, the greater the possibility of ending a devastating crime that has held its power within the weakness of the law for much too long.

Hannah Webster can be reached at hannahkarine31@gmail.com

Last of US Troops Withdraw From Iraq

By DAVID ADAMS Opinion Writer

As promised by President Obama in late October, the last of U.S. troops exited Iraq at the end of 2011. With the United States’ withdrawal complete, Americans everywhere should celebrate the homecoming of our armed forces, and be truly grateful for their service.

Deployments are hard and the time away from families can make them even harder.

I am happy to see all of the soldiers back, and am also pleased to hear about Obama’s plan to draw down numbers in Afghanistan.

These wars have decimated our economy, and will cost taxpayers for years to come.

Just like items bought at the store, soldiers, tanks, guns and all other military necessities come with a price that Americans must pay for. According to a recent article

by U.S. News, the last finding by the Congressional Research Service shows the war has cost $806 billion. Coupled with the cost of long-term veterans care and the Afghanistan war, the cost of our conflicts are staggering, and the amount of money is hard to fathom. Some researchers believe that the wars will end up costing our government roughly $3 trillion. The Center for Budget and Policy stated in the article that they estimate in 2019, the economic effects of the wars will account for nearly half of the projected $20 trillion debt.

In addition to the severe economic repercussions of the war, many Americans are left with questions about the wisdom of the U.S. invasion into Iraq. The emotional toll that 6,361 American families must deal with is saddening, and with Afghanistan still ongoing the number will continue to rise.

The latest reports have the United States casualties in Afghanistan at 1,875 soldiers. Insurgent deaths are unclear, but the United Nations reported in July that in the first six months of 2011, 1,462 non combatant civilians had been killed.

Nearly 80 percent of the deaths have been attributed to insurgents. Violence continues, but a drawdown is planned, and 33,000 troops are scheduled to be pulled out by the end of 2012. One can only hope that, with the death of Osama bin Laden, the U.S. government has viewed its tasks

Photos Courtesy of David Adams/The Minaret

completed and is beginning to plan an end to their Afghanistan incursion.

The Iraq war resulted in the deaths of nearly 4,500 U.S. troops, and an estimated 55,000 enemy casualties. Civilian deaths have been compiled as well, and add another grisly facet to the war that is rarely thought of: collateral damage. According to iraqbodycount.org, a website which tallies documented deaths between 104,687 and 114,687 Iraqi civilians have been killed since the start of the war. The loss of U.S. life alone is enough justification to be angry at the United States government for allowing a nine year campaign to begin and continue for nearly a decade, but coupled with the massive civilian losses

and a huge price tag, American citizens should be demanding answers for why we were really in Iraq.

As for me, the economic hardship that I may have to endure in the future is nothing in comparison when I think of the people who sacrificed their lives. In my mind, neither war has been completely justifiable.

A covert SEAL operation put an effective end to Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, which didn’t require over 100,000 pairs of boots on the ground. He was the reason for the war in Afghanistan, at least according to the Bush administration.

As for the war in Iraq, having actually been there stings deeply for me, and I want to hear the real answers for why we were

there. Weapons of mass destruction were nonexistent, and although the Saddam regime was corrupt and tyrannical, they were not a threat to the U.S. The theories are endless: oil, revenge for daddy, defense spending, strategic positions in the region, WMDs, proximity to Iran, the reasons go on and on. Bush has never come out with a direct answer, and what he has said has never satisfied anyone. I want a justification for both wars, but Iraq particularly interests me because while 9/11 is a good enough reason, fake WMD’s are not.

While deployed, I lost people that I personally knew. I want to know why, for their families, their wives and girlfriends and mothers. Their fathers and brothers deserve to know why we embarked in a massive nine year military endeavor. I cannot imagine what questions are left with the families of fallen soldiers. My service in the military and in Iraq has left me with innumerable questions, and I hope that someday the war in Iraq will be fully explained. I sacrificed quite a bit, but nowhere near the ultimate sacrifice that was made by so many of our country’s men and women. Our troops coming home is great news, but I believe it is only the first step towards true closure to the Iraq war.

Without a valid explanation, I will have questions that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

David Adams can be reached at dadams@spartans.ut.edu.

14 JANUARY 19 2011 | THE MINARET

Evolution: Fact of Science, Not Theory

By ANNABELLA PALOPOLI Columnist

“Keep your mind open, kids, it is possible that the earth doesn’t revolve around the sun. It could be the other way around!”

Can you imagine any teacher saying this in a public school classroom? As ridiculous as it sounds, it is as inappropriate as saying, “Keep your mind open kids, it is possible that the theory of evolution is wrong. We could be the product of creationism!”

Although one’s religion may determine whether or not they believe in evolution, it is a theory that needs to be taught in public schools as it is a fundamental of basic scientific knowledge. There are currently two bills in New Hampshire that seek to require teachers to teach the theory of evolution as more of a philosophy than as a science. They would also allow school boards to require the teaching of creationism. They are House Bill 1148 and 1457, the first of which would “require evolution to be taught in public schools of [New Hampshire] as a theory, including the theorists’ political and ideological viewpoints and their position on the concept of atheism.” On the other hand, HB 1457 does not directly mention evolution, but it states that it would “require science teachers to instruct pupils that proper scientific inquire [sic] results from not committing to any one theory or hypothesis, no matter how firmly it appears to be established and that scientific and technological innovations based on new evidence can challenge accepted scientific theories or modes.”

The theory of evolution is as scientifically supported as the heliocentric theory of the earth (that the earth revolves around the sun). The reason that evolution is opposed is because some religious conservatives

say that it contradicts the Biblical belief of creationism. If the Bible said anything about the sun revolving around the earth, maybe public schools would receive opposition for teaching heliocentrism. But, one might argue, the fact that the earth revolves around the sun is much more apparent than evolution. Observations and measurements of the angles of the stars, including the sun, have shown strong evidence that the earth does in fact revolve around the sun. It is a very well supported theory and almost no one will argue that it’s false. Regarding evolution, there are a lot more claims that the theory is wrong.

In reality, we have just as much evidence that the earth is heliocentric than that the theory of evolution is real.

Another reason why people are misled regarding the theory of evolution is because of what they understand ‘theory’ to mean. In everyday use, if one were to use the word ‘theory,’ its synonym could be ‘guess,’ ‘idea,’ or ‘hunch.’ In science, a theory is none of these things.

It is a “well-substantiated, well-supported, well-documented explanation for our observations.” It ties together all the facts about something and provides an explanation that fits all the observations.

This can be used to make predictions. In science, theory is the ultimate goal, as it is the explanation of something, as opposed to a law, which only describes. A theory is as close to proven as anything in science can be. Therefore, the theory of evolution is not ‘just a theory.’ It is, as notjustatheory. com says, “triumphantly a theory.”

Even if, after being properly educated on the theory of evolution, a creationist still does not believe in it, that should not affect the state. Church and state, constitutionally, are separated. A public school is regulated by the state, and any

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religious beliefs, such as creationism, need not be brought into science. Creationism should be taught as a philosophy, which it is, while evolution should be taught as

OPINION

information isn’t coded in our DNA. Furthermore, it is absolutely ridiculous that the issue of teaching evolution in schools is brought up again. This has not

Ellenm1/flickr.com

In science, a theory is a “well-supported explanation for observations,” not a vague idea.

a science. Creationism is only supported by the Bible while evolution is supported by countless evidence and is a scientific theory. Religion is taught as a philosophy, and as creationism is religious, it, by default, should be taught as a philosophy.

Teaching the well-supported evolutionary theory as a philosophy is just as ridiculous as teaching most other sciences as a philosophy. Maybe New Hampshire public schools will end up telling their students to not commit to the theory that there are 13 protons in Aluminum, or that our genetic

been an issue for about 20 years, when it was ruled that evolution is taught as a part of science. Now, a religious Indiana state senator is bringing it up again. I can’t imagine that either bill will actually be passed, but if either one is, I will be quite disappointed in the American people.

I’m sure many others will be, too.

If evolution is taught as a philosophy, every scientist across the nation will be disappointed.

Annabella Palopoli can be reached at annabella.palopoli@spartans.ut.edu.

OPINION

THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2011

15

Kardashians Go Plastic (With New Barbie Doll)

By JESSICA KEESEE Asst. Opinion Editor

I will always look back at my childhood fondly with many memories of the countless Barbie dolls that cluttered my room. Barbie was just so pretty and she did it all! She was a flight attendant, a doctor, a veterinarian; she went to parties and dressed fabulously; she had the perfect husband (well until they apparently got a divorce) and she was a mom! Barbie was perfect and children around the country looked up to her as a role model.

Flash forward to 2012 and there are some new Barbies coming to town: meet the Kardashians, Barbie-fied. America’s favorite sisters; Kim, Khloe and Kourtney are becoming Barbies this year and now every child in America can look up to them as their new role models. After all, Barbie is just old and tired. Plus, she is just way too blonde. Not only will these dolls be made to the likeness of the Kardashian trio, but it is also rumored that the dolls will be tailored to their body measurements while wearing outfits resembling clothes from their DASH line of stores. I am not quite sure how they will fit the Kim doll’s voluptuous behind into the box for packaging, but what a great thing her realistic Barbie doll will be for all to aspire to.

Each doll of course will be a different kind of role model. A youngster who buys the Kim doll can aspire to the following: make sex tapes with musicians in order to become famous, have 72-day marriages for

publicity once they acquire that fame and There would have to be a Kris shamelessly flaunt their derrière in skin- Humphries doll of course, the married tight, revealing dresses. For the Kourtney and divorced versions. The latter has a types out there, her doll will be the perfect role model for having children out of wedlock and staying with absolutely awful boyfriends despite familial protests.

And finally, for those who hope to be foul-mouthed and ride on the coattails of other people’s fame, there’s Khloe.

For the eclectic type, why not purchase all three?

Look to the Kardashian doll trio to achieve vapid and high-pitched voices, fame without really doing anything at all, and numerous reality TV shows NicholleSimms/photobucket.com that showcase that lack of The bulimic doll would be an essential for any Kardashian fan. doing anything.

Why should Mattel stop at just three dolls, though? There are so permanent frown, though, but also has an many different versions of the sisters to be extra 15 minutes of fame. Pressing a button made and not to mention, the Kardashian on Kris doll’s back will even produce tears Klan is huge! There are just so many as fake as his marriage! possibilities.

Who could forget the momager Kris Why not make a pregnant version of Jenner? Her and her husband Bruce Jenner Kourtney or even a couple set of Kourtney could have couple sets for their dolls, with and boyfriend, Scott Disick? Recreate the pre and post plastic surgery versions. Kids Kardashian family feuds with the Scott who want to play plastic surgeon for a day doll, then have Kourtney and Scott doll can have at it on Kris and Bruce dolls’ faces! make up. After all, isn’t that how Kourtney Since the Kim doll will obviously be doll got pregnant a second time? the most popular of the whole Kardashian

Klan, Mattel could make a line of dolls devoted to the famed divorcee. There could be a limited edition Kollector Kim doll featuring both of her wedding dresses and accessories such as her divorce papers, Playboy spread and that infamous sex tape.

During play dates, girls and boys alike could reenact Kim and Kris’ wedding as well as their divorce, all while watching the endless reruns of Kourtney and Kim Take New York on E!. Hey, why not even make a sex tape version of the Kim doll with accompanying Ray J? They could make his doll true to size as well.

For little girls who want to be more interactive with their Kim doll, they could purchase a Botox Beauty Kim! Just inject Kim doll’s face with the accompanying mini Botox syringe and watch her transform!

Kim doll will go from looking 30 to fake in a matter of seconds. Children can use the botox on themselves too to be just like their Kim doll! They should be careful, of course, to hide it from their mothers. Botox is pretty expensive after all.

The younger generation really needs these revamped Barbies of the Kardashian sisters to be its role models if these kids ever want to make it big when they grow up.

Girls need to learn to be more sexualized, to throw their morals in a blinged-out trash can, to rely on plastic surgery to feel beautiful and to rely on rich parents to achieve anything in life. I just might buy one myself.

Jessica Keesee can be reached at jessica.keesee@spartans.ut.edu.

Why I Would Die in a Zombie Apocalypse

By RICH SOLOMON Opinion Editor

2012. The fabled year that the world ends. In early 2011 there was fervor over the idea that everything would go up in smoke. People have relaxed a lot since then, with the idea of worldly-destruction more like an inside joke that everyone is in on rather than an assured doom.

“Well, ya know, Nostradomus says we’ll all be dead anyway, right? Might as well have fun while we can!” And based off personal experience, this is not a good excuse to start making out with strangers while chanting the theme song from Pokémon.

In a previous article in The Minaret we talked about just what kind of worldending Armageddon we could see. Because I regularly fantasize about what I would do

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shouldn’t be alive. So the idea that you would stay alive is pretty decent. We all know we would find a group of survivors to join up with before holing up somewhere to wait things out.

We just never contemplate how utterly useless we would be to said group.

I’m a double major in English and criminology. Between the two I have a pretty decent grasp of literature and I can rattle off the different theories of crime as well as the history of America’s criminal justice system.

None of those things would help in a zombie attack. No group of survivors is going to be happy to see me because I know how to write a sestina.

My degrees don’t make me prepared at all for a post-apocalyptic scenario. Only that’s the case with a lot of areas of study nowadays.

My degrees don’t make me prepared at all for a post-apocalyptic scenario. Only that’s the case with a lot of areas of study nowadays.

in a zombie apocalypse, I got to wondering just how college is preparing me for some zombie killing.

Show me any red-blooded male between the ages of 18 and dead who hasn’t daydreamed at least a few times about being the survivor of a zombie story.

Trapped in a mall with six young buxom women, the only age-appropriate man there, armed with nothing but a shotgun.

Comforted by the knowledge that at least two of those buxom women are probably depressed and shell-shocked enough to regrettably sleep with you. What part of that doesn’t sound awesome?

Because when we imagine an apocalyptic scenario we always know we would survive. How could we not? If that skinny nerd in Zombieland can make it, why couldn’t we? There’s at least a half dozen people in The Walking Dead who

]

My friend the mechanical engineer would be a hot commodity. He might be a surly jerk now who hates what he does, but come the end of the world he’s going to be the person you wish you were anytime there’s a technology problem.

I have a friend who wants to go into medicine, so she studies biology and always rambles about the names of bacteria. She’s annoying as hell now, but in a world where most of the population is dead? Her stock is going to be super high. She’d be even more desirable than she already is now because of the cleavage she shows in her profile picture (you know who you are).

Hell, I have a buddy who never went to college and works construction every day.

He would be far more useful than I could ever be to a survival group, simply based on what he learned from work. He’s no stranger to physical labor and knows how

to build a house, whereas I’m an out-of-shape tool.

Granted, a possible zombie attack isn’t exactly a realistic reason to change majors. And I’m not saying you should. But really, how useful would any of us be in a survival setting?

Look at Lost. There’s a spinal surgeon, a former architect and some bald guy who knows how to hunt. Exactly what could I contribute to the group on the island that would make me special? I mean, I can carry stuff as well as any of the others, but there’s no special skill that would set me apart.

We don’t even learn the name of a background person until they have a valuable contribution to make.

Most of the professions we value nowadays are NicholleSimms/Photobucket.com only important because the world is the way it is. All math majors should instantly reply “No.” Lawyers, website designers, of training and practical knowledge that accountants; none would be helpful on the ROTC gives, I’ve never been hunting, the Lost island or in a zombie apocalypse. hell not even my hobbies are useful.

Only doctors are considered awesome in I like to write a lot and I follow some both worlds. blogs. I’d be more useless than a music And a lot of higher learning is just major and less interesting than a media as useless as what I’m doing. Business studies major. management, theater, graphic design, postSo keep thinking that you would modern feminist studies; none of those are survive the end of the world. If you’re in going to help you in Dawn of the Dead. ROTC, are an athlete, know how to shoot Should a group accept me because I can a gun, are a doctor or can be attractive write about what’s happening to us? My enough to make someone else want to keep best bet would be to lie and claim my you alive then you’re set. If you’re none criminology degree gives me the ability to of those things, I’ll be seeing you with the counsel people, just on the off chance that rest of the zombies over there. We’re going they think it is moderately useful enough to to chase some people, but since we’re out warrant bringing me along. of shape anyway they’ll probably outrun us It’s not just my degree either; there isn’t and get away. a single thing about me that would be useful Rich Solomon can be reached at richard. in a survival setting. I don’t have the kind solomon@spartans.ut.edu.

16 JANUARY 19 2012 | THE MINARET

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THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2012

Sports

17

SEC Reigns Supreme for a Sixth Straight Season

By GREG SPRACKLIN Sports Writer

The SEC won the BCS championship – again. In fact, the coveted crystal trophy has spent the offseason in the Southeast for the past six years. Credit the ballhawking defenses and the smash-mouth offenses. We’ve seen players like Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Patrick Willis and Mark Ingram make fools out of opposing conferences over the years. It doesn’t look like the dominance will be stopping anytime soon, does it?

But apparently, there’s a bias. When Alabama was given a rematch with LSU for the BCS Championship the critics weighed in.

“This SEC bias has to stop. The world of college football doesn’t end at the Louisiana border,” wrote ESPN columnist Rick Reilly.

Sorry, Rick. History suggests that the bias won’t stop until the SEC is dethroned.

The last time a team that wasn’t from the SEC won the championship was in 2005 when Texas took it home. The Pac-10 last won it – a share of it, at least – in 2003.

Big Ten? 2002. Big East? 2001. ACC? 1999.

A bias is an unfounded prejudice in favor of a particular thing. How do six national championships not prove a point? Every time the polls have put an SEC team in the big game, the SEC has proven that it deserves to be there.

Back in the 2006-2007 season, teams all over the country shouted their case to play unbeaten Ohio State in the title game.

Florida got in, even though commentators claimed that other teams were more deserving of a shot. But Florida proved they deserved the right to be there when Florida’s Urban Meyer hoisted the trophy

with a scoreboard backdrop reading 4114 for the Gators.

The next year, mighty Ohio State was given the championship game again. And again, the polls put an SEC team against the Buckeyes. LSU had two losses going into the game, but they ended up beating Ohio State decisively, 38-24.

The rest is history. Florida beat Oklahoma, ‘Bama took Texas and Auburn stymied Oregon. Up to that point, no conference had ever experienced that kind of dominance in college football. In fact, the last time a conference won backto-back titles was in 1940.

But this year was a little different. Two SEC teams got into the BCS National Championship and the critics were livid. And it just so happened that these two teams – Alabama and LSU – had played one another earlier in the season.

LSU went into Alabama and won a very defensive game, 9-6 in overtime.

LSU was guaranteed a spot in the title game after they beat Georgia for the SEC Championship game – a game that ‘Bama could not participate in because they lost the West division of the conference to LSU. So, Alabama got an extra week off because they didn’t have to play in their conference championship game, they bit the dust at home against LSU earlier in the year, yet they still got to play for the BCS National Title. How does that work?

First of all, rematches of a regular season game in the big game aren’t unheard of. In ’96, No. 1 Florida lost to No. 3 FSU in the regular season, then got another shot in the Sugar Bowl. Florida won the big game after losing earlier in the season. Not many people were complaining then.

Second, if you examine all of the legitimate teams with one loss in the country, Alabama stands at the top. Their

CharrisGOP/Photobucket.com

Alabama emerges from the tunnel before their shutout victory over the LSU Tigers in the BCS Championship Game. Despite a regular season meeting, the BCS scheduled a rematch.

only loss came by three points in overtime to the No. 1 team in the country. Other teams made their case, but they just did not compare: Oklahoma State had a shot but they lost in embarrassing fashion to an unranked Iowa State.

Oklahoma lost to a Baylor team that didn’t even have Heisman winner Robert Griffin III playing, as well as to Texas Tech. Boise St. lost to an unranked TCU. Oregon got blown out by LSU at the beginning of the season and then lost again to USC. Stanford lost at home to the same Oregon that got blown out by LSU. Virginia Tech only had one loss but they blew their shot when they lost for the second time to a two-loss Clemson team.

But despite the satisfactory pedigree, people like columnist Reilly maintain that ‘Bama never deserved another shot. They shouted about the SEC bias.

The truth is, the SEC is that good. It’s been proven the last six years that any team that conquers its own conference never stands up to the SEC Champion.

The SEC has won nine out of 15 BCS Championships. During the first 13 years of the BCS, the SEC has had 90 first round NFL draft picks, three of the last five Heisman winners and three of the last five No. 1 NFL draft picks.

Until someone takes down a top-tier SEC team in a meaningful game towards the end of the season, the whole idea of a bias should be shelved.

Alabama ended up winning the BCS National championship 21-0, holding the seemingly invincible LSU to only 92 total yards. They split the series with LSU; a testament that any team can win on any given day. So long as they’re in the SEC.” Greg Spracklin can be reached at gspracklin@spartans.ut.edu.

Women’s Basketball Hit With Injuries, Tough Stretch

By REBECCA CASEY Sports Writer

Following three straight losses, the University of Tampa women’s basketball team is now 7-8. More conference games are approaching, and the team is currently 1-5 in SSC play. Head Coach Tom Jessee explained that this season has been a rebuilding year for his team. They saw several key players exit due to graduation, while at the same time receiving some talented players through transfer students and freshmen. The team has had a reputation of being a top competitor the past seven years, and they hope that will carry on through the conference tournament and result in success.

“We have been plagued by the injury bug this year,” Jesse said. With the large array of injuries, the lack of depth on the team has been exploited. The women have accepted the challenges they have had to face this year and they are a tight knit group.

Looking ahead to the conference, Coach Jesse has his team practicing three to four hours a day. “We focus on court training, the weight room, speed and then we look at the individual player and focus on their biggest area for improvement.”

The team only had six days off during the winter break and then was back on the

court Dec. 27. Their dedication to the sport and to each other shows the hard work they put in while the university was enjoying a break.

“The key to success in this tournament will be staying healthy,” Jesse said. The team is ready for the competition and is looking forward to facing two of their top rivals: Rollins and Florida Southern.

“All the teams are rivals since we have consistently been a top seated team,” Jessee explained. “They see that we are in a rebuilding year and are hoping to get a chance to beat us.”

Practice and patience are going to be vital to the team while they seek out wins against the other competition in the conference.

Having such a close team also helps while the season is culminating into conference play. “They are a great group of women who spend a lot of time together,” Coach Jesse said of his team.

The strong camaraderie the team shares will be important for the Division II conference play. Coach Jesse said he has seen a lot of his freshmen players learning a great deal from this season and expects that to be beneficial as they continue to grow with the team. For now, it is all about the court time the women get before the postseason.

Rebecca Casey can be reached at rcasey@spartans.ut.edu.

Samantha Battersby/The Minaret

Jaleesa Harmon (left), leads the Spartans in scoring with 12.7 points per game despite having started less than 70 percent of the team’s games.

18 JANUARY 19 2012 | THE MINARET

SPORTS

Gil Swalls Brings Fresh Ideas, Sparticus, to UT Athletics

By APRIL WEINER

responsibilities: generating revenue and attendance. Regarding revenue generation, Swalls works to secure sponsorships and If you’ve seen the Athletic Marketing cut costs for the Athletics Department. golf cart driving around drawing attention As for attendance, Swalls and his team to upcoming athletic events, attended of 24 students work to promote the games Jersey Shore night at the basketball game and provide in-game entertainment to add versus USF or you are familiar with the to the game experience. “The thing about University of Tampa’s mascot, Spartacus, sports as a product is it’s real unpredictable then you have seen some of the things that and you can’t always promise a successful Gil Swalls oversees. day,” Swalls said. “You don’t know if the Swalls is the Associate Athletic team’s going to win or if the team’s going Director/Marketing. He has two main to play an exciting game from day-to-day.

We try to keep people interested.”

Swalls’ crew of students enjoy their role in athletic marketing.

For them, it’s not just a job, but a chance to learn from Swalls’ vast experience. “Gil is one of the best bosses I have ever encountered,” said Melissa Heaton. “He teaches us many different things day in and day out, and I am really proud to be one of his staff members. He is a great role model.”

While Swalls has recruited many sports management and marketing students to gain hands-on experience, he’s also recruited some students that volunteer for fun, but are still Samantha Cossum/ The Minaret learning valuable skills.

Gil Swalls, UT’s associate athletic director, has a huge hand in every “Gil is so passionate Spartan event from a marketing perspective. about his job and about Sports Writer

UT JANUARY SPORTS SCHEDULE

Saturday, Jan. 21 Swimming at Indian River State 11 a.m.

W. Basketball Palm Beach Atlantic 2 p.m.

M. Basketball Palm Beach Atlantic 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 W. Basketball at Florida Tech 5:30 p.m.

M. Basketball at Florida Tech 7:30 p.m.

students getting involved with athletics,” Kelsea Roccapriore added. “As a prenursing student I knew very little about sports or marketing. In a little more than a semester, I have transformed from a shy girl who kept her thoughts to herself to a confident and loud all-around UT sports fan.”

“I’m not even a sports major, but Gil has been my teacher for four years now and I’ve learned so much from him about marketing, sports and even life,” said Amber Molidor, president of Athletic Marketing.

Molidor also elaborated on a side of Swalls that maybe not everyone sees, since he’s generally in business mode. “Gil is our Michael Scott from ‘The Office’he’s a laugh on those chaotic Mondays, he’s the worst Pictionary player ever, he’s got the best candy in his office (Werthers Caramels) and he’s the most genuine, kindhearted person I know.”

Despite the passionate crew whose mission is attracting students to sporting events, one complaint that Swalls still often hears is that the sporting events attract poor attendance. Swalls has a lot of answers to that. “The nature of Division II is we’re not out there trying to make big money off our teams, so we don’t position ourselves in a situation where we’re playing games that draw a lot of fans,” Swalls said. “We do that on purpose. This school does not want sports dominating the image of the school.

It’s not like we’re in the SEC, where pretty much every alumnus is thinking about their sports team. We don’t have that philosophy here.”

Plus, as he points out, every team in the Tampa area has their share of attendance woes. “Look at USF; they have access to

35,000 students and x number of alumni and yet their football team doesn’t sell out Raymond James Stadium—it’s not even half full,” Swalls said. “If you look at all the other entities, the Bucs lead the NFL in blacked out games because they can’t sell out. The Rays keep threatening to move. The Lightning spent $40 million renovating their building to try to get more tickets sold. USF, they work as hard as anybody and yet they don’t even know where the Big East Conference is going to be next year because they keep losing all their marquee teams. We’re all struggling for attendance.”

Another competition that athletics has is classes.

“Because of our population and the number of classrooms we have available, 75 percent of our students go to at least one full night class a week. “If you come to a game at a 7 start time, sometimes it looks almost empty. By 8:30, I got a pretty nice crowd because they all come in after class.”

While there are many obstacles to attracting a full house, Swalls believes that when you consider all those aspects, the attendance is actually not too shabby.

However, they can always do better and he has a message to students.

“I’d like students to look at it from another perspective. They’re looking at it from I either want it to be a lot of fun or I don’t want to go. But I’d like them to look at it as those are my classmates or my friends or people I care about, so I’m going to go support them. I want to encourage people to come to more things and then we’ll have school spirit.”

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

SPORTS

THE MINARET | JANUARY 19 2012

Pro Sports

19

Championship Game Matchups Pit Offense Vs. Defense

By SHAWN FERRIS Sports Writer

Team-crippling injuries (sorry, Jamaal Charles and Matt Cassell), break-out stars fresh from the practice squad (I’m looking at you, Victor Cruz), rewritten recordbooks and Tebow-mania. The 2011 NFL season had a little something for everyone this year. Only three games left, but I’m more excited for them than Charlie Sheen was when he saw how bad Ashton Kutcher was in the new season of Two and a Half Men. New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers (NFC Championship Game) Let’s talk about Alex Smith for a second here. Here’s his resume before the 2011 season: First overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft out of Utah (23 picks before Aaron Rodgers), 51 career touchdown passes in five seasons compared to 53 interceptions, and a 20-31 career record. Flash forward to 2011: 17-5 touchdown to interception ratio, 13-3 record and a divisional playoff win where he basically outplayed the guy who just destroyed the passing yards in a season record by about 400 yards. Did I miss something here? Are these games fixed?

Look, it helps to have the best defense in football (the ‘9ers haven’t allowed a 100yard rusher all year), but at the beginning of the season, I would have said Alex Smith had a better chance to coach middle school lacrosse in three years than beating Drew Brees in a playoff game.

As for the New York Giants, what more can you say? They’re the Green Bay Packers

circa 2010. They looked done after an embarrassing home loss to the Washington Redskins in week 15, but then caught fire and haven’t stalled since. They have the most dominating front four in football (led

by Tuck, Umeniyora and Pierre-Paul), can create pressure on Alex Smith without so much as a single blitz and are fresh off a road playoff win in Lambeau where they dominated the league MVP and his team’s 151 regular season record. Needless to say, they’re feeling pretty Keith Allison/ flickr.com good right now, Joe Flacco, here pictured in training camp, remains the biggest question and as long as they mark on a Baltimore Ravens team defined by a stifling defense and an impressive running attack. avoid the dreaded Eli Manning face Baltimore Ravens at New England (Google it), expect the New York football Giants to ride the wave straight into the Patriots (AFC Championship Game) Man, that Patriots-Broncos game last Super Bowl.

And by the way, I still don’t trust Alex week was riveting wasn’t it? That’s all I’m going to say about that. Behind Tom Brady, Smith.

Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Giants 27, 49ers 20

Hernandez, the Patriots boast one of the most explosive and creative offenses in the history of the NFL. Brady was top five in the NFL in almost every passing category, Wes Welker led the NFL in receptions, Rob Gronkowski broke the record for yards and touchdowns in a season by a tight end and Aaron Hernandez is fresh of a game in which he ran the ball five times for 61 yards (he’s a tight end). Unfortunately for the Patriots, they’ve been playing with a practice squad secondary all year and rank 31st in the NFL in yards allowed.

This game is going to come down to one man and one man only: Joseph Vincent Flacco (I threw the middle name in there for emphasis). If he can play lights out, the Ravens stand a good chance in this game, but if he shows up with his usual “I’ll make the occasional short pass to my tight end and watch Ray Rice do all the work on this screen pass” attitude, the Ravens are in for a long day.

The Patriots’ defense can be exploited down the field, and the Ravens did dominate the Pats in the playoffs two years ago, a 3314 embarrassment.

With all that said, this one is easy for me. The Patriots didn’t have those matchup nightmares in Gronkowski and Hernandez during that game in Foxboro a couple years back, and although the Ravens still have the likes of Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, this game is simple math: Brady > Flacco.

Patriots 34 Ravens 24 Shawn Ferris can be reached at sferris@spartans.ut.edu.

Hall of Fame Voting Leads to Steroid Conversation

ICCSports/flickr.com

Mark McGwire is 10th all-time in homers, but he’s sitting in Hall of Fame limbo.

By TIM SHANAHAN Sports Writer

Barry Larkin was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Monday, Jan. 9 with 86 percent of the vote.

Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and Jeff Bagwell are just a few names not voted in this year. These three guys have an

Talk of the Town Professional Sporting News in the Region

analogous tie to each other and the gamethey launched bombs during the steroid era.

McGwire sits 10th on the all-time home run list with 583. Palmeiro is one of four players in MLB history to have been in the 500 home run and 3,000 hit club. The other three? Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray. Bagwell is one of 12 players to have over 400 home runs and a career onbase percentage of over .400.

While McGwire admits steroid use, Palmeiro denies it, although being caught.

The lone man out: Mr. Bagwell. He has never been connected to doping, but is guilty by association to voters. He slammed baseballs out of ballparks during the steroid era, so many baseball people feel he juiced along with the others. I believe he could have, but there is no hard evidence. He should not be held responsible.

Next year’s ballot will be the most attention grabbing. It includes Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio and Curt Schilling.

Can we continue to keep the elite players of all-time over the last decade out of the history books?

Barry Bonds is the all-time leader in

home runs with 762. Roger Clemens has won 354 games while obtaining seven Cy Young awards. Sammy Sosa clubbed 609 home runs. Can these top performers be erased from baseball records?

I believe the voting style needs to change.

Cheating and dishonesty has occurred in this game for years. Guys have been elected into the Hall of Fame who have had character issues or have admitted to cheating in some way or another.

Ty Cobb was considered by many to be a racist who was notorious for fighting.

Gaylord Perry and Phil Niekro have admitted to doctoring balls throughout their career. Yet they all had no trouble getting over 75 percent of the vote. Why are steroid users any different?

It needs to be understood that steroids were an unfortunate phase of the game, similar to amphetamines and doctoring baseballs was. The baseball writers who vote need to become more uniform in their decision-making and break their steroid resilience. To go along with my theory, I also believe Pete Rose needs to be elected into the Hall of Fame. He stands as the all time hits leader in Major League Baseball.

The Rays kept to their typical lowrisk, possibly high-reward signings this winter by acquiring former Angels reliever Fernando Rodney and former Orioles slugger Luke Scott.

Orlando’s NBA squad has started off hot and currently resides third in the Eastern Conference. The Magic square off with the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday at 8 p.m. in Orlando.

The Hall of Fame serves as a place for individuals of all ages to visit and comprehend the history of the game. These undeniable, stand out players should be acknowledged regardless if they cheated.

Additionally, I am a believer of including a note on their plaque indicating they used steroids; therefore, fans are made aware of the best players and the lowly decisions they made. Fans would be able to form their own opinions based on the performance enhancing drug use.

Baseball history is not something that can be eliminated by sportsmanship and character. The all-time home run leader in the history of baseball needs to have a plaque in the Hall of Fame. Likewise, the all time hits leader deserves a spot on the wall for his accomplishment.

The steroid era has contributed to the tainting of Americas pastime. However, baseball has proved to be an imperfect game. Baseball writers cannot hide what took place in the game they write about.

The future needs to be aware of what took place and all the best players over the course of history.

Tim Shanahan can be reached at tshanahan@spartans.ut.edu.

The Lightning’s playoff hopes are dwindling as they remain tied for the worst record in their conference. They head to Dallas for a match-up with the Stars, Friday at 8:30 p.m.

NFL Playoffs [19]

W. Basketball Update [17]

Men’s Basketball Remains Winless in the SSC

By ANALISA TRSTENSKY Sports Writer

While most students went home to enjoy a month long vacation, the University of Tampa men’s basketball team was hard at work on the court. Unfortunately, the Spartans’ determination did not transfer into wins as the team’s record fell to 4-10 (0-5 SSC).

Throughout the past month, the Spartans lost to Malone University, Chowan University, Saint Leo University, Barry University, and Eckerd College.

Even with these losses came some bright spots for the UT team. In the 77-60 loss to the Malone Pioneers, both sophomore Eric Moraes and redshirt freshman Fred Lewis had career-highs with 13 points and 12 points, respectively.

Ted Amendola, a junior, scored a career-high 18 points against Chowan while shooting perfectly from the line. “All I did was make four shots,” he said. “Any college player should be able to make four free throws in a row.”

Although the Spartans were able to contain the Hawks for most of the matchup, UT was unable to connect on all five field goal attempts during the last three minutes of the game. The Hawks won 53-49.

The Spartans came back from the NCAA-mandated holiday break to win two consecutive games in the Tampa Classic hosted by UT. First the Spartans beat the Brock University Badgers 72-56. Ashton Graham and sophomore Stefon Barfield were the leading scorers with eight points apiece.

This win led to a date with Winston Salem State University in what turned out to be a close matchup. The two teams were tied five times throughout the game.

The Spartans finally pulled ahead with 53 seconds left on the clock with a 3-pointer made by junior Callum Townsend. The final score was 64-61. The forward led the team with 19 points, and senior Osby Kelly had 14 points. The final score was 64-61.

In a Sunshine State Conference loss to Saint Leo, sophomore Ryan Kidd scored a career-high 12 points while only playing for 16 minutes. In spite of Kidd’s impressive performance, the Lions won 63-45. Guard Eric Coblentz had 22 points for Saint Leo. While Barfield and the rest of the Spartans put up a fight, Barry came out with an 80-73 victory. Barfield had 20 points, a career-high, with Graham adding another 19 points against the Buccaneers. There were some close moments; however, Barry pulled ahead in the final minutes and handed the Spartans another SSC loss. Forward Jermaine Edwards led the Buccaneers with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Though Tampa lost to SSC opponent Eckerd with a score of 80-64, Graham scored a career-high 27 points including three 3-pointers. Townsend added an additional 13 points. This could not top Eckerd, as the Tritons’ forward, Lance Kearse, had a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

At the beginning of the season, Coach Richard Schmidt called Graham the player to watch out for, and the guard has not made him regret those words. Graham is leading the team in points and rebounds, averaging

12.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In addition, he has the most steals with 18 in total.

Schmidt expects Graham to be a leader for the team, and that is not a role the senior takes lightly. “I go out every game trying to lead by example.”

Amendola, listed as 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, is the biggest player on the Spartan roster.

Though Schmidt had recruited two Samantha Cossum/ The Minaret transfers, one at Ashton Graham leads the Spartans with 13.1 points per game. He also leads 6-foot-8 and the the team in steals (19), rebounds (79) and minutes played (462). other being 7foot-2, they never but rather as motivation. “Right now, we’re made it to the final roster due to issues of the underdogs. We have nothing else to NCAA ineligibility. lose.”

Even though Amendola has a lot of Schmidt said at the beginning of the responsibility being the biggest guy on season, “Our goal is to make it to the the court for the Spartans, he enjoys it. “I conference tournament.” According to think of myself as the bruiser,” the forward Amendola, this goal has not changed. stated. “I have everyone’s back.”

The next game is set for Jan. 21 in As for the rest of the regular season, all the Bob Martinez Athletics Center. The but one of the final 12 games are conference Spartans will play host to the Palm Beach play.

Atlantic University Sailfish at 4 p.m.

Currently, the Spartans are 0-5 for the Analisa Trstensky can be reached at SSC. Graham does not see this as a setback, atrstensky@spartans.ut.edu.

More Sad Than Anything

An OffSeason Acquisition Brings a Troubled Past to Tampa Bay

By MILES PARKS Sports Editor

On November 27, 2011, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired minor league pitcher Josh Lueke from the Seattle Mariners, in exchange for 28-year-old catcher John Jaso.

The trade didn’t make much of a splash; it was essentially the swapping of someone with higher upside and less experience for a veteran catcher.

This column was going to be about a few players. Luke Scott and Taylor Guerrieri. It was going to look back at Josh Hamilton and Elijah Dukes and even Delmon Young.

But the Internet is a crazy thing. I was going to write about quite a few players who have made me question the commitment to character this organization holds itself to.

But after Googling Josh Lueke, I decided he deserves a column all to himself.

-----Rape is a sensitive thing. It’s sometimes hard to determine and almost always hard to prosecute. When it comes to Lueke’s case, there are a few facts; According to the Tampa Bay Times, in 2008, while pitching for a minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers, Lueke went out drinking with some teammates and a woman whom he later brought back to his apartment.

The rest of the story, as reported by Bakersfield Now, a news source affiliated with Fox and CBS: “The woman told police she remembered vomiting into the toilet at the apartment. While doing so, the woman told

Babbaloie/ photobucket.com Josh Lueke, who’s been the subject of rape accusations, was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in November.

police someone she could not identify was standing at her side masturbating on her.

She said she passed out, and when she awoke at around 8:45 a.m., she told police she was lying on a couch with her pants down and other parts of her clothing were missing.

She told police she felt violated and that she never agreed to have sex with anyone.

Investigators later obtained DNA samples

from semen found on the woman’s jeans and white tank top and from an anal swab.

A report from the Kern County Crime Lab states, “Josh Lueke matches this DNA” from the anal swab, tank top strap and hair of the alleged victim.”

Due to the role alcohol played in the scene as well as the woman’s unconscious state, prosecution was going to be difficult.

Rather than press on, a no contest plea was accepted on a charge of false imprisonment with violence, and Lueke was sentenced to three years of probation as well as 62 days in jail. After 42 days, the final 20 were waived for good behavior.

-----I could write all day about the legal system and how sad it is that rape goes unpunished and unnoticed so often in this country. But this is a sports column. And as a sports columnist, I’m left to wonder this; the Tampa Bay Rays traded for Josh Lueke.

In 2010, when the Mariners acquired Lueke from the Rangers, they denied knowledge of his history with the law.

The Rays seem accepting. They’ve bought into the idea that they’re willing to take on high-risk players to potentially reap the high rewards. They’re willing to sign a player coming off major surgery (Luke Scott) or a former star trying to regain some momentum (Fernando Rodney).

Lueke has a high-90s fastball and boasted an earned run average under two in the minors in 2010. They acquired his talent for almost nothing, and guess what?

As a baseball fan, a Rays fan and a human being, I do not care. Call me soft, but I don’t care that it was three years ago. I don’t care that he hasn’t been in trouble with the law since. I care that a woman dropped rape charges and all she requested was a public apology.

“I understand that my actions hurt you and made you feel violated,” Lueke read in the courtroom. “I’m sorry for that.”

This is someone who the Rays didn’t have to deal with. They saw a bargain and jumped on it, and they’re hoping their fan base is too stupid to read a newspaper or scan the Internet. When you Google “Tampa Bay Rays Rape”, nine out of ten results deal with a player on their payroll.

I’m fairly certain that they’re among the only ball clubs with that distinction.

There is a story here unlike anything we’ve seen from good guys Matt Silverman and Andrew Friedman. I’m a lot of things, but mostly disheartened. For so long this has been a club built on lovable underdogs.

It just has so little moral upside. So what if he becomes our closer? Maybe he wins 20 games. No matter the success, you will never be able to make him a true superstar. He gave that away. I don’t care if he wins the Cy Young - you can never let a kid wear his jersey.

Some people will forget, but some of us won’t.

I don’t think that woman in Texas ever will.

Miles Parks can be reached at Minaret.

Sports@gmail.com