The Minaret 1/30/2014

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‘I’m Shmacked’ Take Two: The Real Film Crew Comes to Gasparilla

By KHADIJAH KHAN News Writer

I’m Shmacked, a film crew known for attending universities’ biggest college parties, documenting them on camera and posting them on YouTube for all to see, were in Tampa for the annual pirate invasion Gasparilla.

Last semester a crew calling themselves I’m Shmacked came to the University of Tampa and filmed a video that caused a great deal of controversy throughout the university and the Tampa community.

The video also affected many students on campus. Members of the Greek community were not allowed to wear their letters all week, and members of the athletic department weren’t allowed to be at the parties, otherwise they would face severe consequences.

“They absolutely took more precautions.

Numerous emails and notices were sent out to girls to be weary of the cameras and to make sure we acted appropriately as we are representing our chapter,” said Allegra Mirrione, a freshman, secondary English education major and sister of Delta Zeta.

Once the video went live on YouTube, rumors quickly spread that the video was a fake. This rumor was confirmed when a tweet was posted from the official I’m Shmacked Twitter page, stating: “I wish the school knew that [the] Tampa video that was uploaded from tampa was not us, not promoted by us, not released by us and not filmed by us.”

Then they followed up with more tweets: “It’s uploaded on a random YouTube page

In Other News...

3 Young Adults Not

Buying into ObamaCare

7 UT Employee

Doubles as Local Hip-Hop Performer

8 2014 Projected

to Be Another Successful Year for Indie Music

11 Dying to be Thin:

America’s Obsession with Weight

13 Fairy Tale

Complex: Finding Love While Abroad

16 Men and

Women’s Lacrosse Preview News................................. 2 Diversions........................ 6 A+E................................... 7 Opinion........................... 11

Sports............................. 16

with our name in the title...it makes the school look horrible and is wrongly represented as our work.”

Despite the controversy and everything going on, I’m Shmacked still came for Gasparilla.

“Still going to try to make a solid video but it’s going to be tough to get the right people in it now the school is against it,” I’m Shmacked tweeted.

On Jan. 22, Dean of Students Stephanie Russell Krebs sent out a global message with the subject line, “Is it worth it?” The email warned students while there may not be any consequences now, there might be in the future.

“You run the risk of damaging your own reputation and potentially decreasing the value and perception of your future UT Degree. I urge you to steer clear of this, or any other, situation that may put you at risk of embarrassing yourself or your University,” Krebs said.

Despite all of the warnings given by administration, some students still love the concept of I’m Shmacked.

“It is good for the students because they create a better party environment, but bad for the administration because they worry about the image of the school, but in the end, all the images that appear in the video happen every weekend without I’m Shmacked here,” said Alejandro Sanchez freshman and finance major.

I’m Shmacked was started two years ago in 2012 by its founder and CEO Arya Toufanian.

“We film universities and throw parties across the nation with our friends. Along the way we make new friends and we document all of it,” Toufanian said.

Toufanian plans on releasing the new video within a week after it was filmed.

“Sorry that Tampa got the wrong idea, we

I’m Shmacked filmed a daredevil jumping off a roof at a party. He walked away unscathed as he gracefully crowd surfed his way to safety. Photo by The Minaret.

hope this video will help you understand what we are about,” he said.

Other students are not as forgiving to what I’m Shmacked stands for and what the

organization is trying to accomplish.

“Personally, I believe that I’m Shmacked See SHMACKED Page 2

Gasparilla Security Increased for Parades

By LAUREN RICHEY News & Features Editor

Due to the recent tragedies that have occurred throughout the US, such as the Boston marathon bombings and the movie theater shooting in Wesley Chapel, many are concerned with the security measures that should be taken to keep the Gasparilla events safe for everyone involved.

With attendance around 300,000 for the main parade down Bayshore Blvd., the Tampa Police Department was patrolling more than ever with officers placed along the parade route, as well as many on horseback surrounding the crowds. This does not include the police who were stationed at the Pirate Fest in Downtown that lasted until 11 p.m..

Liz Hadhazy, a sophomore allied health major went to the Pirate Invasion parade already in full swing.

“I think security definitely did its job” Hadhazy said, “Where I was, there were security horses that were so intimidating I don’t think anyone drunk or sober would want to provoke them.”

Before the main parade took place, Tampa Police Department Spokesperson, Andrea Davis, provided some information about the increased security that was going to take place.

Photo courtesy of Todd Montgomery Gasparilla attracts huge crowds every year, and Tampa Police Department is amped up on security.

“While there is no threat to Tampa or the Gasparilla parades, the Tampa Police Department is increasing security as a precautionary measure to ensure the public’s safety during the annual festivities,” Davis said.

According to Davis, in Nov. 2013, members of the Massachusetts’ State Police briefed the Tampa Police Department on their response during the Boston Bombings.

From this workshop, parade commanders created a tabletop exercise to help train all Gasparilla partners including all local, state and federal agencies.

“The security was apparent,” said Cody Bray, sophomore and communications major.

“I had the impression they were there simply to keep people safe, not to get anyone in See SECURITY Page 2

M

JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

MINARET

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jessica Keesee

jessica.keesee@theminaretonline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Mia Glatter

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Natalie Hicks

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NEWS + FEATURES Lauren Richey, Editor

lauren.richey@theminaretonline.com

Katherine Lavacca, Asst. Editor

katherine.lavacca@theminaretonline.com

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Justine Parks, Editor

justine.parks@theminaretonline.com

Jordan Walsh, Asst. Editor

jordan.walsh@theminaretonline.com

OPINION

Paola Crespo, Editor

Paola.Crespo@theminaretonline.com

Annabella Palopoli, Editor

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Richard Whitaker, Asst. Editor

richard.whitaker@theminaretonline.com

SPORTS

Jordan Llanes, Editor

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Griffin Guinta, Asst. Editor

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ONLINE

Vanessa Righeimer, Web and Social Media Director

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NEWS + FEATURES

Gasparilla attracts college film company ‘I’m Shmacked’ SHMACKED from page 1

creates a poor and inaccurate representation of college campuses, especially Greek life,” said Emma Carter, junior international business & marketing major. “Toufanian makes a living by, in [my] opinion, ruining the lives of anyone who is unfortunate enough to end up in the video, lowering the perceived value of the degree received at any of the colleges that he has filmed at.”

Despite varying opinions, many students are waiting for the new video to come out before making any more judgements on I’m Shmacked and to see whether or not they will be represented fairly.

“They are just publicizing the events kids are participating in while at school and with kids partying is a big thing so amongst students,” said Leila Rugambarara, freshman and communication major. “You don’t know when the video could be used against you.”

Khadijah Khan can be reached at khadijah.khan@spartans.ut.edu

Photo by The Minaret The party continued late into the afternoon, and I’m Shmacked was there to record it all unfold.

Security cracks down at Gasparilla Parades SECURITY from page 1 trouble. I didn’t notice any instances of true danger. Overall everything ran smoothly.”

According to the WTSP website, there were three felony arrests and 39 misdemeanors that took place last Saturday: the usual trouble that is caused by people under the influence.

Even with the extra precautionary measures taken, some still felt like much of the chaos could have been monitored better.

“I think where they lacked security the most were the roads near the parade. I felt

like there should have been police or some safety people for those who were so drunk when they wobbled pass you,” Hadhazy said, “I was worried they wouldn’t make it back to their homes.”

However, there were no serious injuries and no suspicious activity reported besides a mistaken drink cooler.

“Security measures were effective,” said Major Michael Baumaister with the Tampa Police Department, “the extra patrols and cameras along the route allowed them to be on top of any suspicious situation.”

There is still another Gasparilla event that is scheduled to take place in the following week, which many locals will attend. The Knights of Sant’Yago Parade takes place Feb. 8 in Ybor City, presented by the same “Ye Mystic Krewe” who is in charge of the main Gasparilla parade.

While many believe that security was on top of things, there are still circumstances that can get out of control. Hopefully the success continues for this upcoming event.

Lauren Richey can be reached at lauren. richey@theminaretonline.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Budd, Editor

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Photo courtesy of Todd Montgomery ABOVE: A pedestrian steps away from the crowds to talk with friends about where to get the best beads. BOTTOM: The sheriff ’s office helps with crowd control during the Gasparilla Day Parade.

NEWS + FEATURES

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

3

Young Adults Not Buying into ObamaCare

By MARK SUGDEN News Writer

President Barack Obama signed the bill for ObamaCare, which officially goes by Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), on March 23, 2010. The goal of ObamaCare is to give nearly 45 million Americans who do not currently have health insurance access to high quality and affordable health insurance while reducing the growth of health care spending.

An estimated three million people have signed up for ObamaCare since October 2013, while almost 800,000 people signed up for it in January 2014, according to cbsnews.com. The government expected to hit the three million mark by the end of 2013. The government also set a 40 percent target in how many of those who signed up for ObamaCare would be young adults ages 18-34 but has not yet reached that number. Young adults only make up 24 percent of the people who have purchased ObamaCare which is only 1 out of 4 enrollees. So why are young people enrolling at such low rates?

“I wish you could buy dental and health plans separately instead of having to get health to have dental,” Mayleen Cordero, a junior film major said. “Other than that, for my family at least, the rates would have been pretty affordable.”

Some students at the University of Tampa did not really understand or care what ObamaCare consists of.

“It does not affect me and I haven’t read much on it except congress not supporting it for a while,” said Amy

Lee, a senior communication major.

“Even after the mandate penalty penalty is $95 per person per year. The The younger generation is what is fully implemented, a majority of penalty will increase to $325 next year many online communities call ‘the young adult households will find that and $695 in 2016. Many health care invincibles,’ meaning they don’t it is financially advantageous for them policies expect young people to wait think they will get sick or injured and to forgo health insurance, pay the until the final deadline to sign up. The are usually in a healthy condition. mandate penalty, and personally cover purchase of ObamaCare ends March According to ObamaCareFacts.com, 1 their own health care expenses,” the 31, and the government is aiming for in 6 young adults has a chronic illness, study says. seven million enrollees by the time and half of uninsured young adults The penalty is applied to citizen’s enrollment closes. report having trouble paying medical annual tax income for each month Mark Sugden can be reached at bills. 55 percent of the people who without health insurance. The 2014 mark.sugden@spartans.ut.edu enrolled in ObamaCare are between the ages of 45 and 64, according to cnbc. com. Older adults are typically more expensive to cover under insurance.

Recently, The White House enlisted sports stars such as Magic Johnson, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1991 after an early check up, to encourage young people to sign up for ObamaCare.

Commercials will be aired on sports networks and also be available on YouTube, according to foxnews.com.

ObamaCare allows young adults who are already on their parents’ plan to stay on until the age of 26, while also offering them cheaper health insurance.

Kevin Frey, a sophomore film major, is covered under his parents’ plan.

Many young people are opting out of signing up for ObamaCare and are paying the individual mandate tax penalty for not having health insurance because it is cheaper. The study finds that after accounting for cost-sharing and subsidies in 2014, it would still be cheaper for 86 percent of young adults to forgo coverage and to pay the individual mandate instead, according to the American Action Forum (AAF) study. The percentage will decrease as Leader Nancy Pelosi/Flickr President Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23, 2010. the penalty increases.

From the Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 Reports

It’s Called a Debit Card On Jan. 21, a student reported $120 was stolen from his locker in the Martinez Gym.

The Real McLovin’ On Jan. 23, a fraudulent driver’s license and alcohol were found during a room search.

You Already Graduated, Get a Job and Move On...

On Jan. 25, an intoxicated former student was found loitering inside a residence hall and was issued a written trespass warning.

RAM IT! On Jan. 13, the entry gate arm to the Sykes lot was found damaged.

Thanks Mr. Bus Driver!

On Jan. 18, an unknown male removed a luggage bag from a charter bus.

However, the bus driver interrupted the theft and recovered the bag.

Can’t Handle Her Liquor On Jan. 25, an intoxicated female student was escorted back to campus by Tampa Police.

Reports compiled by

Spring recruitment begins for all

Applications for SG elections are available Feb. 24 and are due by March 17.

sororites and fraternities.

The Spring Sports Fest is Friday, Jan. 31. Come out, meet and play with the players.

Pi Beta Phi is having a cookie shine in the Crescent Room of Vaughn Jan. 31 from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Baseball home opener is Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. It’s country night so break out your cowboy boots.

Campus Movie Fest starts Feb. 4.

Sign up in Vaughn Lobby.

4 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

NEWS + FEATURES

Movie Theater Shooting Hits Close to Home for UT Students

Brendan Fitterer/Pool via The New York Times

Captain Curtis Reeves at local Wesley Chapel jail. He is on trial for the murder of Chad Oulson.

By DOHA MADANI News Writer

A man headed to the Cobb Grove movie theater in Wesley Chapel for a Monday matinee movie showing with his wife and received a bullet to the chest Monday, Jan. 13.

Land O’Lakes resident Chad Oulson, 43, was shot after an argument over texting during the movie previews with retired Tampa Police Captain Curtis Reeves, 71.

According to the Tampa Bay Times,

Reeves asked Oulson to stop texting but Oulson refused, claiming he was texting his daughter’s babysitter. The altercation escalated, resulting in Oulson throwing popcorn at Reeves. The man responded by pulling out a .380 caliber gun and shooting the man in the chest. Reeves was then restrained by another off-duty police officer until authorities arrived.

“It is definitely different hearing about it happening so close to home,” Wesley Chapel resident and senior education major at UT, Chloe Messer,

said. “And the fact that it was over texting, something so senseless.”

Messer lives less than 10 minutes away from the theater and is a frequenter of the Grove Plaza shopping center. She was at home when she saw the newsbreak on Twitter and was shocked to hear about the violence in her neighborhood.

Messer has texted in a movie theater before but has never seen it offensive enough to result in a shooting.

“I think it is ridiculous that he would even think to pull a gun in a movie theatre and not just shoot, but shoot to kill,” Messer said.

Reeves, the shooter, spent over 20 years as a police officer at the Tampa Police Department and retired as a captain. He has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

CNN reports that Reeves claims to have felt that his life was threatened.

However, the police department has ruled out self-defense, eliminating another Stand-Your-Ground debate.

“Working with the state’s attorney office, it was determined that stand-yourground law does not fly here in this case,” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

Angel Hubaykah, junior and communication major, was shopping at the center only the day before the shooting and was shocked when she heard the news over the radio. Hubaykah grew up only five minutes away from the shooting and has always believed the area to be a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.

“Knowing that the shooter was a retired police officer does affect my feelings on the situation because current and even retired police officers take the oath to protect and serve,” Hubaykah said. “I actually think the shooter being a cop makes it scarier than an untrained civilian.”

Hubaykah worries that gun control was an issue in the tragedy. Movie theatres are not listed under the protected sites where a weapon holder may not bring a gun on the premises.

“I do believe gun control is an issue and has gotten out of hand, especially with this recent tragedy. It is sad when people cannot go to the movies, school or the mall because the fear of someone walking in with a gun is on their minds,” Hubaykah said.

Being a permitted concealed weapons holder, Reeves was not in violation of the law bringing his firearm into the theatre, despite signs displaying a “no weapons” policy. According to Handgunlaw.us, a website dedicated to inform citizens of U.S. gun laws, the policy of the movie theatre does not stand as law. If a gun holder is specifically asked to leave, they are then in violation of trespassing.

“Unless you were there, I guess you can’t ever really know how things go down and how you feel when it happens,” Messer said. “I definitely wouldn’t shoot to kill someone over a piece of popcorn, unless they had their hands around my throat.”

Doha Madani can be reached at doha.madani@spartans.ut.edu

Chipotle Chicken Pita

Buy 1 Get 1

FREE DELIVERY HOURS Mon.-Sat. 6pm To 9pm

Gasparilla Fun Facts What are we drinking to and why?

Gasparilla is the celebration of the U.S. Navy’s defeat of famed pirate Jose Gaspar in 1821. In years after, a “krewe” of men would get together and surprise residents with a mock pirate invasion. Calling themselves “Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla,” they would go on masked rides on horseback through Tampa. People liked the invasions so much that the city of Tampa made it an official, annual event.

Where do all the beads come from?

One main bead supplier for the Krewes of Gasparilla has been Features Costumes and the Bead Barn, a specialty pirate-themed shop behind

Datz on MacDill. After 18 years of providing booty to the buccaneers that take over Tampa, the bead Barn will no longer provide the beads but will still supply all kinds of maritime costumes.

What can I do with the beads after Gasparilla?

South Tampa Ice Cold Air, an auto repair shop on South Dale Mabry, will give you a free oil change until Feb. 1st if you bring in your coveted treasures. Otherwise, they’re good for bringing back hippie-era bead curtains that are sure to impress.

Want a question answered by UT FYI? Send your question about anything UT or Tampa related to ut.minaret@gmail.com

2618 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33609

(813) 877-5252 14596896T402

Additional parking in the rear.

NEWS + FEATURES

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

Master It

Graduate Open House, Nov. 22, 6 p.m.

Vaughn Center, ninth floor Join us for a special Graduate Open House event to learn more about UT’s graduate degrees! Talk with faculty, admissions counselors, students and alumni about the following programs: Business • MBA (seven concentrations) • M.S. in Accounting • M.S. in Finance • M.S. in Marketing • Certificate in Nonprofit Management • Certificate in Accounting • Certificate in Business Administration Exercise Science and Nursing • New! M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science • M.S. in Nursing Education • M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology • M.A. in Teaching • Master of Education Creative Writing • MFA in Creative Writing

RSVP at www.ut.edu/gradvisit.

5

6 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

Diversions

Sudoku

The Weekend Update Art for the Brain’s Sake: Neuroscience and the Power of Art January 31

Scarfone/Hartley Gallery 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Free

Mike Super: Magic and Illusion January 31

Falk Theater

8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Free

Women’s Basketball vs. Bentley February 1

Martinez Athletics Center 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Free with UT ID

Men’s Basketball vs. Bentley February 1 PrintableSudokuPuzzles.net

Picture

WEEK of the

Photo by Casey Budd/The Minaret Students plant trees during PEACE’s MLK volunteer day.

Martinez Athletics Center 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Free with UT ID

SP Movie Night: The Hangover Part III February 1

Reeves Theater 8 p.m.

Free

Campus Movie Fest Launch February 4

Vaughn Center Lobby 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Free with UT ID

The Power of Witnessing February 4

Dickey Health and Wellness Center 8 a.m.

Free

The Power of Pause February 7

Dickey Health and Wellness Center 8 a.m.

Free

Arts + Entertainment

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

7

UT Employee Doubles as Local Hip-Hop Performer

By SELENE SANFELICE Arts + Entertainment Writer

When I first met John serving pasta in the caf, I’d never imagine that the quiet guy in front of me could also be seen rapping at Club Diamond under the name Young Chucky D Boy. It turns out 25-year-old John Dock IV, or Chucky D, not only works for Sodexo but also manages the kitchen at the Renaissance Festival, is a security guard at Raymond James Stadium and also works at the Kids Museum while still finding time to book local gigs and raise his 3-year-old daughter. Chucky D’s influential experiences and his passion for the local music scene are certainly impressive.

The Minaret: Outside working for Sodexo, you’re also a rapper. Have you played any shows recently?

Chucky D: Yeah, I did a few shows locally. I think the most recent one was at Club Diamond. We did another one at the Orpheum and one at the Pegasus Lounge.

Those were some tight shows too.

M: How does it usually go when you play your shows?

CD: It goes good. I get a lot of love from the locals. I’m trying to get more of the UT students to come out. I got a lot of love from the UT students. A few hundred students downloaded my app.

M: Are you going to be playing any shows in the near future?

CD: Oh yeah, definitely. Those three spots I was saying before…

The Orpheum, Pegasus Lounge, Club Diamond… Those are some of my regular spots. I’m trying to get more outside of Tampa, more shows on the road. I’ll be hitting the road with my partner, Josh.

M: When did you start rapping?

CD: I’ve been rapping since I was a kid, just a little kid. Tupac, Biggie...

They were big inspirations of mine. I grew up on them. I always wanted to be like those guys since I was a kid. But I

Jon Dough “Young Chucky D. Boy”/Facebook

Cafeteria employee juggles four jobs, fatherhood and aspring rap career as Young Chucky D Boy.

really started taking it seriously back in 2007 when my little brother was killed. I don’t know if you checked out that song “Fly Home?” We made that like the day after my little brother was murdered.

I’ve really been going hard since then.

I was more artistic back then, when I started, but the last few years I’ve been taking it more business-wise.

M: So what would you say your motivation is to keep rapping?

CD: Definitely my little brother.

He was an artist too. We did a lot of tracks together. We didn’t really record together too much when he was alive. We did some songs together, but like I said we weren’t really trying to be rappers, like famous rappers or anything. He did a few songs by himself, and after he died I said “I’m gonna go ahead and do it for him.” I got his song on my app too, Young Cutty Bre, “Jook City.” He is the inspiration behind all that. Also, my daughter, Jaida, is turning three on the 28th of this month. That’s my biggest motivation to be successful. I

don’t know how I forgot to mention that (laughs).

M: Do you have any goals for your music career?

CD: Yeah, I wanna make some money off of this. I’m not one of those guys that’s trying to be too famous, but recently I’ve been kind of noticing that they go hand in hand. You can’t have the money without the fame. You’ve gotta have people listening to you. I appreciate all the UT students for supporting me.

M: It comes up a lot in your raps and a lot of students might not know, can you explain to me what Jook City is?

CD: Jook City, yeah, yeah, definitely, because I need all the UT students to know. Jook City, that’s Tampa. That’s our soul, that’s our vibe, that’s the way we live. If you’re ever around the city and you hear somebody talking about “Jook City” they’re talking about Tampa. Definitely keep Jookin’ man.

M: In one word how would you describe your music?

CD: My music? “Soulful.” If you

really through and listen to all of my songs none of them really sound the same, so I guess “versatile” would be another word. But definitely, I wanna keep some soul in all of them, keep them versatile and keep them personal.

M: Is there anyone that you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

CD: Definitely a lot of the local artists in Tampa. I know a lot of people try and get big and wanna get with Lil Wayne and all those guys. I like to stay humble, stay down with my city. I would like to get with Kanye West on a track though and have him lace up one of my beats. He is sick with the beats.

If I could get Lil Wayne on a track with me that would be tight, but for the most part the local artists, the dudes who have been doing their thing in the city and just haven’t had the recognition for it.

M: Do you make your own beats?

CD: I don’t make my own beats but I do have a producer, Heat Man. I wish I could have brought him out here. He’s tight on the beats. He made most of the beats that you’ll hear. I’ve got a few other artists: House of Hits, Lord Dre, my man Jook Streets, Pop Quiz––that’s my man-drummer boy––all those guys.

M: Do you have any advice for other aspiring musicians at UT? CD: Oh yeah, definitely. Get with me! (laughs) Keep doing your thing.

Don’t let people that tell you “don’t do that” or “you’re wasting your time,” get in your heat at all. Keep doing what you love to do. Stay humble. Just follow your dreams. Don’t let anybody take your dreams from you because their dreams didn’t come true.

If you want to hear more of Chucky D, check out his profile on Reverb Nation (http://www.reverbnation.com/ youngchuckydboy) and download his free App (Young Chucky D Boy) on Google Play.

Selene SanFelice can be reached at selene.sanfelice@spartans.ut.edu

Google Invents Smart Futuristic Contact Lenses

By MADISON IRWIN

Arts + Entertainment Writer

Google is tackling the prevalent diabetes problem, which now affects one in every nineteen people on the planet, according to USNews.com. The company has developed contact lenses that will not only change the way people see the world but will improve their overall health, especially for diabetics.

One of the features of this new invention, known as smart contact lenses, includes the ability to have superhuman vision. This allows wearers to see objects in fine details that are not visible to the naked eye while also giving them enhanced focusing abilities so that they can see near and far at levels beyond normal human capability. If you put a finger up to your eye while wearing the contacts, you can actually see the fine details of your fingerprint, according to Yahoo News. These contacts may also help with vision correction, just as normal contact lenses do.

Google created a concept that is in the form of glasses, as well. When the user is wearing the contact lenses and the pair of lightweight-made glasses

at the same time, it allows them to see projected digital information, like driving directions and video calls.

People with diabetic issues will benefit the most from these smart contact lenses. Google has recently announced that these contact lenses will monitor the blood glucose levels of diabetics, which can help manage the disease overall. Here’s how it works: a tiny chip sensor is embedded inside the eye contact which can record the glucose levels in the wearer’s tears.

“This has the potential to be a real game changer,” said Dr. John Buse, a Diabetes researcher at the University of North Carolina, according to Fox News.

Freshman nursing major, and type one diabetic Amanda Pierce was skeptical of the technology’s abilities.

“I wouldn’t use it because it would probably be inaccurate,” she said.

Although if it was accurate she said “It would be a huge impact because you wouldn’t have to worry about constatly checking your blood sugar with finger pricks. It would make life easier.”

“Google is currently running clinical research studies on the device, while they are also testing it profusely

suaine/Flickr

Google has created special contact lenses that can monitor blood sugar and improve vision.

too. Despite the fact that it isn’t ready for mass production just yet, they have begun discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over its distribution,” according to Inquisitr News.

Latin Post reported that Google is also trying to use microscopic LED lights to indicate that the blood glucose levels are in healthy or

unhealthy ranges. Google did warn, however, that many things still need to be worked on before marketing the product. The price of smart contact lenses is still unknown, but this device may just be a lifesaver to those who suffer from diabetes.

Madison Irwin can be reached at madison.irwin@spartans.ut.edu

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT 8 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET 2014 Projected To Be Another Successful Year For Indie Music

By JACKIE BRAJE

Arts + Entertainment Writer

2013 has handed over the baton to yet another year of highly anticipated indie record releases. After receiving new music from artists like Arcade Fire, MGMT and Lorde, a swarm of more veteran musicians are making reappearances.

Young the Giant’s poppy indie rock album Mind Over Matter was one of the many released on Jan. 21. The band is akin to Two Door Cinema Club, Cold War Kids and Ra Ra Riot, and their second full length album didn’t miss the makes-you-wanna-dance train that the latter musicians are also known for riding on.

While this isn’t typically my favorite indie genre, I found some songs from the album to be undeniably witty and catchier than last season’s flu. Though they typically appeal to a more youthful audience, a great deal of maturity and growth in their music was demonstrated with busy electronic soundscapes and wide-ranging vocals. This album was, if only in one word, fun.

Warpaint’s self-titled album, another one released on Jan. 21, has been greatly anticipated by underground music buffs since their debut album was dropped in 2010. This all-female quartet is known for their experimentation with stripped-down arrangements and faraway vocals, and their music is often referred to as “art rock.”

Their self-released 2009 debut EP gained attention from the prominent former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante and has since received a great deal of respect for their creative endeavors.

With experimentation aside, what I personally find even more admirable about their music is a certain strong, empowering, feminine atmosphere they create through their very naturalsounding vocals and intelligent, wellcrafted lyricism.

“Love Is To Die,” the album’s lead single, was released in September 2013 to build up some hype for the album and did so rather successfully. The track serves as a fair representation of the album as a whole with a spacious, atmospheric opening and a lingering chorus of, “Love is to die/Love is to

not die/Love is to dance.” Warpaint’s sophomore album, pun possibly intended, put up a solid fight.

Damien Jurado’s Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son transcended his traditional folk roots and offered something that, as producer Richard Swift said in a trailer for the album, “You can finally kinda dance to now.”

The album still carries out his tradition of storytelling, only I found it to be more idiosyncratic and more concerned with a building a deep, lush atmosphere with earthy and air druminducing rhythms.

“With this album, we’re trying to push it a little bit,” Jurado said, and it shows with his reggae and dub influences.

Jurado is the DiCaprio of folk music: forever earning high critical praise yet never taking home the Oscar.

However, this well-anticipated album stepped outside the confines of his usual traditions.

“It is limitless,” Jurado said.

“There’s no ceiling to it.”

And, of course, it cannot be ignored that Against Me! has finally released their new album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, building to their impressive resume of music that originated in 1997.

Lead singer Tom Gabel had a solo acoustic project before the dawn of Against Me! and began playing shows in Gainesville at the ripe age of 17.

Ever since, the band has accumulated an expansive fan base and has built up a reputation of constantly being on tour.

Their punk ballads and socially conscious lyrics could be the band’s greatest identifying factors.

In Transgender Dysphoria Blues, Laura Jane Grace (formerly known as Tom Gabel) touches on the subject of an identity crisis. She recently came out as a transgender in 2012 and began writing the tracks for this album around the same time.

In all my brief dabbles in punk rock music, I am only able to pin Against Me! as a sort of ideological anarchist punk band with strange folk elements thrown in the mix. Their music is studded denim vests and two middle

TOP: Young the Giant/Facebook, BOTTOM: Rise Against!/Facebook Young The Giant unleashes dancy indie pop, while Against Me! returns with emotional punk catharsis.

fingers held up the air, and their newest album succeeds in carrying out their legacy.

It’s exciting to see more and more independent artists not only produce new music but experiment with their

art and transcend their expectations.

With the diversity of tastes delivered thus far, 2014 should be expected to cater to an interesting palate overall.

Jackie Braje can be reached at jacquelyn.braje@spartans.ut.edu

LEFT: Warpaint/Facebook, RIGHT: Damien Jurado/Facebook

Warpaint’s self-titled album and Damian Jurado’s Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son help to set the bar for a creative and innovative year of new releases for indie music.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

9

Monster Truck Show Not Only For Die Hard Fans

By KATHERINE LAVACCA Asst. News Editor

The only remnants of Gasparilla are a few bead strands in the gutters of Bayshore Boulevard, but that doesn’t mean the excitement ends for Tampa.

On Feb. 1, Monster Jam will be returning to the Raymond James Stadium. Hundreds of fans from all over Florida will gather to watch oversized, overhauled trucks do amazing tricks and tear up the freestyle course.

The event is split into two parts: racing and free-style. In the racing portion of the events these massive trucks race around the outer edges of the free-style arena to qualify for finals at the end of the season. After a brief intermission of motocross or a demolition derby, the course has been transformed so the freestyle can start.

Most of the car smashing and destruction happens during the freestyle section. Drivers are given 90 seconds to flip, spin, sling mud, smash and crash as much as they can without stalling or flipping over. After their run they are given scores from three judges to determine who wins the event, although it seems the drivers that do the most damage to their trucks tend to get the loudest cheers and the highest scores. The best known drivers of Monster Jam know how to please a crowd and will risk their trucks and sometimes their health to give a good show.

Dave Anderson, driver of Gravedigger, is the best known team and contributes largely to the Monster Jam event. Without Anderson, his father and their team of trucks, Monster Jam may have never gotten off the ground.

Another risky competitor is Tom Meets, driver of Maximum Destruction, who does an incredible job of fulfilling his truck’s name. From smashing full sized RV’s to backflipping a 10,000 pound truck, Meets pushes his truck to the absolute limit. He has even lost

Katherine Lavacca/The Minaret

Monster Jam truck rally provides unique and exciting entertainment for all kinds of people, including die hards and newcomers.

tires during his routines but continued to drive the truck until it flipped or went up in smoke.

These two drivers are always neck and neck during the free-style event and usually have a few surprises for the crowd during their run.

There are other trucks that may appeal to newcomers like Monster Mutt driven by Candice Jolly or Scooby-Doo driven by Nicole Johnson. The most recent team of trucks to join the circuit is the Marvel’s Avengers. Ironman, Spiderman and even Captain America have been incorporated into Monster Jam to add excitement and rivalry to the event.

If you’re concerned you’ll be the only “high-brow” college student in a sea of Duck Dynasty fans, there’s nothing to worry about.

Actor On The Rise: Dylan O’ Brien

By SAMMI BRENNAN

Arts + Entertainment Writer

who are trapped inside a maze and he must join forces with them in order to escape.

In the meantime, O’Brien continues to star as Stiles in the television series Teen Wolf which airs on Monday nights on MTV at 10 p.m.

Sammi Brennan can be reached at samantha.brennan@spartans.ut.edu

Currently starring as the character Stiles in the MTV series Teen Wolf, which is averaging 1.9 million viewers per episode this season, O’Brien is only beginning to pave the way for his acting career. Later this year, O’Brien will star in the film Maze Runner adapted from the popular John Deshner young adult dystopian trilogy.

O’Brien began his career as a YouTube star when he directed his own comic online shorts, featuring his mother acting in several parts and his dad operating the camera. O’Brien truly admired his father and planned on attending film school to become a cinematographer just like him.

Instead, after four auditions, he landed the role as Stiles and decided to put off school. His first time on the big screen was in the 2011 film High Road, a completely improvised comedy.

He then starred in the 2012 romantic comedy The First Time playing the role of Dave. In 2013, Stiles picked up a large amount of spotlight time alongside Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson in The Internship as Stuart.

Now the young actor is receiving a lot of buzz for the book-based film Maze Runner releasing Sept. 19. Maze Runner revolves around the character Thomas, played by O’Brien, who finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world with no memory whatsoever. He is Dylan O’ Brien/Facebook dropped into a community of boys Teen Wolf star lands role in Maze Runner.

Although you might see plenty of oversized, barely street-legal tires on some of the cars in the parking lot. Not all people who attend Monster Jam are the stereotypical die-hard monster truck fans who raise their truck and slap a Salt Life sticker on the back. Lots of people go out of curiosity or to have a good time with their friends and family. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy seeing talented drivers perform adrenalin pumping jumps and flips, especially if they’re in trucks as tall as Smiley Hall?

Ticket Info Club Seats & Lower Sidelines $35, Corners $25, SuperValue (3rd Tier) $15 All tickets $5 more the day of the show

Pit Passes are available at Your Southern Ford Dealers from 12/30/13 through 2/1/14 while supplies last.

Pit Passes are also available to purchase for $10 online at www.ticketmaster.com or Charge

by Phone at 800-745-3000.

Saturday, Feb. 1 - 7 p.m. event ticket along with Pit Pass required for entry.

Seating If they want a good show they’ll sit on the second or first level, any side is good. The show is 360 and no section is left out as far as having a good view goes. The best places to get really good pictures are on the sides.

Katherine Lavacca can be reached at katherine.lavacca@theminaretonline.com

10 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

I, Frankenstien Puts Unremarkable Spin on Classic Story

By CLAIRE FARROW

Arts + Entertainment Writer

To dispel any speculation as to whether I, Frankenstein will do the classic science fiction novel by Mary Shelley any justice, the answer is no. Thankfully, this movie is instead based on a graphic novel of the same name. I found the backstory to this film to be more interesting than the film itself. The graphic novel I, Frankenstein and its script were written by Kevin Grevioux, an actor, screenwriter and comic book writer. Although he is probably best known to audiences for his role as Raze in the Underworld series, his writing credits on that film deserve the most accolades.

Unfortunately, I, Frankenstein follows a lot of the same aesthetic patterns and storyline choices that the Underworld movies did. I believe him to be a great storyteller, as the idea of the movie is a compelling one, though perhaps the execution of this film was not the greatest.

I, Frankenstein is the story of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster, Adam (an interesting if not somewhat cliché name, since he is the first of his kind). The film attempts to tell the story of Frankenstein’s monster as it would play out in the modern age.

Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Battle: Los Angeles, Olympus Has Fallen) plays the title role, Adam. Eckhart’s performance

as the jaded monster is decent although not particularly memorable. Sadly, this is true for all the characters in this movie—not bad and relatively convincing but overall lacking in depth. Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck, Dexter) plays the beautiful, well-meaning scientist who, frankly, doesn’t do all that much. We learn nothing about her backstory or why she is a doctor of electrophysiology, aside from the cliché, “scientific curiosity.” Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, War of the Worlds) portrays the queen of the gargoyles and, while she is good, again, very little goes into her character that connects with the audience. Finally, there is Bill Nighy (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead

I, Frankenstien/Facebook

While I, Frankenstien is intresting enough from a visual standpoint, it ultimately comes off as a rather mediocre twist on Mary Shelley’s classic novel.

Man’s Chest, Love Actually), who plays Naberius, the dark demon prince. While I believe him to be an amazing actor , the crux of this villain is that he is missing one vital part to his character—he isn’t scary, not even a little bit.

Although the movie was only an hour and a half, it was largely plot driven and lacked an overall depth that made anything that could be considered “character development” or “subplot” as just relatively meaningless filler that moved the movie from point A to point B; from stylized fight scene to stylized fight scene.

The fascinating imagery of the movie does save it from being a complete bore. Dark and gothic and yet, for lack of a better word, strangely beautiful. The battles between good and evil were eerily artistic and looked fantastic on screen. Nothing beats demons bursting into volcanic-esque fire. However, the visuals here don’t really compare to the similar ones featured in Underworld.

Overall, this movie was mediocre. Pretty to look at, not terrible to sit through, but definitely not worth seeing in 3D or even at regular price.

Claire Farrow can be reached at claire. farrow@spartans.ut.edu

2.5 out of 5 stars

Aerie Says Goodbye to Retouching and Supermodels With New Campaign

By BRIANNA KWASNIK Arts + Entertainment Writer

Last week, the clothing company Aerie announced on Twitter its new “Aerie Real” campaign. The company is taking a big step and ditching retouching for good in its marketing and advertising.

Aerie is challenging the stereotypical idea of beauty and presents consumers with an empowering reality of a realistic and healthy body image.

Aerie posted a picture on its Instagram page further explaining the purpose behind this new campaign: “Dear Aerie girls, We think it’s time for a change. We think it’s time to GET REAL and THINK REAL. We want every girl to feel good about who they are and what they look like, inside and out. This means: NO MORE RETOUCHING OUR GIRLS AND NO MORE SUPERMODELS. Why? Because there is no reason to retouch beauty. We think THE REAL YOU IS SEXY.” The advertisements feature beautiful, healthy models and retain flaws that would generally be edited out in most fashion advertisements like beauty marks, tattoos, blemishes and stretch marks.

The Aerie website is also taking steps to promote a healthy body image.

For example, girls who visit the website can view each bra frame on a model with their size. So, an “A” cup girl can view a bra on a model with her cup size, and the same is true for the “DD” size as well. Considering that many women are starting to shop online, using women who better match their body type allows consumers to see what the product would actually look like on them.

Aerie is also encouraging its followers to get involved with the campaign. By posting a picture on Instagram or Twitter with #AerieReal, the company offers their fans a chance to be featured on the Aerie website, effectively becoming models for the

Aerie/Facebook

With the “Aerie Real” campagin, the popular clothing company takes strides to fight against unfair standards.

clothing and the cause themselves.

Thousands of participants can be seen already, with pictures of girls supporting the campaign sans makeup, filters or duck faces, showing people that true beauty can exist without a filter.

The campaign’s reach is not limited to the online sphere, however. The retail stores themselves are also accented with positive messages for those who are shopping in person. For instance, the mirrors in the store’s dressing rooms all have a decal proclaiming that “The girl in this mirror has not been retouched.

The real you is sexy.” The shopping bags all have a message to the same

effect printed on them. This small gesture can really do a lot to ease the tension that often comes with trying on bras and underwear.

Many other Aerie employees, fans and magazines chimed in to show their appreciation and agree that this campaign is a step in the right direction.

Freshman and journalism major Nikee Reed hopes other clothing companies will continue this trend of promoting all body images.

“I personally think it’s a great start, but there’s so many more beauty standards that need to be broken,”

Reed said. “I think if people see what the models really look like, they’ll be more likely to accept the fact that no matter what body size you are, everyone has their flaws.”

In a recent interview with Elle magazine, 28-year-old Aerie Real model, Amber Tolliver said, “To recreate a human being using a computer process is a bit of an attack on who you naturally are. Like, if I’m not good enough or if I’m not beautiful enough, then why’d you book me?”

In the past, Tolliver has been retouched in ads. She has seen her ribcage cut out, her neck lengthened and her hair filled in all because it was not perfect enough by unfair and unhealthy standards set by the fashion industry.

Aerie’s decision to stop using Photoshop on its models comes after some other attempts to promote a more realistic and healthy body image. In 2011, a study released by Dove revealed that only four percent of women around the world consider themselves to be beautiful. Dove started using real women, outside the realm of the typical idea of beauty in their campaign in 2004. In addition, Pantene made waves last year with their “Labels against women” campaign, which also aimed to devalue hurtful categorical labels and fight sexism.

Dove has since then released many short videos in attempts to transform society’s view of beauty: In 2005 regarding beauty only being in women who are stick thin; in 2007 about aging women embracing their beauty; and in 2014 a video encouraging girls and their mothers to embrace their true beauty by taking selfies without filters. Hopefully in the future we can expect to see many brands following the initiative Dove and Aerie have started.

Brianna Kwasnik can be reached at brianna.kwasnik@spartans.ut.edu

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

Opinion

11

Hard-hitting Journalism or Bullying?

Journalist ‘Outs’ Transgender Against her Will

By TERRENCE PRESTON Opinion Columnist

A skilled investigative journalist will dive into their story, uncover all of the facts and present the truth to the public. Reporters are applauded for their commitment to a story and unwillingness to give up, but how far is too far? At what point is it best to leave a story alone?

After one reporter dug too deep, Essay Anne Vanderbilt committed suicide when she realized her darkest secret was about to be published in the news.

Caleb Hannan, a writer for Grantland Magazine, headed a personal investigation behind the “Magic Putter,” a scientifically superior golf club that dramatically increased one’s chances of properly putting a golf ball, invented by a mysterious woman named Dr. V (Vanderbilt). What began as an investigation of her credentials (a supposed MIT graduate with ties to the CIA) led to a discovery about Dr. V’s personal history.

Hannan discovered Dr. V. was born a man.

As a result, Hannan’s article’s focus shifted from Dr. V’s professional credentials to her gender identity and history.

It is nobody’s right to decide if or when somebody else comes out of the closet.

Raychel Lorren, the president of James Madison University’s Madison Equality

Club, an organization dedicated to the equal treatment of the LGBTQ community, is disgusted by Grantland’s decision to run the article.

“The whole situation is terrible. An individual’s credibility as a professional has nothing to do with their gender identity or expression,” said Lorren, a senior health sciences major. “The average lifespan of transgender individuals is 36 years old because of the prevalence of murder and suicide among their community; why aren’t we talking about how to increase this number?”

Dr. V. implored Hannan against publishing the article, telling him he was about to commit a hate crime. Following Hannan’s refusal to back down, Dr. V. took her own life and Grantland proceeded to publish the article.

According to thebiglead.com, Gerri Jordan, Dr. V’s ex-girlfriend and business partner, “blamed fear about the Grantland article for ‘90 percent’ of the timing of her suicide,” although she does not blame Hannan himself.

For a heterosexual cisgender to make the decision that others need to be informed of an individual’s sexuality is irresponsible, offensive and tragic. It is nearly impossible for one who has never struggled with sexuality or gender identity to make the

executive decision on behalf of another person. To live your life feeling as though you are trapped in the wrong body must be difficult enough, and it could only be more stressful when your struggle is broadcast to the entire world.

There should be some sort of a legal penalty for wronging another individual in that way. Hannan and/or Grantland should be charged with manslaughter, at least. This action cannot go on unnoticed.

UT junior government and world affairs major Rich Harrington agreed. “It’s absolutely unacceptable. You never know what stage people are in when accepting their sexual identity. Some people are deeper in the closet than others,” Harrington said.

I empathize with Essay Vanderbilt, for I too was forced out of the closet by another person. In the tenth grade, I was jumped by two fellow students because of my sexuality. I was later confronted by the school’s assistant principal, who told me that the attack was my fault because of my “decision to live an abnormal lifestyle.”

A few days after the incident, I was called into his office to talk about the situation once more. My mother and my aunt were sitting at his desk. “You have to tell them the whole story,” the principal told me. “And if you don’t tell them, then I will.”

It was then that my principal told my mother that I was gay. Rather than letting me tell her when I was comfortable, he made the decision for me, thus never allowing me to come out on my own terms. What Essay Vanderbilt must have gone through, to me, is still unfathomable.

So, why is it that others believe they have the right to release information about one’s sexuality? There should be no desire to share such information about another person, because that information is not vital to anyone but the specific individual.

Grantland has since issued an apology on behalf of Hannan, blaming “ignorance about the Trans community” as its reason for posting the article. Unfortunately, no such apology will bring Essay Vanderbilt back to life. No apology will undo the damage of the article.

Fortunately, there is hope. The media attention this article has received is helping all to understand how to address the Trans community and how to do their best to be as accepting as possible.

To all, this should be a lesson in the severity of dealing with sexuality and gender identity.

Be kind, be respectful and be as helpful as you can. Your compassion could save a loved one, or a stranger’s, life.

Terrence Preston can be reached at terrence.preston@spartans.ut.edu

Dying to be Thin: America’s Obsession with Weight

By STEF CROCCO Opinion Contributor

When I was officially accepted to study abroad in Italy, I decided I would eat my way through Europe. My plan was to eat everything that was put on my plate, and I even brought jeans that were two sizes bigger than my normal size.

For four months I pretty much only ate pizza, pasta and gelato. My host mom even refused to let me leave the dinner table if there was still food waiting to be eaten. She didn’t believe in leftovers. “Mangia, mangia, mangia, Stefy,” she would say to me, which means, “eat, eat, eat,” in Italian. Sono piena,” I’d say back, rubbing my stomach to emphasize I was full. It never worked. I had to finish everything on the table. To say it was torture would be a little over dramatic. My host mom, an inspiring chef, lived to cook. From the spinach tortellini to the grilled pork seasoned with herbs and drizzled with olive oil to the penne con tonna (pasta with tuna), every bite tasted like a little piece of heaven. However, I do not kid when I say that after lunch and dinner, I was put into a food coma I walked everywhere and hiked when I traveled. I didn’t even need my “fat” jeans because I actually ended up losing weight.

It was nice not having to worry about what I was eating and if the slice of pizza layered in sausage and French fries would go to my butt or my thighs. Nobody said anything to me about what I was eating and instead joined in with me.

To say the Italians didn’t care about weight would be a lie. My host mom was on a diet the entire time I lived with her and every morning when I would wake up to run, locals would be out riding bikes, some would be running, and others, usually the older ladies, would be in large groups power-walking. However, they weren’t excessive about it. My host mom cheated all the time and would indulge every now and then when she was craving something.

So one could only imagine my discomfort coming back to America and learning about the bikini bridge and thigh gap. I think it was even worse hearing Jennifer Lawrence, a perfectly

healthy individual, calling herself “obese” in the celebrity world. The obsession our society has with appearance is disgusting and has gotten to the point where girls are literally dying to be thin. One of my favorite artists, Ke$ha, checked herself into rehab for an eating disorder because society and allegedly her management told her she was fat. “I’ve watched my beautiful, self-

Sebert, told People magazine.

I’ve only been back at UT for a few days, but I have friends beginning cleansing diets.

I’ve seen people at the gym stand in front of the mirror, poking at their thighs or jiggling their arms to demonstrate to their friends where their fat is located on their already tiny frame.

I’ve heard girls congratulating other girls on

Becky Sullican/ Flickr

Pop artist Ke$ha almost died from an eating disorder due to societal pressures of being thin.

confident, brilliant daughter be berated and ridiculed for her looks and weight to the point that she almost died,” Ke$ha’s mom, Pebe

only eating a salad for lunch. I am sorry, but I will always choose a cheeseburger over a salad, unless the salad looks really good and

then, maybe I’ll eat both. I believe in portion control and being healthy, but I don’t believe in depriving myself of food I crave or enjoy eating every once in a while. There is a huge difference in wanting to be healthy and wanting to be thin; and lately, society is blurring the lines.

Twenty-four-year-old Australian model Robyn Lawley is considered to be a plus-sized model because she is a size 12 even though her body is perfectly proportionate to her 6’2 frame. In a recent interview with Clique magazine, Lawley talked about how it was impossible for her to meet society’s demand to achieve a size zero.

“Even at my lightest, I just couldn’t get there,” Lawley said. “I genuinely really tried. I was counting calories, I was taking diet pills, I was dabbling in starvation.”

Since then, Lawley has taken a stand against being considered larger than normal.

“People think plus-size models don’t exercise - we do!” She said. “But it’s about health, not forcing my body to be something it’s not meant to be.”

I personally wish more people - guys and girls - would understand this concept.

Some bodies aren’t meant to bend in certain directions and some girls will never be a size 0. I for sure will never be a size zero or a size two, as a matter of fact, because my body is not designed for that. I have hips and curves and I am okay with that.

So the next time you want to reach for a cookie, you eat that cookie. Honestly, what is one cookie going to do to you besides give your mouth an orgasm? Shoot, eat two or three cookies. Even go for that whole box of cookies if that is what you are craving. And if you start having doubts about how you look, instead of depriving yourself of food, remember what Julia Roberts said in Eat, Pray, Love, “Let me ask you something. In all the times that you’ve undressed in front of a gentleman, has he ever asked you to leave?

No – exactly! Because he doesn’t care.

He’s in a room with a naked girl. He’s won the lottery!”

Stef Crocco can be reached at stefanie. crocco@spartans.ut.edu

12 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

OPINION

Sperm Donor Forced to Pay Child Support

By ELIZABETH ROCKETT Opinion Writer

In the state of Kansas, it is not yet legal for gay and lesbian couples to be married.

If these couples wish to have a child together, artificial insemination processes are extremely expensive, about $3,000 per single attempt, according to CNN. Kansas law states that any processes involving a sperm donor must be supervised by a licensed physician in order to avoid health risks such as sexually transmitted infections. In order to avoid such steep prices, some people may seek an alternative method of finding a donor.

In March of 2009, Jennifer Schreiner and her partner Angela Bauer did just that by seeking a sperm donor via Craigslist with the intention of saving money, according to CNN. Although this may have seemed like a wise move that would save the couple quite a bit of money, there are important things women should know about their donors, such as family medical history. However, the couple and the donor took the steps that they felt necessary to complete the process.

Both the donor and the couple signed an agreement waiving the donor of his parental responsibilities. In December of the same year, the child was born. Nearly five years later, the two women have split up and the state has forced their donor, William Marotta, to pay child support even though both parties agreed to waive his parental rights and responsibilities. The people who should be held responsible for this child are the people that the child recognizes as her parents, not the donor. I find it outrageous to force a man who was simply trying to help a couple in need to pay for a child that he’s assumed no previous responsibility for.

The decision to seek a donor through

Craigslist in order to save money is also ridiculous. If this couple was not financially capable of affording a safe and responsible method of conceiving a child, they should not have been attempting to conceive in the first place. To top off this already irresponsible decision, upon the couple’s recent separation, Schreiner applied to the state for financial help when she could not work due to an illness. The state then contacted the donor seeking child support. Although both parties participated in signing the agreement to waive his parental responsibilities, according to the state of Kansas, he was still legally responsible for the child.

[

understandable that a woman who is unable to work for the time being due to illness would consider going to the state for financial support for her child, the other woman who was previously in the relationship should be the one to help with child support because according to this child, both women are her parents, not the sperm donor. According to CNN, he had not met or contacted the child until three months ago where he happened to run into one of the parents and the child in public.

Sarah Drury from Westbrook, Maine, a woman who recently had a child with her partner by means of artificial insemination.

]

Although both parties signed an agreement to waive the sperm donor’s parental responsibilities, according to the state of Kansas, he was still legally responsible for the child.

Essentially this entire situation was a mistake from the beginning. Not only is seeking a sperm donor via Craigslist dangerous to the health of the woman and the child, it was against the law. If this couple was truly ready to have a child of their own, they would have considered not only their finances, but the health of the child and the legal issues associated with the artificial insemination process. The donor should not be held responsible because he is just that—a donor—and nothing more to this child.

Based on the agreement the couple had with the donor, he would have no parental rights or responsibilities. The people who should be responsible for this child are the two women in the relationship who wanted to have a child in the first place. While it is

“It seems incredibly unfair that this man, who selflessly donated sperm to help a couple, would now be held financially responsible for a child he does not even know and never had any parental responsibilities for,” Drury said.

Drury and her partner utilized the California Cryobank to find their donor.

According to Drury, “The California Cryobank facility has a very good reputation and maintains strict criteria for its donors.

Through our search we were ability (sic) to access an enormous amount of information about potential donors including: family medical history, educational and professional history, personal interests, baby pictures, etc.” This method seems much more reliable and provides all of the necessary information

As of May 2013, over 2.4 billion people worldwide use the Internet, with 70 percent utilizing it every day, according to Thecultureist.com. With so many people relying on the Internet, I would not be surprised if users just grumbled and accepted the change in exchange for smooth access to certain sites.

Ahmad Abokhamis, a sophomore International business and management major, had a similar thought. Abokhamis, who uses the Internet almost every day for an average of five hours, said, “Internet access is important. If it’s faster than the Internet on campus, I would pay extra.”

As I continued to research the topic, I realized it would be a bad idea for Verizon or any other ISP to prioritize web traffic.

Reed Hastings, on the other hand, is one person who is not concerned about the end of net neutrality. Hastings said, “Part of delivering and expanding (ISPs’ business) for consumers is having a really good Netflix experience, a good YouTube experience. Things like that. That’s why people get higher-speed broadband. So I think actually our economic interests are pretty co-aligned,” as reported by Venturebeat.com.

The article on Venturebeat.com expressed concern, saying that while smaller streaming sites that don’t require as much bandwidth as sites like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, can make a deal with ISPs for prioritized traffic and Internet users would probably not notice a difference in how quickly other sites run. However, if bigger bandwidth users, like YouTube or Netflix, pay for prioritized trafficking, Internet users will most likely see a slowdown to the point where streaming video would work well, but using the Internet for anything else would be a nightmare.

According to Venturebeat.com, “Netflix simply isn’t worried about expensive prioritized traffic contracts ruining its overall business strategy because it’s already a major player. And major players have access money, political influence, and the ability to develop tech to compensate for major bumps in the road like paying for premium traffic delivery.”

It would hurt Netflix more to pay for prioritized access because it would make it more difficult to use the Internet for anything else. If that happened, users would sign up for a different ISP and Netflix would lose business. Netflix is a great service, but I would not pay for

for women to be confident that their child will be healthy. Drury also said that the legal aspects of sperm donation were explained to her and her partner through their donation center.

Financial reasoning pushed Schreiner and Bauer to use Craigslist for their sperm donation. Drury and her partner, however, were willing to wait until they “were financially able to purchase sperm from a reputable facility.”

It was important to Drury and her partner to have access to medical information while keeping their donor confidential and free of any responsibility. On the subject of Schreiner, Drury said, “I would not have made an attempt to get child support from the donor. I would have done my best to resolve this between my partner and I regardless of how dire my financial situation was.” Drury also discussed that she would be concerned about bringing her child’s biological father into their life at such a late stage in development. This is a reasonable concern that Schreiner clearly never had, making me wonder if she has her child’s best interest in mind afterall.

After speaking with someone who has been through the artificial insemination process in a responsible way, it is clear that there are many important factors other than finances that come into play when having a child. Although the state of Kansas recognizes the man as the father, this issue should be resolved between the two people who are recognized by the child as her parents, neither of those people being the donor.

Elizabeth Rockett can be reached at elizabeth.rockett@spartans.ut.edu

Internet Service Providers Could Charge Extra for Netflix

By JAKE KONISZEWSKI Opinion Columnist

Like many students on campus, I use the Internet on a daily basis, whether it’s for submitting assignments on Blackboard or unwinding with some Netflix. That is why the end of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality has me worried. The end of net neutrality could mean slower Internet access unless consumers are willing to pay extra.

Foxnews.com reported that on Jan. 14, a federal appeals court did away with an FCC regulation put in place in 2010 to prevent Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from prioritizing some web traffic over others.

“With service providers suddenly able to charge based on the type of content you watch or the sites you visit, it’s easy to imagine a system like that of today’s cable television market,” reported Foxnews.com.

Due to the end of net neutrality, ISPs can provide customers with slow Internet and charge them extra for fast Internet access.

When I first heard about the end of net neutrality, I was outraged. I use popular sites like YouTube and Netflix all the time. Having to pay more money to use certain websites or ensure a website runs smoothly is brutal. Verizon Communications, who first challenged the law back in 2010, apparently has no future plans to prioritize web traffic.

Randall Milch, Verizon’s general counsel and executive vice president, said he would not have prioritized access to certain websites, according to Foxnews.com, but I would not be surprised if companies took advantage of the lack of net neutrality.

Internet service that only ran Netflix smoothly and nothing else.

While I like the idea of net neutrality, I do not think a formal law is needed to keep net neutrality in place. If prioritized web trafficking causes enough slowdowns on the Internet, people are bound to complain to the point the law would be reversed, or at least I would like to think so. ISPs would be making a huge mistake if they make a deal with popular websites who already use a lot of bandwidth. I like my YouTube. Don’t mess with it.

Jake Koniszewski can be reached at john.koniszewski@spartans.ut.edu

Graphic by Wendy French/The Minaret ISPs could now charge you for YouTube access. Now those 15 second ads don’t seem so bad.

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

OPINION

Fairy Tale Complex: Finding Love While Abroad

By HANNAH WEBSTER Opinion Columnist

Before I left for my semester in England, I was thinking about my pending absence from The Minaret staff. I promised I would return with an article about romance abroad, but honestly felt skeptical about how far I could run with it. I feared for a lack of significant experiences. I did have an academic mark to make, after all, and felt positive that love would be the last thing on my mind (but if it wasn’t, I fully expected it to become equipped with a sexy English accent).

Turns out I went halfway across the world to fall for another American.

Meeting him was like a movie scene: the crowded pub, the intense first eye contact, the “let me buy you a welcome to Oxford” drink.

The weeks that followed were surreal in the way we were both consumed by each other, but the initial infatuation eventually had to give way to real life. We both had other commitments, our status wasn’t exactly defined, the gates of miscommunication began.

I realized so much of what he was doing, what was upsetting me, stirred a different reaction than it ever would at home. There were red flags that would have sent me running had I been back at UT, but I was determined to make it work; I wanted this love affair to be one for the books.

I had fallen victim to some kind of “fairytale syndrome” that drove logic away, opting for raw emotion instead. For anyone preparing to spend a semester away from UT, it’s one of the biggest sicknesses I’d warn you to keep an eye out for (though the CDC might disagree).

People have different reasons for wanting a relationship while they are abroad. Some want the epic love story, some want to mingle with the new population of potentials in front of them, while others might just want someone to keep them warm at night.

“I think it’s more about the adventure rather than the actual person,” said senior government and world affairs/journalism major Pranav Lokin. “Maybe you want a great story to tell your grandkids one day or maybe you just want to explore every part of you once you’re away from home.”

There is something different about

13

meeting someone while you are away from the realities of home. Whether you realize it or not, everything becomes a romanticized version of the same possible events. We all see it in the movies. The characters go overseas and find themselves lost in passion, whether through falling in love or a few months of great sex. I left home firmly against that mindset, that the trip was mine and no one else’s. I didn’t think I had those idealistic expectations, but it turned out I did.

“I do think that relationships abroad can be romanticized,” said senior government and world affairs major Kristine after recently spending time abroad in Europe. “Relationships may just happen as a part of the euphoria. But, every once in a while, I think love abroad happens for the right reasons between the right people, and in that case, being abroad has nothing to do with it.”

Looking back and pondering my time out of the country, I am flooded with a variety of memories that reflect my semester. But I would be lying if I said I could think of those months without being reminded of the man who is no longer mine. While it isn’t an experience I would ever trade, it is something to think about before you leave. You could be that happy couple that makes it work long distance while the odds stack against you. Or you could wind up associating your trip with painful memories. It’s a gamble and one I recommend giving real thought to before you are caught up in the moment.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a “screw that guy” rant. I don’t think he was a terrible man trying to hurt me. And I don’t think I was a crazy woman with unrealistic expectations. I often wonder how things would have been different had we met at a different time or place. If you meet someone, I guarantee you’ll find yourself asking that out loud and internally more than once. Maybe things would have been equally if not more wonderful—or maybe it would have ended after that first date.

While I’m still convinced the feelings weren’t purely the product of the unfamiliar air, I do believe the outcome was. There is an inevitable sense of desperation that accompanies finding something you’ve always wanted only

to realize it has an expiration date. Even if you aren’t leaving the country, some of you might be experiencing this feeling anyway as you and your significant other plan life after college. The way that manifests itself might just bring two people closer—or it could tear them apart.

If you plan to go abroad while you’re in school or just in general, I don’t mean to swear off pursuing someone. I’m surely no expert

on this situation and I certainly know of a few couples who met overseas that are still going strong. But I offer a word of caution to keep your head and not let the relationship dominate your trip. Take full advantage of what is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and decide how a relationship fits into what you want to remember.

Hannah Webster can be reached at hannah. webster@spartans.ut.edu

our carnal desires—but we are no longer cave men. We no longer have to wonder what effects our actions can take on our bodies. Rather, we are evolved enough to make an educated decision and to make a choice that will protect ourselves.

I am no different than my generation. I have taken part in my share of one night stands and I am lucky enough to say I have not suffered any serious consequences—but others have not been so fortunate.

Michael Johnson, a 22-year-old former Lindenwood University student in St. Charles, Miss., is facing charges of knowingly infecting at least 32 unsuspecting individuals with HIV, according to The New York Daily News.

In the United States, it is a federal crime to refrain from informing your sexual partner if you are infected with HIV. This investigation came about when one of Johnson’s partners told the police he believed he contracted HIV from Johnson.

Johnson met a majority of his sexual partners online, through the utilization of his six various social media accounts, according to Buzzfeed. com. Police investigated Johnson’s computer, which also contained hidden-camera videos capturing his suspected transmission of HIV to his partners. It is believed that Johnson’s partners were unaware of their being filmed.

The discovery of these videos has increased the intensity of the police’s investigation tenfold.

It is in this case that many have been proven

to not be as invincible as they may have once believed. These individuals made the decision to have unprotected sex, knowledgeable of its risks and have instead found themselves in a situation in which few believe can happen to them. Now, 32 people are faced with having an incurable STI. “I absolutely think there are high risks of contracting an STI from an unprotected one night stand,” said Maria White, junior and government and world affairs major. “Especially after seeing the I’m Shmacked video, I see the guys and girls at UT as much more grimey than ever before. You don’t know where the other person has been, or who they have been with. It can get to be pretty scary.”

Nobody ever believes that they are going to be the person infected with an STI. Many students think, “I can’t get one—I’m not a slut!

I’ve only had one or two one night stands. Those are only for people who get around.” However, nobody ever wakes up with the intention of contracting a disease. Whether you think you deserve it or not, the risk of contracting an STI is the same every time.

This is why there should be an end to the all-too-common one night stand. The risks associated with sex with a stranger are much greater than being caught by someone you know during your walk of shame. They’re far worse than wondering what your partner might say about you to his or her friends.

Having an STI can make future sexual encounters far less exciting, because let’s face it, there is nothing sexy about telling someone you’re going to give them a disease. In addition, if untreated, many STIs can have serious long-term effects including sterility, organ complications and even cancers.

“It’s important to use a condom every single time. No exceptions,” said Cailean Bakely, junior public health major. “Most STIs don’t show symptoms so it is important to protect yourself, especially in the case of one night stands.”

This is why students need to educate ourselves on who we’re choosing to get into bed with and put our physical health ahead of our physical desires. Do some background research, know how many people your partner has been with and always, always, always use a condom.

Luckily, many sexually transmitted infections are curable with a rigorous course of antibiotics, although they do come with a risk of sores, painful itching and many other symptoms.

However, it’s safer to take the necessary precautions and not have to worry about hoping for the best.

Think twice before choosing to go to bed with someone. If anything, you can feel assured you have done your best to protect yourself and your body. Don’t let one mistake follow you for the rest of your life.

Terrence Preston can be reached at terrence. preston@spartans.ut.edu

Photo Courtesy of Hannah Webster

When you’re abroad, relationships can become overly-romanticized. Avoid letting it dominate your trip.

‘Pull-Out Generation’s’ Limited Condom Use Increases STIs

By TERRENCE PRESTON Opinion Columnist

In our era of promiscuity and perceived invincibility, condom use among millennials is nearing a dramatic low. Earning the name “the pull-out generation,” New York Magazine reported that approximately 40 percent of sexually active men and women are taking the risk and ignoring condom use altogether.

According to Huffingtonpost.com, only 40 percent of gay men report regular condom use.

Though the pull-out/withdrawal method can be used to prevent pregnancy (to an extent—it is 96% effective when done correctly, according to Planned Parenthood) what many individuals are forgetting is that this method does absolutely nothing to prevent against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. The mindset of many young people seems to be, “They’re clean, I’m clean, so it’s not like we’re going to give anything to each other!”

The situation may seem ideal—but how many individuals are actually being routinely tested for STIs? Many STIs take three to six months before showing symptoms, whereas others, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) rarely show symptoms and are impossible to detect in men, according to STD411.org. Just because someone says they’re clean doesn’t exactly mean that they’re always right.

So, why is it that so many of us are willing to pounce on the opportunity to have a one night stand? Sure, it is in our genes to want to act on

14 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

OPINION

Nutrition Labels get Makeover for First Time in 21 Years

By AVERY TWIBLE Opinion Columnist

Have you ever looked at a nutrition label and thought it was in a different language? Grams? Soluble fiber?

Polyunsaturated fat? Is the average person really supposed to understand what these things mean in relation to the health of the food they are buying? The good news is labels may be getting much easier to understand very soon. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says they are planning to update the label you’ll see on the back of containers of boxed foods, canned goods, drinks and desserts “based on the latest sciencebased nutrition recommendations.”

The nutrition label we are familiar with today has not always been around.

In fact, according to CNN online, most food labels did not list any nutrition until the 1960s. At that time people were not eating a significant amount of processed foods so the nutrition label was not as necessary. The FDA said it last updated the nutrition label in 1993 and are finally making it a priority to update the label in 2014.

Nutritionists have some suggestions of their own for the new and improved nutrition label, according to CBS News.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a nonprofit organization, joined in, sending a list of its suggestions to the FDA to take into consideration. There seems to be an overwhelming vote for more prominent calorie values, amount of added sugars and percentage of whole wheat in the food. They also want to get away from grams, the metric system’s unit of measurement. CBS News reported nutritionists think it would be easier for consumers to understand measurements given in tablespoons or teaspoons, something Americans are more familiar with than grams.

Dr. Eric Vlahov, a nutrition professor at the University of Tampa, spoke on the potential changes in the works for nutrition labels. “I want to stick with putting amounts in grams and milligrams,” Vlahov said. “For the vitamins and minerals, the amounts

needed are very tiny. A gram is very tiny (a gram of meat is about the size of a kernel of corn) and with a milligram being one thousandth of that amount – well, we just don’t have an understandable unit (like tablespoon) in the American form of measurement.”

It is legal for manufacturers to combine natural and added sugar on the label so it may be favorable to require them to be listed separately, according to CBS News. In addition, it is legal for manufacturers to label a product as “whole wheat” when it may actually make up just a miniscule amount.

It would be helpful for the label to tell me what I should eat to consume one serving size, not tell me what qualifies for 2.5 serving sizes, forcing me to figure out what one serving’s worth is on my own. Chances are if I’m hungry I don’t want to spend any more time trying to calculate how much is in one serving, and it seems I’m not the only one. The Center for Science in the Public Interest said it “would also like to limit the amount of math you now have to do when counting calories.

If you have ever looked at a label and realize you’ve eaten twice the serving size, you’ll appreciate that request,” according to CNN. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated in recent years the number of Americans paying attention to nutrition information has increased dramatically. It is no secret to anyone that America has an obesity epidemic. The amount of working adults paying mind to nutrition labels has increased from 34 percent in 2007 to 42 percent in 2014, according to CNN online, and this is hopeful for us as a nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than one-third of all Americans are obese.

“There’s no question obesity is a central public health concern that the nutrition facts panel can play a role in.

It’s obviously not a magic wand but it can be an informative tool,” said Michael Taylor, FDA Deputy Commissioner, according to huffingtonpost.com.

Casey Budd/The Minaret

A clearer representation of what we are putting into our bodies can help Americans live healthier lives.

Students as well as people of any age could benefit from paying more attention to nutrition labels. Marinna Hughes is a health conscious junior studying public relations and is a vegan.

“Americans need to realize that it’s less about the amount of calories in food and more about how nutrient dense the food actually is,” Hughes said.

There have not been any final decisions made on the updated nutrition label, but a clearer representation of what we are putting into our bodies can help everyone live healthier lives.

“The FDA planning to update nutrition labels is a positive step in helping people understand what is in the food they’re eating and how much they want to consume,” Hughes continued.

The food industry is less than eager to make changes to the nutrition label, for this could mean a more realistic representation

of how unhealthy certain products are.

The more the American people understand about the food they are feeding themselves and potentially their families, the less eager they may be to buy these foods.

“If the population is going to lose weight, it’s going to eat less food, so that means less business for [the food industry],” said Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity on huffingtonpost.com.

Changes in the nutrition label we are all familiar with could come by the end of this year and the benefits could help America as a nation. Front side labels, hard to miss calorie counts and understandable serving sizes could be right around the corner and if you ask me they could not come soon enough.

Acery Twible can be reached at avery.twible@spartans.ut.edu

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THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

OPINION

15

UT Athletes Defy ‘Dumb Jock’ Stereotype

By VANESSA RIGHEIMER Opinion Columnist

As a member of the University of Tampa cross country and track team, I cringe at the thought of being referred to as a “jock” because of the stigma that comes along with the word.

However, I can say UT does a good job of making sure we know we are student-athletes, with academics coming first.

Earlier this month, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill learning specialist, Mary Willingham came forward to CNN with claims that about 60 percent of the athletes she tutored had reading levels between fourth and eighth grade and eight to ten percent of them read below a third grade level. With numbers like these, it’s hard to tear down the stereotype of jocks being dumb.

This isn’t always the case though. With a wide variety of schools and with big time Division I programs, it seems the word “student” has been lost somewhere between the intense overload of scheduled competitions and the billions of dollars of revenue brought in by ticket prices and network television programming.

Through the research Willingham presented and the statistics CNN was able to receive, the lag in academics is mostly apparent in men’s basketball and football, which are usually the hottest ticket games with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship and March Madness.

For student-athletes coming from lowincome homes, athletics offer a way for them to receive an excellent education that might have otherwise been impossible. On the other hand, this appalling information presented by Willingham begs the question as to whether or not it’s worth it to let athletes admitted into top performing institutions with ACT test scores 10 points lower than their peers. How can it be possible for a student to thrive, or better yet even

survive in a UNC classroom, when they can’t even read or understand high school material?

The statistics that CNN presented were staggering. According to test scores released by the University of Louisville, the threshold for a student-athlete is a 16 on the ACT while the average test score of their non-athletic peers is a 25. Even with a score almost 10 points lower than average, 12 percent of the male basketball and football players scored even lower than that.

These scores were taken from student records from 2007 to 2012.

After University of Louisville made a $26.9 million profit in 2012 from its men’s basketball program, is it really such a surprise to see

found that the university had tutors writing papers and giving answers to the athletes. But recently, they have been gracing the headlines for winning the BCS tournament where they defeated Auburn in a game that aired on ESPN and drew in over 25.6 million viewers.

University of Tampa athletics director Larry Marfise, who has been at UT for over 14 years and has enjoyed tremendous success both on and off the field. Under Marfise’s leadership, UT has won six NCAA II national titles, but that’s not the only thing Marfise is proud of. Last year, 60 student-athletes were honored as Academic All-Americans with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

He expressed his disdain for the academic

Casey Budd/The Minaret

A UNC tutor claimed that 60 percent of her student athletes had reading levels between fourth and eighth grade.

this much leniency in its academic standards for athletes? Of course not, and an obvious correlation can be made that further promotes the idea of NCAA Division I athletics being a business, not an after-school program for students who can throw or bounce a ball.

In 2009, Florida State athletics was sanctioned by the NCAA after an investigation

gap we often see with admitted athletes and their non-athletic peers, but also recognized that under certain circumstances, exceptions may be made.

“You might have an extremely talented football player who just cannot test well and scores a few points lower than the accepted standards of an institution,” Marfise said. “If

and potentially severe psychologically and/ or physical dependence.” Other drugs in this category include ecstasy, LSD and heroin. The fact that marijuana and heroin are in the same category is a little puzzling considering the drastic difference in dependence and effects between the two.

For example, although both alter the perception and mood of its user, heroin users have a much greater chance of overdosing and becoming addicted because heroin goes to the brain much faster than marijuana, according to drugabuse.gov. It’s also hard to tell if the heroin you are about to inject is a pure dose. There are not many immediate risks that come with smoking marijuana besides the chance of a heart attack within the first hour of smoking because the drug slows down the heart rate. Other than that, the side effects from marijuana are pretty mild.

President Obama urged Americans to proceed on this issue with caution, according to Yahoo.com. While he doesn’t think it is very dangerous to the consumer, he also knows legalizing pot won’t solve any of our nation’s social issues. “I’ve told my daughters I think it’s a bad idea, and a waste of time,” he said.

A UT junior and graphic design major who wished to remain anonymous had a different perspective. “Smoking marijuana helped me deal with anxiety and depression,” he said. “I do not abuse it at all, but I have used marijuana to get me past some tough situations.” He also talked about his friend’s mother who died from breast cancer and used marijuana for medical purposes while she was ill. “If people realized the potential of marijuana as a medicine instead of a drug, opinions would change,” he said. He smoked with his friend’s mother a few days before she died. He described it as a “beautiful experience.”

When it comes to medical experts, their opinions of marijuana are very different, according to USA Today. “The president is obviously not familiar with the science and frankly doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” said Stuart Gitlow, the director of the Annenburg Physician Training Program in Addictive Disease at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Gitlow thinks that people just want the freedom to be stoned whenever they want and that there is no real benefit to using marijuana.

And what some are not fully aware of is that there

we’re going to make that exception, though, it should also be made for non-athletes who have exceptional talent in other extracurriculars, whether it be art, music or writing. But at the end of it all you have to really believe this student will succeed in the classroom, because if you admit a student who will ultimately fail their classes and not be able to graduate, you are doing a great disservice to them.”

Marfise made a great point that the ultimate goal for a student-athlete should be to walk at graduation with a degree that will help them earn a job after school. With less than two percent of college athletes going pro, according to an article published by Business Insider, a diploma is necessary for college athletes when they realize that their dreams of a profession in athletics will come to an end after they use up their college eligibility.

Some of the most prestigious universities such as Stanford, Notre Dame and University of Southern California boast top performing athletic programs. But with such high standards to be accepted, they are forced to be lenient when it comes to accepting athletes with poor grades in order to remain competitive.

However, a ten or more point gap in test scores seems not only unfair to the higher performing students that are losing spots in the incoming class to athletes, but also unfair to the athletes who lack the skills to get through the courses and may not be able to even graduate.

The NCAA is the governing body for all universities that play under its banner, and while they may have certain power to initiate investigations and sanction programs, it ultimately comes down to the university itself to be ethical when it comes to the academic success of its student-athletes.

Vanessa Righeimer can be reached at vanessa.righeimer@spartans.ut.edu

Is Marijuana Really More Dangerous Than Alcohol?

By CAITLIN MALONE Opinion Writer

This past Monday, Jan. 27, marijuana was approved to be on the ballot in Florida this coming November. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, President Barack Obama was asked his opinion on the trending topic of legalizing marijuana.

“As has been well documented, I smoked pot as a kid, and I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life,” he said. “I don’t think it is more dangerous than alcohol.”

While I don’t think that marijuana offers many positive effects to its consumers, I do agree with President Obama on the opinion that it doesn’t seem as dangerous as alcohol. And apparently we’re not alone in that thought.

According to a Gallup survey done last October, 58 percent of Americans were for the legalization of marijuana, and 39 percent wished to keep it illegal. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance, which is considered to be “the most dangerous class of drugs with a high potential for abuse

ivva/Flickr.com, Brett Levin/Photobucket

NIDA estimated that about only nine percent of marijuana users will become addicted while there are about 17.7 million people who struggle with dependence on alcohol.

is a great deal of risk that comes with consuming it. According to USA Today, an argument often used to defend marijuana is that while you can overdose from ingesting too much alcohol, an overdose on marijuana is highly unlikely. In other words, there is no immediate danger when smoking it. “But nobody dies immediately from smoking cigarettes, either,” Gitlow said in the article.

Smoking marijuana is in fact more dangerous than smoking the everyday cigarette, according to CNN. The National Institute on Drug Abuse warned that smoking marijuana dumps four times more tar into people’s lungs than regular cigarettes do, and the tar in joints when compared with tobacco tar also has a much higher concentration of the kind of chemicals that can cause lung cancer. However, there are other ways to ingest marijuana that make it less harmful on the consumers body such as baking with it or vaporizing it.

One thing scientists are not concerned with is how addictive marijuana could be even though the addictive qualities of this drug are still not fully understood, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. They estimated that about only nine percent of marijuana users will become addicted while there are about 17.7 million people that struggle with dependence on alcohol.

So, while it has been made evident through scientific experts that alcohol has proven to have more immediate danger and more common health risks than marijuana, but smoking pot is not completely risk free. I have always seen marijuana as a waste of time and something that is not beneficial to me in any way which has kept me from ever trying it. I do question the sense in legalizing another substance that can be harmful when smoked when we already have issues with alcohol and cigarettes. Marijuana has its advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes to legalizing marijuana I think it will be more problematic than beneficial.

Caitlin Malone can be reached at caitlin. malone@spartans.ut.edu

16 THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

Sports

Men’s Lacrosse Sets Sights on SSC Championship

By MARCUS MITCHELL Sports Writer

Break out the sticks, retwine the goals and let the fun begin. Lacrosse season is officially in session.

The Spartans finished last year as Deep South Conference regular champions and reached the finals for the DSC championship before falling to Colorado Mesa. But this year the squad looks better than it has in the past two years of the program’s existence.

At the helm of the team is head coach Rory Whipple, who is the alltime winningest coach in NCAA Division II and in his third year as head coach, and he expects great things from the squad this season.

“We want to win the conference so we can win our bid to the NCAA tournament. We want to win the tournament outright,” Whipple said. In order to do this, the team will have to excel in the inaugural lacrosse season for the Sunshine State Conference against the likes of Saint Leo and Florida Southern. Fortunately for the Spartans, according to a poll conducted by the SSC head coaches, they are predicted as overwhelming favorites to win the SSC title in April.

But don’t think for a second that Sophomore midfielder Riley Piper is primed these high expectations make Coach have to do so without previous AllWhipple nervous. When asked of how American attacker Greg Griffo, who he will handle the pressure, Coach graduated from UT after last year.

Whipple coolly responded, “I don’t “Certainly when you lose an Alllook at it as pressure. We are playing a American you feel bad,” Whipple tough schedule but we know what we said. “But we have others looking to want to get done on the field and we step up to fill the void.” plan to work hard to achieve that.”

“Those others” include three key For the Spartans to reach the title transfer students who will pay large by the end of the season they will dividends for the Spartan attack this

Courtesy of UT Athletic Department

for a breakout season after a solid 2013.

season. They include Jake Rooney from Hofstra and Mike Morris from John Hopkins. Both began their sophomore years at UT last fall, and they are joined by freshman transfer Conor Whipple, who is arriving at the University of Tampa after a fall semester at Georgetown.

“With those three guys and seniors like Brian Patton and Kyle Hemrick, I

believe we have one of the best attack units in the country,” Whipple said.

Head Coach Whipple is just as confident in his players’ abilities on both sides of the ball and let it be known about the strength of his team’s defense this year. “We are also getting two time All-American Wayne Magee back this year after he was forced to miss last season and he is a huge asset to us on defense. Marty Heyn led the team in turnovers last season. They are two strong defensemen and will anchor the defense.”

But it is more than just on the field where the team performs well.

This past November,the University of Tampa men’s lacrosse team fundraised over $4,000 for the HEADstrong foundation to increase awareness of male cancer. In doing so, the team was among the top five in the country in raising money for the cause and Whipple took great pride in his team’s image.

“We are a new sport and the largest sport on campus so we are always aware of keeping a strong image in the community,” he said.

Everything looks as if this year will be the best yet for the relatively young men’s lacrosse program. With a fantastic balance of a great attack and strong defense at his disposal, Whipple should be able to lead his team to a conference title and subsequent tournament bid. The team officially starts the 2014 season on the road in North Carolina on Feb. 8 and the first home game will be against New York Tech on Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14.

Marcus Mitchell can be reached at marcus.mitchell@spartans.ut.edu

Women’s Lacrosse Ready To Begin New Era

By LAYLA SOUCHET Sports Writer

Around UT, the only new additions we usually see are hoards of new students and construction on buildings. The past few years, however, have brought exciting new changes to the Spartan community.

2012 introduced men’s lacrosse, 2013 saw a national championship in baseball and 2014 has introduced women’s lacrosse.

In October 2012, it was announced that Kelly Gallagher would start as UT’s first women’s lacrosse coach for the spring 2014 season. She had previous experience coaching at Limestone College in South Carolina from 2011-12 and Detroit-Mercy from 2008-2011. Gallagher didn’t waste any time with the recruiting process and set out to find the best players to mold into the perfect team.

“As soon as I got here [UT], I started putting kind of feelers out to the different people I know across the country looking for people to play,” Gallagher said. “I didn’t really know what the interest was going to be on campus versus out in the greater world, so I just kind of started putting it out to people that I knew.”

Little did she know, however, that interest was going to be very high both on campus and off.

“What ended up happening was there was a big response on campus,” Gallagher said. “There was like 40 girls initially when I first got here in October.”

From that initial group of girls, Coach Gallagher was able to conduct a mini

spring season for the team, running them through conditioning drills, stick work and full on practices.

Throughout this process, she traveled around to different schools, looking for players to bring back. She ended up bringing back 27 freshmen to play, including people she recruited and people who contacted her.

The process, Gallagher said, wasn’t hard, even though the program is still in its infant stages.

“Honestly, UT is a great academic institution… I think the hardest thing I had was just getting people to set a date to get on the airplane and come down,” Gallagher said. “A lot of these kids are really excited about starting a program and getting to put their name on something.”

The first opponent the Spartans play are no strangers to the UT community.

Rollins College made it all the way to the semi-finals of last year’s championship before losing to Limestone College, who then lost in the finals. Both teams will visit Naimoli Field this season with Rollins as the first and last games for the Spartans’ season.

“They’re kind of our bookends, so we’ll play them the first game and the last game of the season,” Gallagher said. “It will be a really good marker of how much we’ve improved over the course of the season.”

Tess Hooker is the only senior on the team this year. Even though she said the younger players look up to her, it’s

Photo Courtesy of Tom Kolbe

Freshman midfielder Eileen Barrett looks to pass in an exhibition match against Rollins.

more from an academic perspective.

“I’m basically a freshman on the team,” Hooker said. “This is my first year, too. In a sense, we’re all freshmen.”

With such a large group of girls playing together for the first time, there’s bound to be some friction. But not in this case, according to Hooker.

“Some of the playing styles are the same since we’re from the same area,” Hooker said. “But we also have people from Florida and Minnesota and Ohio. So, it’s weird, because they all mesh. Coming back from

preseason, you’d think we’d all been playing together for years.”

Whatever Gallagher is doing seems to be working. The athletic department is fired up, the girls are ready to show their skills and the spring season is almost underway as the countdown winds down to their first game Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m.

With over 15 years of experience under Gallagher’s belt, there’s no question where this program is headed.

Layla Souchet can be reached at layla.souchet@spartans.ut.edu

JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

17

Women’s Volleyball Reflects on Memorable Season

By PAIGE SHALLCROSS Sports Writer

With their season recently coming to an end, the women’s volleyball team has a lot to be proud of. Not only did they win their conference and regional titles, they finished their season ranked number two in the nation and had three all-Americans in Berkley Whaley, Marissa Lisenbee and Holly Reschke and two academic all-Americans, Reschke and Meagan Burke.

In addition, Whaley was named the SSC Conference Player of the Year. Even after their unfortunate loss to Concordia during the national tournament, the Spartans had a very successful season.

Looking back on the tournament, Coach Chris Catanach saw many strengths and weaknesses from the team he is hoping to improve on for next season.

“The tournament was really exciting. During the regional round we played really well and it went how we hoped, so we enjoyed that,” Catanach said. “The rounds at nationals are not seeded but are on rotation and we drew the other top ranked team so we played them in the quarter finals instead of the finals. We are very disappointed in that loss; we didn’t reach our goal, we failed there.”

Even with the season ending in not the best circumstances, the team definitely had many great accomplishments this past season.

“We accomplished a lot of positive

things,” Catanach said. “We had great player development; we finished the season ranked number two; we were conference champs; we went 16-0 in conference play; we hosted the regional event, and we won the regional tournament. So we had some big accomplishments this season.”

On top of a great season athletically, the Spartan team had some great accomplishments academically.

“Our team GPA ended up being a 3.46 this semester, which is really good,” Catanach said. “Because the players had to take all of their exams before we left for the national tournament, they were overloaded and stressed so it is great we ended on that note academically. We also had a couple players that were named academic allAmericans, which is another great academic accomplishment.”

It is safe to say that the women’s volleyball team did some great things this season but there are still areas that Coach Catanach would like to improve on for the future.

“Well we can only go one position higher. We would like to win it so that is one thing we would like to improve on,” Catanach said.

“Our players still have to get better.

We have to develop a mindset that we can win and beat this power that we have lost to.

We would like to win the conference again and we would like to win the region

again. We can improve a lot but the biggest thing is to win and be number one.”

To be able to reach the ultimate goal of being number one, the Lady Spartans will be participating in some exciting things during their off season.

Not only will they be working in the gym and on the court, but they will also be traveling.

“We have our normal spring training that we will do,” Catanach said.

“But every four years you are allowed to travel overseas and this is

our year to do it, so we will be doing that and competing against international teams for 12 days in May.” Although the end of the volleyball team’s season was not what they exactly wanted to accomplish, they had a lot of very impressive accomplishment, growth and goals that were achieved.

The Spartans have a lot to look forward to within the next few months and their upcoming season will be exciting to watch.

Paige Shallcross can be reached paige. shallcross@spartans.ut.edu

Courtesy of UT Athletics

Sophomore Megan Heffron lunges to keep the ball in play during a season match.

Rose Bowl Game Doesn’t Dissapoint for ‘Minaret’ Writer

By CONNOR ANTHONY Sports Writer

The 2014 Rose Bowl game also happened to be the 100th Rose Bowl game ever played. The Rose Bowl, nicknamed “The Granddaddy of Them All” featured the winner of the Pac-12 conference and winner of the Big Ten conference. This year featured a great matchup. Pac-12 victor No. 5 Stanford, making its second Rose Bowl appearance in as many years squared off against Big Ten champ, No. 4 Michigan State. Besides the national championship game (which was also at the Rose Bowl five days later) this game matched two of the highest caliber teams in the country against each other.

This was the fourth year I attended the Rose Bowl and I was excited to see a new team from the Big Ten in town (Wisconsin was in the previous three years). As Stanford University is only about five hours outside Pasadena, the common thought was that a majority of the fans in attendance would be in favor of Stanford.

Surprisingly, this was not the case, as most of the fans were indeed Michigan State Spartan fans. Upon talking to some of them, I was amazed at how many of them made the trip from East Lansing, MI to the other side of the country.

The way they explained it made sense.

Michigan State haven’t attended a Rose Bowl since 1988 (which they won 20-17 against USC).

The common consensus was they didn’t know when the Spartans would make another Rose Bowl trip. If it was only going to be once every 26 years, this was a trip they were willing to make. Once inside, I was sitting in a section I could only describe as a sea of green. Someone behind me

mentioned Stanford couldn’t even sell all the tickets they had been appointed.

Looking across at the stadium where the Cardinal fans were sitting was one gigantic section of green.

The game started off in Stanford’s favor early, as they went up 10-0 in the first quarter thanks to a 16-yard touchdown run by Tyler Gaffney.

After a 47-yard run by Gaffney to put

Stanford in position, they kicked a field goal to get another three points and make it a two-possession game.

The second quarter went more of Michigan State’s way, as they were able to outscore Stanford 14-7, but Spartans Quarterback Connor Cook through a costly interception. Stanford linebacker Kevin Anderson took it 40 yards to the house for a pick six. At

TOP: Michael Li/Flickr, BOTTOM: glennia/Flickr

Stanford and Michigan State clashed in Pasadena for the 100th edition of the Rose Bowl.

halftime Stanford held the lead 17-14.

The third quarter was a quiet offensive quarter, as the only points scored were a field goal by Michigan State. After the end of three quarters, dead tie, 17-17. The final quarter was another quiet one as both teams only scored once, but Michigan State settled for seven while Stanford only netted a field goal. After a 26-year dry streak, the Spartans could bring a Rose Bowl title back to East Lansing with a 24-20 final score.

Overall the 100th edition of the “Granddaddy of Them All” was worth the $185 ticket price. Both teams played excellent football and this proved to be one of the closest and most competitive bowl games played this year.

After winning the Big Ten, Rose Bowl and being one loss (by only four points) away from the National Championship, Michigan State is starting to look like a football powerhouse.

They have established themselves as a Top 5 team and will have all eyes on them last year as they battle Ohio State to repeat as the Big Ten’s representative in the Rose Bowl.

Stanford didn’t have the same success as they did in 2012, or win the Rose Bowl,, but they still had a great season. After being able to defeat Oregon they cemented themselves as the best team this season that the Pac-12 had to offer.

But with Oregon returning multiple starters, including Quarterback Marcus Mariota, many analysts will put Oregon as the team to win the Pac-12.

Regardless of who wins the Pac-12 or Big Ten next year, only one thing is certain: I will be in Pasadena on New Years Day to see the 101st edition of the Rose Bowl.

Connor Anthony can be reached at connor.anthony@spartans.ut.edu

18 JANUARY 30 2014 | THE MINARET

SPORTS

Pro Sports

Big Contracts Hot Commodity in MLB Offseason

By JOSIAH KACHELMEYER Sports Writer

The baseball offseason always has a way of making just a few months seem like a few millenniums. As I gathered together with family and friends over the holidays and enjoyed football on TV, it really hit me how much I am itching for our national pastime to get under-way again, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

To help ease the pain for fellow baseball enthusiasts, I have put together a comprehensive, all-inclusive, no holds barred, rock ‘em sock ‘em MLB offseason report – because after all, baseball is pretty much the meaning of life right?

Show me the Money It has been a most happy holiday season for several of the biggest free agents in league.

Former Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano cashed in big time with the Seattle Mariners, signing a ten year, $240 million deal in early December.

Seattle is hoping the 5x five time AllStar can become the face of their long struggling franchise.

Just prior to the Cano deal, Jacoby Ellsbury made out pretty well in signing a seven year, $153 million contract with the New York Yankees. The contract includes an option for an eighth year and an additional $16 million. Ellsbury, who has lead all of Major League Baseball in steals three times in his career (2008, 2009, 2013) brings a further element of speed to a Yankees squad that was already number seven in stolen bases for the 2013 season.

The Bronx Bombers weren’t satisfied

with the mammoth Ellsbury deal however, as they also lured top free agent catcher Brian McCann, as well as longtime veteran outfielder, Carlos Beltran to the Big Apple.

McCann will instantly step in as the starting catcher for a team who struggled with consistency at the position last year.

Additionally, on January 22nd, New York agreed to terms to bring in prized Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. After scouting Tanaka for much of 2013, the Yankees were convinced that his 1.27 ERA and 24-0 record in Japan would translate to success in the major leagues and gave him a seven year, $155 million deal.

Curtis Granderson won’t have to go very far to play for his new-found team this season. The crosstown Mets signed the ex-Yankee to a four year contract worth $60 million. In addition, the team brought in Bartolo Colon on a two year deal to implement a veteran presence into an overall young pitching rotation.

The Texas Rangers also got in on the trend of offering big contracts to free agents as they signed Shin-Soo Choo to a seven year, $130 million contract. The Choo signing came on the heels of the Rangers acquiring Prince Fielder via a trade with Detroit that sent second baseman Ian Kinsler to the Tigers.

Clayton Kershaw proved that he didn’t need to be a free agent to make the big bucks. The Dodgers gave the 2x two time National League Cy Young winner a 7-year, $215 million contract extension to ensure he stays in Los Angeles. The extension proved to be the most lucrative in MLB history for a pitcher, topping the

7-year, $180 million deal Justin Verlander signed last year with the Tigers.

The A-Rod Saga The drama surrounding embattled Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and his suspension for involvement in the Tony Bosch Biogenesis scandal has only increased as the 2013 season came to an end. A-Rod’s 211 game suspension was reduced to 162 games – plus any 2014 postseason games – on January 11th.

Rodriguez has since stated that he will further appeal the suspension in federal court. It is widely speculated that fourteen time MLB All-Star has played his last game as a pro.

Springing Ahead Baseball enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area are some of the luckiest fans in all of the world come February and March each year. Florida, home to Major League

Baseball’s Spring Training Grapefruit League, become a hotbed for a couple months every preseason as 15 of the 30 teams get loose for the upcoming season right in the sunshine state. The greater Tampa Bay region is especially packed with action as the Philadelphia Phillies (Clearwater), Toronto Blue Jays (Dunedin), Detroit Tigers (Lakeland), Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton), Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota), and the New York Yankees (Tampa) all play their spring schedules within only an hour or less drive of downtown Tampa.

The best news of all is that it is only a mere couple of weeks until pitchers and catchers start to report to their spring homes.

Josiah Kachelmeyer can be reached at josiah.kachelmeyer@ spartans.ut.edu

Keith Allison/Flickr

Robinson Cano cashed in big by signing a $240 million deal with the Mariners.

Yankees Win Tanaka Lottery, Bucs Overhaul Front Office, Bolts Snubbed From Olympics

By GRIFFIN GUINTA Asst. Sports Editor

I turned off the TV in disgust after taking one last look at the final score. The realization that my beloved Patriots had just lost the AFC Championship for the second straight year had finally started to sink in.

To add insult to injury, the loss came at the hands of the gangly Peyton Manning and his heavily favored Denver Broncos team. There would be no Cinderella story for the Patriots this year.

Growing up, I was accustomed to

Casey Rhee/Flickr

The Bucs got its man in Lovie Smith.

seeing my hero Tom Brady dispense Manning-led teams like it was his job.

This past Sunday, it seemed like his mind was on vacation. Perhaps his shortcomings can be attributed to the lack of bona fide wide receivers on his roster or the fact that his team’s defensive enforcers (Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo) were stuck on the sideline with injuries. Regardless of the reason, the bottom line is that the Patriots are out, and I must begrudgingly tip my hat to Manning for an impressive postseason performance so far.

Nevertheless, though, Go Seahawks.

Yankees Sign Tanaka Man, this just hasn’t been a good week for Boston sports. As of Monday, Jan. 22, Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka is now an official member of the New York Yankees.

Tanaka posted an impressive 240 record last year with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Pacific League and had a ridiculous 1.27 ERA to match. Tanaka’s presence fills a huge hole in the Yankees pitching staff, especially after the departure of Phil Hughes.

Tanaka is only 25 years old and is locked up with the Yankees for the next seven years.

All I can say is, with the rejuvenated Yankee roster, reigning champion Red Sox and feisty Rays, the AL East will once again reign supreme over all divisions this season.

Feelin The “Lovie” In Tampa Less than 24 hours after the NFL season ended, five coaches were immediately canned for their lackluster performances. As such, there will be a great deal of new and old faces popping up as head coaches this year. Geographically closest to us is defensive mastermind Lovie Smith, the newest coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (their fifth Head Coach since the year 2000).

Smith enjoyed decent success in his tenure with the Bears, including a Super Bowl berth in 2006. After enduring the reigns of the peppy but unsuccessful Raheem Morris and the rigid Greg Schiano, Bucs fans can find solace knowing that they finally have an experienced captain at the helm of their pirate ship.

Smith is no stranger to Tampa, working as the linebackers coach under the legendary Tony Dungy.

Also new in Tampa is Jason Licht, who will fill ex-General Manager Mark Dominik’s spot. Licht most recently worked as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Arizona Cardinals and was an integral piece in transforming the mediocre Cards into a 10-6 team last year. I solemnly believe Licht’s dynamic energy and willingness to stray from the norm will bode well for Buc fans. Licht and Smith will seek to eradicate the air of

complacency and stagnancy that has plagued the Buccaneer organization for the past few seasons.

Lightning Strike Let’s start with the good news, shall we? The Lightning are currently in second place in the Eastern Conference and plan on returning AllStar Steven Stamkos to the ice in about a week. Stamkos’ recovery is truly a sight to behold, as the Canadian stud is already healed from a broken leg endured from running into a goalpost in November. To be playing again in January is downright miraculous.

In the bad news department, prominent Lightning players Martin St. Louis and Ben Bishop were snubbed from their respective Olympic teams.

While this may have been a precautionary move in order to eliminate their risk of injury, I believe every professional athlete should have the chance to compete for their country in Olympic competition. The event only comes around once every four years, after all.

Final Word We’ve got a busy semester ahead of us here at Minaret Sports. Our team of enthusiastic writers are back and ready to bring enhanced coverage of all things sports.

The curtain may be closing on the NFL season, but we have a bevy of things to cover in the ensuing weeks. Ladies and gents, the race has begun.

Griffin Guinta can be reached at griffin.guinta@theminaretonline.com

SPORTS

THE MINARET | JANUARY 30 2014

Super Bowl 2014

19

UT Students Have Mixed Feelings About Super Bowl

By TESS SHEETS Sports Writer

The Super Bowl is an American tradition.

Millions of people all over the country sit on their couches to watch two of the highest ranked NFL teams duke it out in one of the most-watched sporting events on television.

Whether students at the University of Tampa decide to partake in the celebration of this event or not, it would be difficult not to catch at least a glimpse of the game next Sunday.

“I’m going to watch every single second of the game because it should be a tradition no matter where you live,” freshman Frank Calo said. “If you don’t watch the Super Bowl, you’re not American.”

Some students are hoping to liven up the competition by making bets with their friends on whose team will take the championship.

“My roommates and I are doing football squares for the game,” Calo said. “If I lose, I might throw my bed across the room because I will have lost my last 10 dollars.”

Despite some student’s excitement and passion for the upcoming game, others will do their best to avoid the festivities all together.

“I hate football, so I will most definitely

not be watching any of the Super Bowl,” it to feel like it’s only me and them in mind, especially since I am not rooting for a junior Adam Albelin said. “I just think it’s the room.” specific team this year.” boring and slow, and I really don’t care for While many students are planning to just With only one more week until the big any of it. I would rather be doing anything watch the game in their dorm with roommates game, UT students are preparing the best way else than watching it on Sunday.” and others, some don’t have that luxury. they can for a school without a football team.

Whether you enjoy the game or not, the “I have worked the past seven Super “The only thing I am looking forward Bowl serves as a sort of holiday for some, just Bowls,” senior Annie Donaldson said. “I to this Super Bowl Sunday is watching all to be surrounded by friends and family. usually only catch the last 10 minutes of the of the die-hard football fans losing their “I enjoy the idea of everybody getting game, so that is most likely what is going to heads during each play,” Beckett said. together and watching the game,” freshman happen again. Seeing the big celebration at Tess Sheets can be reached at tessa.

Jessie Beckett said. “I’m not a huge football the end is the best part anyway, so I don’t sheets@spartans.ut.edu. fan, but I’ll probably end up going to a party anyway, just to hang out with friends and pretend that I care.”

One thing that has everyone talking, even those who do not care for the game itself, is this year’s halftime line up: Bruno Mars and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. With Mars recently named Billboard’s 2013 Artist of the Year and the Red Hot Chili Peppers recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the entertainment is sure to not disappoint.

“I’m only watching the Bowl for the halftime show,” freshman Kelly Davies said. “All I want to do is stand in front of the TV and sing along with Bruno Anthony Quintano/Flickr and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I want Weather will be a huge factor in the game, which is being held in East Ruthurford, N.J.

Who Will Bring Home the Lombardi Trophy Sunday?

Seattle Seahawks

By NATHAN KROHN Sports Writer

With 31 seconds remaining in their divisional round matchup with the Atlanta Falcons last season, the Seattle Seahawks had nearly just completed one of the greatest comebacks in NFL postseason history. Then Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense marched down the field and set up kicker Matt Bryant who sent a 49-yard field goal through the uprights, ripping out the hearts of the Seahawks players and fans.

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson admitted he was disappointed, as any normal person would be, but that disappointment quickly turned to excitement by the time he left the field when he realized how bright of a future his team had. “Walking off the field, I got so excited for the next opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to what we have in the future.”

Flash forward to now and the Seahawks are a week away from possibly winning the first Super Bowl in franchise history; the only thing in their way is future Hall of Fame Quarterback Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos’ record-breaking offense.

It will be a daunting task, but if any defense were up for the challenge, it would be the Seahawks. This will be the fifth Super Bowl in

By JORDAN LLANES Sports Editor

Any casual football fan can see it happening in their mind’s eye. Two minutes left in the game. The Broncos are marching down the field against an exhausted and inexperienced Seattle defense. Most if not all of these young Seahawk defenders have never faced Peyton Manning before this day, and the all world quarterback is making them pay for their lack of experience.

The ball is at the Seattle 10 yard line. It’s third and goal. Manning has fired two straight incompletions, and the second one was nearly picked off

by All-Pro corner Richard Sherman.

The crowd falls silent as Manning leads the potent Denver offense back to the line. The signal caller’s 15 years of experience reading opposing defenses flashes through his head. He sees a tiny

which the No. 1 offense has been matched up against the the No. 1 defense with the defensive minded teams winning three of the first four matchups.

During the regular season, the strongest defense the Broncos faced were the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that finished fifth best in points allowed per game but allowed nearly five points per game more than the Seahawks. The Chiefs also gave up an unimpressive 45 points to the Indianapolis Colts in their wild card matchup.

On the other hand, the Seahawks faced the three teams with the worst offenses this year in Tampa Bay, Houston and Jacksonville while also competing against several other mediocre ones.

In this matchup, the Seahawks best offense is their defense. They’ll do everything they can in order to keep Manning and the Bronco offense off the field and that begins with creating turnovers.

This game will come down to turnovers, specifically Peyton Manning’s turnovers.

During the regular season the Seahawks defense led the league in takeaways (39), turnover differential (20), interceptions (28) and finished fifth in forced fumbles (20).

Despite the nearly career high in pass

attempts by Manning this season, he threw only 10 interceptions, the second lowest mark of his career. Now, all of his throws were not simply short crossing routes either as he posted an 8.3 yards per attempt average. He is just that good at not making mistakes. However, the Seahawks have the best secondary in the league led by All-Pro Safety Earl Thomas, and they force opposing quarterbacks into holding the ball longer than they want.

Last season, that was not a factor, as Seattle’s pass rush couldn’t manage to get to the quarterback quickly enough. This year, with the additions of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, the pass rush is there and wreaks havoc on the passing game with forced fumbles and sacks.

In Seattle’s two games this postseason, the defense has four forced fumbles on opposing quarterbacks and two recoveries, including a Michael Bennett touchdown against the Saints.

In the NFC Championship game, the Seattle secondary shut down the 49ers passing game but Colin Kaepernick’s pocket mobility resulted in 130 rushing yards.

Manning does not have the mobility and will not be able to escape the inevitable pressure from the pass rush aided by the time created from the secondary’s coverage.

Interestingly, the Seahawks and Broncos averaged the exact same time of possession (29 minutes) during the regular season. This means the Broncos scored all their points quickly, using minimal game clock. All the more reason Seattle will plan to dominate the T.O.P by doing what they do best: running the ball with Marshawn Lynch.

The Seahawks and Broncos played each other earlier this year, albeit in a preseason game, but in that game Seattle forced four turnovers on their way to a home route 40-10.

Of course this game can mean nothing in regards to predictions except that in the past 25 years pre-season winners are 7-1 in Super Bowl rematches.

In the end the Seahawks defense will prove to be too much for Manning as they harass him all day creating interceptions and forcing fumbles while the Seahawks offense keeps the Broncos off the field, controlling the T.O.P with Marshawn Lynch and the run game.

The city of Seattle will welcome the city’s first major championship since the 1979 Supersonics as the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII 28-24.

Nathan Krohn can be reached at nathan. krohn@spartans.ut.edu

flaw in the Seattle coverage and yells out an audible. The audience watching at home can hear him yell, “Fat Man! Omaha! Omaha!”

The ball is snapped and Manning takes a five step drop. He goes through his reads in rapid progression. He pumps his shoulder as if to drop in a fade route right over Sherman’s head into the hands of top wideout Demaryius Thomas before throwing a strike right in the middle of the endzone into the waiting hands of tight end Julius Thomas for the touchdown. Denver takes a 34-31 lead with about a minute and a half left in the game.

The subsequent Seahawk drive comes up short at midfield when Broncos linebacker Shaun Phillips sacks quarterback Russell Wilson on the fourth down and the Denver offense heads back onto the field for the final kneel down.

The Broncos win by a final score of 3431 while Manning wins his second Super Bowl title and ensuing MVP award.

As football fans, we can all see the scene just described above. And why is that? Because we have all seen Manning, arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, do it time and time again. He is the engine that runs the high powered Denver attack. He is the reason why Knowshon Moreno ran for over a thousand yards this year. He is also the reason why Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Eric Decker and Wes Welker all had at least 10 touchdown receptions and over 60 receptions a piece during the regular season.

This will be the fifth time in Super Bowl history that the league’s top scoring defense (Seattle) has faced off against its top offense (Denver), and the top offense has only won one of the four

previous matchups. Super Bowl XLVIII will be the second time that happens.

The reason why? Peyton Manning will be leading the charge.

Don’t get me wrong. In order to have gotten this far, Denver has had to have been an all around great football team.

The defense was solid all year and only got better during the postseason. Not to mention the fact that the Broncos have one of the best special teams units in the game led by kicker Matt Prater, who broke the NFL record for the the longest field goal ever made with a 64 yarder back in November.

By the time Super Bowl XLVIII has ended, it will be the combination of Peyton Manning and John Fox on the podium accepting the Lombardi Trophy.

You can count on that.

Jordan Llanes can be reached at jordan.llanes@theminaretonline.com.

Denver Broncos

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Baseball Diplomacy

Super Bowl [19]

Baseball team ventures to Cuba, lauded by locals

Jacqui Ramirez/The Minaret

LEFT: A Spartan baserunner scores safely on a close play at the plate, RIGHT: Several UT faculty and students were on hand to catch the baseball game played in Havana, Cuba.

By PHIL NOVOTNY Sports Writer

The University of Tampa baseball team had a storybook ending to their season last year.

The Spartans defeated Minnesota State in the national championship game in Cary, N.C. and recently, UT was ranked #1 in a national baseball poll conducted by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. It has only got better from there.

The team was invited to travel to Cuba for an eight-day cultural exchange trip throughout the country. They had a cultural literacy and international education license through the student organization People to People, and Head Coach Joe Urso also gave credit to local Tampa area residents Charlie Miranda and Julio Gonzalez for helping to plan the trip, which lasted from Jan. 12-19.

The next few days included many tours around Cuba that did more than just establish Baseball Diplomacy. They even played three exhibition games versus three Cuban professional baseball squads. The team also met with the manager of the Mananzas baseball team, Victor Mesa, at dinner. Mesa, who is also

the manager of the Cuban National Baseball Team, decided to invite the baseball team to his team’s playoff game on Thursday. The team then learned a lot from what their experience, especially since Cuba shares a love for the game of baseball the same way Americans do.

Later on, the team traveled to Central Park, which is referred to as “the hot corner” by the locals. During their visit, the team talked to former Cuban major leaguers about the game of baseball. The locals also mobbed the defending NCAA champions for pictures and autographs and the team met with Cuba’s Commissioner of Baseball.

Coach Urso seemed very pleased with how well they got along with the locals. “It is amazing at how friendly and welcoming everyone has been,” Urso said. “You learn so much about their culture and how much we take for granted.”

On Wednesday, UT played their first exhibition game against Cuban professional team Las Habanas, and the Spartans won the game by a final score of 2-1. Preston Packrall picked up the win by pitching 3.0 innings. Kevin McNorton came up with the save after getting

out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth inning with the help of Ben Johnson’s diving play, which was coach Urso’s favorite on the field moment of the trip.

This victory only boosted the confidence of the Spartan baseball team. Regardless, the play of the day came from the Cuban team when the shortstop made a diving by in the hole that impressed the spectators and the Spartans dugout. All the Spartans knew was that these Cuban teams were ready to play.

In the second game, the Spartans had to face off against an Artemisa squad that was notorious for a rowdy crowd. This environment made it a tougher place to play. Urso even described the environment as a “playoff atmosphere.”

Artemisa had several big league level Cuban players on the roster so the Spartans has their work cut out for them, but the defending champs had some talent of their own. In the end, the Spartans dominated by a score of 13-5 and also got a record of 14 hits in the process. With that win, they improved to 2-0 on the trip.

The trip concluded with a final game against Mayabeque. The competition did not get easier

for the Spartans. The contest was a lot more competitive but UT rolled to victory again as they defeated Mayabeque 8-6. Orlando Rivera got on base four times and Tyler Ding and two hits and a RBI. Quinn Pippin broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh inning by hitting a two-run double.

The Spartans finished the trip to Cuba 3-0 and was described as “a momentum builder ” by pitcher Preston Packrall.

Also, Right fielder Zach Gawrych gave his input about the travel experience.

“The food, competition, sight-seeing and being able to see the ability of a lot of different arms [were great], but we have to rev it up and focus on the first game,” Gawrych said.

The players seemed to learn a lot from the Cuban players and natives. Baseball is usually seen as an American game, but to see two different cultures collide and bond over baseball might be a step in the right direction in terms of Cuban-American relations.

UT will begin their season Feb. 1 in a three game series against Bentley.

Phil Novotny can be reached at philip. novotny@spartans.ut.edu.

Softball Looks to Continue Recent Streak of Success

By GREG PRAVER Sports Writer

It’s been all smooth sailing for The University of Tampa’s softball team the past few seasons.

Their recent records have been 33-10 in 2013, 37-8 in 2012 and 33-9 in 2011.

Along with having outstanding success these past three years, they have created a pattern that they hope to break.

Having lost in the NCAA South Regional for three consecutive seasons, Coach Leslie Kanter hopes to get the team over this hurdle.

“Our weakness is our hitting,” Kanter said. “We have the pitching and the defense. If we can hit a little better than we did last year, I think we will make it to the next step.”

The Spartans, ranked 15th in the nation, had their season ended by Valdosta State, who was ranked third.

It is typical for a coach to set farreaching goals for an upcoming season and to have high hopes.

What she did not mention was that she already had five players who had at least 87 at bats and a .300 batting average or better.

Shortstop Kayleen Boatwright led

the team with a .342 average during her sophomore season.

A major part of the Spartans’ consistent success has to do with Kanter’s high expectations and ability to create a specific list of what she wants to accomplish. In terms of this season, she believes the sky’s the limit.

“We want to win the conference and make it to the postseason, which would happen if we win the conference,” Kanter said. “We have never made it out to Nationals. I am not going to set a goal of winning Nationals, but I am going to set a goal of getting there.”

Kanter has a nice foundation of veteran leaders on the team. She has four seniors: Katlyn Raatz, Karlyn Buker, Kayla Cox and Chelsea Brooks.

“I feel like we are great on the field. Off of the field, we get along and get together for team bonding,” Raatz said. “We never have any problems when we are on the field. We like to work hard, and we want to come together [as a team] and win.”

As for Buker, her leadership will be heavily relied on to carry the team to new heights.

“I think the team looks at me as a leader. I try to be there for everybody,

help everybody and keep them in line sometimes. I am glad that I am finally a senior and I can finally step up and be that leader. With some good guidance, we can be a really good team this year,” Buker said.

As for Kayla Cox, she was named the National Pitcher of the Year by Daktronics after winning 25 games and posting a 0.74 ERA last season. She is looking to have another strong season on the pitching mound.

Chelsea Brooks, the other remaining senior, never struck out after appearing in 16 games.

Kanter emphasized the importance of excelling against major rivals. “Every conference game is a key game, but Saint Leo [University] and Rollins [College] are always big rivals of ours and its always a great turnout, competition and great game.”

In the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Preseason Softball Poll, the Spartans were chosen to win the conference this year by a narrow margin over defending champion and rival Saint Leo University. They were given 58 first place votes, while Saint Leo was given 57.

Kanter believes that health will be a

factor that determines their placement in the standings.

“If everyone stays healthy, we will end up in the top two or three, but we will definitely make a great effort to win it all,” Kanter said.

While it is unlikely that the Spartans, like any other team, will be free of injuries during the 2014 campaign, they surely have a nice amount of players that are capable of stepping up.

Boatwright, who had a .342 batting average, also led the team in runs scored with 29 and hits with 50 in 2013.

First baseman Meagan Burke, a junior, blasted five home runs, drove in 31 runs and hit for a .342 average. Kanter holds high expectations for the new starting third basemen freshman Bre Setree.

“She is a big, strong kid, and I expect a lot of out her,” Kanter said.

These are just a few names on the roster. When looking at the 2013 statistics, results show that this team relies on many different players to contribute.

The team opens the season against Lindenwood University in the Eckerd Tournament on Feb. 7 at 4:30 p.m.

Greg Praver can be reached at gregory. praver@spartans.ut.edu