The Minaret

Florida’s Top College Paper

Vol. 76 No. 3

ut.minaret@gmail.com

www.theminaretonline.com

The Minaret: National Top 25 Finalist

September 11, 2009

UT Remembers 9/11... Page 4

By Mel Steiner Asst. Editor-in-chief

Florida’s top college, studentrun newspaper was announced a finalist in the 2009 Associated Collegiate Press Newspaper Pacemaker contest.

Judged by the Poynter Institute, The Minaret placed in the top 25 of the “Four-year, Non-daily” category. All entries were critiqued based on writing, graphics, layout and depth of investigation.

The winners will be announced at the ACP/CMA National College Media Convention in October.

The University of Tampa will compete against top schools from all over the country including newspapers from the University of Miami, Elon University, University of Chicago and Vanderbilt.

The Minaret wishes the best to all its competitors and thanks its readers for their support.

Photo by Alex Vera/ The Minaret

Ryan McCall Memorial on Sunday

Comprehending A Tragedy

By Charlie Hambos Editor-in-chief

A campus wide memorial service is scheduled for Ryan McCall on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m.

The outdoor service remembering the senior crosscountry runner will be held at the Pepin Stadium. If it rains, the service will be moved to the Cass Gym. McCall was a senior, exercise science major from Downingtown, Pa. The memorial service comes three weeks after McCall, 21 and his friend Michael Harahan, 21 were returning from the Retreat Bar at 3 a.m. when someone jumped out and robbed the two young men near the North Boulevard Bridge.

Harahan fled the scene and that is when he heard the gunshots.

At press time, no arrests have been made in the case but Tampa Police says they have “strong leads” and an arrest is imminent.

Check www. theminaretonline. com for updates on this story and more.

By Derrick Austin Commentary Editor

Hojo residents take the bus everyday. Photo by Kara Wall/ The Minaret

Life In The Howard Johnson

By Stefanie Hurtault Special to The Minaret

Exactly how are the students in the Howard Johnson Hotel coping with their living situations? It seems that there are some common factors with the pros and cons of their living arrangements.

A couple students weren’t looking forward to living in the hotel, but in the end have come to love it.

“It is like your own offcampus apartment,” said Eduardo Rivera, a freshman from Puerto Rico. “It’s not as bad as

we thought it would be,” Rivera said.

Other Howard Johnson residents share the same thoughts.

“I think it’s absolutely great! We get room service, and the maids are mad tight," said Luis Echavarria, a freshman from New York.

Echavarria expressed his concern towards the way the HoJo students blame the drivers for being late when there are variables like traffic.

"People yell at the shuttle drivers like it’s their fault that

See “Hojo” [5]

Inside ...

We were released from the rest of classes.

In the middle of Mr. Robb’s science class, the principal’s robotic voice echoed: “All students from McGuire Air Force Base are to be released immediately to the buses.”

I don’t know if the teachers knew what happened in the state just above ours.

There was a tiny, black television in the corner of the room, above trays of cloudy beakers and blackened Bunsen burners.

Mr. Robb never turned it on—I don’t think a sane teacher would turn on the news in front of a bunch of middle school kids.

The halls felt joyous; at least that’s how my memory tinges the screech of sneakers, papers floating on the floor and our silly chatter.

How else should twelve and thirteen year olds act, spared the boredom of another normal day of school?

Walking down a glasspaneled hall, the midmorning light glowed, the color of ash or light on fresh snow.

Rumors sprouted immediately. A madman on the loose, the principal felt like being nice and giving us a day off, a smelly, flood from the boys’ bathroom, and something bad happening to buildings I didn’t know about. My money was on the boys’ bathroom flooding.

The bus ride could have been silent, probably loud as usual: backseat Pokemon card deals and nervous giggles.

The road was empty, silent as sleep and gray as a river. It was still early in the morning, past rush hour but before lunch.

We were a bus of children who woke to the good times of a new millennium: Netscape Navigator, autumn’s earthy scent and playing tag until the streetlights glared down on us like our parents.

My favorite song was Alicia

See “Tragedy” [12]

News...................[1-5] A&E..................[7-10] Mixed Reviews on Habana [3] Diversions...........[7] Quilt’s Corner [8] Commentary..[11-14] Commuter Blues [11] Editorial..............[11] Rewarding Weekend [15] Rays Get Burned [15] Sports.............[15-16]

Become a Couch Surfer [2]

Dismantling Bomb In Birdcage [9]

Death of Reading [14]

“America is more like a quilt -- many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread. ” [Henry M. Jackson]

News

2

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Travel Around the World: Become a Couch Surfer

By JP Busche Reporter

Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos charlie.hambos@gmail.com

Asst. Editor-in-Chief Mel Steiner mel.c.steiner@gmail.com

A&E Editor Mike Trobiano minaret.arts@gmail.com

Commentary Editor Derrick Austin minaret.commentary@gmail.com

Sports Editor Kyle Bennett minaret.sports@gmail.com

Online Alex Vera minaret.online@gmail.com

Head Photographer Mindy Tucker mtucker@ut.edu

Adviser Stephanie Tripp, PhD. stripp@ut.edu

Staff-At-Large Sarah Gottlieb, Reporter Elizabeth Harrington, Reporter Delaney Spoerl, Reporter JP Busche, Reporter Zach Fraser, A&E Kristen Vasquez, A&E Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist Abby Sanford, Photographer John Meacham, Photographer Kara Wall, Photographer Brenton Burkett, Sports Ryan Burkett, Sports Sam Gerb, Sports Shannon Grippando, Head Copy Editor

You can reach The Minaret directly at (813) 257-3636

The Minaret is a weekly student-run publication of the University of Tampa. As a student organization, The Minaret invites all students to take part in its production. Inquiries and comments may be sent to ut.minaret@gmail.com

Check out TheMinaretOnline.com for up-to-the-minute information on top stories and breaking news.

Your first two copies of The Minaret are free.

Each additional copy is $1.00.

Traveling itself is a nice and educating hobby to pursue, but tends to be a pricey one, especially when it comes to accommodation.

Furthermore, one often ends up in a city that is still unfamiliar, despite every attempt to read The Lonely Planet or any other guide before leaving.

As an avid traveler myself, I love meeting new people and don’t mind sleeping on couches.

While talking to an American friend with the same passion, he once recommended couchsurfing.com, a hospitality community spread all over the world.

Founded in 2004, the community has gained momentum and grown to over 1.3 million members in 231 countries.

I myself had already met people from the community and spent the day with them, but never had the time to travel and stay with another couch surfer.

Throughout the last winter break, I decided to go to Paris over New Years Eve and found two kind hosts.

I spent the first night at Jose’s place, originally from Mexico, but now fulfilling his dream of living in Paris.

He not only provided me with a comfortable mattress and a sleeping bag, but decided to have a Crepes party the exact same night. After preparing the dough and some fruit punch, people from all over Paris showed up.

The evening turned out to be a meeting of people from all over the world. I had the pleasure of talking with people from Lithuania, Tunisia, Pakistan, Poland, Venezuela, as well as voyagers from the United States.

It turned out to be an interesting evening, and I was delighted to hear that there is a vibrant community of people living in Paris who also gather through couchsurfing.com to

meet up for events like parties or to set up a language night, where one has the opportunity to learn and practice their linguistic skills.

Having already met quite a few people, I decided to attend another couch surfing meeting the following night.

While figuring out the way on the map, a guy next to me laughed at me and asked me how I have been.

After turning my head, I recognized the person as the Venezuelan that I talked with for two hours the night before.

We decided to join each other in seeking out the venue.

Ken, my second host was another interesting encounter.

He was an experienced and well traveled person himself and had already written a book about how he traveled throughout the world by couch surfing. Since he had published it in Chinese, I did not pick up much of the content, but the pictures he used looked good.

I still miss his calming Japanese tea, as well as our conversations about different cultures.

I will certainly not miss standing in line for the Louvre and waiting half a day to get in, while “enjoying” European winter.

The community itself is a wonderful opportunity to get in touch and network with people from all over the world, yet it should be seen as a hospitality community, not a free ride through the world.

While it is always nice to bring a little gift for the host, one should not expect to have a 24/7 on-site assistant, since the hosts often have to work or run errands while their guests are on vacation.

Having met people from multiple backgrounds, I did not regret a single acquaintance.

After all, it taught me an important lesson about human beings: essentialy, we are all the same.

Elon U. Study Disproves Claim of Red Bull’s Enhanced Energy

By Michelle Longo The Pendulum, Elon U.

The back of a Red Bull Energy Drink claims to "improve performances, especially during times of increased stress or strain, increase concentration and improve reaction time."

That assertion piques the interest of millions who drink the energy drink hoping to achieve those results by simply consuming eight ounces of the yellow liquid.

"I don't like taking it a lot," Elon University senior Ian Taylor said. "But sometimes I feel like I have to."

Elon associate psychology professor Mat Gendle and his students also had an extra interest in the claim, although for a different reason.

Ultimately, they decided to scientifically test the claims.

"If you look at the ingredients in Red Bull, there is nothing in there that is magical," Gendle said. "It's not like the thing has cocaine in it."

For the next two years, Gendle and his students worked to find a real-world way to test Red Bull and its claims.

One of the first tasks: replicating the taste of Red Bull, without using any of the energy drink's ingredients.

After trying all sorts of concoctions, one of Gendle's students suggested doing it the way her father does when he runs out of Red Bull at the bar he owns: Take Vernor's ginger ale and drop a raspberry Smartie candy in it.

The team finally decided to use Diet Vernor's and raspberry syrup.

"It didn't taste exactly like Red Bull," Gendle said. "But you would think it came from some type of energy drink origin."

Once they nailed down the placebo drink, it was time to dole it out.

The students who voluntarily offered to be a part of the study came in twice, once getting the placebo drink and once getting either Red Bull or Sugar-Free Red Bull.

Photo by Mishel Churkin / flickr.com

A computer test gauged their attention and reaction times on both visits.

"There is nothing in Red Bull that would tell someone who knows anything about brain biology, ‘This thing will have remarkable effects,'" Gendle said. "But it is in fact the case in certain circumstances that glucose, other sugars and caffeine do enhance reaction time."

Gendle, who was trained in neurotoxicology and neuropharmacology, said he and his team figured ahead of time that the experimenters might see a little change in reaction time, but nothing major, nothing that would have real-world relevance.

But the results were surprising from previous assumptions.

The test subjects ended up incurring a placebo effect.

The students who received the placebo blend acted as though they were having an energy drink.

"Their performance did get better because of the effect, so that performance washed out whatever tiny effect they would have gotten

from the Red Bull," Gendle said. "The groups were then identical."

The study, which was published online June 30 and appears in the latest issue of The Open Nutrition Journal, said the effect of drinking Red Bull was no greater than any other caffeine enhancement, such as coffee, would have contributed to the reaction time of the participants.

The conclusion of the study reads, "Our results indicate that, although Red Bull may improve cognition in certain clinical settings, one can, when taken by university students at the end of a busy weekday, does not significantly improve reaction time or visual attention."

Taylor echoed the findings of the study on a personal basis, saying that it doesn't help him concentrate so much as it just helps him to stay awake, even though there is a crash after the sugar runs out.

"The take home message here is if you think it is going to work, it is going to work," Gendle said.

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

News

3

Spartan Club Goes Cuban

By Jordan Stackhouse Special to The Minaret

As students flooded into Vaughn Center, they noticed a new resident. A Cuban restaurant, La Havana, is the latest addition to the Spartan Club.

Choices range from both ala-carte items to building platters choosing from various Cuban foods such as sandwiches, vegetables or rice.

Employees at Havana claim that the most popular meal exchange so far is a Cuban sandwich with rice and plantains.

But there are mixed reviews coming from consumers.

It seems that many students have yet to become acquainted with the new eatery, considering that at 8:30 p.m. no students could be found in the Spartan Club that had made an attempt at the new food.

"The food doesn't seem

good," said Stephanie Dubuisson, a UT junior. "I don't like rice and beans mixed together."

Brian Goodwin, a junior ROTC, had a similar explanation for his rejection of the different cuisine. "It didn't appeal to me," he said.

For returning students, the new joint is also perhaps a surprise for salad-lovers. But rest assured, the greens eatery has only moved.

Freshens, the smoothie place, has now become the new venue for Fresh Creations, an old favorite.

There students can snack on sandwiches, fruit and made-toorder salads.

La Havana is open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will not be open on weekends.

Fresh Creations is available Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on weekends from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sept. 8 Meeting

-Addi onal commuter parking to fill newly acquired Valencia lot -Digital SG drop box to be added to the UT website for student concerns -Signup for cabinet, commi ee, and senatorial openings. E-mail sg@ut.edu -Office Loca on Vaughn Center 220 -SG Mee ngs are held on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. usually in Reeves Theater on the second floor of the Vaughn Center

your student government: President Kelsie Huth E-mail KHuth@ut.edu

Director of Web Services Ma DePietro

Vice President Chris McCarthy E-mail cmccarthy@ut.edu

Director of Public Rela ons Mike Harrell

Speaker of the Assembly Timur Aydin E-mail taydin@ut.edu

Treasurer Morgan Tanafon

Director of Programming (Athle cs) Josh Fleishman

RHA President Shaun Andersen

Director of Programming (Special Events) Bri any Kieslor

SCO President TBA

Director of Communica ons Hannah Pothier Photo by Abby Sanford / The Minaret

Senators- Alex Caraballo, Art Linares, Ryan Linares, Kate Magruder

News

4

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Eight Years Ago Today...

By Sarah Gottlieb Reporter

This Friday, if you ask UT students where they were exactly eight years ago, most, if not all, will be able to tell you.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001 terrorized America and shocked citizens around the world.

Years later, memories of that day are still fresh in the minds of most, including UT students and faculty.

While some Spartans told their tales of that day, others considered how the events changed them entirely.

Current UT students were in an entirely different place eight years ago, long from making the decision about where to attend college.

Some sat at small desks in their elementary classrooms while others walked the hallways of middle and high schools.

Most didn’t understand the word “terrorism.� Many were misinformed about what happened. Others were shielded from the frightening news.

JD Draga, a junior from North Carolina, was in the sixth grade when the attacks took place. “I remember being scared to death,� he said, recalling how his class was brought to the school cafeteria and kept uninformed about the events. “I could tell the teachers were scared,� Draga said. “I thought it was a joke, some mass prank.

It was scary; you always feel so protected, in a little bubble. My parents didn’t know what to do; I thought, ‘What am I supposed to do?’�

Samantha Sendlewski, a senior from Pennsylvania, said her school also kept her and her peers away from the news. “I was in my history class, and there was an announcement that we weren’t allowed to watch TV,� she said. “I’m almost thankful I didn’t know what was going on because it was such an emotional thing.�

The Minaret’s front page after Sept. 11, 2001

Brendan Milliken, a sophomore from Virginia, was in the ďŹ fth grade that year. “We heard loud planes overhead making emergency landings,â€? he said. “We thought all hell was breaking loose.â€? Milliken remembered how his school tried to keep quiet what had happened; he didn’t ďŹ nd out what went wrong until 2 p.m.

Some students found out about the events when they weren’t supposed to.

Meg Walsh, a junior from Long Island, said a peer walked into the teachers’ lounge of her school that day and found out what was happening from the TV. “That’s how the whole school found out,� she said. “I thought [of the attack], ‘What idiot did that?’ I had no concept of what everything meant. People were pulled out of school, and some didn’t come back because they had parents who worked in the World Trade Center.�

One UT junior from Puerto Rico said he wasn’t shielded from the news. “I was in my high school science class,� said Jamie “H� Gordon. “Someone came up to my teacher and told her the news, and her eyes became wide open. Our teacher then told everyone to calm down because they were about to give us some bad news. Then they turned on the TV.�

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Gordon said that for months afterward, the National Guard followed the police in Puerto Rico wherever they patrolled. “It was a defensive approach,�

Gordon said. “But we were all treated like terrorists. People were investigated.�

Another UT junior was in the seventh grade during the attacks. “I thought what happened was an accident,� said Matt Z., a Long Island native.

He added that afterwards he felt a lot of negative feelings towards outsiders, but after realizing what happened, he learned to be more open-minded.

Milliken also believes the events of 9/11 changed him. “I’m in the ROTC Navy, and I feel an obligation to serve my country and keep things from happening again,� he said.

Though current UT students were not on campus the year of the attacks, a few professors still at the university were.

Most remember not just where they were, but also the affect the event had on the entire campus atmosphere.

Dr. David Isele, professor of music, said he had an early morning theory class and was walking

down the hall when Susan Taylor Lennon approached him, asking if he had heard about the tragedy in New York. He hadn’t. “We dragged a TV into Room 115, and we saw it,� he said. “We couldn’t even talk. They just kept replaying it, and each time it got more horrible. I tried to teach and couldn’t. It was a bleak morning, too, and the whole department had an uncanny calm. A mysterious, ominous calm.�

Dr. Andy Solomon, professor of English and writing, said the ďŹ rst thing he felt was shock and disbelief.

Solomon recalls students’ fear in his 11 a.m. class that morning. “Am I safe? Can this happen here now?� his students wanted to know.

Solomon said student reactions ranged from fear and insecurity to rage. “It took days to weeks before the fear was appreciably gone,� he said.

Dr. William McReynolds, professor of psychology, was at home watching TV and saw the ďŹ rst tower smoking.

At ďŹ rst he thought to himself, “What kind of freakish accident was that?â€?

After watching the second plane hit and realizing what happened, McReynolds called president Vaughn and told him that UT needed to set up a crisis center.

Though stunned and in disbelief over the situation, McReynolds managed to organize a crisis center in Fletcher Lounge.

Students were quickly provided with counseling and access to phones to make long-distance calls. “I still have some disbelief and good deal of world sorrow,� he said. “I feel sorrow and sadness at the state of the world.�

Dr. Jeffrey Klepfer, assistant professor of psychology, said there was “an incredible amount of shock.�

He remembered how concerned the faculty was and how quickly they mobilized to help students. “It’s still a very mourning time of the year,� he said, adding that it is also an uplifting time. “It represented a time when the country moved together" and, in the midst of grief and trauma, good was present.

Charlie Hambos and Mel Steiner also contributed reporting to this article.

News

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

5

“Hojo�: Front they are late,� he said.

Being comfortable with their living situation is something that is important for every college student, and some of the HoJo residents had mixed feelings. “Not having to share a bathroom with more than one person" is one of the beneďŹ ts Estafany Salinas enjoys. "On campus two to ďŹ ve people share a bathroom,â€? she said.

The queen sized beds at the HoJo were a big hit verses the twin XL ones found on campus. “The rooms are bigger than some of the freshman rooms on campus,� said Bill Ward, a freshman from New Jersey.

HoJo residents love their RAs, uncrowded pools, privacy and spacious rooms. The people at the front desk are extremely helpful, as well.

But what are the downsides to all this? The shuttle is a popular complaint.

Joel Menda, a freshman from Puerto Rico, said he often avoids the shuttle and wakes up 20 minutes earlier to walk to class.

Maurice Goodwin, a freshman from the United States Virgin Islands, isn’t a morning person, so waking up for the shuttle isn’t easy.

Now only 17 people are allowed to be transported at a time.

So for students like Goodwin, getting up on time or earlier doesn’t

Students lounge in the Hojo lobby

guarantee a spot on the shuttle.

But besides the shuttle controversy, which every student seems to hate, students know they are missing out by living off campus their ďŹ rst semester in college. “I feel like I’m missing out on a huge part of the freshman experience living in the Howard Johnson,â€? said freshman Bill Ward.

Some students agree with Ward.

Kyle Tucke, from Boston, expresses his concerns of feeling secluded from the other students on campus.

H o w ever, he also feels students from the HoJo have something more. “The HoJo community is a tight knit family in itself,â€? Tucke said “We are all in the situation, so we get along ďŹ neâ€?

The females students said that

“Hands down, it’s

better than living on campus.

“

Photos by Kara Wall/ The Minaret

Residents board the shuttle

they would feel better if they lived on campus. “Not only would it be easier, but I feel like I’d be more secure on campus,� said Salinas, her friends agreeing.

The males, however, expressed their love of freedom at the HoJo. “Hands down, it’s better than living on campus,� Echavarria said.

Many students think it’s more convenient to live on campus because all the facilities are on located there. “If they could pick up the HoJo and put it closer to campus, living there would be no problem,� Estefany said.

While other students are looking forward to moving out, others don’t mind staying. But none are sure exactly when they will be moved out. In the end, it remains a countdown for some, while a great experience for the rest.

Charlie Hambos also contributed to this report.

One resident uses the lobby computer

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The Minaret | September 11, 2009

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Arts Diversions & Entertainment

TheMinaret Minaret| August | September 11, 2009 The 28, 2009

FOR RELEASE MAY 3, 2009

THE TV CROSSWORD

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

By Linda C Black Tribune Media Services

ACROSS 1 Role on “Brothers & Sisters” 5 Bernie, for one 8 Harris and O’Neill 11 Diminish gradually 12 Guadalajara gold 13 Tom Hanks’ age 14 __ Ryan 15 “Little Women” author’s initials 16 “Land’s __” (1995-96) 17 “Desperate Housewives” role 20 “__ Spies” (2002-04) 21 Go quickly 22 1995-2005 crime drama series 25 “__-12” (1968-75) 28 QR forerunners 31 “Jane __”; ’96 Anna Paquin film 33 FBI crime lab evidence 34 Pierce 35 “__ John” (1988-92) 36 “The Longest __”; 1974 Burt Reynolds movie 38 Units of time: abbr.

39 Prefix for taste or trust 41 “Viva ___ Vegas” 43 Role on “NCIS” Solution to Last Week’s Puzzle

(c) 2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

49 __ Thompson 50 Bob Hope’s age at death 51 Green fruits 52 “Dog __ Dog” (2002-03) 53 Slip up 54 “Let’s Make __” 55 “Day __” (1993-95) 56 “__ It Now” (1951-58) 57 Mail DOWN __ a one; none “__ House” (1989-90) Actor Auberjonois and others “Queen of Soul” “The __”; reality series since ’01 “Brothers in __”; 2005 David Carradine movie 7 1989-97 series set at a school 8 “__ Hour” 9 Pet for the Flintstones 10 Caesar, for one 11 “’__ Death” 18 “The Famous __ Z” (1989-90) 19 Goals 22 Role on “The West Wing” 23 Certain vote 24 “The __”; ’67 Dustin Hoffman film 26 Santa __, CA 27 Actress Gibbs 29 Boatman’s item 30 Network for “Bill Moyers Journal” 32 Mr. Close 37 Most-watched series of the 1983-84 season 40 “Dark __” (1996-97) 42 Piece of playground equipment 43 Martin, for one 44 Times past 45 “Hit Me, Baby, One __ Time” 46 1986-91 series for Clifton Davis 47 “__ It and Weep”; ’06 TV movie 48 High-speed Internet letters 49 “George & __” (1997-98) 1 2 3 4 5 6

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You’re fascinated by Aries (March 21-April 19) a person you can’t really A brainstorming session understand. Are you sure you turns up great but insubstantial want to go that way? ideas. Don’t throw them out.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) At least one will work.

You have a knack for initially finding the hard way Taurus (April 20-May 20) to do things.

But you do learn A person set in his ways has an unusual request. No the lesson, thankfully. point arguing. It’s easier to Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. just provide what’s desired.

21) Money’s burning a hole in Gemini (May 21-June 21) your pocket. You can afford Rules and regulations a couple of treats, but don’t complicate the project. You pig out. and your friends don’t give up, and you do win the prize.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Cancer (June 22-July 22) New technology is great, You’re anxious to get started, but you aren’t quite except for the learning curve. sure where to go. Don’t react That’s where you make mistakes, but you’ll figure emotionally; think it over. it out.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Listen to a technical type. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) When you’re doing Don’t waste your time on research, you don’t need something you know you’re anyone to show you how. not going to do.

You’ll set up the protocol for Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) them to follow.

If you can keep them on Pisces (Feb. 19-March schedule, they’ll be much 20) more efficient. Show them Ask your friends to help how that happens and gain you figure out what needs to their support. be done. They’re in a better position to see than you are.

by Austin Daniels

97

Arts & Entertainment

8

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Dismantling a Bomb In a Birdcage

By Mike Trobiano Arts & Entertainment Editor

“The poet’s eye, in a fine frenzy rolling, Doth glance from heaven to earth, from earth to heaven.”

If you’re a fan of English literature, you may recognize this quote from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

And if you did, you also have something in common with singer/ songwriter Alison Sudol.

Deriving her band’s name from the work, Sudol is not only fascinated with liturature but is also fascinating to listen to.

I’ve been a fan of hers for a

few years now and I can honestly attest, her music captivates me unlike any other.

If you were born in 1984, one might assume that you grew up listening to such artists as Pearl Jam, Duran Duran or even Madonna.

Unlike her peers, Sudol’s taste in music was much more mature.

Drawn to swing and jazz, Sudol’s took a liking to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin and thus, embarked on her future as an artisan of music.

It was these great musicians that grounded her musical roots, creating an identity that continues to influence a new generation of listeners today.

I think the best way to describe Sudol’s style of music would be natural beauty.

There is nothing processed or over tailored in her tracks.

Simply raw sounds colliding with acoustic charm and whimsy.

After two years of professional success with her first album, “One Cell in the Sea”, ---Sudol toured her way through Europe and has become quite a reknowned musician at the age of twenty four.

Yet, she always returns back to the states, becoming one of the most inspiring upcoming artists in the journey.

As I mentioned earlier, Sudol’s work is much different from typical artists today.

While her genre of choice is considered pop, her blend of piano, strings and woodwind instruments defines her work as an artist verses a singer.

In, “One Cell in the Sea”, most of the tracks focus on her ethereal voice and the subtly of a piano with minimal or no percussion.

As she has matured with her craft, the essence of her original sound remains with an added layered texture.

It is this increased musicality that has escalated her songs from a soft acoustic vibe to a mainstream style with a kick.

Whther you prefer mainstream or soft acoustic sounds, you can’t really go wrong.

Her latest single, “Coming Around”, from her new album, “Bomb In a Birdcage”, you can hear how her signature style continues to change as she matures in her career.

“We seem to even be missing the start. No one else but you and me have a say and we’re coming, we’re coming around.”

With more of a rock/pop vibe, her work is transitioning into lush and divergent arrangements but

like her singing style, her lyrics are poetry, not just words.

Beaming with talent, Sudol’s work has not only become a part of my musical identity but continues to change the game amongst her fellow musicians and listeners everywhere.

Interested in writing for the Minaret?

E-mail Mike Trobiano minaret.arts@gmail.com

- Audition for the Dance Happening on Saturday.

- Try a new class at the gym on campus.

- Enjoy lunch at a local resaurant.

- Start a weekly movie night with your roommies.

- Find someone on your floor with a similar taste in music.

Little Dream Chaser by Mikey Rumore In plain desperation I found myself in the park Grasping for an elixir to a cruel writer’s block Whilst examining women, children, and men I fell upon a creation I could not comprehend Blackheads digging, undermining her face Idly digressing from pure beauty and taste Knowing well this strange creature, I offended her vows I abandoned my pride on the cold, hard ground

- Redo your outgoing phone message.

- Dispose of your plastic bottles in the new recycling bins on campus.

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She was a little dream chaser, just a blessing away Never to know the starting gun to the race You could blame her on the bad mothers, politicians, and crooks The usual villains of the misunderstood In divorce I approached her, my mind on a crutch Not expecting an answer, but I didn’t care much I applauded her misery for inspiring my songs “I wish I could take all your sadness along” In outrage, she cried, “Damn you, I enjoy me alone You haven’t seen nothin’, yet you’ve cast all your stones I’ve seen your grey smile in a million fools!”

In a due twist of fate, “Oh I do pity you!”

And we went our own ways in terrible taste Exchanging a gift, a self-loathing embrace I’ve never gazed into such eyes, but Lord what can you do When your sister doesn’t even recognize you

Arts & Entertainment

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

9

Which Came First: The Movie or the Broadway Production?

By David Bevis Staff Writer

Broadway has always been known for its bright lights, diverse audiences and shows like no other.

It’s no wonder it’s remained the theatre capital to many historical, award winning shows for decades.

Each year Broadway introduces new shows, with new concepts to diverse crowds, all in hopes of applause and appreciation of the hard work put into each new production.

Since the start of the millennium, Broadway has taken a new direction with the shows being presented on stage for the first time by collaborating the wonderful worlds of film and stage.

The two worlds have been collaborating like never before in the past decade, with movies being converted from the screen to the stage and vice-versa.

Currently Broadway has roughly six shows running that originated from the movie screen.

These include: “The Lion King,” “Billy Elliot,” “Shrek,” “Mary Poppins,” and premiering within the next six months: “Spiderman” and “The Adams Family.”

All of these shows originated on the big screen and have been collaborated on by famous composers and writers all in hopes to hold out the reputations each

While it’s not the same as a live performance, seeing the film adaptaion of a musical is a much more economical way to enjoy the production.

Although we are far from Broadway and the shows there, The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (TBPAC) is a short, five minute walk from campus, located just across the Hillsborough River.

TBPAC’s 2009-2010 season is filled with successful Broadway shows including: “In The Heights,” “South Pacific,” “Wicked,” “Mary Poppins” and the world premiere of “Wonderland,” a new musical spin on “Alice and Wonderland.”

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.tbpac.org or by calling the Performing Art Center’s box office at (813)-2297827.

had on film.

The producers of these shows not only want the originall reputations to be kept with each show, but exceed the original reputations of these shows with their original Broadway stage renditions.

Not only are movies being converted into musicals, but musical movies are becoming more and more popular as well.

Recent musical movies that have been converted from the

i l d “Chi o,”” stage include: “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Rent,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Hairspray” and “Mama Mia,” all of which have left audience members contemplating which is better: the stage version or the movie?

It’s often hard to decide which is actually better when each version has its own pros and cons.

In the next year many highly anticipated musical movies are

goin going b to be hittin hitting the big b screen incl ludi ding di ng “ F a m e , ” including “Nine” and “Footloose”; all of which originated on Broadway.

If you are into theatre, there are multipul opportunities for you to enjoy a show in and around Tampa.

Each of these musical films will premiere in movie theaters everywhere; the closest to campus is Westshore Plaza’s AMC 20.

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Arts & Entertainment

10

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

T-N-T Hot Dogs and Italian Ice Luncheonette

By Amanda Price Staff Writer

Italian ice is hard to come by in Florida.

In the sweltering heat, UT students no longer have to drive to Rita’s – merely cross the street.

T-N-T Hot Dogs & Italian Ice Luncheonette serves forty flavors with an additional “flavor of the month.”

Try out the exotic Red Bull, rice pudding or pear Italian ices.

There are seven sizes available, ranging from $2 to $6.50. T-N-T is located directly next to the Retreat and offers much more than Italian ice.

In fact, every college student’s favorites are on the menu: hot dogs with a multitude of toppings, burgers, burritos, pizza, salads and more.

Hours of Operation 117 Hyde Park Ave 813-443-5568 10am to 2am Monday - Friday 5pm to 2 am Saturday Closed Sundays

Photo by Abby Sanford When late night turns into a Metro Mart run or pizza delivery, T-N-T is a great alternative, as they are open till 2 a.m. every night except Sunday.

UT students can call in to place an order.

Owner Tony Thomas says a pizza can be ready by the time the student arrives.

Thomas and his wife Kathy established the luncheonette with an “old style feel,” decorating the walls with photos of Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra.

Free Wi-Fi is available, and customers can eat in or take out.

The Thomas’ will have deals throughout the year for students to receive a free Italian ice with any $4 purchase.

Students may also get a “buy one, get one free” punch card for Italian ices.

Stop in for something new to eat or to sample the various Italian ices.

9

Sorority Row

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Five sorority girls murder sister in prank gone wrong and try their best to keep the homocide a secret.

A U.S. Marshall tries to solve Antartica’s first homocide and stumbles across discoveries beyond her imagination.

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Commentary 11 Editorial: Let Us Ask Your Questions

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Cheers

& Jeers

Parking spots by the stairs

People who steal parking spots

Leggings

Mesh Shirts

Scholarships

High Tuition

Rubella

Swine Flu

Big Oprah

Skinny Oprah

Taylor Swift

Miley Cyrus

Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights”

Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”

Commuter Blues: Freedom Leaves Student Feeling Out of The Loop

By Kristen Vasquez Staff Writer

After spending two years living on campus, I decided to be a “big girl” and move off campus.

Unfortunately, my dreams for an apartment were killed when I realized all of the expenses, as well as the fact that my job at Starbucks is hardly paying the bills.

So, I moved back home and decided to try the elusive life of a commuter.

It’s only been one week so far, but I hate it already. No matter what time I get up in the morning, I am perpetually fifteen minutes late.

This creates a most uncomfortable situation when you stagger into class, heaving and out of breath (I’m a little out of shape, all right?) and realize you just walked into someone’s presentation.

It is clear to see the total separation commuters feel from campus life, unless they are heavily involved. I find my friends on campus constantly twittering about their plans and meet ups in between classes, and often I get the “Hey we’re all meeting for lunch” call as I am driving out of West Parking Garage.

I feel relatively disconnected from my former campus life, but in a sense, I am not too disappointed so far.

It is rather relaxing to drive away from the hustle and bustle of

Photo from sxc.hu

people milling around and escape to a place that is home and not a dorm room.

It makes me feel a bit more grown up with this escape, and less stuck in a typical college scene of hearing people bickering and stumbling around at all hours of the night.

What is bothersome though is the lack of involvement that I feel now. I am on campus, go to class, say hello to people in passing and then I’m gone. I walked around Vaughn the other day and found tons of sign up sheets for clubs and organizations already past deadline because I wasn’t on campus that day to sign up for them.

Obviously priority was given to those who were in the vicinity to show interest, but it sort of broke my heart to not be able to sign up for auditions for drama productions, all because I found the flier on a Friday and not a Thursday.

Are other commuters feeling like this?

Maybe it is just a case by case basis, because I am pretty sure that others are feeling a bit more “in the know,” but for me I am seeing that commuter’s have their fair share of ups and downs.

Kristen Vasquez can be reached at kvasquez@ut.edu.

The Minaret was named one of the Top 25 “Four year Nondaily” college newspapers in the country for the 2008-2009 academic year by the Associated Collegiate Press.

Other papers in the same category include The Miami Hurricane from the University of Miami, The Chicago Maroon from the University of Chicago, The Pendulum from Elon University,and The Vanderbuilt Hustler from Vanderbuilt University.

This is big news for us as it is for you, the voice that we represent on a weekly basis.

Although the final results will not be announced until the convention in October, we are happy to be in the top 25.

The Minaret has worked long and hard for the past 76 years making sure that students have news they can use. From that time we have produced thousands of editions. Some were better than others and we continue to improve on a daily basis.

Our online edition currently has more capabilities than we have ever had, giving us the opportunity to reach more people in several different ways.

The Minaret’s highest responsibility is to our readers.

The responsibility is the same for every other media outlet around the country both college and mainstream journalists.

Yet we don’t have the issues that many of these outlets, especially fellow mainstream news journalists have as physical newspapers become a dying fad, leaving only the New York Times and the USA Today on the racks.

Don’t forget that the same people who write for the paper version also write for the online version.

Journalism in the United States and around the world has changed over the last couple of years. The journalism of today is not the same journalism that ended the Vietnam War many years ago.

Decades later we look at some of the current crisis’s that the country faces. Are journalists asking the right questions? Are we doing our jobs?

Here at The Minaret, although our base is somewhat small, our readership is worldwide.

Our base is you, the reader, the student, the faculty, the staff, the member of the UT community. We know you have questions that need to be asked.

It is our job to ask those questions. We will ask and we will do the best to find the answer.

This week we asked how students like their accommodations at the Howard Johnson. Some were happy that they lived there and enjoyed the freedom.

Others felt they are missing

a vital part of the college experience. Most though know that the shuttle service can be improved. The Minaret helped convey that message to the community.

This week we also spoke with students and faculty about the eighth year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Where were they? What do they remember now? And, How do they feel eight years later?

We are the only newspaper on-campus here at the University of Tampa. We are students just like you. We want to know what you are concerned about.

We are your source for everything that happens here at UT. Just because we are an award-winning newspaper does not mean we are better than the rest. We know we can always do things better. We know our coverage can be bigger and broader.

We accept your criticisms and suggestions. By all means if there is something you deem incorrect that we have reported, please bring it to our attention.

Let us know, because we want to continue to be your one and only award winning studentrun campus newspaper.

Commentary 12 The Shadow of the Towers From â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tragedyâ&#x20AC;?

[Front Page]

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard of the Towers; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never been to NYC; I was touched by only a surface sadness because everyone else seemed sad. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t comprehend what happened.

Reports from survivors of the Towers often say when the planes hit there was a rush of air, a swift silence and then the shaking. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how my twelve-year-old brain must have felt at the time, a whoosh of information.

Muslim. Terrorist. George W. Bush. Afghanistan. Revenge. Osama Bin Laden. War. Patriotism.

There was talk of war and anthrax and more attacks. The world rallied with us. It was us against them.

I find myself reflecting on 9/11 with a sense of greater sorrow. I comprehend with a wider scope than I could the year before.

I lament the sprawling human tragedy in the wake of the Towers; not just those who died in the attacks but the lost soldiers, the Iraqis and Afghanis whose lives were unsettled by war, the families of deployed troops, Arabs around the world who become synonymous with extremism, and nations who have lost citizens.

I look back to that little black boy in his room listening to Alicia Keys, Playstation humming, and think of the other kids who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it, a generation under the shadow of the towers.

Keysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fallinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;? I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to get home and listen to it over and over again.

Yet, driving past stretches of green in the nowhere between N. Burlington Middle School and McGuire, marked by horses at rest, bales of hay and a small, weathered houseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;signs I always saw on the ride home in the afternoonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;were imperceptibly changed, heavier, clearer almost by a light I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accustomed to seeing.

The base was locking down (some kind of DEFCON). The normally nonchalant guards who waved vehicles through for the three years I lived in New Jersey were erect, shouldering their weapons and rushing us through.

My mom was lying on the couch watching CNN. My little brother wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t home yet. By then, both towers were smoldering wrecks and the first had already fallen. I know I asked her what was going on, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember her answer, or the rest of the year.

I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t traumatized. I was only twelve so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recall much of what happened in 2001. Aaliyah died two days before my birthday, and I got her CD and a radio for my birthday that August.

In the eight years following 9/11, I seem to lament the tragedy Derrick Austin can be reached even more. I was a child blessed at daustin@ut.edu. with self-absorption and ignorance.

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Honor Those Gone Through Love and Kindness

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh my God. Oh my God! A plane just hit the World Trade Center! My God! My God,â&#x20AC;? my seventh grade English teacher, second period, Fairview Middle School, said.

She was in tears and turned on the television and, sure enough, there it was, the two World Trade Center Towers in flames.

I remember the optimism we had as newscasters informed us that people were being evacuated out of the building and escaping to safety and that optimism being crushed when the first tower began to fall.

And hope for those affected dwindled still as the second tower fell and reports of attacks on the Pentagon began to surface.

I remember another student asking earnestly whether it was a movie and the quiet solemnity that blanketed the room answering her question.

Around 3,000 people perished in those attacks on the World Trade Center.

Mothers and fathers went to work and never came back. Others wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to hear sons and daughters.

But what does 9/11 mean almost a decade later? How do we honor those who lost their lives in those attacks?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell you what I saw as a thirteen year old. I saw America.

Suddenly all lines of separation were lifted. There was none of the usual Republican, Democrat, rich and poor nonsense.

There was only commonality through pain and the drive to press forward.

Thousands banded together to send whatever they could to help those who needed it.

Many came out to blood drives to give their blood for those in need.

Although blood was given, pumping unity and oneness into the veins of our country was the most powerful thing we could ever do.

We were America; we were hurt; we were down, but we were going to pick each other up, dust each other off and keep going.

There was no time for senseless squabbles.

Nothing else mattered but getting ourselves back together and helping one another.

The attackers intended to cause disruption and chaos, but that plan was crushed.

Americans were able to feel the warmth and support of one another even at our darkest hour.

And not only that, we were able to feel like citizens of the world. Let us not forget that we were not alone in our loss in those attacks.

People from dozens of countries died in the attacks and many countries came to our support making us all one force in picking up the pieces and moving on.

So how do we honor the memory of those lost?

I choose to honor them by trying to maintain that sense of oneness the best I can. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not tear our own country to shreds with

fighting and separating ourselves with party lines and political stances when we can be helping somebody.

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tear ourselves from others in the world simply because of their nationality or religion.

We cannot hold the entire nation of Islam accountable for the deeds of some rogues. Doing so would be the true terror as it would be a regression into a time of prejudice and hate.

The deaths of those eight years ago at the hands of those who hated what we stood for would be in vain if we continue the cycle of hatred and discrimination.

I honor Joanne Ahladiotis, a 27-year-old New Yorker who died in the first tower by helping someone in need. I honor Joao Aguiar Jr., an investment banker who also perished in the first tower by not discriminating against someone because of their religion or race and others like him by trying to bring more unity to those around me.

We should vow not to let the veins of our country, or our humanity, run dry because we refuse to unite and recognize our commonality as beings on this Earth.

Can we let another kid like I was feel that sense of kinship without a disaster being the reason why they could experience it?

We are one and there is no getting around that. Never forget what happened but forgive it.

Honor this country by letting unity prevail.

Nicole Robinson can be reached at nrobinson@ut.edu.

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Commentary

13

Individuals Lose Free Will With The Weight of Cultural Taboos Subtle differences exist between morality and taboo allowing greater choice

By Narisa Imprasert Special to The Minaret

Imagine this: you’re attentively sitting at a UT soccer game and something strange catches your eye.

It’s not the mascot or the painted fans in the stands, but a running boy.

Yes, a boy running is completely normal, but what really makes this interesting is that boy doesn’t play soccer, and most importantly, he seems to be lacking any clothing.

The crowd erupts in laughter as the referees try to catch the spirited boy, but some people appear truly offended.

See, this is where the dilemma of taboos and morals come into play.

What do we as a society define as taboo, and is it the same as our personal morals?

To me, taboos are set by the local culture and running nude is not accepted.

Religious groups, the local communities, law enforcement and society in general all set the scale for taboo.

If it weren’t for conditioning, would we think things such as homosexuality and adultery are wrong?

Would public nudity offend us if taboos were nonexistent?

Or would our morals come into play because of bodily insecurities?

I consider personal morals to be based on one’s experience and

individual beliefs.

They can be used as synonyms, per say, but are really different in nature.

Taboos are society influenced, and morals are one’s personal beliefs between what is right and wrong.

Dictionary defined, a taboo is used to “regulate human behavior” and it “creates friction between individuals and the community.”

Society looks down upon them, and because of set taboos are we losing who we really are?

Hiding behind a mask created by the world we live in?

I agree with James Baldwin (no, not one of the Baldwin brothers) that because of cultural taboos we are getting lost in life, caught up in the small, minor details and forgetting that the only guarantee we have is ultimately death.

It sounds a bid melancholic, but it’s really the harsh truth. I can be for or against any issue and still only be guaranteed one thing: my life has a timer.

My opinions may be thought of as bias or right-down insane, but that is why I ask again, “Are taboos and morals considered the same?”

Examples of prevalent cultural taboos are as varied as homosexuality, public nudity, sex before marriage, drinking, drug usage and adultery.

Even the little things like elevator etiquette. Upon stepping into an elevator, I usually hold

the door for strangers, ask of their floor request, and of course face towards the door along with everyone else.

Sounds asinine, but if you were to walk into an elevator facing towards the people, I think it would make the remaining passengers a bit uncomfortable.

Although it is a minor conditioned behavior that can mildly be labeled taboo, it is indeed a taboo. Try it out one time as you ascend within the Vaughn elevators. Let’s just say it’ll make for an awkward and tense elevator ride.

People of strong religious background may think homosexuality is socially unacceptable and therefore taboo.

Then they may be convinced that because it’s taboo, it must then be morally wrong as well.

To me, homosexuality and same-sex marriage aren’t taboo. I don’t see it as morally wrong but instead as normal behavior.

Tampa is obviously gayfriendly.

Just take a walk down to Ybor and you’ll see quite a few clubs blasting Cyndi Lauper and Diana Ross.

Follow the eccentric music and the flashing lights as if it’s the Yellow Brick Road; if you keep walking, across the street you will see an old man holding a big sign saying: “Ask me why you’re going to hell.”

Maybe you’ll see a few more people preaching religion to the gays and drunken

There has been so much discrimination in the past that the meaning of those words have been distorted.

But it is not only about words, it´s about the ideas behind it, and those girls who insulted this Trinidadian girl for rushing a “white” sorority are not a UT phenomenon.

I don’t know people who have always lived here, but this classification of people is ridiculous and nonsensical.

It’s a mixture of colors, so if you are white and are from South America, you are basically f’ed.

And, yes, it happens.

My sister is Colombian, but she is white and blond; but, as she comes from South America, she’s Hispanic I suppose, but I still wonder why she can’t pick both, because both of them are applicable to her.

Which makes me wonder, do Americans own the copyright of “white” so that they can be the only ones classified as so?

Why do people here remain so attached to something like that after everything that happened in the past?

Racial discrimination starts when you have to fill out a form indicating your race.

Is it actually accurate today?

What about multiracial kids?

There should be another option

called “white AfricanAmerican.”

I think there’s one called “Other.”

If you are what many people refer to as “biracial” you are “other.”

What really concerns me about this is to see that discrimination is not really over.

Even at UT, where people are considered to be receiving a higher education; there is still this division between white and “others,” “others” being, of course, everyone not white.

If that happens in college, I don’t see why people should get surprised at segregation and racism at high schools.

The more I am here, the more I think that the idea of “melting pot” does not really exist.

People tend to stick together with others just like them.

Within UT’s Melting Pot, Rush Week Reveals Racial Tension

By Carolina Medelin Special to The Minaret

Rushing for the panhellenic sororities this weekend, I found something very interesting going on.

One of the girls in my group was from Trinidad, an international student just like myself.

One day, talking about some random stuff before we get to one of the activities, she said something to me that left me astonished.

The night before, when coming to her dorm, some random girls (not belonging to the sororities) asked why, if she was an international student, she was rushing for a “white” sorority.

I was not surprised as I’ve heard similar things before.

What keeps surprising me, is how in the twenty-first century, in an American university like UT, there are still people narrow minded enough to make those kind of comments.

One of the things I don’t get about the States—and hopefully will never get—is this need to divide people in groups.

White, black (sorry, AfricanAmerican), Hispanic, Indian (sorry again, Native American) and so on, in a country when you say “black” or “Indian” everyone turns to you and gives you a look of “you racist bastard, be politically correct.”

Carolina Medelin c a n b e re a c h e d a t colaya@ut.edu.

partygoers through a big megaphone.

All these people are allowed to express their opinion because it links to their morals, but to say homosexuality in this generation is taboo will hopefully wither away with time. It is becoming more accepted and practically every school possesses a gay-straightalliance.

How about adultery?

It happens all the time the world over, and our divorce rate is well above forty percent.

So society establishes it as a taboo because it is thought to be morally wrong. And that it goes against the sanctity and vows of marriage. But does that mean that morals are equal to taboos?

Once again, I say no because morals differ upon the person.

Let’s go back to the analogy of the soccer game streaker.

Perhaps he is from a nudist community and believes nudity is a simple form of expression.

However, the rest of society that lives outside his perspective on public nudity believes such an act is taboo.

Therefore, his morals contradict cultural beliefs on nudity being a taboo and thus will prove them different.

Once again, my views may highly differ from yours but I’m just expressing my opinion on a popular debate.

I believe with time ideas of taboos and morals evolve. When

“

...because of cultural taboos we are getting lost in life, caught up in the small, minor details and forgetting that the only guarantee we have is ultimately death.

“

you were that six year old in elementary school it was taboo to begin dating because the opposite sex had “cooties.”

Then maybe when that kid grows up, it is taboo to drink underage or to date the same sex.

I suppose I may be wrong or completely out of my mind, but I see a small correlation between taboos and morals.

Concepts of taboo and morality correlate on certain levels but, when it comes down to it, it all depends on individual beliefs. Morality is based on the individual while taboos are societal standards.

Think about this next time you venture to a soccer game and see that random boy streaking.

Maybe discuss it over coffee at Einstein’s because I’m sure it’ll make for an interesting debate.

Narisa Imprasert can be reached at nimprasert@ut.edu.

Commentary

14

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

Books and Reading Left to Rot In Our Cultural Trash Bin

By Philippa Hatendi Special to The Minaret

I just read in one of my textbooks that only three percent of young people between the ages of 18 and 25 spend their time reading for leisure.

In truth, that really horrifies me!

I dread missing the fact that I haven’t read a book that’s thrilled me, scared me (just a tad), and left me swooning (over the main character, as well as the phenomenal ending).

Though it’s understandable that our work takes up so much of our time with reading textbooks and educational sites, in addition to actually doing our written homework and researching, reading for pleasure should not be sidelined to “just a waste of time.”

Reading for pleasure is very useful.

It does vastly improve your vocabulary (yup, the English professors weren’t just tooting their own horns).

It provides you with different angles for forming opinions, nourishes and enriches your appreciation for this changing world and it’s a beautiful activity

for escapism from the trenches of everyday life.

As a lover of reading, I find it devastating that the pursuit of knowledge is stampeding all over the pursuit of imagination in a way.

At the age of seven, I began devouring novels, magazines and newspapers, anything written as a form of expression and capable of giving me a different perspective on my own world. I discovered how important and how enlightening it is to read.

I didn’t read for the sake of reading, but because it helped form my identity.

I not only received the social and cultural influences of my current society, but also cultural knowledge.

With our lives filled with stress or mundaneness, oftentimes buckling under intense pressure, it always feels like we’re attached to a ticking clock.

It’s hard to find a way to give one’s mind the freedom to relax and break from the periodically confining spheres of educational reading.

Exercise and hanging out with friends are great sources of relaxation (and bucketfuls of

Photo by Maurizio Abbate/flickr.com

laughter); nevertheless, it’s also calming to participate in activities that provide us with our own personal space in a way that only reading can do.

It’s a dying art, and its death is as tragic as the loss of all life, for within its death goes an inspiring and globally influential part of our culture.

It has become the phoenix that may never resurrect, never again set the world ablaze with wonder, truth, values, boundless joy and unification.

I don’t want to see it go for it has much to offer to us as UT students.

So, the next time you’re looking for something to do just to

relax and rejuvenate, pick up that book you left on the shelf a couple of weeks ago.

I guarantee there’s something glorious waiting in those pages for you!

Philippa Hatendi can be reached at phatendi@ut.edu.

Death Row Inmates in America Present Socioeconomic Disparity

By Amadu Wiltshire Columnist

Our society emphasizes the death penalty, yet few of us have examined its many sides.

We’re influenced by personal beliefs and agents of society, but we are not yet informed citizens.

It’s shocking how many people support the death penalty but don’t understand how a person is sentenced to death row.

One major factor in determining whether a person goes to the death chamber or not is their financial status. Many of us don’t see the relationship between money and freedom. If a person who is wealthy is charged with murder, he or she has a better chance of being able to afford proper legal representation.

This may get them acquitted of the crime or have the severity of their

sentence reduced.

Proper legal representation is not cheap.

Those provided by the state or government will not be of the best quality, leading me to wonder if the poor in this country are being given a fair trial.

The one thing many on death row have in common is that they’re poor. Death row is apparently not a place for the rich and famous.

Another major issue which must be taken into account is the fact that the majority of the persons on death row are minorities.

In a report entitled “Death Row U.S.A.,” winter 2009 it stated out of the 3297 persons currently on death row, 2493 of them are minorities.

Additionally, of the 3297 inmates on death row, 3239 of them are men. This is a reflection of a society that is letting down minorities and men.

This can be seen in many examples of popular culture in the media in which minorities and men

are being portrayed as thugs and jail birds, which encourages these behaviors.

Additionally it is shocking that minorities and the poor form the two largest demographics on death row.

One needs to ask whether proper economic and social programs are implemented to ensure that minorities achieve higher standards of living.

In addition, in order to be a member of the jury in a case which involves the handing down of the death penalty, one must be in favor of the death penalty.

This makes me wonder if there is anything ensuring a fair trial when the punishment which is being handed down is death by the state.

In an Amnesty USA report it states that in Arizona, Ray Krone was released in 2002 for a crime which he did not commit.

He previously spent ten years on death row. He was the 100th person to be freed since 1973.

The report further presented that

in 2003, in Illinois, four persons were found innocent after spending years on death row. In 2007, in North Carolina Jonathan Hoffman was freed.

In 1995 Hoffman was charged with the murder of a jewelry store owner. It was later learned that the states key witness, Johnell Porter, and the prosecutor made a deal to lie on Hoffman so that he would be sentenced. These were some of the major reasons stated which lead to wrongful convictions: 1. Poor legal representation 2. Police and prosecutorial misconduct

The one thing “many on death

row have in common is that they’re poor. Death row is apparently not a place for the rich and famous. evidence

“

7. Community or political pressure to solve cases.

I am not saying to do away 3. Perjured testimony and with the death penalty because mistaken eyewitness tesI do believe that if someone has timony deliberately committed murder they should be executed by the state. But 4. Racial prejudice I am presenting information which 5. Jailhouse “snitch” testi- will assist right thinking citizens in making informed decisions about mony the death penalty.

6. Suppression and misrepAmadu Wiltshire can be resentation of mitigating reached at awiltshire@ut.edu.

15 Volleyball Reaches No. 5 After Laboring Weekend

Sports

The Minaret | September 11, 2009

New Offense Stuns Bucs

By Mike DiFerdinando Independent Florida Alligator, U of Florida

The University of Florida took a page out the Oklahoma playbook and unveiled its new hurry-up offense in Saturday's 62-3 win over Charleston Southern.

Coach Urban Meyer and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong had such a tough time game-planning for the Sooners' fast-paced offense in last season’s national title game that they installed their own version in the Gators' offense.

“I want to hear what gives them a hard time, and that preparation we had for Oklahoma was very difficult,” Meyer said. “Go up and snap the ball. Put pressure on the defense. You’re going to see more and more of the up-tempo.”

In UF’s new “Bonsai” for-

mation, there is no huddle. Instead, the players run to the line of scrimmage, Tim Tebow gets the play called in from the sideline and then snaps the ball at varying points in the play clock to keep the defense off balance.

“What you saw Saturday was the tip of the iceberg,” Meyer said.

Receiver David Nelson estimated that the Gators scored two or three times out of the formation, including Jeff Demps' 23yard touchdown run.

Thompson making up Deonte Thompson didn’t have a catch Saturday.

He blew by two Buccaneers defenders on a fly route but then dropped what would have been a 67-yard touchdown pass.

“We actually stayed (after practice Sunday) and threw that ball like six m o r e times, and he caught every one of them,” Te b o w s a i d .

“That just goes to show his work ethic and his de-

termination to want to be that big-time receiver, which he’s going to be.”

Thompson had 269 yards receiving and three touchdowns last season is replacing Louis Murphy in the Gators offense this season.

By Ryan Burkett Sports Writer Tim Tebow

“I trust him 100 percent. He’s going to go out and make that play this week versus Troy,” Tebow said.

Doe, Jenkins should play Linebacker Dustin Doe and cornerback Janoris Jenkins are expected to play against Troy after sitting out against Charleston Southern.

“Dustin Doe at this point is week to week, and day to day, but if we played tomorrow, he'd be eligible to play,” Meyer said.

“Janoris Jenkins, if he has a good week of practice, he’ll be eligible to play as well.”

Doe was suspended for the game against Charleston Southern after being arrested in July for driving with a suspended license.

Meyer would not confirm that Jenkins was suspended, but the sophomore, who started 12 games

Photo by flickr.com

last year, did not play a snap in Saturday’s season opener.

Jenkins was Tasered and arrested in June on misdemeanor charges of affray and resisting arrest without violence following an altercation outside a Gainesville bar.

Etc. Meyer said that offensive lineman Carl Johnson, who left Saturday’s game in the second quarter after an apparent leg injury, suffered a bone bruise but is probable for this week’s matchup against Troy.

Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham sat out against the Buccaneers because he was “not ready to play,” according to Meyer.

Defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh did not dress for the game after being bothered by an ankle injury last week.

Tampa Bay Rays, Maddon Self-Destruct on

By Brenton Burkett Sports Blogger

T h e Ta m p a B a y R a y s effectively eliminated themselves from MLB playoff contention this past week thanks to an exhausted bullpen and a mismanaged squad.

The Rays faced a seasondeciding homestand with their rivals the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. The Red Sox held a four-game lead in the Wild Card standings, so the Rays had to win that series to realistically have a shot.

Joe Maddon, Ray’s manager, made the decision to start Andy Sonnanstine in game one against Jon Lester. While Lester has had a subpar history against the Rays, he has been an outstanding pitcher overall for three years.

On the contrary, Sonnanstine had good career marks against Boston. However, he has struggled and has spent two months of this season in the minors.

Nonetheless, Maddon chose him to replace the traded Scott Kazmir in the biggest game of the season.

The strategy blew up in the Rays’ faces.

Sonnanstine only lasted four innings, allowing five runs -three earned -- as his defense and pinpoint command betrayed him.

The Rays lost 8-4.

Following the game, Maddon took the surprising step of defending his pitcher, saying he “threw the ball really well.” Really, Mr. Manager of the Year?

How, exactly, does a finesse pitcher issue four walks, just two strikeouts and two home runs and throw really well?

Maddon is stretching it in his defense of Sonnanstine.

We respect you and think you have done a good job with the young guys.

But just admit you made the wrong decision. It would be a first.

The Rays beat Josh Beckett the following night, thanks to a home run barrage of their own.

Even so, Maddon used seven pitchers in his effort to micromanage every matchup. Three of his relievers issued costly late-inning walks and were pulled out of the fire by a three-run Rays eighth inning.

There would be no saves made in the must-win series finale.

Boston beat the Rays 6-3 to take the series. Two relievers, again brought in for matchup purposes, allowed two late insurance runs that sealed their team’s fate.

The number crunching does not always work, and it failed Maddon miserably in this series.

The Rays then had the daunting task of hosting the Detroit Tigers, who led the Central division entering Tropicana Field.

The first game had the Rays and Tigers tied at one entering the final inning. J.P. Howell, normally the closer, promptly allowed Detroit to take a 3-1 lead on a hit and two walks. Again playing the matchup game, Maddon replaced him with another left-hander, Randy Choate.

Choate allowed a hit to score a fourth run -- one that would decide the game, as a comeback attempt

by Tampa Bay ended in a 4-3 defeat with two runners stranded in scoring position.

Game two saw the Rays leap out to a 4-1 lead after just one inning. James Shields allowed six runs, but the game was ultimately lost by the bullpen.

Three relievers combined to allow the decisive runs to score in an 8-6 loss.

The finale was the most gutwrenching blow. Up 3-1 in the ninth inning, Lance Cormier struck out the first Tigers’ hitter.

Maddon inexplicably removed him for hard-throwing Grant Balfour, who walked Miguel Cabrera. Howell was next, and he walked a pinch-hitter and found

himself pulled.

Russ Springer then entered the game to deal with right-handed hitters.

After a hit loaded the bases, All-Star Brandon Inge stepped up with a golden opportunity to give Detroit the lead.

He fell to a 2-2 count, then got a hanging slider. He proceeded to hit it to Timbuktu.

By that, I mean it was about a 400-foot grand slam. The life was zapped from the Rays yet again.

When Maddon returned to make yet another pitching change, he was booed by the home crowd.

This may be the first time he has ever deserved such an indignity.

But he brought it upon himself.

The Rays did not beat the Red Sox and Tigers, nor did they beat the Rays.

The Rays beat themselves.

And Joe Maddon may have beaten himself out of the playoffs.

Brenton Burkett can be reached at bburkett@ut.edu.

Maddon

Photo by Keith Allison

The No. 5 University of Tampa volleyball team (6-1) turned in a strong performance at the Colorado Premier Classic in Denver, taking third place.

The Spartans shined on day one of the tournament, defeating both Northwest Nazarene and No. 25 Augustana of South Dakota in straight sets.

UT took the first match by scores of 25-20, 25-11 and 25-21.

Melissa Vanderhall and Jessica Yingling recorded double-doubles, as Vanderhall had 13 kills and 10 digs. Yingling added 16 kills and 10 digs of her own. Defensively, sophomore Julie Howlett led the team with 13 of the team’s 60 digs while the team amassed nine blocks.

The Spartans seamlessly transitioned to No. 25 Augustana, never trailing and, winning the sets 25-20, 25-20, and 25-15.

Vanderhall and Yingling again posted double digits with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.

Defensively, UT recorded 12 blocks compared to three by the Vikings. Eight Spartans had at least one dig, recording a total of 32 for the match. Vanderhall led the team with eight digs. The victories propelled the team to a 5-0 record on the season.

Then came day two, where the Spartans faced the daunting task of battling No. 1 Concordia-St. Paul.

UT fell behind early, losing the first two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-17.

While the Spartans rebounded to win the third set 25-21, a fourth set loss by the same margin sealed the match, handing UT its first loss of the season. Vanderhall led UT with 15 kills, but Concordia’s Emily Palkert had 18 kills while four Golden Bears reached double digits.

Following the defeat, UT took on regional rival No. 15, West Florida, in the third place game.

The Spartans swept the match by scores of 25-23, 25-18 and 25-19.

Yingling earned a team high of nine kills while sophomore Camille Hanks had two solo blocks in addition to three assisted blocks.

Vanderhall and junior Kaleigh Cunningham each racked up 11 digs in the match.

The Spartans finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, improving to 6-1 on the season and are now ranked No. 5 in the AVCA Division II Coaches Top 25 Preseason Poll, up from their previous No. 9 ranking.

The team travels to Pensacola on Sept. 12 for the South Region Crossover in West Florida.

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. -Vince Lombardi

3

‘n t u O

Soccer Defends Rank

Spartans Defend No. 1 Rank, Improve to 3-0

By Brenton Burkett Sports Writer

The University of Tampa’s men’s soccer team celebrated its new No. 1 ranking by extending its record to 3-0 with two weekend road wins.

The Spartans took down

M. Soccer: The men’s soccer team improved to 3-0 by defeating Clayton State and North Georgia.

The two wins solidify their spot atop the rankings at No. 1 in the NCSAA top 25 Division II poll.

Tampa will host Savannah College of Art and Design on Sept. 11.

Starting Strong

Cross Country: Even though the start of the season was delayed over two hours, due to rain, the Spartans stayed prepared.

The women’s cross country team finished first on the sloppy course, with the men’s team placing third.

Following the loss of senior runner, Ryan McCall, the team intends to dedicate this season to his memory.

UT will next travel to Florida Tech on Sept. 12.

Passing a Test Volleyball: Tampa once again moved forward in the AVCA Division II Coaches Top 25 poll.

The Volleyball team defeated two of three opponents on a weekend road-trip and jumped to No. 5 in the poll.

The No. 1 team in the poll, Concordia-St. Paul, handed UT its only loss, thus far in the season.

Tampa will travel to Pensacola on Sept. 12 in the South Region Crossover.

Dan Ingvarsson

Clayton State Sept. 4 and knocked off North Georgia two days later.

UT first traveled to Atlanta to meet the Clayton State Lakers.

The match proved to be a defensive struggle throughout.

It was tied 0-0 at the half and remained that way until the 52nd minute.

Lakers goalie David Cristofoli tackled Spartan junior Lister Warren, resulting in a penalty kick.

The shot by defenseman Dan Ingvarsson beat Cristofoli and put UT up 1-0.

The score would hold up and give Tampa its second win.

The defense kept UT goalie Ryan Thompson’s work to a minimum.

The defense allowed eight shots, including only one shot on goal, which Thompson saved.

The win marked his first shutout of the season.

The Spartans finished their road trip at North Georgia College and State University with a Sunday

afternoon match against the Saints.

The offense broke out early as Warren, tied for the team lead in scoring in 2008, notched his first goal of the year at the 8:08 mark off of a pass from freshman Dominic Goncalves.

At 15:09, Warren took an Ingvarsson free kick and doubled

Mike Bethel

Photos by A. Sanford

his tally to two.

Five minutes into the second half, North Georgia’s Calvin Cook scored unassisted to cut the Spartan lead to 2-1.

S i x m i n u t e s l a t e r, U T sophomore forward Mike Bethel deflected a shot off a defender into the net to seal a 3-1 victory.

The Saints outshot the Spartans 14-12, but Thompson made five saves to NGCSU goalie Rade Tanaskovic’s four.

There were seven yellow cards handed out during the battle, two against the Spartans.

A red card was given to North Georgia’s Caleb Turner, leading to his ejection in the 82nd minute.

The Spartans return to Tampa to face Savannah College of Art and Design on Friday, Sept. 11 at 3:30 p.m.

Brenton Burkett can be reached at bburkett@ut.edu.

Join the Minaret’s Sports Staff! Email Kyle Bennett at minaret.sports@gmail.com.

Tampa Finishes Strong on Difficult Course

By Daniel Feingold Sports Writer

Coming off a successful season, UT’s cross country team looked to start this year strong in the annual UT Early Bird Classic.

Jarrett Slaven, head coach of the team, did not have it easy this time around when preparing for the meet.

“It was kind of a fiasco because of the lightning storm that came in,” Slaven commented.

The start time was delayed until 7:30 p.m. and the oncoming darkness made the course more difficult to run.

The team trained hard over the summer.

They are sent workout routines every month in order to stay physically prepared for the quick start of the season.

Team members have to be motivated to follow the routine, but Slaven believes, “whoever follows these workouts comes back in best shape.”

No. 1 M. Soccer Sept. 11, 3:30 p.m. vs. Savannah College of Art and Design >>>The undefeated Spartans will host the 3-0-1 Bees of Savannah Georgia. UT opened the season ranked No. 3, but have quickly moved to the top of the rankings and look to defend.

With the fast pace of the season and it being so early in the school year, Slaven also feels that if you’re not fully prepared when school starts, it may be too late.

“By the time you get back in shape, the season is gonna be over,” he said.

Despite hosting the event, Slaven did not feel UT’s team had much of an advantage over competing teams.

“In cross country, if you’re familiar with the course, you might have a slight edge,” Slaven said, [but] “everybody comes early and jogs the course so they have a little knowledge… in the big picture, there’s not much edge.”

With the meet being delayed, both the men’s and women’s teams found themselves running on the course at the same time.

A few teams left due to the storm.

Regardless, the women’s team placed first, and the men placed third.

W. Soccer Sept. 11, 7 p.m. vs. West Georgia >>> The 1-2-1 women’s soccer team will host the West Georgia Wolves. Following the match-up Tampa will travel to Lake Wales to take on the Warner Royals on Sept. 13.

A great way to start the season, Slaven is quite optimistic about both of his teams, especially the women.

“The girls trained all summer long and the seniors came back in really good shape… we should really have a great season barring any injuries,” he said.

The women’s team won conference last year and placed 14th at nationals.

Therefore, expectations are high for the new year.

As far as the men are concerned, the coach believes Florida Southern’s team currently has an advantage over UT’s for first place.

“The top three teams get to go to nationals,” Slaven informed.

“In the region we’re probably fifth or sixth, so we’ll need to have an unbelievable season [in order to be able] to go.”

Slaven and the team are of course mourning the loss of an important athlete.

“We’re all trying to hang in together,” said Slaven. “Initially it was a dark cloud because we expected Ryan to be with us. It’s a tough loss.”

Ryan McCall, a senior at UT, was a well-respected member of the cross country team.

Because everyone on the team is so close, Slaven believes they can pull together for a good season.

The team intends to dedicate the season to Ryan’s memory.

Slaven recalled Ryan’s great sense of humor and how much he loved life.

“I’m trying to remember that and carry on what would be his best wishes.”

Next on the cross country team’s schedule is a meet this Sept.

12 at Florida Tech.

Coach Slaven thinks it will be a good test for UT and that he’ll be able to “really get a true picture of what our teams look like.”

Daniel Feingold can reached at dfeingold@ut.edu.

No. 5 Volleyball Sept. 11, 9 a.m. at. West Florida >>> UT will compete in the South Region Crossover tournament, hosted by West Florida. They will compete in three weekend matches.

Joe Maddon’s mistakes end the Tampa Bay Rays’ playoff hopes for 2009 on OVERTIME.