The Minaret

University of Tampa

Vol. 75 No. 4

www.theminaretonline.com

minaret@ut.edu

Lower the Drinking Age?: National Push Divides Students, Admin

Ultraviolet or Ultra-violent?

By Journalism I

By Journalism II

Burning has turned into the new beautiful for some students whose favorite pastime is achieving that bronzed body.

current laws don’t really stop youth from obtaining alcohol and even “I’m 19, I can buy a gun, but encourage binge drinking.

I can’t have a beer? A beer won’t “I think it’s great that presidents accidentally go off in someone’s are supporting this,’’ said Katie face.’’

Carey, 20. “No one would take That was UT sophomore Clint under-aged students seriously if Hanaway’s reaction when asked they suggested this.’’ about the Amethyst Initiative, a If drinking weren’t taboo, said movement launched in July with the Paige Burwell, 17, there would backing of more than 125 college be less “drinking for the sake presidents. The of getting drunk, reform-minded because students Binge drinkgroup urges wouldn’t have to reconsideration ing comes from being do everything in of the current rebellious. It attracts secrecy.” legal drinking students because it’s Julie Roth, a g e o f 2 1 t o breaking the law. a 19-year old combat alcohol-- Julie Roth s o p h o m o r e , related campus agreed, saying: problems and “Binge drinking encourage safer comes from being drinking practices. rebellious. It attracts students Among its members are the because it’s breaking the law.” The presidents of Eckerd College ways students get around those laws in nearby St. Petersburg, Duke, can be risky, she explained. “If a Dartmouth and Ohio State. student can’t drink at the bar, they The Amethyst Initiative takes will pregame, drink a lot, before its name from ancient Greece, going out and drink a lot in a small where the purple gemstone was period of time.’’ believed to protect its owners from Senior Caroline Reuschel the effects of drunkenness. added that “people using fake IDs Here at UT, administration is are excited when they get into a bar, not ready to sign on—in fact, they leading to them drinking more just strongly oppose it. because they can.”

Gina Firth, Associate Dean But Gina Firth said that of Students, gave many reasons lowering the drinking age would for rejecting the idea, saying “it’s hurt, not help students. amazing that this discussion is even (UT President Ronald Vaughn’s taking place.’’ spokesperson referred an interview However, students interviewed request to Firth.)

by The Minaret last week mostly said it’s time to end this 21st See “Drinking” [2] century Prohibition, that the

“ ”

By Journalism II

W hether on the lawns of Delo, by the pool, in Plant Park or in a salon, tanners can go to extremes that some experts compare to addiction to alcohol, heroin and even cocaine which is worse.

Tanorexia is the term often used to describe a potentially cancer-causing condition in which a person excessively tans to achieve darker skin because they perceive themselves as unacceptably pale.

But the sun-worshippers are soaking up not just rays but permanent damage to their cell’s DNA, scientists say. The American Cancer Society states that up to 90 percent of skin cancers are associated with ultraviolet radiation.

September 12, 2008

Tanning also causes other longterm effects like wrinkles, darkened freckles, moles and premature aging, bringing compulsive tanning under increased medical and social scrutiny.

As the number of skin cancer cases rises, so do the images of celebrities flaunting burnt skin.

Some celebrities like Lindsay Lohan avoid the ultraviolet exposure by airbrushing their tans.

Tanning addiction can go along with other cosmetic enhancements like smoking (to lose weight) and working out.

Tanning Beds Joel Hillhouse, an East Te n n e s s e e S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y professor, says categorizing indoor tanners can lead to more effective ways of warning tanorexics about

the dangers they face.

Hillhouse and his colleagues broke indoor tanners into four categories: *Special event (tan numerous times over a short period associated with a special event, followed by extended periods of no tanning); *Spontaneous or mood (nonregular tanners with spontaneous patterns strongly influenced by mood); *Regular year-round (tan weekly or biweekly) and *Mixed (have both regular tanning periods and shorter periods associated with special events).

“The results of this study emphasize the fact that ‘one See “Tanorexia”

[8]

UT Urges Students to “Go Green” with Paper

By Sarah Gottlieb Asst. News Editor

In the last year, it seems that UT has been going especially “green,” creating various solutions to encourage students to become more conscious of their environment.

In Sept. 2007, the university did an energy audit to evaluate its use of electricity, natural gas, and water consumption in order to identify ways to use less energy and save more money. UT also recently began to use “green seal” products.

And now with the addition of Secure On-Site Shredding, the university is becoming more conscious of its paper usage.

With the nation’s growing concern for the environment, and the cost of everything going up,

Inside ...

many colleges have begun to charge students printing fees in campus computer labs.

One school, Western Kentucky University, recently proposed a quota that would allow for 500 free pages per semester for undergraduates. After the first 500 pages, students would be charged 5 cents per additional page.

Other schools have already begun charging for printing usage, including Johns Hopkins University and Syracuse University.

Currently, UT’s computer labs have no printing limit, though that doesn’t mean that won’t change.

Jennifer Jamison, Computer Lab Coordinator, says that a paper printing limit on computers could become a possibility.

Austin Hall Turns 10 [3]

Jamison says that students often don’t realize how much paper they use.

“There is quite a bit of paper that is wasted,” Jamison said. She explained that, for example, a student may want to print 1 page off a website, but will sometimes accidentally print the additional 50 pages that go with it.

By putting a restriction on student’s paper usage, Jamison believes it would make students more aware of how much paper they actually use and encourage them to curb excessive printing.

While the university does not currently have a limit on student See

“Paper” [7]

Student Volunteers in Peru Director of the month [12] [10] Volleyball Winning Homesick? Long Streak Continues [18] Advice inside! [7] Community Supports Sick Child[14]

Illustration by Max Roberts

News....................[1-8] Features ...........[10-11] A&E ................[12-13] Commentary....[14-16] Editorial................ [17] Sports ..............[18-20]

“Man is a clever animal who behaves like an imbecile.” [Albert Schweitzer]

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Other Universities Who Have Signed:

Editor-in-Chief Peter Arrabal parrabal@gmail.com

Asst. Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos chambos@ut.edu

News Editor Ellery McCardle minaret.news@gmail.com

Commentary Editor Derrick Austin

• • • • •

University of Massachusetts Johns Hopkins University Syracuse University Saint Leo University Middlebury College

For More Information and who else signed go to www.amethystinitiative.org/ signatories

minaret.commentary@gmail.com

Sports Editor Bobby Winsler

From “Drinking”: Front

minaret.sports@gmail.com

A&E Editor Mel Steiner minaret.arts@gmail.com

Features Editor Joshua Kratovil minaret.features@gmail.com

Online Editor Alex Vera avera813@tampabay.rr.com

Head Photographer Mindy Tucker mtucker@ut.edu

Adviser Charles McKenzie charles.mckenzie@ut.edu

Staff-At-Large Sarah Gottlieb, Asst. News Editor Elizabeth Harrington, Reporter JP Busche, Reporter Emily Williams, Reporter Delaney Spoerl, Reporter Stephanie Roman, Reporter Erika Escobar, Reporter Zach Fraser, A&E Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist Shanette Lewis, Photographer Elizabeth Harm, A&E Jesse Yomtov, Sports Natalie Insogna, A&E Shannon Grippando, Reporter Kristen Vasquez, A&E Alan Mehanna, A&E

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.

Firth noted that the human brain is not fully developed until ages 23-25, and that alcohol delays brain development. She added that: “If we lower the drinking age, we lower the age of onset to begin drinking…the margin then lowers to 14- and 15- year olds.’’

Is underage drinking a real problem at UT? In 2007 there were 458 referrals to the Student Conduct Board for on-campus violations of the alcohol policy, according to the UT website.

Firth believes those numbers do represent a problem, but says there’s a problem at every campus.

“It’s a problem in our society,” Firth said.

While most students interviewed said they knew underage drinking goes on at UT, many agree with sophomore Clint Hanaway, who said “there isn’t as much crazy partying, people getting hurt kind of things [here].’’

The problem is more prevalent, he believes, at other schools.

If the law was changed, said John G., 19, “it would be a mess initially,’’ meaning that newly legal drinkers would jump—maybe too far—to exercise their rights.

But, he said, “people would eventually get used to it,’’ as the excitement about access to alcohol disappeared.

In just two months, an impressive number of college presidents have called for the reexamination of drinking laws, and their ranks are growing.

Can this campaign offer students any real protection, or is it foolish to believe in the power of the amethyst?

GO ONLINE! Should the drinking age be lowered?

Do you want President Vaughn to sign the Amethyst Initiative?

Speak your mind!

Let us know!

Register for free and Post a comment at www. theminaretonline.com

SG Provides USA Today Trial Run

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

The Minaret Named Top College Paper in Fla.

By Charlie Hambos Asst. Editor-in-Chief

The Minaret earned first place honors in the Best College Newspaper contest by the Florida College Press Association, as the newspaper contest winners for 2007 were released last week. The Minaret also placed first in Best General News Writing.

The Minaret won third place for Best Feature Writing, Best Photography and Best Front Page Design.

The Florida College Press Association started in 2007 and consists of 14 member colleges including the University of Miami, Florida A&M University, the University of North Florida and Florida Atlantic University.

Steve Knauss, The Minaret Editor-in-Chief from Fall 2007 to Spring 2008 expressed great sentiments about our publication.

“It is a testament to the strength of the overall newspaper, Knauss said of the awards. “It’s a complete honor and very humbling to have been a small part to such a team effort that taught me that hard work in a far-sided view is recognized.”

“The award reflects the tremendous growth in three years, and with that came better Internet, graphics, designs, radio and different ways to reach the students,” said Victor O’Brien, editor-in-chief, Fall 2005 to Spring 2007.

O’Brien also gave credit to the paper’s adviser saying, “The work of Charles McKenzie in nurturing

student journalists and always being there to teach.”

McKenzie, journalism professor and The Minaret faculty adviser was surprised at the awards but gives the credit to the students and each contributor The Minaret has had for 75 years from its very first issue.

“I was surprised because I know that there is so much great journalism in Florida. I was surprised we placed so high. I was proud for the staff,” said McKenzie McKenzie, 2007 Adviser of the Year, feels quite passionately about journalism and why it should be written.

“I don’t think we should do journalism for competition but we should do it for the community,” McKenzie said. “Our journalists respect The Minaret so much that they sacrifice in order to get the newspaper in the stands.”

“It’s great to beat out all of those other staffs, which are larger than ours,” said current editor-inchief, Peter Arrabal. “Quality over quantity.”

“Finally, The Minaret gets its due,” Dean of Students, Bob Ruday said. “What a great bunch of students who have formed The Minaret Family to produce the No. 1 college paper in the Florida College Press Association.”

“A few years ago we had six journalists and now we have 100 journalists, what a feat, what a compliment, what a success,” Ruday said.

By Sarah Gottlieb Asst. News Editor

Two weeks ago, the only newspapers available on campus were The New York Times and The Minaret. Last Monday, newsstands made room for another news publication.

On Sept. 8, Student Government began sponsoring trial runs of USA Today. The national newspaper will now be available for pickup, free of charge, to students at locations in the Vaughn Center, Plant Hall, Sykes College of Business, and Macdonald-Kelce Library.

Copies of USA Today are provided in addition to The New York Times, which is still available free of charge at its normal locations.

“We wanted to give students a better selection of news,” said Kelsie Huth, SG Vice President, when asked about the addition of USA Today. “Some people consider USA Today to be lighter reading than The New York Times,” Huth explained. She said that SG wanted to give more reading selection to students so that more could be reached and satisfied.

SG will be sponsoring the trial run of USA Today through Oct. 3.

On Oct. 2, there will be a survey for students to complete, and based on the survey and student’s feedback, SG will decide whether or not to continue to provide copies of USA Today to campus for the rest of the year.

If you would like to see SG continue to fund copies of USA Today, the organization asks that you provide feedback to sg@ ut.edu

Uh, waiter? There’s a dead guy in my soup.

At 3:15 p.m. on Sept. 1, an Austin Hall student called the UT security office and requested to be taken to the hospital. Apparently the student had eaten at a restaurant and became ill.

The student was transported to TGH for evaluation.

Looks like you’re about three hours too late.

At 7:20 p.m. on Sept. 1, UT security was summoned by an anonymous call in reference to the use of narcotics in Straz Hall. Upon arrival, officers located the dorm room involved in the complaint.

Contact was made with the student and narcotics were located. The Tampa Police Dept was contacted and responded to the security office where the student was detained. The student was charged with misdemeanor narcotics possession and

then referred to the Conduct Board.

Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.

At 6:20 p.m. on Sept. 3, an unknown vehicle struck a students car as it was parked in the West garage and left the scene without providing information as required by state law.

Good luck with that … ?

At 12:35 a.m. on Sept. 5, UT security responded to a medical call about an Austin Hall student that was ill. Upon arrival the student was located and found to be vomiting and very ill. The Tampa Fire Dept paramedics were requested and arrived shortly thereafter.

They evaluated the student and determined that they did not need further treatment. They left the care of the student with friends at the scene.

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

In Other News...

Light 10 Candles: Austin Hall Turning 10!

By JP Busche Reporter

In late August of 1998, The St. Petersburg Times reported about a “luxurious” new dorm at the University of Tampa with “a social room with solid oak floors and a caterer’s kitchen.”

Most students know this place as Austin Hall.

Photo by Abigail Sanford Austin Hall celebrated it tenth birthday last week, but that number is small in comparison to some of the buildings on campus.

It was the newest dorm on UT’s campus in 1998 and cost $9 million to build.

Students say they enjoy Austin. Freshman Kate Slagel said, “I like Austin, because the

people are very outgoing and friendly and you can always talk to them,” and Kate Howe said she thinks Austin is welcoming.

Austin Hall was the first building on UT to have Internet access in every room.

“This is the smartest building on campus,” Former UT Director of Public Affairs Grant Donaldson said in the report, referring to the one-Internet-jackper-bed design.

M o s t l y Consisting of double and triple rooms (and a few single for upperclass students), it is known for its close knit community and the friendliness of the 425 students that can reside there.

Although pool surely is a lot of fun, one may also go outside to discover very quickly that there is plenty to do.

Nearby is the Vaughn courtyard, where you can see students sitting on a bench playing guitar or running on the grass playing Ultimate Frisbee is a very common picture for everybody who goes by Austin.

Sept. 9 Meeting • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

Haunted House in Rathskeller on Oct. 22-24, 31 Congress campaign meeting on Sept. 16 following SG general assembly.

Congress speeches moved to Sept. 23 Congress elections begin 8p.m. on Sept. 23 and end on Sept.

25 at 11:59 p.m.

E-mail mkieslor@ut.edu to make your 30 second commercial for congress Academic Affairs Committee working on $10 t-shirts.

Students may submit a design.

Academic Affairs Committee working on resolution to lower book prices. E-mail your thoughts to khuth@ut.edu E-mail sgfinance@ut.edu for questions on organization appropriations SG implementing new voting procedure Come and support your Spartans along with the Committee on Athletics and Involvement in going to our athletic games.

Friday, Sept. 19 is women’s soccer at 5:30p.m. & men’s soccer at 8p.m. versus West Florida Campus Life Committee working on campus wireless internet problems Commuter parking is on the first floor of the West Parking garage. If you have any questions pick up a map at Campus Safety & Security.

Community Concerns Committee working on transportation to and from West Parking garage to campus.

News

Fall Break May Be in Sight for UT

By Emily Williams Reporter

Unlike many other colleges and universities around the country, UT does not have a fall break. Many students are asking, “Why?” Perhaps the more appropriate question to ask is, “Why not?”

Faculty Senate has asked Dr. Jin Wang, Dean of Academic Services, and Michelle Pelaez, University Registrar, to examine all class schedules at the university and propose a date for a fall break.

However, finding a date that does not significantly inconvenience too many classes is proving to be a challenge.

Dr. Wang stated, “There are many things we have to deal with if we’re going to inject a fall break into the semester. We have to find a potential day that will work for everyone.”

Michelle Pelaez revealed through old university archives that this task may have been less daunting years ago. When UT was just starting out in the thirties,

university’s calendar was relatively uneventful, and had only three breaks: On Veterans Day, and the usual Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.

Today, there is much more to consider. Many classes meet only once a week, so missing one day of class could mean missing a week’s worth of work.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e U T ’s semesters are only fifteen weeks long (as opposed to many other universities with sixteen week semesters), so there are fewer days for faculty to work breaks into.

Also, UT’s Board of Trustees must ultimately approve of the school calendar and the changes that are made.

Due to such obstacles involved in establishing a day off, Dr. Wang could give no definitive answers as to if or when the break would be added. He could only say that the addition of a break would “depend on if the recommendation [of the particular day] was adopted” by the Faculty Senate. He said, “We’re working on the issue. We’re trying

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to see if there is a day that we can use … but we don’t know when it is going to happen.”

Though details of the break are still hazy, UT students are enthusiastic about the prospect of having some time off before Thanksgiving Break. UT freshman Brittany Mrva said, “It would be really nice to have the extra time off!”

A similar attitude resounds loudly within most UT students who could use another break from school, especially before Thanksgiving Break, a typically busy time of the school year.

If Jin Wang and Michelle Pelaez’s proposal to the Faculty Senate is accepted, UT students can expect to have time off for a fall break in the future.

GO ONLINE Do you want a fall break next year?

Leave a comment on our website at www. theminaretonline.com

Electricity Loop Being Buried for Better Connection

By Charlie Hambos Asst. News Editor

Pre-construction for the chapel has finally begun and that means holes in the ground and brief power outages. Connections throughout campus will be made in an effort to create an electric loop which will also bring electricity to the chapel.

Following the master plan, all over head power lines will be placed underground.

According to Bill Neyland, the Senior Project Manager, the overhead power lines on North B Street and Spartan Lane will be buried.

Neyland also said that the loop system will allow all buildings to be connected. This “power loop” will prevent power loss from a line being cut. If an accident happens, the power will be back fed and power will remain.

In the Vaughn courtyard, the construction crew is laying conduit down in preparation of the electric loop coming in November. During that time, they will lay the line and shut the power off to connect.

To p r e v e n t t h e l a s t miscommunication, Neyland assures that a notice will be sent out to let the students know when the power is shutdown and the loop connection is made in November.

Lines are also being laid on the west side of Walker Hall.

The Minaret is looking for Bloggers!

Email us at ut.minaret@ gmail.com and let us know if you’re interested!

Construction in Vaughn courtyard

Photos by Charlie Hambos

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The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Obama: Bringing Change, and Leaving One in History

By Elizabeth Harrington Reporter

The last two weeks have been completely focused on the two national conventions and vice president choices of both Barack Obama and John McCain.

Though there are endless topics to discuss “this week in politics” focusing on some of the larger stories that affected each party is most appropriate, especially for the sake of paper conservation.

“Our greatest presidents— from Abraham Lincoln to Franklin Roosevelt to John Kennedy— they all challenged us to embrace change. Now, it’s our responsibility to meet that challenge,” Democratic Vice President Candidate Joe Biden said as he proudly advocated for the election of Illinois Senator Barack

Obama. been forgotten yet.

Instead of having a startling Other keynote speakers choice for Vice included President, most Michelle people found Obama, former themselves President Bill asking the Clinton and his question, wife Senator “ W h o ? ” H i l l a r y Senator Joe Clinton.

Biden from M r s . the small state Clinton, of Delaware though a bit was said by harsh in her most to be a critique of John McCain, smart choice persuaded for Obama her former who needed followers to to tune out the join Obama’s criticism of his Photo courtesy of barackobama.com campaign and dream of “change.” experience and time in office.

Her husband however, was Although the Obama/Biden team has already been on the road not as cordial in his remarks about for a week, their significant mark the Republican team. He claimed made during the convention hasn’t McCain was only more of the same

policies and that a vote for him was in a sense a vote for Bush.

However strong remarks were that week, Senator Obama grabbed his crowd and lifted them up with motivating words of promise for the future of the U.S. The words have been spoken, and the changes promised. Have the democrats finally united during a time when the Republicans are broken up? Nov. 4 will reveal the final choice Americans make, however there are many more questions and debates to be addressed. This election has truly been embodying the freedom of choice, but we will have to wait to see if it will bring some change.

Quote from Obama “America, we cannot turn back.

Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to

care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend.

America, we cannot turn back.

We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise - that American promise - and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that

Join Us! The Minaret is looking for more staff members!

Come into Vaughn 211 and we’ll get you started! No Experience is required.

Tougher in Alaska: Sarah Palin Stands Her Ground Despite Harsh Criticism

By Elizabeth Harrington Reporter

Republican Vice President Candidate Sarah Palin has been the center of media attention since the 2008 Republican National Convention this past week.

Her nomination came as a complete shock to many reporters and Republican Party supporters

alike. McCain’s out-of-the-blue decision could be for a number of various reasons.

Gossip circling around the nation criticizes his desperation for media attention, fraught attempt to gain a stronger vote from women and shaking up the election in a final attempt to be heard.

Governor Palin might not have the “years of wisdom” as

her running mate and competitors do, but her boldness to stand up against large oil companies as well as her capabilities of balancing a family going through somewhat “difficult times” says a lot about her character.

She has been criticized by the media for victimizing her pregnant teenage daughter by throwing her in the Nation’s spotlight and being connected to a shady situation involving a laid-off Alaskan official connected to scandal involving family members of the VP elect.

As if the Alaskan Governor didn’t have enough to deal with, she is also focusing on developing plans and promises with Senator McCain while on the campaign trail far from home.

However, Governor Palin defended her experience and other controversy entertained by the public when she had the opportunity to speak at the convention. “Whats the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?” she asked her audience, “lipstick.”

The governor spoke about her community leadership, Photo courtesy of johnmccain.com growth through office, small town upbringing, history of foreign route. With fewer than two months government, join its ranks and work policy experience and her constant until election day, the Republican to correct them. Enlist in our Armed humble and ethical practices. party has certainly shaken things up Forces. Become a teacher. Enter This Alaskan Mom, Governor, and has made the ministry. Run for public office. and now VP the outcome Feed a hungry child. Teach an select is not easily of this election illiterate adult to read. Comfort the GO ONLINE pushed around s t i l l m u c h afflicted. Defend the rights of the Let us know what you and has certainly harder to see. think! Leave a comment oppressed. Our country will be the set her foot down Q u o t e better, and you will be the happier. at www.theminaretonline. on rumors and from McCain Because nothing brings greater com accusations but “ I f y o u happiness in life than to serve a more importantly find faults with cause greater than yourself.” she made a our country, footprint in American history. make it a better one. If you’re -Senator John McCain, 2008 Senator McCain and his staff disappointed with the mistakes of Republican National Convention. have started on the final campaign

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

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The Minaret | September 12, 2008

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Long-Distance Relationship and Being Homesick: How to Cope

By Kadie Hayward Journalism II

Homesickness is just part of the college experience, according to a study done at the University of Pennsylvania. The study suggests that nearly 90 percent of all incoming freshmen experience homesickness, with just fewer than 50 percent of upperclassmen experiencing it after summers at home.

At the University of Tampa, where students are coming not only from all over the country but all over the world, that number may be even higher.

In just the short time we have been back on campus, four students

have withdrawn from student housing to return to home, or to attend a school closer to home.

A much higher number of students never made it to campus.

Several Resident Assistants recognize this as a relevant issue as well, a number of them dealing with it first hand.

Over a dozen RA’s have reported resident’s needing help dealing with homesickness. With the number of reported issues, as well as the number of students dealing with homesickness we don’t know about, it is no surprise that homesickness is one the biggest issues facing UT students in the first months of school.

Long-Distance Relationship Advice •

• • • • • •

• • •

Know what your relationship is really all about. It may be a tough conversation to have but know your boundaries, what you both expect to get out of the relationship in the long run, and what you expect from each other.

Fight the urge to be controlling.

Trust each other. If you don’t, it will never work, no matter what the distance is.

Understand that you will have to work much harder to make it work.

Communicate in some way everyday. Set up a time to call.

E-mail daily. Send letters. Whatever it takes. Set up a system, and stick to it.

Do things together, apart. Go see a movie you are both interested in separately and then call each other afterward to talk about it.

Stay positive. Even if you are having a bad day, try your best to sound happy and upbeat when you talk. The other person doesn’t get to see you, and doesn’t want to spend the next 24 hours (or however long it may be until the next time you talk) thinking about you in a bad mood.

Send surprises. Care packages, cards, gifts. Anything to put a smile on there face!

Plan visits, and try to avoid one person always visiting the other. Keep the traveling as even as possible.

Just like any other relationship, you have to know when it is time to say good-bye. When you find yourselves fighting more often than not, or you’re avoiding talking as much as you use to, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship.

P.E.A.C.E. Rewarded for Service

By Stephanie Roman Reporter

The Rusty Pelican on August 8 was a memorable and eventful day for P.E.A.C.E. The volunteer organization has done extraordinary and effortful work for their community. One of the main organizations they have been working with to help the community is Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful (KHCB). The hard labor and long hours P.E.A.C.E has put in to assist KHCB has granted them a

well earned group award.

A dining hall with elegant décor filled with members of nonprofit organizations, several representatives of state senators, and directors of KHCB all dressed in formal business attire, set the tone for the luncheon. Two P.E.A.C.E members, Carrie Collins (Head Coordinator) and Megan Radison (Advisor,) were amongst the individuals who attended the event. They were given the opportunity to accept the award from KHCB on behalf of the P.E.A.C.E organization. This is the first time an outside organization has recognized P.E.A.C.E for their environmental efforts.

Head Coordinator of P.E.A.C.E, Molly Murphy was especially proud and impressed by her fellow members. “It’s their interest that helps us fulfill so many duties,” Molly says.

If anyone is interested in becoming a member, the P.E.A.C.E office is on the 2nd floor of Vaughn. It’s open from 10am-7pm, Monday through Thursday and 10am5pm on Fridays.

Anyone may sign up; feel free to take a stand and help out!

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News

The study also suggests that most first-year students come into school with a mindset of it being a fun, exciting, and new experience.

Few actually anticipate the stress and disconnect they may feel when they actually arrive.

Not being prepared to deal with that type of stress usually causes students to experience a strong desire to return home, to what they feel is normal. Luckily, homesickness goes away sooner or later- usually much sooner than later.

One freshman explains, “I knew I would miss my family but I didn’t know this much. I just couldn’t handle it. I kept breaking down in my room, my poor roommate. Finally he said enough was enough and we went to find out what to do about.”

Counseling sessions in the University’s Health and Counseling Center and keeping busy was what worked for this student; something that a number of students find keeps them from missing home.

“I’m involved in a lot of organizations and hang out with my friends all the time,” explains sophomore Alicia Brown “I don’t think about missing home because of it.”

One of the most common causes of homesick is having that special someone far away. If you are in a long-distance relationship, rest assured you are not alone.

Somewhere between 25-40% of all college relationships are longdistance. Forget about the idea that long-distance relationships never work.

In fact, the Consensus shows that there are between 2.5 and 3 million long-distance marriages.

Yes, you’re relationship is going to take a bit more work, but here are some tips to keep things going.

From “Paper”: Front paper usage, excessive printing does not go unnoticed.

“We do monitor it, we keep track,” said Jamison of keeping up with student’s printing habits.

“We notify students who print an exorbanant amount.”

She gave an estimate and said that most students, roughly 80%, actually print below about 600 pages per semester. The few students who print significantly above that amount are sent e-mails with questions about why they are printing so much.

Jamison says the e-mails ask questions, like what the student’s major is, so that the Information Technology department can see where the majority of paper goes.

Jamison encourages all students to become more conscious of their paper usage in the computer labs. She suggests that students use the double-sided paper option in the Open Labs for drafts and other work that hasn’t been finalized. Open Labs with the double-sided printing option include the Jaeb Computer Center, the Vaughn Computer Lab, and the Lab in Sykes College of Business, room 134. Jamison also reminds students to log off their username after their sessions

Top 8 Ways to Fight Homesickness: 1. Ask your friends and family to send you care packages of things you love from home.

2. Schedule a trip back home, but don’t go back home every weekend. Going back home frequently will stop you from embracing all that school has to offer but schedule one special weekend will allow you something to plan for and look forward to.

3. Talk about how you feel! Remember, almost 90% of your peers are feeling the same way!

4. Explore Tampa and the campus.

Find a few friends to explore with, especially if you are heading out to Ybor.

5. Create “usuals.” Meet with the same group of friends one a week, on the same day, and order Chinese food. Or find a local deli or pizza place that you like and always order the same thing.

6. Write in a journal, or on the computer. It gives you an opportunity to go back and see how you have progressed through this phase in your life.

7. Volunteer! It is a sure-fire way to stop thinking about you, and start focusing on others. It will help you to reevaluate how things are going for you, and maybe make you appreciate what you have even more.

8. Set up a system of communication with the people you miss. Whether it is a phone call around the same time every night, or a daily e-mail, using a system replicates the feeling of stability those people did for you back home. so no one can go on and print under another’s name.

Students can keep track of how much they print when they are logged on to any campus computer.

When logged on, go to the bottom taskbar and hold the mouse over it. If you hold the mouse over the right icon, your name and the number of pages you have printed this semester will pop up.

Another way for students to conserve paper is to take any unused paper to any of the Secure On-Site Shredding bins. These collection bins are at 17 locations across campus and in most of the labs. The bins are picked up every other week and the materials are shredded before they are shipped out for recycling.

How to Conserve Paper: • DO NOT use the lab printers for copying organizational/ departmental flyers, announcements, newsletters, etc.

Considering alternative methods of communication (i.e. e-mail, etc.) if flyers are required use a copy machine to make copies.

• DO NOT use the lab printers for personal business • needs. This is prohibited by the Acceptable Use Policy.

• Always use the “Print Preview” option before printing to verify that you are printing the material you need and it is formatted correctly.

• Print only Web pages that you need, not an entire Web site.

• DO NOT reprint your work after every change. Instead, print only a draft and a final copy upon completion.

• When printing PowerPoint presentations, print more than one slide per page unless otherwise advised by your instructor.

• Be certain to log off your lab workstation when finished to prevent someone else from using your login.

• Print single-sided ONLY when absolutely necessary.

News

8 more deeply into the skin, can damage the skin’s DNA, leading to genetic mutations that can cause size fits all’ does not apply when skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation it comes to indoor tanning,” can also weaken the skin’s immune Hillhouse said in an interview on system, making it less able to fight the Web site Science Daily. “By off disease, Dr. Spencer said in a labeling tanners by behavioral New York Times interview. type and adjusting our interactions All types of skin cancer are on based on those types, we will have the rise in women. The National a more accurate picture of our Cancer Institute shows that from patients and be more effective in 1980 to 2004 melanoma rates our health care messages.” rose 50% for young women.

Drug Addiction Melanoma is curable when caught A 2006 Wake Forest University early. It is life-threatening when it summarizes tanorexia in one word, has spread. “high.” The study compares the According to the American euphoric effects of the ultraviolet Cancer Society, skin cancer is the radiation to that of drugs. The UV most common form of cancer. rays, whether natural or tanning Many students tan excessively bed produced, help the body to because they feel it betters their create extra endorphins cause the appearance. This may relate to body to feel exhilarated. why a new study conducted by The similarities to drug Science Daily found that students addiction do not rest on the who are addicted to tanning are high alone. Fox Chase Cancer more likely to appear thinner.

Center (FCCC) found in another Lotions and 2006 study that Sunscreens tanorexics can The words GO ONLINE suffer from Do you know a sunblock, physical and tanorexic student? sunscreen, Leave a comment on mental withdraw and tanning our website at www. when kept from lotion are often theminaretonline.com the UV’s for too confusing, but long. Physical each one is discomfort, stress, and a lack of different. Sunblock blocks out focus forces tanners back into the sunrays completely. Sunscreen comfort of the rays. usually has an SPF number on Like addictions to other the bottle indicating how long the substances, victims of this addiction lotion will last for. (SPF stands for also cling to other unhealthy Sun Protection Factor) Tanning habits such as smoking, excessive lotion may have an SPF, but most exercise, and dieting. The study lotions are moisturizers to help the also suggests that vulnerability to skin after tanning. Sunless tanning tanorexia can be hereditary. lotion stimulates the top layer of Effects of Tanning skin to produce a temporary tan.

A Wake Forest University Tanning lotions, sunscreens, study reveals that tanorexics are and creams should be thrown out damaging their cell’s DNA, which after a year. Some have dates on could eventually lead to cancer. them for you to double check .If When the skin gets darker from there is no date make a note on the tanning, it is actually a result bottle of when you purchased it. of skin cell damage. The skin Sunscreen should be applied actually turns darker to protect before leaving the house or dorm. itself.

When you see white oil slick off D r. J a m e s S p e n c e r, a your body, you will realize you put dermatologist in St. Petersburg, the lotion on to early and it will Fla., who has studied the risks of not work. The lotion takes about tanning devices, said that short- 15 minutes to seep into your skin, length UVB rays, which affect so if you are fair and put lotion the skin’s outer layers, and longer- on as soon as you go outside you length UVA rays, which penetrate will most likely burn before the

From “Tan”: Front

How to Find Melanoma: • Do a self-skin exam every 3-6 weeks, at a minimum.

• Have a partner help you with hard to see areas such as the scalp and back.

• If you have a family history of melanoma, have many moles, or have a history of any type of skin cancer, then see you your dermatologist regularly for a complete skin exam.

lotion starts to work. It is also recommended to reapply every two hours and possibly more after swimming or excessive sweating.

Only applying sunscreen on hot days is a misconception. The sun is also strong on cloudy days increasing the risk of skin cancer.

“80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can filter through the clouds,” (Sunscreen Resource Center).

UT Students Weigh in The Minaret interviewed some UT students about their addictions to tanning: Juliana Moore, a junior, said she tans once a week and doesn’t consider herself tanorexic.

“I feel better when I look tan. I try to stay tan but it doesn’t always work,” she said.

She said she uses sunscreen sometimes because her friend had a mole removed and it was malignant.

Juliana also said when she goes tanning before big events, she goes three times a week.

Senior Melissa Harsford visited the pool the first time this semester at UT, due to her busy schedule as a Nursing Major.

Outside of the college environment Harsford tans up to five times a week at her home in New Jersey. She reported each tanning session lasting a few hours. Harsford said she only likes to tan at her house and the beach because of the environment.

“The (UT) pool is too crowded,” Harsford said.

When asked if she had ever used a tanning bed Harsford stated “They’re stupid. I don’t see a point, rather be at the beach.” When going to the beach Harsford and her friends do not just tan out but swim too. She does not smoke or report any personal compulsive habits but says her mom “lays out like it’s her job” As a 2008 graduating Nursing major, Harsford still does apply any sunscreen when she tans. “I know I shouldn’t, people smoke but do, but I do it anyways.”

Lauren Hillsgrove. senior 21 years-old. She usually tans three days a week for about an hour or hour an a half. Only some of the time does she actually go to a salon to tan. “It makes me pissed off when I can’t tan.” (referring to when she isn’t able to tan for some reason), she said.

Hillsgrove says she does wear sunscreen, and she usually thinks about tanning when she sees her tan fading.

She also said she wants to be tan because she thinks everybody looks better when they’re tan.

If you need help, contact the UT Health center Location: 111 North Brevard Av e . ( b e h i n d A u s t i n H a l l ) Telephone: (813) 253-6250 E-mail: Healthcenter@ut.edu Fax: (813) 258-7413 H o u r s : M o n d a y - T h u r s d a y, 8 a.m-noon and 1 p.m.5:30 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

After Hours: Contact Campus Safety and Security at (813) 2515133.

Counseling center website http://ut.edu/detail. aspx?id=2828

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Addicted Celebrities: • Victoria Beckham — Outwitted by Mistake Former Spice girl has awful memories from her personal self-tanning history.

During one of her weekly self-tanning sessions at her home in Hertfordshire, England, a clumsy beautician forgot to clean the spray gun’s tubes properly.

So, all she got from her self tanning spray was toxic fumes, instead of glowing bronze. Wearing just... underwear, the wife of soccer superstar David Beckham was sprayed with chemicals and no color. Victoria lost her conscience and fell to the ground. It was a disagreeable and dangerous moment, since those chemicals were spread on her skin, while the room was filled with a nasty smell.

• Pamela Anderson: an “X-files” recollection Pamela Anderson had a different and funny experience, quoted by Famous People Magazine. Being on a tanning bed at her local salon, she revealed a neardeath experience that “changed her life forever”, she said. “I remember seeing a bright white light and heard voices,” she reports. According to her statements, she felt like she still had important work to do on earth....”

Soon, I opened my eyes and realized I wasn’t dead.

I had just fallen asleep on a tanning bed at my local salon.”, Pamela Anderson confessed to the popular magazine.

• George Hamilton, Hollywood sun tan legend gave it up No one has ever saw him untanned.

George Hamilton was the Hollywood suntan legend. He finally gave up his addiction to tan, limiting his sun exposure. “It’s so bad for skin!”, Hamilton confessed. Instead, he is using an auto bronzer, to maintain his bronzed look.

• Josie Bissett — learning from others’ pain Josie Bisset (Jane from the “Melrose Place” series) admits that she has always been careful about her skin while self tanning. She recalls her childhood and teenage spent in Seattle where sun was scarce and she was obsessed with getting tanned. But since her brother-inlaw developed melanoma, she got extremely vigilant.

Being so close to this was scary, confessed Bissett.

I think with age you get wiser and understand the importance of taking care of your skin. Fortunately, her brother-in-law recovered, but Josie is still cautious.

Here is what some UT students had to say about Tanorexia: “ They look orange and fake.” -Lauren Mertha “Girls that tan to much look like they’re trying to hard and its pathetic.” - Meghan Shnahan “They’re trying to look good but it makes them look really really bad.” -Rebecca Zimmer “ They look unhealthy and

are inviting cancer” - Michael Michdelrosario “ It depends, Spanish and Italian tan is sexy, orange and leather gives off more of a whore vibe.” - Matt Hockenjos “ Tanning is like smoking cigarettes, people do it even though they know its bad for them.” -Kyle Pametto “It’s kind of over done, but it doesn’t really bother me.”

-Adania Darnelle

9

Advertisement

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

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Features

Student Makes Do in Peru

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Laura Olds spent $1,200 and devoted her summer to volunteering and searching for “authentic” Peruvian experience an unexpected benefit from their ent than they are,” she explained. Olds. “[The kids] were a little rough presence.

“Yes, we have more money as a “[The other] volunteers whole, but when it comes right around the edges, but it was really [were] from all over the world, so down to it, we are all humans; we fun cracking through them, and getting to know them,” she said. “I not only did I get to learn about all have the same feelings.”

Peruvian culture, but I also got to Of course, not all Peruvians really enjoyed working with them because they just wanted to have interact with people from all over felt the same about Americans. the world, and I was able to learn “There were instances where fun, kick a soccer ball and hang about their culture, as well.”

I did feel unsafe,” Olds said. “The out.”

The children’s appreciation Though Olds wanted to live as primary issue that I had in the part a traditional Peruvian, she found of Lima [where I lived] was rob- for such simple activities spoke volumes for how much Westernthat it was difficult to blend in. bery.”

“I definitely had a lot of peoOlds says theft is “definitely a ers take everyday luxuries for ple stare at [me], but I was sur- big issue” because of the impov- granted. “[It was] really shocking,” prised by how respectful Peruvians erished state of many Peruvians, were,” she recalled. “I expected to but she doesn’t necessarily blame Olds said. Even toilet paper was a rarity. “[I had] to carry be treated far more diftoilet paper around with ferently because I am “We are all humans; we all me everywhere!” she exforeign. Overall people claimed. were very accepting of have the same feelings.’”

Olds explained that me.”

-Laura Olds it’s not possible to flush During her time in toilet paper in Peru, so Peru, Olds found this most places just don’t attitude in action when have it. she had the opportunity to teach at them for their actions.

Olds with some of the children she taught.

Photo courtesy of Laura Olds “I was also shocked by how a school.

“I felt that it wasn’t right for “I volunteered at a school me to judge them … they’re rob- I had trouble breathing the air gone on vacation before to JamaiBy Erika Escobar ca and other countries abroad, and which was an hour and a half from bing [each other] because they’re because it was so polluted,” Olds Features Writer continued. “You could literally see it’s a completely different experi- my house … in a very poor area,” starving,” she said.

Olds also dealt with some of the smog. There are no enforced Picture this: you’ve saved ence when you are working with she said. Olds taught fourth grade up about $1,200 for the summer, the people...It was a very fulfilling English in three classes, enjoying the other direct effects of poverty regulations...people think nothing the kids’ enthusiasm for her pres- with the time she spent working in of tossing trash out their car winbut instead of going to the beach, experience.” dow.” hanging out with friends or catchThough her devotion and res- ence and what she was able to two separate orphanages.

Olds said seeing this behavior “[In one of the orphanages] I ing some sleep, you’re going to olution contributed to Olds’ expe- teach them.

“It was really fun interacting helped kids with homework. Those made her appreciate that America volunteer in an underdeveloped dition to Peru, she still had to find with the kids … they were so re- kids were taken off the street,” she is a relatively clean country enviforeign country where you have to a way to get down there. ronmentally, even though there is carry your own toilet paper.

“I worked all semester long ceptive to me. The first day I went said.

Olds explained that in Peru, still a lot of room for improvement This is exactly what Universi- and all through last summer,” she in there and introduced myself, ty of Tampa junior Laura Olds did said. “Through working and … the they all sang me a welcome song parents were allowed to have their here, too.

Would she do it again? when she chose to live as a tradi- support of my family, I was able in Spanish, and they clapped,” she kids selling items on the street, but “I absolutely would. I am tional Peruvian for seven weeks. to raise [the] money to go to Peru. said. “Every time after I was done only under certain rules.

If the parents weren’t around looking forward to when I can Olds saved enough money to The whole trip cost about $1,200,” teaching a class, they would stand up and clap for me. I almost felt where the child was selling, the raise enough money again to be spend her summer in Peru, where she continued. she volunteered in an orphanOlds said she wanted to be ex- guilty because I didn’t feel worthy police often picked them up, able to go back,” she said. “I cerage helping “street kids,” and at a posed to real life in Peru and did of that kind of praise,” she contin- which may have been a blessing tainly have a greater appreciation for America and for what I have, ued. for many. school where she taught English to not want to be for my safety, for just having the Olds said “Some were being [forced fourth graders. treated differGO ONLINE that the Peru- into] prostitution by their parents, things I need to feel comfortable Her drive to go to the extreme ently because Have you had an vian students others were selling drugs on the in life and for my education,” she came from previous experiences she was an amazing experience recently? Tell us about it said. were eager street,” she said. abroad.

American.

Students who want to get to learn, with “What made me first realOlds also worked with “street “When I on our Web site: some literally kids,” and realized that all they involved volunteering locally ize that I had a love for studying was in Peru, I www.theminaretonline.com or globally can start with the asking for ad- wanted was to have a childhood. abroad was when I volunteered got to go to a ditional home“They were boys anywhere P.E.A.C.E. office. through the P.E.A.C.E. Office with wedding ... as Circle K international is antheir alternative break program,” well as a Quinceañera. I really en- work because they “[loved] the from the age of five to 16 [who] were taken off the streets specifi- other volunteer organization, it’s she explained, recalling that the joyed the experience of living life challenge of it.”

She said that the Peruvians put cally for selling drugs,” she ex- also where Olds serves as Vice volunteers on that trip worked in like a Peruvian would live ... and the Dominican Republic and Ja- doing things the way they would,” Americans and other people from plained, saying that it was usually President of Service.

“It’s a good way to get indeveloped countries on a pedestal the boys’ parents who were forcing maica. she said. volved and to start to volunteer,” “It’s a wonderful way to learn Olds said there were any- and treated them a bit differently. them to do it.

Olds felt the extra attention about other cultures by being im- where from three to ten volunThe children primarily sold she said.

Erika Escobar can be reached mersed there and working directly teers at a time staying at the house was unnecessary. cocaine, which “is very big in Peru “I just felt that we are no differ- and South America” according to at eescobar@ut.edu. with the people,” she said. “I’ve where she lived and discovered

People We Love

Victor O’Brien

Steve Knauss

Why: Our former Editors-In-Chief are responsible in a big way for getting The Minaret to where it is today. Both have graduated and moved on to bigger things, but they’ll always hold a special place in our heart. Without their leadership and dedication, The Minaret wouldn’t be The Minaret.

Features

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

You Oughtta Know!

10 people and groups every Spartan worth their meal plan should know about and recognize

A Minaret staff report

Who:

Who:

Who: Andrew Learned He and the SG Executive Board. Learned, the President of the organization, was elected by UT students, as were the rest of the board members.

Why: This group of students is the body who exercises policy change on campus. If you’re thinking about founding a new organization, you’ll need to register with them and secure funding through them, as well. If you have a concern, you can voice it at the general assembly meeting or by speaking to one of the representatives.

Where / When: At their weekly general assembly meetings in the Reeves Theater on Vaughn’s second floor, or by appointment in their office across the hall.

Why: In case you haven’t guessed, The Minaret is the student newspaper on campus, recently named the state’s top college newspaper of the year for 2007.

The Minaret is a place students can go to have their voices heard via any of our sections, like News, Features, Sports, Arts & Entertainment or Commentary.

It’s also the easiest organization to get involved in; all you have to do to participate is pick up one of our papers and read it!

Where / When: Every Friday on newsstands across campus.

We’re also in Vaughn 211 – you know, that place that you always think is ResLife until you realize that ResLife is in fact next door.

Also available by appointment through any of our section editors.

Who: Who: Michelle Peleaz Mike Gilmer Why: Peleaz has just begun her second year as the University of Tampa’s Registrar.

She’s responsible for orchestrating all the class schedules in order for each student to be successful.

In addition, the office also takes care of class overloads, drop/ add and any other class scheduling information. Make sure you have your paper work in order before dropping in!

Where/When: The first floor of Plant Hall in PH 113 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Why: Gilmer is one of those folks on campus who it’s better to know of than to know personally; if a student is in his office it’s usually because they’ve done something worthy of the attention of the Office of Student Conduct (that’s a bad thing, kids).

H e ’ s responsible for administering pre-hearings for judicial cases as well as serving as adviser for the Conduct Board.

Check out his feature in our Aug. 22 issue.

Where / When: Vaughn 210 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment.

Who:Campus Security and its officers, including Director Charles Mascenik and Assistant Director Kevin Howell.

Why: They’re the people who keep students safe from threats both on and off campus.

These officers work tirelessly, posting late hours in residence halls to make sure guests are all accounted for, patrolling campus and responding to incidents quickly.

Of course, they also hand out the “occasional” ticket.

Where / When: All over campus at all hours of the day – look for the golf carts that say Security, astonishingly. Also available in their office sandwiched between the Thomas Parking Garage and ResCom.

Who: Bob Ruday Why: Ruday’s who you need to talk to if you have an academic disability, as his approval is needed for professors to provide special circumstances.

Ruday also serves as an advocate for students, providing a link between them and the office of the President.

Oh, and he’s also the last line of appeal in UT’s Conduct process, so it couldn’t hurt to say “Hi” if you ever see him in the Caf -- look for his distinctive suit-and-sneakers combination.

Where / When: In his Plant Hall office on weekdays, by appointment.

11

... and its employees, including general manager Amy Truong and marketing director Wade Burghardt.

Why: These people make your food every day.

While they may just seem like ordinary food service employees, many are rather interesting characters with rich backgrounds and numerous stories to tell, if you take the time to listen.

They’re also responsible for keeping the dining facilities in clean shape so you can sit down and enjoy your meal without worrying about a mess -- just make sure you do your best to clean up your own!

And watch out for Chicken Parm night in the Caf -- make sure to plan ahead.

Where / When: Dining facilities all over campus, some open as early as 7 a.m. and closing at 1 a.m. just about every day of the week.

Who: Bursar’s Office Staff Why: The Bursar’s Office is the location where all students go to pay any outstanding bills such as traffic citations, academic fines or any other payment.

Since the economy has been troubled lately, dealing the payment of college tuition can be more of a hassle than usual. Donna Eubanks, one of the Accounts Receivable Service Representatives, is one of the more colorful characters in the office, has the solution -- a piece of paper with a black circle reading, “Bang Head Here to Relieve Stress.”

Just watch out for those four flights of stairs -- there’s a reason they have a fan blowing in that hallway constantly.

Where / When: PH 428 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Who: Gina Firth Who: Dr. Ronald Vaughn

Why: Associate Dean of Students Gina Firth is in charge of the Student of Concern program, which allows students to bring attention to fellow Spartans in crisis or who may need a little extra help during a tough spot.

She’s also in charge of Conduct Board appeals.

Where / When: In Vaughn 209 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment.

Why: Vaughn is the president of the university, answering only to the Board of Directors, investors and donors.

Where / When: H i s office in Plant Hall, by appointment, once you graduate and have millions of dollars to donate to the University.

Look for him on random spots around campus, as well as at various PR opportunities, or basically anywhere The Minaret staff isn’t.

How Can YoU GeT Involved?

This week, Student Productions President Matt Pugatch discusses how students can join up and rock out on campus

By Josh Kratovil Features Editor

Student Productions is one of the most active groups on campus, working to put on special events for students, ranging from concerts to certain Homecoming Week activities to magic shows and performances.

SP President Matt Pugatch sat down to talk about his own involvement in the program.

“I joined as a freshman on the committees,” Pugatch said. “That’s the easiest way to get involved with SP.” Pugatch said the committees meet once a week, with the meetings lasting between 30 minutes and an hour.

“My freshman year I did

stage shows,” he recalled. “But newcomers can do whatever they want.”

Pugatch explained that there are committees for advertising, choosing acts, brainstorming events and even marketing.

He also noted that there are plenty of opportunities for students to gain more responsibility and higher positions, such as film chair, music chair, marketing chair and recreation chair, to name a few.

“My sophomore year I got the stage shows [chair] position,” he said.

Just because students serve on the committees for a number of years doesn’t mean they have to move up to chair positions either, Pugatch says.

“There are kids who stay on

the committees all the way from freshman to senior year, which is cool,” he said. “On the committees you can do as much as you want or as little as you want … if you’re just coming for the experience, you can do that, or if you want to be more hands-on … you can do that, [too].”

When the committees work together and are dedicated, the results are nothing short of amazing. Last semester SP enjoyed tremendous success with the Yellowcard concert and the “Party in the Park,” an event which Pugatch expects to continue this semester.

“I thought it went really well … everyone I talked to, even if they weren’t a Yellowcard fan, they were pretty pumped,” Pugatch said, adding that Yellowcard put on an

Yellowcard was the major concert event on campus last semester.

Photo by Mindy Tucker

“awesome” show for the estimated 2,500 students in the park.

Student Productions is open to any student interested; whether they choose to get involved through

meetings or by attending events.

“We’re not exclusive,” Pugatch said. “We want student input.”

Josh Kratovil can be reached at jkratovil@ut.edu.

12

Arts & Entertainment

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Goodbye Golden Age, Hello Jon Black Singer/songwriter inspires a generation with new album

little different. By developing his rock’n’roll sound into a more acoustic/folk tone, the album “Goodbye Golden Age. I wish Goodbye Golden Age is sure to we had more time. Goodbye Golden impress fans.

After listening to this album, Age. I won’t be far behind.” ~ Jon you’ll soon realize he’s not the Black You know that feeling you get typical cliché artist who sings of when you hear a song on the radio love and deep emotions.

He sings from his experience for the first time and can’t get it out of your head for the rest of the as an artist, traveling the country for inspiration. day?

Take a song like “Declaration”: How you try to remember the lyrics, wishing the notes in your the words depict his outcry for a mind would play out loud for you new beginning and a life apart from the everyday once more? monotony of Although life. you may never T h i s hear his music song makes on the radio or the biggest watch his songs statement on climb the charts, the album. the passion T h e for music that lyrics, “We’re drives Jon Black living in a land is satisfaction where we go enough. through these Music is Photo by Mike Trobiano motions just his life, and I’m sure those who know his work can like fools, just like slaves…” send honestly attest that Jon Black is a message to all of us to take a look at our lives and put things into truly an artist.

With the upcoming release of perspective.

Are we living each day out his new album later this month, Black elevates his music to another of the box or following the crowd instead? level.

He takes a similar approach to Finding influence from his southern Alabama roots, he is the song the album is named after, greatly influenced by good ole’ “Goodbye Golden Age.” The song is reminiscent of Americana music.

This album, however, is a the good memories of his life and

By Mike Trobiano Staff Writer

Director of the Michael Bay

By Alan Mehanna Staff Writer

Director Michael Bay, born Feb. 17, 1965, began his directing career in the music video business.

He created videos for artists such as Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, and Donny Osmond. After getting noticed by MTV, he began directing advertisements and got noticed in Cannes, where he won the Gold Lion for his Best Beer campaign for Miller Lite.

It was soon afterwards that Hollywood shed the spotlight on a director who would destroy the Earth, recreate a historical event and bring the ultimate robot to life.

One of Bay’s most memorable films, and a film that should be appreciated way more than it is, is none other than “Armageddon.”

Seeing as “Armageddon” is one of my favorite films, I needed to find another fan to truly dissect Bay’s film. The search was not that difficult, seeing as I found one on campus, none other than Dr. Andrew McAlister.

When I first approached Dr. McAlister about Michael Bay, Dr. McAlister smiled and almost immediately brought up “Armageddon.” “‘Armageddon’ is absolutely one the most important American movies of the last 15 years,” he said with a smile on his face.

One could see the passion in eyes when he spoke of the film. I decided to delve deeper into why McAlister believed that “Armageddon” was this great. In response he decided to show me rather than tell me.

The film has typical Bay techniques. If you watch any Bay film you will always see one or all

three of the following: 1) A sunset shot with one to three military air transport vehicles 2) A rising hero shot in slow motion 3) A 360o shot around main character(s).

Two of those techniques are found in “Armageddon.” “‘Armageddon’ is a symphony of excess that never lags or hits a false note,” said Dr. McAlister, “The entire picture is exhausting to look at. Michael Bay has never met a shot he couldn’t make go to 11[shots]”.

It is true. Bay’s film is filled with fast paced editing and overthe-top visuals that make “Deep Impact,” a film that was later released with a very similar plotline, seem very juvenile.

In many ways, Bay’s access to the military has always aided him in his films. It is because of that great connection that his films like “Pearl Harbor,” “Transformers,” “The Island” and “Armageddon” are so successful and effective.

“Even by action movie standards, Michael Bay’s access to military equipment was extraordinary. He has SR-71 spy planes and stealth bombers, and even stages a scene on the launch pad where Apollo I burned, killing three astronauts,” Dr. McAlister explained when those scenes appeared on screen.

With a few last words I started walking out of Dr. McAlister’s office, when he stopped me.

“One last thing,” he said, “The film is both completely familiar, and formally very contemporary.

In fact, it’s hypertextual. When you’re looking at Harry Stamper and his crew, you’re looking at Doc Savage and his team, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, and Christ and the Apostle.”

And with those final words it dawned on me that “Armageddon” is exactly that, a film that is underappreciated for its brilliance.

For me, Bay always seems to get the wrong end of the stick.

Audiences often jeer at his films and say that they are hollow, but it may be that those audiences are simply not looking deep enough.

A film is more than just what is on the surface. A film has many layers - some are evident to all eyes, while others can only be seen by a privileged few.

“Goodbye Golden Age “ cover

displays hope for his future.

After hearing Black’s music for the first time and meeting him in June, I know that his songs aren’t just made up words.

They are his journal through his own life.

Even though it’s been a few months since then, I’m still just as crazy about his music as I was the first time I heard it.

From one track to the next it’s apparent, once you come across a real artist who loves his craft, you can’t help but want to keep listening.

Although the album was in limited release earlier this year, “Goodbye Golden Age” will be available everywhere Sept. 30.

You can find more information on Jon Black at www. jonblackmusic.com.

Also listen to tracks right now at www.myspace.com/jonblack.

Mike can be reached at mtrobiano@ut.edu.

Quilt

Throw your body down on the tracks for love

By Kristin Pappas

Six-Foot Mouse Invades Tampa

By Clint Hanaway Staff Writer

Since the start of this school year, have you been bored out of your mind?

Is the weight of your wallet starting to make your sciatica act up?

Have you been wondering all your life what happened to the people that didn’t quite make the Luxembourgian Olympic figure skating team?

Well worry no more! Between Oct. 2-5 you can make your way to the monument of consumerism that is Disney On Ice (or D.O.I. for any hipsters in the audience)!

You too can sit in the St. Pete Times Forum for two, mindless hours while the pre-tween market loses their collective minds watching bobble-headed Disney characters skate around the wonderful world of imagination!

Watch Mickey, Minnie and all their theme park cronies visit all of the relative new members of

the Disney oeuvre such as Simba, Ariel, and Stitch!

If you need to satiate your desire to hear thousands of bored parents and hyperactive 9-yearolds go “ooh” and “ahh” in unison, then mark your calendars!

So if you believe in fairies, and are lost in the paradox of why Goofy (originally named ‘Dippy Dawg’) walks on two legs and talks while Pluto (also a dog) barks, walks on all fours, and is someone’s pet, then you will be in heaven!

But get your tickets soon, because they went on sale Aug 22. Hope you can still get a “good seat”!

Now that I’ve done a pseudoad for Disney I feel dirty.

In closing: Disney On Ice looks lame.

But if you’d like more information go to http://disney. go.com/disneyonice.

Clint can be reached at clinthanaway@comcast.net.

Throw your body down on the tracks for love – and your glass ocean of smooth skin is soothed to sleep by saccharine stories of superheroes and prophets, myths of martyrs walking on water able to withstand the trainchugging metronome of waves which only mine the ocean floor and vomit their victims back onto the salty shore.

No, child, you are lucky to have never seen the ocean and its infinity: the way it subtly but surely erodes the beach into submission.

We don’t emerge from these battles as deities.

If we’re lucky enough to escape, it’s with sand in our hair and shells underneath – bruised and broken and swearing off the sea.

Open Mic Night

When: Friday Time: 8 p.m.

Where: Music Room

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

By Daniella Fusari Staff Writer

There are several different ways to save money while being in college. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to sacrifice buying the things we want and stick with the necessities.

Luckily, when it comes to shopping, fashion labels and stores have been giving us options for buying clothes inexpensively.

The quality may not be as high, but as the fashion world continues to change and evolve, buying inexpensive clothing is sometimes the best option.

GoJane.com This website, aside from a variety of clothing choices, has a great shoe department. I adore wearing wedged shoes, as opposed to sky high pumps, because they are more comfortable and easier to walk in.

Gojane.com carries awesome wedges for a mere $12.99. Styles such as the “strappy t-strap wedge” and the “slingback bow wedge” are just two examples of the shoes they carry.

If you are more of a highheeled type of girl, there are a plethora of shoe options that are just as inexpensive. A pair of

Arts & Entertainment

regular black pump with a “patent slingback buckle heel” will cost you only $18.99.

Check out their website, and after browsing through the shoes, check out the outrageously wellpriced and stylish clothes they carry.

Alltherageonline.com The easiest way to transform your style in an economical way is through jewelry. This site carries the newest styles and knockoffs of seasonal, must-have accessories, and still manages to keep your budget in tact.

With hundreds of options for necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings, the best way to find the style you like is to have something in

mind before finding it on alltherageonline.com.

Currently they have an abundance of peace-sign jewelry and beautiful, bright colored stones.

One of my favorite pieces offered

is a love and joy bracelet (Love and Joy Bracelet) for $10.80.

The bracelet, as well as the other jewelry they carry, looks like it could be purchased for ten times the amount at boutiques such as Kitson. Save your money for more important things and start buying jewelry from alltherageonline. com.

Shopsueyboutique.com How often have you bought an expensive pair of sunglasses only to lose them later that year?

Personally, I can’t hold a pair of sunglasses for more than a few months before they either break or get lost.

That’s why I stock up on lowpriced glasses that are still stylish, functional and don’t cause me panic attacks if they get lost!

Shopsueyboutique. com is a great website to purchase sunglasses from because they aren’t cheesy and they don’t look cheap.

The site separates the categories into different styles, including aviators, big frames, brightly colored frames, cat-eye frames, celebrity inspired glasses, classic frames, clear lenses, embellished frames and vintage styles.

Britney and Brand Steal the Show VMAs rock on for a quarter of a century

By Micaela Lydon & Sophie Erber Staff Writers

The 25th Anniversary of the MTV’s Video Music Awards kicked off with the reinvented Britney Spears, quite different from the bald, self-destructive image that was plastered on every magazine cover only months ago.

Rihanna opened up with a “Thriller-esque” performance of her new, hit single “Disturbia.”

Before the crowd (and viewers) could catch their breath, the United Kingdom’s Russell Brand, better k n o w n as the

“rocker” from “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” took the stage and began his assault.

He began with a plea to elect Barack Obama “on behalf of the world” before beginning his attack on President George W. Bush, who he called a “retarded cowboy fella.”

He also made reference to the Republican Gov. Sarah Palin, who he referred to as a “V.I.L.F.” It quickly became obvious that Brand would steal the show with his abrasive humor and cutting i n s u l t s throughout.

Britney Spears won her first ever VMA for Best Female Video with her song “Piece of Me.” Chris Brown took the Best Male Video moon-man for “With You.” Other winners included the Pussy Cat Dolls for the Best Dancing in a Video and Linkin Park’s “Shadow of the Day” for Best Rock Video.

F a n s

voted via text message for their favorite new artist, resulting in a win for the German band, Tokio Hotel.

Britney Spears ended the night with another award for Video of the Year, confirming her comeback in the music industry.

Performances throughout the night featured the Jonas Brothers, Katy Perry, Pink, Paramore, Lil Wayne, T.I., the Ting Tings, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and T-Pain.

Special Guests included Olympians Michael “Aquaman” Phelps and Kobe Bryant, as well as Christopher Mintz-Plasse, better known as Superbad’s “McLovin.”

Kanye West closed the show with the last performance of the night.

This year’s VMAs were dominated by the raw and the orthodox, giving it a diverse and entertaining “variety show” feel.

As an audience member, it was an interesting alternative to the traditional awards show.

Undoubtedly, post-show buzz will revolve around Russell Brand’s tight pants, petrified hairstyle and his insatiable desire to seduce the Jonas Brothers.

Micaela can be reached at mlydon@ut.edu.

Sophie can reached at serber@ ut.edu.

Most, if not all of the styles go for $14.00 a pair.

BittenSJP S a r a h Jessica Parker not only made a mark in fashion by starring as a fashion icon in “Sex & the City,” but her clothing line, Bitten, is making a statement in the fashion world as well.

She is proving that style and classiness does not have to be compromised when the prices go down.

Unfortunately, her clothing line is not yet available for purchase online, but it is available at Steve and Barry’s (University Mall on E. Fowler Ave). SJP’s collection carries everything from shoes to pants to blazers.

The style is chic, sophisticated and nothing is above $19.99. It is definitely worth checking out and stocking up on staple fashion necessities. I personally can’t wait to purchase the “strapless printed dress dandelion” for $8.98.

Those are just a few options for saving money on clothing and accessories. There are so many websites out there that carry fashionable styles for inexpensive prices.

There are also many stores that carry designer duds for less than department store prices.

Check out TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s, and Century 21 (c21.com), to

13

name a few.

Try browsing through these websites to get more fashion forward finds: aldoshoes.com, chineselaudry.com, forever21. com, payless.com and MIAshoes. com.

Being fashionable isn’t a difficult task, it is knowing when to splurge and when to save that can be tricky.

Daniella can be reached at dfusari@ut.edu.

Photos by Steve Woods (top), Jenny W (left), and Brano Hudax (above) www.sxc.hu

14

Commentary

Palin: Gamble Could Payoff or Bust

Photo courtesy of Kadie Hayward

By Derrick Austin Commentary Editor

Community Rallies to Raise Thousands for Sick 5-Year-Old

By Kadie Hayward Staff Writer

Margaret is five. She is supported by two loving parents, Lori and Lanton. She is bright, happy and enthusiastic.

She is just like every other 5-year-old except she suffers from Progressive Osseous Hetroplasia (POH), a rare disorder which causes the body to create extra bones.

O n e d a y, M a rg a r e t w i l l experience stiffness and immobility, like the 70 other diagnosed cases (though doctors believe there are closer to 10,000 people who have the disorder).

Lori and Lanton spent nearly a year searching for an answer when they discovered the irregular growth on the back of Margaret’s neck.

The pair sought out pediatricians and dermatologists and then more specialized doctors.

Finally, in May 2007, a doctor had an answer.

There is no cure or treatment for POH. No cure or treatment means no solutions for Margaret, or the potentially thousands of others around the world dealing with this new disorder.

Still, Lanton and Lori would not wait for answers to come to them.

Margaret’s loving parents discovered research was being done, and found out what they needed: money.

Gathering the support of their family and friends, they collected donations for their completion of a mini-marathon.

Both knew the event would be a great feat, one that would take a few months of training and preparation—but that would not stop them.

As they rallied for financial aid, they were overwhelmed to find how much came their way.

On May 3, as they completed their mini-marathon, many of their friends and family completed in their own 5K Walk which they organized in support of Margaret and the newly formed “Margaret Fund

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

for POHA (Progressive Osseous Hetroplasia Association).”

Because of their passion to make a change—which Lori and Lanton know may not affect their daughter but will change the lives of others suffering from POH in the future—they were able to raise $20,000 in just one day.

In just 24 hours, over 100 people came together for a common cause and inspired others in their communities to do the same.

Two people took it in to their own hands to do what they could, because they couldn’t imagine not doing so.

Two people, $20,000, and a day changed peoples’ lives.

Imagine what you could do.

For more information: www.pohdisease.org and www. themargaretfund.info.

Kadie Hayward can be reached at khayward@ut.edu

YOU should work for the University of Tampa’s preeminent student newspaper, The Minaret!

The Minaret is looking for • Writers • Photographers • Artists • Cartoonists • Copy Editors Email us at

ut.minaret@ gmail.com or come see us in

Vaughn 211 TODAY!

With Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate, the presidential election was flipped on its head.

After steady months of Barack Obama-mania, the former mayor from Alaska forced Obama and Joe Biden on their heels.

She’s the self-declared pit bull in lipstick.

From the get-go, Palin had no mixed feelings about Obama, criticizing his time as a community organizer as a job without “actual responsibilities.” She painted him as a blind idealist trying to “reduce the strength of America in a dangerous world.”

Palin is on the attack and doesn’t look like she’s going to cool down anytime soon.

She’s put Obama on the defensive in a presidential race where, for a while, he’s played the cool gentleman swatting McCain’s criticisms.

But, the gloves have got to come off. The Democrats can’t afford to be graceful and tiptoe around Palin. At this stage in the election, they’ve got to knock McCain and Palin back—twice as hard.

But, the Obama team seems flummoxed as to going about criticizing Palin because it’s inevitable that all critiques will be considered sexist. And the last thing Obama needs is the ghosts of his primary battles against Hilary Clinton returning.

Still, the most interesting thing about the Palin pick is that the game has been changed in no predictable way. This could all blow up in John McCain’s face.

After all, isn’t Palin a bit of a hypocritical choice?

On the surface, Palin represents everything McCain has criticized Obama about, namely his inexperience.

Having been governor less than two years with some mayoral experience in a town of 6,715 people, Palin is hardly cut out to be vice president—at least according to John McCain, should we take his disapprovals of Obama to heart.

Being a mayor is no better than a community organizer, and running a state next to Russia doesn’t exactly count as foreign policy experience.

Her political resume is paperthin.

Estrogen and conservative values are the only draws to Palin’s political package, and for a man who has declared his disdain for the self-serving politics of the last eight years, choosing Palin represents yet another calculated political move.

With actual credentials lacking to shore up McCain’s campaign in an election dominated by issues of economy and national security, Palin is obviously a minority token, a half-baked scheme to draw disaffected Hilary Clinton voters to the GOP fold.

The McCain campaign must think so little of Clinton supporters as to throw a transparent female silhouette into the presidential race.

Palin is pro-life, pro-gun, against same-sex marriage— essentially the anti-Hillary with the exception of the double X chromosome.

How McCain believes his vice

presidential candidate will lure Clinton voters while simultaneously pleasing right-wing movers and shakers is beyond me.

Though Palin has accomplished galvanizing the Christian Right will she be able to woo anyone else?

She can’t hope to appeal to liberal voters, but what about moderate swing voters?

Her pronounced opinions on social issues like abortion and her environmental record in her home state may turn off some voters initially attracted to McCain’s largely moderate stance on similar issues.

I t’ ll b e d i ff i cu lt to te ll considering how little we actually know about Palin’s views on nonsocial issues like the economy and the war in Iraq.

Her ABC interview with Charles Gibson—her first since being announced as McCain’s VP—will shed more light on her political views.

Regardless of attracting new voters, she’s certainly infused McCain’s dud of a campaign with new life.

Americans are buzzing about this fresh-faced maverick contender for the White House (could she be the new Barack Obama?).

For the majority of the presidential race, McCain has struggled to gain the coverage Obama effortlessly procures, but Palin stole Obama’s thunder after the Democratic Convention—and she’s running with it.

But, some commentators are pointing out how Palin has not only reenergized McCain’s campaign; she might be taking it over.

Recent Rasmussen Reports

“Gamble” continued page 16

by Austin Daniels

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

15

Commentary

Staff Editorial: Rights Under Fire Political convention season came to a highly-heralded close, as Senators John McCain and Barack Obama picked running mates and were officially chosen as their party’s nominees.

Outside of the Republican National Convention, however, events unfolded that were more insidious than those inside ever could be.

Police trampled on the First Amendment rights of every American by arresting journalists covering the protests at the RNC. The freedom of the press was blatantly abridged as photographers and writers were pepper-sprayed and arrested while among the crowds.

Most notably, Democracy Now reporter Amy Goodman was stripped of her press credentials and thrown in the back of a police vehicle, with the footage posted on

YouTube.

Goodman was attempting to free two producers from her show who were arrested while covering the event. St. Paul, Minn. police said the two were detained on suspicion of rioting.

Matthew Rourke, a photographer with the Associated Press, was arrested immediately after taking a photo of riot police kneeling on the neck of an alleged rioter.

Rourke earlier had taken a photo of University of Kentucky journalists getting maced while shooting photos of the protests.

Abridging the First Amendment rights of free press not only endangers members of the media, but also every consumer of the media.

The press provides the invaluable service of informing the American public, and when

A police blockade at a St. Paul intersection.

journalists are stripped of their rights we, the public, are denied information; we are denied choice.

When journalists are suppressed, the government controls the news. This is a tactic of a totalitarian police state, not the free United States.

The Minaret stands firmly against the actions of the police in St. Paul and calls on the leaders to drop charges against those journalists who were not involved in the riots.

We do not support those who violate laws by rioting and disturbing the peace.

Suppression of the news media is a dangerous and serious violation of the basic freedoms awarded to every American man, woman and child.

Photo courtesy Chad Davis / Wikipedia

Reporters, Protestors Attacked at Republican National Convention

By Editorial Board Minnesota Daily (UWIRE) Police questionably used pepper spray, flash grenades, projectiles, excessive force and tear gas on protesters and journalists during the Republican National Convention last week— in some instances with cause and in others without.

While observers and participants are pointing the finger at the St. Paul Police Department, the decision to hire officers from out of town—some from as far away as Philadelphia—could be the real source of the aggressive behavior of some of the cops. A third party should immediately investigate the matter.

St. Paul riot police—who would not go on record for fear of reprisal—said the out-of-town police hires acted recklessly toward peaceful protesters. The outside hires’ behavior created a domino effect that would trigger an adrenaline-driven and excessive reaction toward protesters, police sources said.

Police prevented protesters from marching into downtown St. Paul during Thursday’s demonstrations because the demonstration didn’t have a permit to march after 5 p.m.

The showdown grew tense at times

and this editorial board member witnessed police excessively pepper spraying demonstrators and journalists throughout the night.

One lone woman, with a peace sign held high, was repeatedly doused with pepper spray despite the fact that several officers— protected by their riot gear—could just as well have detained her without force. The young woman fell to the ground.

Another officer pepper-sprayed a journalist after the officer told him to “get the (expletive) down!”

While on his knees the journalist had his hands behind his back and his press credentials were obviously displayed before the cop doused him.

T h e University of Minnesota’s s t u d e n t n e w s p a p e r, M i n n e s o t a Daily, had photographers and reporters pepper sprayed, aggressively handled and in one case arrested. Moreover, an Associated Press photographer was arrested last week and AP lawyers have already sent St. Paul a condemning letter.

Throughout the evening Thursday, officers wearing St. Paul and West St. Paul badges cordially conversed with protesters while holding the police line. Protesters said they could identify officers

“This is what a police state looks like.”

who weren’t local police because many of the badges were covered.

We do not condone the unlawful actions of the alleged “anarchists.”

Police had the right to take action on the breakaway demonstrators roaming the streets with bricks bent on property destruction and violence—and stealing the message of the main march.

Indeed, the verdict is still out on whether police acted beyond what was necessary. Still, there is substantial evidence, both witnessed and documented, that police throughout the week overreacted.

But if the verdict is still out our question is, “Where is the jury?”

And regardless of recruiting woes, St. Paul should have stuck to Minnesota-bred officers who would have likely been more sensitive toward their citizens.

The aggressive behavior may have been deterred if they had stuck with recruiting in-state police.

City officials are justifying police actions, but St. Paul should not be off the hook.

Amnesty International’s Washington office and Minneapolis Councilmen Cam Gordon and Gary Schiff have rightly called for an investigation. That’s the least St. Paul owes to the scores of people peacefully dissenting who were greeted by the barrels of riot guns.

Otherwise St. Paul would only give credence to a popular chant Thursday: “This is what a police state looks like.”

Recycling program

Three bins

by Plant Hall elevators

Wireless Internet

Internet blackouts

Lil Wayne

Tila Tequila

Atom smasher

Big Bang

Sober, VMAwinning Britney Spears

Bald, drunken Britney Spears

Chick-fil-a

Running out of food

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16

Commentary

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Obama’s Tax Plan Offers Change for Americans

By Chris Brown Columnist

One of the chief complaints that Republicans make about Democrats is that they want to raise taxes.

To an extent this is true.

However, the crux of this argument falls apart when we examine to whom these taxes are levied.

Republicans are notorious for cutting the taxes of large corporations and the wealthy elite.

They give tax breaks to companies who ship jobs overseas, give little to the middle class and almost nothing to the poor.

Democrats want to end unfair tax cuts to people who have more houses than they can count. They want to reinvest the money in communities, schools, our crumbling infrastructure, and healthcare.

Barack Obama has been criticized about his fiscal proposals, but what the critics fail to mention is that a streamlined economy that reduces needless spending, coupled

with a corporate infrastructure that rewards companies for keeping jobs right here in America will have more freedom to spend on renewable energy research and development.

T h i s i m p r o v e d e c o n o m i c structure will provide the framework for hundreds of thousands of jobs at home.

Domestic investment comes down to responsible spending.

John McCain believes that withdrawing American troops from Iraq will put America in danger.

Barack Obama believes that the withdrawal of American troops is best for all parties at the table.

Since the war in Iraq is the brainchild of the Bush administration, and John McCain has voted with President Bush over 90 percent of the time in the Senate, it is an apt example of what the Republican Party has in mind for post election expenditures.

To date approximately $656.1 billion dollars have been approved toward the Iraq war—not including Afghanistan. This equates to roughly $1,721 dollars from every man, woman, and child in the United States, or $341.4 million every day since the war began.

Joseph E. Stiglitz, the former chief economist of the World Bank and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, has stated that with this money the Bush Administration could have built 8 million houses, paid 15 million teachers, paid for the health care of 530 million kids, paid for the scholarship of 43 million students enrolled in American Universities, and offered a social safety net for Americans for 50 years.

There are approximately 671,900 homeless persons in America. Under this plan, we could give every homeless person in America 11 houses.

There are approximately 10 million uninsured children, so

we can give each of them 53 tetanus shots for all those rusty nail accidents and stingray encounters.

There are approximately 18 million students enrolled in America universities, so we could pay for 9.3 years of their education.

Barack Obama wants to end this war and reinvest those dollars at home. I think that’s a pretty good plan coming from a community organizer.

Chris Brown is president of the UT College Democrats and can be reached at cbrown@ut.edu.

Join The Minaret Tuesday Afternoons Vaughn 211

“Gamble” continued from page 14

reveal that 58 percent of American voters polled view Palin favorably, compared to 57 percent for Obama and McCain.

Yet, post-convention polls are notoriously unreliable.

There is always a sharp increase in popularity, followed by a lull. Hype doesn’t last forever, but this late in the election Palin may be able to coast on the surge of interest.

Vice presidents are usually chosen to complement the presidential running mate. They strengthen each other’s weakness.

But this is such an extreme case.

Watching Palin’s acceptance speech only brought to mind all of McCain’s weaknesses; the pair is so diametrically opposed.

P a l i n ’s y o u t h d o e s n ’ t complement McCain’s age it only highlights it. If someone living under a rock for the past year saw them together one might assume she was his granddaughter.

And, I’ll admit she’s a charming woman, not the best speaker, but less awkward than McCain and warmer, bringing to mind McCain’s temper and gruff demeanor.

Sarah Palin has altered this year’s election; she’s made it one of the most exciting in American history.

Nothing’s certain anymore and with only two more months in front of November, the most interesting events are yet to come.

Derrick Austin can be reached at daustin@ut.edu

GO ONLINE

What do you think about Palin?

Leave a comment on our Web site and let us know!

www.theminaretonline.com

17

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18

Sports

Volleyball Stays Perfect and Breaks Program Records

By Shelby Kuni Sports Writer

The University of Tampa volleyball team went 3-0 this weekend to round out the Tampa Classic, beating Minnesota StateMankato, Colorado State-Pueblo and Ferris State. These wins bring the fifth ranked Spartans to a flawless 6-0 record as they continue to climb in the NCAA rankings each week.

The Spartans played Minnesota StateMankato on Friday, beating them 25-15 and 25-20 before losing the third set to the Mavericks 25-21, but the Spartans quickly rebounded and came back to win the fourth and final set 25-21.

Seniors Annalea Warren and Danielle MacDonald dominated the games accumulating 11 kills a piece throughout the series. Tampa’s starting Libero Camila Saade led the team in digs with 13, while freshmen Brianne Yeates and Camille Hanks led the team with two blocks each.

On Saturday the Spartans continued their unbeaten streak, defeat CSU-Pueblo 3-0 and Ferris State 3-1.

Camila Saade broke into the record books as she successfully completed five consecutive aces in one game and ten service aces total in the three matches against the Thunderwolves.

“When I found out that I had broken a record I was very surprised,” Saade said.

“When I play I am not really thinking of breaking a record, but when you actually do

it feels amazing.”

Sophomore Kaleigh Cunningham and Freshman Eva Dupay led the Spartan attack with seven kills each, while sreshman Julie Howlett held down the defense acquiring 11 digs. Meghan Sherman and Gabriela Saade recorded 16 and ten assists against CSUPueblo.

In the second game of the day, The Spartans found themselves down one game early on; an obstacle they were not used to.

They quickly recovered and came back with a vengeance, winning the next three games 25-22, 25-18 and 27-25.

“Our win versus Ferris State in the final match of the Tampa classic was a gut check victory,” head coach Chris Catanach said.

“Statistically, we performed poorly as a team, but our kids showed their competitive nature in grinding out the win. I am very proud of their effort,” Catanach said.

Once again, Danielle MacDonald was there to lead the Spartans with 16 kills and a .412 hitting percentage. The Saade twin’s had a big game with Camila having a seasonhigh 18 digs and Gabriela leading the team with 16 assists.

Meghan Sherman recorded 13 assists as well and Kaleigh Cunningham had ten digs to hold off the Bulldogs, and freshman Eileen Bien-Aime recorded a career-high five blocks while Sophomore Sam Macks added four en route to the Spartan victory.

Shelby Kuni can be contacted at skuni@ ut.edu

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

McNiff Center Bulks Up with New Equipment

McNiff added four treadmills

By Delaney Spoerl Reporter

Keeping off weight in college is not the easiest thing to do. It is especially hard when the only thing open after 7 p.m. on the weekends is good, but not so healthy stadium food.

Freshmen tend to see it the most, the average fifteen pounds that’s tacked on to the scale by the end of the year and most would agree it is quite unfortunate.

Thankfully on campus we have the McNiff Fitness Center that is open until 10 p.m. Friday’s and Saturday’s and until midnight Monday through Thursday’s.

Not only is this a convenience but it is a privilege.

The McNiff Fitness Center has 15 PRECOR cardio machines including ellipticals, stationary bikes and stair climbers, four life fitness treadmills, 19 Nautilus nitro weight machines, 11 Reebok tomahawk spin bikes, multiple free weight lifting stations, and a group fitness area with mats, steps, hand weights, BOSU balls and stability balls.

Besides its array of eqipment, the center has also hold classes every day of the week.

Photo by Abby Sanford

The schedule for these classes you can find on The University of Tampa website if you type in Mcniff Fitness Center.

But now, the Mcniff Fitness center has something new to bring to the table since this past summer.

Eileen Durkin student coordinator said, “We have put in 4 brand new treadmills to replace the old ones, and we’ve gotten a new lat pull-down machine. We’ve also gotten a whole new set of 15-35 pound dumbbells.”

If none of this seems interesting to you, they have also added new fitness classes. It seems that there is something for everyone, for example fit around the world which incorporates Latin dance, African dance, belly dance and Tai-Chi. Other new classes are water aerobics and rock the bike. Sound interesting? Rock the bike is a 40 minute spin class followed by 15 minutes of strength training for the upper body and abs.

With new machines, a new class schedule and their hours of operation it seems that no one should be making excuses not to check it out and get a work out in while they’re there.

The Minaret | September 12, 2008

Love to Say I Told You So

Program sets a school record for most goals scored in a game at the home opener in the season opener.

On Sept. 8, the men challenged Florida College in a match so far from resembling a game of soccer I would have asked for my money back if the school charged students for game tickets. Monday’s 16-0 massacre proved everything I had written about previously.

First, I emphasized the power of Tampa’s defense. Ryan Thompson was replaced after 41 minutes by Clete Goddard, a good chance to see what the sophomore can do if Thompson were ever to get injured. Unfortunately, Florida College was unable to even take a shot, much less put a shot on goal.

Secondly, I claimed that the key players to boost the offensive void left by graduates would be Ryan Maxwell and Pascal Milien.

The two didn’t have long to Ryan Maxwell Photo by Peter Arrabal prove themselves as they were pulled after 27 and 23 minutes respectively.

In that time, however, an impact was made. Maxwell registered two assists and put one

By Bobby Winsler Sports Editor past goalie David Barker. Milien kept Barker busy knocking in a hat In the second issue of The trick of goals.

Most surprising to me were the Minaret I took a chance on a team that lost two strikers and a high breakout performances by Austin scoring midfielder. I pegged the Alvarado and Tom Layrisse. The men’s soccer team as the sport to sophomore and junior joined watch in the fall. Now three weeks Milien in scoring three goals each.

Alvarado had played 11 later, the 2-0-1 team has yet to games last year but shot only allow a single goal.

And if you heeded my advice twice, neither counting as a shot on and went to Monday’s game, goal. Layrisse appeared in a single game for both UT and his previous you’re welcome.

19

Sports

g Fla tball Foo

Another flag football intramural season kicked off on Monday, Sept. 8.

Above, Zach Place defends a pass to Aaron Anderson in the opening game.

Below, Pascal Durby tries to evade defenders. This year’s flag football season features more than 20 teams. Photos by Abby Sanford.

Pascal Milien

school, the University of Dayton.

Also watch for Greg Sasser.

This freshman had a successful high school career now paired with fellow freshman and Tampa area local Gavin Scott. Sasser assisted a Scott goal before scoring one of his own.

What this team needed most was confidence. The squad faced an unanswered question of their ability to score goals, but with the school record breaking home opener the 2-0-1 team now faces the rest of the season knowing just how good they are.

Bobby Winsler can be contacted at bwinsler@gmail.com

Runners Reap Victory at First Meet from

“Success”

Continued

from

BaCk Page

recorded the best finish of the freshman. She used this first race to prove that even though this is only her first collegiate season, she proved to be a serious competitor.

“It was a difficult course, and I was happy with how I did,” Butler said. “I think it was a good start for the season, and I hope to get better

as the season goes on.”

Sophomore Amber Eisenberg enjoyed the victory from the sidelines. Due to an unforeseen illness, she was not able to run.

However, she did not let that stop her from supporting her team to its first victory of the season.

“I felt as though my cheering on the sidelines helped to lead the team to victory,” said Eisenberg.

The men’s race consisted of a four-mile run through the trail.

Although the team finished third

overall, many of the runners believe they could have done better.

Junior Tony Nicolosi did the best on the team, finishing 11th.

The team showed a lot of promise,” Nicolosi said, “However, I did not do very well. But it’s a long season, and eventually things will come around.”

Chris Catanatch, who finished 13th, also felt that the team did not run its best.

“We ran well as a pack. But we need to work on moving the

pack up, and we will be alright,” Catanach said. “I think I can do better. We ran as a team, but I think we have a little more in us.”

Jeremy Lautzenheiser, Jordan Bass and Kevin Lane rounded out the top five finishers for the Spartans.

“We should be disappointed,” Lautzenhesier said. “We expect more from our team. We ran well but just didn’t really perform to our potential.”

Both teams will get another

chance to compete on Sept. 20 in Gainsville in the UF Invite.

The girls will have another opportunity to record personal records and sweep the top five, and the boys will have the opportunity to improve their times.

Both will show, once again, that this season they are forces to be reckoned with.

Sara Belsole can be contacted at sbelsole@ut.edu.

A Sports Blog

Brady Buckles It was an opening day of the NFL season that will never be forgotten. Poster boy for the NFL Tom Brady went down with a knee injury in the first quarter.

Of course you can never wish injury upon anyone, but I think that with Brady out of the limelight every two seconds, the NFL will prosper.

I’m tried of hearing about Tom Brady and how “amazing,” “unstoppable,” “legendary,” and other annoying, inaccurate adjectives there are to describe him.

More from Sam Gerb at www.theminaretonline.com/ overtime

Monday Night Done Right Aaron Rodgers’ NFL starting debut for the Green Bay Packers could not have been more picture perfect.

With all the talk about the legendary Brett Farve in the offseason, Rodgers was completely overshadowed.

But Rodgers earned his spot in Packers fans’ hearts and got NFL fans’ respect on one of the biggest stages in the game, Monday Night Football.

More from Sam Gerb at www.theminaretonline.com/ overtime

Baseball Reflection Ten years ago this week, Mark McGwire hit the home run that Americans had been waiting 37 years for; number 62. He sliced a Steve Trachsel slider over the left field wall at the old Busch Stadium, and changed baseball history forever.

I’m leaving steroids out of this. You’re welcome.

More from Jesse Yomtov at www.theminareonline. com/overtime

Players Not Winded While Gustav Ravages Homes pummeled the island with over 100 miles per hour winds.

The powerful storm, which claimed at least 78 lives throughout the Caribbean, left many Jamaicans stranded without utilities.

“My family was isolated for a few days with no electricity or power,” said Thompson.

Around 15 hundred residents crammed shelters as flash floods ravaged Kingston streets.

Five UT soccer players hail from the island nation of Jamaica, including fellow Kingston Jordan-Peter File Photo native Moses.

Jamaican native Ryan Thompson, “We have a large number of however, the storm hit a little Jamaicans on our team and our closer to home.

“In Kingston, where I live, prayers are with the families in the main bridge went completely Jamaica,” head coach Adrian Bush down,” said the starting goalkeeper. told a Tampa athletic department “A lot of people’s houses got reporter. “Mentally, this has been tough on our kids.” destroyed.”

Despite much of Thompson’s According to the Jamaica Gleaner, a national newspaper, hometown facing mass destruction, billions of dollars of damage stress spurned from the storm has resulted from the storm which not affected the junior marketing

Five members, including the captain, of the men’s soccer team has family in the Caribbean

One of Thompson’s saves in practice

By Kelley Bumstead and Olivia Glynn Sports Writers

As hurricane Gustav churned through the Caribbean last week, many University of Tampa students remained unaffected and unaware of the devastation taking place more than 700 miles to the south.

For soccer team captain and

major on the field.

Opening the season as starter for the first time, Thompson has not allowed a goal this year including Monday’s school record 16-0 shutout victory over Florida College.

“He’s probably the most athletic goal keeper to ever come through UT,” Bush told The Minaret.

Thompson, who represents the Jamaican National Soccer Team, aspires to one day represent his county on a larger scale.

“My goal is to play regularly for the senior team,” said Thompson, “so I can help my country qualify for the 2010 World Cup.” Despite the destruction, Thompson said he is looking forward to returning to the island.

“Maybe Christmas,” he said, “that’s the next time I’ll hopefully go home.”

The Men’s Soccer Team will play West Florida College in its next home game on Friday, September 19.

Kelley Bumstead can be contacted at kbumstead@ut.edu.

Olivia Glynn can be contacted at oglynn@ut.edu.

Cross-Country Earns Early Success in Early Bird Classic

By Sara Belsole Sports Writer

This past weekend, the men and women’s teams competed in the Early Bird Classic at the Brandon trails. They faced off against 11 other teams including Florida Southern, Nova and Flagler.

The women ran a 5K race, which is equivalent to 3.1 miles.

Through dirt, grass and over hills, 84 girls ran to the finish line. The Spartan women recorded the win.

The team not only won, but won big. Runners finishing first, second, third and fifth were all in Tampa uniform. A perfect score is ten, and the girls were given 11 points; one point shy of perfection

as scores seek the lowest number.

Junior Jessica Forrester was the first to cross the finish line with the time of 18:01, a personal best.

Forrester shaved over 20 seconds

off her previous personal record of 18:24.

Alysha Duffy finished second with a time of 18:29 and a second later Jessica Butler finished third.

At 18:42, Paige Williams rounded out the top five.

Sarah Nelson, Dara Fox, Maggie Redmond and Heather Nicolosi also finished in the top 20.

“I was so happy we almost got a perfect score,” Forrester said. “It is a really good way to boost our confidence for

the season. It is also a big deal to do so well against teams in our conference.”

Forrester is also very happy with her own personal performance.

“I was really excited because it was my personal best and on the first meet of the season,” Forrester said. “I was not expecting the result. I thought I would just go out and just do my typical time.

I surprised myself. I didn’t do anything differently warming up.

I pretty much keep to the same routine every time.”

Finishing third, Butler See “Success” Continued on Page 19

Team celebrates success last at meet last year File Photo

Men’s Soccer

Volleyball

Women’s Soccer

Sept. 13 Lynn Tournament

Sept. 12, 13 South Region Crossover

Sept. 12, 14 at West Georgia, at North Georgia

>>> At one of the team’s biggest rival’s field, UT strives to continue a good season against two out-of-conference teams.

>>> The undefeated squad ships away for the first time to face off against three non conference opponents in Lakeland.

>>> A second half surge kept UT at a 2-2 record with two more games away before returning home for the first time.