University of Tampa
“Today” at UT Tuesday, Sept. 23
Vol. 75 No. 5
www.theminaretonline.com
minaret@ut.edu
September 19, 2008
Banana McCain Returns to Tampa Woes and Margarita Maladies
Live from UT:
“Today” to Broadcast By Josh Kratovil Features Editor
By Peter Arrabal Editor-in-Chief
More than a dozen UT students were arrested or cited for underage drinking at Banana Joe’s and Margarita Mama’s late last week. As a result, the two Channelside bars closed their doors to patrons under the age of 21. Lisa McCorkle, event coordinator for both restaurants, said that the decision to go to 21-and-up only was a business decision. Both Banana Joe’s and Margarita Mama’s decided to allow the 18-and-up crowd join the party on Thursday nights just this past August. “We changed to the 18-andover for the people who were 21 and older and who had friends in their groups who weren’t (of age), so they would all come,” she said. “With the fake IDs, it was just a business decision. They’d show us one ID and the ABT (Department of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco) guys another, and it is our fault. They hold us responsible.” McCorkle said that they had cut their ties with Fresh Entertainment, a popular promotion company used by a number of bars and clubs in the South Tampa area. “They were promoting to UT and USF, where only 25 percent of their population was of age, so we’ve severed our relationship with them,” she said. See
“Joe’s” [6]
See Pages 4 & 8 A John McCain event brought a clash between both parties
Photo by Mindy Tucker
Matt Lauer and Al Roker are scheduled to broadcast live from the University of Tampa on Tuesday, Sept. 23, as the “Today” show profiles key battleground states in the presidential election. An NBC press release called the election “one of the most extraordinary and hard-fought presidential campaigns in history” and called Florida “one of the “crucial ‘battleground states’ where the White House may be lost or won. UT Director of Public Information, Eric Càrdenas said he thinks this event is a great opportunity for UT. “I think this will be a fun event and will give UT some great exposure.” “Today” will be live in Philadelphia Monday, Sept. 22. The show will then travel to Tampa.
SG Committee Turns the Page on Book Prices By Sarah Gottlieb Asst. News Editor
Complaining about the cost of textbooks is practically a college tradition, and UT is certainly no different. Several years ago, a marketing research class found that the UT bookstore had the highest price markup on textbooks in the nation. Though this information is now out of date, it’s still a disturbing statistic. Currently, the Student Government’s Academic Affairs committee, headed by vice president Kelsie Huth, is drafting a resolution designed to cut book prices
for UT students. Huth said that she always hears her friends and other students complain about book prices, and thought the issue would fit in well with the Academic Affairs committee. “Who doesn’t want cheaper books?” Huth said. “I know I do.” She explained that there are three ways to make book prices cheaper: having the bookstore minimize its margin of profit, having UT minimize its margin of profit or turning the focus on professors. Since the first two options are difficult paths at best, the Academic Affairs committee has decided to focus on working with professors,
proposing a resolution requesting that professors turn in their book orders by the bookstore’s deadline. According to Huth, professors are supposed to turn in tentative class schedules to the registrar by Feb. 15. The deadline for fall book orders is April 15. This gives professors plenty of time to decide what books to use for their classes. Spring orders have a similar time frame. This gives profesors plenty of time to decide what books they want their students to have for class for the next semester. Huth, who met with bookstore manager Mike Comiskey, said the
amount of professors who actually put their book orders in on time is low. She explained that the missed deadline means the bookstore doesn’t know how many used books to order. As a result, by the time many professors order books, the used books are no longer available to the UT bookstore. “What we want to do is encourage faculty to get those books ordered in as soon as they know they’re going to teach a class,” said Huth. “Mike Comiskey has been great about meeting with Andrew [Learned] and I,” she continued. See
“Books” [8]
Fall Semester Enrollment Numbers Balloon By Charlie Hambos Asst. Editor-in-Chief
Leaving the poor economy in the dust, The University of Tampa not only received more than enough applications, but once again set another record. This year UT accepted 1,601 new students, bringing the total population to 5,790 undergraduate and graduate students. According to a press release, this year’s total is up 3.3 percent from 5,601 students last year. Undergraduate student numbers totaled 5,120, a rise of 4.6 percent
Inside ...
from last year. Graduate enrollment increased to 670 students. The 2008 enrollment numbers nearly doubled from the numbers 10 years ago at 3,028 students. Student population has increased steadily ever since at an average of 250 students per year. “The goal is set for 6,000 students in 2010,” said Eric Càrdenas, Director of Public Information. According to Director of Undergraduate Admissions Brent Benner, Dr. Ronald Vaughn gives the admissions staff goals they must achieve in accepting
Tentative Recylcing Program in Place[2]
students. For this year the goal was 1,220 freshman and 300 transfer students. After the drop and add period, there were 1,225 freshman and 329 transfer students registered for classes, but that was not an official record. Exceeding their goal, Benner pointed out that although the economy has not been its best, more than enough applications were submitted. “There were limited [student] choices because of the economy, and luckily it didn’t affect our incoming class,” Benner said.
Soccer Stadiums: Best and Worst [19] Election Diversity [15]
UT Aluma Fights Cancer [10] WUTV Set to Return
[7]
New Honors Director [6]
“Luckily, we are not a public institution,” Benner said citing the recent budget cuts to several of the state schools in Florida including University of South Florida and Florida State University. Benner believes that this is not only an economic factor but also a fact that students apply to more institutions each year. Only 49 percent of the students who applied were admitted, allowing UT to be more selective. “We were fortunate enough to have more applications and this was See
“Students” [2]
UT swells with new students. Illustration by Kassie Monsees
Ode to Cinema Paradiso [13]
“Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.” [Douglas Adams]
News....................[1-8] Features ..........[10-11] A&E................[12-14] Editorial .............. [15] Commentary ..[15-17] Sports .............[18-20]
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The Minaret | September 19, 2008
UT Student Supports Paralyzed Friend
friend, still a UT student, has had his world turned upside down. Since the start of school, Steve “ I’m getting stronger, getting Cohen has been flying back and more independent, and I’ll try my forth from Tampa to Baltimore, hardest to walk again.” That is the where Nick is staying. message Nick Antlitz wants UT to Initially, Antlitz was diaghear. nosed as a quadriplegic, but he has Accident made progress since then. Antlitz, a former UT student Now, he is only a paraplegic; who would be a junior, has been from mid-chest up, he has feeling. paralyzed since July. Member of He can use his arms, but is learnthe Theta Chi fraternity, he was ing how to re-use his hands. playing basketball in Bethany Antlitz can now eat any food, Beach, Del., when he climbed to and was just taken off his ventilathe top of the basketball hoop and tor for 24 hours last week. Howbegan to dunk the ball. As he stood ever, he is still experiencing probup, he lost his balance and fell to lems with his knee. Cohen said the metal in his friend’s knee is poking out, so they need to reconfigure the knee before he can start walking. As far as his legs, Cohen said that Nick can feel some pressure if you were to push on them, but Nick (left) stands by friend Nick (right) cannot differentiate Photo courtesy of Steve Cohen between them all. the ground, crushing one of the Average Weekend vertebrae. Since the start of the semester, The C6 vertebrae located in Cohen flies to Baltimore every oththe neck, shattered and placed er weekend. It does get costly but tremendous pressure on his spi- a family friend of Antlitz is a flight nal cord. Antlitz was immediately attendant who is allowing Cohen rushed into surgery for his neck to pay only one-third of the regular and a donor bone was implanted. price of a round-trip ticket. After the knee surgery, Antlitz deCohen flies to Baltimore veloped pockets of air in his lungs Thursday nights and stays day and causing pneumonia. night in the hospital alongside his Cohen says Antlitz is improv- pal. “I gotta take advantage of all ing. As of last week, Antlitz’s the time,” Cohen said. When Copneumonia subsided, however, he hen is not by his side, he is callwas still on a ventilator and heavi- ing Nick everyday to learn of his ly sedated because of the immense progress. pain. Cohen said Nick’s moral is But beside himself, Antlitz’s completely positive. “He isn’t letBy Ellery McCardle News Editor
Editor-in-Chief Peter Arrabal parrabal@gmail.com
Asst. Editor-in-Chief Charlie Hambos chambos@ut.edu
News Editor Ellery McCardle minaret.news@gmail.com
Commentary Editor Derrick Austin minaret.commentary@gmail.com
Sports Editor Bobby Winsler
minaret.sports@gmail.com
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, Staff Writer Emily Williams, Reporter Delaney Spoerl, Reporter Stephanie Roman, Reporter Alex Markopoulos, Reporter Erika Escobar, Reporter Megan Shebosky, Reporter Austin Daniels, Cartoonist Max Roberts, Artist Shanette Lewis, Photographer Elizabeth Harm, A&E Natalie Insogna, A&E Shannon Grippando, Reporter Kristen Vasquez, A&E Alan Mehanna, A&E
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ting anyone tell him that he won’t ber, he will try to make it back to Maryland as much as possible. walk again.” Financial stress But it is unknown if Antlitz Hospital costs are not cheap, will walk again. “The doctors don’t know. It’s not like a broken especially for someone who is in leg where you put pins and needles the hospital long-term. Cohen said that the average in and you wait for it to heal. It’s cost for a paraone of those unplegic’s first knowns,” Steve I’m getting year finances is said. stronger, getting about $270,000. Even though Every year after Nick went to UT more independent, for business, he and I’ll try my best to that, its about $30,000. These has taken an inter- walk again. - - Nick Antlitz costs are not est in the respiracovered by intory system besurance. cause he has been However, Antlitz’s finances very educated about it while at the will be relieved some because inhospital. surance is paying for most of his Rehab Antlitz is busy at the hospital. in-hospital care. Before Antlitz moves home, He goes to rehab six days a week. his family will have to renovate During that time, doctors strap him the entry level of their house to to a tilt table and slowly turn the make it handicap accessible. table up. Cohen plans to organize fundDoctors also strap one pound raisers in the Tampa area and other weights to his wrists. friends are fundraising in MaryBecause of his broken knee, Antlitz is not able to start walking. land. Wristbands that say “Team But when it heals, Cohen said doctors will start a new therapy where Nick One Step at a Time” are they attach electrodes to his legs, available to anyone interested. There is not set cost for the which will stimulate movement. “Everything from a physical stand- bands, they are for open donation. Antlitz’s life has completely point looks good its just a matter of getting the nerves communicating changed, but with his upbeat morale, he is not giving up hope. again,” he said. As Antlitz recovers in a BaltiBecause of his progress, Cohen said doctors at the hospital in more hospital, Cohen will continue to support his friend’s life, health, Baltimore are studying Nick. “They don’t know why he is and hope. If interested in helping funddoing what he can do,” he said. raise or if you want to donate for a Going Home Cohen said that doctors think wristband, contact Steve Cohen at Nick will be able to go home in 410-952-0497. A website has also been creatDecember. “Nothing is etched in stone, he said, “Obviously time- ed that will have updates on Nick’s condition. Visit www.nickantlitz. lines change.” But Cohen will continue to com for more information. support his friend. After Decem-
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From “Students”: Front
By Josh Kratovil Features Editor
Compiled by Reports Provided by UT Security Ta k i n g y o u r C a r t m a n impression a little too far. At 10:12 p.m. on Sept. 10, UT officers responded McKay Hall in reference to a complaint of a student with an unauthorized weapon in their possession. Upon arrival officers met the student in front of the dorm room. The student had an expandable baton (nightstick) in their possession. The student was referred to the Judicial Board and the baton was taken for safekeeping. Is your wallet running? You better go catch it! At 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, a student came to the security office to file a report in reference to the theft of their wallet from the McNiff Fitness Center. The student had entered the fitness facility at 9:20 p.m. and placed their wallet in the storage bin while they worked
out. Upon returning to pick up the belongings they were found to be missing. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay at UT – nice knowing you. At 1:50 a.m. on Sept. 14, UT officers were called to investigate the complaint of narcotics use in Austin Hall. Upon arrival of officers the dorm room was identified and contact was made with the students. A room search was conducted and several items of narcotics and paraphernalia were located along with alcohol. These items were seized and disposed. The students were referred to the conduct board. Reefer Madness At 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 14, UT officers were called to ResCom in reference to a complaint of the use of narcotics. Upon arrival a student was identified as using marijuana. The student admitted the use and the items were confiscated and disposed. The student was referred to the conduct board.
because of good recruiting by our counselors,” Benner said. Benner also believed that it is a university-wide effort that leads many students in making their decision to come to UT. The current students, faculty and ground people all work together to make UT presentable. There was a goal set for freshman and transfers as well. “The University of Miami and UT have the largest transfer admissions and best quality of international students,” Benner said. “Transfers are good for the university,” Benner said. Transfers are also usually more mature and less likely to switch majors. Growing pains As UT increases in size not only will a better profile of wellrounded students be good news, the bad news leads to longer lines at favorite eateries and a busier campus. “It takes so long to get food,” said Brandy Gilkey, a Senior psychology major. “It wasn’t as bad as it was last year.” The Minaret has received reprts of chips running out at Salsa Rico and Chick-fil-A waffle fries being used at Grill 155 because they ran out of regular fries. Tom Recktenwald, Sodexo’s Dining Services Manager, said that he would look into it.
“They cannot cook too much far ahead in order to maintain quality and freshness,” said Amy Truong, UT Dining Services General Manager. “Quality first. We are not cutting costs.” Recktenwald said that it is difficult to have more than two people behind the counter but if he sees a long line he will move people around or even other managers will step in and help. Both Truong and Recktenwald encouraged students to give both positive and negative feedback online. “Feedback is always important, the more feedback the better,” Truong said. “Immediate feedback is better.” Dining Services isn’t the only area on campus that has experienced an increase in use. The McNiff Fitness Center has the most intramural teams it has ever had. The fitness center has added a second set of the popular dumbbells to accommodate more students. “In the afternoon from 4-9 p.m. is a peak time,” Foltz said. “Every gym is busy at that time.” Foltz also noted that fitness center use increases during the lunch hour but there are less than five people when the gym opens at 7 a.m. As the campus expands there are no immediate plans to make the fitness center larger. “For most schools our size, our [fitness center] is pretty good,” Foltz said.
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
We Now Return You to... WUTV TV station returns from break By Delaney Spoerl Reporter
Many college campuses nation- wide have a university TV or radio station, but where is the University Of Tampa’s? For all of you non first and second year students, you might remember the station WUTV that played here. We have a studio for a station to be up and running, but just about two years ago it was shut down due to lack of equipment and student interest. The only thing the station really did at the time was play movies rented from the campus TV service, so the COM department decided they could spend their money on a TV station of its own. “It’s a sad thing to think about, knowing all the bright minds on campus and the up-andcoming journalism majors that nothing is going on in that area right now. Donovan Myrie, a professor in the communications department said, “Starting next semester, the COM department will have its own brand new television production studio. The setup will have three
cameras, a switcher, full audio, graphics and editing. The hope is that we will slowly start to create new original content studio television productions that we can play campus wide (including newscasts and public affairs shows).” Not only is the COM department trying to put this together but they are going to start talking about a joint COM/ ENG project that can put The Minaret editors and writers on TV as well. Sadly, not only is the UT lacking some sports teams, certain classes and electives, the school is also lacking a campus television station. Sports and television seem to go hand in hand right? So lets start getting involved in the TV station and then think about athletics, we could even broadcast the need for a football team. For this project to even work, there needs to be student interest and participation. Donovon Myrie explained, “It’s all a long ways off (the studio won’t really go online until January 2009), but I think we can get it going if enthusiastic students step up to the challenge.”
Career Services Opens New Doors ... For Itself By Alexandra Markopoulos Reporter
As many are unaware, over the summer the Career Services office relocated from Plant Hall into the Riverside building, Room 116. Moving the office was in the works for over a year and a half. Tim Harding, the director of Career Services, shared with us some of the reasons for the move and how it is truly beneficial for the students The University wanted to realign some academic spaces in Plant Hall, so that it could house more offices. Plant Hall was too small to host the necessary space that a
successful career office needs, such as interviewing rooms and large employer presentation rooms. The new interview and presentation rooms were constructed last spring. Before, students and employers would have to commute from the offices in Plant Hall to the meeting rooms in Riverside. The move unified the offices and meeting spaces into one central and easily accessible location. Now, all the counselors are in the same location. “The new location is far more convenient for students and employers to meet,” Harding said. “The image of the University is elevated to the employer for the commitment that we have for career planning and the eventual success for our students,” said Harding. So stop b y t o d a y, t o search for a job and plan your career.
Photo by Abigail Sanford
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Dining Services Adds New Flava By Stephanie Roman Reporter
Changes galore have been made to UT’s dining services. From the newly constructed website to what we put in our mouths, this year’s dining crew has modified things considerably. UT’s dining service website (dining.ut.edu) features much more in detail and up to date information about locations, what the menu has to offer, and much more. Upon arriving to the site, one sees options of the different places to eat here on campus, which are: Stadium Center, Vaughn’s Cafeteria, Spartan Club, and The Rathskellar. Click on one of those places and you will be linked to a screen that tells you when the place is opened and closed, what’s on the menu, and what you can meal exchange. Each place has its own wide variety of information available to you. So if you’re one of those people who gets a random ice cream craving in the middle of the night and has no idea what time DQ closes, the closing time is but a few clicks away. The site also features information about meal plans, coming attractions, catering services, the UT dining team, and the latest nutrition and health
information such as how you can eat better, how to retain a good memory, and how to maintain a good balance of mind, body, and soul. It even offers information on how your parents can order a cake for you on special occasions through UT dining service. Other than the website makeover, our dining places have changed as well. Jazzman’s Café, in Stadium, now has late hours (7 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday) and Panache, also in Stadium, is now open on Fridays. Students may now meal exchange at DQ/Orange Julius where he or she may get a small smoothie or chicken on Pasta, at Pandini’s where he or she may get a salad, and at Salsa Rico where he or she may meal exchange for the chicken. Sedona Grill, located in Stadium, also has undergone some major changes as it now has a whole new format. It now offers Buffalo wings, jalapeno poppers, the signature desert canyon sweet potato fries served with chipotle honey dipping sauce, and a variety of southwestern inspired burgers, chicken, and veggie sandwiches. Some of you might be wondering, what about the cafeteria in Vaughn? What’s new in there?
Don’t worry, it has not been forgotten. The recipe book for the cafeteria has been updated. You can check out the new and improved items at the pizza, deli, and grill stations. These new items were voted on by UT students last semester during the Food Trends Expose at Stadium Center and have been running all month in the cafeteria. Good to know you get to make some decisions about what you eat, right? The new items will continue to appear in the cafeteria along with various taste changers. If you want to vote on what you want to eat next, go to www.forstudentsbystudents. com. Also added to the dining service of UT was additional training and support for the team. Recognized this year were three outstanding employees for their customer service, Tony in the cafeteria, Shirley in Spartan Clun, and Sha-Ron in Jazzman’s. On top of all the huge improvements, dining services has gone green. They have joined the fight to conserve and recycle by switching to using 100 percent recycled paper napkins and new napkin holders that are both more sanitary and also helps stop wasteful usage.
New Semester, New Papers for Saunders for two years and is majoring in Marine Biology. Because people are all different, she does not Writing is a part of college, believe in mistakes, only that whether students like it or not. students are at “different ends of the Every student writing spectrum.” has to write at Oliver works with least one paper students of varying or report during writing ability their college and enjoys seeing career. A great them progress. way to improve “Everyone has papers and room to improve,” writing ability she said. She in general is to suggests having have your work others look over evaluated by your work before someone else. turning it in. The Saunders Brittany Writing Center Johnson is in her does just that. second year as a They provide tutor at the writing assistance on center. She is a a one-on-one Photo by Abigail Sanford senior and hopes basis to help to work in publishing. She loves you get a better grade and improve being in contact with different your writing. types of writing and enjoys helping “Participants can take advantage people. The most common mistakes of the Center’s free resources she sees are the minute mistakes, not only for required writing, such as forgetting a word. “Reading but for any writing, regardless out loud helps students to pick up of genre or length,” according to the little things they miss,” Johnson the University of Tampa’s Web site. “Individual sessions with an experienced tutor can help students achieve clear, concise writing; fuller communication of ideas and correctness of form.” The staff of the Saunders Writing Center is a team of experienced students under the guidance of Dr. Mark Putnam, an associate professor of English. The students are chosen are from a range majors and have been recommended by professors for their outstanding talent in writing and desire to help others. Senior Zoe Oliver has been a tutor at the Saunders Writing Center By Megan Shebosky Reporter
said. To meet with a tutor, visit the Saunders Writing Center in Plant Hall, Room 323, or call (813) 253-6244 to make an appointment. Please remember to bring in your draft early enough to allow time to edit and revise before its deadline.
Writing Center Hours:
• Mon. 9-6 • Tues. 9-1:30, 2-6 • Wed. 9-6 • Thurs. 9-6 • Fri. 11-1 GO ONLINE
Leave a comment on our website at www. theminaretonline.com
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The Minaret | September 19, 2008
A Whirlwind of Political Comments By Elizabeth Harrington Reporter
McCain’s “Straight Talk” on Economic Troubles By Joanna Scholtz Journalism I
John McCain wants to pave over the greed and corruption on Wall Street, he told a rally in Tampa Tuesday. “We are not going to waste a moment changing the way Washington does business,” McCain told a raucous Tampa Bay Convention Center crowd. “We’re going to start where the need for reform is greatest. In short order, we are going put an end to the reckless conduct, corruption, and unbridled greed that have caused a crisis on Wall Street.” McCain stressed the nation’s foundation is strong, but it has been put in danger by Wall Street’s greed and mismanagement.
“Too many people on Wall Street have been recklessly wagering instead of making the sound investments we expected of them,” Mc Cain said. “It’s time to put an end to a broken system in Washington that is breaking the American economy.” As much as the supporters inside were enthusiastic the protesters outside were angry about women’s rights and the economy. One protester held a banner “The fundamentals of my economy are not strong,” a reaction to an earlier more optimistic McCain. Back inside McCain reiterated his threats towards greedy CEOs on Wall Street. “It’s time to set things right and I promise to get the job done as your president.”
The Push for a Viable Third Party By Elizabeth Harrington Reporter
Ron Paul, an infamous, multiyear, third party presidential candidate has been rallying all third party members together in a national push to end the two-party domination. Both the republicans and democrats are naturally upset by this, seeing as the election controversy often puts blame on the third party swing vote. Congressman Paul told the press that the majority of Americans were unhappy with the choices from the mainstream parties and he continued to urge the thirdparty candidates to bring their supporters together to vote against the “establishment candidates”. This radical push to upset centuries of two-party controlled politics is welcomed by more Americans this year than ever
Ron Paul. Photo courtesy www.ronpaul.com
before. From an international perspective, this small, biased party system is actually rare and not really representative of the actual definition of democracy. The hardest part of Paul’s dream would be uniting the array of third parties, all of which have their own beliefs and theories. Upsetting the standard, overruled, and overrated system would not only be big news, but it would get more voters excited about the election.
The Minaret wants to hear rumors!!! Tell us the rumors you hear on-campus and we just might investigate! Email us at minaret. rumors@gmail.com
The Republican candidates were busy this week traveling the country, appearing on popular talk shows and criticizing mockery. Although their schedules were busy, the Republican team still managed to raise their poll numbers and keep the race tight. According to NBC’s map, Obama led the electoral votes by only 28 with another 110 toss-ups. However, last week’s CBS News poll showed that before the convention, McCain had 42% of voters “enthusiastic” about voting for him. Since he Palin was put on his ticket, it has gone up 18%. Both John McCain and Sarah Palin appeared on TV shows this week to defend claims made by the media as well as support their platforms and promises. Senator McCain was successful on the female orientated talk show, The View, where he confidently handled an interrogation of interesting professional and personal questions. Governor Palin’s TV experience wasn’t as easy. Her exclusive ABC interview aired this week but most of it was spent defending her questioned stance on the “Bridge
to Nowhere.” “It’s not inappropriate for a mayor or for a governor to request and to work with their Congress and their congressmen,” Palin assured. “Their congresswomen, to plug into the federal budget along with every other state a share of the federal budget for infrastructure.” At one point, Palin suggested that Senator Clinton would have been a smarter choice for Obama’s vice president. No matter how you look at it, both campaigns have begun using more aggressive methods in the last leg of the race. The only problems with campaign fever are the annoying consequences, like a media-led exaggeration of lipstick comments. The Republicans accused Senator Obama of referring to Palin as a “pig with lipstick” from an analogy in a speech made earlier this week in Virginia. Palin referred to herself as a “pitbull with lipstick” during her acceptance speech at the convention, proving she is not as soft of a policy maker as she looks. The Obama campaign retaliated the accusation by saying the remark was taken out of context and that the “pig with lipstick” analogy is popular and widely used.
Photo by www.wikipedia.org
“Senator Obama chooses his words carefully. He shouldn’t have said it,” John McCain concluded earlier this week. Whatever the case, let’s hope the campaigns focus more on policy and give Americans answers to questions they are really interested in. After all, there are only 45 days left until Nov. 4. Elizabeth can be reached at eharrington@ut.edu
Ball State Looking for Early Vote on Campus By Bob Culp Daily News, Ball State U.
(UWIRE)- The Delaware County election board failed to make a decision Tuesday on if Ball State should have an early voting center on campus. According to Indiana state law, county election boards are responsible to determine if residents may vote early -- up to 30 days prior to election day -- within each particular county. Early voting centers have been popular among counties with high college populations. Purdue, Indiana and Indiana State Universities ran successful early voting in 2004, and with high numbers of youth voters registered this year an early voting center on campus could alleviate lines at polling places on election day, President of College Democrats Mike Uehlein said. Those against the issue question the cost, location, possible poll workers and voting security. The three-member board, made up of Delaware County Clerk Steve Craycraft, Phil Nichols, and Bill Bruns, requires a unanimous vote to pass anything on their desk. Bruns, the lone republican, said the issue needs to be thought out more before the Oct. 6 deadline. “There are too many questions
here,” Bruns said. “We shouldn’t be forced to do this in such a short amount of time.” Nichols said the board shouldn’t feel pressured into making an immediate decision. “We don’t have to rush into this,” he said. “We have fewer voting machines and more voters than four years ago. With about 30 people attending the meeting, people -- including Student Government President Frank Hood, representatives from the College Democrats and Republicans, members of the university and Muncie citizens-were encouraged to voice their opinion to the members of the board. Hood said SGA is willing to spend up to $1,500 to counteract possible costs with early voting, and Associate Vice President for Human Resources and State Relations Tom Morrison said Ball State could help to provide a centralized location and parking for Delaware county voters. “For once there is a genuine youth interest in the Democratic process,” Hood said. “Early voting would be beneficial to all.” Robert Burgess, treasurer of the College Republicans, said the early voting may not be necessary. In yesterday’s edition of The Daily
News, the College Republicans and Democrats published a joint column as proponents of the referendum. The column’s position, Burgess said, was not discussed by the Republican organization’s executive board before it was published by the president of Ball State Republicans, R.J. Crace. “It was an knee-jerk reaction,” Burgess said. “I believe it was unsupported and uninformed.” Mike White, an expert on electronic voting and voting security brought in by the board, said there were no issues associated with computer security. “I see this as where voting is going,” White said. “We have to begin changing the way we are doing business.” As more people talked, the more Nichols and Craycraft seemed to be in support of the issue. “Passing this would interest students and citizens,” Nichols said. “It would be foolish to turn our back on the financial help.” While both sides said partisan politics would not play a role in the boards final decision, Nichols said Bruns will have to be open minded in his final decision. “The issues could be settled in a short time,” he said. “The only obstacle I see is Mr. Bruns’ vote.”
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
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News
Nursing Program Gets a New Dose of Leadership By Peter Arrabal Editor-in-Chief
A transfusion of fresh blood has given the nursing program a chance to escape from a critical condition. Dr. Maria Warda took over a program that ranked thirdworst in the state in passing their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and has nursed them back to health and near the top of the statistics. Only two Florida schools fared worse than the University of Tampa in 2006 in the registered nurse exam, with Keiser College in Kendall and Florida Keys Community College trailing. Of the 34 UT grads who took the NCLEX, 18 passed, for a pass rate of 52.9 percent. Keiser and FKCC scored 52.6 percent and 51.5 percent, respectively, according to data available from the Florida Department of Health. A passing score on the NCLEX is required to obtain RN positions. Warda said that of the class that graduated in 2008, 33 have passed, one has failed, and six have yet to take the test. Those six are planning to take it soon, as scores tend to decrease the longer a student waits after graduation. A major part of the improvement in scores was the purchase of the Assessment Technologies Institute NCLEX Predictor exam. “The ATI exam assists students and faculty (to) assess progression through the program,” Warda said. “We also develop student progression plans for those who need improvement.” Senior nursing student Kristina Matthews said she felt good about
her chances on the NCLEX, and that the ATI had helped her get ready for the real test. “I feel that UT is getting better at preparing us for it,” she said. “We have to take standardized tests each semester… These are helping prepare us because they are online exams, just like the NCLEX.” In 2006, nursing students nationally passed an average of 73.7 percent of the time, compared to UT’s 52.9 percent. “They are also implementing the ‘select all that apply’ questions to our exams in class now,” Matthews said. “The questions are such a pain to answer because you can get the whole question wrong if you only choose two and there are three correct answers in the question. I know it’s a pain now, but I am hoping that it will help us become more familiar with answering these types of questions when it comes time to take the NCLEX.” A Growing Program Born in Puerto Rico, Warda came to UT after spending the last few years at Georgia Southwestern State University, a school so remote that people in Atlanta hadn’t even heard of it, she said. She had spent much of her life in California, and wanted to escape to something a little more rural, but Americus, Ga. was slightly too rural for her and her husband. Warda took over a program in its infancy. Dr. Nancy Ross had guided the undergraduate program for the two years prior, and had also managed the Masters in Nursing program that has been at UT since 1984. They have seen a dramatic increase in enrollment,
as a national shortage of nurses has pushed students to join the medical profession. “We have almost 200 prenursing students now, who are trying to get into the program,” Warda said. “We have 40 spots now, but would like to see 60. My biggest fear is that we will be forced to turn down qualified applicants because we don’t have classroom space.” Space and instructors are two of the biggest problems the program faces, she said. They recently moved their offices away from what Warda called “trailers” and into a building across Kennedy Boulevard. Staring out her window at the students entering Urso Hall, Warda’s smile faded as she reminisced. “Those trailers were awful,” she said. “It’s not perfect over here, though. God help you if you forget something for your class. You just wasted half an hour.” Other Local Programs The University of South Florida has a larger nursing program. In 2006, 75 students passed out of 95 attempts. The University of Florida passed 96.3 percent of the 161 students who graduated in 2006. Outside Partnership Warda said that the program is nearing the final stages of an agreement to partner with Case Western Reserve University’s nursing program. The partnership will offer a doctoral in nursing, allowing students to take the Case Western program at the UT campus. A signed contract is in sight, she said. Peter Arrabal can be reached at parrabal@gmail.com
Club Prana Bouncer Dead After Officer Opens Fire
By Sarah Gottlieb Asst. News Editor
According to the newspaper, witnesses say Harrell did not identify himself as a police officer. Witnesses also say that although Vartanian had a gun, he was not pointing it at anyone. Vartanian was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he died. Harrell has been placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure. Student Reaction Because Club Prana is popular
A bouncer at an Ybor City night club was shot and killed by a Tampa Police officer early in the morning of Sept. 6. The plainclothes officer fired his gun after the bouncer, Roobik Vartanian, refused an order to put down his gun. The trouble began at 1:22 a.m. at Club Prana, a night club frequented by many UT students, when two Orlando men were kicked out of the club for banging on the walls of a bar. A group of employees followed the men outside when Vartanian, 35, grabbed a gun from another employee. Vartanian began yelling racial slurs and threatened to kill the men. According to Tampa police, two officers who were patrolling 6th Avenue in an unmarked van saw the commotion and jumped out of their vehicle. Officer Illustration by Lucy Monette Rick Harrell, a member of the Street Anti Crime Unit, known as SAC, with many UT students, The Minaret saw Vartanian was armed with a asked on Facebook what students gun and ordered him twice to drop thought of the shooting. Christine Julie, a sophomore, the weapon. Vartanian refused, instead turning to point the gun at said she has been to Club Prana Harrell. Harrell then fired his gun, before. “I didn’t hear about the shooting,” she said, “but now I’ll hitting Vartanian in the stomach. After the officers jump out of probably avoid going there anytime their vehicle, the St. Petersburg soon.” AJ Jarotski, also a sophomore, Times tells a different story.
heard about the shooting through a classmate and was concerned because it occurred near campus. “I am going to try and keep a decent distance from Prana in the future,” he said. Other students shared similar views, but were not as worried about staying away. “That’s scary,” said another sophomore, Jamie Wasley, who said he had been to the club a couple of times. “I would still probably go back if I was with lots of friends.” D a n i e l Hernandez, a senior, has never been to Prana but usually goes to a few clubs close to it. “I know it’s in Ybor,” he said, “but you should usually expect something like that to happen when you’re down there in the middle of the night. I feel safe there during the day, but less when I’m there at night.” He said that he always makes sure he has a group to go with to get home safely. No one else involved in the incident was injured, nor is anyone facing charges in connection with the incident. Vartanian was found to not have a concealed weapons permit, and had previously been arrested on six felonies and 4four misdemeanors. He leaves behind a wife and 3-year-old daughter.
Sept. 16 Meeting •
• • • • •
• • •
Homecoming highlights: -Theme: Red & Black Never Look Back -Events: Midnight Madness, comedian, casino night, parade, and soccer game finale -Get points for your organizations to win a prize! Packets for elections are due this Friday, Sept. 19 Executive board meeting with Senior staff will be held on Friday, Sept. 19 Academic Affairs Committee is refining their resolution for lower book prices Next Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Today Show will be coming to UT from 6am-9am Constitution Day is Sept. 17. Look for blue slips around campus with trivia questions. Take your answers to the trivia questions to the SG office for a $20 gift certificate to the book store. They must be turned in by Sept. 17 or Sept. 18 Hurricane relief will be next week. Donations will go to Red Cross International Social Concerns Committee is drafting a resolution for Going Green First SG sponsored event is this Friday, Sept. 19 at 5pm. There will be a party before the game at the McNiff Fitness Center parking lot with food and drinks
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*See SunTrust branch representative for official rules. 1 SunTrust does not charge a fee for the use of SunTrust Mobile Banking. If you do not already have a data plan with a wireless service provider, normal data rates will apply. NO PURCHASE OR OBLIGATION NECESSARY. Participants will NOT be required to apply for and/or hold a SunTrust Checking Account. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18 or older as of date of entry and students who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the U.S. for the Fall, 2008 semester or quarter. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sweepstakes begins on 8/1/08 and ends 9/30/08. To Enter: Complete the official entry form available at any SunTrust Student Checking booth during the promotion period and deposit official entry form into official ballot box, or mail a completed official entry form or 3” x 5” card with your name, date of birth, address, city state, zip, phone number and school attending, in a stamped #10 envelope to: SunTrust Student Checking Sweepstakes, Dept. H317429, P.O. Box 15128, White Bear Lake, MN 55110-5128. Limit one entry per person. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by 9/3/08 and received by 10/15/08. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Subject to Official Rules, available at Official Ballot Box, or by mailing a first-class stamped envelope to: SunTrust Official Rules, Dept. # H317429, P.O. Box 100451, White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0451 for receipt by 12/1/08. Sponsor: SunTrust Banks Inc., 303 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta GA 30303. Vehicle shown is 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid model. SunTrust Client Commitment: SunTrust will never send unsolicited emails asking clients to provide, update, or verify personal or account information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or check card numbers, or other confidential information. SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. © 2008 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust and Seeing beyond money are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc. ema 84001-08
6 New Director, New Direction For Honors Program By Emily Williams Reporter
Surely Dr. Gary Luter was aware that he would face challenges as the new Director of the Honor’s Program at UT (after all, the previous director of 31 years left him some pretty big shoes to fill), but there’s no way he could have known exactly what he was in for when he applied for the position. Luter, who has a graduate degree in chemistry and two graduate degrees in theater, joked that he used to spend the majority of his time across the street “in solitude” at the Falk Theater. This year, there are 996 honors students at the University of Tampa, and Luter has made it his personal goal to get “each of them actively engaged” on campus. Needless to say, Luter’s dedication both to the program and to getting students involved has presented him with lots of new challenges. He said, “I’m busier and I’m seeing more people than I ever have … The number of e-mails I receive has increased tenfold!” Luter described his initial few weeks as director as a learning process and readily admitted that overseeing such a well-respected honors program is a lot of work. However, he is very optimistic about the future of the honors program, especially the further development of programs already in place. Furthermore, he urges honors students to take advantage of those
various opportunities available to them, such as the twenty-three honors courses that will be offered in the Spring of ’09, the chance to receive stipends for research, the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford, and many more. Luter, who described himself as one who liked being a r o u n d learners, was enthusiastic in expressing the rewards of his job. He described one of the main perks of his position as “getting to interact with top-notch students” – students he described as inquisitive, highachieving, and valuing academic success. Aside from his love for interacting with the university’s top students, perhaps part of the reason why Luter stood apart from others applying for Director was his attitude towards the job. In his eyes, the University of Tampa can compete with Ivy League schools and attract exceptional students through an excellent honors program. Therefore, it is his goal “sustain, enrich and broaden the program,” that it may continue to be “one of the best in the region.” He described his most basic challenge for the program as the following: “To maintain what’s there … and add to it.”
News
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
From “Joe’s”: Front They are reviewing their relationship with older UT students, and formulating new marketing plans, she said. “We want to do the right thing,” she said. “We don’t want to promote underage drinking. I was 19 years old too, I get it, I understand it. If it got to the point where they decide to shut us down, there are lot of people who lose their livelihood. Food service people, barbacks, bartenders, food runners, bouncers, management, and more. We have to look out for their families too.” On the Prowl Associate Dean of Students Gina Firth traveled with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s O f f i c e a n d Ta m p a P o l i c e Department as ABT executed the sweeps for illegal activities. “It was sad for me to see so many of our students in trouble like this,” Firth said. “I would introduce myself to them after they were finished with the sheriffs, and they looked more upset about me being there.” Firth said that TPD and the Sheriff’s Office forward all cases involving UT students to the Office of Student Conduct, where their cases are investigated as though they occurred on campus. “It’s the same as if they were on campus,” she said. “Behaviors off campus affect behaviors on campus … We are an integral part of the community and when our students are wreaking havoc in the community, it reflects on us. Whose fault is it that everyone in the area under 21 can’t go to Banana Joe’s anymore? That’s UT students’
Photo by Mindy Tucker
(fault).” Firth said that all but two of the people cited or arrested at Channelside that night were UT students. Most of the citations were issued for minors in possession, a misdemeanor, but others were charged with presenting false identification, a third degree felony. Student Leader Reacts Student Government President Andrew Learned campaigned on promises to make the alcohol policies on campus more progressive and student-friendly. “What needs to happen is there needs to be a way for students to drink responsibly,” Learned said. “They forced drinking off campus last year (with changes to the alcohol policy). Now they are having problems at bars. Next, it’s house parties, where there’s no security, no ID checks, nothing. Safety should come before catching underage drinkers.”
Learned, while not endorsing underage drinking, questioned how helpful punishing policies can be. “So if someone gets drunk at an off campus part and passes out, you can’t call security,” he said. “You can’t take them back to their dorm, because of the public intoxication clause. What do you do? People who go to bars are more responsible than those at house parties.” Editor’s note: The Minaret attempted to contact two members of Fresh Entertainment two days before publication. They did not return e-mails or Facebook messages. The Minaret also attempted to contact the members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to verify Firth’s claim that over a dozen people were cited or arrested, and that only two were not UT students. The sheriffs were restricted from speaking with the media, and their public information office was closed when this article was written.
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
7
News
UT Implements Tentative Recycling Program By Jillian Randel Reporter
Last semester marked the beginning of UT’s paper recycling program. During the last month of school, UT made recycling available to students through a company called Secure On-Site Shredding. “One of the problems we had with starting a recycling program is student confidentiality. Even though
we have to pay more for a company that shreds the paper, it is the only way we could confirm the privacy of the paper our students and staff throw away,” said Ogorek, Associate Vice President for Administration & Finance. Ogorek was a key player in initiating the program. Secure On-Site Shredding does exactly what its name implies. There are 19 locked bins placed in 17 different locations across the campus. Students slip the paper
Recycling Locations • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Library – Student Computer Lab Library – Administrative Offices area Vaughn 2nd Floor – Student Computer Lab Vaughn 2nd Floor – Student Affairs Jaeb Computer Center Sykes Business Building – Student Computer Lab Sykes Business Building – Faculty Work Room Sykes Business Building – Graduate Studies Office Plant Hall – First Floor elevator landing Plant Hall – Second Floor elevator landing Plant Hall – Third Floor elevator landing Plant Hall – Fourth Floor elevator landing Plant Hall – Financial Aid Riverside Building – 2nd Floor Cass Annex – Faculty Office Center Cass Building – Graphics Lab Cass Science – Faculty Office area
into the slots, and every two weeks Secure OnSite comes and shreds the paper right on campus. It is quick and easy. The bins are visually appealing and fit in with the campus landscape. “Another thing that was important to us was that the paper was actually going to be recycled,” said Jennifer Jamison, UT’s computer lab coordinator. “A lot of the companies were just going to haul the paper away, but we wanted one that brought the paper to be recycled.” How effective has the new program been? “It is hard to tell because we started it the last month of school, and although we continued it over the summer, traffic on campus is much slower with students being gone,” said Ogorek. “But, having the recycling available at the end of the school year while students and staff were cleaning out their dorm rooms and offices was a huge success.” Although it is too early to tell how effective the program has been, Jamison notes that the bins in the computer labs have already overflowed a couple of times. “When the student lab workers find piles of paper near the printers at the end of the day, they have taken the initiative to bring the piles to the bins to be recycled, which is great, but that doesn’t do anything to change the habits of the student body as a whole,” she said.
GO ONLINE!
Photo by Abigail Sanford
Although the bins have overflowed a few times, that excess could be attributed to the end of year clean up or certain offices at school cleaning out old files. It is just too early to tell, so 15 students were asked to fill out a quick survey on the recycling program. The survey drew at least one puzzled response. “What paper recycling program? I didn’t know we had one,” the student said. Out of 15 students surveyed, 13 said that they currently recycle either less than half or none of the paper they use on campus, while two out of the fifteen said they recycle more than half or all of the paper they use. If the bins are on campus, why are so many students failing to recycle? “It’s just not convenient enough yet. A lot of students aren’t aware of the program, and most that are either don’t know where the bins are, or don’t care enough to use them,” said senior Nick Nilson. All fifteen students surveyed reported that there is not enough advertisement about recycling on campus and that they would benefit from having more bins and more signs to post the recycling program.
Have you noticed the University’s recycling bins around campus? Register for free and post a comment at www. theminaretonline.com How students know that recycling is available on campus? Pay more attention, for one thing. All of the printers in the labs have signs on them directing students to the recycling bins. Go tell your friends and professors. If you see someone throwing away paper, offer them directions to the nearest recycling bin. Advertisement is a simple solution, if that’s what students need. Another campus-wide e-mail couldn’t hurt either. Recycling is as an important part of daily routine as brushing one’s teeth. Paper recycling bins have been provided. There are no more excuses for students to not be recycling paper products. The bins are clearly labeled as to what can and cannot be put in them. More bins are on the way, as long as students have a demand for them.
Facebook 2.0: Site Changes Its Cover By JP Busche Staff Writer
As of now, Facebook has a new outfit. The new design looks futuristic and is supposed to make communication even easier. About 100,000 user helped with whatever they could to make the social site look better. The Navigation slightly changed, as wall as the way, the Wall depicts news.
The “ Publisher” ( which is the individual user) has it now easier to administrate the personal site. Facebook states, that nothing has changed with their privacy police, but the new story formats will help everyone to control their content better. Groups have already been formed trying to ban the new format. One group named “I hate the new Facebook” has at least 500 thousand members already. “The emergence of the new
Illustration by Max Roberts
facebook template is by far a vast improvement over the old” Justin Mauser, MBA Student Kelly Havens, Sophmore said, “ It will take some time to get used to it, but I actually like it.”
Free Breakfast for Scholarship
By Sophia N. Howard Reporter
The International Business Symposium is coming up this month. The event will be held on Sept. 23 2008 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in the Crescent Club on the ninth floor in the Vaughn Center. This event is not just for students majoring in business, it’s a great opportunity to network with top business professionals and obtain priceless information on business and Latin American trends. Rodrigo Rodrigues Novas, Vice President of Citigroup and Tiffany Jaycox, Global M & A of Citigroup, both co-chairs of the event said they were excited about the fourth annual meeting and what is has to offer those that choose
attend. Novas and Jaycox planned and selected professional speakers for the event which include; Katie Coronado of Channel 8 News, Carmen Bracamonte, president and founder of LargerNet LLC, and Andrew Fore III, Managing Director of the America’s region of Citigroup. Tiffany and Rodrigo said “Each year we select the most relevant topic regarding Latin America. Based on the topic selected, we then look for the most qualified speakers both locally and in other regions.” This year the topics selected a r e “ B u s i n e s s Tr e n d s ” a n d “Strategies in Latin America.” The topics were chosen, “ in order to show students and businesses know how this region is growing and how
other companies are benefiting from it,” they said. In addition to this networking opportunity, the proceeds from the event are used to support scholarships, Rodrigo explains, “The Symposium is one of the main fund raisers for the Board of Counselors which contributes to UT’s Scholarship Fund.” The free breakfast menu will include: eggs, quiche, bagels, coffee and much more. Parking is free in the Thomas Garage and admission is free to all UT students, faculty and staff. Others may purchase tickets for $20. Please RSVP with Alexandra Ellison by e-mailing aellison@ut.edu or calling 813253-6200.
The Minaret wants to hear rumors!!! Tell us the rumors you hear on-campus and we just might investigate! Email us at minaret.rumors@gmail.com or write us on Facebook!
Argentina Australia China Ecuador England France Germany Guatemala Ireland Israel Italy Mexico Morocco New Zealand Niger Peru Senegal Spain Switzerland USA
This is BU. This could be you. Meet with Andi Walgren and find out how you can study abroad with Boston University International Programs.
Study Abroad Fair
Thursday, September 25th 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Plant Hall Lobby
www.bu.edu/abroad
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From “Books”: Front
“He does want to see book prices lowered: it’s actually in his better interest to sell more used books.” USED BOOKS Huth says that the bookstore actually makes more money from used books. When the bookstore sells used books, it also decreases the chances that students will look to Amazon , Half.com and other used or new booksellers for their texts. Used books can save students quite a bit of money. For example, one book, “Chemistry of Everything,” required for the course Chemistry and Society, a popular class for non-science majors, is listed at $137.50. Used, the book is $102.85, saving students almost $35. HOW THE BOOKSTORE DETERMINES RICES Unfortunately most students are unclear how the bookstore determines its prices. Huth said the publisher first sets a price, and then the bookstore and the university decide on their desired profit margin. Seventy percent of what students pay for a book goes to the publisher. The other 30 percent goes to salaries, expenses, utilities and shipping. Part of that 30 percent also goes to the university. STUDENTS Many students still believe that book prices are too high. “Our bookstore sucks,” said freshman Kyle Bennett. “I bought a book that was marked at $65 in our store for $6 online. It’s ridiculous.”
Students like Bennett often go elsewhere to buy their books. For the entry level course PSY 200, the required book, “Psychology: Themes and Variations” is marked at $162.50 new at the bookstore. On Amazon.com, the book is $117.30 new and $83.75 at its lowest used price. Half.com sells the book in “brand new” condition for $100 and $66 in “acceptable condition.” The UT bookstore used price? $100.90. “Chemistry of Everything,” mentioned earlier, is even cheaper on Amazon.com and Half.com. On both websites, the lowest used price is $67.95, compared to the bookstore’s $102.85. The Prentice Hall Reference Guide, required for all English 101 classes, is sold new at the bookstore for $66.45 and used for $49.85. On Amazon, the new price is $55.80, the lowest used price is $43.60.Half.com’s highest “brand new” price is actually higher than the new bookstore price, selling for $73.16, but its lowest used price is $43.02. Interestingly, many students choose to do the exact opposite, buying their books at the UT bookstore and selling them online at the end of the semester, rather than back to the bookstore. “I buy my books at the bookstore only because it’s convenient and eliminates the time you would wait for them to come through the mail if you bought them online,” said Eric Pellak, a junior. “However, at the end of each semester, I no longer sell them back because of the incredibly low amount you
Photos from the McCain Rally John McCain visited the Tampa Convention Center on Sept. 16 to rally support for his campaign. Photos by Mindy Tucker and Anna Burrell
News
get back, if any amount at all. I find it much easier to sell online at Half.com… and get more back than I would at the bookstore.” Megan Smith, a junior, agrees. “[At] the bookstore, people spend a fortune on textbooks and get very little back when they go to resell them at the end of every semester.”Buying and selling online has become popular with students. However, sometimes there isn’t even a choice, as the bookstore has a number of required textbooks that are made custom for the university. These books are not sold online, and selling them back online is just as hopeless since only UT students would be looking for them. One such book, “College Algebra, Concepts Through Functions,” is required for the college algebra course, MAT 160. The new list price for this book is $114.30, while used versions sell for $85.75. MORE RESOLUTION As Huth and the Academic Affairs committee work to get students more used textbooks, questions remain. “Since Barnes and Noble is a separate company and is not part of UT, it’s harder for students to use their voices to get lower book prices,” Huth said. “They’re a business. They want to make money here, but we [the students] have needs too. We hope to work with faculty, who will hopefully have more of a vested interest in students.” Huth is also looking for other
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
UT Bookstore Prices vs. Online Prices “Prentice Hall Reference Guide” UT New Price: $66.45 Amazon.com New Price: $55.80 Half.com “Brand New” Price: $73.16 UT Used Price: $49.85 Amazon.com Lowest Used Price: $43.60 Half.com “Good” Price: $43.02 “Chemistry of Everything” UT New Price: $137.15 Amazon.com New Price: $115.20 Half.com “Like New” Price: $109.99 UT Used Price: $102.85 Amazon.com Lowest Used Price: $67.95 Half.com “Acceptable” Price: $67.95 “Psychology: Themes and Variations” UT New Price: $162.50 Amazon.com New Price: $117.30 Half.com “Brand New” Price: $100.00 UT Used Price: $121.90 money-saving options too. Though the Academic Affairs committee consisted of about a dozen members last week, Huth thinks this number will change as organizations register and more students volunteer for the committee. The committee’s drafted resolution is expected to be presented in next week’s SG General Assembly. Once it goes through the General Assembly, it will be presented to the university administration and department heads, who Huth hopes will begin to enforce the book order deadline.
“A resolution is the voice of the students,” Huth said. “It is a strong statement saying ‘This is what we support and will push this as far as it will go.’” Editor’s Note: To find out why the university feels custom editions are necessary and to find out how the bookstore determines how much money to give back on books, The Minaret tried contacting Comiskey. Comiskey had a Barnes and Noble college representative get in touch with The Minaret. The representative did not get back to The Minaret by the deadline.
9
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Features
The Fight of Her Life
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
of appendix cancer. The Wood has increased the diagnosis followed surprotein as well as the gery on Oahu that occurred organic food in her diet. seven months after Wood This time, she has kept began going to different her weight loss down to doctors, complaining that about 10 pounds. “something was wrong.” “I had a lot of chalRefusing to accept lenges, but that was the an opinion that she had a hardest one - dealing “two-year outside window with trying to eat when By Lila Fujimoto Maui News to survive,” Wood drew on you have no appetite,” her training as a scientist to Wood said. “I knew I had WAILUKU, Hawaii - Julie research treatments availto make an extreme efWood already has defied the odds, able in the United States. fort at nutrition or I was surviving past the two-year mark She found one in Baltigoing to die of wasting.” since she was diagnosed with a more. Originally from rare cancer. Now, the University When her health inOhio, Wood earned a of Tampa alumna is facing another surance company initially bachelor of science deuphill battle. wouldn't cover the procegree in biology from the But she isn’t facing it alone. dure, Wood and her husUniversity of Tampa in Friends and co-workers of the band, Greg, took out a Florida and has teaching Maui Police Department criminal- second mortgage on their credentials in biology, ist are joining in an effort to raise house to pay for the mas- Wood (left) and colleague Diana Custer. Wood has continued her work at the lab in spite of her cancer. chemistry and physics Photo by Lila Fujimoto from Humboldt State $200,000 so she can travel to Swe- sive abdominal surgery and den for an advanced treatment that internal heated chemotherthis whole army of seek-and-de- help,” said Jonie Chong Kee, actUniversity in California. could cure her rare and aggressive apy treatment. stroy cells,” she said. “There aren't ing records section manager. In California, she worked for the Later, she won an appeal of side effects because it's all your appendix cancer. She and Capt. Larry Hudson federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobac“I think when people hear her the decision by the insurance com- own tissue. It's a very simple con- are organizing the Julie Wood co and Firearms laboratory in San story, the generosity will be there,” pany, which ended up covering cept, but the execution has been Golf Tournament, which started at Francisco; the Santa Clara County said Diana Custer, who is coordi- the treatment. The decision could difficult.” 6:30 a.m. Sept. 6 with a breakfast Crime Lab, where she did analysis nating the grass-roots fundraising make it easier for some other canThe process involves surgery, of Portuguese bean soup. The en- in drug-related homicides, and a effort for her friend and co-worker. cer patients to undergo the proce- but much of the work occurs in try fee is $125 per person, with a water quality lab in Arcata. “Julie's great to work with; she's dure, Wood said. Wood was off a laboratory where cultures are three-person scramble format. An She was on her way to a unibrilliant. She sets a fabulous exam- from work for about three months. grown. awards ceremony with heavy pupu versity research expedition to ple for work ethic and fortitude. Her doctor was ready to sign dis“For about 50 percent of peo- will conclude the tournament. The Enewetak atoll when she first vis“She's really a force of na- ability papers for her. ple or more, they are able to arrest entry deadline was Sept. 2. ited Maui, stopping to see a friend. ture.” “He said, 'You can't go back the disease - and in some people, “I wouldn't be doing this if I “I fell in love with it,” she said. For the past 12 years, Wood to work, you're disabled,'” Wood they have been able to cure it,” she really didn't care about her,” HudA scuba diver since 1979, has run the Maui said. “I said, said. “Those odds are compared son said. Wood returned to be a dive master GO ONLINE Police Depart'No, I'm not. to what I am looking at, which is Custer said the fundraising for the summer to fill in when her ment Crime Lab, Are video games I can do my zero. You got to try.” effort will include “Julie's Hope” friend moved to Kauai in 1986. a job that in- addictive or an escape? job.' Through an Internet support volunteers at the entrance to the She ended up staying, working cludes weighing Sound off on our Web “I can't group, Wood met a Swedish man Maui County Fair. Volunteers are her way up to captain and meeting and testing drug site: lie in bed,” with the same rare cell type. After also planning rummage sales and her husband, a dive master and evidence, as well www.theminaretonline.com Wood said. receiving the treatment through other fundraisers for Wood, who scuba instructor for Atlantis Subas testing and “I have to get his national health care, he is now turned 52 in August. marines. validating scientific instruments back to work and get back to my cancer free, Wood said. More information about Wood She began working at MPD used in the analysis. Wood pre- life.” “That's another reason I'm and the treatment in Sweden is in 1994 as an evidence technician. pares reports and testifies in court In April, Wood started a sec- pretty confident it's going to work available at the Web site mauigate- The following year, she completed cases. The lab handles 300 to 500 ond round of chemotherapy, con- for me,” she said. “They say I'm a way.com/~jgwood/Hope.htm. six months of training at HPD for cases a year, requiring analysis of tinuing to work and train Custer. good candidate. The holdup now is Donations can be sent directly her current job. 800 to 1,200 pieces of evidence. She also continued to investigate just getting the funds together.” to “Julie's Hope,” in care of C. Outside of work, Wood is a Custer, Wood’s co-worker in cancer treatments, learning about But the experimental treat- Takashima, P.O. Box 10253, La- jeweler whose creations have been the lab, said she has been inspired a procedure developed by cancer ment isn't covered by Wood's in- haina 96761. sold at Maui stores. by Wood's determination and researchers in Sweden. While her surance. For now, Wood's goal is “tryShe previously had a busistrength as she continues to work treatments so far have reduced the Co-workers and friends, in- ing to stay as healthy as [she] can” ness raising butterflies for release and develop strategies to battle cancer in her body, Wood said she cluding some from her eight years to prepare for the treatment, which at weddings and other special her cancer. The two met about knows she needs more advanced as a boat captain for dive and snor- would involve staying in Sweden events. ten years ago, when Custer first treatment to survive. kel charters at Lahaina Harbor, for four to six weeks. “I may be a transplant, but I worked at the police department. The procedure in Sweden in- are all helping in the fundraising. She has taken up cooking as have lived here longer than anyWood was told her cancer was volves taking a patient's own cells Records Section workers prepared a new hobby, preparing meals where else,” she said. “This is my incurable when she was diagnosed that are recognizing and fighting the donation jars that so far have on days when she feels well and home.” on Valentine's Day, 2006, with the cancer, propagating the cells been placed at MPD, other agen- freezing them for days when she is This article was reprinted with “aggressive grade mucinous ade- and putting them back into the cies, the Honolulu Police Depart- affected by the chemotherapy. permission. Lila Fujimoto of the nocarcinoma of the appendix with body, Wood said. ment and Kuau Mart. After losing 44 pounds during Maui News can be reached at lfuperitoneal metastasis,” a rare form “They are basically building “We told Julie we want to her first round of chemotherapy, jimoto@mauinews.com.
Cancer-afflicted UT alumna joined by colleagues and loved ones in effort to raise $200,000 for possibly life saving trip to Sweden
Hey, milk does a body good, right? So does a balanced daily intake of News, Features, Sports, Arts & Entertainment and Commentary. So make sure to pick up your copy of The Minaret each Friday, or check out our Web site, www.theminaretonline.com, to get a jump on the week’s stories, along with breaking news updates and access to our forums. It’s perfect for low-key classroom, Post Office package line or Salsa Rico lunch line reading! Oh, and your roommate said to pick up some milk, pudding and PB&J next time you’re over in Stadium Center.
People We Love Gina Firth
Why:
As those who have read the news section surely know, Gina took a ride with TPD last week and personally introduced herself to each of the students who were busted at Banana Joe’s. Firth is out to prove there’s nothing a-peel-ing (yes, we went there) about underage and risky drinking.
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Features
This week: Take a closer look at Pakistan
Editor’s Note: The University of Tampa claims to have students from almost 100 countries enrolled. Staff at The Minaret thought it would be interesting to get to know a little more about where everyone is coming from, not only in terms of culture, but also what these students do back home to have fun. The first country in this special series is Pakistan. By JP Busche Features Writer
There are about 168 million people living in Pakistan, a country that used to be part of India until 1947. After 1947, Pakistan became an independent country, making it the second independence in one year, since India used to be under British supremacy. The three current major cities are Islamabad (the capital), Lahore and Karachi. The official language is Urdu, but English is widely spoken and is also the chief language in which classes are taught. Men and women traditionally
both wear shalweer kameez, which are knee-length white garments. Men often wear this garment with a cap, called a topi, while women prefer to have garnishments on it. These can range from having sparkling stones to showing a little bit of cleavage. Pakistanis like good food such as Roti, a type of pita bread, and Kulfe, which is a type of ice cream. They also enjoy chicken, which is a constituent part of almost every meal. “I miss the Pakistani food,” said freshman Ammad Hakim. The country does offer a lot of international food options and is currently considered an emerging market for food courts as there is an increasing number of restaurants opening up. Lahore is an excellent spot for a lavish weekend getaway. During the weekend, the fivelane out-of-town road to the Lahore Airport is entirely blocked off, and people show up to drag race with their cars, such as Ferraris, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche, to drag race. Although the consumption of
alcohol is forbidden, some Pakistanis still like to party. Since there are no nightclubs in the entire country, they just throw their own parties at someone’s house. Card games such as Texas Hold ‘em and Poker are other common methods of diversion. The outdoor types head to one of the nice beaches, such as those in Karadschi, and go swimming or ride a Jetski. Riding a Jetski costs about $4 an hour after converting Rupis, Pakistan’s native currency, to dollars. After a day of swimming, Pakistanis enjoy resting in front of the computer, playing games such as Counterstrike, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Age of Empires and Medal of Honor. It is very common to play soccer throughout the evening and the night. “Pakistan is not as it is depicted on TV,” said Ali Azam, another freshman. Want to see your country featured? Drop us a line on our Facebook site, or leave a comment on our website.
1 University Blvd. | St. Augustine, FL 32086 | (800) 241-1027
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12
Arts & Entertainment
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Hot Diggity Dog: Frankies Opens Just Off Campus
By Kelley Bumstead Staff Writer
Photos by Abby Sanford
To many University of Tampa students, the corner of West Kennedy and North Boulevard has belonged to “Mr. T’s” as far back as they could remember. But students passing by the familiar street corner opposite Metro Mart were greeted by a different sight this year. Instead of a dilapidated old building, which few dared to venture into, sits a completely revamped and modernized restaurant. “Frankies ,” the only South Tampa restaurant specializing in hot dogs, offers UT students affordable food just a short walk from campus. “We offer high quality, convenient food for reasonable prices,” said Tyson Caner who owns the business along with fellow partners Mike and Joe Diogostine. In addition to hot dogs, options such as seafood, burgers and many vegetarian alternatives compliment the wide-ranging and fairly-priced menu. The owners, all of whom are UT graduates, realized the need for near-campus dining options and decided to open up shop.
“There’s just not really any place for UT kids to hang out around campus,” said Caner, calling the nearby location “a nobrainer.” “We looked around different areas and this just fell into our laps.” The completely renovated interior features several flat screen televisions and spacious seating, drawing many NFL fans each Sunday. “I went last week for the game, and it was packed,” said UT senior Gerard Spinney. “It’s a great place to come because it’s right next to school.” Frankie’s also offers a “Hot dog Happy Hour” weekdays from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring two-for-one dogs and $5 domestic pitchers. The restaurant is open until midnight and caters events. They also plan to begin delivering on campus soon. Frankie’s welcomed UT students last week during its grand opening, which featured live entertainment, dollar dogs, and many prize giveaways. One UT student stopped in for a hot dog and walked out with one of the grand prizes, a brand new 32-inch LCD flat screen TV. “We want people to feel welcome when they walk in,” said Caner. “A fun atmosphere is key.”
Move Over New York Pizza, Here Comes Alaskan Tacos! By Elizabeth Harm Staff Writer
Tucked away behind the glamour and bright lights of the Ybor clubbing strip lies the late night dining best kept secret in Tampa. Mema’s Alaskan Tacos has been serving up fresh, homemade, Mexican food to late night diners for years. Mema’s Alaskan Tacos offers everything from nachos to quesadillas and tamales with fillings enough to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Mema’s provides vegetarian and vegan options in their menu with lard-free black beans and homemade guacamole. “These nachos have changed my life,” rejoiced Christian
Perkins, a UT grad and self proclaimed nacho connoisseur. “These are better than Estellas and Agustos.” The real reason any steak or lettuce loving person goes to Mema’s is for the Alaskan Tacos, and yes, they are from Alaska. The original recipe comes from the the owner’s grandmother currently living in Alaska where she developed this unique recipe. The secret lies in frying the taco shell and the filling together in a light (trans-fat free) oil. The result is a special blend of favors balanced enough for any appetite. The taco options are endless with the variety of fillings Mema’s offers. Specials such as shrimp and lobster are offered while the
popular gator taco remains a menu staple. The interior of Mema’s is unique as well when compared with the Ybor strip. Sombreros, independent art and huge flashing lights adorn the walls and bar in Mema’s creating a mood that keeps the party going after dark. I recommend the Alaskan tacos and homemade tamales. The gator meat is a little greasy but goes well with light beers on tap. So if late night clubbing does not leave you too impaired, or when those 2 a.m. muchies get you, head on over to the little Alaska in Florida. Elizabeth reached at
can be edevries@ut.edu.
Photos by Elizabeth Harm
Mema’s Alaskan Tacos 1724 E 8th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 813-242-8226
Sunday Closed Monday 11am to 1am Tuesday 11am to 1am Wednesday 11am to 1am Thursday 11am to 3am Friday 11am to 3am Saturday 11am to 3am
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Arts & Entertainment
Quilt’s Corner When Florida Sinks By Jenna Risano I will float away on our aero mattress— leave you standing with your bottle— and from the Atlantic, watch it all go down. No more will children throw oranges at the back of my car. No more will old women with leopard scarves shoo me off Photography by Jeanette Nicewinter their lawn. And no more will construction cause me to question an earlier You who brought me down to this cocktail umbrella couldn’t hide. turn. state. Who drank us dead, who drank us And when I wave you over, you’ll There will be no Skyway, no wave me on— numb. Cross-town, no 301. Castro’s sick, head for Cuba and I would hate to see you sink, but I’ll skip my sun pass on the please like FEMA— water. Send rum can’t save everyone. I’ll watch the magic castle go under. And people will cling to pink Beyond golf carts, town cars, Submit your poetry, short strip clubs, cigar bars, key lime flamingos stories, and photography pie, like life preservers. to Quilt! Contact Kristin and sinking “Jesus Saves” signs, Pappas at kpappas@ you’ll be— I will not assist them ut.edu! on the shore with what your but I will wait for you.
U.S. News Launches “Why My School Rocks!” Video Contest on YouTube Students invited to submit school videos for grand prize Press Release
(UWIRE) - U.S. News Media Group announced the launch of its first “Why My School Rocks” college video contest in collaboration on YouTube. As part of the 2009 America’s Best Colleges package, U.S. News invites students to create and upload videos on its contest page at www.usnews.com/ youtubecontest.com starting today and continuing until 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31, 2008 “Why My School Rocks” videos should showcase unique and memorable characteristics of their campus to demonstrate why it should be recognized by U.S. News. All subject matters are welcome: From unusual campus traditions to dorms that put the Ritz to shame...whatever it is that makes a school “rock.” In order to win, contestants must promote their videos to friends, family and general viewers through social networking/media sites, E-mail, and other outlets to try to rack up the most views by October 31, 2008. The 10 videos with the greatest number of views will move on to the finals where the U.S. News - STA Travel judging
committee choose the winner based on their ability to use the theme “Why My School Rocks,” creativity, and effectiveness in providing an overall campus viewing experience. The Grand Prize Winner and the winning video will be announced by the U.S. News judging team on November 12, 2008. The winner of the video contest will receive a “Spring Break Trip for Two” from STA Travel to one of four top destinations: Jamaica, Cancún, Acapulco, or the Bahamas (including air and hotel packages for their vacation, maximum value $1,500 per person or total value of $3,000). “We’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to utilize digital media and engage our readers. The goal of this contest is to
enable students and educators to view what institutions across the country are doing to increase the quality of campus life and the overall college experience,” said Brian Kelly, editor of U.S.News & World Report. STA Travel, the largest student and youth travel organization in the world, allows students access to comprehensive travel products and services including discounted student airfare, accommodations and tours, discount cards, student travel loans, travel insurance, international cell phones and visa application services. Entry requirements: 1) Submissions will only be accepted from contestants registered at or from staff members at an accredited four-year college. 2) Entrants may use any artistic medium to create their original video 3) Videos must be less than two minutes in length. For more information, please visit www.usnews.com/ youtubecontest.com. Photo by Kriss Szkurlatowski (www.sxc.hu)
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Blast From the Past: Ode to Cinema Paradiso By Alan Mehanna Staff Writer
Watching Cinema Paradiso while sitting on the floor in an overcrowded classroom, I felt I was within the film, within the cinema, watching those films with all the children of the town. To say this film is great would be an understatement. This film embodies w h a t film is all about. T h e story is that of Toto. Toto, short for Salvatore, returns home as a famous director after discovering news about an old friend’s passing. Through flashbacks, Salvatore reminiscences about his childhood and his relationship with Alfredo, the projectionist at Cinema Paradiso. Alfredo becomes the only father figure in Salvatore’s life and they both fall in love with film-making while spending many hours discussing films. The movie takes the audience on a journey through the transformation of cinema and traditional film extinction. What attracts me most about Cinema Paradiso is its rhythm. The poetic pace flows through Salvatore’s life aided by transitions and music. It creates this fairytale that causes the viewer to forget about his or her surroundings. The whimsical setting of the cinema feels like a page out of a novel. The characters were colorful as well. From the villagers in the cinema to Toto’s close friends, each had their own personality and was a well-rounded character. The thematic elements of this film were quite strong as well. It explores many relatable themes, such as coming of age, love, family, and friendship that lasts forever. Despite a “Dennis the Menace vs. Mr. Wilson
relationship,” Toto and Alfredo soon become the best of friends, even after Alfredo’s death. Alfredo teaches Toto about life through quotes from various films, and ultimately tells Toto that in order to grow and become the person he was meant to be, he must leave his home and never return. This is a message that holds true for any household. This is the first instance in the film that Alfredo does not quote any film. The thematic element of young love is covered with the beautiful Elena. Toto, now an adolescent, falls for the blue-eyed blond, Elena. The film pays homage to the theory of the male gaze, the idea that the lens of the camera mirrors the eye of the heterosexual male. Toto literally falls in love with Elena when he first sees her through the lens of his camera. Elena embodies every young man’s vision of a perfect girl. She is the girl that possesses any man to wait outside her window until she falls in love with him. Coming of age, though a thematic element that is not new to the world of film, is what holds this story together. In Cinema Paradiso, the coming of age is visualized through a man remembering how he became who he is. A series of flashbacks result from Toto coming back home and witnessing the demolition of what was once his sanctuary. He finds the answer to the reason why he has never truly let go of the past within a gift that was left behind by an old friend. The film reel gives the movie a perfect conclusion, capable of bringing any viewer to tears regardless of what gender or grade of toughness. Cinema Paradiso is a beautiful story of friendship, loyalty, growth, love, family, and the unforgettable magic of film. Alan can be reached at amehanna@ut.edu.
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Arts & Entertainment
By Micaela Lydon Staff Writer
Burn After Reading, the latest production from the Coen brothers, is an interesting and in-depth look into the comically intertwined lives in suburbs of Washington D.C. Despite a slow start, the movie redeems itself as the story begins to unfold around an all-star cast, including: John Malkovich, George Clooney, Frances McDormand, and Brad Pitt. The standout performance of the film is definitively that of Brad Pitt. His role, an energetic, childlike gym trainer, had the audience in hysterics. His interaction with John Malkovich is a side-splitter, peppered with Malkovich’s biting sarcasm and frequently
dropped F-bombs. Clooney played a convincing paranoid womanizer, while McDormand offered an overly dramatic and unfulfilled character to round out the field. The mood of the film was mature comedy, which lent to dropped jaws during unexpected scenes of graphic violence. Much of the film revolves around the C.I.A.’s involvement in the increasingly interwoven paths of the characters. The intervening role of the agency explains the title and ultimately steers the film’s course. It was a very quirky and surprising movie, with many satisfying twists and turns. Its more grown-up sense of humor was entertaining and appeals to a diverse crowd. This is one that could definitely be enjoyed by students and teachers alike. Micaela can be reached at mlydon@ut.edu.
Director: Ethan and Joel Coen Running time: 96 Minutes Rating: R
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Underoath Gets Lost in The Sound of Separation
By Zach Fraser Staff Writer
After many trials and tribulations throughout the past couple of years, Tampa Bay natives, Underoath came out swinging with “Lost in the Sound of Separation.” It is a complex, melodic and intense album sure to further solidify them as veterans of the hardcore genre. Underoath’s fourth full length release, “Lost In the Sound of Separation” strays away from the bands poppy/screamo sound on “They’re Only Chasing Safety.” The new album progresses more towards the harder sound of their last album, “Define The Great Line.” One thing that loyal Underoath fans will most likely recognize on “LITSOS” is how Spencer Chamberlin once and for all takes near complete control of the mic, proving that his screams are the backbone of the band. Although not quite as
prevalent as in the past, Aaron Gillespie still provides clean vocals, but puts most of his efforts into drumming throughout the album. “LITSOS” opens with the song “Breathing in a New Mentality” a shot of adrenaline that surely will wake you up. Chamberlain confesses, “I’m the desperate, and you’re the savior!” He was most likely referring to the problems and struggles he had with substance abuse over the years, as well as his deep love for God. The album follows by setting the bar high for other bands and setting the volume even higher. Even at its slowest points, the album makes “They’re Only Chasing Safety” seem like a calm walk in the park compared to this all out sprint. “A Fault Line. A Fault of Mine” is a great track showcasing the benefits of having Chamberlain and Gillespie sing together, providing a wonderful harmony of shrieks and pristine vocals. “The Only Survivor Was Miraculously Unharmed” lets guitarist Timothy McTague and James Smith shine throughout the song, providing deep riffs and high distortion. Further down the track list is Underoath’s first single from “LITSOS,”
“Desperate Times Desperate Measures.” This song gives Underoath a single that is very accessible and listener friendly while still providing the raw sound of the band that everyone knows and loves. Near the end of the album my favorite track “Too Bright to See Too Loud to Hear” gives us a slower side of Underoath. Screamer Chamberlain actually gives his clean vocals a shot on this track and actually does very well. Him and Gillespie combine beautifully throughout the whole song until the very end, where the calm vocals explode into an all out war of screams and shrieks. Overall, Underoath has released an album that should satisfy fans and soar above their expectations. “Lost In the Sound of Separation” shows how Underoath has progressed over the years to become one of the most ambitious groups out there, while staying loyal to their fans and their hardcore roots. They prove that they are indeed at the top of their game. For more Underoath, visit www.underoath777.com. Also listen to tracks at www. myspace.com/underoath. Zach can be reached at zfraser@ut.edu.
Pick up your free Designated Driver and Cab Cards in the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, 215 Vaughn Center
15 Commentary Editorial: Economic Crisis, Future Burden
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Big corporation bailouts organized by big government is dangerous for its lack of foresight. The Fed has taken the faults and errors of the CEOs and CFOs and loaded their burden onto our shoulders. We will pay for these mistakes for decades as the national debt rises and the value of the dollar falls. Unregulated idiocy and massive greed have nearly caused the demise of the financial markets. Massive banks and investment houses like Lehman Brothers have closed their doors, as tens of billions evaporated into a sea of shady business. Ultimately, it will be our generation that will labor away; we will be the ones paying to replenish their coffers. It is up to the youngest generation to realize these get-rich-
quick schemes never work out. It’s unethical, unwise and immoral to force others to pay for your mistakes, yet those in charge of making decisions are rarely the ones to feel the pinch. Still, ethics are rarely on the minds of these corporate heads who simply seek to bloat their bank accounts. And, like the failure of ethics to sway them, punishments will not fit the crimes. While the employees of Lehman Brothers will suffer huge losses, their executive members will likely walk away without ever having to work another day. Learn from the past and plan for the future. Conduct your business with honor and dignity. Let us never suffer the pains of evaporating market value again.
Domestic terrorism has been forgotten, not because of its insignificance, but because domestic terrorism is conducted by people who Americans can understand. They may not feel empathy for the terrorist’s agenda, but the familiarity of the assailant characterizes the terrorist’s actions as a crime, an act that will be punished by a right and just system of laws. On Sept. 18 2001, the first of a large number of anthrax mailings began. In early October, the “Wall Street Journal” editorialized that Al Qaeda had mailed the anthrax and that Iraq was the source of the strain. A few days later, John McCain suggested on the David Letterman show that the anthrax might have come from Iraq. It was only July of this year,
when it was revealed that the source of the anthrax mailings was Bruce Ivins, a United States government microbiologist. The closeness of the anthrax scare to Sept. 11, coupled with the wild accusations of the Republican hierarchy helped to resurrect the politics of fear that had died at the end of the Cold War. The conclusion that Iraq had provided this strain of anthrax would later help justify the Bush administration’s invasion of the country. The politics of fear have also seeped into the presidential campaign. I received an e-mail forward from a family member whose side of the family is generally leaning toward McCain. It was packed with so much hate that it had me crying at my keyboard (an action reserved solely for the opening sequence of “The
Lion King”). In this e-mail were numerous purported excerpts from Barack Obama’s books. Let’s go over two of them. The first line supposedly comes from “Dreams from My Father” and states that Barack wrote: “I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother’s race.” This line does not appear in the book. The second line is accredited to “The Audacity of Hope.” It states that Barack wrote that he “would stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.” This statement is a rewording of a passage on page 261 of the book. Here is the correct line: “They need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something that America has learned
the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.” The terrorist’s goal is to force a population to become so overcome by fear that they would be likely to make an irrational choice. For some it may be the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and for others it may be to force a family to abandon a home in Israel. Right here in America, it is to force someone to vote for a pair of Republican candidates whose staunchest anti-choice, pro big brother politics will rob our daughters and wives of their dignity and self-respect.
momentum. These political pundits seem to feel that Palin and Obama are anomalies on the political landscape. However, their appearance on the national stage represents a longterm political trend rather than a By Derrick Austin Commentary Editor fluke in my opinion. For the most part, younger Jimmy. Ronald. George. Bill. voters, people of my generation, are perfectly comfortable with the George. Barack? Or perhaps: Walter. George. possibility of a woman or person of color in the White House. Dan. Al. Dick. Sarah? We’ve grown up having Despite the United States’ reputation as a progressive country, seen minorities achieve titanic accomplishments. politics seems to be Nations such as the one of the few cultural United Kingdom and bastions wherein there India had female prime is little reflection of ministers when Obama actual American and Palin were only culture. Alot has been made children. of the revolutionary Even a nation as campaigns of Obama homogeneous as Ireland and Palin. A black man elected its first black or a woman will help Photo courtesy mayor last year, Nigerian run the most powerful Rotimi Adebari. Tricia Ward country in the world. It’s a cultural given Inevitably, one will lose; and that everyone has the potential much has been made of this fact (whether or not that is reality is by commentators who wonder highly debatable, however) to get whether another African American an education, enter a satisfying or woman—or other minority for career, and follow their dreams. Record numbers of young that matter—will be able to run a campaign of this vivacity and women and minorities are earning
college degrees and entering the workforce with higher paying jobs and higher chances for climbing the corporate ladder. In addition to the fact that women and people of color are steadily closing an economic and educational gap, which has existed in this nation for decades, but they will soon have an advantage in the numbers game as well. According to projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2050 white Americans will no longer be the racial majority. The United States will be a majority of minorities. This trend is due to the decline of the “Baby Boomer” generation (who are currently among the most consistent voters), the population will be 54 percent nonwhite and 46 percent white. Perhaps, then there will be legitimate representation as sheer size may increase the probability that people from diverse backgrounds will run for political office. Granted, old prejudices die hard, often never entirely— but they most certainly go out with each generation. And, as ours ages,
the potential for a minority in office increases. We just don’t carry the same cultural baggage as our parents and grandparents. As this and succeeding years of young voters ascends to political primacy, we being the group most likely to cast a ballot, things like race and gender, and even faith or sexual orientation won’t seem as alien or taboo to us. A poll conducted by Zogby International found that 60 percent of registered American voters would vote for a gay president, the largest swath of that percentage coming from the 18-24 age demographic. Last year, a Gallup poll asked the same question with fifty-five percent of those asked supporting the idea. Gallup also found that forty-five percent would vote for an atheist. Of course, in polls like these participants lies all the time to avoid political correctness, but the
sentiment is still the same. A growing amount of Americans are comfortable with such once unthinkable prospects. That rising number represents a generational rift, which is only widening with the years. As culture and media continues to shine light on subcultures that have long been relegated to rumors and ignorance, the prospect for a new kind of leader grows. People fear what they don’t understand, and our generation won’t be trapped with the same societal burdens as our ancestors. With us, political change will come.
The federal government came to the rescue of a number of financial institutions this past week. These decisions have left the consequences of the disgraces of the current adult generations on the shoulders of the future leaders of this world. Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ran themselves into the ground with poor management and shady investments, but found an open wallet filled with $200 billion on the floor of Congress. The Federal Reserve will loan American International Group (AIG) more than $85 billion to keep the business alive. Over the last seven days, prior to the bailout announcement, the stock fell from $25 to close at $3.75 Tuesday, losing investors billions in value.
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin as Tina Fey
Old Facebook
New Facebook
“Burn After Reading”
“No Country for Old Men”
Amy Poehler Having Child
Amy Poehler Leaving “SNL”
“Batman” Sequel Rumor: Johnny Depp as the Riddler
“Batman” Sequel Rumor: Angelina Jolie as Catwoman
Terrorist Tactics Employed in Presidential Election
By Chris Brown Columnist
Terrorism has been a societal plague for as long as groups of humans have found reason to dislike other groups. The purpose of terrorism is to use terror as a means to coerce a specific population. Generally, acts of terrorism are committed against civilians and other noncombatants. Islamic extremism is the first form of terrorism that the average American thinks of in a post 9/11 world. For some Americans, this is the only form of terrorism that comes to mind.
Chris Brown can be reached at cbrown@ut.edu
Minorities to Become a Dominant Force in Politics
Derrick Austin can be reached at daustin@ut.edu
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The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Commentary
African Student’s Challenge to the Black Community
yourself with a sense of dignity. But blackness meant calling another African American or dark-skinned brother “niggah.” Blackness means to appreciate being called “dawg.” Blackness means that black By Amadu Wiltshire Staff Writer women must constantly accept being referred as bitches, hoes and In the book “Souls of Black other derogatory labels. Folk” by W.E.B. Dubois, the author If a black man or woman has states: “In America black identity is only a sense of carrying themselves not a good experience.” in a dignified manner, they are Being black in the U.S.A. treated as outcasts by other African m e a n s y o u a r e j u d g e d a n d Americans and are labeled Oreos. persecuted by stereotypes. It is just shocking that in a land The shocking thing is that this that has a very strong history of book was written many decades African Americans such as Malcolm ago and the sentiments X, Dr. Martin Luther raised still exist today. King, Rosa Parks But one must ask why and others fighting these sentiments still for African people exist today and who to be accepted, should be blamed for given equal rights their existence? and opportunities To be frank, I don’t that African people think it’s fair to place are subjecting all of the blame on themselves to the white community. degrading terms. I believe the black These are the community needs to same terms which accept a great amount were used to degrade of the responsibility your ancestors as Photo courtesy of Quadell their humanity was for the mess that the African American race stripped away from is in. Seven weeks ago when I them for over five centuries. migrated to this country—even This generation of African though it was not the first time that Americans is thoroughly taking I’ve been here—I was hoping to their history for granted in this find a place where blackness would country, which should be used as be appreciated as it has always been inspiration to uplift ourselves and in my life. ensure that our race prospers. However to my surprise what Ye s t h e m a n y m e n a n d I considered blackness was not women who saw history begin in considered being black by the royal places such as Kemete and African American community. Timbuktu and not in slavery need Blackness didn’t mean getting to assist in the uplifting of African a proper education. Blackness didn’t Americans. mean to speak proper English. African American youth and Blackness didn’t mean carrying parents need to begin to work for
16 First-Time Car Buying: An Economic Reality Trip
By Stacy Vieux Staff Writer
Photo by J.E Purdy
change in our community. Thus great amounts of emphasis need to be placed on education, spirituality, family values, ethnic pride and industry. In addition, African American men need to focus on their families and parental responsibilities because young African American men and women need positive role models to look up to. Having two or three baby mamas does not make you a big man, the mark of a man is ensuring that your family is well provided for, that your children get a proper education. We need to ensure that the stereotypes that MTV and BET and our race have created and superimposed on ourselves be done away with. Our potential is way beyond MTV, BET, 50 Cent, Rap and Hip Hop. We as African American people have unlimited potential and the ability to achieve anything. We must contribute positively to the development of not only this generation and this society, but the many generations to come and our entire human family. Wake up African Americans! Now is the time to become something good. Amadu Wiltshire can be reached at awiltshire@ut.edu
How many times have we heard an older person say something to the effect of: “I remember when bologna was 5 cent” or “I remember when gas was only 99 cent”? Recently, I thought that we were beginning to get a break in gas prices, but now my faith in that has dropped as prices soar back up to nearly four dollars. Before returning to school I purchased my first car. At the dealership, I found myself in the midst of a car lot as well as an economic lesson. One of the first things I noticed was all the smiling faces. The salesmen were so delighted to welcome my uncle and I, and they did not hesitate to point us into the direction of cars, almost throwing the keys at us. After picking out a car and doing some top notch negotiating, I quickly realized that a lot of nothing had been going on at this dealership. I learned that workers, including some people high up the corporate ladder, had been let off. A new owner had been brought in to help get the company back on its feet. My salesman was one of the lucky ones whose job was spared. He was fairly open, sharing with me the hard times the dealership was facing. Their sales had plummeted. He revealed to us the problem they faced because of everyone wanting to trade in their gasguzzling trucks and SUVs for
smaller gas efficient cars. This created an over flow of trucks on their lot. Even more interesting was the fact that my salesman had been informed to make a deal by any means necessary. Give it away if you have to is what he was told by his multi-million dollar boss. So what does all of this mean? It is further proof that whoever said our economy was perfectly fine is obviously blind and oblivious. At this dealership, I witnessed first hand the effects of a downward spiraling economy. These past few months, we have all witnessed major food chains go out of business, we have seen the news about thousands of people being laid off , we have all driven down neighborhood streets noticing how many homes were for sale or even worse forced into foreclosure. We watch commercials that advertise gas for two dollars when you buy a new truck. I even heard a radio station DJ give out prizes and the winners were given the option to win 100 dollars or a 100 dollar gas card. Needless to say, many winners chose to receive the gas card instead of the cash. What a time we live in when someone would turn down cash for a gasoline gift card. If you can tell me that this has nothing to do with the downfall of our economy I have to say I strongly disagree. No one is exempt from economical hard times, some are hit hard but, no one is exempt. Not even a multi-millionaire trying to keep his dream alive of owning a car lot. Stacy Vieux can be reached at svieux@ut.edu
17
Commentary
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
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18
Two Rivals, One Team
Tampa locals Gavin Scott and Greg Sasser played against each other in high school. Now as Spartans, the two are working together.
Gavin Scott By Brittany Foxworth Sports Writer
Gavin Scott, a freshman on the men’s soccer team, has been playing soccer since he was four years old. He now continues his playing career through high school and college locally here at the University of Tampa. Scott has played for many teams since then and was even captain his junior and senior at Gaither High School where he played for current UT assistant coach Eric Simms. “I came to Tampa for the small class sizes, great campus, and the men’s soccer team,” said Scott. “It’s a blast playing for the team. Every time I step out onto the field it is a complete rush and I enjoy every minute I’m playing.” Scott also loves the field and says it is probably the nicest field he’s ever played on because it’s in great shape. A former rival, freshman Greg Sasser, is now Scott’s new teammate. Both had played each other before on the high school teams. “I have played against him in high school and I remember him being a very good player,” said Scott. “He works hard and is a cool
guy to have on your team. We call him Goldielocks for his golden long hair.” Sasser and Scott both had goals in 16-0 victory against Florida College on Sept. 8. When asked how it felt to contribute a goal to the team’s new record, Scott stated that it felt great for himself to get a goal and it was great to be able to help his team to a victory. But traveling can always be a challenge for every athlete. You have to inform teachers when you will be gone. Then, you have to get all your make up work and take tests before you leave. Scott doesn’t mind traveling. “Staying in a hotel can be cramped with three to four guys in a room, but it’s still a good time. It stinks though when we get back from a game or practice because I am always the last one to take a shower because I’m a freshman.” he said. By the end of the year, Scott hopes to push for a starting spot on the team for next season and get in the games more often. “It’s not going to be easy by any means,” said Scott, “but if I stay focused and work hard good things will happen, I hope.”
Greg Sasser
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Sports
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
The women’s soccer team plays over half of their games on the road. Two athletes reflect on their best and worst experiences in other stadiums.
The Best... By Sara Belsole Sports Columnist
If you ask a member of the women’s soccer team what has been going on around campus lately, she won’t have a good answer for you. For the last three weeks, the team has been on consecutive road trips to Michigan and different parts of Georgia. Every season, the team must prepare to hit the road. The field is a huge contributor to the game. Play on a small field, and the central midfielders will find themselves too clumped together while the outside players seem to always run out of room. Play on a huge field, everyone seems to get more tired faster and passes need to be hit harder and farther. Bumpy fields cause problems for running and shooting, while fields with high grass seem to slow the game down. We have played on all types, but when asked which field has been the most fun to play on most girls agree on the field we won the National Championship on. When we first pulled into the complex in Orange Beach, Ala., we didn’t have very high expectations for the field. The area was nice, however nothing special. We expected the field to be just like the town: small. However, we were all amazed when we first saw the field. It was perfect. Every blade of grass seemed as it had been placed in the ground by hand. It was exactly the right size; not too big and not too small.
The goals looked as if they had never been used and the field was freshly painted with the name of our schools and NCAA logos. We had our own locker room and a bench that was like a dugout. We couldn’t ask for more. So was it the field that helped us win? Well, it didn’t hurt. But it was still the determination and heart that each girl poured onto the field that day. We kicked divots in the ground and slid over the newly painted grass. But no matter how battered the field looked at the end of the game, it was still beautiful. It was the field we won our last game on, the game that counted the most. The only field that can ever be that engraved in our memories is our home field on the day of the National Championship this year. The only thing sweeter than winning on the perfect Alabama field will be doing it again at home.
...and the worst By Shelby Kuni Sports Columnist
It is 116 yards long by 74 yards wide. Impeccably cut, beautifully green grass surrounded by a brand new track. An immense 1,500 seat, partially covered stadium. Calling it flawless barely does it justice. Being a member of the women’s soccer team means having the privilege to train and play on the field that was restored last spring. Even before it was renovated, the soccer field rivaled
among the best soccer complex’s in the country. So when we arrived in Searcy, Ark. on Sept. 13, 2007 to play Harding and Ouachita Baptist University at Harding’s home field, we were shocked to see the condition of the field we were going to be spending the weekend playing on. As we walked up to the field the day before the game for our annual walk through. I recall Courtney Evans asking if this was a joke. During the walk through, a couple of us even practiced shooting (and making) shots from midfield, a feat that we never imagined could become a reality; until that day. The field was both short and narrow, the grass had not been mowed in days and there were dirt patches throughout the entire pitch. “The field in Arkansas was one of the worst fields we have ever played on,” said head coach Gerry Lucey. “I have seen worse fields up north but we are spoiled with good playing surfaces in Florida. Due to the terrible conditions of the Harding field, this completely changed the nature of the game and evened the conditions in favor of the lesser team.” Despite pounding Harding 6-0 Friday night, we weren’t happy being forced to play a different type of game than we were used to, and on Sunday we were held to a 0-0 tie against Ouachita Baptist, a team whom we should have stomped. Thankfully, we have yet to come across another field as dreadful as Harding’s, and I doubt we will ever rush back there to play there anytime soon.
X-Country Freshman Among Frontrunners By Corey Albright Sports Writer
The University of Tampa women’s cross-country team has recruited well as shown at the recent Early Bird Classic in Tampa. Race results indicate the top three finishers all attend UT. Jessica Forrester, a junior, led with experience and posted the best overall women’s time with 18:01. She was followed by her teammate Alysha Duffy, also a junior who recoreded a time of 18:29. Rounding off the overall medalist positions included
Inspiration and guidance has always come from her mother, who has been coaching her since Butler was first interested in the running. “My mom has always been my role model,” said Butler. “She has been there every race with me, guiding and pushing me to perform at my best.” Nerves were never a factor for the young star, who seemed confident in herself and in her ability to run. “I rarely get nervous. I figured it was everyone else’s first race as well and I hoped to just compete,” said Butler.
Nerves were never a factor for the young star who seemed confident in herself and in her ability to run. freshman Jessica Butler, with a remarkable performance of 18:39. Butler started her interest of running in middle school just to stay active and fit, but she then continued her career at St. Thomas Aquinas high school.
After the race she felt satisfied with her performance. She hopes to obtain a new personal record on the five-kilometer race, which holds strong at 17:55. In addition, she wants to strengthen the bond between
herself and the squad because one of the reasons for choosing UT was because of the supportive teammates and coaching staff. Some brief advice that Butler gives to all types of runners is to run for fun. She explained that running, in her eyes, should be for pleasure and fitness. Every time you lace running shoes and browse for the perfect running playlist, it shouldn’t always be for competition. In addition, her food intake stays regularly normal during the cross-country season. She advises to not eat anything abnormal or unheard of prior to an important race or event. Carbohydrate loading dinners are also a great way to build up stored energy the night before a race. The cross-country team’s next event is on Sept. 20 in at the Florida Invite. Look for much more success from Butler, and all the UT crosscountry runners in upcoming races. Corey Albright can be contacted at calbright@ut.edu
IX
The Minaret | September 19, 2008
Sports
19
Title IX Limits Opportunities for Male Athletes
By Josh Brackett The Daily Campus (U of Conn.)
(Uwire) On June 23, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments was officially enacted as U.S. law. The primary author of the law, Patsy T. Mink, had the admirable goal of ending gender discrimination in high schools and colleges. Although the initiative has had many positive results, it has also unintentionally restricted many sports teams from competing at the varsity level and reaping the benefits and additional funding of varsity status. Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
In theory, this law is both acceptable and commendable. Sexism is an ugly monster that should be quashed not only across the country, but around the world. In practice, however, Title IX actually promotes the very discrimination it seeks to prevent. The lawmakers failed to take into account the sexes’ differing levels of interest in participating in athletics. As a result, men, who have a higher amount of collegiate athletes than women, are the sex facing discrimination. This directly contradicts the primary goal of Title IX. Several studies and statistics support this claim. According to “Intercollegiate Athletics: FourYear Colleges’ Experiences Adding and Discontinuing Teams,” a study conducted by the U.S. Government
Accountability Office, “the total number of male participants still significantly outnumbers the number of female participants; in 1998-99 there were 232,000 males participating in college athletics and 163,000 females.” The disparity between male and female participants still exists today. And yet, although there are more male athletes than female athletes, there are now more teams available to women than to men. Something doesn’t add up. Furthermore, Title IX has caused many large NCAA Division I schools such as UConn, to spend less money on nonrevenue-generating men’s sports, such as wrestling, cross country, swimming and volleyball, and instead emphasize money-making sports like basketball and football. Jung Park is the head coach of
the men’s and women’s volleyball club teams here at UConn, and has been with the school for more than a decade. “For the most part,” Park said, “UConn students and athletes have been lucky that [the UConn Division of Athletics has] been adding more women’s programs instead of cutting men’s sports programs. That’s not the case in many schools around the country.” Park added, “Unfortunately for men’s volleyball at UConn, it is unlikely that we will become a varsity sport anytime soon, partly due to Title IX, even though it would be one of the cheapest programs to add (and would become really competitive nationally).” As a result of Title IX, club sports teams at UConn do not have an adequate facility for practice
or home games. “The men’s volleyball club has not had a home match in the past 10-plus years I’ve been involved with the team,” Park said. Title IX is not completely negative. It has resulted in increased activity in sports for females a 2008 study by the Women’s Sports Foundation found that Title IX increased female collegiate athletic participation by an astounding 456 percent since its inception. The UConn Division of Athletics is not to blame either - they are one of the leading institutions for equality, having added three women’s varsity teams in the past five years without cutting men’s teams. Title IX needs to be altered in a way that allows anyone who is capable of and interested in playing a varsity sport that opportunity male or female.
Freshman Volleyball Standout Digging College Competition By Olivia Glynn Sports Writer
Beginning college is anything but easy, yet like so many other first year student athletes, volleyball player Brianne Yeates is not shying away from the challenge. “Being a student athlete is almost exactly what I thought it would be, Yeates stated, “very busy!” With an entirely different level of intensity during practices and games, Yeates, a native of
Seminole, Fla. is enjoying the transition. “I have always played on competitive teams, but college is a whole new level,” she said. Helping her high school squad to a 26-3 record as a senior, Yeates continues to have an incredibly positive impact on her new team. Women’s volleyball head coach Chris Catanach had nothing but good things to say about the solid group of freshmen on the team. He is looking forward to the
season and is certain that they will give the team a bright future. “Some [freshmen] are seeing significant playing time.” Catanach said. The Spartans began the season on a 9-0 tear through their opponents. As a freshman on a team that has real hopes of going all the way, Yeates feels that there is just enough pressure on the group as a whole. “Sometimes it challenges you so much that you think it’s
impossible to deal with,” said Yeates. “But when you are able to see how much your hard work has paid off, it is one of the best feelings.” Yeates has made her presence felt on and off the volleyball court. Her four kills helped the Spartans notch their first win of the season against Ashland, while her kindness has made her a true team player. “She is a really nice person,” said Catanach. “Her teammates like
her because she is thoughtful.” If there is anything that Yeates needs to improve, perhaps it is her fierceness. “We all hope she becomes a little meaner,” added Catanach. If the beginning of the season is any indication of where the team will end up, they will enjoy their fair share of success. Along with the rest of the team, Yeates is excited to experience it all and see all of the hard work finally pay off.
Three Baseball Transfer Seeks Championship ‘n Out Carmine Giardina has what it takes, but it’s what he doesn’t have that brings him to Tampa. By Kelley Bumstead Sports Writer
Unbeaten Streak The volleyball team stays perfect through nine games. The undefeated streak earned UT fourth place in most recent national polls. For 45 consecutive weeks Tampa as been ranked in the top 10. After a match up with seventh-ranked Florida Southern, UT continues on the road against 22nd Saint Leo.
Nationally Noticed The men’s soccer team cracked the top 25 in the final seed. Allowing only three goals, the squad sits at 4-1-1 after tying the first game of the season. Saint Leo rained 20 shots on the Tampa defense, three of which connecting for UT’s first loss 3-1 Tuesday night. Looking to bounce back, the Spartans return home this Friday against West Florida. The Saint Leo loss puts the team behind in conference. Next chance to regain ground in the SSC comes on Sept. 24 against Nova Southeastern.
Many baseball players never sign with a NCAA Division I school. Even fewer get drafted by a major league franchise. Carmine Giardina, the newest addition to the Universaity of Tampa’s bullpen, has already done both. So what does the formerly named best lefty in the state of Florida hope to accomplish at UT? Win a national championship. “Hopefully I can help them take a step in the right track and win a championship this year,” said Giardina. “I figured this would be the best place to win.” A Tampa n a t i v e , Giardina said the decision to come play Giardina at UT was an easy one. “I thought it would be cool to come play at home,” said the former Durant high school standout. “I definitely think it’s a good fit for me.” The 6-foot-3, 215-pound lefthander began his college career at
part of the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. One in seven current major leaguers played for the CCBL and hundreds of professional scouts flock to the Cape each summer to see some of the premier collegiate talent in the nation. The 20-year-old posted a 3.48 earned run average in 31 innings pitched. “It was a blast,” Giardina said about his summer with the A’s. “It was just like the movie Summer Catch.” Despite transferring divisions, Giardina said the biggest differences aren’t on the field, but rather inside the classroom.
Photo courtesy of Carmine Giardina
“The classes are smaller and tougher here,” he said. “There’s more writing because of the smaller classes.” Giardina will be eligible to pitch for the Spartans this spring because of his transfer status from a Division I to a Division II program. Giardina lists the coaching staff and team attitude as fundamental parts to the team’s success. “It’s just a winning atmosphere,” he said. “Everyone has one common goal here: to win.” Kelley Bumstead can be contacted at kbumstead@ut.edu
Freshman Goalie Already Saving Team
Two Steps Forward Though the women’s soccer program started ranked at the top, two early losses sent the team towards the bottom of the polls. After sitting at no. 20 for a week, the defending national champions three game win streak boosted the ranking up to the 18th position. UT squares off against third ranked West Florida this Friday in the squad’s home opener. SSC rival Saint Leo follows on Sept. 23.
the University of Central Florida, where he pitched two seasons, striking out 45 in just over 38 innings during 2008. The decision to attend college was not a simple one for the junior, who was drafted in the 28th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2006 major league draft. “It was really up in the air, whether I was going to sign or go pro,” said Giardiana. “It was a relief to finally know for sure that I was going to college. It was a great decision. I learned a lot that I wouldn’t have if I went pro.” Giardina spent this summer pitching for the Chatham A’s,
Bourdon By Kyle Bennett Sports Writer
Kendall Bourdon is an 18-yearold freshman, pre-law major and starting goal keeper from Virginia Beach, Va. Bourdon spent high school at Norfolk Academy where she registered some impressive statistics and honors.
Men’s Soccer Sept. 19, 8 p.m. vs. West Florida
She set the school record for the most shutouts in a single season, while also helping her team to two state championships. She was named the State Tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Bourdon was also selected as first team all-conference her junior and senior years. On top of all this, she was selected as two time all-state and named her team MVP. In addition, Bourdon played club soccer with the Beach FC Majix. She was the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. Bourdon’s spare time was also spent volunteering at the Third World Grace and Happy Club for Operation Smile, building awareness, raising funds, and educating students about the values of commitment, leadership, and volunteerism. This season already, she
has registered some impressive statistics. Bourdon has played 437 of 540 total minutes in six games, registering 20 saves and allowing only five goals. The transition from high school to college can be difficult; many of us become homesick and miss our friends from back home. Bourdon’s graduating class consisted of only 100 students. “[It was] a very tight knit community,” Bourdon said. “When walking down the hall, everyone knew everyone.” Bourdon attributes much of her mental strength to playing club soccer, as well as a friendship with last year’s star goal keeper Shannon Aitken. Bourdon described Aitken as somewhat of a mentor. “High school soccer was more fun than anything,” said Bourdon. “Club soccer was really hard work,
Volleyball Sept. 19, 7 p.m. at Saint Leo
>>> After suffering the first loss of the sea- >>> On a statement season, the Spartans son, the 4-1-1 Spartans come home for the challenge conference rivals after falling second time to faceoff against the Argos. short in the SSC tournament last year.
fast paced, and all business. College is a perfect blend of both.” “The team was very welcoming and when I met the girls everything clicked. I knew this was where I wanted to play. It is extremely fast paced, but we have a lot of fun.” Bourdon said the most difficult thing about college soccer so far was playing Grand Valley State. “I have never had a crowd of people chanting, ‘Kendall sucks’.” Bourdon closed by stating that she wants to earn their spots and prove their worth on a national championship caliber team. “We want to get back and win it all for the seniors.” Kyle Bennett can be contacted at kbennett@ut.edu.
Women’s Soccer Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. vs. West Florida
>>> While on the move in the rankings, Tampa faces the third ranked West Florida in the first home game of the season.