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Chillin Music Fest Brings Reggae Culture to Curtis Hixon See A&E Page 7
Casey Budd/The Minaret
Students signed a pledge against hazing on Tuesday September 23 at a candle light vigil. This is one of many events during Hazing Prevention Week.
Pledge to Prevent Hazing By BIANCA LOPEZ AND MARK SUGDEN News Writers
The issue of hazing straddles a perpetually blurred line. On one side, organizations want new members to share special and secretive initiation experiences with older members. Some practices are labeled “tradition” and not generally seen as dangerous enough to be considered “hazing.” On the other side, hazing can damage more than one’s physical well-being; acts of hazing can test a person’s mental state, as well.
The University of Tampa defines hazing as “any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person, embarrasses, frightens, or degrades a person or which destroys or removes public/private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership, in a group, organization/team.” The state of Florida defines hazing as “any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or To HAZING Page 4
ObamaCare Inhibits On-Campus Work Hours
“Booty” Music Video Objectifies Women See OPINION Page 14
Yankees Victorious in Jeter’s Farewell Game at Tropicana Field See SPORTS Page 17
Comic courtesy of Lauren Richey
By CAITLIN MALONE
Opinion Columnist
All around the country, hours are being cut for part-time employees due to the newly instated Affordable Care Act according to The New York Times. As a result of this, a number of UT students who work part time on campus are struggling financially from
only receiving a limited amount of hours. “I was extremely upset by this because I am an independent student who pays for pretty much everything on my own,” said a senior exercise science major who asked to be kept anonymous. “As an RA, I do not have a meal plan so I buy all my food. When I found out that I could only work 4
hours on campus between the four jobs that I had, I knew that I was going to be forced to quit jobs and seek off-campus employment just to be able to feed myself.” She found out about this new rule at RA orientation in spring of 2014. To OBAMACARE Page 11
Campus Goes Green with New Charging Stations See NEWS Page 2
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SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
MINARET
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mia Glatter
mia.glatter@theminaretonline.com
MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Richey
lauren.richey@theminaretonline.com
ART DIRECTOR
Justine Parks justine.parks@theminaretonline.com
NEWS + FEATURES
Katherine Lavacca, Editor
katherine.lavacca@theminaretonline.com
Zoe Fowler, Asst. Editor
zoe.fowler@theminaretonline.com
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Jackie Braje, Editor
jacquelyn.braje@theminaretonline.com
Selene San Felice, Asst. Editor
selene.sanfelice@theminaretonline.com
OPINION
Richard Whitaker, Editor
richard.whitaker@theminaretonline.com
Avery Twible, Asst. Editor
avery.twible@theminaretonline.com
SPORTS
Phil Novotny, Editor
phil.novotny@theminaretonline.com
Jordan Llanes, Asst. Editor
jordan.llanes@theminaretonline.com
MULTIMEDIA
Doha Madani, Editor
doha.madani@theminaretonline.com
Savanna Blackerby, Asst. Editor
savanna.blackerby@theminaretonline.com
PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Budd, Editor
casey.budd@theminaretonline.com
Student Exposes Columbia’s Silence on Rape By IRENE SIDEDE
News Writer
Emma Sulkowicz, a visual arts senior at the University of Columbia, has been carrying a mattress around her campus in a demonstration to protest her school’s lack of action toward her sexual assault. During her sophomore year, Sulkowicz claims that she was sexually assaulted by a male who is accused to have done the same to two other girls also taking part in the protest. It was only after discovering there were others that Sulkowicz decided to come forward, because she realized that the accused male would continue to attack other women. Sulkowicz had been carrying the “heavy load” since she started classes weeks ago on campus grounds. She claimed she would continue to carry the twin sized dorm mattress until justice was served. “I will be carrying this dorm room mattress everywhere I go for as long as I attend the same school as my rapist,” Sulkowicz said on video to The Columbia Spectator. “A mattress is the perfect size for me to just be able to carry it enough that I can continue with my day, but also heavy enough that I have to continually struggle with it.” An approximation of about a dozen mattresses were arranged on Columbia’s campus grounds, according to The Huffington Post. A few of them which had red tape on them read, “Stand With Survivors” and “Carry That Weight.” Sulkowicz was able to gain positive attention not only from fellow CU students on campus, but discussion on social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter was also trending in support of her demonstration. Tweets included “Some days give you hope: Students help Columbia rape survivor carry mattress in solidarity” and “Anti-rape protest at Columbia University in New York. Sad that it’s necessary.” Sulkowicz stated that the initial intention of the protest was to be a statement about the way
Jennifer S. Altman The New York Times
Emma Sulkowicz carrying her mattress around Columbia University in protest of her treatment. the university has handled the situation, as well according to the CDC. as a work of art, which will serve as her senior University of Tampa’s MBA student, Eunice thesis project called “Carrying that Weight.” Mungai, expressed that she is extremely against Although Sulkowicz gained a lot of positive the malicious act. “I believe that there should attention, she also received backlash. During be more awareness on rape for college students an interview with TODAY, she explained “The and even high school students,” Mungai said. most painful thing for me has been dealing with “Different sororities, fraternities, clubs and people who doubt me and think, ‘Oh she’s doing student organisations should raise awareness this art piece, she must be lying’ or ‘This never among their groups and peers.” happened to her. She’s a slut. She’s a liar.’ All The Obama administration has appointed a the people somehow are using the attention I’ve White House task force to enforce guidelines, gotten to discredit me.” educate students and treat both the accuser and With increasing stories of victims coming out the accused, according to The New York Times. with their stories, it is a major concern that issues President Obama and Vice President Biden like sexual assault are becoming a common launched a new sexual assault prevention factor within colleges across the country. campaign, “It’s On Us,” to help in the fight Although victims are gaining enough courage to against sexual abuse within America. The speak up, the matter should not be affecting such campaign has gained the support of about 200 a huge population. In a nationally representative schools who have pledged to help keep not survey of adults, 37.4 percent of female rape only women but also men from sexual assault victims were first raped between ages 18-24. and to avoid the bystander effect but to be In a study of undergraduate women, 19 percent problem solvers in such a situation. were found to have experienced attempted or Irene Sidede can be reached at irene. completed sexual assault since entering college sidede@spartans.ut.edu
Campus Goes Green with New Charging Stations
By CLAIRE JACK News Writer
ADVISER
Tiffini Theisen
ttheisen@ut.edu
COPY EDITORS
Khadijah Khan, Head Copy Editor khadijah.khan@theminaretonline.com
Tess Sheets, Copy Editor
tess.sheets@theminaretonline.com
Caitlin Malone, Copy Editor
caitlin.malone@theminaretonline.com
Kai Miller, Copy Editor
kai.miller@theminaretonline.com
STAFF WRITERS Bianca Lopez Madison Irwin Connor Anthony James Belluscio Andrew Stamas Tess Sheets Ed Kerner Sam Allen Kenisha Ebanks
NEWS + FEATURES
Dominick Falco Chance Smith Kyetra Bryant Fatin Mohamad Amin Kara Delemeester Claire Farrow Sammi Brennan Rebecca Turner
COLUMNISTS Marcus Mitchell Caitlin Malone Griffin Guinta Terry Preston Liz Rockett
MORE INFORMATION THE MINARET is a weekly student-run publication at the University of Tampa. Letters to the Editor may be sent to editor@ theminaretonline.com. To reach THE MINARET call 813.257.3636. Your first two copies of THE MINARET are free. Each additional copy is $1.00
The University of Tampa announced that four Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations have been installed on the first floor of the Thomas Parking Garage. The new EV charging stations can charge all new eclectic vehicles, including, Chevy Volt, Ford Focus Electric, Honda Fit Eclectic, and the Nissan Leaf. The charging stations were put into effect on Sept. 15. Two of the four stations have already been activated and are ready for use. The remaining two will be activated as demand dictates. The charging stations can only be used by UT students, faculty, and community members. Any vehicle without a parking permit or a temporary parking permit will be ticketed. “We’re pleased to offer this service and we encourage the UT community to utilize the EV stations to charge their electric vehicles, which have less of an impact on the natural environment,” said Juan Soler, UT’s energy manager, in a statement on UT’s website. Kate Robinson, senior and president of the Environmental Protection Coalition (EPC) said, “The introduction of electric car charging stations is a good step towards a more sustainable campus. I am not aware of how many students or faculty members have electric cars, but even if the number is few, it is still a great step and represents the future of our transportation.” Some students are happy with the new EV charging stations and the increasing possibilities of being green on campus. Sophomore and sociology major Caitlin O’Brien, who drives an environmentally friendly Smart Car, was excited when she
Claire Jack/ The Minaret
The first set of Electric Vehicle charging stations were installed in Thomas on September 15.
heard about the new EV charging stations. “I think they’re really important in terms of the environment and I hope UT puts more in,” O’Brien said. The University of South Florida (USF) had two EV charging stations installed on campus in December 2011. UTampa has begun offering their students the same opportunity to go green and will consider alternative locations for more EV charging stations as demand dictates, according to a news release by UT on Sept. 15 2014. In 2013 the United States was eighth in market shares of new EV’s sold with .60 percent being sold in the U.S. Norway was first with 6.10% and the Netherlands was second with 5.55 percent sold. California leads America with over 100,000 plug-in electric vehicles delivered between December 2010 and August 2014, representing about 40
percent of all EV’s sold in the U.S, according to a study conducted by the ABB the global leader in power and automation technologies. Battery packs are large and expensive, depending on which EV you purchased, and may need to be replaced one or more times. Battery packs are heavy and can take up considerable space in your vehicle. As for charging, a “quick charge” to 80 percent capacity can take 30 minutes and a full recharge can take four to eight hours, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Vehicle charging will be free for the month of September. Due to energy awareness month, a four- hour duration charge period is being provided at no cost in October. Starting in November, the fee will be one dollar per hour for the first four hours, and then two dollars per hour for each additional hour. Claire Jack can be reached at claire.jack@ spartans.ut.edu
Spartansare areINVOLVED Spartans
NEWS + FEATURES
By KHADIJAH KHAN Head Copy Editor
Brian Hoffman joined the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement staff on Sept. 2, filling the position of Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator for Brent Grunig, who took a job at Florida Gulf Coast University in July. Panhellenic bid night was on Sept. 8, where all potential new members discovered what Greek organization they were about to join. The lacrosse field was filled with hundreds of young women from every sorority and approximately 300 new members, screaming, chanting, and dancing. Yet, in the background of it all Hoffman ran with a camera, recording the joy that is bid day for sororities while he cheered and supported each organization, all within his first few days on campus. While some were nervous about Hoffman dealing with recruitment, many were happy that he did come out and showed a large amount of support. “I know that everyone was concerned about Brian having to experience recruitment only a few days after starting here at UT. The weekend was a great chance for him to learn directly from Panhellenic and Brent about the amount of work and planning that goes into the formal recruitment process,” said Jennifer Allison, senior sister of Kappa Alpha Theta and president of the Panhellenic Council. “Overall the weekend went very well and Brian gained an abundance of first hand experience. I have not had the opportunity to work with him closely, but he seems excited to be at UT. I know that everyone is excited to see what he can bring to the UT Greek community.” “There was the potential for that [night]
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
to be an overwhelming situation for a lot of people, but for me it was the type of experience I wouldn’t have had any other way,” Hoffman said. “It was great to jump right in and get the opportunity to connect with the executive staff on both IFC and Panhellenic, [to] work with recruitment teams, and Rho Gammas as well. It had me present from the beginning, which is something that I think most of the organizations liked to see.” Before coming to UT, Hoffman attended Tulane University for his undergraduate degree and then Florida State University for his graduate degree. Hoffman also worked for Zeta Beta Tau’s national headquarters for three years where he helped with expansions and chapter development. He hopes to bring all of his experience to benefit not only Greek life, but all of the UTampa community. Students and faculty were both impressed Casey Budd/ The Minaret with the involvement that Hoffman put into Brian Hoffman (left) talking to students about hazing prevention after the candlelight vigil. recruitment and the amount of support that he showed toward the Greek community. seeing growth there, after having many on campus or knowing about places we “I’m very excited to have him as a part of conversations with them,” Hoffman said. “I can be involved with in the community, our community now, and I believe that he want to see people embracing that growth and we will always have opportunities to grow. will be an incredibly strong asset - especially not being afraid of it. If it’s about feeling like It’s something I want to make sure we’re considering all of the amazing work that he the groups are too big or anything like that embracing and not being afraid of.” has done so far,” said Emma Carter, senior there are ways that the council can help and While Hoffman has many plans for the and sister of Alpha Chi Omega. make things happen but I want to make sure Greek student body he wants each member Although he’s only been at UT for a people are having a positive experience.” to be aware that he is there for them as an short period of time, Hoffman already Some don’t think that Greek life organization and individually. has plans for where he would like to see will expand outside of what it is now, “What it really boiled down to was Greek life in a few years and how he Hoffman felt otherwise. that I want to have a presence here, I would like to be involved on campus. “Given the percent of students that are in want people to know who I am, to feel “I want to see the councils grow. I Greek life right now. What we have is not comfortable talking to me, recognize know that we’ve seen a lot of growth this an excessively high percent so I think we me, and know that I’m here to help them semester already in the IFC and Panhellenic have the opportunity to grow,” Hoffman and support them,” Hoffman said. recruitment. NPHC and the other councils said. “I think whether it’s resources or Khadijah Khan can be reached at khadijah. are doing what they do and I anticipate whether it is about knowing about space khan@themianretonline.com
From the September 1 to September 14 Reports
I Spy... On September 16, a student reported a person pointing a laser from the residential area in Vaughn Center.
It Was a Bro Off On September 16, an intoxicated male non-student got into a verbal altervation with university students.
Can You Even Traffic On September 19, a sub contractor was arrested on campus by the Tampa Police Department for traffic charges.
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Creep Status On September 18, a student reported a suspicious incident involving housekeeping staff.
Don’t Pass Go, Don’t Collect $200 On September 20, a student was arrested by TPD for battery on a school official and other charges and transported to jail.
Reports compiled by Zoe Fowler
4 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
NEWS + FEATURES
Community unites against hazing From HAZING Page 1
physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution,” according to the 2014 Florida Statute 1006.63. Because of the nonspecific nature of these definitions, acts of “hazing” can vary from forcing a new member to endanger him or herself to simply calling new members by a degrading nickname. “Florida has very severe hazing laws. Much more [so] than any other state. If you give a member something that they don’t want, that’s hazing,” said Joey Pawlan, senior and president of the Interfraternity Council. “It depends on what type of organization you’re in and what [the organization] define as hazing. Students think hazing is forcing someone to drink alcohol, giving them drugs, hitting them, beating them up, putting them in rooms, physically harming them. In Florida, having your group of people
do a scavenger hunt is considered hazing, [and] that’s two very different things.” Although many states have lenient laws when it comes to hazing, Florida considers it a third-degree felony if hazing leads to “serious bodily injury or death” and a first-degree misdemeanor if the hazing “creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person.” Law enforcement may proceed with these charges regardless of whether the victim’s consent was obtained. The purpose of National Hazing Prevention Week is to stop hazing by offering education on hazing and alternative initiation practices. Last year, Jennifer Allison, senior pre-med major and president of the Panhellenic Council, hosted UT’s first National Hazing Prevention Week, making it mandatory for members of sororities and fraternities to attend. This year, Kyle McGee, a senior and the secretary for Phi Beta Sigma, will take charge of the event. Because hazing can occur in organizations outside of Greek
Casey Budd/The Minaret
A sorority member signs a pledge to contribute to the cause and promises to refrain from hazing new members during initiation.
life, such as sports teams and other societies, McGee is opening the events up to any organization. McGee is also making the event optional to attend, with the belief that things can change only if people choose by their own free will. “The whole point of National Hazing Prevention Week is to stress prevention and to educate people to [recognize] the signs and to know maybe when they are going down that road that this organization is treating them in ways that they should not be,” Allison said. Events started on Monday, kicking off with giveaways. National Hazing Prevention Week ends with the girl’s volleyball game against Saint Leo University on Friday. An important aspect of hazing prevention is understanding the signs of hazing understanding how it can affect one’s demeanor. “Some people mask it real well. It’s kind of hard, but if you really know them you can get the sense that something is wrong,” McGee said. “It’s definitely hard, but it’s not unrealistic
to see the signs.” Three in five college students are hazed, according to stophazing.org. “Nine out of ten students who have experienced hazing behavior in college do not consider themselves to have been hazed,” according to Babson College’s website. Hank Nuwer, a journalism professor at Franklin College Indiana, has dedicated his career and two books to stopping the process of hazing. He has counted a minimum of 37 deaths as a result of hazing in the past decade. Influenced by media attention to hazing and frightening statistics, the National American Greek Council and UT have zero tolerance policies toward organizations accused of hazing. Once an accusation is made, an investigation begins and the organization is immediately put on suspension. “Whenever it happens it hurts the whole Greek life community,” Pawlan said. “It’s not just them that are mourning. It’s like a loss of one of our chapters.” Mark Sugden can be reached at mark.sugden@spartans.ut.edu
Casey Budd/The Minaret
Students talked about preventing hazing at this year’s National Hazing Prevention Week Tuesday night.
NEWS + FEATURES
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
Master It It’s not too early to plan ahead! Boost your career credentials with a graduate degree from UT: • 4+1 MBA (combined B.S./MBA) • MBA (seven concentrations) • M.S. in Accounting • M.S. in Finance • M.S. in Marketing • Certificates in Nonprofit Management, Accounting and Business Administration
• M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science • M.S. in Nursing • M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology • Master of Education • MFA in Creative Writing
U.S. News & World Report ranks UT as a top-tier school for master’s degrees in the South. The Sykes College of Business has been named one of the best business schools in the world by The Princeton Review for the last nine years, and is accredited by AACSB International, an honor shared by only 6 percent of business schools.
All programs accepting applications now! Request more information at www.ut.edu/gradinfo or call (813) 258-7409.
Join our community online!
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Diversions ON CAMPUS
OFF CAMPUS
SEPTEMBER 26
SEPTEMBER 27
SEPTEMBER 26
SEPTEMBER 30
Erica Williams on Technology
Volleyball vs. Florida Southern
Luke Bryan
Torche Concert
SEPTEMBER 28
SEPTEMBER 27
SEPTEMBER 30
Labyrinth Yoga
Free Museum Day
Here Again Tomorrow Exhibit
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 1
Tangerine Blues Fest
Peter Frampton
Erica Williams presents her speech Clicks, Likes, and Online Social Media on the ninth floor of Vaughn from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 26
22 Jump Street
Enjoy a free screening of 22 Jump Street in Reeves Theater from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Come support UT’s team in a tournament against Florida Southern in the Martinez Fitness Center at 4:00 p.m. $5 for admissions, free with a UT ID.
Enjoy a day outdoors at the Fransiscan Center with yoga by the river and walk through a labyrinth. Free transportation and pizza is provided. Contact the Wellness Center for more info.
Country singer Luke Bryan is performing with openers Brett Eldredge and Kelleigh Bannen at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater.
For one full day, St. Pete is giving free access to select museums for Florida residents. Go to stpete.org for more information.
The miami-based sludge metal band will perform at the Orpheum at 7:00 p.m. Prices range from $12- $15.
Kahwa Coffee will showcase the recent artwork of Tim Gibbons. The exhibit will continue on through October 25.
SEPTEMBER 27
SEPTEMBER 30
Rock Climbing Trip
Laura McCollugh
Writers at the university present fivetime published poet Laura McCullough in Board of Trustees Room on the ninth floor of Vaughn at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the spirit of Gulfport with Blues headliners Little Mike and the Tornadoes, Betty Fox Band, and more. Proceeds from concessions benefit All Children’s Hospital and admission is free.
SEPTEMBER 27
OCTOBER 1
SEPTEMBER 28
OCTOBER 2
Kicks For Kids
My Body, My Choice
PNC Concert Series
Music & Movies in the Park
New Student Meetup offers rock climbing trip, free for students with a UT ID. Contact Christopher Gottlick at cgottlick@ut.edu for more info.
Join the President Leadership Fellows for a kickball tournament in the Pepin Stadium from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All benefits go to New Life Village.
Religious and community leaders and UT Faculty discuss the political side of religion and sexuality in Sykes Chapel from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Picture
of the
UT Faculty and orchestra and the bay’s best professional musicians will feature works Mozart and other composers in the Sykes Chapel at 2:00 p.m.
WEEK
Recently inducted in the Musicians Hall of Fame, the English rock musician is now on tour with latest album, Humming Bird in a Box. He will peroform at the Van Wezel Perforaming Arts Center. Tickets range from $39.50 to $89.50.
This weekly series features local musicians before screening a classic movie in North Straub Park at 6:00 p.m.
CONTACT US Want to include your event on our diversions page? Email the details to ut.minaret@gmail.com.
The Minaret
@theminaret
@minaret
The Minaret UT Spartans soccer team won 2-0 against University of West Alabama in a stormy match in the Pepin stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20..
Photo by Alex Jackson
Arts + Entertainment
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
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Chillin Music Fest Brings Reggae Culture to Curtis Hixon By JUSTINE PARKS Art Director
Curtis Hixon Park overflowed with good vibes this past Saturday as it hosted the very first Chillin Music Festival, which raised money for Chillin’ For Kids, which assists the families of children suffering from life threatening medical conditions. The festival consisted of 12 musical performances ranging from local artists like Tribal Style to multirecord bands such as headliners Pepper, The Expendables, and Stephen Marley. The Waterfront Main Stage, which was parallel from Plant Hall, hosted performances from each of the headlining bands. The Kiley Garden Stage hosted the rest of the festival’s music sets next to the Sykes building downtown. Along with a variety of performers, the park was filled with beer trucks and food vendors including Taco Bus, Jerk Hut, and Urban Juice. Clothing vendors sold rastafarian gear, glass pieces and even specialty hula hoops for exercise or hobby use, that varied in weight, diameter, and color. The park was crowded with reggae lovers of all ages. After attending a fair share of reggae concerts, one would assume that the older generation wouldn’t have much of a presence at festivals or concerts like these. However, a great majority of the Chillin’ Fest attendees were perhaps well over 30. And as the afternoon went on, more and more people filed in, packing the mainstage. The Expendables came on to the Waterfront Mainstage around 4:30 p.m. The sun was beating down on everyone in the audience, but that didn’t stop the fans
who flocked to the stage. The Expendables’ performance didn’t disappoint the audience of long time fans. They played some of their most well known songs including “Bowl for Two”, “Down Down Down”, “Sacrifice, and “Ganja Smugglin.” As the Expendables
Expendables interacted with the audience and divided the crowd in half to see who could sing louder. The crowded participated without hesitation, still singing along to the lyrics of the song. As the sun was starting to set and the
Photo by Justine Parks
Stephen Marley performed alongside big Reggae names like Michael Franti and The Expendables.
performed “Bowl for Two” the crowd started dancing, clapping, and yelling. Fans didn’t even need to hear the first lyric to know what song the band was about to play. Everyone in the audience was singing along and swaying to the music - the heat didn’t seem to stop anyones vibes. Near the end of the song The
storm was starting to roll in, Stephen Marley came on stage. The crowd appeared to grow even more than before. Marley performed his own songs as well as covers of his father, Bob Marley’s songs. Standing front row the bass thumped so deep it was hair raising. The acoustic sound and authentic instruments
In comparison to a 400 page book, a two hour movie does not leave room for a lot of explanation. Things that work in books, may not work in a movie. An example would be the telepathic relationship between Thomas and Teresa, the only girl to ever step foot into The Maze. In the book, the complexity between Thomas and Theresa’s relationship is explored; like how they knew each other before The Maze, and how this connection ties them to one another and establishes a growing fondness. Teresa has a habit of referring to Thomas as “Tom” in the book; however, in the movie she may have called his name all of once.
This film also includes choppy jumps from scene to scene, which do not build as well as in the text. One minute all is calm in The Glade and in the next instance chaos breaks loose. The Maze Runner text is able to build at a stable pace, but the movie rushes to the ending, making it hard to grow close to or develop opinions on the characters. This film makes some characters easy to be forgotten, glanced over, and difficult to establish a connection with, where as in the text each character was easy to follow. The beloved or even hated characters given life by The Maze Runner trilogy become just a
including flute, saxaphone, bongos, and shakers created a mellow mood that hadn’t been represented that day yet. Marley played his hit single “Mind Control” with a much more relaxed sound than earlier bands. People in the audience waved flags and banners as they swayed with music. During Stephen Marley’s covers of “Three Little Birds,” “Jamming,” and “One Love” he sounded so much like his father that if the crowd had closed their eyes they could have imagined Bob Marley himself on stage. His set was very calm and relaxed and served as a good break between the other performances. Afterwards the sun was set and dark clouds emerged overhead. Pepper was up next and the crowd was getting anxious. This was my third time seeing Pepper live and my expectations were pretty high based off of their past performances. With their high energy and virtually perfect setlist this show definitely wasn’t a let down. They played some of their most popular songs including “Stone Love”, “Rent”, “Stormtrooper”, and “Give it up”. Half way through their set it started to rain - but after the long hot day the rain felt undoubtedly refreshing. During the band’s performance of “Give It Up” the audience went crazy. It seemed like the entire crowd was jumping around and singing along to each word. Around 9 p.m. Pepper’s set was over and the crowd started to thin out. Everyone was covered in mud from the soggy grass, but still shared smiles with strangers. Justine Parks can be reached at Justine. parks@theminaretonline.com.
Maze Runner Fails to Meet Reader Standards By Kyetra Bryant Arts + Entertainment Writer
The Maze Runner, a film based on the first installment of James Dashner’s book trilogy, hit theaters Friday, Sept. 20. Along with Dashner’s hypnotic plot and male lead Dylan O’Brien’s boy-next-door charm, this film was sure to be a box office success. O’Brien, (Stiles Stilinski of the MTV series Teen Wolf) plays Thomas, one of the film’s protagonists. Thomas, a 16-year-old boy, wakes up to find himself in “The Box”-- an elevator that delivers him and other supplies to “The Glade”. The Glade is in the middle of an enormous intricate maze and is home to a group of boys, including Thomas. They refer to themselves as “The Gladers,” and they are all without any recollection of their lives prior to being planted in “The Maze.” Unlike The Maze Runner novel, the film does not explain the tense relationship between characters Thomas and Gally. The film merely hints at the animosity rather than going into great detail about the matter. Gaining some of his memories back after a serious injury, Gally remembers Thomas from their previous life and grows to hate him. Without reading the books, it’s easy to get confused at how the tension in the relationship becomes disastrous, leading up to a heart-wrenching ending in the film. Throughout the book, the tension between Gally and Thomas grows and eventually boils over, but in the film it is unanticipated and hasty.
passing name in a scene of the film. Dashner’s text is a thrilling dystopian society novel. However, the film does a poor job of illustrating what the text conveys to readers. While the Maze Runner book series progresses exponentially, becoming more captivating with its different twists, this movie slowly runs out of
steam. Kyetra Bryant can be reached at Kyetra.bryant@spartans.ut.edu.
The Maze Runner/Flickr.com
The Maze Runner, based off of the bestselling trilogy by James Dashner, fails to capture the personality and relationships of characters in the book series.
8 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Austin Renfroe Performs for Morsani Audience
By FATIN AMIN Arts + Entertainment Writer
Austin Renfroe, an upcoming musician originally from Atlanta Georgia, used his guitar and unique vocals to serenade UT students on Sept. 16. Unlike Renfroe’s other performances which usually include a full band, the singer performed exclusively as an acoustic soloist that night. Set up right by Jazzman’s Cafe in Morsani Hall, Renfroe jammed out to covers such as “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith, and “I’ll Be” by The Goo Goo Dolls. Renfroe also performed songs of his own original work
including, “Break Your Heart,” “Taking Me Under,” “Song About Girls” and “Taylor Swift.” Renfroe took his audience through a backstory of each song he sung and added a little humor to get everyone involved with his performance. Renfroe told students that he wrote the song “Taylor Swift” after seeing her on television. As he was writing his song and his producers asked him what he wanted to title it, the first thing that came onto his mind was Taylor Swift. To Renfroe’s surprise Taylor Swift heard the song and gave him a call to give him a thumbs up for the great hit. “If any of you are asking, I do not have Taylor Swift’s number anymore,” Renfroe told
Photo by Student Productions
Austin Renfroe is currently on a 32-stop tour of college campuses around the United States until Dec.
the audience. Renfroe blew the crowd away with a whirlwind mix of Disney classics, reliving every girl’s crush of the Backstreet Boys and N’Sync, and Britney Spears’ famous song, “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” Renfroe is currently on a tour of college campuses around the US and has performed at various universities including Indiana University, Lewis-Clark State, and Drake University. “Universities are a great place to connect with my demographic,” Renfroe said. “I play at these types of venues because it is a great place to connect with people and it’s also a great atmosphere for people who are hungry for great music. All of that is provided in one place, I’ll show up and I’ll be there.” Despite the busy crowd of students getting food in the Morsani dining hall, Renfroe was able to attract quite a crowd to watch him perform for an hour. “The crowd was great,” Renfroe said. “Especially for all of this, with everything else that’s happening and with all the food, I think it is the perfect spot.” Music has always been a part of Renfroe’s life and his original songs are linked to his background. Renfroe told students he has been performing professionally for around seven years. “I am competitive,” Renfroe said. “My brother and sister both played instruments and I wanted to play better than they did. And I needed a skill to impress a girl that I liked.” Renfroe also performed his original song, “Taking Me Under,” which was voted as the winner of SiriusXM’s Breaks the Band and was No. 1 in the Indie Charts. And being a huge Disney fan, he was also given the opportunity of
a lifetime when the producers of Disney wanted one of his songs, “Break Your Heart” to be used in one of their upcoming movies. Renfroe said that Disney has not released the details of the movie that his song will be used in yet. “I’ve always really enjoyed Disney music in general when I was growing up and Aladdin was probably one of my favorite movies to watch,” said Renfroe said. “I have a little sister and she watched a lot of the Disney stuff and I ended up loving it just as much as she did. When I had the opportunity to play at these college venues, it was one of the things that helped connect with people. They really enjoyed the music.” Renfroe’s music won the hearts of several UT students as some lined up to chat with him after the show and even purchased his album for their listening pleasure. UT freshman, Andrea Fowler saw Renfroe’s whole performance and says she enjoyed every bit of his show. “He did such a good job incorporating the audience into it,” the film and media arts major said. “I liked that he had the covers and his original stuff so that we got a taste of both sides to his music.” Talia Shuman, a math and music double major in her freshman year only got to see half of Renfroe’s performance but still was able to catch a glimpse of his last song. “I absolutely loved it,” Shuman said. “He’s a really good musician and he gave me the chills at one point. I had to leave halfway through and it made me sad but as I was walking back, I heard Brittney and I started jamming out to it.” Renfroe’s first album, “Unexpected” is currently available on iTunes. Fatin Amin can be reached at Fatin.amin@ spartans.ut.edu.
Cook’s Kitchen Serves Homemade British Cuisine By MADISON IRWIN Arts + Entertainment Writer
It has always been a lifelong dream of mine to travel to England. But at Cook’s Kitchen, they brought England to me, and it was bloody brilliant. If customers haven’t had an opportunity to stay at someone’s home in England and have a home-cooked meal, then this isthe perfect chance to experience what it’s like. This gem is located just two blocks from Bayshore Blvd and is worth stopping inside. Cook’s Kitchen is sure to impress anyone who has an appetite for a wholesome and authentic meal. Located on 2902 W. Gandy Blvd., Cook’s Kitchen first opened in February of 2010. This quaint European-styled restaurant serves home cooked British cuisine for breakfast and lunch. The owners, James and Sally Nichols, left England and moved to Tampa in October 2009 to take care of James’ sick father. Shortly after he passed away, the couple decided to stay and open up their own restaurant. Sally Nichols has extensive culinary experience and has helped cook for British royalty, including Prince Andrew. “My wife has always been an excellent cook, so I really thought it was a great idea,” James Nichols said, who handles everything behind the scenes (shopping, finances). Creating the menu and choosing a theme for Cook’s seemed like a nobrainer for the Nichols. “It’s what we know best. Anything on the menu is what we would have at home,” Nichols said.
“Everything is real and fresh. The turkey checkered tablecloths. Cook’s also offers bread was very soft, which complemented in the sandwiches is real turkey, like what a variety of candies and snacks imported the whole thing perfectly. All in all, the you would have on Thanksgiving.” from England next to the counter that sandwich was simple, yet elegant and full Cook’s Kitchen has quite an extensive customers can purchase, as well. of flavor. The cole slaw, however, was my menu, along with several daily specials. When it was time to order, the egg least favorite of the three. I like coleslaw, For breakfast, some of their offerings salad sandwich with arugula was a my best but this serving had too much pepper and include homemade pancakes and cream bet. Customers get a choice of two breads: not enough mayo. cheese bagels with smoked salmon. a french baguette or multigrain; the latter Nevertheless, I did really enjoy the For lunch, you can choose from a wide option being a popular choice. The meal side salad. The spinach and carrots were selection of sandwiches, soups, and also came with a side of either cole slaw, so fresh and the homemade dressing, salads. Some of these include the brie potato salad or pasta salad. Rather than which is a mix of mayo, dijon, olive oil with cranberry sandwich, parsnip and serving a mere two halves of a sandwich and garlic, was stellar. Cook’s Kitchen apple soup, and coronation chicken salad. customers are pleasantly surprised when is totally worth the long bike ride there A few of their most popular dishes are given three. The taste was exquisite. I use and I will definitely be making another the egg salad sandwich, turkey sandwich, to love egg salad sandwiches as a kid and appearance at some point. and the quiche. Customers can also order the taste of this one definitely brought dessert, such as classic English scones me back. with mascarpone and jam, and sticky The sandwich was loaded with egg toffee pudding. salad and had just the perfect amount Lisa Hatch is a UT sophomore who of mayo. The arugula added a nice Madison Irwin can be reached at has been working at Cooks for over a year. consistency, as well. The texture of the Madison.Irwin@spartans.ut.edu. When asked what she usually recommends to students Hatch said, “The sticky toffee pudding is definitely my favorite. It’s life changing.” For families that don’t have a ton of time to make dinner, Cook’s Kitchen even offers pre-made meals to go, like cottage pie and chicken curry. The prices are pretty cheap too, with meals ranging from eight to thirteen dollars and soups and sides going as low as five. Although lunch hour is the busiest time of day at Cook’s Kitchen, the restaurant still maintained a cozy and rustic “mom and pop” atmosphere inside. This is partially due to the English, homelike decor. Union Jack flags hang from the ceiling and images of the Queen and the royal family cover the walls. Each small Photo by Casey Budd table in the seating area is draped in red Cook’s Kitchen serves homemade British dishes for breakfast and lunch every day of the week.
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
Wild Cub Singer Talks Youth And Songwriting By SELENE SAN FELICE
Assistant Arts + Entertainment Editor
Striving to create memories out of melodies, electro-indie band Wild Cub is emerging in the Tampa music scene. Lead singer Keegan DeWitt shared his feelings on youth and the music industry today in lieu of the band’s upcoming performance at Coral Skies Music Festival on Oct. 25. Minaret: Do you guys have any expectations for the Coral Skies music festival coming up in October? DeWitt: Well it’s kind of the very beginning for us after about a full month on tour. It’s a nice place to start, first of all, and it’s a really amazing lineup. A lot of the time these festivals are really nice in that they get you excited about making music again. You spend so much time traveling around playing the same 15 songs every night. It’s nice to be in such a beautiful spot with so many different bands and you get to kind of watch the bands that you enjoy and get excited again about going out on the road and doing it differently. Minaret: The music videos for “Color” and “Thunder Clatter” capture grungy, young, high school love so beautifully. Why did you choose to depict young love in that specific way? DeWitt: It’s the same thing with small moments. It’s the idea that when you’re a little bit younger you’re open and available to a lot more in terms of the relationships you have with people, both the good and bad. The world’s a big, dark, strange place, right? And so much about what drove me is the idea that you just keep striking out in the darkness to try and find something, to try and link up with
someone. Whether it’s a best friend that you can be super close with or, in my case my wife who I met and then we recorded the record we got married to. I was just never excited about the moment that’s the kiss in the story, I was more excited about the moment of what it means to just sit next to someone and not really be able to talk about what’s happening. Both of the music videos are kind of about that searching. Trying to weave through the darkness, the disappointments, and the exhilarations of meeting new people. Minaret: In some commentary you gave on “Streetlight,” you mentioned that specific song as one that best reflected your personality on the album. I was wondering how that process goes for you; how do you formulate a song you’re really wanting to express? DeWitt: A lot of that record we were kind of recording and writing at the same time. I was coming from a place where before I had been a singer-songwriter and I wrote every song on an acoustic guitar for myself to sing. That was a very specific way of writing music, but with Wild Cub I was really excited about the idea of starting with just words or a guitar or maybe even a drum beat or a baseline. Maybe we could start with something more rhythmic and less literal. It allowed us to build a lot more interesting songs in terms of being able to build from maybe rhythm first or mood first and then being able to fill in the songs in those spaces. Minaret:. You’ve remixed Bleachers’ “I Wanna Get Better” and covered CHVURCHES’ “The Mother we Share.” Is there anyone else you’ll be remixing or collabing with in the future?
DeWitt: I don’t know, we do love the covers because it’s important to be able to stay on people’s radars. The way that people consume music now is so wasteful. It sounds like a severe word but it’s true. People just burn through music and don’t really stop to think it through. We kind of try to put those little lures out there to grab people and hopefully pull them back into reinvesting in the record. You know the record’s 15 songs long, and at a time where people are constantly like “what’s next what’s next what’s next,” we’re trying to find little ways to essentially trick people into reinvesting and going back and listening further in the record. We feel like there’s a reward in really investing in all 15 songs of the record rather
9
than just a single. Minaret: One theme that’s easily picked up upon is the joy of, ironically, youth. Would you say there’s a specific age or demographic you’re reaching out to? DeWitt: One thing that I would hate for people to misunderstand and the kind of more one dimensional interpretation of the record name is that it’s just about nostalgia. That it’s just about ‘Aww, youth. Isn’t it amazing.’ When really for me I was writing it when I was at a point where I was transitioning from being in my early 20s to being in my late 20s. I feel like there’s a refinement in aging. There’s a refinement in getting older. Selene San Felice can be reached at Selene.sanfelice@theminaretonline.com
Wild Cub/Flickr.com
Wild Cub performed at Lambert’s BBQ on Feb. 1. The band will be at Coral Skies Music Fest.
American Stage Presents The Vagina Monologues By KARA DELEMEESTER Arts + Entertainment Writer
Sitting in the lobby of the American Stage Theatre Company in downtown St. Petersburg, I found myself constantly defending the two seats I was saving. The seasoned women who were eyeing my table were eager to get settled so they could listen to three women talk about vaginas. The Vagina Monologues, a play written by Eve Ensler, was well suited for the Lobby Cabaret performance that was given by three American Stage actresses. Audience members enjoyed beverages and sweets from the full bar in the back; an intimate venue for an intimate topic. Jenny Peacock, Jaye Annette Sheldon, and Erica Sutherlin sat casually at the front of the lobby, their scripts in binders perched on music stands in front of them, and began the performance promptly at six. The word “vagina” was said at least fifteen times within the first five minutes, and Sheldon dove into her first monologue so quickly that there was no time for anyone to even begin to feel awkward about it. The audience of mostly women (and a few brave men) listened to the three actresses portray several different characters each. Sometimes they signified a new character with a change in posture or a new accent; sometimes they just donned a stylish pair of glasses. There was a monologue from a woman whose husband cheated on her because she refused to shave
for him. Another from a woman who had grown up too ashamed of her “down there” to even talk about it, and yet another from a woman who had a sexual encounter with a man who loved vaginas so much that he taught her how to love her own. Even though there was an entire monologue where Sheldon only referred to her vagina as a “coochie snorcher,” Ensler’s episodic play isn’t entirely humorous. The audience wiped away their tears of laughter and fell silent as Peacock gave a monologue from the viewpoint of an Afghani woman who had been oppressed by the Taliban. This monologue, entitled “Under the Burqa,” is one of many monologues that have been added over the years to highlight current women’s issues. The tone didn’t remain somber for long, though. Sutherlin soon delivered a monologue, from the viewpoint of a sex worker, which involved her acting out, in brazen accuracy, every type of orgasmic moan she’d ever heard. At this point in the play everyone had already abandoned their shyness and hesitation, and the entire audience was wiping their eyes and slapping their legs. The actresses were forced to pause briefly until the audience could regain their composure. When the play eventually came to a close, the room had an atmosphere of intimacy that only a 90-minute performance about vaginas could ever accomplish. The Vagina Monologues is a performance that is undeniably oneof-kind, and satisfyingly provocative.
The Vagina Monologues/Flickr.com
The Vagina Monologues were held at the American Stage Theater Company in St. Petersburg.
Regardless of your age or whatever genitalia you’re equipped with, this play will leave you with laughterbruised ribs, a heavy heart, and the ability to feel slightly more
comfortable saying “vagina” in casual conversation. Kara Delemeester can be reached at Kara.delemeester@spartans.ut.edu
10 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Netflix Guru Makes Streaming Suggestions
By CLAIRE FARROW Arts + Entertainment Writer
Netflix has nearly everything: plenty of the great, the mediocre, and the horrible (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is on there too, if anyone is interested). However, this vast vortex can be quite hard to navigate, especially
Clue (1985)
when you have no idea what you’re in the mood for. Hopefully, these suggestions may serve as a type of GPS navigation for any who traverse through the Land of Netflix.
The sheer fact that this film is based off the Parker Brothers© board game is genius. From there, it only gets better. First, the actors are all brilliant--Tim Curry (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Wild Thornberrys), Madeline Kahn (Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future, Anastasia), Eileen Brennan (The Sting, Murder by Death), Michael McKean (This Is Spinal Tap; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles), Martin Mull (Mrs. Doubtfire; Sabrina, The Teenage Witch), and Lesley Ann Warren (Victor/Victoria, Jobs) --creating a hilarious, melodramatic cast. Second, the story is innovative; almost like an interesting blend of Hitchcock’s And Then There Were None, and any number of Mel Brooks’ parody films. Although, it’s a bit more like an ounce of suspense and a ton laughter-inciting shenanigans. The ending is what creates the most draw. Although the Netflix version decides to slightly spoil it--there are multiple endings to choose from, though Netflix decides to show an amalgamation of them. This isn’t ideal, but it’s bearable. Still, it’s an overall delight to watch. Claire Farrow can be reached at claire.farrow@theminaretonline.com
I Know That Voice (2013)
Want to know more about the ins and outs of voice actors? This insightful, delightful documentary gives you a glimpse into the many personalities these talented actors possess. Versatile, funny and even awe-inspiring, this film explores the craft of cartoon character voices with a whimsical tone. Though these actors fly under the fame radar, their characters soar high throughout pop culture --from shows such as Family Guy, Robot Chicken, My Little
Pony, Rugrats, Batman, and many, many others. It should be noted that both Mark Hamill (Star Wars VI: A New Hope, The New Batman Adventures), and Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Family Guy) make appearances, lending their familiar faces and voices to the film. However, the real stars of this documentary are the many people who make up this often-neglected art form, and it is their story that makes this documentary all the more impressive.
Hendrix Tour Delivers Soul With All-Star Performers By SAMMI BRENNAN
Arts + Entertainment Writer
Take a step back in time with an evening compiled of incredibly talented musicians gathered to celebrate the musical stylings of the one and only, Jimi Hendrix. The 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour featured musicians the likes of Buddy Guy, Billy Cox, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Lang, and Rich Robinson to name a few. The night began with an introduction by Janie Hendrix-- Jimi’s sister and the CEO and President of the Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour. She shared with the crowd her gratitude of their attendance and how joyous she was that his legacy could be passed on through his music and the live performance of so many talented people. Words can not properly delineate the amount of talent that was exhibited on the Ruth Eckerd Hall stage this past Saturday. But, talent is what is necessary to represent a legend like Jimi Hendrix and his superior guitar skills. To kick off the evening, Rich Robinson from the Black Crowes took the stage, accompanied by Eric Gales. The pair wowed the crowd with guitar solo after guitar solo and mastered a rendition of Red House that had every pony-tail sporting man out of their chair. Another breathtaking performance was that of Johnny Lang, who at the age of thirty-two was one of the youngest to take the stage that evening. Lang’s voice is such a soulful one that, combined with his guitar, makes it nearly impossible to stop watching him. Armed with both his acoustic, and
later, his electric guitar Lang had every audience member dancing by the end of his set. Following Lang was Kenny Wayne Shepard, who took on the honor of covering one of Hendrix’s most popular songs, Voodoo Child. Shepard’s take on Voodoo Child was both haunting and beautiful and was accompanied with an extended guitar solo that sounded like Jimi Hendrix himself shredding on his guitar. A definite highlight was witnessing Buddy Guy, a known influence to Hendrix, perform his rendition of Muddy Waters. His take was just as soulful as the original, one may even say he sounded akin to Hendrix himself. Guy possessed the ability to transport the audience to a time that consisted of tie-dye shirts and bell bottom pants (which were both present in the crowd that evening). The Experience Hendrix Tour started because of the influence of Hendrix’s father, James Al Hendrix who began this tour in 1995 to ensure that his son’s legacy lived on. It is evident that his legacy has held strong, by the mere fact that a tribute performance of his music can pack a venue nineteen years after the start. Hendrix’s sheer creativity and stage vitality was legendary and it is purely amazing that the legend can live on through live performances and venues throughout the country today. Madison Kazar can be reached at Madison .kazar@spartans. ut.edu.
Jimi Hendrix/ Flickr.com
The 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour was performed in St. Pete at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Sept. 20.
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
Opinion
11
Student workers affected by ObamaCare
OBAMACARE from Page 1 The new healthcare law is requiring large employers which consists of those with 50 or more employees that are considered to be full time (more than 30 hours a week) to provide quality coverage to all full time employees or pay a fine of $2,000 per employee after the first 30, according to forbes.com. This fine is collected monthly, so if an employee works 30 hours a week for one month, that would be 120 hours. Let’s say the employee gets one hour of overtime which pushes them into the range of what is to be considered full time, this means that the employer will be asked to pay a fine of $166.67 just because that part-time employee worked one more hour than he or she was supposed to, according to forbes. com. Mind you that fine is just for one hour over the allotted hours for part time employees. If they started getting into the three or four hour territory, that total would add up fast. I’d say the only issue here is ObamaCare. The employees are getting frustrated with their employers for cutting back their hours, but they have good reason. That fine is a good chunk of money, and no business can afford to put forth that kind of cash every month and stay in business. This
process is also helping to monitor campus job, and I do agree that every hours especially overtime, but I still hour counts. I’m not even responsible think it could use some tweaking for all of my bills, and I still find because these businesses need to keep myself tight on money at times. I their employees happy as well. Now, think all college students can attest to the employers on the UT campus are feeling broke quite often or maybe just not even giving the part time student all of the time. employees their max amount of And this RA is not the only student hours. That is a problem. With such employee feeling frustrated. “All of a limitation of hours, students should my coworkers are aggravated about be receiving the max amount of hours this because most of us are RA’s solely they are entitled to especially if they for monetary purposes,” they said. want to and are able to work them. Because of such a limitation on her “ObamaCare Act allows students to hours she has been forced to seek off work up to 30 hours on campus, UT has campus employment as well, but since limited us to 24.” the RA said. “Those she cannot afford to pay for a car or four hours would give me more money car insurance, her options are strictly to both feed myself and pay for other limited. necessary living expenses. I think UT Full time employees are not going to should either expand the hours to 28 suffer much from this new law said Ken or at least give RA’s a meal plan to Jacobs who is the chairman of the labor make up for the fact that we don’t center at UC Berkeley, according to The even get paid minimum wage per hour Huffington Post. Most employers will for the ‘20 hours’ we apparently work not cut full time worker’s hours from per week in our position.” Since RAs 40 hours to 30, but only those that are do not receive minimum wage, they right on the edge of hitting 30 hours each receive money off of housing. It is week. If you’re not a full time employee called a work study employment. The and your hours vary each week, you are RA receives $1,000 per semester to most likely going to be affected by the help pay for housing on campus and new healthcare law if you’re not already depending on the building and the size being affected by it, according to The of your room, housing costs can range Huffington Post. from about $1,800 to almost $5,000, A study done in 2012 by the Bureau according to the UT website. of Labor Statistics recorded that 75.3 I also work part time at an off T:10”million workers in the United States
were paid hourly, and out of that 1.6 million workers ages 16 and over earned minimum wage which was $7.25 an hour and as of 2014 is now $7.93. Other states like D.C. have raised it all the way to $9.50, according to ncsl. org. Out of that 1.6 million that only received minimum wage, people under the age of 25 made up about half of them. In 2011 it was recorded that 31.1 million 18 to 24 year olds were enrolled in college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. So, I think it’s safe to say that most people living off of minimum wage are college students. Now, granted that doesn’t mean that all of those college students are relying solely on their part time income to provide for themselves, but there are people out there like this senior at UT and I’m sure she is not the only one, and now hours are being cut. It seems unfair to me because students like this senior just want to work hard so they can pay their bills and keep going to school. I feel so blessed to have the benefit of having help from my parents which some do not. However, I do sympathize with those that struggle, which is a lot of college students, and hopefully there will be a solution for this issue so that UT students can put time aside for focusing on their classes. Caitlin Malone can be reached at caitlin.malone@theminaretonline.com
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12 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
OPINION
Urban Outfitters Releases Blood Spattered Kent State Hoodie
By LIZ ROCKETT Opinion Columnist
Urban Outfitters is known for stirring up controversy when it comes to the products they choose to sell. Their most recent clothing scandal has offended the Kent State community, a university in Ohio, as well as those around the country familiar with the tragedy. In my eyes, the sweatshirt horrifically glorifies the 1970 massacre that left four students dead at Kent State after the National Guard opened fire during a peaceful protest. This inexcusable Kent State “vintage” sweatshirt—as Urban Outfitters is choosing to describe it—appears to be blood-stained. This $129 sweatshirt was the only one of its kind to be produced and sold on the company’s Urban Renewal site--an online flea market where designers take dated products and utilize dye techniques to reinvent the clothing, as reported by LA Times. Though Urban Outfitters has apologized for the sweatshirt, the designers claim that the stains were already there when it was purchased at a flea market prior to its renewal, as reported by USA Today. The university issued a statement describing their horror with the design, and rightfully so. It read: “May 4, 1970, was a watershed moment for the country and especially the Kent State family. We lost four students that day while nine others were wounded and countless others were changed forever. We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit. This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.” Another massacre that Urban Outfitters has glorified is none other than the Holocaust. In 2012 a t-shirt design shocked people, especially the Jewish community, when the shirt depicted a star that seemingly resembled the yellow Star of David that Jews were forced to wear in
Nazi Europe and death camps, reported The Huffington Post. It is outrageous that Urban Outfitters continues to develop products that mimic ethnic cleansing genocide relics, among various other serious political, emotional, and cultural matters. Urban Outfitters has also shocked people by encouraging girls to strive for a thin figure. In 2010 the company designed a gray v-neck t-shirt that read “eat less” in white cursive letters, as reported by Forbes. Exalting eating disorders for publicity and profit is shameless and disturbing. The company’s target audience consists of males and females aged 18-30, as stated on their company profile at URBN.net. Young adults are heavily influenced by the media and especially fashion. If companies are not already condoning eating disorders enough by featuring stick thin models sporting their latest designs, I suppose spelling it out for them on a t-shirt will do the trick. Cassandra Luddy is a UT graduate with a B.S. in Criminology who feels strongly about the distasteful designs and products that Urban Outfitters continuously sells. “I think that they utilize really low tactics to receive media attention,” Luddy said, “These tactics they’re using make me not want to shop there in general. I wasn’t a huge Urban Outfitters shopper to begin with, but I can go to ten other stores and get similar products that aren’t offensive to friends that I have and their cultures. As a girl, weight is always a problem, I don’t need to go into a store and see a shirt that says ‘eat less.’ And whether or not the Kent State shirt was an accident or discolored or whatever they’re saying it is, it’s offensive. Murder is not a joke.” As far as the Kent State issue goes, Luddy doesn’t understand how a design like this could have been put on the market in the first place. “Somebody has to look at it before it goes on the shelf,” Luddy said, “it had to pass someone. And that person either didn’t have enough background
Courtesy of Fox 2 Detroit’s Facebook page Lt.. Colonel Sherwood Baker was denied entry into his daughter’s high school Urban Outfitters
Limited edition Urban Outfitter, Kent State sweatshirt with dye pattern that resembles blood spatter.
on its history, or was just completely insensitive, but either way it had to go through someone before it went on the website. Someone should have caught that or minimally cared about that.” Obviously the designers at Urban Outfitters are extremely lenient about the products being put on the shelves. It’s almost as if they sit down and say to themselves. “Who can we offend today? Luddy felt as though Urban Outfitters has nothing to lose with the products they sell, because bad publicity is still publicity nonetheless. “There are people out there who are going to think that offending everybody else is the coolest
thing they’ve ever seen,” Luddy said, who also suggested that although they may lose some customers, there are always customers to gain. Urban Outfitters doesn’t seem to have any respect for a plethora of groups as they continue to market controversial and downright offensive products. Freedom of expression and profit from increased publicity are the only things on this company’s mind, but I can guarantee I will not be funding their mission to make a mockery out of serious issues. Elizabeth Rockett can be reached at elizabeth.rockett@spartans.ut.edu
Abortion Laws Across U.S. Continue to Take Away Women’s Rights By EMILY SILVERMAN Opinion Editor
One common misconception about restrictive abortion laws is that they are just about abortion; they are not. They are about taking away a woman’s right to choose what happens to her body, and in that, they are succeeding. Lawmaker’s have been given power, and with it they are stripping us of the basic human right of control over one’s body. Earlier this month, Missouri “enacted one of the nation’s most stringent abortion waiting periods,” according to The Huffington Post, and it forces women to wait three days from the time of their consultation to get an abortion. Women have worked tirelessly for decades to gain gender equality. While much has been done to achieve this equality, there are still many obstacles to overcome, more specifically, reproductive rights. State governments have made numerous laws surrounding abortions over recent years, stopping women from having full control over their bodies. When the new law is put into effect, women will be required to wait 72 hours following their consultation to have a pregnancy terminated. Missouri will be joining Utah and South Dakota, the only other states with 72 hour waiting periods, according to The New York Times. In order to end her pregnancy, a woman must involuntarily take three extra days to ‘think about it,’ in lawmaker’s hopes that she’ll change her mind.
In addition to their newly longer waiting period, Missouri also continues to “[require] physicians to provide women information about medical risks and alternatives to
major junior Connor Duff. Missouri plans on taking this new law seriously and will not allow any exceptions, even for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest,
“By allowing government to make
important decisions regarding our reproductive health, we as women lose our control over our own bodies.” abortion and offer them an opportunity for an ultrasound of the fetus,” said The Huffington Post. Access to this information should be offered to the woman, but not forced upon her. Shoving anti-abortion paraphernalia in a woman’s face as she makes the extremely personal choice to end her pregnancy is wrong and cruel. Efforts should never be made to stop a woman from making her own choices regarding her health. The choice to end a pregnancy needs to be made solely by the woman herself, not by lawmakers who will never have to live with the consequences of that choice. Rather than stomp out women’s call for change, these men “should feel obligated to aid in the battle for women’s rights because it is an issue of humanity,” said UT writing
according to The New York Times. Women deserve to be able to make decisions about their own bodies, especially in the event of incest or rape. Victims of sexual abuse should not have to be further traumatized by being forced to wait three full days to end an unwanted pregnancy. Even though an amendment allowing for rape and incest exceptions was suggested, it was refused under the argument that it “diminished the value of some lives depending on how they were conceived,” The Huffington Post stated. Supporters of these strict new antiabortion measures are failing to take the well being of the woman involved into account. While it is of utmost importance that rape and incest victims have the
ability to end a pregnancy, all women deserve to make their own choice in the matter. Missouri has done all they can to stop women from having abortions performed. The state only has one licensed abortion clinic, Planned Parenthood, located in St. Louis. Because of their very limited options, women are forced to travel either to this location, or go outside of the state in order to meet with a doctor; “an extra delay could force them to either make two trips or spend additional money on hotels,” according to The Huffington Post. Regulations surrounding reproduction and birth control have always existed. A few of these regulations may have had positive impacts on some women, but it seems that for the most part they cause severe emotional pain. Missouri’s actions are disappointing to say the least, and are a huge step in the wrong direction for gender equality and women’s rights. By allowing government to make important decisions regarding our reproductive health, we as women lose our control over our own bodies. There needs to be a much stronger female presence in government so that our voices will be heard, and will no longer be drowned out by intolerant, oblivious men. The time to act is now; we must work together to stop other states from following in Missouri’s footsteps in order to continue down the road to gender equality. Emily Silverman can be reached at emily.silverman@theminaretonline.com
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
OPINION
13
China Implements Special ‘Texting-Only’ Sidewalk Lanes By KENISHA EBANKS Opinion Writer
People worldwide are too immersed in their smartphones, and are often so mesmerized they don’t take the time to glance around at their surroundings. Nong Cheng of the Meixin Group, which manages the city’s property, stated that “There are lots of elderly people and children in our street and
ourselves to become oblivious to our surroundings. Katie Schleicher, a UT freshman and marketing major, admits that she hasn’t had any major injuries, other than a few near accidents but nothing more than bumping into people. The sidewalk in China was originally inspired by a behavioral experiment
There is absolutely nothing more annoying or aggravating than walking behind someone who finds it appropriate to be glued to their cell phone, especially when you are in a rush to get somewhere. We all have experienced being stuck walking behind that person, and they just need to stop it already. In Chongqing, a major city in China, the Chinese government has found a solution to the problem of congested sidewalks filled with texting pedestrians. This past week it was announced that the city of Chongqing introduced China’s first sidewalk with a special lane designed for cell phone users, according to The Guardian. The white lane dividing the sidewalk in two clearly states on one side, “NO cellphones” and the other addressed to cellphone users, “Walk in this lane at your own risk.” In all seriousness, this project was done with irony in mind and more on the side of a “tongue-in-cheek pedestrian PSA,” reported by The Washington Imaginechina / AP China pioneers a texting lane of the sidewalk to send a message to those too preoccupied with their phones to walk. Post. However, with this being the first of its kind in China, joking or not, it is easy to imagine how quickly this ridiculous walking with your cellphone can by the National Geographic Television concept could continue to grow and spread cause unnecessary collisions here,” show, “Mind Over Masses,”on the streets to other countries worldwide. according to The New York Times. of Washington D.C., according to The With technology being a very In September 2013, My Fox Tampa Associated Press. The experiment resulted important part of our lives and the Bay visited UT and videoed students in some pedestrians altering their course, driving force of our daily activities, walking across campus glued to their others stopping to take a picture, and some Chinese developers wanted to raise phones. In the video some students told cigarette smokers gravitating towards awareness of the matter at hand, reporter Stef Dipietrantonio that in the using the cellphone lane, reported in according to The New York Times. As past they have tripped, fallen, or walked Yahoo Tech. Surprisingly, cellphone users texting and driving is dangerous, so is into things, and two students admitted wearing hands-free Bluetooth earpieces texting and walking. The sidewalk in to being on the social networking sites used the cellphone lane as well. However, China was done to remind people of the Instagram and Twitter. ironically, the many people that were severity of how hazardous it is to walk The act checking social media or actually using their phones didn’t even and simultaneously use your smartphone unread messages has become so natural notice the painted lanes. at the same time. to our generation that we have allowed Although the inspiration for the cell
phone texting lanes originating in the U.S., there is still the looming anticipation that this concept can spread to other countries. With the constant increase in the obsession with technology, these sidewalks leave room for interpretation from pedestrians that it is acceptable to proceed with their unsafe and hazardous walking practices, not realizing these lanes were done as a joke to raise awareness on the issue. Furthermore, even though the sidewalk is in place to separate the cell phone users from the non-cellphone users, it may lead to the cell phone user’s annoying habits being tolerated by society and cause an even greater problem in the future. Unfortunately, with the newly painted lanes for texters, pedestrians will either notice the signs illuminating the upcoming lane division and get the hint to get their noses out of their phones, or they’ll miss it completely. For the ones that do notice but the joke goes right over their head, of course probably just see it as an opportunity to pull out their smartphones to capture the rare and unique moment of seeing a sidewalk designed for texters. Schleicher doesn’t believe that “phone lanes” would work over here in the States. “I do not think that enough people would take the time to acknowledge the difference in lanes while going about their business. If these designated lanes were to be enforced, I feel that the sheer number of people on their phones assigned to the one lane would actually impede the traffic flow,” Schleicher said. Sadly, rather than taking the necessary steps to prevent any severe fatalities resulting from the constant smartphone distraction, individuals will continue to bury their heads in their cell phones while walking on busy sidewalks. Kenisha Ebanks can be reached at senia.ebanks@spartans.ut.edu
Apple’s Insertion of U2 Album Proves They Control Our Privacy By OLIVIA REEB Opinion Writer
When 500 million iTunes customers realized that the new U2 album, Songs of Innocence, was downloaded without their consent onto their iPhones via iTunes on Sept. 9, chaos on social media ensued. Cries about the lack of privacy and good taste erupted, causing Apple’s $100 million purchase of the album to be considered a much greater failure than a success. CBS News called the situation a “$100 Million Debacle” since Apple paid that much as a blanket payment to Universal and U2 in order to release this album free to the public. However, only two million people actually downloaded the album willingly, according to The New York Times. That’s $50 an album, which is unrealistically expensive for an album that so many people were angry about getting, even for free. If the average cost for an album on iTunes is around $12, Apple just lost $76 million. This push onto iTunes customers came with good intentions and reasoning; it was an attempt to begin a new music format in hopes to end piracy. “A new digital music format in the works will prove so irresistibly exciting to music fans that it will tempt them again into buying music,” Bono said in TIME Magazine on Sept. 18. One issue is that U2 is outdated, and younger iPhone users were upset about the download because the music wasn’t a genre that they listened to. The band’s classic rock
vibe is a stretch from today’s rap or pop, and CBS News’ advice to Apple is: “Never, never, never to let those over 40 decide what music they think younger consumers are bound to think is cool.”
everyone wanting to update their phones to the iOS 8, students need all the extra space they can get. “I didn’t even know the album was there,” said said UT sophomore Jasmine Russel, “but it’s
http://music-mix.ew.com
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, alongside ultra-popular band U2 as they reveal the band’s newest album.
Downloading music without consent onto people’s phones via the cloud that they didn’t even want induced anger, partly because of the lack of space for it, and partly by unease at the reality of phone security. Students are upset about the U2 album because it is taking up space on their phones that they didn’t have. With
annoying that it takes up space.” People don’t like things forced upon them, even free music, according to Forbes magazine, and they appear to like the lack of security of their phones even less. Downloading music without consent onto people’s phones via the cloud raised a lot of concerns about privacy, as well as culture, and the fact
that Apple can put anything onto 500 million people’s iPhones undoubtedly leads suspicions to what hackers can get off of them. My biggest concern isn‘t the quality of the music or the fact that it was “pushed“ upon me. Free music is cool, no matter what kind of music it is; I‘m mainly worried about the misconceptions we might have all had about phone security. The album wasn’t even officially downloaded to the iPhones, it was just put there and everyone was given the opportunity to download it if they pleased. However, because the music wasn’t officially downloaded into MP3 format, the songs eat up data every time they’re played, and six songs is about 20MB of data, according to cnet.com. For someone like myself on a 500MB data plan, that’s a huge amount, not to mention it slows the internet down. Someone listening to the U2 album that they didn’t download will have slower internet than someone that wasn’t listening to the album or someone that had already downloaded it. The album will be removed from everyone’s phone and available to be purchased instead, unless it has already been officially downloaded from the cloud, on Oct. 14. Although the album may be gone, the issues regarding privacy, culture, and the media’s ability to push anything they want onto 500 million iTunes accounts remain. Olivia Reeb can be reached at olivia.reeb@spartans.ut.edu
14 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
OPINION
“Booty” Music Video Objectifies Women and Distorts Beauty Image By SELENE SAN FELICE
if you skinny bitches.” While the song can be perceived as a call to action I’m not going to lie: I like big butts. for women to own their sexuality, it But as much as I like them, I can’t help may also give off the impression that but be horrified at the high standard we women are just butts with legs. hold them to today. Minaj seems to say that if your ass Jennifer Lopez just released her isn’t as unrealistically large as hers, you’re video for the “Booty” remix featuring nothing. As it turns out, Minaj herself may Iggy Azalea on Sept. 18. The not even live up to her own standards. video is filled with shots of While Minaj denied plastic surgery Lopez and Azalea grinding and rumors about her face in an interview butt bumping in swimsuits over with Extra, she has never confirmed the chorus of “Big big booty/ or denied the rumors about her What you got a big booty.” alleged butt-implants. Furthermore, While it’s great that Lopez TMZ released a photo from Minaj’s is still proud to show her 2014 VMA performance, which body off 13 years after “Jenny insinuates that Minaj had some sort from the Block,” this video of unnatural emphasis put on her ass. takes objectification to a new Even the beloved Meghan level. Since the song is called Trainor song “All about that Bass” “Booty,” it’s understandable that seems to emphasise the need for there is going to be focus put curves to be a “real-woman.” on the singer’s bodies; what is While Trainor tries to shatter the bothersome is that it’s as if those thin-ideal beauty standard that booties are their own entities society seems to hold, she still that don’t even belong to human puts an emphasis on big butts. beings. Singing lyrics such as “Boys like a Azalea only has one verse little more booty to hold at night” in the song, yet she is shown and especially, “You know I won’t silently standing throughout the be no stick figure silicone Barbie whole video and is mostly used doll” still shames girls who don’t for Lopez to grind on. Even feel like they live up to today’s Lopez herself is rarely shown to voluptuous booty standards. be singing the lyrics, but instead While the American society is filmed wordlessly thrusting has other ridiculous body hotgossipitalia | flickr.com expectations such as the thinand rolling around covered in Jennifer Lopez’s “Booty” music video featuring Iggy Azalea objectifies women instead of empowering them. oil. Most of the shots in the video ideal and the everlasting obsession don’t even show the singer’s with big breasts, putting an faces. men and do whatever they want. As she twerks on an almost emphasis on unrealistically big butts If Lopez and Azalea want to objectify When Lopez sings “The way she helpless looking Drake, Minaj doesn’t make our situation any better. themselves and claim it female as moves, I know you want her...You screams, “Yeah, he love this fat ass... Soon young girls will be doing squats empowerment that’s their own business. wanna meet her, you wanna touch her. This one is for my bitches with a fat and asking their parents for plastic However, the public is watching and the Hold on tight for the ride ‘cause you ass in the fucking club. I said, ‘Where surgery in hopes to look like the crazy singers need to realize that as celebrities know you’re gonna love her,” it tells my fat ass big bitches in the club?’... skewed picture of beauty that our they have an influence on society and men that women are simply playthings Fuck the skinny bitches in the club. I nation has built. the image of women. to be enjoyed. Does she even want to wanna see all the big fat ass bitches Selene San Felice can be reached at The video alone is not the problem; you to touch her? It doesn’t matter: in the motherfucking club, fuck you selene.sanfelice@theminaretonline.com
Asst. A&E Editor
the lyrics of “Booty” are extremely objectifying to women as well. After stereotypically telling “all the sexy girls at the party” to “go and grab a man, bring him to the dancefloor,” Lopez sings “it’s his birthday, give him what he ask for.” These lyrics are telling women that it’s their job to entertain
she’s got a big booty. Lopez isn’t the only one with an assobsession. Nicki Minaj has been using her ass to be the center of attention since she got her start in 2007. Her most recent music video for “Anaconda” takes Sir Mix a Lot’s love for big butts to an entirely new level.
The Mature Way to Deal With College Breakups By TERRY PRESTON Opinion Columnist
The lyric to the Marina and the Diamonds song “Homewrecker” describes relationships best, simply stating that every relationship is great until it’s not. Getting together and breaking up is an inevitable part of dating, because almost no one gets love right on the first try. All too often relationships end in flames, turning former lovers into mortal enemies who scoff at the sound of each other’s names. However, as young adults, there comes a time when maturity (hopefully) settles into our bones and we find the ability to end a relationship on good terms. So, what happens when a relationship doesn’t end in conflict? There is not always the emotional turmoil of cheating, lies, arguments or deceit. Rather, individuals simply grow apart. Much like an article of clothing, a relationship can become worn. Whether it be physical changes or changing trends, relationships are just like overalls--you can outgrow them. In those circumstances, it is important to call it quits without breaking each other’s hearts—or bones.
The easiest method for not wanting to kill your former relationship partner is to, as cliché as it may be, remember the good times the two of you shared. This doesn’t mean a montage of all the times you had romantic picnics, stayed up all night talking, your first kiss, or what have you. Instead, take the time to recognize the moments when that person was by your side and helped you through tasks, personal problems, or even formulating a passive aggressive text message to your best friend. When you take the time to recognize the benefits of sharing a stage of your life with that person, you will likely feel more satisfied with its existence than upset by its termination. “I was in a serious relationship for almost a year and was devastated when it ended,” said Kyle Ewing, a junior finance major. “I later realized that the break up was for the best, though. I truly did love him, but we accepted that that phase of our lives had ended, and I grew so much as a result of it.” In college, we are not who we are going to be for the rest of our lives. Luckily, we are constantly getting another step closer. The man or
woman of your dreams during your freshman year of college may look (and act) much differently than your ideal partner by senior year. This growth will continue for years after graduation, and when you and your partner grow apart, you don’t have to split-up guns blazing. Embrace change—don’t fight it (or each other). In addition, the most important aspect of surviving a breakup is mutual respect. The demise of a relationship is not the time to release each other’s deepest secrets or shine light on each other’s bad habits. Instead, be an adult. Treat each other the way you would any other friend, and maintain your ability to part ways with a handshake. When someone has shared such a significant portion of your life experiences, it’s impossible to eliminate them altogether—so play nice. Lastly, it is vital that one accepts that your previous partner is going to have other partners after you. While this may sting a nerve, one must understand that nobody is going to stop living their own lives just because they no longer fit in with yours. One should never, ever, ever take immediate interest in who their former
partner is coupling with, because it is both toxic and simply none of their business. There will always be a part of you that cringes at the idea of your partner being with another person— even when you don’t want to be with them, yourself. Over time, friendship may develop and you may become comfortable with discussing relationships—but for a fresh break up, avoid that talk like the plague. Instead, use the time apart to strengthen your relationship with yourself and your personal growth. It can be nearly impossible to remove someone’s importance in your life if you keep looking for excuses to let them back in. Breakups are inevitable, but they are a necessary and beneficial evil. They are how we learn what we are seeking in a romantic partner, and what we absolutely can’t stand. Despite the struggles they produce, breakups are a vital part of personal development (and a good story to tell to your friends over wine). After all, the hardest part of calling it quits isn’t losing each other—it’s getting all your stuff back. Terry Preston can be reached at terrence.preston@spartans.ut.edu
THE MINARET SEPTEMBER 25 2014
OPINION
15
Colombia Prisoners Chained to Playground By REBECCA TURNER Opinion Writer
Colombian families have begun to avoid a local playground in the country’s capital, Bogotá. Why, exactly? Well, over the last two months, prisoners have been chained to the playground equipment due to overcrowding at detention centers in La Granja, according to NBC News. Just imagine a mother saying to her frightened child, “It’s okay, honey, you can use the slide. Don’t be afraid of the man shackled to the bottom.” It wouldn’t go over too well. The kids and parents deserve to fear grown, criminal men in a place that is supposed to be innocent and inherently safe, but suddenly is not. This seems unreal at first glance, but prisoners have been making a steady appearance at a playground in Bogotá. The prisoners are overflow from a local prison which has the ability to house 70 prisoners even though there are typically at least 100 prisoners in custody on any given day, according to KLTV. University of Tampa freshman psychology major Kamakshi Dadhwal, thinks that this situation “says volumes about the anticipation of crime in Colombia versus the reality,” as prisons are supposed to be built to house the amount of expected prisoners, but this prison clearly was not. The officials then decided to chain these extra prisoners to each other, and then to various playground equipment, including a slide. If Bogotá officials had acted more intelligently, they would have rented another facility while one was being constructed to solve this overcrowding problem. Instead, there is no notion of a larger
facility being built and the playground is still actively utilized as of last week with no plan to change the practice. It is absolutely cringe-worthy to imagine a criminal being so close to
this playground as a place to play, these children then play in the streets of Bogotá or in their homes without the added socialization and safety that a playground would normally offer.
pagesay.com
Colombian prisoners are chained to playground for holding, unsafe for both prisoners and children alike.
small children. Sure, the prisoners are chained and they are monitored by six officers at all times, but parents have no idea what crimes the prisoners have committed, just that their crimes range from robbery to drug trafficking, according to KLTV. Fear and lack of information are quite the caustic mix, especially when the scenario involves children. No decent parent would let their small child run and play amidst strange felons who very well could be violent, sex offenders, or drug dealers. Without
Using the playground as a prison only adds another dangerous aspect to the city, negating claims the New York Daily News made of the city’s positive change. Concern for the many children who are missing out on the playground because their parents feel it is unsafe is a problem, but the prisoners aren’t being treated well either. Being chained to playground equipment instead of housed in a proper detention facility or prison, human rights activists in Bogotá are claiming their
basic human rights are being violated, according to The National Post. These overflow prisoners are not cared for properly and are left in unhygienic circumstances with no proper bathroom on the playground. This is yet another reason why parents should not bring their children to this Colombian playground. Prisoners are at a higher risk for illness because of where they do their “necessities,” the Associated Press reported. It is also generally disgusting to be chained in an area to serve time, and sleep, with feces and urine so close. The prisoners also face sleeping outside if detained past daytime, which many are, according to NBC News. The prisoners in these cases utilize makeshift sleeping arrangements, including one who slept on the slide while chained to the bottom. Others have slept under lean-to type shelters devised with tarps and playground equipment, as seen in photos provided by KLTV. No human being deserves to sit in squalor, exposed to the elements, while handcuffed to a slide and other people, even if they have committed a horrific crime. In treating the terrible horribly, we only perpetuate terror and hate. No child should be denied their opportunity to play safely, no matter what neighborhood they live in. The idea that prisoners are held on a playground seems fictitious. While it should not be happening, as it negatively affects Colombians throughout the community, it is a reality in Bogotá today that needs to change soon for the well being of all involved. Rebecca Turner can be reached at rebecca.turner@spartans.ut.edu
My Near Death Movie Experience: The lesson I learned about film permits
By SAMANTHA ALLEN Opinion Writer
My one attempt to shoot a film without a permit was almost my last. It was Spring break and my best friend Joe had just called me with excellent news. The remainder of our props had just arrived in the mail and we could now begin shooting. I rushed to his neighborhood with my box of additional props and camera equipment. Upon arrival, Joe opened the packages to reveal three air-soft guns which were main props for the zombie film we were making. We called over the other three gentlemen who were to be the cast and crew and started setting up. When we exited the house for the first time, I was dressed from head to toe in all black, and Joe in what appeared to be military garb. We went to the neighbors on our immediate left and right to let them know that our weapons were fake and that we were merely shooting a student film. Joe, who lived in the neighborhood, was an active member in the community and many of his neighbors were familiar with him. All of the neighbors we had spoken to expressed that they had no problem with our film. Finding this short range of approvals adequate we
began to block out our scenes. Perhaps a half hour later, I happened to look up into the sky and saw a weather helicopter for a local
my search one of the police officers addressed me directly. Many of the cops laughed at us and told us how stupid we were when they found out
“My one attempt to shoot a film
without a permit was almost my last. news channel. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but an intense feeling of dread spread over me and I stopped what I was doing. “WAIT!” I yelled to the crew, all of whom were luckily in hearing range. I looked toward the road and two cop cars from each side of the street were bounding toward us; I immediately put my hands up in the air. It happened in what felt like seconds, six cops exited their vehicles all pointing their guns straight at me. I stood still not moving a muscle, staring down the barrels of six guns, my heart had stopped. The cops took one more look at Joe and I and lowered their weapons. I threw the prop on the ground when prompted to do so. The crew and I were then searched by each of the police officers. In the middle of
”
we were attempting to film, but not this one. He approached me with genuine fear in his eyes and said to me, “I was going to shoot you. You’re lucky you’re not in a body bag right now.” He explained to us that if we had acquired a film permit they wouldn’t have even needed to come. At the time, remarkably, I didn’t take his words all too seriously. I thought, “we had our hands up, we made it clear we weren’t a threat.” What cause could he have to shoot a person who has obviously surrendered? A mixture of entitlement and adrenaline made me incorrectly believe that it would have been unjustified for them to have killed me. I now know that I was wrong. A simple permit would have alerted the police of our project prior to filming,
preventing the incident altogether. Sometimes the idea that I should be dead right now keeps me awake at night, leaving me wondering: why am I not? We’ve been hearing stories for ages about people who have been killed without a moment of hesitation for playing with toy guns. Just last month a story of a 22 year-old Ohio man who was killed by police for carrying a BB gun around Wal-Mart with the intention of purchasing it according to MSNBC. Having survived a similar situation can be extremely overwhelming for me as stories like this continue to surface. These things can happen to any of us. As artists become increasingly ambitious for the sake of their art, many photographers have resorted to trespassing to get a good snapshot. It is becoming more common to hear of writers who has gone to unconventional lengths to get their story. With every artistic avenue come people who want to push the envelope, which is certainly not a bad thing. My advice to anyone wants to make art is this, don’t think what you’re doing can’t get you arrested or killed because you’re wrong: get a permit. Samantha Allen can be reached at samantha.allen@spartans.ut.edu
16 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
Pro Sports
NFL’s First Three Weeks Full Of Surprises
Nathan Rupert/ Flickr Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has continued his career revival under coach Mike McCoy in San Diego.
By CONNOR ANTHONY Sports Writer
The first three weeks of the NFL season has had its fair share of surprises. In fact, some teams have unexpectedly excelled on the field, while others have stumbled out of the gate. The three teams that fans expected to be bad: the Oakland
Raiders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, are all 03 and the race for the number one pick in the draft is on. The Bucs managed to lose to backup quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Austin Davis as they were embarrassingly beaten by Carolina and St. Louis. They then went on to get drubbed 56-14 by the Atlanta Falcons on
Thursday Night Football. Jacksonville, while holding a 17-point lead against Philadelphia in the first week managed to blow it and is already near the bottom of the league in most categories. The Raiders have struggled to begin the season but rookie quarterback Derek Carr looks solid so far. However, the first year signal caller is showing that he has a long way to go to make a name for himself. After three weeks, there are three undefeated teams left, and they aren’t Denver, Seattle or New England. The Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals are currently 3-0 and are headed in the right direction. Arizona beat the 49ers 23-14 with backup quarterback Drew Stanton starting. What the heck is going on in the desert? Cincinnati has finally become the team to beat in the AFC North and Philadelphia looks to take advantage of an ugly looking NFC East. The San Diego Chargers are finally playing like a team that is living up to their name. After losing 18-17 to Arizona in Week One, the Chargers defeated Seattle in Week Two (who beat the Broncos in week 3)and beat the Bills in Week Three. While it’s still only a fifth of the way through the season, it seems that the Chargers might give the Broncos a run for the AFC West title. Speaking about the Broncos, they weren’t able to defeat the Seahawks in Week Three and beat both the Colts and Chiefs by only a touchdown in the previous two weeks. Is it finally the year that Peyton
Manning and co. look vulnerable? While Arizona is off to a 3-0 start, both the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams are sitting at 1-2. Colin Kaepernick’s crew doesn’t look like the same team that has made two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance in the last three years. With Arizona playing hot and Seattle still the favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champions has to dampen the 49ers spirit. The NFC will get interesting, as the NFC South has already as the Carolina Panthers are playing great football again and the Atlanta Falcons are coming back from their disastrous 412 season last year. After three weeks, they already have half as many wins as they did last year. Though the Saints may be off to a rough 1-2 start, it’s hard to ever count Drew Brees out, as the Saints always seem to have a way to make things interesting. Arguably, the most aggravating team in the NFL, the Detroit Lions, is are once again off to a solid start after defeating beating rival Green Bay and only allowing them to put up seven points. What seems to be a solid running back duel consisting of Joique Bell and Reggie Bush behind Matthew Stafford and the dangerous defensive line the Lions have, they so far have impressed the critics. They still felt flat when they lost 24-7 against Carolina in Week Two, but still being early in the season, a lot can change between now and January. Connor Anthony can be reached at connor.anthony@spartans.ut.edu
17
SPORTS
THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
Heisman Trophy Winner Needs To Get Act Together By GRIFFIN GUINTA Sports Columnist
The stage was set. The twenty-second ranked Clemson Tigers were headed to Tallahassee for a highly anticipated matchup with top ranked Florida State University. FSU, however, would be playing without superstar quarterback Jameis Winston, who subsequently dropped a sexist slur in the school’s student union a few days prior. This instantly made the matchup more intriguing. Could this vaunted Seminole team withstand an attack from scrappy Clemson without their poised leader? Prior to the game, redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Maguire was given the keys to the FSU offense, seeing that Winston was barred from playing. That may not have been entirely apparent to viewers watching the game though, as it was Winston himself who trotted out in uniform and full pads as if he knew nothing of the suspension. Upon noticing Winston’s bewildering antics, head coach Jimbo Fisher dismissed Winston, who returned yet again is his uniform and a pair of sweatpants. “Smug” is perhaps the only suitable adjective to describe Winston’s actions. Worse yet, this is just the latest in a series of escapades incited by him. He has always had a reputation of having a big mouth, but his actions speak louder than he ever could. Controversy surrounded Winston last year after reports surfaced that he allegedly raped a young woman who attended the school. In New York Times writer Walt Bogdanich’s piece “A Star Player Accused, And a Flawed Rape Investigation,”
published this past April, Bogdanich claims the entire investigation was mishandled. His article criticizes the lack of thoroughness exerted by the Tallahassee Police Department during the investigation, claiming that the TPD never questioned Winston, never obtained a DNA sample, and showed hints of favoritism to the star quarterback. The State Attorney on the case, William Meggs, cited the lack of evidence available to convict Winston. “After reviewing all the evidence in the case, we did not feel like we could meet that burden,” Meggs said to the Associated Press. Despite clamorings that the investigation was unfair, Winston was cleared of any wrongdoing and had a perfect opportunity to start over, to become a new man. Initially, it seemed he would do just that. He profusely apologized for being a “distraction” to his team and Zennie Abraham/ Flickr vowed henceforth to be a leader in the Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston has been a constant source of controversy during his career. community. It’s safe to say that Winston didn’t her right in the p****” in the student union. thirty minutes of a game. Only later, after exactly live up to his words. Winston must understand the old finding out he embellished certain parts of In 2013, he was accused of stealing adage “with great power comes great his story, did the school suspend him for soda by a Burger King employee. The responsibility.” He is a Heisman Trophy the entire game. employee cited that Winston repeatedly winning, immensely popular athlete that a College is supposed to be a place filled up a cup meant exclusively for water large concentration of youth looks up to. where people grow up and learn from their with soda, despite her multiple demands They mirror his actions, whether he wants mistakes. for him to stop. them to or not. Winston will never learn from his A year later, Winston continued his Which brings up another valid point: mistakes if he’s given a mere slap on the thievery, shoplifting $32.72 worth of crab The blame doesn’t lie solely on Winston. wrist whenever he does something wrong. legs at a local Publix. After all, such actions are relatively In order for a lesson to actually be learned, One would think that being enshrouded unsurprising when he’s treated like an a more severe punishment must be levied. with rape allegations and petty theft invincible hero by his school. That’s the only way he’ll learn. charges compel Winston to lay low and Upon finding out about the putrid One thing is completely clear right now keep himself out of the news for a while. language spit by Winston in the union, though. Jameis Winston needs to grow up. Not even five months later, Winston FSU decided to bench him for half a Griffin Guinta can be reached at was caught loudly yelling the words “F*** game. Not a whole game, not the season-- griffin.guinta@spartans.ut.edu
Yankees Victorious In Jeter’s Farewell Game At Tropicana Field
By JORDAN LLANES Asst. Sports Editor
It felt as if the stars had aligned. Derek Jeter’s last game at Tropicana Field was taking place on my 22nd birthday, Sept. 17. As a diehard Yankee fan and a guy who had run into the Captain a couple of times over the past few years, I felt like it was an obligation to attend this historic event. So after class, I met up with The Minaret’s Multimedia Director, the amazing Doha Madani, and off we went to the Trop to watch our favorite team, the Yankees, take on the hometown Rays. After almost an hour and a half of monotonous traffic going over the Howard Frankland and into St. Petersburg, we finally arrived at the Trop, even if it was a little late. The parking lot was packed like a can of sardines, and scores of people rushed to the gates in order to get to their seats as quickly as possible. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, Doha and I were finally inside, and we rushed to our seats.The usher took a look at our tickets, and showed us to our seats. Second row, right field, smack dab in the middle of Yankee outfielders Ichiro Suzuki and Brett Gardner. It was the bottom of the first inning, so we missed Jeter’s first at bat. We would be able to catch at least two more, though. We were surrounded by Yankee fans, which is the greatest thing for any Yankee fan. Jeter jerseys and navy blue Yankee caps were all around us. As I took a look around, it seemed like the stadium had been invaded by New Yorkers. The chants of “Let’s Go Yankees” and “Derek Jeter” filled the air. It was almost as if the Rays were the visitors, because the Yankees certainly looked at home in the Trop. The second and third innings passed without incident, and Doha tapped me on the shoulder at the beginning of the fourth. “I owe you a birthday beer, and I want one too,” she said, getting up from her seat.
I didn’t need any more encouragement, so we walked down a flight of stairs onto the concourse, where a number of kiosks served food and beverages. Doha went to grab our beers and a foot long Rays dog, while I went to get my favorite thing in the whole stadium: barbeque pulled pork nachos. Salty tortilla chips, melted and gooey nacho cheese, and succulent pulled pork topped with sweet and tangy Carolina barbeque sauce. As I sat down, Doha called to me. “Bud or Bud Light?” she asked. I looked up her, my brow furrowed in mock surprise. “Is that even a question?” I asked with a grin. She laughed and told the attendant that she wanted two Budweisers. We then chowed down on the calorie-heavy meals while Jeter came up for a second time. We watched on the surrounding flatscreens as he grounded out a
couple of pitches into his at bat. After finishing our meals and beers, we went to the the Coors Light kiosk and ordered two more beers before heading back to our seats. As we sat down, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria came up to bat. Brandon McCarthy, the Yankees pitcher, had been pitching strong up to that point. Longoria changed that by smacking one of McCarthy’s fastballs into straight away centerfield. Gardner gave chase, but couldn’t snag the ball over the wall. The Rays led 1-0. Yet other than that solo shot and another RBI from Longoria via a groundout in the sixth, McCarthy shut down the Rays’ bats, allowing only another three hits. The support of the home crowd helped, as finished off his night with an immaculate inning, striking out the last three Rays he pitched on the minimum nine pitches.
Keith Allison/Flickr Yankees shortshop Derek Jeter enters his last couple of weeks as the team’s captain.
As the game moved along, the Yankees’ bats came alive against Rays starter Alex Cobb in the fifth inning. Cobb hit Yankee left fielder Chris Young (who was the sixth Yankee to be hit by pitch in six straight games against the Rays), then allowed a RBI double to trade deadline acquisition Chase Headley to tie the game. The Bombers then took the lead on a ground rule RBI double to right field by Brendan Ryan. Doha and I yelled until our throats were hoarse, and the noise elicited by the Yankee faithful could have been heard at the Dali Museum if the Trop was an open air stadium. Later on in the inning, the Captain once again came up to bat. He began to show his age at the plate as of late, as he had gone 0-for-24 during his last seven games, and was already 0-for-2 on the night. But Jeter changed his fortune during that at bat, as roped a single into centerfield, bringing on another loud roar from the Yankee fans. Gardner drove him home with a sacrifice fly to deep right. We had momentarily thought that Gardner hit a grand slam, so most of the Yankee fans in right field produced a deafening cheer. Unfortunately, Rays right fielder Wil Myers made a great leaping grab to limit the Bombers to just one run. The rest of the game flew by. Yankee reliever Dellin Betances broke Yankee legend Mariano Rivera’s season record for strikeouts for a reliever, and New York closer David Robertson closed out the game with a perfect inning for his thirty-seventh save. Jeter got a 3-2 win during his final professional game in Tampa. As Doha and I left the stadium, it was odd knowing that I would never see Jeter play in person again. For 20 years, he was the shortstop for the Bombers and another legend in Yankee lore. Even though it will definitely be an unsettling sight not seeing the familiar No.2 at short next season, it was an absolute pleasure to watch the Captain one last time. Jordan Llanes can be reached at jordan. llanes@theminaretonline.com
18 SEPTEMBER 25 2014 | THE MINARET
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(Left to Right) Jeff Kern/ Flickr, West Point- The U.S Military Academy/ Flickr, rocor/ Flickr, Elvis Kennedy/ Flickr
(Left to Right) Female sports media personalities such as ESPN’s Sage Steele and Michelle Beadle, as well as Fox’s Erin Andrews and Pam Oliver, continue to pave the way for women that will follow them.
Women In The World Of Sports Media Minaret Writer Tackles The Issue Using Her Own Experiences
By TESS SHEETS Sports Writer
As a journalism major and sports fanatic, it has been assumed that I’ll go into sports broadcasting because I’ve been told I have “the face for it.” Yes, I am a woman, and no, I don’t want to be at a job solely based on appearance. Now don’t get me wrong, I appreciate this attempt at a compliment, but a comment on my looks should be irrelevant, especially once I mention my disinterest in broadcast. This is not to say women in the field are not highly experienced journalists, but there is surely a difference between the hiring processes of a man and a woman. While men are valued for their knowledge and experience with sports, in more cases than not, a woman is first valued for her appearance and then for her credentials. Why is that? Is it because, from a young age, women were not included in “boy’s club sports talk” and are therefore seen as less educated? Or maybe it is because there is an unwritten rule that the person covering the sport must have played it, and women have not had the
opportunity to compete in major sports leagues. The misogyny in sports media is not, and has never been, especially covert; any woman working as an anchor, sideline reporter, host, etc. is bound to face opposition, mainly because we have been seen as an anomaly. While looks are naturally overemphasized for TV, for a woman, they are a nonstop topic of concern and conversation. Even an experienced sports journalist like Fox’s sideline reporter Pam Oliver has commented that she believes her sideline gig has been turned over to Erin Andrews because she is aging out of the position. In an interview with nypost.com, Oliver commented, “As one executive said to me, Fox Sports will look radically different in the coming years. I assume that means they want to look younger. It’s not difficult to notice that the new on-air people there are all young, blonde and ‘hot.’” But while the weight that looks hold on the position of women in sports media has always been a constant issue, it is really just the tip of the iceberg. In a Sports Illustrated column by senior editor Richard Deitsch, he wrote that “six highly accomplished and respected women in
the sports media” were brought together in an “email roundtable” to discuss some of the issues they have faced, and are currently facing, in the world of sports media. Despite these women’s years of experience, they are still having to deal with misogynistic coworkers and viewers. Over the past five years, the dearth of women on sports networks and in sports writing has definitely taken a turn for the best; however, resistance is still apparent. In this column, the journalists answered questions like “How much sexism exists today in the sports media?” and “Why do we not see women in their 50s, 60s and 70s in sports television as we do men of that age?” Their anecdotes were astonishing. While some of them talked about the ever-so-clever “stay in the kitchen” comments that they have received, many touched on the frustrating reality of the double standard that is apparent between men and women: “If a man makes a mistake, he misspoke. If a woman errs, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about,” said Andrea Kremer, NFL Network chief correspondent for Player Health and Safety and a correspondent for HBO’s Real Sports.
While pulling the gender card may seem cliche, these journalists are not looking for an audience to feel bad for them. In fact, The MMQB.com and Sports Illustrated NFL writer Jenny Vrentas comments on how the subject of female journalists not being in powerful positions in sports media is seldom talked about. She notes that “we want people in hiring positions to give women opportunities, but it also stings your pride to wonder if you were given an opportunity because you are a woman.” However, despite the hurdles that women in sports media have had to overcome, “there are more women employed in the sports media than ever,” Kremer told Sports Illustrated. Though the rise in female sports media journalist is noticeable, we come back to the frustrating question of what aspect is a woman really being hired for. “I don’t think [women employed in the sports media] are viewed as such an anomaly anymore, but there are times it feels like women are token hires and not there based on knowledge and ability,” Kremer said. Tess Sheets can be reached at tess.sheets@ theminaretonline.com
implemented—undergoing a full-year suspension after testing positive for marijuana for the second time? HIs suspension will be lowered from a full season to only ten games, meaning that Gordon will be back by Week 1. Overall, there are 20 players who will be affected by the new policy. The new policy has also introduced HGH testing to the NFL. Testing will begin on players immediately. In 2011, the NFL and NFLPA agreed upon testing for HGH, but the practice was not instilled because of faults in the testing methods and lack of definition in the appeal process for a positive test. From now on, five players from eight randomly selected teams will be picked for blood testing during the preseason and the regular season. Five players on each team during the postseason also will be tested, and 10 percent of each team’s players will be randomly selected for offseason testing. In addition, there will be testing due to a reasonable cause and during the pre-employment process. This will be a higher level of testing that the NFL has never done before. The testing will provide more accurate results and will help the league police its players
and avoid the use of performance enhancing drugs. The discipline for violations of the PED policy was also modified. A player that tests positive for the first time could get up to a six game suspension, depending on the nature of the violation. Using masking agents will result in a two game suspension. The use of steroids, stimulants, HGH and other banned substances will result in a four game suspension. If a player attempts to manipulate a test, it will result in a six game suspension. A second violation for the PED policy will result in a 10 game suspension. If a player violates the policy a third time, they will be banned for a minimum two years. An interesting part of the new agreement is the lack of discipline for positive drug tests during the offseason. If a player tests positive for a banned stimulant during the offseason, there will be no suspension. Instead, they will be placed in a substance abuse program. However, a player that is placed in the substance abuse program tests positive again; they can be suspended for up to four games, depending on the substance that is used. The NFL will also raise the threshold for the tested amount of marijuana from a
very strict 15-nanograms-per-milliliter to 35-nanograms-per-milliliter. With this in place, Josh Gordon would not have been banned for the 2014 season. The policy has also expedited the appeal process. If a positive test is appealed, the case will go in front of third-party neutral arbitrator immediately. In the past, players that appealed would be eligible to play for multiple weeks while their case was being reviewed. The quick turnaround on appeals will help get sentences handed out which will help players and teams move forward. One thing does not change with the implementation of the new policy: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still holds his current disciplinary authority which is where the bigger problem lies. During a press conference on Friday, Goodell stated that there will be changes made to the personal conduct policy. With Goodell promising that “everything is on the table” to try to fix the leagues issues; look for another policy to come out from the NFL soon. Dominick Falco can be reached at dominick.falco@spartans.ut.edu Chance Smith can be reached at chance.smith@spartans.ut.edu
New NFL Drug Policy Changes League’s Strategy
By DOMINICK FALCO & CHANCE SMITH
Sports Writers
On Sept. 18, The National Football League has finally agreed with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on a new drug policy. The policy was implemented just weeks after the NFL was scrutinized for their handling of the substance abuse cases involving Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon and Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker. What does this mean for the National Football League? The drug policy will make an immediate impact on the league. The finalization of the policy makes three previously suspended players immediately eligible to play for their teams: Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick and Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey. They have already missed two games for drug-related suspensions given out before the start of the season, so they already have took part in retroactive discipline, which makes them eligible. But what about Gordon, who was—before the new policy was
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THE MINARET | SEPTEMBER 25 2014
Stelogeannis Capitalizes On Increased Role
By ANDREW STAMAS
Sports Writer
Currently ranked No. 1 in the country, the women’s volleyball team has gotten off to a great start begin this 2014 season. Sophomore outside hitter Allee Stelogeannis only started in six of 29 matches last season but she has made a very large impact on her team’s success so far this year. When asked about why she has played a far more significant role on her team this season compared to the last one, Stelogeannis said, “Last season, I was trained as an outside, middle, and right side, just hoping to play wherever the team needed me, which is still the case now. This year I’m training a lot more as an outside so I’m able to get a lot more reps there compared to last year. We lost an incredible outside (Holly Reschke) last year when she graduated, so that’s given me an opportunity to hopefully step in and be able to fill her role.” The Spartans’ No. 1 ranking did not come easily for them. They began the season ranked No.2, but after a strong 8-1 start that included four wins over top five ranked opponents has helped move them up to the top spot. “Being No.1 in the nation is an honor. Not many people get the chance to say that which I think is what often creates motivation for our team. We know it’s an honor and we know the territory that comes with it. When you’re ranked No.1, everyone else is out to get you and everyone else
Photo courtesy of Tom Kolbe
Stelogeannis has helped lead the Spartans to the No.1 ranking in the country early in 2014.
prepares their best game for when they play you,” Stelogeannis said. “That means we have to always try to prepare our best game and I think that’s what helps us stay motivated and keep training. Coach [Catanach] definitely reminds us to enjoy the feeling, but never get too caught up in the fact of it. Anything can happen any day but it’s definitely one of our goals to stay up there.” Despite being an exceptional
volleyball player, she was also an accomplished softball player. Growing up, she always envisioned that softball would be the sport she played in college, not volleyball. “I played softball ever since I was five years old and never expected to be playing college volleyball. Softball was what I had gone to camps and showcase tournaments for until I kind of started getting serious about volleyball freshman year of high
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school,” Stelogeannis said. Eventually, Stelogeannis had to choose one sport over the other, and it was not an easy decision to make. “I started playing both travel softball and volleyball at that point and after sophomore year, I realized I should probably pick one or the other if I was going to continue in college. I had already begun to get recruited in softball by some schools by then but volleyball was something new and exciting to me so it was extremely difficult to choose which sport I was going to have to quit,” Stelogeannis said. Ultimately, the choice was made. “When I hurt my knee badly during softball season is when I realized I really need to choose and ended up choosing volleyball. I still love softball to this day, but volleyball was so fast paced and I felt like it just fit me better. I still love going and secretly hitting some [batting practice] every now and then though,” Stelogeannis said. Though it is still early in the volleyball season, Stelogeannis and her teammates have high expectations for themselves for the coming months. “My obvious goal, as well as the team’s goal, is to win the national championship. That would be ideal. To get there, we have to win conference, and regionals, so those are our goals as well,” Stelogeannis said. Andrew Stamas can be reached at andrew.stamas@spartans.ut.edu
Coach’s Corner: Women’s Soccer Coach Gerry Lucey By MARCUS MITCHELL Sports Columnist
With the women’s soccer team off to a promising start in their 2014 campaign, head coach Gerry Lucey looks to make this a year to remember for the program. Since taking over as head coach in 2007, Lucey has become the all-time winningest coach for the program with 140 wins. Lucey has dedicated a majority of his life towards the beautiful game and has played soccer professionally in the United States as well as Denmark. Lucey has become a staple part of the UT community and the Minaret sat down with the legendary coach for a one-on-one. Minaret: Coach, you have been coaching soccer for over a decade and played professionally for years before hanging up your boots. Why did soccer resonate so strongly in you growing up? Coach Lucey: Soccer has always been a part of my life growing up in Ireland, then moving to Denmark and finally to the US. My father was a very good player and had the chance to become a professional but had to make the tough decision to support his family instead with a regular job. He spent many hours teaching me the game and gave me the foundation to become the person I am today. My first photographs have me pictured with a ball and I can remember carrying around a ball throughout my childhood. When I was in school, I day dreamed about being a professional soccer player and playing for my favorite team, Liverpool. As I continued through my teens this goal and dream never faded nor did my love for the game.
It’s still as strong today as it was many years ago in Ireland and Denmark. M: How did this dream evolve into you choosing soccer as a career? L: I came to the US in 1990 on a soccer scholarship to New York and had planned on staying the four years and returning to Denmark. Once I was done with college, I was offered the opportunity to be an assistant coach with the men’s team at Long Island University-CW Post for a couple of seasons before the chance arose to
coach the women’s team. Pretty much from that point I’ve been coaching exclusively on the women’s side of the game. M: Did you try other professions before coaching or was it soccer all the way? L: It was pretty much soccer all the way. I had a brief spell working for a marketing company on Long Island for a year but still was able to coach at the college level simultaneously. Soccer has been my life from a very
Photo courtesy of Tom Kolbe
Coach Lucey is living his dream as he is the current head coach of the women’s soccer team here at UT.
young age and I’ve been fortunate to be able to continue into my adult years. M: Your pedigree goes beyond most, coach. You’ve had a 40 goal/40 assist performance over your four years of college. A handful of Coach of the Year honors. Even a Division II Final Four appearance during your spell at West Chester. How did UT become lucky enough to have you at the helm of its women’s soccer program? L: I moved down to the Tampa area after finishing my Masters at LIU-CW Post and retiring from the pro game. I was working with a local club in Countryside and met the UT head coach, Jay Entlich. After being out of the college game for a couple of years, I wanted to get back into it and became the women’s assistant with Bobby Johnston back in 2004. After working with Bobby for a couple of years, I successfully applied for a position at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. I stayed there for a year and the UT head position became available. This was a dream job in a great location and I was fortunate enough to take over the position in June of 2007. UT had tremendous success and I had strong ties to the area. I’ve been living down here for 13 years now and love UT. M: Thank you for your time. The women’s soccer team is off to a strong start to the season as Coach Lucey and the rest of his squad look to capture the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) title. They will be going on the road for the next few games but will have a home stretch in late October. Marcus Mitchell can be reached at marcus.mitchell@spartans.ut.edu
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Gonzalez Paces Unbeaten Start in Women’s Soccer By GRIFFIN GUINTA Sports Columnist
Midfielder Cici Gonzalez is “nonstop smiles at practice” and “brightens everyone’s day,” according to women’s soccer head coach Gerry Lucey. Make no mistake, though. When the bright lights of Pepin Stadium turn on, she’s all business. Coming into the season, Gonzalez already has built up quite an impressive resume. In her two-year career as a Spartan, she’s racked up a bevy of accolades including a selection into the All-SSC first team and the designation as the Spartans leading scorer. to name a few. Before she was any of those things, though, she was just a girl from the Tampa area who fell in love with soccer. “My mom played, so when I was little she signed me up and I’ve never stopped playing since then,” Gonzalez said. After discovering she had a knack for the game, she dazzled at nearby Steinbrenner High (in Tampa) and opted to take her talents to UT, allured by the beauty and familiarity of the school. “I really fell in love with the campus. I used to come to the campus when I was little so it just felt like a good fit for me,” Gonzalez said. Now a junior, Gonzalez and her teammates are hungrier than ever to conquer the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and make a splash into the NCAA tournament--especially given the way things ended in 2013. Following an impressive 15-4-2 season, the Lady
Spartans fell at the hands of rival Rollins 3-2 in the second round of the tournament in overtime, something they hope to use as motivation for this season. “It was a really bad loss, honestly. Probably the hardest loss I’ve ever experienced,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez and her teammates aren’t dwelling on the past. In six games so far, the team has absolutely dominated opponents, going 5-0-1 and allowing only one goal in that span. A big reason for that success? The leadership of Gonzalez on the field. “She works hard in games and plays well, so others want to follow suit,” sophomore defender Kaela Harmon said. “Others see how much she is hustling on the field and giving it her all. The younger girls especially look up to her for that and want to do the same.” Gonzalez plays the center-attacking midfield position, a role traditionally known as “the number 10,” or the “playmaker.” On the pitch, her job entails directing the flow of the offense and setting up her fellow attackers to strike on goal. “Cici has an important role going both ways. Cici’s central role on the team puts her in a prime position to help us out. Her primary responsibility is to attack but we also as a team want to defend from the top,” Coach Lucey said. Perhaps the most intriguing factor is just how momentous her season could be. Gonzalez already has seven goals and six assists, nearly half of her total from last year. If she keeps up this pace, she could
Photo courtesy of Tom Kolbe Midfielder Cici Gonzalez has been a major contributor for the women’s soccer team during her UT career.
be in for a record-breaking season with a handful of awards. However, Gonzalez will be the first to tell you that the team comes first. “A lot of people are focused on getting better chemistry. I think last year we kind of lacked that. Now we’re a lot closer, we’re getting to know each other and each
other’s styles of play,” she said. Cici Gonzalez is an integral piece of the women’s soccer team both on and off the field. The daily grind is undoubtedly rigorous, but at the end of the day she’s living out her passion. Griffin Guinta can be reached at griffin.guinta@spartans.ut.edu
Barboto Brings Leadership To Men’s Soccer Squad By KHADIJAH KHAN Head Copy Editor
“Daniel is a model student athlete. He gets it done on the field and most importantly in the classroom,” Men’s Soccer Associate Head Coach, Maurice Loregnard, said as he described senior midfielder Daniel Barboto. Barboto has been a part of the team for four years, playing mostly midfield, and constantly strives to push his teammates to be their best and to come together to achieve success as much as he can. “Daniel has had a fantastic impact on the team from the moment he came on to our campus as a freshman. We knew what we were getting from Daniel as we watched him play locally from the time he was 8 years old,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach, Adrian Bush. “He is one of the best ‘team guys’ we have had in our program as he is really focused on group success. He is willing to sacrifice his personal glory for the good of the team which is very hard to get in young players. He is one of the hardest workers on our team and a guy that carries a 3.8 GPA as a senior.” While maintaining all of his success academically, Barboto has also become a leader on the team. “Over his four years at UT we have never had any problems with him, and he has emerged as one of the leaders of the team for sure,” Loregnard said. “He
started to really stand out and emerged as a leader last year during the spring season. Maybe it was because the seniors had left and he realized that in 2014 he would now become part of the leadership group that will hopefully lead the team to a fourth national championship.” The men’s soccer team has had a very successful season so far, with a record of 4-1-1, as they just won their game against the University of West Alabama (2-0) on Sunday. Barboto showed his consistency on the field as he assisted the team’s second goal of the half in the thirty-first minute. “Biggest impact he has had is consistency – you know if there is something you need, if it was time to go to battle – this is a guy you can count on, on and off the field,” Bush said. Soccer has been a large part of Barboto’s life since he was a kid. One of his biggest inspirations has been his father. “My dad got me into soccer because he had so much passion for the game and he played on a high level, as well as my uncles and grandparents they were all involved with the game so I just followed on that path,” Barboto said. The bonds Barboto has made with his fellow teammates and coaches he feels created a sense of brotherhood among the team. “They’re your teammates you know, like any fraternity or sorority, they’re your brothers they’re going to be there for you
on the field and off,” Barboto said. Barboto was awarded the Presidential Scholarship by the University as well Athletic Aid on top of that. “You should focus on everything the best you can. I find myself as a scholar and a soccer player I do everything to my best and that’s all that matters,” Barboto said. While the future is uncertain for Barboto, that doesn’t stop him from doing what he loves. “For me there is no plan in life. I’m just going to where the best opportunity is. I’d love
to play professional soccer but I would I also love to go to medical school. It’s just a matter of what would be the best fit for me out of college,” Barboto said. Although Barboto graduates in May, he has many goals that he would like to see accomplished. “Before I graduate I want to see us become closer. When you’re closer you hold each other accountable for what’s going on. The closer the team is the better the team will be,” Barboto said. Khadijah Khan can be reached at khadijah.khan@theminaretonline.com
Alex Jackson/The Minaret
Daniel Barboto’s leadership will be essential to the men’s soccer team’s success in 2014.