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The Oracle T U E S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 I V O L . 5 3 N O. 4 8

Inside this Issue

C O - N E W S

EDITORIAL: Why Paris should be the last straw.

Page 6

Montage

S PORTS Men’s basketball loses second straight to open season.

BACK

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U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F LO R I DA

Uslan, the speaker USF deserves

By Abby Rinaldi

O PINIO N

The Index

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E D I T O R

It was his initial fear that evolved into admiration that would shape his future.

Michael Uslan, producer of the “Batman” trilogy, author of “The Boy Who Loved Batman” and the next speaker in the University Lecture Series, first came across the caped vigilante when his older brother first brought Batman comic books into the house. Then-5-yearold Uslan was scared at first.

“I felt a little bit more safe and secure with the light and bright and friendlier Superman,” he said. “But by the time I was a much more sophisticated and mature 8-yearold, I embraced Batman and fell in love with the character.”

Uslan said what really drew him in was that Batman had no superpowers. He said his 8-yearold self could identify with this and believed if he worked out, studied hard and his dad bought him a cool car, he could be Batman.

“I contend to this day that his

greatest superpower is his humanity,” Uslan said.

This, paired with his culturally transcendent origin story and motivation, allows Batman to be as popular a character as he is, Uslan said. He also said Batman has the best supervillain in history: the Joker.

Uslan eventually worked for DC Comics as a writer, but said he wanted to go beyond that. He recalled making a vow as a child when he watched the Batman TV show first air and saw the world laughing at his hero, that he would show the world “the true Batman; the dark, mysterious creature of the night.”

When he got out of college, he said, he applied for jobs in film and TV. He got a job with a movie studio that taught him about financing films. After gaining that knowledge and networking with people in the business, he said he found it was time to pursue that old dream.

IMDb lists Uslan as the producer of five projects before the original

n See USLAN on PAGE 3

Stand with the world

Early Monday evening, nearly 200 students and faculty met outside Cooper hall and proceeded to march silently to the Student Memorial in remembrance of those affected by disasters over the weekend. See full story on page 2. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

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Paris attacks unite students in solidarity

By Grace Hoyte E D I T O R

I N

C H I E F

The crowd grew silent. The cool November air that had been filled with the casual chatter of nearly 200 students and faculty members was suddenly empty as a moment of silence for those who lost their lives this weekend.

Out of solidarity for those in Paris and Beirut, among others, students participated in a silent march from Cooper hall to the Student Memorial on Monday.

Jeremy Lomax, a senior majoring in biology, arranged the event and gave a short speech when the group arrived at the memorial.

“This march was first created specifically for the victims of the Paris attacks,” Lomax said.

“But it soon became so much more. When you look around, you will see people who have all felt the same way you felt this past weekend.”

Students across lines of race and nationality were brought together, Lomax said, by the attacks in Paris and Beirut and the natural disaster in Japan.

Di Li, president of the International Student Association, also spoke at the end of the march. She said, as a student from China, she sees very clearly how international a campus USF is.

According to the 2014-15

USF fact sheet, nearly 7 percent of the entire USF student population is made up of international students; and USF has study abroad programs in over 25 countries.

But it is those students abroad who are of concern in terms of the Paris situation.

Currently, there are two students studying abroad in Paris.

Lou Marcus, USF professor emeritus in the College of the Arts, directs the USF Summer Art Program in Paris and has been living in the city with his wife for several months out of the year for many years.

After he received a call from the safety officer in the USF Study Abroad office, Marcus said he went online to educate himself about the incident. “(My first reaction) was shock. It was very disturbing to hear about this,” he said. “I soon discovered that … two of the attack sites are just a few blocks from where we live.”

Not long after the attack, Marcus said he was determined to get out of his apartment and be out with the people. The next morning, he said he took a walk around his neighborhood, which was — not surprisingly — considerably emptier than usual.

He recalled getting a seat among just a few other people at a cafe that is normally standing room only at that point in the day.

“The mood of the city that morning, you could tell, was very … somber,” Marcus said.

Later, however, his neighborhood began to fill up again.

“There’s traffic in the streets, parents out there with their kids. There’s almost a sense of resistance that people are feeling,” he said. “We’re not going to be made afraid; we’re not going to succumb to fear.”

Marcus said there is a great sense of solidarity in the city now — the same solidarity Lomax hoped to increase across the USF campus with the silent march.

“The city will survive,” Marcus said. “It has survived a lot worse, when you think about World War II and the occupation.”

But the safety of the people of France was not his only concern.

“I hope, certainly, that this doesn’t increase xenophobia sentiments that target the Muslim population.”

Ultimately, USF will continue to send students to Europe, as Marcus said he has received no indication from USF that such programs will be cancelled.

Students who are seriously concerned with the wellbeing of friends or family studying abroad with USF can contact USF Study Abroad, which has safety officers who can and do reach out to students in case of an emergency.

Students marched from Cooper hall, through the Allen building, to reach the Student Memorial.

After the march, they gathered together for speeches from the organizers and a final moment of silence. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

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USLAN

Continued from PAGE 1

1989 film starring Michael Keaton as the reinvigorated mysterious vigilante.

Uslan said, in his 20s, he bought the rights to Batman from DC comics and set out to make darker, more serious Batman movies. But buying the rights was no easy task; Uslan said he had to do considerable personal fundraising before the purchase was possible.

To make matters worse, he said he was rejected by studio after studio for 10 years before Warner Bros. finally picked up the project that became the iconic 1989 “Batman.”

“It’s challenging when you’re so sure that you’re right, you believe in yourself, you believe in your work and what you’re doing and then the whole world is telling you ‘You’re crazy’ and ‘It’s terrible,’” Uslan said. “It really does test your mettle and you have to look deep inside yourself in order to just kind of hold on by your fingertips.”

After the first movie came out, Uslan said he received a call from a studio executive who had originally rejected his pitch. The executive congratulated him and said he always knew he was a vision-

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ary. Uslan said he learned that, in Hollywood, the trick is believe in yourself and your work.

His career journey solidified the values his parents taught him. His mother, he said, told him to stick with the commitments that he made and to always see them through, no matter how tough it got. His father, who dropped

“... it doesn’t matter if I’m working 18 or 20 hours a day, six or seven days a week. I absolutely love what I do.”

Michael Uslan Producer and writer

out of school at the age of 16 to work and help his family through the Great Depression, was always excited about the work that he did.

Uslan said life is all about finding your passion.

“Get up off the couch, learn what your passion is and then figure out how you can pursue it, how you can incorporate it into your work,” Uslan said. “That was the greatest gift for me because it doesn’t matter if I’m working 18

or 20 hours a day, six or seven days a week. I absolutely love what I do.”

His next steps are to do “something bold,” and he said he is looking toward the booming film industry in China. The aim is to create global content with common ground that can bring the world together, he said.

The Hauce Group, a major Chinese film and media group, recently struck a four-film deal with Uslan to provide content that will appeal to an Eastern audience.

“The international demand for Chinese films is growing rapidly.

It is a critical time for us to learn from Hollywood and make exceptional Chinese movies for global audiences,” CEO and Founder of Hauce, Yifang Zhao, said.

Uslan said his advice for students on how to follow your passions is to give up any sense of entitlement, find one’s passion and actively pursue it.

“The world owes you nothing,” Uslan said.

Uslan said he will speak at USF about his Batman journey and the new horizons in the film industry. His lecture will be held in the Marshall Student Center Oval Theatre today. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

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Opinion

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EDITORIAL

Paris attacks felt worldwide Friday evening, the world paused in shock as reports of the barbaric and deplorable attacks in Paris flooded the media. 129 people lost their lives that night, evoking outrage and sympathy worldwide as people banded together and expressed their support of France.

The act of war by ISIS consisted of a series of coordinated attacks that led to a loss of life not seen in France since the second World War. The nature of these attacks left individuals stunned. Bombs went off near sports stadiums and in cafes. People were gunned down at restaurants and in the theatre.

These were venues the average Parisian visited daily in a country renown for its tourism.

These terrorists did not attack religious buildings or political sites.

They did not target a specific group of people. The only similar factor between the victims was they were simply human.

It is no wonder the U.S. leapt to support the citizens of Paris. It is impossible not to see ourselves in this horrific assault. We live lives nearly identical to the victims. We saw their pain and recognized it easily could have been us. We harbor the fear we may be next.

France had been fighting ISIS with airstrikes since September 2014. The American-led intervention in Iraq began in June 2014.

The fight against ISIS has united many countries, and when one of our allies is attacked, make no mistake, we will be there to aid them.

Terrorism is running rampant across the globe as radical groups attempt to solidify their political aims. They attack helpless victims of every race, religion and gender.

While it has always had a pres-

ence in society, there has undoubtedly been a frightening increase in attacks over the last several decades.

This year alone, the world has been bombarded with ruthless attacks from extremists. In April, 147 people were slaughtered at Garissa University in Kenya. 224 passengers aboard Metrojet Flight 9268 lost their lives, for which ISIL militants claim credit. Friday evening also saw the death of 43 people, due to two suicide bombers in Beirut, Lebanon. Unfortunately, these are only the tip of an overwhelming iceberg of attacks by terrorist groups.

We have become numb to the immense number of deaths that occur every day due to the acts of twisted men and women who find it easier to shout demands while cowering behind a gun than peacefully work toward authentic change.

The heartbreaking events Friday evening in Paris united the world in assisting the hurting country and we can proudly say Paris, while wounded, is not broken. However, it is imperative the same fury and disgust evoked by those attacks carry over to other atrocities across the globe.

The loss of life anywhere should evoke indignation worldwide. We are all human, we all bleed the same. The moment the world decides to no longer ignore the spilling of innocent blood is the moment real change begins to occur. Friday, people across the globe turned their eyes toward France. Hopefully, those eyes will continue to scour the world for opportunities to eliminate cruelty, rather than once again remaining closed to those in need.

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What you said A large group of students held a silent march on Monday in remembrance of the lives lost across the globe Friday. Opinion Editor Breanne Williams asked students if they think students truly care about what is happening globally.

“I care. We’re all human and should all care about each other. It doesn’t matter what country we’re from.”

- Julian Salermo, a senior majoring in psychology

“Superficially, yes. For (students), caring is changing their Facebook page. Honestly, it’s just trendy to care.”

- Jorge Rojas, a senior majoring in English

“I think they absolutely do.

I’m from New York, and my grandpa was in the towers during 9/11, so I completely understand the fear they have.”

- Amanda Higgins, a senior majoring in public health “I definitely care, but I think it is hard for students born and raised in the U.S. to comprehend the damage worldwide because the western hemisphere is so isolated.”

- Steffen Albright, a junior majoring in statistics

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ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

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BASKETBALL

Continued from PAGE 8

finished 74 percent from the free-throw line.

“Our team defense has got to continue to get better,” Antigua said. “We don’t have a lockdown defender that we can say, ‘Alright go shut this guy down.’

But as a unit, as a team, if we’re all watching and caring about each other, understanding that we need each other on defense, then that’s a different story.”

NJIT guard Damon Lynn scored a game-high 27 points, including five 3-pointers. Guard Ky Howard recorded a doubledouble with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

However, Peters is confident USF will show progress in Thursday’s game against George Washington University and moving forward.

“Next couple games, we’ll start to put it all together,” he said.

TAGGART

Continued from PAGE 8

Taggart told SI. “I always said I was going to do it my way, but I went against my own word.”

That — along with a lack of depth and consistency at key positions — led to a 6-18 overall record and complete shakeup before this season. Five new assistants were added to the staff, including co-offensive coordinator Danny Hope — the former head coach at Purdue — who replaced Paul Wulff and defensive coordinator Tom Allen, who took over for the fired Chuck Bresnahan.

“The new guys didn’t have to come, knowing the situation,” Taggart said in the article. “If we didn’t win this season, I wasn’t going to be here anymore. But they wanted to be here and be a part of that.

That was important to me and says a lot about them.”

The moves worked out well for Taggart and the Bulls (6-4, 4-2), who are still in contention for the AAC East division title if they defeat Cincinnati on Friday and UCF on Thanksgiving and Temple loses one of its last two games against Memphis and Connecticut.

Under Allen’s guidance, USF is currently tied for 34th in Division I-A in scoring defense (22.3 points per game)

After sealing USF’s first bowl appearence since 2010 with a 44-23 win over No. 21 Temple on Saturday, Taggart can now look forward to next season. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU and 49th in total defense. next season. The Bulls will add Offensively, the Bulls are 15th quarterback Asiantii Woulard nationally in rushing (227.9 (UCLA), receiver Marquez (North yards per game) and 53rd in Valdes-Scantling Carolina State) and linebacker total offense.

Last season, the Bulls fin- Cecil Cherry (Texas), who were ished toward the bottom in all forced to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules. total offense and defense.

Having a complete staff and “For what we had to rebuild here, we needed energy-givers, newfound job security doesn’t not energy-takers, to get it hurt either.

“What was important was turned around,” Taggart said.

With USF guaranteed a to get guys that care about our bowl appearance this season, players, not just themselves,” Taggart told SI he’s even more Taggart said.

“That’s paid off big time.” excited for what’s in store

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Sports

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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The Rundown

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Men’s Basketball

Can’t close out

Outside USF

NFL admits no-call cost Ravens the game NFL spokesman Michael Signora said Monday that a missed call on the Jaguars that should’ve ended the game cost the Baltimore Ravens a win on Sunday, according to ESPN. On the final play from scrimmage, offensive lineman Luke Joeckel was not set when the Harbaugh Jaguars snapped the ball for their final play down 20-19.

This should’ve drawn a flag, which would’ve resulted in a 10-second runoff, ending the game. Instead, the officials let the play continue. A facemask penalty called on Baltimore’s Elvis Dumervil after his sack on Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles set the Jaguars up in range for what would be the game winning field goal from Jason Myers. “The league looks at it, they know it. There is nothing we can do about it now,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

Bulls to host NCAA match at Corbett The 14th-seeded USF Men’s soccer team will host a second-round NCAA tournament match on Nov. 22 at Corbett Stadium following a first-round bye. The Bulls will play the winner of the match between Boston College and Vermont. USF last played in the tournament in 2013.

Women’s basketball rises in AP Poll The USF women’s basketball team moved up one spot to No.19 in the AP Poll Monday after a 2-0 weekend. The Bulls notched victories over Jacksonville and Drexel, giving them an edge over Northwestern, which only played one game. This is the highest-ever ranking for the Bulls, who debuted at No. 20.

Despite sophomore guard Roddy Peters’ first career double-double, two missed three pointers by the Bulls on the final possession lead to a crushing loss. ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

n A late three pointer from NJIT completes comeback as Bulls fall again.

By Tiana Aument S T A F F

W R I T E R

USF has found a way to earn the advantage in its first two games this season, now it needs to learn how to hold them.

The Bulls let two significant leads slip away in a 60-57 loss to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) on Monday night before an announced crowd of 2,672 at the Sun Dome.

“We have to learn how to win, we have to learn how to continue to win,” USF coach Orlando Antigua said. “We do enough and we’ve shown enough that we can take the

USF NJIT

57 60

lead. Now, we have to continue to play, be smart and execute so we can finish off games.”

The Bulls (0-2) led 21-8 midway through the first half and by 11 in the second, but never managed to put the game out of reach.

The final minute was anyone’s game, but NJIT (1-1) scored the final five points on a pair of USF turnovers. The Bulls had two looks from beyond the arc with six seconds remaining to tie the game but couldn’t

connect.

“We’ve got to get more mentally tough towards the end of the game,” said freshman guard Jahmal McMurray, who had a team-high 14 points.

Point guard Roddy Peters earned his first collegiate double-double (13 points, 10 assists) despite being limited by back spasms. Graduate transfer forward Angel Nunez added 11 points and five boards despite missing several minutes in the second half after landing hard on his right arm.

USF shot 39 percent from the floor (18 of 46), including 6 of 22 from 3-point range. NJIT

n See BASKETBALL on PAGE 7

Football

Taggart admits job was on the line

After going 6-18 in his first two seasons as USF’s coach, Willie Taggart entered the 2015 season with his job in question.

ORACLE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

By Jeff Odom S P O R T S

E D I T O R

Though he did his best at the beggining of the year to deflect rumblings that his days were numbered if the team didn’t win this season, USF coach Willie Taggart opened up about the situation for the first time in an interview published Monday by Sports Illustrated (SI).

Taggart, who led the Bulls to bowl eligibility for the first time in five years Saturday with a 44-23 victory over No. 21 Temple, admitted he listened too much to the opinion of others while compiling a staff during his first two seasons.

“I was told I needed to do this, I needed to do that,”

n See TAGGART on PAGE 7