the famuan - 02-23-2011
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Check out the print edition of The FAMUAN for Wed. Feb. 23 2011.TRANSCRIPT
It’s not easy to get full participation from the student body when it comes to school
elections.However, Ashley Grey, a
fourth-year English education student, has devoted countless hours to encouraging students to vote, by single-handedly
coordinating last nights’ 5000 Voters Strike/Comedy Jam.
Grey began organizing the Comedy Jam which, after a few years of hiatus, was reintroduced to the student body during the 2010 school election season.
“I wanted to bring back the Comedy Jam because student morale and participation in elections was very low,” said Grey.
Florida A&M students who have enjoyed the Comedy Jam in recent years, may be unaware that the event was non-existent for a short time prior to 2010.
The event reportedly began in 2000 under the leadership of former SGA administrative assistant Delores Dupont and her colleague Benita Lamb, as
the “Voter’s Only Comedy Jam.”The duo started the event
because of the student body’s apparent lack of interest in school elections.
Grey said that was precisely the reason she decided to bring the Comedy Jam back.
“Students need to become more aware of their campus leaders. You cannot complain if you don’t take the necessary actions,” said Grey.
“We know that with elections, people won’t participate unless you give them something.”
Tiffany McLeod, a candidate for Miss FAMU said she believes the Comedy Jam did increase
Tallahassee will welcome its fi rst annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Business Expo on Saturday.
The LGBT Business Partners, a group within the Family Tree Community Center, is hosting the Expo.
Local business owners, managers, sales people and non-profi t organizations, along with the city’s LGBT community and its supporters will gather at the Old Marie Livingston’s Steakhouse, now the North Monroe Conference Center.
“We’ve never had an event like this in the Tallahassee area. We’re pulling together in order to cater to the community,” said chair of the LGBT Business Expo, Greta Langley.
The Family Tree is a community center that provides support and services for LGBT citizens and others in the Big Bend area. The center has existed in Tallahassee for over ten years as a safe place for people desiring to know more and seeking advocacy concerning LGBT issues.
Residents of the community feel this is an extremely powerful initiative for the community.
“It’s great that Tallahassee is allowing LGBT to hold such a positive event. People shouldn’t be judged on their sexual preference, but the kindness in their heart,” said Tallahassee resident Shaniska Alexander.
Adam Frink, a third year biology student, agrees that the event is benefi cial to Tallahassee.
“I think its a great thing to have, its all about Diversity within our community and
Opinions
Opinions|5
Tanya Glover defends a candidate’s reasons for wanting to run for o� ce. Wanting a title isn’t a crime.
President Barack Obama unveiled his proposed budget for the year and some of his ideas to cut the national budget may affect college students.
One of the proposed ideas is to make cuts to the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides need-based grant money to college students. The Pell Grant is awarded to help pay for school and, unlike loans, does not have to be repaid.
With the cost of tuition rising, many students need additional funds to receive an education and complete school on time. But one of the potential cuts to the program is to eliminate Pell Grant awards during the summer term.
According to FAFSA, the purpose of providing awards
during the summer semester was to allow students to accelerate their progress to a degree.
Roney Jones, 19, a sophomore industrial engineering student
Lifestyles | 6
Lifestyles
Tap dancing a� cionado Savion Glover visits FAMU as part of the Lyceum Series.
Thursday
77 50
WEATHER
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www.TheFamuanOnline.com VOL. 112 ISSUE 22Wednesday, February 23, 2011
THE STUDENT VOICE OF FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY
“The Number 1 HBCU Newspaper”According to the Black College
Communication Association
CLEVELAND (AP) — Twenty months ahead of the 2012 election, President Barack Obama is traveling the nation, vying for the public’s attention one state at a time.
On Tuesday, Obama curried favor with small businesses in politically important Ohio, pushing his plans to boost American competitiveness.
NEWS BRIEFS
NATIONAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.( A P ) — E n r o l l m e n t in Florida’s 11 public universities grew by another 3 percent in the fall of 2010. Data released Tuesday by the Board of Governors shows there were nearly 10,000 additional students enrolled in the fall semester compared to the previous year.
CAIRO (AP) — A defi ant Moammar Gadhafi vowed to fi ght to his “last drop of blood” and roared at supporters to strike back against Libyan protesters to defend his embattled regime Tuesday. After a week of upheaval, protesters backed by defecting army units have claimed control over almost the entire eastern half of Libya’s 1,000-mile Mediterranean coast.
LOCAL
INTERNATIONAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
LGBT 3PELL GRANT 3
LGBT kicks o� � rst expoASHLI DOSS & TIANA POITIER
STAFF WRITERS
COMEDY 3
J. L. Evans The FamuanA saxaphonist serenades potential voters around campus Tuesday afternoon as they lined up at their respective precincts casting votes for their favorite candidates. The winners were announced late Tuesday night on the Set. For information, visit www.thefamuanonline.com.
Legacy of voter Comedy Jam continues with student
Friday
75 49
Today
79 50
Campaign frenzy
JASON LAWRENCE
METRO NEWS EDITOR
Gina Cherelus The FamuanComedians sit in the audience at the 5000 Voters Strike Jam.
President Obama participates in a chat session at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Tuesday. (AP/Carolyn Kaster)
Obama proposes Pell cutsCHRISTOPHER QUINN IISTAFF WRITER
The Royal Ladies of Eternal Legendary Queens, Inc. will be hosting an interest meeting for prospective members on Oct. 13th from 7:09 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in B.L. Perry room 205. For more information contact De’Ronye Thomas at 708-662-0350 or via email at [email protected]
SUN. 11:00 a.m
THURS. 6:15 p.m. - 6:45
NO
Y
ES
YE
S Rev. O. Jermaine Simmons, Sr.2333 Lake Bradford Road(850) 574-3150www.jacobchapel.org
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
SUN. 7:30 a.m.
THURS. 7:00 p.m. - 8:30
Cathedral of Faith Ministries“ The Family Church Serving the Family of God.”
SUNDAY SCHOOL
SUN. 9:45 a.m.
FIRSTSERVICE
SUN. 11:00 a.m.THURS.7:30 p.m.
SECONDSERVICE
PRAYERMEETING
SUN. 6:30 p.m.TUE/FRI11:30-12:30
BIBLESTUDY
TUE 7:00 p.m.
WALKINGDISTANCE SHUTTLE
COLLEGIATEMINISTRY
YE
SY
ES
YE
S Elder Joseph P. Manning2122 Poppy Street(850)574-5605www.cofmcogic.org
ADDRESS
Bethel AME Church“Called to make a Difference.”
SUN. 9:30 a.m.
SUN. 7:45 a.m.
SUN. 11:00 a.m
WED. 6:30 p.m.
TUE.12:00 p.m.WED.7:00 P.M. Y
ES
YE
S
YE
S Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister501 W. Orange Ave.(850) 576-7501
Jacob Chapel Baptist Church “The Blue Print.”
Religion Directory
� e Famuan2 Calendar � eFamuanOnline.comWednesday, February 23, [email protected]
Events and Announcements
The Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presents the 28 days of Black History. For the duration of this month the events consist of: Workout Wednesdays at the FAMU Rec., Hoopin with the Ques at 5 p.m., Carter G. Woodson Awards Show at 7 p.m. in the SJGC Gallery Room on Feb. 23., Omega Psi Phi Black Archives Tour from 4 - 6 p.m., Amen Ra’s Poetry Jam @ 9 p.m. on Feb.24., Rosa Parks Bus Ride reenactment from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on February 25., June-Teenth BBQ at the Frathouse from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Feb. 26., Church at Jacobs Chapel 11 a.m. service on Feb. 27. For further details, please contact Bodae Vogt at 404-680-0014 or UpsilonPsi.net.
Call (850) 599- 3159 for ad inquiry
The Distinguished Gentlemen of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Present DEF POETRY JAM: Night of Seduction featuring FAMU’s premier poetry organization VOICES. On Feb. 23, 2011 at 6 p.m. in Foster Tanner Art Gallery. For any questions contact Byron Morrison at [email protected].
The FAMU Green Coalition will have a general body meeting Thursday Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication Gallery.
We will show a presentation entitled, “FAMU Green Coalition: Working for Greater Good.” We will discuss plans for the upcoming Power Shift conference in Washington D.C. April 15-17. For more information call 301-356-6873.
FAMU Pre-Law Chapter of P.A.D. will be attending church at Jacob’s Chapel on Sunday Feb. 27 at 10:30 a.m. For more information contact Ronnica Jenkins at [email protected].
The Alpha Chapter of Kappa Psi Psi Healthcare Sorority Inc. Presents “Food For Thought: Do You Have A Healthy Heart.” The event will take place in the Allied Health Lounge on Thursday Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m. For more information contact Chelsea Daily at [email protected] or 954-802-3068.
To place an announcement in the Calendar, e-mail your submission to [email protected] at least two days prior to the desired publishing issue. All submissions must include the student organization along with information in paragraph format to include “who, what, when and where.” A contact number to
In the Feb. 9 issue, The Famuan incorrectly identifi ed Verian D. Thomas.
For corrections please email [email protected].
Corrections
Announcements be published with the announcement, indicate so in your e-mailed submission and provide an alternate method for readers to obtain more information. If you do not follow the paragraph format then your submission will not be able to be published.
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from Gainesville, said this change could hurt his chances of taking summer classes.
“It makes me worry about how I’m going to continue or even pay for summer school because without a Pell Grant I would have to fi nd the money myself,” Jones said.
Jones is not the only student that may be put in a diffi cult position.
Chantal Shippy, 19, a sophomore pre-physical therapy student from Miami, said if she is unable to receive fi nancial aid over the summer, she would have no reason to work over the summer in Tallahassee.
“I pay rent off-campus, so it’s going to be a waste of time if I don’t have the money from the FAFSA,” Shippy said. “If my rent is already paid and I don’t have money for classes then I would feel like I’m not doing anything up here.”
At FAMU, more than 80 percent of students use some form of fi nancial
aid. With many degree programs implementing summer school into the curriculum, some students may have a harder time fi nishing college.
Interim Vice President of Student Affairs William Hudson Jr. said that a change to fi nancial aid could affect the retention of students at FAMU.
“In-state students see a lesser effect than out-of-state students,” Hudson said. “But either way it could affect either one as far as their matriculation into college, and their progress towards graduation, and their ability to be retained in college as well.”
Hudson also said that for students, fi nances are where they take the biggest hit.
However, even with the chance of less money for students, Hudson said he believes FAMU as a whole will be okay.
“My hope is that we will still increase enrollment,” Hudson said. “We will provide a great education to students, many of whom would not be in college if not for FAMU. We would like to bring as many students as we can accommodate back on campus.”
The change to the program is expected to lower the national defi cit.
A committee is conducting a national and international search to fi nd a candidate to fi ll the Chief of Information Technology position. The deadline for applications is March 14.
Former CIO Robert T. Seniors was removed at the start of the spring semester in the midst of major problems with the iRattler system.
Seniors was demoted to associate director of Information Technology. Seniors’ predecessor was also removed from the position. As of now, Michael A. James serves as interim.
The search committee includes several FAMU offi cials such as Enterprise
Information Technology employees Gwen Carroll, Charles Reid and Matthew Gaines.
Dean of School of Business and Industry Shawnta Friday-Stroud is the chairperson for the search committee.
Friday-Stroud said the committee is responsible for conducting the search and all applicants will be screened after the application deadline. The search committee will review interview questions prior to the deadline, making sure the questions are up-to-date and all of the candidates meet the requirement.
Only fi ve to six candidates will be interviewed on campus.
Faculty and students have a chance to vote on which of the fi ve will be in the running for the fi nal three spots. After
the fi nal three are selected, President James Ammons and Vice President of Administrative and Financial Services Teresa Hardee will choose the CIO.
“The search committee will have 45-minute feedback sessions with students faculty and EIT staff,” Friday-Stroud said.
She added that the committee has developed a feedback form that will allow the general public to rate the candidates during the feedback sessions. The location and meeting times for these sessions are undecided for now, but Friday-Stroud explained that the committee will factor the ratings into the decisions.
According to information of the vacant position on the FAMU website,
the CIO should have a master’s degree in information systems, computer science or any related fi eld. Candidates could also apply if they have seven years of appropriate experience along with a bachelor’s degree in information systems.
Salary for the position is negotiable. All applications will be sent to Euris
Belle, principal of Hodge Partners, a search fi rm that is assisting FAMU in recruiting a CIO. Belle said the vacancy has attracted international attention.
“We had someone send their resume written in French,” said Belle, who works out of Atlanta.
The state of Florida may be receiving some more aid in its battle against pill mills and their effect on the community.
Pain clinics, or “pill-mills” as they are often called, are not your average pharmacy.
Although these are pain-management clinics allow customers to book appointments and receive prescription drugs, the way they do business has become a problem, according to state offi cials.
Many pill-mills overbook their appointments, which subjects many to several hours of waiting for medical attention.
In addition, state offi cials charge that
they usually overprescribe medication to patients and most of the time these
pain-killing prescriptions are also controlled substances.
While some people may not see an issue with this practice,
pharmacist Dr. Christopher Ezigwe said that giving
more medicine than necessary can lead to bigger problems.
“People are prescribed a certain amount of medicine for a reason. When a patient receives too many pills they can become drug dependent or addicted, especially
when it is a controlled substance,” Ezigwe
said. When people get what
Ezigwe called “phony” prescriptions, they are not helping themselves,
but they are making themselves worse,
according to Ezigwe. These pill-mills are becoming more
prevalent in Florida; they seem to be more of a problem in the central and southern regions of the state, rather than North Florida.
People are reportedly coming from other states just to receive prescription drugs from a system that appears questionable.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has seen the effects pill-mills have had on the state and she has proposed some solutions. Earlier this month, Bondi released her comprehensive strategy to confront pill-mills in Florida.
Bondi’s legislative proposal is her way of giving more support to her cause. She said all of Florida needs to help eliminate the problem.
“Our state needs a unifi ed effort at every level to eradicate Florida’s pill-mills. We are working with state and local law enforcement, as well as our federal partners, to curtail the dangerous dispensing and abuse of prescription drugs.”
The Pill Mill Eradication Act includes provisions that make the distribution of prescriptions tougher.
Many of the provisions are aimed at all pharmacies, but there is one provision that targets pain-management clinics directly.
The Misrepresentation and Fraudulent Registration Provision “creates a criminal penalty for any person that attempts to register or registers a pain-management clinic through misrepresentation or fraud.”
Even though legislation has already been passed, Florida is still one of a few states that does not have a database for tracking prescription drugs. With a tracking database, law enforcement could fi nd out where people are getting their prescription drugs and they could also track who are buying the drugs.
People can come from anywhere to purchase drugs in Florida and take them wherever they want and there would be no way to fi nd track them. The lack of a tracking system makes the resale of drugs a lot easier, Bondi said.
Based on a recent report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were more deaths from legal medication in the fi rst half of 2010 than the fi rst half of 2009, an increase from around 1,157 people to nearly 1,270.
According to Gov. Rick Scott, seven people die from overdosing on prescription drugs daily in Florida.
Statistics like this one has many people backing Bondi in her efforts. Former state senator Dave Aronberg said this decision to crack down on pill-mills is necessary.
“I commend the Attorney General for making this her top priority. No longer will Florida serve as the pill-mill for the rest of the country,” Aronberg said at the unveiling of the new provisions. While the strategy that Bondi has introduced is not in effect, it will be presented in the legislative sessions in coming months.
� eFamuan � [email protected]
News 3Wednesday, February 23, 2011
CHRISTOPHER QUINN [email protected]
ASHLI DOSS AND TIANA [email protected]
JASON [email protected]
SHARI [email protected]
CHRISTOPHER QUINN II [email protected]
Bondi attacks ‘pill-mills’
Committee begins search for Chief Information O� cer
CHRISTOPHER QUINN IISTAFF WRITER
SHARI KARESH
STAFF WRITER
helping our community thrive. If I have the time I’ll defi nitely go check it out,” said Frink.
Organizers are expecting a sizeable crowd at Saturday’s event.
“We’re expected 500 to 600 people, maybe even 700,” said Langley.
“We’d be thrilled with that.”There will be raffl e prizes, give-
aways and goody bags for the guests.Business Expo vendors will include
photographers, churches, insurance providers and lawyers located in the Big Bend area. This event has been advertised on radio stations as well as newspapers.
The Family Tree also hosts other events, including the PRIDEFEST. PRIDEFEST, the most popular of The Family Tree’s events, is an annual pride event that is organized by volunteers bringing the community together to promote and celebrate diversity.
The Business Expo will be held at the North Monroe Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday. This event is free to the public who are urged to attend, interact and learn about the businesses showcasing their products and services.
“Yes, people do need to know about this event,” said Langley.
To fi nd out more information about the LGBT Business Expo and for the Family Tree and all of its groups, visit [email protected]
voter morale.“The Comedy Jam encourages
students to join in on election festivities and it also gives them a chance to alleviate stress during mid-terms,” said McLeod, a Tallahassee native.
Raven Otway, a pharmacy student, also from Tallahassee said she thought Comedy Jam was a great idea.
“The Comedy Jam really inspired me to go vote. I thought it was an awesome thing for FAMU to do for its students,” said Otway.
Roderick Hollingsworth, a business administration student from Orlando, said he would have remained oblivious to elections had it not been for Grey’s efforts, which were inspired by the work of Dupont.
“I wasn’t really familiar with the voting process and I honestly didn’t think my vote would matter. But when I found out about the Comedy Jam, I decided to go vote,” said Hollingsworth.
Grey said she also felt it necessary to pay tribute to Dupont, who succumbed to cancer in 2005. By some accounts, she played a signifi cant role in redeveloping and enhancing the daily operation of SGA.
“After learning about Dupont and her contributions to the university, I felt it [Comedy Jam] would also be nice tribute,” said Grey.
LGBT
COMEDY
PELL GRANT
Photo Graphic by Jeffrey Morris
File Photo The Famuan
they usually overprescribe medication to patients and most of the time these
pain-killing prescriptions are also controlled substances.
While some people may not see an issue with this practice,
pharmacist Dr. Christopher Ezigwe said that giving
more medicine than necessary can lead to bigger problems.
“People are prescribed a certain amount of medicine for a reason. When a patient receives too many pills they can become drug dependent or addicted, especially
when it is a controlled substance,” Ezigwe
said. When people get what
Ezigwe called “phony” prescriptions, they are not helping themselves,
but they are making themselves worse,
Photo Graphic by Jeffrey Morris
The Famuan wil continue to follow any regulation
placed on pain clinincs or pill-mills throughout the
semester. Read our online content at thefamuanonline.com/news
Read the rest of this story and our other onlinecontent at thefamuanonl ine .com/
news. Look for a photo gallery from the Comedy Jam.
2 Calender �e Famuan�[email protected] Monday, April 19, 2010
� eFamuan� eFamuanOnline.comWednesday, February 23, [email protected]
News 4
While the majority of Florida A&M students are black, there is still wide cultural diversity on campus.
Those sentiments were expressed during a forum called Race Matters held Monday in Gaither gym.
The event involved a panel of students from different cultural backgrounds discussing what it means to be black.
“I’m a Haitian. My mom’s a Haitian. My dad’s a Haitian. But even more importantly, I’m black,” said panelist Louis Jean-Baptiste, a political science student from Palm Beach.
Jean-Baptiste encouraged students to look past the differences because “what unites us is way stronger than what divides us.”
Samantha Chahin, 19, a second-year pharmacy student from Miami, shared
her struggle with people accepting her as black even on FAMU’s campus. She referred to a time when a classmate told her she was not black.
“Why can I not be accepted as black? Why, because I’m Dominican? Why, because I’m Arabic I cannot be accepted as black,” Chahin asked the audience.
While panelists Lucas Melton,
Gabriella Blanco, Edmond Baker, Darryl Gordon and Jean-Baptiste remarked on the topics, the small audience was very active in giving feedback.
Some were anxious to have their voices heard and opinions acknowledged.
Moderator Steven Pargett, 21, a senior public relations student from Los Angeles, praised the audience for being present and said that quantity is always better than quality.
Even though students crowded into Gaither for the presidential debate that ended right before the forum, the majority of the crowd left.
After the crowd subsided, there were less than 30 students remaining.
Natalie Amore, 18, a fi rst-year biology student serving as a freshman senator, helped orchestrate the forum as part of the Student Government Association’s
Black History Month celebration. Amore, who wrote the bill to get
the celebration funded, defended her committee’s bill in order to see the events being held. The lack of attendance disappointed her.
“They [attendees of the presidential debate] came to see the drama basically,” said Amore.
“But for Race Matters, they did not want to stay because there’s no drama in here. It’s drama-free; it’s real and it’s life.”
Hannah Brooks, a graduate student in the master’s of applied social sciences program from Chicago, attributed low attendance to the campaign season.
“People can get very consumed in FAMU life,” said Brooks. “They forget there’s life after FAMU.”
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Race matters to Rattlers, numbers don’tARIA AARON
STAFF WRITER
Aria AaronThe FamuanStudents discuss the importance of
race on campus.
With every e l e c t i o n s e a s o n , there are three groups of people. You have
the candidates that try to sell themselves with their predictable platforms, breakfast starters and shirts to add to everyone’s wardrobe; their supporters, then you have the rest of the campus, the people that couldn’t care less.
I do a lot of observing during campaign week.
I Tweet watch, lurking for the latest gossip on which candidate got disqualifi ed or who is being “messy.” Campaign week on FAMU’s campus is like a soap opera; I tune in every day.
While I can defi nitely put myself in the “couldn’t care less” category, there is one thing that annoys me.
Many people don’t vote because they believe the candidates just want the title.
Here’s my response: DUH! Anyone can travel and
recruit prospective students. Anyone can create a
scholarship if they have the means to do so. Anyone can do community service. But everyone can’t be Mr. or Miss. FAMU.
Why is it a crime to want to be recognized?
Many of the candidates are well known long before elections anyway. If they weren’t already active on campus, their fl yers would say “Vote For Me… Just Because.”
According to an editorial written by Samantha Savory in The Famuan on March 4, 2009, “the royal court is part of FAMU’s public relations entity.”
The article was written to educate students on the role of the royal court and how it’s not all glitter and gold.
So regardless of a candidate’s reason for running, if he is elected, he is still required to put in work.
I’m tired of people acting like they do everything out of the kindness of their hearts
I’ll take myself for example. I write for the paper because I enjoy writing.
But I also can’t graduate without a certain amount of clips and the title “Deputy Lifestyles Editor” makes a nice bullet point on my resume.
Does that make it any less of a service to the university? No.
I don’t care what any of the candidates reasons are for running. Just get the job done. As long as the winners do what is expected of them, then it’s fi ne with me.
Besides, if it wasn’t about a title, there wouldn’t be one.
R e c e n t l y , the Famuanpublished an opinions article on how high-speed rail can be benefi cial to
the state of Florida. Obviously, Gov. Rick Scott
didn’t get that edition of the paper, or skimmed over the article, because he denied the $2.4 billion the federal government was willing to pay for the construction of the high-speed rail.
Even though Scott initially denied the money and is still dead set against the initiative, there would have been a way to get the trains moving in Florida without Scott’s approval. Lawmakers sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, opposing Scott’s decision.
Unfortunately, that fell through as well when Republican Sen. Greg Evers changed his mind and
reversed his decision to sign the letter sent to LaHood last week.
This dropped the 26 votes needed to go around Scott down to an ineffective 25. Way to go, Evers.
Even a meeting with Sen. Bill Nelson couldn’t change Scott’s mind about the high-speed rail.
For some reason, he had convinced Nelson and other lawmakers that maybe he would reconsider. But, Scott promptly stated shortly after that he would not accept the money nor approve of the high-speed rail being built.
His reasoning? He stated in his weekly radio address that it basically boiled down to economic reasons.
Now, I’m not going to say I totally agree with Scott’s reasoning, because I don’t. But one reason he gave stuck out to me: “If the project becomes too costly and is shut down, Florida would have to return the $2.4 billion to D.C.”
Who’s to say that if he does
accept the money that this could happen?
Of course accepting $2.4 billion to partially pay for the high-speed rail and have Florida’s taxpayers pay the difference, roughly about $3 billion, on something that could potentially collapse if done incorrectly is a risk, but what are those odds?
So far, not even Scott can answer that question in his “reasoning” for denying the money. Clearly, he doesn’t want anything to do with it.
With the high-speed rail the pros outweigh the cons. It could create on average about 1,000 jobs, shorten travel distances and lessen the traffi c between Tampa and Orlando for millions of commuters every day.
What is so wrong with that? In my book, absolutely nothing. If Scott is so bent on “getting to work,” then fi nding ways to help the workers of “his”- I use that word loosely- state shouldn’t be a problem.
He should be jumping on the notion of Florida gaining
the high-speed rail to help Floridians.
High-speed rail would help boost Florida’s economy, albeit it would be at the expense of taxpayers.
But in Scott’s mind- “This federal high-speed rail program is not the answer to Florida’s economic recovery.”
That just makes me wonder, “How do you know this for sure Mr. Governor?” Maybe I should ask him one day…
Even though Scott has essentially “put his foot down,” there is always a way around a shut a door. It’s called a window.
One suggestion is to create a separate independent agency to own and manage the project.
Let’s give that a try.But in the end, it’s best
for us Floridians to sit back, relax and see how wide this window opens for HSR.
EDITORIAL BOARDEDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Jordan Culver
COPY DESK:
Julian Kemper
OPINIONS EDITOR:
Khristanda Cooper
LIFESTYLES EDITOR:
Clarece Polke
SPORTS EDITOR:
Royal Shepherd
� e Famuan Opinions 5� eFamuanOnline.comWednesday, February 23, 2011 [email protected]
TANYA GLOVER
Fact: � ey campaign for the titleTANYA GLOVER
DEPUTY LIFESTYLES EDITOR
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OPINIONS EDITOR:
Khristanda Cooper
DEPUTY OPINIONS EDITOR:
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LIFESTYLES EDITOR:
Clarece Polke
DEPUTY LIFESTYLES EDITOR:
Tanya Glover
ASSISTANT LIFESTYLES EDITOR:
Ivan Marchena
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Royal Shepherd
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The Famuan, an Associated Collegiate Press 2003 Pacemaker Finalist, is published Monday, Wednesday and online only on Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions do not refl ect the administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The editorials are the expressed opinions of the staff and columnists. The Famuan is funded
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THE F UIt’s National Eating
Disorders Awareness Week. For a historically black
university, this may not register with many people because “black people don’t have eating disorders.”
While eating disorders amongst black people may not be as common, this is far from true.
For some of us, eating disorders hits close to home.
We’ve seen fi rst hand what bulimia and anorexia can do to the person with the problem and their family and friends.
Some of us have had our own insecurities with our
image. The NEDA is a non-profi t
organization that is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.
It was formed in 2001 when they merged with the American Anorexia Bulimia Association.
Eating disorders aren’t a “white people issue.”
Thinking that way is dangerous to the psyche of young black men and women that may face some of these issues. Instead of being judgmental, we should be supportive.
It’s not okay to starve ones
self or throw up food, but it is okay to be unsatisfi ed with ones image.
In the black community, big is beautiful. In some cases, being too small would be the issue.
Black families encourage their kids to eat, no matter how unhealthy it may be.
According to the American Heart Association, non-Hispanic blacks are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than are non-Hispanic whites.
We must encourage healthy lifestyles.
While we black people believe “thick” is where it’s
at, what we consume is not always the healthiest.
No matter the size, our health should come fi rst.
So just because “we don’t have eating disorders,” it doesn’t make us any more healthier than those that do.
So next time you refer to a black man or woman as “thick” consider what they might take from that and the complication that may emerge.
Tanya Glover for the Editorial Board.
It’s a problem for all races, not just whites
Florida high-speed rail: Access deniedKHRISTANDA COOPER
OPINIONS EDITOR
Nate Beeler, The Washington ExaminerHigh-Speed Rail...more like High-Speed Fail. Thanks a lot Rick Scott.
KHRISTANDA COOPER
This is the fi rst of a three-part series on
the importance of planting more trees on campus. Check out the photogallery for this
editorial at thefamuanonline.
Have you or do you know someone with an eating disorder?
A) Yes. B) No. C) Black people don’t have those. D) I’m hungry.
POLITICAL TAKEOUT
� e Famuan � eFamuanOnline.comWednesday, February 23, 2011 [email protected]
A single red spotlight illuminated the stage. Only a wooden dancing platform, a design originated by the late Gregory Hines, and a few speakers surrounding it could be seen. Savion Glover walked casually on stage, dressed in nothing but a grey FAMU T-shirt- soon to be drenched in sweat- black pants and his famous tap shoes.
Monday night, Glover performed to a sold out crowd in Lee Hall auditorium as part of the FAMU Lyceum Series and FSU’s Seven Days of Opening Nights.
“The Lyceum series allows FAMU students to be exposed to accomplished artists that they may not have seen or perhaps even heard of before,” said Cynthia Hughes Harris, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Savion Glover will provide our students with the opportunity to experience the versatility of a focused style of dancing that blends multicultural awareness with unique displays of talent.”
In “SoLo In Time,” Glover explores the relationship between tap and the rhythmic
sounds of flamenco. Glover was joined by
three musicians: his singer and cajun box drum player, Carmen Estevez; electric bass player Francesco Beccaro and guitarist Gabriel Hermida. Each of their hands matched the seemingly unmatchable speed of Glover’s feet. With his tap shoes as his only instrument, the complex percussion of Glover’s feet blended smoothly with his three musicians.
Marshall Davis Jr. joined Glover for some of the show. The two tapped in unison and occasionally broke off into solo p e r f o r m a n c e s . The men gave a performance so exhilarating that the audience responded with a standing ovation. That was the main course.
For appetizers a few hours earlier, Glover held a free forum for the students where he discussed his
passion for tap and the pioneers that lead the way and mentored him. Some of his mentors include Hines and Jimmy Slyde.
“If not for these men, I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” said Glover. “As I continue to transform and accept my place as a human, as a man in this world, I owe it all to these men. I owe my life to these men.”
Glover’s voice cracked with emotion as he struggled to fi nd the words to describe his relationship with his mentors.
“I’m just so thankful to God that I was able to love them and know them,” said Glover. “And they loved me and did things for my family. It was beyond show business.”
Glover said that he hopes everyone can have someone inspiring in their lives.
At the end of the forum, Glover gave the audience a taste of his legendary skills and a preview of what the performance later on that night would bring.
“It’s really nothing to see,” said Glover. “It’s all about the sound. I’m more into what the sound can do to you.”
The Maloof U Skate Madness contest is showcasing talent in street skating, much different than the pool or half pipe skating that has been popularized by movies.
The top 64 videos will be posted to the Digital College Network ( D C N L i v e . c o m ) to be voted on by website m e m b e r s . From there, the top 16 rated videos will be viewed by a panel of judges, where they will narrow down competition to the final four. The finalists will meet in Panama City at Spinnaker Beach Club to compete for the top prize of $10,000 along with the bragging rights of being the number one college skateboarder in the country.
Not one FAMU student, however, has registered for the competition.
Many of the entries feature two minute long videos of constant tricks. Seamlessly moving from intimidating ollies to lengthy nosegrinds, the street skaters show the freedom of street skating and the athleticism that can come from skateboarding.
Skateboards are a common mode of transportation for many college students and Florida A&M students are no different. On Facebook, a group was formed to show support for skateboarders on campus in the hopes of starting a skate club for the university.
Cameron Jenkins is a
junior cardiopulmonary science student and founder of the group.
“I know this is kind of unheard of, but I would love to show people at my school the beauty of what me and a lot of other people do,” Jenkins wrote.
The contest was launched through the joint efforts
of Maloof S k a t e b o a r d i n g and the Digital College Network.President and CEO of the Digital
College Network Chris Esposito said he looks forward to turning the championship competition into one of the “most coveted prizes on the American college scene.”
“It is a pretty awesome competition,” said Jenkins, who entered in multiple skating competitions when he lived in Germany. “I haven’t put a lot of thought into entering the competition because I have been really busy with school, but it is definitely a thought.”
“We wanted to bring camaraderie and competitive spirit between colleges to the world of skateboarding,” said Joe Maloof, founder of Maloof Skateboarding and owner of the Palms Casino Resort and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings.
“We would love to get the word out to your student body, so your school can be represented,” said Devin McCloskey, public representative for Maloof Skateboarding.
Lifestyles 6
It’s impossible to have a dull moment in Tallahassee if you have become acquainted with the shortcut guys, Ismael Sangare and Bugra Demirel. The duo has developed the “one-stop shop to your social life.”
When Sangare and Demirel recommend the best restaurant deals and nightclub venues in town, they are simply doing their jobs as co-founders of whatsgoodintally.com.
The website was created by Sangare and Demirel to provide free online informational services. It lists all the deals and specials around town, along with local events on a daily basis.
“We list deals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, nightlife and after hours,” said Demirel.
Sangare, 21, a fourth-year accounting student at FAMU from Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, partnered with his former roommate Demirel, 24, an FSU graduate from Alanya, Turkey, to create the advertising website that serves as the go-to site for dining specials, two-for-one margaritas and nightlife entertainment every day of the week.
Known as the shortcut guys because of the convenience of their site, Sangare and Demirel became friends during their membership in Model United Nations at TCC. From there, the two would become roommates and business partners.
Both have lived in Tallahassee for over six years. During that time, they have become familiar with the city’s social life and can expertly inform students on popular hotspots from Sunday to Saturday.
“My former roommate and I had a mental calendar; Monday we go here, Thursday we go there and Sunday we do this,” said Sangare.
An idea that started out as a playful proposal of trial and error would become an ongoing resource for college students looking to eat, socialize and drink during leisure time.
“To be honest, when we started whatsgoodintally.com, we did not aim for a profi t. Our mission was to fi nd
the right concept and draw people’s attention,” said Demirel.
Through word-of-mouth the site would gain a large fan base. A service that originally catered to students has now attracted some of Tallahassee’s locals. This positive response has pushed Sangare and Demirel to extend their services to other cities.
“Our objective is to expand to other college towns and eventually big cities like New York City, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas,” said Demirel.
There is no charge to businesses who want to publicize their latest discounts on the site. Revenue for the site comes from “banner advertising” from businesses who want to post ads for additional exposure; otherwise the service is free to the public.
“A win-win situation,” is a recurring motto of both guys.
Both Sangare and Demirel have transferred the basic business concepts they learned at FAMU and FSU and applied them to developing their site.
“We are taught the ability to recognize opportunity and turning those circumstances into a viable business,” said Sangare. “You focus on building a brand, increasing your profi ts and minimizing costs.”
The website is a product of Demirel’s business, marketing and economic classes at FSU.
“I learned how to look around to see what is missing, what people like and what is popular,” Demirel said. “I also wanted to see if there is appropriate supply for people’s needs.”
Sangare said the opportunity to work with the many infl uential voices at FAMU has assisted in the success of his business.
Jennifer Collins, assistant professor of management at the School of Business and Industry, is just one of many who has made an impact on the student turned entrepreneur.
Collins provides courses on the principles of management, personnel management, business policy and strategic management.
When asked about the fundamentals of a successful business, Collins advised that students have a well-rounded management team.
“Making sure you have a solid business plan and that you’ve done your homework and that you know there is need for your product or service,” said Collins.
FAMU skaters absent in video competition
Duo � nds deals and steals
AMANDA LEGROS
JORGE RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ
LaGretta Johnson The FamuanDemirel (l), and Sangare (r), are co-founders of whatsgoodintally.com
Dance maestro taps his way into FAMU series
AMANDA LEGROS
STAFF WRITER
JORGE RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ
STAFF WRITER
TANYA GLOVER
DEPUTY LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Keenan Doanes The FamuanFrom Sesame Street to M. L. King, Jr. Blvd., Savion Glover shared thoughts with eager listeners, and also peformed in Lee Hall.
TANYA GLOVER
The top 64 videos will be posted to the Digital College Network ( D C N L i v e . c o m ) to be voted on by website m e m b e r s . From there, the top 16 rated
The contest was launched through the joint efforts
of Maloof S k a t e b o a r d i n g and the Digital College Network.President and CEO of the Digital
College Network Chris Esposito said he looks
Graphic By Kenya Mawusi
2 Calender �e Famuan�[email protected] Monday, April 19, 2010
� e Famuan � eFamuanOnline.comWednesday, February 23, 2011 [email protected]
7 Comics
Andy Capp by Reg Smythe
Fat Cats byCharlie Podrebarac
Ben by Daniel Shelton
Girls & Sports by Justin Borus and Andrew Feinstein
Pickles by Brian Crane
Jump Start by Robb Armstrong Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson
BC by Johnny Hart
Pearls before Swine by Stephan Pastis
Get Fuzzy by Darby Conley
Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz
Momma by Mell Lazarus
The Florida A&M intramurals program has begun its month-long basketball tournament.
The tournament will include six regular-season games for, a playoff system and the championship game.
Natasha Kazan, the assistant intramurals coordinator, said she was excited about the opportunities that the basketball league presented for the students at FAMU.
“This really will be a big tournament and I’m just happy that another cliché sport kicks off at our HBCU,” said Kazan.
The tournament league consists of
32 teams in a four-division fi eld. The Ammons division was named after the current President of FAMU, James H. Ammons.
The Robert Carrol Jr. and Kirby divisions represent 16 of the teams. The Tookes Division represents the center where the league games will be played, the Hansel E. Tookes Recreation center.
Amongst the participants are several Greek, but the competition in the tournament will go beyond those organizations.
Adam Perry, 22, a senior from Hollywood, Fla., said although other teams may have experience, talent would eventually prove to be the deciding factor.
“I got a new team but nobody can beat me playing basketball, and my team is going to take the whole tournament,”
Perry said.The court used will be located in
phase two of the Tookes Recreation Center. Because of the new location, the tournament has sparked interest throughout the university.
“It’s exciting because somebody gets a chance to christen our new spot,” Green added.
The tournament games will be played in the Gaither gymnasium and the new courts in the Tookes Center.
“This should be the best tournament we had all year because it’s defi nitely the largest,” Kazan said.
The baseball team will play in its fi rst home game of the season Feb. 23 when Mercer University travels to Tallahassee.
After splitting four games in the Jackson State University Invitational to start the season, the Rattler and new head coach Brett Richardson are in prime position to improve on last season’s 10 wins.
Sophomores Allen Grant and Heath Blackburn will lead the way for the team.
The Bears enter the game riding a two-game losing streak and post a 3-2 record coming into the contest.
The Rattlers, currently ranked second in the MEAC, will look to continue their early season success and maintain the momentum throughout the duration of the season.
The Florida A&M golf team fi nished tied for 12th at the Frito-Lay/AT&T Intercollegiate.
The tournament started the spring season for FAMU. Freshman Randon Holt led the team with a score of 76 in both rounds for a total of 152. Holt fi nished tied for tenth individually.
The other participants were Shephard Archie III, Elijah Jackson, and Wesley Yates. FAMU scored 648 overall.
FAMU’s next tournament will be the Bethune-Cookman University Invitational in Daytona Beach, Fla. The BCU Invitational begins on Feb. 25.
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Wednesday, February 23, [email protected]
Sports 8
CIERRA JACKSON
CIERRA JACKSON
STAFF WRITER
Intramural basketball promises to be exciting for everyone
The Florida A&M wrestling team have been prepaing this week for the Regional Championship.
This weekend eight guys and two girls will be competing in hopes to head to the National Championship tournament.
“I hope to take as many as we bring to regional’s, to nationals,” said head coach Snowden. The team is led by junior captain Roland Pitts.
They are also looking for big performances from sophomore Randall Gines and the core of heavyweights.
The tournament will be held in Palm Coast, Fla.
Wrestling
Golf
Baseball
UPSET KINGSThe Florida A&M men’s
basketball team ended its three-game road trip with a win over the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s fourth-ranked Hampton Pirates, 58-55.
It was a close game at the HU Convocation Center with 3,741 Pirate fans in attendance. The Rattlers (12-16, 7-7 in the MEAC) ended the game with three more rebounds and three less turnovers than the Pirates.
Junior forward Yannick Crowder, who had a season-high 16 points, led the Rattlers.
“Crowder did an awesome job offensively,” head coach Eugene Harris said. “We were on the road in a hostile environment and he played excellent on both ends of the floor.”
Crowder also contributed six rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks to the Rattlers win.
The Rattler defense allowed the team to score 19 points off turnovers. The team also shot 13 of 28 from the field in the second half.
“Defense won this game. I’m sure by now everyone knows our motto, ‘We are going to defend until the end,’” Harris said. “We are going to keep crashing the boards and forcing turnovers. Our guys did an
outstanding job.” With a little over one
minute to go in the second half, junior guard Brandon
Hosley gave the Rattlers a spark with a three pointer, making the score 51-47. The team sealed the game
with seven points at the free throw line in the last minute.
The Pirate’s (19-8, 9-5 in the MEAC) junior guard Darrion Pellum gave the team an offensive edge, ending the game with a game-high 17 points. Pellum also had four steals and two assists. This defeat is the Pirates’ third straight.
The win leaves the Rattlers sixth in the MEAC.
The team has three MEAC opponents left before the conference tournament begins. Momentum going into the tournament will be top priority for the Rattlers.
“This win gives us confidence to end the season on a winning note,” Harris said. “We are preparing for the MEAC tournament. Winning the tournament means going to the NCAA tournament, and we are confident we will get there.”
North Carolina Central is next on the Rattlers schedule. The team will look to avenge the 61-59 loss suffered earlier this season in Durham, N.C.
The Eagles (10-9, 6-2 at home) are coming off a 67-72 loss against North Carolina A&T.
The Rattlers are enthused to return home and continue their home streak. The game will be Feb. 26 in the Al Lawson center.
TYRONE LAWSTAFF WRITER
TYRONE LAW
File Photo The FamuanThe men’s basketball team has made a habit of defeating high ranking conference foes.
Bennett hurt against Hampton
The Florida A&M women’s basketball team started slowly against the No. 1 team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Monday. The Hampton University Lady Pirates scored 48 fi rst half points in route to an 88-49 victory.
Antonia Bennett rolled her ankle early in the fi rst half and played just 2 minutes. Bennett’s injury hurt momentum early for the Lady Rattler.
“Bennett is very versatile and can play the two, three, and four position,” head coach LeDawn Gibson said.
Her versatility is vital for rotations and matchups against other conference teams. The Lady Pirates (20-6, 12-1 in the MEAC) attacked early when they realized the early fi rst half momentum shift.
Bennett is likely to miss Saturday’s game against North Carolina Central. Since the Lady Rattlers are playing a non-conference opponent Saturday, Bennett will rest her ankle.
Tamika McKelton, the second leading scorer in the MEAC, scored eight points.
The scoring load was picked up by her teammates. Christian Rateree and Jasmine Grice scored 10 points each.
FAMU (13-12 8-6 in the MEAC) shot 44 percent from the fi eld and scored only 22 fi rst half points.
The Lady Rattlers struggled from the three-point line as well. The team shot two of nine from behind the arc.
The Lady Pirates’ shot 60 percent from the fi eld in the fi rst half in their division clinching victory. The team continued offensive success
from the fl oor in the second half, shooting 50 percent from the fi eld.
Hampton fi nished with four players with 12 or more points in the game.
Choicetta McMillian cashed in on fi ve three-pointers and had a team-high 18 points. Jericka Jenkins contributed 11 assists and 17 points to lead Hampton’s offensive attack.
The Lady Pirate defense caused 23 turnovers. They continued to disrupt the Lady Rattler’s offense throughout the contest.
The Lady Rattlers will play Saturday against North Carolina-Central at 4 p.m. in the Al Lawson Center.
The Lady Rattlers now sit fi fth in the MEAC and have only one more conference game before the conference tournament, which starts on March 7.
The team will look for energy from the home crowd on Senior Night as they try and rebound from the loss.
TOMMY HAWKINS
TOMMY HAWKINS
STAFF WRITER
File Photo The FamuanAntonia Bennett only played two minutes against Hampton due to an ankle injury.
File Photo The FamuanThe tournament will be in a new place.