The Beacon

FIU Day: SGA fights for FIU in Tallahassee

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Putting a face to a name was the goal of Student Government Association during FIU Day, when students and administrators lobbied for support from the State Legislature in Tallahassee on March 11.

While other universities cancelled their visits to the capital, SGA wanted FIU students to be on the minds of legislators who will be voting on FIU's future in the coming weeks.

Board of Governors: Tuition control could shift

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Voters would get a chance to change who sets tuition and controls the education system in Florida under a proposed constitutional amendment approved Friday by a House panel.

If passed, the change would in part reverse what voters did when they eliminated the elected education commissioner in 1998 and later created a Board of Governors to oversee universities.

Weather Station: Station used as teaching tool

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Unknown to many students, the weather station located on the rooftop of the Primera Casa building constantly searches for changes in climate conditions.

The job of the station is to track down climate changes occurring in the area and to provide data on such changes.

Maidique's new contract includes supplement funds

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously last month to change the terms of University President Modesto Maidique's employment agreement.

The board, which is responsible for budgetary issues, compliance with state policy and maintaining the quality of education at FIU, made the changes to more closely align Maidique's terms of employment with those of other university presidents.

News Flash

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

British architect presents lecture at Green Library:
On March 14, David Adjaye, one of Great Britain's leading architects, will present "Public Engagement and Private Retreat," presented by the Steven and Dorothea Green Critics' lecture series. Adjaye designed, among other buildings, the interior of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, Colo.

Commentary: Schnebly's Winery gives visitors a taste

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On March 10, Professor Patrick "Chip" Cassidy took 15 advanced wine technology students on a field trip to Schnebly's Winery in Homestead.

Students had the opportunity to try over six fruit-based wines, including the Schnebly version of Champagne, made from the carambola, or star fruit.

Documentary chronicles Colombia's reinvention

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Paola Perez used money from her savings to fund "Pablo is Gone," a documentary about present-day Colombia's social landscape after the death of drug czar Pablo Escobar, which she directed.

Perez's documentary will be played at Biscayne Bay Campus' Wolfe University Center Theater on March 21 at 8 p.

News Flash

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Friends of Wine to present German Tastes:
Friends of Wine will host German Wine Tasting on March 24 from 5 to 6 p.m.

The event will be held in the Hospitality Building Dining Room and costs $4 for members and $8 for nonmembers in cash only. People wishing to attend must be 21 or older and have a valid ID.

Women's Basketball: UALr 57, FIU 52: Golden Panthers end season with narrow loss

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

During their season, the Golden Panthers defied the odds. They played through injuries, and plowed their way to the No. 7 seed in the Sun Belt Conference.

On March 8., FIU Golden Panthers (13-18) fell 57-52 to the No.2 seeded University of Arkansas Little Rock Trojans, as they were knocked out of the Sun Belt Conference.

Commentary: Rouco deserves one more season to coach incoming talent

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

All signs point to the door for men's basketball head coach Sergio Rouco, and with reason. Rouco has compiled a 42-74 record in his four seasons leading the team and has yet to make any significant noise in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

The struggling Golden Panthers could not reach double-digit wins this season, despite having two all-conference performers on the roster, Alex Galindo and Russell Hicks.

Football head coach assigns new offensive coordinator

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Head football coach Mario Cristobal announced the new offensive coordinator, Bill Legg.

He is the former Purdue co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, and he replaces James Coley who left for Florida State last month to become tight-ends coach and recruiting coordinator.

Sports Replay

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Baseball

Troy 13 FIU 12

Five Golden Panther (5-7) errors overshadowed another double-digit offensive performance as they to Troy (10-2) on March 7 at Riddle-Pace Field.
The loss marked the first Sun Belt Conference game for both teams.
Sophomore Jorge Ramos (1-1) was charged with the loss as he pitched 2.

Obama has more experience than some past leaders

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Here's an interesting piece of historical trivia. What do presidents Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson all have in common? All three had equal or fewer years of political experience when they became president than "inexperienced" Sen. Barack Obama has right now.

Commentary: Models, actors' unskilled professions lacking legitimacy

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Whenever I hear the words, "Oh, I'm a model" or "I want to be a movie star" I can't help but chuckle. I don't think they are real professions, much less careers. Does reading lines and holding up shampoo bottles qualify as work? These jobs are not legitimate (theatrical acting notwithstanding), even though they are paid exorbitant sums of money.

Letter to the Editor: Meal Plans do not cater to graduate students

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As a graduate student, I have quite a workload in front of me with many time constraints that puts even eating and sleeping on the back burner.

Unfortunately, I was assigned to live in Lakeview North and, thereby, assigned the Flex 10 Meal Plan. I resent being told by Panther Dining when, where and how I can use my meal plan and what time.

Jammin' in Big Cypress: Langerado brings wide array of bands to South Florida

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For someone like me, South Florida is pretty much a barren wasteland for live music nine months out of the year. Whether it is because a lack of interest in live music or a lack of quality venues, it seems most of the year doesn't provide much to get excited about.

Spring break trips, cruises abundant for students

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The moment students have been waiting for since the semester began is almost here. As of this Thursday they will be two glorious days away from an entire week free of academic obligations: Spring Break.

Students, such as freshman Ivana Harris, are excited about the break.

Technolust...Tech, Specs and Everything else: Digital sins, anti-ego advice for new technology age

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Did you know that every time you start up your engine you're sinning? That's what Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican has listed on their new list of seven social sins: Thou shall not pollute the environment.

Since the Vatican has decided to flex some of their metaphysical muscles, I'm going to dip my toes into the fiber-optic sea and craft some of my very digital own.