Thursday, November 4, 2010

Oxfam Hunger Banquet

Hunger and poverty will be undesirable guests at the table when
Oxfam at FSU holds a banquet and feeds students according to their assigned
social class.

The Hunger Event, described as an awareness event by President
Nick Russell, is unique because Oxfam will engage the attendees to teach
them about world hunger and its effects on the global community.

The event is set for Nov. 15 at 7 pm in the University Ballroom and is open to all those
who are interested.

“Upon the beginning of the event, we assign everyone an economic
class: lower, middle or upper …,” Russell said. “The idea is that we will have
a dessert banquet, but what you get and your accommodations at the event
has everything to do with your social class.”

Sponsors are Oxfam, Habitat for Humanity, Kauz4unity and Alternative Break Corps.

Staying true to its creed, “think globally, act locally,” Oxfam recently sent volunteers to help the Big Bend Homeless coalition. Oxfam volunteers also go to the HOPE community, a transitional housing project, every Monday and Thursday from 6 – 7:30 pm. The volunteers play games with the students, read to them and help them with their homework.

Oxfam at FSU is part of Oxfam America. The parent organization has helped victims of the floods in Senegal, Gambia and Pakistan and seeks, according to its mission statement, to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and social injustice.

To learn more about Oxfam at FSU and a chance to volunteer your services, visit their Facebook page, Oxfam @FSU.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Join...

By Kelsie Taggart

Students Speaking for Animals is an organization for FSU students who share an interest in animals by volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness for animal rights and welfare throughout the community.

All that is required to become apart of this movement, aimed at securing justice for animals, is a shared compassion for animals of all kinds.

This semester our focus is on domestic care and violence of animals, especially focusing on the right way to train your pet and the general ‘do’s and don’ts’ of animal care. One way to show your love of animals is through volunteering at the local animal shelters, which we make easy by providing the logistical information and transportation if needed.

Our upcoming fundraising campaigns include, but are not limited to, the First Annual Dog Wash on Oct. 31 and our Annual Homemade Dog Treat Campaign.

Our real passion lies in raising awareness about animal rights and welfare. You can attend any of our upcoming educational meetings, where we highlight our recent campaigns for justice on animal cruelty.

If you are interested in joining SSA, meet us at Market Wednesdays or at Seminole Haunting Harvest. You can also find us on Facebook at SSA at FSU, or attend any of our meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 8pm in Union Room 311D.

Need a Good Break?

By Harry Knolle

This past summer three Florida State students took it upon themselves to start their own recording studio to try to propel student musicians and writers to the next level. Out of this desire came Good Break Studios, created by Adam Sheppard, Steve Porter and Josh Valencia.

Good Break’s philosophy is to create a relaxed environment where artists can feel at ease while recording their work.

“We want to eliminate the nervousness, by creating a relaxed vibe where the artist isn’t worried about the money they are burning in the studio.” said Sheppard, a senior in Creative Writing.

With many studios charging an hourly flat rate, Good Break believes that this can sometimes cause stress to an artist. At Good Break Studios there are no flat rates for recording. The pricing is catered to what the artist wants to do whether it be a poetry reading or a full-length album.

Sheppard said the rates are figured out beforehand on a consultation basis. “We definitely have leeway with our pricing,” he said. “It depends on what you want. We understand what a financial strain it can be so we don’t believe in a flat rate.”

All three proprietors are musicians and consider this an advantage for their artists. “As musicians we understand where the artists are coming from and know how to improve their sound,” Sheppard said.

The trio already had their own recording gear and decided to pool their efforts to create an artist-friendly studio in their home that is also capable of on-the-move recording.

“Our house was built in 1890 and has 16-foot ceilings, so it’s not a closed-in room,” Sheppard said. “It’s been recently remodeled, and when we signed the lease we had the studio in mind so there are separate rooms for recording.”

This fall Good Break Studios is trying to expand by inviting creative writers to record their writing to have on CD. Sheppard believes that this expansion will be a great addition to their studio.

“We started inviting creative writers to expand our skill sets to different aspects of recording. We feel recorded poetry is a very under valued market.”

All of Good Break’s equipment is also recording live performances.

While talking with the owners of Good Break Studios it was easy to see that environment was something that the trio valued when recording.

“We really want to stress that we want to do what’s best for the artist by creating a positive and relaxing vibe,” Sheppard said. “It can go a long way, we want to work with you and for you to be happy and have fun while doing it.”

Good Break is still a developing studio and are making significant efforts to get their name in the community.

“We operate by a lot of word of mouth, but we do have a Facebook page where people can get all of our information and what we offer. Hopefully in the future we will have some radio spots to get our name out there,” Sheppard said.

For more information on Good Break Studios find them on Facebook or e-mail them at goodbreakstudios@gmail.com.

Literati Club

By Harry Knolle

Finding constructive criticism from your peers can be a difficult task. For anyone interested in having their creative works critiqued with the intention of improving each other’s writing, there is the Literati Creative Writing Club.

Literati is a club that serves as a writing workshop for people working in genres from poetry to non-fiction. Their general body meetings, which occur on Wednesdays at 7 pm in 013 Williams, are essentially a workshop where students read each others work and give both positive and negative feedback to improve a writers piece.

One goal of Literati is to foster a friendly and helpful environment where writers can come together and share their work.

By creating this community of writers Literati aims to share all the different aspects of creative writing by bringing in guest speakers and holding readings at the Warehouse on Gaines street.

Literati allows student writers who are looking to submit their work a chance to have it analyzed before it is submitted because it is common knowledge that the first draft is not always the prettiest.

According to Literati their goal is to help writers find that right word that they might be missing.

As Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the nearly right word is the same as that between lightning and the lightning bug.”

For more information on Literati and how to join visit their website at fsuliterati.weebly.com.

Attack of the YETI!

By Mae Brown

If you are interested in discovering a new and unique perspective, then check out the YETI. The YETI is a self-proclaimed “progressive, independent, and alternative community magazine.”

It approaches topics such as news, culture and campus life from a lighter, humor-driven perspective. It strives to keep its readers well informed, while aiming to fill the void left by commercial media outlets.

The YETI’s main goal is to provide the university and its peers with topics that impact the community. According to the group’s mission statement, they “strive to spark a dialogue between students and community members, in hopes that an educated exchange of information will motivate Tallahassee residents to be aware and active members of society.”

The editor-in-chief, Morgan Kayser, said the YETI “offers a voice to the underrepresented students and opinions on campus.” Think of them as your source for local and “grassroots” issues that often go unreported in other forms of commercial media.

“I love our unique perspective,” Kayser said, “and I love the fact that we’re not afraid to say anything!”

Kayser is excited for the start of the new school year. “I am working on really polishing our writing and design,” she said.

Visit theyetionline.com to read up on the current happenings and get a taste of the YETI.

FSU Today: Sex Health

By Mae Brown

For Sexual Understanding Today (FSU Today) was the first peer health education group at Florida State dedicated to promoting sexual health and awareness.

Former president Dwight Kemp describes the organization as providing “knowledge of safer sex practices.” His favorite thing about the organization is that they don’t strictly preach abstinence, but the importance of condom usage as well. “They give you options,” he said, referring to the program’s wide range of topics.

From the previously mentioned topics to their presentations for organizations and clubs on campus as well as free HIV testing, FSU Today is devoted to educating peers on all topics regarding sexual health and raising awareness.

If you would like to get involved in promoting safer sex practices and gain a better understanding on these topics, stop by FSU Today, which is based out of Thagard Student Health Center. You can find out more information on their upcoming events and earn community service hours on your ServScript for hours volunteered with the organization.

Poetic Lyricism: Spoken Words for Words Unspoken

By Cybill Shaffer

We are a generation that has so many avenues of technology to exploit our feelings and thoughts, but rarely a place to do so that is artistic and well-supported by fellow artists.
Poetic Lyricism is an FSU organization that gives students the chance to express themselves however they choose through word and song.

Ecclesiaste Guerrier is the president of Poetic Lyricism. “Poetic Lyricism is great because of its diversity,” he said. “Aside from priding ourselves on the inclusion of students from various ethnic, socio-economic, and racial backgrounds, we feature a wide variety of styles of poetry, song,and music. Our membership features over 50 poets, vocalists and musicians combined.”

Their mission is to “…Speak and be heard through the art-forms of song, rhyme and spoken word,” Guerrier said. “Our intent is to provide ventilation for thoughts unaddressed and emotions suppressed by a social construction afraid of confrontation.”

Richard Wilson, Poetic Lyricism’s treasurer, said, “The best thing about Poetic Lyricism has to be its creative mind set, family atmosphere and inclusiveness… I felt it was the perfect vehicle to help me improve and express my art.”

Danielle Lyn has been a part of Poetic Lyricism for almost three years and this is her second year serving as public relations director. “[We] embrace all talents and find a way to include them in anything we do,” Lyn said. “As an EBoard, we function as a family. We take time to prepare our performers for any genre of performance or environment of performance.”

They have a big event coming up, and you may have seen black flyers around campus. The “Tallahassee Collegiate Poetry Slam” is happening on Nov. 11. It’s free to go, and it’s at 7 pm in the FSU Ballrooms.

Poetry slams are competitions in which poets read or recite original work and members of the audience or specially designated judges adjudicate their performance. There will be more than 12 student organizations as sponsors, and the slam consists of eight teams vying for the title of best poets in Tallahassee. Last year the Artistic Deliverers of Hostile Diction (Team ADHD) was the reigning supreme. They will be returning to fight for their title against the seven other competing teams.

Slams are either solo or group. For this event, it is required to have a group of 4 – 5 active FAMU, TCC or FSU students. Rosters should be submitted to poeticlyricism@yahoo.com and need to include full names, school, classification and contact information. The registration deadline is Oct. 22.

Participation in the slam isn’t mandatory for members. If you’re not ready to branch out quite yet, you don’t have to do so. Events and meeting times are at calendar.yahoo.com/poeticlyricism, and the Facebook group has lots of pictures and information on how to get started with involvement.

Hodges Dances Through Life

By Cybill Shaffer

Many little girls dream of being a dancer when they grow up but must let go of that dream as years pass. Shiloh Hodges lives her dream every day of her life as a dance major.

There was a point in time where almost every young girl had a pair of those bright pink satin ballet shoes, and there were a handful of boys that had a few pairs of tights stashed in their closets.

For Shiloh that began at age four. Unlike most children who are fickle-minded in their interests and waiver in commitment, Shiloh knew by age fifteen that she wanted to dance for the rest of her life.

There is a lot of difficulty in choosing schooling for dance, as there is the option of an art school or public school and then the labored process of exploring the endless pros and cons of each of those, but Shiloh said FSU was a “natural choice.”

“(They) have a well-rounded program with amazing faculty,” Shiloh said. “Part of the reason I chose FSU is because it lets me take other classes, and I would like a double major as a backup plan.”

She and the rest of her fellow students understand the economic crunch Americans are facing, and she informs me that she is, by far, not the only person who is double majoring. Many other students choose Business and English as second majors. Though she sees the concern and unlikelihood of not having a guaranteed job after graduation, she assures me that,
“I’m not dancing for the money, just for the joy of it. If I graduate from college and for some reason can’t find a job anywhere, all the time I have spent dancing will still have been worth it.”

This means quite a bit, as the time she “spent dancing” is quite intense. She informs me that majors in the School of Dance take at least two technique classes: one ballet and one contemporary a day, each four days a week. They can also take Gyro kinesis, Pilates or Pointe.

In addition to this, she is a member of the Tallahassee Ballet, which has at least two ballets a year. With rehearsals included, she said, she dances more than 20 hours a week.

Along with the frequent physical demand, there is a mental dance overload. All of her classes this year are dance-related except German. She is enrolled in classes such as world dance history, music and choreography, and a technology class that surveys the fields of graphics, audio and video as it relates to dance.

Many college students face the challenge of staying in shape, but Shiloh said this isn’t really a problem for her. She stressed the importance of eating right and sleeping enough, however, as her 18-credit-hour course load can be quite demanding on her body and energy.

After college Shiloh wants to move to a large city in the US or abroad and dance in a company. “Dancers don’t build bridges or cure cancer,” she said, “but they still explore the limits, which is both a crazy and difficult thing to do and also very wonderful.”

DREAM Autism Ball

By Kestrel Ambrose

People with autism and related disabilities will benefit from DREAM’s efforts this year. Each semester DREAM, a student organization founded at FSU in 2006, raises money to donate to charity while bringing together students of diverse backgrounds for its cause. DREAM has raised more than $3,000 for charity and other causes.

DREAM will host its Second Annual Ball for Charity on Oct. 29 from 6:30 pm – 10 pm in Student Services Building 203.

“Each year, DREAM picks one social cause that it will raise money for and donate its time toward,” said Shayeon Hawkins, DREAM’s president.

Last year the ball was held in honor of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend.

“We raise funds by collecting donations from local businesses and student groups,” said Terrance Admore (tla08c@fsu.edu). “DREAM will also conduct fundraising events on and off campus such as doing concessions during football games.”

This year proceeds from the ball will go toward the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, CARD, a state-funded agency that serves people with autism and related disabilities and their families. The center (autism.fsu.edu, 644-4367) provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.

“Money raised from the ball will aid CARD in initiatives such as research, providing training for parents, teachers and other professionals as well as community outreach,” Admore said.

DREAM asks that each student organization purchase a table for $40. Each organization table seats six people. Additional members and other students can purchase individual tickets for $10.

PBM Charity Dinner

By Kestrel Ambrose

Since Progressive Black Men Inc. was founded in 1989 at FSU under the principles of communal support, academic excellence and brotherly fellowship, the organization has dedicated time and service to the campus, Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.

PBM will host its Second Annual Tale of Two Charities Benefit Dinner in Miller Hall on Friday, Nov. 19, from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. “The first benefit dinner was held in 2008, when then-President Anthony Wright and Vice President Adrian Williams decided to add what they hoped would be an annual event.

to PBM’s Fall Service Week,” said Matthew Mascoe, PBM’s university relations chair. “They settled on a Tale of Two Charities because there weren’t many events of its kind.”
The American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society were the first two charities chosen.

“The inaugural event was sold out with more than 275 guests representing 30 diverse organizations,” said Sebastian Berry, the vice president of FSU PBM. “We continuously strive to maintain the principles previously stated and look forward to the opportunity to use this benefit dinner as a venue for increased collectivity on campus.”

The theme of this year’s ball is “Disaster Relief,” and proceeds from the event will benefit both NOLES for Haiti and the American Red Cross.

“We chose NOLES and the American Red Cross as our charities because of the work they do to aid in disaster relief,” Mascoe said. “The American Red Cross does a lot of work in areas that have been hit by natural disasters.”

NOLES for Haiti is a student organization that came together to raise money and provide aid for Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit the country earlier this year. The Haitian government estimated that 230,000 people died in the earthquake that struck on Jan. 12.

“We wanted to be able to provide them with a donation that they could use to continue their service efforts in the country of Haiti,” Mascoe said.

Students, faculty and staff can purchase individual tickets for $8. A table, which seats eight, can also be purchased (as well as an advertisement in the program) for $50. Dinner will be catered by Olive Garden.

Students and organizations interested in participating in the benefit dinner can contact PBM via e-mail at fsu@pbm1989.org, Sebastian Berry at (864) 380-8267, or Matthew Mascoe at (407) 927-4913.

Homecoming 2010

FSU Homecoming 2010, “United Now, United Then,” runs from Oct. 30 - Nov. 6, a celebration that includes the annual Homecoming concert, Warchant, a Pow Wow pep rally, a featured comedian and the football game.Before the events end, the FSU and Tallahassee community will have gathered for a number of events designed to boost school spirit far beyond the football field.

Diverse campus groups will come together to celebrate the university’s strength and heritage and to renew traditions.

The celebration kicks off with the Warchant concert on Langford Green featuring Ludacris. Warchant includes the free concert and free food. Warchant allows students to give back to the community by helping feed the needy by donating can food to the Second Harvest food bank.

Each student is encouraged to donate two can good items in lieu of a fee to the concert.
A fashion show, parade, tailgate parties and chief and princess elections are part of the weeklong gathering that involves much of the campus. For more information, visit homecoming.fsu.edu/.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Meet Some New 'Noles

Every fall Florida State is flooded with a fresh new crop of bright-eyed young minds eager to escape the clutches of their parents and begin their collegiate career.

After taking the time to get to know some of our new ‘Noles and learn about their reasoning for choosing FSU over schools like the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, it seems that our campus is one major attraction.

Yanelle Suarez, a freshman and Biological Science major, said that the campus was a big reason she chose FSU. “It’s really pretty here. Plus we have a circus.”

Suarez isn’t the only freshman who was influenced by the splendor of our campus. “What attracted me to FSU was the campus,” Zoe Warpinski-Bitting said, “and they have a really good science program which is good because I hope to be a pediatrician.”

Warpinski-Bitting, a Jacksonville native and a Biological Science major, is one of the many freshmen living in a dormitory and so far she is enjoying herself. “I’m in Broward Hall, and I really love my roommate. There haven’t been any problems. She’s really cool.”

A lot of prospective students of Florida State make the journey to Tallahassee before they are admitted to try to get a feel for the university and end up liking what they see with the school and the city. Dillon Mattingly, a Tampa local, is one of these students.

“I came up and visited the campus and just fell in love with it.” Mattingly is one of the few not taking residence in the dorms his first semester. “I’m staying in Boardwalk; I actually got lucky with my roommate. We went to the same high school.”

Mattingly is a mathematics major with big aspirations for his future. “I’m planning on trying to get into the CIA.”

From future doctors to future CIA operatives, FSU’s new ‘Noles are sure not to disappoint the proud tradition of this university.

Safe Driving

By: Brandi Lessner

A new school year has begun and everyone is excited and ready for all of the great things fall brings. With many new students joining us at FSU, everyone will be giving advice on how to acclimate to these new surroundings.

While it is important to understand dorm life and how to use Blackboard, one commonly overlooked aspect of a new city is how to get from one place to another safely. Tallahassee, especially the area around campus, is a highly populated space with a lot of vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Nothing can ruin the start of a brand new semester quicker than an accident or traffic ticket. Here are some tips for making sure your semester is a fun and safe experience.

1. No matter how you are traveling on campus, be mindful of other travelers.
If you are driving, watch very carefully for pedestrians and bicyclists. You cannot count on them to always see you, and many have been struck by vehicles. If you are walking, only walk in designated areas — crosswalks and sidewalks — as it is not the responsibility of the driver if you are walking where you should not be. If you are biking, you are legally required to follow the same traffic laws as vehicles. This means no running stop signs, red lights, etc.

2. Follow speed limit postings.
They are there for a reason. Speed limits tend to decrease in heavily trafficked areas to make sure everyone is traveling at a safe speed and has time to stop in case of an obstruction.

3. Do not follow too closely.
So many accidents occur on Tennessee Street and other major streets around campus because of drivers not giving themselves enough space to come to a full stop.

4. Never run red lights.
Not only is it unsafe, but it will most likely get you a ticket, whether a police officer sees you or not. Tallahassee has recently installed red light cameras at hundreds of intersections, around 20 of which are immediately on or directly next to campus, and a ticket will be mailed to your residence if you run a red light.

For more information on red light camera locations, visit www.talgov.com/traffic/cameras.cfm.

Go Vegetarian

By: Cybill Shaffer

Remember when you were six or seven years old and your parents had to beg you to eat your vegetables?

In college, most students have adapted to the taste of the greens they once loathed but find it difficult to integrate them into their regular diet in a way that is tasty and inexpensive.

This presents a problem for vegetarians. According to The Vegetarian Times, 7.3 million Americans are vegetarians.

A solution that caters to a college student’s budget and taste buds is imperative, and there are ways to indulge without compromising the wallet.Ramen is available in a vegetable flavor, but no one can consume that on a daily basis. Fresh produce is available at all supermarkets but is generally pricey.

When asked why she chooses a vegetarian diet, Katie Taibl, sophomore, said, “I have personally never enjoyed excessive quantities of meat in my diet. As a young girl, for no particular reason other than disliking it, I refused to eat meat. Also, as a nursing major I will be working with lots of blood and guts, which is always fun, but eating meat reminds me of gory scenes in movies and such, which is rather unappetizing.”

Josh Saul, junior, said: “I’m a vegetarian because I do not condone the inhumane practice of factory farming that our country relies on for the bulk of its meat and poultry. I also try to follow a macrobiotic diet which suggests eating mostly things that are grown near the area you live and only when they are in season. And lastly, vegetarian cooking is more fun and exciting because the chef must be creative with seasonings and ingredients.”

Some restaurants in Tallahassee that cater to vegetarians are Jimmy Johns, All Saints Café, Gordo’s, Decent Pizza and Mr. Roboto Sushi. Vegetarian menu options are almost always cheaper than ones containing meat. Meat is more expensive than greens. So it ends up saving time for the restaurant and money for the student.

All of the dining halls on campus have a vegetarian section, as well, and they produce a unique, new meal every day.

Eating in? Hummus is a great snack and a fantastic source of protein for the student who is not getting enough. It’s full of beans and other cheap ingredients so it helps provide cost-effectiveness without sacrificing taste.

Hummus Recipe:
4 garlic cloves- minced and then mashed
2 15-oz cans of garbanzo beans drained/rinsed
2/3 cup of roasted tahini
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Just blend together and serve. It makes a great appetizer or a great protein-filled addition to dinner (spreading it on sandwiches and wraps is a fantastic way to sneak it in.)

Being a vegetarian in college can be difficult, but is by no means an impossible feat. Being inspired by your own personal reasons for doing so and planning out meals ahead of time will ensure consistent commitment to the lifestyle, as well as contribute to the ease of success being a non-meat eater will bring.

Open Your Truck Beds and Let's Tailgate

By: Harry Knolle

There is no secret that Florida State University is well known for its football. However there is one aspect of game days here at FSU that many fans feel is being overlooked: tailgating.

Tailgating is a time-honored college football tradition geared towards getting pumped up for the game, but usually it just consists of students pigging out on barbeque and a case of good ‘ole Natural Ice.

With the 2010 Seminoles getting ready to take the field this fall, students all over campus are excited for a fresh start with new head coach Jimbo Fischer, but one thing will not change with the departure of Bobby Bowden and that is their love of the tailgate.

Jordan Siegel, a senior at FSU, said, “Well this is my last year and I plan to make the best of it this season. In the past couple years our tailgates have lacked a little in my opinion. That’s not going down this year.”

In the twilight of Bowden’s career at Florida State, fans lost some of the fervor for tailgates and game day, according to Engineering student Matt London. “Don’t get me wrong. I love our team, but it gets harder and harder to get excited like I used to for football games when we have disappointing seasons.”

It’s no mystery that disappointing seasons equal disappointed fans, but there are many students who feel as if this year is going to be different because of the exodus of the legendary Bobby Bowden.

Another senior, James Campany, commented, “I’m really hopeful for our team this year. I think with Jimbo coming in it will breathe some new life into everyone.”

Fisher is also looking to make his own impact on game day preparations this year. In an attempt to connect fans with the new coach, Fischer is sponsoring his own tailgate for certain home games this year.

Fisher’s True Seminole Tailgate will be held for two and a half hours prior to home games at Wildwood Plaza near the Student Life Center and will include free food, games, door prizes and a DJ.

The new tailgate was created in the hopes of bringing fans together to celebrate the ‘Noles in a family environment where no alcohol is permitted.

It remains to be seen if this will become an FSU tradition, but Fisher is taking a crack at making his own mark on the history of Florida State football.

For more information about Jimbo’s True Seminole Tailgate, visit tailgate.fsu.edu.

This Could Save Your Life

By: Mae Brown

The FSU Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit is offering a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) class for women.

This class is essential to women who would like to learn how to defend themselves from violence and deter possible offenders. It is not exclusive to students and, except where noted, is open to all women in the community.


RAD is a fun, free way to meet other women in the area while working in tandem to make our community a safer place. There is a minimum of eight students needed for each class, so it is encouraged to bring friends and family members along.

“I live alone and a class like this would really help me feel more secure,” said Melanie Chaney, who is studying Pharmacy. “I would like to learn how to defend myself.”

A number of RAD classes are scheduled:
Class #1: September 14, 16 Tues/Thurs 6 pm-9 pm
Class #2: October 23 and 30 Saturdays 9 am-4 pm
Class #3: November 1, 3, 8, 10 Mon/Wed 6 pm-9 pm

Attendance is mandatory except during voluntary simulation. The course is 12 hours long with the last three making up part of the voluntary simulation. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is suggested in case there are any changes to the schedule of classes.

If you are an FSU student, you can also take RAD as a credit course. When registering with FSU, the course number is PEM1405 and will count towards one elective credit upon completion.

You can register by contacting the FSU Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit: Officer Chris Fender, 850-644-3660, cfender@admin.fsu.edu, or Officer Garrett Williams, 850-644-1388, gwillia2@admin.fsu.edu. (Leave your name and contact number along with the class you wish to attend.)

Campus Craze

By: Brandi Lessner

Gregory Krause, Criminal Justice















“I am 22 and I got my tattoo when I was 18. Some people get “trust” rings. I got my girlfriend one and she got me a tattoo in the shape of a band. Since I’m still with my same girlfriend, I’m very happy about it.”

Anthony Finn, Business, Finance, and Management















“I got it freshman year of college when I was 18. My tattoo is a quote from my favorite book, which is The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, and it says ‘The ends justify the means.” I got it because it’s my life philosophy and I wanted to see it every morning when I look in the mirror but the artist wouldn’t do it backwards.”

Chelsea Trickel, Hospitality Management















“I had this tattoo done two years ago. I drew it myself and my dad came with me to get it. I still love it and it means a lot to me. It means trust and never ending life.”

Rebecca Gause, Communication Disorders













“I got my first tattoo two weeks ago for my 21 birthday. It’s a lily and I got it in memory of my sister who passed away because it was her favorite flower. I love it.”

Nesha, Biology















“I got this when I was a freshman and now I sort of regret it. I just got it because I was 18 and could get a tattoo. I didn’t really think about it.”

Samantha Siegel, Communication Disorders


















“I got this when I was a freshman and my friends and I just wanted to do a cool college thing. I still love it but my family hates it.”

Charles Beckford, Marketing
















“I had the black one done in 2005 and the red one in 2006. The black one doesn’t mean anything but the red one says ‘The voice of compassion is in all enlightened beings.’ I liked it because in Hindu religion they start and end all prayers with that. I still love them because, even though no one usually notices, I always have them for me.”

Cecily Armengol, Psychology and Pre-Med















“I did this about two years ago. It’s an infinity symbol; to me it means infinite possibilities. I still love it.”

Cybill Shaffer, Editing, Writing, and Media



















“I got my tattoo January of 2010. My reasoning for getting it (other than the fact that I love the Lion King) is because I have a tendency to get stressed out. Hakuna Matata means “no worries” so it helps to calm me down. I love it.

MEISA: Music, Entertainment Industry Group

By: Cybill Shaffer

In today’s society, music is huge. It’s one of the fastest growing majors in the country, and it becomes more and more eclectic and widely loved with each passing year.

While music has always been a vastly enjoyed thing, this generation goes about showing their appreciation a little differently. Love for music is expressed in situations as insignificant as a mere Facebook status, but also can be a decorated mass of lyrics tattooed on their bodies. The music industry, despite troubling economic times, is booming and available positions are often directed towards those who have experience with that particular avenue.

The Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association (or “MEISA”) is just the place to gain knowledge as it provides FSU students with real hands-on experience with being a part of music production. Rachel Schopler, public relations chair of MEISA, enthusiastically explained that every piece of work done in the group is student produced — every band member, editor and designer is a student, just like you.

It’s understood that not everyone is blessed with the gift of song or the ability to perform. A general love for music is all that is required to become a part of MEISA and continued interested could lead you down a path of possible careers in music.

This isn’t just a music club. MEISA is signed by a record label called “Renegade State Records.” More information about Renegade State Records can be found at www.wix.come/renegatestaterecords/rsr.

In addition to learning and life experience, the MEISA meetings and events have guest speakers, events, an annual national conference and fundraisers. MEISA closes every year with a huge CD release party. Bands that audition successfully may each record a song that will be presented on the CD. All genres are welcome.

One of the biggest events in MEISA history will be held Sept. 17. George Clinton, the King of Funk, will be in Tallahassee and has requested that one of the bands and three State Record artists from MEISA open for him.

Tickets for students are $20 and general admission is $30. The concert will be at the old Sam Goody in the Tallahassee Mall, and doors open at 8 pm.

Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at 7 pm in HMU125. All of the members of the organization are very flexible and have expressed that consistent time and location conflicts can be amended accordingly.

Hurricane Preparedness

By: Mae Brown

It’s hurricane season. Are you prepared? With the Atlantic hurricane season lasting through the end of November, we’re not out of hot water yet.

Whether you reside on campus or off, it is important to be prepared as well as knowledgeable. How are students keeping abreast of hurricane safety tips and taking the necessary precautions?

“I’ve never taken precautions on my own, but if I needed to, I would probably take my dog to a boarding house if I had to evacuate,” said Zach Rhoads, a Business major. “Living off campus, you have to take care of yourself, but on-campus I feel like the precautions are already put into place for you.”

James Miller, a Mass Media and Sociology senior, said, “I’m not really doing anything because I don’t feel that we are that at risk.”

There are university directives put into place to facilitate the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff in case of severe weather. Text message alerts are sent to those who register their numbers with Blackboard, and there is also a warning siren put out by the campus police when imminent action must be taken to find shelter, etc.

“At times I feel that we get so many alerts that it becomes an overload and they become kind of easy to dismiss, but I see the importance of them and I believe that it is important that this system is in place and we continue to use it,” Miller said. “I think it is important to know the basics and what sort of services you can utilize. We don’t really get a lot of high risk alerts in this area but it is important to be aware of the standard precautions and community services that are available in such an event.”

The National Hurricane Center offers these tips:
1. Develop a family plan: Go over with everyone where/when you will
evacuate and assign tasks to each person (for example, packing blankets, filling up water jugs).
2. Make boarding arrangements for pets in the event that you cannot
bring them to an emergency shelter.
3. Create a disaster supply kit: Items such as a first aid, canned food, a battery-operated radio and medicine.
4. Secure your home: Board up windows. Secure things in the yard that
could become projectiles in the harsh wind.

Hurricane safety is an important issue for everyone and must not be taken lightly. By being well-informed and staying on top of the weather reports and local broadcasts, you can better prepare for situations that may arise. Remember to plot a safety plan and be aware of evacuation routes and shelters near your area.

Global Pathways

By: Maria Llorens

FSU students don’t have to be International Affairs majors to prove that they have global ambitions. Undergraduate or graduate students looking to expand their cultural horizons academically and professionally can turn to the Global Pathways Certificate (GPC) program.

This recent initiative, begun in 2008, gives students the opportunity to track their multicultural experiences in a useful and organized manner.

“The program was created to recognize and encourage students to become global citizens while taking advantage of existing on-campus activities and opportunities abroad,” said Dr. Cadence Kidwell, director of the program.

Students of any major are encouraged to participate, especially those from academic tracks that don’t contain a multicultural component.

The certificate can be pursued at any time, though Dr. Kidwell encourages students to begin as early as possible. “We’d like to see students as early as freshmen year in order to help them complete the requirements and select electives,” Dr. Kidwell said.

Certificate-seekers begin by choosing from one of eleven themes, including Women’s Studies, International Business and Global Hunger.

“I chose to participate because I wanted to learn more about other countries and their cultures, politics, etc.,” said Tabinda Syed, an FSU senior. The GPC is channeled towards that sort of learning in a way that I felt would be even more convenient, engaging and enjoyable than picking up a second major geared towards that.”

The program requires students to take four courses related to their theme, study a language, participate in either a study abroad program or an on-campus sustained cross-cultural experience, and participate in eight relevant on-campus activities and events.

The final component required to complete the certificate is a synthesis and reflection project, usually an essay, which pushes students to articulate their experiences.

Dr. Kidwell said the Global Pathways Certificate is “inspired by other colleges but is unique. Learning is outcome-based and inclusive of many student experiences.”

Completion can be retroactive, since students who are farther along their academic career are allowed to submit work done prior to joining the program officially.

“The program makes completing the various requirements accessible with the approved course list and upcoming campus events,” said Kelsey Gilbert, an FSU senior.

One such event, “The International Coffee Hour,” is held every Friday afternoon in the Center for Global Engagement, and local FSU students can meet and chat with international students over snacks and coffee. “Had it not been for the GPC,” Gilbert said, “I wouldn’t have gone to events such as the ‘More Alike than Different Dinner’ with the Middle East Peace Association and ‘Bollywood Bash: an Indian Cultural Showcase.’”

The GPC also offers “International Exchanges,” which allow students to study abroad at select international universities while paying FSU tuition, as if they were on-campus. Dr. Kidwell emphasizes that the program seeks to offer students multicultural perspectives without expensive fees.

One of Dr. Kidwell’s goals for students who complete the certificate is to have them achieve comparable levels of “intercultural sensitivity, regardless of where they start.” This new awareness is helpful on-campus as well, not only abroad.

“The programs I’ve participated in involved working with international students, and I’ve realized how their outstanding work and research is drastically underrepresented,” said Student Body President Dustin Daniels, an FSU senior.

The tangible result for all students is an additional academic credential, which appears on a student’s transcript, and “can be a great opener in job interviews because it is specific to FSU and generally unknown,” said Dr. Kidwell.

There are also personally and professionally fulfilling results.

“After I graduate, I want to work in an international setting, particularly in the realm of international law and human rights, and the GPC human rights track complements my interests and goals perfectly,” said Mary Correia, an FSU junior.

“The Global Pathways Certificate indicates on graduate school and job applications that a student possesses diverse perspectives, adaptability to new situations, and an ability to work with different kinds of people,” said Carolyn Barringer, graduate assistant for Global Pathways.

More information on the Global Pathways Certificate program can be found at www.global.fsu.edu or on their Facebook page by searching for Global Pathways @ FSU.

EVENTS

Wednesday, Sept. 15

Sleepy Sun

Club Downunder, Doors 8:30 pm, Show 9:30 pm

Thursday, Sept.16

Union Productions Volunteer All Call

Club Downunder, 7 pm

FSA General Assembly

311E Union, 7-9 pm

Thursday, Sept. 30

Undergraduate Research & Creative Award Symposium

Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center

5:30 - 8:30 pm

TIPS Meetings Listing - Week of Sept. 8

Mondays

Amnesty International

320 Ogelsby Union, 7 pm

Tuesdays

Global Peace Exchange

Center for Global Engagement, 7 pm

Thursdays

College Democrats

205 HCB, 7 pm

CPE: Center for Participant Education

303k Union, 7 pm

TIPS Movies Listing - Week of Sept. 8

Wednesday, Sept. 8

The Secret of Kells

SLC, 8 & 10:15 pm

Thursday, Sept. 9

Get Him to the Greek

SLC, 8 & 10:15 pm

Friday Sept. 10

Get Him to the Greek

SLC, 7 & 9:45 pm

Blue Velvet

SLC, 11:55 pm

Send your event invitations to our Facebook page at facebook.com/FsuSgaTips to be featured in the future Event listings.

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Tiffany's Corner


By: Tiffany Lettsome

Come learn about different multicultural organizations all over campus! Now is a great time to attend general interest meetings for various student groups.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. The Hispanic Latin Student Union is having their first general body meeting in the GME Auditorium on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7 pm. The Filipino Student Association has a general assembly meeting Thursday, Sept. 16, in 311E Union from 7-9 pm.

Release your inner Picasso at Paint-a-Pot in the Union. There you can choose from a variety of pre-made ceramics from heart-shaped plates to sushi bowls. You can go by anytime during regular hours, and there is no registration required. Your selection includes unlimited paint time, glaze and clear coat firing.

Get your tailgate on! Enjoy free food, games, door prizes and DJ at Jimbo’s True Seminole Tailgate. Available for home games, two hours before kick-off at Wildwood Plaza (located near the Student Life Cinema), the next tailgate is Saturday, Sept. 18, for our game vs. Bringham Young University. See tailgate.fsu.edu for more information.

Are you frustrated with politics? Come out to the Union Green from Sept. 13 – Sept. 16, 11 am – 2 pm, and participate in the Voters Registration Drive brought to you by several groups, including the HLSU, BSU and SGA.