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 CafĂ©, 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.