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UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

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Riley beats buzzer for the win

Spinnaker January 28, 2009

With no time left on the clock, senior guard Cortez Riley shot the winning basket to lead the Ospreys to a 55-53 win Jan. 25 against Stetson University at the Edmunds Center. The UNF men’s basketball...

Sports in Brief – Jan. 28

Spinnaker January 28, 2009

Swimming ends with win The UNF Swimming and Diving team ended their regular season with a win Jan. 24 against Georgia Southern with a score of 177-119. Senior diver Emily Eisenhower and senior swimmers...

Ospreys defeat ranked opponent to win 4-3

Spinnaker January 28, 2009

Junior Federico Levi and the UNF men’s tennis team beat Georgia State University 4-3 to win its home opener Jan. 25 at the UNF Tennis Complex. Levi defeated Georgia State’s nationally ranked Nejc...

11 Things you need to know about Jeff Dennis

Spinnaker January 28, 2009

Senior communication major Jeff Dennis didn’t dream of being a professional golfer in kindergarten. In fact, he didn’t even think about playing the game until he was 11 years old. But now, 10 years...

"Top Five" Delightfully Bad NFL Theme Songs

Spinnaker January 27, 2009

In honor of the Super Bowl, it's time to salute the time-honored and horrible idea of athletes, fans and "musicians" coming together to ignite their team to glory. It seems no one is content leaving music...

YouTube clip of the week – Jan. 28

Spinnaker January 27, 2009

1985 Bears - "Super Bowl Shuffle"

Staff Blog: Best NFL players of all-time

Spinnaker January 22, 2009
I just finished watching the movie "The Express" and it got me think about the best NFL players of all-time at each position. With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, I decided to come up with a list. Here's my top three and most over rated of each given position.

Video: 2009 UNF Intl rugby coverage

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Interview with Leeds Rhino Captain Kevin Sinfield at the Rhino Stampede Florida 2009 Press Conference [HTML1] Interview with Tony Pashos and Adam Podlesh of the Jacksonville Jaguars [HTML2] Interview with...

Editorial: The arts should not be first to go

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

The Fine Arts Center series is under scrutiny as budget reductions force administrators to cut educational programs some believe are non-essential. Reading, writing and arithmetic are the three foundational...

Analysis: ‘Change’ same as ‘compassionate conservatism’

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

In the era of Bush’s version of “compassionate conservatism,” the size and scope of the government has dramatically increased, which is seemingly at odds with Republicans’ supposed love of free-markets. And...

Commentary: Internships prove invaluable for students

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

By day, I was a professional reporter for the Florida Times-Union, attending press conferences and conducting interviews with the wealthy and influential of Jacksonville. You could find me feverishly...

Letter to the Editor: Proud to be an American in historic times

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Dear Editor, Today is a day of unity in the history of America as we come together to celebrate the inauguration of our 44th president. Even though we face unprecedented economic and environmental challenges,...

Letter to the Editor: Biking to work can fix parking problems

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Dear Editor, Thanks for your article on the need for Jacksonville to become more bicycle friendly. I have been a bicycle commuter for 14 years, five of them here in Jacksonville to UNF. Everyone always...

Spring Bash: Clubs offer campus entertainment

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Club Alliance, an agency of Student Government, hosted Spring Bash Jan. 15 on the Green. Nearly 100 on-campus clubs set up tables to inform students about their initiatives and how they can join. Free...

"Top Five" winter songs

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Cold weather got you down? If the recent cold snap has you questioning if you actually live in Florida and your cabin fever has reached a critical level, you should at least have a soundtrack to accompany...

Collective quenches music lovers’ thirst

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

New York City’s quartet of weirdos, Animal Collective, fails to disappoint on its second release on the Domino label, “Merriweather Post Pavilion.” Noah Lennox (Panda Bear), David Porter (Avey...

Making history: Inauguration draws hundreds to UNF Library

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Growing up in Kenya, Libran Jirmo never thought he would see a black president of the U.S. in his lifetime. Facing stereotypes, racism and a lack of freedom every day throughout the majority...

Special legislative session leads to 4 percent budget cut

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

  Florida lawmakers approved a $2.8 billion package of budget cuts, reserve runs and fee increases, ending their 10-day special session Jan. 14. Educational spending will feel the brunt of...

Shuttle system expands to accommodate growth

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

  After a year in service, the Osprey Connector shuttle has made some adjustments in service to improve the overall quality offered to UNF students, officials said. To increase visibility,...

Speaker to discuss disaster philosophy

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Each semester, UNF invites several “distinguished” persons in the community and nation to speak in the Distinguished Voices lecture series. There are four speakers lined up for the Spring 2009...

Geeks bike across country for a cause

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Taking a road trip from New Jersey to Oregon seems like a pretty plausible idea and is somewhat expected of college graduates squeezing in a last bit of freedom. But what about doing it on bikes during...

Commentary: Inside the Huddle – Jan. 21

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Josh Salman Managing Editor Jason Yugratis Features Editor Rachel Elsea Copy Editor Pigskin Potanken Extreme Jaguar Fan Question 1: After retiring in 2005, Lance Armstrong made a comeback...

Bikes are simple mode of transportation, hot item

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

  Whether they park, skate or bike, students on campus are always trying to find the best way to get around. And while some circle the parking garages, others find a spot in Lot 18 and wait...

News in brief Jan. 20

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Students receive $1,000 award Seven $1,000 grants were given to UNF junior and senior construction management majors at the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s 2008 Installation and Awards...

Big hits bring big smiles

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

During the Leeds Rhinos’ Rugby match vs. the Salford Reds Jan. 19, thousands of fans showed how much support UNF could give to a football on their campus. The Leeds Rhinos pulled out a 12-10 win...

Our Two Sense – Jan. 21

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Mike Tomassoni Art Director Rebecca McKinnon Staff Writer Klajdi Stratoberdha Business Manager Jason Yugratis Features Editor What issue would motivate you to advocate for it by riding...

Sports in Brief – Jan. 21

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Volleyball signs Bolduc UNF volleyball head coach Kevin Campbell announced the signing of Kristen Bolduc to a Letter of Intent for the 2009 season Jan. 16. A former club teammate of the current Osprey...

Secretive Fed unveils new plans for credit crisis

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

    By Kevin G. Hall - McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) With its benchmark lending rate effectively at zero, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in a move without modern precedent, on...

Around the State, Nation, & World Jan. 20

Spinnaker January 21, 2009
Widespread optimism about President Barack Obama’s inauguration celebration in Washington negatively correlated to Wall Street. The major indexes plunged more than 4 percent Jan. 20, while the Dow slipped below 8,000, as new fears about the stability of America’s biggest banks roiled the markets

Army program provides leadership training

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

A new Army ROTC program has been established at UNF. The four-year training program can be chosen as an addition to students’ original program of study and will prepare students for future careers...

Jan. 11 – Jan. 19

Spinnaker January 21, 2009
Jan. 19 – Drug violation (UNF Drive) – A speeding vehicle was stopped at 2:30 a.m. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car. The driver admitted to smoking a joint. A search of the vehicle revealed a little more than 2 grams of marijuana hidden in the center console.

Team sets records but loses meet

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

The UNF women’s swim team was no match against Florida Gulf Coast Jan. 17, as the Ospreys lost to the Eagles 129-71. Although the result was a loss, Sophomore freestyle swimmer LynAnn Nelson broke...

Dolphins shut down UNF shooters

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

The UNF women’s basketball team made several line-up changes Jan. 15 in its home-game loss to Jacksonville University 61-42. The Ospreys trailed almost the entire game after the Dolphins added 34...

Team falters under pressure

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

The UNF men’s basketball team lost 78-38 Jan. 15 to cross-town rival Jacksonville University in the biggest home loss in the program’s history. Tip-off was about the only thing UNF won Thursday...

Coach goes barefoot on sidelines for a global cause

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

No shoes, no shirt, no problem. Men’s basketball head coach Matt Kilcullen went shoeless Jan. 15 at UNF’s home game against cross-town rival Jacksonville University hoping to create attention...

Video: Youtube of week Jan. 20

Spinnaker January 21, 2009

Q: How can you go wrong with guys dressed in '70s garb, mustaches and choreographed dancing in a wooded paradise? A: You can't! Not only is the videography amazing in this clip, the song is ridiculously...

Photo Gallery: UNF's inauguration watch party

Spinnaker January 20, 2009

[HTML1] Several hundred UNF students gathered around TVs at the Library, the Student Government office and room 1605 in the Robinson Center Jan 20., to witness an historic inauguration of the first black...

Photo Gallery: Intl Rugby, Rhino's v Reds

Spinnaker January 20, 2009
The Leeds Rhino were able to come back at the end of the game with a try within the last two minutes of the game, in injury time, to beat the Reds on Jan. 17. This is the second year in a row that UNF has hosted an international rugby match.

Staff Blog: 44th President

Spinnaker January 20, 2009

The inauguration of the 44th U.S. president ended about an hour ago and I am confident that no matter where one was they were watching it. I was not going to watch it, but decided to turn on the television...

Staff Blog: State newspapers break news, to governor

Spinnaker January 15, 2009
Today's -Jan. 15 - breaking news, and statements by Florida's highest official.

On- and off -campus restaurant inspection violations

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

The recent inspections for on-campus dining facilities show each is up to par, passing with minimal violations at each location. The inspections are conducted by the Duval County Health Department and...

UNF gambles with Florida Lottery sales

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Grass will always grow, and the sun will always rise, but the sustainability of some so-called “recession-proof” industries – sex, booze and gambling – are withering amidst cloudy economic conditions. For...

International Dinner

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Nearly 150 students attended the International Dinner Jan. 8, hosted by the Interfaith Center. The dinner was sponsored by Jacksonville Campus Ministry, which provided a Chinese-cuisine meal to celebrate...

Task force seeks to improve impression of student advising

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Less than one-fourth of UNF students evaluate undergraduate advising as “excellent,” based on the recent National Survey of Student Engagement results. And regrettably, that group decreases as students...

The New Around

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

AROUND THE STATE Crist, lawmakers work to fill $2.3 billion budget deficit Gov. Charlie Crist announced Jan. 13 he could veto some aspects of the budget deficit-elimination package lawmakers are scheduled...

UNF recognized as ‘Best Value’

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

There’s no place like this, no one like you and nowhere cheaper to go to school. The Princeton Review recently announced UNF as one of the 100 “Best Value Colleges for 2009,” the fourth consecutive...

Economic woes expected to worsen

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

The economy will get worse before it gets better this year as housing prices continue to fall, unemployment rates rise and the gross domestic product contracts. That’s what economists across the political...

News in Brief – Jan. 14

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Employees at career expo UNF Career Services has scheduled a Winter Career Expo from 1 to 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at the University Center. Networking opportunities will be made available with approximately 70...

Editorial: Athletes successful on, off court

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

College classes can be tough, especially when students are also working part-time or involved in an extracurricular activity. And since school is already a full-time job, when these multiple responsibilities...

Our Two Sense

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Mike Tomassoni Art Director Rebecca McKinnon Staff Writer Rachel Elsea Copy Editor Jason Yugratis Features Editor What should be President-elect Barack Obama’s first step of action be in the White...

Commentary: Obama’s plan devalues education

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

With the inauguration of Mr. Change himself upon us, President-elect Barack Obama has promised to revamp the financial aid process for institutions of higher learning while dishing out $4,000 to every...

Commentary: Inaguration sure to make history, one to be proud of

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

The presidential inauguration is a day of new beginnings, rites of passage and change. It’s the president’s opportunity to declare his administration’s initiatives and set the tone for his entire...

Analysis: Jacksonville needs more accessible bike lanes

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

A wheelchair-user can make his or her way around Jacksonville quite easily, with the availability of wheelchair-accessible vans, entrances and doors. In fact, it is required by the 1990 Americans with...

Fifteen minutes can lead to lasting peace

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

UNF junior political science major Jason Kroitor recently took a trip to Israel, which happened to coincide with the beginning of the latest Israel-Hamas conflict. Kroitor, the president of the Student’s...

YouTube clip of the week

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

International signs and Misinterpretations This clip from short-lived early ‘90s MTV sketch comedy show “The State” shows how not knowing “international signs” (like the international sign for...

"Top Five" inauguration songs

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

At noon Jan. 20, President-elect Barack Obama will officially be sworn in as the 44th president of the U.S. The official theme for the 2009 inauguration is “Renewing America’s Promise.” But slogans...

Los Campesinos! brings beauty, doom to Jacksonville

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Welsh septet Los Campesinos! – an obvious misnomer loosely translated as “farmers” or “peasants” – will perform at Jacksonville venue Jack Rabbits Jan. 19 in support of its latest album “We...

Game plan: Win academically

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Being a Division I athlete at UNF and bringing the same competitiveness they show on the court into the classroom can be a full-time job. UNF student athletes, with an overall average GPA of 3.0, recently...

Commentary: Inside the Huddle – Jan. 14, 2009

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

Josh Salman Managing Editor James Cannon II Assistant News Editor Rebecca McKinnon Staff Writer Heather Furey Assistant Sports Editor Question 1: Former NBA Basketball star Charles Barkley...

Ospreys set highest margin of victory

Spinnaker January 14, 2009
The UNF men’s basketball team defeated Atlantic Sun rival Kennesaw State University Jan. 9 66-44 for its first win in conference play and largest margin of victory against an NCAA Division I opponent. UNF (3-12, 1-4 A-Sun) snapped a four-game losing streak and kept Kennesaw State to 16 points in the second half. Four of UNF’s starters scored in double figures led by freshman forward Matt Sauey, who scored 15 points. UNF out-rebounded Kennesaw State 48-33 and pulled down 20 offensive rebounds, which accounted for 19 second-chance points. Junior guard Germaine Sparkes led the way for the Ospreys with a career-high 13 rebounds. Jonathan Whipple also collected a team high six rebounds for Kennesaw State.

Track gets roaring start at Tiger Invite

Spinnaker January 14, 2009
The UNF track and field teams set the bar high for their 2009 season after competing in the Clemson Tiger Invite Jan. 9-10. Both the men and women’s teams took second place out of eight teams in the distance medley, an event showcasing runners in 1200m, 800m, 400m and the 1600m as they raced for the best overall time. The UNF field team did not score as well.

Owls defense shuts down Ospreys

Spinnaker January 14, 2009

The UNF women’s basketball team lost 60-50 to Kennesaw State University Jan. 8 after controlling the lead for most of the first half. UNF made 16 of its 32 shots in the first half to finish with...

Staff Blog: The semester starts…

Spinnaker January 13, 2009
I don't know about you, but the holidays came and went pretty quickly. The break may have included travel, gift-giving and for most people, hanging out with loved ones. By the time the New Year rolled around, I couldn't think of anything to change in 2009.

Fees will increase, services to follow

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
During tough financial times, students will have to prepare themselves for another increased expense.The UNF Board of Trustees approved a $1.33 per-credit-hour student fee increase for the 2009-2010 academic year after a two-month series of meetings that began in October.

Delaney promises to extend Library hours

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
President John Delaney promised to fund additional Library opening hours as a response to Student Government’s efforts to extend the Library’s availability – a promise made in the fall campaign of the Red Party. The Library will now be opened Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays remain unchanged. After receiving the funding, the Library’s new schedule will start Jan. 20 and will create an additional 12 hours each week.

Meet the new sheriff in town

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
After almost nine years as UNF police chief, Mark Foxworth stepped down from his post to become a street cop for the Fernandina Beach Police Department. Assistant Chief John Dean took Foxworth’s place Dec. 13 as the new police chief of UPD. The Spinnaker sat down with him to discuss his past experience, his new role on campus and his plans for the future of UPD.

Book claims cell phones aid learning

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Cell phones have become unwelcome in most schools because of fears about cheating, distractions and the reality that some students have used them to take and spread inappropriate pictures. But a new book written by an educator argues cell phones also are educational. Cell phones can be a handy way for teachers to supplement their lessons, said Liz Kolb, an adjunct professor at Madonna University. But before she can convince students, she has to get through to teachers.

A view from the inside

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Student Health Services is evolving into what Director of Health Administration Doreen Perez called “a one-stop shop for the students.” The medical center is now able to evolve further as it is the recipient of a brand new digital X-ray machine, Perez said. Distinguished UNF alumnus Dr. Syam Paryani, a Jacksonville radiation oncologist, made the addition possible through various contributions to the Brooks College of Health.

The News Around

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Crist discusses plans for state budget deficit, Democrat politicians embroiled in scandal, Isreali troops push into Gaza, only one soldier dead

News in Brief – Jan. 7

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Meeting scheduled for those interested in running for SG, Nominations for the 2008-2009 UNF Faculty Awards for Distinguished Professor,

Editorial: UNF shines in rainy financial season

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
UNF administrators did a very smart thing a few years ago. They began planning and putting money away for a rainy day. And with the state, local and national economy facing a downturn and learning institutions across Florida being hampered by budget cuts, that rainy day has now come. But while other state institutions are scrambling to avoid drastic measures, UNF only has to tap into its reserve funds. The result: UNF accomplished a feat many other state universities could not – improving the learning level by bettering the campus community.

Our Two Sense

Spinnaker January 7, 2009

Mike Tomassoni Art Director John Weidner Assistant Sports Editor Rachel Elsea Copy Editor James Cannon II Assistant News Editor With more budget cuts targeted to affect Florida universities...

Commentary: Free-market economics benefit students, staff

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
In times of economic downturns and the complete removal of free-market principles from macro-economics, an instance of resourceful capitalism is a refreshing sight, especially since this solution came from a government worker. Tom Farber, a San Diego high school teacher, was recently faced with a serious budget crisis: his copy budget for tests and quizzes was cut by one-third. He estimated his expenses for the school year at more than $500 while his budget was reduced to a little less than $300. Rather than complain about a lack of educational funding while either paying for copies out of pocket – which isn’t a possibility for some educators considering their paltry salary – or simply omitting the exams – to the detriment of the students – he decided to sell advertising space on his copies.

Ospreys blown away by Hurricanes

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
The UNF men’s basketball team might have had a bitter taste in its mouth to start the new year Dec. 31 after losing to the University of Miami 94-41. The Hurricanes’ performance began with a 9-0 run, holding the Ospreys scoreless for more than seven minutes. UNF freshman guard Cameron Lovlace put the Ospreys on the scoreboard with a 3-pointer to cut the lead 9-3 early in the game.

Commentary: Navy treading on endangered waters

Spinnaker January 7, 2009

The smallest rabbit known to man, the pygmy rabbit, could fit in the palm of a hand – its fluffy fur and big floppy ears balled together to form one adorable little bunny. Not only was it cute, but...

Athletes succeed in classroom without ‘lavish’ help

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Dear Editor, I am writing this in response to the wire services article printed in the Dec. 3 issue of the Spinnaker, “Universities offer lavish academic centers for student athletes.” The article deemed lavish academic centers necessary for student athletes who might not be intellectually equipped to do university-level work. This article not only carried a bias with it but also misled readers by only acknowledging one viewpoint.

2008: The best TV, movies and music

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
TV 1. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season four might be the best season yet. Featuring episodes like “Who Pooped the Bed?,” “The Gang Solves the Gas Crisis” and season finale “The Nightman Cometh,” the gang from Paddy’s Pub certainly outdid itself. The ability to self-deprecate with dark and always-controversial humor, “It’s Always Sunny” has cemented itself as the funniest show on cable.

YouTube clip of the week

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
George W. Bush, Turkey Bowling? Ol’ Dubya’s at it again ... well, not again; this video actually takes place back in 2000, but it looks more like 1985. Before he was starting wars and ruining the economy, he was apparently throwing groceries at other groceries on some sort of public access show. Not pictured: Dick Cheney shooting at the turkey).

"Top Five" songs to celebrate the new year

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Unlike Christmas songs, which flood malls and living rooms with mediocrity for what seems like months, there are very few New Year’s related songs out there. Of course there’s the classic “Auld Lang Syne,” but it was recorded in the late 1700s. Here’s a few New Year’s songs that weren’t recorded before the Civil War to get 2009 started on the right foot.

Oddball Antics

Spinnaker January 7, 2009

HE’S WHAT WE CALL A PRIME SUSPECT A man stole 15 San Antonio Express News vending machines, took them to a motel room to empty out the money, then left. His one mistake: He registered at the motel using...

A full-tilt effort to save pinball

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
If pinball is going to come back, to regain rock-opera level cultural primacy rather than more pizza-parlor corner dust, it probably starts with scenes such as this: In the foreground there is a father, petroleum engineer Mark Henderson. “My son’s Joshua,” he said. “He is 11 years old. He’s a pinball wizard out of Plainfield, Ill.” In the background there is Josh, a tall, bespectacled boy, leaning into a pinball game with a NASCAR theme. His look is intent, his chest touching the table’s end, his eyes over the top of the flippers.

Road game brings lessons home

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
In an effort to defeat East Tennessee State University, the UNF women’s basketball team fell short of its goal in a 42-56 loss Jan. 5 at the Memorial Center. The Ospreys still showed improvement in their average point deficit going into their match against ETSU, averaging a 29-point spread after turning the ball more than 29 times and going 0-for-5 past the 3-point line. “I think we did make some improvements, but with the roller coaster ride we as a team have been on, its been a challenge,” said head coach Mary Tappmeyer. “Im happy with the measures we were able to make, but were never happy with a lose.”

Veteran coach makes hall of fame

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
After talking to UNF Baseball Coach Dusty Rhodes, one might wonder whether it was Rhodes or UNF that was voted to be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Rhodes, who has served as UNF’s head baseball coach for 21 years, has established a resume that includes work with the Milwaukee Brewers, coaching several Olympic baseball teams for various countries and being a staple of UNF sports. “This honor would have never happened if I wasn’t the coach at the University of North Florida,” Rhodes said. “I can’t thank some of the original members of the Osprey Club and [former athletic director] Tom Healy enough for taking a chance on me. We’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of success. This is a great honor because it is voted on by your peers, and the coaches in this hall of fame are legends.”

Inside the huddle Jan. 7 2009

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
Jason Yurgartis Features Editor Chad Smith Graphic Designer Rebecca McKinnon Staff Writer Heather Furey Assistant Sports Editor
Question 1: Will the NHL’s now annual outdoor hockey game help the league bring in more fans in the future?
This is honestly the coolest thing the NHL has ever done. But one novelty game a year isn’t going to save a sport most people in America only watch for the fights. Yes, I think it will because outdoor events all over the country bring a new type of atmosphere when hockey games are played in untraditional stadiums that host the event. Depends when and where the league holds it. Being born and raised in Florida, I wouldn’t sit outside that long in the cold. The only way hockey will bring in more fans is if Vincent Lecavalier, ”the Michael Jordan of Hockey,” plays on every NHL team.

Sports in Brief – Jan. 7

Spinnaker January 7, 2009
UNF Swimming falls to UNC Willmington The UNF Women’s swimming lost 149-238 against UNC Wilmington Jan. 3 at the UNF Aquatic Center. Senior diver Emily Eisenhower took first in both 1 and three-meter diving. Eisenhower has now recorded at least one first place finish in four consecutive duels and has 18 first place showings. Compiled by Heather Furey.

Staff Blog: UNF receives attention from ESPN

Spinnaker December 18, 2008
After visting ESPN’s website on December 17, I was taken aback to see the UNF men's basketball team featured on the website’s homepage. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that the article, which centered around a 76-36 UNF loss to No. 25 Clemson, had little to do with any improvements UNF has made on the court. Rather than focusing on UNF’s attempt to keep up with Clemson Whelliston’s article had a much different objective: explaining the $80,000 paycheck UNF received to get crushed by Clemson. However, the author, Kyle Whelliston, did have a few words of praise to say about UNF’s effort.

Staff Blog: The recruiting system is broken

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
A nine-year-old boy’s father recently posted a video on YouTube of his son playing basketball with hopes it will catch the eye of an NCAA recruiter. The young boy is actually very good for his age, and the clip has already been viewed more than a million times. University of Florida football coach Urban Meyer sent hundreds of text messages to recruits to avoid the NCAA limit on phone calls, and found another recruit’s girlfriend a gymnastics scholarship at UF just to sweeten the deal, according to a Gainesville Sun report. What do the two have in common? They are both examples of how NCAA recruiting has gone too far.

Tuition to rise again

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Gov. Charlie Crist announced a plan Nov. 21 that will allow each of Florida’s 11 public universities to recommend tuition rate increases up to $370 per semester next year, according to the Florida Board of Governors. The plan is scheduled to allow each university the ability to recommend tuition rate increases up to 15 percent annually as long as schools are actively working toward the governor’s 10-point plan – a plan geared to lower the gap between Florida’s tuition and the national average. “A well-educated workforce opens the door to endless opportunities for every Floridian and for the Sunshine State,” Crist said in a statement. “By working together, my administration, the Legislature and the higher education community can make our universities stronger than ever. This proposal is an example of the improvements we can make for college students by bringing stakeholders together.” The state Legislature will initially raise tuition to adjust for inflation. After that, it will be up to each university’s Board of Trustees to recommend any further tuition hikes.

More students attending grad school as job market declines

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Current economic and job market conditions have more students considering graduate school as a way to weather the financial storm and improve their outlook upon graduation. A recent survey conducted by Kaplan shows 75 percent of business schools report admissions have become more competitive at the graduate level than three years ago. And with unemployment figures in Florida at their highest in nearly 15 years, new graduates will have to decide whether going into the work world or continuing education is for them. The Test Prep and Admissions area of focus has witnessed a 200-percent increase in student attendance of seminars and practice tests in 2008, said Russel Schaffer, Kaplan senior communications manager. “The increased interest reflects a historical trend, many view grad school as a safe haven to ride out the job market,” Schaffer said.

Nov. 16 – Nov. 23

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Nov. 16 – Information (Building 50) – A student sent an e-mail to a classmate in which he suggested “taking over the entire school by force and holding hostages until demands are met.” The teacher of the two students informed UPD about the location and time of the following class meeting for security purposes. Nov. 17 – Drugs (Building S) – Housing coordinators found a minute trace amount of marijuana on the desk of a student who was removed from housing. The amount was so insignificant that it was disposed of rather than taken to the property room. Nov. 17 – Criminal mischief (Lot 10) – Two males were seen walking and writing in wet concrete. They made several words, initials and foot prints in the concrete. The suspect remains at large.

Students work to make a difference

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Hydrogen fuel cell buses and sustainable rain gauges are part of the College of Engineering’s plan to save the environment, one homework assignment at a time. Before engineers graduate from UNF, they must complete a project in two senior capstone courses, designed to give them real-world experience and create well-prepared engineers. At the heart of most projects is alternative energy, such as hydrogen fuel cells, which operate like an open battery and are constantly recharging. “Clean energy is the technology of the future,” said Rob Cooper, a senior mechanical engineering major.

News in Brief – Dec. 3

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Group gives out free ice cream to help students study, Osprey card expands to off-campus locations, Arts and crafts with Vegans, Coffee with the Presidents

Universities offer lavish academic centers for student athletes

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
The Irwin Academic Services Center at the University of Illinois is outfitted with computer labs and classrooms; staffed with tutors, counselors and learning specialists; furnished with oversized leather chairs and Oriental rugs – and off-limits to 99 percent of the student body. To get help with course work in this Tudor-style former fraternity house, which cost $6 million to adapt as a tutoring facility, a student must run track, shoot basketballs, battle the Fighting Illini’s gridiron opponents or participate in another sport. Universities across the nation are offering even more spectacular tutoring centers for student athletes, which have become a recruiting device for coaches. Louisiana State’s facility cost $15 million; at Texas A&M University, $27 million.

Second annual garbage on the green

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
The second annual Garbage on the Green event brought out 71 volunteers Nov. 19 to revive cleanliness on campus. Volunteers worked from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. picking up 115.3 pounds of trash off campus grounds before beginning the collection and auditing process. The trash collected was used to get an inside look at pollution on campus. April Moore, programming manager for the Environmental Center, said the reason behind the event was to quantify what’s in UNF’s waste stream in order to identify what’s causing such an abundance of litter. One of the most commonly collected trash items was Starbucks cups.

The News Around

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
FPL to open new solar plant, puts state No. 2 in nation,

More women at colleges, universities create gender bias

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Among college administrators it’s known as The Boy Problem. But it’s a problem that starts in grade schools, high schools and homes. Boys lag behind girls in being prepared to apply for college. While American colleges were roughly balanced between male and female students a generation ago, now most schools have more women than men. Some have a lot more. Nationally, 57 percent of undergraduates are women. And as the applicant pool continues to trend toward women, more schools are reaching the tipping point of having more than 60 percent women.

Police Beat Hall of Fame

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Every week, the Spinnaker compiles the most recent arrests, investigation updates and often humorous findings from UPD police reports. Here’s a look back at some of the most outrageous police beat moments of the Fall 2008 semester: Incidents of burned chicken nuggets, crashed golf carts and strangers terrorizing campus are all included.

Bailouts urge students to ‘End the Fed’

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
J acksonville citizens, including several UNF students, participated in the “End the Fed” rally Nov. 22 downtown at the Jacksonville Federal Reserve Building. Approximately 150 people gathered to protest the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department’s bailout of Wall Street and the planned bailout of the automakers. The rally was part of a 39-city protest. Some cities had thousands of supporters listening and chanting to Republican and emocrat elected officials who opposed thebailout. Police officers (right) were called in to videotape the protest.

Editorial: Tuition hike worth paying for

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
After hearing Gov. Charlie Crist’s plan to increase Florida college tuition annually by 15 percent for the next eight years, many college students might have a negative reaction. Most college students struggle financially, and being forced to pay more money is not an encouraging thing. But Florida in-state students currently live as royalty anyway, paying the cheapest tuition rates in the country. The plan would cap the tuition increases at the national average, and it would take seven to 10 years to even skim the surface of that level. This plan, though costly at first, will make the college degree – and the experience – more valuable. There are 15.9 million students currently enrolled in college, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and some of those are only there because someone else – a parent, grandparent, or fiancé – is forcing them.

Our Two Sense

Spinnaker December 3, 2008
Mike Tomassoni Art Director John Weidner Assistant Sports Editor Rachel Elsea Copy Editor James Cannon II Assistant News Editor
What industry should the government bail out next?
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