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Florida State students are providing free income tax assistance to lower-income families. Women in Accounting and Delta Sigma Pi at FSU have collaborated with United Way of the Big Bend to bring VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, to Tallahassee. The program is a part of the United Way of the Big Bend’s Best Project. VITA offers free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income households. It allows for families to avoid costly income tax preparers and easily claim the benefits they have earned. Until March 31, VITA volunteers will be at Strozier Library every Thursday from 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm and Saturdays – Feb. 19, 26 and March 26 –

Your Recognized Student Organizationbuys the roll of paper, HPQ1412A, we’ll print it,

and you’ll stretch your printing dollars

Study-Guide Site Goes Live By Claudia Martinez

Volunteer Income Tax AssistanceBy Amanda Fernandez

Poetic Lyricism Bringing Poetry, ModelsBy Kestrel L. Ambrose

By Tiffany Lettsome

Tiffany’sCorner

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Studying has become easier for busy students because of a new FSU-student-run website: moolaguides.com. At moolaguides.com students can buy study guides posted by their classmates. Students who make the guides upload them and then input their course codes, teachers’ names, prices and test dates. The guide-makers then send an e-mail informing their classmates that the study guide is up. Students

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Moolaguides Founders Thomas Brady, Alex Wolniewtz, David Russell

Hurt feelings may be suffered when Poetic Lyricism holds its 5th Annual Language of Lingerie poetry showcase featuring poetry, music, vocalists and modeling. The showcase, “PL After Dark,” co-sponsored with Reflections Modeling Troupe, will be Thursday, Feb. 24, from 7 pm – 10 pm in the FSU Ballrooms. Admission is free. Controversy is a point of pride for the group. “We’re not afraid to push the envelope, hurt a few feelings, or make you feel uncomfortable in order to address an issue,” said Danielle Lyn, PL’s public relations chair. “That’s what poets do. We speak on things no one else dares to, and we say the things everyone wants to say but are too scared to.” This idea sparked PL’s slogan,

Your time is now. You take your place at center stage. The mike is all yours and all eyes

are on you. You take a deep breath and wait...“Your word is hippopliophobia.” No, this is not a nightmare. It’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Relive your middle school years with the quirky competitors in this Tony winning musical comedy as they discover life is more than minding your P’s and Q’s. As part of the show, the School of Theatre is hosting a School Supply Drive to benefit Leon County Schools. Please bring new school supplies to donate when you see the show. The show will be Feb. 11 – 20 in the Fallon Theatre at FSU. Visit tickets.fsu.edu or call 644-6500 to purchase tickets. Love music or interested in breaking into the music industry? Then

you should check out MEISA: The Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association. Here you can work and go to shows, throw events, take event photography, make contacts, perform and meet guest speakers in the industry. You can also market, promote and do graphic design, and you can do that while working with Renegade State Records, FSU’s student-run record label. Contact fsumeisa@gmail.com for more information. Check out Cosmic Bowling at Crenshaw Lanes in the Union every Friday and Saturday, both at 9 p.m. The bowling alley showcases a black light setting with sound sensitive disco lighting. 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. All selections include unlimited paint time, glaze and clear coat firing.

FSU SGA Student Publications Newsletter Vol. 3, No. 9 February 2011

NEWS TO USE

from 1- Study-Guide Site Goes Live

from 1- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

from 10 am – 2 pm providing free income tax assistance to those who need it. For more info about the BEST Project, you can visit theBESTproject. org. Volunteers go through a rigorous three-hour

training session to learn the TaxWise software. The volunteers then take a certification test, which allows them to complete the tax returns for the residents of the Big Bend.

“I’m glad I can take the time to help others,” said Andrea Ramos, president of Women in Business and VITA volunteer. “ Just an hour of my time can save someone else an entire days paycheck.”

Members of Women in Accounting at FSU are working hard to help those who need help with their income tex returns. New volunteers are always welcome. So if you are interested in getting involved, contact VITA at vitafsu@gmail.com.

from 1- Poet Lyricism Brings Poetry, Models

TIPS, News to Use, is the newsletter of Student Publications, an affiliated project of the Student Government Association of Florida State University. E-mail submissions to mharris2@admin.fsu.edu. Graphic Designer Adrianna Cournoyer. Assistant Editor/Columnist Tiffany Lettsome. Designer/Assistant Editor Renatta Griffith. TIPS, A302 Oglesby Union, (850) 644-0037.

pay for the guides through PayPal. The night before an exam, the site’s founders e-mail guide-makers information about how much the guide-makers have made, and within 2 – 3 business days after the test date the funds go to the guide-makers’ PayPal accounts. The site was created by sophomores David Russell, Thomas Brady and Alex Wolniewtz in the fall of 2010; all were Entrepreneurship majors in the College of Business, a program in which students develop business ventures. Brady said that Russell’s venture was to create an online study guide site, and Brady and Wolniewtz wanted to work with him. The student-run companies in the Entrepreneurship major are funded through the Jim Moran Institute, which promotes and invests in young up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Within 15 days of the site launching, Moola Guides doubled the initial investment given to them by the institute, and the three students will have the opportunity to buy back their company at the end of the year. The guides aren’t an easy way to cheat, Russell said. “We do promote studying because taking time to make the guides makes you study, and people who are busy now have more time to study because they cut out the guide-making process.” Customer service is the number one priority for the founders of Moola Guides. They call their customer base the “Moola Nation.” “We want our sellers to make money,” Brady said. “A similar site only gives you $2 per

transaction no matter how much you charge for the guides.” Moola Guides lets guide-makers keep 80% of their earnings, and the other 20% goes to a non-profit charity and the institute to help pay for the projects of the next class of entrepreneurs. Since the site began Moola Guides has helped students earn $6,000, with one student making more than $550 off one study guide. Moola Guides gets about 300 hits after someone posts a study guide, and during last semester’s finals week it averaged 1,000 hits a day. “We really care about students getting good grades and making an effort in school, and you’re not just posting something online for no one to see,” Russell said. The three students are expanding the site to Tallahassee Community College and Auburn University. By next year they hope to conquer every university in Florida. In February, guide-makers will receive $10 for every reference that sells at least one study guide for a different exam. Visit moolaguides.com to see available study guides, post your own or contact any of the founders.

“Spoken Words for the Unspoken.” PL is a student-run performing arts organization. Its “mission is to speak and be heard through the art forms of song, rhyme and spoken word,” according to a statement on their Facebook page. “Our intent is to provide ventilation for thoughts unaddressed and emotions suppressed by a social construction afraid of confrontation.” PL’s members include poets, vocalists, musicians, writers, MCs, disc jockeys, photographers and event planners. “The level of diversity within our family is what makes PL different from any other RSO on campus,” Lyn said. “Students can expect to be part of a family. We genuinely love one another

as people and as performers. We nurture each others growth and are always available to help.” Information on meeting dates and times can be found on PL’s Facebook page, “Poetic Lyricism: Spoken Words for the Unspoken.” Membership is open to all students of FSU, FAMU and TCC. If you would like to perform in Language of Lingerie, contact PL’s membership chairs Brittany Strong and Michael McCain or event coordinator Yveka Pierre by e-mail at poeticlyricism@yahoo.com or call (786) 663-7492.

TIPS, SGA Student Publications, February 2011, Vol. 3, No. 9

Andrea Ramos

Students Plant Gardens in ‘Food Deserts’By Claudia Martinez

Meet…By Tiffany Lettsome

Max Beggelman, president of the Japanese Anime Club of Tallahassee, is a senior majoring in Information Technology. JACT gives FSU students access to the world of anime and Japanese culture. Heather Cook, president of the Undergraduate Art History Association, is a senior majoring in Art History. Besides promoting the arts on campus, the group provides lectures and museum trips and volunteer opportunities with arts organizations.Carlos Gasteazoro, president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, is a senior majoring in Industrial Engineering. The group promotes Hispanics in engineering, math

Max Beggelman Heather Cook Carlos Gasteazoro Bobby Seifter Katie Wright

and science. Bobby Seifter, president of The Student Foundation, is a senior majoring in Economics and Political Science. The student-run organization raises money for student development initiatives and works with different student organizations. Katie Wright, president of Health and Educational Relief for Guyana, is a senior majoring in Exercise Science. Students in HERG go to Guyana to help with patient counseling, tutor in a literacy program and assist health care professionals. The group holds an annual health fair near campus in Frenchtown.“Meet...,” e-mail Tiffany Lettsome details and a photograph to tsl08@fsu.edu.

SLC 10th AnniversaryBy Keyla Cherena

Students are planting gardens in “food deserts” around Tallahassee to encourage people to live healthily. The student volunteers are participating in the Damayan Garden Project, a non-profit organization started in 1992. In Filipino, damayan means “caring for one another. Frenchtown and some other Tallahassee neighborhoods are known as “food deserts,” places where fresh, healthy and affordable food isn’t

readily accessible. Funded by grants and donations, Damayan’s premise is to encourage healthy living through a hands-on experience involving community members to help tend a garden. With the help of garden managers and student volunteers, people in the “deserts” learn how to grow their own fresh food and why a healthy lifestyle is beneficial. The families can then take home the food for free, promoting sustainability and food security in Tallahassee’s lower-income families.

There are no prerequisites for income or age to participate as a volunteer or member. FSU student volunteers are active in three different garden projects in Tallahassee. All one has to do to participate is to just show up in sensible shoes and clothes and not mind getting dirty. “Anyone can benefit from hands-on gardening, and our main idea is to promote a healthy and nutritious lifestyle for everyone in Tallahassee,” said Becca Waltemath, community ambassador for the Damayan Garden Project and a senior majoring in Political Science and Sociology.

Waltemath acts as a liaison between the organization and students. She has been the ambassador since August 2010 and is active in recruiting. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful community organization,” she said. “Besides planting trees and vegetables, I’ve learned a lot about the non-profit sector, from helping write grants to attending board meetings.” On Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 6 pm, students can help garden at the Frenchtown Community Center. The outreach program at The Center for Leadership and Civic Education meets outside the building and drives to and from the community center. Students can also go to the Litchgate Property at 1401 High Road on Mondays from 9 am – 1 pm. While the center doesn’t drive students there directly, the FSU Garnet Bus has a stop in front of the garden. Teaching children is a big part of Damayan. There are many classroom garden projects, and FSU students are helping at the McCray Boys and Girls Club on Laura Lee Avenue on Thursdays from 3:30 pm – 5 pm. There children tend to a garden after school, harvest vegetables and cook them. Those activities help the children teach their parents how to plant and cook healthy once the youngsters bring home the vegetables they grew themselves. Last year the Damayan Garden Project was awarded a grant from Nature’s Path Organic Food Company and Organic Gardening Magazine. The organization is using the grant to build a fun and educational “Shakespeare Garden” at the Litchgate Property. This garden will consist of plants, fruits and vegetables mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. There will be signs in front of every plant with the literary quote mentioning it. Volunteers and community members are also building a podium for lecturers. For more information on how to get involved with the Damayan Garden Project, e-mail Becca Waltemath at rgw07@fsu.edu, or stop by The Center for Leadership and Civic Education for information on other community-outreach programs on campus and throughout Tallahassee.

“With the ten year anniversary celebration, we’re going to go big with screenings of ‘ultimate’ movies,” SLC Special Events Chair Carla Jerez said, “blockbusters, alt cinema, midnights, video game tournaments, and events.” The celebration of the Student Life Cinema runs from Wed, Feb 23 – Sat, Feb. 26. On Wednesday, festivities begin with the Best of Open Mic Night at 6 pm followed by The Adjustment Bureau, starring Matt Damon, at 7:30 pm. On Thurs., Feb 24, The Wizard Of Oz begins at 7:30 pm and 10:15 pm. Dress up as an Oz character. The ultimate blockbuster follows on Fri., Feb 25, with The Matrix at 6 pm and 9:15 pm followed by the midnight Rocky Horror Picture Show. Prepare to sacrifice Rocky Horror virgins and attend a live interactive performance by Cheap Thrills. Doors open at 11:59 pm. The Best of Gaming Events starts Saturday at 11 am with signup for Marvel vs. Capcom 3. The tournament starts at 1 pm. The festivities end Saturday with the ultimate in alternative cinema. Amélie starts at 7:15 pm followed by Memento at 10:15 pm. For news on films at the SLC go to movies.fsu.edu.

TIPS, SGA Student Publications, February 2011, Vol. 3, No. 9

Gardeners

Zach Aberman

E-mail event listings to mharris2@admin.fsu.edu

Dance Marathon By Rachel Sanderford

Seminole Scuba Club: Join Us Underwater By Amanda Fernandez

Business Clothes SoughtBy Yanique Banton

Dance the day and night away in the spirit of a good cause, supporting the Children’s Miracle Network at Shand’s Children’s Hospital. With more than 1,000 dancers signed up for Dance Marathon, FSU is looking to involve the entire community in a big way. Austin Fischer, the recruitment chair for Dance Marathon, said, “Part of our main goals this year was to diversify. We wanted to include all different kinds of organizations.” Volunteers will stand and dance on their feet for 20 hour shifts. Before the event dancers are also given the task to raise money. Dance Marathon is completely and solely run through donations and fundraising.

During the football seasons many participants are seen “canning” for donations at tailgates. The organization has raised more than $2.6 million in the years it has been on campus. The registration to be a dancer has closed, but donations will be accepted throughout the year. So even if people cannot join in on the two days of Dance Marathon, they may still be a part of it. Dance Marathon will be from Feb. 11 – Feb. 13. During this time there will be the crowning of Mr. and Ms. DM, a title sought after by the most dedicated dancers. A dancer who wishes to be Mr. or Ms. DM must have submitted a video describing their love for Dance Marathon and what they’ve gotten out of it. Jackie Kesner and Emily Pantelis, who submitted a joint video, say they did it because they “just love Dance Marathon and being able to help out the community in a fun way.”

Slavic Food NightBy Keyla Cherena

Mock Interview MentorsBy Rachel Sanderford

Explore underwater with the Seminole Scuba Club. Any FSU student with an interest in scuba diving is welcome to join them in learning and using the skills for safe exploration. The club usually meets at 6 pm on Wednesdays in 201 Love. It’s $75 to rent gear for the entire semester, and club dues are $5 if you have your own scuba gear. If you’re not scuba certified, that’s not a problem. The club has three instructors who can certify you. The three weekend-long certification process costs $300 and includes a weekend of written training, a weekend of pool training and a weekend of diving. “We all have a lot of fun,” said Zach

Aberman, the advisor and instructor for the club. “My favorite experience is the weekend we go camping and diving at Ginny Springs. We meet up with UF’s diving club, and it’s just a good time.” The club dives all over Florida. Diving trips include Morrison Spring on the Gulf Coast, Key Largo and Tallahassee’s Bear Paw. “We try to go diving every weekend,” Aberman said. This year, for the first time, the club held an event called “Discover Scuba Diving,” which was free for FSU students. It gave students a chance to learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to scuba dive. The event was held at Wade Wehunt Pool at Myers Park. Attendees learned basic scuba skills and experienced breathing underwater. The club hopes to host another event like this. For more information about the club, you can visit their Facebook page at “Seminole Scuba Club” or their Blackboard page. You can also attend a meeting. They are always welcoming new members from the FSU community.

Lambda Alpha Epsilon is collecting men’s and women’s business/professional clothes to donate to the Department of Juvenile Justice, which supplies juveniles with professional clothes to wear to court and interviews. Clothing for the drive can be dropped off in the LAE drop box anytime from 8 am – 5 pm in the Hecht House, College of Criminology.

LAE is a national organization dedicated to improving criminal justice through educational activities. The FSU chapter has 200 members, and throughout the semester they host socials and participate in community service,

Ever get nervous about an important upcoming interview? FSU’s Career Center provides just what the job seeking need, Mock Interview Mentors. For nine years Mock Interview Mentors have been available for students to come and hone their interviewing skills. The Mock Interview Mentors have also created a Professional Development Week where employers come to show students what they expect from interviews. This year the Professional Development Week will occur from Feb. 14 – Feb. 18. Michael Jadin, an intern at the Mock Interview Mentors program, said, “In the past students have actually been able to gain later opportunities through their interviews during Professional Development Week.” Each employer will be given a different day and time slot. During this week students may sign up for the particular day if they are interested in a certain company. To sign up students can find the link on career.fsu.edu/seminolelink/.

Chaquana Lee

Hungry for some foreign cuisine? The Student Slavic Association is hosting Slavic Food Night to introduce traditional Slavic food to FSU. The Slavic culture resides mainly in Central and Eastern Europe. The night will take place Monday, Feb. 21, at 8 pm at Mosaic Church, on the corner of Jackson Bluff Road and Hayden Street. Advanced tickets will cost $5, and they can be purchased at the SSA table on Market Wednesdays. Tickets at the door will cost $7. “The money is used for the Student Slavic Association, which thrives on promoting interest in Slavic cultures and language studies,” said Hila Miskin, public affairs officer. “A buffet style table is laid out complete with assorted traditional Slavic food and drinks. The courses range anywhere from appetizers to dinner and even desserts,” Miskin said, “Plates are easily piled high, as there is normally more than enough food to go around.” SSA President Blake Brown said the night is a great way for people to come together. “I have attended in the past,” Brown said, “and the experience has always proved rewarding because it is a fun way to help get people interested in Slavic culture.”

meetings and intramural sports. They invite governmental agencies to speak to students. President Chaquana Lee said a goal she set was for the organization to expose students to a few of the major governmental agencies. “Last semester we had the FBI come out and share some information with us,” she said, “and I wanted to capitalize on that since most students eventually want to work for a government agency.” LAE has also collaborated with the Tallahassee Police Department and set up a K-9 demonstration on campus, displaying their crimes scene vehicle and explaining the logistics of analyzing and collecting information from crimes scenes. Their meetings are on Sundays at 7 pm in 215 HCB. To get involved with LAE, contact Recruitment Officer Mark Gutierrez at mag08f@fsu.edu. Their website is at laelambda.webs.com.

TIPS, SGA Student Publications, February 2011, Vol. 3, No. 9