University trustee dies unexpectedly

Police cars, a fire truck and an ambulance rushed to the Administration Building on Wednesday afternoon, responding to a call that a University official had suddenly collapsed.

USF Foundation board member Robert Dressler was giving a speech to the University Investment Committee when he suddenly appeared to have difficulty breathing and toppled over, said University spokesman Michael Hoad. Dressler was put into an ambulance and taken to the University Community Hospital.

Breakdancer uses disability to smash stereotypes

Luca Patuelli has toured the world, breakdancing in Japan, France, Canada and cities throughout the United States. What sets him apart from other breakdancers, however, is that he does it all despite a muscle disorder that prevents him from being able to walk without the aid of crutches.

Known by his performing moniker “Lazylegz,” Patuelli will be speaking tonight at the Marshall Student Center as part of a Cultural Diversity Awareness series called “Breaking the Crutch of Disability.”

Coffee-shop crooning

Local coffee shops’ open-mic nights offer entertainment on weekday nights for the price of a cup o’ joe.

The events are open to many types of performance art, typically with the intent to foster an open-minded, supportive environment. Instead of a cover charge, guests are required to buy a drink.

In an age in which many independently run coffee shops have been replaced by the green-and-white mermaid logos of Starbucks, local poets, singers and other performers may find it challenging to find venues to share their craft.

Bulls fall short

Four players scored in double figures and the South Florida men’s basketball team shot nearly 50 percent from the field while nearly matching Virginia in rebounds. The Bulls, however, couldn’t overcome poor free-throw shooting, and that cost them a 77-75 loss to the Cavaliers in Virginia on Wednesday night.

The Bulls were 6-of-12 from the free-throw line — losing six points that could have changed the outcome of the game.

“I wish I had the magic wand that could fix that thing, trust me,” USF coach Stan Heath said. “We were 0-for-5 to start the game, and those things come back to haunt you.”

A whole new team

Coach says women’s basketball wins reflect changed team

After the South Florida women’s basketball team trounced its third opponent in a row Tuesday night — this time with a 103-55 win over Stetson — it became clear to coach Jose Fernandez that there is something different about this team.

“I think we’re on total different ends of the spectrum compared to last season,” Fernandez said. “For us to be successful this year we’re going to have to play different.”

Fernandez said one of the big changes is that the team is playing at a quicker pace, which has enabled it to accumulate 57 steals this season.

Seniors to play last home game

Win this one for the seniors.

After three consecutive losses ended the South Florida football team’s chances at not only a Big East title but also a 10-win season, the Bulls are aiming to send the senior class out on a high note.

The Bulls (6-4, 1-4) have 22 seniors, 14 of whom are starters, who will play their final game at Raymond James Stadium when they host the Connecticut Huskies (7-3, 3-2) at 8 p.m. Sunday night. The game will be broadcast by ESPN.

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Freedom of speech does not justify baseless allegations

In recent cases brought to the Florida Supreme Court, freedom of speech and freedom of the press were upheld by verdicts that refuse Florida citizens the right to sue publications for embarrassing them publicly, as long as the information is factual.

But is this outcome a good thing? To a certain extent, it is.

For the media, more protection is offered against these “false light” lawsuits — cases that claim invasion of privacy or emotional distress caused by false portrayals of individuals, even if the information portrayed is true. For the public, the right to receive truthful information is sustained.

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Editorial: Service incentives are good way to reduce student debt

For quite some time, the media have been reporting on college students who graduate with debt looming over their shoulders.

Most college students have more to worry about than just finishing school. That’s because six months after graduation, lenders come knocking on their doors, demanding that they be repaid, regardless of the recent graduate’s job situation.