Volume CXIX No. 92
» INSIDE
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Thursday, February 14, 2013
USG approves funding for student groups By Jackie Wattles Staff Writer
NEW CUMBERLAND FARMS IS ‘THE BEST CONVENIENCE STORE’ Check out what the newest convenience store on Storrs Rd. has to offer. FOCUS/ page 5
SYRACUSE SQUEEZED FOR GOOD Huskies squash Orange in final Big East meeting. SPORTS/ page 12 EDITORIAL: OBAMA’S HIGHER EDUCATION PLANS AND POLICIES A MIXED BAG College Scorecard should be praised, though affordability needs improvement COMMENTARY/page 8 INSIDE NEWS: PA. GRAD STUDENT SUES, SAYS C-PLUS COST HER $1.3MIL
Lehigh, professor say lawsuit has no merit
NEWS/ page 3
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Amid confusion, misunderstandings and a few lengthy debates, the Undergraduate Student Government Senate voted to approve $24,677.32 in funding for six on-campus organizations Wednesday night. Wednesday’s Senate meeting, which proved to be a nearly four-hour event, marked the first time a new funding process has been put into practice. The new system requires senators to vote on bills that allocate money from the “emergency fund,” which currently holds $47,000, to Tier II organizations at UConn that did not receive funding in the regular funding process last semester. The new funding process caused frustration among the senators. In the first vote, to grant a cultural dance group funding to compete in a dance competition this semester, nine senators abstained from voting when they believed they were voting “no.” The organization, Husky Bhangra, requested over $8,000 to get to the competi-
SANTIAGO PELAEZ/The Daily Campus
USG Senators vote on funding for six on-campus organizations in a nearly four-hour meeting last night.
tion. Most of the senators did not realize they voted on funding the full amount. Since the organization is not “accessible to the entire student population,” had the funding been applied for under the normal funding cycle, the group would have received roughly
66 to 75 percent of the full amount. The senators took a 10-minute recess to sort out the confusion and returned to amend the legislation. In the end, the bill was amended to allocate $4,981.20 to Husky Bhungra, per recommendation of the
funding board. UConn Voices of Freedom, a gospel choir, was allocated $7,200 of the requested $12,000 in order to participate in a talent showcase tour along the East Coast that the group has completed in the past. Brittney Robinson, the COO
of Voices of Freedom and a 4th-semester business major, said the choir has done the trip annually but was denied funding for it this year and last year. The $7,200 is about half of the roughly $14,900 the club will need to complete their trip. The group initially requested $12,000, which they were led to believe was the maximum they were allowed to request, although technically the group could have requested the full $14,900. Robinson was enraged. After extensive debate, women’s club ice hockey was allocated $4,301.25 to pay for practice time at the on-campus rink that they failed to pay for last semester. USG did not provide the funds to the club team last semester due to a “miscommunication” during the spring 2012 semester. Student body Vice President Jigish Patel said he disagreed with the decision to allocate funds to a group that already spent the money. “It sets a precedent that groups can spend money and
» UNEASE, page 2
Catholics react to news High student praise of Pope’s resignation for Storrs Center
By Loumarie Rodriguez Senior Staff Writer
By Stephen Skudlarek Campus Correspondent
Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation on Feb. 11, shocking the Catholic community only days before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. He is the first pope to resign in almost 600 years. The last time a pope resigned was Pope Gregory XII in 1415. Benedict resigned because he felt that he did not have the strength to continue as the church’s leader, saying, “I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer” enough to carry on with the leadership of the Catholic Church. Catholic UConn students have had strong reactions to the Pope’s resignation. “I think it is very humbling of him [to resign] because he is not in the condition to carry out the responsibilities,” said Brian Ciezynski, an 8th-semester chemical engineering major and practicing Catholic. “I see it as him just responding to God’s will, based on the health condition he is currently in. I don’t see it as a bad thing for the church. Although it is uncommon, it’s not frowned upon.” Benedict’s final day as a pope will be on Feb. 28, and he will have his last audience viewing in Vatican City on St. Peter’s Square the day before. It is still unclear who will succeed him. The College of Cardinals will soon meet to elect his replacement, and they hope to have a new pope in place before Easter. Meredith Falvey, an 8thsemester biology major and copy editor at The Daily Campus, said she was surprised by his resignation, especially days before the beginning of Lent.
The response of UConn students to the Storrs Center Project has been overwhelmingly positive so far, in light of the recent openings of Dog Lane Cafe, Mooyah Burgers and Fries and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Students seem to enjoy the array of food choices offered by the Storrs Center outlets, as well as the complex’s proximity to the campus. “It’s nice to have something like this within walking distance,” said Raji Rajendran, a 6th-semester allied health major. “And even though it’s so close, it’s almost like it’s an escape from the campus while you’re there. I love a lot of the stores, too, especially Froyoworld. It always brightens my day when I’m there.” Other students said they think the complex has had a positive financial impact on the university and the town of Mansfield. “I think that this university really needed some place that specializes in food resembling home-cooked meals,” said Elena Innes, a 4th-semester political science major. “I’m always interested in visiting nice, quiet eateries, so I’m pretty excited about some of the restaurants on Dog Lane. I also think the Storrs Center Project is great for commerce, and for this university. I believe that to some extent, this center will help encourage students to come here to UConn, and for parents to invest their funds in this university.” Brian Sheehan, a 4th-semester Eurotech major, also thinks the Storrs Center is a positive addition to the university area. “The Storrs Center is a
AP
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful at the end of the Ash Wednesday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday.
“No one saw it coming,” Falvey said. “He wasn’t my favorite pope and I didn’t feel too much of a connection with him, but it is sad that he had to resign. But he is older and could not keep up with the times. He hasn’t done a lot of traveling since he is too old.” Falvey said she believes the fact that Benedict was not in sync with the current generation may have led to his relinquish of his title. She hoped that the next pope would be able to keep up with today’s society. Ciezynski believed that the Pope was attempting to lead the Church back to a more traditional form of worship, reminiscent of the era before the Second Vatican Council. Edgar Cabrera, an 8th-semes-
ter human development and family studies major, said he was indifferent to the changes that the Pope made to the Catholic Church. “Throughout time, no one is ever going to agree,” Cabrera said. “[The pope’s resignation] should not be so over-dramatized. The pope is only a human being. And as a Catholic, [I believe that] the pope is given his position on God’s will. There are times when people are called to step down from a vocation, and the Pope shouldn’t be an exception. There’s a misconception that our faith is based on the Pope, but it’s actually the relation that one has with Christ that entails Catholicism.”
Loumarie.Rodriguez@UConn.edu
fantastic opportunity to bring solid economic growth to this area,” he said. “I think it also provides a safe hang-out place for students, whether they’re from UConn or other local schools, like E.O. Smith High School. Plus, the complex offers upscale apartments for students and residents who can afford them.” Michael Longo, a 6thsemester biology major, said he initially had fears that the center would overshadow local companies and businesses. “At first, I was worried that this project would have a negative effect on local businesses,” he said. “However, most of the businesses that are coming into the complex are either locally-owned or small chains, so I don’t think the impact will be too bad. Thankfully, they’re not putting in something like a WalMart Supercenter that would wreck the local economy.” Other UConn students are interested in some of the upcoming additions to the area. “Personally, I can’t wait until Geno’s Grille opens,” said Nick Cuff, an 8th-semester communications disorder major. “I’m a huge fan of authentic Italian cooking, which is something that this area is sorely lacking.” Geno’s Grille is scheduled to open this month, said Cynthia Van Zelm, executive director of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership at a Tuesday town and university meeting. Geno’s Grille is the last unfinished element of the Storrs Center construction phase. The newest branch of the UConn Health Center, and an additional location for the UConn Co-op, are slated for completion later this year.
Stephen.Skudlarek@UConn.edu
What’s on at UConn today... Carnation Sale 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Student Union, Homer Babbidge Pick up a carnation for your special someone or friend this Valentine’s Day. Proceeds will benefit Gamma Phi Beta’s philanthropy, Girls on the Run.
Info Session 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Library, Class of ’47 Room Discover more about opportunities to study abroad for a summer or semester in Barcelona, Spain through the IES Abroad Barcelona program.
Coffee House 7 to 10 p.m. Buckley, South Lounge Come mingle with singles or meet your sweetheart for coffee. Some of the proceeds will benefit HuskyTHON.
Motionhouse: Scattered 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Jorgensen
Motionhouse, one of the UK’s leading dance companies, blends theater, dance, acrobatics and imagery for a spectacular performance. Tickets start at $31. – VICTORIA SMEY
The Daily Campus, Page 2
News
DAILY BRIEFING
Thursday, February 14, 2013
KEEPING THE FAITH
» STATE
Farmers cope with snowcollapsed buildings
HARTFORD (AP) — The massive storm that dumped more than 2 feet of snow in many parts of Connecticut was only the latest headache for Mark Sellew as he struggles through storms and a weak economy to run his family farm in rural Lebanon. About 600 linear feet of plastic-covered greenhouses collapsed from the snow this past weekend, he said Wednesday. The building collapses damaged or destroyed ornamental plants, herbs, perennials, trees and other plants he sells to landscapers and nursery centers in the Northeast and along the Atlantic seaboard. The damage would have been greater, Sellew said, had he not spent $10,000 for two-by-fours he used to reinforce greenhouses on his 500acre Prides Corner Farms. “We’ve never had one single event cause this kind of damage,” he said. “It’s unprecedented.”
Coast Guard Academy workers busted for sex on job
NEW LONDON (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard Academy has disciplined a service member and five civilian employees for allegedly engaging in sex acts on campus and using government computers to send sexually explicit and other inappropriate content, an academy spokesman said Wednesday. All six people misused computers at the academy in New London and some of them participated in consensual sex acts on school grounds during the workday, academy spokesman David Santos said. Two of the civilian workers resigned and three were disciplined. The Coast Guard discharged the service member, who was stationed at the academy and was not a cadet, Santos said. Academy officials didn’t release the names of the six people or more details of their punishments, saying personnel decisions are confidential. “It’s something that we took very seriously and the behavior of the individuals involved is certainly not indicative of the academy community,” Santos told The Associated Press.
Bridgeport, New Haven schools closed rest of week
BRIDGEPORT (AP) — Bridgeport public schools will remain closed for the rest of the week as the city recovers from the weekend’s massive snow storm. Bridgeport officials say 60 percent of the city’s streets were opened as of Wednesday, nearly doubling the number of streets made passable during the past 24 hours. City crews are working with private contractors. Officials say about 100 vehicles including pay loaders, tri-axles and dump trucks are clearing snow from streets. The National Guard has been deployed in Bridgeport since Saturday and is helping the police and fire departments. Other cities including New Haven and New Britain also are keeping their schools closed. Waterbury schools are closed Thursday. Hartford schools will open Thursday with a one-hour delay.
Woman to be sentenced in 1993 killing of mom
NEW LONDON (AP) — An eastern Connecticut woman is facing sentencing for killing her mother in 1993, but she’s expected to get time served and be released from custody. Forty-one-year-old Irene Reynolds of Baltic is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday in New London Superior Court. She pleaded no contest to manslaughter in December and is expected to get up to 30 months in prison. But Reynolds already has served 33 months in pretrial detention and is expected to be freed Wednesday. She was charged with murder in 2010, 17 years after 60-year-old Bertha Reynolds was found dead in her Norwich home. Police say Bertha Reynolds was beaten, strangled and thrown down a staircase. The case went unsolved for years until a police cold case squad took it up and charged Irene Reynolds.
4 struck by car in Milford; sidewalks not cleared
HARTFORD (AP) — The state’s second-highest court has rejected the appeal of a former University of Connecticut Health Center worker who wanted judges to overturn a $15,000 ethics fine. The Appellate Court upheld a lower court decision and ruled against Priscilla Dickman of Coventry on Wednesday. The state Citizen’s Ethics Advisory Board fined Dickman $15,000 in January 2010, saying she used UConn computers and other school equipment to run her own jewelry and travel consulting businesses. Dickman was a medical technologist who retired in 2005, two years before the ethics complaint was filed. She claimed in the appeal that the advisory board erroneously found that she violated ethics laws, that the standard of proof was too low, and that two board members were ineligible to serve on the panel.
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Father Greg says the Ash Wednesday mass in front of a full church at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on Wednesday.
Unease about new funding system voiced at meeting from USG, page 1
then come back and call it an emergency and expect to get the full funds,” Patel said. The meeting was hardly business as usual. Senator Parth Rana said that he was uncomfortable with the new system and felt that USG was straying from its duties. “This isn’t the way we normally conduct business,” Rana said. “It’s not our job to provide funds in retrospect.” The unease amongst senators was clear. A few senators spoke in defense of the new funding process, which by the end of the meeting, was
becoming increasingly unpop- pointed with how the meeting ular amongst legislators and went, and believes that more the Tier II orgachanges will nizations alike. need to be made. “The previous “Our job is funding system to be fair and was broken,” consistent, and said Senator in that sense I Alice Lowe. think today was “We can’t keep a failure,” Patel looking to how said. that system F u n d i n g worked and board chair calling it how John Giardina – Jigish Patel ‘we normally presented a do things.’ We USG Vice President basic outline changed it for a for reforms to reason.” the funding process that the But Patel said he was disap- Senate plans to discuss at the
“Our job is to be fair and consistent, and in that sense I think today was a failure.”
» FOOD
next formal meeting in two weeks. Other on-campus organizations that received funding include UConn’s American Pharmacists Association, which was allocated $2,900 so the members can attend a conference in California, while women’s club basketball received $4,000 to hire a coach. UConn Rock Ensemble, a musical group, also received $1,294.87 for supplies that they did not receive because their request was misplaced by USG last semester.
Jacqueline.Wattles@UConn.edu
» SPACE
Miss. lawmakers say Wisconsin scientists help no to food regulation search for alien life
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — No one’s trying to take away supertanker-sized soda drinks in Mississippi, but state lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday to make sure they never do. House Bill 1182 would prohibit counties and cities from creating food regulations such as requiring nutritional labeling at restaurants, banning junk foods and keeping toys out of meals. Food regulations that promote healthful eating have gained traction in cities like New York. There, Mayor Michael Bloomberg introduced regulations capping soda sizes and requiring chain restaurants to display calorie information on menus. Rep. Gregory Holloway, D-Hazlehurst, said during a House debate Wednesday that he doesn’t want municipalities making food regulations “willy nilly.” “If you want to go eat 20 Big Macs, you can eat 20 Big Macs,” Holloway said. Rep. Omeria Scott, D-Laurel, opposed the bill, saying local
governments should have the freedom to try new approaches to fight obesity. “Given that Mississippi is the fattest and most unhealthy state in the USA, I don’t think we should take a tool away from them if they should choose to use it,” Scott said. Heather McTeer Toney, former mayor of Greenville, told The Associated Press that the bill takes away communities’ ability to tackle health problems. “This is not indicative of what the people of Mississippi want,” she said in a phone interview. At a Chick-fil-A in downtown Jackson on Wednesday, customer Shelton Gates said he likes nutrition labeling on menus. “I would agree with it being mandatory,” Gates said. “I don’t think it would hurt to know to make sure I don’t stray too far off course.” Rita Kelly, a homemaker from Natchez also eating at the restaurant, said she would appreciate the labeling but wouldn’t support local governments regulating soft drink sizes.
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are helping search for evidence of alien life not by looking into outer space, but by studying some rocks right here on Earth. Some of the rocks are up to 3.5 billion years old. The scientists are looking for crucial information to understand how life might have arisen elsewhere in the universe and guide the search for life on Mars one day. “There’s a story always hidden in rocks,” said geoscientist Clark Johnson, the lead investigator for the Wisconsin Astrobiology Research Consortium. “... It’s up to (geologists) to be clever enough to find the tools that we need to interrogate those rocks to find what story they preserve.” The project is funded through NASA, which provided a $7 million, five-year grant that started in January. It was the group’s second five-year, $7 million grant. The consortium includes about 50 staff, students and
post-doctoral fellows from 24 institutions in five countries. About 25 of the participants are at UW-Madison. The consortium’s goal is finding footprints of biological activity, or biosignatures, which are substances such as elements or isotopes that show evidence of ancient life. The scientists are looking for microscopic signs of life, including microbes, which are bacteria, and other tiny, onecelled organisms that are much more adaptable than more complex organisms. The team is also sending microbes into Earth’s orbit on the International Space Station to see how they react to radiation and a space environment. In the process, they are learning more about Earth’s history. They’ve found new details of microbial life that dates back 2 billion to 3 billion years, before the planet’s atmosphere contained oxygen. They’ve found that microbes then relied more on iron than sunlight for energy.
Corrections and clarifications This space is reserved for addressing errors when The Daily Campus prints information that is incorrect. Anyone with a complaint should contact The Daily Campus Managing Editor via email at managingeditor@dailycampus.com
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News
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sheriff: Cabin not purposely burned in firefight LOS ANGELES (AP) — There was no question. The man standing before Rick Heltebrake on a rural mountain road was Christopher Dorner. Clad in camouflage from head to toe and wearing a bulletproof vest packed with ammunition, the most wanted man in America over the last week was just a few feet away, having emerged from a grove of trees holding a large, assault-style rifle. As teams of officers who had sought the fugitive ex-Los Angeles police officer since last week were closing in, Dorner pointed the gun at Heltebrake and ordered him to get out of his truck. “I don’t want to hurt you. Start walking and take your dog,” Heltebrake recalled Dorner saying during the carjacking Tuesday. The man, who wasn’t lugging any gear, got into the truck and drove away. Heltebrake, with his 3-year-old Dalmatian Suni in tow, called police when he heard a volley of gunfire erupt soon after, and then hid behind a tree. A short time later, police caught up with the man they believe was Dorner, surrounding a cabin in which he had taken refuge after crashing Heltebrake’s truck 80 miles east of Los Angeles. A gunfight ensued in which one sheriff’s deputy was killed and another wounded. Then, as the gunfire ended, the cabin erupted in flames. San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said Wednesday his deputies did not intentionally burn down the cabin. His deputies shot pyrotechnic tear gas into the cabin, and it erupted in flames, he said. McMahon did not say direct-
ly that the tear gas started the blaze, and the cause of the fire remained unclear. A charred body was found in the basement, along with a wallet and personal items, including a California driver’s license with the name Christopher Dorner, an official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing probe. McMahon said authorities have not positively identified the remains. Recalling his encounter, Heltebrake said Wednesday that he wasn’t panicked in his meeting with Dorner because he didn’t feel the fugitive wanted to hurt him. “He wasn’t wildeyed, just almost professional,” he said. “He was on a mission.” “It was clear I wasn’t part of his agenda and there were other people down the road that were part of his agenda,” he said. Dorner, 33, had said in a rant that authorities believe he posted on Facebook last week that he expected to die, with the police chasing him, as he embarked on a campaign of revenge against the Los Angeles Police Department for firing him. The apparent end came in the same mountain range where Dorner’s trail went cold six days earlier, after his pickup truck — with guns and camping gear inside — was found abandoned and on fire near the ski resort town of Big Bear Lake. His footprints led away from the truck and vanished on frozen soil. Deputies searched door-todoor in the city of Big Bear Lake and then, in a blinding snowstorm, SWAT teams with bloodhounds and high-tech equipment in tow focused on scouring hundreds of vacant cabins in the for-
AP
Law enforcement officers check a vehicle at a roadblock, Tuesday, near Big Bear, Calif. A man police believe to be the fugitive ex-Los Angeles officer wanted in three killings was barricaded inside a burning cabin Tuesday after a shootout in this California mountain town that left one deputy dead and another wounded.
est outside of town. Authorities for the most part looked at cabins boarded up for the winter, said Dan Sforza, assistant chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and often didn’t enter occupied homes where nothing appeared amiss. That could have been how Dorner went overlooked in a cabin just across the street from a police command post set up to capture him. It wasn’t immediately known how he got into the cabin or how long he’d been there.
Pa. grad student sues, says C-plus cost her $1.3M
EASTON, Pa. (AP) — Talk about grade inflation. Graduate student Megan Thode wasn’t happy about the C-plus she received for one class, saying the mediocre grade kept her from getting her desired degree and becoming a licensed therapist — and, as a result, cost her $1.3 million in lost earnings. Now Thode is suing her professor and Lehigh University in Bethlehem, claiming monetary damages and seeking a grade change. A judge is hearing testimony in the case this week in Northampton County Court. Lehigh and the professor contend her lawsuit is without merit. Northampton County Judge Emil Giordana declined to dismiss the suit Wednesday, ruling that there was enough evidence for the suit to proceed, according to The (Easton)
Express-Times. Thode took the class in the fall of 2009. Her instructor, Amanda Eckhardt, testified this week that she stood by the grade, saying Thode failed to behave professionally and thus earned zero out of 25 points in class participation, bumping her down a full letter grade. “I ... believed she received the grade she earned,” Eckhardt said. The C-plus prevented Thode, an otherwise A student, from going on to the next class and advancing in her professional therapist studies, the newspaper reported. She wound up getting a master’s degree in human development instead. Her attorney, Richard Orloski, argued that Eckhardt targeted Thode because she is an outspoken advocate for gay marriage. Eckhardt testified that while
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she believes marriage is between a man and a woman, she would never allow her personal views to influence her treatment of students. She said Thode had outbursts in class, did not participate appropriately, was emotionally unstable and failed to heed a warning letter. Stephen Thode, the plaintiff’s father and a longtime finance professor at Lehigh, testified on his daughter’s behalf and said her participation score was highly irregular. “I have never heard of a case, not just at Lehigh, where a student achieved a zero in class participation where they attended and participated in every class,” he said. Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano is presiding over the nonjury trial and is expected to rule on Thode’s lawsuit after testimony concludes.
He as there Tuesday, however, when two women arrived to clean it, said Lt. Patrick Foy of the state fish and wildlife department. With three killings behind him and law enforcement still on the hunt, Dorner didn’t shoot them. Instead, he tied up the women and took their purple Nissan as he fled. Sparing the housekeepers ultimately would start the chain of events that would lead to his undoing. One of the women broke free and called 911, Foy said, and the chase was on.
AP
Pillsbury ambassadors hand out samples to commutors at Boston, Mass., South Station, Wednesday. Locals who have been too busy shoveling to get their Valentine a gift can rest assured that The Pillsbury Doughboy has them covered by handing out cans of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls along with an easy recipe for making the rolls into heart-shaped treats, an easy but delicious way to surprise loved ones on Valentine’s Day morning.
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peared. Heltebrake, a ranger who takes care of a Boy Scout camp nearby, said he just had lunch and was checking the perimeter of the camp for anything out of the ordinary when he saw someone emerge from the trees, and instantly recognized Dorner as the man on the news. Officers trying to find the fugitive quickly realized he must have turned onto a side road, but for a few minutes nobody involved in the chase knew he had changed vehicles.
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Two game wardens quickly spotted the car on a meandering road along a scenic lake, and deputies planned to throw down spike strips to puncture the vehicle’s tires, authorities said. The driver of the vehicle seems to anticipate the move, pulling close behind the school buses to give officers no space to drop the strips, Foy said. Dorner had warned – even boasted – in the rant that he knew their tactics and techniques as well as the officers pursuing him. The purple Nissan then disap-
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The Daily Campus Editorial Board
Elizabeth Crowley, Editor-in-Chief Tyler McCarthy, Commentary Editor Jesse Rifkin, Associate Commentary Editor Chris Kempf, Weekly Columnist John Nitowski, Weekly Columnist Sam Tracy, Weekly Columnist
» EDITORIAL
Obama’s higher education plans and policies a mixed bag
P
resident Obama’s State of the Union Address, delivered on Tuesday night, focused for several minutes on higher education reform. This development, coming on the heels of record-high youth voter turnout for the second presidential election in a row, hopefully reflects a new era, one in which the issues of those in the roughly 18-25 demographic are no longer marginalized and given low priority. That being said, the president’s actual statements on the subject deserve mixed reviews. Obama started by noting that “Through tax credits, grants, and better loans, we have made college more affordable for millions of students and families over the last few years.” Most students – at any university, not just UConn – would likely contest this statement. For most, any assistance his administration has provided has been more than outweighed by the soaring cost of university tuition. Legislation that kept the federal student loan interest rate from doubling, for example, was only extended for one year, so it wasn’t even much of a victory. The Senate has not passed a formal budget since April 29, 2009; relying instead on a series of “stop-gap” short-term budgets usually lasting only a few months. Is this to be the future of determining the federal student loan interest rate as well? The Obama Administration made more people able to attend college, but they have not made it more affordable. They have just made it easier to rack up huge student loans that many people will not be able to pay back. However, Obama deserves more positive marks for his call that “Tonight, I ask Congress to change the Higher Education Act, so that affordability and value are included in determining which colleges receive certain types of federal aid.” UConn in particular would do well in those categories, since it consistently receives high marks for best value. Kiplinger’s Personal Finances named us the #25 best value among four-year public colleges, up from #30 last year and #32 the year before that. Hopefully this could mean increased federal aid flowing here – something sorely needed in the wake of the $15 million state budget cut to the university announced in November. Lastly, Obama announced that “Tomorrow, my Administration will release a new ‘College Scorecard’ that parents and students can use to compare schools based on a simple criteria: where you can get the most bang for your educational buck.” The website, unveiled Wednesday morning, is well laid-out and easy to navigate with information from the Department of Education. On the other hand, countless other books and websites already provide essentially the same information. The Daily Campus editorial is the official opinion of the newspaper and its editorial board. Commentary columns express opinions held solely by the author and do not in any way reflect the official opinion of The Daily Campus.
SYRACUSE FANS SHOULD EAT THEIR FEELINGS WITH ORANGES AND WALLOW IN THEIR INFERIORITY TO THE GREATNESS THAT IS THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT!!!!!! I’m fairly certain that Thor goes to UConn. I just re-downloaded AIM on my laptop...InstantDaily how I missed you...please take me back. Syracuse must’ve taken the escalator to the game. Not UConn because we #takethestairs. These pit stains are going craaaazzzyyyyyy. John Boehner looked so orange at the State of the Union last night that I thought he was Syracuse’s mascot Otto. It’s wonderful translating a German word to find out it is the same in English. What doesn’t help is when I don’t know the word in English. Is there a draft for the new pope? BIG THANKS to all the guys who didn’t offer their seats to ANY of the girls standing on green line this morning. If there isn’t a shoveled class to the building then there really shouldn’t be class. Does Instant Daily do birthday shout outs? They can ban us from the postseason. They can ban us from the tournament. But they can’t ban us from loving Kevin Ollie!!! #Olliewood
Send us your thoughts on anything and everything by sending an instant message to InstantDaily, Sunday through Thursday evenings. Follow us on Twitter (@UCInstantDaily) and tweet at us with the #instantdaily hashtag.
Why you shouldn’t give up on Lent
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s many probably noticed yesterday, a number of people were walking around with a cross painted on their forehead in ash. This is a symbolic gesture in many Christian denominations known as “Ash Wednesday.” It’s an annual tradition in the Church that marks the beginning of Lent, a fast that is supposed to take place in the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. The theological significance of Lent is to commemorate Jesus Christ’s fast in the desert before being By Tyler McCarthy tempted by Satan. Christians fast in Commentary Editor a bevy of different ways in order to feel closer to Jesus and his struggle. The practical significance, for those of you already getting frustrated with all of this religious talk, is that Christians who participate in Lent pick something to give up for 40 days. The idea is to sacrifice something that they’ll notice and deprive themselves of some kind of luxury out of devotion to their religious beliefs. I first discovered Lent as a child growing up in a Catholic school. Each year we had to take time to rediscover Lent and its concept in terms of the Catholic Church. I was never particularly savvy on this subject and I was terrified of perspiring and rubbing my ashes off in front of the priest by mistake. That thought monopolized a lot of my opinions on
the fast. However, as I grew up and began to form my own views on religion, as all people do when they age into independent thought, I knew early on that of everything about the Church that I would be parting ways with once I left that school, Lent would not be one of them. Having explained all of that, I ask all of the people reading this with a raised eyebrow toward organized religion or silly arbitrary traditions to stow their holier-than-thou attitude for a moment as we strip Lent down to its nuts and bolts. People examine themselves, pick something that they feel too reliant on and challenge themselves to give it up for about 40 days and nights. Take away the theological and spiritual aspects if you must and just consider the self-examination and reliance aspects alone. Does this not seem like an annual practice that people of all religions, cultural backgrounds and philosophies can get into? The concept of taking a moment each year to examine yourself and your life’s needs versus your life’s wants is extremely powerful and therapeutic. It teaches us, in a culture of indulgence, to take a step back and remember what’s actually important in life and how personal luxuries should not appear on that list. It doesn’t have to be something astronomical, like the use of
your car. It can be something as simple as giving up soda – as long as it’s something you’ll notice and feel. I like giving something up each year for Lent for all the reasons listed, but also because it reminds me of a very important lesson. As much as people like to put a blanket boycott on all things religious or spiritual in any way, that can’t be adequately done. If Lent can teach the world anything, it should be that, much like life, there is no blanket good or bad, there are only good intentions and bad intentions. I won’t go out of my way to argue with anyone who says that organized religion is responsible for some things that, in the interest of not sparking a religious debate, I’ll simply refer to as “precious.” However, the well-intended motives of selfexamination, charity and morality should not be thrown out with the bath water. Some non-secular things belong in the secular world. This year, I encourage those of all creeds to try and give up something for Lent; whether you do it for Christ or for yourself makes absolutely no difference to me.
“The concept of taking a moment each year to examine yourself and your life’s needs versus your life’s wants is extremely powerful and therapeutic.”
Commentary Editor Tyler McCarthy is an 8thsemester journalism and English double major. He can be reached at Tyler.McCarthy@UConn.edu.
Why I love Ted Mosby: A defense of the nice guy
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ike any other “How I Met Your Mother” fan, I’ve been won over by charm and awesome of breakout character Barney Stinson, played by the dear Neil Patrick Harris. However, I’m afraid the spell has been broken, ladies and gentleman. There has been a deep disturbance in the force, and I can’t deny it any longer. I’ve fallen out of love By Victoria Kallsen with Barney Staff Columnist Stinson, and, yeah, I know it’s about time I’ve gotten over my long-standing adoration of a fictional character (not that I’ll ever give up on Ron Stoppable). Why you may ask? Because Barney proves a trope true that I find to have no basis. And here begin the SPOILERS, my friends. Barney’s actions on the show suggest nice guys do finish last in television, that all girls just want to fix their bad boy. Robin officially and irrevocably choosing Barney in last December’s shocking (and totally saw-it-coming) episode is the show saying, “Hey, you can totally sleep with hundreds of women, Barney, and who’s going to stop you? And here’s your cake, too!” Let’s just do some quick math on how many women
QW uick
Barney has slept with. Barney was born around the year 1975, and lost his virginity in 1998 at age 23. In 2009, there is an episode landmarking Barney’s 200th girl he’s had sex with. So in an 11-year period, he has slept with 200 women, or roughly 18 women per year. By the end of Barney’s 14-year reign in 2012, we can estimate he’s slept with 252 different women. While I’m sure that already sounds ridiculous, a study in 2011 found in The Telegraph reported that men had on average only 9 sexual partners in their entire lifetime, only a quarter going beyond 10. According to our numbers, no one can be Barney Stinson. And we certainly shouldn’t be raising a generation to think you can sleep with 252 women and not contract a sexually transmitted disease or have an unplanned pregnancy. It’s really just odds, people. When one in four people contract an STD, according to testing centers, and half of pregnancies are unplanned in the US; with 5 percent of women experiencing unplanned pregnancies, it’s just not realistic to live Barney’s lifestyle and just celebrate “Not a Father’s Day” every day. To give a boiled-down interpretation of “How I Met Your Mother” (and I am aware this is a simplification of the
“W hen it
show’s plot), the womanizer character gets the girl (or “the prize” in modern television, unfortunately) in favor of the actions of the more committed, honest character, when Barney wins over Robin. This isn’t to say Robin is obligated to end up with Ted, because no girl is required to instantly sleep with a guy just because he’s nice to her. But, you understand Ted’s frustration over the Robin and Barney engagement. We as consumers have to be critical of the messages we see in television, and this is clearly one of them. I won’t stand for nice guys finishing last anymore in television. I want Ted Mosby to get the girl (and by God, get her so damn soon, since it’s freaking season eight.) I don’t want to hear you complaining about the friend-zone anymore, gentleman. I want you to awkwardly ask someone to watch “Pulp Fiction” with you because you have a “moral obligation.” I want you say you’re not a hook-up guy, that you need an emotional connection with someone. You know what, 17 percent of men will only sleep with one girl in their lifetime, and damn, you guys are cool. Why are guys in shows mocked for being “the boyfriend”? Why is Eric in “That 70s Show” put down by Kelso and Hyde for his sin-
gular dedication to Donna, or Marshall in “HIMYM” teased by Barney for his sexual partners list of one, Lily. Let’s applaud these characters. The condemnation of such a character is tied to masculinity, tied to the idea that only true guys bang lots of chicks. And you know what, no thank you, I’m good. So I apologize to the men of this world that us females go through that “bad boy” phase. I apologize on behalf of all women, which I’m sure means a great deal. Honestly, it happens, it sucks, you passively aggressively tweet about it and you move on. Girls aren’t perfect, and I’m sorry we’ve so aggressively campaigned the “Draco Malfoy” effect. However, my friends, I urge you to leave behind the actual Barneys of this world because they are not as charismatic or perfect as Neil Patrick Harris would convey. (I mean, if you don’t want a relationship, that’s cool. Carry on.) But if you want to find your “Lebenslanger Schicksalsschatz,” please, find a Ted Mosby. They’re pretty cool.
Staf f Columnist Victoria Kallsen is a 4th-semester mechanical engineering major. She can be reached at Victoria.Kallsen@UConn.edu.
asked about gay marriage , D onald T rump said , ‘I t ’ s not my thing .’ T rump went on to say marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman he will replace in six years .” –C onan O’B rien
THIS DATE IN HISTORY
BORN ON THIS DATE
1929
Sir Alexander Fleming introduces his mold byproduct called penicillin to cure bacterial infections.
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Thursday, February 14, 2013
New Cumberland Farms is ‘the best convenience store’
The new Cumberland Farms gas station could be easily summed up in the eloquent, immortal words of Peter Griffin: it’s “freakin’ sweet!” Located across the street from CVS on Storrs Road, near the northeastern section of campus, the new Cumberland Farms gas station and convenience store basically looks like the future of gas stations. From the hardwood floor, modern and metallic food areas and even some touch-screen
» FROM THE WRITER’S DESK
Writing Romance
erful forms, from thunderstorm to waterfalls. Featuring beautiful imagery and dynamic motion, the show is set to dazzle. Of special note are the show’s dancers. They are seven experts who will travel up and down the wall and stage, seemingly defying gravity, and launch themselves through the air to capture the show’s powerful emotions. After the program, the artists will hold a question-and-answer session with audience members. This is sure to reveal some of the secrets of their logic-defying movements. Motionhouse: “Scattered” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Jorgensen on Feb. 14. UConn students can get in for $10 with a valid ID; regular admittance prices range from $31 for balcony seats to $36 for the floor.
With today being Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be only appropriate that my column address the thorniness of writing lust and romance. There are many different approaches to writing about lust and romance, and hopefully I’ll touch on whatever interests you somewhere in this column. Let’s get to it. The most quintessential idea of love in writing is the love poem. Traditionally, a love poem is written in the form of a sonnet, and we have one William Shakespeare to thank for that. The way a sonnet (about love or otherwise) usually works is thus: the first three stanzas establish an idea, and the ending couplet adds a twist. For example, in Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, which begins “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun,” the first three stanzas express the idea that the narrator’s mistress does not meet any of the more flowery comparisons allegedly found in other poets’ lovers. He ends the sonnet with the couplet, “And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare/ As any she belied with false compare,” i.e. it is because of her genuine qualities that he loves her. The sonnet is a triedand-true love poem. Why do anything different? The second most popular instance of love in writing is probably the harlequin novel. Frankly, I’ve never read more than a few lines of one, so my advice here is to be taken with a grain of salt. The general idea of love in these novels is either a forbidden romance or a love as an unassailable fortress that bests all evil. In my opinion, harlequin novels are probably cheap, dime-adozen fantasies comparable to those found on fanfiction. net. Structurally, I imagine they’re sound enough, but I think they lack in originality and genuineness. Another type of romance that has reared its head in today’s popular culture is the “edgy” glorification of abusive relationships found in the “Twilight” series and the “Fifty Shades” series. My opinion on these romances is low. My advice on writing about abusive relationships is this: be realistic and don’t glorify it. They’re abusive; the abused parties are not going to be enjoying themselves. So what makes a good love story? Two things: realism and originality. When I say realism, I don’t mean that great love stories don’t take place in the fantasy or sci-fi genres. I mean that the characters involved in the romance need to be realistic people. They need to have both strengths and flaws, and they have to express these. If the characters are simply Prince Charming and Cinderella, there ceases to be a conflict romance-wise, which makes things boring. On a related note, originality matters. Every person has their own ideas on what love is like. Therefore, you have to present it in a way that isn’t just an affirmation of previously held beliefs. There’s no reason that a love story can’t be as gripping as a thriller or as dramatic as “Downton Abbey.” I hope this helps any potential wooers reading this today. Good luck on your wooing.
Joseph.O’Leary@UConn.edu
Jason.Wong@UConn.edu
Image courtesy of sippican.villagesoupo.com
food service machines, the place is as exciting as you can get for a convenience store. Among the highlights of the convenience store’s offerings is a soda bar, where any size fountain soda or flavored iced drinks is just $0.89. Both Coke and Pepsi products are offered, and eight original Cumberland Farms flavored ice drinks are also available. The soda bar also offers the ability to add vanilla, lemon, cherry or lime flavoring to any soda. One of the neatest things at Cumberland Farms is the F’Real milkshake and smoothie machine. You can
have a milkshake whipped up on the spot for $2.39, or a smoothie for $2.59. I tried the peanut butter milkshake, and it was pretty darn good. The coffee bar stands as another highlight. Any sized coffee bar beverage will set you back just $0.99 cents. The coffee bar offers dozens of different beverage options, from various regular and iced coffees to hot chocolate and cappuccinos. Cumberland Farms outdoes other gas station snack bars by a long shot. Besides featuring a decent number of sandwiches and sides, the snack bar sells full pizzas for those in a rush. Some
great deals are here too: a slice of pepperoni pizza only costs $0.99 while you can get two hot dogs for $2, not to mention the toppings you can put on them. In the frozen foods section, you can also find some of Cumberland Farms brand name ice cream, which after years of enjoying as a kid, I can tell you is pretty good. Considering this is a college newspaper, I feel obliged to report the following: no, you cannot purchase any alcoholic beverages at Cumberland Farms. Fun fact: no Cumberland Farms in the state of Connecticut sells them, either.
Another bonus – when I went to examine the station on Wednesday, the price for regular unleaded gas was $3.85 a gallon– 2 cents per gallon cheaper than the gas station across the street. It’s not much, but for those wishing to save every penny, there you have it. All in all, the new Cumberland Farms is pretty cool. It’s basically the best convenience store you’ve ever seen. For commuter students, this just may be the Holy Grail. I highly urge those who drive by to stop in for a look.
Alex.Sferrazza@UConn.edu
DIY: The perfect ‘Logic-defying’ show comes to Valentine’s mix CD Jorgensen By Kathleen McWilliams Staff Writer
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t bought with a platinum credit card, but are made with your own two hands. While roses, chocolates and stuffed animals are great Valentine’s Day gifts for your significant other, a mixtape or CD with some thoughtful songs will last longer and make a memory on your special day. The gift of music is inexpensive and speaks volumes about how you feel about someone, whether they are a platonic friend or a romantic interest. For a friend, burn a CD with your new favorite songs and give the gift of awesome music. I would suggest Sharon Van Etten’s “Serpents” and Jack White’s “Love Is Blindness” to start off the mix. Other good tracks that would make excellent gifts for friends include “One of These Days” by The Mike Brown Band and “Whirring” by Joy Formidable. If you and your friend particularly like a certain song, find a remix of it and burn it on the CD as an homage to your friendship. Add a few of your favorite songs that they might not have heard, and you’ll have made a gift that your friend will never forget and won’t stop listening to for weeks. Making a mixtape for a romantic partner will require a little more effort because the meanings behind each song will have to be appropriate to how you feel. Consider each
The Daily Campus, Page 5
By Jason Wong Senior Staff Writer
Cumberland Farms, a regional chain of convenience stores, recently opened shop on Storrs Road. Located across the street from CVS, Cumberland Farms features many beverage options such as a soda bar, a F’Real milkshake and smoothie machine and a coffee bar. Snackwise, Cumberland has pizza, sandwiches and sides, as well as a frozen foods section.
By Alex Sferrazza Campus Correspondent
Frederick Douglass – 1818 Michael Bloomberg – 1942 Gregory Hines – 1946 Meg Tilly – 1960
Image courtesy of motionhouse.co.uk
The Motionhouse dance company in action. Originating from the UK, the professional dance troupe is coming to Jorgenson on Feb. 14 to perform its “Scattered” program. Image courtesy of puppylovepreschool.blogspot.com
The best gifts require effort, and making your friend or significant other a mixtape or mix CD is a great way to show you care and to highlight some of your favorite memories.
song carefully, because striking a balance between sweet and not overly sappy is difficult to achieve. A great song for a romantic mix tape is “Strange and Beautiful” by Aqualung. The song is romantic but not saccharine, and is beautifully composed. The song is relatively unpopular, and because of this, you will have the opportunity to introduce your significant other to some new music. Another suitable track is “Requiem on the Water” by Imperial Mammoth. A folksy, acoustic song, the lead vocals are soft and relaxing, the perfect combination for a romantic compilation. “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is a unique love song for a mixtape, due to the humorous
elements of Morissey’s lyrics. Similarly, “Do You Remember the First Time” by Pulp is a romantic reminiscence about a first love that could bring you and your significant other back to some good memories. Generally, romantic songs from famous artists like Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles are always a good choice for a mix CD, and depending on your valentine’s taste, you can pick an artist or genre they might enjoy. After adding a few new tracks and some classic love songs, mix some of your old favorites onto the CD and you’ll have a perfect Valentine’s Day mix.
Kathleen.McWilliams@UConn.edu
By Joe O’Leary Focus Editor Looking for a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other? Motionhouse, a dance company hailing from the United Kingdom, will perform its newest program, “Scattered,” tonight at Jorgensen. The company’s co-founder and artistic director, Kevin Finnan, called their show a “dance-filmspectacle” in a Jorgensen press release. The show should hold incredible sights, “combining film, original music and aerial movement to explore our everyday, and sometimes exotic, relationship with water,” according to the press release. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Motionhouse will use a massive wall resembling a half-pipe to evoke water’s essential place in human life and its many pow-
The Daily Campus, Page 6
FOCUS ON:
MUSIC
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Focus
Album Of The Week
Want to join the Focus review crew? Come to a Focus meeting next semester, Mondays at 8 p.m. Your name could be on the Music page!
What’s Going On
Valentine’s Day Playlist »MUSIC REVIEWS
12/6 Playlist
By Joe O’Leary Focus Editor
“Love and Happiness” Al Green
Foals explore new horizons without compromising sound By Zarrin Ahmed Staff Writer
“Best I Every Had” Drake
“I’m In Love With A Girl” Big Star
“Let’s Spend The Night Together”
The Rolling Stones
“Tihe Way You Look Tonight” Frank Sinatra
“Stay With Me Tonight” Jeffrey Osborne
Although their earlier songs will always hold a special place in my music library, the Foals’ newest album, “Holy Fire,” takes on new sounds and horizons for the band’s expansion and artistry. The first time I heard Foals was on two different British TV shows: “Skins” and “Misfits.” There’s a secret party scene in Skins featuring “Hummer” from their first album, “Antidote,” showing a group of kids partying like I’ve never seen. A year ago, I began looking into the band and was pleased to find many songs that I deeply enjoy for musicality, lyrics and style. Ranging from dance songs that are just fun to go crazy to more personal songs that cut right to the heart, Foals satisfies many moods and music styles. I’m happy to say that their new-
“My Number” - Foals
“I’m The Man Who Loves You” Wilco
“Some Hearts” Carrie Underwood
Foals
2/11/13 11 tracks
8
It’s official: Drizzy’s back at it. The Canadian-born 26-year-old rapper is once again cranking out the tracks and slowly dropping singles in preparation and promotion for his upcoming studio album. The fresh single, throbbing with 808s and attitude and devoid of Drake’s typical sappiness, is entitled “Started From the Bottom.” The popularity and download rate has been overwhelmingly large, but has also yielded mixed reactions. The song, just under two weeks old, already has a corresponding music video, hand-crafted by the singer himself. “Started from the bottom, now we here” is the ongoing line, spoken with power and slight cockiness. Through this track, listeners
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est album does not disappoint and stays true to their unique sound. It begins with “Prelude,” a number that incorporates their ethereal and dreamy guitar, and with their heavy hitting drum lines, I was already swaying to the music half a minute into the album. Following that, “Inhaler” was an interesting new sound the band developed with the synthesized singing and heavily distorted power chords. I call it musical genius. Yannis Philippakis’s voice seems cramped and overshadowed by the music until he yells out, “I can’t enough space,” at which point the song opens wide with guitar riffs that are still pretty low and grungy for the high-pitched guitar these musicians typically use. They return to their usual upbeat dance beats with “My Number,” a song that is solely about letting go and having fun. While there are songs more melodic and softly produced on their debut, “Total Life Forever” singles like “Blue Blood” and “Miami” still embrace a post-punk
terminology, high fretboard riffs, broken-up drumming and verses and choruses fitting in odd angles. But this CD hosts a number of pop-heavy songs like “Bad Habit” and “Everytime.” I couldn’t help but bob my head to songs like “Out of the Woods,” pretend to drum along to “Milk and Black Spiders” or sway to “Moon.” Though
get the full scoop on the Canadian artist’s come-up in the rap world, feeling his pain seeping through each word, as though we had lived it ourselves. The problem is that we’re not sure what constitutes the “bottom” for Drake in this no-nonsense anthem. Growing up in the “slums” of suburban Toronto? Landing an 8-year acting job on the Canadian TV classic “Degrassi?” We know it wasn’t poverty, the necessity of selling drugs or the pressures of gang violence. Perhaps it was his tricky car situation, “working all night, traffic on the way home and my uncle calling me like where ya at? I gave you the keys told ya bring it right back.” Yes, Drake was dealt the card of not owning, but having to borrow a vehicle throughout his adolescent years. The details of his struggle-laden teenage life are still cloudy, but we can luckily affirm that it did not
include busting gats and the like. Okay, perhaps I’m being a tad harsh. The beat is tight, the song grows on you with each listen and head-bobbing ensues. But one must face the facts. There is truly no happy medium when it comes to the content of Drake’s music. He’s either drowning in his feelings or bragging about stacks, gold records and cars. And sadly, this song follows the trend. The video is a quirky balance between retrospection and humor, showing flashbacks of Drake’s childhood soccer games and drives through his hometown. He also depicts his young adulthood employment at Shoppers Drug Mart, a Walgreens-like chain based in Ontario. Goofing around the store with two other hoodlums, Drake shows us that there was enough fun with peers to keep him going when times were tough. Despite all the above mockery
Image courtesy of wikipedia.org
The cover of Foals’ third studio album, “Holy Fire.” The English rock band originating in Oxford, England incorporates post-punk, indie and dance rock.
- Focus Staff Photos Courtesy Amazon.com
Upcoming Shows February 14 Trey Songz MGM Grand at Foxwoods Mashantucket, CT February 15 Toro y Moi Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA February 15 Vivian Girls, Widowspeak Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY
Philipakis’ voice is becoming more versatile and expressive, his lyrics don’t hold the same depth the way the first two albums did. Most of the album proved the Oxford band’s ability to be more emotionally substantial and idiosyncratic than any of their mainstream peers.
Zarrin.Ahmed@UConn.edu
“Started From the Bottom” - Drake and sarcasm, Drake is (and will always be) a guilty pleasure for much or nearly all of hip hop and rap fans. He just needs to pick a lane when it comes to the attitude he exudes, musically. Anticipation is growing for his new work, and we should keep our minds and ears open.
Emily.Herbst@UConn.edu
Fall Out Boy sticks comeback (maybe)
By Loumarie Rodriguez Senior Staff Writer
“All You Need Is Love” The Beatles
The date in albums By Thomas Teixeira Staff Writer
Drake’s single is musically sound; lyrically ambiguous
By Emily Herbst Staff Writer
By Alex “Better Sfazzarra Together” Campus Correspondent Jack Johnson
Holy Fire
How can we ever forget our angsty preteen years of listening to all those pop punk bands that seemed to know exactly how we were feeling? My goodness, weren’t we overly dramatic? However, a good majority of those aggravating pop punk bands that we used to know and love have vanished off the face of the earth. Despite this, one group has managed to gain some attention with the release of their latest single. Fall Out Boy (FOB) has crawled out of the cracks where pop punk rock has fallen through. They even released a single in
Remember them? Fall Out Boy, an American pop punk band best remembered for their 2005 album “From Under the Cork Tree” are trying to make a comeback.
“My Song Knows What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” – Fall Out Boy
order to create some hype for their new CD, “Save Rock and Roll,” coming out May 6. Their single, titled “My Song Knows What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” was released earlier this month and is a completely different sound than the typical FOB that a lot of us used to appreciate in our preteen years. The whiny style of singing has finally been vanquished. From the beginning of the song, you can hear
Image courtesy of nme.com
the upgrade, with a repetitive beat that leads right into vocalist Patrick Stump singing with a surprisingly edgy sound completely unlike their older songs. Once you reach the chorus, the song is actually catchy. Again, it certainly matches the mainstream music scene: hipsters beware. When listening to the single the first time, you miss the guitar sound because of the climatic background beats. There is a buildup to the cho-
rus with really odd lyrics. The title of the song doesn’t make too much sense with the context of the song, but did FOB’s titles ever make sense? The one thing I am glad to hear is that their whiny style seems to be long gone. Still, we’ll have to wait for their album for that to be officially determined. For now, they are on the right path to something different from their earlier works, but they have retained their pop sound, so it’s really unclear how they plan to save rock and roll. FOB had announced they were writing a new record on their Twitter back in August 2012. However, the official announcement of their reunion came from their website on Feb. 4. They also performed their new single on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Wednesday night. I’ll admit that I am grateful for that the pop punk generation is dead, although whispers of it still float around. Whiny vocals and lead singers complaining about how complicated their lives are belong in the past, and hopefully there are no attempts at a revival.
Loumarie.Rodriguez@UConn.edu
Maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t important to you. Maybe it is. Regardless of whether you choose to celebrate the holiday or not, whether you’re in a committed relationship or are newly single, the holiday creates an opportunity for fun. Couples will spend the day together. ‘Just friends’ might go out together simply to poke fun at the real couples and to console each other’s loneliness. Still others might use the holiday as an excuse to go out on a limb, take a chance and ask out a girl or guy they like. Either way, Valentine’s Day can serve as a pleasant break from routine if you choose to participate. And if you do, the right music might make all the difference. Whether you’re riding around with your best friend, or taking someone out for the first time, playing the right album at the right time can amplify your date-night experience. Here are my date night picks, organized by situation. Enjoy! Pre-Date When you pick up your date, you’ll want to impress him or her, set the mood and simultaneously spark a decent conversation. Frank Ocean’s mixtape “Nostalgia, Ultra,” Drake’s “So Far Gone,” Wilco’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” or any of four EPs by crooner Cocaine 80’s will start the date off right. Each provides stellar instrumentals (or production), unique sounds and clever lyrics. All three have enough mainstream appeal to be accessible to anyone, yet are obscure enough to provoke solid conversation. At The Date/Mood Music A restaurant won’t take kindly to you jamming your iPod over their speaker system, but if you’re planning to eat Chinese take-out over a candlelit coffee table, you’re in luck. Music here should be quiet and sensual. The Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut, Bon Iver’s self-titled second release, D.C. musician Oddisee’s instrumental album “Rock Creek Park” or Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions” will all do the trick. Tracks from these LPs are mellow enough to serve as background music, but interesting enough to command a listen if the opportunity presents itself. On The Way Home From The Date This might be the most difficult set to choose. You want to set the mood here without coming on too strong, and you really need conversation to flow effortlessly from here on out. Mainstream cuts are a safe bet. Miguel’s “Kaleidoscope Dream” is a recent release that should set the tone for the night without seeming out of place. Usher’s “Confessions” will serve a similar purpose, while simultaneously allowing you to exchange memories from eight-grade school dances with your date. If You’re Invited Inside To some extent, let yourself go. You’ve been invited in, so you shouldn’t worry much about being impressive anymore, you’re already there. Instead, show your date a
» DATE, page 7
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Focus
Fresh beats for a new year
By Rachel Dobin Campus Correspondent Along with failed New Year’s resolutions and a ton of snow, 2013 has also brought many new, enticing albums to the billboards. In just the past two months, Mumford & Sons, A$AP Rocky, Tegan and Sara, Local Natives and many other artists have released new albums. Justin Ti m b e r l a k e ’s new album, “The 20/20 Experience,” has not been released yet, but is expected to be available on March 19, according to iTunes. Two songs from the album have been released. One of them is “Mirrors,” which is already No. 7 on iTune’s Top Songs. With its catchy and soulful beat, it’s easy to see why this song has gained so much popularity. The song captures the essence of an emotional connection between two people with the lyrics, “And I can’t help but stare, cause I see truth somewhere in your eyes. I can’t ever change without you. You reflect me, I love that about you.” Mumford & Sons released their live album “The Road to Red Rocks,” on Feb. 5. Their song, “Lovers’ Eyes,” is the second-most popular song on their album behind “I Will Wait,” according to iTunes. Both songs came from their Grammy-winning studio album “Babel,” which was named Album of the Year. Their use of many string and percussion instruments contributes to a folky sound. “Lovers’ Eyes” has a mellow and calming feel to it, but the lyrics are intense: “Cause there’s no drink or drug I’ve tried to rid the curse of these lover’s eyes/And I feel numb, beneath your tongue/
Image courtesy of nydailynews.com
Justin Timberlake performing at the 2013 Grammys. Timberlake’s new album, “The 20/20 Experience,” will be available on March 19. Off that album is the single “Mirrors,” which holds the No. 7 position on iTunes.
Your strength just makes me feel less strong.” Despite the heavy lyrics, the soft sounds of the song as a whole make for perfect background music while studying or relaxing. A$AP Rocky’s new album, “LONG.LIVE.A$AP” was released on Jan. 11. “Wild for the Night” is one of the album’s songs featuring Skrillex and Birdy Nam Nam, which creates an interesting mix of artists. A$AP Rocky is known for more traditional hip hop, while Skrillex and Birdy Nam Nam make electric dance music. The song starts with a heavy deep voice and steady beat. After a 45-second intro, the song picks up the tempo. This song
will get you pumped, whether you’re at a party or at the gym. Tegan and Sara’s new album, “Heartthrob” was released on Jan. 28. “Closer” is the most popular song on the album thus far, according to iTunes. This song has an upbeat and positive vibe to it. The song is about the physical desire to get closer to another, which is easily communicated in the lyrics, “Here comes the heat before we meet a little bit closer/ Here comes the spark before the dark, come a little closer.” Local Natives released their second album, “Hummingbird,” on Jan. 29. “Breakers” sets a good example of what one can expect from a Local Natives song. The lyrics are meaningful,
the tone is indie/folk and the song has a calming presence. This song starts with melodic “oohs” and goes to a more intense place with lyrics, such as “No, I know, I know how far it’s gone myself. Maybe I’ll believe it from somebody else.” Perhaps these lyrics are about someone with a mental illness. One of the great things about music is that it is open to interpretation. This year in music looks promising, considering the albums that have been released in only the first couple months. Whether you are studying, laying down for a nap, getting ready for a party or singing in the shower, there’s something for you.
Rachel.Dobin@UConn.edu
The Daily Campus, Page 7
Miss America pageant returns to Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — There she is, Miss America, headed back to Atlantic City. The Miss America pageant, a staple in Atlantic City for decades before it was moved to Las Vegas in 2006, is making a return, Gov. Chris Christie’s spokesman Michael Drewniak confirmed Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno was scheduled to make a formal announcement Thursday at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. The Miss America pageant started as little more than a bathing suit revue. It broke viewership records in its heyday and bills itself as one of the world’s largest scholarship programs for women. But, like other pageants, it has struggled to stay relevant as national attitudes regarding women’s rights have changed. The news of the pageant’s return to Atlantic City came as a surprise to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, which sponsored the pageant on the Las Vegas Strip in January, spokeswoman Courtney Fitzgerald said in a telephone interview. In a subsequent statement, she said the tourism organization wished the pageant well in its new home. “Las Vegas is honored to have hosted the Miss America pageant for the past seven years,” she said. “We understand that moving the televised event to various cities showcases America’s diverse destinations which represent our great country.” Pageant officials didn’t imme-
diately respond to after-hours phone and email messages seeking comment Wednesday Many details remained unclear, including whether the pageant would return to the elaborate show it had been for decades at Boardwalk Hall or continue as more of the reality show it became with its move to Las Vegas. Also unknown was where it would be broadcast and whether it is returning permanently or for a limited run. According to the Miss America Organization’s website, the contest originated in 1920 as the Fall Frolic, which became the Inter-City Beauty Contest the following year. In 1921, a high school junior named Margaret Gorman was one of approximately 1,000 entrants in a photo contest held by the Washington Herald. She was chosen as the first Miss Washington, D.C., and her prize was a trip to Atlantic City, where she won the top prize: the Golden Mermaid Trophy. The next year, Gorman was expected to defend her title. But when the Washington Herald selected a new Miss Washington, D.C., Atlantic City pageant officials didn’t know what new title to award Gorman. Since both titles she won in 1921 — Inter-City Beauty, Amateur and The Most Beautiful Bathing Girl in America — were considered somewhat awkward, it was decided to call her Miss America.
Albums to set the mood tonight from DATE, page 6 new side of yourself. Keep him/her guessing. Mystery is
good. Boredom will send you home before the clock strikes midnight. Pick an album that you secretly love, though you’re embarrassed to admit it. Break your normal genre trends and go out on a limb here, but remember – you’ve worked to create a mood and sense with your music all night, don’t lose it here. For me, “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac, “True” by Solange and “Love Man,” Otis Redding’s 1969 posthumous release, would get play here. Spending The Night If you’re in this far, you might be in for something long-term, or maybe for just one night. Either way, you’ve got a lot of freedom in terms of music choices. Play something to make yourself confident and be sure to cater to your date’s needs or wants. Remember, you’re in this together. The Weeknd’s “House of Balloons” is a contemporary cut that will put you both on cloud nine. Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” and “What’s Goin’ On” might seem cliché, but chances are that most 90s babies have never listened to the full albums. There’s a reason that Marvin is thrown onto everyone’s bedroom playlist; he’s just that good.
Thomas.Teixeira@UConn.edu
Thursday, February 14, 2013
COMICS
The Daily Campus, Page 8
Comics
PHOTO OF THE DAY
Kevin & Dean Adam Penrod
SETH CRAIG/The Daily Campus
If the snow outside was supposed to stop students from moving around, nobody told this bunch. Here, members of the Hellenic Student Association practice Greek dancing. I Hate Everything by Carin Powell
Lazy Girl Michelle Penney!
Monkey Business by Jack Boyd
Horoscopes
by Brian Ingmanson
Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- A productive morning leaves space for a romantic evening; make what you will of it. You can have whatever you’re willing to stand for: Love is worth it. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Expand your mind and heart with an adventure, perhaps a rendezvous at a secret spot, followed by a puzzle to untangle or an art project to enjoy. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Complete tasks earlier in the day. You’re a powerhouse. Later, reward yourself with relaxation and delicious food. Remember that pampering works best when it goes both ways. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You’re busy and getting busier at work, and that could interfere with your love life. Communication is key. Travel could be slow. Research holds crucial clues. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Don’t overspend on luxuries. Who needs them when you’ve got love? Celebrate with dear ones, and be flexible about how it looks. Your true love holds you to your highest. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- You’re just on fire. New pathways are revealed. Plan to indulge the places where your heart is. Your confidence is quite attractive. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- There could be a clash between love and money. It’s not a good time to get extravagant. Don’t push yourself too hard. You have super study power. Share kindness. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Your capacity to listen makes you more alluring. Stay in contact with loved ones. You’re getting more powerful, so you might as well raise the stakes. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- It all works out (if you’re willing to do the work). You’re in top gear, and improving, but remember that Valentine’s Day is not all about you. Share. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -Plan a special day together with a loved one. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Go ahead and give your word. It’s okay to be quiet, too. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- A boost of energy helps you complete projects, but it could also wear you out by the end of the day. Make time for being social later. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -Step into the emotional limelight. “Respectful” and “willing to be of service” get you the farthest. If the recipe falters, add a dash of “love.”
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Daily Campus, Page 9
Sports
NBA union head out?
UConn Women's Basketball star Asjha Jones: Life after UConn By Mike Peng Campus Correspondent
AP
In this Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 file photo, Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBA players union, speaks during a news conference following NBA labor talks in New York. Hunter is being placed on an indefinite leave of absence as executive director of the NBA players’ association.
NEW YORK (AP) — After 17 years fighting for NBA players, Billy Hunter might be down to his last, most difficult battle. This one is for his own job. A lengthy report critical of seemingly every aspect of Hunter's leadership has given players plenty of reason to fire him as executive director of the players' association, and some will go to Houston for All-Star weekend with that intention. "First, I just feel like it's time for a new leader," Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins said. Some other notable players agree, and plenty more could follow if they take the advice of their agents, many of whom have long disliked and disagreed with Hunter. Others, realizing that Hunter hasn't been found to have done anything illegal, may not support his removal from the position he's held since 1996. His future is expected to be the focus of the players' meeting, unless there's a resolution beforehand. He's already been placed on indefinite leave, likely the first step in a termination that could be voted on during the meeting. After a lengthy labor struggle with the NBA in 2011, union
leaders have now turned on each other, creating a situation that superstar Kobe Bryant said last week is a "mess right now." It resulted from the fallout between Hunter and union president Derek Fisher, Bryant's longtime teammate with the Los Angeles Lakers. Fisher urged a review of the NBPA's business practices, which was completed by the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Released in January after eight months of reviewing financial records and NBPA emails, along with interviews of more than three dozen witnesses, the report contains hundreds of pages of questions about Hunter's judgment and decision making, leaving readers to wonder whether the issue is that Hunter didn't know better or should have done better. He was aware his contract was never properly approved. He hired family and friends, or companies that employed them. Red flags are raised about vacation pay, travel expenses and purchases of gifts, among others. The report urges players to consider Hunter's position this weekend, and players such as Paul Pierce, Deron Williams and Andre Iguodala have called
for his ouster. Yet even Bryant, a veteran who can be as informed as he wants through his friendship with Fisher, called himself "pretty ignorant" about the issues, and many other players either don't seem to know or care what's going on. "I think one of the weaknesses so far at this point has been a lack of communication. I think a lot of us were taken by surprise by a lot of things that supposedly have been found," said Kyle Korver, Atlanta's alternate player representative. "I think it would be helpful if people who found the report would come sit down and talk to everyone and say exactly what they found, because it's hard to know, to trust a side. Because agents have their side, obviously. We all picked agents that we trust, but they have a stake in something. The union, they're trying to protect jobs. They have a stake in something. The media is trying to tell a story and it's hard I think for the players to get the truth a lot of times." Representatives from the law firm will brief players at the meeting. Still unclear is whether Hunter will be in Houston, or exactly what the steps are to firing him.
In 1998, UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma was able to pull off one of the best recruiting classes in school history when five All-Americans – Swin Cash, Sue Bird, Keirsten Walters, Tamika Williams and Asjha Jones – all signed on to play for the Huskies. While Cash’s and Bird’s names are some of the more resonant ones in women’s basketball today, Asjha Jones’ should be not lost in the shuffle as well. Growing up in Piscataway, N.J. as a self-proclaimed “tomboy,” Jones picked up the sport of basketball at an early age. Shortly after she discovered that she had a knack for the game, Jones began playing AAU ball when she turned 11 years old. After being named the MVP of her summer league when she was in eighth grade, Jones went on to attend Piscataway Township High School. There, she would set the school record for total points and rebounds. The feat drew college scouts’ attention and earned her both McDonalds and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-American honors. When it came time for
Jones to choose which college she would enroll in, it was no surprise that Rutgers University, which is also located in Piscataway, made feverish attempts to recruit her. However, Jones wanted to leave her hometown and spurned the Scarlet Knights to commit to the Huskies instead. Jones would go on to have an outstanding career for UConn at the forward/center position. In the 1999-2000 season, she was selected alongside her teammates Shea Ralph, Svetlana Abrosimova and Sue Bird as four of the five All-Tournament Team players, all while helping Auriemma to defeat bitter rival Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament finals and capture the second national championship in school history. The next season, Jones and company fell short of repeating their success after losing in the Final Four to Notre Dame. But it wasn’t long before UConn returned to the top of women’s college basketball world, as Jones finished her career with the Huskies by winning another national title in 2002, which went on to spark a historical three-time repeat for the program. Apart from the two titles in her four-year career at UConn, Jones also averaged 10.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. She had suffered only nine losses in
contrast to the 136 victories she experienced as a Husky. Following her last year in Storrs, Jones declared for the 2002 WNBA Draft and was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics. After spending two mediocre seasons in Washington, D.C., Jones was included in a threeteam trade that sent her to the Connecticut Sun, where she still plays to this day. As a 10-year veteran and two-time All-Star in the WNBA so far, Jones has averaged 11.4 ppg and 5.0 rpg. During the offseasons, Jones often competed in European leagues as well. Over the past summer, Jones, along with five other former Huskies, were selected by Auriemma as members of the United States women’s national basketball team for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The team defeated France in the finals to capture a fifth consecutive gold medal in Olympic competitions for Team USA. Outside of basketball, Jones has also launched her own designer shoe line called “Takera Shoes,” labeled after her middle name. The line offers luxury brand shoes to women who wear shoes between the sizes of 10.5 to 15.
Michael.Peng@UConn.edu
Five soccer fans died in plane crash
AP
In this image taken from TV, emergency vehicles arrive at Donetsk airport, Wednesday Feb. 13, 2013, after a plane crash-landed at the airport.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — A passenger plane carrying soccer fans headed for a match skidded past the landing strip and overturned in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk on Wednesday, killing five people, officials said. The small, Soviet-designed AN-24 plane was carrying 44 passengers and crew from the
Black Sea port of Odessa when it crash-landed shortly after 6 p.m. local time, the Emergency Situations Ministry said on its website. The plane was operated by the small Southern Airlines company, which mostly runs domestic flights out of Odessa. The cause of the accident was not immediately clear and
senior officials were dispatched to Donetsk to investigate. One of the survivors, a man in his 20s who identified himself by his first name Oleg, said in a video interview posted on the Ukrainian news site Korrespondent that the plane "split open" and caught fire during landing.
The Daily Campus, Page 10
Sports
LeBron's hot stretch inspiring to Durant
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — LeBron James is playing at a record-setting level, and that only makes Kevin Durant want to get better at his own game. Heading into the All-Star break, James is making the race for league MVP a one-man contest. He has grabbed all the headlines by logging an NBA record six straight games with at least 30 points while shooting 60 percent or better. By comparison, the three-time NBA scoring champion Durant has hit both of those marks just five times all season. The two top vote-getters in last season's MVP balloting will play Thursday night when Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder host James' Miami Heat. "I always feel that I have to raise the bar for myself every single day. I think I'm competing against the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the season, throughout the season and seeing if I can be better than that," Durant said. "Of course, LeBron James is a really good friend of mine, a big inspiration, a guy I looked up to in high school, middle school, just hearing about him when he was in high school and being the No.1 pick out of high school was a pretty big accomplishment and now the stuff he's doing now, of course he's a big inspiration. I want to get there as well, so I just got to keep working." Besides finishing second to James in last year's MVP voting, Durant's Thunder lost to the
Heat in five games in the NBA Finals. Thursday night's game will be the first time the teams have played at Chesapeake Energy Arena since the Heat won Game 2 of the Finals, then returned home to win the next three games and the title. Miami won on its home court on Christmas Day in the only other meeting this season. "It's really fun. I think both teams accept the challenge," said James, who has made 60 of his last 80 field-goal attempts. "Both teams also know it doesn't define the season, win, lose or draw. I think both teams want to continue to get better and end on a high note going into the break. But we're not going to put added pressure on it. "We understand the magnitude of the game. We understand what they're going to come with and we will be ready for it." Behind James, the Heat roll in on a six-game winning streak. Oklahoma City had also been hot, tying a franchise record with four straight wins by at least 20 points before getting blown out at Utah on Tuesday night. The Thunder (39-13) are just ahead of East-leading Miami (35-14) in the overall NBA standings, with both trailing NBA-leading San Antonio in the race for home-court advantage for their chance to pursue the title. "We know what it feels like to lose, to get there almost to the top of the mountain and fall off," Durant said. "We know
how hard it is to get back. So we just try to prepare ourselves every single day to try to do that." Durant, the league's best scorer the past three seasons, has set out to improve his allaround game somewhat in the mold of James. He's averaging career-bests in shooting percentage from the field (52), 3-point range (43) and foul line (90.4), plus in assists (4.4), steals (1.6) and blocks (1.2). James' numbers are still better in all of those categories except free-throw shooting, and he's pulling down more rebounds while ranking behind only Durant and New York's Carmelo Anthony in scoring. Yet James and Durant are hardly archenemies, spending time training together in the offseason. James has also called Durant an inspiration for him to keep getting better. "I really appreciate that comment because people want us to hate each other so bad," Durant said earlier in the season. "That's true. People want us to hate each other. I really respect him and I really compete against him hard." Now, there's the added motivation that it was James' Heat that kept Durant from winning his first NBA title. "They're trying to get back and capitalize. We know that feeling. It's a little bit more passionate when you're playing the people who put you out — and we know that," said Chris Bosh, James' teammate.
Despite allowing 20 offensive rebounds, the Huskies held the Orange to 35 percent from the field and 4 for 23 on three-point attempts. Junior Tyler Olander opened the game with a powerful dunk, followed by an athletic upand-under lay-up with three Orange defenders swarming. He gave UConn an early 4-2 advantage and finished with those four points and four rebounds. Olander got into early foul trouble, and Ollie was forced to call on inexperienced freshman Phillip Nolan. Nolan grabbed five huge rebounds in 14 minutes. He attributed his ability to bang bodies with the Syracuse big men to Tuesday’s practice, when Olander and former UConn star Donny Marshall worked on his low-post defense. It paid off. “With Enosch Wolf out, DeAndre, Tyler and myself realized that we has [sic] to step up,” Nolan said. “That’s what this team is made of.” Syracuse senior Brandon Triche rattled in a jumper in the paint, followed by a breakaway dunk from sophomore Michael Carter-Williams. Then, a jumper from the elbow from Trevor Cooney allowed Syracuse to quickly erase the minor deficit and gain an 11-8 lead.
Both teams exchanged blows throughout the rest of the first half. Junior Niels Giffey threw down a thunderous dunk to put the Huskies ahead. Syracuse senior James Southerand answered with a three. Southerland was the only Orange player to convert a 3-point field goal. In his second game after being suspended, Southerland was 4 for 9 in three-point shooting and finished with 14 points in 25 minutes. Junior Shabazz Napier continued the funk of disappearing in the first half of games. But with 3:30 left in the first half and his team down two, Napier pulled up from three, nailed it and sent a crowd of 13,518 into a frenzy. Syracuse missed at the other end, and Napier knocked down a pretty 15-foot jump shot made possible by Olander’s screen. With 19 seconds left in the first half, Nolan wrestled the ball away from Carter-Williams and got the ball to Napier, who wisely slowed the ball down, and allowing Ollie to call a timeout. Syracuse played 18 seconds of its patented 2-3 zone defense, but could not stop Boatright from hitting a three to beat the halftime buzzer and send the Huskies into the locker up 29-24. Syracuse’s 24 points were the secondlowest mark in the first half this season. Syracuse started the second half on a 6-0
AP
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Mike James (13) in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013,
"Especially being in their gym, they want to send a message and we understand that.
We've got to play with high intensity."
–Phil Nolan
–Ryan Boatright
It would be insane. Another big issue I have is the lack of creativity in the dunks. Now this isn’t anyone’s fault, but seeing the same old stuff every year is just another reason to pull the plug. Scott: Michael Jordan ended every Dunk Contest by taking off from the free throw line and Dominique Wilkins best dunk contest dunk was a windmill. That’s lack of creativity. In the modern Dunk Contest, people are attacking the basket from all angles, jumping over anything they can find, and adding any props and theatrics possible. I don’t think that your problem is with the creative aspect of the Dunk Contest, but rather that we have reached a threshold with what is possible. But who knows? Maybe there is something that we haven’t thought of that will be pulled off this Saturday. There is no way of knowing. Phil: Yeah, I do agree with you that the threshold may have been reached. If the Dunk Contest has any chance of survival, it needs to change the way it does things like doing away with the props and gimmicks we have seen recently. No more capes or phone booths, no more bringing in a choir to sing “I Believe I Can Fly.” No more jumping over teammates, we have seen that too. We need to get back to the basics: a man, a ball and an aerial assault on the basket. Until this is done, however, the Dunk Contest needs to go.
NegaValentine from CALLAHAN, page 12
"With Enosch Wolf out, DeAndre, Tyler and myself realized that we [had] to step it up."
“They're leaving the big East with bad tase of UConn in their mouth."
To dunk or not to dunk? from DUNK CONTEST, page 12
Syracuse stunned in last showdown with UConn from SYRACUSE, page 12
Thursday, February 14, 2013
KEVIN SCHELLER/Daily Campus
UConn guard Shabazz Napier dribbles a Syracuse defender enroute to UConn's upset over the Orange.
run. Boatright responded with a 6-0 run of his own, and the score was tied at 35 with 15:35 remaining in regulation. The game looked like a rugby match for a few moments, as players from both teams gave up their bodies for a loose ball. Napier won the scrum at mid-court and finished it off with a textbook lay-up. During the next UConn possession, Boatright soared behind the Syracuse defense and Napier lobbed a perfect alley-oop that made the XL Center erupt. Boatright led the team with 17 points on 6 for 10 shooting, including 3 for 4 from behind the arc. The Orange fought back once again and took a 40-39 lead on a quick three from Southerland out of a timeout.
It would be Syracuse’s last lead of the game. Calhoun made two threes, Boatright slammed home a one-handed jam and UConn was leading 52-44. The Orange would not get within six as UConn made its free throws and Syracuse missed its jump shots in the final five minutes. As time expired, the UConn students did not storm the court after upsetting a Top 10 team. Instead, the UConn players high-fived and hugged the energetic student body in thank for their support throughout the game. There are still seven games remaining for the Huskies, and there are still plenty of goals to meet in that time.
Daniel.Maher@UConn.edu
Dear Ray Allen, I have nothing to say to you. Love, KG *** Dear Alex Rodriguez, I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed by your post-season performance. I’m not talking about the playoff efforts that resulted in 12 strikeouts in 25 at-bats. Nor the .185 on-base percentage. I’m not even talking about the benching midway through the year’s most important series. Rather, what you’ve done truly after the season was over. You know, the ability to make everyone hate you even more than they did back then with all this steroids talk and being injured. Sitting back and still collecting hundreds of millions, you’ve currently got an easier gig than a weatherman in Greenland. Meanwhile, the rest of us get to talk about you and try to put a season together. ‘Preciate it, hombre. Love, Derek Jeter *** Dear ACC, %@% %*$@)%@!!! Love, UConn
Andrew.Callahan@UConn.edu
TWO Thursday, February 14, 2013
PAGE 2
What's Next Home game
Away game
Feb. 21 Cincinnati 7 p.m
Feb. 23 DePaul 8 p.m.
Feb. 18 Baylor 9 p.m.
2,011
The number of points UConn has scored in women’s basketball so far this season.
Feb. 27 Georgetown 7 p.m.
Feb. 23 Feb. 26 Seton Hall Pittsburgh 4 p.m. 7 p.m.
» Pic of the day
Cardiac attack!
March 2 South Florida Noon
Men’s Hockey (11-12-3) Tomorrow Holy Cross 7:05 p.m.
Feb. 16 Holy Cross 7:05 p.m
Feb. 22 Army 7:05 p.m.
Feb. 23 Army 7:05 p.m
March 1 Sacred Heart 7:05 p.m.
Women’s Hockey (3-22-3) Feb. 16 Boston College 2 p.m.
Feb. 17 Boston College 2 p.m.
Feb. 23 Boston University 3 p.m.
Feb. 24 Boston University 2 p.m.
March 2 Hockey East TBD
Men’s Track and Field Mar. 2 IC4A Championships All Day
Women’s Track and Field Feb. 16 BIG EAST Championships Alll Day
Feb. 17 BIG EAST Championships All Day
Men’s Swimming & Diving Feb. 16 UConn Open TBA
Feb. 27 BIG EAST Championship TBA
Women’s Swimming & Diving Feb. 16 UConn Open TBA
Turmoil in Top 25
» That’s what he said -Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said after a draw with Manchester United.
Women’s Basketball (23-1) Feb. 16 Rutgers 4 p.m.
Stat of the day
“We began very strong and suddenly they scored and the match took on another form for us,”
Men’s Basketball (17-6) Feb. 16 Villanova Noon
The Daily Campus, Page 11
Sports
Feb. 27 BIG EAST Championship TBA
Softball Tomorrow FIU Tournament 11 a.m.
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AP
Derrick Rose
AP- There were eight losses for six top-10 teams. No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 all went down. A total of 14 schools in the Top 25 had at least one loss. All in one wild week for college basketball. “It’s a crazy season, man,” Illinois forward Tyler Griffey said. “It is a crazy, crazy season.” No kidding. Six Top 25 teams lost on Saturday alone, including two of the top five. When the next Associated Press poll comes out Monday, it likely will have a new No. 1 for the sixth straight week — marking the second-longest such streak since the first rankings in 1949. March Madness is weeks away, but February Frenzy is already in full swing. Fourth-ranked Duke overcame early and late deficits to beat Boston College 62-61 on Sunday night, but seventh-ranked Arizona lost 77-69 to California and Illinois made 11 3-pointers in a 57-53 victory at No. 18 Minnesota. “Nothing about today was easy,” Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “These are games anybody can lose, and throughout the country everybody is losing them. Our guys found a way to win against a team that was also deserving to win, so that’s a real good thing.” For top schools, it’s been a rocky run. According to STATS, Top 25 teams lost to unranked teams 36 times from Jan. 17 to Feb. 6, the most in at least 17 years. Top-ranked Indiana, No. 2 Florida and No. 3 Michigan each have dropped a game in the past week. The Hoosiers fell 74-72 at Illinois on Thursday and the Gators trailed by as many as 27 during the second half of an 80-69 loss at Arkansas last Tuesday night. “It just goes to show you anybody can beat anybody on any given night,” Griffey said. “TCU beating Kansas, us beating Indiana: It’s an unbelievable year, but that’s what makes it exciting. That’s what makes it so much fun to play.” Michigan was leading Wisconsin 60-57 on Saturday when Ben Brust got a perfect inbound pass from Mike Bruesewitz, took one dribble across halfcourt and connected for the tying 3-pointer as time expired in regulation. Brust added another big 3-pointer in overtime to lead the Badgers to a 65-62 victory. “It was awesome, something I’ll remember forever, and I’m sure a lot of people will,” Brust said. The Wolverines will need to forget this one in a hurry. They face rival Michigan State in East Lansing on Tuesday night. Fifth-ranked Kansas also is looking at a quick turnaround after a 72-66 loss at Oklahoma on Saturday made it a three-game slide for the storied program for the first time in eight years. The Jayhawks host No. AP 13 Kansas State on Monday.
Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett reacts after being called for traveling as Charlotte Bobcats’ Kemba Walker, rear, celebrates during the second half of an NBA basketball game.
NBA All-Star Weekend sure to dazzle
By Eddy Leonard Campus Correspondent
Everyone has been waiting for the second week in February, not because of Valentine’s Day, but because it is the NBA All Star Weekend. This year it will be held in Houston, Texas, home of the Rockets. There are several exciting parts to the weekend. It kicks off on Friday with the Rising Stars game. This game is enjoyable to watch because it gives you a preview of what the league’s stars will look like in only a few years. The events on Saturday night include the Shooting Stars contest, the Skills Challenge, the ThreePoint Contest and, of course, the Slam Dunk. The weekend finally concludes on Sunday with the NBA All-Star Game, a game that that features the top players in the world facing off head to head in a high scoring yet competitive game between the two conferences. This is all very exciting, and I am sure most fans cannot wait to watch. I, for one, am one of those fans, so I put together my predictions for the NBA All Star Weekend. The first event of the weekend is the Rising Stars game. However, the event has been altered this year in that it is no longer a game of rookies against sophomores. Instead, Shaquille O’Neill and Charles Barkley have drafted their own teams of rookies and
sophomores to compete against one another. Looking at both rosters, I believe that team Shaq will wipe the floor with team Chuck. Shaq has a loaded team full of potential superstars. He drafted Damien Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and UConn’s own Andre Drummond and Kemba Walker, just to name a few. The most notable players on Team Chuck include Anthony Davis and Kenneth Faried, who are great players but not much of an offensive threat. Chuck also selected Rickey Rubio from the Timberwolves, but Rubio will be going up against Shaq’s threeheaded monster of a backcourt in Walker, Irving and Lillard. These games are controlled by guards, and Shaq has three very talented ones. No, let’s turn to Saturday night, where the first event is the “Shooting Stars Competition.” This event features three players; one current NBA player, one former NBA player and one current WNBA player, trying to make a series of shots in the shortest amount of time. One of the shots is a half court shot. I believe this year’s team to beat is Russell Westbrook, Maya Moore and Robert Horry. They should be the heavy favorite going into the event. Westbrook is arguably one of the best shooters in the competition, along with Chris Bosh and James Harden. But the real x-factors are
Maya Moore and Big Shot Bob. They have a clear advantage over the rest of their field in their shot making ability. They are fantastic players and great pressure shooters, which makes them my pick. Next up is the anticipated “Skills Challenge.” This event tests the most talented point guards on their dribbling, passing and shooting ability, as they are timed in an obstacle course. I believe this year’s two finalists will be the reigning champion Tony Parker and sensational rookie Damien Lillard. I would watch out for Lillard in this event. He is a novice who wants to prove himself. He may take the field by surprise. As for the famous Three-Point Contest, my three favorites are the Hornets’ Ryan Anderson, the Knicks’ Steve Novak and San Antonio’s “Red Rocket,” Matt Bonner. I believe Novak is the best three-point sniper in the competition, but he uses his legs more in his release than someone like Bonner. He may get tired with the long rounds. Nevertheless, he is a professional, and I am going to stick with Steve Novak because he is one of the deadliest shooters in the sport. We have finally come to the last contest on Saturday, the legendary “Slam Dunk.” The participants are Jeremy Evans, Eric Bledsoe, Kenneth Faried, Gerald Green, Terrence Ross and James White.
Obviously, these are not the biggest names in basketball but that is no reason to tune out. There are a couple amazing athletes and high flyers in this bunch that I for one am excited to watch. Evans is the reigning champion, but I would watch out for Kenneth Farried, also known as the “Manimal.” He has been throwing down furious jams all season for his Nuggets. Also keep an eye out for the 2007 champion Gerald Green, who you might remember blew a cupcake candle out while dunking a ball a couple years ago. Green is a topnotch athlete with creativity, and he may steal a second Slam Dunk. As for the All-Star Game, the West is seeking to repeat as champions this year. However, I believe the East will earn the victory, being led by their superstar, LeBron James. James is a two-time AllStar MVP, averaging 26 points in All-Star games, and he has been quite frankly unstoppable the last couple weeks. Who would have thought he could have had a better year than last year? He is going to take his hot streak of shooting over 60 percent from the field, while still getting 30 points into the break. We have learned that no one can stop him if he wants to take over, which makes him my clear favorite for this year’s AllStar MVP.
Edward.Leonard_iii@UConn.edu
» INSIDE SPORTS TODAY
P.11: NBA All-Star Weekend news and previews. / P.10: LeBron and his hot streak a spark for Kevin Durant /P.9: NBA union leader on thin ice.
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Thursday, February 14, 2013
My non valentine
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SYRACUSE JUICED FOR GOOD Huskies squash Orange in final Big East meeting By Danny Maher Staff Writer
Andrew Callahan A Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! May your day be filled with love, happiness, too much of the color red and a little something that rhymes with lanky tanky. Or at the very least, I hope you stock up on some halfway decent chocolate. But now, enough of that. In sports, we get to celebrate some healthy hatedand do so on a consistent, obsessive basis. From rivalries to purported villains and the talking heads that populate “First Take,” hate is alive and well. Today should be no different. For example, just hours after UConn waved goodbye to scummy Syracuse for good last night, there’s no doubt that zero cards or well wishes were sent to follow them home. In fact, flipping the bird or firing eggs at the window of the fleeing bus would have been much more acceptable. Sports, it seems to me, is the only venue where that kind of hostility is perfectly okay. So to take advantage of that fact and mix things up today, here are some fictional “nonValentine” cards from sports figures and groups who know damn well that the recipient won’t be their Valentine. So, will you be my non-Valentine? Dear Dick Vitale, You suck with a capital ‘S,’ baby. Can’t wait to hear you on another broadcast of one of our games against Duke. You know, because their cheering section isn’t loud enough already. See you in a few years when old age has turned you into a Diaper Dandy. Love, The North Carolina student section Dear Bobby V, The only “Valentine” you ought to see today is at the bottom of any check you sign. Thanks for nothing. But, in the spirit of today, we’ve attached some candy hearts. In case you can’t read them, they spell out: “Be Gone,” “My Satan” and “FU FU.” In the instance that you can’t place the customized flavors, you’re now tasting: lawn mower clippings, jockstrap and shame. Love, Red Sox Nation
» CALLAHAN, page 10
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UConn will not win the national championship, but it did win its most crucial game this season Wednesday night. In a thrilling 66-58 win over Syracuse for the last time as conference foes, the game went much better than planned. “They’re leaving the Big East with a bad taste of UConn in their mouth,” sophomore Ryan Boatright said. Calhoun drilled a three with 9:49 left in the second half to give the Huskies a 45-42 lead. They never looked back. The last game, in the foreseeable future, between the two Big East rivals featured 15 lead changes and eight ties. The win improves UConn’s record to 17-6 overall and 7-4 in the Big East. The Orange drop to 20-4 and 8-3 in the conference. The Connecticut win snapped a threegame losing streak to Syracuse and was the first home win over the Orange since 2009. “They can ban us from the postseason, they can ban us from the Big East tournament, but they can’t ban us from getting better and loving each other,” head coach Kevin Ollie said. Ollie said after the game that Wednesday night’s victory compared to the win over Michigan State in Germany to begin the regular season.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
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KEVIN SCHELLER/Daily Campus
UConn guard Ryan Boatright shoots past two Syaracuse defenders in UConn’s 66-58 win over the Orange at the XL Center Wednesday.
» SYRACUSE, page 10
» BASKETBALL
UConn gives a proper Big East send-off to Syracuse
By Peter Logue Staff Writer One of college basketball’s most storied rivalries saw perhaps its final chapter unfold in front of an electric XL Center crowd on Wednesday night as UConn defeated Syracuse, 66-58. The emotional victory pulls the Huskies within one game of first place in the Big East regular season standings. Syracuse, which entered the evening ranked No. 6 in the country, will be leaving the Big East to join the ACC after this season, and therefore the two teams will only meet in the future in a non-conference or postseason setting. This knowledge only served to heighten the dramatics of last night’s back and forth contest. Freshman Omar Calhoun finished with 15 points,
including three crucial threepointers in the second half. UConn head coach Kevin Ollie, who was participating in his first Syracuse game as head coach, expressed his regret at the series coming to an end, at least temporarily. “It was a great game by our guys, but it is kind of hard for the rivalry to be over with,” said Ollie. “I’m hoping that we will continue to play again somewhere, somehow. It is pretty special and it is what a real rivalry is all about.” Despite committing 18 turnovers throughout the night, largely as a result of Jim
Boeheim’s notoriously stingy 2-3 zone defense, UConn was able to maintain a lead throughout the majority of the evening due to an impressive effort defensively and on the glass. The Huskies held the Orange to 35.4 percent field goal shooting, including 4-23 from three, and were able to outrebound the Orange 38 to 36. The advantage in rebounding is even more impressive when one takes into consideration that the Huskies were without 7’1” center Enosch Wolf, who has been suspended from the team indefinite-
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Notebook
ly following an on-campus arrest on Monday morning. The Huskies benefited from contributions from the lineup, including freshman Philip Nolan. The still-developing center contributed 14 quality minutes and grabbed five rebounds. “I work hard in practice no matter what happens, but I felt pretty sure that my chance was going to come, and it came tonight,” said Nolan. With the win, UConn only serves to complicate the logjam at the top of the conference standings. Syracuse, Marquette and Georgetown are leading the way at 8-3, closely followed by Notre Dame and Pittsburgh (8-4). Louisville and UConn, both with a record of 7-4, are remarkably only a game out of the lead.
As a result of the NCAA sanctions that have banned this year’s squad from participation in postseason play, the opportunity to win the regular season title is being viewed as a platform to make a statement to the rest of the country. “It would mean everything,” said Ryan Boatright, who led the team with 17 points. “We knew that [the NCAA] would try to take everything from us and bury us. For us to come out and play with pride and play for UConn, the best thing we can do to show them is to win the regular season title.” The Huskies will continue their pursuit of the Big East regular season title when they host Villanova at noon on Saturday at the XL Center.
Peter.Logue@UConn.edu
Should the NBA continue on with the slam dunk contest? Yes
By Scott Carroll Campus Correspondent Why would anyone ever want to discontinue the Dunk Contest? When done right, it may be one the coolest and legendary events in sports. As a kid, I can remember shoving half my arm down a Nerf basketball hoop pretending to be Vince Carter and putting a piece of tape on the floor and jumping from the “foul line” like Michael Jordan. The Dunk Contest has given us some of the greatest moments in sports, regardless of how poor it was last year. Having one off year is no reason to discontinue an event forever. Let us not forget the theatrics of Blake Griffin and others recently. The Slam Dunk Contest provides the thrills...
Scott.Carroll@UConn.edu
» POINT/COUNTERPOINT Scott: While I agree that the dunk contest might have gone downhill a bit, it is mostly because of how most things have been done already. It has shifted towards the gimmicks of superman capes and sedans because they’re trying to put new twists on old classics and every couple years they do complete a dunk we haven’t seen before, such as Javelle McGee dunking on two rims and J.R. Smith going around his back. If anything, the dunk contest requires more creativity today than back in its heyday. Phil: Exactly. When it is done right – but that has not been the case. Nothing is worse than seeing a guy try to take off from the free throw line and cheat by four feet or use the full two minute clock to fail in his attempt and finish with a standard flush. It gets worse when you see who
is competing each year and you have to say “Who?” I thought it supposed to be the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Scott: Yes, the top tier guys have not been competing in the past two years, but the same has happened to the MLB Home Run Derby, as most of the top hitters fear ruining their swing. Most of the top athletes fear injuring themselves attempting a dunk, so why risk their multi million dollar contract in a contest that offers no cash reward? Plus, some of the lesser-known players are far better dunkers than the NBA All-Stars. Phil: They may be better dunkers, but in a superstar league like the NBA, it is superstars that we want to see. Imagine a contest of LeBron, KD, Dwight and Blake Griffin.
» DUNK CONTEST, page 10
By Phil Guay Campus Correspondent
No
A wise man once said that all good things must come to an end, and unfortunately this is the case for the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. What used to be an electrifying display of pure athleticism and talent has now become a corny, unoriginal parade of no names that can jump high. The days of dunks thought to be humanly impossible, like Dr. J’s original soar-from-the-free-throw-line or Vince Carter’s reverse, windmill 360 dunk, are gone. They have been replaced by bizarre superhero costumes and mediocre dunks over sedans. The NBA needs to do us a favor and put the dunk contest out of its misery.
Phil.Guay@UConn.edu
...but it may already be a thing of the past.