Volume CXVIII No. 110
» INSIDE
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
New dean chosen for business school By Jimmy Onofrio Senior Staff Writer
A MODERN DAY VARIETY SHOW Director Diaz leads percussion ensemble through wide sample of world music. FOCUS/ page 7
BACK IN THE MUD AGAIN Huskies open up spring practice at Shenkman SPORTS/ page 14
The UConn School of Business announced last week that John A. Elliott had been selected as the new dean, replacing former dean Christopher Earley. He comes to UConn from the City University of New York’s Zicklin School of Business, located at Baruch College, where he has been Vice President and Dean since 2002. “The UConn Business School’s trajectory is compelling and the future offers many opportunities,” Elliot told UConn Today. “I am delighted to join a vigorous, ambitious group of faculty, staff, students and alumni as we embrace that future.” He said the School of Business will play a key role in the economic development of the state of Connecticut. President Susan Herbst praised his “distinguished scholarly career” and expressed confidence in his leadership ability. “His experience and background at these prestigious institutions are exactly what we look for in our senior leadership,” Herbst said. In a press release, university
spokesman Michael Kirk noted Elliott’s lengthy experience as a faculty member and administrator. He began his career in academia as a professor of accounting at Cornell University’s Johnson School of Business in 1982, and held faculty appointments at the University of Chicago, Central Washington State College, St. Lawrence University and the University of Maryland before returning to Cornell as the associate dean of the Johnson School. Provost Peter Nicholls told UConn Today that the selection of Elliott was a look to the university’s future. “His charge is to ensure that the upward trend of the school continues nationally and, as importantly, globally, through strategic growth and achievement,” said Nicholls. “Our School of Business, its faculty and our students must be on the cutting edge of this everevolving field.” Elliott will begin his position at UConn in August, earning a salary of $390,000. Until then, the School of Business is under the leadership of Interim Dean Karla Fox.
James.Onofrio@UConn.edu
Courtesy of Baruch College via UConnToday.com
John A. Elliott is the new dean to UConn’s School of Business. Elliott comes to Storrs after working at the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College.
Spring took off in Storrs with the start of football
EDITORIAL: DIFFERENTIAL BY MAJOR SHOWS PROMISE The number of institutions implementing such a practice has increased every year since 1986. COMMENTARY/page 4 INSIDE NEWS: FEDS PROBE TEEN’S SHOOTING BY WATCH CAPTAIN Trayvon Martin told his girlfriend he was being followed moments before being shot. NEWS/ page 3
» weather
Indian farmers struggle against corporations By Robby Hermanns Campus Correspondent
WEDNESDAY Partly cloudy
High 79 / Low 51 THURSDAY/FRIDAY
High 82 Low 53
AP
Connecticut quarterback Scott McCummings, right, hands the ball off during the first day of the team’s spring NCAA college football practice.
High 71 Low 53
» index
Classifieds 3 Comics 5 Commentary 4 Crossword/Sudoku 5 Focus 7 InstantDaily 4 Sports 14
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“Bullshit!” was shown Tuesday night, a documentary about an activist’s travels around the world attempting to stop the production of genetically engineered foods, which she believes are creating extreme levels of poverty for Indian farmers. Vandana Shiva has been an activist in India and around the world for nearly two decades. She fights large corporations that sell genetically modified foods and advocates for a return to organic farming. The film follows Shiva to many different places around the world, from very small and rural Indian farms, to large facilities owned by Monsanto, a company that believes it helps farmers by “selling seeds, traits developed through
biotechnology, and crop protection chemicals,” according to their website. She believes many parts of the world to be in a food crisis that has gone largely unnoticed because, according to Shiva in the film, “with WTO, all the governments are busy generating figures of trade...not figures of how much are they growing. So as less and less is produced and more and more is traded, there is an illusion of surplus, but there is a reality of serious scarcity.” Shiva says the problem is worsened because Indian farmers take out loans from organizations like the International Monetary Fund in order to buy genetically engineered fertilizers and seeds from companies like Monsanto to grow their crops. Sometimes the harvest has no yield, and the farmers are put further into debt. She
believes this cycle of debt is responsible for the suicides of thousands of Indian farmers. Dr. Carol Auer, an associate professor in the Plant Sciences Department at UConn and a researcher of ecological risk assessment regarding genetically engineered grasses, led a discussion following the movie. Tuesday night was the first time Auer saw the film, and she said it was a rather one-sided portrayal of genetically modified plants and foods, as she said is typical of any debate on the topic. Auer believes that it is okay to fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, and that there can be some genetically modified crops that can be used safely. Overall, Auer said that “I think that it’s great the honors students have come together to show this film and have a
discussion…. It’s a great place to start.” Alice Zelman, a second-year graduate student who makes transgenic plants herself, also felt that “the movie really vilified the technology.” Although she said that things like pesticide resistance are definitely creating problems for the environment, she believes there can be a great benefit from studying these sciences. “We need to use the technology to make plants grow, not to screw over the environment,” said Zelman. Tyna Bunn, an 8th-semester horticulture major, said that the film could have been stronger if it had more information and less opinion. “[I] had heard a lot about this debate before, but hadn’t realized how big it actually was,” said Bunn.
Robert.Hermanns@UConn.edu
www.dailycampus.com
Committee passes Sunday liquor sales bill HARTFORD (AP) — A proposal to overhaul the state’s liquor laws and allow for Sunday alcohol sales passed its first legislative hurdle on Tuesday, but it was only a partial victory for Gov. Dannel P. Malloy as a committee eliminated some of the Democrat’s proposed changes. The legislature’s Committee on General Law voted 15-3 in favor of the proposal, but the modified bill eliminates the governor’s recommendations to allow convenience stores to sell beer, extend restaurant hours and increase package store hours until 10 p.m. If the legislature approved the modified proposal, Connecticut residents could begin buying alcohol from package stores between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Connecticut would be the 49th state to allow Sunday alcohol sales. Office of Policy and Management spokesman Brian Durand said that while Malloy will push for the bill to do more for consumers, he will support the legislation. Durand said that even if the final version is the same as the one voted out of committee, the governor’s administration would consider Sunday liquor sales an enormous success. Vincenzo DiNatale, owner of Ives Road Wine and Spirits in Wallingford, testified against the proposal at a public hearing last month, but said the modified legislation addresses the concerns of package store owners. “It seems like a reasonable compromise,” he said. DiNatale said the only provision he currently does not completely support is the measure allowing package stores to sell one item below cost. He said he and other store owners feel it would be hard to enforce and the measure needs to be clearer. Committee members said a bill provision to create a task force to study potential effects of deregulating the state’s liquor industry pricing and other liquor law changes should help. The task force would be made up of lawmakers, consumer advocates and experts, and would be required to report back to the committee in January 2013. Committee members said the provisions will help small businesses be competitive, especially with bordering states. According to the legislature’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, the committee’s proposed liquor law changes would add an estimated $5.3 million in new revenue for the state. For years, many package store owners have argued that retail alcohol sales on Sundays would put many small stores out of business because they would have to hire additional staff. But the Connecticut Package Stores Association recently announced it would drop its opposition to Sunday sales and focus on other parts of the governor’s proposal. Committee co-chair Rep. Joseph Taborsak, D-Danbury, said the legislation is pro-consumer and pro-small business. “I think we’ve struck that balance,” he said. “We’ve gone as far as we can in a short session.”
What’s on at UConn today... Out to Lunch Lecture 12 to 1:30 p.m. Rainbow Center, SU Also part of Suicide Prevention, Mark Hatzenbuehler, PhD. will discuss how social policies impact the health of LGBTQ students.
Honors Thesis Workshop 12 to 1 p.m. CUE, 134 Gearing up to start your honors thesis? Attend this workshop to help figure it out what you will need to do. Ask questions and get answers about starting your thesis.
Navigating the Career Fair 2 to 3 p.m. CUE, 320 Career Services wants to ease your way through the career fair with this workshop. They will give you tips on how to get the most out of the experience.
Asian Americans in Hip-Hop 4 to 5:30 p.m. Classroom Building, 101 The Asian American Studies Institute will host a free presentation by Oliver S. Wang about the evolving roles of Asian Americans in Hip-Hop.
– ELIZABETH CROWLEY
The Daily Campus, Page 2
DAILY BRIEFING » STATE
Gingrich to top ballot in Conn.’s April 24 primary
HARTFORD (AP) — Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s name will appear on top of Connecticut’s presidential primary ballot when Republicans go to the polls on April 24. The sequence of candidates was chosen at random Tuesday by Secretary of the State Denise Merrill. Gingrich is followed by Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and Rhode Island also are holding April 24 primaries. Connecticut has 28 delegates. Twenty-five will be selected on Primary Day.
Cops: Teens got drunk at Windsor Locks party
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (AP) — Windsor Locks police have released details about an unsupervised weekend house party that ended with two underage girls being hospitalized for intoxication and one of them being arrested. Police tell the Journal-Inquirer of Manchester that they responded to Pearl Street Saturday night and discovered a party involving about a dozen underage boys and girls. Police say the homeowners were out of state. Sgt. Frank Baron says two girls became extremely intoxicated and were brought to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford for treatment. One of the girls was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor and failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor, which are infractions.
» NATION
Plumber wins New England $1,000 a day for life
BOSTON (AP) — A 39-year-old Hanover, Mass., plumber has won the $1,000-a-day-for-life lottery prize. Massachusetts State Lottery officials say Bruce Campbell picked numbers 1, 2, 6, 10, 19, and 15 to net the first grand prize in the new Lucky for Life game. The first drawing for the game, played in all six states in New England, was March 8 in Hartford, Conn. Campbell bought the ticket at Hanover business Myette’s Country Store, which gets $50,000 for selling the winning ticket. Lottery officials say Campbell attended high school with the store’s owner. They rode to lottery headquarters Tuesday in the same limousine for a check presentation. Officials report that Campbell says he’ll splurge on a Cadillac and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and also make some investments.
Mexico’s Pacific coast no stranger to earthquakes
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A powerful earthquake Tuesday that centered along the Pacific coast of southern Mexico occurred in a region with a history of unleashing damaging jolts, scientists say. Since 1973, the seismically active coast has been rocked by 15 major quakes magnitude-7 or larger. The deadliest occurred in 1985 when a magnitude-8 struck, sending shock waves to Mexico City that killed thousands. “It’s a very active zone,” said Stanford University geophysicist Greg Beroza, who has done field work in the area. The latest quake was smaller — with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 — and struck about 300 miles south of the 1985 quake at the boundary where the Cocos plate dives beneath Mexico. Dozens of homes buckled near the epicenter and shaking was felt in Mexico City, where high-rises swayed and panicked residents streamed into the streets.
US priests lay out defense before rape trial
PARCHMAN, Miss. (AP) — A Mississippi man convicted of the 1995 sexual assault and slaying of the wife of his ex-boss, has been executed. Larry Matthew Puckett, 35, was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday following a lethal injection at the state penitentiary, authorities said. Rhonda Hatten Griffis, a 28-year-old mother of two, was found dead at home on Oct. 14, 1995. She was an only child and her parents were listed as witnesses for the execution. Puckett had previously worked as a landscaper for Griffis’ husband. Griffis’ mother, Nancy Hatten, told The Associated Press she came upon Puckett, then 18, in the home after the killing. She said Puckett tried to blame the woman’s husband, who arrived afterward and scuffled with the man. Puckett fled and was arrested two days later.
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012
News
Feds, Fla. probe teen’s shooting by watch captain
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) — An unarmed black teenager shot to death by a neighborhood watch captain told his girlfriend moments before he was killed that he was being followed, a lawyer said Tuesday as federal and state prosecutors announced they would investigate. “’Oh he’s right behind me, he’s right behind me again,’” 17-year-old Trayvon Martin told his girlfriend on his cellphone, the Martin family’s attorney said. The girl later heard Martin say, “Why are you following me?” Another man asked, “What are you doing around here?’” attorney Benjamin Crump said. The phone call that recorded Martin’s final moments was disclosed as the U.S. Justice Department opened a federal civil rights probe into the Feb. 26 shooting and the local prosecutor convened a grand jury to investigate. The neighborhood watch captain, George Zimmerman, has not been charged and has said he shot Martin, who was returning to a gated community in Sanford after buying candy at a convenience store, in selfdefense after Martin attacked him. Police say Zimmerman is white; his family says he is Hispanic. The case has ignited racial tensions in this Orlando suburb of 53,500 people, sparking
AP
Phoebe Denson, left, Myrtle Hudson march towards the Titusville Courthouse on Sunday, March 18, 2012, in Titusville, Fla. A rally was held demanding justice for Trayvon Martin, a black Florida teenager fatally shot by a white neighborhood watch volunteer.
rallies and a protest in Gov. Rick Scott’s office on Tuesday. The Rev. Al Sharpton is joining Sanford city leaders at a town hall meeting later Tuesday to discuss the investigation. Police say Zimmerman was bleeding from his nose and the back of his head, and told police he had yelled out for help before he shot Martin. Crump told reporters Tuesday that Martin cried out when a man bearing a 9mm handgun
came at him. Martin called his 16-year-old girlfriend in Miami several times on Feb. 26, including just before the shooting, Crump said. The discovery of the lengthy conversations, including one moments before the shooting, was made over the weekend by Martin’s father by checking his son’s cell phone log, Crump said. “She absolutely blows Zimmerman’s absurd selfdefense claim out of the water,”
Crump said of Martin’s girlfriend, whose name was withheld. Martin, who was in town from Miami to visit his father in Sanford, told the girl on his way back from the store he’d taken shelter the rain briefly at an apartment building in his father’s gated community, Crump said. Martin then told the girl he was being followed and would try to lose the person, Crump said.
Romney routs Santorum in Philanthropist: ‘I was GOP primary in Illinois sure I was going to die’ SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (AP) — Front-runner Mitt Romney sailed to an easy victory in the Illinois primary Tuesday night, trumping Rick Santorum in yet another industrial state showdown and padding his already-formidable delegate lead in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. “What a night,” Romney told cheering supporters in suburban Chicago. Turning his attention past his GOP rivals, he said he had a simple message for President Barack Obama, the Democrat he hopes to face and defeat in November: “Enough. We’ve had enough.” Romney triumphed after benefitting from a crushing advantage in the television advertising wars, and as his chief rival struggled to overcome self-imposed political wounds in the marathon race to pick an opponent to Obama. Returns from 47 percent of the state’s precincts showed Romney gaining 50 percent of the vote compared to 33 percent for Santorum, 9 percent for Ron Paul and 7 percent for a fading Newt Gingrich. Exit polls showed Romney preferred by primary goers who said the economy was the top issue in the campaign, and overwhelmingly favored by those who said an ability to defeat Obama was the quality they most wanted in a nominee. The primary capped a week in which the two campaigns seemed to be moving in opposition directions — Romney increasingly focused on the general election battle against Obama while Santorum struggled to escape self-created controversies.
Most recently, he backpedaled after saying on Monday that the economy wasn’t the main issue of the campaign. “Occasionally you say some things where you wish you had a do-over,” he said later. Over the weekend, he was humbled in the Puerto Rico primary after saying that to qualify for statehood the island commonwealth should adopt English as an official language. While pre-primary polls taken several days ago in Illinois suggested a close race, Romney and Restore Our future, a super Pac that backs him, unleashed a barrage of campaign ads to erode Santorum’s standing. One ad accused the former Pennsylvania senator of changing his principles while serving in Congress, while two others criticized him for voting to raise the debt limit, raise his own pay as a lawmaker and side with former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to support legislation allowing felons the right to vote. In all, Romney and Restore Our Future outspent Santorum and a super PAC that backs him by $3.5 million to $500,000, an advantage of 7-1. Romney’s victory was worth at least 13 delegates. That gave him 535 in the overall count maintained by The Associated Press, out of 1,144 needed to win the nomination. Santorum has 253 delegates, Gingrich 135 and Paul 50. In the long and grinding campaign, Santorum looked to rebound in next Saturday’s primary in Louisiana, particularly given Romney’s demonstrated difficulties winning in contests across the Deep South.
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NEW HAVEN (AP) — Philanthropist Anne H. Bass said Tuesday she was certain she would die during a home invasion at her Connecticut estate in 2007, describing “war cries” from three masked men dressed in black who threw her to the floor, tied her up and talked about whether to kidnap her 3-year-old grandson. At one point, the men taunted Bass when she requested water, asking if she would prefer wine or Champagne instead, she testified at her former butler’s trial. Authorities say the men broke into the house on April 15, 2007, injected Bass and a guest with what they claimed was a deadly virus and refused to provide an antidote unless they turned over $8.5 million. The substance turned out to be harmless. Bass testified at the trial of Emanuel Nicolescu, the former butler who is charged with attempted extortion. His attorney says he did not participate in the crime. “I heard these war cries, very terrifying sounds, and saw three men wearing black hoods, black clothes, completely covered, storming up the steps,” Bass said, crying briefly during her testimony. Bass said that initially she froze, and then she ran into the kitchen screaming for her longtime companion, Julian Lethbridge, a New York artist who was inside the home with Bass and Bass’ grandson. Bass said she tried to pull a door closed, but the intruders grabbed her, dragged her to the living room and threw her to the
floor and tied her wrists. “I kept asking them what they wanted and I would just give it to them,” she testified. She said the intruders told her to shut up. “I spent a lot of time thinking about my children and how horrible it was going to be for them because I was sure I was going to die,” Bass said. When she asked the men for water, Bass said one of them said, “Or would you rather have wine or Champagne?” Bass said she heard the intruders talking about whether to kidnap her grandson. She said she told the men the boy would be terrified to see them dressed in black. The boy was not harmed. She described waking up at dawn to a quiet house, realizing the invaders had left and freeing herself with scissors. After freeing Lethbridge, she asked him to go check on the child, fearing he would be missing. She said Lethbridge returned a moment later, carrying the boy, who apparently had slept through the entire event. “Obviously that was a huge amount of relief,” she said. Lethbridge testified last week that the six-hour ordeal began when he was falling asleep in a sitting room when he was startled by a crashing sound. Then he heard the sound of heavy feet rushing up the stairs and what sounded like a “war cry sound.” Prosecutors say Nicolescu’s DNA was found in a Jeep stolen from the property during the crime.
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Some farmers planting spring Zsa Zsa Gabor’s daughter files for conservatorship wheat in warm weather The Daily Campus, Page 3
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mike Bergeron started sowing wheat on his farm in northwestern Minnesota on St. Patrick’s Day. One week earlier, he was towing two of his daughters on a sled behind his snowmobile. Bergeron and his business partner Jon Ross are among at least a few farmers in the Upper Midwest taking advantage of an unusually mild and dry winter to start planting spring wheat in mid-March. While there could still be a bad frost, they’re taking a calculated risk that the early start will let them reap a bigger crop this summer. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Bergeron said with a laugh on Tuesday, the official first day of spring. Experts said that while it’s rare for farmers in the Upper Midwest to plant this early, it’s not crazy. “We’re still on the early side, but that’s the key to having a good wheat crop — it’s planting early,” said Doug Holen, a University of Minnesota Extension educator based in Morris. He said he knows of wheat growers in other parts of Minnesota who also have started planting. Wheat yields tend to be better in cooler weather partly because wheat makes more efficient use of soil moisture the earlier it gets
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
News
planted. Wheat and other small grains such as barley and oats also aren’t as susceptible to frost damage as corn and soybeans. Those farmers are sitting tight because planting before midApril doesn’t normally benefit their crops, said Darrell Good, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois. The key with corn is avoiding late frosts and getting enough warm days over the season, while soybeans have a shorter growing season there’s no urgency to get them planted early, he said. While Kansas is often the country’s top wheat producing state, it grows winter wheat that’s planted in the fall because its summers are too hot and dry. North Dakota, Montana and Minnesota typically are among the spring wheat leaders. Joel Ransom, an extension agronomist at North Dakota State University in Fargo, said while he’s hearing that some wheat growers there are getting anxious and might be about to start planting, he hasn’t actually seen anyone doing it or spoken with anyone who will soon. While North Dakota also has had a mild, dry winter, the soil there is wetter than in Minnesota and needs to dry a bit more, he said. The ground is also still a little
too wet in Montana, said Lola Raska, executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association. She said she hasn’t heard of any wheat being planted there, but some farmers are likely to start sowing barley soon. “As soon as the ground is warm they’ll be out there,” she said. Still, St. Patrick’s Day planting is unusual. Ross’ father, who’s 84 and started their farm near Fisher, has planted at the end of March but never as early as March 17, Bergeron said. Bergeron himself had never planted earlier than April 7. But the men checked with their crop insurance agent and a small-grains specialist, and persuaded skeptics at their local co-op elevator to come out and apply fertilizer last Saturday. Then the rush to plant was on. Bergeron said they have planted 450 acres of wheat and hope by Thursday to be halfway to their goal of 1,200 acres. Eventually, they’ll turn their attention to soybeans, sugar beets and sunflowers for the rest of their 3,800 acres. A key factor in their decision to plant early was that it’s been unusually dry across the Upper Midwest since late last summer. Snow cover was minimal over the winter.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zsa Zsa Gabor’s only daughter asked a judge on Tuesday to place her mother in a conservatorship that will independently control the ailing glamor queen’s medical care and financial needs. Constance Francesca Hilton claims Gabor’s husband, Frederic von Anhalt, has been isolating her 95-year-old mother and leaving her heavily sedated. She also questioned whether her mother’s finances are being properly handled by von Anhalt. “By isolating me from my mother, not only does her current husband deprive her of my love and companionship, but he goes against estate planning documents that appear to reflect her wishes that he not be in sole control of her affairs,” Hilton wrote in a declaration accompanying her petition. Hilton is asking the court to appoint her as Gabor’s conservator, although her attorney, Kenneth Kossoff, said they would be willing to have an independent third party handle all oversight duties. Hilton and von Anhalt have squabbled for years over Gabor’s care. Von Anhalt blasted Hilton in a phone interview, saying his wife is comfortable and that he cares for her every night. “It’s probably her last card she’s playing now,” he said of
AP
In this Jan. 27, 1993 file photo, actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is shown in Midland, Texas. Constance Francesca Hilton , the daughter of Gabor, is asking a Los Angeles court to place her mother in a conservatorship that will independently control the ailing glamor queen’s medical care and financial needs.
Hilton. “It’s all about money. She’s afraid, her mother passing away eventually, and there’s nothing.” Kossoff denied the accusation,
noting that the establishment of a conservatorship would require a judge to review Gabor’s finances and make sure all money is “being spent in her best interests.”
NY Times cuts number of free online articles NEW YORK (AP) — A year after it began charging for full access to its website, The New York Times is cutting the number of articles available for free from 20 per month to 10. The change, which takes effect in April, will affect “a relatively small number of people,” said Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy. The Times offers three unlimited access plans, ranging in price from $15 per month to $35. Each plan has
an introductory price of 99 cents for the first four weeks. Print subscribers get online access for free. The company says it has 454,000 digital subscribers to The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune, which began imposing similar charges in October. The company didn’t break out figures, but the vast majority was for the Times as of the end of 2011. By comparison, the newspaper had roughly 790,000 print subscribers for
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the six-month period ending Sept. 30, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations. The website’s “paywall” has many gaps. Readers who follow links in emails, on Web pages, on Facebook or on Twitter can access individual articles for free even after they reach their limit. Those cracks in the paywall have allowed the newspaper to keep most of its online readership. The number of U.S. visitors fell just 2 percent to 31 million in February compared
with a year ago, according to tracking firm comScore. Charging readers for unlimited online access has helped boost the Times’ circulation revenue. But the effort hasn’t generated enough to offset a decline in advertising revenue. In the last three months of 2011, digital and print circulation revenue grew 5 percent to $242 million, while companywide ad revenue fell 7 percent to $359 million, the company said. Overall revenue fell 3
percent. Evercore analyst Douglas Arthur said the newspaper’s announcement showed its confidence in the online subscription model. He said it was “the first good news” for the company in some time. Arthur has an “overweight” rating on Times Co. stock with a $9 price target. The New York Times Co.’s stock increased 5 cents to close Tuesday at $6.92. The Times’ success has inspired other U.S. newspaper
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HUGE, SUNNY, 1ST & 2ND FLOOR APTS. 6 MILES TO CAMPUS, ON BUS LINE TOO! WOOD FLOORS, HUGE EAT-IN KITCHEN, LIVING RM, SCREENED IN PORCH W/ LARGE YARD. OFF-STREET PARKING. HEAT INCLUDED, WASHER / DRYER IN APT. FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED $1380.00 - $1560.00 860-933-1142 ASHFORD HILL APARTMENTS 95 Varga Road. Less than 6 miles from UConn. Spacious modern 1 bedroom $650. 2 bedroom $800. Sorry no dogs. 860-798-1938 STORRS Clean, quiet, Two, Three and Four bedroom apartments for rent. All close to campus, one year leases begin June 1st, properties@mindspring.com or 860429-8455 for details SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM APT Large 3 unit house in Willington, 5 mi from campus, 1 mi from I-84. Laundry,
publishers to impose similar restrictions. Last month, Gannett Co. Inc. said it would start charging readers for online access in all of its 80 local newspaper markets by the end of the year. Under Gannett’s plan, non-subscribers will have free access to five to 15 articles a month. Tribune Co.’s Los Angeles Times began charging for online access this month. It allows non-subscribers to read 15 stories a month for free.
Classifieds are non-refundable. Credit will be given if an error materially affects the meaning of the ad and only for the first incorrect insertion. Ads will only be printed if they are accompanied by both first and last name as well as telephone number. Names and numbers may be subject to verification. All advertising is subject to acceptance by The Daily Campus, which reserves the right to reject any ad copy at its sole discretion. The Daily Campus does not knowingly accept ads of a fraudulent nature.
For Rent
big yard, parking, new floors and appliances. Nice@$1700/mo incl heat/hw 860-2129268 Help Wanted
BARTENDING! Make up to $300/day potential. No experience necessary. Training available, 18+ OK. (800) 965-6520 ext. 163 PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! SAVE MONEY! Maine camp needs fun loving counselors to teach All land, adventure, & water sports. Great Summer! Call 888-844-8080, apply: campcedar.com SEASONAL LABORER TOWN SEASONAL LABORER TOWN OF MANSFIELD The Town of Mansfield is hiring seasonal laborers to maintain its roads and grounds. Road duties include but are not limited to patching, flagging, ditchwork, etc.; grounds duties include but are not limited
Help wanted
to maintaining athletic fields, flowerbeds, trails and mowing grass. 40 hrs/week for $11/hour. Positions are anticipated to begin in May or June and end in August 2012. Must be 18 years or older to apply. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Employment applications may be completed online at www.mansfieldct.gov. Application deadline March 29, 2012. EOE/ AA Business/Sales opportunities
ACCOUNTING POSITION ASSISTANT To handle accounts receivable, accounts payable, collections, and other accounting office duties. Any applicant experience may apply. Monday Thursday Friday work week. E-mail resume with salary history and work references to dccp912@gmail.com 860-267-6464
Page 4
www.dailycampus.com
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Daily Campus Editorial Board
Melanie Deziel, Editor-in-Chief Ryan Gilbert, Commentary Editor Tyler McCarthy, Associate Commentary Editor Michelle Anjirbag, Weekly Columnist Jesse Rifkin, Weekly Columnist Chris Kempf, Weekly Columnist
» EDITORIAL
Differential tuition by major shows promise
T
he University of Connecticut should consider charging different tuition by major or class standing. This practice is becoming increasingly common at universities, particularly at public universities, according to a recent study from the Cornell Higher Education Research Institute. While there are some issues with the system, the positives definitely make it at least worth a look as a possible practice to introduce at UConn. Cornell’s report, “The 2011 Survey on Differential Tuition at Public Academic Institutions,” reveals that 11 percent of Masters programs, 29 percent of Bachelors programs, and 41 percent of Doctoral programs at four-year public institutions charged differential tuition in some form last year. Moreover, the number of institutions implementing such a practice has increased every year since 1986. In other words, more and more colleges are switching to such a practice, while few (if any) who have had it decided to revert back. Why? As the Cornell report explains, academic institutions “might plausibly seek to charge different tuition levels for different majors based upon the cost of providing an education in each major and the income earning prospects that the major offers. Similarly, institutions might plausibly charge higher tuition levels for students who are further along in their programs, because the cost of educating advanced students (smaller classes) is often higher and because advanced students are more likely to complete their programs and thus to achieve the economic rewards from their programs.” What would this mean for UConn if they were to adopt such a policy? Would your tuition go up? That depends. Cornell revealed the three most common majors for that expenses increased were business, engineering, and nursing. UConn offers all three. However, other majors would see tuition go down while others would stay around the same. Charging based on what something is worth, rather than a predetermined price that little reflects the actual value, makes sense on its face. However, problems still exist. For example, students could enroll in a low-cost major, but then switch their junior year to a higher-cost major. That way, seemingly, they would save a substantial portion of the total expenditures on receiving their degree. Of course, a program which charges differing tuition rates based on class standing would go part of the way towards solving that dilemma. Nevertheless, many public universities have decided it is in their best interest to implement such a system such as the University of Maine, the University of Kentucky and more. As long as the holes in the plans could be remedied as best as possible, it might not be long before the University of Connecticut joins that list. 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.
To the guy who dropped his laptop from his 4th floor window to his friends on the ground, what made you think that was a good idea? Warning: The bus is now turning. All the Facebook statuses and videos must have worked. I haven’t heard a thing about Africa in days! When the temperature reaches 80, one must skip class in favor of day drinking. Right, Jay Hickey? #SunDay I keep trying to think of something creative to write about the buses... but all I can think is who thought of that? and WHY? There are few places on campus where loudly talking about the man who peed on you at a club over Spring Break is acceptable. I’m very sure that the ITE stairs are not one of them. Please keep that stuff to yourself! After four years at UConn I’ve learned that the attractiveness of girls here is directly proportional to the temperature outside. The Red Line started talking to me yesterday and I wasn’t sure if it was real life or if I was still drunk from St. Patty’s day. Direct quote from my English professor discussing a poem about sex: “I think FB’s are great, everyone should have at least one FB.” GO ENGLISH MINOR!!! I got a sunburn yesterday. Best sunburn ever!
Send us your thoughts on anything and everything by sending an instant message to InstantDaily, Sunday through Thursday evenings. Follow us on Twitter (@ InstantDaily) and become fans on Facebook.
Dungannon, Va. and the welfare state
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ungannon, Va. possesses a total population of 332. The small community is situated on the border with Tennessee. The only non-residential buildings in town are the town hall, the community center, the post office, the convenience store and four churches. Median per capita income in 2009 was $14,525, compared to $31,180 for Virginia and $35,747 in Connecticut. Many roads are not paved. A substantial portion of the residents possess the barest education, and I spent my spring break there. The “Honors Alternative Spring Break” community service trip last week simultaneBy Jesse Rifkin ously challenged Weekly Columnist and reinforced my previously held beliefs about poverty and the welfare state. On one hand, most of those residents are truly good people who are desperately in need of the basics in life. People are much friendlier there, sparking up conversations even if they have no idea who you are; even in line at the store or when walking down the street. People pride themselves on selfsufficiency there in a way they don’t up north. Some houses have no drinking water and the water comes from wells. One dirt-poor woman we helped tried to give us twenty dollars. When we refused, she literally came up to us and tried to force a twenty-dollar bill into our team leader Sarah’s pocket. When we helped out at a thrift store that barely makes a profit, the owner insisted at the end that we could take as much of whatever we wanted for free.
Not for half price, but for free. Surely we as a society cannot just turn our backs on those hard-working, kind-hearted people who have been dealt a rough hand in life and say to them, “Fend for yourself, you are on your own.”
“The residents of Dungannon, Va. deserve more than they have right now – whether that assistance comes from government funds, private charity or somewhere else. On the other hand, the convenience store cashier told us a story: “Yesterday, a man came here and paid for a whole bunch of food entirely in food stamps. Then he paid for fifty dollars of alcohol in cash.” How can you cheer your tax dollars supporting that guy? Also, if people are really so “poor” there, how do so many seem to manage to afford two packs of cigarettes a day and cable television? Based on some conversations I had, education did not always seem to be a top priority. Football always did. Disagreements have been constant over the last three years about whether Senator John McCain or Barack Obama would have made a better president for the nation, but there is little doubt that Obama would have been a better president for the poor. Scott County, Va. voted 70.9% to 27.7% for McCain over Obama in 2008. It can be difficult to help people who at times seem
to not desire helping themselves. Libertarians like Texas Congressman and current Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul oppose the welfare state in any form. They argue that a government which robs from Person A to pay Person B – even though the latter is clearly more deserving of the money – is still robbing from Person A. I do not believe in a society which practices capitalistic free market economics to the extent that it keeps down others who could be saved at relatively miniscule cost to the most well-off. Others, like President Obama, have enacted seemingly ceaseless unemployment benefit extensions, which have stood at 99 weeks during most of his presidency. And in some cases, that was before state benefits kicked in! In some states unemployment benefits provide greater monetary gain than a position paying minimum wage. I cannot support a system that at such times seems to reward joblessness. Plus, statistics abound regarding how the majority of unemployment benefit beneficiaries find jobs within a few weeks of their benefits expiring. Here is the kicker, though: those figures usually holds true regardless of how long the unemployment benefits lasted. I find it difficult to support a safety net if that net acts more like a hammock. There is no clear answer to this issue, just as there are few clear answers to any sociopolitical issue. But I know one thing for sure: the residents of Dungannon, Va. deserve more than they have right now – whether that assistance comes from government funds, private charity or somewhere else.
Weekly Columnist Jesse Rifkin is a 4th-semester political science and journalism double major. He can be reached at Jesse.Rifkin@UConn.edu.
Give innovation and the electric car a chance to succeed
D
on’t believe the hype, the electric car is not dead. It is easy to see why so many people are heralding the end of the electric car. GM recently suspended the production of its electric car, the Chevy Volt, due to lackluster sales. The Nissan Leaf, another electric car offering, has failed to live up to sale expectations. Tesla, a Silicon By Perry Wasserbauer V a l l e y electric car Staff Columnist startup, is the third most shorted stock on the NASDAQ stock exchange. GM’s efforts to build the Chevy Volt have been met with widespread criticism, notably from Republicans and rightwing pundits. Newt Gingrich on the campaign trail last month criticized efforts to downsize cars arguing, “you can’t put a gun rack on a Volt.” (Apparently, Gingrich believes the ability to place multiple semi-automatic rifles in your car is the determining factor of whether or not one should buy a vehicle.) Rush Limbaugh has derided the Volt as the “Obamacar” nevermind that the bill to
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financially support GM’s efforts was passed during the Bush Administration in 2007 with bipartisan support. Unfortunately for conservatives, this dreary narrative is a slump. They are waiting for
“Politicians rooting against innovation that could possibly wean us off foreign oil for political points are committing the ultimate sin.” quintessential “I told you so” moment, proving that Obama’s policy of supporting innovation has failed and that taking risks on new technologies rather than doubling down on gas and coal subsidies is the wrong path for America. This “I told you so” moment will
“Y ou
not come to pass. I do not deny that the undertaking to bring these cars to the market at an affordable price is massive. Tesla, a Silicon Valley startup, is attempting to do the impossible: begin a successful car company, and not only a car company, but also an electric car company. The last two attempts to enter the car manufacturing market ended in bankruptcy. The company is facing large odds. But before you write off their failure, consider this: first year electric vehicles are selling better than hybrids the first year they came out. Nobody expected hybrids to be anything more than a niche market. They were too sluggish and the technology was too untested and expensive. Today, hybrids are an exploding market with retail costs competitive with gasoline cars. Battery development is progressing at breakneck speed with new breakthroughs on a monthly basis. The Volt’s battery capacity of 35 miles per charge is projected to double for its second generation model without an increase in price. Ford, BMW, Honda and Volkswagen are all releasing pure electric vehicles within
the next year. The company will be releasing its new flagship vehicle, the Model T that will compete with luxury cars such as BMW and Mercedes. Henry Ford began his quest to create an affordable car in 1899 and went bankrupt less than four year later. Not until 1914 did he finally succeed with the advent of the Model T. Current electric cars have been on the road for less than three years. Politicians rooting against innovation that could possibly wean us off foreign oil for political points are committing the ultimate sin. America’s success is largely built of its ability to innovate and we will cease to be a great nation if we lose this ability. I have no doubt that eventually we will be all driving electric cars. It may not be in the next few years, but innovation and the technology needed to create an affordable electric vehicle is being developed quickly. The question is not if, as some would believe, but when; and it may be sooner than you think. Staff Columnist Perry Wasserbauer is a 6th-semester political science major and communications minor. He can be reached at Perry.Wasserbauer@UConn.edu.
know who hates M arch M adness ? R ick S antorum . I t com bines the two things he hates most , college and putting some thing in a hole .” –B ill M aher
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Comics
The Daily Campus, Page 5 I Hate Everything by Carin Powell
Royalty Free Speech by Ryan Kennedy
Side of Rice by Laura Rice
Editor’s Choice by Brendan Albetski
Horoscopes
by Brian Ingmanson
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- You’re lucky, powerful and looking good. The trick is to inspire action, rather than demand it. Celebrate results, and acknowledge partners. Your charm’s magnetic. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Share what you’ve learned with someone who’s providing assistance. Rely on loved ones at home. Listen up ... they’re saying nice things about you. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Your career’s taking off, and your cheering section approves. Take them out to celebrate with comfort food. Get organized, and keep your friends involved.
Mensch by Jeff Fenster
Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Give in to sweet indulgences with this New Moon, especially those that charm someone near to you (maybe very near). The conversation’s illuminating. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- If you’ve been respectful, the commentary’s complimentary. Go ahead and put down some roots. Make a commitment. Work smarter, not harder. New doors are open.
Procrastination Animation by Michael McKiernan
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Beautify your space with simplicity. A hunch could be quite profitable. You’re attracted to someone who’s making a lot of sense. Share their message. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Sometimes the fun part is to work hard for what you want. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to ask for directions and learn new skills. Keep working at it.
One Thousand Demons by Bill Elliott and Rachael Pelletti
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- It’s an excellent time for a journey with friends. Others appreciate your leadership and clever storytelling. Leave room for others to shine, too. Feel the love. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Find the solution in the usual place. Visualize beauty. Pamper yourself, and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny. Stay close to home tonight.
Nothing Extraordinary by Thomas Feldtmose
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Taking a walk outdoors helps clear your thoughts. Keep your eyes wide open. There’s a lot to learn in unexpected places. Observe a caterpillar. Build a dynamic vision. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Fine-tuning actions and letting go of unnecessary steps leads to increased satisfaction. The less moving parts there are, the less chances there are of breaking down. Dream. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- You risk steamrolling your loved ones with your increased confidence. Listen to your partner for wisdom. The conversation can be significant in many ways.
Questions? Comments? Other Stuff? <dailycampuscomics@gmail.com>
The Daily Campus, Page 6
Abortion comments spark anger BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Republican Idaho lawmaker’s suggestion on the Senate floor that a doctor should ask a woman who says she was raped if the pregnancy could have been “caused by normal relations in a marriage” brought a rebuke from another legislator who said it’s insensitive and suggests women may lie to get an abortion. Sen. Chuck Winder of Boise, the Senate assistant majority leader, was speaking during closing testimony on a bill to require a woman to get an ultrasound before an abortion, when he addressed foes of the legislation who said it provided no exemptions for medical emergencies — or in cases of rape or incest. “Rape and incest was used as a reason to oppose this. I would hope that when a woman goes into a physician, with a rape issue, that that physician will indeed ask her about perhaps her marriage, was this pregnancy caused by normal relations in a marriage, or was it truly caused by a rape,” Winder said during his testimony Monday, before the bill passed the Senate 23-12. “I assume that’s part of the counseling that goes on.” Hannah Brass, the lobbyist for Planned Parenthood of Idaho that opposes the ultrasound mandate, said her organization has fielded calls complaining about Winder’s comments. “I understand why people are upset,” Brass said. “I hope that he did not mean to say that some people use rape as an excuse to receive abortion care.” Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb, a Boise Democrat, asked Tuesday if he Winder was inferring women didn’t know the difference between rape and consensual sex, or would lie about it. “The audacity of saying such a thing. Rape changes lives, forever,” Buckner-Webb said in an interview Tuesday afternoon. “I thought it was so disrespectful.” Winder said Tuesday he never meant to question victims’ truthfulness. Rather, Winder said he meant to say he hoped a woman would work with her physician to determine if a fetus resulted from a rape or was, in fact, a result of consensual relations that occurred outside of the attack. Winder said he was pointing out that a woman would likely want to consult with her physician and perform tests to determine if the child she was carrying was a product of a rape, so as not to allow doctors to abort a consensual conception. “I used a married woman, the idea being that as a woman or a couple, whether they be married or unmarried at the time, would want to find out if the pregnancy occurred as the product of the rape, or whether the pregnancy was unknown at the time,” Winder told The Associated Press. “There was never any intention on my part to question the honesty of a woman in cases of rape.” Despite that explanation, Buckner-Webb said Winder’s comments on the floor were insensitive. After a rape, Buckner-Webb said, a doctor should be performing medical procedures to ensure a woman’s health, gathering evidence of a crime and taking measures to assure that she has the necessary support. “Those are the things they should be checking — not the context. That’s an affront,” Buckner-Webb said. “Let me tell you, a comment like that is very painful. A comment like that is what keeps women from coming forward” when they’ve been victimized by a violent attack. The abortion ultrasound mandate will likely continue to be one of the most controversial issues confronting lawmakers. After passing the Senate, it now goes to the House. Representatives of Planned Parenthood of Idaho and the American Civil Liberties Union, both groups which oppose Winder’s legislation, didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
News
Afghanistan suspect had shaky business dealings CINCINNATI (AP) — The U.S. suspect in the slaughter of 16 villagers in Afghanistan has a trail of shaky financial dealings — from working in pennystock boiler rooms that drew numerous client complaints, to an unpaid $1.5 million fraud judgment, to a failed investment partnership with a former high school football teammate, records show. Staff Sgt. Robert Bales joined the Army in 2001 after a Florida investment business failed and after he had worked with a string of securities operations with one company official now barred from trading in Ohio. That broker and Bales were socked in 2003 with a $1.5 million arbitration ruling after an elderly couple charged that their holdings were decimated. Bales responded to another client complaint by saying the company officer, Michael Patterson, had wrongly blamed Bales for bad trades for an elderly client. Bales, 38, is being held in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., while a military investigation continues into the nighttime rampage in Afghanistan. His attorney said Tuesday he expects the case to be lengthy. “Everyone has financial prob-
lems,” attorney John Henry Browne said Tuesday of Bales’ money problems, including a planned sale of his Seattle-area home for $50,000 less than he and his wife paid for it in 2005. “But you don’t go around killing innocent women and children over financial problems.” Bales’ investment career — from 1996 to 2001 — followed the rise and fall of the tech stock bubble, which burst in 2001, causing an historic stockmarket crash months before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. After college, he worked for a web of companies accused of numerous petty financial frauds, records show. Bales shuttled between five different companies tied to the same principals until 2000, when he founded the doomed venture with former NFL player Marc Edwards. Bales joined the Army two months after Sept. 11, after a Florida business dissolved and 18 months after the Ohio couple charged him with fraud, unauthorized trading and breach of financial responsibility. That complaint was upheld in a 2003 arbitration. A second complaint in Ohio charged him with unauthorized trading. Records show Bales told the state in that case that the trades
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three online dating giants agreed to screen for sex offenders and take other safety steps after a woman was assaulted on a date, the California attorney general’s office announced Tuesday. Match.com, eHarmony and Spark Networks signed a joint statement of business principles intended to provide an example for the industry and help guard against sexual predators, identity theft and financial scams. “Consumers should be able to use websites without the fear of being scammed or targeted,” Attorney General Kamala D. Harris said in a statement. Among other things, the companies agreed Monday to check subscribers against national sex registries, supply members with online safety tips, and provide a quick way to report abuses. Some of the companies already
are using some of those practices. The dating services also will provide the attorney general’s office with reports of suspected criminal activity, she said. The statement is nonbinding and carries no enforcement penalties, but it does publicly hold dating sites to account for their members’ safety, said Lynda Gledhill, a spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office. “They can’t be sued by private parties based on this agreement. We fully expect that the companies will, in good faith, comply,” she said. Match.com, based in Dallas, was a pioneering dating website. Owned by IAC/ InterActiveCorp, It now operates in 24 countries and territories in 15 languages. Based in Santa Monica, eHarmony operates in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
FILE PHOTO/The Daily Campus
In this Aug. 23, 2011 Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System photo, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, 1st platoon sergeant, Blackhorse Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division participates in an exercise at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
were done by a company principal who “told the elderly client they were my responsibility” but that they were carried out
after he had left the company, called MPI Financial. Records show he never responded to the complaint that
led to the $1.5 million judgment, issued a few months before he went on his first of three tours in Iraq.
Spark Networks Inc., based in Beverly Hills, runs a number of dating sites geared to specific religions and ethnicities. Last year, an estimated 40 million Americans used an online dating service and spent more than $1 billion on dating website memberships, according to the attorney general’s office. In statements, the three companies all said they make the safety of their members a priority and hoped the statement would encourage other companies to adopt similar policies. The statement was prompted by the 2010 sexual assault of a Los Angeles-area woman by a man she met through Match. com, Gledhill said. Alan Wurtzel had a string of previous convictions for sexual battery. Prosecutors said that on their second date in 2010, Wurtzel drove the woman to her home, followed her inside and assaulted her.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The San Francisco mayor said Tuesday he will file an official misconduct charge against the sheriff over a domestic violence case. Mayor Ed Lee made the announcement after a defiant Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said he has no plans to resign despite the threat of the ethics probe. “I wanted to and have taken full responsibility,” Mirkarimi told a throng of reporters outside his office in San Francisco City Hall. A judge on Monday sentenced Mirkarimi to three years of probation and a year of counseling after the sheriff pleaded guilty to misdemeanor false imprisonment. Mirkarimi said his actions on New Year’s Eve that left his wife’s arm bruised did not constitute official misconduct within the meaning of the law. He declined to elaborate. Lee on Monday told Mirkarimi
to resign or he would start the process of removing him from office for official misconduct. Attorney Lidia Stiglich told The Associated Press that Mirkarimi will hire another attorney to represent him before the city’s Ethics Commission and Board of Supervisors. It would take the votes of nine of the 11 members of the Board of Supervisors to remove Mirkarimi. The matter would first be referred to the city’s Ethics Commission. Mirkarimi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor false imprisonment in exchange for the dropping of three other misdemeanor charges of domestic violence, child endangerment and dissuading a witness. The plea deal was struck as a jury was picked for a trial that promised to embarrass the sheriff with testimony about infidelity, his temper and other intimate details.
Three online date sites agree SF mayor to file misconduct charge to screen for predators
THIS DATE IN HISTORY
BORN ON THIS DATE
1963
Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay closes down and transfers its last prisoners.
www.dailycampus.com
Gary Oldman - 1958 Rosie O’Donnell - 1962 Matthew Broderick - 1962 Kevin Federline - 1978
The Daily Campus, Page 7
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A modern-day variety show Director Diaz leads Percussion Ensemble through wide sample of world music
If two’s a crowd... By Jenny A. Campus Correspondent
JESS CONDON/The Daily Campus
The UConn Percussion Ensemble took the stage in von der Mehden Tuesday night with director Javier Diaz. Diaz has previously performed with mainstream artists like Katy Perry, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle amd Seam Kingston.
By Julie Bartoli Senior Staff Writer Directed by Javier Diaz, UConn’s Percussion Ensemble performed yesterday in von der Mehden recital hall. The show featured everything from a John Cage minimalist number to World Music. The Ensemble even performed an Afro-Cuban inspired piece by Diaz, titled “Maleza.” “Someone asked me the theme of the concert and, well, there’s no real ‘theme’ other
than variety,” said Diaz. An Afro-Cuban percussion specialist, Diaz has appeared with Sean Kingston, Diana Ross, Shaka Kan, Patti LaBelle and a variety of other artists. “It’s been great working with him,” said fourth semester marimba player Grace Rimkunas. Before the show started, fourth semester English major Ally Foster said, “I’m excited to see them perform; I really don’t know what to expect.” The group received a standing ovation after their fourth piece, “Fiesta de Pajeros.” Robert
Kennon, the show’s assistant director, was inspired to include the song after visiting Ecuador. “I went to this museum and while I was there I saw this old marimba. But it wasn’t like these marimbas—it had seven notes. It was intriguing,” said Kennon, who returned home and picked a piece that solely featured marimbas. “’Fiesta de Pajeros’ is my favorite number,” said Rimkunas.After the show the Ensemble received a second standing ovation. “They were amazing,” said
fourth-semester communications major Casey Evans. “They all played incredibly.” Ben Bryant, an eighth-semester music major who played with the group said, “I think the concert went really well. It was a great experience to learn pieces from all over the world.” “I’ve been performing with the Percussion Ensemble for a while,” said sixth semester music and business major, Tyler Cambell. “Tonight went really, really well. It was a good show.” “Tonight was great,” said Rimkunas. “I love performing
with the group. It’s my second year doing it.” “The hardest part was, we had spring break. So for a week we didn’t touch anything,” said Kennon. “Last night we had our dress rehearsal, which was a little rough, but tonight we really came together. Everyone sounded great.” If you want to catch a show at von der Mehden, Dave Douglas will be performing tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Anastasia Pilato on Friday at the same time.
Julie.Bartoli@UConn.edu
UConn Outing Club Discussion thrusts human takes students to trafficking to center stage new heights
By Jamie Dinar Campus Correspondent The University of Connecticut’s Outing Club offers a great experience for students to meet others with a shared interest for outdoor activities. Elizabeth Houston, a second-semester pathobiology major, found the club at the UConn Involvement Fair this past semester. “My friends and I were interested so we decided to go to the first meeting and I loved it ever since,” said Houston. The most impressive part of the club is how trips are organized. Rather than a group of board members, the students themselves organize multiple trips throughout the year. Although only a freshman, Houston organized her own trip: a midnight hike in the UConn Forrest. The four and a half hour excursion began at 11 p.m. and although it rained throughout the trip, the 18 members who participated could not complain. Houston says that although it’s the students who organize the trips, the board members are still very important. “Board members organize funding so it’s not so expensive for us,” said Houston. “They also inspire others to organize or participate in trips.” Andrew Earle, an eighthsemester chemical engineering major and former past
president of the outing club, has been involved and active since his freshman year. “[The Outing Club] is a way for people who share similar interests to get to know one another,” said Earle. “It’s just a fun thing to do on the weekends. Any outdoor sport you can imagine, chances are there will be another person in the club that will want to hang out with you.” Another great aspect of the club, besides the student interactivity, is the cost to join. It is only $10 a month to pay for whatever USG will not fund. USG is a big part in the funding for the Outing Club. They cover a majority of the gear involved (and there are plenty of expensive items purchased) and the cost of the trips. “A great thing about the club is that it removes financial barriers so people can actually enjoy sports,” said Earle. The Outing Club does not make money off of its members. For most trips, members will need to spend money only on gas and food. However, the club sponsors a few educational trips with a paid guide, which the members do need to pay for. This past spring break, USG funded an “avalanche rescue course” for all members which taught skier safety. In two weekends, members can
» PUSH, page 9
ZARRIN AHMED/The Daily Campus
The Women’s Center hosted a lecture and open discussion about human trafficking and its implications on Tuesday evening.
By Zarrin Ahmed Campus Correspondent Executive Director of the Human Trafficking Awareness Council Joseph Burlett address a room filled with students about the reality, dangers and need to prevent human trafficking. What he described as “waking up one morning in March and planning 200 pages” to attack the problem of human trafficking, Burlett founded HTA in 2011 after years of serving in law enforcement. Following a tragic sex trafficking case involving three girls in Florida, Burlett realized that the justice system could not fight this epidemic by itself and that something had to be done. As stated on its website,
HTA’s mission is to “prevent and ultimately end forced labor and sexual exploitation of men, women, and children.” HTA plans to do so by raising awareness through educational events and speaking engagements, collaborating with nongovernmental agencies and government agencies to establish preventive measures, identify victims, expose traffickers and users, and promote slave free practices. Also, by funding for programs that support survivors or human trafficking through medical assistance and education to survivors are able to re-enter society through the C.A.R.E. initiative: collaborate, advocate, rescue and educate. Speaking in the Women’s Center in the Student Union,
Burlett began by introducing an 18-month program to achieve the goal for HTA – a rally in Washington D.C. in August 2013. Adopting the name of “Freedom Fighters,” Burlett made references throughout his presentation to Martin Luther King’s same rallying effort during the Civil Rights Movement. Some may wonder how anything could compare to King’s revolutionary movement – Burlett explained just how important this rally is. He first quizzed the crowd about slavery and told the crowd that the number of slaves around the world today is between 27 and 30 million. No longer called slavery, human trafficking is the second
» HUMAN, page 10
Three’s Company…right? There we were, three of us girls headed to the west coast for a spring break which would leave us bruised, battered and utterly enthralled. As we prepared for landing, it was hard to believe only seven days had passed since our initial take-off. Even more difficult to believe was that our take-off conversation, which revolved around curiosity regarding threesomes and predictions for the week to come, would be the reality of our closing conversation. Only 36 hours after Elizabeth confessed that a steamy, surreal and pornographic-like threesome was among her (many) bucket list “to-do’s,” I awoke next to her in bed with six memorable words… “I had a threesome last night.” After allowing this early morning news to process with my groggy, queasy-stomached self, the news hit me. It hit me hard. Threesomes are out of the “ordinary” and in my opinion relatively non-traditional. My porn viewing days begin and end at Kimmy K’s dismal sex tape career so the thought of my very own roommate doing whatever it is you do with one guy and two girls (while tripping on an assortment of drugs introduced to us by our D.A.R.E. officers, circa the Y2K) was beyond me. However, my initial shock quickly transformed into a waterfall of uncensored questions: Was it awkward? Did you have sex with them both? Did you use condoms? How did it feel? Would you do it again? How did you know what to do? Give me the details, “I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING.” Fortunately for me, Elizabeth takes no shame in her promiscuity (in fact she prides herself on using one browser for academics and one for porn) and the next hour of my life was consumed with an ESPN-like play-by-play, only Elizabeth was announcing the very intimate details of what it was like giving oral sex to a fellow straight girl. “It didn’t really bother me,” she said with the casual tone you’d use when describing an unexpected rain shower during a summer picnic. “It was fun!” “FUN!? YOU’RE A VERY STRAIGHT GIRL WHO FAVORS THE MALE GENETALIA TO A STARTLING DEGREE AND YOU FOUND GOING DOWN ON ANOTHER STRAIGHT GIRL WHILE YOU RECEIVIED INTERCOURSE FROM BEHIND FUN!?” My shock and surprise was met with the same casual response Elizabeth initially used to relay her dirtiest of details. “…I mean yeah, it was fun!” The aforementioned is what (a) obviously inspired me to write this article and (b) do research of my own. My own shock forced me to question my own sexual boundaries.Was my shock out of line? Did it mean my lack of a curiosity makes me prude? That’s when I turned to Google, and more specifically “Cosmopolitan Magazine.” Turns out that 33 percent of men say threesomes are their number one fantasy and that they wish they could
» HUMAN, page 9
The Daily Campus, Page 8
FOCUS ON:
GAMES Upcoming Releases March 27 Supremacy MMA: Unrestricted (VITA) Gettysburg: Armored Welfare (PC) Combat Wings: The Great Battles of WWII (PS3, X360) Kitten Sanctuary (IP) Alien Chaos 3D (3DS) GoGo’s Crazy Bones (DS)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Focus
Game Of The Week
Guitar Hero (X360)
Your game reviews could be here! Stop in to a Focus meeting, Mondays at 8 p.m. at the DC Building.
‘2K12’ rests on its laurels
The Japanese video game climate
March 31 Dr. Who: The Eternity Clock (VITA, PS3) Of Orcs and Men (PS3, X360, PC) R.A.W. (PS3, X360, PC) Gemini Wars (PC)
By Jason Bogdan Senior Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Gamespot.com
Schedule from Gamespot.com
Focus Favorites
By Joe O’Leary Senior Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Gamespot.com
The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer and the sun seems to be shining brighter than usual. Spring is in the air, and that means baseball’s Opening Day and newest video game are right around the corner. While PS3 owners have a choice between 2K Sports’ “MLB 2K12” and Sony’s “MLB 12: The Show,” 360 owners can only buy the former. While it’s a competent release, “MLB 2K12” proves that exclusivity doesn’t lead to quality. Instead, it seems the developers at Visual Concepts became complacent with no competition and were content to release a buggy, almost unfinished game. From the very beginning, there’s something off about “MLB 2K12.” While the game’s ballparks are lifelike, they don’t impress. Fenway Park, for example, almost seems bland compared to its real-life counterpart; the signs don’t pop and the crowds are disturbingly glitchy. Players look enough like themselves, most of the time, but uniforms aren’t perfect; some teams’ colors aren’t even con-
Budget Gems: Fantasy Golf Pangya I never possessed an interest in golf, but that hasn’t stopped me from playing and enjoying a number of golf simulators, one of them being “Fantasy Golf Pangya” for the PSP. If I had to pinpoint the reason why, it would probably be because the golf simulators I play tend to lean towards the unrealistic side. At its core, “Pangya” is a solid golf game: charming visuals with enough courses to keep things interesting, as well as a large number of unlockables, which includes characters, clothing and items. The customization in this game can get fairly deep. The gameplay elements enhance the experience because certain shots, while impossible, aren’t ridiculously over the top. In “Pangya,” there exists a powershot called the “cobra” where the player hits the ball so that it travels extremely close to the ground, then proceeds to arch upwards, making the shape of an upright snake (it’s used to ignore wind resistances). These types of shots, combined with the ability to curve and add insane amounts of backspin to the ball, add strategy to the game as well as raise the skill ceiling. It’s a game that’s very beginner friendly as difficulty can be toggled, but if desired, the AI can be tough enough to provide a challenge to any veteran player. If you feel yourself needing a break from “Hot Shots Golf,” “Pangya” is a perfect alternative.
While “MLB 2K12” is still a solid video game experience, the company did little to improve upon previous games and didn’t excite like other remakes of similar sport games.
-Lucas Ma
trasted correctly, looking gaudy or just plain wrong. The presentation is lacking as well; a few shots of players and very sparse commentary are all players get. The game just feels cheap and doesn’t live up to what a baseball game in the year 2012 should look and feel like. And I haven’t even mentioned what happens when you try to play a game. Pitching and batting, the two most important components of a baseball game, are well-made, fortunately. While pitching, players must match specific patterns in time with their hurler’s windup, while batting requires timely swings of the analog stick that differ between sluggers and contact hitters. Pitching is the game’s bright point, drawing patterns with the stick in time is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and the system feels rewarding as every strike feels like a success. Batting’s more of a crapshoot. It’s hard to judge pitching unless your opponent is terrible at it, and batters’ strength feels uneven. I’ve had multiple games where the only balls I even made contact with flew out of the park for home runs when otherwise it played like the bat was
afraid of the ball. The main problem with “MLB 2K12” though; is that it feels slapdash and oftentimes doesn’t even feel like baseball. Baserunning is awful. You have to manually control your runners, but they often don’t listen to your commands. Nothing in the world is more frustrating than a triple play resulting from runners refusing to return to their bases after a caught pop-up or line drive. Fielding is a mess, too; the timing system to throw balls leads to way more errors than necessary, especially when the game decides to flip its buttons in modes like “My Player.” Worst of all, strange things happen that remind players that they’re playing a video game, and a mediocre one at that. The game feels like some strange alien version of baseball with impossible occurrences. In one game I played with my roommate, the following things happened: Jacoby Ellsbury swung at every pitch thrown to him and hit every one for a homer, Jarrod Saltalamacchia dropped four third strikes and threw away three of them, giving the Yankees who swung at them free bases, Robinson Cano had four chances for put-outs
that resulted in four errors and, most hilariously, a shallow popup to center field became an inside-the-park-home-run after Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Saltalamacchia decided that catching balls, throwing balls and tagging runners weren’t worth their time. Are all of these things hilarious? Yes, of course, but they’re also depressing as they’re signs of a developer who either didn’t have enough time to complete their game or simply did not care enough to create a competent product. Don’t get me wrong, “MLB 2K12” is still relatively fun and competent. The problem is that it’s a wasted opportunity. Instead of improving their game yearly, like they do with their excellent “NBA 2K” series, 2K Sports has rested on their laurels, relying on their “million-dollar perfect game” gimmick to move product instead of ensuring that product is good enough to warrant gamers’ $60. PS3 owners should look to “The Show” for their baseball entertainment. 360 owners might want to spend that $60 on a few tickets and just go to a game.
Joseph.O’Leary@UConn.edu
‘Mass Effect’ keeps loyal players hooked
By Jason Bogdan Senior Staff Writer And so, after almost five years since the original game was released, the curtain on the Mass Effect trilogy has finally come down. With compelling storytelling wrapped in a brilliantly concocted science fiction universe, the series has gone on to be one of the most beloved video game franchises of this generation. Sadly there aren’t enough improvements for Mass Effect 3 to completely usurp the previous masterpiece, but there’s definitely enough bite for this finale to end on quite a bang. As the closing chapter on Commander Shepard’s story arc against the nefarious Reaper organization, it shouldn’t come to much surprise that it’s here where the true war takes place. Instead of Shepard simply banding skilled individuals together to save the day, he must bring entire alien races together to prevent a universe-wide genocide. With each race containing some deep resentment towards at least one, there are numerous harsh choices that must be made so the final battle won’t be dampened by the military strength. These moments are so well done but, unfortunately, the shorter campaign length and controversial ending moments disappoint all the more. As it is, it’s great. But it should’ve been much, much more.
One major addition to this entry that will undeniably divide the fans is the addition of a multiplayer mode. It’s not that it’s bad; as a co-op mode of fighting waves of enemies to achieve power-gaining levels there is fun to be had. But with the shady option of being able to buy random upgrades with real money, and the fact that the matchmaking system mostly takes an excruciatingly long time, it’s hard to imagine players going back to this mode even a few months from now. But at the very least, the gameplay portions have nothing but improvements made. Actually playing Mass Effect is still nothing special compared to other Action RPGs (as the cover mechanics remain disjointed and managing weapons leave much to be desired). But the controls for Shepard have been refined, and the upgrade systems for both powers and weaponry have more meat to it. Overall, it’s all these conflicting feelings about Mass Effect 3 that will both frustrate and impress. On the one hand, the storyline has plenty of memorable moments and the gameplay itself is fun enough to play for marathon runs. But at the same time, there are those unfulfilling parts like the awkward side missions and unimpressive multiplayer mode that easily makes Mass Effect 2 look like the apple of every gamer’s eye. It
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend
8.5
/10
The Good
-Fans of Mass Effect 2 just have to see how Shepard’s storyline ends, so it’s fortunate that the quality of ME3’s tale is of the fine quality that it is. -Carrying over my Mass Effect 2 save of Shepard and seeing the good and bad consequences of my actions in 3 is the heart of what makes this game so great. -While nothing all too impressive, the gameplay mechanics are good enough to stay glued to the game for hours on end. And for a massive storyline like this, that’s all that matters.
The Bad
-As generally good as the cutscenes are for Mass Effect 3, there are various faults I found. Like the borderline-stalking methods of fulfilling side missions, everything about the character Diana Allers and the underlying fact that the severe choices that I made doesn’t change the way the game ends that much from everybody else. -The multiplayer mode isn’t terrible, but it’s just…there. And having such a vanilla addition like this mode does come across as annoying eventually.
just goes to show how high the standards are when finishing off such a fantastic trilogy, because on its own basis, Mass Effect 3
is a highly recommended game that must be played.
Jason.Bogdan@UConn.edu
For years now, the Game Developer’s Conference has been an event that brings video game developers together to both learn and inspire from their peers to improve their upcoming games. The recent GDC did have some intriguing events, but all it took was the comments from Fez developer Phil Fish about the quality of Japandeveloped games to have bad vibes going around. At a Q&A event, Fish made a comment about how modern Japanese games “just suck,” which lead to numerous harsh reactions from the gaming community. Unfortunately, his Twitter responses to this have been anything but respective criticism, saying such comments like “im sorry japanese guy! i was a bit rough, but your country’s games are f****** terrible nowadays” and “japanese games are just two western games ducttaped together.” But while most of his conjecture have only added fuel to the fire of accusations that he is racist towards the Japanese culture, underneath all the blunt comments is a sincere critique that various Japanese developers have lost their touch over the past several years. And he isn’t alone. Former game designer at Capcom, Keiji Inafune, for example, has spun a yarn of complaints for months now; pointing out all the counterintuitive business ethics and lack of creative freedom he found at Capcom. During this year’s GDC, he made a motivational speech that included a heartbreaking reality-check for other Japanese developers: “We celebrated many victories and walked down all sorts of avenues as winners. However, at some point, these wins became losses and not realizing, acknowledging and accepting that fact has lead to today’s tragic state of Japanese games.” And that’s exactly what has been the problem with juggernaut companies like Nintendo, Square Enix and Capcom over the current generation of consoles: they don’t seem to do anything about their failures. Capcom’s recent fighting game, Street Fighter X Tekken, has the exact same problems that plagued the likes of Street Fighter IV and Marvel vs. Capcom 3 that include a faulty online mode and a lack of game modes. The Final Fantasy series seems to no longer reach the legendary status that it used to have; instead attaining for decent-atbest that clearly shows. And Nintendo’s refusal to appeal to modern gaming needs has been bringing them down since the Gamecube days. So as Fish at least tried to point out, it isn’t the fault of Japanese culture, it’s just the dated business ethnics of the decades-old companies that refuse to keep up the modern days. The reason why Western developers are accomplishing so much is largely thanks to the fact that
» JAPAN, page 9
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The standing of Japanese video games from CLIMATE, page 8
the companies that make the masterpieces like Gears of War and Mass Effect don’t have the standards that date back to the 8-bit era. They have new developers brimming with all sorts of new ideas, leaving the “classic Zelda” and “classic Final Fantasy” new games to lose plenty of impact. But with new Japanese developer companies like Mistwalker and Platinum Games, the notion that modern Japanese games “just suck” isn’t true when there’s recent greatness like Bayonetta and Dark Souls out there. This pattern of new ideas just needs to reach more forward.
Jason.Bogdan@UConn.edu
Outing Club pushes the limits from HEIGHTS, page 7 enjoy a “wilderness first-aide training” on campus. “Going out in groups of just students is a lot of fun,” said Houston, “but sometimes you need an expert to teach you what to do.”Joining the Outing Club is easy. Meetings are every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in the Student Union room 304B. New members are regularly in attendance. Their website is www.outingclub.uconn.edu and their Facebook page is available for more information.
Jamie.Dinar@UConn.edu
The Daily Campus, Page 9
Focus
A jedi’s trip down memory lane By Alex Sferrazza Campus Correspondent Before 2003, the two most popular Role-Playing Game developers amongst my friends were the Japan based “Square” (“Final Fantasy”) and “Enix”(“Dragon Quest”) and the best “Star Wars” games in our eyes had the words “Rogue Squadron” in the title. After 2003 everything changed. Today our favorite RPG developers include “Bethesda”(“The Elder Scrolls”) as well as the creator of arguablely the greatest “Star Wars” video game of all time, “Bioware” (“Mass Effect”). Now that the world is just beginning to get engrossed in its MMO follow-up “Star Wars: The Old Republic”, we thought it was time to take a look back at the game that both changed everything and started it all. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic”. Authors note: for those who have not yet played the game (which is highly recommended) the following piece will contain spoilers The game opens and you’re immediately in the middle of an intergalactic space battle attempting to escape a republic ship. You crash land on a massive city planet. After many challenges you manage to fend off the various threats of the city to rescue an important Jedi. Following this you manage to fend off a bounty hunter and escape the planet, evading the attack by the evil Sith to destroy the planet in an attempt to prevent your escape. Quite the adventure right? Wrong, this is only the beginning. Following this you embark on a quest that takes you to a far off world from Tatooine to Korriban as you save or conquer the galaxy. You meet some incredibly colorful characters along the way
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com
“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” immediately thrusts players into a battle in space, and later sends them on intergalactic missions far into the depths of the universe.
(including the unforgettable homicidal droid who despises “meat bags,” HK-47). Most memorably you get the chance to witness one of the greatest plot twists in video game history (which I’ll let you discover for yourself). The game’s concept is outrageous: make a “Star Wars” RPG, remembering that the “Star Wars” intellectual property had always been known for its tremendous action-packed experiences. Role-Playing Games on the other hand tended to be much more slow paced. Bioware found a solution in a revolutionary battle system that allowed the player to both select attacks and actions in real time while allowing the player to pause the action if they so wished to strategize
and coordinate more complex actions. With the basic system in place, the team based the entire game around it. The plot would constantly change with the player choosing to be helpful or “aggressive” throughout the adventure. It is truly astounding to witness the massive influence of the game almost an entire decade later. Bioware’s own games including the MMO “Star Wars: The Old Republic” (which takes place 300 years after the events of “KOTOR”) and the “Mass Effect” Trilogy all extensively borrow from the original “KOTOR”. “The Old Republic” features a similar combat system (although the ability to pause in real time is not available) as well as the “KOTOR” games’ exten-
sive weapon and armor customization abilities. Bethesda’s “Fallout 3” also features a similar combat system, complete with the ability to pause in real time. Both “The Old Republic” and the “Mass Effect” games have inherited the “KOTOR” dialogue system, allowing for many different possible interactions. If one is not deliberately trying, it is almost impossible for any two people to play the exact same game. The former two games have also retained the “KOTOR” morality system, allowing for different scenarios depending on how the player chooses to speak or act.” For those of us who have played “KOTOR” it is impossible to not experience a bit of much welcomed Déjà Vu whenev-
er playing the newer Bioware efforts. Many remember “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” as one of the greatest video games of all time. Others remember it as the amazing “Star Wars” story they had been waiting for ever since the release of “Return of the Jedi”. Others still see the game as the one that put now famed developer Bioware on the map. The truth is, the game was all of these things and more. Whether it be the unforgettable characters, the timeless story of the extensive replay ability, “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” stands as a classic and one of the finest interactive experiences of our time.
Alex.Sferrazza@UConn.edu
Once, twice, three times a lover from COMPANY, page 7 have one with their partner. (Cosmopolitan, 2010) This fact caused my mind to wander… “Does this mean that all of my ex-boyfriends wished they could have sex with me and my best friend at once!?” Though the thought doesn’t tickle my own fancy, Elizabeth said otherwise. “I feel like people just don’t understand how to initiate threesomes. I think more people are interested and curious than we think,” she said. After sitting on this remark, I thought to myself, “Who am I to judge what pleases anoth-
er sexually? Just because the thought of being doubleteamed by my BF and BFF doesn’t get my libido going, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an arousal effect on another.” Which is why, if threesomes are something you and your partner are interested in, the talk is worth having. Remaining sexually lively, curious and above all, honest with one another is vital to a long lasting passionate love life. And let’s face it…as long as an “O” can find room among three, it’ll never be considered “company
Focus@DailyCampus.com
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The Daily Campus, Page 10
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Focus
Tornado-hit Indiana school wins Lady Antebellum performance for year-end prom INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A southern Indiana high school wrecked by tornadoes won a free concert by country music stars Lady Antebellum on Tuesday thanks to a rival school that, along with students in other states, advocated on the battered school's behalf in an online contest. Schools from as far away as northern Wisconsin submitted YouTube videos urging the Grammy-winning group to choose Henryville High School in the band's "Own the Night" contest offering the winning school a concert at its prom. Henryville's schools were heavily damaged when powerful tornadoes ripped through the region earlier this month, killing 13 people. The winning video was entered by students at longtime sports rival Silver Creek High School in nearby Sellersburg, Ind. Henryville also got video support from a southern Illinois community hit by a fatal tornado in February. "It meant a lot to us and made a lot of people cry. Knowing there's that many people out there that cared to give it to us instead of their own prom," said 17-year-old Henryville junior Daniele Kats. She said word spread quickly on Facebook about Lady Antebellum's choosing her school for the concert, adding: "It's gonna be awesome." Lady Antebellum said the band was touched by Henryville's "story, resilience and unity following devastat-
Lecture shines light on human trafficking
ing tornadoes." Because of a scheduling conflict, the trio won't be able to perform at Henryville's prom on April 27, so a concert will be held for juniors and seniors in nearby Louisville, Ky., on May 16, followed by a benefit for the community. Lady Antebellum singer Charles Kelley said Henryville students shouldn't be disappointed that the band won't be able to visit their community. "Trust me, we have something even bigger in store," Kelley said in the band's video announcing the win. Fellow singer Hillary Scott added: "See you soon, Henryville!" The trio, rounded out by Dave Haywood, won best country album at this year's Grammy Awards for "Own the Night," and took home several Grammys last year, including record and song of the year for "Need You Now." Details about its Louisville concert will be released soon. The winning video from Silver Creek High School included footage of the devastation in Henryville and interviews with residents. It ends with a student standing in a field before dozens of classmates, saying: "Lady A, even if we don't win the contest, we're still going to own the night anyway" before they begin chanting "HHS! HHS!" Other video entries supporting Henryville came from D.C. Everest Senior High School in Weston, Wis., and from Harrisburg, Ill., where a tornado
AP
Everest Senior High prom committee and english teacher Renee Buchholz, second left, looks on as, from left, juniors Khalia Kulppi, Zackry Wiese and Brandon Dively consider their options in purchasing rubber bracelets to raise money for the high school in Henryville, Ind. that was destroyed after powerful storms ripped through southern Indiana on March 2.
that struck Feb. 29 killed seven people. Harrisburg students said that despite their community's loss, they decided to back Henryville's prom bid. Henryville art teacher Amy Fischmer, the prom committee's co-chairwoman, said her students were "grateful and happy" about the outpouring
of support on the school's behalf following the devastating storms on March 2. "That day was a tragedy, but they're just rallying and making the most of it and just enjoying life," she said. "For the winning video to be one that was entered on their behalf from another school makes it mean so much
more. It kind of reaffirms your hope in humanity." Classes for Henryville high school students will resume on April 2 in a nearby community. The prom, which is expecting about 200 students, also will be held at another site. Mary Beth Coffman, Silver Creek's mass media teacher,
recruited three of her students to be the video's stars and spent two days filming in Henryville for the video. "I've been jumping up and down and screaming by myself," Coffman said. "I'm so excited to be part of something that's going to be so special."
Review: 'Hunger Games' should satisfy fans
from STAGE, page 8
most profitable crime in the United States, following drugs and preceding weapons distribution. Burlett outlined some facts about human trafficking, identified victims, and listed reasons why the industry thrives. Most victims are kidnapped, tricked or coerced into human trafficking due to poverty and other desperate situations. Burlett also identified the criminals of human trafficking crimes consumers of industries like prostitution, pornography, and even found in places like salons or massage parlors that may have imported victims for work. Though the United States has the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (and Reauthorization Acts) of 2005, Burlett pointed out all of the flaws in the system, especially the involvement of the police. Amidst corruption in the government, laws that hardly protect citizens, let alone victims, and the overall lack of attention Americans give to the prevalent issue, human trafficking could grow to be the number one most profitable crime in the United States alone. Using the example of Thomas Clarkson, a student in Cambridge during 1785, who led an abolitionist movement after submitting an essay on slavery in a Latin competition, Burlett emphasized how important it is for students to get involved and change the world. “One voice is stronger than a million shouting different things,” Burlett said. “One person can’t change the world, but people can.” Burlett listed many actions students can take starting on campus like reporting anything suspicious, starting awareness groups, and even mapping out dangerous spots on campus. He invited anyone interested to HTA’s mission trip to Cambodia in August of this year, and encouraged students to join the rally in Washing D.C. in August of 2013.
Zarrin.Ahmed@UConn.edu
AP
In this image released by Lionsgate, Jennifer Lawrence portrays Katniss Everdeen, left, and Liam Hemsworth portrays Gale Hawthorne in a scene from "The Hunger Games." The film opens in theaters Friday.
AP--Recently, I made the mistake of joking on Twitter about the possibility of a Team Peeta vs. Team Gale dynamic, referring to the two young men who hold special places in the heart of Katniss Everdeen, the 16-year-old heroine of "The Hunger Games." Some people played along but many were appalled at the very idea of something as cliched and flimsy as a love triangle defining the young woman they've come to admire so fiercely from Suzanne Collins' best-selling trio of novels, the first adaptation of which makes its way to the screen this weekend amid great fervor and expectation. I learned very quickly: These people do not mess around when it comes to Katniss. Those same fans should be thoroughly satisfied with the faithfulness of Gary Ross' film, with its propulsive nature and vivid imagery: a mix of decadent costumes and architecture and harsh, unforgiving exteriors. At its center is Jennifer Lawrence, an ideal choice to play this strong, independent young woman. Those who saw her Oscar-nominated performance in 2010's "Winter's Bone" already were aware of
her startling screen presence — her natural beauty, instincts and maturity beyond her years. And yet there's a youthful energy and even a vulnerability that make her relatable to the core, target audience of female fans. Lawrence is endlessly watchable, and she better be, since she's in nearly every single shot of Ross' film. And speaking of Ross, he may seem an unlikely choice to direct a movie about a futuristic, fascist world in which teenagers must fight each other to the death in an exploitative display of national loyalty and pride. He is, after all, the man behind such clever, charming and uplifting films as "Dave," ''Pleasantville" and "Seabiscuit." But those movies, while based on high-concept premises, ultimately had pointed things to say about politics and society. The methodology of "The Hunger Games" may be more complicated but its darkly satirical message is unmistakable. The script adheres rather closely to Collins' novel — no surprise there since she co-wrote it with Ross and Billy Ray — although it does truncate some
of the subplots that give the book its greatest emotional heft as well as soften the brutal violence of the games themselves, ostensibly in the name of securing a PG-13 rating. Still, the makers of "The Hunger Games" have managed the difficult feat of crafting a film that feels both epic and intimate at once. A post-apocalyptic version of North America has been divided into 12 districts. Every year, a teenage boy and girl from each are selected randomly at the "Reaping" and sent to the opulent, art deco Capitol, where they're made over, trained and primed to fight each other until one is left standing in the sprawling arena. Gamesmakers manipulate their surroundings, "Truman Show"-style; Wes Bentley, sporting fiendish facial hair, functions as a sadistic version of Christof in a control room on high. Every minute of competition is breathlessly broadcast to the nation, with viewers rooting for and betting on their favorites; having a sympathetic back story is crucial, and similarities to reality shows like "Survivor" or even "American Idol" are clearly intended. Even the program's host
(Stanley Tucci in an upswept blue 'do) has a huge personality but isn't so outlandish that you couldn't image him as the face of some top-rated primetime game show. Katniss lives with her widowed mother and beloved younger sister, Prim, in the distant District 12, known for its poverty and mining — a place visually reminiscent of the Ozarks of "Winter's Bone." An expert hunter with a bow and arrow, she spends her days seeking food for her family in the forest with her best friend, the hunky Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Some of the strongest moments in "The Hunger Games" are not the big action sequences, where the effects tend to look a bit cheesy, but rather the quieter exchanges like the ones Lawrence and Hemsworth effortlessly share. But when Prim's name is called at the Reaping, Katniss springs into action to volunteer instead. This is one of those scenes in which you don't need to have read the book to feel emotionally engaged; the drama and the tears feel real, and they're not overplayed. Katniss' male counterpart is Peeta Mellark
(Josh Hutcherson), the baker's sweet but bland son. Together they're to receive mentoring from the frequently inebriated Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), the last winner from District 12; the character's rough edges have been buffed significantly and it's not an improvement. Elizabeth Banks is nearly unrecognizable as Effie, their garish, perky escort. They also undergo mandated makeovers from their stylist, Cinna (Lenny Kravitz in an inspired bit of casting — he and Lawrence have a lovely rapport together). There's never any question as to whether Katniss will win — there are two more books waiting to be made into movies after this one — so the challenge comes from maintaining a sense of tension and immersion in this dystopian world as competitors drop off one by one, which Ross and Co. achieve. "The Hunger Games" runs nearly two and a half hours in length but is the rare film that never drags and doesn't overstay its welcome. It could keep running as long as Katniss does, and we'd want to be right there every heart-pounding step of the way.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Daily Campus, Page 11
Sports
» SPORTS AND SOCIETY
When winning doesn't pay: Tim Tebow By Chris Zielinski Sports and Society Columnist When it comes to sports, business, politics, academics or whatever else you prefer, one concept has remained constant: success pays off. Phrased differently, we also often hear, “to the winner goes the spoils”, “everyone likes a winner”, or “success brings longevity”. Ultimately, all of these phrases contribute to creating an all-encompassing understanding of success. They suggest that success is supposed to be well-recognized, and bring security and longevity. Reflecting upon this past NFL season, one need not look far to identify the biggest success story of the season (besides the Giants obviously). Without question, Tim Tebow and his heroics were the storyline of the season, with his charismatic personality and unorthodox winning ability captivating an entire nation. More importantly for the NFL community, Tim Tebow revitalized Denver, an area historically renowned for winning championships but that had recently fallen on hard times. Although the marriage between Tebow and the Broncos seemed like a match made in heaven, the situation never solidified, and one wondered what Tebow still had left to prove. Fast forward to the NFL offseason, and insert one Peyton Manning, fresh off his release from the Indianapolis Colts. Many figured Manning would find a new home with the Miami Dolphins or more realistically with the San Francisco 49ers. However, in an unforeseen turn of events, the Broncos entered the Manning sweepstakes late and eventually took home the grand prize. Overall, the combination of John Elway
and Peyton Manning makes for a great story, but the real storyline is, “What’s next for Tim Tebow?” Although predicting where Tebow ends up will probably be harder than cracking the Manning puzzle, let’s assume he does in fact end up on a new team for the 2012 NFL season. Regardless of the team, there are several critical things Tebow must do to cement his success for his new team.
“Tebow must learn from his past.” –Chris Zielinski Sports & Society Columnist First, Tebow must maintain his currently outstanding character and mental makeup. This should be one of the easiest of Tebow’s objectives as throughout college and the professional ranks, he has hardly changed. Even with his ascension to global superstar and entrance into many celebrity circles, Tebow remained committed to his values. Of greater importance, Tebow continually demonstrated the rare quality of owning the locker room, frequently making mid-game speeches and having players continually express their desire to play for him. Moving forward, Tebow must also work tirelessly to improve on his football knowledge and skills. Although his endurance and strength is unrivaled by quarterbacks in the league, Tebow must work to improve on his mechanics and defensive recognition. This
will only come with time, but with the support of a good head coach and a the right offensive system, Tebow has illustrated he can flourish. Likewise, Tebow would benefit greatly from a team with a veteran quarterback to help mentor the young quarterback. Finally, Tebow must learn from the past. Although it is rare, quarterbacks have been spurned by teams before and found success in a new location. Arguably the most vivid example exists in New Orleans’ Drew Brees, who after failing to reach a contract with the San Diego Chargers, found a new home with the Saints and the rest is history. Learning from individuals like Brees would be crucial for Tebow, as advice from such sources would greatly accelerate Tebow’s familiarity and comfort with a new system. All in all, being forced to start over in any situation is never easy. Moreover, the situation only becomes exponentially harder when one has been successful in the past, and is stripped of an opportunity they fully deserve. Yet this is the harsh reality we witness in sports and society alike. Teams, companies and businesses are always looking for new talent to help increase their success, even at the expense of currently successful individuals. However, success rarely comes by accident, and true winners never just give up. Undoubtedly, the situation will be an interesting one, but expect a more dedicated, talented and meaner Tebow to emerge next season with a chip on his shoulder. One can only hope his road runs through Manning, Elway and Denver.
Christopher.Zielinski@UConn.edu
AP
Newly-signed Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning holds up a jersey for reporters during an NFL football news conference.
» NFL
Now a Bronco, Manning says hello to his new team DENVER (AP) — John Elway flashed that mile-wide grin and turned the microphone over to his new quarterback, Peyton Manning. Talk about a powerful pair. Introducing Manning as the newest Denver Bronco on Tuesday, the two Super Bowl winners each talked about hoisting another Lombardi Trophy, this time together. And soon. "I realize I don't have 14 years left, by any means," Manning said. "This isn't something where I'm just building a foundation to do something in two years or three years. This is a 'now' situation. We're going to do whatever we can to win right now. That's all I'm thinking about right now." Just so long as Manning's surgically repaired neck goes along with the plan. Neither he nor Elway has a doubt it will, and the Hall of Famer-turned-executive knew the NFL's only four-time MVP was just what his club needed. The franchise has won just two playoff games since Elway's career came to an end with a second straight Super Bowl triumph in 1999. Denver's last playoff victory came over Pittsburgh two months ago, when Tim Tebow delivered a stadium-rocking, 80-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime. But things change, and in the NFL, they can change fast. Tebowmania is now a passing fad in Denver. A couple of photos of Tebow that once adorned the halls at the Broncos' headquarters were gone Tuesday by the time Manning was introduced. "I believe that he's got a lot of great football left in him," Elway said of his new QB. And if that's true, the Broncos will wind up paying him $96 million over five years under his new deal. After holding up his new, bright orange jersey in a photo
op with Elway and owner Pat Bowlen, Manning answered many of the questions that have been bouncing around since March 7, when his old team, the Colts, released him to avoid paying a $28 million bonus and set in motion one of the most frenetic free-agent pursuits in history. The first issue on everyone's mind: So, Peyton, how do you feel? "I'm not where I want to be. I want to be where I was before I was injured," Manning said, referring to the neck problem that kept him off the field in 2011 after he'd started every game for the Colts for the previous 13 seasons. "I have a lot of work to do in getting to where I want to be from a health standpoint and learning this offense. This is going to take a ton of work." As far as being the man who could bring about the end of Tebow's stay in Denver, Manning said: "I know what kind of player Tim Tebow is, what kind of person he is ... and what an awesome year he had this year. If Tim Tebow is here next year, I'm going to be the best teammate I can be to him, he and I are going to help this team win games. If other opportunities present themselves to him, I'm going to wish him the best." On Elway's role in leading him to choose Denver over other suitors, the most serious of which were the Titans and 49ers: "Everyone knows what kind of competitor he is as a player. I can tell he's just as competitive in this new role. That got me excited." And so, the deal — the club's most dramatic since Elway was acquired from the Colts in 1983 — was sealed. With the new contract in place, Manning plans to retire in Denver. The Broncos, meanwhile, have some protection in the way the deal was formu-
lated. There's no signing bonus. Manning will get $18 million guaranteed for next season, but must pass a physical before each season, starting in 2013, to get paid. "I don't consider it much of a risk, knowing Peyton Manning," Elway said. "I asked him, 'Is there any doubt in your mind that you can't get back to the Peyton Manning we know of?' And he said, 'There's no doubt in my mind.'" Elway's move to the front office last year set off a whirlwind of activity that landed the Broncos in the playoffs. But the old QB is in this to win Super Bowls and he's throwing his hat in with Manning, the 50,000yard passer who redefined the quarterback position through the 2000s, not Tebow — who seems most comfortable carrying and not throwing the ball. "Tim Tebow's a great kid. If I want someone to marry my daughter, it's him," Elway said. But to run an NFL offense, to get a title, he wanted Manning. "My goal is to make Peyton Manning the best quarterback that's ever played the game," Elway said, "and he's got that ability with the football that he's got left. "He's a guy that raises all boats. He's already made (his teammates) better, and they haven't met him yet just because of the type of person he is, his reputation and what he's done in this league. So, he's just going to have a tremendous effect on the Denver Broncos." Manning, who turns 36 on Saturday, said he made a quick connection with Elway, who won his two Super Bowls in Denver after his 37th birthday. Since No. 7's retirement, a long string of 11 quarterbacks have come to Denver, trying in vain to replace the irreplaceable. If anyone can get out of that shadow, Manning could be the man.
The Daily Campus, Page 12
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Sports
» MLB
Pettitte throws in bullpen, says arm feels great
AP
Andy Pettitte throws in the bullpen after arriving at the Yankees spring training facility.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Andy Pettitte pulled his cap down low, peered into the catcher and delivered each pitch with the intensity of a postseason game. Clearly, this was no ordinary bullpen session. Pettitte arrived at camp on Tuesday, took a physical and pulled on the familiar navy pinstripes. The lefty felt right at home with the New York Yankees. "It's weird to say it. I feel like I never left," Pettitte said. "I don't know how to explain it." Pettitte ended his brief retirement last Friday, signing a minor league contract that would pay him $2.5 million if he's added to the major league roster. He is three months shy of his 40th birthday, but he feels fine physically and hopes to help the Yankees win their 28th World Series championship. Pettitte threw 50 pitches to catcher Russell Martin and was so encouraged that he joked he might be ready in three weeks, even though the target date for his return to the Bronx is May 1. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild and others want Pettitte to ease his way back after not pitching for 17 months. "I really feel like I'm progressing. I really felt good about it," Pettitte said. "I told Larry: 'You're going to have to make me take it slow.'" Martin was quite impressed with Pettitte's performance. "That's as good a bullpen as I've caught all spring," Martin said. "As far as executing pitches, that's as good as I've seen. He kept executing pitch after pitch after pitch."
Martin said what stood out was Pettitte's command and "how serious he is every pitch. It's like a game out there." Yankees manager Joe Girardi wants to see more. "I don't get too caught up in it," Girardi said of Pettitte's mound session. "You have to wait until guys get going. We'll have to decide how many bullpens we feel he needs before throwing BP. The big thing is getting his body in shape." It's possible Pettitte will pitch in an exhibition game before the Yankees head north. The plan is for him to stay in extended spring training and then join New York's rotation perhaps by May. "I am a little surprised I felt as good as I did today," Pettitte said. Pettitte was with the Yankees in camp this spring as an instructor. He threw batting practice several times, and continued throwing when he went home. He told Yankees general manager Brian Cashman the day he showed up on the first day of spring training that he was interested in coming back, and was thinking he'd be back in uniform sooner than this. "I thought they would sign me within a couple days," Pettitte said. "Obviously, it took a little while." Cashman said he offered Pettitte a deal in the $10-12 million range in December. Pettitte wasn't ready to make the commitment then because he wasn't certain he could do it. "The money they were talking about, that makes you have the confidence you can do it,"
Pettitte said. "Mentally, I didn't think I could do it to the capacity I wanted." There was never a doubt that Pettitte would only come back to New York. "Me and my wife talked about it and there was no considering going anywhere else," he said. "Obviously, I could've gotten more money if I went somewhere else. This is where my heart was, man. I had no desire to go anywhere else." Even though he interrupted his career in New York to play for his hometown Houston Astros from 2004-06, Pettitte will always be considered a true Yankee. He's one of the "Core Four" along with Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. The quartet helped the Yankees win World Series titles in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009. In both 1998 and 2009, Pettitte won the World Series finale. Pettitte is 240-138 with a 3.88 ERA in 16 major league seasons. He has excelled in the postseason, setting a major league record for wins by going 19-10 with a 3.83 ERA. In 13 seasons with the Yankees, Pettitte was a threetime All-Star, earning the honor in 1996, 2001 and 2010. He was a 20-game winner in 1996 and 2003, twice going 21-8. Pettitte has 203 wins for the Yankees, trailing only Whitey Ford (236) and Red Ruffing (231). He is second to Ford in strikeouts (1,823) and starts (396). Pettitte was 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in his last season, but was plagued by injuries. He feels he benefited from the time off.
Rowing opens season in Fla. Huskies continue hot streak By Jimmy Onofrio Senior Staff Writer The UConn women’s rowing team competed in its first races of the spring season over spring break, traveling to Florida to take on the University of Miami. UConn’s boats won two out of three races. The varsity eight boat lost by 18 seconds, with a time of 7:13 to Miami’s 6:54 in the 2000-meter race. The first varsity boat remained the same as at the end of last season, with seniors Diana Filipek, Kaitlyn Clarke, Andriel Doolittle, Mary Grace Haggett and Brittany DePoi, juniors Hillary Wiles-Lafayette and Adrienne Barrett, and sophomores Charlotte Kelley and
Erin Mounce. UConn’s second varsity eight edged Miami by wight seconds with a time of 7:20.7. Rowing in that boat were seniors Brittanie Reinold, Jessica Chames and Amanda Sibley, juniors Melissa Soucie and Caitlin Swallow, sophomores Natalie Carlone, Ashley West and Julia Roth, and freshman Kathryn Hughes. Coach Jen Sanford-Wendry said the second varsity “is a very strong crew that has some technical issues. I am very excited about their potential once we can eliminate the rockiness in the boat and get everyone working together.” The novice eight boat, consisting of sophomores Emi Noshino and Kendra Kohanski, and freshmen
Elise McCormick, Amanda Litty, Haley Ullinger, Diana Gryszkiewicz, Jessica Berner, Abbie Viner and Teresa Starzecki, also won its race with a time of 7:40 to Miami’s 8:00. Coach Sanford-Wendry said she was confident the first varsity can clock in under seven minutes in this weekend’s upcoming Murphy Cup in Camden, N.J. 18 other teams will compete and she says she is going to give the boat another week with the same lineup before possibly moving rowers from the second varsity up to varsity. Both varsity boats will compete in the Cup.
James.Onofrio@UConn.edu
UConn has won three of four games, now 7-10 By Tyler Morrissey Staff Writer The UConn softball team continued their success on the diamond in Rhode Island yesterday with a 6-4 victory over the Bryant Bulldogs. The victory was powered by Senior Jennifer Ward, recorded two RBIs on two hits including her second career homerun. Ward also stole two bases which brought her career total to 42, earning her
the second spot in UConn’s all-time stolen bases record. UConn took a 4-0 lead into the fourth inning but Bryant managed to score three runs off of two hits and an error. The Huskies would respond by scoring two runs in the seventh inning. Junior Marissa Guches hit a double which freshman Emily O’Donnell scored on. Guches was then driven home from a single up the middle UConn by junior Brittany Duclos, which would Bryant put the game out of reach for good. Yesterday’s win improved UConn’s record to 7-10 on the year. Junior right-handed pitcher Kiki Saveriano got the win for the Huskies as she pitched 3.1 innings allowing
just two earned runs off of two Bulldog hits. Yesterday’s outing improved Saveriano’s record to five and five on the season. Senior Ali Adelman threw 3.2 innings in relief and allowed just two hits and zero earned runs. The Huskies will take the field again on the road Thursday, March 22 to face instate rival Fairfield. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:30 Following the 6 p.m. trip to Fairfield, 4 UConn will head to Seton Hall for a three-game series that spans two days. The Huskies and the Pirates will play a doubleheader on March 24.
SOFTBALL
Tyler.Morrissey@UConn.edu
As he eyes Masters, Els has only himself to blame
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Ernie Els has been playing the Masters since 1994, and he has not gone away entirely empty. He has 12 pairs of crystal goblets from making eagles during the tournament. He twice won a crystal vase for having the low score of the round. And he has two silver medals and silver trays from being the runner-up in 2000 and 2004. What he doesn't have is a green jacket. And that's why Els might not be going back — at least not this year. The sentiment is that Augusta National should give a special invitation to the Big Easy, a giant in the game in so many ways. Beyond his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame last year, Els is the modern pioneer as a global golfer with 74 wins worldwide. But the club is doing the right thing by not giving him one.
Els has no one to blame but himself for being in this predicament. Since last year's Masters, he has only three finishes in the top 10 (including a playoff loss in South Africa in January) and he has missed the cut six times. He started the year at No. 56 in the world and had three months to crack the top 50. That's what made Innisbrook so excruciating to watch. Els made a spirited run up the leaderboard Sunday in the Transitions Championship and was poised to win, which would have given him an automatic invitation to drive down Magnolia Lane. With a one-shot lead, he missed a 4-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. Needing to make par on the 18th hole to join the playoff, he tried to jam the 4-foot putt into the cup with his belly putter and pulled it badly. Els showed a mixture of shock and anger during an awkward TV interview, yet it was a snap-
shot of why he's such a popular figure. There is a raw honesty about Els that makes him real. "I was so hot I found it difficult to even think straight," Els said the next day on his website. "I've had a night to sleep on it, though. It still hurts the way I finished the tournament, but I know in my heart how well I played all week. I have to believe that if I keep doing what I'm doing, the results will reflect that and I'll give myself plenty more opportunities to win." He needs one to get to the Masters. The Arnold Palmer Invitational has a field strong enough that Els, who is No. 62 in the world, might be able to finish second alone and move into the top 50. This week is the cutoff for the top 50 in the world ranking to get Masters invitations. Otherwise, his last chance will be to win the Houston Open. One reason it looks as though
the Masters should give Els an invitation — historically reserved for international players — is that it already gave one to 20-year-old Ryo Ishikawa of Japan. This is the second time Ishikawa has received an invitation. But this isn't about comparing Els with Ishikawa, the kid whom Els took under his wing at the Presidents Cup in November. It's more about Els being a PGA Tour player who had more opportunities to qualify and didn't. The Masters, which already has the most exclusive field of any major, runs the tournament the way it sees fit. In an era when international players had a hard time gaining access to the three American majors, it was Augusta National that invited them. Now, the club is targeting growth in Asia, along with growth in its international TV revenue.
Pasqualoni pleased with team after first practice
from BACK, page 14 As of the first practice, five players are competing for the quarterback position, a potential challenge for spring practice. “I thought we handled it really well today,” said Pasqualoni. “The reps were split up pretty evenly.” Three players are returning from last year’s team including senior Johnny McEntee, who started all 12 games for
the Huskies last season, as well as sophomores Scott McCummings and Michael Nebrich. Two new quarterbacks, who are looking for playing time, are Chandler Whitmer, a junior college transfer, and freshmen Casey Cochran. “I was excited to get out here and work with everyone,” said Cochran. “I have a lot I have to work on.” Cochran, who is a mid-year
enrollee from Masuk High School, was the Connecticut Player-of-the-Year for the past two seasons. “I had some good throws, but a lot more bad than good right now, so I have to get here, stay a little bit after and study the playbook some more.” Other positions that need to be filled are center, defensive tackle, safety and wide receiver after the departures of Moe Petrus, Mike Ryan,
Twyon Martin, Kendall Reyes, Jerome Junior and Kashif and Isiah Moore. The Huskies will also need a new kicker since the graduation of Dave Teggart, the Huskies’ all-time leader in points, extra points and field goals. All of the Huskie’s practices will take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Carmine.Colangelo@UConn.edu
AP
Ernie Els spins his club after making an errant shot during the Transitions golf tournament.
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TWO Wednesday, March 21, 2012
PAGE 2
What's Next Home game
Away game
Next Paper’s Question:
“What team will trade for Tim Tebow?”
–Scott Teulings, 4th-semester geography Major
» That’s what he said
AP
John Elway
» Pic of the day
March 25 TBA NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen TBA
Spring Fever
Baseball (6-11) March 24 West Virginia 3 p.m.
March 25 West Virginia 12 p.m.
March 27 Hartford 3 p.m.
March 24 Seton Hall 2 p.m.
March 25 Seton Hall 12 p.m.
March 27 Sacred Heart 2:30 p.m.
April 1 Rutgers 1 p.m.
April 7 Columbia 1 p.m.
April 14 Notre Dame 11 a.m.
Softball (7-10) March 22 Fairfield 3:30 p.m.
March 24 Seton Hall 12 p.m.
Lacrosse (6-1) March 24 March 30 Syracuse Georgetown 4 p.m. 1 p.m.
Men’s Track and Field March 31 UConn Invite All Day
April 4 LSU Invite All Day
April 10 Husky Decathalon 2:30 p.m.
April 11 Husky Decathalon 2 p.m.
April 14 Dog Fight All Day
Women’s Track and Field March 30 Raleigh Relays All Day
March 31 Raleigh Relays All Day
April 7 UConn AllRegional All Day
April 13 Sea Ray Relays All Day
April 14 Sea Ray Relays All Day
Rowing March 31 March 24 Coast Guard Murphy Cup Coventry All Day All Day
April 6 UMass All Day
April 14 April 15 Knecht Cup Knecht Cup All Day All Day
Men’s Tennis March 25 March 31 April 1 Bryant Georgetown Villanova 12 p.m. 11 a.m. 10:30 p.m.
April 10 Marist 3 p.m.
April 12 St. John’s TBA
Women’s Tennis March 21 Providence 3 p.m.
March 23 Seton Hall 2 p.m.
March 25 Bryant 12 p.m.
March 31 April 1 Georgetown Villanova 11 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
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Tweet your answers, along with your name, semester standing and major, to @DCSportsDept. The best answer will appear in the next paper.
The Daily Roundup
“[Tebow was] very positive. He’s like, ‘We’re talking about Peyton Manning. I understand what you’re doing.’” – Denver Broncos’ executive John Elway on how Tim Tebow dealt with the news of Peyton Manning joining the team.
Home: Gampel Pavilion, XL Center
March 23 West Virginia 5 p.m.
The Daily Question Q : “Did you fill out a women’s bracket this year?” A : “No. I’m too busy watching the WNBA.”
» NFL
Women’s Basketball (31-4)
Today Yale 3:00 p.m.
The Daily Campus, Page 13
Sports
AP
Connecticut quarterback Casey Cochran (12) runs a drill during the first day of the team’s spring NCAA college football practice.
THE Storrs Side Former Huskies, Cascio and Jean-Baptiste excel in debuts Rapids and also found the back of the net against Philadelphia. Consistent double teams held down the Arizona native over his Selected No. 8 and No. 14 final year in Storrs, yet he still overall respectively in this year’s managed to tally five goals. He’ll Major League Soccer draft, for- add to a Rapids attack that finmer UConn men’s soccer stars ished fifth in the western conferAndrew Jean-Baptiste and Tony ence a year ago and totaled 44 Cascio have found early success scores in 34 games. in the pros. Through the opening Meanwhile, Jean-Baptiste figtwo weeks of the MLS season, ures to bolster a Timbers backline each rookie has already notched a that allowed eight more goals than goal and a start. it produced, good for a sixth place Manning the center back posi- finish in the west. His club will tion for the Portland Timbers, meet Colorado and Cascio three Jean-Baptiste headed home times this season beginning on a score off a free kick against June 30 in Portland. Their next the Philadelphia Union to tie the match will come two months later game at one apiece. His excite- in late August and the finale is ment then grew as the Timbers scheduled for Sept. 5 back in eventually collected a 3-1 victory Oregon. and across the country, his old The closest Jean-Baptiste college teammate struck gold of and the Timbers will come this his own. season to Connecticut is this “I was really happy for Tony Saturday, March 24. Portland viswhen I saw he scored,” said its the New England Revolution Jean-Baptiste. “College soccer at in Foxboro, Mass. at Gillette UConn prepared us pretty well for Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff. the pros, as much as it could really. Cascio and Colorado pay a visit As much as you prepare for this to the Revolution on May 2 for level, you don’t know until you get an 8 p.m. match. there what it’ll be like.” Cascio has started each of the first two games for the Colorado Andrew.J.Callahan@UConn.edu
By Andrew Callahan Senior Staff Writer
Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward retiring
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Hines Ward believes he can still play football. The longtime Pittsburgh wide receiver known for his highwattage smile and his bone-crunching blocks just couldn’t stomach the thought of doing it in some strange uniform on some strange field with nary a Terrible Towel in sight. “I just wouldn’t feel right,” Ward said. So rather than play for a 15th season — and his first outside the Steel City — a tearful Ward opted to retire on Tuesday and secure a legacy unmatched in the franchise’s long history. “I can say I’m a Steeler for life and that’s the bottom line, that’s all I’ve really ever wanted,” Ward said. Ward holds every significant franchise receiving record, including receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. His 1,000 career catches rank eighth all time and he is one of two players with at least 1,000 receptions and two Super Bowl rings. The decision comes three weeks after the 36-year-old was released by the Steelers in a salary cap maneuver. Ward says he was contacted by several clubs but never had any formal discussions. He insists there are no hard feelings for his release, understanding that football is a business. As if to prove the point, Ward embraced Steelers owner Art Rooney II after stepping away from the podium following the announcement. “Thank you (Mr. Rooney) for giving a small town boy from Forest Park, Ga., a chance,” Ward said. The former third-round pick out of Georgia was due to make $4 million next season, an expensive option for a player whose role diminished significantly in 2011 when he finished with 46 receptions, the fewest since his rookie season in 1998. He embraced his role as mentor to Pro Bowlers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown even though he knew they were chewing into his playing time. “I know the wideouts are going to be in great hands,” he said. “They’re full of talent.” And they’re part of an offense that didn’t exist when Ward made his debut 14 years ago. He spent most of his first three seasons blocking for running back Jerome Bettis, something he did better than any receiver in the league. Over time, the Steelers evolved from the grind-it-out attack that has been the club’s identity for decades. Ward’s breakout season came in 2001 when he set a franchise record with 94 receptions then obliterated that mark in 2002 when he finished with 112 catches.
THE Pro Side Philadelphia and Detroit hit roadblocks during season By Jimmy Onofrio Senior Staff Writer With around 10 games left for most teams in the NHL, teams are now jockeying for position as the playoff picture starts to clear up. Clubs like St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and the New York Rangers have proven their place at the top of the league, but some other teams have left a lot of unanswered questions. Looking at the next two weeks and the close of the regular season, here are a few lingering concerns around the league: Flyers’ Goalie Woes: The month of February was rough on Philadelphia, who couldn’t seem to find a goalie that could stop the puck. The Flyers were having no trouble scoring, and were able to piece together a 5-8 record, but were simply giving up too many goals. Then, Ilya Bryzgalov found it. Philly is 8-1-1 in March with Bryzgalov giving up more than two goals just once. It will remain to be seen if the netminder issue is resolved
for good or if it is just a flash in the pan – Sergei Bobrovsky has shared time in the goal all season, to varying degrees of success, but the Flyers will need a solid goalie if they want to make a run in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Detroit’s Injury Problem: The Red Wings were once a dominant force in the West, near the top of the standings. An incredible 28-5-2 home record has kept them in the hunt, but they’ve missed defender Nicklas Lidstrom, who hasn’t played since February. The Wings also lost center Darren Helm Monday against Washington, and he will be out 4-6 weeks with an MCL injury. Detroit will welcome the return of leading scorer Pavel Datsyuk, who was also out since mid-February. With a healthy roster the Wings are a formidable force, but they could be facing a quick exit from the playoffs if they can’t address the injury problem.
James.Onofrio@UConn.edu
» INSIDE SPORTS TODAY
P.13: Hines Ward calls it a career. / P.12: UConn softball team wins at Bryant. / P.11: Column: Tebow’s new beginning.
Page 14
Breakable Bracket
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
www.dailycampus.com
BACK IN THE MUD AGAIN
Huskies open up spring practice at Shenkman
By Carmine Colangelo Staff Writer
Colin McDonough Sports, much like aspects of life, are impossible to predict. But every media outlet in the country pays people to analyze every move, decision and game in sports. Who knows the most about the future of sports? Nobody. I don’t even think God picked Lehigh to beat Duke. ESPN puts President Obama, Dick Vitale and Doug Gottlieb on television to pick their brackets because they can predict who will win the national championship better than the average fan. Wrong. Do they ever win the ESPN tournament challenge? No. It’s their job and since television has taken over society, they have to talk about something. My bracket, like most people’s, is somewhat busted. Actually, I’m done looking at my bracket because it’s so wrong. But I don’t care. How the hell do I know who’s going to win a game? The only time I knew the outcome of a game was when I played sports, because I had a good feeling it would be my opponents. But anyway, I’m going to predict the rest of the NCAA tournament to the best of my ability, which might as well be a guess. East: At the beginning of the season, I thought UConn would be the No. 1 seed in this region. The Huskies would play in front of their home fans up I-84 in Boston. I didn’t know that my dream would actually be a nightmare. Syracuse headlines the line up at the TD Garden. The Orange can’t keep winning without Fab Melo, right? I don’t know. Jared Sullinger may be meant to make a Final Four. Maybe not. I don’t know. My guess is that the Buckeyes beat Syracuse in a classic regional final. South: UConn fell two wins short of making the Sweet 16 in this region. The tournament favorite Kentucky is a sure lock to make the Final Four out of Atlanta, right? I don’t know. John Calipari has never won a national championship. The last time his Wildcat squad was a No. 1 seed with a future No. 1 NBA draft pick they lost to West Virginia in the 2010 Elite Eight. One of their two losses this year was to Sweet 16 opponent Indiana. The best team in the regular season usually doesn’t win the national championship. So Kentucky won’t make it out of Atlanta, right? I don’t know. The last time Indiana made a Sweet 16, they upset No. 1 Duke and made it to the national title game. But, I think Baylor is going to come out of the South. Midwest: North Carolina and Kansas are the two bluebloods in this region. Ohio and NC State are the underdogs. I’ll say the Tar Heels and Jayhawks meet in the regional final with North Carolina winning. That’s it for the Midwest, I’m getting tired. West: Michigan State has been to six Final Fours under Tom Izzo, who by the way is comfortable in his own skin. But Sparty seems to make the Final Four when they’re not supposed to. So I don’t think all the Dove for Men in the world will get Michigan State to New Orleans. Marquette will make its first Final Four since 2003. Jae Crowder won’t pull a Dwayne Wade, but perform more like Bill Russell in the Elite Eight. Crowder will have 30 points and 40 rebounds to lead the Golden Eagles to the promised land. Will that happen? Eh, probably not. So those are my predictions for the weekend. Don’t get mad at me if I’m wrong, because like everyone else, it is impossible to know what you’re talking about while predicting the outcome of sports. But I have to write something in this space.
Colin.McDonough@UConn.edu
Yesterday afternoon the UConn football team started its first spring practice in the Burton Family Football Complex. “I thought we tried really hard today,” said head coach Paul Pasqualoni, who is set to begin his second season at the helm of the Huskies. ”The first day is always a little bit shocking with the amount of offense, defense and special teams.” Tuesday marked the first of 15 spring practices for the Huskies, all of which are leading up to the annual “Blue vs. White” game on April 21 at Rentschler Field. The Huskies ran many drills, working on offense, defense and special teams. Practice began at 3:00 p.m. and ran Notebook until about 5:30 p.m. “I thought we got sloppy during portions of practice,” said Pasqualoni. “I also thought we made some plays at other points, but part of spring practice and getting ready to play the season is developing consistency, the techniques and being able to do the right thing at the beginning of practice and being able to do the right thing once you get to the end of practice.“ Last year the Huskies went 5-7 in the regular season and 2-4 in conference play and are looking to make their way back into the postseason this year. A lot of experienced players are returning from last year’s team as the offense has six starters coming back and the defense have eight starters returning to the lineup. Despite the amount of returning starters, there are still many important positions that need to be filled.
FOOTBALL
AP
UConn’s Jesse Joseph (91) and Nick Williams (31) take the field during the first day of the team’s spring practice in Storrs.
» PASQUALONI, page 12
UCONN BASEBALL HOME OPENER
Huskies hope home cooking helps snap skid
By Willy Penfield Staff Writer
three of their games in the Coastal Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. UAB smacked the Huskies 15-4 on Friday, Coastal Carolina After a rough start to the season beat them to the tune of 6-2 on in tournaments all over the country, Saturday and Michigan’s late surge the UConn baseball team (6-11) in the seventh and eight innings welcomes Yale University to J.O. gave them the 7-5 victory over the Christian Field for the team’s first Huskies. home game of the seaAt the beginning of son. the season, head coach Yale has had an equalJim Penders said that ly tough start, posting a starting pitching would vs. Yale 4-10-1 record to begin be the team’s biggest their season along with a question mark. So far, 3 p.m. current two game losing that has been the case. streak and 0-7 record on J.O. Christian Brian Ward, the road. First pitch is set who has been the seaField for 3:00 p.m. sons most consistent The one game series starter, got hit all over with Yale at home will be a wel- the park for seven earned runs on come change for the Huskies who six hits in just one and two thirds opened up the season with 17 innings against UAB bringing his games away from Storrs. season ERA to 3.86. This past weekend was especialAnthony Marzi has the rotations ly tough on the Huskies, losing all best ERA at 2.97 but has yet to win
BASEBALL
a game on the season with an 0-4 record in five starts. Other than Ward, the other four pitchers who have started games, one by Jordan Tabakman, have recorded only one win. Collectively as a team they have posted a 4.71 ERA. On the other side of the ball, LJ Mazzilli and Ryan Fuller have been crushing it. Mazzilli, who homered in each of the three games over the weekend, is first on the team with five home runs and 15 runs scored and second on the team with a .333 batting average and 12 RBI. Fuller leads the team with a .351 batting average. The Huskies will need these two to power the offense to some high run totals in order to make up for the inability of the pitching staff so far this season.
William.Penfield@UConn.edu
FILE PHOTO/THe Daily Campus
The UConn baseball team, seen here last season in action against Georgetown on April 22, will open its home slate today against Yale at 3 p.m. in Storrs.
» TWINS’ TAKE
Leaving early is the only choice for Robinson
By Colin and Matt McDonough Sports Editors Need a person to pull for in this NCAA tournament? Look no further than Thomas Robinson of Kansas. What player has the most at stake? Who needs to improve their NBA draft stock the most? It’s the junior on the Jayhawks. Robinson’s story is well documented. He’s been featured on ESPN and various other news outlets because of tragic family circumstances. In a span of 25 days last winter, Robinson lost both his grandparents and mother. The only family he has left is his eight-year-old sister Jayla. But she’s halfway across the country, in Robinson’s hometown of Washington, D.C., living with her biological
father. Robinson couldn’t take his sister away from her father even if he wanted to be with her in Kansas, even if she asks when he’s coming home every day when they talk on the phone. Robinson went through hell last season, and this year he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Sweet 16. Whether their season ends this weekend or with a championship in New Orleans, Robinson shouldn’t play another college basketball game. Robinson is projected as a Top-5 or Top-10 pick by NBA Draft sites. It’s almost certain he’ll be among the list of early entries who decide to leave college. It’s also certain that he’ll be included among the others when people criticize players for leaving school
» TWIN’S TAKE
early and not getting their degree. But once you hear his story, there’s no possible reason as to why Robinson should stay in school and continue working towards his degree. Robinson needs to do what’s best for him and what’s best for his sister. Kansas coach Bill Self told ESPN’s Tom Friend that he hopes Robinson is able to leave for the NBA, that he wants this to be his last year in school and that it needs to be his last year. He didn’t mention that Robinson should continue his studies during the summer because that’s not what’s important right now. Robinson needs to do what’s best for his family. He told Friend that since his mother’s death, he’s had a new motivation to do his best on the court. There’s a drive inside of him to get in the best position so once he’s in the NBA, he’ll be able to apply for full custody of Jayla and support
her so she doesn’t have to worry about anything again.
“The check is more important than the degree.” –Colin and Matt McDonough Sports Editors So the people who will always make the argument that players shouldn’t leave early, that it is unfair they forgo free tuition for a salary in the NBA, that a college education is more important than anything, they need to think of Thomas Robinson. Robinson doesn’t have a decision to make because
he only has one choice. The check is much more important than the degree. There’s an old saying, “College isn’t for everyone.” And right now, it’s not for Robinson. He can’t spend next year in a classroom listening to some arrogant professor voicing his opinions as facts when his sister is waiting to be with him. A piece of paper saying Robinson graduated college means nothing to him. A piece of paper with a dotted line and a monetary value means the world. It means dreams will come true. Sometime in the next few weeks, Robinson is going to leave the world of academia and never look back. And he won’t lose a wink of sleep over it.
Colin.McDonough@UConn.edu Matthew.McDonough@UConn.edu