Daily Egyptian for 12/15/11

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SIUC freshman dies at hospital LAUREN DUNCAN Daily Egyptian

An SIUC student died Tuesday after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

Brittany Coffee, a freshman from Chicago, died Monday morning at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Reverend Bob Gray, SIUC police chaplain, said Coffee was pronounced

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dead at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday. Sievers said she had been admitted to the hospital on Sunday.

Katherine Sermersheim, associate dean of students in Student Life and Intercultural Relations, said the student's family was notified of the death. The family informed her the cause of death was pneumonia, although Rod Sievers, university

spokesman, said results from a culture have not been confirmed.

"We're very sorry for her passing," Sermersheim said. "We're sorry for her family and her roommate and the friends that she leaves behind. It's a very, very difficult time for the family and friends."

Please see BRIEF | 4

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Holiday season means busy time for florists

JESSICA TEZAK | DAILY EGYPTIAN

De McKinnes, of DeSoto, fills a bucket with water Tuesday at Jerry’s Flower Shoppe in Carbondale. McKinnes said the shop gets busy during the holiday season and has winter

plants such as poinsettias everywhere. The boutique was opened in 1964 and has since been at the same location and ownership.

Old National Guard armory to get new owner ELI MILEUR Daily Egyptian The future of Carbondale’s old National Guard Armory could affect the city's rehabilitation of the northwest neighborhood.

The Illinois Department of Military Affairs is selling the facility, and it will be open to visits Dec. 20 and Jan. 5 and 10.

It will be open to sealed bids

between those dates, said Jim Lund, facilities officer for the Illinois National Guard. He said he has already received several calls from people inquiring about the sale.

The armory, which was built in the late 1930s, was replaced by a new facility near the Southern Illinois Airport in July and is now unoccupied.

Given its age, it was no longer suitable for the new needs of the

military, said National Guard spokesman Brad Leighton.

The large lot, on the corner of Oakland and Sycamore, is in the middle of a residential neighborhood designated for rehabilitation in the Carbondale Comprehensive Plan.

This makes what happens with the building particularly important, acting city manager Kevin Baity said at the State of the

City Address Tuesday.

“The future use of this facility is key to the continued viability of this northwest neighborhood,” he said.

Old facilities like this can be repurposed in a number of ways, especially with some creative thinking, Lund said.

The main building consists of a large wooden drill floor, similar to a gymnasium, surrounded by offices and other rooms, he said.

The site also includes two vehicle storage buildings.

He said the construction is solid reinforced concrete, so it would be difficult to modify extensively, but it would still be possible to make some changes.

“It’s probably the stoutest building in Carbondale,” he said.

Please see ARMORY | 4

Text message alert system saves lives at universities SARAH MITCHELL Daily Egyptian As school shootings increase, more universities are looking to increase the effectiveness of emergency notification systems, including the one at SIUC. Russ Thomas, a SIUC police officer, said the Virginia Tech students

benefitted from emergency text alerts during the Dec. 8 shooting, when the gunman, Ross Truett Ashley, shot campus police officer Deriek Crouse during a routine traffic stop. Thomas said social networking sites contributed to the system’s effectiveness, and this form of communication may be in SIUC’s future.

“We have Facebook and Twitter accounts ... where in an emergency situation we can post something," Thomas said.

In the Dec. 8 shooting, VT students received texts stating gun shots had been reported in the school's Cassell Coliseum parking lot. The university's Twitter account posted the same information, informing students to

stay inside, behind locked doors, while while the emergency personnel responded.

Thomas said he believes the system kept VT students safe. While he said there is no set plan for an improved system at SIUC, the police department is looking into new developments.

SIUC’s wireless emergency notification system has been in place

since 2008. Subscribers receive text messages to alert them of emergency situations that could put them in danger on campus. Weather warnings of flash floods, severe thunderstorms, winter storms and tornadoes are also sent through text alerts.

Please see EMERGENCY | 4

2 Daily Egyptian

Elements

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Today

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About Us The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale 50 weeks per year, with an average daily circulation of 20,000. Fall and spring semester editions run Monday through Friday. Summer editions run Tuesday through Thursday. All intersession editions will run on Wednesdays.

Spring break and Thanksgiving editions are distributed on Mondays of the pertaining weeks. Free copies are distributed in the Carbondale, Murphysboro and Carterville communities. The Daily Egyptian online publication can be found at www.dailyegyptian.com.

Mission Statement The Daily Egyptian, the student-run newspaper of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is committed to being a trusted source of news, information, commentary and public discourse, while helping readers understand the issues affecting their lives.

Copyright Information © 2011 Daily Egyptian. All rights reserved. All content is property of the Daily Egyptian and may not be reproduced or transmitted without consent. The Daily Egyptian is a member of the Illinois College Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Advisers Inc.

Publishing Information The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Offices are in the Communications Building, Room 1259, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, Ill., 62901. Bill Freivogel, fiscal officer.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

News

Daily Egyptian

3

Letter from the fall 2011 editor W

e’ve had our press delayed (twice) by some uncontrollable factor, a power outage that resulted in a 2,000-person “disturbance,” a never ending battle to connect with on-campus sources, ongoing budget issues, the Occupy movement and the first faculty strike in SIUC history.

LEAH STOVER Daily Egyptian

The managing editor and I had high hopes for the first paper of the semester. We introduced “The Grind,” dedicated a page to presenting the editorial board and wrote a “Words of wisdom” editorial to help guide new students through their first semester.

We incorporated graphics, challenged the design and pressed the advertising department into jumping the paper up to 20 pages.

When it was time to print, technical errors occurred and left us with an eight-page paper and a 4 a.m. work night before our first day of class.

It was then I knew this was not going to be an easy semester.

Looking back, I never could’ve predicted the life experience I would receive from being editor-in-chief.

We’ve had our press delayed (twice) by some uncontrollable factor, a power outage that resulted in a 2,000-person “disturbance,” a never ending battle to connect with oncampus sources, ongoing budget issues, the Occupy movement and the first faculty strike in SIUC history. Daily Egyptian alums have jokingly said we’ve been haunted by the malicious Gus Bode whose feelings were hurt when we tried to revamp his image. I believe it was all coincidence, and at times I consider it to have been luck.

I cannot count the number of times we wanted to give up. There were situations when I wanted to pull my hair out and force all staff members to take on 75 push-ups

(that's for you, Phil) because I was so frustrated, but I didn’t. Instead we all worked together and, as a completely new staff, conquered all of the obstacles thrown at us.

The strike in particular is what sticks out to me. It was a delicate time on campus and we went through leaps and bounds to cover it to the best of our ability, often without sleep. We went into classrooms, talked to students, stood on the picket lines and even stationed staff outside the bargaining room during all hours to ensure we would know if an agreement was reached. We grew from being entry-level reporters to full-fledged journalists.

What I’ve learned more than anything during the past 11 weeks is how amazing the DE is. The skills I’ve picked up are irreplaceable, the lessons I’ve learned will last a lifetime, and my relationships with co-workers evolved into what could be comparable to that of my family.

Although this semester wasn’t easy, it was worth it. The self-equity I’ve inherited alone makes me so fortunate.

Last but not least, I want to thank those who contributed to the DE’s success this semester: Katie Hector, managing editor and partner in crime, thank you for everything. We've driven each other crazy, but also kept one another from going insane. If it were anyone else, I don't know if it would've been so great.

Thanks to all of the desk editors who kicked ass and filled the newsroom with enthusiasm. I commend all of you for helping us maintain our sanity.

All of the reporters, copy editors, designers and photogs — thank you for challenging yourself and others; without you the paper wouldn’t have survived. And Ben Bayliff for putting up with us

I

journalists every night and keeping our website beautiful.

Eric Fidler, for being there to confide in. You provided insight through each situation and helped me develop the confidence necessary to take on the position.

Thanks for the quad-shot lattes during the strike; I wouldn’t have made it until 5 a.m. without them.

Oh yeah, and for anticipating this semester’s events. When you told me that it was going to be tough, I don’t think you even understood how on point you were.

Bill Freivogel, for teaching me in class the power of the First Amendment and what it means to truly act ethically. I can’t tell you how many times I referred back to concepts we learned in class when faced with complicated decisions.

The end.

Cheers!

cannot count the number of times we wanted to give up. There were situations when I wanted to pull my hair out and force all staff members to take on 75 pushups (that's for you, Phil) because I was so frustrated, but I didn’t. Instead we all worked together and, as a completely new staff, conquered all of the obstacles thrown at us.

4 Daily Egyptian

News

BRIEF

ARMORY

She encourages those close to Brittany to take advantage of the resource on campus, she said.

Sermersheim said Coffee, who had studied criminology and criminal justice, lived in Schneider Hall. Sermersheim, who is a part of the Saluki Cares program that works with family and friends for memorial services, said a service has not been planned.

"Considering the timing that this is finals week and students are leaving, there isn't one planned," she said. "I know the family will be taking steps in the Chicago area with services, and depending on next semester there may be one, but it is still unknown at this time."

Those who are grieving can visit the SIUC Counseling Center, located at the Student Health Center.

As of press time, attempts to contact Coffee's acquaintances were unsuccessful.

Municipalities often buy these facilities to be used as offices or community centers, Leighton said.

Councilwoman Jane Adams said the city should certainly discuss the possibility of purchasing it.

In any case, the city will be able to have an influence on what goes there, as any development will have to pass through the Planning Commission and the City Council, she said.

Since most of the site is zoned for lowdensity residential, something like a factory would be unacceptable, she said, and it is needs to fit in with the surrounding area. She said given its large drill floor, it could be used as a recreational facility.

“Whatever use goes in there really needs to be in harmony with and enhance that neighborhood,” she said.

Jan Eisenhard, who lives adjacent to the site, said she’s worried about what might go in there. The National Guard were good neighbors and kept the facility looking good, she said. As a bonus, the sheds blocked her house from Sycamore’s traffic, and she said she’s afraid those might be torn down.

She said she hopes the site isn’t used for business, as it would attract more traffic into the area.

Eric Lenz, who also lives near the armory, said he doesn’t care so much if a business moves in, so long as the current building isn’t

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Lauren Duncan can be reached at lduncan@dailyegyptian.com or 536-3311 ext. 255.

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"The problem with the text system is we’re limited to 160 characters, so we could be better," he said.

Thomas said the WENS system has more than 10,000 subscribers, but he said if more people subscribed, they would be able to easily notify the campus community of an incident to ensure safety in emergency situations.

He said there has been a need for emergency notification systems since 9/11.

Theresa Bates, an undecided freshman from Charleston, said she has been subscribed to the alert system since her freshman

Thursday, December 15, 2011

CONTINUED FROM 1

orientation. She said she thinks the system is a good investment of time for emergency situations.

“A text can’t hurt,” she said.

According to the system’s website, it is subject to failure because of emergencies or disasters.

Thomas said the text system has proved to be successful during storms, though, because the system is still functional if the power goes out.

He noted the May 8, 2009, storm, which caused significant damage to the Carbondale community. He said the text system was beneficial because it got information out in a timely manner. There was backup power for the cell phone towers, but the only problem was if people were unable to

STEVE MATZKER | DAILY EGYPTIAN

Staff Sgt. Bobbie Franklin, left, of Ava, and Spc. John Ross, of Murphysboro, clean out the old Army Illinois National Guard Amory Wednesday in Carbondale. Franklin said the demolished or left vacant.

“I’d like to see it preserved,” he said.

There are already some large unused buildings in the neighborhood, such as Hollywood

charge their phones, Thomas said.

Seyoum Tsige, a graduate student from Ethiopia studying accountancy, said he subscribed to the text alerts after the 2009 storm. He said he is glad the system is in place because if a life-threatening situation were to occur, he would be more prepared.

“I don’t worry about it too much, but you can’t say it will never happen,” he said. “And if it does happen, if you get the text right away, you can make a decision to get away from the danger rather than getting yourself hurt.”

Text messages are sent monthly to test the alert system and verify subscriptions.

Keshia Steward, a sophomore from Chicago studying pre-pharmacy, said

state will have an open house next Tuesday to sell it. The armory was home to the 33rd Brigade Special Troop Battalion until headquarters was moved to Marion in May .

Video and the old high school, so it would be best to avoid another one, he said.

Eisenhard said though parts of the neighborhood haven't been in the best shape lately, recent

she used to receive messages, but eventually unsubscribed. She said she got annoyed by all the messages about thunderstorms, when she could just check the television for the same message.

In more dangerous situations, such as shootings and intruders, Steward said she is not sure if it will be effective.

“It might help, but I’m not sure if too many people are aware of the system,” she said. “With something like that, it should be broadcast over TV or Facebook so more people are aware.”

Jessica Guerrero, a junior from Chicago studying plant biology, said she feels safe on campus.

developments seem to indicate it’s turning around. There have been new houses built and some eyesores torn down, she said.

“It definitely helps to spruce up the neighborhood,” she said.

“It’s not really a hostile environment," she said. "With the rise in attention paid to violence in the media, you do wonder about it, though. You wonder if an intruder could just walk in.”

Guerrero said she didn’t know about the text alert system, and that in the case of a shooting, she doubts enough people would get the message.

“It would work better on social media like Facebook and Twitter,” she said. “People check those more online and get notifications straight to their phones.”

Sarah Mitchell can be reached at smitchell@dailyegyptian.com or 536-3311 ext. 259.

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(GLWRULDO %RDUG Leah Stover Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Schneider Campus Editor

Brendan Smith Grind Editor A&E Editor

Kathleen Hector Managing Editor

Cory Downer Sports Editor

Tara Kulash City Editor

Lauren Leone Design Chief

Steve Matzker Photo Editor

Editorial Policy Our Word is the consensus of the Daily Egyptian Editorial Board on local, national and global issues affecting the Southern Illinois University community. Viewpoints expressed in columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.

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STAFF COLUMN

You can’t save face by censoring others LEAH STOVER Daily Egyptian When I took over as editor of the Daily Egyptian in the summer of 2011, I could not have imagined the First Amendment lessons that lay ahead – the university’s stonewalling DE reporters, its refusal to turn over the memo detailing the new media access “policy,” the strike called by tenured professors to protect academic freedom or the university shutting down a Facebook page because of comments critical of the university.

The fall of 2011 was a delicate time on campus with budget problems, labor troubles and a declining enrollment that had propelled a new campaign to rebrand the university.

During this difficult period, the chancellor seemed more intent on remaking the image of the university than reaching out to the campus community. At least that’s how it appeared to the public.

The week before the semester started, the Daily Egyptian found on-campus sources reluctant, sometimes even afraid, to talk with journalists. Rather than having the freedom to contact university officials, reporters found that officials directed them to the university spokesman with frequent attempts.

The first incident occurred when a new reporter was in the midst of an interview with the director of Plant and Service Operations. He changed the interview’s status to “off the record.”

The director understood the paper’s importance to the community and he had the reputation of providing journalists with complete information.

When the reporter questioned his change of heart, one of his responses was, “I used to be able to say a lot more.”

He explained he was to direct all media to the university spokesman. He said the objective was for those at the university to have “a unified voice,” and then asked her to confirm the information he provided with the spokesman before putting it in the paper.

The Daily Egyptian is independent of the university, and although it is housed on university property, it is a public forum.

University officials cannot censor us. It is not a public relations tool. The paper circulates 20,000 copies a day, five days a week, and half of them are distributed off campus. Its role in the community is important, and many rely on it daily as their only source for local news.

The DE is a place for journalism students to exercise their skills and

pick up new ones. It's a place to get ready for any career that may lie ahead after SIUC. Many say it's an experience to prepare students for the real world, but what they don't realize is the DE is the real world.

Our staff had never faced a situation where top officials were refusing public comment. The staff decided that if the incident were to occur in the future, reporters would not agree to prior review. The university’s attempts to channel information through one source followed a pattern that showed more concern about its public image than what was actually happening on campus.

However, what the university didn’t seem to understand was that multiple sources are what create a news story.

The purpose of a newspaper is to inform readers on events through facts from multiple perspectives. Often, the more perspectives in a story, the more truth it has.

When those at the Daily Egyptian asked SIUC spokesman Rod Sievers about the new policy, he denied its existence. He instead insisted it was the choice of individual staff to send us to him, and what a coincidence it was that they all did it at the same time.

The “I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to talk to Rod Sievers,” game got old fast for DE reporters, and a paragraph dedicated to those who refused comment was a recurring theme of news stories. By the first paper of the semester, reporters had encountered the same response from nearly all administrators on campus.

Some went so far as to require a list of questions ahead of time before they would even commit to an interview.

The DE filed a Freedom of Information Act request Aug. 26 to obtain emails between Sievers and Chancellor Rita Cheng about the new policy. When the letters arrived, there was minimal content included about media relations, let alone a policy.

There was content removed, however, so the DE sent an appeal to the Illinois attorney general’s office and waited.

Students struggled to even get a minimal three-source story. Balance was difficult and stories were shallow.

The greatest frustration of all of it, however, was the inability to tell readers what was happening behind the scenes. Reporters kept trying to contact sources to the best of their ability, and the university spokesman continued to insist there was no policy.

A week after the FOIA request was filed, there was a power

outage late Sept. 14 on campus, and an approximate 2,000-student disturbance occurred outside two SIU residence halls. Daily Egyptian staff members arrived at the scene to find city and campus police swarming the premises, while State Police stood on the sidelines dressed in riot gear.

A reporter was shoved by an officer who was herding students back into the buildings. Vulgar chants could be heard from a distance, car windows were busted out and two students were sent to the hospital with minor injuries. When the Daily Egyptian called the SIU Department of Public Safety, he referred us to Sievers.

Sievers claimed no riot had occurred, but more of a student disturbance.

The chancellor sent an email the next day to SIU students, parents and faculty that reiterated what the university spokesman had said.

She assured parents that although police were called to the scene as precautionary action, at no time was the situation out of control.

“In addition, students who are found to have violated campus policy or were involved in inappropriate behavior last night will be subject to discipline through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities,” she said in the email.

Again, the university found it more important to protect its reputation than to be open and honest. Transparency about serious issues is more likely to improve the university’s reputation than pretending they don’t exist.

The day following the disturbance, the DE’s front page contradicted Cheng’s statements with photos of police in riot gear, a student with blood on their face and mobs of people chanting. The administration never followed up and instead the incident marked the beginning of a recurring pattern.

As mid-semester rolled around, contract issues between four SIUC unions and the university administration resulted in the first faculty strike in SIU history, with the union of tenured and tenuretrack professors walking off the job. There were several incidents that led up to that point, and until the final minutes, faculty insisted that the most important issue was a lack of trust between faculty and administration. Those in the unions said they had been without contracts for months, and in an economy where state funding wasn’t ensured and the university itself was in a hiring freeze, no job was secure. Faculty worried the

administration just wanted the power to lay off anyone.

On top of that, faculty members were uncomfortable with the administration’s actions and attitudes toward its employees in the past and feared their own free expression rights were not protected when they were not under contract.

The Faculty Association — a union consisting of tenured and tenure-track faculty — went on strike Nov. 3, leaving some classes without professors and most in a state of confusion. In the hours surrounding the start of the strike, several students posted strikerelated comments on the university’s Facebook wall. During the course of several hours, students began to notice a multitude of comments deleted from the page, many of which were pro-union or simply asked why a settlement could not be reached.

Students were outraged and complained of censorship and discrimination. For an institution of higher education, the actions taken were deceitful at best and outright hypocritical at worst. The issue of the First Amendment arose when many questioned whether the university’s Facebook page was a university organ or a public forum. Private institutions have control over postings from third parties, but SIU is a public university, therefore the First Amendment prohibits it from discriminating against particular viewpoints.

Rather than simply commenting back, the university wrote off the comments without any explanation.

The consensus was that if you didn’t agree with the administration, your opinions didn’t matter. For an institution that thrives because of its students, the idea that those who are in positions of authority aren’t appreciative is somewhat defeating.

When the administration was asked who deleted the comments, the chancellor and spokesman said it was an employee in the office of admissions who became overwhelmed with negative comments, and therefore chose to delete them.

I've spent a great amount of time in SIU courses during my three years where I've been taught to act exactly the opposite of the administration.

I've been taught to challenge authority and fight for what I believe in. My professors have instilled in me that everyone has the ability to make a difference. Isn't that what college is about? Isn't it supposed to be a time where students should be curious, question society and become educated

enough to act confidently and capably?

They should never stand back for fear of the outcome. They should instill confidence in students’ ability to think critically, not hinder their ability to do so. They should be our role models, not our adversary.

Through its restrictive press access policy and Facebook censorship, the administration reinforced the perception that SIU isn’t always a student friendly place. The effect on Daily Egyptian reporters varied.

Some became more hesitant in questioning authority, while others became more motivated to express their sense of wonder.

As the semester wound down, the Illinois attorney general ordered the university to release a document it had withheld from the DE’s FOIA request.

The document showed that there was a policy outlined by the chancellor in July that required administrators to direct media to the university spokesman for comment. Her exact words were: “We cannot have the DE kids shopping for responses. Please remind them all to go through you to coordinate official responses.”

Not only did this response show that the spokesman lied, but affirmed that personal opinion clouded their administrative responsibilities and decorum when dealing with some of the university’s most active students. The spokesman denied the mere idea of a policy not only to DE reporters, but was dishonest about the issue with faculty.

He said the changes did not amount to a policy because it had not been approved by the Board of Trustees and posted on the website.

Webster-Merriam defines a policy as, “a definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions.”

It's simply a shame that administrators put energy into fighting against something that is a positive accessory to the university as a whole.

Looking back at it, the university’s attempts to limit expression by restricting those who spoke to the student newspaper and on Facebook appeared to have the opposite of the intended effect. Instead of buffing the university’s brand, the actions left some students and faculty feeling as though university officials were antagonistic to the central mission of every university — fostering the exchange of differing ideas in a search for the truth.

Submissions

Notice

Letters and guest columns must be submitted with author’s contact information, preferably via email. Phone numbers are required to verify authorship, but will not be published. Letters are limited to 300 words and columns to 500 words. Students must include year and major. Faculty must include rank and department. Others include hometown. Submissions should be sent to voices@siude.com.

The Daily Egyptian is a “designated public forum.” Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

We reserve the right to not publish any letter or guest column.

6 Daily Egyptian

The Grind

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Flying high on finals week

SARAH GARDNER | DAILY EGYPTIAN

Nick Lillig, left, a sophomore from Lindenhurst studying aviation technologies, and Mitch Speweik, a sophomore from Elgin studying aviation technologies, take a break from studying

Monday to throw paper airplanes at the Vine Community Church in Carbondale. Watching Lillig throw his plane, Speweik said, “Study hard, play hard.”

Buyers’ remorse: Returns are big for the holidays ANNE D’INNOCENZIO Associated Press NEW YORK — Ah, the warm feelings of the holidays: Comfort and joy. Good cheer.

And buyer's remorse.

People who rushed to snag discounts on TVs, toys and other gifts are quickly returning them for much-needed cash. The shopping season started out strong for stores, but it looks like the spending binge has given way to a holiday hangover.

Return rates spiked when the Great Recession struck and have stayed high. For every dollar stores take in this holiday season, they'll have to give back 9.9 cents in returns, up from 9.8 last year, according to the National Retail Federation's survey of 110 retailers. In better economic times, it's about 7 cents.

This time of year, fractions of a penny add up. Stores are expected to ring up $453 billion during the holiday season. Merchants make up to 40 percent of their annual sales in the last two months of the year.

Returns are typically associated more with January than December.

After all, that hot pink sweater with yellow stars on the sleeves may not be exactly what your sister had in mind.

But these days, more is going back before it ever gets to Santa's sack.

"When the bills come in and the money isn't there, you have to return," says Jennifer Kersten, 33, of Miami. She spent $300 the day after Thanksgiving on books, movies and

clothes for her nephews. Last week she returned half of it.

Some reasons for the many unhappy returns: — Shoppers are binging on big discounts. Stores are desperate to get people in the door. But the same shoppers who find a "60 percent off " tag too good to resist may realize at home that they busted the budget.

— Stores have made it easier to take things back. Nordstrom is letting online shoppers return items at no extra charge this year. It used to charge $6. Other stores are offering more time to return or rolling out "no questions asked" policies — no tag or receipt required. But that can backfire.

"Spurring more returns wasn't part of the plan," says Al Sambar, a retail strategist for consulting firm Kurt Salmon.

— Stores are undercutting each other in a tough economy. Wanda Vazquez spent $39.99 at a New York Target on iPad speakers for her 12-year-old daughter, then returned them when she found something similar for $16.99 at Marshalls.

Consumer electronics in particular are being returned at a rapid clip. Stores and manufacturers are expected to spend $17 billion re-boxing, repairing, restocking and reselling electronics this year, increasing 21 percent from four years ago.

At about half of the 100 electronics manufacturers and stores surveyed

by Accenture, a consulting firm, return rates have increased over the

past three to five years. Most of the items are returned without flaws.

In an industry where profit margins are thin and competition is brutal, return rates are unsustainable, says Mitch Cline, managing director of Accenture's electronics and hightech group.

Several retailers declined to talk about returns. But if they need any evidence of growing remorse among their shoppers, all they have to do is look at the overstuffed aisles of liquidator warehouses.

Liquidation.com, which buys returned merchandise from big stores like Wal-Mart and auctions it to small businesses and dollar stores, says return rates are 12 percent to 15 percent, two percentage points higher than last year and double the rate in better times.

Its four warehouses across the country are packed with thousands more smartphones, TVs other holiday castaways than a year ago, says Bill Angrick, CEO of the site's parent company, Liquidity Services.

To get rid of all that extra stuff, the company says it is holding 20 percent more online auctions than it did last year, though it declined to give a total.

"This is going to be a record year for returns," Angrick says. "People are still reluctant to spend."

Dave Vehec, senior vice president of GENCO ATC, a liquidator that sells returned merchandise from six of the nation's top 10 retailers, also says stores are reporting a spike in returns this year.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Grind

Proposed U.S. cellphone ban causing dissent among drivers JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press DALLAS — Junior Woods has a well-practiced routine for conducting business on the road: While driving throughout rural Arkansas, the electronics salesman steals a glance at his cellphone every so often, checking for text messages and emails.

"I can keep both hands on the steering wheel and just look down my nose and read in 10-second intervals," Woods said in a phone interview from Rogers, Ark. "I'm actually doing that right now."

Like millions of other Americans, Woods uses his car as a mobile office, relying on his phone almost every hour of every workday to stay productive and earn a living. So would drivers ever abide by a proposed ban on almost all cellphone use behind the wheel, even if it is hands-free?

Could they afford to?

Those are just a few of the questions looming over a federal recommendation that seeks to rein in what has become an essential tool of American business.

Woods said the ban, if adopted, would devastate his sales. Because he lives in a rural state, his minimum drive is an hour and a half.

"If I have a 3½-hour drive to Little Rock, and I've got 100 messages to return, it's going to turn that into a six-hour drive," he said. "I've got no secretary. I'm the administrative assistant. I'm the salesman. I'm the sales director."

The National Transportation Safety Board declared Tuesday that texting, emailing or chatting

while driving is just too dangerous to be allowed anywhere in the United States. It urged all states to impose total bans except for emergencies.

The NTSB, an independent agency that investigates accidents and makes safety recommendations, doesn't have the power to impose regulations or make grants. But its suggestions carry significant weight with lawmakers and regulators.

Still, a decision rests with the states, meaning that 50 separate legislatures would have to act.

And many lawmakers are just as wedded to their cellphones as Woods.

"I think all of us have mixed feelings on this issue. How could you not?" said U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, whose northern Virginia district has some of the longest, most traffic-choked commutes in the country.

Before going to Congress, the Democrat spent most of his career at the county level, driving around Fairfax County with his cellphone. Now he commutes to Capitol Hill by carpool or mass transit so he can use his phone without getting behind the wheel.

While he's sympathetic to the NTSB's safety concerns, he said, a blanket ban on cellphone use would be unenforceable. But he agrees that hands-free devices offer little improvement over those that are hand-held.

"It's a cognitive distraction," he said. "The mental attention shifts ... to that other party, not to the task at hand."

Dallas event planner Debbie Vaughan said she would abide by any ban, but her service to clients would be diminished.

"I know many people are frustrated when all they get is voicemail," said Vaughan, who spends about 10 hours a week on her cellphone in her car.

Bruce McGovern said he would have no choice but to defy the law.

McGovern, who owns four Massage Envy and four European Wax Center franchises in the Dallas area, said he spends up to four days a week on the road, traveling between his businesses.

"My business would go down.

We'd have problems we couldn't solve. My employees wouldn't be able to reach me and get timely answers," McGovern said.

"Customer issues that only I can resolve would have to be delayed. And in this day and age, customers want instantaneous results for things. They're not willing to wait three or four hours," he said.

McGovern, who said he uses hands-free technology 90 percent of the time, said he's been conducting business from his car for more than 20 years, starting with an early "bag phone" that predated today's much smaller cellphones.

"It's a total overreach of the government. It'll be enforced erratically. They can't even enforce the speed limits," McGovern said.

Boston attorney Jeffrey Denner said he racks up at least 25 billable hours each week while driving.

"I probably spend three hours a day on the phone in the car — minimum. In an hour, I can talk to 10 people. On my way to court, I call people to make sure witnesses are lined up. It's become a part of my life."

Daily Egyptian

7

8 Daily Egyptian

Classifieds

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Comics

Daily Egyptian

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CTOIN PALWOL

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Jumbles: ROBOT CHUNK LOCKED ROTATE Answer: When Amundsen finally reached the South Pole, all he could do was — LOOK NORTH

Aries — Today is an 8 — Complete the projects that have been waiting, even if you don’t want to anymore. Clear space for the new. Make plans with the people you love most.

Cancer — Today is a 7 — Money makes the world go round, even when you’re not paying attention. Turn a need into a possibility. You have more than you think. Save resources.

Libra — Today is a 7 — Your friends appreciate your discipline, which gives you more time to play. Get into both work and fun modes, and involve your team.

Capricorn — Today is an 8 — Learn from young people: They haven’t decided that they can’t yet. A partner plus distant contacts equal profit. Help comes from unexpected sources.

Taurus — Today is a 7 — Listen to a dear one explain. Support them even when you’re upset.

Complete a home-improvement project. Choose the path that you’re most passionate about.

Leo — Today is a 9 — Finish up tasks without a fuss. Sit down with an accountant. It feels so good when it’s done. Balance your work and your love life.

Reward yourself with relaxation.

Scorpio — Today is an 8 — Avoiding controversy is not so easy now. You may have to use diplomacy. It’s all for the best of the community, anyway. Incidentally, your reputation grows.

Aquarius — Today is an 8 — Your work behind the scenes is paying off. You can rely on others, and they rely on you. You’ve built a web of mutual support. Now refine for cost-efficiency.

Gemini — Today is an 8 — Oh, the things you can learn. Don’t push yourself too hard. Drink plenty of water, and get good rest. Cash flow improves. Only buy what you need right now.

Virgo — Today is a 7 — Problems are becoming easier to solve, but hold off traveling for now. Find the right balance.

A friend or a dream may provide an answer.

Sagittarius — Today is a 7 — You’re in the middle of a growth spurt. Take your vitamins and get plenty of rest. Not knowing can be a good thing. Let your mind wander.

Pisces — Today is an 9 — Take on more responsibility. Listen to group members, and put their logic to good use. Crowd-sourcing has practical applications. Your enthusiasm’s attractive.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

BEARS

CONTINUED FROM 12

The Bears were able to run the ball against Denver with Barber gaining 108 yards but he went out of bounds to stop the clock late in the game when the Broncos were out of timeout and then fumbled in overtime. Hanie could be seen on the sidelines giving some encouragement to Barber after his mistakes.

“It was something I felt like I needed to do. Marion’s a professional. So I’m sure he doesn’t need it and at the time he probably didn’t want to hear it,” Hanie said.

“He probably just wanted to think to himself at that moment. But you just gotta do what you gotta do sometimes. It might help him in

the long run — hopefully.”

Hanie is hoping he’ll be able to do what he hasn’t so far, the most important thing any quarterback can do, and that is win a game.

“I’d love to be 3-0,” he said. “I’m trying to do the best I can during the week and on the field. Haven’t gotten the job done so far, but I’m confident that if I keep plugging away that I’ll make the plays that put us over the hump. We’re trying to push through.”

And the changes have been many for him and his teammates since starter Jay Cutler broke his thumb trying to make a tackle after an interception against San Diego on Nov. 20. Coach Lovie Smith said Cutler and running back Matt Forte (sprained knee) continue to make progress from their injuries,

Sports but it is unclear if they will play again this season.

So the focus is on Hanie.

“It’s not just the quarterback changing for the other. It’s everybody getting used to everybody. Everybody getting used to me. Me getting used to everybody,” Hanie said.

“Playing in an NFL game, four quarters. Getting used to that.

Seeing all the different looks.

Making all the plays that need to be made. Being sharp on every single pass. It’s a tough game. And quarterback’s a tough position.

But it’s fun. And it’s fun when you make pays and get the glory of winning the game. But you’ve got to deal with some of these losses, too. And that’s part of being a quarterback as well.”

Daily Egyptian

11

PROVIDED PHOTO | ASSOCIATED PRESS

Starting quarterback Caleb Hanie of the Chicago Bears.

Ramirez and Brewers finalize $36 million deal CHRIS JENKINS Associated Press M I LWAUK E E — With Prince Fielder all but gone and Ryan Braun facing a possible 50-game suspension, the Milwaukee Brewers needed another source of offense.

The Brewers finalized a $36 million, three-year contract with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez on Wednesday, adding a muchneeded bat to their lineup.

Ramirez, who played the past eight-plus seasons for the NL Central rival Chicago Cubs, said he considers the Brewers a team that will be in position to contend every year for the foreseeable future — even if they do lose Braun for a chunk of next season

and lose Fielder for good.

“You’re going to miss those guys if Ryan Braun is suspended, but I think you win with pitching,” Ramirez said.

And while Ramirez said he'll do his best to help produce runs, he doesn’t see himself as a direct replacement for Fielder.

“You can’t replace Prince Fielder,” Ramirez said. “He’s one of the best hitters in the game.”

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin acknowledged that Wednesday's signing of Ramirez more or less means that they’re moving on from Fielder, who is almost sure to sign elsewhere.

“It appears, obviously, that Prince Fielder will probably not be coming back at this time,” Melvin said. “So

we had to move forward.”

Braun, the NL MVP, is appealing a positive test for a banned substance.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty, but we’re moving forward with him being a part of our ballclub,” Melvin said.

Melvin said the team wasn’t going to change its offseason plans to compensate for the potential loss of Braun.

“We’re just doing business as usual,” Melvin said.

The 33-year-old Ramirez played 149 games for the Cubs last year, batting .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs. “He’s got some pretty impressive credentials,” Melvin said. “I know when we always played them, he’s the one guy that I always feared

coming up there in key situations, with men on base.”

Ramirez has been with the Cubs since he was traded by Pittsburgh to Chicago in the middle of the 2003 season.

Ramirez isn’t quite sure what to expect now that he’s on the other side of the intense Cubs-Brewers rivalry.

“I don’t know,” Ramirez said. “I’ve got to experience it first. I know it’s going to be a little different, because I played in Chicago most of my career.”

And he’ll enjoy playing in Miller Park with the roof closed in April.

“I just don’t like the cold weather,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez gets $6 million next year, $10 million in 2013 and $16 million in 2014, of which $6 million is deferred.

There is a $14 million mutual option for 2015 with a $4 million buyout.

The deferred money from 2014 is due in two $3 million payments on Dec. 15 in 2017 and 2018. If the 2015 buyout money is paid, it would be owed in two $2 million payments on Dec. 15 in 2015 and 2016.

Part of the Brewers’ pitch to land Ramirez came from principal owner Mark Attanasio and manager Ron Roenicke, who met with Ramirez in California while he was there to visit with another team that was interested in signing him.

Melvin said he recently talked to former Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, who said Ramirez is the kind of hitter you want at the plate in pressure situations.

JESSICA TEZAK | DAILY EGYPTIAN FACULTY FIND FUN AND FITNESS AT THE RECREATION CENTER Philip Habel, left, assistant professor of political science, takes a break between plays Wednesday at the Recreation Center with Scott McClurg, associate professor of political

science, and Tom Hensold, of Makanda. The group of faculty and graduate students get together every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to play basketball.

The men said they play for fun and exercise.

12 Daily Egyptian

Sports

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Hanie needs to improve for Bears to have a chance

RICK GANO Associated Press L AK E F OR E ST, Ill — Caleb Hanie’s still figuring it all out. And his three-game stint as the Chicago Bears starting quarterback has reinforced what he already knew.

It’s a tough gig, challenging and demanding, especially when you have limited experience.

What makes his play even more critical as the season winds down is that what he does Sunday against Seattle will determine if his team has any shot at the playoffs. So far, the returns have not been encouraging: three starts and three losses.

“We’ve been in every game. He’ll continue to get better, but obviously he’s not the only guy that needs to play better,” center Roberto Garza said Wednesday. “We all do. We need to protect him.”

In the losses to Oakland, Kansas City and Denver, the Bears were able to convert only eight of their 40 third-down plays.

Hanie picked his game up a bit last week in a wrenching 13-10 overtime loss in Denver, driving the Bears into position for a game-winning field goal before Marion Barber fumbled. He’s completed nearly 52 percent of his passes with two touchdowns

W

e haven’t been able to find Earl the last couple of weeks, for whatever reason. Teams have been keying on him.

They know he’s our third-down guy. He’s our clutch guy.

— Caleb Hanie Chicago Bears starting quarterback and six interceptions — three each in the first two games but none last week. And he’s been sacked 15 times.

“What is unfair to him is we’ve been really holding off and waiting until third down to throw the ball,” offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. “People right now are going to blitz the heck out of him. So

it’s going to make him a little bit uneasy. ... He’ll be all right.”

Hanie will have to be better Sunday when Seattle comes to Solider Field. The Seahawks, with four wins in five games, feature a young defense that has been tough against the run. Hanie will need to locate his receivers — especially Earl Bennett, who has just two

catches the last three games — and get the ball to them consistently.

“We haven’t been able to find Earl the last couple of weeks, for whatever reason. Teams have been keying on him. They know he’s our third-down guy. He’s our clutch guy,” Hanie said. “He’s going to make tough catches and find ways to get open. We just got to find ways to keep getting him open and we’ve got to find ways to get in a position where we can use him.”

Chicago (7-6) and Seattle (6-7) both need a win to keep their NFC wild card hopes alive.

Please see BEARS | 11