Issue 38

Sports, B1

Arts & Life, B4

Rockets lose in closing seconds to Miami (OH)

Valentines Day: Historical or ‘Hallmark holliday’ hoax?

Independent Collegian IC The

Monday, February 14, 2011

Serving the University of Toledo since 1919

www.IndependentCollegian.com 91st year Issue 38

Student discusses state of Egypt

By Vincent D. Scebbi Features Editor

Egyptians are feeling a sense of normality for the first time in almost three weeks following Egyptian President Hosini Mubarak’s resignation Friday Mina Rizk, a UT sophomore majoring in psychology who has family residing in Cairo and Alexandria, said his aunts and uncles told him that following all of the celebrations in the streets, neighborhoods are becoming safer and people are returning to work and school.

“The whole country is starting to return to order,” Rizk said.

“Everybody in Egypt is satisfied with how things worked out. They seem like they are happy.”

As Egypt begins to shift into normality, the interim government is placed in the hands of a military council lead by Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi. The military will control the state for up to six months or until elections can take place.

One of the first actions of the controlling party was dissolving Parliament and suspending the constitution.

In a meeting Sunday, the council said there will be new elections set

up for presidency as well as both houses of the Egyptian Parliament.

According to Egypt’s ambassador to the United States Sameh Shoukry, this temporary government will be in charge of operations such as running day-to-day affairs, restoring security and laying the groundwork to repair the economy.

Rizk said the sooner the Egyptian government is set up, the better for the state. Even though there can be a negative connotation with a militaristic government, Rizk added he — Egypt, Page A4

Hannah Allam/MCT

Above, protesters wave flags Friday, February 11, 2011, at downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where tens of thousands of Egyptians gathered to demand the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak. Right, crowds in Tahrir Square react to the announcement that President Hosni Mubarak will step down from the position, on Friday, February 11, 2011.

Reflections on double homicide

By Sura Khuder IC Staff Writer

her 21-year-old boyfriend Johnny Clarke were both found dead in the basement UT student Sarah Mettler two weeks ago. woke up one morning to Straub and Clarke’s limbs frantic screaming and pound- were bound with duct tape ing at her door -- her best and they were tied to chairs friend Lisa had just been with plastic bags around murdered. their heads which caused “Wake up, wake up! Tell them to suffocate. me this isn’t Lisa’s house so Currently no arrests have everybody will stop calling been made in the case. me. Tell me this isn’t her,” the Investigators believe senior majoring Straub and in criminal jusClarke were tice remembers victims of an her roommate attempted robshouting. bery “that went Mettler and wrong.” The her roommate criminals are quickly flipped believed to through local have acted TV news stak n o w i n g tions. Breaking Straub’s parnews of a douents were out ble homicide of the country that occurred on a Caribbean that night concruise celefirmed their brating their worst fears. w e d d i n g The scene Photo courtesy of Facebook anniversary. was taking In an interplace at view with the 20-year-old Lisa Straub’s par- Toledo Blade, Clarke’s mothents’ house in Springfield er Maytee Vasquez-Clarke Township. Straub and Met- said she believes the crime tler had been best friends was premeditated and the since they were babies. killers knew the victims Mettler said she learned ahead of time. how to walk and talk with Clarke’s mother received Straub, as their parents are a phone call that night from close friends. a woman who had been Mettler quickly drove to contacted by another womStraub’s house to witness the an who was on the phone scene first hand. The drive with Clarke around 11 p.m. didn’t take long since Straub on Sunday night when was also her neighbor.

Clarke was confronted by Twenty-year-old Straub, a pre-nursing student at Ow— Murder, Page A4 ens Community College, and

Rick Loomis/Los Angeles Times/MCT

Homeless around Toledo

By Vincent D. Scebbi Features Editor

While college students stay warm inside houses, apartments or residence halls during the winter, those without homes seek refuge wherever they are able to find it.

While most years there are sightings of homeless finding shelter in buildings throughout the University of Toledo, Tim Day, the night supervisor of building services, said there have been no reports made so far in 2011.

Day said those sheltering in university structures follow students into the buildings and hide throughout the night. More common targets include the North Engineering Building, Stranahan Hall

and University Hall.

According to Day, these locations typically have consistent student traffic throughout the night, making them easy for a tailgater to enter.

UTPD Chief of Police Jeff Newton said these kind of situations occur from time to time and his team expects anywhere from two to eight reports throughout the academic year, with emphasis on late fall and early spring semesters.

“We get reports that [people] are looking for shelters, looking to use our facilities, our restrooms,” he said.

Newton said when UTPD responds to a call, they will check out the situation and — Homeless, Page A4

Nick Kneer / IC

Tammy Holder is the executive director of the Beach House Family Shelter, which houses up to 30 families in a remodeled building.

Ohio considers abortion laws

By Casey Cheap IC Staff Writer

Three new bills being considered in the Ohio House of Representatives seek to place limits on abortion in Ohio.

According to a press release by Ohio Right to Life, the bills aim to ban late-term abortions, exclude taxpayer funding for abortions and strengthen parental consent laws for minors trying to have an abortion.

They are known as House Bills 78, 79 and 63, respectively.

“This legislation has been worked on for years,” said Executive Director for Ohio Right to Life Mike Gonidakis. “But Ohio always had a pro-abortion speaker.”

House Bill 78, introduced

by Representative Joe Uecker and Representative Kristina Roegner, is the “Viable Infants Protection Act” or ban on late-term abortions.

If it becomes law, the bill will eliminate abortions in Ohio after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

“The late-term ban will save 700 to 800 babies a year in Ohio,” Gonidakis said.

“Even the American Medical Association does not recommend late-term abortions.”

There are exceptions in the legislation if the life of the mother is endangered due to pregnancy. However, Gonidakis said, there has not been one case of a mother having an abortion due to her life being in danger after 20 weeks, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

“In most cases, it is a personal choice,” Gonidakis said.

House Bill 79, introduced

by Representative Danny Bubp, will allow Ohio to opt

out of taxpayer-funded abortion in the new federal health care law.

Arizona, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri and Tennessee have already opted out of federal funding for abortion.

“Ohio has a long history of not wanting tax-funded abortion,” Gonidakis said. “We want to make sure that continues.”

House Bill 63 and Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Representatives Ron Young and Lynn Slaby, will revise Ohio’s — Abortion, Page A4

Forum

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Jason Mack Editor in Chief

Elizabeth Majoy Business Manager

Randiah Green Managing Editor

Ethan Keating Forum Editor

- in our opinion -

Not a pro-death straw man should be able to. An abortion is never automatically seen as the best or only option, but simply an available one.

Most “pro-choice” or “pro-rights” individuals would rather see children either adopted or not fertilized in the first place; the decision to end a pregnancy is typically the last resort.

It’s easy to espouse the “wonder, beauty and opportunity” of life from the position of a well-paid, healthy — well cared for by expensive healthcare — materially comfortable and socially accepted member of the middle or upper class.

But the equation changes when one considers that many children are born with multiple defects and/or hereditary diseases, to impoverished mothers in overcrowded cities where government services are so under-funded, hope for subsidized treatment — and a healthy, happy life — is a pipe dream.

Consider also the women who are impregnated by their rapist, whose medical history is forever unknown and whose horrifying actions will be remembered by the mother every time she sees her child’s face. Is she forced to suffer her rape for her entire life, just so society can wash its hands and claim the moral high ground?

Those who support abortion rights don’t mislabel our opponents and dodge the real issues with fallacious straw man and ad hominem attacks. We admit that there are gray areas, difficult compromises and lose-lose situations.

Rather than arguing for a sugar-coated, idyllic world where everyone is equally welcomed, loved and able to find material success, we accept the inherent evil and unfairness and seek outcomes that provide the most good for all involved, not just pontificators and politicians. If the rights of the unborn overtake the rights of the living, we have truly reached lunacy.

Opponents of the legal right to abortion have seized the opportunity of the recent Republican-dominant elections to propose a slew of anti-abortion measures into Ohio’s new legislature. House Bills 63, 78 and 79 are the latest attempts to limit women’s reproductive rights and reduce abortions in the state.

There will always be individuals so passionate and stubbornly set in their ways that they will not budge from their positions at polar ends of the debate, but for those of us willing to dignify our opponents with mutual respect, there is much to be gained from civil discourse.

Let us begin by clarifying some disturbing ambiguities and establishing the true positions being argued.

To frame the issue as “pro-life” vs. “pro-abortion” grossly misrepresents the intentions and attitudes of those involved. We could just as easily view it as a matter of “pro-restriction” vs. “profreedom” if so desired, but let’s cut out the semantic distractions and refer to the players by their real positions.

Those who oppose abortion are “antiabortion,” nothing else. This generalized group possesses diverse motives, goals and other stances. “Pro-life” does not label this group because many of its members support war, capital punishment and economic policies that doom millions of foreigners to poverty, preventable disease and death.

Besides, none question the removal of one’s bacterial infection, cancerous growth or menstrual discharge, yet these are forms of life that grow inside us just the same. If we have moral dominion over our body and can destroy those forms of life for our health and convenience, why is abortion treated differently?

Nobody in support of the legal right to abortion contends that people should have abortions, but rather that they

Homeless not a different type of person — just you or your neighbor after foreclosure As with many popularized and stigmatized social statuses, “homeless” is a title misunderstood and misrepresented.

Just as the fabled “evil stoner” of Reefer Madness days depicts a departure from reality of epic scale, so too is the face of homelessness cruelly and inaccurately painted in popular culture.

By this point in the editorial, the reader has already been forced to envision one’s own stereotyped mental image. If you have seen even a moderate number of U.S. television and film portrayals, yours is probably quite similar to the norm – an older man, dirty and unshaven, with long hair, damaged clothes, mental conditions and socially unacceptable tendencies. He has likely been out of work for years and does nothing to better his position except beg on the street and collect trash.

This commercialized, contrived archetype, while reflecting the reality of some individuals, inspires dislike toward the iconic “hobo” and helps make it ever easier to blame the victim, both in the case of homelessness

and other social ills.

Being homeless is different from being unemployed, disabled or diseased. While some remain homeless for many years, a large number of these individuals lost their homes in recent years and have only been homeless for a short time.

Many move in and out of homeless status, fluctuating with the level of funding for permanent housing provided by a government trading hands between Republican and Democrat control.

The first step toward uplifting a group of people from poor living conditions is to acknowledge their equal personhood, legal rights and entitlement to the material comforts we so greedily take for granted.

In order to do this, we must end the proliferation of misleading and dehumanizing stereotypes, not only of the homeless but of illegal drug-users and other non-violent criminals, racial minorities, transgendered individuals, those of non-heterosexual orientations and all groups feared and persecuted in the main.

The

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- in Your opinion -

Debt vs. deficit

Mr. Lehnert (“Strategic plan gets revised,” Feb. 10) misspoke in stating “when President Clinton was president and we had zero debt.”

Our debt when Reagan took office was just under $1 billion. Under Reagan and

Bush, our debt more than quadrupled and George H.W. Bush handed Clinton a debt of more than $4 billion.

Our debt would have decreased under Clinton but for interest on the Reagan & Bush administrations’ debt. Our debt more than doubled again under George W. Bush.

I suspect Mr. Lehnert meant “zero budget deficit.”

Now why is it that Republicans seem concerned about the national debt only when a Democrat occupies the White House?

Don Stierman, Department of Environmental Sciences

Of haste and waste Last semester I took a Writing Across the Curriculum course centered on the United States’ economic history during the 1900s. The course involved reading a variety of books, and I didn’t get around to reading the entirety of any one of them.

Anthony So now, Russo when I have break time between driving students to and from Scott Park on Monday afternoons, I snatch up one of the few books I have lying around my room.

Of particular interest to me is “Cadillac Desert,” a non-fiction book dealing with water policies in the western U.S. from the time of Lewis and Clark to modern times. The book may not be of great interest to the average person but there are lessons to be learned from how the American West was settled.

It is interesting that many people were fooled into settling the Great Plains and westward because of one particular 10-year wet period. Many people actually believed that where people settled and farmed, rain would increase. As Marc Reisner, the author of “Cadillac Desert,” points out, the explanations varied: “Plowing the land exposed the soil’s moisture to the sky. Newly planted trees enhanced rainfall. The smoke from trains caused it. Vibrations in the air created by all the commotion helped clouds to form. Dynamiting the air became a popular means of inducing rain to fall. Even the Secretary of Agriculture came out for a demonstration in Texas.”

Journalists were hired by railroads to produce such garbage, including one particular piece that promoted the Laramie Plains of Wyoming as being “as ready today for the plow and spade as the fertile prairies of Illinois.”

Reisner points out, however, that “the Laramie

Plains are five thousand feet higher than Illinois; the growing season is at least fifty days shorter; there is about a third as much rain.”

This happened all the time.

“At a time when a fivecourse dinner in a fancy restaurant cost $1.25, the Union Pacific and the Burlington spent $1 million on advertising for Nebraska alone.”

From illogical locations of settlements to the horrifically inefficient Bureau of Reclamation Projects, a reader can achieve a pretty good sense of how a failure to study and understand our surroundings can have profound effects on the future.

One particular passage from the book stood out for me and applies not only to western water management, but to society in general.

John Wesley Powell, a U.S. soldier, geologist and explorer, was part of the first group of European Americans to pass through the Grand Canyon.

“

Don’t just act and then see what happens, as many of our decision-makers seem to do.

”

What stood out to me about Powell were his stances against how states were organized.

As Reisner wrote, “States bothered Powell, too. Their borders were too often nonsensical. They followed rivers for convenience, then struck out in a straight line, bisecting mountain ranges, cutting watersheds in half.

Boxing out landscapes, sneering at natural reality, they were wholly arbitrary, and therefore, stupid.

In the West, where the one thing that really mattered was water, states should logically be formed around watersheds. To divide the West any other way was to sow the future with rivalries, jealousies and bitter squabbles whose fruits would contribute solely to the nourishment of lawyers.”

Powell admonished that

the West should be settled slowly, cautiously and intelligently. That did not happen, and the rest is history.

We easterners aren’t as intune with western water history, but western culture is riddled with water disputes.

Powell never won his battle, and few paid attention to his warnings that the 10-year wet period would come to an end. Westerners would soon see the arid realities of the terrain they inhabited.

At the time, however, Reisner noted that “[Powell] had to deal with western members of Congress who could not abide anyone calling their states arid (although a hundred years later, when the Bureau of Reclamation had become their prime benefactor, members of Congress from these same states would argue at length over whose state was the more arid and hostile).”

So what can we learn from the settling of the American West? We’ve already carved our territories into states, so the obvious lesson doesn’t apply. Instead, the whole can be viewed as a lesson to policy-makers and developers today.

If it’s a new healthcare law or a new welfare program, a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” or the creation of a national education program, we should not make rushed decisions. Take the time to study the issue. Commission studies from people on both sides of an issue. Don’t just act and then see what happens, as many of our decision-makers seem to do — from our university on up to the White House.

The West serves as a warning that many times it is very difficult to undo what has been done. You can’t uproot Los Angeles, we very likely won’t ever get casinos out of Ohio, now that we’ve opened the door and once we restructure the College of Arts and Sciences it may never be the same. I’m all for progress, but not on a whim or arbitrary decision.

—Anthony Russo is an IC columnist and a senior majoring in economics.

As the dust settles Beginning in Tunisia, where protests toppled the 23-year regime of Zine elAbidine Ben Ali, an extraordinary fervor for change has spilled over into Egypt, the largest Arab nation. Hosni Mubarak, president for the past 29 years, resigned from his post on Friday after 18 consecutive days of mass protests that centered on Cairo but reverberated throughout the country.

As with any revolution, more important than the intensity of the flame is what lies in the ashes afterward.

While this uprising has historical significance, the post-revolution political events will have a much greater role in shaping the future of Egypt and impacting global affairs.

The French Revolution clearly shows that successful overthrow does not always yield liberty. The iconic uprising of the lower class against the oppressive middle class resulted in the bloodshed that deposed the monarchy and established a republic.

But for the 150 years that followed, little more than half was spent as a democracy: interspersed through that time were reinstated monarchies and the Napoleonic dictatorships.

An example more in context is the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The massive protests in Iran have been referenced countless times in regards to the recent

events in the Arab world.

As a result of growing opposition to brutal autocracy and the westernization of Iran, the monarchy of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was toppled. Nearly overnight, a strong American ally was traded for the radically fundamentalist regime that continues today.

Just as Tunisia served as the catalyst for the movement in Egypt, it may serve as an indicator for the aftermath that follows. Despite Ben Ali abdicating his position abruptly, the protests continued in response to the alternative forms of leadership that attempted to fill the void.

Due to the Tunisian people’s diligence, meaningful change has taken place in the form of a purging of Ben Ali’s old party to prevent a military or redundant takeover and in reinstating banned political parties.

Day by day, the likelihood that Tunisia will realize its goals of democracy appears to grow stronger.

In Egypt, several possibilities have emerged from the opposition. Mohammed el-Baradei, Nobel laureate and former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has been the face of the opposition coalition.

The Muslim Brotherhood, perhaps the most organized opposition party, has always been portrayed by Mubarak as a radical force that would sweep to power

in his absence.

Added to the mix is the always glaring possibility of a subsequent military dictatorship to follow the footsteps of Mubarak, a former Air Force commander.

In order for Egypt to become the bulwark of stable democracy in the region, it must successfully manage all of the political elements and present them to the people to choose. The Egyptian Army is now presented with the precarious task of overseeing a transition to democracy, which may require a relinquishing of some of the immense financial and political powers it has held.

The imagery of this revolution has already been implanted in history. The clashes between the protestors and “supporters,” the series of disastrously stubborn addresses by Mubarak, the army refusing to turn on the people — all will be recalled in times to come.

But what remains to be seen is how strong and how clearly the light of liberty will shine in Egypt. Tahrir Square may very well join Tehran as a symbol of a radical change, or Tiananmen as a beacon of democracy — but only time and the Egyptian people will decide.

—Rahul Prasad is an IC columnist and a sophomore majoring in biology and philosophy.

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Michigan removes student exception, cuts off food assistance

Photo courtesy of MLive.com

Michigan students now must meet work requirements in order to be eligible for the Bridge Card.

By Randiah Green News Editor and Managing Editor

Michigan is no longer giving college students a break when it comes to food assistance.

Though Michigan college students can still receive food assistance with a Michigan Bridge Card if they meet other qualifications such as having a child in the home, students will not be able to receive assistance just because they are attending college, starting in April.

“The federal government has work requirements to receive food assistance, and Michigan had an exception that going to college allowed students to receive that assistance,” said Gisgie Gemdreua, communication director for the Michigan Department of Human Services.

“We requested and received permission to remove that exception.”

The Bridge Card is a debit card used in place of food stamps, similar to the Ohio Direction Card.

Gemdreua said not allowing students to get food assistance on their Bridge Card simply because they were attending college will stop students from “abusing the system.”

“We have a new administration and our director and governor are committed to integrity in the food assistance program,” she said. “They both had been notified by confirmed citizens that there was abuse of the intent of the food assistance program and so we requested the change. They feel strongly that

Egypt From Page A1 trusts the military won’t “have anything up their sleeves.”

“This made international news. I don’t think they’ll do it and even if they were intending to, the whole world is watching,” he said.

The 18 days of protesting to expel Mubarak is a sign to Rizk that the government now knows citizens have the ability to organize efficiently for long periods of time.

“Now the government is 100 percent aware of what the people are capable of doing and how they are capable of making protests that last 18 days and are still going strong,” he said. “I definitely think the government is going to realize that they have

the assistance should be available only to people who are truly needy.”

Michigan State Representative David Agema said in a press release students who do not really need assistance have been allowed to take advantage of the system “for far too long.”

“This action will put a stop to this waste of taxpayer money,” he said.

Some Michigan college students receiving food assistance through the Michigan Bridge Card disagree.

“If getting food assistance for being a college student is cheating the system, the system is in dire need of an upgrade,” said Courtney Drake, a junior majoring in English at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.

Drake won’t be getting $200 on his Bridge Card every month to buy groceries for much longer.

“I applied for a Bridge Card because I have no other way of summing up money for food,” he said. “I’m broke but [with a Bridge Card] I can still eat.”

Between 18,000 and 20,000 Michigan students receive food assistance under the “approved educational plan” exception, according to Gemdreua.

Under federal guidelines, college students are not eligible to receive food assistance, but the exception was being made for students in Michigan.

“We are following the federal guidelines and the intent of the program,” Gemdreua said. “The intent of the program is to help

those who are truly needy get access to healthy food. The exception being made for college students was swallowing the whole rule.”

Communication Director for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Ben Johnson said there is no exception for college students to receive food assistance in Ohio.

“There’s a work requirement for food assistance,” he said. “In Ohio you get [food assistance] if you are at or under the poverty level. There’s nothing on the application that even asks if you are a college student or not.”

Drake said the federal government should be more understanding and pay more attention to the hardships of students.

“Working towards a future in a career by going to school is hard enough, but having to keep afloat in the workplace to pay for rent, tuition and books makes it even more difficult,” he said. “I only know one person who is going to college free because his parents can afford it and people like him I believe to be incredibly lucky to not need a Bridge Card. The rest of us have to fend for ourselves.”

Drake lives on his own and funds his education through government loans, grants and wages with no help from his parents.

Michigan students will still be able to get a Bridge Card to use for welfare and other benefits if they qualify.

to work on making [goals] become accomplished.”

The approximate two and a half weeks of protesting made a dent into the Egyptian economy with tourism, one of the country’s crucial sources of income. In addition, banks will be shut down until Wednesday.

Other problems with the Egyptian economy include high youth unemployment and the underpayment of those employed, including police officers.

According to an article posted on CNN’s website, police officers are demanding better benefits, shorter hours and higher wages. Police officers bring in 500 Egyptian pounds a month, which is equivalent to $85.

The 18 day Egyptian

Revolution occurred three weeks after a similar revolution in Tunisia took down their government. Now protests in Yemen have taken place occurred with protestors chanting things like “yesterday Tunisia, today Egypt – tomorrow Yemen will open the prison.”

Rizk said the Egypt’s demonstrations have the ability to motivate other countries in the region to make changes in their government.

“The positive thing of the whole world watching is that Egypt is being taken as an inspiration,” he said. “The take home message is that while [Egypt was] able to make change and get a president out in 18 days in protest and probably other countries could do the same.”

Abortion From Page A1 current parental consent laws.

In Ohio, parents must give consent for a minor to have an abortion, but the process can be avoided when a judicial bypass is given.

A judicial bypass is an order from a judge allowing a minor to have an abortion without getting consent from their legal guardian or parent.

In order to receive a judicial bypass, the judge must be convinced the minor is mature and well informed about other options, notifying the minor’s parent could lead to sexual, emotional or mental abuse or it is not in the minor’s best interest for the parent or guardian to be notified.

The new bill will attempt to strengthen the current law by introducing a “clear and convincing evidence” standard and requiring judges to inquire about the minor’s understanding of possible physical and emotional complications of having an abortion.

“A vast majority of minors were just getting a judicial bypass,” Gonidakis said.

“This bill will raise the standard and allow fewer abortions for minors.”

Executive Director of the Toledo Right to Life chapter Ed Sitter said it is his job to protect women and save lives.

“The Supreme Court says it is constitutional and we are going to go for it,” he said. “I’m in total agreement and support all three bills. A wide majority of Americans do not support tax-payer

Mina Rizk, a sophomore psychology major at UT, talks with the Independent Collegian about his family and friends who live in Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt.

funded abortions. In Ohio, Fedor said. “The resources that number is in the high would be better spent on sixties.” education. Education and Sitter is also a proponent prevention are the first line for House Bill 63. of defense against unwanted “The judicial bypass [bill] pregnancies.” makes sure the minor is According to a study pubmaking the right decision,” lished in 2005, 90 percent of he said. “It not only protects respondents, including antithe child but the young wom- abortion supporters, supan making this decision as ported women’s right to acwell. It will strengthen the cess contraception, she said. current law on the books.”

“Eighty-one percent of votAll three bills are currently ers that had school-aged chilunder consideration by the dren felt the best approach House and to sex educahave not yet tion is to focus If their intent is to equally on abpassed. “ We ’ r e reduce the number stinence and very, very omprehenof abortions in Ohio, a csive confident sex edu[House Bill smarter approach would cation,” Fedor 78] will get be a balanced one that said. passed and Fedor said the governor includes prevention. she does not will sign it,” support lateSitter said. Teresa Fedor term or feder“This is an House Representative, ally-funded District 47 unprecedentabortions, but ed time to get she hopes the pro-life legislation passed. sponsors will be more open We have a pro-life House, to including language that inSenate and Attorney corporates comprehensive General.” sex education in their bills.

But the bills will not beThough Fedor dislikes the come law without way the legislation is writcontroversy. ten, Toledo City Councilman “The bills are complex by Tom Waniewski is on board. design and politically “It is inconceivable to me charged,” said District 47 that the life of a child, 20 House Representative Teresa weeks in the womb, would Fedor. be terminated to begin with,” Fedor said Ohio ranks 48th Waniewski said. “Is the child in the nation for reproduc- not a child at 19 weeks in the tive health care, and the bills womb, for that matter?” would not accomplish what Waniewski said he urges they were written to do. the House to make stricter In Fedor’s eyes, the bills’ abortion laws a high sponsors are just trying to priority. “drum up votes” from their “I hope the legislature will political base. put aside rank politics, stop “If their intent is to reduce looking at who funds their the number of abortions in campaigns, and vote for life Ohio, a smarter approach and all the wonder, beauty would be a balanced one and opportunity that surthat includes prevention,” rounds it,” he said.

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Nick Kneer / IC

The Beach House Familiy Shelter is a remodled Victorian-style building on N. Erie Street that holds up to 30 families at a time.

Homeless From Page A1 transport the homeless person to shelters such as the Cherry Street Mission, which provide “more adequate accommodations.”

Most people the police see are cooperative and understand they are not supposed to shelter inside university structures.

Though UT only has occasional run-ins with the homeless, the city of Toledo has been dealing with homelessness for a long time.

According to the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board’s website, some 3,736 people have been served by shelters in the community with at least 28 percent being children between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Forty-nine percent of the households reported were homeless for the first time.

According to an article in the Toledo Blade last month, 959 people were found

Murder From Page A1

File photo by Nick Kneer / IC

Monday, February 14, 2011

the alleged criminals.

Vasquez-Clarke made several 911 phone calls asking police to investigate Straub’s house.

When investigators finally got inside they found every room ransacked.

Investigators said it appeared the criminals were searching for something but only $84 had been stolen according to the Blade article.

Mettler describes Straub as being likeable and very silly.

“She was very goofy, and just down for everything,” she said. “It was very hard

homeless in Toledo in 2010, an increase from 800 homeless in 2008.

The increase in homelessness is due to a variety of interrelated reasons, according to Executive Director of the Beach House Family Shelter Tammy Holder.

Holder said people can become easily attracted to drug use and alcohol accompanied with mental breakdowns that can lead to mental disabilities after losing their jobs and homes.

With more people out on the streets and seeking aid from nonprofit shelters, places like the Beach House Family Shelter find it hard to keep their facilities from reaching maximum capacity.

Holder said she has to turn away anywhere from 10 to 25 homeless families a day due to a lack of extra beds.

The Beach House holds up to 30 families in its small, remodeled Victorian-style building located on N. Erie Street.

The home served 321 people

last year.

According to Holder, the Beach House tends to have a high success rate, with a majority of those who stay eventually finding new housing.

The Beach House helps encourage the homeless to find housing by having them turn in personal statements with projected goals and updates on what they have done to meet them.

“Our expectation is pretty high,” she said. “We let them know what it is when they come in so they are aware of it.”

Holder said despite the magnitude of resources given to the shelter by the city and county, with the shape of the economy, it is not enough.

“We have a lot of shelters and we have great services here in Toledo,” Holder said.

“That’s what I love about Lucas County, we have a lot of resources to help people. Unfortunately there is so much going wrong that we don’t have enough.”

not to like her because she was always laughing and poking at you. She was always just trying to have a good time.”

Although Mettler said she did not know Clarke, she said she found him to be very polite and kind whenever he was around.

Mettler said the neighborhood has been on edge since the incident, with everyone locking their doors and being on the lookout for anything suspicious.

The media attention has been overwhelming for the victim’s friends and family, but with it has come much needed support from the public, Mettler said.

“The support has been very much needed by the family,” she said. “There are so many people that they didn’t really know who are coming up to them and offering them support. They didn’t expect so many people to lend a hand.”

Straub and Clarke’s funeral was held on Feb. 9. Mettler estimates around 600 people attended the funeral at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church.

A $5,000 reward is offered for anyone with information about the crime. For anyone with information please call the Lucas County sheriff’s office or crime stoppers at 419-255-1111.

“

Coach always says that boxing out determines games sometimes at the end. We didn’t do that and they got a bucket and we missed the last shot.

Malcolm Griffin UT Sophomore Guard

Section B

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www.IndependentCollegian.com Pistons struggling to regain success

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Detroit fans shared a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday night after the Pistons avoided the embarassment of being the first team to lose to Cleveland in 26 games with a 103-94 victory over the Cavaliers. Clippers fans did not share in that relief however, as Los Angeles fell to the Cavaliers two days later.

By no means have the Pistons (20-33) had as poor of a season as the woeful Cavaliers (845), who tied the Tampa Bay BuccaNate neers for the Pentecost longest losing streak in American sports histoThe Pistons ry. However, front office this 2010 Dehopes leader- troit team is ship will ben- a far cry efit their team from the vetas they devel- eran-laden op young Pistons of guard Rodney year’s past.

“It’s a matStuckey and ter of time former lottery before we picks Austin gel togethDaye and Greg er,” fourthMonroe. year point guard Will Bynum said.

“If you keep us together we can do some damage.”

Like most of the current Pistons, Bynum was not a part of Detroit’s record-tying six straight trips to the NBA Conference Finals from 2003-2008.

Gone are mainstays of that time such as point guard Chauncey Billups and center Rasheed Wallace, who helped lead Detroit during that historic run which included two trips to the Finals and a Championship in 2004.

Billups’ former backcourtmate Rip Hamilton remains on the team but injuries, diminished skills and ongoing conflict with Pistons head coach John Kuester have made him and the roughly $25 million owed to him the next two seasons a hefty liability.

A pair of five year contracts with Ben Gordon ($55 million) and Charlie Villanueva ($35 million) have also constrained the Pistons as they continue to rebuild.

“If we’re in a rebuilding process that’s on the GM, the owner and those guys,” said 16-year veteran Ben Wallace, who has played eight seasons for Detroit. “I’m just out here playing basketball, trying to move things forward.”

For the time being, Wallace and forward Tayshaun Prince, who each won a championship with Detroit, will be relied upon

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Sports Monday, February 14, 2011

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Zach Davis – Editor

Rockets lose in closing seconds to Miami (OH)

By Zach Davis Sports Editor

“Referees are not going to make that call. I’m not saying The Rockets missed a po- that they should or they tential game-winning three- shouldn’t but that’s a great pointer as time expired as Mi- learning experience for our ami (OH) avoided the upset young guys. I’m not sure we 68-66 in Savage Arena on have one guy in our program that would shove a guy the Saturday.

With the game tied at 66, way we got shoved tonight RedHawks guard Allen Rob- and that’s going to have to erts missed a go-ahead jump- change for us to be successful. Give Mavunga er but forward Julian credit. He made a Mavunga grabbed the heck of a play. That’s rebound and scored what good players do with just 3.8 seconds and what we need to remaining. do. When that shot UT sophomore goes up, that’s a freeguard Malcolm Griffin for-all. No referee is threw a pass downmaking that call. I’m court to Jay Shunnar not being critical of for a three-point atthem. We just need to tempt before time ran Griffin learn from that.” out, but the junior Coles also comguard’s shot just missed as Miami (13-12, 8-3 mented on the officiating afMAC) remained just a half- ter the game, specifically an game back of first place in the instance between Griffin and East. The Rockets are now Roberts.

“The referee asked Griffin 4-21 on the season, including and Roberts, are you guys a 1-10 record in MAC play.

“Coach always says that talking to each other?” Coles said. “Sometimes boxing out deterthat wears you out, mines games someyou know? Those times at the end,” kids were both tired sophomore guard and I think one of Malcolm Griffin said. “We didn’t do Miami (OH) 68 them said ‘You can’t that and they got a Toledo 66 guard me’ and the other one said ‘You bucket and we can’t guard me eimissed the last ther.’ The referee jumped in shot.”

“I didn’t think this was go- with his badge, you know ‘I’m ing to be a cakewalk at all,” the Sheriff’ and said ‘You guys Miami coach Charlie Coles talking?’ Leave those kids said. “I’m so happy with this alone, there isn’t going to be a victory. I feel for [Toledo] be- fight. Not with the Rockets — cause they played so well. I they’re okay.”

The Rockets led by don’t want to play seven with just three them again. If we minutes remaining, have to play them but couldn’t hold the again I don’t want to lead. Leading 66-64 play them. Basketball with just over a minis a game of matchups ute remaining, freshand I don’t think we man forward Reese match up well against Holliday missed a pair them.” of free throws. Miami Shunnar’s potential responded by tying game-winning three Shunnar the game on the next was not without some possession. During controversy, as Mavunga appeared to make con- Toledo’s next series, Griffin tact with him during his shot. turned the ball over in the “When that shot goes up, lane with 33 seconds left, folvery few referees are going to lowed by the RedHawks’ gocall a foul,” UT head coach ahead basket.

“With our team we have to Tod Kowalczyk said. “It’s going to be shove, grab and tack- finish out the game until the le. Do whatever you have to clock says ‘0:00’ on it,” do and that’s what happened tonight.

— Miami, Page B2

Nick Kneer / IC

Freshman forward Reese Holliday (above) walks off the court after a desperation three-pointer by junior guard Jay Shunnar (below) was off the mark as time expired.

Jason Mack / IC

— Pistons, Page B2

UT rolls Bobcats 68-48

By Joe Mehling Assistant Sports Editor

Zach Davis / IC

16-year veteran Ben Wallace is one remaining member of the Pistons historic run starting in 2003.

Shafir. “She is a great driver and she can always get to The Rockets women’s bas- the hole. It helps her ketball team extended their shot and she was winning streak to six games hitting those shots with a 68-48 victory over tonight.”

The Rockets used Ohio on Saturday night at Savage Arena. Toledo has an early 14-0 run to won its last nine games at take a commanding home and is in first place in 26-7 lead with 8:46 the M i d - A m e r i c a n remaining in the first half and led by Conference.

“We’re kind of in unchart- at least 14 for the ed territory in recent histo- remainder of the ry,” UT head coach Tricia game. “ W e Cullop said. “A lot knew that we of our players have couldn’t come out never been in this and expect to win position before and tonight,” Goodall they want more said. “We knew than anything to 68 they were going to leave a legacy Toledo 48 fight so we had to here.”

Ohio be focused from Two of those the start.” players leaving a “We are continulegacy are senior Melissa Goodall and junior Naama ing to take steps in Shafir. Goodall dished out a the right direction career-high eight assists to and build this progo along with her nine points gram to where we on Saturday while Shafir led want it to be,” the team with 17 points and Cullop said. “We far shot 70 percent from floor (7 from being that yet. of 10) including 3 of 4 from Every week we go back to watch film beyond the arc.

“Naama does what Naama and remind them of does,” said redshirt-fresh- all the things that man Andola Dortch, who went wrong as well plays in the backcourt with as the things that went right

because we have keep our ego in check.”

Toledo scored 25 points off of 24 Bobcats turnovers and used their size to dominate the battle in the paint, outscoring OU 36-26. The Rockets shot 49.1 percent from the field (28 of 57) and 40.9 percent from three-point range (9 Goodall of 22).

The Bobcats struggled for most of the first half, shooting just 36.7 percent including 2 of 6 from beyond the arc. The struggles continued into the second half as they missed both of their three-point attempts and shot 8 of 22 from the field.

The Rockets return to action with a MAC West Division matchup against Western Michigan at Savage Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m. Toledo escaped Kalamazoo with a 63-60 victory in overtime on Jan. 8 and will look to Shafir sweep the division series for the fourth time in the last five years.

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Independent Collegian

Monday, February 14, 2011

Side Lines

Pistons From Page B1

Fisher top-10 in world

to lead the young Pistons into the future.

“My role hasn’t changed,” Prince said. “I still do similar things to what I’ve done in the past. The only thing different is with a younger team you have to be more of a leader.”

Certainly the Pistons front office hopes leadership will benefit their team as they develop young guard Rodney Stuckey and former lottery picks Austin Daye and Greg Monroe, who have earned considerable playing time recently.

“We just try to get through it game-by-game,” Prince said. “My job is to continue helping those guys and try to fight through it when things are going bad.”

Detroit would be wise to shop Prince before the Feb. 24 trade deadline because it’s unlikely that the talented veteran will resign with the team when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Pistons should also continue looking to unload Hamilton before the deadline for players with expiring contracts, to open up salary-cap space for a muchneeded run at the free agency market this offseason. However, requests for Detroit to include a first round draft pick due to his sizeable contract reduce the likelihood that he will be moved.

Due to a mediocre roster, contracts that limit flexibility and middle-of-the-road draft picks, the Pistons are easily several years away from a return to contention.

— Nate Pentecost is an IC Staff Writer and a junior majoring in communication.

Junior Ari Fisher set a new MidAmerican Conference record in the 5000m with a time of 16:04.56 this past Saturday at the Iowa State Classic. The time was the tenth fastest 5000m in the world this season and earns Fisher a top-10 world ranking.

“The 5000m was an amazing race and showed why we sent a team to the NCAAs this past fall,” head coach Kevin Hadsell said. “Ari’s MAC record and World ranking is going to stick out to me as one of my favorite coaching moments of my career.”

Sophomore Emma Kertesz and senior Audra Brown also set historic times in the 5000m. Kertesz finished the 5000m in 16:45.75 which netted a 10th place finish while Brown finished the 5000m in a time 16:55.74 which earned a 14th place finish. The times were the fifth and seventh best in the history of Toledo indoor track The Rockets return to the track this Saturday when they travel to Ann Arbor to take part in the Silverston Invitational.

Baseball picked second

Nick Kneer / IC

Rockets blast OU 68-48 Senior center Melissa Goodall scrambles for a loose ball in the Rockets 10th league victory of the season.

Miami From Page B1

Jason Mack / IC

Malcolm Griffin had a game-high 20 points against MU.

available for

rent.

419-534-2438

Holliday said. “We relaxed a bit and we shouldn’t have done that. We relaxed and they took advantage of that.”

Griffin had a game-high 20 points with seven assists for the Rockets while Holliday scored 14 with nine rebounds.

“For us Griffin’s a handful,” Coles said. “I think he’s awful good. I really mean that. He’s so big. This guy should be a linebacker on the Rockets football team.”

Senior forward Justin Anyijong had a season-high 15 points off the bench on 5-of-7 shooting, the second consecutive season scoring 15 against the RedHawks.

Anyijong has now scored in double-figures for the second straight game off the bench.

“Anyijong likes to pick on me,” Coles said. “If it wasn’t for me he’d never play. Last year he came out and had 15 points. I’m sure Tod said ‘Okay Anyijong, you haven’t made a basket in about a month, here comes Charles Coles of Miami.’ Boy that kid he played [well].”

The Rockets will try to break the nation’s longest road losing streak at 44 games when they take on Ball State (14-10, 6-5) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Cardinals have lost six of their last seven games.

The University of Toledo baseball team has been picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference West Division according to a survey of MAC head coaches. The Rockets 60 points trailed West Division champion Central Michigan’s 69 points.

In addition, Toledo also received two votes to win the MAC Tournament. Finishing in front of Toledo was two-time reigning tournament champion Kent State with five votes and Central Michigan with three votes. Miami (OH) and Eastern Michigan received one vote each.

The Rockets begin their season this weekend when they travel to the USA Baseball Complex in Cary, NC to battle Canisius on Friday.

UT tops Wright State The University of Toledo men’s tennis team took a 6-1 win over Wright State this past Friday at the Shadow Valley Tennis Club. The Rockets (6-4) swept Wright State in doubles competition and took fiveof-six singles matches.

“To handle Wright State with a 6-1 score without No. 2 singles Sven says a lot about our maturity and depth,” head coach Al Wermer said. “We paid a short-term price for taking extra time off this week, but everybody improved as the night went on.”

The Rockets return to the court next weekend for three matches when they travel to Indiana and Illinois respectively to take on Valparaiso and DePaul on Friday and then wrap up the weekend back in Indiana on Sunday to take on Butler.

UT defeats Detroit Mercy The University of Toledo women’s tennis team defeated Detroit Mercy 7-0 on Saturday at the Shadow Valley Tennis Club to run their winning streak to four straight matches.

“We controlled this match from start to finish and didn’t give Detroit any chances,” said head coach Tracy Mauntler. “I was so proud of the girls tonight. The hard work they are putting in during the week is paying off because we are a much better team right now than we were three weeks ago.”

The Rockets (4-2) will look to further their win streak as they travel to Cincinnati this weekend to take on the University of Cincinnati on Feb. 18 and Xavier on Feb. 19.

Mindy Carter/ IC

Presenter Carolyn June acts out a ‘triple orgasm’ as part of her monologue.

V-Day From Page B4

can enjoy, learn and live through vicariously.

On Valentine’s Day 1998, Ensler along with a group of women in New York City established a non-profit organization that banned together to end violence against women around the world (VDay.org). The Vagina Monologues are just one of the many innovative works created by the organization along with awareness conferences, campaigns and films to educate women on what is happening to other women in countries foreign to the United States.

Some of the other performances include “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A

Prayer,” “Any One of Us: Words from a Prison” and the film “Until the Violence Stops.”

Most women are unknowledgeable of the issues women face daily in other parts of the world, such as female genital mutilation in the Global South, ‘corrective rape’ in South Africa, and the ongoing rapes that continue in the Congo.

V-Day also support women in the countries where sexuality is sacred, such as Israel and Afghanistan where rape and violence against women happen everyday. V-Day shatters that ignorance, in hopes of educating more and more women each year and offering facts through performance and summits on the terrible things happening

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Monday, February 14, 2011

to women outside of the country and silently within it.

In 2008, V-Day celebrated its 10-year anniversary (V to the Tenth) and supported the cause “Stop Raping Our Greatest Resource: Power to the Women and Girls of the Democratic Republic of Congo Campaign” as that years global spotlight.

In 2010, over 5,400 V-Day benefits took place that were produced by fearless activist, college students and local volunteers in the United States and all over the world, educating millions about the horrid reality of violence against women.

Just last year, V-Day was notably named one of the Top-Rated Organizations by Greatnonprofits.com.

Certainly, this organization has proven itself to be more than a movement but a voice of triumph for all women in the world. In eleven years of dedicated endless service, VDay raised over $80 million and has reached over 300 million people, grasping hold to the essence of women around the world, unifying them all and creating a force to be reckoned with in the battle to stop violence against women.

This year colleges across Ohio, such as University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Ohio State University and Bowling Green University and UT took part in performing The Vagina Monologues in honor of V-Day. On Friday, February 11, UT students and local gave a phenomenal performance of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” which lasted the entire weekend at the Scott Park Auditorium.

The cast included Sarah Balser a fall 2010 graduate, receiving a Masters in Public Health at the University of Toledo and currently works at the Hope Center; an advocacy center for rape and protection center for abuse.

Balser also educates junior high and high schools about date rape. The cast also included Marcia Williams, a junior majoring in social work.

Williams currently works at the Eberly Center for Women on UT’s main campus.

The cast was very energetic and comfortable using words that tend to make women very uncomfortable. Surprisingly, the auditorium seats were filled with a mixture of both men and women during their opening night boiling with excitement and ready to do a bit of audience participation.

The show itself was intense and at some times comical.

Overall the cast embraced each character in the monologues as if they had changed places and the story had officially became their own .

The true art of the performance was revealed as each cast member made it clear as to why The Vagina Monologues are so important by showing it through the power of words.

Although the Vagina Monologues touches on some comical issues, it also embraces some that are serious, discussing instances where people

have been raped.

“It’s a good way to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Williams.

Williams mentioned the audience: women, young and old; some enjoying the show some virgins and some veterans of The Vagina Monologues.

“I had never talked about vaginas before this I saw this show, its just wasn’t something that [we] talked about,“ said Balser.

These performances were not to do any ‘men bashing’ but to shed light on the issues that women face daily; situations about rape, childbirth, lesbianism that men never get to hear about. The monologues are to empower all women, even those who don’t think of themselves as feminists.

The coordinator of the Sexual Assault Education Prevention (SAEP), Diane Docis, was also present during The Vagina Monologues. Docis has even been a cast member and has directed some of the many performances given at The University of Toledo.

“I think all should be, and most are feminist, even if they might not realize it. Anytime we talk about something that is empowering to women, anything that talks about women, and their bodies, and violence, it somehow can get dismissed,” said Docis.

The Vagina Monologues are being performed until the month of April to uplift and empower women around the world. The monologues are the reason why millions of women can come together and unite to end violence against women across the globe.

“One of the powerful things about the event and the other works including Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” is that it has drawn an international spotlight for these issues and has created spaces for both women and men to talk about these things that we need to talk about,” said Docis.

She also encourages everyone on campus to attend the show and even participate in it during this years audition here at The University of Toledo.

Please be sure to educate yourself and others about the issues that women face all over the world by visiting Vday.org or donating to the VDay organization .

Valentine From Page B4 day to send reminders in the way of their significant other of how much they are loved.

For those who are single, it can be a day spent with friends, admiring the pink and red decorations around them.

For true pessimists, it is a day to dwell on the woes of being alone.

In any regard, there is merit to a historical explanation for the holiday. Whether the celebration is a moneymaking joke or a genuine time to express love seems to lie completely in the eye of the beholder.

Beckett From Page B4 role because [my character] ends up getting conned off a boat ride by two con men. I was 14.”

“

There’s too many great musicals out there, and they’re all great in their own way.

Megan Beckett Sonia Long, WBSS

”

What about recording?

“It’s different from performing it live or filming because you get all these different takes. You can move a little bit, you can feel the song in you. There’s single recording, double recording, group recording, which are all different and all fun in their own way. You get an opportunity to get deeper into yourself and have more fun with it.”

More about Megan: Megan has been at UT since 2007, and her “tentative date” for graduation is next spring.

She has big dreams: “I would like to eventually go on to Broadway and perform in New York. Whether that starts with getting my masters or not, we’ll see.”

“My closest relationship is with my Blackberry. Thank God it vibrates” — Jessica Biel, Valentine’s Day

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www.IndependentCollegian.com

Arts and Life Monday, February 14, 2011

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DC Guastella – Editor

Valentine’s Day

Historical or ‘Hallmark holiday’ hoax?

By Weslie Detwiler For the IC

like… love.”

However, this doesn’t dampen her view of what a special evening can be had when Feb. 14 rolls around. “[I love] having a guy buy me dinner,” she said.

While many students believe Valentine’s Day may have been given a bad reputation due to companies mooching off its sentimental value, they know there is rooted history behind the holiday; although there may be uncertainty surrounding its origins.

According to History.com, the Catholic Church currently recognizes at least three saints named either Valentine or Valentinus.

One story tells of a time in third century Rome, in which it was decided by Emperor Claudius II that “single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families.”

He outlawed marriage in hopes of keeping these bachelors as fighters for his army.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of Claudius’ law, continued to marry young lovers secretly, but was ordered to be put to death upon discovery of his disobedience.

Another legend “suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.”

Yet one more story tells of Valentine in prison, where he actually wrote the first “valentine,” to his young lover who visited him. It is said that he signed the letter “From your Valentine,” which is often used in sentimental cards today.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

“Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure,” History.com explains.

Jennifer Haupricht, a junior majoring in bioengineering, understands both sides of the history vs. Hallmark holiday argument.

While she noted that “guys feel pressured to get their girlfriends something,” she also said that Valentine’s Day is “all what you make of it.”

“I would personally prefer flowers on a random day,” said Haupricht. “It’s not expected then.”

Opinions of a day for lovers may vary from year to year, based on whether or not any given person is in a relationship.

If someone is already dating, it’s a perfectly adorable

Once a year without fail, Cupid is known for spreading his white, feathery wings and gliding weightlessly through the air. This famous cherub, who is generally depicted with bow in hand and a large quiver of arrows on his back, has a never-ending mission: to skillfully and mischievously seek out hearts to pierce in the name of love.

While the mythical Cupid may not truly be the one to thank, or to blame, for couples hopelessly in love, there is still one day a year set aside to celebrate this particular emotion.

Valentine’s Day has long been cloaked in lighthearted debate over whether it is a holiday based on tradition and history - or one merely abused by corporate America.

Cheesy cards, flowers, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, singing stuffed animals, and jewelry are all commonly splurged-upon items for Valentine’s Day. This being the case, it’s easy to see why people may be skeptical about the validity of a holiday that seems to be based largely on spending money on frivolous items.

Ben Crosby, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said that Valentine’s Day is “more for candy and gifts than anything.”

Although this can quickly become expensive, Crosby readily found redeeming qualities about the holiday of love as well.

“You should spend every day with [your significant other],” he said. “But it’s great to have a day set aside to spend with [them]. It gives you an excuse to spoil them.”

If one so happens to be in a relationship, this may very well hold true. However, for someone whose status is single, there could be emotional drawbacks.

“It’s either Valentine’s Day or ‘Singles Awareness Day.’ You notice all the couples really acutely,” said Crosby.

Leah McCallum, a sophomore majoring in health care administration, expressed disdain for the Cupid-influenced holiday, but only when she’s single.

“I love Valentine’s Day when I’m dating,” she said.

McCallum believes that Valentine’s Day, “to an extent,” is largely a ‘Hallmark holiday’ – one that exists more or less for the benefit of the corporations, such as those that produce greeting cards, and less for the romantic traditions that surround it.

“You don’t really celebrate anything,” she said. “It’s just

— Valentine, Page B3

Graphic by Morrison Wilson / IC

The other ‘V-Day’ UT students perform ‘Vagina Monologues’

A. Sharp / IC

The cast of the ‘Vagina Monologues’ standing together during the production. Amongst them stand American Sign Language interpreters Mary Beaudry and Debbie Braddock.

After dozens of interviews mutilated and those that conducted with women in have always considered sexthe New York City area, play- uality taboo or shameful. wright and activist The monoEve Ensler wrote logue is filled “The Vagina Monowith curiosilogue” in 1994. The ty, secrets play covers the unand thoughts told issues and testithat lie deepmonials about womly hidden in en’s sexuality and the the vessels of social stigma surtheir bosoms. rounding rape, abuse, Those are incest, female mutilathe stories tion and sex slavery. that have

By A. Sharp The performance IC Staff Writer been shared consists of a selecwith millions tion of untold stories of of women around the world, women who are sexually lib- translated into over 48 lanerated, have been raped, guages and performed in

over 140 countries connecting each soul to one another.

Ensler is a modern-day Eve who has arisen from the beautiful Garden of Eden and is resurrecting women of all races, lifting them up and offering them fruit from the Tree of Knowledge that is no longer considered to be forbidden or evil, thus giving all women the gift of empowerment that is deeply rooted through sexuality.

The Vagina Monologues are the rebirth, a celebration for women, and an experience that all women — V-Day, Page B3

‘West Bancroft’ cast profile: Megan Beckett

By Feliza Casano Copy Chief

You may have seen her at UT as: Shelly Parker in “Bat Boy: The Musical” (2008) and several roles including the Virgin Mary in “Creation/Doomsday” (2009).

But you could have seen her outside UT too: Megan has played roles in several nonUT productions, including understudying as Maria in “West Side Story” and Lorraine in “All Shook Up,” both at the Toledo Repertoire Theater.

Megan loves “West Bancroft”: “My favorite song would have to be the title song, ‘West Bancroft Side Story.’ It’s the first song we started working on, and it’s sweet and funny at the same time, which is a nice twist. It’s a parody of Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story,’ and I love Taylor Swift and all, but I can’t sing her lyrics anymore when that song comes on the radio! I can only sing ours.”

– that’s what we call him – and it’s great because the person who plays him is so sweet and so caring, and he’s nothing like Marky! But it’s amazing, seeing him play Marky. He really brings this character to life, and as soon as he’s done, he goes back to this sweet little thing that I adore. Jaleeah’s this little spitfire. She doesn’t take crap from anybody. But on the inside she’s a sweet person and she cares a lot about Sonia.”

She can’t pick a favorite character: “It would have to be a tie between Marky and Jaleeah. Marky is a ‘super tool’

But she can’t pick a favorite musical either: “I would have to say that my favorite musical changes daily. One

minute, it could be ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ and the next minute it’ll change to ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ or ‘West Side Story.’ Or right now, ‘Evil Dead the Musical.’

There’s too many great musicals out there, and they’re all great in their own way.”

What was your first production? What role did you play?

“My first production was a play that two of my friends wrote called ‘Conned’ . . . It was a small role, but it was a fun —Beckett, Page B3

Nick Kneer / IC

Beckett posing for her ‘West Bancroft’ cast photo.