The Baylor Lariat: Parents Weekend Issue 2010

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The Baylor Lariat WE’RE THERE WHEN YOU CAN’T BE

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

SPORTS Page B1

NEWS Page A3

A&E Page B7

On Saturday the Bears take on Buffalo, a team with a fast, aggressive defense

Several student entrepreneurs have found their niche fixing Apple’s iPhone

After Dark, a Parents Weekend tradition, will feature a ukulele act, an a capella choir, a hip-hop routine and much more

Football preview

Vol. 111 No. 8

iFix iPhones

Bring it!

© 2010, Baylor University

In Print >> Empty nest

Leaving home isn’t easy, but who takes it harder, students or their parents?

Page A4

>> Blog about it

More and more students are being required to blog for their classes this semester

Page A5

>> Renovation set Cameron Park is being renovated to celebrate its 100-year anniversary

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Enrollment increases on all counts

By Sara Tirrito Staff writer

Baylor hit three landmarks this year in its fall enrollment report, including its largest overall enrollment numbers, its largest freshman class and its most diverse freshman class.

“It is a remarkable accomplishment, and a testimony to the attractiveness of a Baylor University education, that in the one year our incoming class would set high water marks for size, diversity and quality,” President Ken Starr said.

“We are grateful and humbled that so many would choose to join us here at Baylor.”

Total enrollment reached 14,900 students, beating the 2009 record of 14,614 students.

Freshman enrollment reached 3,259 students, an increase from the 2005 record of 3,168.

Dr. Kevin Jackson, vice president for student life, said enrollment has probably risen because not only does Baylor offer a mission of integrated faith and learning that draws students in, but it also offers high-quality academic programs and an atmosphere that makes students feel at home.

“We have a strong campus life experience,” Jackson said.

“I think a part of that is we’re large enough to have a lot going

on, but we’re small enough to where students feel a connection.

People know them by name; we care for them.”

Dr. Elizabeth Palacios, dean for student development, said she believes the enrollment increases came not only because of intentional recruitment programs, but also because students spread the word about their positive experiences on campus.

“Baylor has been very intentional and creative in their recruitment, publicity, and outreach programs these past few years,” Palacios wrote in an email to the Lariat.

“There has been more of a con-

certed effort across the university in working toward recruitment and retention. Many students are attracted by our outstanding faculty and academic programs, especially in the sciences. I believe the best recruitment is done by students who have had great experiences both in and outside the classroom.”

Diversity among the freshman class also increased, with minority enrollment at 36.4 percent, a growth of 1.3 percent from 2009.

Palacios said she believes the diversity increase among freshmen was brought about by firstSEE

INCREASE, page A9

Beauty from ashes

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Viewpoints

Bear Briefs The place to go to know the places to go

Parents Weekend Schedule Welcome to Baylor

From 2 to 5 p.m. today, the SUB will host a welcome reception for parents, along with Baylor Then and Now, where parents can hear about Baylor’s plans for development and expansion, and the Student Activities Fair, where parents can learn about the organizations their students have joined (See story, page A4)

Associated Press

New York City police officers stand guard Thursday during a news conference near the proposed Islamic cultural center two blocks from the World Trade Center site in New York.

Florida pastor cancels Quran-burning plans, then threatens to reconsider

By Antonio Gonzalez Associated Press

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — An anti-Islamic preacher backed off and then threatened to reconsider burning the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, angrily accusing a Muslim leader of lying to him Thursday with a promise to move an Islamic center and mosque away from New York’s ground zero. The imam planning the center denied there was ever such a deal.

The Rev. Terry Jones generated an international firestorm with his plan to burn the Quran on Saturday, the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and he has been under intense pressure to give it up. Presi-

dent Barack Obama urged him to listen to “those better angels” and give up his “stunt,” saying it would endanger U.S. troops and give Islamic terrorists a recruiting tool.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates took the extraordinary step of calling Jones personally.

Standing outside his 50-member Pentecostal church, the Dove Outreach Center, alongside Imam Muhammad Musri, the president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, Jones said he relented when Musri assured him that the New York mosque will be moved.

Musri, however, said after the news conference that the agreement was only for him and Jones to travel to New York and meet Saturday with the imam overseeing plans to build a mosque near

ground zero.

Hours later, Jones said Musri “clearly, clearly lied to us.”

“Given what we are now hearing, we are forced to rethink our decision,” Jones said. “So as of right now, we are not canceling the event, but we are suspending it.”

Jones did not say whether the Quran burning could still be held Saturday, but he said he expected Musri to keep his word and expected “the imam in New York to back up one of his own men.”

Jones had never invoked the mosque controversy as a reason for his planned protest. He cited his belief that the Quran is evil because it espouses something other than biblical truth and incites radical, violent behavior among

By Jade Mardirosian Staff Writer

The first After Dark show, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today in Waco Hall, will be followed by a second show from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m (See story, page B7)

Faculty Coffee

Baylor parents can meet their students’ professors at Baylor Faculty Coffee from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Burleson Quadrangle

Enjoy a meal with your family at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Founders Mall

2010

First-year students: 3,259 Total: 14,900 Source: Baylor IRT

Muslims.

But he said Thursday afternoon that he prayed about the decision and concluded that if the mosque was moved, it would be a sign from God to call off the Quran burning.

“We are, of course, now against any other group burning Qurans,” Jones said. “We would right now ask no one to burn Qurans. We are absolutely strong on that. It is not the time to do it.”

Musri thanked Jones and his church members “for making the decision today to defuse the situation and bring to a positive end what has become the world over a spectacle that no one would benefit from except extremists and terSEE

QURAN, page A9

Donald Trump has offered to buy out the main investor of the proposed building of Park51, an Islamic Center in Lower Manhattan, in an attempt to not have the center built.

The proposed building, just two blocks from ground zero, has sparked controversy on a national scale. The project, which was cleared for construction by the New York City Landmark Preservation Commission on Aug. 3, will be modeled after the Y.M.C.A. and Jewish Community Center in Manhattan and will include a mosque as well as a multifaith memorial dedicated to the victims of Sept. 11.

Opponents of the center cite the location’s proximity to ground zero as insensitive to those who lost their lives during and in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Dr. Thomas Kidd, associate professor of history, said he believes the organizers of Park51 are not taking into account how sensitive people still feel toward ground zero and the surrounding area.

“It may be unfortunate that there has been such a strident reaction to the Islamic center, but I think it could have easily been predicted, anticipated and avoided,” Kidd said. “It was poor judgment and in poor taste to want to build so close to ground zero.”

The other point of opposition to Park51 indicates a broad incomprehension in America about SEE

ISLAM, page A9

Bear mascots banned from football, campus events

After Dark

Dinner on the Grounds

First-year students: 3,098 Total: 14,614

By Jade Mardirosian Staff Writer

Check out The Lariat’s video about the Waco Wetlands, which were burned in August to promote the divirsity of wetlands plants

Page 2

2009

Islamic center stirs up angst

On the Web

“Baylor officials have done a good job of informing students and alumni of news about the university through the use of social media through their many social media sites.”

Enrollment: By the numbers

Daniel Cernero | Lariat Photo Editor

Mascots Lady and Joy, who live in the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, are no longer allowed to attend football games or other campus events on leashes.

Newspaper of the Year | Texas APME

Lady and Joy, Baylor’s live mascots, are now too large to be shown in unconfined spaces in public. The bears will no longer be allowed at football games or other campus events on leashes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects Baylor annually, as part of federal regulations related to the school’s possession of wild animals. This year the USDA notified Baylor of its decision not to allow the bears on leashes in public.

“The USDA has told us we are no longer permitted to bring our bears to our games and other public events,” said Lori Fogleman, director of media communications.

“The Bears remain a vital part of our traditions and of our community.”

Kevin Jackson, vice president for student life, explained that due

TheLariat

to the bears’ age and size (Lady is 8 years old and 360 pounds and Joy is 9 years old and 345 pounds), the USDA concluded that it would not be safe to allow the bears to be unconfined in public.

“The regulations governing the public display of wild animals has been in place for some time now,” Jackson said. “What has changed is our bears have grown in size and strength over the past several years and the USDA is concerned that our past practices of having the bears in public on a leash is not in the best interest of the bears nor the public. If a bear was to break free of the leash while in public, she could be hurt or someone else could be injured, and no one wants that.”

The bears will still remain an important part of Baylor culture and campus life. Baylor has made an agreement with the USDA to keep the bears for the duration of their natural lives, which could be

another decade or more. Efforts are being made to accommodate the bears in school events while abiding by the USDA regulations.

An off-campus site where the bears will be able to exercise is in the process of being built.

Harlingen senior Reece Fitzgerald is a bear trainer as a member of Chamber and explained Chamber’s new plans concerning Lady and Joy’s future at football games.

“We plan to continue the tradition of having them at games, and are currently researching the possibility of having a secondary bear habitat located at the stadium,” Fitzgerald said.

Video of the bears will also be shown at sports games, in an attempt to keep the bears involved in campus events.

“Keeping the live mascot imSEE

BEARS, page A9

Best Student Newspaper | Houston Press Club

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Opinion

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

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@Baylor Good use of social media. Students are learning the right way to utilize media from your accounts and your course requirements.

Latest: Baylor University takes social media by storm; teaches students value of communication.

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BU’s social media sphere sets beneficial example for students There’s no way to deny it — social media is everywhere. It is the way people stay in contact with friends, share the latest news stories and now, it’s a different way of learning in school.

Departments all over Baylor are incorporating social media into their syllabi.

Students are required to partake in various types of social media, such as join Facebook groups to receive additional information about the course and comment on others’ responses, make Twitter accounts and tweet about content related to the course, and create blogs with reactions about topics discussed in the course.

This requirement is emerging in courses all around campus — from public relations to history.

Students are able to communicate with other students in the course through the social media outlets, making the course more interactive and keeping the students more interested.

Students are able to get to know each other more than they could from the usual classroom setting.

Using social media also allows for more interaction with the professor, who can have an ongoing conversation with the class outside of class time.

Baylor professors have done a good job of incorporating social media into the educational environment.

Social media is not going away, and students need to learn how to use it effectively before they are thrust into the “real world” without the necessary knowledge.

Future employers could search a student’s name and find their social networking sites to see if the student has adequate knowledge of social media. Furthermore, employers look at the content of the social media so students should be careful about what they write about.

By including social media as part of their class requirement, professors have added the enticement of a good grade to encourage students to learn about social media.

Though it is not necessary to incorporate all types of social media into one course, incorporating one or two different types of social media is helpful in teaching students about how to use social media effectively.

Furthermore, Baylor officials have done a good job of informing students and alumni of news about the university through the use of social media through their many social media sites.

Many departments have their own Facebook and Twitter accounts so that current and former students can keep up with the department.

The Baylor University’s College of Arts and Sciences Facebook page and Twitter page provides updates about the work of various professors and alumni, as well as information about events that occur related to the college.

Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business Facebook and Twitter pages provide information for business majors and alumni, as well as information about business topics in general.

The Baylor Athletics Facebook and Twitter pages discuss athletes, future and past games. Baylor sports, such as football and volleyball, have their own Twitter pages to

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update readers about the outcome of games and others news about the team.

All of these pages are updated frequently and allow students and alumni to see the most updated information about a topic.

Often, Twitter and Facebook are the first places that people go to for information, and Baylor has done a good job of providing updated information for its audience.

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Religious freedom extends liberty to unshared opinions As we approach the ninth anniversary of 9/11, the debate over Islam’s place in American society is reaching a boiling point.

This summer, with the proposed building of the Park 51 Islamic center within two blocks of New York’s Ground Zero, the question of Islamophobia has once again gripped the American public. The controversy has revealed a crucial distinction in our commitment to religious freedom: the difference between the right to exercise one’s faith, and the propriety of doing so.

The Cordoba Initiative and its supporters have put all the emphasis on their right to build the Islamic center, a right that most Americans certainly affirm.

But many question the propriety of building it on the proposed site. Does raising the question of propriety equal Islamophobia, as some of the center’s defenders allege? Absolutely not.

Freedom of religion does not

Thomas Kidd | Senior Fellow

guarantee freedom from criticism.

To be sure, real religious freedom extends liberty to those whose opinions we do not share.

In the 1770s, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison insisted that even the long-persecuted evangelical Baptists of Virginia should have full religious liberty, which

their state achieved in 1786 with the passage of Jefferson’s Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom.

But neither Jefferson nor Madison much liked the evangelicals’ intense faith, which Jefferson for one saw as religious fanaticism. Jefferson in particular knew that if the government persecuted evangelicals for their beliefs, it might persecute anyone (including skeptics like himself).

So religious liberty, for the Founding Fathers, granted freedom to worship but did not require cheery approval of every church’s views or actions.

The distinction between liberty and propriety certainly applies to the widely-discussed case of the “International Burn a Quran Day” at the formerly obscure Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla., scheduled for the 9/11 anniversary. Muslim and Christian leaders alike have condemned this deplorable event.

As with the building of the

Islamic center in New York, the Dove World Outreach Center has the right, under the First Amendment, to burn Qurans.

But as Hillary Clinton and Gen. David Petraeus warned Tuesday, if they do burn Qurans, it will convey the worst kind of message to Muslim communities, among whom an unfortunate global backlash of protests has already begun.

The appropriate response to the Quran burnings (should they take place, which remains in some doubt) is for Christians, especially evangelicals, to speak univocally in denouncing the incident. Many Christians, including the Vatican and the National Association of Evangelicals, have already done so. Hopefully Muslims will understand that the Dove World Outreach Center’s aberrant type of Christianity is marginal indeed.

Building the Islamic center at Park 51 is not as flagrantly

provocative as the burning of Qurans, but the point remains that the location of the proposed center ignores the raw feelings that many Americans still hold about Ground Zero.

According to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf ’s Tuesday editorial for the New York Times, the Cordoba Initiative hopes that the center will foster “unification and healing” in America.

But if improving relations between Muslims and nonMuslims is its objective, then the Cordoba Initiative should defer to popular opinion — two-thirds of New Yorkers think it should be moved, according to a recent New York Times poll — and build the center further away from Ground Zero. A number of Muslim leaders have endorsed relocating the center. The current site only delays unification and healing.

Soothing misunderstandings between American Christians

and American Muslims begins with a renewed national commitment to the free exercise of religion. In no way should the government try to prevent the building of the Islamic center at Ground Zero.

With this safeguard in place, it should be easier to move the discussion to questions of propriety. With the anniversary of 9/11 upon us, America needs no more gratuitous statements or actions from either Christians or Muslims. Enough damage has been done already, by both Christians and Muslims.

Thankfully, there are very few things that, as Americans, we don’t have the right to do. But just because we can do (or build, or burn) something doesn’t make it a good idea.

Thomas S. Kidd is Senior Fellow at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion. This Op-Ed was previously published in USA Today on Thursday.

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Chalk promises fix students can deliver

By Wakeelah Crutison Copy Editor

Broken iPhone?

On-campus entrepreneurs can help

Amid the various interest meetings and event messages written in chalk around campus, “I Fix iPhones” scrawled on the sidewalk stands out.

A simple but promising message, just three words and a phone number, elicits calls from Apple users throughout campus.

Colleyville freshman Nicholas Shirley is the face behind the words. He fixes iPhones and decided to utilize his talent to earn a little spending money.

“When I came for orientation, I saw groups writing on the sidewalk and thought it was a good way to advertise, ” Shirley said.

With more than 1.4 million iPhone 4G sales within the first week of release, Shirley said there are bound to be people on the Baylor campus who need help fixing them.

“The iPhone’s screen is glass and people tend to drop them, so that’s the most common thing they need fixed when they call,” Shirley said.

Shirley’s father owns a cell phone franchise and fixing iPhones is one of the main services offered.

“My dad taught me how to do it,” Shirley said. “It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to fix the screen.”

Shirley said he uses the venture as a side job to earn spending money while he’s still in school. “[Fixing iPhones] is a good example of a business that gives good experience and a good way to experiment with being a business owner,” said Dr. Steve Bradley, professor of entrepreneurship and economic development.

Bradley said he’s glad to see students taking initiative by starting their own businesses.

“This is the perfect type of business to start with: flexibility to do on his own time, low initial investment and there’s a market for it,”

Bradley said. “It’s the kind of business students get involved with [so they’re] not obligated to work all the time.”

Bradley said students start with a limited, but expanding knowledge set, so its harder for them to see market opportunities.

“It’s creative, there’s a perceived need and it’s a relatively competition-free niche area,” Bradley said.

“The challenge is getting into the excitement of all the activity of having a business, but it’s hard to get away from it.”

Bradley said he likes the startup process of finding a good idea and expanding on it in ways that will make it work.

“That’s how I started my washer/dryer rental business in college,” Bradley said. “I put an ad in the school paper at [Texas] A&M. I got tons of calls from people who saw it.”

Bradley recommends that students look into already established franchise businesses.

“They have built-in credibility, a built-in testing model, and builtin expertise that students don’t have when they graduate,” Bradley said. “Most ideas come from working with people and big businesses.

Students might see an opportunity to branch off from a larger company. But I’m glad to see Baylor students getting a jump on things and starting their own projects.”

Baylor students Britt Swann and Lincoln Downs did just that.

Swann said his parents wanted him to get a job, but he didn’t want to deal with the stress of working for someone else. Being an entrepreneurship major, he decided to work for himself.

“I knew a lot of people who needed phones fixed and thought it would be a good business to get into,” Swann said. “People don’t want to pay what Apple charges to fix it.”

Swann, a senior from Waco, said he learned to fix iPhones from his partner Downs, a junior also

from Waco.

It was touch-and-go in the beginning stages as they went through a trial and error phase, but now feel like pros.

“I spent almost over $1,000 trying to get it right, but now it’s like clockwork,” Swann said. “ Combined, Lincoln and I have fixed over 1,000 phones. It’s safe to say we’ve gotten pretty good at it.”

With the most common issue being broken screens, Downs said he keeps the screens of the busted phones he repairs in order to keep track of them.

“We just get the word out by word of mouth and business cards,” Downs said, “And we get four to five calls a week.”

Waco junior Brennan Bailey dropped his iPhone studying one night for an exam and called Downs.

“I was studying with my roommates late one night and I knocked my phone off the table and the screen cracked,” Bailey said.

“I was expecting it at some point and it finally happened at 1 in the morning. I called Lincoln and he told me to come on over.

It only took about 40 minutes for him to fix.”

Downs fell into the phone repair business when a friend broke his phone and didn’t want to buy a new phone.

“I told him I’d try to fix it,” Downs said. “When I finished it worked fine and I figured I could fix other people’s phones too.”

Downs and Swann are currently searching for a storefront to open in Waco and plan to make their business official some time this year “I definitely want the chance to enjoy life more than average person. I realize that if I work with someone else, I won’t have the freedom to do what I like,” Swann said.

“Starting a business now doesn’t hurt. It gives you business experience and real-world experience plus you get spending money.”

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Parents experience college during Parents Weekend

By Kevin Tamer Reporter

When parents set foot on Baylor’s campus for Parents Weekend today and Saturday, they will participate in events tailored specifically for their understanding of student life.

The Baylor Chamber of Commerce will play host to the 50-yearold tradition. Chamber has implemented changes in order to give parents the opportunity to see firsthand what students devote their time to outside the classroom.

Chamber is introducing a new event called the Student Activities Fair. This event will take place in the Bill Daniel Student Center

today and will allow parents the opportunity to meet sponsors, presidents and members of various organizations within Baylor Student Life.

Cypress junior Daniel Haddad, chairman of the Parents Weekend Committee, believes the changes will allow parents to see what students are involved with on campus.

“Traditionally Parents Weekend has kind of catered to and attracted a lot of new students’ parents,” Haddad said. “However, we wanted to see it turn into a more inclusive event where parents can come and see what their student does and devote[s] their time to.”

More than 200 student organizations have been invited to participate in the event and parents are

“Parents Weekend is a great opportunity for moms and dads to get to know Baylor on a more personal level.”

Daniel Haddad | Chairman of the Parents Weekend Committee

encouraged to attend, regardless of whether their child is involved with an organization.

Haddad believes this event will help clear up some negative preconceived notions parents hold concerning various student organizations.

“Parents can come see a Greek

organization and see that it’s not your stereotypical Greek organization that you might see at another university, but Baylor is different and its values are different,” Haddad said.

Senior Grant Corley, president of Chamber, believes the Student Activities Fair will shine a positive light on the many student organizations offered at Baylor.

“It helps parents see what their kids have the opportunity to be a part of while at Baylor,” Corley said.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring everyone together and parents can see the diversity of student organizations on campus.”

In addition to the Student Activities Fair today, traditional Par-

ents Weekend events will be offered, including Baylor Then and Now, history and campus tours, the After Dark all-university variety show and dessert party.

On Saturday, parents can meet with professors at the Parent-Faculty Coffee, eat lunch beneath the Texas sky during Dinner on the Grounds and cheer on Baylor football as they take on Buffalo inside Floyd Casey Stadium.

Amarillo senior Patrick Bell encourages parents and students to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this Baylor tradition.

“Parents Weekend is a great opportunity for moms and dads to get to know Baylor on a more personal level,” Bell said. “Whether it’s

meeting their students’ professors at parent-faculty coffee, witnessing many talented students perform during the two live performances of After Dark, or enjoying a piece of pie and good music at Dessert Party, Parents Weekend showcases many of the great things that Baylor has to offer.”

Haddad said Parents Weekend will create an environment in which families can come together as one and celebrate Baylor’s rich traditions.

“We are all different; we come from different backgrounds, nationalities and different places all over the world,” Haddad said.

“But what unites us all is that we are connected to Baylor University, and this weekend celebrates that.”

College adjustment isn’t just for incoming freshmen

By Meghan Hendrickson Staff Writer

The transition between the home that a student has known for 18 years to a new home in college can be extremely difficult – for both students and parents.

Dr. Roderick Hetzel, staff psychologist for Baylor counseling services, thinks the change to college is shockingly hard on the student and the parents.

“It depends on the student and the parents,” Hetzel said. “I find it really hard to say who has it worse because parents and students each have their own unique struggles and challenges they’re going to have to confront. The more they can be open in communication with one another, the better they will be able to enter into this new chapter.”

Hetzel described some of the struggles that new college students are likely to face as they start school. One struggle is just adjusting to the new lifestyle as a whole.

Being in college means students are on their own for the first time in their life. With that new lifestyle, comes a whole new set of consid-

erations: what do with their time, when to wake up and go to bed, whether they should eat a quick snack or grab lunch at the cafeteria.

There are, however, greater challenges that new students must face as well.

“Psychologically what freshmen are needing to do is to individuate from their families of origin,” Hetzel said.

“Becoming an adult and discovering who you are as a person and an adult can be a painful and difficult process. Part of what students need to do is look at their lives and say goodbye to some parts that don’t fit so well, and say hello to new parts,” Hetzel said.

“One thing we see in students here at Baylor is their religious faith. Many students are raised in religious families, but part of the college experience is making their faith their own. Learning who you are as a Christian in faith can be difficult because you realize that you’ve left home and you’re on a journey, but you’re not quite sure where the journey’s going to take you yet – and that can be stressful and scary for students,” he added.

Though freshmen are facing their fair share of struggles, parents are simultaneously encountering a whole list of challenges that may take them by surprise.

“I think that it is probably harder on the parents at first because kids are so excited to get out and start something new, and they don’t realize it’s the end of their home life and the beginning of life on their own,” McKinney freshman Catie Groves said.

“I didn’t realize until a few weeks into school that that part of my life is over and I’m on my own now.”

A major struggle for parents is simply adjusting to not having their student in the house anymore, which affects their daily lives just as college affects the daily lives of new students.

“Also, parents may struggle with understanding what their student needs at this point in their life,” Hetzel said. “‘Our child is on their own journey; what do they need from us as their parents to help them on that journey? How can we equip them with the tools and practices they need to be successful?’ It’s

hard for parents. ‘Do we provide all their needs or do they need an increasing amount of independence?’”

“Increased independence means more opportunities to succeed and discover who you are, but it also means more opportunities to fail and run into difficult situations. There are some lessons that have to be learned the hard way and that’s hard for parents to experience,” Hetzel said.

Hetzel points out that anytime there is a big change in life, we have to grieve what has been lost – that we cannot move forward until that is done. Therefore, it is important that both students and parents grieve the loss they face as the student leaves for college.

In order to cope with these challenges, Hetzel is offering some tips for both students and parents: 1. Students and parents need to talk to each other about the process they are going through and practice deep listening – listening for the purposes of trying to understand what the other is experiencing, instead of boasting one’s own arguments.

2. Students and parents need to

“I find it really hard to say who has it worse because parents and students each have their own unique struggles and challenges they’re going to have to confront.”

Dr. Roderick Hetzel | Staff Psychologist

reach out to their own support groups. There is something healing about sharing with people who have been through or are going through the same things.

3. Students should seek to find guidance at their college campus.

Students are not just thrust into college on their own. There are people here at Baylor to help guide them and prepare them for the new journey ahead.

4. Parents need to cut the cord.

Parents need to resist the temptation to call their student 10 times a day. Don’t sever all ties, but give your child the freedom they need to realize what this new journey

means to them.

5. Students need to get involved in the activities that surround them. Students need to resist the temptation to go home each weekend. It is okay to go home, but make an effort to get involved in your new community.

6. Both students and parents need to be thoughtful of one another’s time. One way to do this is for students to e-mail their parents an idea of what their average week will look like for the semester. That way, parents can know what days are better days to touch base with their child and what days to avoid.

Students can also be mindful of the work schedule and activities that their parents are involved in and the time they would like to be in bed, so as not to interfere with their responsibilities either.

“Everyone loves trying to predict who it’s going to be harder for,” Hetzel said.

“But I think the bottom line is that it’s going to be surprisingly difficult for both students and parents. Be prepared for the journey ahead and seek help to get through it.”

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100 N. I-35

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FRIDAY |SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Kenyan pastor came to Baylor to aid others

By Meghan Hendrickson Staff Writer

Unreached people groups, dissertation, Kenya, beauty school, poverty, Hankamer School of Business, church, microfinance — these words often seem fairly unrelated, but a graduate student from Nairobi, Kenya, is the glue that binds them together.

Pastor Edward Simiyu of City Harvest Ministries in Nairobi is studying at Baylor the fall semester to work on research for his dissertation.

He is studying to receive his doctorate from Jomokenyatta University of Architecture and Technology in Kenya. While at Baylor, Simiyu is working with Dr. Steve Bradley, assistant professor of management and supervisor for entrepreneurship.

Simiyu and Bradley are enjoying working together on their research this semester.

“I probably have the research skills and he has the heart skills, and we’re trying to exchange that,” Bradley said.

By asking unique questions, the team has discovered data to support the notion that poverty is a product of opportunity and ideas – money is important, but it should come second to ideas.

“So much money is being poured into Africa,” Simiyu said.

“How do we utilize that money in a more profitable way? How do people come up with ideas instead of just giving money?”

Both Simiyu and Bradley hope to bring a degree of change to the world and its view of poverty through their research.

“If I can see the world as a place where people have opportunity and the people are really able to have choices rather than being forced by the environment or the institutions that exist – I think that would be a perfect place to be,” Simiyu said.

“A land of opportunity is what I desire; partly because I work with poor people who really don’t have choices – they look to fate.”

Simiyu got connected with Bradley when he came to speak in Bradley’s class at University Baptist Church last fall. Bradley asked Simiyu if he had a dissertation yet and if he would like to collect microfinance data. Simiyu spent two weeks collecting a great deal of data – leaving a lasting impression on Bradley.

“I told him, if you can collect some more data this summer, then come here for your sabbatical and we can work on it some more,” Bradley said. “This is really great for both of us. He needs a disser-

tation project and we don’t have access to data. We want to write something for journals that is interesting to academics and microfinance; a lot of things we’re finding are unknown to microfinance individuals. Our research is trying to show some flaws in microfinance right now and maybe make some policy implications.”

Simiyu always believed that business can give people opportunity, but he didn’t know how. Now he is working to make a difference in the world through both business and faith.

“Pastor Edward is changing the world through his church,” Melanie Smith, international student relations coordinator, said.

Simiyu started City Harvest Ministries in Nairobi eight years ago.

“When I felt God calling me to ministry I was saying, ‘If I’m going to do church, I don’t see why. There are so many churches. God, if I’m doing church it has to be sort of a different church. I need to work with the poor and empower them to come out of their situations,’” Simiyu said. “Our congregation is really made up of poor people.

We basically use tools of socioeconomic development as our tools for discipleship.”

City Harvest Ministries currently uses a microfinance program to teach church members how to manage their finances and better save their resources.

The church also provides basic education to children in the slums of Kibera.

In addition to basic education, the church trains young people to acquire dress-making skills.

They also started a sports program for children to hopefully develop them into professional soccer players. This program was motivated by the fact that a lot of people at the age of 16 have either never been in school or have dropped out.

The church also started a hairdressing school with the intention of targeting young girls, particularly in the slums, who are vulnerable to prostitution, crime and unemployment.

“Girls in the slums are the most marginalized people – especially those who are uneducated,” Simiyu said. “The girls will either be housemaids or prostitutes. Boys have three options: they can walk long distances to industrial areas and find a job that pays maybe two dollars a day, or crime. Some get into the public transportation system, but it is a very manual-oriented and strength-requiring job.

Most boys get involved in crime.

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

Pastor Edward Simiyu of City Harvest Ministries in Nairobi, Kenya, is working on his dissertation at Baylor. Simiyu hopes to change how the world views poverty through his research.

We thought if we can start a hairdressing school we can at least provide a third option for girls.”

The church’s hairdressing school has been extremely successful in Nairobi and was featured this summer in a program put on by a television station in Kenya.

“Hair and beauty industry in Kenya is very interesting,” Simiyu said. “This industry never suffers despite the economy. The girls are trained at our hairdressing school and they leave and either start their own businesses or they get employment at a salon in town.”

Simiyu is also working with an unreached people group known as the Pokotas in northwest Kenya. This community of 12,000 families lives in a dry, arid environment that lacks infrastructure.

Because the community doesn’t have enough water, when drought

Blogging makes leap to class

By Dorian Davis Reporter

While Baylor professors have been using blogs for over five years as part of their curriculum, many are now recognizing it as a method to maintain a record of research and work accomplished by students and faculty.

Dr. Gardner Campbell, director of Academy for Teaching and Learning, estimates that over 800 students will be participating in a blog or some other form of social media this semester for class.

Dr. Lydia Bean, an assistant sociology professor, requires students to blog about current events for her social theory course.

“I want to hear about current events through their eyes,” she said.

With few restrictions, students engage by commenting on classmate’s posts.

“They are required to keep a civil and professional tone,” Bean said.

Her students’ blogs are assigned as homework on a website called the “Oso Social Theory.”

Recently, with the revision of Blackboard, Baylor’s portal website, blogs have become an integrated feature available to teachers for students to use. However, Bean has elected to use a third-party website instead.

“I find Blackboard’s blogging tool to be kind of clunky. I think WordPress is better because I know it better,” Bean said.

WordPress, a free blogging website, claims to host blogs for over 25

million people.

A negative aspect of Blackboard’s blogging tool is the information is viewable only by the classroom. Bean believes making the blogs available to the Internet forces students to put more thought into their writings, and prepares them for the post-college world “They are writing for the world, for everyone to read.” Bean said.

“This gives them an opportunity to present themselves. I want to show off what my students can do.”

Aledo junior Caleb Lyons is required to write 13 blogs over the semester for his biblical heritage text course.

“We write about anything in our lives we’re experiencing at the time that relates to biblical issues,” Lyons said.

strikes, the tribe moves around searching for water.

This leads to attacks and conflict with people across the border in Uganda.

Simiyu established a relationship with this community years ago when he did work for a church in Uganda.

They realized that the Pokota faced four different issues: peace, government, HIV/AIDS and evangelism.

Uncertain of how to tackle these issues, they established an interchurch committee and requested Simiyu’s assistance and leadership.

“I came back to Kenya and started praying for these Pokotas – who really are our brothers,” Simiyu said. “I asked God, ‘How do we help? How do we enter the community?’ Many people who did

missionary work with the Pokotas actually were killed. We needed to find out how we could enter and not get killed.”

The committee finally decided to invite 18 warriors from the Pokota tribe to join them in a meeting in Nairobi. Warriors in the Pokota tribe are respected because they have killed so many people.

The Pokotas had never been out of their community, so they were startled by the city of Nairobi.

The Pokotas often asked questions such as: “Are these buildings built by God or man?” or “Why are there so many people in the streets?” to which committee members had to respond, “We don’t kill each other.”

By being introduced to a new form of society, Pokotas were compelled to question their own

attitudes and behavior.

“Pastor if you can please help us – if you can come and help us get water and get schools, then we will trust the Lord to help us,” the Pokota warriors said, according to Simiyu.

Simiyu responded with two requirements: “One: we need to work with you to make sure you live in peace with your neighbors.

Second: you definitely need water as a resource.”

Because the church members reached outside their comfort zone, the Pokota are working to become less violent.

“Right now we are in the church planting phase,” Simiyu said. “We are thinking about how to do a church in that area. We are trying to develop people to lead the church from within the community as well.”

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 www.baylorlariat.com

Cameron Park remodels for new century

By Carmen Galvan

Staff Writer

Cameron Park is undergoing a $6.9 million renovation to celebrate its 100-year anniversary this year.

Each site in the park, excluding Emmons Cliff and Lawson’s Point, has received some form of renovation.

The improvements include better lighting and signage, new railings, gazebo areas and trails.

Structural repairs for areas such as Jacob’s Ladder, a steep set of stairs set in a slope of the park, are also included in the project.

Funding for the project was provided in a 2007 bond election in which taxpayers voted in favor of the park improvements. Major renovation began almost immediately and is ongoing.

“The first thing we did in Cameron Park is draw a master plan, and from that plan we went through and identified all the potential needs and works,” Rusty Black, parks and recreation director for the city of Waco, said. “If you’re going to use it [Cameron Park] as an economic instrument,

you’ve got to take care of it. So we went through it, and unfortunately in the past, some maintenance was not funded and could not occur. So we identified the parts of the park that needed to be repaired, such as the walls.”

The first phase of the two-part renovation project was completed earlier this year, which encompasses the majority of the park construction. The second phase of the project is still under way in the Northern Gateway location of the park and is expected to be complete by spring 2011.

While the park is undergoing extensive renovation, planners wished to keep the park true to its original form.

“We wanted to renew the park at this point in its history, and it needed to be renovated,” Sharon Fuller, senior planner for the city of Waco, said. “So we wanted to take the existing things we had and renovate and update them, but we also wanted to keep the history and flavor of the original park because there are a lot of historical elements.”

The Cameron Park Zoo is also affected by the new construction,

according to Jim Fleshman, Zoo director “We benefit from more people coming into the park, and so we fully supported the bond issues even though we knew we weren’t going to receive any funding from it,” Fleshman said. “We fully support all the new amenities in the park because it’s more things to do once people come to see us. If people come into the park to do hike and bike trails, they may not do that all day. They may want to come in and see us, so it’s really just a big partnership that develops.”

Cameron Park, first established in 1910 when the Cameron family made its first donation of land to the city of Waco, is more than 400 acres and runs along the Brazos and Bosque rivers for more than three miles. The park has already seen increased use since the improvements.

“We wanted, when we redid it, to make it an improved facility so that there is defined parking and lighting and trails, things that will make it a more usable area,” Fuller said. “It has been getting heavy use since before it was renovated, but use has greatly increased.”

Matt Hellman | Lariat photographer

A Waco resident relaxes in one of Cameron Park’s many newly constructed gazebos Thursday.

Texas schools denied federal funding, reapplying

By April Castro Associated Press

The U.S. Department of Education has rejected Texas' application for $830 million in federal money for schools and asked the state to resubmit its request without conditions.

The rejection was based on a line in the state's application that said Texas' constitution and laws supersede any assurances made by the governor in the application.

Gov. Rick Perry and the state's top education official added the language because, in order to get the money, Texas must ensure that schools will be funded at a certain level for the next three years — an assurance they believe is unconsti-

tutional.

Texas officials responded with a letter Thursday saying the earliest they could constitutionally guarantee the amount of money Texas spends on schools is next July, after the next state budget becomes law. The letter asks the Education Department for a written commitment to save the funds for Texas until that time.

The federal money, intended to help school districts cope with the recession and avoid layoffs, would help save more than 14,000 jobs in Texas schools, according to estimates from the National Education Association.

In a letter Wednesday to Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott, federal education officials said they could not award the mon-

ey to Texas because of the "conditional assurances" in its application.

They asked Scott when he believed the state could resubmit the application without the conditional language. Thursday is the deadline to submitting applications.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said an alternate application, with different deadlines, would be available to the state in the coming days, though she would not say how the application was different or what the deadlines would be.

"It is absolutely possible that Texas can get this money," said spokeswoman Sandra Abrevaya.

"We hope to work with them and make these funds available as soon as possible."

The federal law providing the

money was approved in August. A provision added to the bill by Rep. Lloyd Doggett, an Austin Democrat, requires Texas to promise Washington that spending on education will remain at a certain level for three years. Other states only had to guarantee funding for the next two years.

"We would take the $830 million tomorrow ... we're working with the U.S. Department of Education to find any ways around this," Perry said Thursday. "It is really frustrating to me that we're even going through this process, that this congressman is playing politics with the teachers of this state, full well knowing that we cannot violate our constitution."

Perry and others point to a provision in the state constitution that

says no "appropriation of money be made for a longer term than two years." Perry said that means he can't guarantee state funding in future years.

Doggett called Perry's protests "phony legalistic arguments." The congressman and other Democrats said the provision isn't unconstitutional and Perry should simply agree to the terms so schools can get the money intended to spare them from layoffs.

"In another act of bad faith, the governor knew that his alteration of a federal application for education funds would only delay the immediate federal support that Congress voted to provide our local schools," Doggett said Thursday. "Solely because of his willful alteration of the federal application, schools across

Texas will have millions less available now to meet local education needs."

Democrats in Congress said they put forth the provision, which also would bypass state lawmakers and send the federal aid directly to school districts, because of the way the state handled federal stimulus dollars last year.

Texas lawmakers used $3.2 billion in federal stimulus money to replace state money and ended the legislative session with billions in the state's Rainy Day Fund, Doggett said.

Perry said he hopes Congress will rescind the Texas amendment.

"That would make a lot of sense, but Lloyd Doggett is hell bent on playing politics instead of helping Texas."

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

Fire in wetlands good for ecosystem, research

By Sara Tirrito Staff writer

The Lake Waco Wetlands prescribed burn, conducted at the end of August, benefited not only the ecosystems in the wetlands, but also researchers at Baylor.

The burn took place Aug. 27 in cells one and two of the wetlands.

It was intended to cut down on cattails and some species of woody plants such as water willow and Chinese tallow that were growing too heavily.

“The purpose of the burn was primarily to promote diversity of wetland plants,” said Dr. Joseph White, associate professor of biology. “There are some woody plants that are beginning to sprout up and take over in the wetlands and the burning helps set them back.

The idea is that the Waco Wetlands should be a marsh system—it should have fewer woody plants and more herbaceous plants.”

Nora Schell, program coordinator for the Lake Waco Wetlands,

said that although the burn was mostly successful, it was not as hot as she’d hoped because of rains that came through around the time of the burn.

“I wish it had burned hotter to get rid of a lot more of the cattails and willow trees,” Schell said.

“The cattails are still busting open; they’re still blooming even though they got scorched.”

Plants like bulrush, pickerel weed, duck potato and water lilies should have a better chance to grow and provide a broader food source for the animals in the wetlands, Schell said.

The burn also benefited researchers such as Dr. Bill Hockaday, assistant professor of geology.

Hockaday plans to use data from ground temperature probes set out

by White’s team and soil samples he gathered after the burn to study the relationship between the structure of charcoal and temperature.

Studying this relationship will help Hockaday address hypotheses about how grasslands were able

“I hope that what I see is a really nice correlation between the charcoal chemistry and the temperature from those sensors, and if I do see that, it means that we can use the charcoal that’s preserved in ancient sediments to reconstruct fire temperatures,” Hockaday said. “There are lots of hypotheses out there in the geology field in particular about why grasslands evolved in locations where there used to be forests, and one of the hypotheses is there were these intense wildfires... [that] made it possible for grasses to become abundant, so if we can collect charcoal from that time period…we can tell if fires were hot enough to kill trees or not.”

Though he has studied the Photo courtesy of Curtis Callaway relationship between charcoal A controlled fire in the Lake Waco Wetlands was conducted at the end of structure and temperature, this is August in hopes of eliminating woody plants. The plants disrupt the natural the first time he will be able to use ecosystem of the wetland and are harmful to indigenous species. data from an actual fire to validate his conclusions, Hockaday said. to replace forests in some areas, determine whether the fires that “I’m really excited to see if it because he will be able to exam- created the coal were hot enough works,” Hockaday said. “I think it ine ancient charcoal samples and to burn down the trees in the area. will, but there’s some pretty big dif-

ferences between making charcoal in the lab under controlled settings [and] then a real fire that happens in nature.”

Curtis Callaway, lecturer in the department of journalism and media, said the project with the wetlands also helped bring different departments together in collaboration. “[The scientists] need someone who can document their work and put it in laymen’s terms, so the public can understand it.”

Journalism and media students are getting real-world experience in working with scientists, writing stories, photographing and filming for the science departments.

Hockaday said his research will not be complete until at least next summer because, as a new employee, he does not yet have a lab or the equipment needed to finish the work.

The research is a continuation of a project he began with Dr. Carrie Masiello, assistant professor of earth science at Rice University.

Extreme heat warrants extra protection, water when outdoors

By Rachel Stobaugh Reporter

Many students come back to college with the intention of losing weight or getting into shape, but need to be aware of certain safety precautions when exercising.

According to Dr. Sharon Stern, medical director at the Baylor Health Center, plenty of water should keep students going. Electrolytes are only necessary when students go beyond their limits.

Stern also recommends a workout buddy, so students are accountable for one another in the heat.

Rusty Garrett, chief weather anchor of KWTX Channel 10 News, said this summer is in the top five hottest summers Central Texas has seen.

“This summer nearly rivaled the summer of 1980, which is the hottest summer on record,” Garrett said.

In addition to the high temperatures Central Texas has seen in the past few months, the humidity brought about by the rain in the past week will affect outdoor exercisers as well.

“We have had 30 or more days this summer with a temperature at or above 100,” Garrett said.

After the rain, Waco will see temperatures in the mid-90s, but with the amount of moisture absorbed into the ground, “the sun will quite literally cook that moisture back into the atmosphere,” Garrett said.

These conditions will be harder to tolerate than the dry heat with higher temperatures.

Such extreme heat means students need to take precautions when exercising and going about their day.

Richard Gochis, physical therapist in the McLane Student Life Center, runs in the heat quite of-

ten. After running each afternoon while in the military, Gochis is tolerant of the heat.

“It’s not that I necessarily like the heat; I’m just used to it,” Gochis said. “It’s the only time I am available to run.”

With Gochis’ experience in running during the hottest hours of the day, he has plenty of advice to give. He recommends that if people are going to run in high heat, they should drink throughout the day to prepare for their workout.

Dehydration is not something to be taken lightly, he said.

“Weighing before and after your run is one way to find out how much fluid replacement is needed,“ Gochis said. “If you stop sweating or become thirsty, you are already dehydrated.”

Gochis advises those attempting to lose weight by working out in the heat start slow to find their

limits.

“Stop immediately if you are light-headed or dizzy,” Gochis said.

Planning is key to losing weight in a safe way while still eating right.

Exercisers should work out several days a week, indoors if possible, and drink plenty of water during and after exercising.

Replenishing the body with nutrients that will supply energy needs to be implemented into a healthy schedule.

If the heat is overwhelming, play it safe in these weather conditions by choosing a workout that can be accompanied by air conditioning. Because of the higher temperatures, students are using the SLC, rather than running the Bear Trail.

“There were so many people, I wasn’t even able to lift weights,” Baylor senior Victoria Sanchez said at the SLC on Thursday afternoon.

Nick Berryman | Lariat staff

San Antonio senior Patrick Ancira runs the bear trail in the heat of the afternoon on Thursday.

News A8| Baylor Lariat Waco fights to decrease student dropout rates the

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

By Carmen Galvan staff writer

Waco High School and the Waco Independent School District are appealing their 2009-2010 academically unacceptable accountability ratings given by the Texas Education Agency.

The accountability ratings are determined from both performance and completion measures.

The performance measures are based on the mandatory state TAKS test, and the completion measures are based on the middle school dropout rates and high school completion, or graduation, rates.

Both Waco High School and Waco ISD met the performance measures, but was prevented from

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an academically acceptable rating due to the dropout and completion rates, Jennifer Womack, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said.

“There are a total of 35 [performance] indicators, and all 35 were acceptable or above,” Womack said.

“But, when we got to the [middle school] dropout rate, there were seven students in the category that were considered dropouts.”

Students are classified as dropouts if they were enrolled during the previous academic year but are not enrolled for the current academic year. Because this number affects the accountability rating, schools are given a “window of opportunity” until Aug. 30 to contact and enroll the missing students.

Waco ISD contacted five of the seven students during this time

frame and learned that the students transferred to different schools.

The district asked for transcript request forms from the new schools, but did not receive the transcripts in time to properly code the students before the school was rated. The school was unable to find and contact the other two students, and they remained listed as dropout students.

If the TEA accepts the district’s appeal, the five students will be properly coded and Waco ISD will meet its completion measure, raising its accountability report to academically acceptable.

Waco High School has also placed an appeal for a similar reason.

“Waco High had a similar situation in that the performance indicators were acceptable or above,

but the completion rate had a few too many under the rate,” Womack said.

Waco High School’s completion measure is based on the number of graduates from the school.

The student must graduate with his or her class, or complete high school during the “window of opportunity,” or else will be considered a dropout.

Nine students at the high school were classified as dropouts, but the school is not to blame, Clarence Simmons, principal of Waco High School, said.

Simmons said the state of Texas passed House Bill 3, a bill mandating that incarcerated students be recorded under a new code. This code was not given to schools in time for the accountability ratings, which left six of the nine

high school students classified as dropouts. Of the remaining three, one belonged to a different school, one had changed his name and the third was an exchange student from Germany who did not belong to the class of 2009.

Both the high school and the district filed their appeals to the TEA in August.

If the TEA decides in favor of Waco High School and Waco ISD, the accountability ratings will rise to academically acceptable for the first time since 2007. Womack is “optimistically hopeful” for a favorable decision.

The TEA could not comment on the details of the case, but spokeswoman Suzanne Marchman offered a statement on the school and district’s possibility of winning the appeals.

“It is possible that they can win their appeal, but we stress that [the appeal] is not a data correction,” Marchman said. “And so the appeals process is not time for them to correct data that they got wrong.”

Simmons is looking forward to hearing the decision in October and hopes the decision will bring a positive image back to Waco schools.

“First of all you get rid of the label,” Simmons said. “It had nothing to do with academics. We are academically well known. Obviously it implies that it does tie in to academics, because kids aren’t completing the school necessary to graduate, but if anything, it lessens the amount of oversight from the TEA and school improvement measures that you have to participate in.”

Student groups break fast together

By Nydia Perez Reporter

“Seeking Understanding: Understanding through Education” was held by student organizations and faculty members in an attempt to combat anti-Islamic attitudes sprouting up across the United States.

Boerne senior Cristina Riley, a member of Baylor Students for Social Justice, said the event was put on by the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, Center for Jewish Studies, Middle East Studies, Student Life Unit (Office of Spiritual Life), Bay-

lor Democrats, Coalition for Diversity and Baylor Students for Social Justice.

University Chaplain Dr. Burt Burleson said the events Thursday had a good response from students and faculty at Baylor.

For the first event, the Baylor Spiritual Life Center provided students with doughnuts and orange juice in a pre-dawn breakfast to prepare for a day-long fast.

The fast was in support of Muslim students fasting for Ramadan.

The breakfast, held at 5:30 a.m., had a turnout of 34 students and faculty.

Burleson commented that the breakfast had a genuinely happy feeling.

Burleson also commented that he was pleased with the turnout considering that the events were planned very quickly and most students were informed of the events only a few days prior.

The second part of the event, a prayer service to encourage hope, peace and healing for those affected was held in Miller Chapel at 12:30 p.m.

“Seeking Understanding through Liturgy” offered times for silent prayer, group prayer and

worship music.

Members of the audience read the Psalms in unison. Burleson said the Psalms were chosen to read from because they are accepted as scripture by Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Riley was especially impressed with the audience at the “Understanding Through Knowledge” forum that took place at Kayser Auditorium.

“It was a very good turnout and good dialogue,” Riley said. “The forum was very honest, yet respectful and enlightening.”

Nydia Perez| Lariat reporter

Baylor students gather at the Bobo Spiritual Life Center for an early morning breakfast during fasting for Ramadan Thursday. During Ramadan, many individuals participate in the tradition of fasting from sun-up to sundown.

Acting out: students rehearse on campus

makenzie mason

makenzie mason

| Lariat photographer

Plano freshman Patrick Herndon, Austin junior Emily Smith, and Burnet senior Jeff Wittekiend rehearse for director Andrew Saenz, a Round Rock senior, who is taking an advanced directing class Thursday

Hermine death toll rises

By Paul J. Weber associated press

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The death toll from flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine climbed Thursday after Texas authorities recovered the body of a missing swimmer and an Oklahoma driver drowned trying to cross a swollen creek.

At least four people have died in Hermine-fueled flooding, and three other people were still missing.

Authorities near San Antonio recovered the body of Derek JoelNelson Clemens, 23, who along with a friend was swept away while swimming in the Guadalupe River.

Crews were searching for his friend Thursday but held dim hopes of finding his friend alive.

Both went missing Wednesday as flash floods fueled by the storm hit parts of Texas before the rain moved into Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri.

The flooding has killed at least two motorists in Texas and others are still missing.

In eastern Oklahoma, a 19-year-old man drowned after his vehicle was swept off the road early Thursday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it’s unclear whether

Jackie Warford was thrown from his vehicle or crawled out to try to swim to safety, but he became tangled in brush.

Hermine packed a relatively light punch when it made landfall Monday night, and many Texas residents said they felt unprepared for Wednesday’s sudden flooding.

It forced more than 100 high-water rescues, though not all were successful.

More than a dozen rescuers tried to save a 49-year-old man Wednesday who apparently drove his pickup truck into a flooded crossing near Alvarado.

His body was found hours later.

Another person died in a vehicle submerged by water from a swollen creek near Austin, the National Weather Service said.

Jason Dunn, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Texas, said even when tropical storms lose their power over open water, they can still carry tremendous amounts of rain across land.

“A good majority” of fatalities from tropical systems come from inland flooding, Dunn said.

Hermine was the third tropical system this year to hit the Rio Grande Valley, a flood-prone area that encompasses northeastern Mexico and southeastern Texas.

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Burnet senior Jeff Wittekiend, Lewisville sophomore Nellsyn Hill, and Colorado Springs, Colo. freshman Kevin Wilson rehearse for director Andrew Saenz, a Round Rock senior, who is taking an advanced directing class Thursday

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INCREASE

from Page 1

generation students attracted to Baylor’s “premier academic programs” and minority students whose siblings followed them to Baylor.

“Many of our minority students attend because a family member has come before them and had positive experiences,” Palacios wrote. “It is great to see sisters and brothers come through Baylor.”

With these large enrollment numbers, Baylor can influence more lives, Jackson said.

“I think the great news is we’ve got more Baylor bears,” Jackson said.

“I’m high on this university. I think Baylor’s a great institution, and I think within reason the more students we can impact the lives of through our mission and vision, the more opportunity we have to make a difference in this world.

What we need to do now is look at the number of students we have coming to Baylor and make sure we’re able to continue to offer an excellent educational environment for them.”

ISLAM

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Islam. Dr. Mark Long, director of Middle East studies and associate professor of the Honors College, cites many Americans’ inability to distinguish the various complexities of the Islamic community.

“There are some Americans who looked at 9/11 and said, ‘This was done by Islam.’ They haven’t really differentiated the extremists from the great majority of Muslims who are peace-loving people,” Long said.

Organizers of the project are Imam Rauf, his wife Daisy Khan and Sharif el-Gamal, a real estate investor from New York. Rauf is currently the imam of Masjid al-Farah mosque in lower Manhattan and practices Sufism, which is a mystical form of Islam condemned by extremists. He is an advocate for improving relations between Islam and the West.

Park51 and its organizers have a stated mission to promote an understanding of Islam. Its leaders also plan to create interfaith dialogue between Islam and other religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, while advancing religious and cultural tolerance.

Long said Americans need to know their support of Park51 means supporting something al-Qaida and the terrorists responsible for Sept. 11 would most certainly oppose.

“You can anticipate that one of the most vocal opponents of Park51 would be Osama Bin Laden because, as I have looked at extremist messages over the last several years, the leadership of al-Qaida has routinely spoken out against any attempts to have interfaith dialogue and to promote an understating of a peaceful and tolerant Islam,” Long said.

Al Siddiq, president of the Islamic Center of Waco, said he doubts Islamophobia is prevalent in Waco.

“The majority is very understandable and open to understand,” Siddiq said.

Saddiq said Baylor as a university can do its part in fighting anti-Islamic sentiment in its student body by planning events on campus that promote interfaith dialogue.

Sugar Land freshman Arusha Manasia said she is comfortable in her faith as a Muslim at Baylor and is open to learning about other religions, such as Christianity, which she believes helps her grow stronger in her own faith.

Manasia said Baylor could take steps to educate its students on other faiths.

“If there was a speaker in Chapel that was Muslim, I think that would be interesting,” Manasia said. “You know what you believe in and at the same time you are aware of what other people believe. If you’re more knowledgeable, you’re stronger in your own beliefs.”

Dr. Marc Ellis, director of the Center for Jewish Studies, cites the policy Baylor has against hiring professors that are not of Christian or Jewish faith as a hindrance to fighting any possible anti-Islamic sentiments that may be present on campus.

“One of the ways to mutual understanding at Baylor would be to work towards changing that rule, and to get Muslims on campus who can speak from their own traditions,” Ellis.

“We can discuss differences as well, but we can have an intelligent discussion informed by the humanity of the other.”

BEARS

from Page 1

age in front of people is important,” Jackson said. “Video will be used not to replace the bears but instead incorporate the image of our live mascots into sporting events.”

Federal Code of Regulations 2.131(c)(1) describes the handling of animals: “During public exhibition, any animal must be handled so there is minimal risk of harm to the animal and to the public, with sufficient distance and/or barriers between the animal and the general viewing public so as to assure the safety of the animals and the public.”

Chamber is still dedicated to caring for the health and safety of the bears, while sticking to their mission of educating the greater Waco community about North American Black Bears.

“We look forward to continued interaction with Baylor’s mascots for many years to come,” Fitzgerald said.

QURAN

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 from Page 1

rorists” who would use it to recruit future radicals.

After Jones accused him of lying, Musri said the pastor “stretched my words” at the press conference.

“I think there was no confusion to begin with. When we stepped out of the church, we had an agreement to meet in New York,” Musri said. He added that Jones “said his main reason for stopping the event was that it would endanger the troops overseas, Americans traveling abroad and others around the world.”

Musri said he told the pastor “that I personally believe the mosque should not be there, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it is moved,” Musri said. “But there is not any offer from there (New York) that it will be moved. All we have agreed to is

a meeting, and I think we would all like to see a peaceful resolution.”

Musri said Thursday night that he still plans to go ahead with the meeting Saturday.

In New York, the leader of the Islamic center project, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, issued a statement saying he was glad Jones had decided not to burn the Quran but that he had spoken to neither the pastor nor Musri.

“We are not going to toy with our religion or any other. Nor are we going to barter,” Rauf said. “We are here to extend our hands to build peace and harmony.”

Jones’ decision to call off the Quran burning was made after a firestorm of criticism from leaders around the world. The pope and several other Christian leaders were among those urging him to reconsider his plans, which gener-

ated a wave of anger among Muslims. In Afghanistan, hundreds of Afghans burned an American flag and chanted “Death to the Christians” to protest the planned Quran burning.

Obama told ABC’s “Good Morning America” in an interview aired Thursday that Jones’ plan “is completely contrary to our values as Americans.”

“And as a very practical matter, I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women who are in uniform,” Obama said.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell confirmed that Gates called Jones about 4 p.m. EST Thursday — shortly before the pastor’s announcement. During the “very brief ” call, Gates expressed “his grave concern that going for-

ward with this Quran burning would put the lives of our forces at risk, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Morrell said.

Morrell said earlier that the decision to issue a personal appeal was not easy because it could provoke other extremists “who, all they want, is a call from so-and-so.”

After Gates’ call to Jones, Morrell said the secretary’s “fundamental baseline attitude about this is that if that phone call could save the life of one man or woman in uniform it was a call worth placing.”

Husain Haqqani, Pakistan’s ambassador to the U.S., thanked Obama, Gates and other administration officials for their efforts.

“This is definitely a positive moment in showing America’s tolerance and pluralism and should not go unappreciated in the Muslim world,” Haqqani said.

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A10| Baylor Lariat

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 www.baylorlariat.com

Sports THE BAYLOR LARIAT

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

In Print

www.baylorlariat.com

>> After Dark Talent The annual talent show provides creative outlet for all students

Page B7

>> Waco Roots Brady Passon, a musician that played throughout Waco, seeks record deal Page B8 >> New Tunes

Three artists’ recent releases have good aspects but are lackluster overall

Page B8

>> Game’s Got Moves

Video game Dance Central helps the shy grow into their own set of happy feet

Page B9

>> Waco Showcase Annual Festival spotlights local authors, musicians and artists Page B9 >> Who is Tevin?

Redshirt freshman Tevin Elliot show his true strength in Saturday’s game

Page B2

On the Web

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

No. 23 running back Jay Finley tries to break the tackle of Sam Houston State No. 1 cornerback Victor Carmichael during the game that ended in a Baylor victory, 34-3.

BU expects tougher game with Buffalo

By Chris Derrett Sports editor

Capturing BU Football Check out the images our photographers nabbed at Saturday’s game versus Sam Houston State www.baylorlariat.com

While Baylor’s 34-3 win over Sam Houston State sent fans home happy and gave the Bears a slew of positive statements afterward, the team now welcomes Buffalo to town. From Art Briles’ perspective, the difficulty – and valuable preparation for Baylor’s conference game – should increase this Saturday.

“From a coaching standpoint and a players’ standpoint, that is exciting coming into this week. We will have to play. We will have to play well to win the football game.

We will have to execute to win the football game,” Briles said.

Although the Bears won easily, Briles pointed to the dropped and incomplete passes, inconsistent running game and struggles to keep the Bearkat offense off the field late in the game. With the first-game

jitters settled and another week of practice under its belt, Baylor looks to present a more polished product this weekend.

Last Saturday Griffin disproved any doubts about his running ability, while Jay Finley, who suffered a nagging ankle injury in 2009, broke a 44-yard touchdown run.

Still several quarterback-receiver hookups fell just out of reach, and even though the Bears finished with 200 yards on 25 carries, 13 went for fewer than five yards.

“We’d certainly like to run the ball a little more conventionally that we did [Saturday] night, but when you average eight yards a carry, that’s not bad,” Briles said.

The Bears’ running backs have another chance to re-establish the run after last year’s struggle, while offensive lineman Danny Watkins expects to see a different look against the Bulls.

“They have a weird, shift-looking front that we’re going to work on this week,” Wat-

kins said.

Watkins explained that Buffalo might send two defenders toward the tackles, one of which is Watkins. He said nobody was overlooking Sam Houston State, but Buffalo brings a different level of competition.

“They’re a different caliber. Their defense is a lot faster, a lot more aggressive,” he added.

Buffalo also packs experience throughout the defensive side. Two seniors anchor the inside linebacking slots, and a pair of seniors also play in the three-man defensive line. The Bulls’ media guide also lists three of four secondary players as seniors, including Josh Thomas, who sprints on Buffalo’s track team.

After the game, Briles said the team was unable to try some of the plays it wanted to utilize because of Sam Houston State’s defensive formations and the lack in time of possession. Saturday the Bears may or may

not get to those plays, depending on the game’s flow.

“We’ll definitely get more looks against Buffalo. We’ll be able to do more of the things we’re accustomed to doing, whether it’s the short game or the long game. Not that Sam Houston is an undisciplined defense, but [Buffalo’s defense] will be a lot more structured, more cover two; we’ll know when they’re blitzing,” Griffin said.

What Baylor’s defense gained in speed it lost in experience. It showed in the box score, as redshirt freshman Tevin Elliot led the team in tackles and true freshman Ahmad Dixon was third totaling four tackles.

Baylor will be further tested this week, as Buffalo brings quicker playmakers as part of a bowl subdivsion conference.

Important to improving on the Bears’ statistically bottom-dwelling defense of SEE

GAME, page B5

Tough foe in town as Bears welcome Lobos

By Matt Larsen Sports writer

Nick Berryman | Lariat Photography

The volleyball team celebrates after winning a point against TCU Tuesday at the Ferrell Center. The Bears won the game against the Horned Frogs 3-2.

Volleyball ready for Orlando tourney following comeback

By Rachel Roach Sports writer

This weekend the Baylor volleyball team will be playing in its final early season tournament in Orlando at the Courtyard by Marriot/ UCF Classic.

Bears are scheduled to play Jacksonville University, University of Central Florida and Florida Atlantic University.

After an intense and hardearned five-set, comeback win over TCU on Tuesday, the Bears feel prepared for this upcoming

tournament.

Senior libero Caitlyn Trice stays focused and optimistic.

“Coming off of the last tournament and TCU, we’ve learned a lot. We have high expectations for ourselves. It will be a good learning experience, and we hope to get some wins for our records,” Trice said.

After three losses in the Diet Coke Classic last weekend in Minnesota, the team feels confident in its ability to work through the tough points and pull through in the future.

Coach Jim Barnes explained the team’s goals for the UCF Classic focus on offense.

“We feel that if we get better offensively then we will be able to compete with Top 20 teams,” Barnes said.

The Bears are going into the weekend with two players who have contributed to Baylor leading the Big 12 Conference in three team categories and four individual categories. Trice leads in digs (207) and digs per set (6.27).

SEE

VBALL, page B5

If Baylor soccer is ever going to see itself in the mirror, tonight’s the night as they take on the University of New Mexico at 7 p.m. at Betty Lou Mays field.

“New Mexico is a tough, physical, bruising kind of team. They play with a lot of heart and soul,” head coach Marci Jobson said.

“Their coach really stresses a lot of the same things that are important to my team. I think it’s going to be a slugfest.”

Outside her own squad, Jobson compares New Mexico to Arizona State and Houston, games that Baylor split 1-1.

The Bears (5-1-0) recorded their first and only loss of the season against the Sun Devils on Aug. 29 in Tempe, falling 3-1.

“I don’t see them [New Mexico] as better or worse than Arizona State,” Jobson said. “I see them as different. They [Arizona State] are a little more of an onthe-ground team.”

As for Houston, Baylor comes off the 1-0 win over the Cougars last Sunday.

Jobson says that like Houston, New Mexico will be a good test for her team as it prepares for conference play.

Despite all the comparison to other teams, New Mexico made some splashes of its own with a win over Marquette University

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

No. 13 forward Hanna Gilmore protects the ball from a University of Texas San Antonio defender Friday, at Betty Lou Mays Field. Gilmore scored one goal as the Lady Bear took down the Roadrunners 4-0.

and a tie against the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, two teams that received votes in the latest NSCAA poll.

To add to its resume, New Mexico shut out Baylor’s fellow Big 12 member Nebraska. “They beat Nebraska 3 – 0,” Jobson said.

“In my mind that’s a good enough result.”

With the Lobos’ attentiongrabbing wins, Jobson expects to face a team with few spots to exploit.

SEE

SOCCER, page B5

Sports B2| Baylor Lariat Elliott turns heads in first game, no surprise to Briles the

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

By Matt Larsen Sports Editor

Some athletes take years to have their breakout, head-turning performance. For redshirt freshman Tevin Elliott, it took one game.

“He is a guy that we knew would play well because there are two or three things that you cannot hide and one of them is talent,” head coach Art Briles said. “You can try to disguise it any way you want to, but when the opportunity presents itself, it is going to come out. Tevin does a great job of not hiding that.”

The linebacker-turned-defensive end quietly led the team with eight tackles on Saturday against Sam Houston State, including two tackles for loss and a sack to cap off his first game in a green and white jersey.

Elliott also led the team in tackles without starting the game. He recorded the first two tackles on special teams during Baylor’s first two kickoffs before lining up for his first snap against a collegiate offense.

“When I came down it looked like they were a little scared or a little timid,” Elliott said of the Sam Houston State kick coverage players responsible for blocking him.

“So I got to make a couple plays.”

The Mount Pleasant native went on to make a few more during the course of the evening as well.

After rotating in behind fellow defensive end, Gary Mason, Jr., El-

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liott waited just three plays before getting in on a tackle.

He would record one more tackle before finding his way into the Sam Houston State backfield in the second quarter to drop running back J.D. Morrow for a loss of four yards.

Sam Houston State quarterback Bryan Randolph again found Elliott in his backfield during the third quarter.

This time Elliott picked up his first career sack by dropping the Bearkat quarterback five yards behind the line.

Elliott went on to contribute two more tackles to close out what he hoped to be an eye-catching performance for his coaching staff.

Though he didn’t get the start, he had Briles’ attention before Saturday’s performance.

When asked before the season whether he wanted a defensive end like Texas A&M senior Von Miller who led the nation in sacks last season, Briles chose to set the bar a little differently.

“I want a defensive end like Tevin Elliott,” he said.

The redshirt freshman, dubbed the Terminator by teammates and coaches, made the switch from outside linebacker to defensive end after playing both middle and outside backer in high school.

Though the switch is not an uncommon one to make, the all-state linebacker had to adjust his game.

“I had never played defensive end before in my life,” he said.

Sarah Groman | Round Up Photographer

No. 18 defensive end Tevin Elliott rushes at Sam Houston State No. 15 quarterback Greg Sprowls late in Saturday’s game. Elliott, who was not in the Bears’ starting lineup, finished with eight tackles. Between high school and college, Elliott switched from outside linebacker to defensive end.

“It’s more physical at defensive end. A lot of guys are up around 300 (lbs.) and if you register 225 (lbs.), that’s not big enough. You’ve got to use your quickness a lot, got to be real explosive to play defensive end.”

Knowing he was going to be lining up against 300 lb. offensive linemen, Elliot bulked up to

around 245 so he could maximize size and speed.

Despite a year of physical and mental changes, it took his coach just a few snaps to see his potential on the defensive line.

“We kind of walked into it last year,” Briles said of discovering Elliott’s niche at defensive end. “He was on our scout team, and we put

him at defensive end one day. And we had to call him off. We could not block him.”

The final question of his potential came down to earning the respect of his teammates, and like his coaches, he earned his quarterback’s respect before stepping on the field last Saturday. ““At the first or second scrim-

Chalk Talk lets students, players discuss strategy Follow

By Olga Gladtskov Ball Assistant City Editor

In Baylor’s second Chalk Talk of the season on Thursday, Baylor players Lanear Sampson and Zac Scotton and Coach Dino Babers discussed the win against Sam Houston and Saturday’s game against Buffalo.

Sampson, a wide receiver, said he was pleased with how the team played on Saturday and pointed out the impact made by new players.

“Tevin [Elliot] came in his first game as a Baylor Bear and led the

defense in tackles,” Sampson said.

Scotton, a defensive tackle, said the line has improved since last year.

“We’re so much faster than we’ve been since I have been here,” Scotton said, “Our secondary is flying around and making plays.”

Babers, special teams coordinator, said he liked the performance of the offensive line.

“I thought it was a nice job on physicality on the offensive line,” Babers said. Babers also said that the game against Buffalo is critical for the team’s growth.

“All football teams grow more from their first to second game than any other time in the season,” Babers said.

Babers said Baylor will be facing a tougher opponent this week.

Babers said that many of the Bulls’ starters have been playing on the team for at least three years.

“They are going to be physical — they are going to be a heck of a lot faster,” Babers said.

Sampson and Scotton said they appreciate fans coming out to the game against Sam Houston State and hope to see a similar turnout

on Saturday.

“I mean, it was great that they came out and supported us,” Sampson said. Sampson also appreciated the new March of the Bears event, which occurs two hours before kickoff.

“It was exciting and it kinda got us going,” Sampson said. “I hope we can do that again this week.”

Scotton said there was a great turnout in last Saturday’s game and he hopes to see the same in the game against Buffalo.

“We feed off the crowd energy,” Scotton said.

mage, I actually ran into him, and he cracked my neck five times,” redshirt sophomore Robert Griffin III said.

“He was trying to back off and I ran into him with my head. He’s got a body like a rock. He knows how to hit, and he’s a very determined individual. So I’m proud to see him doing big things.”

Saturday’s Game twitter.com/ bulariat

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

O’ Rear takes high pressure experience into 2010

By Tyler Alley Reporter

More than 60 amateur male golfers participated in a regional qualifying tournament held in Kerrville from July 26-27.

Out of that group, a Baylor athlete placed second, earning him a chance to play in the U.S. Amateur almost a month later.

And though he tied for 196th place and did not qualify for the 64-man, match play portion of the tournament, Ryan O’Rear is not hanging his head.

“It was a lot of fun,” O’Rear said about the experience.

O’Rear, a sophomore from Temple, scored a 14-over-par 157 over two rounds in his second appearance at the U.S. Amateur Championship, which took place Aug. 23-29 at Chamber Bay golf course in University Place, Wash. O’Rear is also a key member of the men’s golf team, and last spring his contributions helped the team advance to nationals.

“Ryan’s really competitive,” Joakim Mikkelsen, junior from Norway, said about his teammate. “He hates to lose. He stepped it up at the end of last semester.

He’s getting better, which I think he’ll keep doing, and he’s competitive, which is really

good for us.”

He participated in seven out of Baylor’s nine tournaments in the spring, and steadily improved each tournament, culminating with shooting a 69 in the first round of the NCAA Championships. His play earned him attention from the Amateur circuit as well as praise from head coach Greg Priest.

“Ryan is just a gamer,” Priest said. “He is a guy you can put pressure on. He never does anything flashy, he just gets it done.”

O’Rear started playing golf at the age of three, when his dad would take him out to just hit some shots. He says his parents are a big reason for any success he has had or will have.

“My parents have been my biggest influence,” O’Rear said. “None of this would have been possible without them. They were always taking me to tournaments, always taking me to the course. When they couldn’t do it, my grandparents would take me.”

O’Rear participated in tournaments during middle school, but he played other sports as well until his sophomore year in high school. His first big accomplishment was when he earned a first-team all-state selection as a freshman in 2006. From

there, the awards and recognition started piling up.

After winning district and regional individual championships in 2007, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur at the age of 16, making him the third-youngest golfer in the field. He won three consecutive Class 2A Texas state individual championships and helped Salado High School win two consecutive state championships. One of those years he found himself six strokes behind the leader after seven holes of play, and came back to win.

Now entering his sophomore year, O’Rear says his biggest focus is to improve on his ball striking and to become more consistent with the putter. While his future in golf looks bright, he is aware that not everybody makes the pro tour. “[All golfers] want to play professionally, but I know the chances aren’t high,” O’Rear said. “I’m ready for whatever God has in store for me. If I don’t end up golfing, I’d like to work for a professional sports team.”

Ryan O’Rear is currently majoring in Todd Drexler | Courtesy Photo business at Baylor University. His father, Randy, is President of the University of Temple sophomore Ryan O’Rear tees off at the 2010 NCAA Championship. O’Rear Mary Hardin-Baylor. Ryan says his favor- joined Baylor as one of 30 teams competing in the tournament. He finished five strokes ite golfer on tour is Tiger Woods. over par after three rounds and later competed in the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Men’s golf team seeks greatness in upcoming season

By Tyler Alley Reporter

Baylor men’s golf team is coming off a year in which they advanced to the NCAA championships for just the fifth time in school history and reached the postseason for the 13th consecutive season.

Now the 2010 season is about to begin, and expectations are high for this year’s team.

“We have a great chance to make it back [to nationals],” head coach Greg Priest said. “We just have to take care of business.”

The men’s schedule for this season kicks off Sept. 19 with the Golfweek’s Conference Challenge in Burlington, Iowa.

The team has all but nine players returning from last year’s squad, including junior Joakim Mikkelsen, and sophmore Ryan

O’Rear, who were both vital to the team reaching the national tournament last spring. Mikkelsen nailed a 15-foot birdie putt at the South Central Regional to win a playoff against the University of Georgia and clinch Baylor’s spot in the NCAA championships.

“It was amazing,” Mikkelsen said. “It’s one thing to make a putt for yourself, but to do something with teammates and coaches and parents watching, it’s really cool.”

Last season, Mikkelsen was named to the PING All-Central Region Team by the Golf Coaches Association of America, or GCAA. As for O’Rear, he steadily improved over his freshman year and ended his year on a strong note by qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championships.

Now both players are looking to duplicate and improve on last year’s success.

“Get back to nationals, that’s our goal,” O’Rear said. “We need to have a solid fall and spring, make regionals, and so on.”

“We need to work on playing well on the same day,” O’Rear continued.

“When five guys put up good scores on the same day, it’s something special.”

Baylor was given a great opportunity to succeed this year with the addition of the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate tournament to the schedule.

The event takes place at Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, and Baylor is the host school for the event.

Because of this, Baylor is able to invite top-tier teams to the tournament, according to Priest. Doing well against better teams will give Baylor men’s golf a better chance at reaching its goal of a return trip to

nationals.

“We just have to take care of one tournament at a time,” Priest said.

“We can’t focus on nationals. If we don’t win this tournament or that tournament, we don’t make it there. We need to continue to do what we did last year.”

Last year the team finished in the top five in all five of their fall tournaments, and then finished tied for third in their first spring tournament.

The team finished sixth at the Big 12 Championship, qualifying them for the South Central Regionals, where they placed fifth.

Their season ended when they missed the cut at the NCAA Championships, tying for 25th place.

“We want to make it back to nationals,” Mikkelsen said. “And then we want to take it one step further and make the cut at nationals.”

Fall Tournament Schedule Sept. 19

Golfweek’s Conference Challenge Burlington, Iowa

Oct. 1

William H. Tucker Intercollegiate Albuquerque, N.M.

Oct. 11

The Jack Nicklaus Invitational Columbus, Ohio

Nov. 1

Royal Oaks Intercollegiate Dallas, Texas

Sports B4| Baylor Lariat Cowboys secure Austin for six years, $54 million the

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

By Stephen Hawkins Associated Press

Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin is going deep with the Dallas Cowboys — from undrafted rookie to a breakout season and now a longterm contract extension.

The Cowboys and Austin agreed to a six-year extension through the 2016 season on Thursday, just three days before the fifthyear player's first season opener as a starter.

"My career started here, you guys gave me a shot and obviously I put my all out there every day," said Austin, who was pulled out of offensive meetings for the unexpected yet unsurprising announcement. "It feels great to be wanted by this team because I want to be here."

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Austin agreed on a $3.168 million one-year contract in June, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had repeatedly said he wanted to sign the receiver to a long-term deal.

That finally got done just before the season opener at Washington.

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones would only confirm the length of the extension, not the financial terms. Austin's agent, David Dunn, didn't return messages to The Associated Press.

A story posted Thursday night on the Cowboys' official team website said the extension was worth about $54 million. That is addition to the deal for this season.

In his first career start last October at Kansas City, Austin had 10 catches for a team-record 250 yards and two late touchdowns, including the 60-yard game-winner

in overtime. He broke the singlegame yardage record held by Hall of Fame receiver "Bullet Bob" Hayes since 1966.

That was quite a breakout performance for Austin, who entered that game with 23 career catches, including five in the first four games last season.

Yet, he wasn't a one-game wonder.

His encore was six catches for 171 yards and two more TDs in Dallas' next game.

He went on to earn a spot in the Pro Bowl by finishing the season with 81 catches for 1,320 yards, sixth-best in team history and the sixth-best by any undrafted receiver ever in the NFL. The Cowboys certainly don't anticipate the 26-year-old receiver from tiny Monmouth College in

New Jersey being only a one-year wonder either.

"We all are familiar and admire the way Miles has evolved into the player he is today. We're also very impressed with the person that he is," Jones said. "I've never felt like when we have made this kind of commitment to any individual that we've ever been as prepared or better informed about what he is as a player and as a person. That's a good feeling and made this very comfortable in terms of getting this done.

"He's what we want to build our franchise around," Jones said.

The Cowboys already had quarterback Tony Romo, who like Austin came into the league as an undrafted free agent, signed to a long-term contract along with linebacker DeMarcus Ware, tight

end Jason Witten and nose tackle Jay Ratliff. All are Pro Bowl players.

Stephen Jones said it was important to get Austin's deal done before the start of the new season, though he said "it happened in short order" once negotiations really began after the team return from training camp in Oxnard, Calif., about two weeks ago.

"The big thing we needed to do was just get our hands around all the uncertainties that are out there," Stephen Jones said, referring to pending NFL negotiations with the players' union.

"At the end of the day we knew were going to have Miles and we were going to figure out how to make that work."

Coach Wade Phillips said Austin continued to work hard during

the offseason and into preseason workouts even though the contract situation had to be on his mind.

And the coach isn't concerned about Austin's quick ascension from virtual unknown to Pro Bowl player with a long-term contract in less than a year's time.

"I am confident in Miles. Yeah, he's only done it one year, but what a year," Phillips said. "He's shown so many things. He had the greatest game in Cowboys history.

That's pretty strong. It not like a guy who just had a good year. He had a tremendous year, and he had tremendous games that nobody's had before. I think that's part of the confidence.

"He's such a hard worker, he is a great athlete and he's learned how to pull it all together. I think that will continue."

FIFA World Cup inspector wraps up five-city visit in Houston

By Chris Duncan Associated Press

The United States made its pitch for the World Cup. Now, it’s time to wait.

FIFA’s World Cup inspectors wrapped up a three-day, five-city visit in Houston on Thursday, touring Reliant Stadium as they weigh potential venues for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

The 24-member executive committee of soccer’s governing body will vote on Dec. 2. Europe is expected to be awarded the 2018 tournament, with England, Russia, Spain-Portugal and BelgiumNetherlands competing. The U.S. is facing Australia, Japan, Qatar and South Korea for 2022.

The inspectors also visited New York, the White House, Miami and Dallas before Houston.

Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the head of the inspection delegation, said the group gathered all the necessary information to present a complete report to FIFA’s executive

committee.

He said he was confident that the U.S. could fulfill all the necessary standards set by FIFA to host the World Cup. “All the stadiums we have visited, with some very small adjustments, would be great World Cup venues. There is no doubt about that,” Mayne-Nicholls said. “We have seen a number of excellent locations. All requirements and expectations should be met.”

U.S. soccer head Sunil Gulati, head of the U.S. bid committee for the World Cup, told MayneNicholls that the next World Cup here would likely set records for attendance, ticket sales and international visitors.

The U.S. drew a total of 3.6 million fans when it hosted the event in 1994, still a record.

Gulati doesn’t see a negative in the fact that the U.S. is lobbying for its second World Cup in three decades, while Australia and Qatar are vying for their first.

“I don’t think hosting a suc-

“All the stadiums we have visited, with some very small adjustments, would be great World Cup venues. There is no doubt about that.

We have seen a number of excellent locations. All requirements and expectations should be met.”

Harold Mayne-Nichols | Head of FIFA inspection navigation

cessful event and setting multiple records should be a disadvantage,” Gulati said. “It will have been 28 years, if it’s 2022. Clearly, that’s an issue for some, going out to new

and uncharted water, but we think there’s some advantages. FIFA knows we can do this, we’ve done it well, and we can do it again.”

The FIFA delegation visited the White House on Wednesday, and Mayne-Nicholls came away with confidence that the event would have the full backing of the American government.

“As you know, a World Cup only works if it becomes a fully national treasure,” he said.

Gulati was asked to compare this effort with Chicago’s failed bid to land the 2016 Olympics, also backed by the White House. Gulati said the process is totally different, and that effort has no bearing on this one.

“I’m not sure we learned very many specific lessons from the Chicago experience,” he said.

“We’ve tried to do everything possible to make sure that we present a case for the U.S. that’s irresistible.

“We have a terrific infrastructure, but in the end, it’s not about

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having the infrastructure and having top-level stadiums,” Gulati said.

“It’s about convincing 24 people that’s in the best long-term interest of the sport to come to the United States, and that’s what we’ve been doing for some period of time.”

Brazil defeated Italy at the Rose Bowl in the 1994 final.

While the inspectors didn’t visit California this time, Gulati wouldn’t rule out the possibility of including stadiums there if the U.S. was awarded the World Cup in 2018 or ‘22.

He also invited the chance of new stadiums being built there between now and then.

“Is it likely that some stadium would be built between now and 2018 or 2022 that could become part of the eventual World Cup? The answer is yes,” he said. “Since the decision is made in 75 days or so, it wouldn’t enhance our bid at all.”

The delegation’s visit to Reliant Stadium included a meeting

with Bob McNair, the owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans, who open their season there on Sunday.

For Thursday’s occasion, the field was set up for soccer, exactly as it was for the Major League Soccer All-Star game on July 28.

MLS banners ringed the field, and “FIFA Delegation Tour” flashed on the lighted ribbon signs that encircle the stadium.

The venue has lured huge crowds for international matches in recent years, many of them involving teams from Mexico.

The MLS All-Star game, featuring Manchester United, drew 70,728, the largest attendance for an MLS All-Star game since the first one in 1996 drew 78,416 to Giants Stadium.

McNair was encouraged by Thursday’s meeting.

“They know the great success that we’ve had with soccer games in Reliant Stadium,” McNair said.

“That’s very impressive. I hope Houston succeeds in attracting them.”

VBALL

from Page 1

sition” and attributes much of her understanding to the help from fellow teammate, Allison King.

The Jacksonville Dolphins have returned a number of players for the 2010 season and have hold a 2-5 record.

Junior Ashley August has averaged a team-best 3.15 digs per set.

Senior Adrian Yaeger and freshman Alyssa Robertson have each acquired 28 blocks for the season.

UCF’s Knights are undefeated in 2010 with a 6-0 record. Offensive contributors are junior Kristin Fisher with 76 kills, sophomore Evija Vilde with 63 and freshman Angelica Crump with 47.

The Florida Atlantic Owls enter the tournament with a 6-8

As a team, Baylor also leads the Big 12 in digs (649) and digs per set (19.67).

Senior middle blocker Elizabeth Graham leads the league in both blocks (47) and blocks per set (1.42). Her records have also contributed to Baylor leading the in the team category of total blocks (80) in the Big 12 Conference.

Both Trice and Graham feel confident in their previous experience in their positions and as seniors.

“Middle is really my favorite place to play,” Graham said.

Due to Trice’s familiarity with defense, she views her first time position as libero as an “easy tran-

SOCCER

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

No. 10 quarterback Robert Griffin throws a pass during the Sept. 4 home opener at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears beat the Sam Houston State Bearkats 34-3 and will face University at Buffalo on Saturday. from Page 1

last season, the unit relies on noseguard Phil Taylor and his defensive line companions.

“We’ll have a lot more feel about where we are and where we’re going to be after this Saturday. What we wanted to see was intensity, strength, passion, speed and fearlessness. And for the most part, throughout 60 minutes we saw nearly all of that,” Briles said about the defensive line.

The Bears will do everything in their power to shut down sophomore quarterback Jerry Davis.

Unlike the dual-threat Griffin, Davis stayed in the pocket in the Bulls’ 31-0 win over Rhode Island,

completing 21 of 35 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns and relegating running duties to the running backs. Brandon Thermilus, a 6-foot-1, 218-pound senior who has appeared in 38 Buffalo games, led the team that game, rushing seven times for 27 yards.

“We’ve made a lot of improvement from last year, just with the speed alone. But we have a lot of physical ability to get after the quarterback,” linebacker Antonio Johnson said.

In the last meeting between the two teams, Baylor beat Buffalo, 3421, as part of the Bears’ 2007, 3-9 campaign.

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

record. Senior Anne Vaughn has 85 kills and sophomore Christina Wallinger isn’t far behind with 80.

Defensive players are sophomore libero Cyntia Nightengale and her 3.69 digs per set and senior middle blocker Krystina Dzmuranova with 1.00 blocks per set.

Despite the talent of the other teams, the Bears are staying focused on using their own talent.

Right now, Barnes explains that the team is “concerned with our side of the net.”

Baylor’s main focus is working on executing their offense.

“When we lose, it’s because we made errors on offense. That’s a good sign that we’re dictat-

ing each match were playing in,” Barnes said.

Barnes remains hopeful in finding the go-to players this season to help with the offense.

“At different times, different people are stepping up,” Barnes said.

Despite everyone’s individual contributions, the team plans to play as a unit.

Trice feels the team is prepared by their general mentality and strength as being “scrappy.” As far as her own expectations for Bears she hopes to “just go out there and play as a team.”

The Bears are set to play 10 a.m. on today against the Jacksonville Dolphins.

from Page 1

“[No.] 3 [junior Jennifer Williams] is their leading goal scorer, but they are getting goals off of six, seven different people,” Jobson said. “They are just a steady team all over the field.”

When asked to pick out one other player for the Bears to key on, the third-year coach thinks of senior midfielder Rachel Fields.

Baylor defender and midfielder Brittany Hunemuller usually marks the opposition’s best midfielder and will get the assignment of shutting down Fields tonight.

“She is going to have her hands full,” Jobson said. “I think it’s going to be another really good matchup.”

As for Baylor’s midfield and attacking unit, Jobson tried a new look last weekend against Houston and the University of Texas San Antonio that she may go back to.

Traditionally sophomore Hanna Gilmore has played center mid, but swapped with attacking center mid Lisa Sliwinski.

The two lead the team in goals with four apiece, but Gilmore provides more mobility at the midfield position.

Gilmore feels the swap fits both parties, but knows that she will have to make mental adjustments away from her constant attackminded approach.

“I can make runs with the ball like I like to, and she can make the

runs [off the ball] like she likes to,” Gilmore said. “To adjust I have to

“I think it’s going to be another really good matchup.”

Marci Jobson | Head coach

at least be aware of my defensive responsibilities. It’s a lot more crucial responsibilities [as a midfielder].”

With the offensive unit finding new ways to put the ball in the back of the net, the defense will rely on the same methods it has always used to keep it out of their own.

“Our defense as a whole, they have a never-say-die attitude,” senior midfielder Lindsey Johnson said. “They work really well together.”

Behind the defense, redshirt junior goalkeeper Courtney Seelhorst has only allowed three goals in six games, all three coming against Arizona State.

“Even the goals she gave up against Arizona State were goals she couldn’t have done anything about,” Jobson said. “She’s starting to really command her box, and she is starting to gain a lot of confidence.”

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

No. 7 midfielder Lindsey Johnson leaps into the air for a header in the match against University of Texas San Antonio on Friday at Betty Lou Mays Field. The Lady Bear took down the Roadrunners 4-0.

Jessica M orales Freshman Sugarland , TX

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Arts and Entertainment

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FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

After Dark to present student talent in show tonight

By Liz Appling Reporter

After Dark is a talent show, variety show and student showcase all rolled into one.

The theme for After Dark this year is Drive-In Movie, and the set includes an actual vintage car.

“About 70 acts auditioned this year and 15 of those made the show,” said Keith Frazee, coordinator of student productions.

The acts that will be performed today represent a wide range of talent and variety at Baylor.

Who is performing?

Amy Boykin Baylor Dance Company Baylor Showtime!

Clare Berlinsky Clint Washington and Connor Schaars Danielle Richardson David Collins and Rebecca Harris Haley Barnes Jacob Hooter and Tenley Nelson Jillian Edwards and Kelsey Taylor Kelsey Parsons, Larkin Bratcher and Debbie Seitter Lauren Guy Phillip Skinner and Debbie Hernandez Casey Castleberry String Ensemble

THE LAST EXORCISM

[PG] 1050 1130 110 140 325 410 530 635 740 845 945

THE AMERICAN

THE LOTTERY TICKET

[R] 1020 1240 300 520 740 1000 VAMPIRES SUCK [PG] 1110 110 320 525 730 935 THE SWITCH [PG] 1115 135 400 710 930 GOING THE DISTANCE [R] 1020 1235 250 505 720 935 MACHETE [R] 1025 1145 1245 210 305 430 525 645 745 905 1005

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[R] 1035 1255 315 540 800 1020 NANNY McPHEE

RETURNS [PG] 1120 145 415 745 1010

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254-710-3407

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E R E H E S I T R E V D A

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For instance, a string ensemble will open the show by playing a Michael Jackson hit.

Frazee emphasized that After Dark is a variety show rather than an acoustic showcase, although several acoustic songs will be performed.

Dickinson sophomore Jacob Hooter and Plano freshman Tenley Nelson will sing a duet, accompanied by Hooter on the guitar and San Angelo sophomore Rachel Robinson on the piano.

Fans of the musician Sara Bareilles should look forward to hearing Orlando sophomore Clare Berlinsky perform the song “Gravity.”

Back for her second year, Houston sophomore Haley Barnes will play the ukulele while singing an original song.

Little Rock, Ark., senior Clint Washington will sing “Trouble” by Ray LaMontagne, with Coppell senior Connor Schaars accompanying him on the guitar.

Plano freshman Amy Boykin will entertain the crowd with her rendition of the song “Hallelujah.”

Richardson seniors Jillian Edwards and Kelsey Taylor will also be performing an original song.

Although he’s not singing, Lakeway freshman Casey Castleberry will perform an electric guitar instrumental solo.

Also, an a cappella trio will sing the classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Plano senior Lauren Guy will be entertaining crowds by performing a solo hip-hop routine to a song from the movie “Step Up.” Baylor alumni Britt Knighton will be the emcee this year.

“This really is a creative way for

Liz Appling | Reporter

Keith Frazee, coordinator of Student Productions, and the student productions committee move a car onto the stage at Waco Hall on Wednesday as part of the set to accompany the Drive-In theme of the evening.

Baylor to showcase various talents in one night on one stage,” Guy said.

The event is presented by Student Activities, but production leadership is done by the student productions committee.

The committee is a group of students who help plan and coordinate productions at Baylor, such as After Dark, Pigskin Revue, AllUniversity Sing and StompFest.

The students had to apply and

“This really is a creative way for Baylor to showcase various talents in one night on one stage.”

Lauren Guy | After Dark performer

interview to become a member of the committee to ensure they were prepared for the work the commit-

tee does.

DeSoto senior Nikki Gafford decided to join after she got a firsthand look last year into the work Student Productions does for these events.

“My experience as an ADPi [Alpha Delta Pi] sing chair showed me all of the work Student Productions puts in behind the scenes at these events,” Gafford said.

The committee has been working hard to make After Dark a

success this year as they held auditions last week and have since been working on specific details necessary for the production, such as finishing the set.

The event will take place in two showings today at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. in Waco Hall.

Tickets for After Dark are still on sale and cost $10, $12, $14, or $16 depending on the location of the seat. Call 254-710-3210 to purchase tickets.

Arts and Entertainment B8 | Baylor Lariat Passon aims to record album after leaving Waco the

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

By Chris Day Reporter

Brady Passon, an Indiana native and former student at Indiana State University, made his way to Waco to embark on a music career and is now back in his home state.

Passon is currently making arrangements to record his debut solo record.

“The music kind of has the funk of Maroon 5, the energy of pop/ punk with classic rock influences,” Passon said.

The album is planned to be finished before the end of this semester.

“If I get really lucky, John Mellencamp’s band will be playing behind me. I don’t know. We’ll see,” Passon said.

Passon’s musical roots lie in pop/punk. Passon first began playing in bands as a freshman in high school.

“I grew up playing in the pop/ punk scene,” Passon said. “I played for numerous pop/punk, hardcore, emo and John Mayer-type things.”

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Passon then took his music career to attend Indiana State where he was a music business and classical guitar major.

“I dabbled in vocal performance and a decent amount of piano,” Passon said.

Indiana State University organization Alpha Phi hosts an annual Star Search fundraiser, a talent show used to raise money for the American Heart Association, which Passon won in February of 2008.

One day while Passon was driving out to Indiana State University, he decided that he would rather concentrate on playing shows, so he drove to California. Then he moved to Waco, where he started playing open mic nights at Common Grounds.

“I was playing at an open mic night and the owners of Austin’s on the Avenue happened to be there and they liked it, so they had me play there,” Passon said.

While attending ISU, Passon became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

“While I was out here, a buddy of mine told me that there were some Pikes [Pi Kappa Alpha members] still around at Baylor, so I connected with them,” Passon said.

“My friend Milam had a guitar lying around when I was hanging out with them one day, and I just picked it up and started playing it and they all liked it.”

Houston senior Nick Franceschini decided to manage Passon’s music career upon hearing Passon play.

“I booked him at George’s, Austin’s, Ace’s and Icehouse,” Franceschini said.

Passon eventually decided to incorporate other musicians into his live show; namely, Trey Featherston on second guitar and backing vocals and Waco senior Philip Chapman on drums.

“The first time I heard Brady sing was at Austin’s on the Avenue.

I really liked his hip-hop medley. I really liked his stage presence and crowd communication,” Chapman said. “We had the same group of friends, and one day someone

mentioned that Philip played drums, so I figured we should jam and see where it goes.”

Chapman, Passon and Featherston first started playing together in a shed in Chapman’s backyard.

“We called it the Bat Cave,” Chapman said. “The first gig I played for Brady, I played the djembe.”

The band settled on the band name Blue Light Orchestra, named after a house and hangout spot for the band.

After getting their feet wet with Waco gigs, the band grew to playing shows in Dallas and Austin.

“Eventually, I started booking him at various places on Sixth Street. They were the highest-paid band on Sixth Street every night they played,” Franceschini said.

Though Passon is busy arranging his first full-length solo album, he still plans on returning to Waco this fall.

“Right now I’m working and playing music, but I’ll be back before the end of the semester,” Passon said.

Courtesy photo

Indiana native Brady Passon hopes to record a solo album. Previously, Passon played gigs around Texas with his band, Blue Light Orchestra.

Interpol, Sarah Bareilles, Jerry Lee Lewis back with new music McClatchy-Tribune News Service

New releases from Interpol, Sarah Bareilles and Jerry Lee Lewis have their good points, but don’t quite shine like they should.

INTERPOL “Interpol” (Matador/Soft Limit) Interpol returns after three years with its fourth album, selftitling the release (on the Matador label) as if to remind people who it is. On its 2002 full-length debut, “Turn on the Bright Lights,” the New York City quartet made an instant impact by overlapping baritone-voiced cool, jagged guitars, elastic bass lines and a penchant for sudden, tension-busting choruses. But since then the songs have lost some snap and “Interpol” fails to reverse the trend.

Still, the band sounds terrific.

Alan Moulder’s mix highlights the

intricate work of the rhythm section and the textural details that have always lurked on the fringes of Interpol’s best songs. But this time, those details — the syncopated rumble of a kick drum, the nimble allure of a bass line — supersede

Album REVIEWs the tunes. Moulder lasers in on Carlos Dengler’s bass, and for good reason: Dengler not only wins the band’s best-dressed award, he’s also its finest musician. But he quit Interpol after the recording sessions for this album, and its lack of focus may explain why.

“Lights” presents an excellent summation of Interpol’s ability to deliver slow-burn payoff. Unfortunately, nothing else on the album approaches that level of structured brilliance. What we get are bits and pieces of promising music without

strong foundations.

The last half of the album in particular presents a major dropoff, with songs adrift in the same distressed landscape of atmospheric guitars and tepid rhythm.

Sometimes a promising start (the guitar/drums interplay that ushers in “Safe Without”) fails to go anywhere, other times suspect ideas (the clunky piano in “Try It On”) derail a song from the start.

As meticulously as these sounds and instruments are recorded, as beautiful and haunting as they sometimes sound, they don’t add up to more than one or two truly memorable songs.

— Greg Kot SARA BAREILLES “Kaleidoscope Heart” (Epic Records) Sara Bareilles found success with her 2007 hit “Love Song,” a protest ditty against commercialized pop sentimentality. Follow-

ing up that breakthrough with her third album of cabaret pop, Bareilles faces the difficult task of maintaining her accessibly supportive persona while moving more securely into the spotlight.

“Kaleidoscope Heart” is certainly lovable, showcasing the down-to-earth emotional side of the 30-year-old songbird in a set that loosely chronicles a break-up while firmly arguing for the kind of practical self-reliance many young women see as the feminist ideal in this post-liberationist age.

Though Bareilles takes a semiconfessional approach, her warm alto and hard-working piano arrangements strongly suggest conversation; she incorporates the stops and starts of casual speech into her singing, and she has a way of deepening simple, almost cliched language just by changing the weight of a syllable.

Bareilles keeps her mood hope-

ful, structuring her songs as wellpaced ascents toward choruses meant to be sung with abandon.

“Wish I were pretty, wish I were brave,” she murmurs at the start of “Let the Rain.” Her voice rises in intervals, and by the time the chorus takes over, the key and the mood has changed.

This utopian aspect of Bareilles’ music comes through in the arrangements on “Kaleidoscope Heart,” which swaps out the light rhythm and blues influence of Bareilles’s previous efforts for a sound reminiscent of “Glee.”

— Ann Powers JERRY LEE LEWIS “Mean Old Man” (Verve Forecast/Shangri-La) The stars of pop music apparently are only too happy to come to the mountain that is Jerry Lee Lewis, who turns 75 at the end of this month and demonstrates that he’s still eminently capable of pumping

those 88 black and white keys.

He reprises a couple of his key hits from that period — “Rockin’ My Life Away” (aided by Kid Rock and Slash) and Sonny Throckmorton’s anguished “Middle Age Crazy” (with Tim McGraw and Jon Brion) — and puts his indelible stamp on the title track, written for him by Kris Kristofferson.

Creedence Clearwater’s “Bad Moon Rising” is one of the few missteps — Fogerty is underutilized simply offering harmonies, and in a key that’s too low to show Lewis’ voice at its best.

Multimillionaire Steve Bing, who has championed the latterday resuscitation of Lewis’ career with Shangri-La Music, has said he simply wants to get as much of the Killer on record as he can while he’s still playing and sounding this vibrant. May the digital memory continue to roll.

— Randy Lewis

www.baylorlariat.com

This Weekend inWaco Today 5 p.m. — The choral department of the School of Music will present the first choir concert of the school year. The annual Parents Weekend concert will feature Baylor ShowTime!, Concert Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir and A Cappella Choir.

The free concert will be held in Jones Concert Hall in the Glennis McCrary Music Building.

6:30-9 p.m. and 9:30-11:30 p.m. — After Dark presents student talent in Waco Hall in two performances. The show is part of Parents Weekend events. Tickets range from Tickets: $10 to $16 according to seating. To order tickets call 254-710-3210 or visit the official Parents Weekend website at www.baylor.edu/ parentsweekend.

Saturday 1-4 p.m. — Showcase Waco presents free music, art, theater and dance performances featuring folklorico, Baylor Theatre, Shane Howard Band, Lee VanWagner along with other Waco artists and authors. Heavenly Voices will present a special patriotic performance at 3 p.m. The event will take place at Hoffman Hall at 400 South 4th St. Call 254-750-8610 for more information.

Sunday 2 p.m. — Lynnette Geary will perform a memorial carillon recital on the McLane Carillon in Pat Neff Hall Tower. The recital will be held in memory of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Showcase Waco to focus on the arts

By Liz Appling Reporter

Students will have the opportunity on Saturday to drive around downtown Waco on an actual Segway during Showcase Waco!

Showcase Waco! is a free event that serves as an interactive guide to arts and entertainment in Waco.

The event will take place at Hoffman Hall in downtown Waco, located at 400 S. Fourth St. “People who want to know about culture in Waco, such as concerts and events, will have the opportunity to be exposed to it in a one-day showcase,” said Mandy Spikes, the marketing and communications coordinator for the Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Seg-It Waco will be at the event to teach people how to ride a Segway and take it on a mini-tour of downtown Waco.

Part of the showcase will be set up as a Beatnix-style coffee house featuring local

Object: Each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

Down 1 Canal protector 2 Colorful rings 3 Caribbean island nation 4 Dearth 5 “__ America Tour”: 2006 CBS

authors and live music.

Those who attend can expect to meet Dan Willis, cowboy poet and author of “Lost Army Gold,” which is a fictional book based in Waco.

Mark Firmin, who wrote “Cameron Park: A Centennial History,” will also be at the event, along with Brad Turner, author of “Lust, Violence, Religion: Life in Historic Waco.”

Fans of cowboy poetry should also stop to meet Elmer Mulhausen, author of “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To My 80th Birthday.”

These authors’ books will be available to be purchased and autographed at the event.

In addition to authors and book signings, the faux coffee house will feature live music by local musician Lee VanWagner.

Music fans might be interested in attending a patriotic tribute at 3 p.m. featuring Heavenly Voices, a gospel choir made up of Baylor students.

The event will have activities and attractions geared towards all ages.

“Showcase Waco! is also going to be having kids activities, so it’s an event for the whole family,” Spikes said.

One of the children’s activities will include a storytelling by the Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild.

Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog will be there taking pictures, which will available that same day for families to take home in a souvenir frame.

During the day, Baylor University Theatre will also perform a scene from its upcoming musical, “Gypsy.”

Capt. Billy Whizzbang’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers will provide food, which will be available for purchase throughout the day.

The event will also give the citizens of Waco a chance to find out about the culture in this city.

“Waco actually has a lot to offer,” Spikes said.

Courtesy photo

Crime prevention mascot Scruff McGruff greets children at Showcase Waco.

‘Dance Central’ game helps wallflowers bloom

By Gieson Cacho McClatchy-Tribune News Service

I can’t dance. That is 100 percent, unbiased scientific fact. My body isn’t built for grooving, jumping or even the running man. The best I can do is jumping jacks and even then I screw them up once in a while. But I do like video games and I’m willing to give anything a try.

That’s how I got roped into trying out “Dance Central,” Harmonix’s latest music-rhythm game. It uses the Xbox’s new Kinect sensor to read your body movements and interpret them on screen.

Even with no controller and a nearly empty room I felt awkward.

I kept thinking about being a wallflower at my grade school dances.

I moved my arm to choose among multiplayer modes like a Dance Battle and single-player campaign.

I cycled through the songs, which

FUN TIMES Answers at www.baylorlariat.com Across 1 Spread __ 6 Rises to great heights 11 Short nightwear?

14 Series 15 Speedpass brand 16 Space in time 17 “Big Girl in the Middle” coauthor Gabrielle 18 Longtime DieHard rival 19 Fake it 20 Faultfinding brother?

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25 Daughter of Laban 27 Lighten up 29 Debris in the hayloft?

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42 Jordan was part of it: Abbr.

45 Dreamcast maker 46 Dona __ pacem: grant us peace 50 What Michelle Kwan might do in a financial emergency?

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65 MGM motto word 66 D-Day beach 67 Wedding memento 68 Blow without distinction?

69 Not fresh 70 Green shampoo 71 Balaam’s beast 72 Radiate 73 Finishing stroke

Baylor Lariat |B9

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Arts and Entertainment

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010

News event 6 Arizona’s “Red Rock Country” 7 Team members 8 Wheelset component 9 Mythical birds 10 Arty type, maybe 11 Controversial testing component 12 Nocturnal scavengers 13 Friday was one: Abbr.

21 Heart 22 Tirana is its cap.

26 Stars of “Two and a Half Men,” e.g.

28 Work unit 30 Knock on 31 “Fresh Air” airer 32 Friend of Pooh 33 Knowledgeable about 35 Reason for grounding, perhaps 39 Coin in Tirana

are all upbeat pop and hip-hop.

It’s anything from Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison” to Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head.”

Game REVIEW I chose Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” because it was the easiest on the list. I wouldn’t have to do any crazy leg swings and pull a muscle or strain my back. Out of “Dance Central’s” 650-plus dance moves, I could handle swaying left and right just fine.

Some of the more complex motions were choreographed by Marcos Aguirre, a professional dancer who was hired for the project. He’s also the person who got to name the dance moves that millions of other people will be trying to pull off.

As the music starts, I check

McClatchy-Tribune

40 Airport near Citi Field, briefly 41 Dandy 42 Sabres’ org.

43 Former U.N. secretary-general __-Ghali 44 Charges 47 One taken in 48 Sharon, notably 49 London classic, with “The” 51 Cassis apéritif 52 Yoga command 53 Date 57 Requested answers 60 Eastern beef city 61 It gives you the big picture 62 Half a sitcom signoff 63 Ohio State basketball coach Matta 64 Flag 65 Grammy-winning Steely Dan album

over to the right of the screen where the dance directions arrive via flashcards and I had to mimic those movements in time with the music. I thought you could do the whole routine via flashcards, but I found that mirroring the dancer on the screen worked better. I sort of had better movement and I saw my score steadily rise beneath the boombox that marked my score.

If I could chain few moves in time and in a row, I started a multiplier.

This rarely happened because I was born without a sense of rhythm.

Over the course of the song, “Dance Central” takes random pictures if you perform a move at the right time. The snapshot places are marked on the flashcards that glide up the screen. If you’re having trouble with some moves, the game will let you slow up the routine in the Break It Down mode so you can figure out the dance and gradually speed it up to normal.

It works similarly to the training modes in “Rock Band.”

With all the moves like the “Torch” and the “Say What,” I asked if you could build your own routine. I’d like to the do the “Robot” (the one dance move I can competently perform ) into the “Sway” (the one I just learned).

Unfortunately, Crooker said that there wasn’t a choreography mode, but players can freestyle during certain sections of songs just as long they performed well enough in the song.

That’s something that I didn’t do well, but my performance was passable once I figured out how to sway and clap at the same time.

The whole dancing game reminds me of my relationship with karaoke. Normally, I’d be embarrassed to sing in front of people, but I do belt out anything that comes to mind when I’m home alone. I don’t mind singing in front of friends in

“Rock Band” because, hey, we’re all in this together, but being on stage really makes me afraid.

But that stage fright is something you overcome and video games help build up the confidence to do that. I imagine the same thing will happen with “Dance Central.”

Yes, I’m ashamed of my inability to dance, but once you start playing, stop caring and get into the flow of the game, it’s really a lot of fun. Best of all, the game even has a calorie counter that tells you how much energy you burned while doing a “light bulb” into a “sky taffy.” For me, I burned nine calories during the routine. I know it isn’t much, but I figure that it’s a start.

Maybe once I’m more acquainted with the game, I’ll be able to dance like this. At least, I won’t be totally helpless at those Christmas parties.

“Dance Central” is scheduled for release in November.

B10| Baylor Lariat the

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 www.baylorlariat.com

Nick Berryman | Lariat Photographer

Members of the Student Productions Steering Committee set up lights Thursday night at the technical rehearsal for After Dark. Baylor’s annual talent show will be held at 6:30 and 9:30 today at Waco Hall.

Nick Berryman | Lariat Photography

(Above) Come and Get It, the house band for After Dark 2010, plays through a few songs to prepare for the show.

(Right) Beaumont junior Phillip Skinner and graduate student Debbie Hernandez practice their song on stage at Waco Hall during After Dark rehearsal.

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Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

Plano senior Lauren Guy performs her dance routine for After Dark 2010 during the dress rehearsal Thursday.

Daniel Cernero | Photo Editor

fter Dark

2010