Student Health PAGE Care Check-up 3 Volume 50, Issue 2
UNCA Hosts Big PAGE South Tournament 12 Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blue Banner Anorex ia The
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Social networking site advocates eating disorders
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USA Presidents Word Search Find and circle all of the United States Presidents hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell an Abraham Lincoln quotation.
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WASHINGTON J ADAMS JEFFERSON MADISON MONROE J Q ADAMS JACKSON VAN BUREN W HARRISON TYLER POLK TAYLOR FILLMORE PIERCE BUCHANAN
LINCOLN A JOHNSON GRANT HAYES GARFIELD ARTHUR CLEVELAND B HARRISON MCKINLEY T ROOSEVELT TAFT WILSON HARDING COOLIDGE HOOVER
F D ROOSEVELT TRUMAN EISENHOWER KENNEDY L JOHNSON NIXON FORD CARTER REAGAN G H W BUSH CLINTON G W BUSH OBAMA
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News Thursday, February 5, 2009
4-Day Weather THURSDAY 45 30
compiled by Morgan Weeks and Sarah Jessop
FRIDAY 52 30
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SUNDAY 58 33
SATURDAY 55 35
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Student body re-examines insurance Pro-anorexia group forms By Cassady Sharp Assistant News Editor cbsharp@unca.edu
Full-time UNC Asheville students can no longer count themselves as members of the swelling uninsured club, whose enrollment recently reached 47 million Americans. “One of the biggest growing populations of uninsured Americans are the college-age population. The health insurance requirement is part of a national trend providing college students with affordable health insurance,” said Jay Cutspec, UNCA’s director of Student Health and Counseling Center. Nearly 30 percent of 18-to-24-yearolds remain uninsured, according to a 2007 Census Bureau report. Beginning last fall, UNCA required full-time students to purchase the university health insurance if they were not already covered. The university’s provider, Pearce and Pearce, specializes in student insurance. “Pearce and Pearce was chosen by the UNC system as a whole a few years ago,” Cutspec said. “Chapel Hill and NC State are the only two that do not use it.” The annual charge for the school’s insurance is $612, which financial aid can cover.
“You’re looking at a $1,100 annual insurance plan if you opt out for something like Blue Cross,” Cutspec said. “25 percent of our students were uninsured, and most of them purchased the Pearce and Pearce plan.” Hannah Drum, 19, just enrolled in the student insurance because her state insurance expired when she turned 18. “I am here to find out if they will cover my eye doctor bill and going to the dentist,” said the Maiden native, while waiting in the Student Health Services Center in Weizenblatt Hall. Pearce and Pearce covers outside medical treatment, but only if student health services issues a referral. The plan does not cover treatment such as regular checkups, eye examinations or regular dental care. The insurance plan will cover treatment for injury to natural teeth. “Pearce and Pearce does not cover routine
health care. There has to be a problem,” said a customer service representative for the AIG subsidiary. Nearly 25 percent of the full-time UNCA population enrolled in the student health insurance last fall. Only 9 percent enrolled for the spring semester, but this decrease is most likely because students have not renewed their coverage online. Online renewal at Pearce and Pearce’s Web site is required for covered care for the spring semester. “I can’t afford health insurance at all, not even the school’s insurance,” said Rachel Lawless, a biology major. “I am going to school part time and working until I can afford it.” Nearly 2,000 full-time students waived the school’s insurance for their own plan. Many of these plans are part of a family plan which expire when the students graduate. “My parents wanted to make sure my insurance would last long enough if I took a semester off to do the Appalachian Trail,” said Megan Chalk, an art and education major. “The insurance under my parent’s plan
See Insurance Page 5
on Facebook By Rhys Baker Staff Writer
rdbaker@unca.edu
A pro-anorexia group on Facebook sparks a debate of free-speech, sensitivity and safety. The mission statement of the group is: “motivate friends to refuse food immediately!” The group’s membership climbed to nearly 500 while a group called Facebook to Remove Pro Anorexia and Bulimia Groups enrolls more than 4,000 members. According to Dr. Amy Lanou of the Health and Wellness Department, anorexia is a mental illness characterized by rapid weight loss, inability to retain weight and a distorted body image. Often fatal and hard to diagnose, the illness afflicts many high-risk groups including youth, domestic abuse victims, homosexual men, heterosexual women and those whose careers require a specific body type, she said. “I definitely had to change my eating habits,” said Ian Shannon, UNC Asheville junior and 2006 N.C. wrestling champion, about the weight control practices of his high school wrestling team. “There’s a lot of pressure to be at the right weight.” Wrestlers are susceptible to eating disorders because of the strict diets that they undertake, according to Shannon. “Preparing for the wrestling season is tough,” Shannon said. “I generally weighed 15 pounds less in season.” The pro-anorexia side argued that freedom of speech grants them the right to promote the disease. “I have seen pro-anorexia Web sites before,” Lanou said. “There are anorexic support groups that help people perpetuate self-destructive behavior.” They also argue that those who oppose the group should ignore it since
See Anorexia Page 5
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Service industry runs dry By David Milton Staff Writer
demilton@unca.edu
UNC Asheville students and graduates working in the service industry struggle with finances amid a dwindling job market and a shrinking economy, several students said. “There is not a job to be found in this town,” said Tierney Oberhammer, 22, a literature major who graduated from UNCA in December. “It sucks. I wish I could say it more eloquently, but it just sucks.” Oberhammer, who normally works as a host and a server at Jerusalem Garden Café, is temporarily unemployed, as the local restaurant has closed for January for renovations. To pay her bills, she has recently taken babysitting jobs. “As a graduate, even when I am employed, I feel like I am underemployed,” Oberhammer said. As a server, Oberhammer has noticed a seasonal decline in personal income because fewer people have been dining out. Servers depend on the amount of business more than anyone because their pay is directly dependent on it, she said. “Working a 12-hour shift and making less than $70 simply because people aren’t going out to eat as much, that just
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doesn’t cut it,” Oberhammer said. “I can’t even pay my bills with that.” Rachel Lawless, 20, an ecology major, is also a working student. Lawless works for the Residential Education and Housing Operations and is grateful to have the job, she said. “Because I work on campus and for the university, and because I am a student, I have less chance of losing my job or losing hours,” Lawless said. “The university is trying to make the student body as unaffected by the economy as possible.” There are limits for on-campus student employment. According to the Career Center Web site, students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours a week during the school year. Students can work multiple on-campus jobs as long as the total amount of hours stays below 20. Photo courtesy The Bier Garden On-campus jobs can pay up to $10 an Wes Ogden, a server unaffected by job cuts, fills pitchers at the Bier Garden. hour, but cannot pay more than that without permission from the work supervisor portant. hires college students, like many other resand the divisional academic dean. “Working in the restaurant industry, it taurants and bars in downtown Asheville, Lawless worked as a server last sum- would have been much more likely my but right now they are not hiring. Applimer at Bier Garden, a downtown restau- hours would have been cut back,” Law- cants come in everyday. rant and bar. less said. “But working for the university I “The down-turning economy has been The income Lawless earned while em- only make around $300 a month.” hurting us since last summer,” said Nathan ployed at Bier Garden was significantly Lawless said Bier Garden did cut back Wardell, manager at Bier Garden. “We’ve greater, but she said the stability associ- hours for its servers and hosts this winter, had to cut back a lot of shifts for our frontated with an on-campus job was more im- because business has slowed. Bier Garden of-the-house employees.”
University tightens belt: school’s budget cut by 6 percent By Heide Penner Staff Writer
bmpenner@unca.edu
The aftershocks of the stock market drop in September resonate in the additional cuts to UNC Asheville’s budget. “The national and global economic meltdowns have caused financial and trade crises combined with the collapse of spending,” said Jane Fernandes, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in an email. “All state agencies, including University of North Carolina campuses, have to contribute money back to the government so that our state budget is balanced.” North Carolina mandated an additional 2 percent cut from all state agencies, for a total of 6 percent this year beginning in February. “They’re hitting the university system with a 6 percent tax right now, but we
are also under instructions from the university president to add an additional 1 percent contingency,” said John Pierce, vice chancellor of finance and campus operations. “Nobody really knows how bad it’s Jane Fernandes going to be.” This year, the university will have $2,047,000 less due to the cuts. There may be further cuts to the budget in the future, according to Pierce. “Let’s keep it consistent—apples to apples,” Pierce said. “Six percent on this year’s budget is $2,047,000. Six percent on next year’s budget is $2.4 million. So we would have to come up with another $350,000 some odd dollars in cuts next year.” Pierce attributes the cuts to a lowered
amount of money within the government. “Basically, what we have is a state revenue shortfall in terms of sales tax collections and income tax collections,” Pierce said. The state is required to have a balanced budget, said Merianne Epstein, director of news services at UNCA. “When the tax revenues are low, people are shopping less, their income taxes will be less because either their investments went down, or they’re out of work or they made less money, so now the state’s income is lower,” she said. “Then they have to adjust the budget because they didn’t get as much money.” This year, 18 states added double-digit cuts to their higher education budgets. Nevada’s governor proposed a 36 percent cut and South Carolina’s proposed a cut of 16 percent. “I think that we’re really fortunate to
be in a state that’s managing its finances pretty conservatively,” Pierce said. Low enrollment courses will feel the brunt of the budget reductions, but a loyalty to the quality of education resounds within the UNCA administration. “Education is our priority and we will continue to assure that we provide a topnotch teaching and learning environment for our students,” Fernandes said. “The ability of faculty to deliver our curriculum is our primary concern. Having said that, no part of the institution will be immune from the painful cuts to come.” Other changes include keeping vacancies open, cutting back on temporary employees and adjunct faculty, as well as placing restrictions on purchasing and travel. “With a focus on our core mission of providing exemplary liberal arts educaSee Cuts Page 5
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Environmental Insurance studies hopes for grant money By Lorin Mallorie Staff Writer
lmmallor@unca.edu
The proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which includes $150 billion in education spending, leaves UNC Asheville poised to receive massive capital funding. “Currently, the university is developing an initiative encouraging faculty to submit grant proposals for the available funding,” said J. William Miller, environmental studies department chair and geologist. According to John Pierce, vice chancellor of finances and operations, the university has an initiative in place that will generously benefit from the recovery bill’s provisions. “UNCA’s administration is proactive on this significant opportunity, in an effort to further its mission as an institution of higher learning,” he said. While the national economy has entered a period of great challenge, the university is making every effort to meet and exceed its responsibilities to current students, alumni and the community, Pierce said. The university’s proposal for capital funds includes energy-saving projects, including a new roof for Mills Hall with a solar hot water heating system. According to officials, UNCA currently coordinates projects with Rep. Heath Shuler’s office. On-campus facilities such as the Student Environmental Center boast waterless urinals and highlight the school’s commitment to energy-saving technology. A $10 billion component for science facilities, research and instrumentation is also included in the recovery package which federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy will sponsor, Pierce said. The school already has several outstanding grant proposals, including an interdepartmental proposal to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration exceeding $1.2 million. If funded, Pierce said the environmental studies program will benefit from the endowment. The anticipated plan, exceeding $800 billion in economic stimulus, passed the House last week and moved to the Senate Monday.
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will expire when I turn 23, so I hope I can find a job with benefits after I graduate.” The school insurance also expires once a student graduates. Some students had difficulty proving they already had health insurance when the university initially implemented the requirement. “My account was automatically drafted for the school insurance plan back in August,” said psychology major Morgan Purdy. “I was not even aware that I had to show proof of my insurance.” UNCA charged Emily Knollman for the school’s health insurance although she also had her own insurance. “There were lots of phone calls back and forth in order for me to show proof that I already had insurance,” said the 23-year-old Spanish and psychology double major. “It took over a week to finally get it worked out and see a refund on my account.” Knollman said the school’s insurance plan would raise the cost of her prescribed medication. Her current insurance coverage will expire when she graduates in May. “I am really nervous about finding a job which will provide health insurance for me, but I know a lot of jobs are cutting back on their benefits,” she said. “I really worry about that.”
Tyler Kilpatrick enrolled in the Pearce and Pearce plan for the spring semester after she increased her hours to full time. She lacked insurance before the semester started. “I’m pretty annoyed about it because I have been able to get by just fine without health insurance,” said the 21-year-old Spanish major. “If anything did come up, I just went to the health department, which was very affordable.” Kilpatrick said it is another charge she has to worry about, yet won’t necessarily utilize. Cutspec said the student health services experienced increased visits this year and will continue to accommodate to student needs. “The university’s main goal is to promote students to be academically successful,” Cutspec. “There are many people who withdraw during the year because of poor health, particularly mental health.” The school’s plan covers 12 mental health visits per year. These visits do not require a referral. “The university does not see any money from this requirement,” Cutspec said. “In fact, medical costs are one of the leading costs of bankruptcy in this country, and we don’t want to see 20-year-olds going broke for something that could have been covered by health insurance.”
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they don’t have anorexia and would not understand pro-anorexia viewpoints. “With the exception of these supportive communities, people generally don’t approve of the anorexic lifestyle,” said Lanou. Most of the comments on the group’s wall reject the promotion of anorexia, requesting a dismantling of the group. The creator of the group, Miranda Carnessale, started it as a joke. According to her comment in the debate, she refuses to delete the group because she enjoys the controversy it causes. According to Lanou, anorexic people often fail to realize they have a real problem and do not seek treatment. “Anorexia is a really dangerous condition,” Lanou said. “I would like it if these groups were removed.”
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tion to undergraduate students, we have made cuts this year in ways that have been largely invisible to most people on campus,” Fernandes said. “We are making cuts as judiciously as possible, assuring that we can continue to provide the education our faculty has designed for students, but everyone will have to work harder.” According to Fernandes, cuts will be largely hidden from the students. “We want to preserve their education,” she said. Though the budget cuts concern tuition, UNCA maintains its value. “Out of 12 peer institutions, UNC Asheville is second lowest in tuition cost,” Pierce said. “UNC Asheville is one of the best values because tuition is so low and academics are so high.” Although the outlook is grim, the university can experience some benefits.
The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial Thur/Fri, Feb 12/13 8pm
Diana Wortham Theatre
Campus Discount Tickets
Highsmith Box Office
(street Level) 828.251.6991
February 12, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth! The LA TheatreWorks production,
The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial,
recreates the steamy summer courtroom of the original 1925 Scopes trial where the debate raged about Darwin’s theory of evolution vs. the school of creationism. Unlikely heroic figures sparked a fierce debate over freedom of inquiry, faith vs. science and the separation of church and state, a debate that still goes on today.
•••Tickets on sale NOW!••• Presented in association with Diana Wortham Theatre
www.unca.edu/culturalarts
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Outdoors endowment started in student’s name By Michelle Peck
earlier and was swollen and bloody, but sat there and sketched out a James Karpinos died last April in a wa- full detailed map of the terfall accident, but his enthusiasm for the cave with very specific outdoors lives on through an endowment. instructions, despite my “Upon James’ passing, the Karpi- protests. He always nos family requested that donations be went above and beyond made to the outdoors program and to the to help people, even if Student Global AIDS campaign in lieu of he had his own things flowers,” said Leah McDowell, interim to figure out.” assistant director for Campus Outdoors. Both McDowell and “There was such a large number of do- Culatta agree that the nors that it was clear that, with some hard endowment and scholwork, creating an endowment would be arship program would possible.” be what James would Karpinos majored in sociology with a have wanted. minor in environmental science. He spent “Campus recreation the fall of 2007 studying at the University is developing annual of Ghana in Accra. He also graduated from scholarships in James’ the National Outdoor Leadership School name,” McDowell said. and received certification as a Wilderness “In his honor, full or First Responder. partial scholarships will McDowell said even though James was be available for incoman experienced hiker, waterfalls are dan- ing freshman to attend gerous and waterfall safety is important to the Wilderness Experiremember. ence. Some of the anPhotos courtesy UNC Asheville Outdoors Elizabeth Culatta, a senior ethics and nual funds will be used social institutions major and Campus Rec- to support the cave pro- An endowment was set up in James Karpinos’ name. Karpinos’ favorite activity was caving. reation Outdoors trip supervisor, admired gram that James helped Below, Karpinos posses with a family in Ghana, while visiting to study families and genders. Karpinos’ welcoming attitude. develop for the outdoors “I became a ‘newbie’ on the outdoors program. It is the hope of Campus staff and I always heard his name. I re- Recreation that funds can allow for member, upon meeting James how person- advanced cave trainings for student able, interested and caring he was, even to trip leaders in outdoors.” this new staff member he’d never met,” The scholarship will focus on the Cullata. specifics of caving, one of KarpiCulatta said that Karpinos was a natural nos’ favorite outdoor activities. leader and made others feel safe while on “The money that will be spent expeditions. for Wilderness Experience scholar“I remember caving with him once and ships will be a huge gift, introducing just feeling so safe and secure, despite not incoming freshmen to the Asheville knowing my surroundings at all because outdoors who wouldn’t have been James practically exuded capability,” Cu- able to go otherwise,” Culatta said. latta said. “He felt comfortable outdoors “The money going to cave training, and made others feel comfortable too. His which James loved and led often, sense of excitement about the outdoors will build the caving program even was absolutely contagious.” further and allow returning staff opCulatta said James was always willing portunities to make new discoveries to help others with any problem, whether and pass that valuable information it involved the outdoors program or not. on to our student participants.” “James was an outdoorsman. He loved McDowell said there has already being outside, camping, building and been a flood of support and hard fighting fires, backpacking, and of course, work from many people and orgatalking to people in the backcountry,” Cu- nizations. latta said. “I knew him best as a caver. “Campus Recreation has worked hard have accrued to some $20,000. Once the When I was preparing to take a scouting with Alumni and Development to begin endowment is fulfilled, campus recreation More information on the Karpinos Entrip to Whorley’s cave with a group of the endowment and has goals of reaching will have annual funds to help promote the dowment can be found at www.unca.edu/ friends, I asked James if he could refresh the necessary $25,000 in 2009,” McDow- outdoors program that James worked so recreation. me on some specifics. He had cut his eye ell said. “Currently, private donations hard in and loved.” Staff Writer
mwpeck@unca.edu
Arts & Features Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Hall of fame guitarist rocks Grey Eagle
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Campus Events
Movie Night
Pineapple Express Highsmith 104 Friday and Saturday, 7 & 9 p.m.
Intercultural Speaker
Photo Courtesy of Jim Weider
From left, Jim Weider, formerly of The Band, on guitar, Rodney Holmes on drums, Mitch Stein on guitar and Steve Lucas on bass. Hall of Fame guitarist, Weider and his Project Percolator play the Grey Eagle Saturday with local group Modo.
Jim Weider’s Project Percolator blends jazz, rock and raw talent By Alyssa Spencer Staff Writer
afspence@unca.edu
Jim Weider’s Project Percolator will perform at West Asheville’s Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall for the first time Saturday with opening support from Asheville-based band Modo. Weider, who played guitar for the 1960s rock group The Band, formed Project Percolator two years ago and describes its style as “groove guitar rock.” “It’s got a deep groove,” Weider said. “We have Rodney Holmes on drums, Mitch Stein on guitar and Steve Lucas on bass. They’re all fantastic players.” Weider, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has made 19 albums in his career, spanning nearly five decades. He has played with Mavis Staples, Scotty Moore, Bob Dylan, and Keith Richards, to name a few. “I wrote a hit song for Mavis Staples and recorded with her several times,” Weider said. “We recorded her ‘Have a Little
Faith’ record, and I wrote the song and that was great. Getting to work with her in the studio and produce the record was cool.” Weider attributes his musical styling and inspiration to the innovations of rock and roll music from the 50s and 60s. “Besides The Band, who I ended up playing with for 15 years, my influences are Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and, of course, the 50s greats Scotty Moore and Chuck Berry. I started playing in the early 60s and it was because of Scotty Moore and Chuck Berry,” Weider said. Project Percolator has played festivals in the Asheville area, but Saturday marks their first time at The Grey Eagle. “We’ll be playing a lot of songs from the new album, which will be out in the spring, and we will play some The Band material at our [Grey Eagle] show. We do a really jammed-out Reggae version of ‘The Weight.’ It’s a lot of fun. We take it into a psychedelic region,” Weider said. Opening band Modo, who formed in Asheville a year and a half ago, have
played The Grey Eagle once before and look forward to doing it again. “We have not had many chances to open for names as big as Jim’s,” Modo drummer Ben Falcon said. “We were asked to open for Project Percolator after playing our own headlining gig at The Grey Eagle and forming a rapport with the venue’s managers.” Falcon, who describes Modo as “modern rock and roll with a jazzy twist and a funky feel,” said that jazz and Rodney Holmes are major influences. “Jim’s drummer, Rodney Holmes, is considered one of the best drummers in the world by Modern Drummer Magazine, and I would endorse that claim,” Falcon said. “I have been a big fan since seeing him play with The Steve Kimock Band in recent years.” Falcon said that Asheville is a prime city to play in, because turnout and enthusiasm levels are always high.
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Caroline Simpson, PhD Relationships: An Afrocentric Perspective Highsmith 104 Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Wacky Wednesday
Highsmith Lower Lobby Decorate a Bear Wednesday, 4-8 p.m.
BSA Step Show
Lipinsky Hall Feb. 13, 7-11 p.m.
Valentines UP All Day Comedian Kyle Grooms (See UP for details) Movie: Beetlejuice Feb. 14, 7 & 9:30 p.m.
For more campus activities, visit: www.unca.edu/ barker/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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World-renowned artists speak at Thomas Wolfe By Dylan Schepps Arts & Features Editor dcschepp@unca.edu
Artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude recycle what they create. Their large-scale artworks and installations reflect and reinterpret rural and urban environments, said Bunny Halton-Subkis, UNC Asheville’s director of cultural and special events. Drawing from architecture, sculpture and urban-planning practices, this husband-and-wife team creates art that disPhoto Courtesy of Wolfgang Volz Christo and Jeanne-Claude are ap- rupts the mundane qualities of life and enproaching their fiftieth year of marriage courages inquiry about the space humans occupy. and artistic collaboration.
Their works, often constructed from Tickets: Civic Center Box Office fabric, are environmentally friendly and, and Highsmith Union upon completion, they recycle all materials. The duo will speak about their lives Price: $30, general public, $18, together since they met in 1958 and will present a visual history of their innovative, UNCA faculty and staff, $6, students ground-breaking work. The Asheville Art Museum sponsored Location: Thomas Wolfe the artists’ visit as part of its smArt Speak Auditorium series, with additional support from UNCA’s Office of Cultural and Special Events, said Halton-Subkis. Time: 7 p.m. The event is at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Thursday at 7 p.m.
Liberals quench thirst for politics and beer By Erin McWhorter Staff Writer
emmcwhor@unca.edu
Gathering weekly for an evening of pints and pizza, the Asheville chapter of the Drinking Liberally group attracts patrons to discuss and dispute a wide range of subjects. Ronald Harayda regularly attends the discussion-driven group and brings many of his own ideas and personal interests to the forum. “Liberal has become a four letter word over the last couple of decades, and it really shouldn’t be,” said Harayda, 63. “I think liberal ideas are some of the cornerstones in founding this country.” Also serving as vice president of the local Veterans for Peace chapter, Harayda attended the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival and produced the Veterans Voices Radio Show on WPVM 103.5. His involvement with pop culture and media attracted Harayda to such an open, conversational group. “We have our discussions about local, national and international political issues,” Harayda said. Topics have ranged from people such as César Chávez, a civil rights activist who founded the United Farm Workers labor union, to the local transportation system, according to Harayda. Showing up and paying for your own drinks are the only requirements, accordIan Shannon - Staff Photographer ing to Harayda, who also likes the idea of From left, Ronald H. Harayda and Anthony Mikolojeski laugh while discussing politics and liberalism at the Coxe Avenue more students getting involved with the Asheville Pizza Company. The Asheville Drinking Liberally group meets Thursdays at 7p.m. group. “I like talking about politics. I’m a big “Drinking alcohol is not required to at- Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company Polish-Irish man in the South. “I drink and I am liberal,” said politics person,” Mikolojeski said. “We tend,” he said. “So, I think that would be located at 77 Coxe Ave. Anthony Mikolojeski, 45, recently at- Mikolojeski, who moved to Asheville five need to come together, work together, and pretty exciting.” Drinking Liberally meets Thurs- tended his first meeting with a friend, jok- years ago and now owns the downtown See DRINKING Page 10 day evenings 7 p.m. at the downtown ing lightheartedly about being the only salon As The Chair Turns.
UNCA honors art professor in Cooke Gallery Thursday, February 5, 2009
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By Nick Robinson Staff Writer
nhrobins@unca.edu
The strong turnout for sculptor Dan Millspaugh’s retrospective Friday in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery fulfilled Millspaugh’s expectations. “I was here for 26 years, so I know a lot of people. I see a lot of former students here,” said Millspaugh, a professor at UNC Asheville in the art department for more than two decades. Millspaugh estimates that the retrospective, which contains over 30 actual sculptures and more than 40 photographs of his larger works, includes roughly 1 percent of all his 3-D pieces. The display, which opened last Friday, includes pieces of his dating back to 1954. Millspaugh created “Cement Cat,” his first sculpture, when he was nine years old. “It’s incredible that he did that at such a young age,” said Talia Friedman, 18, a freshman at UNCA. Friedman came to the event already knowing some of Millspaugh’s work. Millspaugh had designed a piece for Fletcher Elementary School, Friedman’s elementary school, in 2001. The piece, titled “Fletcher Symbols,” depicted various children’s books in iron stacks, the specific titles of which apparently had a special significance to Brian Ponder - Staff Photographer the students. Left, Dan Millspaugh smiles posing with one of his sculptures featured in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery. Right, Alexandra “The kids picked their favorite books Weinstein admires a Millspaugh sculpture. Millspaugh’s more than 30 sculptures are in the gallery until Feb. 25. and he put them on the piece,” Friedman said. Many other organizations, including I was able to manipulate Millspaugh said. “I spective and enjoyed seeing the finished “My father was an artist, the city of Asheville, the Wright-Patterson things, I started making would find materials product. musician and photographer, so at the scrap yard, bring Air Force Base in Ohio, the UNC Chapel art,” Millspaugh said. “What I like about his stuff is that it’s Hill Botanical Gardens and the Tennessee Friendly, jovial and (getting into art) was never a them home, and let very industrial, and a lot of the brushed Valley Authority in Alabama have com- smiling almost the entire problem for me. As soon as I them sit.” aluminum feel comes from that,” he said. missioned Millspaugh for sculpturing. night, Millspaugh showed was able to manipulate things, I When creating a “The shapes are really pleasing but very Millspaugh holds an MFA in sculpture his sense of humor piece, Millspaugh violent at the same time. The uniformity started making art.” and a BFA in Ceramics from the Univer- throughout the opening. usually begins with of some of those shapes makes it feel sity of Miami. He received numerous Millspaugh’s father small-scale cardboard pressed out by a machine, but it has a -- Dan Millspaugh awards for teaching over his lengthy ca- produced 3-D art that was models before devel- very personal feel.” reer, including the 1996 UNC Asheville more functional than artisoping them into fullJunior Amy Wolf said the retrospecDistinguished Teacher Award and the tic, according to Millspaugh. size metal works, which he sculpts with tive was “fantastic.” 1999 UNC Board of Governors Award “He made ‘things,’ and I made ‘things’ bronze, steel, aluminum and iron. “I’m in a sculpture class right now and for Excellence. that weren’t necessarily useful,” MillsSome of Millspaugh’s sculptures stand this is getting me excited about metalMillspaugh said he was born into art, paugh said. more than 13 feet high, and many can working,” Wolf said. “I love the imaginabut not into sculpture. Millspaugh said inspiration comes be dissembled and rebuilt for public dis- tion in the work and the execution.” “My father was an artist, musician, more from specific things in the world play. The retrospective remains open to the and photographer, so (getting into art) around him than by the medium. Junior Mark Boyd, 21, helped assem- public in the S. Tucker Cooke gallery unwas never a problem for me. As soon as “I get inspiration from the materials,” ble one of the largest pieces in the retro- til Feb. 25.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Drinking
look at each other as Americans.” Compared to his hometown of Detroit, Mich., Mikolojeski recognizes a political divide within Asheville. Drinking Liberally serves not only as an outlet for discussion and discourse among acquaintances, but also provides a social outlet for members from different aspects of the Asheville community to come together and know one another better, according to Mikolojeski. “I find that there’s still a huge divide between Republicans and Democrats,” Mikolojeski said. “I don’t think that we are going to achieve anything we need to achieve in this country unless we look at each other as Americans.” Two notable community members of the Asheville chapter, according to Harayda, include Gordon Smith of the Scrutiny Hooligans blog and Wally Bowen of Mountain Area Information Network. “There’s the main base of people that come pretty much every week,” said Amy Kemp, 45, who began attending Asheville
{The Blue Banner}
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“People float in and out, and the ones that come every week float in and out sometimes too,” Kemp said. Pete Southerland, a frequent attendee of Drinking Liberally, admits the composition of the group has changed over time. According to Southerland, conversations at the meetings vary greatly and in the past included such issues as gardening, astrology, religion and photography. “A lot of times we get city council people to stop by,” Kemp said. “All kinds of people come intermittently, and the people that started the group stop by too.” Both Kemp and Harayda agree the chapter host, Douglas Ewen, supports community outreach and proactive involvement through the group. “We’re getting more active, I think, Ian Shannon - Staff Photographer now that Doug’s taken over,” Kemp, Members of the Asheville Drinking Liboriginally from Hunstsville, Ala., said. erally group meet at Asheville Pizza on “People actually care; there are people Coxe Avenue for beer and politics. here who are intelligent enough to think meetings several years ago after moving a different way.” from Huntsville, Ala.
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“I’m looking forward to this Grey Eagle show,” said Michelle Barbeau, a UNC Asheville senior. “I’ve heard great things about Modo and I love The Band. They’ve been influenced by so many people and they themselves have influenced so many musicians.” Regardless of the city or how many people are in his audience, Weider believes in two things: having a glass of wine before the show and focusing on playing music “in the moment.” “It’s only what you are doing now that’s important. I played with The Band for 15 years all over the world, and I learned a lot playing with musicians I always looked up to,” Weider said. To learn more about Jim Weider’s Project Percolator and his band’s style, as well as listen to their music and watch videos of performances, visit www.myspace. com/jimweiderband and www.jimweider. com.
Annuals showcase new material at the Orange Peel Saturday By Erica Grabon
Contributing Writer individualtastes@yahoo.com
With a unique sound traveling between post-rock, pop-rock and orchestral ballads, musical act the Annuals are preparing for a Saturday show at the Orange Peel. “We started playing around the area in 2000, but not as the Annuals, as a few different bands,” said lead singer Adam Baker. The name, the Annuals, was eventually decided on. Baker said there is no definitive story to explain the name except
for a random happenstance. “I was on my way home from recording a song and I looked at some flowers and went, ‘annuals, that will do,” Baker said. “So I guess I can thank my mom’s garden for that.” The band started partly due to necessity, Baker said. “Mike and I met through band practice actually. I needed a bass player and he needed a drummer. I was a drummer back then,” Baker said. Kenny Florence joined the band soon after, as a result of relationships formed
within the band. With the release of the Annuals’ first album in 2006, Be He Me, they found fame among bloggers and critics from Rolling Stone and New York Times. Now with the recent release of Such Fun, the Annuals are in a different direction musically, with songs reflecting feelings of loneliness and connection to nature. “There are a lot of nature motifs. Usually it starts with chords. I write lyrics very late in the game,” Baker said. The title for the album comes in part from the message the Annuals wish to
convey about their music. “Many artists and musicians are arrogant about their work and take it way to seriously,” Baker said. “People need to start recognizing music and art as something fun, as well as for its serious intellectual property.” Though some of the Annuals’ songs can be described as relaxing, Baker said the shows are full of energy. “There are six people in the band and we all have very spastic energy. So there is a lot of running into each other, a lot of loudness,” he said.
Sports Thursday,
February 5, 2009
McCormick Field prepares for tournament Page 12 {The Blue Banner}
Winthrop blows by Lady Bulldogs By Ryan Burtner Staff Writer
rrburtne@unca.edu
“The Dog Pound” was a no show as the UNC Asheville (7-14, 4-4 BSC) women’s basketball team lost their third straight game Saturday afternoon against the visiting Winthrop Eagles (8-11, 3-4 BSC) 5647. According to Head Coach Betsy Blose she wishes students would come out and support her team. “Well, the students don’t come and watch us play,” Blose said. “It’s disappointing. We had the Girl Scouts here tonight, and I thought we had a good crowd.” Despite getting everyone else out there, she said she doesn’t understand why the students won’t come out. “The Fast Break Club, the Bulldog Celeste Shadoan- Staff Photographer Club members and the friends and fami- “The Dog Pound” was empty as the Lady Bulldogs battled against Winthrop. lies of our players are there,” Blose said. “We just have a hard time getting the stu- key factor in the game. than us, we’re just going to have to match dents out here.” “We don’t play a consistent 40 minutes their intensity and aggressiveness.” As for the game, Blose said it was a and we talked about that,” Blose said. “It’s Baker was 9-17 from the field with 19 game of two halves. not a 20 minute game and its not a 30 min- points, seven rebounds, five steals and “I thought the first-half we came out ute game. You have to put 40 solid min- four assists. and played well,” Blose said. “We execut- utes together.” “We are a little undersized, but we can’t ed our game plan, built a 10-point lead and Height played a role in the loss as well, use that as an excuse,” Baker said. “We shot the ball well. But In the second half, she said. just have to come out and outwork our opWinthrop went to the 2-3 zone defense, “We aren’t real big,” Blose said. “We’re ponents and have that mentality before we and we had a hard time scoring.” not a big team. Give Winthrop some credit; start the game.” Winthrop’s defense stiffened, and the We kind of played into their hands in the Winthrop senior forward Ashley Fann, Lady Bulldogs could not hold on to the second half. They went to that 2-3 zone who averages just under a double-double lead in the second half. defense with the big kids in the middle, on the season, shot 50 percent from the “We scored a total of 12 points in the and we didn’t have an answer tonight.” field and led the Lady Eagles with 19 second half, and that was the game right Blose said her team needs to win home points and 17 rebounds. there,” Blose said. “We’ve got to score games. She said in order to do that, the “We were supposed to be out there on points, and I thought at times we let our team as a whole will have to step up. the shooters and focus on keeping Fann off inability to score on offense affect us de“These home games are games we the boards,” Baker said. “We tried to the fensively. It was disappointing.” need to win,” Blose said. “Ana Baker, I best of our ability, but she out-rebounded Blose said she put an emphasis on thought, played really well, but we need us by herself. We just couldn’t contain putting their opponent away early in the other people to step up and hit shots and her.” game. we didn’t have that tonight.” Baker said she feels that even though “We talked about the first five minutes Senior point guard Ana Baker said that they are a young team, it is not a factor. about how you have to come out with a the lack of height on her team definitely “I can’t say inexperience was a facsense of urgency and put them away, and affected the outcome. tor, because we’re getting into February,” that didn’t happen,” Blose said. “Giving “It was a factor,” Baker said. “But it Baker said. “We’ve been practicing hard up 56 points is not that bad. We scored 47, was a team loss. Somebody is going to and we are not going to say our loses are and that’s the ball game.” have to step up and when we play teams due to inexperience. We’re going to just She said the lack of consistency was a like Winthrop and Liberty who are bigger See BULLDOGS Page 12
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UNCA falls short to Winthrop By Randi Kitts Staff Writer
rjkitts@unca.edu
The UNC Asheville Bulldogs (9-12, 5-5) rallied, but fell short for a second time against the Winthrop Eagles (6-13, 5-5), this time losing 56-49 before a home crowd at the Justice Center. Freshman guard Matt Dickey led the Bulldogs with 11 points, and junior guard Sean Smith contributed 10. Sophomore forward John Williams just missed a doubledouble with 8 points and 10 rebounds. The Eagles took an early lead while the Bulldogs were slow to find their rhythm. UNCA cut Matt Dickey the deficit to six when they went on an 8-0 run in the last five minutes before halftime. “Our biggest problem so far this year has been creating a large first half deficit,” said Thomas Lovejoy-Henkel, head manager of the men’s basketball team. “We need to come out with more energy, more aggression, more passion and desire. If we can do that, and build even just a small lead by halftime, our usual second half surge would put teams away.” John Williams started the second half with an alley-oop that brought the crowd back into the game along with the team’s offense. Freshman guard John Primm tossed in a layup that gave UNCA the lead with just over 15 minutes left to play. “Our losses can often be attributed to us not finishing the games when we take the lead,” said sophomore center Eric Stubbs. “We just need to improve as a team in our overall game and skill.” Winthrop’s freshman guard Andre Jones led the team in scoring with 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half. The Eagles defense held UNCA to just 49 points in the game and stopped UNCA from scoring for almost 7 minutes in the second half. See UNC Asheville Page 12
Thursday, February 5, 2009
{The Blue Banner}
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UNCA, McCormick Field to host Big South Tournament UNC Asheville By Dan Weller Staff Writer
djweller@unca.edu
Asheville’s McCormick Field will host this year’s Big South Tournament beginning Tuesday, May 19, featuring the UNC Asheville baseball team. This will be the first time the Big South Tournament has come to McCormick, a site usually reserved for the Asheville Tourists minor league baseball team. The tournament will come at the end of the regular season for the Bulldogs and features two elimination games on May 19. The bottom four seeds will be playing for two spots in double-elimination tournament play that begins on May 20. Hosting an event like the Big South Tournament offers many advantages to the Bulldogs, the university and the city of Asheville. Justin Schumer, a junior infielder and pitcher, likes the idea of playing at home during that time of year. “After traveling all year, it’s nice to sleep in your own bed for the most important part of the season,” he said. “Playing at a field with such difficult characteristics like McCormick gives us an edge when teams come to Asheville.” McCormick Field’s dimensions differ from other college venues, with a large right field wall and a deep centerfield fence measuring 402 feet from home plate. These dimensions could be difficult for visiting outfielders unfamiliar with the field. After playing and practicing at McCormick throughout the season, UNCA’s team should be accustomed to the field’s irregularities. While the advantages of hosting the Big South Tournament are significant on the field, its benefits reach beyond the actual games. The city of Asheville has rea-
Bulldogs
keep playing to win.” She said that even though the season isn’t going quite the way she and her teammates wanted, it hasn’t been all bad. “It’s given our freshman some experience, so they’ll be ready to play and win some games,” Baker said. Sophomore forward Lindsey Montgomery said her team gave a valiant effort, despite the loss. “I thought we played hard and there are a lot of little things that we have to do to
Celeste Shadoan- Staff Photographer
The Bulldogs open their season at home Feb. 27 against Central Michigan.
son to celebrate Big South tournaments of all sports at UNCA, as visiting teams draw large crowds to the city. “The city itself will benefit from the other teams that come to town; there is revenue for hotels, local restaurants and the downtown area in general,” said UNCA baseball head coach Willie Stewart. Eight teams, including their coaches and athletic training staff, will fill hotels during tournament time. Asheville’s tourism market should also benefit from the influx of players, coaches and fans. The city welcomes any opportunity to bring new people and the potential for future tourists to Asheville. There are many responsibilities that come with hosting the Big South Tournament, and with those responsibilities come difficulties. Although the Big South sponsors the tournament, the majority of the planning falls on UNC Asheville. “A lot of planning goes into the conference tournament,” Stewart said. “You have to find sponsors, people who will work the
tournament and food donors for players and coaches.” As the new season approaches rapidly, excitement is building in the Bulldog clubhouse. The last time the Bulldogs won the conference tournament was three years ago in 2006, but with the tournament at home this year, many of the players are optimistic. “I was so excited when I heard that we were hosting the tournament this year,” sophomore outfielder Beau Zinman said. “The best chance you have to win a tournament like this is at home. To be in front of your own fans, in your own stadium and in your own town; the advantage is incredible. I can see the anticipation building in our team not only for the start of the season, but for the tournament coming here.” The Bulldogs begin their season on Feb. 20 against Virginia Tech in the Courtyard by Marriott Classic in Spartanburg, SC. They open at home against Central Michigan on Feb. 27. Continued
get better,” Montgomery said. “We all have to be on the same page and keep our mental focus. If we keep working hard and playing together, it will all work out for us.” Ana Baker Montgomery said she thought the fan support was good, despite not having the students at the game.
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“We had really great support today,” Montgomery said. “We had the Girl Scouts come out and a lot of other fans as well. It’s always great to have a presence in the crowd to support us.” UNC Asheville senior point guard Ana Baker can break Vicki Giffin’s (1993-97) school record of 244 career steals with just one at home Sat. against Charleston-Southern.
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Winthrop took advantage and went on a 9-0 run to take the lead with 3:35 left in the game. “Winthrop has always been one of the better defensive teams in the Big South,” Lovejoy-Henkel said. Primm tied it up with a 3-pointer late in game, but UNCA could go no further. Winthrop scored on its next two possessions and walked out with a win. “We just need to do a better job in finishing the games. We position ourselves to win, and we just need to learn how to put the nail in the coffin every time,” red-shirt junior forward Jason Ridenhour said. UNCA shot only 33 percent from the field and 24 percent from beyond the arc. “I think the coaches and players would be the first to tell you that our 3-pointers made up almost 50 percent of our total shots, and that’s way too high of a percentage,” Lovejoy-Henkel said. “Certainly we have to give Winthrop credit because they played a solid game, but the biggest concern for us right now is our shot selection.” Despite the disappointing loss, the men say the defeat failed to shake the team’s morale. “This year we have only lost two home games, so that just goes to show you that most teams coming into our gym having a tough time,” Ridenhour said. “Our team is one to look out for because of our widespread ability to score.” The team will play its next three games at home, beginning with CharlestonSouthern on Saturday. “This team has a chance to be something special,” Lovejoy-Henkel said. “We know what we have to do to become the best team we can be. I have full confidence that we will be up and ready for the challenges that loom.”
Correction Homecoming Feb. 19-21 In the last issue, The Blue Banner incorrectly reported the date of Homecoming. Homecoming is Feb. 19-21. The women’s and men’s basketball games will be at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. respectively.
Campus Voice Thursday, February 5, 2009
{The Blue Banner}
Social interaction 2.0
Technology changes learning and friendship You might read this article line by line, but the odds say most people scan through written material. Ever stop and ask why? In the early 21st century, more people began a digital existence, creating profiles on social networks via the Web, according to Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist at the Pew Internet & American Life Project. In 2005, 8 percent of adult Internet users owned a network profile compared to 35 percent in 2008, according to Lenhart. Certainly these social networking sites keep users in touch with one another, but they change the way users live their lives because social interaction takes place electronically rather than in real life. Eighty-nine percent of adults use the Internet for staying in contact with friends, while 91 percent of teens do as well, according to Lenhart. If people keep up with friends through social networks, logically they spend less time together offline. By creating an online identity, people may not develop a personal self, according to Sherry Turkle, professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Social networks make keeping up with people easier, but networks don’t resemble real life. This leaves a person little experience in developing real relationships in the world, according to Turkle. For example, in a conversation, people get instant feedback from each other. People also pick up on the body language of others which helps a person learn social rules and etiquette. While the Internet keeps people in touch through social networks, we must question the purpose of social networking. Social networks give people the option of posting information about themselves. Most of the information looks like something from a job application except users can include hobbies and interests as well. However, this information stands only as information without any purpose except what other users make out of it. While social networks maintain loads of information about people, Microsoft PowerPoint brings condensed information to people. It focuses itself on the presen-
By Tom McLean Staff Writer
tjmclean@unca.edu
tation of information, according to Turkle. Bullets and bar graphs constitute presentations. As students become more accustomed with this way of thinking, it changes how they understand the world, according to Turkle. Rather than discussing material, students passively observe presentations. PowerPoint dominates the classroom by bringing summarized information to students. Professors elaborate on the material, but if the presentation contains too much content, little separates it from social networks where content runs wild. The Internet remains the king of information. The Internet allows for access to unlimited information. Anyone can access this information. Social networks hold information. Blogs contain information. While this online content contains more information than PowerPoint, and entertainment as well, PowerPoint remains a reflection of how people interpret information from the Internet. Internet users consume information by scanning a page, according to Mark Bauerlein, English professor at Emory University. Sixteen percent of users read a Web page like a book while 84 percent look for visuals and keywords, according to a study cited by Bauerlein. Since most people no longer read from one line to the next, they lose the ability of reading longer works, according to Bauerlein. Between 1982 and 2002, the number
of people reading books dropped by 20 million people, according to Bauerlein’s own study. People spend more time chatting, blogging, watching videos, looking at pictures and downloading music, which leaves less time for reading, according to Bauerlein. Instead of people focusing on one book or topic, people focus on several things at once. Such a switch changes the way people process information. In the classroom, because PowerPoint helps present information in a clear, organized way, it doesn’t allow for deep thinking or discussion, according to Turkle. If students never get into a deep discussion or reflect back on material other than studying for a test, they become an echo of the material presented to them. When users look for information online through keywords, they also lose the ability of deep thought. Social networks keep people from going into deep understanding as well because of similar presentations like PowerPoint. Rarely do people question the validity of information on a social network. No rules exist for keeping a person from presenting their self however they wish online. Such ability hinders our society because people process information without deep reflection which means they accept others at face value. By having less time for developing relationships through live interaction, people now have shallow and artificial relationships. Does society value a population of shallow thinkers who multitask? Or instead does society value deep thinkers focused on one subject? No right answer exists, but people should remember what technology they use also changes their interpretation of the world. Not recognizing this point reveals quite an error in thinking.
By having less time for developing relationships through live interaction, people now have shallow and artificial relationships.
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Forget the ox; 2009 is the year of the hippie By Dylan Schepps Arts & Features Editor dcschepp@unca.edu
Phish reunited for a summer tour, The Dead are touring for the first time in five years, Widespread Panic canceled their hiatus, the Allman Brothers Band are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a 15-night residency at the Beacon Theatre, the economy is in shambles and there are no jobs. “It’s the year of the hippie,” said Rich Cormier, a long-time fan of The Dead and Widespread Panic. “2009 is a dream come true for jam lovers.” “The Year of the Hippie” as proclaimed by Massachusetts native Cormier, doesn’t seem like it came a moment too soon. Fans of jam music all over the country are seeing their best-kept secret of music festivals spread across a plethora of musical genres. The most dominant spread being the so-called indie genre, with bands such as Cat Power, Death Cab for Cutie and Broken Social Scene nabbing prime time slots at last year’s Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, TN. In addition to Bonnaroo as one of the most dominant, steadfast music festivals in recent years, Coachella in Indio, Calif., is celebrating its fourth year as the premier outdoor indie music event. The 2009 Coachella lineup includes the Black Keys, Beirut, The Killers, My Bloody Valentine, Fleet Foxes and many other bands reaffirming its intent as a ‘no jam music festival.’ However, after Kanye West’s ego and childishness lost him thousands of fans at
See Hippie Page 14
Thursday, February 5, 2009
{The Blue Banner}
Page 14
The time for drug law reform is now It has been more than 37 years since former President Nixon declared drug abuse “public enemy No. 1 in the United States” and ushered in the beginning of the nation’s war on drugs. After nearly 40 years of failure, it is time to end the War on Drugs. Much like the War on Terror America has been fighting since Sept. 11, 2001, the War on Drugs cannot be won. Just as it is impossible to defeat an idea or an ideology, it is impossible to completely rid this nation, or any nation, of drugs. America just ushered in an era of “change” with the election of President Obama, and perhaps one of those changes should be ending this nation’s harmful and ineffective war on drugs. While drug abuse and trafficking may or may not cause problems in some communities, the overall effort to stop such things has failed. Some say that the war on drugs is successful because of the number of offenders that are in prison, while others would say that it is a costly and racially biased effort. Western North Carolina has recently seen a rise in drug busts. The Asheville Citizen-Times reported on busts totaling more than 3 kilograms of cocaine over the past couple of weeks and also reported on a drug bust that uncovered a man making his own designer drugs along with a vast supply of LSD, psychedelic mushrooms, marijuana, ecstasy pills and hashish, among others. Since August there have been 22 alcohol or drug-related arrests on campus. There were 36 from August to May in the 200708 school year and 59 in the same time period during the 2006-07 school year. While there may be evidence that the local effort to capture drug offenders has
Hippies
verely negative impacts on others. Someone with less than an ounce of marijuana in their backpack is causing harm to no one By Patrick Zarcone and yet in some states that could equal five Staff Writer pwzarcon@unca.edu years or more in prison, along with a hefty fine. According to 2002 statistics from the Department of Justice, 24.7 percent of inmates at local jails were there for drug ofbeen relatively successful, that is by no fenses. Those in jail for violent offenses means a reflection of the overall effort. made up just 25.4 percent of the local jail Any college campus is going to be rife population in the U.S. with people violating alcohol and drug The same report showed that as of Sept. laws; that much is a given. 30, 2007, an astounding 53 percent of inLooking at the issue from a national mates in federal prison were serving time standpoint, the war on drugs, whether suc- for drug offenses. ceeding in its purpose or not, According to an aris a failure just by its very ticle by William Sabol nature. The true goal of the The government of and Heather West for the effort is to rid America of Department of Justice, drugs deemed harmful by the Netherlands real- almost 20 percent of inthe government. ized that it is much mates in state prisons Who are they to say what the end of 2005 were easier to regulate at is harmful and what is not? there for drug offenses. This includes using Ameri- drug usage than it is The report, in conjunccan tax dollars to set up sting tion with research by the operations to arrest offend- to stop it complete- American Correctional ers, deporting immigrants ly. That is a lesson Association, shows just found in violation of drug how much it costs taxlaws, funding ineffective America still needs payers to keep drug ofand inaccurate anti-drug ad fenders in state prisons. to learn. campaigns and housing hunThe research shows that dreds of thousands of low“the average daily cost level drug offenders in U.S. prisons. per state prison inmate per day in the (U.S.) One of the biggest problems with the is $67.55.” The Web site drugwarfacts. war on drugs is that when it is “success- org pointed out that “state prisons held ful” it causes harm to the American justice 253,300 inmates for drug offenses in 2005 system. The purpose of the prison system [and] that means states spent approximatein this country is to house and rehabilitate ly $17,110,415 per day to imprison drug Americans who violate the law. offenders, or $6,245,301,475 per year.” The people who need to be in jail are the Now that an era of change in politics is ones convicted of violent offenses such as upon us, it’s time to start making strides murder, rape or other crimes that have se-
In addition to Phish, the lineup includes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, C o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 1 3 David Byrne, Galactic, moe., Beastie Boys and a slew of others. last year’s Bonnaroo, Superfly ProducWhether you’re a fan of jam music or tions and AC Entertainment, in charge of not, a fan of Phish or not, it’s clear the choosing the lineup decided to return to band has a following of fans unrivaled by the festival to its roots with a group they any other musical act in the business. know will not let them down. Last Wednesday, people began arrivPhish announced their reunion a cou- ing at the Civic Center on Haywood Avple of months ago with three nights at the enue in hopes of being one of the first eliHampton Coliseum, a recent announce- gible to buy Phish tickets at the box office ment of an 11-date tour including their when they went on sale that Friday. first ever show in Asheville and on TuesBy Thursday night, nearly 150 people day the band confirmed two nights at this waited with tents, sleeping bags, blankets year’s Bonnaroo music festival. and alcohol in 15-degree weather, with
no promises or guarantees on actually receiving tickets the next morning. A total of 20 people got tickets, with over 100 left sad, disappointed and on the verge of frostbite and hypothermia. “There were no guarantees, but I thought they would give the locals more than just 80 tickets,” said UNC Asheville alum, Sasha Doyle-Weiss. “I’m disappointed, but it was cool to see what a solid community of fans this band has cultivated over the years.” For more information on Bonnaroo, visit www.bonnaroo.com
towards drug policy reform. Obama stated in the past that he would consider supporting the legalization of medical marijuana; he also wants to change minimum sentencing laws for crack cocaine and cocaine convictions and said his administration will lift the federal ban on needle exchanges for drug users. One of the major causes of the transfer of HIV/ AIDS is shared needles among drug users. While Obama’s stated positions certainly do not show that he would be willing to undertake serious drug reform, there is at least a chance. With the current U.S. economic state, the legalization of not just medical marijuana, but marijuana in general could be just as much of an economic catalyst as the bailout of banks or the passage of massive tax cuts, if not more so. Medical marijuana sales have been between $870 million and $2 billion every year in California, according to the group California NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). Depending on which numbers you look at, medical marijuana brings in anywhere between $11 million and $100 million in sales taxes every year. If the U.S. government cultivated marijuana and taxed the sale of it, the benefits could be enormous. However, the chances of that happening under the current administration or any in the foreseeable future are slim. The United States should look toward the Netherlands and adopt similar drug policies. While drugs are technically not legal in the Netherlands, laws are generally not enforced and arrests are rarely made in instances of personal use when it comes to soft drugs, such as marijuana or LSD.
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Thursday, February 5, 2009
{The Blue Banner}
Page 15
SGA wants students to feel the Lovefest
Jason Howell
The
Blue Banner Editorial Board
Karpen Hall 019 (828) 251-6586 banner@unca.edu www.thebluebanner.net Aaron Dahlstrom, Editor-in-Chief
Emily Gray, Business Manager
Jonathan Walczak, Managing Editor
Cassidy Culbertson, Photo Editor
Pam Stringer, News Editor
Cassady Sharp, Assistant News Editor
Dylan Schepps, Arts&Features Editor Sam Hunt, Assistant Arts&Features Editor Greg Hicks, Sports Editor
Matt Starkey, Assistant Web Editor
Jason Herring, Design&Web Editor
Michael Gouge, Faculty Adviser
The Blue Banner is UNC Asheville’s student newspaper. We publish each Thursday except during summer sessions, finals week and holiday breaks. Our office is located in Karpen Hall 019. The Blue Banner is a designated forum for free speech and welcomes letters to the editor, considering them on basis of interest, space and timeliness. Letters and articles should be e-mailed to banner@unca.edu. They should be signed with the writer’s name, followed by year in school, major or other relationship to UNCA. Include a telephone number to aid in verification. All articles are subject to editing.
Student government will open the new year with the third annual Lovefest, a weeklong event promoting healthy relationships, sexual health and love throughout the UNC Asheville campus. The event brings students face to face with issues of sexuality, relationships and more, but Lovefest is not just for those who are sexually active; Lovefest also focuses on abstinence. Most importantly, this week is about L-O-V-E. We want students to “feel the love” and share their love. Student Government Association is partnering with many student organizations and community organizations to make this event a success. Through this partnership we have created some great programming, including an evening with Scott Fried, an HIV-positive Jewish man. His talk will focus on “AIDS, Love and the Secret Lives of College Students.” The event will be Monday at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall. Throughout the week, love will remain the focus. We want to make sure that love is without boundaries because love truly comes in so many different forms. Active Students for a Healthy Environment’s Love Your Mother Earth event will sponsor a “Tree Hugger Pride Parade. Participants can meet on the Quad during the free period on Tuesday, walk to the “Road to Nowhere,” then to Chestnut Ridge Room in the Reuter Center. We want the students to consider, “What is love?” We want to find out what love, in its many different forms, means to you. Throughout the week we will hand out slips of paper to the students with the question “What is love?” We encourage students to fill in the blank. SGA will display the answers anonymously on the first floor of Highsmith Student Union. If you want to
GROVE APARTMENT FOR RENT • NEAR CAMPUS Furnished 1BR, 1BA, walk-in closet. Part of 3BR apartment includes shared kitchen, laun-
By Steven Quinn
Executive of Public Relations scquinn@unca.edu
fill out one of these slips, stop by the SGA office, fill one out and then check out how other students feel about love during the week. Lovefest began three years ago as a random thought in a Student Affairs meeting, and as a member of student government during that time, I have had the chance to be involved in the planning ever since. It is important to understand the risks and the benefits of sexual activity and address countless types of love. Our campus is working with surrounding organizations, such as the Western North Carolina AIDS Project, and is bringing more resources to students. We want to make sure that we include all walks of life and ensure that we represent all types of love. Throughout the week, SGA will be giving out free condoms and candy. There are detailed schedules of Lovefest on the student government Web site and around campus. We want educate the UNCA community. If you have any questions or want to be a part of Lovefest, stop by the student government office. We are always there and always ready to listen. We are your voice! www.unca.edu/sga Highsmth Student Union Room 249 sga@unca.edu 828-251-6685
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