The Blue Banner #5

Volume 50, Issue 5

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

www.thebluebanner.net

University of North Carolina Asheville

UNCA

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Celebratesm

o e c o m i n g

Ramsey cafe firing leads to student protest

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Bulldogs win big Homecoming weekend

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Travelogue: Student’s adventures in Brazil

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News

Will stimulus package give Asheville a boost? page 10

Thursday, Februray 26, 2009

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Battling the bulge

Teacher forms program to get families working out together

By Rachel Letcher Contributing Writer rletcher@unca.edu

Jokingly calling herself the health fascist of her household, Melissa Himelein smiled from her office chair in Carmichael Hall at UNC % Asheville while taking a mid-morning break from teaching. Her free-weights rest on her filing cabinet, ready for some between-class 30 work-out routines.

“My kids make fun of my health focus, but grudgingly put up with it. Besides, I’m a softy on sweets, as long as it’s just once per day,” the 49-year-old said.

20 If it was up to her, she would only buy healthy snacks for her 11-year-old twin girls, Emma and Kenzie. Luckily for the pre-adolescent girls their dad furnishes the cupboard with the classic 10 cheese spread and peanut butter cracker packs.

On a typical family weeknight in between school and soccer practice at the Himelein house, mom and dad enjoy a filet of tuna, edamame and bok choy while Emma and Ken- 0 zie have their own meal of cheesy rice, carrots, apples and bread.

“Ironically, my daughters are terrible eaters-completely unadventurous,” she said laughing.

Himelein participated in triathlons while in graduate school in Kentucky and uses her passion with the Asheville community through the establishment of her Family Program Getting Into Fitness Together to facilitate awareness about the rising problem of childhood obesity.

North Carolina ranks five out of the 50 states for the highest rate of obesity in children ages 10 to 17, according to the 2003-04 National Survey of Children’s Health Data. Almost 20 percent of adolescents are obese in North Carolina, according to the survey.

Himelein’s dedication to the GIFT program gives lower income families in the Asheville community the opportunity to educate themselves about the obesity issue and work together with UNCA students to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

About four years ago, an article in Sports Illustrated sparked her interest in childhood obesity. She said the article exposed all the facts about the intense problem our nation faces. She ran upstairs and told her husband about her idea of establishing a program where her psychology students could get involved in teaching the program.

“Obesity got more interesting to me when I had children

U.S. obesity rates Adults

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By Michelle Peck Staff Writer

mwpeck@unca.edu

Children

1960

Campus Recreation hosts event celebrating Black History Month

1980

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because I really had an up close and personal experience of how hard it is environmentally to fight the culture. If left to their own devices, I have no doubt that my kids would drink soda, eat doughnuts, sit on the couch and watch TV and play as many computer games as possible,” she said. “I was stunned at how much efMelissa Himelein fort a parent would have to make to fight against that cultural requisite.”

Always interested in personal health and health promotion, Himelein participated on the cross country and track team at Brown University all four years of college and later, in graduate school, completed several triathlons.

Growing up in the small town of Gowanda, N.Y., she said her parents were more health conscious than most at the time. All but one of Himelein’s four older siblings also run marathons.

Himelein’s determination to produce the GIFT program at UNCA reached many of her psychology students and influenced their habits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Junior psychology student Angela Kelly participates in

See GIFT Page 6

Campus Recreation and the Intercultural Center hosts ‘REC-ognizing Your History’ to celebrate Black History Month at the Health and Fitness Center for late night programming Friday at 9 p.m.

“Very few individuals know that Campus Recreation as a profession was founded by 22 AfricanAmerican professionals from 11 historically black colleges and universities from Louisiana in 1950,” said Jill Moffitt, director of campus recreation. “The idea sprang from the Campus Recreation department and was presented to the Intercultural Center as a fun and engaging program to Jill Moffitt celebrate Black History Month.”

Black History Month originated in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson as Negro History Week.

Woodson selected the month of February in reference to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in that month.

“We want students to know that the contributions of African-Americans have helped create a vibrant field with student development, student engagement and healthy behaviors as primary objectives,” Moffitt said. “We hope this event creates that awareness in a fun and exciting way while promoting the programs, activities and services of the Campus Recreation Department and the Intercultural Center.”

Moffit said she wants students to understand and appreciate the history of the recreation profession.

“We hope that students begin to make connections with the efforts of creative and courageous men and women from the 1950s and their modern day experience in college,” Moffitt said. “The work of these individuals penetrated and changed the campus experience in profound and meaningful ways that are very relevant today. Contributions of African-American leaders transcend time, affect change and collectively add to a more vital, caring and charismatic world. The Campus Recre-

See REC-OGNIZE Page 3

Thursday, February 26, 2009

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Student arrested on DWI, property damages charges

By David Milton Staff Writer

demilton@unca.edu

A UNC Asheville student, arrested on charges of drunken driving and underage drinking, allegedly struck a wall and two cars in the Founders parking lot on Feb. 11, campus police said.

“He was so inebriated he didn’t remember,” said UNCA campus police investigations sergeant Betty Jo Bayne.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m.

“In a year and a half, this is the first one,” said Steve Lewis, chief of police, referring to Ryan Beierlein’s DWI charge and resulting property damage. “We mostly see marijuana and some underage drinking, not this.”

The two parked cars Beierlein allegedly struck were both student-owned.

Sophomore student Robert Rives said his 2001 Subaru Forester suffered extensive damage from the accident.

“The drunk driver pulled into the parkPamela Stringer - News Editor ing lot and after hitting a brick wall, hit Robert Rives’ Subaru Forester was hit in an alleged drunk driving incident in the Founders Hall parking lot. my car first, and from what I hear he may have hit it one or two more times,” Rives Originally upset about the incident, “I was a little bit angry,” Rives said. according to campus police. History stusaid. “I have a couple of busted taillights Rives said he now looks on the positive “But the story just sounded so ridiculous I dent, Patrick Brown said his 1999 Pontiac and the hatch door is broken-the lock is side of the situation and the reality that couldn’t help but laugh a little.”

Bonneville was the other car hit in the inSee DWI Page 7 smashed in so I can’t get in the back.” nobody was seriously hurt.

Beierlein also allegedly hit another car,

REC-ognize ation profession is no different, and we just want students to know how much pride we take in our history and in our work.”

Friday will include numerous events and is open to all students at no charge.

“The day kicks off with a Health Parity seminar in HFC 205, where Sharon K. West will be talking about health disparities among cultures in the Asheville community,” Moffitt said.

“The bike shop will be represented, door prizes will be given, and we will ask students to complete a 2-minute questionnaire and receive a free hotcold mug provided by Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education.”

Representatives from REI, an outdoor apparel company, will attend the event along with the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association,

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which will provide banners, photographs, history and other information regarding the founding of campus recreation.

This educational information will be spotlighted in the Lobby as students enter the facility, she said.

Aubri Brodfuhrer, a psychology major, said this event will create more participation at the HFC from the student body.

“More events like this would bring more people out to the gym. Maybe they could add a rock climing competition,” said sophomore Karis Roberts.

“I don’t use the gym on campus very often, however, I think it’s great that the HFC hosts these types of events to get students involved and active,” Brodfuhrer said. “I have only heard of other health fairs held at the HFC, so I think they could have more events like

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this to get students up and moving.”

Brodfuhrer, like many students, is excited to try new things at the event.

“This sounds like a great event to learn some interesting things while having active fun with peers,” Brodfuhrer said. “I’m excited for all the games and especially for the kayak roll session becuase I’ve been interested in trying it for a long time.”

Moffitt hopes that “REC-ognizing Your History” will be successful and continue to happen annually.

“We hope to make this an annual event that improves each year,” Moffitt said. “We won’t know until we see the result of our efforts. We hope people will come check it out and learn more about the African-American men and women who founded a profession that now serves 5.5 million students nationwide.”

REC-ognize your history events Friday 8 p.m. - midnight Human Fooseball Inflatable Twister Bungee Cord Relay Group Fitness Classes Kayak Water Polo Health Parity Seminar Kayak Roll Session Wii Sports Racquetball Door Prizes Free Food

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Mandatory environmental class considered

By Lorin Mallorie Staff Writer

lmmallor@unca.edu

As the nation’s fresh administration hits hard with a new environmental agenda, students discuss the possibility of a more aggressive policy on environmental education in the UNC Asheville curriculum.

“Members of society need to be environmentally well-informed to behave in responsible manners and to elect political leaders who will make wise decisions that bear on our interactions with our environment,” said J. William Miller, environmental studies department chair.

“Our well-being and perhaps existence may depend on how we choose to live in our earth environment,” said Miller, who has been at the university for 20 years.

A liberal arts school at a public price, Miller said UNCA has the strongest environmental studies department he’s seen in two decades of teaching.

Collectively, the deacknowlJ. William Miller partment edges the importance of an informed public regarding current and continually developing ecological concerns.

UNCA students suggested Intro to Environmental Science as an additional ILS course. Currently, ENVR 130 is offered to all majors as a cluster course or elective.

Junior Georgia Frierson’s concentration is environmental management and policy. Due to continually modified research, propaganda and global policies, Frierson suggested the creation of an environmental studies class focusing on contemporary issues instead.

Some aspects of the ENVR 130 course may not benefit the average student’s environmental awareness, she said.

Associate Provost Edward Katz suggested students communicate their ideas to two faculty groups, the Faculty Senate

See ENVIRONMENT Page 7

Ditch the car, hop on the bus {The Blue Banner}

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By Rhys Baker Staff Writer

rdbaker@unca.edu

The Asheville City Transit System added a park and ride shuttle to its bus service.

Free parking at Biltmore Square Mall and Goodwill Industries on Patton Avenue will be provided for patrons of the buses. The service is called Hop & Ride, and its first day of action was Feb. 14.

The Hop & Ride program is designed to help commuters in South and West Asheville avoid the hassles of parking and driving in downtown Asheville, according to the city of Asheville’s Web site.

UNC Asheville students ride city buses for free with a UNCA One Card. A trip on the bus costs $1 without an ID. John-Carl Brew, junior and chair of Active Students for a Healthy Environment, lives at The Grove and catches the bus about once a week to get downtown. He used to ride the buses more.

“I used to live in West Asheville right by the Goodwill. If I moved back, I could use the park and ride service, but I did live close enough to the Goodwill to walk,” Brew said.

The service will only be of use to UNCA students who live in South and West Asheville and need to commute into town or to the other areas on the affected buses routes.

The Hop & Ride will service bus routes 1 and 9. Each location will have 10 parking spaces located near a bus shelter.

The Hop & Ride for Route 1 will serve residents of West Asheville. It arrives at Goodwill between 25 and 30 minutes past the hour, every hour, from 5:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The bus operates Monday through Saturday. It goes through Haywood Road, West Asheville, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, Goodwill, the Hop & Ride location, Malvern Hills and Sulphur Springs Road.

The Hop & Ride for Route 9 will serve residents of South Asheville. It arrives at Biltmore Square Mall every hour on the hour from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The bus operates Monday through Saturday. It goes through Merritt Park, Clingman Avenue, Haywood Road, Pisgah View Apartments, Ingles Market, Brevard Road, the Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market, I-26 exit 33 Hotels and the Biltmore Square Mall Hop & Ride.

Brew condones the use of buses be-

Cassidy Culbertson - Photography Editor

Trevor Hall, 19, boards the Asheville City bus in front of Govenor’s Hall.

cause he believes that mindful behavior is necessary in the era of climate change.

“Even if riding the bus hasn’t been proven to prevent wide scale damage to the climate, it at least encourages the practice of considering the impacts of your decisions,” Brew said.

The Hop & Ride increases the capacity of the Asheville City Transit System by decreasing traffic in downtown Asheville.

This is great because the city of Asheville plans to make itself into a hub of sustainability in the United States, according to John Stevens, a UNCA chemistry professor and the chair of the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute, which has the motto, “Knowledge Into Action.” The BRSI’s headquarters are in downtown Asheville.

According to Stevens, the purpose of the BRSI is to collect and build upon knowledge that can be used to provide leadership for sustainable growth in Western North Carolina through the area’s biodiversity and its pioneering history of ecological awareness and self-reliance.

The City of Asheville’s Web site states

that Asheville buses provide a service for Asheville bikers in order to support more sustainable transport options. Bikes can be taken onto the city’s buses whenever possible for no extra charge. Stevens supports the development of bike-friendly communities.

“Another interesting example of what is happening around the world is the city that is being built in the Middle East, which is being designed to have a zerocarbon footprint - this is a city that is being designed with no vehicles being allowed.

Here in WNC we need to be more bold in our thinking as we engage in the new green economy,” Stevens said.

The Asheville transit system provides 24 bus routes that extend around Buncombe County from Black Mountain and Warren Wilson College, to Weaverville, to the Asheville Regional Airport and to the NCDMV.

For more information and routes visit ashevillenc.gov

Students rally behind fired Ramsey employee Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

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By Cassady Sharp Assistant News Editor cbsharp@unca.edu

A student-led boycott shortened the lines at Cafe Ramsey this week after the alleged firing of one of its employees.

“We are demanding that, if Bernice McMillan’s firing was a direct result of her call to close down Ramsey Cafe early during the snow storm of Feb. 3, that she Members from SFCC discuss demands with Chartwells representative. be offered her job back,” said Student Body President Nick Ladd.

Although McMillan’s case is still under an appeals process, UNC Asheville’s contracted food service company, Chartwells, fired McMillan for closing Cafe Ramsey early the night of Feb. 3 when evening classes were canceled due to inclement weather.

Once the city busses quit running, her usual mode of transportation, she left with a ride a little after 7 p.m., according to Students for Conscious Consumption, a coalition of student-led activist groups and organizer of the Cafe Ramsey boycott.

SFCC met last week with Dean of Students Jackie McHargue and Danny Dawkins, dining services director and campus liaison for Chartwells.

McMillan’s firing prompted the coalition’s list of demands for Chartwells including an anonymous survey for employees, improved working conditions and a contingency plan for emergencies.

“We protect our students and faculty, but not the people who feed us,” said coalition member Ellie Little.

UNCA does not employ dining service employees, however, so university closSusan Terry - Staff Photographer ings or delays do not apply to the food Students enjoyed free bagels and coffee while boycotting the cafe on Feb. 18. service staff, according to Dawkins.

“There are 1,100 students living on this Extreme incidents, like a school shoot- sign the petition boycotting the cafe until campus and we have to feed them. That is ing, are exceptions to an associate autono- Chartwell’s meets SFCC’s demands, inour number one priority,” Dawkins said. mously closing a dining facility, Dawkins cluding the reinstatement of McMillan.

“If every associate was able to close a din- said.

“The vote was unanimous to go ahead ing facility whenever they wanted, there Sophomore Lena Eastes considers Mc- with the protest for today. I wanted to would be students on this campus with Millan a good friend, and strongly advo- make sure there was a consensus among nothing to eat.” cates for her job reinstatement. the group, and no one was strong-arming Since McMillan’s case is still pend“Bernice needs her job back,” Eastes anyone else,” Ladd said. ing, Dawkins could not say much due to said. “It is what anyone would have done The boycott only applies to Cafe RamChartwell’s corporate confidentiality stan- for their safety.” sey, excluding the dining hall and Highdards, but he did say McMillan’s decision The Cafe Ramsey boycott officially smith union. to close Cafe Ramsey violated Chartwell’s started last Wednesday.

“One of the Cafe Ramsey workers came policy regarding inclement weather.

A few students from SFCC and Food out to read the petition and see what we “Any associate can make a decision, Not Bombs, an organization offering al- were doing,” said sophomore and SFCC but there is always a way to make that ternative food options, set up a small table member Emily Rhyne. “Some of the emdecision,” Dawkins said. “I have never, in front of the library and gave out break- ployees are worried that if a boycott is inin 12 years, left anyone stranded. I have fast pastries and coffee. stated, they might get laid off.” slept here and drove around to pick emWhile providing free food, coalition The boycott also addresses the larger ployees up and take them home.” members also encouraged students to issue of how Chartwells treats their em-

ployees, Eastes said. Many employees would like to speak up about working conditions but worry about the consequences, she said.

“A big reason I choose not to be on the meal plan and live off campus even though I am a sophomore is because I don’t like the way they run things.” Eastes said. “I don’t like the way they treat the people there.”

One of the most important implementations SFCC demands is an anonymous survey for Chartwell’s associates, according to Rhyne.

“They feel like they can’t talk because their jobs are in jeopardy,” Rhyne said.

“We are trying to improve their working conditions and represent them, but in order to do that we have to have an open line of communication with them.”

An annual survey is already in practice which employees report to an outside third party, according to Dawkins.

The third party then communicates feedback to the vice president of Compass, Chartwells’ umbrella corporation, and it trickles down to regional positions such as Dawkins’.

McHargue also volunteered as a university outlet for staff feedback.

“Our associates do not have to follow the confidentiality guidelines that I do,” Dawkins said. “They can say whatever they want about the situation.”

The Facebook group, “No Ramsey Cafe Day”, consists of more than 800 members.

Dawkins said he worries about the hearsay coming from various members’ posts.

“There are some things on Facebook that are just not true. One post says that one of our associates was fired who is working right now,” Dawkins said at the meeting last Tuesday.

Chartwells publicly stated that they communicated reinstatement to McMillan, but she has yet to respond. McMillan also never responded to The Blue Banner’s request for an interview.

“We have a duty to serve the needs of the students and the faculty of UNCA. We have protocols in place to balance both requirements, and they were not followed at this particular location,” the company said.

Ladd said SFCC wants to break down

See CHARTWELLS Page 6

Unemployment plagues Asheville GIFT Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

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Continued

By Dylan Schepps

services.”

Arts & Features Editor Teague remains optimisdcschepp@unca.edu tic, but statistics show local With the U.S. government’s unemployment rates followpassage of a nearly $900 biling current national trends. lion economic stimulus package, National unemployment Asheville residents question how increased by 125 percent and when the local economy will from 2007 to 2008, accordbenefit from the proposed plan. ing to the Bureau of Labor “Businesses and people are Statistics.

Michigan 9.6 percent planning on weathering the upIn the city of Asheville, and-down fluctuations of our curunemployment rates inRhode Island 9.3 percent rent market,” said Eileen Buechcreased by more than 175 California 8.4 percent er, director of UNC Asheville’s percent from 2007 to 2008.

Career Center and career counSimilarly, Buncombe South Carolina 8.4 percent selor of 20 years. “They’re getCounty and N.C. unemployting creative because everyone is ment spiked 175 percent Oregon 8.1 percent just kind of waiting around to see from 2007 to 2008. what happens.”

“The job market typically Washington, D.C. 8 percent The Rankin Vault, a local bar changes every three to five and restaurant, features a buyyears,” Buecher said. “The Nevada 8 percent one-get-one-free on food “recesdips in employment were in sion special” seven days a week, 1983, 1992 and then now. according to owner and manager A lot of what we are seeing Joel Hartzler. is just the natural ebbs and The special runs between 3 flows of the market.”

Wyoming 3.2 percent and 7 p.m. and enables customOf the 15 N.C. metroers to buy one menu food item politan statistical areas, the North Dakota 3.3 percent and receive a second of equal or Asheville unemployment lesser value for free. rate is the third lowest at South Dakota 3.4 percent Hartzler moved to Asheville 6.2 percent, behind RaleighUtah 3.7 percent in 2007 after owning and running Cary (6.1 percent) and Durtwo bars in Portland, Ore. ham (5.8 percent), according Nebraska 3.7 percent He and childhood friend Chad to the EDC report.

Smoker opened the bar in July However, the December and agree downtown businesses job losses equaled 1,400, and need to get creative in order to the decline is the largest sinbe successful in the current ecogle-month drop on record. nomic climate.

The sector hit hardest is the professional and business ser“It’s hard to make money on food, whether you’re running a vices, according to Buecher. special or not,” Hartzler said. “We’re hoping that offering people “Typically, in a tough economy, the things that are cut first are a great deal on a late lunch or early dinner will generate a boost marketing, consulting, telecommuter and things of that nature,” in all of our sales.”

Buecher said.

Hartzler, along with many downtown restaurant owners, make Buecher said the consistent influx of retirees to the Asheville up the third largest economic sector in Asheville. community makes it difficult for recent graduates and young proHealth services and private education, government (federal, fessionals to find employment in Asheville. state and local) and leisure and hospitality make up the three “Asheville is competitive, and it always has been competilargest industry sectors for Asheville’s economy, according to tive,” Buecher said. “We have a very strong retiree community, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. and a lot of them are now looking for part-time work.”

The Economic Development Coalition, as part of the Asheville Buecher said there is no shortage of diverse individuals movChamber, recently completed their second-quarter staff report for ing to Asheville on a yearly basis, and Teague says this can only 2008-09, including a comprehensive local economy overview. benefit the local economy.

The mission of EDC is to help businesses succeed in Asheville, “Outside of our economic make-up, the core assets that according to Senior Vice President Ben Teague. brought us this far haven’t changed,” Teague said. “We still have “I am optimistic about Asheville’s (economy),” Teague said. the mountains, an innovative workforce and an entrepreneurial “Our current economic trend follows the rest of the nation, but spirit. The chamber and the EDC are strategically poising ourI remain optimistic about the future, given our diverse econom- selves to capitalize on opportunities now and in the future.” ic position. Our economy has wide-ranging contributors, from See UNEMPLOYMENTPage 7 manufacturing to health care to retail and tourism to professional

Unemployment rates across the U.S.

Highest unemployment rates

Lowest unemployment rates

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the GIFT program. She said her excellent experience last year taught her about managing kids and the issue of childhood obesity. Himelein made the program worthwhile, according to Kelly.

“She knows how to relate to people. She is really good at getting down to your level and making exercise seem fun and something you want to do,” Kelly said.

James Cathers, 40, senior psychology student, says the GIFT class ranks high on his list of best classes.

“If you haven’t gotten grass stains on your pant legs in a while, it feels so good to just play,” he said. “And Dr. Himelein obviously loves doing this. You can just kind of see how she approaches the GIFT program itself. “ Challenges arise with any program, and for Himelein, her most difficult moments, so far, include not enough time.

“It’s really time consuming. I sometimes get worried that I am going to get too old,” she said.

Himelein said her dream is working for a non-profit organization, training students while the organization deals with the complicated logistics.

As GIFT approaches its third anniversary from March 17 to May 5, Himelein assures herself every year gets better and better.

“It has been a really valuable teaching experience. Where else are you all wearing T-shirts together, screaming with your professor?” she asks, laughing. “It is wonderful for me as community service as well as for the course that I teach.”

Chartwells Continued

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the barrier between the university and the dining services staff.

“We feel like the staff should be protected by university values just as students and faculty are protected by these values,” he said.

Most visitors to the boycott table knew McMillan and were upset she was not working at the cafe any longer, according to Rhyne.

“The students want to trust Bernice as a person they have grown to love over the years,” Ladd said. “There is more trust for Bernice than the administration from which students have often felt disconnected.”

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Environment and the ILS Oversight Committee, and he included his office in these interactions.

The environmental studies department is quick to acknowledge the difficulties in instituting a new core-curriculum course, including the possible displacement of an existing ILS class.

However, without doubt, Miller said, education is the answer to all the world’s ecological issues.

“Not only do we have a changing climate but we are also seeing a lot of resource deficiencies,” said Corey Scheips, 21, a senior environmental studies major.

Corey Scheips Scheips encourages all students to educate themselves on renewable energy. Some of his friends, he said, take three showers a day because they are unaware of excessive water consumption’s negative environmental impact According to Scheips, UNCA’s liberal arts education taught him the communication skills necessaryto help educate others on environmental issues.

“Many people don’t realize the severity of our water supply,” said Scheips, who plans to focus on hydrogeology, the study of groundwater contamination and subsurface movement, at graduate school.

DWI cident.

“My car was parked and he ran into it in the lot behind Founders,” Brown said.

“It was just minor damage. It is just a dent in the side.”

Brown is filing a claim with his insurance provider to cover the damage done to his car, but he is not worried about the minor damage, he said.

“I’m filing a claim with my insurance, but that is about it,” Brown said. “I’m glad the damage wasn’t worse.”

Neither Brown nor Rives personally know Beierlein, they said.

Brown occasionally sees him around campus though, he said.

“I’m just glad he was caught,” Rives said. “Everything was fixable, and I knew I wasn’t going to pay for it.”

In all 50 states, a blood alcohol con-

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Groundwater is the largest viable source of fresh water. Some desert areas, like Las Vegas, are using the groundwater faster than it’s getting recharged, he said.

This problem could result in civil water wars in the future, Scheips said.

According to the university, environmental studies is UNCA’s third most popular major. Due to new environmental initiatives stated during the first week of President Obama’s term, students look forward to an expanding job market despite the world’s economic downturn.

“Without a doubt, our politicians need to understand what’s going on with the environment,” Miller said, citing the devastating effects generated by eight years of Bush’s environmental deregulation.

“Unfortunately the vast majority of things that he and his administration perpetrated on the American public were devastating,” he said.

However, the early indications of Obama’s administration make him hopeful, Miller said.

In an official White House statement, The Obama-Biden New Energy for America Plan promises to create 5 million new jobs over the next 10 years, investing $150 billion in private efforts for clean energy.

The plan promises to dramatically reduce dependence on foreign oil, put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars on the road by

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centration of 0.8 percent is considered too impaired to operate a vehicle and warrants a DUI or DWI charge, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an anti-drunk driving advocacy group.

According to MADD, a first time drunk driving offender, on average, has driven drunk 87 times prior to arrest.

A 2005 American Journal of Preventive Medicine study estimated that Americans took 159 million alcohol-impaired trips in 2002.

Of the 159 million trips, roughly 18 million involved drivers under the legal drinking age.

A N.C. Department of Health and Human Services study concluded that in 2002 and 2003, 14.5 percent of DWI offenders were between 15 and 20 years-old.

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2015 and ensure 10 percent of America’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012.

The president’s plan implements an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2025.

According to the Center for American Progress, a cap-and-trade program sets an enforceable limit on the amount of greenhouse gas pollutants a company is allowed to omit.

Ultimately, the limits become stricter, allowing less pollution over time companies meet until the ultimate goal.

For critics leery of the initial cost of the cap-and-trade program and the New Energy Plan, Scheips encourages them see the big picture.

“It’s going to cost money, in the short run,” he said. “It will cost a good bit of money up front, but in the long run, we will save money and save energy – a chain reaction.”

“It is definitely going to take some pioneers to go out of their way financially to get it going,” Scheips said.

According to Miller, America’s opportunity to do just that is now.

“It’s the developed world that has a responsibility to see how we use these resources and that we use them wisely,” he said.

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Teague said the EDC plans on assisting a large electronics manufacturing company seeking a facilities expansion in the River Arts District in the next one to two years.

Buecher encourages all students and alumni to use the Career Center and take advantage of career and internship fairs hosted by UNCA. “It’s a given in our culture now to work on a debt,” Buecher said. “Looking at the (stimulus) package, it seems like we’re looking at long-term benefits rather than short-term.”

For more information on times and dates, visit www.unca.edu/ career

Corrections

From Feb. 19 issue The Blue Banner, incorrectly spelled Associate Vice Chancellor for alumni relations Kevan Frazier’s name in the homecoming preview article.

Negro History Week began in 1926.

Ethanol plants use nearly 4 gallons of water to make 1 gallon of ethanol, according to The Rush to Ethanol.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

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Homecoming

2009

photo courtesy of Debbie Griffith

photo courtesy of Jamye Cooper

Homecoming pictures online at

see more

www.thebluebanner.net photo courtesy of Jamye Cooper

Arts & Features

Students and alum join for tailgate event Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

By Erin McWhorter Staff Writer

emmcwhor@unca.edu

UNC Asheville tailgaters came together on Homecoming weekend, enjoying food, games and booze before the women’s basketball game.

“I love tailgating because everyone comes out and it’s a lot of fun,” said senior Alex Seebeck and member of the Homecoming court. “Drinking is one thing, but in terms of getting excited for a game, it’s a lot easier to have a bunch of people out.”

According to the university’s tailgating policy, the purpose of the event encourages responsible socializing and a safe environment for Homecoming game attendees.

The Homecoming Committee coordinated the beer and wine tailgating event, consisting of members from the alumni department, Students Activities and Integrative Learning, the housing department, catering services and the Greek organizations, said UNC Asheville alumna and SAIL employee Sarah Giavedoni.

“We’ve been meeting since last November trying to get stuff organized for the entire week,” Giavedoni said. “This event specifically wasn’t as difficult to organize as other ones because this is our third year doing tailgating, at least with alcohol.”

Both Seebeck and junior Ryan Douglas manned the grill for the alumni sponsored tent, which gave away food and non-alcoholic beverages to tailgaters.

Alongside the food, many students were seen sporting wristbands giving them the privilege to drink openly on campus. Alcoholic beverages were on a BYOB basis.

“We have half a dozen staff members who have been trained to check IDs,” said Giavedoni. “The students are really cooperative about it. The ones that are underage aren’t drinking, and the ones that are overage were eager to get their bands.”

See TAILGATING Page 12

Page 9

Quizbowl students crush competition

By Nick Robinson Staff Writer

nhrobins@unca.edu

Sulkiro Song - Staff Photographer

Dean of Students Jackie McHargue and UNCA nurse Linda Pyeritz watch as therapy dog in training Lark hugs Rocky the mascot. Middle, A.J. Jessup, Ray Montalvo, Casi Culbreth, Cale Bunell and Nathalie Vry enjoy food and drinks during the tailgating festivities. Ryan Douglas and Alex Seebeck man the grill.

In addition to their strong knowledge of trivia, Robert Meehan attributes his team’s flawless victory at the fourth annual Big South Conference Quizbowl to the friendship of the tight-knit, fivemember group.

“We’re all pretty good friends, so during the tournament we were all laughing and joking around, you know, keeping the adrenaline down. But when it came down to the actual rounds, we were all business,” said the senior. As the team’s only remaining member from 2006, Meehan emerged as the team’s leader.

Meehan is a huge contributor to the team, according to team member and junior Jennifer Guilford.

“Robert was a huge factor in our win, with the most toss-ups answered out of any competing players,” she said. “His success is probably attributed to Wikipedia.”

Guilford hardly exaggerates Meehan’s contributions.

The senior scored 260 points, more than the total combined scores of four of the day’s competing teams, according to the tournament’s Web site.

The tournament took place at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs. The event, which had seven team entrants, consisted of six rounds.

This “round-robin” format allowed each team to compete once against the others. The UNCA team won all six of their rounds.

In addition to UNCA, Presbyterian College, Radford University, Virginia Military Institute, Winthrop University and the reigning three-year champions, Liberty University, all participated with Quizbowl teams.

See QUIZBOWL Page 12

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Page 10

Ian Shannon - Staff Photographer

Manager of Octopus Garden, Shane V., stands in front of the store’s tobacco water pipe collection. Asheville smoke shops offer a variety of collectible items.

Thriving smoke and memorabilia shops pepper Asheville

By Taliaferro Pollock Staff Writer mtpolloc@unca.edu

As Asheville grows, the city continues supporting a substantial amount of smoke shops throughout different regions of the community.

Although it may appear that the growth of these companies in such a small vicinity would cause a lack of demand for each business, it only makes them stronger by popularity.

“As far as competition goes, we refer customers to other smoke shops if need be, and other smoke shops refer customers to us,” said Shane V., the manager for Octopus Garden who has been associated with the business since they started 15 years ago and who wishes to keep his last name anonymous. “There is no point in having animosity towards other shops when we can just as easily help each other out and see positive results that way.”

Octopus Garden continues to use this tactic while running a business, and watched their company grow from one store to five stores throughout Asheville. These stores are located on Merrimon Avenue, North Lexington Av-

enue, Tunnel Road and Patton Avenue.

Many of the smoke shops find it important to support local artists by selling their merchandise in their stores and see it as a way of contributing to the community.

“Almost all of our glass, beads, incense and body oils are made locally,” V. said. “We are very appreciative of the community supporting us; we wouldn’t have five stores if not for that.”

According to smoke shop employees, being in the business gives them the opportunity to stay close to musical and artistic connections.

“Working in this business has definitely allowed me to keep a strong connection with the music community,” said Debra Wells, the owner of Instant Karma, located on Lexington Avenue.

Wells moved to Asheville in 1995 in order to open Instant Karma.

“I had been touring with The Grateful Dead for years, selling merchandise in the lot (outside of the concert), and when Jerry (Garcia) died I found that opening this store was a way to anchor my loss,” Wells said. “Jerry died in August, and I bought the store in October.”

According to Wells, Asheville locals that sold merchandise with her on tour now sell their merchandise in her smoke shop.

“I have sold my shirts and fine art prints through Instant Karma for years,” said an Asheville artist who goes by “Fozzie.” “What we do is more than just business; it’s a community here in Asheville. We help each other out.”

Working in the smoke shop industry in Asheville is not only helping its employees maintain relationships, but it also helps them form new ones.

“Since working at Octopus Garden, I have met various musicians and artists that I might not run into,” V said. “When I was working at one of our previous locations, I had the opportunity to meet Bobby Weir (one of the founding members of The Grateful Dead), and I sold him a Jerry Garcia tobacco pipe.”

It only took the owners of the smoke shop Wonderland, located on Patton Avenue, a few visits to Asheville to realize how much opportunity lies within the city’s smoke shop industry, according to Abbey, who wishes to keep her last name anonymous and whose parents moved

here about a year ago to open shop.

“Even after being in the same business in Philly for 35 years, and then West Palm Beach for 15 years, there is something about the atmosphere here, with the mountains and everything, that gives off a very unique sense of possibility,” Abbey said.

While the smoke shops in Asheville continue to do well, they give credit to their loyal customers for their success.

“I appreciate my customers so much because, if they weren’t shopping with us and standing on that side of the counter, then I wouldn’t have the privilege to be standing on this side of the counter,” V. said. “Since our customers have allowed us to open five Octopus Gardens in different areas of Asheville, it’s like, ‘Now we can bring the store to you.’”

Those who stroll through smoke shops in Asheville find they are full of positive interactions. The priority is more than business, but also the enjoyment and friendly interactions, said V. “Although we are a corporation, the people allow you to still have a laidback atmosphere in the business world of Asheville,” V. said.

Wine? Champagne? How about a Pabst?

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Page 11

Susan Terry - Staff Photographer

A sign listing prices for hair cuts and a 10 percent discount for bike riders seeking a hair cut at the salon. Salon owner Beth Adams chats with a customer.

West Asheville hair cuttery offers a free PBR with any haircut

By Alyssa Spencer Staff Writer afspence@unca.edu

The Blue Ribbon, a hair salon for men and women in West Asheville, takes the experience of getting a haircut and adds an ice cold PBR while sitting in the barber chair.

“We serve customers a Pabst Blue Ribbon when they sit down,” said salon owner Beth Adams. “I decided to serve PBR because I like it, and it’s cheap. Beer is our equivalent of other hair salons’ wine as a refreshment.”

Adams, who opened the salon this past July, said she wanted to own a business with a laid-back vibe and an atmosphere conducive to Asheville’s relaxed environment.

“I want customers to walk in and feel like they can just sit down, play cards, talk about whatever they want, drink a beer and get a good haircut,” Adams said.

The salon is decorated with old-fashioned furniture, a Pabst Blue Ribbon horse lamp and refrigerator. Customers

can sit and wait on a couch near a magazine rack or on stools at the old-fashioned counter.

Adams plays old rock ‘n’ roll and country music.

“I don’t feel like I’m here to get my haircut,” said junior Jon Hall. “I feel like I’m at a friend’s place, lounging and drinking a cold one.”

Adams said she hasn’t received any negative comments about serving beer, nor did she need to get special authorization to do so.

“As long as it’s a complimentary beverage, and we’re not selling it, then it’s fine,” Adams said. “People love the Pabst thing. Some people come in here and have a beer at ten in the morning. They are limited, though. We give one beer per person, and we do ID.” The salon’s staff includes four stylists, including Adams, and prices range from $5 to $26 for cuts and $45 and up for coloring.

“Prices are reasonable, and we can save you money here,” Adams said. “If

you don’t want a shampoo you don’t have to pay for it, and if you don’t want a blowdry you don’t have to pay for it. So there’s no pressure in walking out the door with your hair all done if you’re getting ready to just go to the grocery store.”

Adams, a first-time business owner, said the hardest parts of opening were getting permits and naming the salon.

“I’m glad the beginning process - dealing with the city and getting permits - is done,” Adams said. “It was hard coming up with a name, too; that came last-minute. Someone suggested Blue Ribbon, so we just went with it.”

Adams said despite the business’ slow start, she now has several regular customers and business is great.

“Our clientele is pretty even between women and men,” Adams said. “We get a lot of families - we get more kids than I thought we would. But everybody who comes in is laid-back.”

Hair products, such as Goldwell, KMS and Joe Grooming, are for sale at the front of the salon behind the counter and candy

dish.

“This place is so quaint,” senior Mary Anne Craver said. “The interior is so welcoming and cozy. It seems like a great place to work.”

Adams said that she encountered little negative feedback since opening the salon.

“The only negative comments we have run into is at first we were walk-ins only, and we changed that over because people wanted to make appointments. Really the only negative feedback we’ve had is from people who walk in and we can’t fit them in. But for the most part, if people have to wait a little while, they’re okay with it.”

The Blue Ribbon, located at 506 Haywood Road, offers a 10-percent discount to customers who ride bikes and sells gift certificates in all amounts. Punch cards offer a free haircut after the seventh one.

“People need to get a different price point than a high-end salon or a Super Cuts. They need something in between, and I think that’s where we fall in,” Adams said.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Campus Events

Multicultural Events MOVIE: Banished (discussion after viewing) Highsmith 104 Thursday, 8 p.m.

Comedian (UP) Steve Hofstetter HU Grotto Friday, 9 p.m.

Quizbowl

{The Blue Banner}

Compared to the decidedly intense event, all members agreed that their practices are surprisingly relaxed.

“We have practice twice a week for about three hours, though we don’t always use the full time,” said Joseph Blair, the team’s other junior. “Practice is actually pretty relaxed. We always joke around and have a good time.”

Their practices felt “laid-back,” said Blair.

“People come in, get food and leave.

It’s basically just a bunch of triviaphiles hanging out,” he said.

Meehan also emphasized the team’s focus on their shared passion.

Tailgating

Page 12

Continued

from

Page 9

“The practices are way more relaxed than people think they are. We’re just a bunch of people who came together because of a love for trivia, and we’ve all become good friends because of it,” Meehan said.

The team has two other members, sophomore Josh Siary and senior David Coates.

“We are trying to recruit more people to Quizbowl, especially in the upcoming semester as Robert is leaving and a large number of our team enter their senior year,” said Blair. “For anyone who’s interested, Tuesdays around 6:30 p.m. in HU 103 is the best time to drop by.”

Continued

from

by

Patrick Henry

Theatre UNCA presents

The Bear and The Proposal Carol Belk Theatre Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.

Sun. 2p.m.

For more campus activities, visit: www.unca.edu/ barker/

FREE BOOK

“Freedom”

Cadillac Records Highsmith 104 Friday, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

Lipinsky Auditorium Sunday, 4 p.m. $5 general admission students free with ID

In our Feb. 12 issue we ran a story stating Mills Hall has faulty fire alarms. The alarms go off as a result of student tampering, not from faulty equipment, said Vollie Barnwell, director of Housing Operations.

Page 9

Movie Night

University Wind Ensemble

Correction:

at juanjustice.com Susan Terry - Staff Photographer

Casi Culbreth, Nathalie Vry and Dustin Brendle recycle finished beer cans at the homecoming tailgating event in the Karpen Hall parking lot.

At the event, Verizon Wireless provided music via a mobile karaoke booth, some students brought their own grills and food and several people brought their pets.

The new Rocky mascot made an early appearance at the tailgating event, according to Giavedoni, although his official introduction was at the men’s basketball game later that day.

The event lasted from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., based on the university’s policy of tailgating, which constitutes that tailgating may only occur two hours before game time and must end when the game starts.

“The idea is that the students will go straight from here to the game,” Giavedoni said.

The university’s policy limits alcoholic consumption at Homecoming tailgating events to individuals of legal drinking age, and only malt beverages and unfortified wine may be consumed within the designated areas and time frames.

“I think that it’s good. Big campuses have it, so why can’t we have it, too,” said junior Sophie Foscue, an attendee of the event. “If you’re 21 why can’t you drink at the tailgating party? That’s what tailgating parties are about.”

Good Read

Sports

UNCA downs High Point Page 14

‘Dogs roll over Coastal Carolina Thursday,

February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

By Randi Kitts Staff Writer

rjkitts@unca.edu

Senior forward Reid Augst and freshman guard Matt Dickey scored 21 points each Saturday evening to help power UNC Asheville past Coastal Carolina for a 74-63 victory at home.

“Senior night is always emotional,” said team manager Thomas Lovejoy-Henkel. “Since Reid is Reid Augst the only senior this year, it was even more emotional, but to have such a great student turnout, combined with a huge win, just made it an incredible night for him.”

Augst moved into 22nd place on Asheville’s career scoring list, scoring one more than former holder Guy Batsel to give him 1,077 points. With this victory, the Bulldogs (14-14, 10-7 BSC) secured a quarterfinal home game in the upcoming Big South Conference Tournament.

The men will be either the third or fourth seed in the quarterfinals of the tournament that begins in March.

“I think we performed well against a very talented Coastal team,” said red-shirt sophomore forward John Williams. “Being at home will give us a major advantage.

The fans are amazing this year and our team definitely feeds off of their energy.”

Williams contributed 18 points and had a career-high seven blocked shots. Freshman guard John Primm also pitched in with seven points and seven assists.

Red-shirt junior forward Joseph Harris led Coastal Carolina (11-17, 5-11 BSC) with 32 points and 12 rebounds.

Junior guard Mario Edwards contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, and guard Logan Johnson dealt out eight assists.

UNCA took control early in the game and went on a 24-0 run, holding the Chanticleers to 11 points for more than nine minutes.

Dickey posted nine points for the Bulldogs during the run.

Edwards finally ended the dry spell by

Page 13

Pearson powers track team’s indoor season

By Dan Weller Staff Writer

djweller@unca.edu

Photo courtesy of Cecillie Bartlett

John Primm runs down court late in Saturday’s game against Coastal.

hitting a 3-pointer to make the score 33-14 at the 3:13 mark.

Harris’ six points in the final two minutes made it 36-23 at halftime.

“For one of the first times this season we came out with the aggression and passion to build a big first half lead,” Lovejoy-Henkel said. “The emotion certainly helped, but rebounding was the key.”

The Bulldogs carried their momentum into the second half behind the play of Dickey, who scored eight points on a 20-10 run in the first eight minutes.

A 3-pointer from Coastal senior guard Steven Sexton brought the game to within three, making it 63-60 with 3:40 remaining.

“We have to give CCU a tremendous amount of credit for hanging in the game and continuing to play,” Lovejoy-Henkel Photo courtesy of Sarah Goldenstein said. “They started getting offensive reMatt Dickey shoots a three over bounds, getting second-chance opportuCCU’s Mario Edwards on Saturday. nities and started making perimeter jump shots. All of that together got them back in 72-60. the game.”

“A good team works on all the little A 9-0 run from the Bulldogs sealed the things day by day to improve, and that’s win in the closing minutes of the game. what we are trying to do before the Big Dickey capped the run with a one-hand- South Conference Tournament,” Wiled dunk in transition to push the score to liams said.

The UNC Asheville men’s and women’s track and field teams will bring their indoor season to an end at the Big South Conference Meet in Clemson, S.C., Feb. 26-27.

“The season has gone pretty well so far,” Head Coach Jesse Norman said. “It’s gone a little better than last year. We’re healthier than we were last year and I see that we are making improvements every week.”

Norman said the entire team is competing well this year.

“Emma Bussard, a freshman, has done really well so far,” Norman said. “Sam Maynard, for the men, has also come in and filled a big hole for us.”

Senior distance runner Morgan Weeks is also very optimistic about the way the Bulldogs began this year.

“The indoor season has gone well. It has been a good start for many of the freshman to see how collegiate level track meets are held,” she said. “As for the upper classmen, many set new personals records and have been working really hard to get better for the upcoming outdoor season.”

The Bulldogs kicked off their indoor season strong as junior sprinter Natalie Pearson won the 200 meters and finished second in the 55 meters in the Appalachian Open on Jan. 17.

Weeks set a personal record in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 9.89 seconds at the event.

The Liberty Fast Times Invitational, held on Jan. 24, yielded the same results for Pearson.

Pearson took first place in both the 60-meter dash and 400-meter dash. Her time of 57.76 in the 400 is the fastest in school history.

Freshman distance runner Sam Maynard finished second in both the 800 and the mile with times of 1:59.54 and 4:27.40,

See TRACK Page 14

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Baker, Bulldogs dominate High Point

By Randi Kitts Staff Writer

rjkitts@unca.edu

Senior guard Ana Baker scored 20 points in Saturday afternoon’s game to lead UNC Asheville to a 68-59 victory over High Point University at the Justice Center.

“I felt that we received a lot of contributions from everyone. We had a good game plan that, I think ,we executed very well,” Baker said.

The senior player also pulled down six boards and dished out five asAna Baker sists in her final home game.

Fellow senior player forward Jessica Monroe contributed 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Sophomore forward Lindsey Montgomery had her second straight doubledouble with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Kendall Shepard finished with 11 points and pulled down six boards.

The Bulldogs (10-16, 7-6 BSC) came out strong, quickly outscoring the visitors 10-2 by the 16:23 mark.

High Point called a timeout and answered the Bulldogs with a 13-4 run.

The Panthers capped the run with a layup from High Point’s sophomore forward Amy Dodd which gave High point a one-point lead.

“We have a good coaching staff that will prepare us to win each game,” Baker said. “We have good leadership, and we have a team that’s passionate about winning.”

Sophomore guards Jurica Hargraves and Frances Fields led High Point (11-15, 7-6 BSC) with 14 and 17 points, respectively. Fields also contributed eight assists to the game.

A 3-pointer by Hargraves tied the game up 44-44 at the 13:24 mark in the second half.

Baker and Jessica Monroe responded for the Bulldogs as they put them up by six with just over 11 minutes left.

High Point pulled within three on a jumper from Fields with less than 10 minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs returned with an 8-2 run to go up 61-52.

Baker and Montgomery led the way

Linda Aughburns drives past High Point defenders for a second half layup.

as they scored all eight points during the run.

“We are an undersized team, but we are still capable of playing big,” Baker said.

High Point failed to come back, as they only came within six points of the Bulldogs for the remainder of the game.

UNCA secured the win by hitting seven of their last eight free throws in the final two minutes.

“It was great for homecoming weekend that both teams were able to win. The girls won their game, which in turn helped pump the fans up for the men’s game that followed,” senior atmospheric science student Joseph Phillips said. “School spirit, and the night’s festivities, were all heightened that much more with both teams’ victories.”

The Bulldogs defense played well throughout the game as they held High Point to just 33 percent (21-of-63) shooting from the field and 17 percent (2-of-12) shooting from beyond the arch.

“We played really well as a team and played good defense down the stretch,” sophomore guard Chioma Okoli said.

“We rebounded well, and this was a well

Photos courtesy of Sarah Goldenstein

UNC Asheville’s Jessica Monroe defends against High Point’s Jurica Hargroves in the first half.

deserved win for us.”

UNCA travels to play Big South Conference leader Liberty on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

“If we play like we did Saturday, I think we will be more than prepared to continue winning games. We need everyone to give 110 percent,” Baker said.

Page 14

Track

Continued

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Page 13

respectively. Burnette came in seventh in the 800 and freshman middle distance runner Michelle Busse finished fifth.

On Feb. 1 UNCA competed in the Niswonger Invitational in Johnson City, Tenn.

Led by Pearson, who got third in the 60 meters, the Bulldogs placed well. Busse finished 16th in the 800 and Bussard came in 11th in the 3000.

The Dick Taylor Invitational in Chapel Hill also brought strong results for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs finished strong in the field events as senior thrower Daniel Corriher and junior thrower Keith Scruggs placed first and second in their respective shot put divisions.

Senior sprinter Dane Corriher finished 13th in the 400 meters with a personal record of 51.20.

With the Big South Conference Meet approaching, the Bulldogs are excited about finishing strong, according to Weeks.

“It’s going to be tough again this year with a small team like we have,” Weeks said. “Overall we are going to do really well on both the men’s and women’s sides.”

Comics, Etc...

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

What Killed the Dinosaurs

by Sandy Igel

Page 15

Sudoku

The rules to play Sudoku are quite simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

Melvin & mah

Puzzle answers published in the

Comics, Etc

online section weekly at

by Sean Sawyer

thebluebanner.net

Campus Voice Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Hard time: Reconsidering the costs of prisons Ever question whether or not you’d go to prison? Well, statistics show more people serve time than you might think.

Last year, the Pew Center on the States and the Public Safety Performance Project released data showing more than one out of 100 adults sit behind bars in America.

Although a high number, it reflects a growing trend across the United States, taxing society almost to its breaking point.

Prison populations nearly tripled between 1987 and 2007, according to the Pew study. With the increase of inmates, states must spend more money to keep prisoners locked up.

“For this detention facility alone, my budget to run this facility is $12 million dollars annually,” said Major Glen Matayabas, operator of Asheville’s Detention Facility.

In 2007, all money spent on corrections across the 50 states hit $49 billion, according to the Pew study. They expect this money to increase by $25 billion in 2011.

This amount of money does little in reforming prisoners, which means we need change in our prison policy.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, of 15 states releasing a total of 272,111 inmates in 1994, roughly twothirds went back to prison within three years. The department lists this as the latest national figure on former inmates returning to prison.

“You just can’t be a revolving door,” said Matayabas.

Keeping people locked up doesn’t necessarily keep crime down. Many inmates commit crimes after release, sending them back to prison and keeping costs high.

Even though society may say we need to lock up every criminal, prison remains expensive. Figures showed the average cost of keeping an inmate locked up ran around $23,876 in 2005, according to Pew. This cost affects you.

States spend money on a number of things, such as transportation, health services and higher education.

Between 1987 and 2007, states increased spending on higher education by 21 percent, according to Pew. During the same time, states increased spending on prison correction by 127 percent. Well, if two-thirds of released prisoners return within three years, then the states really don’t get their money’s worth. These numbers also say something about our society.

Do we care more about locking people up than education? What do we value?

vism rates by an estimated 10 percent.

“The answer is not always just building

By Tom McLean a new facility,” said Matayabas. “Some of Staff Writer that money needs to go effectively for subtjmclean@unca.edu stance abuse and drug rehabilitation.”

Also, prisons can focus on community and family bonds in order to reduce violence, according to Confronting Confinement. These good suggestions get to the Also, many prisoners have families. core of the problem. Instead of throwing When parents divorce, someone must pay money at it and hoping for the best, we child support. And while the responsi- need prison reform to focus on changing bility of child support sits on an inmate’s behavior not only for the prisoner’s sake, shoulders in prison, many find they cannot but for society as well. We must remember make the payments. behavior learned in prison can potentially For example, Pew cites a 2001 Mas- spill into the streets. sachusetts study that reported more than If this doesn’t seem like enough to three-quarters of the state’s inmates failed change policy, then society can also focus to pay child support during the previous on the health costs. Every year, a released year. Massachusetts might only be one 1.5 million inmates carry some kind of lifeexample, but the point remains that others threatening disease, according to Confrontsuffer while prisoners serve time. ing Confinement. In addition, the publicaSo we have states spending huge amounts tion estimates some 350,000 inmates suffer of money on something that doesn’t work from mental illness. well. We have former prisoners committing Aside from the medical costs of treating crimes after release, showing prisons don’t these conditions, these medical conditions change behavior as expected. And we have affect public safety as well because inmates families struggling because of lack of child- return to society. Even though they may be support payments. We need a change in this criminals, don’t we have a system. Interestingly, this responsibility to maintain change could start before We need prison their health in order to rea person ever commits a habilitate them for return reform to focus on crime.

The Pew cites a study changing behav- to society as well as for following children into ior not only for the our own health?

“We use an acronym. adulthood and found the It’s called SSQC,” said prisoner’s sake, but children attending pre-kinMatayabas.

“And what dergarten classes commit- for society as well. that means is, to run a safe ted less crime in childhood facility, it just has to be and adulthood, while also safe, it has to be secure, it increasing high school graduation rates, emhas to be quiet and it has to be clean.” ployment and salary. The benefit-cost ratio The publication recommends screening ran at 16 to 1, according to the study. This solution demonstrates a preventive example and testing inmates at every prison and jail across America in order to find and treat of dealing with crime.

A publication titled Confronting Con- these high rates. Prisons should also focus finement: A Report of The Commission on on the mentally ill for the same reasons, Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons dis- according to Confronting Confinement. cusses violence in prison. The publication But if we don’t think we have a respondiscusses how some prisons contain more sibility to our prisoners, then let’s keep inmates than they can handle, causing stress throwing money at them. Let’s keep runthat almost guarantees violence in prison. ning high-population prisons so they can Confronting Confinement recommends spread disease. And let’s keep up the overrehabilitation and productivity programs crowding so violence rates remain high. which reduce violence and change be- You see, when one of every 100 adults havior. The publication also recommends sits in lockup, we have a problem on our programs where criminals learn why they hands. And while prison might not directcommit crimes and the consequences of ly affect you, it certainly affects the society their actions, which could lower recidi- around you.

Page 16

American dream hides an ugly reality

By Jason Herring Design & Web Editor jgherrin@unca.edu

Senior year is a time for college students to take stock of their abilities and begin the steady march forth into the labor force.

Armed with an education and determination, we set off into the land of opportunity looking for our slice of the American dream.

The American reality, however, is that the new job landscape that we will be marching through is littered with the casualties of the economic downturn. In May, seniors enter the worst job market for graduating seniors since the 2001 recession.

Gone are the days of picking and choosing between eager employers. Welcome to the age of “Take what you can get.”

Employers are trimming their labor forces and instituting hiring freezes at an increasing rate in an effort to buffer themselves from an uncertain economic future.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate hit 8.7 percent in December, the highest recorded rate since June 1983 and 1.5 percentage points higher than the overall United States rate, according to N.C. Today, a monthly review of the state’s labor market conditions.

For some businesses, simple trimming is not enough. In the last year, 26 businesses closed in Buncombe County, resulting in the lose of approximately 507 jobs. Almost half of those jobs were lost in the last three months according to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission.

Even in good economic times, jobhunting, especially for first timers, can be a stressful rite of passage. These days the hunt is all about being prepared and being on your game.

The fields are crowded with hunters all

See Jobs Page 17

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Page 17

College is the curse of the drinking class Selling alcohol on campus ferments responsible consumption While UNC Asheville allows students 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages in certain areas on campus, the university strictly prohibits the distribution and sale of alcohol on university grounds.

It may be time to change that.

According to the alcoholic beverage policy at UNCA, alcohol and unfortified wine can only be consumed in certain areas and only by those of legal age. Anyone with the intent to sell, distribute or host a party where alcohol is served and charge a cover fee is in violation of university policy.

But should this be the case?

Other colleges in the University of North Carolina network allow the sale of alcohol under certain conditions and in particular places. For example, UNC Greensboro has seven areas designated as performing arts venues where alcohol can be served as long as the correct permits are on display.

UNCG also allows certain sponsored functions held on campus to serve, sell or distribute alcohol with the permission of the chancellor and the correct alcohol permits on display. UNC Chapel Hill also has designated performing arts venues where the sale of alcohol is allowed to those 21 and older.

Those are just two examples. UNCA, on the other hand, has no such rules in place.

In fact, perhaps unbeknownst to much of the UNCA community, and somewhat unrelated to the above, any alcoholic beverage that exceeds 14 percent by volume is against policy.

What I am suggesting goes further than simply allowing alcohol to be sold at Lipinsky or Carol Belk. Alcohol should be sold at the Highsmith University Union in both the food court and at Rocky’s.

This is not a new idea, but it is one that

Jobs

es mentioned earlier in the article and prohibits the sale of alcohol on college campuses under any other circumstances.

By Patrick Zarcone Staff Writer It seems strange that, in some instances, pwzarcon@unca.edu the sale of alcohol on college campuses is perfectly legal, but in other cases, it is not.

Since it is apparent that a school bar is not legal as of now, the next question is: Why? Some people may be concerned that a many on campus would agree is workable. school-sanctioned bar or a convenience It is also a bit of old UNCA folklore. In store that sells alcohol on campus would my three years here, numerous times peo- encourage underage drinking. Haggard ple said there used to be a bar on campus expressed such concerns and said he is back in the 1960s, 1970s personally opposed to or 1980s. the sale of alcohol on Vice Chancellor of Stu- If UNCA sold alcohol campus because many dent Affairs Bill Haggard at Highsmith, it would of those who live in the said he is unsure whether dorms are underage. not only encourage that is true or not.

While underage drinksocial interaction “My honest answer is ing is not something to that I don’t know,” he said encourage, it is important among students, it in an e-mail. would also be a nice to be realistic. It does Tom Lawton, the genhappen, and it will conway to relax after a tinue to happen whether eral counsel at UNCA long day of classes, alcohol is sold on camsince 2003, works on the alcohol policy. Haggard pus or not. There are tests, papers and said we might see changes many other arguments studying. to the policy in the near to be made both for and future, but not to expect against the issue. anything drastic.

Some people might also worry about “I do know that Mr. Lawton is working binge drinking and the impact of readilyon a revised alcohol policy,” Haggard said. available alcohol. The truth is that allow“I anticipate the revised policy will still ing students to buy a beer from Rocky’s prohibit sale.” does not necessarily mean that it would Lawton would not answer questions re- encourage more binge drinking or undergarding the alcohol policy and asked not to age drinking. be quoted for this article. Instead, he pointThere are many people who simply ed me to a North Carolina General Statute enjoy drinking beer and do not necessarand promptly ended the interview. ily need to drink 12 beers in order to have Chapter 18B, Section 18B-1006(a), ti- fun. These are the people that would get tled “Regulation of Alcoholic Beverages,” the most benefit out of the availability of only allows alcohol under the circumstanc- alcohol on campus.

the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As baby boomers shuffle off to retirement, they will C o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 1 6 leave behind millions of empty cubicles, uniforms and storefronts. The new laboraiming at the same target and only some ers will rush to fill the ensuing vacuum. are going to hit the mark.

In the meantime, you don’t have to throw Today’s graduates are not only compet- your hands up in defeat or plan a lengthy ing with other recent graduates; they are retreat to your parents’ basement. Common also contending with more experienced sense and dedication, along with the tools workers who recently re-entered the job you’ve learned in school, are your greatest market due to layoffs and closings. But it’s assets in a challenging job market. not all doom and gloom.

Be aggressive in your job search and While total national employment is ex- don’t put it off; companies must hire new pected to grow more slowly in the coming talent to ensure growth and will be looking years than in the previous decade, we can for the brightest and the best. Be flexible count on our aging work force to guarantee and have reasonable expectations. Considplenty of future job openings, according to er part time work and internships to bol-

ster your resume and get your foot in the door. Attend networking events and take advantage of already established networks like your Facebook or MySpace accounts.

Take advantage of the Career Center and all of its services and resources.

And then there is always graduate school.

The UNC Asheville Career Center and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce will host “How to Find a Job in Asheville” at the Chamber of Commerce on March 23 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. For more information go to www.unca.edu/career/howtofindajobseries/home.html

If UNCA sold alcohol at Highsmith, it would not only encourage social interaction among students, it would also be a nice way to relax after a long day of classes, tests, papers and studying. On top of that, who would not like to have a beer or a glass of wine while watching a comedy show or a poetry reading at The Grotto in Highsmith?

That sounds like an evening out on the town minus the cover charge or the price of a ticket. It would be more economical for students, and alcohol sales would bring a ton of revenue to the university.

Not only would more students have a good time while at university events, it would also be a lot safer to have students buy their beverages on campus and consume them on campus. Of course, problems might arise when people have a little too much to drink, but that happens anyway. It would not necessarily increase just because Rocky’s sells six packs.

As for anyone who thinks that the idea of a campus bar or a campus convenience store that carries alcohol is something new, it is not, as one UNCA junior told me.

“I would definitely support a school bar or responsible alcohol on campus in general,” said Parker Green, 22. “Overseas, many schools have university bars where students get a good deal on drinks and a great place to socialize. Here what do we have? The caf?”

The most obvious obstacle to this happening is the North Carolina statute. Maybe it is time that lawmakers re-evaluate the laws, especially in these tough economic times. Maybe the sale of alcohol would bring in enough new revenue to ease some of the budget problems; more revenue means less money that the state needs to hand out to public institutions.

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Page 18

t n y , o f a ? e e l g

Passport to...

e t s e t

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Emily Antoszyk - Contributing Photographer

Participants practice Capoeira, a Brazilian style of martial arts. Top right, young boys drums on found objects in the Rocinha favela, Rio de Janeiro. Bottom right, horse-play back riding through the Pantanal. To see more pictures or read Antoszyk’s blog from -her trip to Brazil, visit eantoszyk.blogspot.com or picasaweb.google.com/Emillia9.

e c d e

Lessons learned in Brazil put student’s life into perspective

By Emily Antoszyk Contributing Writer eaantosz@unca.edu

After studying abroad as a sophomore, I developed a serious travel bug. The idea that more adventures could be mine if I made them was a consuming thought, and by 2008 I was ready to go abroad again.

Coincidentally, just as I formulated these ideas in my head, I saw a flyer on campus for a program called Living Routes. The idea to travel to Brazil and study Permaculture was a passing thought that quickly became a reality.

I departed for Brazil in June 2008 with a few key Portuguese phrases and a vague idea of what it meant to practice permaculture. Before heading to IPEC (Instituto de Permacultura e Ecovilas do Cerrado), where I would be taking the course, I met up with a friend from New Zealand and several others who would join me at the school.

We began in Rio de Janeiro, where we

spent several days seeing art, visiting ornate churches, eating wonderful food and exploring. Then we headed to the Pantanal, a massive tropical wetland and biodiversity hotspot. In the Pantanal, we saw all sorts of indigenous animals, including the blue macaw, caimans, toucans and the capiberra.

We even fished for and ate piranha!

After Rio and the Pantanal, it was time to head to the eco-village. In total, about 20 of my peers and I (mostly Americans with a few Brazilians, Londoners, a Puerto Rican and a Venezuelan) spent three weeks at IPEC learning the principles of permaculture and specific techniques of green building. At IPEC, we also had certain integrations into Brazilian culture such as Portuguese and capoiera classes.

Living at the school was the first and only time in my life where I have not felt completely conflicted about my lifestyle.

It was wonderful to feel a holism in existing, conserving water, composting toi-

lets, feeding food waste to the pigs, eating local, not driving anywhere and utilizing solar energy. It was such a good, healthy feeling, and the working bees (in which we built a cob oven and a keyhole garden) increased the ties we all felt to the earth.

While there, I spent much of my time outdoors. Even the classrooms were outdoors; sometimes we held class at a giant mango tree. There were fresh bananas, monkeys in the trees and beautiful fauna. It empowered me to be around so many people focused on greater global sustainability.

Leaving IPEC was a shock, and I felt immediately wasteful. Luckily, my travel mates and I transitioned back into the mainstream by first trekking through national parks (Chapada dos Veadeiros and Chapada Diamantina), easily some of the most amazing places I have seen. Then we headed down the coast to Salvador, Itacare and Arrial d’Ajuda, all coastal towns.

In Arrial, we stayed with a professor from

IPEC, continuing our permaculture education by helping him build a composting toilet on his farm.

Back in Rio, the second time around was very different from the first. About two-and-a-half months after arriving, our Portuguese was passable, and we had a friend to stay with in the city. We felt relaxed, like we were getting into the swing of the culture.

I can now be a certified permaculture apprentice through the skills I obtained studying in paradise. The diversity of life in Brazil continually amazed me, and not only the wildlife, but also the diverse human populations in places like Rio and Salvador.

Overall, my many great adventures completely removed me from my comfort zone. I traveled in a country where I spoke little of the language. The experience so empowered me that now I feel like I could do it anywhere!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

{The Blue Banner}

Page 19

A Word From Student Government

SGA fights for the rights of undocumented students

By Asha Purohit

Exec. of External Affairs adpurohi@unca.edu

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

ms te I Jason Herring, Design&Web Editor Michael Gouge, FacultynAdviser u e ggs M E nic e ga ang r l/O ee R The Blue Banner is UNC Asheville’s student newspaper. We each Thursday ca publish o Fr L

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.

The war over resolution 19 began at the November meeting of the University of North Carolina Association of Student Government Associations.

The resolution is entitled, “An Act Encouraging the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Community College System to restore Universal College Access.”

In a session of the student government office that lasted several hours, we nailed out the bulk of resolution 19, which would not successfully pass through UNC ASG’s General Assembly until two months after its first introduction in November.

Given the controversial tinge now associated with under and undocumented persons in the United States, resolution 19 was obviously a hot button issue. One of the major arguments in support of this resolution is that UNC system president Erskine Bowles took no action on closing the system’s current “open door,” universal access policy. As it stands, students who are under or undocumented are allowed entry into UNC schools. They do, however, pay out-of-state tuition and are, in most cases, classified as “out-of-state for documentation purposes.” Essentially, undocumented students subsidize the education of all other in-state students, just as out-of-state students do.

The true fight commenced during the November meeting. Due to a plethora of bureaucratic issues, many delegates lacked sufficient information regarding resolution 19. While I was busy taking minutes, the committee quickly devolved into speaking in us-and-them terms. After three very vocal delegates killed the resolution in committee, several other delegates, including those from UNC Chapel Hill and N.C. State, scrambled to see if we could get sup-

port to revisit it in committee and possibly have it come up in General Assembly.

The scramble for support was futile as incredibly un-businesslike delegates referred to other strange activities they would rather be doing. In General Assembly we again tried to get some support behind having the bill discharged from committee to be heard. Andrew Johnson, student body vice president, motioned to have the bill discharged. However, due to confusion regarding what actually occurred in committee, the delegates withheld support for the motion.

Over the next two months I worked with Doucette and two groups on campus that have been integral in working for this cause: HOLA ad NCC4CA (North Carolina Coalition for College Access). When the January meeting in Fayetteville rolled around, we came out with guns blazing.

Everybody in support of resolution 19 held their breaths as it made its way through committee. The instant the committee decided it would report on it favorably, and thus bring it into General Assembly to vote upon, elated supporters bombarded me with phone calls and text messages.

The next step was to get it through General Assembly. We all held our breath again. In General Assembly the committee reported favorably on the resolution. Then the assembly moved into rounds of debate. The opposition was caught off-guard, and the resolution quickly passed unanimously while the opposition attempted to wrangle their information. They failed to present any negative debate.

Furthermore, resolution 19 proceeded to the Board of Trustees of the community college system, and was enacted, which prevented the opposition from gaining a foothold in their attempt to reintroduce and vote it down.

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