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UK hoops faces size disadvantage entering SEC play

JANUARY 14, 2010

THURSDAY

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KENTUCKY KERNEL CELEBRATING 39 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

Officials say UK prepared for severe winter weather By Roy York ryork@kykernel.com

Students who found themselves slipping and sliding to class during the ice storm last year out of dark, powerless houses may find themselves facing the same situation if a major ice storm strikes Lexington this winter. Christy Giles, the UK Office of Emergency Management Director, said UK's policy is to keep the university open and all classes on schedule unless there are severe safety concerns for students and faculty. Giles said when severe winter weather happens, her office receives information from the Na-

tional Weather Service, UK Police and UK Physical Plant Decision to determine road conditions and evaluate student safety concerns. The decision to close the university rests with Frank Butler, executive vice president of the Office of Finance and Administration, but UK officials say there is little change in procedure following the ice storm last January. “There are no changes to the general policy and plan,” UK spokesman Jimmy Stanton said. Ken Wiley, the UK Physical Plant and grounds manager, said the only change this year is adding sidewalks to the snow removal plan. He said his department is in charge of removing snow and ice from steps,

sidewalks, roads and parking lots around buildings on campus. “Our number one priority, above all is the hospital,” Wiley said. “I try to be ready by about 7:30 a.m. on school and workdays and try to have the campus safe by then.” UK's snow removal plan only extends to the edges of university property, and Wiley said students and faculty who live off campus must rely on the city to plow snow and make roads safe. UK officials have canceled classes before 10 a.m. due to snowy conditions once in the winter intersession, and the ice storm that caused multiple delays and cancellations is still fresh in some

students’ minds. But university officials say UK is ready for this winter. “While there is always room for and we constantly strive for ways to improve, the university has a comprehensive plan to deal with these types of situations, and we believe we’ve been successful at minimizing the risk to the campus community in these instances,” Stanton said. Wiley said the university budgets for seven major storms per year and is confident in UK's ability to handle winter weather and make campus safe for students. “We’re operating like a little city and taking care of our business,” Wiley said.

UK’s winter weather fleet 25 road vehicles 25 sidewalk vehicles 14 multi-purpose tractors 14 salt spreaders

SOUTH LIMESTONE CONSTRUCTION

Defining what ‘green’ means New officer makes list of resolutions for first year By Katie Perkowski kperkowski@kykernel.com

PHOTO BY JON REYNOLDS | STAFF

Streaks of headlights illuminate the South Limestone and Avenue of Champions intersection during a 30 second exposure. One lane of South Limestone is now open to local traffic after 5 p.m. with access through Main Street.

On the Fast Track

City reports construction project moving swiftly By Katie Saltz ksaltz@kykernel.com

Reaching the halfway mark until completion, construction on South Limestone is ahead of schedule. Streetscape project manager George Milligan said the city has completed all of the sanitary and sewer portions of the job and is working on the foundation for overhead utilities. “We are opening one lane in the evening, usually around 5 p.m.,” Milligan said. The cold weather has prevented the workers from doing concrete work, but Milligan said if the weather rises above freezing temperatures they will continue with concrete work soon. Even with one lane of traffic,

however, some businesses along the construction trail still feel they are losing customers to the mess. Isaac Kurs, one of the owners of Soundbar on South Limestone, said when neighboring businesses suffer it means less foot traffic for his bar. “When the construction started (foot traffic) practically came to a complete halt,” Kurs said. “Not being able to draw traffic from the street hurt us. We have to work twice as hard to attract customers.”

Besides the closing of the street, Kurs said he ran into a problem with the construction equipment being parked directly in front of his bar. In the two days it took to get the equipment moved, Kurs said he saw a 50 percent decrease in business for those nights. “If I were to see construction trucks parked right in front of a bar, that would probably discourage me from going in,” he said. “So there is still a little bit of disregard (for the businesses).” Beth Hanna, owner of Hanna’s on Lime, feels that same disregard concerning parking spaces. Although she thinks opening the one lane will be helpful, there is still no street parking on that portion of South Limestone. Even when the project is completed, Hanna said she will lose the only two parking

spaces in front of her restaurant to a bike lane. “A lot of my elderly customers used those spaces, so I’m losing them (as customers),” she said. While the past six months have been disruptive, Hanna said, she is sure the project will finish ahead of schedule. “They are a little bit ahead of the game … but until the weather breaks they can’t start pouring and rebuilding the sidewalks,” Hanna said. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed.” While Milligan said the construction plans are moving along, Kurs said local businesses are just trying to survive another six months. “We’re trying to give people a good enough reason to come through all this mess,” he said.

July 22, 2009- Construction begins on S.Limestone from Euclid to High

July 23, 2009- South Limestone Business Owners Association file for an injunction First issue free. Subsequent issues 25 cents.

July 1, 2010- projected completion date

Sept. 16, 2009- Intersection of S. Limestone and Maxwell closes for a scheduled four-week period

Jan.13, 2010- City reports construction is ahead of schedule

Porous pavement, more bike lanes and a new face for the Web site — all are in Shane Tedder’s plan for 2010. Tedder, UK’s recently appointed sustainability officer, has a list of plans in mind for the new year to make campus more environmentally-friendly. High on the list is a transformation of the sustainability committee’s Web site to create consistency. “… It’s very helpful for all of these different ideas to be communicated in the same place to start to get some synergies and partnerships that come out of having all this information accessible in one place,” Tedder said. In addition to the upgraded Web site, Tedder is working toward grants to create permeable surface parking lots that allow water to soak through the pavement into the ground instead of into sewer systems, and additional bike facilities such as lanes and signs. Because of the current economic situation the need to find grants for these projects is vital, Tedder said. One of Tedder’s other projects is working with Bluegrass Community and Technical College and Transylvania University to plan the 2010 Campus Community Partnerships for Sustainability Conference. Tedder will also be working with the President’s Sustainability Advisory Committee to help it fulfill its mission, which is to promote environmental awareness within the university community to enhance UK’s standing as a global leader. One of the early challenges the committee faces is coming up with a working definition of what sustainability means at UK, Tedder said. “… (It) is hard to do because defining sustainability is really a moving target and a lot of people have defined it in different ways,” he said. Tedder said along with his new duties, some of his responsibilities from his previous role as sustainability coordinator for the Office of Residence Life carry over. “I anticipated that it would be challenging, and it has been,” he said. “But it’s been the sort of challenge that I enjoy, no major curve balls yet.”

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PAGE 2 | Thursday, January 14, 2010

4puz.com

Palin joins Fox, is she fit for news? Intellectually, I suppose if I didn't complain about Mike Huckabee having a show on Fox, I have no right to weep and moan about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin becoming a contributor to various Fox News programs and channels as of Monday. But I have to be honest: The announcement that Palin has signed a multi-year deal with Fox News makes me feel like 24/7 cable TV has taken another giant step down the road to Palin trafficking in partisan warfare instead of providing a journalism that viewers and citizens can trust. And I do find that depressing. "Governor Palin has captivated everyone on both sides of the political spectrum and we are excited to add her dynamic voice to the Fox News lineup," Bill Shine, executive vice president of programming for Fox News, said in a statement announcing the deal. Here is more of the Fox press release: "As a contributor, Palin will provide political commentary and analysis for FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOXNews.com, and FOX News-produced special event political programming for FOX Broadcasting. "In addition, she will host periodic episodes of FNC's 'Real American Stories,' a series exploring inspirational real-life tales of overcoming adversity throughout the American landscape that will debut in 2010. "Palin added, 'I am thrilled to be joining the great talent and management team at FOX News. It's wonderful to

Horoscope To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 6 — Focus your thoughts on personal issues. You benefit from expanding your database of possibilities. Avoid arguments. They hold you back. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 5 — You have multiple opportunities to handle basic decisions. Progress provides great relief. A co-worker becomes a devoted ally. Gemini (May 21-June 21) — Today is a 6 — You feel a big change coming, but you're unclear about its nature. Prepare yourself by imagining a wide-open field to play in. Cancer (June 22-July 22) — Today is a 6 —Everything seems to slow down today and take twice as

be part of a place that so values fair and balanced news.'" Here is my problem with Palin as a commentator on a 24/7 news channel, and it is not about liking or disliking her. It is about these supposedly journalistic venues being so hopelessly politicized that we can no longer trust the information they offer. I was one of the guys who most prominently defended Fox as a news channel when the White House last fall said they should not be treated as one. I was concerned with the larger issue of the executive branch trying to bully the press. And I was also outraged by the hypocrisy of the White House saying MSNBC was a news channel, but Fox wasn't. I totally stand by that. But this is the kind of move by Fox that plays straight into the White House's complaints that it is a political arm of the Republican Party. Palin made some pretty reckless accusations of the campaign trail last fall. Is this someone you trust to get your political analysis from? And I am not trying to load the dice. From a programming standpoint, I think this is a savvy move by Fox. Palin will only enhance the channel's incredible ratings advantage. But do traditional standards of journalism matter at all anymore? And I am not asking that rhetorically. I believe this is the kind of move that can contribute to a hopelessly polarized America _ and I don't know if media outlets that ask to be considered news channels should be playing that role.

long as you'd planned. No amount of pushing matters. Go with the flow. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 5 — Consider your personal agenda and follow it. What you need is focused energy. There will be plenty of time to enjoy yourself this evening. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 6 — People in your work environment confuse important issues with weak data. It's up to you to sort out the facts and list them clearly. A female resists. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 5 — Take time to analyze your decisions and assess the wisdom of the direction you've chosen. It's easier to make a change now than to face the music later. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 5 — Stay in bed today and read the paper. Then drag yourself out, face the world of adjustments and make the most of what you find.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 5 — If you open your mouth, plan on chewing shoe leather. It won't be possible to please everyone. You'd do better by offering a variety of resources.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 6 — Deciding for yourself doesn't happen today. You need a sidekick. Whether for errands, work or household chores, keep someone close at hand. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 5 — Stick to the basics as much as possible. Adapt yesterday's plan to today's needs. Four or five people gather closely together in a leaderless group. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 5 — Although you're ready to move ahead, others have reservations. Be sure they tell you what's on their minds. Otherwise, you're shooting in the dark.

Thursday, January 14, 2010 | PAGE 3

The Kentucky Kernel

Call 859.257.2872 to place an ad Ads can be found at kykernel.com

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ACROSS 1 Deride 5 “I __ Soldier, Too: The Jessica Lynch Story” 8 Some undergrounds 14 Get in the game 15 Bell and Barker 16 Relaxing 17 Wainscoting, e.g. 19 Ray of “GoodFellas” 20 The jitters 22 Doctor, at times 23 Broad valleys 26 Student volume with exercises 28 Spider-Man enemy 31 Coward of the stage 32 Place holder 34 Pockets illegally 38 Holiday establishment? 39 Thrust (upon) 41 Norma McCorvey’s alias, in a landmark case 42 Incense 45 Reduce in price 48 Early ’70s Israeli prime minister 50 Street girls 51 Maine, in Maine 55 In reserve 56 Sharp-tasting 57 Corrida hero 60 Couch in a guest room, perhaps 62 Oscar-winning director of “Unforgiven” 66 That certain something 67 ICU devices 68 His __: big shot 69 Utters decisively 70 Opposite of paleo71 Suggestive opening DOWN 1 Maxilla or mandible 2 Composer Brian 3 DDE’s arena 4 Jeff Foxworthy target

5 Matchmaking god 6 Fab 7 Cock-a-hoop 8 Prefix with adroit 9 Online reservation 10 Misfortune 11 Like back pay, briefly 12 Prefix meaning bone 13 Desolate 18 London dist. 21 Bart, to Homer 23 Credit counterpart 24 Unaccompanied 25 Sierra __ 27 Speaking platforms 29 Craftsperson’s fiber 30 Cortés’s gold 33 Kipling’s young spy 35 Rice-__ 36 Sounded like a cow 37 Have a hunch 40 Yield to gravity 43 ’50s TV cultural series

44 Bins for the birds 46 It merged with Sears in 2004 47 Repudiates 49 QU go-between 51 Words from cribs 52 City SSE of Gainesville 53 With tongue in cheek 54 Wheel alignment feature

58 Speak excitedly 59 Canadian station name 61 __ juvante: with God’s help (Monaco’s motto) 63 Olive or corn follower 64 Sapporo sash 65 Summer hours

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:

xwordeditor@aol.com

2/8/06

Dating in denim

Matt Murray Features Editor Phone: 257-1915 mmurray@kykernel.com

Thursday January 14, 2010 Page 3

A serial violator of over primping, I glance down at my phone in a scramble on a Saturday night and realize I have 10 minutes before my ride arrives and I still haven’t found the right outfit. After a horrible raid of my closet, I quickly discover eiALISON ther my washCARSON ing machine Kernel has shrunk my columnist Nordstrom jeans or my roommate’s laundry got stuck in my basket again. After managing to go through an array of options, I ultimately resort to the jeans I always do — the ones that seem to be the perfect match, in any situation. It was then I realized this “raiding of the closet” is similar to the endless charade of dating we go through. Your seemingly infinite slamming of fitting room doors on the quest to find the perfect jeans is no different than the search for that perfect someone. For most of us, it’s as daunting as fitting into Heidi Klum’s jeans. Like a pair of jeans that is two sizes too small, a “tight” relationship is that of a clingy potential boyfriend that is almost as awkward as the “muffin top” tight pants create. You find yourself at a dinner almost as stuffy as the fit of the jeans and squirming under the table to catch your breath; especially after he has mentioned meeting his mom. For the second time. On the first date. There’s always the opposite fit as well: the “loose relationship.” These are the relationships that require maintenance like a pair of loose jeans. You need a belt or a tailor — and by tailor, I mean relationship therapy for all of the holding on you’ve had to do. Loose relationships require more than just attention, they’re completely unflattering. Usually turning you into a habitual Facebook creeper, and “where is this going?” texter. Loose relationships are never in fashion. The best jeans take time to break in. At first stiff and creased, they eventually learn to form to you. The best relationships only get better with time, become snug in the right places and loose where they need to be. Although it might take an exhausting battle of fitting rooms, or dates, eventually something clicks. The most “stylish” relationships are those which have been created almost effortlessly and seem like a natural fit. My favorite pair of jeans, like every fulfilling relationship, is not without its own flaws. The pockets are worn and the bottoms are frayed. But when you find the perfect relationship, there will be frays and even stains for certain. However, you will decide you don’t need to the raid the closet — and pull down your favorite pair from the hanger. Alison Carson is a journalism sophomore. E-mail features@kykernel.com.

Bartender competition mixes fun, theatre By Hope Smith features@kykernel.com

The Lexington Opera House is going to have a good buzz this month. Bartenders at six area restaurants and bars will offer up their best brews in a competition to see who can make the best “Drowsy Chaperone” cocktail, a fictional drink in the upcoming Broadway show of the same name visiting the Lexington Opera House this month. “We wanted to do something that would portray the fun and flavor of this show,” said Lexington Center marketing director Sheila Kenny. There is no such thing as a “Drowsy Chaperone” cocktail yet, but bartenders can mix anything they desire with brandy or champagne to create the drink and willing taste-testers from all over Lexington can stop in any of the participating challenge locations and sip original creations of freshly-made and comedy-inspired drinks. Concoctions will be made by bartenders from Baker’s 360, Bigg Blue Martini, deSha’s, The Julep Cup, Mia’s and Portofino and presented to the volunteer taste-testers at booths set up inside. The only rule is champagne or brandy must be used. Everything else is left up to the mixers – and they’re all battling for bragging rights. “It’s kind of like the People’s Choice Awards, the one with the most votes wins,” Kenny said. Participants are then encouraged to go online to vote for their favorites and doing so automatically enters participants in a drawing for two free tickets to the performance itself, which will be at the Lexington Opera House Jan. 22 – 24. “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which won five Tony Awards in 2006 after premiering on Broadway, is a comedic play set in the 1920’s about a depressed man who takes a trip through his record player into another world. There’s romance, humor, flashy artwork and plenty of singing and dancing. “It’s a fun, upbeat musical,” Kenny said. The show pokes fun at musicals and their over-the-top nature while still maintaining the look and feel of one itself for a majority of the performance. The characters are quirky and unexpected. Even the main character doesn’t have a name. He goes by “Man in Chair.” Two gangster thugs show up disguised as pastry chefs and drop hysterical puns like you wouldn’t believe. An actual “Drowsy Chaperone” springs into action. Both the bartender of the winning creation and the randomly-selected voter will receive tickets to a performance and the winning drink will be sold at the shows and drank onstage by the performers. To taste something farcical and adventurous, visit any of the participating locations between 7 and 10 pm, Jan. 8 - 15. Just ask for the “Drowsy Chaperone” cocktail and let the games begin.

the

beat

Opinions

Local bookstores provide personal options As the Internet has become this near omniscient being, students’ options regarding outlets to purchase textbooks have expanded as well — leading to national online textbook stores such as eCampus.com that compete with local campus bookstores across the nation. The textbook conglomerates claim to be less expensive and more convenient. However, the Better Business Bureau’s list of the most-complained about industries suggests otherwise. The BBB of Central and Eastern Kentucky annually ranks the top 10 most-complained about industries and 2009 saw textbooks make an appearance for the first time at No. 3. Though the industry as a whole made its way onto the list, the difference between complaints filed against the national chains and local textbook stores here in Lexington is polarizing. According to a Jan. 13 Kernel article, the BBB reported that eCampus received 372 complaints in its 64-county region. Kennedy Bookstore and Wildcat Textbooks received none.

While national chains may be subject to more complaints due to heavier consumer traffic, there is no way to counter the fact that local stores received no complaints.

Not only can students deal with any issues they may have in person, but the representatives themselves are invested in UK and the Lexington area as a whole, not to mention that buying locally only feeds back into the community. The cause of the complaints could be explained by the textbook industry’s neighbor on the BBB’s list — No. 4 Internet services. Industries like eCampus, that function mostly online, only make themselves available when it is time to purchase or sell books.

Otherwise the companies can only be reached on a national level. This lack of personal interaction, and a lack of concern for a specific community only leads to confusion, disinterest and delays, while an issue with a local store like Wildcat Textbooks or Kennedy Bookstore can be resolved on-site with local representatives. While Kennedy Bookstore avoided complaints, owner Carol Behr feels like the larger industries may be hurting the local stores as some of the chains’ practices are often associated with independent stores in the industry. Not only can students deal with any issues they may have in person, but the representatives themselves are invested in UK and the Lexington area as a whole, not to mention that buying locally only feeds back into the community. While online bookstores may claim to be able to save students a buck every now and then, the BBB study would suggest that the cash may not be worth the resulting hassle that can be avoided by buying local.

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