kentuckykernel
est. 1892 I independent since 1971 I www.kykernel.com
MONDAY 2.1.16
Smoke fills Southern sky
Fire chief called stockyard blaze biggest in 33 years, students travel to see flames By Cheyene Miller and Will Wright news@kykernel.com
Flames consumed the Bluegrass Stockyard at Lisle Industrial Avenue in what Interim Fire Chief Harold Hoskins called Lexington’s biggest fire in his 33-year career. About 120 active and reserve firefighters were on the scene Saturday afternoon as the fire, which started at about 2 p.m., produced clouds of smoke visible from UK campus and beyond. Hoskins said wind played a major role in the spread of the fire, which completely destroyed businesses and structures between Forbes Road and Lisle Industrial Avenue, and killed about 20 cows. No civilians or firefighters were injured, Hoskins said. According to Lexington Fire Department spokesman Joe Best,
five businesses were damaged or destroyed in the fire: Bluegrass Stockyard, Slim’s Towing, Johnson Landscaping Materials, Viking Wholesale and Leak Eliminators. “As the wind blew through, (the stockyard) was engulfed in flames immediately,” Hoskins said. “It’s just a lot of wood, a lot of combustibles. It’s been here forever, so it (was) dried out and ready to burn. But the wind is what caused it to cross the street.” Hoskins said several cars exploded once flames reached an impound lot in the area. UK spokesman Jay Blanton said the city has not yet asked the university to assist in any way. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray called the performance of Lexington firefighters “extraordinary,” commending their expeditious efforts to keep the fire from spreading.
Kenneth Burdine, an assistant extension professor in UK’s Department of Agricultural Economics, said the stockyard was especially important for small farmers who do not have the money to sell truckloads of cattle on their own. The fire could have done much more damage had it happened on Sunday or Monday, when more cattle would have been in the stockyard waiting to be sold. “There is a very significant number of cattle that move through the stockyard in Lexington,” Burdine said. “This was a very significant business.” Biology junior Tyler Jors said he was studying in the law library when his girlfriend sent him a picture of the fire. “My mama raised me to be an adventurer,” Jors said. “I saw smoke … so I walked on over
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PENCE I STAFF Wind played a major factor in spreading the fire, which destroyed or damaged five businesses and killed about 20 cattle.
here like a lot of people did.” Materials engineering freshman Rayna Weibrecht said she talked to several friends on campus who could see the massive smoke cloud. “I was getting some food over at Taco Bell on campus, and I saw the smoke and decided to come on down and check it out,” Weibrecht said. She said the stockyard fire was the biggest she
had ever seen. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but Hoskins said the stockyard is considered a total loss. Best said investigators should have the cause of the fire determined within a week. Gray said the loss of Bluegrass Stockyard was tragic for Lexington. The stockyard was celebrating 70 years of business.
Miss UK promotes platform of public service
Women receive scholarship, chance to compete side-by-side in Miss Kentucky pageant in June By Marjorie Kirk news@kykernel.com
Last year, Alex Francke’s plans of studying abroad over the summer led her to believe she wouldn’t participate in the Miss America preliminaries she had been part of for years. Saturday afternoon the business management freshman was crowned Miss UK and received her entry into the Miss Kentucky Pageant in June, after being nominated by her Alpha Delta Pi sorority sisters who persuaded her to compete. As a Lexington native who attended the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Francke had many opportunities to explore liberal arts studies. In 2013, she founded Adopt an Art, a nonprofit organization designed to create after-school liberal arts programs for elementary
schools without the resources and funds to do it. “The school I work at right now, Mary Todd, 98 percent of the students there are on the free and reduced lunch program,” Francke said. “What I do is I make sure that it’s offered after school to anybody who wants to come and be a part of it.” The Fifth Annual Miss UK Pageant sponsored by Delta Tau Delta provides a pathway for women in college or their senior year of high school to compete for one of three titles: Miss UK, Miss Lexington or Miss Fayette County. All three of the women receive a $200 scholarship and gain expenses-paid entry into the Miss Kentucky Pageant, the precursor to the Miss America Pageant. “Delta Tau Delta was working for a philanthropy event and reached out to
the Miss Kentucky organization to franchise a local pageant that would allow them to send girls to Miss Kentucky,” said Aleigh Oney-Zimmerman, codirector of the pageant. “They have a passion for service and … there’s a huge emphasis on scholastic achievement.” The pageant consisted of swimsuit, talent and evening gown competitions, and ended with a Q&A session. Each of the contestants also promoted platforms of community involvement and philanthropy. Miss Fayette County and NKU graduate MacKenzie Hammond ran on the platform PHOTO BY JOSH MOTT I STAFF of increasing self-esteem in The Fifth Annual Miss UK Pageant sponsored by Delta Tau Delta provides a pathway for women in college or young gymnasts, after she re- senior year of high school to compete for three titles: Miss UK, Miss Fayette County, Miss Lexington. tired from the sport and began ‘You’re the best,’ and then I no- dents.” vance to the Miss Kentucky coaching. Hammond researched child- Pageant along with her friend “I noticed early on in coach- ticed that language has a very ing the girls didn’t have a lot of negative effect on other stu- hood education and psychology and veteran pageant participant, before creating a coaching Emily Sharp. The three women self esteem,” Hammond said. model that she has incor- will compete in the Miss Ken“I tried boosting porated into the classes she tucky pageant in Lexington this them up, (saying) teaches. Hammond will ad- June.
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I Kentucky Kernel I 2.1.16
FEATURES
Black alumni president paves way to inclusion
What does
By Lexington Souers
features@kykernel.com
mean? By Katia Davis features@kykernel.com
Not to fear — in most cases both students and professionals agree that a “W” on a transcript is not a problem. Students receive a “W” when they withdraw from classes after the drop period in the semester. The perception of having a withdrawal on one’s transcript depends on the person, but it can have little effect on one’s future. “I think (students) are very particular about their grades and what their transcripts and their resumes look like, but I don’t know if what’s on their resume or on their transcript has as much weight to it as perceived,” said Conrad Davies, a faculty lecturer in UK’s Instructional Communication and Research department. Accounting sophomore, Savannah Hummell, said receiving a “W” or two is acceptable. “I’m not really worried about it,” Hummell said, but thinks too many can turn off
employers. “It shows that you can’t commit and you’re lazy.” Both Hummell and Davies received a “W” on their transcripts. Neither has been asked about the withdrawal on their transcripts when interviewing for positions. According to the Registrar’s office, a withdrawal has no affect on either the GPA or the enrollment of current students. A withdrawal can be requested for many reasons, such as not needing a class, missing too many classes or personal reasons. After the middle of the semester, a withdrawal can only be requested for nonacademic reasons, such as a serious injury or illness. “I think it’s circumstantial, since I’ve been on both sides,” said Davies, who once had to withdraw from a class as a student and now has students who sometimes withdraw from his classes. Financial aid officers said a withdrawal on a transcript does not affect the amount of aid a student could receive.
After a certain time period, withdrawing from a course results in the loss of a return of expenses for the course. In some cases, students may be required to repay the money that was rewarded as aid. According to the Return to Title VI Policy, aid is “a resource for the entire term.” Students receive aid for the number of days they attend classes, but they must pay back the amount awarded for the time they would miss because of withdrawal. “I think most people freak out and think that it’s going to ruin their transcript for having a W,” Hummell said. Davies said students place pressure on themselves to be a specific kind of student. “I think that students have been trained by (a societal ideology) that says, ‘When I go to college I have to be this kind of student, get this kind of GPA, so that I can be this type of person,’” Davies said. “(They have) this mindset that they have to be — not always straight As, but get As and Bs.”
UK’s first African-American graduate student arrived in 1949, but African-American undergraduate students were not allowed until 1954. Elaine Wilson, UK’s first African-American Alumni President, graduated from UK in the late 60s and said the university has grown over the years. Wilson feels good about where the university is going. UK has seen record minority enrollment, and Wilson said she sees people of all races, ethnicities and walks of life walking around campus. “I think those of us who struggled paved the way for that,” Wilson said. “When you walked around campus, you would see very few AfricanAmericans walking around.” But the lack of diversity didn’t bother Wilson. “I was there to get an education,” Wilson said. “I was about getting to my classes and getting to work.” Wilson said she was not subject to much racism, but that occasionally members of the Kentucky Babes, an ROTC offshoot, would make comments
like, “Why are you here?” “I managed to make friends with different races, so those cutting remarks didn’t bother me,” Wilson said. When Wilson was at UK, she approached a professor about a grade in one of her classes. She said she was one point away from an A, and many of the white students who sat near her urged her to speak with her professor about bumping her grade up. The professor refused. “I had to work for everything I got,” Wilson said. Wilson was the first African-American member of the Kentucky Babes. The Kentucky Babes practiced drills, and would perform marching routines with wooden rifles at competitions. Wilson’s favorite part was marching, which she said had prepared her for her future career. “I made sure everyone did their job,” Wilson said. Aside from on-campus employment, there were few groups for African-American students. There was a black student union called Ornega. At the time, there were no national Panhellenic council or black sororities, but the fraternity
Alpha Phi Alpha had begun to colonize. “I would have never been able to join a sorority,” Wilson said. “It was a different world.” Wilson graduated with a degree in social work, and then pursued a master’s degree at Case Western Reserve University. “I absolutely loved getting an education at UK,” she said. Wilson was admitted to Kentucky State, a traditionally African-American land grant university, but one of her grandfather’s friends urged her to attend UK. She doesn’t remember having any black professors, but she said that Connie Wilson, a social work professor, was one of her favorites and allowed her to get hands-on experience. Wilson currently works in Somerset as the Cultural Diversity Coordinator at Somerset Community College. In 2014 she became the first African-American Alumni President. To be president, alumni must be lifetime members and hold several leadership roles. “I was really excited that people thought enough of me to set me on that path,” Wilson said.
PHOTO BY TINA BRYSON I STAFF Elaine Wilson was the first African-American Alumni President and Kentucky Babe, an off shoot the ROTC. She is pictured here with her Kentucky Babe teammates.
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2.1.16
NEWS
I Kentucky Kernel I 3
Bevin’s funding plan criticized
Liberal arts community reacts to governor’s education initiative By Marjorie Kirk news@kykernel.com
PHOTO BY JOSH MOTT I STAFF People from each of UK’s historically African-American Greek organizations danced in the third annual “Stepping Through the Decades” event in Memorial Hall on Sunday.
Stepping up to Greek tradition By Lee Mengistu news@kykernel.com
One by one, representatives of each of UK’s African-American sororities and fraternities took the stage at the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s third annual “Stepping Through the Decades” event. Hundreds of students filled Memorial Hall on Sunday night to kick off the university’s first event of Black History Month. In order of founding, each organization presented notable members that contributed to African-American history. Then, adorned in their signature colors, they performed their trademark step routines, many of which had been in the organization for generations. The presence of the “Divine Nine” — the nine original Greek organizations founded by African-American college students denied access to traditional Pan-Hellenic organiza-
tions — is historic in its own right. Though UK has chartered Greek organizations since 1865, African-American fraternities and sororities did not appear on campus until 1965, 16 years after the university became integrated with the admission of Lyman T. Johnson, UK’s first African-American student. Johnson, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, was one of the many National Pan-Hellenic notable individuals honored by each organization, along with Minnijean Brown-Trickey of the Little Rock Nine, author Zora Neale Hurston, Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton, and actress Hattie McDaniel, the first AfricanAmerican to win an Academy Award — the first of 35 in the Academy’s history. The event gave students “the chance to come learn a little about the history they don’t necessarily hear about,” said Patrick Smith, NPHC president
and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Vice President. While the road paved by these historic leaders has been full of accomplishments, the panel discussion on campus race relations with representatives from each organization signaled that there is work to be done. Panelists noted difficulties as a minority in the classroom, failures of the administration to address financial literacy and rape culture, and called for unity among the student bodies regardless of race. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member Roszalyn Akins was among the small group of women who chartered their sorority’s undergraduate chapter at UK in 1975. Akins, the director of the Black Men Working Academy for African-American and Latino male students, said she wants to make sure her students succeed academically. Since the
Now accepting applications for Fall 2016.
academy’s inception, the average ACT score among her students has risen from 16 to 23. “I don’t want to just prepare them to get here. I want things to be so on this campus that they want to stay here and they graduate,” Akins said. “I hope that there’s a culture and community here where these young men feel welcome and that they are part of the school.” Zeta Phi Beta sorority member and communications senior Kelsey Harper, and journalism and political science sophomore Tanquaree McCadney are working with the administration to achieve just that. The two were among the group of minority students invited to President Eli Capilouto’s house last fall to address solutions to improve the university’s racial climate. Harper and McCadney invited the audience to a town hall discussion Feb. 29 to discuss progress since the meeting.
Governor Matt Bevin’s budget announcement met criticism from the liberal arts community for the proposed cuts to the Kentucky Arts Council and his comments on liberal arts education. His statement that science, technology, engineering and math fields would be incentivized, because they were practical and desired, struck a chord with French literature professor Jeffery Peters, who penned an op-ed for the Lexington Herald-Leader in response. Peters said Bevin graduated college with a degree in East Asian studies after studying abroad in Japan. “Another irony, on the very day the governor made the state of the state address there was a representative from the Kentucky Department of Education who came to speak to my department,” French literature professor Leon Sachs said. “(He told) us how important world language and culture training was, and going to continue to be for Kentucky, for its economic future.” Bevin’s cuts to higher education are not specific to one area’s funding, but his distribution of money from the Kentucky lottery, which he promised would not be diverted from scholarships to the state’s general fund, goes in large part to programs that favor STEM disciplines. “Unfortunately it says that the governor is pretty misinformed about higher education and what language majors, literature majors and, by extension, all humanities
majors go on to do with their lives, and for Kentucky,” Sachs said. In his op-ed, Peters said many of his students used their mastery of language to become successful as physicians or scientists. Sachs said he was supportive of STEM students, but he has seen many leave what Bevin referred to as “practical” majors because they were not prospering. “Research shows that people want and need a wide variety of intellectual and academic paths,” Sachs said. “In languages and literature, we get a lot of students who started in STEM disciplines because of some pressure to do so ... and then they find themselves unhappy.” Sachs said giving preference to STEM majors could have negative economic implications. “If the governor subsidizes what are supposedly more practical majors — engineering or STEM — and not other majors — literature or the arts — that’s going to make the humanities the privilege of the wealthy,” Sachs said. The newly crowned Miss UK Alex Francke, who created a nonprofit that provides liberal arts programs to underprivileged elementary schools that lack the funding, said the cuts were not surprising, but would further disadvantage students. “New research is coming out every day about the importance of the arts in early elementary education,” Francke said. “We are going to need more people spreading awareness ... for our government officials and legislators to see that they are relevant and valid.”
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I Kentucky Kernel I 2.01.16
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kernelopinions 5
Best Lexington brewery beers ADAM PENNAVARIA Beer Columnist
Salutations, beer nuts! We’re going to look at the best Lexington beers to wet your whistle with during these frigid months from each of Lexington’s five breweries: West Sixth, Blue Stallion, Ethereal, Alltech and Country Boy. In fifth place comes Alltech’s Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stout (8 percent). The Bourbon Barrel Stout has a thick, dark-brown tint with a mild chestnut head. The aromas of vanilla and espresso tease the nostrils before the smooth combination of oak, bourbon and dark chocolate malt wash over the tongue. This is definitely a winner in the bourbon-coffee beer circle. Blue Stallion’s Kürbisweisse (5.25 percent) takes fourth place. Unlike many other breweries that produce pumpkin beers, this one is made with real baked pumpkin in a hefeweizen style. Many other breweries use copious amounts of nutmeg and cinnamon with minimal pumpkin, making it too spicy or too heavy. While the Kürbisweisse still uses nutmeg and cinnamon, pumpkin is certainly the main profile. One mouthful tastes just like a slice of pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream. Third place belongs to Country Boy’s Nate’s Coffee Stout (8 percent). This brew pours solid
black (like coffee), smells of roasted java beans (like coffee), and its flavor invigorates the taste buds with tones of earthy malts and chocolate (like coffee). Don’t miss out on this batch of liquid love. The Ethereal Quadzilla (12.2 percent) is in second place. If there’s anything better in this world than tripels, it’s quadrupels. The Belgians certainly know how to make a scintillating beer with little to no alcohol taste. This ale has a ruby hue, almost like that of black cherry. A mixture of candy, brown sugar and berries fill the nostrils and indulge the mouth in a wonderland of taste. This is the perfect beer for connoisseurs of sensory overload. Finally, West Sixth’s Snake Eyes Imperial Stout (11 percent) takes first place. This marvelous blend of caramel, dark chocolate, roasted grain and herbal hops is quite possibly the best West Sixth beer to date. While the alcohol flavor is still present here, it doesn’t scorch the throat on the way down like many other imperial stouts can. The brewers clearly consider this beer to be truly outstanding because it was recently released in four-packs around Lexington. Don’t play yourself, though — grab a pint before everyone else catches on to this heavenly brew. Cheers. Adam Pennavaria is the beer columnist of the Kentucky Kernel. Email opinions@ kykernel.com
New Barbie: human edition ASPEN GAGE Assistant Features Editor
There is a new “It Girl” in town to give fashionistas, like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, a run for their money. Her name is Barbie. Mattel just introduced the new Barbie Doll, and it is not her occupation that gets a makeover – she got a full-body workup. Soon, people everywhere can purchase Barbies that look a little bit more like humans. The new doll includes four body types, seven skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. For all the sentimentalists who think Barbie is worth historical preservation, don’t worry. The original Barbie will still be sold with her classic blonde hair, blue eyes and not-so-anatomically-correct waistline. Mattel has been busy this past year coming up with surprising looks for Barbie. In September, the company announced that actress and singer Zendaya would be inducted into the “I Have a Barbie of Me” club with a doll replica of her locked-up Oscars look. Mattel is finally realizing its reach and the immense popularity of Barbie, and with this new line, the company is testing the true limits of her fame. Many people combat this
new announcement with, “it’s just a doll,” belittling the importance of this evolution. However, in a world that has its beauty standards plastered on every billboard, magazine and TV screen, girls are subjected to what they “should” look like at a very young age. We have all read them; frightening stories tell of 7-year-olds going on diets. How could it not be a product of what children see and hear? Representation is pivotal, especially for a young audience with such pliable minds. The new Barbie is a change for the better, and hats off to Mattel for recognizing that. There is another argument, a bit more understandable, that says while Barbie’s new makeover includes various shapes and shades, it is not enough. When I heard this it made sense, but I think we should take a second to rethink it. To ask one doll to become the representative for womankind is a big task. An impossible one. It shouldn’t be Mattel’s job to teach our daughters and sisters that they are beautiful no matter what. It is our job, as women who set the standards for ourselves, to make sure girls grow up feeling loved by others and in love with themselves. Aspen Gage is the assistant features editor of the Kentucky Kernel. Email opinions@ kykernel.com
I Kentucky Kernel I 2.1.2016
Editorial
ILLUSTRATION BY BEN WADE I STAFF
Support tuition freeze
If allowed, universities will continue to raise rates The cost of higher education and corresponding debt will likely be one of our generation’s biggest hurdles. Many current students will be paying off student loans well into their mid-30s, and yet universities, including UK, show no signs of slowing down tuition rates. However, a bill in the Kentucky Senate could force a tuition freeze for the state’s public universities, saving future students and their parents thousands of dollars. Senate Bill 75 would freeze tuition and fees at public universities for four years and require universities to get permission from the state to raise tuition after those four years are over. “What’s happened is these universities … haven’t slowed down at all,” said Sen. Dan Seum, R-Louisville, who proposed the bill. “They just keep building and building and building, and — I think — on the backs of these kids.”
Kentucky activist Wesley Scott is recruiting students from across the state to rally in Frankfort in February. Seum said he had not talked to President Eli Capilouto about the bill, but hopes university presidents will get involved and support it. “I want these kids, these students, to be the priority of the college — not the building program, not (UK’s) research and development program,” Seum said. “We even put our sports programs above these kids.” Tuition and fee increases are often attributed to shrinking state funding, a source of money that could see even more drastic cuts if Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposed budget goes through. The budget would cut UK’s state appropriations by 9 percent — from $279.6 million to $254.4 million. While this drop will present serious troubles for UK, students should not bear the brunt of this financial shortfall. Students have done their
fair share of making up for the state’s shrinking budget. State appropriations for UK dropped by $57 million from the 200708 fiscal year to 2014-15, but tuition revenue increased about $178 million over the same period. “Where’s the end of this, where’s it going?” Seum said. “This is why we’re shining light on the issue.” Scott said he is hoping for a student-led push, as well as support from professors. He hopes to reach out to political groups from all eight public universities in Kentucky. “This directly affects everyone,” Scott said. “(It’s) not just a political issue, it’s a student issue.” Students should march in Frankfort in support of this bill. Standing up for our own interests is the only way to stop the rise of tuition rates. Email opinions@ kykernel.com
Philosophy lacks gender Help wanted: department needs more women
Why is philosophy such an outlier among the humanities for gender representation? Faculty in the UK Department of Philosophy met Friday to discuss why women shy away from their department. UK hosted Eva Cadavid, a philosophy professor from Centre College, who said there are two men for every woman in philosophy. According to Brandon Look, chair of the UK Department of Philosohpy, UK is no exception to the problem of underrepresentation of women in philosophy. In the fall of 2015, the philosophy premajor requirement courses were nearly 2-to-1 in proportion of males to females. Interestingly, this is not the case for low-level philosophy courses at UK. “At the college level, the story that I hear in the profession is that freshman enrollment in Philosophy 100 is pretty much 50/50,” Look said.
Last fall, the three introductory philosophy courses (intro, ethics and logic) were actually 55 percent female overall. One of the explanations is that aggressive classroom discussion and debate is more accommodating to men than women. Cadavid said the problem is more multi-dimensional and that a perfect storm of causes keeps women from philosophy. Social structures, classroom behavior and ideological schemas all contribute to this systematic issue in philosophy. Cadavid rightly said the field needs different voices in order to evolve, expand, grow and learn. The UK Department of Philosohpy has taken notice of this problem and steps to resolve it. According to Look, the department actively seeks to hire female professors, recruit a broad graduate class, and have more female role
models in philosophy. Furthermore, Look said he suggests that course syllabi include different voices. While reading Nietzsche and Freud are important, it is important for students to hear from a diverse group of philosophers. At the same time, readings from women or people of color, for example, should not be included just as token pieces. Instead, they are representative of the human condition. UK philosophy professor Arnold Farr said philosophers try to separate themselves from the world and fail to realize that their gender, race, and social condition are integral like everything else. Cadavid brought a crucial discussion to the UK Department of Philosophy. Now that the department is more conscious of the problem, it is time to take action. Email opinions@ kykernel.com
University funding should remain well balanced By Jeffrey N. Peters
opinions@kykernel.com
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin graduated from college in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and East Asian Studies after studying abroad in Japan. I would like to thank Bevin for drawing on that formative experience to remind Kentuckians during his Tuesday budget presentation that the study of world languages, literatures and cultures is a valuable pursuit that has led countless college students to successful careers in education, business, international relations, the arts
and — as his own story demonstrates — public service. Of course, Bevin did no such explicit reminding of these important facts. Instead, he proposed “funding that incentivizes outcomes that are specific to the things people want ... All the people in the world who want to study French literature can do so, they’re just not going to be subsidized by taxpayers like engineers will be.” Who decides what “things people want,” by the way? At the University of Kentucky, where I am a professor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Lit-
eratures and Cultures, students have the opportunity to study 10 different languages, from Arabic to Russian and Japanese. While studying language, they also take courses in literature, linguistics, folklore, cinema, mythology, media and communication — a curriculum they may also combine with coursework in the College of Business and Economics to major in Foreign Language and International Economics. Their majors lead naturally to further study in my department at the graduate level in Teaching English as a Second Language and Teaching World
Languages. At this moment of rapid globalization, majors in our department learn to become wellrounded citizens of the world, both by studying abroad and by studying the world’s great thinkers and artists, ancient and modern, Eastern and Western. They learn to speak and write effectively in both English and their chosen world language, and they come to understand the importance for their future professional lives of thoughtful communication and confident self-presentation. Moreover, many of our majors are also double majors and are regularly engaged in intern-
ships in other countries (one of our current double majors in French studies and biology, for example, just returned from a semester working in a research lab in Switzerland). Unfortunately, Bevin’s proposed cuts to Kentucky’s public universities, and plans to incentivize certain majors at the expense of others deemed less worthy or practical, risk denying Kentucky students the very course of study Bevin presumably found to be so intellectually and professionally rewarding. Our former majors are now educators, translators, businesspeople, doctors and lawyers throughout Kentucky.
By proposing that government, rather than students themselves, should decide what they study (and apparently what “people want”), he makes it harder for college students to bring their international knowledge and experience back home and impoverishes the commonwealth he, no doubt, wishes to enrich. A great state like Kentucky, I would suggest, deserves well and broadly funded public universities. Jeffrey N. Peters is a professor of French literature at the University of Kentucky. Email opinions@ kykernel.com
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I Kentucky Kernel I 2.1.16
FEATURES
Survive winter with salad treat Summer favorite is easy to make, no stove required By Aspen Gage features@kykernel.com
Kernel
Kitchen
PHOTO BY FORD WATERSTRAT I STAFF Lexington was chosen to host the conference for its central location, but also because the city has a growing reputation for local food. More than 1,000 people attended the conference, which included trips to UK’s South Farm.
Young farmers among crowd talking sustainable agriculture
By Lexington Souers news@kykernel.com
Farmers, researchers, consumers and community members gathered to farm for a future this weekend and focused on sustainable agriculture. For 25 years, The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, has covered topics like improving farming techniques, working with government programs and improving marketing and production outlets with the Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference. Cathy Jones, co-owner of organic Perry-winkle Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and board member of Southern SAWG, said 1,400 people attended the conference, which aims to help family farms across the 13 state region. Jones said other states have individual conferences, but this is the largest of its kind. The last time the conference visited
Lexington was in 2000, and it has been to almost every state in the region. “There’s a really active farming scene (in Lexington), and not just historically,” Jones said. “You’ve got it going on here.” Mark Williams, a professor in the department of horticulture, spoke at a SAWG field trip to the Horticulture Research farm’s 25-acre Organic Farming Unit, which he helped to develop and currently manages. The organic unit allows students to learn a variety of sustainable farming techniques. About 25 students study in the CSA program. Williams said he teaches the program on the three pillars of sustainability: mindfulness of resources, economic profitability and social responsibility. Students take classes in all of these areas, including producing materials from UK’s working farm. The students then sell what they raise to the
UK community. Students receive a 10 percent discount on products. The CSA apprenticeship is open to all students and many of the SAG credits meets core requirements. At the SAWG field trip, people discussed different farming techniques, especially focusing on using machinery to increase efficiency. Williams said learning about food is important to both producers and consumers. “We’re all eaters,” Williams said. “Food is the thing that connects us all in the world.” Williams said SWAG is one of the premier programs, and its farmer-to-farmer focus makes it unique. He said the program pairs academics with farmers to give presentations so conference-goers get both education and realistic input. All the presentations are posted online as free resources. The conference covers a variety of topics and isn’t crop specific. Williams said the event is a great way to network,
and meet other farmers in other fields. Williams said the conference brings not only the traditional farmer, who is aging, but a new generation of sustainable famers. “If you went to this conference you would see a ton of young people,” Williams said. “It’s like, wow — this is the future.” Another aspect of bringing the conference to Lexington is the growing local interest in sustainable farming. “Lexington is gaining a reputation for local food,” Williams said, citing Kentucky Proud, Organic Association of Kentucky, and Seedless as examples of how the city’s food scene is growing. Lexington also bridges the gap between rural and urban, allowing visitors to experience a unique city. “Lexington is a cool place,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of urban renewal.”
With the snow season officially upon us, many attempt to battle the reality of the cold by turning their thermostats up. Winter becomes a time when being cooped up inside is the norm and cravings for carbs skyrocket. No one has the energy to go and work out at the Johnson Center when the weather is as blistering as it has been. Chase away winter blues and beat comfort calories with this spin on a classic summer salad. It is great for a busy college student who has little time to make a nutritious meal. One of the great assests to this salad is the nutrional value. Strawberries are high in vitamin C, and you get a lot of protein from both meats. The burst of different flavors helps the spinach to be more satisfying, so it is not even like you are eat-
ing a salad. Plus, there is no need for a stove. All ingredients can be warmed in the microwave. This salad is perfect for bringing up spirits, and it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. Enjoy this little bit of summer while trying to make it until spring. Ingredients: Strawberries (whole or pre-sliced) Baby spinach Grilled chicken strips Tomatoes Red onion Almonds Bacon bits Feta/Bleu cheese crumbles Raspberry vinaigrette Slice the tomatoes and red onions into bite-sized cubes. Prepare and clean baby spinach in a separate bowl. Take chicken strips (if you bought them precooked) and bacon bits and warm them in a microwave for approximately 45 seconds. Combine with tomatoes, spinach, and red onions. Sprinkle almonds and cheese crumbles on the salad. Top it off with the raspberry vinaigrette and enjoy.
PHOTO BY TAYLOR PENCE I STAFF Spice up winter plates with this nutrient rich and health conscious salad.
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Newer 2‑5BR homes. Only a few left. Near UK. Pet friendly. From $349/person. www.lexingtonhomeconsultants.com Contact James McKee at (859) 221‑7082 or jwmckeebroker@msn.com. Walk to Campus. Houses 1‑ 6 Bedroom. Wayne Michael is now pre‑leasing 1‑6BR houses for the Fall 2016 semester. www. waynemichaelproperties.com. (859) 513‑1206.
1 Bedroom 1 Beds & Studios, 5 Min Walk to UK, Call/ Text (859) 333‑1388 to schedule tour! Park ing, Laundry, Wifi, Online Payments Quiet 2BR apartment with walk‑in closet. Private patio and parking, new kitchen/bath. No pets. 521 E. Main. $625‑$650, water in‑ cluded. (859) 539‑7013 or (859) 221‑0998.
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I Kentucky Kernel I 7
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For Rent August rentals. 1‑6 bedrooms. Above average in quality and great landlord. Call Denise (859) 983‑0726. sillsbrothers.com Great properties for rent, walk to campus. W/D included. (859) 619‑3232. www.myuk4rent.com.
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HOROSCOPES 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 — Hold an idealist to the facts... all isn't as it appears. Provide clarity about the details. There's abundance and beauty available. Try not to overindulge. Listen to the voice of experience. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Set goals high, and have faith in your team's abilities. Don't fund a fantasy, though. Don't get intimidated. True love grows with a challenge. Discipline and luck work together to fulfill a passionate desire. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Let your imagination soar, with Mercury and the Sun in your sign. Your powers of expression blossom. Reaffirm a dream, and study related news. A partnership formed now benefits both. Dress for success. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Close the books on an old deal and stash any savings. You've got love, so you've got it all. The attraction's magnetic. Tell them what you're committed to. Recognize past accomplishments while forging partnership. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Private time with a partner adds color to a dream. Gather for food and discussion. A clear conscience frees you. Add beauty and comfort with financial discipline. You can have it all. Step into leadership. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Imagine what perfection could look like, and aim for that. Everything's in place. Ask for help to solve a puzzle. You're extra charming now. Answers arise in a social arena. Go out with friends.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Take a break and share a dream with another dreamer. You're lucky in love. The rules seem to change, mid-game. Adapt gracefully. Play that ace you've been holding. Rest is essential for success. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Find what you've been dreaming of in an unexpected place. Work at home and save travel time. Pay debts. It's time (rather than money) that your sweetheart needs. You're the practical, stabilizing influence. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Your understanding of a situation grows. Find treasure hidden in the garbage. Keep quiet about a beneficial financial development. You can find the funding for necessary changes. Let people know what you need. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Find the necessary supplies to finish a project, and hunt for the best bargain. Travel looks good, and a visit can rejuvenate an old bond. A tendency for overindulgence could flare up. Practice moderation. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 7 — Get in touch with your emotions. Journal your dreams. Consider spiritual questions. Your past work speaks well for you. Provide motivation to your team, and keep up the good work. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Overcome an old fear with divine inspiration. A dream shows the way. Follow a hunch. Friends help you advance. Love provides the foundation to build on. Enlist a partner to handle practical details.
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Men’s tennis beaten
kernelsports 8
UK-Tennessee
By John Rowland sports@kykernel.com
After going 4-0 in its 2016 campaign, the UK Men’s Tennis team was dealt its first loss as the Cats suffered a 6-1 loss at the hands of the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers. Doubles play began with junior Nils Ellefsen and senior Kevin Lai (UK) on the first court facing No. 15 Ryan Shane and Luca Corinteli (UV). Ellefsen and Lai suffered a 6-2 loss. Enzo Wallart and Ryotaro Matsumura’s (UK) match with No. 5 ranked Mac Styslinger and Thai-Son Kwiatkowski (UV) went unfinished as the third match was the doubles clinch for Virginia. Collin Altamirano and J.C. Aragone (UV) clinched the victory against William Bushamuka and Charles Minc (UK) 6-2. In the first singles match, No. 79 Bushamuka (UK) defeated No. 11 Ryan Shane (VA) by a final score of 7-6, 6-3. This notched the only win for the Cats in the match, as well as improving Bushamuka (the reigning NCAA Singles champion) to 5-0 on the season. In the second singles match, No. 2 Kwiatkowski (UV) handed Matsumura (UK) a 7-6, 6-1 loss. With the loss, Matsumura’s record falls to 4-1. Kwiatkowski is the reigning Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American singles champion from last fall. Altamirano (UV) downed No. 117 Ellefsen (UK) in the third singles match with a final score of 7-5, 6-4, dropping Ellefsen to 4-1 on the season as well after starting this season 4-0 in singles play. In the fourth match, Styslinger (UV) handed the loss to sophomore Trey Yates (UK), a final score of 6-2, 6-4. Yates record now falls to 1-3 on the season seeing close losses in those of which he lost. The fifth match saw No. 74 Aragone (UV) defeating Wallart (UK) by a final score of 6-3, 6-4. This loss dropped Wallart to 2-3 on the season. The sixth match slated No. 90 Henrik Wiersholm (UV) against Gus Benson (UK) ending with a 6-4, 6-2 loss for Benson. This notched Benson’s third match on the season and make him 2-1 on the year.
UT’s Kevin Punter Tennessee’s twogame losing streak has pushed the team to 1011 overall (3-5 SEC), but the Volunteers still have something to hang their hat on — senior Kevin Punter. The junior college
transfer is averaging 23.0 ppg (2nd in SEC) and 3.5 apg. Punter will need another breakout 30-point game (which he’s capable of) if the Vols want to upset UK in Knoxville.
Trio trending up The Tyler Ulis, Isaiah Briscoe, Jamal Murray trio is solidifying its campaign as the best backcourt in college basketball. They combined for 53 points in a 90-84 overtime loss at Kansas,
but dictated the pace of play and could get to the rim whenever they wanted. UK can rely on its guard play moving forward, which could propel the Cats to a deep NCAA tournament run.
Fixing foul trouble One struggle the UK big men have continuously faced this season has been staying out of foul trouble. Against Kansas, the Cats committed a total of 33 fouls and had four players foul out.
Until UK can learn how to play physical without fouling, minutes for Alex Poythress, Marcus Lee and Skal Labissiere will continue to decline. Keep an eye on how UK responds.
Turnovers plague UK in away loss to Florida Makayla Epps’ game-high 27 points not enough to save Cats from second straight conference loss By Caitlin Schwartz sports@kykernel.com
The No. 12 UK women’s basketball team endured yet another loss on Sunday against the Florida Gators, 85-79 in the O’Connell Center. This is the second straight loss in Southeastern Conference play for the Cats. UK now has a 15-5 record overall in the season and has fallen to 4-5 in SEC play. The Gators are now 18-4 on the season and have moved up to 6-3 in SEC play. UK star and leading scorer Makayla Epps tried her best to help the Cats with a gamehigh 27 points, but it was not enough to keep the Gators from earning their third win over a ranked opponent this season. Epps also added seven rebounds and three steals. The Lebanon, Kentucky, native was one of four UK players to score double-digits against Florida. Janee Thompson added 16 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field. Maci Morris gave the Cats 10 points and Evelyn Akhator ended the game with another doubledouble on the year, scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. On the other hand, Florida’s Simone Westbrook scored a
I Kentucky Kernel I 2.1.2016
career-high 20 points, including three three-pointers. Haley Lorenzen racked up 18 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the field for the Gators. She was a layup away from her career-best scoring performance. Florida’s Eleanna Christinaki, however, might have made the difference for the Gators. The freshman scored the final five points of the game,
“We had 30 turnovers and were still in position to win the game.” Matthew Mitchell
UK Hoops head coach
which included a big time steal resulting in a three point play with only four seconds remaining in the game. Florida led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter before the Cats went on an 18-8 run to bring the game within two points. An assist by Christinaki to teammate Ronni Williams brought the Gators to a four-point advantage with 26
seconds left in the game. The Cats broke a seasonhigh record with a disappointing 30 turnovers, topping its previous season high of 26 against Auburn on Jan. 2. The Gators turned those turnovers into 24 points on their end. “We had 30 turnovers and we were still in position to win the game,” UK head coach Matthew Mitchell said. “That says something about the fight of this team.” Florida led the Cats for more than 35 minutes in the game and never gave up the lead in the second half. Florida also killed the Cats in points in paint, with 50 points opposed to UK’s 28 points. The Gators’ 85 points is the most UK has allowed this season, ending a program-tying stretch of limiting 19 straight opponents to 73 points or less. Despite the second consecutive loss for the Cats, Mitchell still believes the team is moving in the right direction. “There has been improvement in each game, it’s just not showing on the scoreboard right now,” Mitchell said. UK Hoops returns to action Thursday night at 7 p.m. to face the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. The game airs on the SEC Network.
UK Swim and Dive celebrates seniors at bittersweet victory
Lady Cats blow Bearcats out of water 210-84 By Adrian Rudd sports@kykernel.com
The UK Swim and Dive team celebrated its seniors on Saturday and easily defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats in a 210-84 win for the women and a 195-100 victory for the men. The four seniors were all smiles as they received flowers and applause from spectators in a bittersweet moment before the start of the meet. “I’m kind of sad and excited at the same time,” redshirt senior George Greenhalgh said. “It’s been a long road but I’m happy to make it through with my fellow seniors and teammates.” The seniors’ energy set the tone for the rest of the meet, as Greenhalgh won both the 100 and 200-yard breaststroke and participated in the first place 200-yard medley relay. Seniors Scott Crosthwaite and Matt Roman grabbed wins as well. Crosthwaite touched first in the 100-yard freestyle while Matt Roman stole the 100-yard butterfly. All three seniors competed in the winning 400-yard freestyle relay also. Head coach Lars Jorgensen was pleased with the seniors’ performance throughout the meet. “They all stepped up today and were very involved which I was really happy with,” Jor-
gensen said. “All our men’s seniors were able to win an event and Frida (Jakobsson) competed well, too.” The women’s blowout performance consisted of wins in all events, sweeping six including the 1-meter dive. The men fell short only in the 1000-yard freestyle, taking first in every other event and sweeping seven individual events including the 1-meter dive and platform dive. Crosthwaite soaked in the moment, waving at the crowd before his races in the 50 and 100-yard freestyle. “It’s a great feeling being the third brother to come through Kentucky,” Crosthwaite said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better ending going almost personal best times at a dual meet.”
As senior day marks the end of the regular season for the Cats, the team will now be preparing for the conference championship beginning Feb. 16, where the seniors hope for a strong end to their careers. “I’m really looking forward to tapering and starting to feel fast in the water,” Jakobsson said. “I think I can get some best times at SECs.” Crosthwaite and Roman have hopes of scoring at SECs and possibly qualifying for NCAAs, while Greenhalgh has also set goals to help the team place higher than it has in recent history. “I want to jumpstart the team from where we were last year,” Greenhalgh said. ”Hopefully we can do some big things at conference.”
PHOTO BY ADRIAN RUDD I STAFF Scott Crosthwaite walks toward the coaches to accept a handshake and flowers on Senior Day at the Lancaster Aquatic Center.