The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826
VOLUME 138 NO. 14
Friday, October 8, 2010
MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO
In 1993, The Miami Student reported Oxford City Council tabled an ordinance that would forbid all recreational activities on the roofs of Oxford residences. The ordinance was tabled in order to clarify the language about what constituted a roof.
Letter from the editor To all of our readers, Today marks the end of an era. It’s the last day Amusement will be published as part of The Miami Student. The decision was made not only based upon student feedback, but due to the fact Amusement was never meant to be part of our newspaper. For those who don’t know, Amusement was its own publication until September 2008. At that time, a “House Ad Issue” was printed, an issue that talked about “sterilizing the gays” and claiming on the Infamous Top 7 List the No. 1 thing Miami University should protest is diversity. Immediately afterward, Amusement was suspended as an independent publication and put in The Miami Student as a two-page spread every Friday. Since then, Amusement has essentially been the entertainment section of our newspaper. As time has gone on, we have begun to push our limits more and more when it comes to Amusement’s content. As we do so, feedback becomes more and more negative. Yes, we have our First Amendment rights, but we’re a student newspaper for the students and by the students. We’re here for our readers and we want to put out the content our campus wants to read. The feedback we’ve gotten about Amusement since my tenure as editor in chief began in February and has been overwhelmingly negative. We don’t want to leave our readers unsatisfied. If you have any further comments or questions you would like to share with us, please e-mail eic@ miamistudent.net. If you wish to submit a letter to the editor to be printed in our paper, send documents to editorial@ miamistudent.net. Thanks for your readership, Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief
Hodge addresses Miami
By Amanda Seitz Campus Editor
Miami University President David Hodge’s annual address focused on the fate of the university’s previously mentioned goals. The address, delivered on the stage at 4 p.m. Oct. 7 in Hall Auditorium, tackled issues concerning retention rates and enhancing the undergraduate experience. Hodge said the university could not improve its main goals without elevating its status in rankings. “It’s difficult to talk about getting better without addressing our status in rankings,” Hodge said. Hodge said he would like to further experiences that stimulate critical thinking through high-impact activities. One way to achieve this, according to Hodge, is to increase global perspectives. Hodge suggested continued commitment to reach a 50 percent study abroad rate on the Oxford campus. “At the top of our list of high impact activities is study aboard,” Hodge said. “Clearly a global perspective is critical to our future success.” Hodge also noted the importance of student research. “We have very significantly researched the number of students directly involved with a faculty member, staff or a graduate student in research projects,” Hodge said. “We need to look at our curriculum through the lens of research.” With these goals in mind, the university will strive to increase the current graduation rate of 83 percent to 85 percent, Hodge said.
CAMPUS, page 2
By Amanda Seitz Campus Editor
Miami University has a little helper to assist in hacking away at its budget. For the 2010-11 fiscal year, Miami’s Oxford campus will lose $4.25 million. The state said this loss in funding will just be a temporary problem. Miami will miss out on its June 2011 payment but be reimbursed for the money in July, said David Creamer, vice president of finance and business services. Regional campuses are also getting stiffed for the month of June, as Creamer said a payment of $926,000 will be delayed. Creamer does not expect any repercussions this year for the lapsed payments. “I believe that at least for the moment we can operate without any immediate reductions in the budget,” Creamer said. Creamer said he is slightly concerned the state may default on its loan. After electing a new governor in November, Ohio will approve its biennial budget in 2011. According to Creamer, that budget is currently facing somewhere between a
$5 billion to $8 billion deficit before talks have even started. “If they have not been able to meet the obligation, how are they going to meet it with an $8 billion shortfall in the next biennial budget?” Creamer asked. The hits go deeper than just Miami.
BY THE NUMBERS Loss in funding for Miami’s Oxford campus for 2010-11 year
$4.25
MILLION
According to Ohio’s constitution, the state can’t operate with a negative budget. “In essence, the state’s budget is out of balance,” Creamer said. To return to the positive, immediate reductions have to be made statewide, resulting in $800 million in cuts. Ohio higher education took home one-eighth of these cuts totaling $127 million. Every institution took a cut proportionally missing
BOO!
Sat
82 q 47
Some Miami students are hoping to break a world record.
FEATURES, page 4
SCARE FEST
SEE YA, WEEKEND!
Get the scoop on haunted houses in the surrounding area.
Sun
out on one June payment, or 6.8 percent, according to state documents. Higher education institutions were a natural choice for the state to utilize in sustaining its budget, according to Rob Evans, press secretary for the Ohio Board of Regents. “The funding, particularly when you consider for the institution, it’s easier … clear swings in enrollment at large and financially complex organizations and their ability to move payments around while avoid impacting services while this lapse occurs,” Evans said. “Given it’s a three week lapse and you have institutions that have budgets of millions of dollars, it’s different.” Evans said he is confident in the state’s commitment to higher education and repaying the loans. “Given the strong support from the governor and the general assembly, we’re completely confident that repaying of the lapse will be timely and full,” Evans said. “What we can know for certain is that at every opportunity, whether is was the first budget between the governor and the second budget which was in the
HOPEFUL LEGEND
Say goodbye to Friday and Saturday.
AMUSEMENT, page 5
COMMUNITY, page 3
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behavior and contribute to students leaving Miami because the penalties for poor performance are too high?” Hodge said. Hodge said these standards at Miami would be re-evaluated. Hodge ended his address to a crowd of more than 150 members of the Miami community with a nod to the future. “The future is uncertain but we must have the confidence to act decisively and purposefully to chart a course that will lead to our future success,” Hodge said.
State delays funding to universities
THE
The WMSR studio has gotten a makeover.
Enhancing the advising services Miami offers will be a priority for the university to further develop retention rates. “Although we’ve made significant improves in advising in the Oxford campus … student surveys suggest that we are not at the level of peers,” Hodge said. To further assist in the achievement of retention rates, Hodge hopes to encourage budding and influential relationships between students and faculty. “I ask, do we inadvertently deter that
CAMPUS
INSIDESCOOP
UPGRADE
CAROLINE BUCK The Miami Student
President Hodge makes his Presidental address Thursday evening in Hall Auditorium.
82 q 51 p
Mon
middle of a very giant economic time, we saw, obviously, no increased funding but instead a commitment of protecting our education funding.” While the state’s current budget for higher education has been protected under Gov. Ted Strickland, it has also declined and stayed stagnant over the past 10 years. In 2001, the Oxford campus received approximately $72 million from the state. Today it generates $62 million, according to Creamer. The reduction Miami and other Ohio universities face may take a crystal ball to predict. “I think any kind of questions, any kind of visions of the (Ohio biennial) budget is very preliminary in the stage,” Evans said. “It’s just not something that’s close enough in time to make a firm picture.”
Tell us your thoughts.
Comment on this story at www.miamistudent.net.
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WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET CAMPUS: SKIPPING CLASS? A new website helps students determine if they can skip class smartly.
SPORTS: FALL SPORT BONANZA
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Check out the sports section for a variety of columns, previews and recaps.
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Campus
Friday October 8, 2010
Editors Stephen Bell Courtney Day Amanda Seitz campus@miamistudent.net
NEWS WMSR upgrades technology BRIEFS FYI Scholarship available to current seniors Miami University seniors from all majors may now apply for the 2011 Joanna Jackson Goldman Memorial Prize. The Goldman Prize offers approximately $30,000 to support an outstanding Miami graduate’s pursuit of a self-designed scholarly, service or creative project. It is one of the largest awards of its kind. The prize is intended to allow exceptional students a chance to pursue ideas that will enrich their future goals. Applicants should have a very strong academic record, a background in the field of the intended project and an ability to work independently. Information and applications are available at http://casnov1.cas.muohio.edu/honors/current/goldman. html. Applications are due at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15. For more information, students may also contact John Forren, associate director of the University Honors Program, at forrenjp@muohio.edu or (513) 529-6298.
Voting begins to name new Blackboard site Voting to replace the name of the new Blackboard site for Miami University will begin Thursday, Oct. 7. The contest to name the site welcomed 309 entries for the new name. After narrowing down the entries, four final names have been chosen. Archway - The new system will represent the new traditions at Miami and the old. This recognizes the importance of the Upham Arch in Miami traditions. E-hub - The hub is an integral part of gathering students at Miami and the new site will also provide a collaborative environment on the Internet. Mpowered - The name uses the “M” of Miami and displays the power that higher education holds. Niihka - This word stands for “friend” in the Myaamia language, recognizing Miami’s heritage. To vote online, visit: http://community.muohio.edu/sip/naming_ contest. Voting will end at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11.
THOMAS CALDWELL The Miami Student
First-year Drew Doggett actively uses Skype to chat with a fan of the WMSR RedHawk radio station on air Tuesday evening in Williams Hall. By Sarah Title For the Miami Student
The Miami University studentrun radio station has been completely remodeled and updated for the school year. WMSR, once filled with outdated equipment and a complex wiring system, invested in a new soundboard and other equipment in order to make the station more professional and attract more listeners. “The biggest issue was the way the soundboard and equipment used to be wired, it was a whole mess of wires,” General Manager Paul Sunderhaus said. “It was hard to trace down a problem in a reasonable amount of time.” Programming Director Chris Vazquez also said the wiring was an issue for the DJs and show hosts. “There used to be a huge box that blocked people from walking in and it was hard for the DJs to see each other, which was hard because you use a lot of hand signals to coordi-
nate with each other,” he said. This issue led to the installation of a new soundboard and a more efficient wiring system. The studio took the cheapest route possible, using a standard network cable that still carries good quality sound. Sunderhaus
BY THE NUMBERS Total cost of WMSR renovations
$8,000
said the soundboard was priced at $3,600. WMSR is now providing a more consistent output and the station is more accessible. The station used to have to shut down for members to crawl through all the wires to figure out what the problem was, according to Vazquez. “Now the moment you walk in the door, you can wee the whole
studio, allowing more freedom for DJs to interact with each other, not something a listener would notice,” Vazquez said. A change listeners will notice is in the software. With a new program called RadioBOSS, students can now listen to the live stream through any media player. Last year, it was not so simple. Instead, students had to download a specific plug-in. People with Mac computers could not listen in, which was problematic due to the large number of students who use a Mac. RadioBOSS also allows DJs to provide better delivery. They can see the songs that just played, allowing them to announce the names of the songs and artists. It also allows the station to time commercials better. “New DJs can get a grasp on things a lot more quickly than new DJs in the past, the transition is happening a lot more quickly,” Vazquez said. Another new feature DJs can utilize is taking calls via Skype
instead of by phone. This allows DJs to screen calls and record them for playback. “Everyone is already on their computers, the old phone system was very expensive and difficult for DJs to take calls and understand them with the old system,” Sunderhaus said. With the new wiring, programming, soundboard and microphone, the total cost of the renovations was approximately $8,000. Danielle Fisher, host of On Air with Dani and Andy, an entertainment news show, said these renovations have greatly enhanced her experience at WMSR. “I’m starting to like it more with updated equipment, now I know how to use newer technology and I feel like a real DJ,” she said. “The renovations are bringing us closer to the listeners, making it possible to get connected with them. They can interact with the DJs and they’ll want to listen to our show even more.”
ASG denies funding for glee club By Kristen Grace Senior Staff Writer
Men’s Glee Club was denied funding for its upcoming winter
tour after the Associated Student Government (ASG) made it clear the organization would not use student fees to fund the academics of other students.
According to Tom Foster, vice president of student organizations, one of the rules for organizations to receive academic funding is the students do not receive academic credit for their participation. In the past, glee club members did not receive academic credit for participation, and ASG was initially going to grant the funds. Upon realizing the club members would receive academic credit, the funding was revoked, Foster said. According to Corbin Mathias, vice president of glee club, members of glee club are required to audition, but are then enrolled in a two-credit hour course. “If student fees go to groups who receive academic credit, you’re funding that student’s education,” Foster said. However, glee club appealed this decision after having its funds revoked to gain funds for a trip the group feels is not connected to the class. The winter tour is not limited to those in the class, said William Brunner, glee club’s winter tour manager. Members of glee club who were not able to take the class are also welcome to join as long as they are able to learn the music on their own. Senator Hannah Phillips was not able to see a separation between the class and tour. “At this point they are a class and they should not be receiving student funds for their field trip,” Phillips said. The student senate voted 10-34 to deny glee club the $1,000 it requested, which would have gone to travel expenses such as bus rentals.
Mathias said if not for their recent debt problems, this would not have been a problem. “Normally this would not be an issue for the glee club, but we have just come out of two years working very hard to come out of debt,” Mathias said. The glee club just recently moved out of debt after owing more than $100,000 to the university two years ago. Currently, the group is working with a budget of $0, which he said is just not feasible. It was brought up during debate that another organization, the Shakerettes, which also receives course credit for participation, was allocated funding by ASG, a mistake found only after the funds were finalized. Foster said he is making an effort to correct this mistake for the next funding cycle. Glee club, however, was discovered before finalization, which was part of the reason for the petition. According to Mathias, the group had already created a budget including the money it expected from ASG. Senator Michael Trivelli, a member of the funding committee, thought the issue was cut-anddry. “I think we made it very clear when each organization came in that they were not guaranteed any money until the money was actually in their accounts after it was approved by senate,” Trivelli said. Foster is glad the senate chose to stand with the funding committee’s decision. “These are the kinds of decisions we need to make,” Foster said. “The problems are just going to get worse.”
Editor Bethany Bruner community@miamistudent.net
Community
Friday October 8, 2010
3
Student reports stolen bike On Monday, Oxford police met with a Miami University student who reported the bike he had rented from BikeWise was stolen from outside his residence. According to police reports, the victim reported the Trek bike was locked outside his home on West Sycamore Street with a combination chain. According to police, both the bike and the chain were stolen. There are no suspects or witnesses.
SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student
Calcium residue shows up on dishes even after going through the dishwasher. Oxford’s water has 21 grains to the gallon of calcium.
Calcium here to stay
Senior says wallet taken on dance floor At around 6:15 p.m. Monday, Oxford Police met with a Miami University senior who said his wallet was stolen while he was on the dance floor at Brick Street Bar. When he went to cancel his credit card, he reportedly discovered someone had been using it. There are no suspects at this time.
Male’s credit cards, IDs removed from table At around 8:50 a.m. Sunday, Oxford Police met with a Miami University student who said his wallet was taken from a table at The Woods Bar Saturday night. The wallet reportedly contained two credit cards, two debit cards and two IDs. There are no suspects at this time.
Water hardness levels not regulated by EPA
By Bethany Bruner Community Editor
The “white stuff” on dishes fresh from the dishwasher is not because the dishwasher needs to be fixed, it is calcium. Calcium is the biggest area of question and concern among Oxford residents, according to David Weihrauch, manager of the Oxford Water Treatment Plant. Weihrauch said the City of Oxford draws its water from two areas of the Greater Miami Buried Valley Aquifer. Since Oxford’s water supply comes from groundwater, it is naturally hard, meaning calcium and magnesium levels are higher than if the water supply came from surface water. Oxford’s water treatment plant does not soften water, according to Weihrauch, and there is no legal requirement to soften water. “Calcium concentrations are simply not regulated by the Ohio EPA or the federal EPA,” Weihrauch said. The total hardness for Oxford’s water supply
is 21 grains per gallon, which is in the very hard range, according to Weihrauch. Dr. Gregory Calkins, medical director for Student Health Services, said having such a high level of calcium would not necessarily have a negative impact on health. “Some think calcification, the hardening of arteries or kidney stones, is due to calcium,” Calkins said. “That’s the traditional thought, but there’s evidence that there are other factors that cause that to happen.” Calkins said calcium is typically thought of as a nutrient, but the form typically found in water is usually inorganic and harder to digest. Weihrauch said citizens can choose to soften their water, but the city does not have a water softening plant. Equipment for softening water can be purchased at local home improvement stores. Weihrauch also said there are businesses that perform water-softening services. While drinking softened water may seem like an easy solution, Calkins said caution should be
County commissioners change meeting times By Leslie Scott
expected this sort of thing to happen by the end of the year. “As the year begins to wind down and the comBeginning in October, the Butler County commis- mission has met their required meetings, I would sioners decided to change their meeting time. Instead expect them to cut back,” Norman said. “It is just of meeting twice a week, the group will only meet more realistic, especially as the holidays get closer once a week. and closer.” The calendar is established at the beginning of According to Butler, as the year comes to an the year at the organizational meeting and the dates end, departments within the county begin budgetof meetings are chosen at the discrepancy of the ing for the next fiscal year. These departments incommissioners. The original calclude the treasurer, the sheriff, endar planned the group to meet area courts and domestic courts, “Especially around this among others. every Monday and Thursday, time of year with holibut this has been switched to just “That is what will occur during Monday meetings, according to days coming up, many these October meetings,” Butler Flora Butler, clerk of the Board said. “Each department needs to people plan vacations of Commissions. present a budget to the commisand other obligations The Ohio Revised Code resioner in order to continue operwhich lead to meetings ating through the next year.” quires 50 meetings each year. Once this number has been met, Meetings are open to the pubbeing cancelled the commissioners can be more lic, but Butler said the times are or rescheduled.” flexible with their meetings, tentative. The only time the pubButler said. lic is not welcome is during an FLORA BUTLER “It is very common for the CLERK OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONS executive session. commissions to change the meetAccording to Oxford City Maning times to once a week,” Butager Doug Elliott, the change in ler said. “Especially around commissioner meetings does not this time of year with holidays coming up, really affect Oxford. many people plan vacations and other obliga“We get many services from the commissions oftions which lead to meetings being cancelled fice,” Elliott said. “However, the meetings don’t afor rescheduled.” fect Oxford because they deal with executive and Butler said the commissioners could choose to policy decisions.” do this as long as the required number of meetings When Oxford needs to meet with commissionhad occurred. ers, the commissions office works with the city’s Miami University junior Erica Norman individual schedule. Senior Staff Writer
used in drinking softened water. Softened water will exchange the calcium in water for sodium, which Calkins said can lead to a strain on blood vessels. This could lead to kidney problems and possibly high blood pressure. “Healthwise, I’d drink the hard water rather than the softened water,” Calkins said. While many homes may have water softeners already, rental houses and apartments differ by landlord. Some students did not realize checking on water softeners was something they need to do. Junior Jared Wise said he assumed the information would be in the lease, but he did not look specifically for it. “I had no clue it has an effect,” Wise said. Weihrauch said the water report, published annually, typically has information about calcium in it, but this year’s report does not mention calcium. Weihrauch said calcium information would be included in next year’s report. The water report is available at the Municipal Building in uptown Oxford and online on the City of Oxford’s website.
Haunted House Guide Looking for a good haunt this Halloween? You might want to check out these local haunted attractions. Lake Bailee Lake Bailee is 25 minutes from Oxford in Hamilton. Attractions include a haunted hayride and a haunted corn maze. Lake Bailee is primarily a recreation center, complete with an outdoor pub, so you can have a nice meal before enjoying things that go bump in the night. Cost is $13 for a combination hayride and corn maze ticket. Lake Bailee’s haunted attractions are open Fridays and Saturdays.
Land of Illusion This multi-attraction park is in Middletown, approximately 40 minutes from Oxford. While offering multiple haunted houses, Land of Illusion also offers Club Zombie, a haunted dance club. Tickets are $20 to $40 depending upon the type of ticket you purchase and how many people are in your group. Land of Illusion is open weekends until 1 a.m.
Haunted Cincinnati Tours This authentic ghost-hunting tour is located in downtown Cincinnati and has been featured on the Travel Channel. Guests take a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the city with real ghost hunter equipment to see the spirits that haunt the Queen City for themselves. Tickets are $50 and booking in advance is required as space is limited. Booking can be done on the event website, http://www.hauntedcincinnatitours.com.
Reporting by Bethany Bruner
City Council proposes change to noise ordinance
At its meeting Oct. 5, Oxford City Council proposed a change to a noise restriction ordinance that would allow construction and repair work to be performed on weekends and national holidays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The current language of the ordinance allows construction or repair work that creates loud or unusual noises to be executed on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. except in the case of an emergency. City Manager Doug Elliott said city council will vote to pass the ordinance at its next meeting Oct. 19. If passed, the regulation will go into effect 30 days later. If passed, this ordinance will make life a little easier for contractors and construction workers in Oxford, according to Councilor Kevin McKeehan. “The change in hours will make Oxford a little more business-friendly,” McKeehan said. Reporting by Kelsey Bishop
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Friday
October 8, 2010
Features
Editor Amelia Carpenter features@miamistudent.net
By Jenna Yates
For The Miami Student
Miami University sophomores Kelly Muenchen and Neelum Amin are attempting to put Miami in the Guinness Book of World Records in spring 2011 by attempting the world’s largest group hug on campus. They need more than 10,000 people to participate in order to break the previous record. If successful, this attempt will raise money and awareness for the student organization, Oxfam Miami University. Oxfam is an organization focused on social justice that hosts events to raise money to end poverty, according to Muenchen and Amin. “Oxfam is a group of dedicated students that seek to end poverty by investing in an entrepreneur in the developing world, hosting awareness and fundraising events like the Oxfam Hunger Banquet and volunteering in the community,” Muenchen said. Oxfam’s leaders intend to significantly increase the organization’s visibility on campus next semester when they begin to advertise their world-record-breaking event. “We’re really starting to get the word out there,” Amin said. “We’re going to start advertising at the beginning of next semester.” The Guinness Book of World Records receives approximately 60,000 record-related inquiries from people who want to set or break records each year, according to guinnessworldrecords.com. According to Amin, they are aiming toward hosting the event in April 2011. “It will be a rewarding experience,” Amin said. So far, Muenchen and Amin have collaborated with their honors advisor, Kristin Burton. They also made a Facebook event, which has more than 700 people who said they would be attending. According to Burton, the associate director of the honors program, the girls are making a spirited attempt in tackling their objective. “They’re really passionate about this topic,” Burton said. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a great concept.” Burton said an event on such a scale would require a lot of work. “This certainly isn’t something that two or three people are going to be able to do on their own,” Burton said. According to Burton, this is the first project she has been involved in that is on such a large scale. Burton, Muenchen and Amin have started investigating resources and are putting together a list of community organizations to help implement the event. “This going to be a huge-scale project — a scale that I have not been involved in before,” Burton said. “It’s going to take so many people to break the record.” Muenchen, who has some experience assisting with event planning for a student organization as a first-year, is confident the event will turn out to be a success. Muenchen and Amin have never planned a large event, but said they are not intimidated. “I’m really confident, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it,” Amin said. Muenchen and Amin co-founded Oxfam in attempt to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger and injustice. In favor of raising money and awareness, Oxfam will be conducting the attempt at the world’s largest hug in the direction of establishing their name on Miami’s campus. “If it works out, it will be a great way to raise awareness about our cause and raise awareness for Oxfam,” Muenchen said. While Burton is helping, she said Muenchen and Amin
are really doing this on their own. “It’s going to be implemented by them and I’m just here to act as a resource for them and give them guidance and help with anything they would need,” Burton said. “They’re really taking the leadership on this.” According to student body president Heath Ingram, Oxfam needs to coordinate with the student body in effectively racking up awareness across campus. Ingram said the success of the world’s largest hug would be based on the coordinators’ abilities in getting the word out there and encouraging others to come. According to Burton, people will certainly be interested in participating once the word is out around campus. “I certainly think that once we start to promote it that people will really be on board with participating,” Burton said. According to Ingram, it is important that Oxfam fires up excitement. “The event will be largely dictated by the amount of effort the coordinators put into publishing the event and encouraging students to attend,” Ingram said. According to Ingram, communication is key. “Turnout will be dictated by their ability to communicate with the organizations they are trying to reach to let them know about the event,” Ingram said. According to Michelle Martin Rosecrans, associate director of alumni relations, it is not only important to be a good communicator with organizations, but it is also important to be detail-oriented. In summer 2009, Rosecrans helped coordinate the world record broken at Miami University for the most couples to renew their wedding vows. “I think you need to be very detail-oriented and I think you need to be a good communicator,” Rosecrans said. Lucky for Muenchen and Amin, Miami has a history of being in the Guinness Book of World Records. Feb. 2, Guinness World Records told Miami the school had officially broken the world record for the most couples to renew their wedding vows at once. The event took place during alumni weekend June 20, 2009. In spite of the event being effectively communicated to the participants, 1,087 couples came together to renew their vows, breaking the previous record of 624 couples renewing their vows in Pittsburg in 2008, according to Rosecrans. According to Jessica Greene, one of the Miami alumni who attended the event, renewing her wedding vows with her husband was a lot of fun. According to Greene, she and her husband (who was also her high school sweetheart) attended the event with their two children. Greene, who married her husband the fall after graduation in 2000, said renewing her vows was a special time for her and her family. “It was very special,” Greene said. “I giggled because I said, ‘How different is this round of wedding vows? How different is our family from when we got married?’” Some people came dressed up in their wedding day whites. “It was really neat to see everybody who was either in Miami gear or some people got really dressed up and wore white,” Greene said. “Some people had on dresses. It was really cute.” According to Greene, she and her family came dressed in their Miami gear. “We both had on our Miami T-shirts and we brought our kids and they were in their Miami gear,” Greene said. If you are interested in helping out with this event or being a part of Oxfam, contact Kelly Muenchen at muenchkp@muohio.edu.
HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student
Editor Anna Turner amusement@miamistudent.net
Amusement
Friday October 8, 2010
5
MUSIC
GWAR to rock pants off Bogarts
By Anna Turner Amusement Editor
In 1984, a metal band from Richmond, Va. gave the music world something it had never seen before — sci-fi costumes, political and social theatrics, lighting and sound spectacle extraordinaire — it was unlike anything music fans had experienced up to that point. It was GWAR. GWAR was the lovechild of several underground metal bands in the Richmond area. Dave Brockie was the ringleader for this new metal experience. It began with GWAR (at that point known as GWAARGGGH!!) opening for local metal and punk rock bands like Brockie’s Death Piggy. “We’d all been in a million different bands before then,” Brockie said. “I realized that we could take this GWAR idea and really add something to it and come up with a spectacular show.” That spectacular show involved sci-fi costumes, larger-than-life effigies of political figures (that usually undergo some sort of mutilation during the show), sacrifices, hundreds of gallons of (fake) blood and bodily fluids
ANNA TURNER The Miami Student
projecting over the audience and whatever the f&%$ else GWAR feels like doing. “We just asked ourselves, ‘If the ultimate band were playing tonight, what would it be?’”
Brockie said. “Somebody had to do GWAR sooner or later, and if somebody else had done it, it would have sucked.” The music world needed GWAR, and thank god Brockie
and Crew brought it to us. In the past 25 years, GWAR has come out with 12 albums. Their newest album, Bloody Pit of Horror, will be released Nov. 9. The entire album is tuned down at least a half
FILM
Let Me In proves a great, yet familiar, remake
By Curtis Waugh For The Miami Student
Let me just get this out of the way to begin with, Let Me In is a hard sell to film fans. It is a remake of the outstanding Swedish film Let the Right One In that is also based on a Swedish novel of the same name. Wait, did I say outstanding? I’m sorry, I meant masterpiece. Let the Right One In was a true revelation for horror, vampire films and what it meant to be a child. Oh, and it came out in 2008. That’s right, two years (actually more) since the Swedish film was released, Hollywood thinks it wise to make its own version of the film. I was against this as much as you can imagine and saw this effort to be more of the same from an industry wanting to make a quick buck based on the least common denominator. They made it seem as if American audiences couldn’t handle reading subtitles (maybe they can’t, although I’m more hopeful than that) and that we needed to be spoon-fed theme and intensity in our own language. However, I don’t think Hollywood saw this one coming when they gave Let Me In the green light. Now, I am going to let go of all of the Let the Right One In talk until the end because this film deserves to be judged as its own entity. Not only did this project receive a competent director in Matt Reeves (Cloverfield), but they hired probably the two most astonishing minors working in the field of acting today. Now, for the uninitiated, Let Me In is the story about a boy outcast named Owen (Kodi Smit-Mcphee, The Road) who is dealing with divorced parents and horrific bullies at school. His mother, who in a smart yet painfully obvious move is never fully seen on screen, is a drunk. His father is unavailable, and the one time he does communicate with Owen, he is more worried about Owen’s mother than Owen’s very real problems. The three bullies Owen faces at school are truly horrible, treating Owen as more of an ant on the sidewalk than an actual human being. So, naturally, this creates a yearning and anger within Owen that we can see will eventually destroy him — until he meets Abby. Abby, played with a great maturity and creepiness by Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass), is a vampire. This quite obviously throws a wrench into the situation. Abby comes to the small and poor apartment complex that Owen lives in, hoping
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to find new feeding grounds. She is looked-after by a man (played by the great Richard Jenkins, Step Brothers) whose story I will not spoil that goes out and kills young men in order to harvest their blood. Jenkins’ character anchors this story and its themes and is the looking-glass through which we perceive this budding relationship between Owen and Abby. Owen and Abby eventually meet while they both are trying to be alone out in the courtyard. From here, the story takes some very interesting twists and turns in which Owen is able to stand up for himself and figure out who he really is as a person, while giving Abby the companionship 12-year-olds (give or take a few centuries) need. This film is entirely about the relationship between these two characters, but don’t get me wrong, it is also violent and pulls no punches. Blood not only sheds, but floods whenever it is on screen. The bullies at school perform truly evil deeds, which only escalate to frightening proportions as the film goes on. This puts the audience in a situation in which we know Owen and Abby’s friendship will not only be harmful to others and themselves, but harmful because we see how each of these characters will fare if they had never met. Reeves is quite adept at being able to show what kind of people these two are if they aren’t able to have each other, which gives the viewer another reason to root for them to be together. My only gripes with the film come as an ardent fan of the original film. If you have seen that film, you have seen this one. Reeves brings very little new to the table that hasn’t already been brought. He tries to refocus many aspects, but they are all very minute and aside from a different choice of color palette, many of the shots are the exact same as in the original. This is a great homage, but it starts to get stale after seeing many scenes framed and presented in a very familiar way. Nonetheless, this would have been an incredibly easy film to screw up. While it may come off as too comparable a remake, I can see why Reeves would want to create an American version of a recent classic. The themes of adolescence and the need for friendship are omnipresent in every society, not to mention that it gives him a chance to let loose on some truly frightening horror and gore. If this film drives people to see the original, I’d say that it did its job. And if it doesn’t, it still wins as a film that deserves to be a representative of this amazing story.
octave, giving GWAR fans a new sound with the same old GWAR attitude, or GWAR-itude. To compliment its new album, GWAR is currently on its Bloody Tour of Horror, a 30-show tour ending Nov. 6 with a performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas. The tour features The Casualties, Inferneaon and Mobile Deathcamp, and will be tearing up Bogarts in Cincinnati Oct. 12. What GWAR fans can look forward to is an intense night of metal, spectacle, theatrics and, above all, music that freaking rocks. Amidst all that pizzazz is a heavy social and political commentary that GWAR has come to be known for. “GWAR has always been an underground counter-culture that shakes up the status quo,” Brockie said. “We wanted to go after subjects that were pretty much taboo. We sort of developed this moniker of Kings of the Underworld.” These underworld rulers successfully combine spectacle, meaningful themes and bada$$ music in a mind-numbing phenomenon that can only be described in one word: GWAR.
FEATURE
City Council bans weekend By Curtis Dickerson For The Miami Student
The Oxford City Council voted Thursday to eliminate the days of Friday and Saturday from all calendars and schedules within the municipality. This measure, the latest in a series of actions to curb underage drinking, passed by a wide margin on the council, and in a recent poll is widely supported by city residents. “We have great hopes for this,” said Officer Jonathan Taylor, one of the plainclothes officers who frequent city bars and clubs on the weekends. “Everybody says, ‘We’re going out Friday! We’re going out Saturday!’ How are they going to go out if there is no weekend?” The new plan, which replaces the previously titled Friday and Saturday with “Post-Thursday” and “Pre-Sunday,” is scheduled to take place Nov. 1. Oxford resident and city councilman David McDonnell is excited about the change. “It’s gotten to the point where I can’t go out to eat with my family on a Friday night because of the drunken students,” he said. “Now I have full confidence that we’ll be comfortable walking up and down High Street on a Post-Thursday night.” Miami University has applauded the decision and, in a statement released from the Office of the President, has called the measure “an important step toward eliminating alcohol consumption by college students.” The statement went on to say although reducing underage drinking is the immediate goal, “the elimination of Friday and Saturday from our week is a large step in the right direction toward our eventual goal of a completely sober student body and a completely dry county.” Not all residents are pleased with this decision, however. An Oxford bar owner who requested not to be named called the decision “insulting” to residents. “We have great traditions in this town, and yet the most creative thing we can come up with are doubling Thursday and Sunday?” he said. “What about Green Beer Day day, or ‘Leaving Your Tab Open Day?’” The elimination of Friday and Saturday from the week comes on the heels of other measures to curb alcohol abuse that have, according to some, been proven to be ineffective. In September, Oxford police began targeting students who were walking within 100 feet of a bar, until realizing that all of Oxford is within 100 feet of a bar. “I’m just hoping this works,” Taylor said. “The only other thing we can think of is an alcohol-sniffing dog. We brought one into town a few weeks ago, and after about six seconds of sniffing, it had a heart attack and died.”
Things Amusement’s not sorry for ... 7. Not being sorry 6. Partying 5. Stealing your roommate’s bong 4. Your illegitimate child 3. House Ad issue 2. Whore-oscopes 1. Last night
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Opinion
Friday October 8, 2010
Editors Thomasina Johnson Jessica Sink editorial@miamistudent.net
➤ EDITORIAL
The following pieces, written by the editorial editors, reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board.
President Hodge’s speech misses the mark M
iami University President Da- accommodate struggling students. vid Hodge presented his anThe editorial board does hope nual address to the public Thursday, there will be more focus on menOct. 7, discussing retention rates toring between undergraduates and and the undergraduate experience. staff and more beneficial advising to His speech highlighted the main help students stay on track. goals of the university and his hopes However, lowering the standards that Miami continues to expand of the university, as Hodge alludits global presence through study ed, must not be an option. College abroad programs. should be an opportunity to chalThe editorial board of The Miami lenge and prepare students for the Student considers President Hodge’s future. It is not the university’s oblispeech respectable, but a missed op- gation to hold students’ hands along portunity to tackle the key issues the way. currently facing the university. The president’s speech seemed While past to completely achievements miss the mark Lowering the standards are certainly a of what is curof the university, as credit to Miami rently relevant and should be Hodge alluded, must not to students, admired, larger, faculty and staff. be an option. College more pressing is- should be an opportunity If the point of sues should have the address was to challenge and prepare to review past been addressed. students for the future. a c c o m p l i s h Miami is currently confronting ments and goals, serious budget isthen the speech sues, Strategic Priorities Task Force was adequate. recommendations, Greek life regulaHowever, with the current state tions and housing concerns, but none of the budget and the anxiety of the of these topics were touched. Even Miami community, a speech only foif solutions are not available, there cused on the past is disappointing. could have been some statement by Miami University prides itself on the president acknowledging there being a place where students can are concerns and the administration grow and work outside of their comis doing its best to attend to them. fort zone. Perhaps President Hodge In addition to ignoring many cru- should have followed this objective cial issues, the president’s address and tackled the difficult issues and focused largely on the standards of monumental changes throughout the university and the need to better the university.
Fight frustration with action T
he state of Ohio is expecting a The board encourages all mem$5 billion to $8 billion shortfall bers of the Miami community to for the biennial budget, which will channel any feelings of anger and be decided for the calendar year helpless frustration into constructive 2011. Because of this, Ohio pushed action. The most important thing is one of the state’s 12 budget install- to be educated about the proposed ments to Miami budget cuts and University, cutting the economy in its funding. The board encourages the state of Ohio. Approximately There are many the entire Miami one-eighth of the ways to gain community to not put knowledge about budget cuts made all of the blame and in Ohio this year the proposed fuwere for higher ture of Miami, inanger on the Board education. Fundcluding attending of Regents and the ing for Miami the SPT forums administration for from the state has and paying atthe severe cuts the decreased dratention to Miami matically over the news. The Nov. 2 Strategic Priorities past 10 years — in elections for the Task Force 2001 the school reHouse of Reprehas proposed. ceived $72 million. sentatives, goverIn 2010, it will be nor and the United $62 million. States Senate are The editorial board of The Miami very important elections that will Student recognizes the budget cri- impact the economic future of Misis for Miami University is directly ami University. The board recomlinked with Ohio’s lack of funds. mends everyone, especially students The board encourages the entire who live out of state, to vote in the Miami community to not put all of upcoming elections. the blame and anger on the Board of The best way to help counteract a Regents and the administration for budget crisis is to take small steps to the severe cuts the Strategic Priori- learn more about the problem. The ties Task Force (SPT) has proposed. more the Miami community is inStudents, staff and faculty must re- volved in the SPT and the upcoming member most of these budgetary elections, the more progress we will problems come from the economic be able to make on dealing with and crisis of the entire state. solving Miami’s budget problem.
The Miami Student
NOAH CARL The Miami Student
➤ LETTER
Cutting programs flushes education
a majority of their working hours cleaning up disgusting residence hall restrooms? No, because said restrooms will now be defunct Currently Miami University is going and may be turned into living quarters (simithrough a major budget crisis. Apparently lar to how the university is creating beds at we will be facing an economic shortfall of the Miami Inn). Imagine the research oppora hundred gazillion dollars, or so that’s the tunities we can have. The now defunct paper way the Strategic Priorities Task Force (SPT) sciences engineering program could have wants to make it seem. Full disclosure: I have created the next recyclable two-ply had we never once been to an SPT meeting, I haven’t adopted this program earlier, which could researched any of the potential costs of my have brought a thousand gazillion dollars to plan to save Miami that hundred gazillion the campus. dollars and I honestly have only skimmed Just think about the overall college experiThe Miami Student’s articles on SPT. ence. It is defined by the everlasting bonds But I do know this: my plan is fool proof. we all create with each other. Sure, these A simple question posed to almost every bonds might previously have been seeing American in the workplace in today’s age your freshman roommate play guitar naked is how to do the most efficient work in the while you try to have a conversation with quickest time. I have a simple and eloquent your mother over Skype. But think of the solution to not only prepare Miami students opportunities now. Think of the bond you for the future workplace, but to save our fair will have with Patrick in your calculus 151 institution big time dollars. This solution class when you see him “upperdecking” his lies in how the workplace (in this case, our new desk. school) and work setting (classrooms, dorm Some people have suggested cutting down rooms, et cetera) is run. In today’s economic on athletics. Some have suggested cutting instability many employers, especially those classes or majors. Even some have suggested of small businesses, are looking to cut costs we scrap the Armstrong Student Center. I but remain profitable, which seems to be a think we all know where the true moneysavmajor problem here at Miami. Many students ing prowess lies. I pray that the Browns go to feel stressed and overworked due to the con- the Super Bowl this year, literally and figurastant evolving need to find money to pay for tively, for the sake of Miami and the sake of ever-increasing school fees in a devolutionary our educational reputation. economic environment of fewer student jobs Ross Simon available. Now, where can we find a place to simonrt@muohio.edu be innovative? Well, what is something that regardless of who you are, what classes you take, where you live and what you do, you will utilize. The answer is simple, the toilet. ➤ Write us According to the SPT, Miami will be forced to cut classes (and perhaps majors) if we do not find a way to close the deficit. All letters must be signed I have that answer. We must replace every in order to be printed. Please desk in every classroom with a toilet. Think send letters via e-mail to: about the money we can save. First, we’re cutting down on our overall utility cost beeditorial@miamistudent.net cause if a toilet is constantly flushing everyone in said classroom will be pretty upset at the distracting ambient noise and will soon We reserve the right to edit for find a way to fix it. Second, we’re cutting length, content and clarity. down on staff costs. Do you think one of our fine maintenance services will need to spend
Your Rule of thumb Take me out to the ball game The Cincinnati Reds who open the postseason Wednesday afternoon at Philly. Go Reds!
Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826
EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief Erin Fischesser News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor Thomasina Johnson Editorial Editor Jessica Sink Editorial Editor Stephen Bell Campus Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor
Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Bethany Bruner Community Editor Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director
www.miamistudent.net
“Giving a little bit” too much The other guitarist in the Goo Goo Dolls who thought singing by himself was a good idea.
Young money To the guy that tipped me last night. Just because you’re paying with your meal plan doesn’t mean your friendly Sundial Pizza delivery girl doesn’t deserve a tip!
Opinion
THE MIAMI STUDENT
➤ THE CHRONICLES OF CURIOSITY
➤ PERSPECTIVE
Amusement eulogy
Marijuana ads create culture change For those like myself who have planned to pursue a career in journalism but have dauntingly watched the recession bring down the print industry along with its job offerings, I have finally found the solution to our unemployment after graduation — marijuana. The recent loosening of federal regulaChloe tions under Obama’s Esposito administration have pushed the issue of legalizing marijuana into the mainstream, creating a side effect that came out of the left wing (no pun intended) — a substantial increase in ad sales for alternative papers and even some mainstream dailies, as medical marijuana businesses such as Happy Buddah and High Mikes attempt to coax patients into buying their brands. Advertisements in Colorado Springs hit the streets last week in publications such as ReLeaf, a pullout supplement to The Colorado Springs Independent, and was solely devoted to advertising medical marijuana. Forty-eight pages in all, the magazine was stuffed with advertisements that cost businesses $1,100 per page, making the publication a cash cow for The Independent. The bounty from the ads this year was used to hire one new reporter and promote three staff members to full-time. The Independent also thought it would be beneficial to give its columnist of CannaBiz, a column that follows news from across the country, his own beat on marijuana. Coming from a society that has built marijuana into a taboo, it seems exceptionally obscure to have such an increase in marijuana demands. One must understand the ABC’s of advertising for print. The cheaper or more audience-specific the reading is, the more likely a publication is to receive advertisements because the advertiser knows the publication will be read. Once the publication increases its price and fails to relate to its audience, advertisers flee. These two components to advertising deliberately underscore the reason for this rise. In states like Colorado, California and Montana where use of the drug for health purposes is legal, newspapers, particularly alternative weeklies, have rushed to woo marijuana providers because the state’s interest is heavily involved in the use of marijuana. The marijuana industry is flushed with cash and eager to spend it on ads now that Obama’s administration said last fall it would not prosecute users and suppliers of the drug. They would be safe as long as they complied with state laws, according to The New York Times. There are exceptions since magazine ads can’t always portray audience interests due to government regulations. The Times banned tobacco cigarette ads from its pages in 1999, and since then tobacco companies have “kissed away” the chance to ever advertise on radio, television and in print again. How is marijuana any better than cigarettes and what does this say about the ethics of newspaper and magazines during this recession day and age? After reading a quote in The New York Times regarding marijuana advertisements from Matt Gibbs, The Independent’s president, it became clear that newspapers like The Independent are feeding off of America’s underground obsession with marijuana and predicting to make a large amount of revenue once more states become legalized. When commenting on marijuana businesses, Gibbs said, “It’s been stressful for us for several years … There’s no question that they’ve been good for our business and we’re worried about 2011 when the state revises the statute, which it appears is all but certain.” Economic issues are now tapping into cultural ideologies we find taboo. Newspapers seem to be on their last leg as they desperately turn to marijuana to pull them out of the recession. Since American citizens can still go to jail, suffer from addiction and get caught up in violence due to drugs, it is interesting how newspapers disregard these realities to solely make a buck. As an aspiring journalist, I can’t complain about the new job opportunities that will arise from this market. I can, however, shed light upon how the printing industry’s struggle will create a cultural change, a change that will soon accept marijuana into society with open arms.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2010 ♦ 7
ANNA TURNER
As of today, Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, Amusement will no longer be part of Miami University’s student media. The blame can be placed on a small faction of the Miami community that failed to realize the importance of humor and satire in the media. There are several ways to deliver news, and one of the most popular and successful forums is that of humor and satire. Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and The Onion are all upstanding examples of how current events and relevant topics can be delivered to the public in a non-traditional manner. Amusement hoped to replicate that manner, but it has become evident that Miami does not endorse a diverse media environment. On a college campus, it is vital that students receive information in ways other than the typical facts, facts, facts layout of standard journalism. The other sections of The Miami Student do a wonderful job of relaying information to the student body in the inverted pyramid, the most common journalism technique. It is up to Amusement to relay information in a unique, fresh and entertaining way. Amusement has had its shortfalls in the past, but in this scenario, the villains are those taking away the only alternative press Miami has, not those creating the
alternative press. You are robbing your fellow students and faculty of a multifaceted student media, while at the same time promoting a suffocating culture of political correctness that binds creativity and social discussion. Student writers who wish to explore different forms of journalism turn to Amusement as an outlet for their (sometimes unorthodox) work. This outlet no longer exists. Where can these student writers perfect their craft? How can they spread their ideas? Who will hear their voice? It is not just the Amusement staff that is suffering. Readers of this section, the ones that can appreciate a joke or a different point of view, will turn to other sources of entertainment that are not produced by their peers. This is a shame. If Miami has the capability to produce entertainment that the student population community can enjoy, then that capability should be nurtured. Instead, it is being vanquished. This speaks volumes about Miami University. It says that Miami is not a typical college campus where light-heartedness and
humor (especially quirky, twisted humor) are embraced. It says that Miami is not welcoming to all forms of creativity. It says that Miami is not a healthy environment for aspiring writers, especially journalism students seeking to have an original voice in their work. It says that Miami is not the liberal arts institution it claims to be in that there is no room for a liberal form of art like creative writing. It is frustrating and saddening that an academic institution does not recognize the importance of alternative journalism, of humor, of unique outlooks and of the student voice. What sort of undergraduate university are we if the undergraduates are condemned from expressing themselves? If Miami hopes to continue its long history of outstanding education, the university should re-evaluate how it is treating its students. Thank you to all those who have supported Amusement throughout the years. I hope that future Miami generations have the common sense to once again embrace alternative press, and maybe have a laugh or two.
TURNER is amusement editor for The Miami Student
➤ ESSAY
Oxford and ‘real world’ mentalities clash Walking past a table with unattended purses, jackets or backpacks is not an uncommon thing at Miami University. While I am just as guilty as anyone, it still strikes me that we are so comfortable with leaving our (sometimes prized) possessions unattended. A friend described it as an unwritten rule: if someone stole your backpack, you would be upset, so why make someone else feel that way? This friend also happens to have lived in China, Nigeria and Belgium, where he insisted someone’s things would be stolen within minutes of it being unwatched in any of those places. This makes me wonder, why do we feel so safe? Why are we so surprised when someone’s laptop actually does get stolen out of an unlocked residence hall room? Should we be more careful? Growing up in the New York City area, I was always taught to be mindful of where all my belongings were at all times. If I was riding the subway in Manhattan or taking the aboveground train to high school, my bag was on my shoulder or in my lap. As a first-year at Miami, I carried these teachings with me, not wanting to leave my
bag on my chair in King Library it seems other Miamians adwhen I went to the cafe or leave here to this mentality too — my room open when I ran to the from unattended belongings bathroom. Call it paranoia or at King or Shriver to unlocked call it safety, but I haven’t had room doors. anything stolen during my time Unfortunately, I believe it at Miami. was the development of this That being said, the seeming- mentality that led to my careless ly safe atmosphere here at Mi- mistake in March. I am infatuami broke down ated with travelmy conventions ing and seeing No crimes were somewhat. My the world, so I first-year class, reported from King jumped at the 2007-08, had or Shriver, so it was opportunity to the highest rate to Brussels, okay to leave our go of burglaries Belgium for laptops and iPods spring break to and robberies out on the table among the four stay with a good years (2006-10) while we left to get friend while she reported in the was studying another coffee. Campus Crime abroad. I was Alert archives. traveling on a Even after student budget, that, my close friends and I de- so I obviously took every price veloped the mentality that “it shortcut possible. couldn’t happen to me.” Our I flew into Heathrow Airport window in our house sopho- in London and took a train into more year did not ever close, but Brussels. At the end of the trip, it was okay because we lived far I was waiting for my train at from campus and our doors were Brussels-Midi train station, me always locked. and my friend saying our goodNo crimes were reported byes, when a man came up and from King or Shriver, so it was asked us for directions. okay to leave our laptops and He seemed pretty sketchy, iPods out on the table while we so I quickly turned away from left to get another coffee. Even him and back to my friend. In with the notifications from the doing so, I lost sight of my lugCampus Crime Alert system, gage that was standing right
next to me. The next thing I knew, I heard the faint brush of two fabrics against one another. I looked back, and my purse was gone. My purse that had my passport, money, driver’s license and keys to my house in Oxford was gone, and I was stuck in Belgium for two extra days before everything was sorted out. It no longer “couldn’t happen to me.” It did happen to me. Of course, I was not in Oxford when it happened, but I was still operating under the “unwritten rule” mentality. We often comment on the “Oxford bubble” and how everything within it seems to exist independent of the world outside. As students who are in college to learn and to prepare for the “real world,” we need to realize all things are not as safe as they are in Oxford. Appreciate this relatively safe bubble, but keep your guard up. Remember when you travel outside of Oxford not everyone is a student in the same financial boat you are, and they are not necessarily abiders of the unwritten rule. Mary Halling
hallinml@muohio.edu
➤ ESSAY
Simple materials can revolutionize the world In case you didn’t see, this week the Nobel facetious. My point is that great things come Prize winners have been announced across from everyday people and materials. With this categories. The Nobel Prize is awarded for new material so many advances in technology achievements in chemistry, peace, physiology can be created. or medicine and literature and physics. It has Many people are talking about how this been given out every year could be the new plastic, since 1901. and just look at how plastic It is also very This year, the winners of revolutionized the world. the Nobel Prize for Physics Again, this all came about encouraging for were two Russian scientists because two scientists deyoung scientists to named Andre Geim and cided to use very humble know that sometimes methods to peel back little Konstantin Novoselov. even the simplest What did these two guys layers of graphite to isolate do? They made discovthe atoms and experiment of materials eries in a super-thin and with the materials. can revolutionize super-strong carbon called Apparently once the mathe world. “graphene.” The mateterial is developed, it will rial is only one atom thick more or less replace silicon and is nearly 100 times chips in computers due to stronger than steel. That, in and of itself, is the fact that it will be an even better conductor amazing. Just think about the possibilities of of signals. Now, I’m no physicist, but that is incredible. a material that is virtually two dimensional I don’t quite understand how the material only and stronger than any other material on earth. an atom thick could be so incredibly strong, What might shock you more is how the two but I do know that that kind of material could discovered the material. They were examining revolutionize the way we consume, the way Scotch tape. we build or even the way we protect people. That’s right everyone, you can win the NoIt is also very encouraging for young scibel Prize in physics with simple materials such as Scotch tape! Okay, maybe I’m being a little entists to know that sometimes even the
simplest of materials can revolutionize the world. It takes these kinds of ideas to move our world forward and it is absolutely incredible people just keep making incredible discoveries everyday. This gives hope for all young kids who want to be doctors, physicists, inventors, chemists, et cetera. It reminds us all that answers are all around us when we address the problems we face everyday. The discovery made using the same tape we use to repair torn paper will fascinate young scientists everywhere and hopefully help all of them to start thinking outside the box. The Nobel Prize continues to honor those who make incredible strides in their fields and shows that despite everything going on in our world, there are still so many people who are committed to making it a better place everyday. It is hard to imagine there is a light at the end of the tunnel sometimes when one watches the news, but these news stories show there is a light burning brightly all around us in all corners of the world. We all just need to open our eyes and see it. Chris DeNicola
denicocj@muohio.edu
FYI Page
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October 8, 2010
The Miami Student Oldest university paper in the United States, established in 1826
Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief
Erin Fischesser News Editor
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Help Wanted Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com Bartenders needed Earn $250+ per shift FT/PT no experience required will train call now! 877.405.1078 ex. 9002
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New High-end housing in Oxford ~ 4-bed luxury condos that wonít break the bank. ~ Large home for $3k/ bedroom, 2 blocks to High Street.~ 3-bed luxury apartments one block to Rec Center.View pics at: CardinalProps.com or call 800-575-9486 to setup a tour.
Studio apartments near campus, available for immediate occupancy, starting at $399/mo. 523-2440 or manager@oxfordrents.com
HOUSE FOR RENT 3 Bedroom House, 2 full Baths, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, full kitchen, cable and hi speed internet in every room, large closets, all electric utilities, landlord pays water, sewer, and trash. Less than 5 years old. Call Lou @ (513) 658-2590 6 BRAND NEW APTS FOR RENTLive UPTOWN between The Woods and Miami Co-op at 15 N Poplar in one of the 6 BRAND NEW 4 BD Apts available for 2011-2012. 4 students needed for each Apt. 513-293-2570 or 513-339-0566. THE COURTYARDS OF MIAMI RENOVATED 1 bedroom with study $3300. per seme, 2 bedroom for 2 students $2300 per seme. Located on Central Ave, between Campus and Main, across from the REC Center., group rates, one pet friendly building off street parking, bus stops, and laundry. Stop by and look around or call Carolyn at 513-659-5671 also www.thecourtyardsofmiami@yahoo.com
Roommate Needed One roommate needed for the spring 2011 semester to share a 4 bedroom house. Email ellbea92@yahoo.com TWO roommates needed spring 2011 semester! Uptown apartment, SUPER cheap rent!! 614-746-5926 for more info.
1 Bedroom condo 2011/12 1 Bed, 1 Bath. Furnished Condo, includes W&D, Water, Waste & Trash Permit for 2, $3,000 per sem. 513-255-4100 www.odcproperties.com UPTOWN APTS 2011-12 Across from BW-3’s, behind Pour House. 108 S. Main, Permit for 3, $1900 per semester/person. Large kitchen, big living room, A/C, some furnishings. Call Dan, 513-543-4470
News 513-529-2257 Editorial 513-529-2259 Advertising 513-529-2210 Fax 513-529-1893
For Rent
Friday
Roberts Apartments2011/12. Great Location! Close to Uptown/Campus. Laundry Facilities. Off-Street Parking. Well-Maintained. 1- and 2-Bedrooms Apartments. www. roberts-apts.com 513-839-1426 Roberts Apartments2011/12. Great Location! Close to Campus. 2 Blocks from Uptown. Laundry Facilities. Off-Street Parking. Well-Maintained, Spacious, 1-and 2-Bedroom Apartments. www. roberts-apts.com 513-839-1426
Houses NEWER CONDO, TRENDY 4 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATH, EQUIPPED KITCHEN, LAUNDRY, OFF STREET PARKING GARAGE, CAN HELP WITH FURNISHING! Call Mike 513 266-1685 m2deuce21@hotmail.com Great 4 bedroom house with off street parking. All appliances including washer dryer. Live with a yard and a place to park your car. Short walk to uptown. We are already booking 2011-2012 school year. mustudentrentals.com or 513-756-1800 HOUSE FOR RENT 4 Bedroom House, 2 full Baths, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, full kitchen, cable and hi speed internet in every room, large closets, all electric utilities, landlord pays water, sewer, and trash. Less than 4 years old. Call Lou @ (513) 658-2590
TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT on South Poplar @ Spring St. 5 bdrms & 2 baths for 5 or 6 people. Nicely updated & has central air, dishwasher, garb disp, washer/dryer, & parking. Tom (513) 839-0344 BRAND NEW & AFFORDABLE FLATS on East High St that includes PARKING! Calista Tower (formerly The Balcony) avail for ’11-’12. Spacious 1200 sq ft flats with 4 bdrms & 2 baths for 4 people. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, garb disp, & microwave range. Includes central air, washer/dryer, & sprinkler system. Tom (513) 839-0344
THE MIAMI STUDENT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2010 ♦ 9
10
Friday October 8, 2010
I see London, I see France Rob Johnson
Under Review
E
mbarrassing moments are a normal part of human life, something to which everyone can relate. Tripping over a crack on the sidewalk, dropping books on the way to a class and passing gas in public would be enough to turn some cheeks red, but imagine having your embarrassing moment broadcast on national television in front of millions of people. Here are some moments the pros might want to have back. Steve Smith of the 1986 Edmonton Oilers had one of those moments on his 23rd birthday. In game seven of the division final against the Calgary Flames, the game was tied 2-2 with 15 minutes left in the third period. Enter Smith. He corralled the puck behind his own net and tried to pass the puck up ice to a teammate. However, he failed to comprehend the goalie was a solid object and the puck ricocheted off the goalie’s skate and into the net. The Oilers lost, and the Flames went on to win the Stanley Cup. Bummer. Steve Lyons of the 1990 Chicago White Sox dropped his pants in front of 14,000 fans in Detroit after sliding head first into first base. He was shaking the dirt out of his uniform when he quickly snatched up his pants after realizing his mistake. Unfortunately, he would not be able to shake off years worth of mooning jokes that followed. For Bill Buckner’s sake, I won’t recount for the 10 millionth time how he let a routine ground ball go through his legs, which cost the Boston Red Sox a World Series win. It’s just unnecessary. However, I don’t feel bad about Jose Canseco’s hard head. As Canseco approached the warning track to catch what appeared to be a routine fly ball, he began to stumble. As he looked down to regain footing, the ball bounced off his head and over the fence for a home run. He then tried to play it off like it bounced of his mitt, but instant replay doesn’t lie. Then there is Leon Lett. A defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, Lett had one of the most infamous blunders ever in Super Bowl XXVII against the Buffalo Bills. In the fourth quarter, the Cowboys were blowing out the Bills when Lett recovered a fumble and was headed for another touchdown. Near the 10 yard line, Lett slowed down and watched himself running toward the endzone with his arms fully extended on the jumbotron. What he did not see was the Buffalo defender who was in hot pursuit. The defender caught up and knocked the ball out of Lett’s hand at the two yard line, which flew out of the endzone for a touchback. That would be the equivalent of winning the lottery and on your way to redeem the ticket, you tripped and dropped it into a paper shredder in front of millions of your friends. Oh Leon. So what, you fell down a couple steps in King Library and everybody laughed, big deal. Just think to yourself, “Hey, at least I’m not a Lions fan.” And if you are, keep your chin up. Fifty-three years of rebuilding will pay off eventually.
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HOCKEY
Sports
Editor Katie Giovinale sports@miamistudent.net
NEXT HOME GAME: 7:35 p.m. Friday, vs. New Hampshire
RedHawks start season against Wildcats
By Hannah R. Miller Staff Writer
After the exhibition turned offensive barrage against Waterloo Oct. 3, the Miami University hockey team is ready for the regular season to begin. The No. 3 RedHawks will face off against the No. 10 University of New Hampshire Wildcats Oct. 8 and 9 in their first series of the 2010-11 season. With a week of practice in the books, the ’Hawks are mentally and physically prepared to take on the Wildcats at Goggin Ice Center in the first contest between the two teams since October 2009. Last season, the RedHawks and Wildcats clashed in Durham, N.H., with the ’Hawks winning the first game 6-3 and tying the second at five. Head Coach Enrico Blasi is expecting to see high-level hockey from both sides in the weekend series. “These are two top teams,” Blasi said. “It’s going to be hard fought, a lot of speed, some good players on both sides, good goaltending. And I know one thing, they’re very well coached and they’re going to be ready to come.” The Wildcat team finished its season 18-14-7 last year, grabbing its third league regular season title in the last four years. Defenseman Will Weber noted the speed of the Wildcats and the depth of the roster. “They’re good, their goalies are good, so it’s going to be a battle this weekend,” Weber said. “We’re going to have to definitely play our A-game if we’re going to have a shot at beating them, so it’ll be a good series.” These games are crucial for the
FOOTBALL
MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student
Senior Andy Miele edges past a Waterloo defender Oct. 3. ’Hawks even though the Wildcats are non-conference opponents. Senior captain Carter Camper said getting off to a strong start in the first period is going to be key. “These first two weekends are non-conference, so those games always mean a lot,” Camper said. “Having them at the beginning of the season against these teams at the top can really take you somewhere in April, so all these games at the beginning are important.” The RedHawks have lost five players heading into the 2010-11 season, including the top two goal scorers from a year ago, Tommy Wingels and Jarod Palmer. Camper is not worried about offensive production this season,
believing in the depth of the RedHawk roster. “Our strength has always been that we’ve been well-balanced and it’s the same thing this year,” Camper said. “We have plenty of guys returning to contribute, and the guys that play on the third line are well capable of coming in and producing. Personally, I think we’re going to be stronger this year.” The forwards had the chance to loosen up and find the back of the net in Sunday’s exhibition, but the defense went somewhat untested. Weber said the defensemen are in good shape and ready to shut down the Wildcat offense. “We’re a hard-nosed defensive team, so we’re just going to have
to stick to the things we’re good at and not try to do too much,” Weber said. The Brotherhood is looking forward to the weekend, ready to get back into game action. “Waterloo’s an exhibition game, and now we’re playing for real,” Blasi said. “We know the caliber of UNH — we’ve played them last year obviously and in the NCAA tournament.We’re going to be ready, it’s going to be exciting, the place will be jam-packed and it’ll be a fun weekend.” Prior to Friday’s game, Miami will hang the 2009-10 CCHA Championship banner. Game time is 7:35 p.m. Friday and 7:05 p.m. Saturday.
NEXT GAME: 7 p.m. Saturday at Cincinnati
’Hawks prepare to take back Victory Bell By JM Rieger
Kokal has also stepped in nicely at safety, especially in light of the injury to senior safety Jordan Gafford, After winning three of the last and has racked up 19 tackles on the four games, the Miami University year to go with an interception and a football team will now focus its atforced fumble. tention on the University of Cincin“Kokal is getting a lot better,” Head nati in the 115th annual Battle for the Coach Michael Haywood said. “(NunVictory Bell. ley) has done an unbelievable job as The RedHawks have not won this ria true freshman. He is an outstanding valry game since 2005, but players and football player and he doesn’t lose his coaches are already motivated for Saturconfidence. He has short-term memoday’s matchup. ry loss, which is a good thing (on the “It is definitely one of our goals football field).” (every season) to beat (Cincinnati),” Meanwhile, the passing game has redshirt junior safety Anthony Kokal led the way for the RedHawks’ offense. said. “It is tough when you don’t win, Redshirt sophomore quarterback Zac but this game is so ingrained in our Dysert has thrown for 1,058 yards and culture. We see pictures of guys ringfive touchdowns in his first five games, ing the Bell and if we could beat them completing 67 percent of his passes. The that would be huge for our goals for passing game will have to step up again the season.” for the Red and White, as they face a Defense and special teams will be Bearcat defense that is 14 in the nation key for the Red and White, as they will against the run but is 109 in defending face some very dynamic and quick the pass. players, including redshirt junior quarMiami has suffered a lot of injuries, terback Zach Collaros, who is second both on offense and on defense. On deon the team in rushing yards and junior fense, Gafford is expected to miss a few wide receiver D.J. Woods, who leads more weeks because of a concussion, the team in receptions, receiving yards redshirt junior linebacker Ryan Kennedy and touchdowns. is expected to miss three to four weeks Cincinnati is a run first team, so Midue to an MCL injury and redshirt sophoami must prepare for a balanced attack. more linebacker Luke Kelly is probable On the season, the RedHawks are 24 in for Saturday’s game at Cincinnati with a rushing defense, allowing just over 105 shoulder injury. Kennedy will begin a reMICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student yards per game, but each of the last two hab assignment and could be back within games they have allowed opponents to the next few weeks if the assignment Quarterback Zac Dysert prepares to pass Oct. 2. rack up a combined 368 yards on the goes well. ground. Stopping the run will be key for Miami, and if they get back to playOn offense, redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Givens is questionable for ing the way they played during their first three games, they can turn Cincin- Saturday after suffering an ankle sprain in the second half against Kent State nati into a one-dimensional football team. Freshman cornerback Dayonne University. Redshirt junior offensive lineman Brandon Brooks is questionNunley stressed the importance of playing well this week. able and redshirt sophomore left tackle Matt Kennedy is expected to miss “We just have to play fast and play physical and play smart,” Nunley said. one to two weeks with an ankle sprain, but is still listed as questionable for “I never knew how big this rivalry was until guys were all serious about it Saturday’s game. this week. We need to go get this Bell back.” Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. Fans Nunley is tied for the team lead with two interceptions and is fifth in can listen to the game on Miami’s ISP Sports Network or on WMSR tackles with 23 on the season. at redhawkradio.com. Staff Writer