Apr. 30, 2010 | The Miami Student

The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

VOLUME 137 NO. 57

Friday, April 30, 2010

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

In 1965, The Miami Student reported on a faculty teach-in posed to discuss views on involvement in Vietnam. Three faculty members joined a moderator to debate the foreign policy of the United States and the conflict itself. The event was similar to others held at universities across the country.

COMMUNITY

Fraternities violate Student Code of Conduct

New uptown restaurant plans summer opening

The Ohio Tau chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) has been found in violation of the Miami University Code of Conduct for disorderly conduct.

The SAE house patio reportedly caught fire from a bale of straw and smoking materials in April. The Oxford fire chief investigated the scene of the incident and found the fraternity had violated several other city fire codes.

SAE accepted responsibility for the incident and will be required to obtain a signed statement from the Oxford fire chief that the house is in compliance with the city fire codes.

By Lauren Karch For The Miami Student

The latest in a slew of new High Street eateries, SoHi Grilled Sandwiches will open in mid-May, taking the place previously occupied by the Great Steak & Potato Co., which closed last year.

Nick Lanni, owner of the new restaurant, said it will serve grilled sandwiches made from premium ingredients including certified Angus beef and bread baked in-house.

“It’s basically going to be a newage, fresh-grilled food concept,” he said.

Lanni’s son Joe, an assistant with the project, said the menu at SoHi will consist mostly of grilled sandwiches.

“It’s going to be build-your-own cheese steak, build-your-own burger and fresh-cut French fries,” he said. “We’re trying to make it simple and make it really good food, make it a little bit better than other quick-food locations.”

The Lanni’s are not new to the

SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student

Sophomores Adam Carey, Patrick Lipka, Patrick Maney and Lee Cardinal (clockwise from front left) enjoy dinner Thursday at Fiesta Charra. The restaurant is planning to move and get a liquor license.

Fiesta goes ‘loco’

The Ohio Lambda chapter of Phi Kappa Psi (Phi Psi) was found in violation of the Code of Conduct for restricted use of alcohol.

While on a canoe trip in April in Brookville, Ind., members of Phi Psi were arrested and charged with underage drinking.

Phi Psi accepted responsibility for the incident and was placed on disciplinary probation. They are not permitted to participate in social functions involving alcohol until December 20, 2010 and are required to complete an alcohol education course. They must present the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternal Life with a revised off-campus social and risk management plan.

Mexican joint to move, obtain liquor license

By Vanessa Feigen For The Miami Student

Not only is Fiesta Charra looking to change its location in the next three months, but the restaurant is also planning to acquire a liquor license.

Fiesta Charra will still keep its prime location uptown, but the restaurant plans to move into a newer and bigger building at 26 W. High St. Jesus Memedes, owner of Fiesta Charra, said the new location will benefit both the restaurant and its business.

“Right now our building is really small and quite old,” Memedes said. “The newer building will not only be a lot more attractive and a lot nicer on the interior, but it will also provide us with a lot more space than what

we have now.”

Memedes also expects the selling of alcohol to attract more customers to Fiesta Charra.

“I think it will definitely attract more students as well as the local residents here in Oxford,” Memedes said. “People will be able to come and get margaritas along with their food.”

Memedes said customers often ask servers what alcoholic drinks the restaurant provides and this new addition will help Fiesta Charra keep its customers satisfied.

Miami University junior Jennifer Coviello believes these new changes will enhance the atmosphere at Fiesta Charra.

“Right now, the atmosphere is a lot of

wSee SANDWICHES, page 15 Female reports uptown rape

wSee FIESTA, page 15

At 1 a.m. Wednesday, a 24-year-old female was reported missing by her friends starting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.

The female reportedly went to hear Luke Bryan perform at Brick Street Bar Tuesday evening from out of town.

When the woman was located, she reportedly went to the Oxford Police Department and told police she had been sexually assaulted.

The woman reported she was at The Elms Hotel and was raped by a person or multiple people unknown at this time.

The woman reportedly said her friends had taken her to McCullough-Hyde Hospital for a rape kit and examination.

Police are continuing to investigate the case.

COMMUNITY

DuBois prepares to rebuild, add apartments

By Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

DuBois Bookstore will close its uptown store while a new building, which will include student apartments, is built in its place.

Thirty-six more students will have the opportunity to live in the heart of uptown beginning with the 2011-12 academic year as Dubois Bookstore rebuilds with the addition of apartments.

According to owner John DuBois, he did not want to lose the uptown location and knew the market is there for premium housing.

“They’ll be very nice apartments with the amenities that make it a cool hot place to live and a super location,” DuBois said.

THE

INSIDESCOOP DECREASING DEBT

Miami plans to sell bonds in order to cover current outstanding expenses.

CAMPUS, page 2

WALKING THE STREETS

wSee DUBOIS, page 15

MIDDLETOWN STUDENT DIES Jacob K. Wells, 39, of Middletown, Ohio died the weekend of April 24 at his home due to illness.

Wells was an integrative studies major.

SHATTERING THE STEREOTYPE

Miami students address the “J. Crew U” culture in Oxford.

FEATURE, page 6

COMMUNITY, page 4

BONNAROO BONANZA

Check out our graduation issue online May 7.

AMUSEMENT, page 8

75 q 64 p

Sun

73 q 53 p

Mon

WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET Check out Jordan Furbee’s list of 100 things to do before leaving Miami.

This is the last print edition of The Miami Student for the 2009-10 school year.

Erich Schrader talks about this summer’s lineup for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.

ONLY

u

LAST MINUTE LIST

H AV E A G R E AT S U M M E R !

Oxford Police are more strictly enforcing pedestrian laws after a recent accident.

Sat

In early July, DuBois will close the doors to its uptown building and re-open in Stewart Square on South College Avenue, its temporary location. There will also be a smaller version of the store located on West Park Place uptown that DuBois described as a souvenir and clothing shop.

He does not think, however, the temporary move will be detrimental to business.

“The long term benefits will weigh out the short term pains of moving out and putting the building up,” DuBois said. “It’s going to be quite an expenditure,

73 q 51 p

SO LONG, SCHUTTE Senior Director of Recreational Auxillaries heads to Bowling Green State University.

NEED MORE SPACE? IT Services provides a tip on migrating your e-mail to unlock six gigabytes of space.

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Campus

Friday

April 30, 2010

Editors Courtney Day dayce2@muohio.edu Hope Holmberg holmbehh@muohio.edu Amanda Seitz seitzam2@muohio.edu

News Parking to change, costs rise BRIEFS

By Amanda Seitz

event Students hold ceremony for bird blind construct A dedication ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, April 30 to honor five Miami University architecture students who have started a bird-watching club. Josh Carson, Max Streeter, Alex Fritz, Nick Irmen and Jared White built a bird blind together in areas of Miami’s natural areas.

The five students created the bird blind from scratch by securing funding and materials.

The bird blind is created in the form of a question mark and is surrounded by feeders, birdhouses and plants.

The students spent the semester constructing and designing the bird blind.

Grants were made available by the Oxford Community Foundation and Elizabeth Wakemen Henderson Chartiable Foundation. George Steel Fabricating Inc. provided an estimated $3,500 in steel plates and the Gillman Home Center allowed big discounts on lumber and bolts.

To reach the bird blind’s location, students, faculty and staff may take State Route 73 and drive to the Dewitt Cabin and park.

workshop Groups raise funds for China earthquake In response to the earthquake that occurred in YuShu, Qinghai, China on April 14, the Chinese American Culture Association (CACA) and Chinese Student & Scholar Friendship Association (CSSFA) have organized the “Help YuShu: Donate to Tibetan People Aftershocks” event to call out for students’ help to the Yushu people.

As of Wednesday, April 28, their efforts had raised more than $2,500.

The event is currently taking place and will continue through Friday, April 30.

The CACA and CSSFA encourage the Miami community to show their support.

Donation tables are set up at both Shriver Center and Bell Tower Place.

fyi Football tickets available for staff and faculty Miami University staff and faculty can now purchase discounted tickets for the RedHawks’ 2010 home football schedule. The home games include four Saturday games and one weeknight game.

Miami faculty and staff can save $15 by purchasing RedHawk season tickets for $75.

If season tickets are ordered prior to May 3, fans can pay for tickets in four monthly payments. Season tickets ordered by May 12 can be purchased on a three-month payment plan. Faculty and staff also have the option of paying with payroll deduction.

Single-game prices for games at home at Yager Stadium remain the same as last year. The prices are $20 for adults, $15 for youth and $15 for the Hawk’s Nest (end zone reserved).

Tickets can be ordered in person at the Millett Hall Box Office or by phone 1-866-MUHAWKS (1-866-684-2957) or (513)-529-HAWK. More information can be given by the Athletic Development Office at (513) 529-8097 or RWClub@muohio.edu.

Campus Editor

Several changes will be made to Miami University Parking Services before the 2010-2011 school year begins.

The director of parking and transportation services position has been eliminated entirely due to budget constraints at the university, according to current Director of Parking and Transportation Services Perry Gordon.

Gordon said the notification of the elimination came at the end of January from his wife, who works in the human resources department at Miami.

Gordon said he was surprised to learn of the position’s discontinuation.

“You learn that you’re basically being terminated after 18 years at the university,” Gordon said.

Gordon said he was told the salary of his job out pays his value at

the university.

With this cut in position, the organizational side of things dealing with parking services will be handed over to the Miami University Police Department (MUPD).

Gordon said the two assistant directors of parking and transportation will report to Cpt. Jason G. Willis beginning June 20.

Cpt. Willis said the parking and transportation services will not necessarily undergo major changes when they report to MUPD. “Everything will stay the same, nothing’s changed as far as location, the way permits are distributed, the policy is the same,” Willis said.

Willis said he appreciates the work Gordon has done for parking services.

“Perry, he really did an excellent

job during his tenure as the director,” Willis said. “He’s leaving the parking department in excellent shape.”

More apparent changes to students at Miami will deal with the cost in Miami Metro and parking permits.

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

The board of trustees voted on Friday, April 23 to increase the costs for yellow, blue and purple

wSee PARKING, page 10

ASG implements senatorial position standards

By Dylan Tussel Senior Staff Writer

During their celebratory year-end banquet Tuesday, Miami University Associated Student Government (ASG) got down to work, wrapping up the academic year by unanimously passing one final piece of legislation: a resolution to develop senatorial standards.

While members of the executive cabinet have always been held to certain academic and disciplinary standards, the only requirement for someone to hold a senatorial position was that they be a full-time student, said Adam Clampitt-Dietrich, outgoing president of student senate and an author of the resolution.

Clampitt-Dietrich said the reason cabinet members were held to higher standards before senators is that cabinet members are paid for the work they do with ASG. “They receive pay and we wanted to make sure that they were meeting certain standards and also weren’t over-committing themselves,” Clampitt-Dietrich said.

Mark Shanley, adviser for ASG, said he has worked at several other universities, most of which had already established similar requirements for their elected student representatives.

“I’ve worked at seven different universities throughout the course of my career,” Shanley said. “At virtually every campus that I’ve worked at it has been a requirement of those elected officials that represent the universities to be in good standing with the institution academically and behaviorally.”

Clampitt-Dietrich thought the universities

that had such requirements for student-elected officials benefited from those requirements and he stressed the importance of ASG members maintaining a high level of achievement inside and outside the classroom.

“The fact that other schools have it is important, but we also think that as student leaders it’s important to hold ourselves to a higher standard,” Clampitt-Dietrich said. “Keeping with that higher standard and mission of putting academics as well as conduct at a high level, we’re making sure we’re bringing in the best representatives to make sure we do what the student body wants.”

Although it is important for members of ASG to hold themselves to a higher standard, the resolution is not implying that a higher GPA signifies a greater ability to be an effective senator, Clampitt-Dietrich said.

“We have senators now that probably have like a point and a half difference in their GPAs and they contribute and represent students well in their own individual ways,” ClampittDietrich said. “We’re not in any way trying to weed people out — we’re just trying to make sure the people who are committing to a big commitment have the time and the ability to do such.”

The resolution passed by student senate stipulated that senators “be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university at the time of their election.” This requirement will take effect Aug. 1, 2010. Clampitt-Dietrich said the exact requirements are a 2.0 GPA and one or two Code One offenses.

“It’s a 2.0 (GPA), but there is some leniency

with that,” Clampitt-Dietrich said. “Conduct standards are set by the Office of Student Ethics and Conflict Resolution — typically two Code One offenses will put you in bad standing, but it depends on the severity of the offense.”

There are 24 positions for off-campus senators, and exactly that many students ran for the position for the next academic year. ClampittDietrich said ASG has planned ahead in case this were to occur in the future and one or more of the candidates did not meet the new requirements.

“What we would do is after we identify that the people didn’t meet the requirements, we would do another ad campaign looking for people to take the position, extend the position deadline for another number of days and really work hard to make sure we had enough people to fill the number of seats in the fall,” Clampitt-Dietrich said. “I don’t believe we’ll have any issues with senators fulfilling the requirements.”

Matthew Herbst, Tappan Hall senator, was initially opposed to the idea of setting a GPA and disciplinary requirement for senators, but has since given his support to the resolution.

“When they were initially proposing it, I didn’t like it because it was going to stop people I didn’t think should be stopped from joining senate,” Herbst said. “I felt like they were going to set an arbitrary GPA requirement that had nothing to do with university policy, but based on how it’s worded right now, the people who it’s stopping probably are suspended or (in trouble) with the university already.”

MU approves bond issuing as result of debt

By Dylan Tussel Senior Staff Writer

The Miami University Board of Trustees approved Friday, April 23, a resolution signifying the intent of Miami University to issue bonds to fund on-campus construction and renovation projects.

The terms “bonds” and “debt” are used interchangeably, as they have the same meaning in regard to this resolution, said Beverly Thomas, associate vice president for finance.

“Bonds are a form of debt that are issued in the public bond market,” Thomas said. “Investors would buy our debt and we would receive that money — that cash — from the investors and then there would be a schedule we would have to follow to repay our debt over that period of time.”

Thomas said the resolution only approved the issuance of bonds to fund construction and renovation projects, but did not approve the projects themselves.

“The resolution does not authorize any actual construction projects,” Thomas said. “What the resolution says is that if the board of trustees does authorize construction to begin in any of those projects, then we can start incurring expenses first, issue bonds later and then use bond proceeds to pay off those expenses.”

The resolution also does not authorize any new debt, but is required should the university elect to issue debt in the future, said David Creamer, vice president for finance and business services.

“There are certain rules with tax-exempt debt that restrict how you can use those funds,” Creamer said. “They have to be for capital purchase — that is, equipment, building, renovation and other purchases of that nature — and they have to occur within a certain timeframe.”

Creamer said the resolution gives Miami more authority to issue bonds in the future to pay back expenses already incurred. He said the resolution would also help to ensure Miami stays within the parameters required to issue tax-exempt bonds.

“They are tax-exempt bonds, so the bondholders do not pay taxes on

the income they receive from those bonds,” Creamer said. “We want to make sure we don’t do anything to jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the bonds.”

Issuing tax-exempt bonds gives the university a lower rate of borrowing, Creamer said.

“Since the bondholders don’t have to pay taxes on their income (from the bonds), they’re willing to accept less in regards to interest,” Creamer said.

This means that if the bondholders had to pay taxes on the income they receive from their bonds, they would expect Miami to pay higher rates of interest to offset the tax expenses; but since the bonds are tax-exempt, the bondholders will allow Miami to pay lower rates of interest on the debt.

Creamer said the plans for residence hall construction and renovation were the primary reason for the passage of the resolution, but the board was considering the Bicentennial Student Center (BSC) as well.

“The primary purpose we passed it was the residence hall projects because we weren’t sure when we would start the projects and the timeframe of the issuance of debt,” Creamer said. “So there may be some expenses we will incur that we might want to use some of the proceeds from the debt to fund.”

Thomas said Miami’s revenue, rather than the actual buildings under construction, backs the bonds.

“We don’t pledge the buildings against the bonds, we pledge our revenues,” Thomas said. “So if it’s an academic building or the BSC, they would have a claim against our revenues, and if it was a residence hall then they would have a claim against our room and board.”

Thomas Hall, economics professor, said the issuance of bonds is the most practical way Miami could fund these large-scale projects.

“The only other way to do this would be to have all the money upfront, but when you’re talking about a project of this magnitude, that can be difficult to do,” Hall said. “It’s a good way to do it because the interest rates are very low right now, so it’s a good, cost-effective, reasonable way to fund these projects.”

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Campus

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 3

Massive coal pile on hand may pose threat to environment

By Sam Kay Editorial Editor

Most students have never visited the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Located off of OH-73 just past the rugby fields, it is where plastic bottles, glass, paper and aluminum cans are sent to be given new purpose in a new form. But not everything that arrives at the MRF moves on to new use.

Some materials, such as a 4,000-ton pile of coal that has been on the site for at least 34 years, could be harmful to the environment, according to the Southwest District Office of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Cody Powell, director of building maintenance, said the pile was initially three times its current size and was intended to be a hedge against unanticipated interruptions of the coal supply to Miami’s steam plant used to provide building heat, water heat and support food cooking.

“The university is trying to protect its best interest to make sure it has a quantity of coal on hand to handle any situation to protect the campus and its operations,” Powell said.

Powell said the pile has gradually been allowed to shrink because new fuel options — such as natural gas or fuel oil — could allow operations to continue at the steam plant in an emergency.

Powell said the university may use the pile again sometime within the next several months to avoid paying premium coal prices while negotiations for a new coal contract take place.

Powell is not sure precisely how long the coal has been at the MRF. “My longest tenured employee in utilities started in 1976 and the storage pile was here

at that time,” Powell said. “The last time he recalled using any quantity from this pile was in the 1980’s.”

The pile’s original 12,000 tons would have sustained the university for a year when it was initially created.

Powell said the university now uses 22,000 tons of coal a year; the 4,000-ton pile could now only sustain the university for a month or two.

Much else has changed since the coal pile first appeared at the MRF. If the pile were formed prior to 1970, for instance, it would predate the EPA. It predates the most recent version of Ohio law dealing with water pollution control — which took effect in March 2000 — by at least 24 years.

With the pile now being prepared for use by the university, new attention is being paid to what the university is, could or should be doing to minimize air and water pollution from the pile.

Bonnie Pray, a compliance specialist with the Hamilton County Environmental Services, said Miami has the necessary air related permit for the pile. Pray said inherent moisture — such as humidity and rain — keeps static piles like Miami’s from causing significant air pollution. But Pray explained the same factors could cause water pollution.

“Runoff is probably the bigger issue,” Pray said. “It gets into surface waters.”

Mike Proffitt of the Groundwater Division of the Southwest District of the Ohio EPA said poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have the potential to leech out of coal and accumulate in stream sediments. It is possible the coal pile is polluting surface waters, groundwater or both. In either case, Proffitt said testing is needed to determine whether a water permit is necessary.

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

A pile of coal located off OH-73 sits at the Materials Recover Facility and may be harmful.

“If the coal pile was not running off to surface water but was reaching the aquifer, it would be a violation and they would have to do something about it,” Proffitt said.

“You cannot have an unpermitted discharge to a water of the state.”

Powell said he is not sure what is under the pile. The pile is also mostly uncovered; an attempt several years ago to cover the pile with wooden pallets and carts was never carried out to completion. The less containment there is around the pile, the greater the potential there is for runoff infiltrating the surrounding environment.

Chris Cotton of the Water Quality Division of the Southwest District of the Ohio EPA said Miami should consider taking steps to better contain the pile.

All wired up

“The university would be smart to pay attention to it,” Cotton said. “If there is a potentially usable aquifer underneath where the coal is stored, they’d be setting themselves up for some major problems.”

Powell said the coal — which comes from the ground — won’t pollute the ground.

Cotton said rainwater, which is naturally slightly acidic, could leech certain components out of the unprotected coal, including dangerous heavy metals.

“I think it’s probably wishful thinking to think there’s no impact,” Cotton said. “It would be a matter of taking samples. They might be surprised to find out what’s happened given all the time its been sitting

wSee COAL, page 10

Comparative media studies major to start in fall

By Brittany Chojnowski For The Miami Student

SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Above: Seniors Amanda Triplett and Kiri Boonyadate present their capstone project to Midas International.

Below: Champions, Team A of Highwire Brand Studios capstone, pose with Midas International.

In fall 2010, the journalism and communication departments will be offering a new major called comparative media studies.

This major, which will begin accepting students in the fall, will function as a way for students to create their own media studies program.

“This major will allow students to look at media from a variety of different perspectives,” said Ron Becker, a professor in the mass communication department. “They can look at media from a historian’s perspective, or an anthropologist’s perspective or a political scientist’s perspective.”

According to Richard Campbell, chair of the journalism department, this major was created, in large part, to accommodate a growing interest in the media by not only students, but faculty as well.

“There are a variety of people interested in this initiative,” Campbell said. “Faculty from all sorts of departments; sociology, anthropology, journalism, interactive media studies, English, film studies.”

Campbell also said this major will serve the copious amount of students who find themselves unable to get into a journalism or communications class.

“Students are always getting closed out of COM (communication) classes,” Campbell said. “This major will accommodate students’ growing interest in media.”

The comparative media studies major will function like interdisciplinary studies.

“Students will work on different tracks,” Campbell said. “They will sculpt their major around the areas of media they are interested in.”

As of now, the major is not available for declaring, but a comparative media studies course, CMS 201, is open for registration for the fall semester. A committee chaired by Keith Tuma, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences consisting of faculty from the College ofArts and Science (CAS) and one IMS professor has been working on this new media major for over a year.

The course work for CMS 201, as explained in the syllabus, will dabble in a vast array of media issues. Some topics covered will include the definition of and history of the media, globalization and internationalization of media and media power and ideology.

Along with new courses, Miami has also introduced two new professors to work in comparative media studies; Nicole Starosielski, who is finishing up her PhD in film and media studies at UC-Santa Barbara, and Braxton Soderman, who is finishing his PhD in modern culture and media at Brown University.

The course was posted on BannerWeb in the past week and currently has five students enrolled out of the 30 spots being held for the class.

“We expect that most of the students (that will participate in this class) will be incoming, first-year freshman,” Becker said.

Bus drivers finalize, ratify contract with First Transit employer

By Clint Reinbolt For The Miami Student

Last week, Miami University Metro bus drivers reached a labor agreement with their employer, First Transit.

The agreement was finalized after a lengthy period of negotiations.

According to Ron Sixt, president of AFSCME local 464, the new contract will significantly improve the working conditions for Miami Metro drivers.

Sixt said benefits as a result of the new contract include “a five percent raise next year, an

extra personal day, improved medical benefits, the company paying 25 percent of workers’ healthcare and better job security.”

That better job security, he said, will come in the form of a “progressive discipline” system, as well as employees having better access to management.

“Under the new contract,” Sixt said, “if management is trying to institute a new type of program, the union will have a voice in the matter.”

According to a Miami Metro driver who wished to remain anonymous, the lack of job security was a serious issue under the drivers’

old contract.

“First off, it was very hard to even contact our management,” the driver said. “It felt like bringing up complaints put your job at risk.”

Other issues under the old contracts, according to the driver, included low pay, poor healthcare coverage and a generally tense, high-stress working environment.

Sixt said the new contracts between Metro drivers and First Transit address many of the problems with the old and go a long way toward providing drivers with a more secure, fair and comfortable work environment.

According to Sixt, the union is very pleased

with the outcome of the contract negotiations. He said the vote to ratify the new contracts passed overwhelmingly, by a margin of 26 to 4.

The new contract between drivers and First Transit will come into effect soon. According to Sixt, this will bring “an overall and significant improvement of working conditions” for Miami Metro drivers.

“Students probably won’t notice much of a difference in the Metro once the new contract comes in,” said the anonymous Miami Metro driver. “But trust me, all of the bus drivers definitely will.”

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Friday

April 30, 2010

Community

Editor Kelsey Bishop bishopka@muohio.edu

OPD enforces pedestrian laws

By Tom Segell Senior Staff Writer

Student passes out in front of Oxford Press At 3 a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to The Oxford Press regarding a 20-year-old male who was reportedly passed out leaning against a door in the parking lot.

The man, identified as Miami University sophomore Matthew Greenwood, was reportedly talking with an Oxford Press employee.

When officers arrived, Greenwood reportedly smelled strongly of alcohol and had glassy eyes and dilated pupils.

According to police reports, the officer said he could tell Greenwood was heavily intoxicated because Greenwood was not making sense.

Greenwood reportedly said he lived on “Illinois Street, Illinois Street, Illinois Street,” repeatedly.

Greenwood reportedly told police he had been drinking and was taking pain medication because he broke his nose.

An Oxford Press employee reportedly told police Greenwood told the employee he worked for The Oxford Press.

Greenwood was cited for underage intoxication and driven back to his residence hall.

Senior receives false identification charges At 9:15 p.m. Monday, 20-year-old Miami University senior Brett Rolf was arrested after a fake identification was reportedly found in his wallet.

According to police, the wallet was found in a vehicle belonging to someone else that was stopped for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

While Rolf was not in the vehicle at the time, police said they took the wallet to OPD for safekeeping.

Inside the wallet there were reportedly two identifications for Rolf, one from Maryland and another from New York.

Police reportedly called Rolf, who went to OPD and admitted to possessing fake identification, but Rolf told police he had not used it in a “really long time.”

Rolf was charged with certain acts prohibited for possessing a fake identification.

Male leaves Burrito Loco without payment twice At 3:15 p.m. Monday, Burrito Loco reported a customer had walked out of the restaurant without paying his bill on at least two occasions as of March 17.

According to police reports, a male accompanied by two females went to the restaurant and walked out without paying their bill one night.

Later, the two women reportedly returned with the man, said they were under the impression that the man had paid the bill and then paid the restaurant for their previous visit.

On March 17, the man reportedly returned with a different woman and left without paying their $41.23 bill.

According to police, the original two girls returned, and the owner approached them about the man again.

The women reportedly told the owner they no longer hung out with the man and didn’t pay the bill for him this time.

The repeat offender was found to be a 24-year-old from Spring Valley, Ohio.

When you’re finished reading

The Miami Student, please recycle!

A recent accident involving a young mother and her baby at the four-way intersection on Chestnut has highlighted some of the issues involving the relationship between pedestrians and motorists in Oxford.

Lindsay Swift was attempting to cross the street with her one-year-old, Makalya, when a vehicle driven by a Miami University student struck her.

“I was probably three or four steps when the guy that was sitting at the red light decided he would make a right on red,” Swift said via e-mail. “But he forgot to look both ways. My friend who was with me saw this happening and tried to push me out of the way.”

Fortunately, the impact only resulted in minor injuries and rattled emotions for both victims.

“After it happened, I just looked at her and (by) mother’s instinct knew she was okay,” Swift said. “The stroller did a good job of protecting her; the stroller frame and my body absorbed all the impact.”

Swift said the close call has made her more wary of traffic in Oxford.

“We have to be very careful as drivers and pedestrians,” Swift said. “Oxford is a town that has a lot of foot traffic on and away from campus. I know now is such a busy time for everyone, people

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

The Oxford Police Department has been cracking down on pedestrian offenses after recent accidents have brought attention to the issue. Officers have reportedly written most of the citations during night duty. are pulling all-nighters, getting ready for finals, saying good-bye to the friends they have made and celebrating the end of the school year. It’s so important, though, to stay in the present moment when you’re driving.”

The Oxford Police Department (OPD) is trying to minimize incidents like these by issuing jaywalking tickets when the situation is warranted, Sgt. Jim Squance said.

“I think some officers in nights have been cracking down on the jaywalking issue,” Squance said.

“We have issued a few. Most of the tickets I’ve seen have

been flagrant violations where the person stepped out in front of a car or there’s jeopardy of causing harm.”

Squance also said the drivers are responsible and held accountable for yielding to the right-ofway when appropriate.

Justin Reddington, a Miami junior who transferred this year from University of Cincinnati, acknowledged some stark differences between how pedestrians function here as opposed to Cincinnati.

“When I first came to Oxford I was surprised when I was walking to class to see how everyone

walks out in front of cars and all over the street,” Reddington said. “Students and pedestrians at UC respect the cross signs and the crosswalks.”

Oxford pedestrians are riskier than most people Reddington knows.

“Even when my friends come visit from other universities, they’re surprised how we walk and cross the street here at Miami,” Reddington said. “I can get to places a lot quicker because I’m not waiting to cross the street. It might be riskier, but it saves time when walking to class.”

Stereotyping results in increase of homeless assaults

By Leslie Scott Staff Writer

The number of assaults in Ohio that have occurred against the homeless population have been increasing.

If these crimes are not put to a stop soon, the reported beatings may eventually evolve into murders, according to Josh Spring, executive director for the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless.

Spring said assaults increase as people forget history and stereotypes about the homeless arise, such as believing people become homeless due to lack of affordable housing.

“Common stereotypes of the homeless include laziness and that they are dangerous,” Spring said. “Many people believe the idea that the homeless are bad and in some way less human than others. They view abusing them as a way to ‘clean up the streets.’”

According to Spring, a woman shot a homeless man in the head at an Ohio gas station after he had asked her for a quarter.

Spring believed the woman shot the man out of fear, which he said is a perfect example of a person who believed the stereotype that the homeless are dangerous.

Another incident in the Cincinnati area, according to Spring, included a bar frequenter who verbally harassed a diabetic homeless

man. When confronted by a police officer, the attacker said, “What does it matter? He’s just a bum.”

“Normally the attackers are young white males who are about high school and college-aged,” Spring said. “They are generally suburbanites who have not been in direct contact with these people and are unable to realize that homeless people are just like everyone else.”

Many recent offenders have fallen into this category. The most recent incident occurred when four men beat John Johnson, a homeless man in the Cincinnati area, with metal pipes and baseball bats.

Spring said legislation to increase punishment for crimes committed against the homeless is being considered. He said crimes committed against the homeless should be viewed as hate crimes.

“The four men who were responsible for Johnson’s assault will probably be charged with felonious assault, which would be up to eight years in prison,” he said. “However, we would really like to see these crimes being taken more seriously with more severe consequences.”

According to Sgt. Jim Squance of the Oxford Police Department, this does not seem to be a large issue within Oxford.

“There is not a large homeless

population in Oxford,” Squance said. “People from Hamilton have come to Oxford and looked at potential areas certain homeless people might look for shelter, but we really don’t see many people like this in Oxford.”

According to Spring, prevention is very important in this issue.

“The homeless population is one of the final groups that it is still OK to hate on, unlike race and religion,” Spring said. “When a person talks negatively about the homeless, these comments should not be ignored. People need to call others out on these negative beliefs and question them.”

According to Spring, the most common assaults are verbal harassment and beatings.

“I definitely think these assaults should be viewed as hate crimes,” Miami University first-year Ryan Provost said. “These people are looked down upon for no reason and they are discriminated against.”

According to Spring, a lot of these crimes go unreported, and if reported, they are not listed as hate crimes, making it difficult to determine how often these crimes are occurring.

“Everyone can get involved with this,” Spring said. “This issue is based on morals. We can all recognize that these acts are wrong. Things are only going to get worse if nothing is done.”

Police dog dies, officers fundraise for replacement

By Bethany Bruner Staff Writer

The Oxford Police Department (OPD) is mourning the loss of a team member after the recent passing of Simon, one of the department’s police dogs.

Simon was a German shepherd who had worked with the department for the past eight years. He was 9 years-old and had been trained for a year to do multiple tasks including drug searching and search and rescue.

Oxford Police Chief Stephan Schwein described Simon as a social dog.

“He was very passive around people,” Schwein said. “He loved children, and we used him in schools for our drug talks.”

Sgt. Jim Squance said Simon was owned by OPD and was a great working dog.

“He was very gentle when he needed to be, but he was aggressive when he needed to be too,” he said.

Simon was one of three dogs on the Oxford police force. Schwein said Simon was going to be retired at the end of 2010.

Squance said OPD has another German shepherd patrol dog and a bloodhound that is used only for tracking.

Squance said Simon was used as a patrol dog, meaning he went with an officer on regular patrols. Simon also worked at a lot of community events.

“He was one of the most popular attractions at the community pig roast,” Squance said.

Simon worked regular shifts with his handler along with all of his community obligations. Squance said some of Simon’s extracurricular activities included going to middle and high schools for routine drug sweeps, doing demonstrations, working at the Respect for Law camp and going to elementary schools for educational purposes.

“He was a gentle show dog on one hand, but when the bell rang and he needed to be a police dog, he excelled at that too,” Squance said.

First-year Jeff Bennett said he figured OPD had dogs since a lot of police departments do, but was not sure since he had never seen an officer with a dog.

“It’s unfortunate though that they lost a member of their force,” Bennett said.

Squance said OPD is looking into replacing Simon in the future.

There is currently a fund set up at the Oxford Community Foundation where donations can be made for the purchase and training of a new dog.

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 5

Congratulations to our interns and thank you for all your contributions.

• Maddy Aman: Marketing • Megan Becker: Dietary/Administration • Rachel Duerksen: Program Services/Activities • Brooke Schneider: Administration • Hannah Welsh: Dietary • Melissa Young: Marketing Special thanks to Ross Farnsworth: Administrator in Training (AIT)

6727 Contreras Road, Oxford, OH 45056 513.542.7990 | knollsofoxford.org

6

Friday

April 30, 2010

Features

J. Crew

Editor Amelia Carpenter carpenab@muohio.edu

After years of being known as “that school that has kids who wear a lot of J. Crew,” Miami students and faculty are speaking out to address the stereotype.

By Alyssa Kozlow, Whitney McConney, Bridget McKenna, Lissa Renner and Hannah Rush For The Miami Student

A pair of crisply pressed jeans, a pink Oxford shirt and a pair of tan Sperry Top-Siders.

Nike workout shorts, a half-zip monogrammed with Greek letters and a pair of blue Sperry Top-Siders.

Khaki slacks, a white polo shirt, a pair of tan Sperry Top-Siders.

Sit anywhere on campus and observe a rainbow of Sperry Top-Siders, Polo’s, button up shirts and Greek letters. In the wintertime, one can’t walk five feet without spotting a pair of UGG boots or a North Face jacket.

These Miami staples are part of the reason our school has earned the nickname “J. Crew U.” College Prowler, an online college review site, says the J. Crew U nickname “aptly describes the unofficial dress code of the school. Even when girls go to class in T-shirts and sweatpants, they somehow pull it off with style. Miami students take their wardrobe very seriously.”

In a student-conducted survey, 85 percent of Miami students admitted getting e-mails from J. Crew.

First-year Grace Herbert said she was frustrated with the J. Crew U stereotype.

“It’s not fair that we are all labeled as stuck-up rich white kids because in reality, not all of us are,” Herbert said.

Students are used to battling this image on a day-to-day basis.

“As you spend more time as a student at Miami, J. Crew U is just something that you deal with,” first-year Jenny Besman said.

“Miami University is highly recognized for its preppy nature and overall ‘attractive’ student body … Some people say the guys and girls at Miami can have a snobby streak brought on by their good looks, nice clothes and high family incomes,” College Prowler said.

First-year Julia Marvel, a Boston native, said the J. Crew U stereotype was not something she was familiar with before arriving on campus.

“I could see that the school was really preppy,” Marvel said. “The majority of the students were dressed up, whether they were going to class or just hanging out.”

Students agreed that while some obviously fit the seeming stereotype, there are plenty of students who do not.

“There are a lot of students who fit the ‘mold’ and there are a lot that don’t,” senior Matt Hoffman said.

Alumni said the stereotype existed, but not all Miami students applied.

“There was always the stereotype of Miami students being preppy while I was there,” said Sumita Lindsey, a 1978 graduate.

Dennis Matejka, a 1980 graduate, disagreed. Matejka said he thought it was unfair to place that stereotype on a student body that had nothing to do with the stereotype’s birth.

“There was some of every type of person,” Matejka said.

“You know, there were hippie types and preppy types and the jocks, the athletes…so there was a good mix.”

Another part of Miami culture often associated with this lingering stereotype is Greek life.

“When they ask about Greek community, I say, ‘Yeah, a third of our campus is Greek but I’m not Greek and I have friends and I have a lot of fun here,’” Hoffman said. “I try to qualify a lot of what I have to say with my own stories.”

Oxford’s Greek community gift shop, Alpha House, is home to many employees affiliated with the Greek community.

Junior Selena DeGirolamo, Alpha House employee and member of Delta Zeta sorority, said the Greek community is home to a powerful microcosm of the stereotypical image.

“There’s always the typical sorority girl,” DeGirolamo said. “Miami does have that reputation, but I feel like it’s played up way more than what it really is. People are a lot more diverse than what Miami gets credit for I think.”

Miami has recently hired a re-branding crew to fix Miami’s misunderstood image.

Target X is a college recruitment company that works with universities to target the next generation: incoming freshman, according to the website. Target X has attempted to begin the Miami stereotype facelift by changing tour guide protocol.

Hoffman said the company hopes to stop the stereotype in its tracks by advising tour guides to tell their own stories as opposed to rattling off facts and statistics.

Before Target X, tour guides were given some “offlimits” topics like preppy fashion, drinking and snobby attitudes associated with Miami.

“We didn’t have to lie, but we used to have to skirt around certain topics,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman has worked as a Miami tour guide for three years.

Tour guides are encouraged to be very honest, making the campus as real to the prospective students as possible. Hoffman said relaying his own experiences while highlighting the positive beauty of Miami is the way

to go.

Miami carries another detrimental stereotype; middle to upper class and mostly white population. Miami’s admissions website said 91.2 percent of 2009-2010 students classify themselves as Caucasian.

In 2008, The Princeton Review ranked Miami as the fourth most homogeneous university.

First-year John Malloy didn’t categorize diversity as purely racial, though.

“Although Miami may not be as racially diverse as one would hope, I do still believe Miami is diverse, just in other ways,” Malloy said.

In another student survey, the majority of students agreed Miami University is more diverse than their respective high schools.

“No matter where you went to high school, this university is more diverse than that in different ways” said firstyear Michael Cole.

Students acknowledge there is a stereotype, but argue Miami students are diverse and separate from the J. Crew mindset. Miami’s effort in creating an image that expunges the name of J. Crew U is currently in progress.

According to Unigo, another college review website, “Miami is reaching out to different socioeconomic and geographic groups to bring some different faces to Miami.”

Meredith Smith, counselor and assistant director of tour guides, knows the challenges as well as the limitations caused by this lingering stereotype.

Smith attended Miami for her four undergraduate years.

She was a tour guide during her time in Oxford, but didn’t want to stop there. Following graduation, Smith returned to Miami to work with the admissions department. Smith said students shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

“If you look around, you’re going to find people that fit that stereotype, but that may only be for that one day,” Smith said. “I really encourage people to get to know others below the surface and ask really intentional questions about their experiences they have had in life. I’m a firm believer that everyone has a story. Everyone has experiences that has shaped who they are.”

Dionn Tron, associate vice president for university communications, holds the ideal that Miami students are defined not only by how they dress or how they’re perceived, but also by the relationships they have with each other.

“There are many things that are important,” Tron said.

“The close relationship our students have with their professors, the high academic standards, the different way that students learn and the total experience we give students. It’s a very immersive environment and very engaged, students control their own experience.”

University communications and public relations efforts aim to overcome the negative picture painted by the J. Crew U mantra.

“It’s an image we’ve had for a while, probably because of the demographics of our students, but we’re working hard to change that as we diversify our student body in all regards,” Tron said.

The percentage of multicultural students and students with different socioeconomic backgrounds have grown astronomically, according to Tron. She said Miami hopes to see these numbers increase in the next few years.

While the university strives for diversity, Smith said it would be good to see a change in the J. Crew U stamp.

“There does need to be a change of mindset,” Smith said.

Students change through their years at Miami, but not just through their taste in clothing.

“When you come in your freshman year and leave your senior year, there are four years of incredible growth, and I think that finding your fit is the most important part,” Smith said.

Sophomore Jordan Winterman said he changed since his arrival at Miami two years ago.

“I’ve become more independent and responsible,” Winterman said. “I’ve taken a more proactive approach to my job and in my fraternity. I’ve had that ‘style’ my whole life. I like to look fashionable. I mean, come on. How else am I going to get girls to talk to me?”

For Winterman, humor is the key to overcoming an overbearing nuisance of a stereotype.

For other students, like sophomore Molly Sackett, working toward individuality is the way to overcome the shadow of J.Crew U. “I’ve learned to be an independent thinker despite the way some students may conform,” Sackett said. “I find that I can still look nice, have my own style and make my own decisions.”

Smith said while there is a prevalent stereotype around Miami’s campus, what’s more important and what resonates more is everything else students have to offer.

“We’re not just a bunch of preppy kids, we’re so much more,” Smith said.

HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 7

8

Amusement

Friday

April 30, 2010

Editor Anna Turner turnera6@muohio.edu Assistant Editor Liz Caskey caskeyem@muohio.edu

SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Amusement is intended to be humorous and satirical. If you don’t have a sense of humor, read something else.

ANNA TURNER The Miami Student

music

The best of Bonnaroo’s 2010 lineup

Erich Schrader Senior Staff Writer

For the better part of the last decade, Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tenn., has rocked the living sh!t out of jam-obsessed Americans in a part of the country that is largely uneventful the other 360-some days of the year. This is due in large part to the beautifully eclectic group of bands and performers who get their names on the bill from year to year.

I could spend all day talking about how awesome Weezer is and why you should fork over whatever seemingly insurmountable sum of cash it costs to witness one of their shows; and yes, I know how much you love Kings of Leon and how you have been listening to Jay-Z since you were studying phonics in grade school.

I could also spend an equally superfluous chunk of my day reciting the cavalcade of reasons why I would avoid watching Dave Matthews. One might postulate that because I’m surrounded by Dave fans on the goddamned “reg” that I would have built up some form of jam band inoculation, but this is little more than a pipe dream.

But alas, I digress.

That all being said, the real gems of this year’s lineup are buried deep in the cornucopia-like list of artists that make the proverbial cup runneth over. To elaborate, here are the top 10 artists that are an absolute must-see for the 2010 Bonnaroo Music Festival.

Against Me!: Hands down one of the most underrated rock/punk bands in the biz, Against Me! quite simply kicks @$$. I recently got the opportunity to see them live for the first time, and somewhere between dodging flying

Bud Heavy bottles and being oddly infatuated with some of the punk chicks present, I found myself in one of the coolest concerts I’ve ever seen.

Their upcoming album, White Crosses, was recently leaked on a rather grandiose scale, so rather than trying to fight the infinite power of Al Gore’s World Wide Web, they chose to simply perform well over half of the new album during the concert. Very cool indeed.

Phoenix: The French alternative alt rock band Phoenix has been around for a decade, but they only really gained the fame to match their critical appeal with last year’s release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, headed by the hit single “1901.”

The European pop rockers are more than just a one trick pony, though. One need only listen to the other three underappreciated albums that came out before people even knew who they were or before they won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album.

Tenacious D: I’m confident that you need no reminder that the seminal duo of hard-hitting comedic rock is the epitome of entertainment.

I have never seen Jack Black live, although I have been told that his onstage antics are even more outlandish than what you see onscreen.

You would be a bold-faced liar if you tried to tell me that you would not like to listen to Black and wonder-twin Kyle Gass as the two elegantly, sweetly serenade the crow to “F*ck Her Gently,” arguably the most romantic song ever written.

J.B. Smoove: This guy is hilarious. Destined to be one of the funniest comedians of the year, Smoove is best known for his role as Leon Black in TV’s funniest show, Curb Your Enthusiasm.

His unique brand of slapstick humor is what Aziz Ansari would be like if he were less annoying and about a foot and a half taller. Without a doubt one of the funniest men on the planet, JB Smoove is only just beginning to take off.

The Gaslight Anthem: Rather than being the next evolutionary stage of punk rock, the boys from New Brunswick sound like the bands punk lore upon which the genre was built.

Vaguely reminiscent of bands like the Stiff Little Fingers and The Clash, The Gaslight Anthem is heartfelt regional music that sounds familiar and unthreatening, but the kicker is that it comes with an abundance of attitude.

They epitomize the Jersey Shore sound; as soon as I write that I realize that I should probably clarify: that’s a Jersey-style punk rock movement, and requires neither Ciroc nor Ed Hardy Water.

The National: Another tragically underrated band, The National has a dark and brooding sound that is an artwork of emotion and song.

Yes, it is true that this type of slow, city rock is not the typical dirty hippy jam band that traditionally frequents music festivals, but their performance should be awesome anyway. They played Bonnaroo for the first time in 2007 when they were touring for their album Boxer and were met with much fan favor.

Regina Spektor: The Russian-American queen of anti-folk music is one of the performances about which I’m extremely excited.

Few artists can claim to be half the songwriter this girl is, and even fewer can claim to have even a fraction of her attitude. Every song feels like a story, every performance an intimate serenade.

Think of an intelligent, attractive, talented

version of Courtney Love without the guitar case full of emotional baggage and you’re still not quite there yet.

Nick Kroll: One name is all you need: Bobby Bottleservice. If you haven’t ever seen arguably the most quotable video on the web, check it out at Funny or Die immediately. Everyone else should probably recognize him from FX’s “The League,” which has been picked up for a second season. Kroll has several hilarious videos on Funny or Die and is undoubtedly one of the funniest new comedians around today.

The Flaming Lips & Stardeath and White Dwarfs perform Dark Side of the Moon: This is something that may never again be able to be witnessed a year or so from now. The unique pairing formed up last year to perform their own rendition of the Pink Floyd classic and put forth their own unique take on it. The result is a masterful reinterpretation of one of rock and roll’s most ambitious concept albums ever produced.

You think you were tripping listening to the original? Just wait until you hear this one; you have never hallucinated quite like this before.

Conan O’Brien: I hate Jay Leno. I really do.

But now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, the real king of late night television over the last two decades has always been the comedic savant Conan O’Brien. Unjustly robbed of his Tonight Show spot by the 60-something-yearold cartoon character that is Leno, Conan is a genius.

As every other funny person SNL accidentally hires, he eventually left to pursue some face time. His standup is the stuff of legend, only surpassed in the realm of glory by his scientifically unexplained haircut.

Co-Co for life.

feature

Liz says thanks to the randos who make college awesome

By Liz Caskey

Amusement Assistant Editor

With graduation literally around the corner, I’ve decided that it is finally time to air my dirty laundry; to say the things I’ve always wanted to say but was too afraid. As this is my last ever article for Amusement, it’s time for me to speak my peace. So, here we go.

Dear King Library exam week dwellers, Who are you? You roll up here with your pillows and your blankets, swiping away at the Starbucks. I’ve been here all year, and now, in the last week of school, you have the

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audacity to show up and steal my cubicle. Yes, you heard me, my cubicle, the one down by the Law books. I’ve paid my dues to that cubicle. It was there for me during my mid-term, my first paper freshman year, my capstone project. Where were you when the plugs weren’t working? Huh? Well I was there. Still showing my love to the powerless cubicle. And now you roll up and camp out in my seat. This is just unacceptable. Go back to wherever you used to be because my loyal King-ers and I don’t want you here.

Love, Liz Dear spring 2009 awkward couple in the lounge area of Shriver,

Did you know that every Tuesday and Thursday I watched you? Not in a creepy stalker way, but in a “you drew so much attention to yourselves that everyone else in the chair area also couldn’t help but stare at you” way. Do you need to make out for the 50 minutes between class? No. Do you need to sit on his lap? No. Did I watch every one of your awkward encounters and then text my friends descriptions about it — texts that they looked forward to every Tuesday and Thursday? Probably. If you two are reading this, I would like to thank you for making my breaks enjoyable and providing me with hours of giggling entertainment. Hope you’re still together

wSee THANKS, page 9

Headlines we SHOULD HAVE seen this year ...

7. Miami plan discontinued due to pointlessness 6. All classes cancelled March 4, 2010 5. Business school collapses under weight of douche-baggery 4. The Odyssey single-handedly causes downfall of journalism 3. Ben Roethlisberger finally thrown in jail 2. Now illegal for Miami girls to wear leggings as pants 1. Valentine’s Day Whore-oscopes: Part II

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Amusement

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 9

film

Summer 2010 movie rundown: Who should see what

By Curtis Waugh For The Miami Student

If you’re anything like me, you have been waiting for this season since last September. No more Christmas films, no more awards bait, no more Daniel Day-Lewis and hopefully no rerelease or ultimate cut of Avatar.

This is the time of year when a majority of audiences’ brains die and take in the newest Michael Bay and/or Will Smith film.

If you’re lucky, you might not have to sacrifice too many brain cells for true summer film entertainment.

No matter what kind of filmgoer you consider yourself, summer 2010 will have something that can scratch your popcorn itch.

For the socially un-presentable action geek …

Like me, you would rather throw this article down and use it as perfectly flammable wrapping paper for your wagon full of firecrackers. You’re in luck, though, because Aug. 13 is giving you the mother of all ‘80s action films in The Expendables.

Sylvester Stallone directs and stars alongside (deep inhale of breath) Jason Statham, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Randy Couture, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo and two unknowns named Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

What’s it about, you ask? Forget it, you don’t care. Stuff goes boom, people get shot, Stallone snarls, I cheer.

Other titles of nearly equal muscle-ripping mention include: Iron Man 2 (you knew about this one months ago), Robin Hood, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, The A-Team, Jonah Hex, Predators (YES), Valhalla Rising (limited release) and Centurion (also limited, but very worthy).

For the rom-com (romantic comedy, you idiot) princess with overactive tear ducts …

You either bring equally emotional friends with them, or your boyfriend who can’t hear anything under 120 decibels because they just got out of The Expendables. Let’s face it, no matter

thanks

continued from page 8 and awkwardly touching now.

Love, Liz Dear 2007-2008 Cold Scott smoothie maker, I came to you everyday with hope of a delicious smoothie, and every day you failed me. Why are there ice chunks in this? Why is it so thick that I cannot suck it up my straw? Why??? Everyday I wanted to just lean over and say, “Please add some more juice so that my smoothie becomes a smoothie and not a glacier-filled beverage.” I did not understand how you did not grasp this. It pained me, but I was loyal to you. Despite your inability to produce a delicious beverage, I hope that

what others say, you will love these movies even if they are usually just formulaic plug-n-plays. Sometimes we get lucky with a (500) Days of Summer, but that’s not often.

Anyway, May 27 brings Sex and the City 2 and from the looks of the trailer, the girls sing … a lot. Other than that and Kim Cattrall’s soul-sucking creepiness, that’s all an audience knows about the film.

There’s also this little film you may have heard of being unleashed on June 30: Twilight: Eclipse. Look, we all know of the love from “Twi-hards” and the backlash from sane people, but just face it, the films are not good.

And for those who think the films don’t do the books justice, look at Eclipse’s surprisingly excellent pedigree: David Slade, director (30 Days of Night), Melissa Rosenberg, writer (Dexter writer and producer) and Howard Shore, composer (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), and the film will still suck. It’s not the filmmakers, it’s the source material. Anyway…

Honorable mentions here include: Letters to Juliet and Eat, Pray, Love starring your rom-com-queen, Julia Roberts.

For the guy who is still quoting Anchorman …

There is nothing wrong with still quoting Anchorman, by the way. You’re the person that doesn’t have a good time unless you’re laughing. Luckily for you, there are plenty of coms-sans-rom this summer.

My feature here is Get Him to the Greek, the pseudo-sequel to 2008’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall. The only relationship between the two is the out-of-control rocker Aldous Snow (played by also socially unacceptable Russell Brand). Sarah Marshall is a comedy gem that is continuously overlooked in the modern comedy pantheon. If you need your raunch meter filled, this one will do it.

A film of equal mention here is The Other Guys, starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, coming in August. I’m betting this film will surprise you. Of course Will Ferrell gets to act his manic best, but I also think his turn here will be something wholly different than

we have seen from him before. Get excited.

One movie here I have immediate problems with is Grown Ups. The film should be gold with Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Kevin James, David Spade and Chris Rock poking fun at the lame men-children they became famous for playing. Looking at the trailer gives me doubts because instead of smart comedy, they seem to go for the typical slapstick. Here’s hoping I’m wrong and it’s just a shrewd marketing ploy.

Honorable mentions worth a view: MacGruber and Dinner For Schmucks.

For the obscure horror nerd …

This is my kind of thing. A few of these happy-fests have been making the festival circuits and are finally being released either wide or limited this summer. Most notably here is Splice, about a genetic experiment gone horribly awry. Trust me, it’s smarter than it sounds.

Falling just shy of summer movie season is the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street. The original is a masterpiece and this only warrants a view because of Jackie Earle Haley’s (Rorschach in Watchmen) portrayal of Freddy Krueger. No matter what the film is like, his Freddy is sure to be iconic.

Others worthy of the blood-letting: Romero’s Survival of the Dead, Piranha 3D, and if you can get your hands on The Human Centipede, do it. It is exactly what it sounds like.

Films literally everyone will love …

I don’t have a category for these films other than that every human should see them. First is Christopher Nolan’s first film since The Dark Knight, Inception. Watch the trailer and be amazed.

Toy Story 3 also lands to give us our Pixar fix and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will be something no one will see coming and no one will forget.

Look, just buy your tickets already.

OK, snarky comments aside, if you do one thing this summer, go outside your comfort zone. See something you normally wouldn’t and above all else, support quality filmmaking.

Who knows, something may surprise you for the better.

you make it far in life … far away from the food industry, that is.

Love, Liz Dear fall 2008 girl that tried to fight me in Bagel and Deli because I greeted you at the door and told you that I hope you have a wonderful Bagel and Deli experience and you thought that I was being “disrespectful” so you got up in my face and told me that you were going to “kick my ass” even though you were 5 feet nothing tall and realistically I would have kicked your ass, but then your 400 pound Samoan cousin came in the shop and carried you out and then handed me $10 and apologized for your drunkenness, Thank you for the money you crazy nugget.

Love, Liz Finally, thank you to The Miami Student and especially Amusement for an amazing four years together, you’ve meant the world to me.

ANNA TURNER The Miami Student

other amusing shiz

Sexperts stunned

By Anna Turner Amusement Editor

2 Medium, 1 Topping Pizzas for $5.99 Each Order Online Coupon Code 9151

He’s what the ladies want, what the fellows wish they were, what the moms want their sons to be, what their fathers want their daughters to marry and he’s the guy you’ve always dreamed about.

That’s right, he’s Miami’s Sexiest Man Alive 2010.

This too-good-to-be-true sex machine goes by the name Chris Gutschenritter, nickname Gutsch, rap name Gutschin’ Ain’t Easy.

You might have seen him on the baseball field, or maybe cruisin’ around in his minivan, getting parking tickets left and right.

What are the parking tickets for, you might ask?

Easy: Being too sexy.

While a sex appeal like Gutsch’s is too much of a burden for some, the junior accounting major from Atlanta, Ga. shoulders that load with style.

Being the quality reporter that I am, I decided to do some investigative work to see what really goes on inside the mind of the sexiest man alive.

After formulating highly scientific, important and intelligent questions that would not make me look like an idiot, I sat down with Gutsch and got a glimpse into the mind of a sex icon.

Amusement: If you could say one thing to the guy who invented balloons, what would it be?

Gutsch: You’ve made a lot of birthdays go. Thank you.

A: Where would be your first destination upon getting a magic carpet?

G: I wouldn’t be concerned with where I was going. I would be more attentive to having a magic carpet, and I would be friends with it like Aladdin. We’d play chess.

A: What board game do you cheat on most often?

G: Stratego. I lie and say I have a different piece than is actually there. (Note: If I knew how to count, I would do this too, just so I could say I had cheating strategies in common with the sexiest man alive.)

A: What would you name your pet dragon and why?

G: Leroy because I feel like dragons are normal if you give them a chance, so you should give them a normal name and not some weird magical name like Slayer or Zor. Yeah, I’d name him Leroy and we would just fly around the neighborhood.

A: What hurts you the most about the fact that you will never get to be a teen mom on 16 and Pregnant?

G: That I won’t get to give birth.

A: For you personally, what is the devil?

G: Foreign language.

A: If you could say one thing to all the children of the world, what would it be?

G: There is no … No … It would be don’t grow up … No … I would say … There’s no Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy … No, I would say just enjoy yourself, be a little kid, stay young at heart.

A: So, I’m asking you this totally for the article and not at all for my own personal reasons because, I mean, it doesn’t matter to me, you know … but, and this is for the sake of the article, what’s your relationship status right now?

G: Like, am I single?

A: Yes. And, again, this isn’t for me to know, like, I could care less if you’re single. It’s not like I’m looking to, you know … But the readers will probably want to know … It’s all relevant, you see … I’m not asking for me …

G: Uh, yes, I’m single.

A: And ready to mingle?

G: Single and ready to mingle.

A: Oh my gosh, what a coincidence!

Because I’m totally singl —

THE MIAMI STUDENT

10 ♦ FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010

PARKING continued from page 2

permits by $5. The Miami Metro student fee will also be increased from the current $60 to $66.

Parking permits for faculty and staff will be adjusted to $30 per academic calendar year instead of $20 per fiscal year.

“Basically because we’re still in a freeze on salaries and we didn’t think it’d be appropriate to

raise the price of employee permits while salaries are still locked in,” Gordon said. “The permits here for faculty and staff are still relatively low. That comes out to pennies per day, or pennies per hour.”

Gordon said parking citation costs will remain the same.

“You generate more of your revenue for the people that are using (parking permits),” Gordon said. “We’d rather sell more permits up front and get more people registered.”

Gordon said it was important

to the university not to change the costs of parking citations.

“When someone gets a parking ticket, it creates a very negative view of parking services and the university,” Gordon said.

“Parking services needs to be financially self- sustaining,” Gordon said. “(Revenue goes to) debt payment on garage services, salaries and benefits, it goes toward the cost with Metro fees. We’re looking at providing shuttle services to Wal-Mart. We’re putting another bus on the road and maintaining the services we have.”

COAL

continued from page 3 out there.”

Cotton said the coal pile, located several hundred feet from Harker’s Run — and uphill from it — could very well be polluting surface or ground waters.

Sophomore Alyssa Ferraro, who visited the MRF with a class and saw the coal pile, said she would like the university to pay more

attention to potential problems stemming from the pile.

“Nobody seems to have thought about it in a long time,” Ferraro said. “I feel like it could rain and dissolve and run off into things it shouldn’t run off into or get absorbed into groundwater because it’s just sitting there with no protection at all.”

Powell said Miami is eager to be environmentally proactive.

“We’ve got nothing to hide,” Powell said. “We’re a state institution and we do our very best to protect the environment.”

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THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 11

Papa John’s partners with HeroBox to support troops

By Grace Lerner For The Miami Student

Papa John’s in Oxford is participating in an effort with other franchises in Southwest Ohio to raise money for care packages to be sent to soldiers who are fighting overseas. Papa Johns has partnered with HeroBox to send personalized packages to American soldiers.

Michelle Stachura, general manager of the Oxford Papa John’s, said the franchise has been involved in the project for the last seven or eight months.

The last few months, the branch has collected around $100. They turn in the money from their collection box to headquarters every week.

Assistant Manager Courtney Depew said the store has a box next to the register for monetary donations.

“We take the money and send care packages to soldiers,” Depew said.

The organization, originally launched by a soldier’s family to support all deployed soldiers, will celebrate its second anniversary in May. The manager of an area Papa John’s location decided to support HeroBox after hearing about them while watching the Major League Baseball AllStar game last year. His support has grown and initiated a collective effort on the part of area Papa John’s locations.

“All 28 stores from north of Dayton all the way down to Fairfield are involved,” Stachura said. “We are united company-wide.”

Soldiers are able to sign up with HeroBox during basic training and can designate particular items that they want. The idea of the program is to send

small tokens. Requests from soldiers can range from socks to Slim Jims to guitar strings, mainly whatever the soldier needs to remind them of home. “(It’s nice to) keep connected and let (the soldiers) know people are thinking of them,” Stachura said.

Community members can get involved by donating items requested by soldiers, money or adopting their own soldier. It’s possible to become pen pals with adopted soldiers as well.

In addition, there is a large event sponsored by area Papa John’s stores at the Centerville, Ohio location on May 8. Firefighters, mayors from different towns, military personnel from Wright Patterson Air Force Base and state representatives will be on hand lending their support to Papa John’s and HeroBox. There will be a silent auction and pizza sales among other activities at the event. Stachura said Hero Day in Centerville is mainly to get people involved and excited.

Junior Emily Strand liked the idea of the project.

“It’s a great idea and a good way to show that they support our troops,” Strand said. “They can help people feel like they’re helping others by making a donation … I know a lot of people in the army and soldiers fighting abroad. It feels like a great way to support them.”

Stachura said it is easy for people to become involved if they want to.

“Whether or not you want to come here to donate, you can easily go to the website,” Stachura said.

To get involved, visit http://www.herobox.org.

Standing at attention

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

Sophomore Nicole Gilmore (left) and first-year Deante Smith (right) observe a 24-hour vigil for POW and MIA soldiers Wednesday at Uptown Park.

12

Opinion

Friday April 30, 2010

Editors Thomasina Johnson johnsota@muohio.edu Sam Kay kaysj@muohio.edu

➤ EDITORIALS

The following pieces, written by the editorial editors, reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board.

ASG requirements must be raised

M

iami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) has passed a resolution to require all senators to meet academic and disciplinary standards.

Starting Aug. 2, all ASG senators must have at least a 2.0 GPA and one or two Code One offenses.

The editorial board of The Miami Student believes these requirements will not impact the future of ASG. The board recognizes the importance of finding hardworking, dedicated senators, but the requirements created by ASG are not substantial enough to accomplish the goal of keeping academics and conduct at a high level. These academic and disciplinary standards are equal to those needed to attend Miami University.

The board believes these standards are easily attainable for students who are dedicated and hardworking. Most students who want to run and hold a senatorial position are already very involved and high achievers. Because the board views most senators are students who strive to keep high academic and disciplinary

standards, these requirements will not insure that the best people become ASG senators Although the board recognizes that ASG does not want to turn away any potential senators, the board recommends ASG raise the academic and disciplinary standards for senators to fulfill their goal of keeping a higher standard for senators. The board believes ASG should use similar requirements that many Greek organizations implement in order to make certain senators can balance their ASG duties. To further insure that students are not falling behind on their studies while serving as senators, the board also encourages ASG to incorporate a GPA requirement while the student is fulfilling his or her duties.

The board understands the need for flexibility while students are running and serving for ASG senate and encourages senators to communicate with other senators, the cabinet and the president if they have any problems meeting the ASG academic or disciplinary standards.

Rule of thumb Love, love to Miami Tennis!

Women’s Tennis wins its second straight Mid-American Conference championship title.

All dogs go to heaven Simon, one of the Oxford Police dogs, has passed away. You will be missed!

Thanks for the memories Decibel was the perfect capstone to a great year.

More money, more problems Tuition raises have us down in the dumps.

Better ingredients, better pizza, better charity Papa John’s is creating a drive to collect items to send to the troops.

Big Ben’s poor choices Ben Roethlisberger’s actions are an embarrassment to his alma mater.

Muy borracho at Fiesta Charra The uptown Mexican restaurant will serve liquor.

The Miami Student 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 Sam Kay Editorial Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor Hope Holmberg Campus Editor

Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Kelsey Bishop Community Editor Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director

JINGHANG HUANG The Miami Student

➤ LETTERS

Miami Community must be more inclusive, respectful While waiting to get in Brick Street with my boyfriend, a man in line behind us pointed to someone inside and said, “He is a faggot.” As a gay man standing with my boyfriend, I didn’t say anything. I wanted to kiss my boyfriend as a way to show this person that I, in fact, am gay. However, I passed. Not as a safety mechanism, but because I just did not feel like dealing with another drunk, ignorant person.

Around 2 p.m. the very next day, my boyfriend and I were headed toward a flower shop to pick up our boutonnieres for Cincinnati’s Gay Prom.

Just before we entered the uptown shop, someone drove by and yelled, “faggot.” I did not recognize the car, the individual or even the direction it was coming from. What I did notice was my boyfriend, the epitome of masculinity, beginning to cry. Immediately I regretted not running to the street, getting their license plate and filing legal charges.

These events occurred just one day after the “No Hate” protest on Miami’s campus. And yet, here we are again. I am disgusted and disappointed not only with the Oxford community, but with Miami’s campus as well. While critics will say that Miami has no responsibility in educating students on topics such as diversity, morals or basic etiquette, I disagree.

Regardless of Miami’s attempt to institutionalize diversity, I have all too often witnessed its failure.

This is particularly prevalent when professors allow, and sometimes foster, a classroom where noninclusive rhetoric is the norm.

Most recently, I had a guest presentation in my class on “How to Manage your Boss,” where a Miami professor asked a female student how she would react to a male hitting on her at a bar. When she did not answer the way he hoped, he asked the same question of a male student. The professor made the assumption that he was straight and was right; the male student said he would not be interested. Instead of stopping there, the professor prefaced his next sentence by saying, “aside from the obvious,” and, in my opinion, strongly dismissed the reality of gay existence. In fact, another gay student in the class looked at me in frustration as the class laughed at this comment. It made me feel like I didn’t belong.

Truth be told, I wanted him to have called on me. I wanted to wake him up to the reality that I am gay and he offended me. For a professor who is so widely respected by the university, he lost my respect the moment he resorted to mocking same-sex individuals and using it to better his analogy. If only he had called on the gay student one seat over.

It is time for solutions on this campus. I have absolutely no reason to donate any money back to an institution that would allow this to continue in their classroom. Not only is this unprofessional from a top school, it is unacceptable. Aside from losing my donations, the institution has also lost credibility, preaching the importance of diversity and failing to implement this standard in the classroom.

However, I feel the biggest loss to this university occurred when my boyfriend was called a “faggot,” labeling this institution and community as an area inclusive of hate.

I challenge everyone to take action and stand up to hate. When you hear someone saying, “faggot,” “retard” or “cunt,” tell him or her it is not acceptable. When people are telling racially motivated jokes or throwing Ghetto fest theme parties, explain why it is not okay. Stand up and make a difference. Write a letter that you know will start controversy and confront those in positions of authority.

Ask “why?” Engage in dialogue and turn theory into activism.

With one more semester left, I am not done with

Miami. I pay too much money to feel unwelcome.

By coming together as one group, respect can be created and change can be accomplished. I will leave Miami in December knowing I personally made a difference. How will you leave Miami?

Tommy Marzella

marzeltj@muohio.edu

Greek community needs to clean up reputation As a senior, I have kept pretty silent in the four years I have attended Miami. However, with the previous encounter I had recently and the attention Miami is receiving for its Greek community, I find that it is finally my time to say something. I am ashamed of the Miami Greek life and the reputation they have currently given themselves and the university.

Last Tuesday, my friends and I were at CJ’s. We were the only people in the bar at the time, until a hoard of sorority seniors entered for their “bar crawl.” Now, I will not sit here and condemn them for that, because if I could gather all my friends for a bar crawl at a time we could all participate, I definitely would. What I have a problem with was their attitude and they way they carried themselves.

One senior from Kappa Kappa Gamma kept constantly blowing a whistle in the middle of CJ’s to gather her sorority flock (and if anyone knows the layout of CJ’s, they would know how annoying that would be in such a small space). When my friends and I confronted this senior about her whistle, she began to become hostile and yelled at us continually. I said something to her about how all we wanted was for her to stop, and then came the chaos. She proceeded to call me a “townie” and a few other names I’m pretty sure that Miami would not allow The Student to publish. She was then escorted out the door by two men in CJ’s, entered the bar again to yell at me some more, then finally left.

After the article a few weeks ago concerning this SAME issue regarding respect for those who permanently live in Oxford, I was in shock. Aren’t Greek individuals supposed to be role models, especially the seniors? Don’t they pride themselves in having class, maturity and respect for others?

I was ostracized my freshman year for not rushing and, for the most part, I regretted it. Until now, after the multiple reports of fraternities damaging thousands of dollars of hotel property, the allegations of underage drinking and the disgusting actions of the senior I had the privilege of meeting the other night, I personally feel I made the right choice. I refuse to stereotype every Miami Greek member, but I feel it is a time that change must occur. Greek authority leaders must step up and significantly change the perception of Greek life on campus. Maybe then individuals like myself will view them differently as well.

Erin Kuhfuss

kuhfusem@muohio.edu

Write TMS Letters must be signed with first and last names to be printed.

Please send letters via e-mail to: miamistudent@muohio.edu or mail to: 17 MacMillan Hall Oxford, Ohio 45056

THE MIAMI STUDENT

OpEd Page

FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 13

➤ PERSPECTIVE

Achieving diversity a test of courage AUSTIN FAST Nothing endures but change. cipal’s office, smacked on the wrist and returned to class with- based upon their multiple identities, whether it be race, gender, I typed those words on this page just more than eight out being allowed to eat lunch. socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, educational months ago, announcing my goal as editor in chief The town hall meeting on April 22 was a reaction to level, age, physical ability or one of many others. of The Miami Student to leave Miami University bet- Ghetto Fest (and the assault at Stadium). Sophomore SiAn African-American woman may be systematically dister than I found it when I arrived as a nervous first-year in erra Hughes moderated discussion and cut off one attendee advantaged by gender and race, but benefits as a heterosexual August 2006. who asked, “What are we doing here? What’s the goal?” college-educated Christian. More than half of Miami students I am not sure I achieved my goal, but I sure tried She said the point of the town hall was to come together could be affected by sexism and the remainder has sisters, real hard. and say, “I’m frustrated. You’re frustrated too? Let’s talk mothers and girlfriends whose prospects in life are systemNothing endures but change. Terrifying, but necessary. about this.” atically limited by their immutable lack of a Y chromosome.

Change is the only way we keep from going stale, stagnating Great. Discussion and reflection are important stages of Members of that other half may be atheist, physically disor backtracking. change, but the town hall meeting missed the paramount as- abled, a first-generation college student or any other sort of Unfortunately, the wheels driving that transformation some- pect: action. Or rather, proaction. Without crafting a strategy identity that does not represent the advantaged social group times spin uselessly, refusing to gain traction. Failing to obtain to tactfully challenge assumptions and stereotypes, you’re in the United States. Many of us either fall into at least one desired change can be even more maddening than resisting an just a bunch of people beldisadvantaged group, or intiinevitable one. mately know someone who lyaching to a group of Miami must be vigilant, starting with Let’s face it — Miami is not known for its diversity. It may similarly-minded others. does. The trick is to use this first-years, or even during the admisnever be, but its students and faculty can work toward creating understanding to grasp how One speaker at the town sions process, to ensure students appre- privilege affects people who an accepting environment. hall meeting reminded the auNow, don’t get me wrong — Miami does try to encourage dience that a major “offensive ciate difference ... and realize they can differ from us. Your experidiversity, but its progress sometimes falters. ence as a woman, as a gay event” comes up each year use their privilege to create change.

Holding town hall meetings to discuss offensive events that gets everyone riled up man or as a Muslim in the like Ghetto Fest or last year’s noose incident are good and talking about acceptance United States can help you befirst steps toward raising awareness, but who comes and equality. However, he said, the adrenalized fervor dies gin to grasp the painful emotions racism, classism and ageism to these meetings? The people who already care about down within a week or two. He passionately told the room can invoke. encouraging diversity.

Privilege isn’t inherently evil. Like many things, it is how that creating appreciation of diversity requires small daily efI’m no cultural expert, but personal experience tells me forts from a large number of people. the possessor uses it that counts, and privilege can be a powpointing fingers, calling people bigots or cramming diversity It is now a week later. Last week’s No Hate rally and march erful catalyst for change. Administrators cracking down on down students’ throats is not the way to foster an apprecia- created awareness that I do not want to die down. These large those whose privilege has never been challenged will only tion of diversity at Miami. A university staff member once e- reactionary events attract attention, but they sometimes fail create guilt-laden students, ashamed of their own privileged mailed me, calling me a “racially insensitive, troubling and to reach audiences who don’t already care about Miami’s status. A continuous stream of young people flows through the unethical editor in chief.” diverse student populations. halls of Miami’s red-bricked academic buildings. These probI had never met this man, What can attract their atten- lems will recur, simply because new, unchallenged minds fill Privilege isn’t inherently evil.

Like many but he harangued me for tion are the small actions our campus each year. Miami must be vigilant, starting with paragraphs without once exthings, it is how the possessor uses it that each one of us can take on first-years, or even during the admission process, to ensure plaining why the newspaper counts, and privilege can be a powerful a daily basis. We can chal- students appreciate difference, understand the effect inadverhad so terribly ticked him off. lenge our friends who use the tent expression of privilege can have on others and realize they catalyst for change.

Other meetings I had as ediword “gay” or “retarded” to can use their privilege to create change.

I challenge Miami administrators to react levelheadtor in chief with administradescribe something they find tors in student affairs were confrontational, patronizing and stupid. We can challenge those who describe objects or people edly to students potentially unaware of their own privilege. always in harsh reaction to some purported offense. as “ghetto.” Most importantly, Miami administrators can react Instruct before incidents occur rather than reprimand after That’s the problem: Miami’s reactions to diversity cri- constructively to students perhaps inadvertently expressing the fact. I challenge Miami students to recognize your own privilege and strive to understand how small words can be so ses overshadow its efforts to prevent them (or in the case their privilege. of the Spectrum drag show assault, its reaction is quite Beverly Daniel Tatum’s book Why Are All the Black Kids hurtful to others. And I challenge all of Miami to leave this underwhelming), and this reaction often comes off as ac- Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? offers keen insight into how university better than you found it when you arrived. cusatory rather than instructional. My personal encounters to understand the effect simple words can have on others. She with Miami administration left me with the distinct feeling makes the point that many people in the United States (and at Fast is editor in chief emeritus for The Miami Student remorseful 6-year-old experiences after being sent to the prin- Miami especially) are born into some form of privileged status

➤ WALKIN’ MINE

Relationships make college years memorable I mulled over the subject of this, my last column, for days. I probably spent more time deciding what to write about than actually writing about it. I could have taken up one of my favorite topics: Israel, Iran or China. Somehow though, instead of scouring Foreign Affairs or Foreign Policy, I ended up surfing UrbanDictionary. com. (What does this say Morgan about me, really?)

Riedl It’s not that I don’t care about politics in the Middle East and East Asia. (In fact, I’ll admit I probably care a little more than anyone should.) But right now all I can think about is that I graduate in a week. Five finals (four of which are blessedly take-home) from now, it’ll all be over.

I’m not really ready. I’m supposed to be, and I’ve lied countless times to appease people who expect me to be break into celebratory song and dance, by offering an indefinite I’m getting there. Maybe I am. I don’t really think so though.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m so beyond ready for the end of 20-page research papers and group projects (which after four years I still think are torture). I won’t miss the stress of studying, but honestly I will miss studying. You see, I actually enjoy being a student (remember what I said about caring more than I should?). Maybe I don’t like being told to read a 300-page book by a certain deadline, but I like learning and when else in life do we have the opportunity to do nothing but?

I’ll get to graduate school eventually

(after a two-year stint with Teach for Amer- those random bites of information profesica —sorry, I’m ashamed of this plug. Not sors feed us are useful after all).

I don’t know how important each indireally. Check it out!). But then, as a grad student I expect (or, in this economy, can only vidual class is (some certainly were meaningless … but, God, I hope not all of them). hope) I’ll have a job too.

So, with my time at Miami drawing to a Still, it seems to me the sum total is almost close, I have to reflect on what college has too large to comprehend. I’m standing in that been. But how do you sum up four years in 800 proverbial forest, unable to see it through all words? This dilemma is how I ended up on the trees.

For me, college was actually a lot about UrbanDictionary.com. classes.

Not because after taking AmeriThere are numerous entries, comical in can Studies 101 I had an epiphany about their trademark cynicism: apparently colmy future profession (nope, just decided lege is “an expensive four-year waiting period for a paper called ‘degree.’” A little bit, this year what I want to do), but because in that classroom I found a yeah. They got the first mentor, one of the select part right for sure, but I The classes, jobs and few professors who, for don’t think being at Miclubs don’t matter in one reason or another, ami was the equivalent I elevated onto some of being stuck in Seuss’s and of themselves scholarly pedestal. All of Waiting Place. Otherthey’re specific to each my favorite classes have wise, I think I’d be more individual.

It’s all been taught by my favorexcited to “escape.” And, about the people. ite professors, and that’s as is by now well-estabnot a coincidence. lished, I’m not.

College was also about Still, the definition begs working at The Miami Student. I could have the question: what, in fact, have we been dodone without the grueling late nights that ing here? Learning, for at least a fraction of plagued my first semester on the job, and the time (and I’m guessing it’s a larger fracI don’t think it was the concept of learning tion than we think). Well then, what have from my mistakes that has left an indelwe learned? Facts? Definitely. But not only. ible impression on me.

It was my friends This leads me to that overarching, inescapon staff, bonding during those evening able, and, to some degree, unanswerable question. What did it all mean? hours and through the occasional hailstorm First, will what we learned be applicable? of criticism.

Then, there was the Miami University I don’t know yet. But I worry we get too Equestrian Team. I loved dying my hair hung up on this question. I agree with the pink, but I don’t think it’s something I’ll thinking of Zhou Enlai, who when asked ever do again.

And as much as I adore our about the historical impact of the French furry partners in the sport, it is the team Revolution some 200 years after the fact, spirit I will miss most. That was the reason I responded, “Too soon to tell.” (See, maybe

The Miami Student is looking for essayists.

E-mail Jessica at sinkjk@muohio.edu.

dyed my hair pink, the reason I couldn’t not smile while at the stables.

Do you get it? My time here has mattered because of the people in it. The classes, jobs, and clubs don’t matter in and of themselves — they’re specific to each individual.

It’s all about the people. Maybe I’m telling you something you already know. I think it’s worth it though, just in case you don’t.

I realized something this year, about why I love studying foreign affairs. Yes, I think international issues are fascinating in their complexity. But, really I think political science matters because it explains the systems we as people use to organize culture. Anthropology studies culture. Science equips with the knowledge and business provides us with the capital to make culture. Education spreads it. Language and the arts are culture. It’s a little more complicated than that (the system itself is a part of culture), but again it all comes down to people and how we relate to one another.

The point in all this is I can’t stand the thought of leaving Miami because I can’t stand the thought of leaving the people who have meant so much to me. I am a little jealous of all of you who have another year or two or three, but then again me staying around longer wouldn’t prevent the onslaught of good-byes I see looming in the week ahead. I’m afraid Facebook will monopolize even more of my time soon.

I’m still not ready to graduate, but ready or not, I will. And I’ll celebrate, even though not all the tears will be happy ones.

Riedl is editorial editor emeritus for The Miami Student

14 ♦ FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010

OpEd Page

THE MIAMI STUDENT

➤ ESSAY

Greek system must improve to survive On a rather sultry Wednesday after Labor Day, 1971, I arrived in Oxford to begin my academic career. I had no thought that 39 years later I would still be living here in Oxford. This coming December, I will officially end my tenure at Miami University, after having taught during 40 years spanning five decades and having engaged over 21,000 students in the classroom. This essay, though, is not about teaching; it concerns an important co-curricular activity, the Greek system, and, in particular, the fraternity system.

During late March 1971 or 1972, I was teaching an upper-level economics seminar with 22 students. One of my students, Lanny Solomon, asked me a question after class, one that literally changed my life. Lanny, then-president of Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) asked me if I would like to be the faculty advisor to his fraternity. At that point, I had had no exposure to Greek life, as Greek-letter fraternities were banned in the State University of New York system. I went to dinner, met some of the men, and I accepted the position. The enjoyment was short-lived, as my experience was not very positive. I left that group in December 1973. ZBT closed its door in 1975 and sold its house to Evans Scholars in 1976.

When I began here, fraternities attracted men who were leaders on campus ...

In the mid-90s, fraternity life began to take a downward spiral, one from which it has yet to return.

I left ZBT and became the advisor to Sigma Alpha Mu (Sammy) on January 13, 1974. My experiences were memorable, pleasurable (most of the time) and quite exciting. I was initiated as a brother on November 13, 1976.

Over the years, my responsibilities with the fraternity grew, including becoming chapter advisor and a member and officer of the house corporation. Later, I took on the additional role of national scholarship chairman, a position I still hold. Sadly, my chapter chose to close its doors, as its membership dropped from over 100 when it won the top Sammy chapter award (Founders’ Cup) in 2003 to 45 in 2008. Then, in June 2009, I was asked by Pi Kappa Alpha to become its faculty advisor. I accepted.

When I began here, fraternities attracted men who were leaders on campus, including those in Associated Student Government (ASG), The Miami Student, the Miami University Student Foundation (MUSF) and several varsity sports.

Each fraternity had a member of Miami’s faculty as an advisor, a chapter advisor and, until the late ‘70s, a housemother. Advisors’ meetings saw attendance of 80 percent or more of the fraternities. Unfortunately, hazing was fairly prevalent.

In the mid-90s, fraternity life began to take a downward spiral, one from which it has yet to return. From 1995 to 2010, many fraternities received disciplinary sanctions, mostly from the Office of Judicial Affairs (now the Office of Student Ethics and Conflict Resolution). Many of these sanctions included suspension of the chapter for up to three years, with the reasons ranging from hazing, theft, drugs, vandalism and underage drinking — irresponsible and unacceptable behavior.

More important, though, is the fact that fraternities strayed widely from their core values.

They became near-sighted rather than farsighted — the present was more important than the future. “How can I satisfy my wants and desires today without being concerned about negative spillovers?” Many of the quality men previously attracted to the fraternity system began to reject it, and rightly so. The fraternities that used to see 300 men queuing up each night during formal recruitment to meet active members saw their numbers dwindle. Again, appropriately so.

In 1995 to 1996, a group was formed to develop a document entitled The Model Greek Community. An extensive effort, the report — fruits of the labor of many — has lain idly on a shelf. Good in theory, not in fact. Also seen were fraternities coming and going. This list may not be complete: ZBT tried to come back, but failed. Currently, they are here. Beta Theta Pi was suspended and restarted in 1999.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon was suspended and recolonized. Phi Delta Theta was suspended and reorganized. Chi Psi arrived. Chi Phi returned.

Alpha Sigma Phi just had their activation. Acacia disappeared and came back. Alpha Tau Omega disappeared, reappeared and is now gone. Delta Chi was suspended. Theta Chi was suspended. Sigma Pi arrived and has flourished and Delta Sigma Phi has formed an interest group. Phew!

What was most noticeable to me, though certainly sub rosa, was the increasing lack of interest and influence of advisors. Faculty would no longer become involved as the university did not reward volunteering. (Translation: For tenure and promotion purposes, the university disregarded advising a fraternity as a positive factor towards tenure and promotion; in fact, participation was discouraged.) Chapter

advisors were almost always from out-of-town and rarely attended house meetings. Attendance at advisors’ meetings dropped precipitously. At last month’s meeting, only eight fraternities were represented.

There has been a lack of role models for the men in fraternities. Some advisers have shirked their responsibilities. Where there is a strong, local advisory group, there is a strong fraternity.

Vice President Barbara Jones, acknowledging the benefits to be derived from a strong fraternity system, wisely commissioned an outside group to come to Miami in 2009 to “analyze” the Greek system. She wanted Miami to have the pre-eminent Greek system. What spawned from that external review was a report and the establishment of the Blue Ribbon Committee to respond to the report. I was, and continue to be, a participant. The committee constructed one of the finest documents I have ever seen, enumerating what had to be done, how it would be accomplished, a timeline for implementation and with whom the responsibility lay. In place was a process to make certain the recommendations would reach fruition. The responsibility for all of this has fallen on a bright, creative individual, Katie Wilson, senior director of student engagement.

I have reflected and asked myself, “What has happened to the fraternity system?” I am an economist, not a sociologist or psychologist; I can simply make observations and theorize. Here they are. (Please note these are generalizations, NOT applicable to everyone and every fraternity. They are, however, quite prevalent.)

1. Students have changed. They arrive with a strong sense of entitlement, “I deserve it because I am special. The rules of common decency and respect for others don’t apply to me.” This fact is reflected in their attitudes and actions, and often in their lack of commitment if or when they join fraternities.

2. There has been an increasing lack of respect for what belongs to others. Have you walked into a fraternity house recently? Have you read the reports about off-campus events after fraternity men leave? Recently graduated alumni return and destroy property. Off-duty police have had to be hired to protect some fraternity houses during alumni weekends. What has happened to respect and responsibility?

3. There has been a lack of role models for the men in fraternities. Some advisers have shirked their responsibilities. Where there is a strong, local advisory group, there is a strong fraternity.

4. Fraternity men responsible for inappropriate actions have not been held fully and consistently responsible. In certain fraternities, there has been an all-too-pervasive culture of immaturity with few or no consequences.

5. Fraternities no longer know the distinction between ritual and tradition; these terms have merged into one.

6. Helicopter parents try to externalize the blame for their sons’ transgressions and lack of cleanliness of the fraternity houses.

7. With the new second-year live-in requirement, fraternity houses are remaining half-filled, mainly with sophomores, as few juniors and seniors are willing to be live-in role models.

8. There is often a “code of silence” when it comes to discussions with the advisors.

Within the past five years, the Office of Student Ethics and Conflict Resolution has been kept busy by immature, irresponsible actions of many fraternities: Phi Gamma Delta, Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, Lambda Chi Alpha, Theta Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha and, most recently, Sigma Chi. However, the results have not been consistent. Specifically, I want to address Sigma Chi. When I arrived in 1971, the Alpha chapter of Sigma Chi was among the most highly regarded fraternities on campus. It was known for working hard and playing twice as hard; its reputation was well-earned. However, things changed. In the past eight years, Sigma Chi, whose advisors have never participated in advisors’ meetings in the past eight years to the best of my recollection, has been cited and found responsible for several inappropriate activities.

I asked for information, through a public records request, and I received the following: 1. In 2002, five members of Sigma Chi told another member to throw a cinderblock through a window at Phi Kappa Tau. The fraternity was held responsible.

2. In 2003, Sigma Chi was found responsible for trespassing and setting a fire in Peffer Park.

3. In 2008, Sigma Chi was found responsible for stealing over $5,000 worth of valuables from Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

4. In 2009, while a fraternity advisors’ meeting was being held on the morning of

Recruitment Open House, Theta Chi and Sigma Chi had a party in direct violation of Interfraternity Council (IFC) rules. This violation was handled by IFC. 5. In 2010, events occurred in Columbus in which members of Sigma Chi did extensive damage to two rooms in a hotel. The penalties imposed by the Office of Student Ethics and Conflict Resolution included a suspension until August 2011. The fraternity appealed the length of the suspension to the University Appeals Board, chaired by my colleague Gerald Granderson. In what I view as an egregious error, the board decreased the ending point of the suspension from August 2011 to December 2010. In essence, this “penalty” was a slap on the wrist, as the only meaningful consequence is that the members of Sigma Chi will not be able to participate in Greek Week this year.

(There is, of course, the housing situation.

According to a new City of Oxford law, any fraternity not recognized by the university cannot obtain a permit to have its fraternity house more than four unrelated people. I am waiting to see what happens here.)

The major point is that there is a pervasive culture in the fraternity system, especially with Sigma Chi, one in which there is an unwillingness to accept responsibility for the actions committed by members of the group. In the papers I obtained (and in The Miami Student), Michael Dunn, executive director of Sigma Chi, stated that, “The chapter did not go there (to Columbus) and plan to do some (emphasis added) damage at a hotel. It was only two or three members that evidently did the damage.” This point was repeated by other officials from Sigma Chi. The fraternity, in its appeal, stated the men who did the damage were not there to attend the conference; therefore, Sigma Chi was not responsible for their actions. I wholeheartedly disagree. When I was a child, my parents inculcated and instilled in me that whatever I do reflects back on them. In my in-

Significant changes in the fraternity system must occur if we are to achieve our goal of being the pre-eminent Greek system. volvement with fraternities, I emphasized that you are your brothers’ keeper. What one member does, the fraternity must accept responsibility for his actions; actions by one member reflect upon the group as a whole. We emulate others; that is how we learn. If the role model is poor, so will be the actions of the younger members of the fraternity. There is a culture within any fraternity. If an imperfect culture is perpetuated, so is the irresponsibility that follows. Fraternities must prevent destructive behavior through swift self-regulation when any of its members goes astray. What the appeals committee missed was the culture that has been present in Sigma Chi for years (as enumerated, in part above), one that the advisors and its nationals are unwilling to address and make changes proactively rather than reactively. Unfortunately, the same attitude appears to be pervasive in many other fraternities as well.

Significant changes in the fraternity system must occur if we are to achieve our goal of being the pre-eminent Greek system. That change must be led not only through the Cliff Alexander Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and IFC, but through strong, committed advisors who are willing to spend the time working with the executive council of the chapter and its members. This includes both faculty and chapter advisors. These individuals are not there as parents, in loco parentis disappeared from Miami in 1970. The optimal behavior for advisors is to help the men explore ways in which they can fulfill the core values of its fraternity and have fun, but not at the expense of others. Destruction of others’ property (including damage to your own fraternity house) and other irresponsible, immature behavior will continue to tarnish the reputation of the fraternity system.

Change must occur, and it is the responsibility of the advisors and alumni to help the men to effect the necessary changes, not to protect the fraternities.

I want to see our fraternity system improve and return to the status it once possessed. I have invested 38 years of my life in the fraternity system because I believe in the significant benefits that can be derived from fraternity life. It is time each fraternity returns to the values as stated in each of our rituals. We can accomplish it if we all choose the right path, one that involves responsibility (in all forms), advising and leadership. For me, I plan on continuing my efforts with the fraternity system. I will continue my role as a faculty advisor, I will be there to help my fraternity return to Miami and I will be part of an advisory group to IFC. This is called longterm commitment and dedication. I am hoping for the same from each of you who is involved with the fraternity system. jerry miller

jerry.miller@muohio.edu

➤ THINKING OUTSIDE THE (b)OX

Oilrigs must have stricter regulations

(334): Not good on the oil front.

Heading for the beaches. Environmental disaster in making. And now other states can share in this joy with new permission given to them to offshore drill.

I was forwarded that text message earlier this week from a friend who Jensen had received it Henry from his father, a science professor in Alabama. And while it probably isn’t the most exemplary Texts From Last Night material, it does raise an enormously important question: how will the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico affect United States policy on offshore drilling, especially given President Obama’s recent decision to open many new areas of American coastline for oil and natural gas excavation?

Initially after an oilrig located 50 miles off the Louisiana coast exploded on April 20, injuring 17 and killing 11, the consequences were unforeseeable. However, when it was discovered that one of the underwater pipes was leaking crude oil at a rate of 200,000 gallons per day, the tragedy turned into an environmental catastrophe. By Tuesday of this week, the oozed oil covered an area 48 miles long and 80 miles wide, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island. Marine scientists are fearful for the fates of sperm whales, endangered sea turtles and myriad other fish and bird species in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition, officials at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) believe that, depending on weather conditions, the oil slick could hit American shores

by Saturday.

The timing of this could not be worse for Obama, who announced at the end of March his desire to open previously-untouched areas along the Eastern seaboard, Gulf of Mexico, and northern Alaska for exploration and drilling. If accepted, this proposal would open 167 million acres of Atlantic and 130 million acres of Alaskan coastline for oil well development.

Three hundred million acres is a lot of acres. And now, given the deaths of the workers because of the explosion, the hazards to nature and the ominous approach of oil to beaches across the southeast, environmental activists and politicians now have a substantial weapon with which to fight the expansion of offshore drilling. In an interview with a Tampa Bay newspaper, Florida Governor Charlie Crist said this event should force politicians to rethink their eagerness to drill: “If this doesn’t give somebody pause, there’s something wrong.”

Although it’s possible that Obama’s offshore drilling proposal was a cunning tactic to win over Republicans in big oil states (perhaps to get their swing votes on upcoming climate legislation) or even stave off rising gas prices, there is growing evidence that it was a strategic international move to stop nuclear proliferation.

How is this possible? Currently, Iran is one of the big kids in the international oil production sandbox. If the U.S. wants to put a sanction on Iran because of their nuclear programs, the world will need to decrease its reliance on Iranian oil, possibly by expanding offshore drilling in other areas. Need further proof? According to Time magazine, Obama reportedly told the Chinese president “the U.S. would help China make up any shortfall in oil imports resulting from Iranian retaliation for any Chinese support for sanctions.”

So, it becomes evident that this black gold problem has left us in a morally gray area. It is impossible to weigh the devastation of environmental disaster (remember the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989?) against the benefits of sanctioning a threatening nation. The only thing we can do in the meantime is advocate for the improvement of safety regulations on oilrigs. But even then, we’re still left with a giant spill that has caused an even greater mess.

THE MIAMI STUDENT

SANDWICHES continued from page 1

restaurant industry. Nick Lanni founded the Great Steak & Potato Co. franchise in Dayton in 1982.

When he sold the franchise in 2004, it held over 260 restaurants serving Philadelphia cheese steak nationwide. His sons, Joe and John, own Currito: Burritos Without Borders. Currito is a national concept aimed at college campuses and airports. The company recently created 25 new burrito restaurants in college towns across the country and has signed agreements to sell in five new airports.

Nick Lanni’s wife, Nancy Lanni, created the idea of the grilled sandwich restaurant.

“The concept is really owned by my wife, Nancy,” Nick Lanni said.

“I’m just helping her with it.”

Nick Lanni did not own Oxford’s now-empty Great Steak & Potato Co. restaurant, but bought

FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 15 it from the former franchise owner.

He hopes to test the SoHi concept in Oxford, and may build more SoHi restaurants in the future.

SoHi, he said, is ideally marketed toward young people.

“It’s really geared to a more college crowd with a healthier approach to grilled sandwiches,” he said. “College towns are a terrific market for this type of a concept. Young people really appreciate the freshness and more green approach.”

Joe Lanni said the restaurant will work on fine-tuning the menu and ingredients with a slower crowd over the summer.

“We decided to open in the middle of May,” he said. “We wanted to open at a slower time so we’d be ready to rock by fall.”

First-year Jason Rembrandt said he looks forward to trying out the hamburger selection at SoHi. “There aren’t any true burger joints uptown and the burgers at on-campus dining halls are terrible,” he said. “So I’d look forward to trying it.”

FIESTA

DUBOIS

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

fun,” she said. “The servers are always so friendly and welcoming. I think a liquor license would create an even more enjoyable environment and will provide students with another option of where to go uptown.”

Coviello also said by keeping its convenient location, Fiesta Charra will be a new place for students and locals to visit whether they are on a date or out with a group of friends.

“We still have the benefit of staying on High Street, which is a great place to be,” Memedes said.

Junior Ryan Potkul said these new changes will make returning to Oxford in the fall more exciting.

“I think it will be a fun place to go, especially for senior year,” Potkul said.

Fiesta Charra is also thrilled about their new location and additions.

“With newer facilities and more space, the restaurant will be 100 percent better than it already is,” Memedes said.

but we feel that it makes sense.”

Scott Webb, architect for the project, added that the upgrade will make the building handicap accessible.

DuBois added that it’s not as though the building is deteriorating and requires rebuilding, but the upgrades will enhance the space.

“It’s a nice store and it’s not like it’s falling apart or anything like that,” DuBois said.

DuBois said the store is able to undergo this change because of recent changes to zoning rules in Oxford. The store can now build to the lot line and have more than three apartments in one building, among other rules.

An example of construction before the change in rules is Bella Place, Webb said. The complex actually consists of three buildings each with three apartments.

“It cuts up all the commercial space underneath,” Webb said. “It’s still not rented.”

Webb has also been involved in the design of the properties at Stewart Square and 25 W. High St., the building that will soon house Fiesta Charra.

16

FYI Page

Friday

April 30, 2010

The Miami Student Oldest university paper in the United States, established in 1826

News 513-529-2257 Editorial 513-529-2259 Business 513-529-2210 Fax 513-529-1893

Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

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Mark Andrea, Joe Gioffre Advertising Layout Directors Derek Biesinger National Advertising Director

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Nina Polson Advertising Representative Anna Romano Advertising Representative Lance Armstrong Classified Advertising Representative Cox Ohio Printer WDJ Inc. - Bill Dedden Distributor Sacha DeVroomen Bellman Adviser

Jinghang Huang, Chad Stebbins, Bizzy Young Cartoonists Senior Staff Writers Taylor Dolven Kristen Grace Abbie Harper Mary Kate Linehan Tom Segell Jessica Sink Hunter Stenback Dylan Tussel Patrick Wolande

Staff Writers

Noelle Bernard Bethany Bruner Mandi Cardosi Jillian Dickman Ty Gilligan Natalie McKerjee Leslie Scott Jenni Weiner

Editorial Columnists Amy Biolchini Blake Essig Abigail Haglage Jensen Henry Will Hoyt Brett Schneider Lawrence Uebel Roger Young

Sports Staff Writers Nick Bonaventura Alex Butler Erika Hadley Hannah R. Miller J.M. Reiger Michael Soloman

Testing Your Patience

By Andrew Reynolds

Across

1) Look forward to 6) And so on... (abbr.)

9) Stan, Kyle and Kenny’s pal 13) Safari sight 14) You ____ what you eat 15) Luxurious 16) Like some guards’ shots 18) Shampoo bottle instruction 19) Appease 20) Yupik or Aleut, commonly 22) Belonging to us 23) Fix a game 25) Nasal mucus, commonly 26) New Jersey shooter?

27) Doctrine, broadly 30) Person with many clean habits?

32) “Who _____ there?” (watchman’s words) 34) Makes wet, as a rag 37) Involuntary muscle contraction 41) Like the last week of the semester, and 16- & 67-Across and

15- & 24- Down 44) Follows Bob Barker’s advice 45) Opened for discussion 46) Traveler’s predictions 49) Alphabet segment 50) Thousands, to Caesar 51) Pod filler 54) Like some teas 56) “Oh! One more thing” (abbr.)

58) Aged 59) Closer to 61) Geometry class calculation 65) Soup server 67) Must-have for some take-home exams 69) Geography class book 70) Posses 71) Zeus’ shield 72) Pond protuberance 73) U.S. agency currently led by Martha N. Johnson 74) Shipping container

Down

1) Lob shot paths 2) “Oh my gosh!”

3) “Am not,”

Kathryn Anderson Scott Allison Michael Griggs

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The Miami Student (Tuesday/Friday) and Amusement (Friday) are published during the school year by the students of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The content of The Miami Student and Amusement is the sole responsibility of The Miami Student staff. Opinions expressed in The Miami Student are not necessarily those of Miami University, its students or staff.

CORRECTIONS POLICY The Miami Student is committed to providing the Miami University community with the most accurate information possible. Corrections may be submitted up to seven calendar days after publication.

Notice

For Rent

Art Workshops--All Levels!

Mixed Media Exploration April 29-30; Storytelling with a Paintbrush May 6-7 AND June 17-18; Stained Glass Basics May 20-21. Held at OCAC. Register at www.bohemianartcafe. com/classes.html. 513-226-9470

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Help Wanted

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.

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Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. YouDriveAds.com

General Oxford Presbyterian Church Stone Church on the corner of Church and N. Main Sreets.

Worship at 10:00 a.m.

Coffee and doughnuts before and after the service. 513-523-6364

Employment Opportunities Hooters Now Accepting Apps! Hooters of Springdale is now accepting applications for Hooters Girls, Hooters Girls at the Door and Cooks. So if you’re hard working with a great attitude and looking for a chance to make great money, then apply in person at Hooters of Springdale 12185 Springfield Pike Springdale, Ohio. Check us out on Facebook and www.hootersrmd.com!

513-671-2772

colloquially 4) Samuel Eto’o’s team, in short 5) One of an anatomical ten 6) Spends time at Haines food court 7) Long journeys 8) Giving up 9) Inventor Whitney 10) Like a sentence without pause 11) Publish (or what is published)?

12) Type of fossilcontaining rock 15) Reformation started in 1517 17) Transitioned smoothly 21) Barnyard sound

24) They’re large or small in the human body 27) Small demons 28) Opera without music?

29) Flakey mineral 31) Compass pt.

33) Built to _____ 35) Large Scottish isle 36) Bro, for one 38) U.S. tennis champ Arthur 39) Part of a plant or musical note 40) Chemical info form (abbr.)

42) Carson Daly’s show on MTV 43) Guy, in Guadalajara

47) Great service for 38-Down?

48) Veteran sailor 51) Well-camouflaged bear 52) Make joyful 53) Confuse 55) Pulls a gun in a duel 57) Word with “parks” or “works” 60) Explosive Sicilian summit 62) Common melodic pattern in Indian music 63) Give off 64) Semi-circular church recess 66) Young fellow 68) Cul de _____

Photography Staff

For Rent

For Rent

Houses

for rent 2010-2011

ACROSS FROM REC CENTER

Housemates Needed Share house on quiet street; short walk to center of campus; grad students preferred; 3 BR, 2 bath; deck; fencedin yard; $350/mo. plus utilities. Call 523-7264.

Web site: www.miamistudent.net

Earn Extra Money Students needed ASAP. Earn up to $150 per day being a Mystery Shopper. No Experience Required.

Call 1-800-722-4791

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Condo for Rent 2010/11 Two bedroom townhouse permit for 4, $1,125 per stu. per sem. & One bedroom flat permit for 2, $1,500 per stu. per sem. Fully Furnished, includes washer & dryer, Private bus service to Shriver Center. www.odcproperties.com 513-255-4100 Pimped Mile Square Housing!!

The most Stylish living in Oxford at an affordable rate. See for yourself at www.cardinalprops.com or call: 800.575.9486 SINGLES AVAILABLE FOR RENT NEXT YEAR Contact Red Brick at 513.524.9340 for more information. www.redbrickoxford.com

LIVE ABOVE CHIPOTLE! The Lofts at 1 W High have a recent opening for next year. 4 person unit.

Be a part of Oxford’s most desirable building. Contact our office today for a tour 513-524-9340. www.redbrickoxford.com Hurry! One Room Left! 1 W High Three female students looking for a fourth. Only one more roommate opening for Fall 2010/Spring 2011 at the new 1 West High Street Apartments. The best location Uptown.

Call Mary for a tour! 815-274-0059 House for rent Great opportunity for Grad students. Ten minute drive to campus. Peaceful setting. 4bd.2 bth. 1200.mthly. 513-770-1053 LIVE UPTOWN THIS SUMMER: $1000 Per Person. Contact 524.9340 for more info

Great Properties available for the 2010-2011 school year. Contact OXRE at 513-523-4532 Furnished Rooms!!! Rooms for rent $675, $750 and $900 for the summer. occ. Groups of 1 to 5.

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Like New, remodeled, 5 bedrooms.

2 baths, Washer/dryer, dish washer, central air, on-site parking. COMPLETELY FURNISHED WITH 40” LCD TV, Free hi speed internet and hi def. cable TV; very low utility cost, wooded yard with access to hiking trails, and lots more. Contact me and I will send pictures.

Call 740-862-2043, 740-407-4114 cell, 614-692-0510 work.

Email Alan.barone@dla.mil 2010/2011 - 6 bedroom house with 2 baths, washer/dryer hookup, private yard and off street parking for 8 to 10 cars. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

2010/2011 - 4 bedroom house with 2 baths, basement, washer/dryer and off street parking. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

2010/2011 - Uptown apartment with permit for 2 or 4. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

Bacchanalia Campus & Vine New Construction

Furnished Ready for this fall! www.muoh.net Rentals

Apartments apartments available FOR 2010-2011. 108 South Main St. (behind “Pour House”). Permit for 3. $2000/person/semester. Large kitchen & living room. Really close to Uptown & Campus. Off-street Parking. Call Daniel 513-543-4470 www.miamiuniversityrentals.com CAMPUS COMMONS COMING THIS FALL - LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE REC CENTER. EXPERIENCE MODERN LIVING IN SOUTH CAMPUS QUARTER. FOR MORE INFO CALL (513) 523-1647 OR (513) 867-5522.

Roberts Apartments 2010/11. Great Location! Close to Uptown/Campus. Laundry Facilities.

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Pet Friendly Units! www.roberts-apts. com 513-839-1426 or 513-839-0400 Apartments and Houses for Rent CJ Management has a great place for you to live! Select units have Flat Screen TV, Off Street Parking, 1 to 8 tenants, Special includes Free Summer Rent! Call 513-523-3633 or 513-255-5222 Today! cjmgt.com

4 bed 3 bath

Schmates

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the courtyards of miami Students only, we pay most utilities.2 bedroom apartments $2300.per person per seme. Located on the corner of Main and Central, several busses stop here and we are close to the Rec. off street parking, laundry, owner operated with excellent maintenance.

Shelter, tables, and grills with some yard space. References available. flexible hours, on site office, Carolyn at 513-659-5671 also www.thecourtyardsofmiami.com FOR RENT TOWNHOUSE - 116 E. Withrow HOUSE - 820 S. Campus APTS - 215 N. Poplar, 802 S. Main All 2 bedroom, close to campus, reasonable rent. Please call 513-523-5164.

Get a jump on 2011-2012. If you are a freshman interested in living off-campus as a Junior, you need to start looking now. We can help you get a head start on the rental rush. Call Red Brick at 513-524-9340 or visit our website at www.redbrickproperty.com

Stewart Square Discount Price Two female roommates needed, furniture provided, wireless internet, parking, private gym, rent: $3,300/semester, call now and pay only $3,000/ semester! 330-283-0320

Houses Mile Square Upstairs of Duplex School year ’10-’11. Great location! Bishop and Withrow, 2 large bedrooms, 1 bath, open living and kitchen area, front porch, off street parking, permit for 4, $2995 per person per semester plus deposit and utilities. 812-350-4357 NEWER CONDO TRENDY 4 BEDRM~2 FULL BATH~EQUIPPED KITCHEN~LAUNDRY~ OFF STREET PARKING~GARAGE~CAN HELP WITH FURNISHING Mike 513 266-1685 m2deuce21@hotmail.com

Roommate Needed AVAILABLE PROPERTIES LOOKING FOR ROOMMATES 2010-2011: You will have your own bedroom...

17 East Spring Street: Looking for 2 Female for 10-11 1 W High; Loft #201: Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 112.5 S Main Street: Looking for 1 or 2 Males for 10-11 109 Ardmore: Looking for 1 Female for Spring Sem 2011 219 N College: Looking for 1 Female to share Brand new house for 10-11 330 W Church: Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 112 S Main- All Bed No Breakfast: Looking for 1 or 2 Females for 10-11 119 N College - Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 We also have SINGLES available. **FOR MORE INFO CALL 513-524-9340**

One bedroom left Looking for fun, nice, female housemate; individual bedroom. TWO BATHROOM, four bedroom, laundry, recently built, house. SUPER CLOSE to campus, three other females, cheap utilities. 2010-11 school year.

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Sports

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2010 ♦ 17

baseball

Red and White look to keep winning streak alive

By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer

He is in his junior year and taking on business economics at the Farmer School of Business, but that is not the only thing Sam Dawes has to count on.

On the outside, Dawes seems to be getting along pretty well — earning a 3.75 GPA and being a member of the Miami University Honors Program — but the one thing he really wants to stay on top of is the pitching mound.

Dawes roams the hill as a relief pitcher for the RedHawk baseball team and in five MidAmerican Conference appearances his earned run average (ERA) is lower than that GPA at a stingy 2.79.

“I’m doing pretty good,” Dawes said. “I’m getting into some tougher calculus pace economics classes, which is definitely a challenge. As long as you stay focused and stay organized, especially on the road, I can get everything done. I think I’m doing pretty well. I’m finishing up a pretty decent semester right now.”

But the sailing hasn’t been easy for the

WMSR

continued from page 18 it’s over.

EH: Can you talk about your relationship as broadcasters, WMSR co-board members and friends?

PM: We’re friends first. That broadcast and board member part is a dimension of our friendship, but I think we’re going to be friends long past the time that we’re broadcasters or board members together or anything like that. It’s an interesting dynamic, and I think that you can tell when we’re on the air that we do have that connection.

MC: One of the things that I think

GALLAGHER continued from page 18

the “Lanterne Rouge,” naturally), which is reminiscent of the red lantern used on the caboose of trains.

The point of the last place finisher or last draft pick is not to mock the person, though. Instead, it is to acknowledge the accomplishment the person has achieved. Although Ricky Bobby would disagree and say “If you ain’t first, you’re last,” sometimes just making the journey and finishing is enough.

6-foot southpaw as his class schedule often conflicts with his diamond time over at McKie Field at Hayden Park.

“During our first home game against Northern Kentucky it was on a Wednesday and I was in class until 3:30,” Dawes said. “It’s just one of those kind of things where the coach was like, ‘go ahead and get to class and get here as soon as you can.’ Getting out of class at 3:30, heading to the locker room and I get changed.

I come out and I’m lacing my cleats up in the dugout and the coach is telling me to head down to the bullpen to get stretched and by about four o’clock I’m in the game pitching.”

Despite the time crunches, Dawes has made it work. In 2009, he set the RedHawk single appearances record and led the MAC with 34 relief showings.

“Sam is certainly one of the better student athletes in our program,” Head Coach Dan Simonds said. “Not only is he getting it done on the baseball field, but he continues to get it done in the classroom semester after semester. He was recently just given the MAC Commissioner’s Award for academic success in the classroom. I don’t think it surprised the

has really helped our broadcast is the fact that we’re friends, because that allows us to kind of suppress any ego that there would be. We rib each other, but that makes it comfortable. Every time we go into our broadcast, our goal is to put together the best broadcast we’ve ever done. We try to get better with every single game. We take Rico’s message to heart as well and try to get better everyday. Our friendship helps us get our system down because we genuinely enjoy working with each other.

EH: Do either of you see any kind of a future in sports broadcasting after you leave Miami?

PM: I hope for one, I’m not sure I foresee one. No, I’m going to pursue it. I’m looking at different

coaching staff. He’s a very self-motivated kid.

He doesn’t do what is just required. He’s going to go above and beyond to be the best that he can be.”

This season he has claimed the hill 16 times, but his mound presence isn’t enough to keep his teammates off of his back on road trips, where Dawes has no time for games on the team bus.

“I get a little ribbing about getting good grades here and there and having to study every now and then, especially on the road,” Dawes said. “I have to do homework instead of playing cards and things on the bus, but it’s all pretty good-natured.”

Even without the card deck, Dawes has been able to deal pretty well as of late. The Red and White (20-20, 7-8 MAC) had an important MAC battle against the University of Akron Zips last Saturday and Simonds looked to Dawes in a tie game to carry his team. The lefty limited the Zips to a couple of runs and kept his team on top to set the stage for a dramatic walk-off victory to keep the home crowd happy. But Dawes’ highlight this season was the victory he picked up against the Indiana

things right now and hoping that the right opportunity comes along.

MC: If this is it, it’s sad and I’ll miss it, but I’ve had a great run.

That said, I would love to pursue it, I would love to keep doing it and to be perfectly honest, if Pat had a job and said, “Hey Mike, come join me,” there’s no way I’d be able to turn that down. With us being seniors, we talk about collegedefining experiences. Broadcasting sports with Pat for WMSR has been a life-defining experience, as cheesy as that may sound. It’s just been so much fun. We’ve done scores of games together, so to be able to do that professionally would just be a dream come true, but if that’s not in the cards, we’ve had some amazing opportunities here.

The Miami Student is looking for sports columnists.

E-mail Katie at giovinkl@muohio.edu.

University Hoosiers.

“I see him as a kid who believes in his abilities,” Simonds said. “He trusts his abilities and a lot of that can be attributed to he feels that he’s prepared. He’s going to do everything he can to get himself ready to fill his role. It does come out on the mound in the way he approaches pitching. The way he attacks hitters and his confidence in his pitches.”

For now he just keeps juggling the load with the game he loves.

“Generally speaking they sort of ask us to set a time block out so that we don’t have conflicts, but now that I’m getting into my upper level courses and the business school, sometimes it’s not really possible to handle those expectations,” Dawes said. “I have a couple classes in the middle of the week that run until about 3:30, so sometimes those kind of spill over. Being a reliever the coach is kind of understanding about me showing up a little bit later in the game as long as I’m ready to go.”

Dawes and his teammates will stash the home white threads this weekend when they head up north to battle Bowling Green State University. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. Friday.

18

Sports

Friday

April 30, 2010

tennis

baseball, page 17 Editor Katie Giovinale giovinkl@muohio.edu

RedHawks repeat as MAC champions

By Michael Solomon Staff Writer

Back-to-back champions.

That’s what the Miami University women’s tennis team is after earning victories last weekend over Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and University of Toledo. The women clinched a share of the title on Friday night and won the outright regular season championship Saturday, earning a No. 1 seed in the conference tournament this upcoming weekend at Western Michigan University (WMU).

“It means a lot to us to win the title,” Head Coach Ricardo Rosas said. “It was really exciting and it was one of our goals for the season. Seeing these guys work hard and accomplish what they did, once again going undefeated in the MAC, was fun to watch. It feels pretty good and they are very excited with their accomplishment. They are pretty motivated to play this weekend.”

After two 4-3 victories the previous weekend against Buffalo and Akron, the Red and White showed their depth both nights, defeating Eastern Michigan 6-1 and Toledo 7-0.

The RedHawks have now won 16 straight league matches dating back to last season.

On Friday night, the ’Hawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead over EMU after sweeping the doubles matches.

Sophomore Stephanie Danesis and junior Megan Martzolf won 9-7 at the No. 1 position, while teammates Anastasia Dracheva and Sydnee Bridger won at the No. 3 position with a score of 8-2. With the point already in hand for the Red and White, the pair of Riekie Honiball and Cara Wald won at the No. 2 position 8-7 to complete the sweep of the doubles matches.

‘Mr. Irrelevant’ not so irrelevant Brian Gallagher

Gallagher’s Going for Two “With the 255 pick (last pick) in the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select…Tim Toone out of Weber State.”

You might be asking yourself who Tim Toone is (I’m sure Lions fans did), but when Roger Goodell said these words, he bestowed the title of “Mr. Irrelevant” onto young Tim. There are perhaps better nicknames out there: “The Chosen One” (Lebron James), “The Golden Boy” (Oscar de la Hoya for you boxing fans), “The Toe” (Lou Groza) or even “Tractor” (if Cavs fans remember Robert Traylor). The difference is that these other nicknames were earned based on player’s attributes or skills. Toone was simply given the nickname because of the unlikelihood that he will make the Lions roster. He was a good player at Weber State, but only time will tell if he will be able to make the final cut. The nickname isn’t even original — he shares it with every other player that has been drafted last in the NFL — which in his case is 74 other people. Think of being bestowed with a good nickname but then finding out that there are already 74 people that already have that nickname. It has to be a bit of a let down.

While the title of Mr. Irrelevant might not open too many doors, it does have at least one perk. Former NFL receiver Paul Salata started “Irrelevant Week” in 1976 and it is still run by his daughter, Melanie Salata-Fitch. During this week, the last player picked in the draft is invited to Newport Beach, Calif. for a golf tournament and other fun activities that NFL players do (Disneyland, arts and crafts, etc). The player is also awarded the Lowsman Trophy, which is similar to the Heisman trophy but shows a player fumbling a football.

The other perk that the pick entails is quite obvious: the chance to make an NFL team.

For football players of all ages this is a lifelong dream.

The presentation of an award to the last place finisher is a tradition in sports. In British sports, there is a tradition of the last place team getting the wooden spoon. I’m not quite sure of the origin of the wooden spoon, but if the Brits came up with it you can be sure there’s a good reason behind it.

The last place finisher in the Iditarod dog sled race is awarded the Red Lantern and the last rider in the Tour de France gets the same award (although the French call it

wSee GALLAGHER page 17

The RedHawks continued their dominance in the singles matches, winning five out of the six matches to secure the match 6-1 over the Eagles. At the No. 3 position, Martzolf continued her undefeated season (20-0) with a 6-2, 7-5 win. The win moved the ’Hawks to 14-6 overall and 7-0 in the MAC. On Saturday, the RedHawks concluded their streak of six straight road MAC matches with a 7-0 win at Toledo. Miami won eight out of the nine matches played en route to sweeping Toledo on their senior night. After Toledo won the first doubles match at No. 2 by a score of 8-2, the RedHawks came back to win the next two matches and secure the 1-0 lead. Dracheva and Bridger won 8-5 at the No. 3 position, while the pair of Martzolf and Danesis earned the point for the RedHawks with a 9-8 (7-4) win at the No. 1 position.

Miami went on to win all six of the singles matches. The 6-3, 6-0 victory at No. 3 singles improved the junior’s record to 21-0 this spring. Dracheva, Wald, Honiball, Danesis and Bridger all won in the singles matches for the RedHawks, who earned their second straight conference championship with the 7-0 win over the Rockets.

“It means a lot to us because we have been through a lot this year,” Dracheva said. “It has been a really rough year for us, so winning the regular season title is very exciting and we are looking forward to playing in the tournament championship this weekend.”

The Red and White clinched the No. 1 seed for the MAC tournament, which takes place this weekend at WMU. Their opening round game will be 10 a.m. Friday against the winner of the No. 9 and No. 8 match between Northern Illinois and Ball State. If the RedHawks win Friday, they play Saturday morning in the semi-finals with the finals on Sunday.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Junior Anastasia Dracheva returns a serve on April 17.

softball

’Hawks aim to stay focused on road

By JM Rieger Staff Writer

Having won four of their last five games, including a two game sweep of Bowling Green State University last weekend, the Miami University softball team is set for their final four road games of the year.

The Red and White hit the road Friday in a doubleheader against the Western Michigan University (WMU) Broncos followed by a two game set at the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies on Saturday and Sunday.

Miami enters the weekend with a 23-20 record overall and an 8-6 record in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). While the RedHawks are an outstanding 11-5 at home this year, they are only 12-15 on the road, and they will be looking to improve that mark this weekend against the third- (NIU) and fourth(WMU) place teams in the MAC West Division.

“We are just focusing on our own team and what we can do,” sophomore third baseman Daniela Torres said. “We can’t control what other teams do; all we can do is control our own destiny and focus on playing good softball.”

Torres is coming off a monster road trip where she went 7-12 at the plate with two runs batted in (RBI) and smacked her fourth home run of the year. Meanwhile, junior second baseman Meghan Mawn has also been a dominant offensive force for the RedHawks this year, and she continued her success over the weekend also going 7-12 with three RBIs of her own.

“Torres and Mawn have been setting the pace for our team,” Head Coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly said. “It is great to have Torres at the top of the lineup because she has speed and power and is our best instinctive base runner, (while) Mawn is just clutch for us.”

Defensively, senior starting

pitcher Meredith Linch and sophomore starter Jessica Simpson have carried the load for Miami this year. Linch pitched 12.1 innings last weekend, only giving up four earned runs and picking up two wins, while Simpson went 1-1 over the weekend throwing 13.2 innings.

“The defense starts on the pitching mound,” Torres said.

“Our defense is our strong point, but at this point in the season we are trying to win games any way that we can. We need to stay aggressive offensively and just take everything one game at a time.”

After fighting through rain last weekend, Miami should be prepared for this weekend as some rainfall is predicted.

Miami has played well against NIU and WMU in the past, defeating both teams in the MAC tournament last year on their way to the conference title.

NIU is a team with offensive weapons, and Miami will be counting on strong

performances from Simpson and Linch this weekend. The Huskies have lost four of their last five games and will face off against second place Ball State in a doubleheader on Friday before hosting Miami on Saturday and Sunday.

On the other hand, WMU has been playing very well lately and has won three of their last four games, including splitting their two game series with NIU last weekend, after getting off to a slow start this year. With the MAC tournament less than two weeks away, the RedHawks will be looking to win as many games as possible down the stretch to lock up a good seed in the tournament.

“This is the time of year when certain players start getting hot,” Schoenly said. “So as we prepare, it is more about confidence.

We talk about how your preparation gives you confidence and I see that daily at practice.”

The first pitch against WMU is set for 1 p.m. Friday.

features

WMSR sports make memories on air

By Erika Hadley Senior Staff Writer

In 2007, seniors Mike Cohen and Patrick Murray began broadcasting Miami sporting events over WMSR with a vision. The two friends and co-board members wanted to increase the professionalism of the sports division at the station and make Miami sporting events more accessible to the community. Now on the verge of graduation, Cohen and Murray reflect on the successes they’ve shared, the countless games they’ve covered and the tremendous amount of growth that WMSR Sports has experienced over the last three years.

Erika Hadley (EH): The last time we did a feature on WMSR sports broadcasting, you were just getting started with everything and it was your first season of really being serious about it and trying to cover all the games.

Can you talk about those early beginnings and where it’s gone since then?

Patrick Murray (PM): Things have definitely taken off since we were at that point.

I think at that point we were happy just to be on the air regularly. Now it’s been more about establishing WMSR consistently as a brand and consistently improving the broadcast

quality that we have on WMSR and I think we’ve been successful.

Mike Cohen (MC): When we did the last article, I think we had done something like 28 broadcasts throughout the year, and for us that was huge. Then the next year and this year we’ve been doing 40 or 50 — every basketball game, every football game, every hockey home game and we’ve been traveling as well. We feel that we’re at a point where you can’t necessarily tell that we’re student broadcasters anymore. That was the ultimate goal and I think we reached that.

EH: Can you talk about the listenership and how you’ve just made sports more available to the Miami community?

MC: One of our big goals was to give the Miami community a free way to listen to a professional broadcast so they’d be able to keep up with the teams. We were able to do that, and our best listenership (for the station) has been during games. We had at least 1,000 listeners when Miami and Michigan played in Ft. Wayne, which shows how successful we’ve been, how much work we put into it and the professionalism that we’ve brought to it.

PM: And the Miami community is more than just what’s here in Oxford. It’s the

people who are recent graduates, who are living somewhere else in the United States. It’s people who are studying abroad.

It’s worldwide.

EH: What is your favorite part of your job in a nutshell?

PM: It’s a combination of two things.

One is the routine. Hockey is my favorite, and going into the Goggin on game night is a great feeling. The other thing is calling the last seconds of games. We had our last show in the studio yesterday, and we closed it out just by playing the highlight from the end of the double overtime game against Michigan where we just went crazy. That feeling is like nothing else.

MC: I love getting to the press box at the Goggin when you can just smell the fresh ice, and you’re there before anybody else is and you just see the stadium in all its glory. I love being able to watch everything unfold.

I think the greatest part is at the end of the game when you’re able to say, ‘Miami with another victory’ -– there’s nothing like it.

Just that whole experience of being able to watch the team and how hard they work –- it gives you a sense of accomplishment when

wSee WMSR page 17