ONE-HUNDRED-TWENTY-FOUR YEARS OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM Thursday, February 20, 2014
Ann Arbor, Michigan
michigandaily.com
ENVIRONMENT
Lakes see highest ice levels after cold winter Eighty-five percent of Great Lakes currently frozen By IAN DILLINGHAM Daily News Editor
As students return home for spring break, those who live in coastal regions surrounding the Great Lakes could witness some of the highest ice levels in decades. As of Wednesday, ice coverage across the Great Lakes was hovering just above 85 percent, meaning only a small fraction of the surface areas of the lakes remain unfrozen, according to George A. Leshkevich, a researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. The Ann Arbor-based NOAA lab, one of seven similar national labs, conducts the majority of the administration’s Great Lakes
research. The lab partners with the University’s Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research, which is overseen by the School of Natural Resources and Environment. CILER was founded with the goal of “fostering University and NOAA partnerships in the Great Lakes region,” according to the CILER webpage. NOAA uses satellite imagery, shipping reports and aircraft observations, in conjunction with computer models, to estimate the ice coverage throughout the winter months. Leshkevich said the southern lakes typically see ice levels peak around the middle to end of February, where the northern lakes see their peak around the beginning of March. The high ice levels are likely due to the early onset of winter weather this season, combined with last month’s polar vortex, which caused below-average temperatures across many of the lakes. The ice levels contrast See ICE, Page 3A
RYAN REISS/Daily
Bangladeshi garment worker Reba Sikder, 18, and her translator and fellow survivor Kalpona Akter discuss their tragedies and new hopes and goals for better rights in Bangladeshi sweat shops. “We need these jobs but we want these jobs with dignity,” said Sikder.
Workers engage students Bangladeshi laborers share traumatic factory experiences By STEPHANIE SHENOUDA Daily News Editor
The University’s chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops, a student-led organization, hosted two Bangladeshi garment workers who
shared their experiences about working in a clothing factory at a meeting on Wednesday. To prepare for the event, students turned an East Quad Residence Hall classroom into standing-room-only to show their solidarity with the workers. The move was part of a longstanding goal of encouraging the University to pressure their licensees to sign a legally bonding and one-of-a-kind document allowing their workers
the right to refuse unsafe working conditions. The group met with the President’s Advisory Committee on Labor Standards and Human Rights on Wednesday afternoon to request they require all University apparel licensees to adhere to ethical practices. The event began with a demonstration where USAS members constructed a “power map” exposing the discrepancy between the companies that
produce collegiate apparel, the factory owners and the workers. They said students’ voices are impactful because of the stake they have with universities, as they’re the target audience for their apparel. Translated by labor organizer Kalpona Akter, former worker Reba Sikder described the working conditions she and her co-workers faced on a daily basis, working 110-hour See WORKERS, Page 3A
ACADEMICS
HEALTH
Grant expands Islamic studies
Professor discusses issues surrounding Obamacare’s launch
$3 million donation to create virtual curriculum for Fall 2015 By AMIA DAVIS Daily News Editor
Next year, instructors will use projector screens and laptops for more than just presenting PowerPoints and documentaries. Starting in the Fall 2015 term, the University will expand its Islamic Studies program through a $3 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation by creating the Islamic Studies Virtual Curriculum program. The University’s Department of Islamic Studies and the Committee on International Cooperation will govern the program, which includes all universities in the Big Ten Conference and the University of ChiSee STUDIES, Page 3A
Culture of Medicine Club hosts ACA expert By TOM MCBRIEN Daily Staff Reporter VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily
The History of Race exhibit is displayed at Hatcher Graduate Library Wednesday.
Hatcher displays exhibit on the ‘U’s history of race To celebrate Black History Month, library presentation poses questions By EMILIE PLESSET Daily Staff Reporter
In commemoration of Black History Month, the University Library system decided to do something a little more than usual this year. The University Library-
sponsored MLK Day Committee, along with the School of Information and the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, among others, created the History of Race at U-M display in the Hatcher Library. The exhibit opened to the public on Jan. 20 and will be on display through the end of February. While the committee holds a yearly commemorative program for MLK day, this is the first year the group created an exhibit to examine diversity and acceptance throughout
the University’s history. In prior years, the committee has hosted speakers to discuss racial issues. Last year, political activist Angela Davis spoke at the University. Darlene Nichols, librarian for diversity and inclusion at the University, said the exhibit aims to contribute to the conversation about race on campus by “providing an education experience that could draw people in differently.” The committee worked with staff from the See HATCHER, Page 3A
As the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, continues to take effect, the reason why it was implemented in the first place is often lost among the political rhetoric. However, Public Health Prof. Scott Greer explained some of the answers in a lecture Wednesday night to about 15 members of the Culture of Medicine Club. Greer, who has done research in Australia, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, the U.S., the U.K. and the European Union, said the facts surrounding health care are often difficult to discern. “I’ve learned that practically nobody actually understands how public health is organized in most of the world,” he said. When asked why the ACA is such a big transition in the first
place, Greer placed most of the emphasis on the United States’ employer-backed system before the ACA. “The U.S., unlike other systems, did not manage to break past the point at which health care was essentially an employer-provided benefit,” he said. According to Greer, Obamacare produced two strange effects: employee stiffing and job lock. “Job lock” is a term referring to when an employee will refuse to leave their current job because they cannot afford to lose their benefits. This impedes entrepreneurialism and an unhealthier work force. Greer added that this emphasis on employerfinanced health care created a strange system in the U.S. “It’s weird in the sense that something that is, by design, evanescent in a functioning capitalist system — namely, a big company — is made into part of the welfare state.” Another difficulty with the previous system was the drastic transition from being uninsured to being on Medicare. “There’s a significant numSee OBAMACARE, Page 3A
hip hop-side
A look at Motivation, AA’s premiere, hip hop streetwear brand
» INSIDE WEATHER TOMORROW
HI: 36 LO: 22
GOT A NEWS TIP? Call 734-418-4115 or e-mail news@michigandaily.com and let us know.
NEW ON MICHIGANDAILY.COM Sign hung from Mason alleges ‘U’ defends rapists MICHIGANDAILY.COM/BLOGS
INDEX
Vol. CXXIV, No. 72 ©2014 The Michigan Daily michigandaily.com
NEWS......................... 2A SUDOKU.....................2A OPINION.....................4A
S P O R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A CL ASSIFIEDS...............6A B-SIDE ....................1B
News
2A — Thursday, February 20, 2014
MONDAY: This Week in History
TUESDAY: Professor Profiles
SNOW FRIENDS
WEDNESDAY: In Other Ivory Towers
Alum wears ‘U’ pride on sleeve
How did your experience at the University prepare you for a career in law? VIRGINIA LOZANO/Daily
Classes at the University taught me how to think analytically, communicate effectively,
ON THE WEB... michigandaily.com THE WIRE
THE FILTER
Accusations
New Single
BY ADAM RUBENFIRE
BY ALLEN DONNE
A banner was seen hanging from 3401 Mason Hall on Wedneday afternoon. It read, “This administration defends rapists.” At the time of publication, it was not known who was responsible for the banner. A University spokesperson declined to comment on its content.
THE FILTER
Good Day
FRIDAY: Photos of the Week
THE CONSULTANT
Michael Ben graduated from the University in 1997 with a B.A. in Political Science. He is currently a partner and leader of the Securities and Corporate Governance at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, where he counsels companies. He was awarded Top Lawyer by DBusiness in 2011 and 2012 and recognized as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers from 2009-2013.
Business sophomore Christopher Elie builds small snowmen around campus Wednesday.
THURSDAY: Alumni Profiles
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
ScHoolboy Q previewed one of the new tracks off his soon-to-be-released album, Oxymoron, on Hot 97 on Feb. 18. While many fans expected he may release the entire album over the radio braodcast, his new song, “Blind Threats,” showcased his story-telling ability.
write persuasively, consider alternative viewpoints and to be detail-oriented. Students were hard-working, smart, creative thinkers and open to new ideas, and I gained a lot of confidence from competing with and learning from the diverse community at the University. A lot of my undergraduate friends went to law school or business school and they have been a great resource for me throughout my career. What is your most memorable moment at the University? Socially and academically, it was a perfect match. I made
CAMPUS EVENTS & NOTES
Romeo & Juliet Days of Fire WHAT: The Department of Musical Theatre Studio performs one of Shakespeare’s classics. Admissions is $10 with an MCard. WHO: School of Music, Theatre & Dance WHEN: Tonight at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Arthur Miller Theatre
Photography Social Contacts of crisis THE PODIUM
BY LEJLA BAJGORIC
BY ABHISHEK CAULIGI
In the spirit of Ice Cube’s track “It Was A Good Day,” four Los Angeles friends started Project Good Day Blimp, which attempts to give the youth of South Central a good day. The group raised $25,000 to put the song lyrics on the Goodyear Blimp, which then flew over the city.
Social media and online interaction often replaces face-to-face contact with other people. While social media allows us to connect with others in new ways, it also poses problems for basic conventions of contact. Read more from these blogs at michigandaily.com
WHAT: Patricia Keller, professor of Spanish Literature at Cornell University, examines photograph’s of Spain’s economic crisis and discusses how photography can be used for intellectual thought and taking action. WHO: Romance Languages and Literature WHEN: Today at 4 p.m. WHERE: Modern Languages Building
WHAT: Peter Baker will discuss his book, Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House, which explores George W. Bush and Dick Cheney’s controversial partnership. WHO: Gerarld R. Ford Presidential Library WHEN: Tonight at 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Gerarld Ford Library
Pirate lecture WHAT: The lecture will cover the career Japanese pirate Noshima Murakami Takeyoshi. WHO: Center for Japanese Studies WHEN: Today at 12 p.m. WHERE: School of Social Work Building CORRECTIONS l Please report any error in the Daily to corrections@michigandaily.com.
most of my life-long friends at the University and it cemented my core values as a person, so I am thankful for that. I have been going to U of M athletic events since I was three, and it was a dream come to attend as a student. What advice would you give to students who are just graduating and looking for careers of their own? Wear your U of M gear wherever you live or travel; you will be amazed at the number of alumni throughout the world that love this University. — AMIA DAVIS
THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW TODAY
1
A Bengali white tiger refused to eat 27-yearold Yang Jinhai after being taunted for 20 minutes, TIME Magazine reported. Jinhai climbed over the gates at Chengdu Zoo in China and commanded the tiger to eat him.
2
The b-side takes a look at the overlooked parts of Ann Arbor’s hip hop scene. Motivation, AA’s premiere hip hop fashion store and Rill Ill, an independent rap producer are profiled. >> FOR MORE, SEE THE BSIDE
3
Residents of Greene County, Pennsylvania are outraged by their compensation — 100 gift certificates to Bobtown’s Pizza — issued by Chevron for the natural gas explosion that killed a worker on Feb. 11, CNN reported.
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com PETER SHAHIN KIRBY VOIGTMAN
Editor in Chief Business Manager 734-418-4115 ext. 1251 734-418-4115 ext. 1241 pjshahin@michigandaily.com kvoigtman@michigandaily.com
Newsroom
News Tips
734-418-4115 opt. 3
news@michigandaily.com
Corrections
Letters to the Editor
corrections@michigandaily.com
tothedaily@michigandaily.com
Arts Section
Editorial Page
arts@michigandaily.com
opinion@michigandaily.com
Sports Section
Photography Section
sports@michigandaily.com
photo@michigandaily.com
Display Sales
Classified Sales
dailydisplay@gmail.com
classified@michigandaily.com
Online Sales
Finance
onlineads@michigandaily.com
finance@michigandaily.com
EDITORIAL STAFF Katie Burke Managing Editor Jennifer Calfas Managing News Editor
kgburke@michigandaily.com jcalfas@michigandaily.com
SENIOR NEWS EDITORS: Ian Dillingham, Sam Gringlas, Will Greenberg, Rachel Premack and Stephanie Shenouda ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS: Allana Akhtar, Yardain Amron, Hillary Crawford, Amia Davis, Shoham Geva, Amabel Karoub, Thomas McBrien, Emilie Plesset, Max Radwin and Michael Sugerman
Megan McDonald and Daniel Wang Editorial Page Editors
opinioneditors@michigandaily.com
SENIOR EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS: Aarica Marsh and Victoria Noble ASSISTANT EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS: Michael Schramm and Nivedita Karki
Greg Garno and Alejandro Zúñiga
Managing Sports Editors sportseditors@michigandaily.com
SENIOR SPORTS EDITORS: Max Cohen, Alexa Dettelbach, Rajat Khare, Jeremy Summitt and Daniel Wasserman ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORS: Lev Facher, Daniel Feldman, Simon Kaufman, Erin Lennon, Jake Lourim and Jason Rubinstein
John Lynch and Akshay Seth Managing Arts Editors
jplynch@michigandaily.com akse@michigandaily.com
SENIOR ARTS EDITORS: Giancarlo Buonomo, Natalie Gadbois, Erika Harwood and Alex Stern ASSISTANT ARTS EDITORS: Jamie Bircoll, Jackson Howard, Gillian Jakab and Maddie Thomas
Teresa Mathew and Paul Sherman Managing Photo Editors
photo@michigandaily.com
SENIOR PHOTO EDITORS: Patrick Barron and Ruby Wallau ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS: Allison Farrand, Tracy Ko, Terra Molengraff and Nicholas Williams
Carolyn Gearig and Gabriela Vasquez Managing Design Editors
design@michigandaily.com
SENIOR DESIGN EDITORS: Amy Mackens and Alicia Kovalcheck
Carlina Duan Magazine Editor
statement@michigandaily.com
DEPUTY MAGAZINE EDITORS: Max Radwin and Amrutha Sivakumar STATEMENT PHOTO EDITOR: Ruby Wallau STATEMENT LEAD DESIGNER: Amy Mackens
Mark Ossolinski and Meaghan Thompson Managing Copy Editors
copydesk@michigandaily.com
SENIOR COPY EDITORS: Mariam Sheikh and David Nayer
Austen Hufford
Online Editor
ahufford@michigandaily.com
BUSINESS STAFF Amal Muzaffar Digital Accounts Manager Doug Solomon University Accounts Manager Leah Louis-Prescott Classified Manager Lexi Derasmo Local Accounts Manager Hillary Wang National Accounts Manager Ellen Wolbert and Sophie Greenbaum Production Managers Nolan Loh Special Projects Coordinator Nana Kikuchi Finance Manager Olivia Jones Layout Manager The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press.
Prosecutors widen scope of coal ash spill investigation Dan River tainted by spill, residents warned not to drink water or eat fish RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal prosecutors widened their investigation triggered by a massive coal ash spill in North Carolina, demanding reams of documents and ordering nearly 20 state environmental agency employees to testify before a grand jury. The subpoenas were made public by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday. They also ordered state officials to hand over any records pertaining to investments, cash or other items of value they might have received from Duke Energy or its employees. Charlotte-based Duke also confirmed it was served with a new subpoena, the second received by the nation’s largest electricity provider. Company spokes-
man Tom Williams declined to discuss it. On Feb. 2, a pipe running under a coal ash pond collapsed at Duke’s Dan River Steam Station in Eden, coating the bottom of the Dan River, near the Virginia border, with toxic ash up to 70 miles downstream. Meanwhile, state officials said Duke successfully contained “about 90 percent” of the flow from a second pipe at the dump spewing arsenic-laced groundwater into the river. Public health officials have advised residents not to touch the river water or eat the fish. State environmental Sec. John Skvarla refused to answer when asked at a media briefing if he had been served with a subpoena. Skvarla was appointed last year by Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican who worked for Duke Energy for more than 28 years. Josh Ellis, McCrory’s spokesman, confirmed the governor had not been subpoenaed. Among those ordered to appear before the grand jury next month is Tom Reeder, the Division of Water
Quality director who oversees the state’s enforcement of environmental violations at Duke’s 31 coal ash dumps located at 14 coal-fired power plants spread across North Carolina. The 20 subpoenas disclosed by the state agency follow two Feb. 10 subpoenas, which were issued the day after a story by The Associated Press raised questions about a proposed deal between state officials and Duke that would have fined Duke $99,111 to settle violations over toxic groundwater contamination at two facilities. The settlement came about after a coalition of citizen groups tried to use the U.S. Clean Water Act to sue Duke in federal court last year. The state agency intervened three times to use its authority to issue violations over the pollution and take the case to state court, where the agency quickly negotiated the proposed settlement that included no requirement Duke actually clean up its past pollution or prevent further contamination. The citizens groups opposed the deal, saying it shielded Duke from far harsher penalties it might have faced in federal court had the state not intervened. The state put the settlement on hold last week, the day after the AP reported on it. Skvarla said he briefed McCrory before intervening, but he never discussed the specific terms of the settlement. Environmental groups have suggested Skvarla shepherded a “sweetheart deal” with Duke to shield the governor’s former employer from far harsher penalties. Since his first unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2008, campaign finance reports show Duke Energy, its political action committee, executives and their immediate families have donated at least $1.1 million to McCrory’s campaign and affiliated groups that spent on TV ads, mailings and events to support him. The groups want Duke to remove its coal ash from the leaking, unlined pits adjacent to rivers and lakes and move it to sealed landfills licensed to handle toxic waste. The company has said it plans to “close” an unspecified number of its dumps, perhaps by covering the acres of ash with giant tarps to keep rainwater out.
ABD/AP
A demonstrator stands next to a burning barricade during an opposition protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday. Members of the opposition are protesting after their leader Leopoldo Lopez surrendered.
Venezuelan opposition head waits to hear about charges Justice official says homicide, terrorism not likely charges CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Held at a military jail, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez waited to learn Wednesday if he will be charged for violence that has erupted during protests that have revitalized challenges to 15 years of socialist rule in the oil-rich nation. Lopez, who dramatically surrendered to authorities before thousands of cheering supporters Tuesday, was to appear before a judge to learn what charges he would face for organizing mass demonstrations that have resulted in at least six deaths and more than 100 injuries over the past week. The hearing was closed and the outcome had not been announced by late Wednesday as sporadic protests continued to erupt throughout the capital, with protesters setting fires in the streets and police firing volleys of tear gas and blasts from water cannons. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has accused Lopez, a 42-year-old former mayor and the leader of the Popular Will party, of attempting to foment a
coup in the South American nation and authorities had said he could face charges that include homicide and causing grievous bodily harm. A judicial official told The Associated Press that prosecutors were leaning toward discarding homicide and terrorism charges, opting instead to pursue less serious counts such as arson and incitement to commit crimes. That would allow the possibility of Lopez being released pending trial, according to the official, who agreed to discuss the matter only if not quoted by name because the decision had not been made public. Hundreds of supporters waited outside the courthouse for news of the decision, watched over by National Guard troops. Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, a member of a different opposition party, showed up at one point in a sign of unity among the foes of the Maduro government. “We are all united in demanding the release of Leopoldo Lopez,” Ledezma told the AP. “We are rallying behind him.” The crowd dissipated after hours of waiting when officials decided to hold the court hearing at the military jail outside Caracas where Lopez was being detained. The opposition has planned na-
tionwide marches for Saturday to protest both his detention as well as the rampant crime, shortages of consumer goods and inflation rate of more than 50 percent that has made life difficult for many in the country of nearly 30 million people. The jailing of Lopez has made him a cause celebre among opponents of Maduro, eclipsing to some degree Henrique Capriles, the opposition’s two-time losing presidential candidate who was building support for another challenge in two years. Capriles attended a rally on Feb. 12 in Caracas led by Lopez but did not appear on the stage to address the masses of demonstrators. Clashes with police erupted afterward, after the opposition leaders had left, and resulted in three deaths. In Twitter messages, he accused the government on Wednesday of infiltrating opposition demonstrations to provoke violence. Maduro accused Lopez of leading a “fascist” plot to oust the socialist government, the political legacy of the late Hugo Chavez, and authorities issued an arrest warrant for him. He surrendered theatrically on Tuesday, dressed in white to signify peace, adorned with a crucifix from his wife and surrounded by a sea of supporters.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
ICE From Page 1A low to moderate levels in the last couple years. “The warming effect that we’ve seen — both air temperature and water temperature — and then with polar vortex come down draws the heat out of the lake, change things radically, so we end up this year with a lot of ice cover,” Leshkevich said. While the ice is particularly severe this season, Leshkevich
WORKERS From Page 1A weeks for months at a time for the equivalent of $48 per month. Sikder worked in Rana Plaza, a factory in Savar, Bangladesh that collapsed on April 23, 2013. At 2 p.m. workers were told to leave, but were brought back the next day after being told the building had been evaluated by an engineer and was safe. Approximately 1,000 people were killed and many were trapped for several days. Before the collapse, Sikder observed visible cracks in the building’s walls and said debris would regularly fall on her co-workers’ heads. Sikder and
News
said this demonstrates the increased variability of recent years. Historically, ice levels fluctuate from year to year, but when averaged out, ice levels over the last several decades have been on a very gradual decline. “The ice cover has been variable throughout the years, even in the 70s and 80s,” he said. “Overall it will still be downward, but it seems like we’re seeing greater fluctuation in recent years.” Average ice cover at this point in the season is 35 percent, according to Leshkevich. The current levels are the highest
since 1979, when the lakes were almost 95 percent covered. While the ice may present obstacles for ships and beachgoers, Leshkevich and other scientists said it represents an important component of the Great Lakes’ ecosystems. Surface ice prevents winter evaporation, which helps maintain water levels, and some species of fish rely on the ice to protect nesting grounds from winter storms. Several factors — mainly wind, rain and air temperature — could influence whether the ice continues to grow or begins
melting. If cold weather persists, the ice could theoretically continue to grow and approach nearly 100 percent. While the early winter season may have been the key player in the ice formation this year, Leshkevich said global climate change may be playing a role in the overarching change in fluctuations. “A lot of climatologists attribute (the ice) to both natural variability and perhaps some to climate change, to global change,” he said. “At least that’s what I’m hearing from them.”
several co-workers were trapped during the disaster and were rescued after two and a half days. “I want this brand to pay and build a safer place,” Sikder said through a translator. “I don’t want anyone to have to go through what we went through.” Public Policy senior Maya Menlo, USAS Worker Rights Consortium Board Representative, said she hoped the event opened students’ eyes to the realities of these workers’ lives, as well as how important their involvement is. “Most students probably know that their (University) apparel isn’t made in the most ethical way, and our group isn’t asking them to boycott Adidas tennis shoes or refuse to wear apparel,” Menlo said. “It’s all about this
precedent-setting document that would force companies to allow their workers the right to safe working conditions and making sure that nothing like this happens again.” Menlo added that there have not been any incidents at factories where University apparel is made, but that ensuring this does not happen is a major area of concern. “We want to make sure there isn’t ever any blood on the block ‘M’ and one way to do that is through awareness, making sure that students know what’s going on in these factories and what the workers lives are like.” Engineering sophomore Nahiyan Bakr, who is originally from Bangladesh, said the event was meaningful since he was at home
when the incident occurred. “I wasn’t at the factory or anything, but I know as close to first hand as many of my peers what the incident was like and what happened that day,” he said. “I wanted to see (the group’s) perspective on the situation and what they think should be done because it’s a problem and awareness needs to step up.” Bakr added that the event was a good step in getting students involved and aware of how they can contribute to the cause. Last year, USAS staged several similar events to raise awareness, including a march to University President Mary Sue Coleman’s office, a demonstration for better factory conditions, and a vigil for improved wages for sweatshop workers.
Biden talks Marijuana may prove lucrative healthcare for Colorado law in Minn. VP encourages enrollment despite exchange issues as deadline approaches MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that it would be a good start for the federal health care law if 5 million to 6 million people sign up by the end of March, an acknowledgement that enrollments might fall significantly short of the Obama administration’s unofficial target of 7 million. Biden, who was attending a private fundraiser in Minneapolis, made a brief unannounced stop at a coffee shop and visited with a handful of women who have signed up for coverage. Open enrollment under the federal law ends on March 31, after which people without insurance are subject to federal tax penalties. Biden acknowledged the rocky rollout of the administration’s Affordable Care Act website and the difficulty people have had in signing up. Minnesota has been among the numerous states, along with the federal Healthcare.gov site, to experience rampant technical problems that hampered enrollment. “We didn’t want this to start off as shaky as it did,” he said. “But it’s complicated.” Before the exchanges launched, the Obama administration projected monthly enrollment targets based on a congressional estimate that 7 million would sign up during the six-month open enrollment period. Signing up enough individuals — especially younger, healthier people — is critical for the insurance pool at the heart of the law to function properly, keeping premiums low
for everyone. Immediately, enrollment figures starting falling behind the targets. Although the pace of sign-ups has picked up substantially, there’s still a lot of catching up to do from the initial months. About 1 million enrolled in January — the first time the administration met its monthly target. Biden acknowledged that “we may not get to 7 million, but if we get to 5 or 6 million that’s a hell of a start.” In total, nearly 3.3 million had enrolled through the end of January. That’s about 75 percent of what the administration had hoped to achieve by that point in the open enrollment period. Biden’s office said the four women picked to meet with Biden either signed up for insurance under the federal law, or have worked as a navigator assisting others in the signup process. In the brief conversation, Biden related several health crises in his own life, including a serious car accident and a brain aneurysm, saying he appreciated the sense of security knowing he could count on his insurance. Dressed in a dark suit with a dark scarf around his neck, Biden briefly worked the room at Moose and Sadie’s, located in a trendy urban neighborhood near downtown Minneapolis. His voice was hoarse, and he was difficult to hear over the coffee shop’s din. He did speak up when he spotted a woman with a San Francisco Giants cap. “They allow you to wear that in Minnesota?” he said. Biden was attending a private Democratic Party fundraiser at the restaurant Bachelor Farmer. Owned by the sons of Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, the restaurant hosted a dinner for President Barack Obama in 2012.
IT’S FIVE O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING
AND WE’RE STILL AT THE DAILY
WRITING THIS AD FOR YOU (JUST KIDDING IT’S ACTUALLY 2) BUT STILL YOU SHOULD LIKE US
ON FACEBOOK TO SAY ‘THANKS FOR STAYING UP SO LATE FOR US’
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MICHIGANDAILY
Report indicates legalized cannibus sales could bring millions to state
DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s legal marijuana market is far exceeding tax expectations, according to a budget proposal released Wednesday by Gov. John Hickenlooper that gives the first official estimate of how much the state expects to make from pot taxes. The proposal outlines plans to spend some $99 million next fiscal year on substance abuse prevention, youth marijuana use prevention and other priorities. The money would come from a statewide 12.9 percent sales tax on recreational pot. Colorado’s total pot sales next fiscal year were estimated to be about $610 million. Retail sales began Jan. 1 in Colorado. Sales have been strong, though exact figures for January sales won’t be made public until early next month. The governor predicted sales and excise taxes next fiscal year would produce some $98 million, well above a $70 million annual estimate given to voters when they approved the pot taxes last year. The governor also includes taxes from medical pot, which are subject only to the statewide 2.9 percent sales tax. Washington state budget forecasters released a projection Wednesday for that state, where retail sales don’t begin for a few months. Economic forecasters in Olympia predicted that the state’s new legal recreational marijuana market will bring nearly $190 million to state coffers over four years starting in mid-2015. Washington state sets budgets biennially. In Colorado, Hickenlooper’s proposal listed six priorities for spending the pot sales taxes. The spending plan included $45.5 million for youth use prevention, $40.4 million for substance abuse treatment and $12.4 million for public health. “We view our top priority as creating an environment where negative impacts on children from marijuana legalization are avoided completely,” Hickenlooper wrote in a letter to legislative budget writers, which must approve the plan. The governor also proposed a $5.8 million, three-year “statewide media campaign on
marijuana use,” presumably highlighting the drug’s health risks. The state Department of Transportation would get $1.9 million for a new “Drive High, Get a DUI” campaign to tout the state’s new marijuana blood-limit standard for drivers. Also, Hickenlooper has proposed spending $7 million for an additional 105 beds in residential treatment centers for substance abuse disorders. “This package represents a strong yet cautious first step” for regulating pot, the governor wrote. He told lawmakers he’d be back with a more complete spending prediction later this year. The Colorado pot tax plan doesn’t include an additional 15 percent pot excise tax, of which $40 million a year already is designated for school construction. The governor projected the full $40 million to be reached next year. The initial tax projections are rosier than those given to voters in 2012, when state fiscal projections on the marijuanalegalization amendment would produce $39.5 million in sales taxes next fiscal year, which begins in July. The rosier projections come from updated data about how many retail stores Colorado has (163 as of Feb. 18) and how much customers are paying for pot. There’s no standardized sales price, but recreational pot generally is going for much more than the $202 an ounce forecasters guessed last year. Mason Tvert, a legalization activist who ran Colorado’s 2012 campaign, said other states are watching closely to see what legal weed can produce in tax revenue. “Voters and state lawmakers around the country are watching how this system unfolds in Colorado, and the prospect of generating significant revenue while eliminating the underground marijuana market is increasingly appealing,” said Tvert, who now works for the Marijuana Policy Project. Meanwhile, The Denver Post reported Wednesday that banks holding commercial loans on properties that lease to Colorado marijuana businesses say they don’t plan to refinance those loans when they come due. Bankers say property used as collateral for those loans theoretically is subject to federal drug-seizure laws, which makes the loans a risk.
Thursday, February 20, 2014 — 3A
STUDIES From Page 1A cago. The committees will establish courses available to all students in the CIC. Political Science Prof. Pauline Jones Luong, director of the Islamic Studies program, said that in order to test the technology and teaching, the program will offer a small number of courses the first year. The number of courses offered will then increase yearly. According to Luong, the courses will cover all aspects of Islam, including its theology, history and culture. The courses will be enough for students to earn an Islamic Studies minor. “It’s going to be broad, but we want to make sure that we include courses that will be offered consistently for students,” Luong said. Funding for the grant will last five years, but Luong said she hopes the live-streaming of courses within the CIC becomes integrated with the existing curriculum. Most of the courses students can choose from will be offered
HATCHER From Page 1A University’s Bentley Historical Library and research assistants from the School of Information graduate program. Rackham student Madeline Sheldon, a research assistant on the project, said the history of diversity is very important at the University. “To see that displayed in the exhibit made me feel proud that I can be associated with that,” Sheldon said. The outer portions of the exhibit features more contemporary information about campus diversity, while the inner sections display information dating back to the founding of the University in the 19th century. Nichols said while some of the information used in the exhibit was previously known, the research team uncovered new information using old documents, including historical newspapers and reports from the Board of Regents from the
OBAMACARE From Page 1A ber of people whose first interaction with the health care system after they get on Medicare ends with them getting a foot amputation for untreated diabetes,” he said. “What’s cheaper, a podiatrist once per year, time with a nurse, and insulin, or paying Johns Hopkins a $30,000 bill minimum to get a foot amputation?” Greer said he was optimistic about the future of University of Michigan health services despite the challenges facing researchfocused medical centers.
through the University, but students can also enroll in any of the courses offered by participating CIC schools, including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Purdue University. If one of the courses is not offered through the University, students will have lecture either in a classroom with a large projector screen or on their own personal laptops, depending on the number of enrolled students. “Our students are going to benefit from this because there are going to be some years where faculty are on leave and cannot teach students, but students will still be able to have access to those courses because of the virtual curriculum,” Luong said. Loung added that creating the Islamic Studies Virtual Curriculum displays the University’s leadership — especially pertaining to education — which not only enhances the University’s Islamic Studies program, but the programs of the CIC as well. “We’re the leader in many different ways, but one of the ways we want to be a leader is figuring out how to teach students most effectively through this medium,” Luong said.
University’s early history. One exhibit panel describes the beginning of the current Rackham Barbour Scholarship for female students from Asian countries in 1914. The scholarship’s recipients must contribute to their native countries upon entering their careers. “Getting to meet someone from another country was pretty unusual in this part of America in the dead of the Midwest,” Nichols said. Another panel at the exhibit asks students what diversity at the University means to them. Students can place their own answers to that question on the panel with provided sticky notes. “Something I really like about the exhibit is that no matter what your background is or what you’re looking for you can find some content that connects with you and speaks to you,” said Rackham student Molly Malcolm, a research assistant on the project. Nichols said the there are plans to present the exhibit online when the physical location closes this month.
“Now the insurance companies have turned on the academic medical centers due mostly to cost. I think UMHS is probably going to do fine because it adopted the farseeing strategy of being the hospital of reference for the entire state,” Greer said. LSA junior Katarina Alajbegovic said she thought the lecture was informative, especially given the vast sum of information regarding the new laws. “I think it’s good to know what’s going on,” she said. “Especially because it’s so politicized — when you go on the news, you can’t be sure you’re getting an accurate description of what’s going to change.”
Opinion
4A — Thursday, February 20, 2014
Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com PETER SHAHIN EDITOR IN CHIEF
MEGAN MCDONALD and DANIEL WANG EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS
KATIE BURKE MANAGING EDITOR
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily’s editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
FROM THE DAILY
Predatory banking The ‘U’ needs to be transparent in its partnership with TCF
S
ince 2001, TCF has been known as the “Official Bank of the MCard,” allowing students to link MCards with their TCF checking accounts and use MCards as ATM and debit cards. At least 852 colleges nationwide have similar exclusive relationships with banks. A February 2014 report by the Government Accountability Office took issue with the these relationships, noting that they often benefit schools more than students. In order to protect the financial interests of students, the University should reevaluate its relationship with TCF bank. The GAO report found that about 11 percent of colleges and universities nationwide provided debit card services similar to TCF — these 852 colleges tend to be larger in size, encompassing 40 percent of college students. The study was conducted in response to a recent increase in the number of colleges establishing partnerships with banks. The trend spurred new concerns about fees and whether the universities provide students with adequate information about nonaffiliated banks. The study found fees were not higher than average (although higher than credit unions), except for a case where a fee was placed on using a PIN instead of a signature. Neutrality was the main issue of the study. Students are often encouraged to sign up with the university’s affiliated card provider, and some universities receive payment based on the number of accounts opened or transactions made. The terms of the agreement between TCF and the University are unclear, which raises another issue the study found — contracts between colleges and card providers are not made publicly visible. GAO consequently recommended that the U.S. Congress call for card providers to publish agreements with colleges. They also suggested that colleges provide unbiased information about the partnered banks to help students make the best financial decisions for themselves. The University’s connection with TCF provides students with easy and free access to ATM services. It has also made it convenient for students to manage their personal finances on campus. However, students are often misled or inadequately informed on the services they are receiving. At orientation, where many University students sign up with a school-sponsored TCF campus checking account, the details of agreements are often
L
glossed over. Students are often distracted by the excitement of registering for classes and being at a new school, and this is not a conducive space for entering in to financial agreements. Students don’t realize that they may be putting themselves at risk of falling victim to hidden fees and charges that are less than clear. The official account agreement for TCF and the account holder contains fees such as a $37 overdraft fee and a $3 fee for using non-TCF ATMs. The list of fees, provided on the TCF checking account summary, however, is not comprehensive — one section is labeled “other service fees.” This is not available on the consumer’s physical copy of what they signed. Online, one finds other fees that include a $5 statement-update fee and $35 stop-payment fee. These fees are fairly standard. However, the degree to which the University benefits from this relationship should be made public. Students often blindly sign up for these accounts, some even believing it is just part of the MCard process. The agreement between the University and TCF raises the question of what kind of responsibility the University has to its students to provide information concerning the possible issues that surround banking with TCF. Not encouraging financial literacy, especially an understanding of the specific bank backed by the University, shows a support for the predatory nature of banks that target college students. Because it markets the bank, the University has a responsibility to provide all information concerning the bank: this includes what benefits the University receives from the partnership, an overview (independent from TCF) of how the TCF accounts work and further knowledge of how students can manage their finances on campus.
Identifying GMOs
ate my sophomore year, I recall Googling “how to cook chicken,” and despite several valiant attempts, I opted for a salad that evening. A year later, I am making progress. I’ve graduated to making fish, roasting vegetables and I know how to successfully light and use a grill. As college students transition from the comfort and convenience of dining LAUREN halls and Blue Bucks, and MCCARTHY take on the challenges of off-campus housing, the sometimes unfamiliar responsibility to properly feed oneself is inevitable. At 19 years old I was still unsure of how to prepare raw meat, much less accurately define gluten or understand the significance of a “Non-GMO” label on my favorite flavor of Kettle Brand chips. As we grow conscientious of the food and nutrition we need to fuel our day-to-day operations, the GMO debate warrants consideration. GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are defined as plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or like-organisms. These are experimental combinations of genes from different species that otherwise cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Contrary to biotech industry assurance, so far none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer any consumer benefit, rather, a growing body of evidence links GMOs with health problems, environmental damage and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. In October 2013, the Associated Press documented the dramatic and tragic increase in cancer and birth defects that have occurred in commercial farming areas of Argentina following the introduction of genetically modified crops. This data subsequently confirmed recent animal studies that suggest that GM — genetically modified — corn and the herbicides sprayed on it may cause an increase in cancer in the same strain of rats used in Food and Drug Administration drug safety tests. Yet another large study showed
an increase in severe stomach inflammation for pigs fed GM crops containing insecticidal toxins, a condition that would likely lead to cancer in humans. As a result, the European Union has tightened its GM food safety testing requirements as many consumers continue to reject GM foods. Countries such as India, Peru, Bolivia, the Philippines, Mexico, Japan and South Korea have all issued moratoria on GM food crops. Scientists in Russia believe a total ban on GM products may be necessary. So why is the United States behind the curve? The FDA maintains that products from GMOs have been in the U.S. food supply for about 20 years, also noting that people have been modifying plants for thousands of years through breeding and selection; however, now genetically engineered plants are modified through modern biotechnology. The FDA defends their position that since genetic modification does not significantly alter the food, labeling is unnecessary. Studies have shown that 90 percent of Americans would like GMO labels on their food, but federal and state governments do not require labeling for all genetically modified foods and have been slow to make adaptations to relevant legislation. Just as consumers are now able to ensure that products are glutenfree and dairy-free, shouldn’t they have the same right to easily identify non-GMO foods? If the products are genuinely as safe as GMO producers claim, then identifying their products shouldn’t be any different that listing other ingredient such as sugar or flour. Research suggests that labeling will not depreciate the GMO industry, but it will provide consumers with the ability to make an informed decision about what they choose to ingest. Even if it is ultimately discovered that GMOs bear no significant harmful or longterm effects, consumers deserve the right to take genetic modification into consideration. What is the harm in erring on the side of caution? When it comes to issues of health, it is well worth it to avoid taking any risks. — Lauren McCarthy can be reached at laurmc@umich.edu.
G
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Opposing party clichés
oing to parties is one of the most overlooked struggles of gay college students. Males and females typically go out separately, and I find myself alienated from both groups. In my experience, guys travel in packs looking for girls. Social- MICHAEL ly acceptable SCHRAMM homophobia has already nudged me outside the pack, and lacking a desire to pursue women leads to further isolation. Then we have the girls. I usually go out with them, but being the only guy causes me to feel out of place. Couple this with the constant fear of intruding on girl time — or even worse, a “girls’ night,” — and I’m unsure how to handle a simple social gathering. I quickly faced these realizations my freshman year. I had never been to a party before college, so initially I believed these issues stemmed from my inexperience with social outings. However, two nights into my freshman year, it became clear that I was stuck in this state of limbo. A group of my girlfriends — and one boyfriend — are going out. As soon as we get to the party, I’m passively ditched. The group of girls goes to “dance with each other” and tell me that I should stay with the couple. I don’t want to be a third wheel, but I nod my head and say, “Sure.” But after 10 minutes alone with the couple I can tell by their body language that they want me to leave. Couples want alone time, so I partially understand. Unfortunately, this forces me into my own alone time. It’s awkward and uncomfortable. Everyone around me is socializing, yet I’m encased in a conversation-less bubble. It hurts because no one understands how much I want to belong. I’m not sure how to occupy my time. I take a lap, giving me some time to think. I run into a few of my guy friends, and we do the “bro hug.” We chat, but after a few exchanged words, we say goodbye. They’d never tell me this, but I know they’re thinking that I don’t belong with them in these social scenes. I continue circling, and through the flashing strobe lights and loud music I come across the girls who ditched me. They smile and say hello, but I know they’re only making small talk. It’s clear they want me
to leave. I have nothing else to do, so the conversation lingers until one of them whispers, “Are you having fun, Mikey?” “Yeah,” I half-heartedly lie. “I just think you would have more fun if you had a guy with you.” “Yeah, I agree,” I respond. However, inside, I disagree. I absolutely, irrevocably disagree. Being gay shouldn’t place me in the “needs-a-boyfriend-to-have-fun” subcategory. I’m a human being that wants a place in a group. College parties are such an emphasized portion of college life, so I just want to get the full experience. That’s not too much to ask for. It’s irritating that something so simple feels impossible to attain. I’m now irritated at them, so I say goodbye and keep circling. Perhaps I’m being too harsh on them. After all, I can’t read their minds, they probably don’t realize how upset I am, and I’m no one’s responsibility, though I wish they wanted to help me. Regardless, I’m feeling horrible as I circle the party. And somewhere, amid the grinding couples and alcoholic stench, I’m faced with the reality that — in an overwhelming sea of people — I am utterly alone. I have two options: solve the problem or stop trying to go out. I choose the latter this time and head home, but I know I can’t forever. Because if feeling alone at parties stings, never going burns. Assuming that parties are outrageously fun is cliché. The truth is they aren’t, but watching others acting like they are makes partying appear more outrageously fun than it is. Little is more traumatizing than seeing a group of smiling people walk past my door, heading towards an evening I can’t be a part of. After experiencing this enough times, I realized I needed to address the problem. So I changed my strategy. I found groups who enjoyed going out with me. I finally enjoyed parties, but even during the best evenings I still experienced alienating moments. Unfortunately (for me), parties are a generally heterosexual scene. If guys are looking for a hookup, it’s usually a girl, and vice versa. Even if a mix of guys and girls go out together, I’ve
noticed there are increments of time where the group splits. This places me in a situation that not even my closest friends can alleviate. Fast forward to this year. I’m at a party with a group of my close friends. They wouldn’t think of ditching me, but in our little gang, a few are talking with their significant others, some are talking to potential hookups, and the rest are greeting a friend. I’m all alone, and the feeling of isolation sinks into my stomach. I’m panicking. Everyone but me is occupied. Then, a thought hits me: Why am I letting this bother me? Whether I like it or not, this situation is my reality. I can choose to be miserable or make the best of my situation. “No one’s paying attention to me,” I think to myself. “I should just dance.” I close my eyes and lose myself in the 2-Chainz-dubstep hybrid playing. Somewhere between the shoulder shrugs and finger pointing, I find a smile on my face. I exist in this happy zone until the song ends. I look around, noting that absolutely nothing has changed. All that’s happened is I’ve allowed myself to have fun on my own. I’ve finally arrived at a significant conclusion: It’s solely my responsibility to have fun at a party. Having good friendships certainly helps; you can’t dance alone all the time, but when you are alone, you don’t have to feel unpleasant. It’s what you make of the situation, and — though I sometimes fail in making this decision — if I actively choose to have fun, I’ll have fun. I’m sure everyone experiences isolation at parties. Perhaps being gay intensifies the problem, but loneliness is a universal experience. Maybe you’re the guy who doesn’t like hooking up with girls. Maybe all your friends have found a dancing partner, leaving you solo. Maybe your friends are busy chatting with others. Regardless, it’s during these moments you have to create your own fun. It opposes party clichés, but if you’re faced with isolation, you have to make the best of it.
Perhaps being gay intensifies my isolation at parties, but loneliness is a universal problem.
— Michael Schramm can be reached at mschramm@umich.edu.
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Kaan Avdan, Barry Belmont, Nivedita Karki, Jacob Karafa, Jordyn Kay, Kellie Halushka, Aarica Marsh, Megan McDonald, Victoria Noble, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Paul Sherman, Allison Raeck, Daniel Wang, Derek Wolfe THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ISRAEL COHORT | VIEWPOINT
Time for dialogue
College campuses are the ideal place to learn from each other. We, the University of Michigan Israel Cohort, define this type of dialogue as an opportunity for individuals to come together, with equal opportunity for everyone’s voices to be heard. Dialogue rests on the basic notion that everyone acknowledges the other party’s rights and legitimacy to its own opinions. This form of dialogue makes room for multiple voices to be heard, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One must not assume that all individuals interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict only care for one side. On campus, we see how different groups are concerned with the future of the region as a whole. One such group that exemplifies this holistic concern for the region — for both the future of the Jewish people and for the Palestinian people — is J Street UMich. J Street UMich puts on its agenda the idea to lobby and educate for the rights of both the Israelis and Palestinians. There is clearly a large community that seeks to raise awareness and educate about the large number of issues that affect both Palestinians and Israelis in the region. With this kind of diverse activism prevalent on campus, it is unfair for one single group to claim to be “the voice” for either the “Israeli cause” or the “Palestinian cause.” Students Allied for Freedom and Equality’s recent article written in support of Boycott Divestment Sanctions directly negates our efforts for such dialogue. BDS — the movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions of all Israeli products — is detrimental to the objective of exchanging
ideas in an environment where we can put forth our concerns and to listen to others in order to achieve a better future. The boycott itself perpetuates the conflict by ignoring both sides of the equation. It must be established that the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians is not a zero-sum game. By advocating for BDS, SAFE simplifies the situation into one that is black and white, claiming to be the only possible way, which directly contradicts Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas’s recent claims that the BDS movement is more harmful than helpful for the Palestinian people. Abbas recently stated: “We do not ask anyone to boycott Israel itself. We have relations with Israel. We have mutual recognition of Israel.” With the president officially recognizing that BDS is an inefficient means of achieving peace, he insists that Israel must be part of the solution. We encourage groups on campus to do the same, and it is for this reason that we see dialogue as imperative to finding a way to involve all the individuals affected. This is precisely why we join Abbas in condemning SAFE’s argument that “opening a platform for discussion on the boycott … would normalize these people’s marginalization in society.” Plain and clear, the rejection of dialogue and the lack of willingness to bring people together to exchange ideas and implement change — is precisely what allows conflict to continue, both on our campus and in the Middle East. SAFE claims that dialogue would not do anything for the Palestinian people, but we believe — with proof embedded in recent history — that the opposite is true. In fact, the 1993 Oslo Accords
attest to the strength of dialogue; direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinian Liberation Organization resulted in the acknowledgment of both sides’ rights to exist in peace and security. Dialogue has worked in the past, and continues to be the integral aspect in conflict resolution. Our desire to have a dialogue and to work towards a two-state solution — the only solution that takes into concern the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians — is sincere. A two-state solution will provide nation states for both the Jewish people and the Palestinian people. The international community, Israel and the Palestinian Authority are working feverishly to move forward with these issues and are on the brink of a breakthrough. BDS directly threatens these efforts, just as the president of the PA affirmed. Why impede the road to peace? We would like to invite you to take part in these efforts by joining us and I-LEAD at our upcoming event with “OneVoice”, a grassroots organization that brings together Israelis and Palestinians to discuss the burning issues at hand. Please join students, Israelis and Palestinians, who are committed to bettering the lives of both people, at Hillel on Feb. 25 at 6 p.m., 1429 Hill St. We are ready to work towards a sustainable future for both people. Will you be a part of this change? Sincerely, The University Israel Cohort
of
Michigan
This article was written by members of the University of Michigan Israel Cohort.
News
6A — Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
UK court backs detention of journalist’s partner Accused man possessed files stolen by Snowden LONDON (AP) — Britain’s High Court on Wednesday endorsed the decision by police to hold journalist Glenn Greenwald’s partner at a London airport on terrorism grounds last summer. The ruling sent chills through free expression advocates and media groups. The panel of three judges said London’s Metropolitan Police officers acted properly when they invoked Britain’s Terrorism Act to stop David Miranda at Heathrow Airport on Aug. 18, seizing encrypted devices and questioning him for nearly nine hours. Writing on the panel’s behalf, Lord Justice John Laws said that the devices contained a large number of files stolen by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, including nearly 60,000 “highly classified UK intelligence documents.” The detention “was a propor-
tionate measure in the circumstances,” Laws said. He said the objective — finding out whether there was anything in the files which might be a boon to terrorists — “was not only legitimate, but very pressing.” Both sides acknowledge that Miranda was carrying intelligence documents at the time when he was detained on his way from Germany back to Brazil. But defenders of the 28-year-old student argue that the documents amounted to raw material for Greenwald’s reporting on the National Security Agency, which has rattled the intelligence establishment and sparked a broad-based movement to rein in or at least reform the agency’s domestic surveillance programs. The government, they say, wasn’t trying to determine whether there was anything in Miranda’s files which could somehow help terrorists. Rather, it arbitrarily tarred him as a terror suspect in order to seize his files and intimidate his colleagues. The use of terror legislation in this case has drawn widespread
criticism. Rosie Brighouse, a legal officer with London-based Liberty, said the law had been used in a “blatantly abusive way,” while Paris-based Reporters Without Borders demoted the U.K. three ranks in its World Press Freedom Index following the incident. Others accused the government of trying to put investigative reporters in the same bag as nihilistic killers. “It is only in the U.K. where our journalism is considered not just criminal but ‘terrorism,’” Greenwald said Wednesday in a statement carried by The Intercept, his new media venture. Some legal commentators said that was taking things too far. “It’s pushing the judgment to say that it equates journalism to terrorism,” said Carl Gardner, a former government lawyer and legal blogger. David Lowe, a former counterterrorism officer who teaches law at Liverpool John Moores University, said the quantity and the sensitivity of Miranda’s material made him an exception.
Ex-soldier who killed Iraqi family hangs himself in prison Three other former soldiers are serving sentences in military prison LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A medical examiner said Wednesday that a former soldier hanged himself at a federal prison where he was serving life sentences for raping and killing a teenage Iraqi girl and using a shotgun to slay her family. Pima County, Ariz., Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Eric Peters said an autopsy completed Tuesday concluded that 28-year-old Steven Dale Green’s cause of death was suicide by hanging. Prison officials found him in his cell Saturday at the federal penitentiary in Tucson.
Green, of Midland, Texas, was a private in the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee state line when he deployed to Iraq. Green and three other soldiers went to the home of an Iraqi family in Mahmoudiya, near a traffic checkpoint in March 2006. At the home, Green shot and killed three members of the al-Janabi family before becoming the third soldier to rape 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi before killing her. He was convicted and sentenced in 2009. Three other soldiers — Jesse Spielman, Paul Cortez and James Barker — are serving lengthy sentences in the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., for their roles in the attack. Each is eligible for parole in 2015. Green was the first American
soldier charged and convicted under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. Signed in 2000, that law gives the federal government jurisdiction to pursue criminal cases against U.S. citizens and soldiers for acts committed in foreign lands. Green was discharged from the military in May 2006 after being found to have a personality disorder. In multiple interviews from prison with The Associated Press, Green frequently expressed regret at taking part in the attack and frustration that he was tried and convicted in the civilian system, which does not afford inmates parole, while the others involved went through the military justice system and have a chance to be released from prison.
Classifieds RELEASE DATE– Thursday, February 20, 2014
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle
DOWN 1 X-Ray __: U.K. punk band 2 Take __: doze 3 Golda __ 4 “It’s the __ story”
5 __ of drawers 6 __ Shankar 7 __ Cakesters 8 __ circle 9 __ motel 10 “A Room of __ Own” 11 “Take __ a compliment” 12 CD-__ 13 “I’m in __”: “Wow!” 20 Soap __ 21 __ and potato soup 24 Van __ 25 Carry-__: luggage 26 Victoria __ 27 Olive __ 28 __-level 29 Peau de __: satin-weave cloth 30 __ 22-Across: solve 31 Set __ 32 __ torch
36 Day __ 37 “__ to Joy” 39 Suit __ 40 __ Series: auto races 41 __-à-porter: ready-to-wear 42 __ Joe 44 Caveat __ 45 Civil __: protest
48 __ Canal 49 __ for life 50 Rib __ 51 “__ to that!” 52 “Lord knows __!” 53 __ Abby 54 __ birth to 55 “... __ I saw Elba” 56 __ and flow
Ukraine leader names new army chief after protests Riots reflect division between nation’s various constituencies KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s protest leaders and the president they aim to oust called a truce Wednesday, just hours after the military raised fears of a widespread crackdown with a vow to defeat “terrorists” responsible for seizing weapons and burning down buildings. The two sides agreed to negotiate in an effort to end the violence that left at least 26 people dead and more than 400 injured on Tuesday. Protesters say the casualty toll is substantially higher. The intense clashes between police and protesters led President Viktor Yanukovych to declare that the military would take part in a “national antiterrorist operation.” The parameters weren’t specified, but the military’s involvement and Yanukovych’s appointment of a new military chief of staff fueled new worries. As protective fires blazed around the tent camp in Kiev for a second night and protesters defending it showed no signs of yielding, Yanukovych met with top opposition leaders. A state-
Call: #734-418-4115 Email: dailydisplay@gmail.com
TICKETS & TRAVEL
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis
ACROSS 1 __ Club 5 Eat __ 9 Film __ 13 Sleep __ 14 Mata __ 15 “I’m __ you!” 16 “__ to please!” 17 __-steven 18 SWAT __ 19 Blank 22 __ of bounds 23 Electric __ 24 Blank 31 “It __ to reason” 33 “You’re taking a big __” 34 __-TURN 35 Good for what __ you 36 Costa del __ 37 __ Elevator Company 38 “I Like __” 39 __ the scales 41 San Diego __ 43 Blank 46 Hopping __ 47 Jacqueline Kennedy __ Bouvier 48 Blank 56 Quod __ demonstrandum 57 __ to one’s senses 58 Shed __ 59 __-Honey 60 “Rock of __” 61 From beyond the __ 62 __ nuts 63 “__-a-Cop”: 1988 film 64 “Jane __”
EFREM LUKATSKY/AP
An anti-government protester, center, throw a Molotov cocktail during clashes with riot police in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday.
SPRING BREAK‑SPI, TX. Sleep 6 ppl. Next to water park. Ph/txt 24/7: 866‑943‑6362 ext. 3. condorental@bor‑ der‑tech.com for rental.
*AVAILABLE FALL 2014* Large 3 bdrm. house. On Campus. 945 Woodlawn. Contact Mike at 734‑276‑3876. 4 BDRM HSE South Central Campus 1037 Packard ‑ $2500/m + utils. 2 bath, 3 parking. Wsher/dryer. Avail. Fall 2014. Contact 734‑996‑1991. 4 BDRM HSE, Fuller by North Cam‑ pus, 1010 Cedar Bend Dr. $2400/m + utils. 2 bath, 3 parking. Wsher/dryer. Avail. Fall 2014 contact 734‑996‑1991. ARBOR PROPERTIES Award‑Winning Rentals in Kerrytown, Central Campus, Old West Side, Burns Park. Now Renting for 2014. 734‑994‑3157. www.arborprops.com
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE:
EFF. 1 & 2 Bdrm apts. for Fall 2014. $655‑$1395, showings avail. M‑F 10am‑3:30pm w/ 24 hr notice. Cappo/Deinco cappomanagement.com. Contact 734‑996‑1991 M‑F 9am‑4pm PMSI IS LEASING for 2014‑2015. Eff. 1, 2, and 3 bdrm apts avail. in Cen‑ tral Campus and downtown area. Con‑ tact 734‑665‑5552. pmsiproperties.com
xwordeditor@aol.com
THE 2ND FLOOR NEW Luxury Apartments, Right on S. U. / Central Campus. Apartments come with the BEST Service, Amenities and All at REASONABLE RATES www.The2ndFloorSU.com
02/20/14
FOR RENT $1485 FOR A FULL 2 bedroom at For‑ est Glen Apts. Price includes FREE HEAT, 1 parking spot and furniture. $1485 for the whole apartment!!! Call us to tour your new home today. 734‑761‑2680.
By Paul Hunsberger (c)2014 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
02/20/14
$400 OFF First 10 rentals on Selected Units At University Towers Rent a FULL 2 bedroom w/ FREE HEAT as low as $1680.00. Great location, Great Service and Great RATES!! www.universitytowers‑mi.com 734‑761‑2680
! NORTH CAMPUS 1‑2 Bdrm. ! ! Riverfront/Heat/Water/Parking. ! ! www.HRPAA.com 996‑4992 !
HELP WANTED **STUDENT PAINTERS NEED‑ ED** May‑Aug. 2014. Dexter, MI. Looking for hardworking and moti‑ vated individuals. Will receive EPA Certification and more. For more info contact paulamod@umich.edu WORK ON MACKINAC Island This Summer ‑ Make lifelong friends. The Island House Hotel and Ryba’s Fudge Shops are looking for help in all areas: Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff, Sales Clerks, Kitchen, Baristas. Hous‑ ing, bonus, & discounted meals. (906)‑ 847‑7196. www.theislandhouse.com
ment on his website said they had agreed on a truce and negotiations. Vitali Klitschko, a leader of the protests that have sought to keep Ukraine open to Europe and out of a close alliance with Russia, said Yanukovych assured them that police would not storm the protesters’ encampment on Kiev’s Independence Square, according to the Interfax news agency. The brief statement on the president’s website did not give details of what terms a truce would entail or how it would be implemented. Nor did it specify how the negotiations would be conducted or give an indication of how they would be different from previous meetings of the president and the opposition leaders. Perhaps crucially, there was no immediate indication of whether radical elements among the protesters would observe the truce or be mollified by the prospect of negotiations. Although the initial weeks of protests were determinedly peaceful, radicals helped drive an outburst of clashes with police in January in which at least three people died. And the day of violence on Tuesday — the worst in nearly three months of antigovernment protests that have paralyzed Kiev — may have radicalized many more. The two sides are locked in a battle over the identity of this nation of 46 million, whose loyalties are divided between Russia and the West. The protests began in late November after Yanukovych turned away from a longanticipated deal for closer ties with the European Union. After Yanukovych shelved the agreement with the EU, Russia announced a $15 billion bailout for Ukraine, whose economy is in tatters. Political and diplomatic maneuvering has continued, with both Moscow and the West eager to gain influence over this former Soviet republic. Three EU foreign ministers — from Germany, France and Poland — were heading to Kiev on Thursday to speak with both sides before an emergency EU meeting in Brussels to consider sanctions against those responsible for the recent violence in Ukraine. President Barack Obama also stepped in to condemn the violence, warning Wednesday “there will be consequences” for Ukraine if it continues. The U.S. has raised the prospect of joining with the EU to impose sanctions against Ukraine. On a visit to Mexico, Obama said the Ukrainian military should not step into a situation that civilians should resolve and added that the U.S. holds Ukraine’s government primarily responsible for dealing with peaceful protesters appropriately. Russia’s Foreign Ministry, in turn, described the violence as an attempted coup and even used the phrase “brown revolution,” an allusion to the Nazi rise to power in Germany in 1933. The ministry said Russia would use “all our influence to restore peace and calm.” In Kiev, Ukraine’s top security agency accused protesters Wednesday of seizing hundreds of firearms from its offices and announced a nationwide anti-terrorist operation to restore order. Demonstrators, meanwhile,
forced their way into the main post office on Kiev’s Independence Square, also known as the Maidan, after a nearby building they had previously occupied was burned down in fierce, fiery clashes late Tuesday with riot police. Thousands of activists armed with fire bombs and rocks had defended the square, a key symbol of the protests. “The revolution has turned into a war with the authorities,” Vasyl Oleksenko, a retired geologist from central Ukraine, said Wednesday. “We must fight this bloody, criminal leadership. We must fight for our country, our Ukraine!” Before the truce was announced the bad blood was running so high it has fueled fears the nation could be sliding toward a messy breakup. While most people in the country’s western regions resent Yanukovych, he enjoys strong support in the mostly Russian-speaking eastern and southern regions, where many want strong ties with Russia. Neither side had appeared willing to compromise, with the opposition insisting on Yanukovych’s resignation and an early election and the president apparently prepared to fight until the end. Opposition lawmaker Oleh Lyashko warned that Yanukovych himself was in danger. “Yanukovych, you will end like (Moammar) Gadhafi,” Lyashko told thousands of angry protesters. “Either you, a parasite, will stop killing people or this fate will await you. Remember this, dictator!” Before the truce announcement, Yanukovych had blamed the protesters for the violence and said the opposition leaders had “crossed a line when they called people to arms.” “I again call on the leaders of the opposition ... to draw a boundary between themselves and radical forces, which are provoking bloodshed and clashes with the security services,” the president said in a statement. “If they don’t want to leave — they should acknowledge that they are supporting radicals.” He called for a day of mourning Thursday for the dead. In Moscow, the Kremlin said it put the next disbursement of its bailout on hold amid uncertainty over Ukraine’s future and what it described as a “coup attempt.” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told reporters that he and his counterparts from Germany and Poland would meet both sides in Ukraine ahead of the EU meeting on possible sanctions. He said he hoped the two sides “will find a way for dialogue.” Possible sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes, which could hit hard the powerful oligarchs who back Yanukovych. Ordinary Ukrainians, meanwhile, are struggling amid a stagnating economy and soaring corruption. They have been especially angered to see that Yanukovych’s close friends and family have risen to top government posts and amassed fortunes since he came to power in 2010. Yanukovych’s dentist son, Oleksander, has become a financial and construction magnate worth $187 million, according to Forbes Ukraine.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Sports
Thursday, February 20, 2014 — 7A
Lohan provides depth on ‘D’ Freshman cleared by doctors, will play this Friday vs. Nittany Lions By GREG GARNO Daily Sports Editor
The Michigan hockey team’s defense hasn’t found any consistency as of late. It allowed three goals in a weekend against Wisconsin nearly a month ago but surrendered seven to Penn State two weeks ago and nine to Minnesota last weekend. But with the announcement that freshman Kevin Lohan has been cleared by doctors to return, the 10th-ranked Wolverines finally have some depth at a position that has been shaky at times this season. Michigan will be without freshman defenseman Michael Downing and junior forward turned defenseman Andrew Sinelli on Friday against the Nittany Lions due to suspensions, but on Saturday, the team will be healthy for the
first time since Nov. 2. “We’ll piece together the weekend,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson. “But I like some of our options now. I just think we’re going to be deeper on defense. “That’s our goal, is trying to get our team going the way we think they are capable of. The players can’t wait to just get going.” With that in mind, it’s time to consider how the Wolverines will pair together on defense before they make a run at a bye in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament and look to solidify a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Senior Mac Bennett and Downing: Few pairs have played as well together as Bennett and Downing. Arguably two of the strongest defensemen on the team, they have a combined plus/minus rating of plus-12. Bennett brings a superior skating ability that pairs well with the physical, enforcing style that Downing supplies. “I don’t think it’s a question of whether we have guys that
can play defense, but who?” Bennett said. “With Lohan back in the lineup, it adds a little bit more competition for the defensive pairings, so we have to make sure everyone is giving it their all.” When Downing returns Saturday, expect Berenson to continue to pair the two together. With the chemistry that they’ve developed, any other combination would be unwise. Lohan with freshman Nolan De Jong: Lohan may struggle to reach peak physical form, but the defensive presence he brings should balance out well with the offensive presence of De Jong. “I think he just needs to get into some good contact,” Berenson said of Lohan. “We’ve done enough drills and he just needs to play against somebody else, other than our players. But I like his stick and his defensive awareness — he’ll be good defensively.” At 6-foot-5, Lohan excelled at clearing out the crease in his month of playing time. Meanwhile, De Jong is the only
PAUL SHERMAN/Daily
Freshman defenseman Kevin Lohan will play this weekend after missing much of the season with a torn lateral meniscus.
defenseman other than Bennett to fire more than 30 shots this season. Though Lohan paired with senior Kevin Clare earlier in the year and will do so again Friday, according to Berenson, the possibility of a more balanced pair should work well over the long run. But that’s entirely contingent on whether Lohan can stay in the lineup. Clare and either Sinelli or junior Brennan Serville: Berenson now has the luxury of having more defensemen than he needs to play, which leaves him the option to either rotate them every other game, or find a pair that clicks. “We’ll see how we’re doing and which defenseman we want to give a rest or sit out,” he said. “We may end up with a rotation, but we’ll see.” Clare and Sinelli have played together in nearly every game since Lohan’s injury, and the duo might be best served by spending more time with one another. That pair presents another offense/defense dimension that could give life to an offense that also needs help. Sinelli’s first goal of the season Saturday at Minnesota highlights the converted forward’s ability to attack. His exceptional skating ability compensates for Clare, who lacks the speed and turning ability of his counterpart. But Clare makes up for his skating ability with a knack for blocking shots. This season, he’s blocked a team-high 54 — nine more than Bennett, the Wolverines’ next-best shot-blocker. Sinelli isn’t a defenseman by trade, though, so replacing him with a more experienced Serville might also be beneficial. Serville hasn’t had a standout season, but he has been quietly effective at times. The trio could be effectively rotated based on the opponent — a more physical pairing could be used against high-scoring teams. But this weekend’s games will go a long way in helping Berenson find the most feasible options.
WINTER OLYMPICS
How Swede it is: Hagelin tallies twice By DAVID MALINOWSKI For the Daily
The Daily keeps tabs on former Michigan athletes representing their nations in Sochi, Russia, in the men’s hockey tournament. *** Virtually everything that could possibly happen in hockey has happened in the 2014 Winter Olympics. Between the upsets and surprise performances from normally underperforming nations, the Olympics have had no shortage of stories. After the conclusion of the quarterfinal round Wednesday, two former
Michigan hockey players will have a chance to compete for gold, while one has been sent home to ponder what went wrong. Former Michigan forward Carl Hagelin picked the right time to heat up, as he netted two goals for Sweden in a 5-0 victory over Slovenia. Hagelin came to the bench after a hit to the head from Slovenia’s Sabahudin Kovacevic midway through the game, but he was able to play through a bloody lip to pace his team in the blowout win. Swedish goaltender Henrik Lundqvist recorded 19 saves and earned his second shutout of the tournament. The clean sheet was the fourth of his career, setting a new Olympic record.
The New York Rangers’ star had to stay focused early in the contest thanks to a strong push from the surprisingly proficient Slovenian team. Alexander Steen scored the game-winning goal with 1:10 left in the first period, and tallies from Loui Eriksson and Daniel Sedin added insurance in a fourgoal third period. *** Former Michigan forward Max Pacioretty and Team USA rolled over Ondrej Pavelec and the Czech Republic with a 5-2 win at Shayba Ice Arena. Pacioretty played 11:14 over 17 shifts, recording one shot
FILE PHOTO/Daily
Former Michigan forward Carl Hagelin scored twice to help Sweden advance in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
on goal as he continued his mediocre showing on the international stage. Former Michigan forward Brian Lebler and Austria didn’t fare as well as his fellow Wolverines, as they were handed a 4-0 loss by Slovenia in the qualifying round. Lebler, who plays professionally in Austria, recorded four shots on goal and 14 minutes of ice time in the defeat. Sweden will battle Finland on Friday for the opportunity to play for a gold medal. Yesterday, the Finns were responsible for ousting Russia, stunning the host nation with a 3-1 loss. The United States, on the other hand, will have its longawaited rematch with Canada in the semifinals. Canada, which topped the Americans in the gold-medal match of the 2010 Winter Olympics, has had trouble scoring goals, and recently lost a vital cog in John Tavares to a knee injury. Tavares, the captain and leading scorer of the New York Islanders, will miss the remainder of the Olympics and possibly part of the NHL season after twisting his leg on the boards against Latvia in the second period. While Canada’s strong talent on paper hasn’t amounted to much scoring, the United States has claimed the tournament’s leading scorer in Phil Kessel. The standout Toronto Maple Leaf netted his fifth goal of the tournament against the Czechs yesterday, the most by an American Olympian since John Leclair in 2002. Although Hagelin and Pacioretty both face significant obstacles with their teams in the semifinals, the opportunity for Sweden and the United States playing for the gold medal remains a very real possibility.
ADAM GLANZMAN/Daily
Junior guard Shannon Smith scored 23 points to lead Michigan over Indiana.
Home on the road: ‘M’ bests Hoosiers Wolverines move to 9-1 on the road By LEV FACHER Daily Sports Writer
In what was supposed to be a battle between two of the Big Ten’s best freshmen, junior guard Shannon 58 INDIANA Smith MICHIGAN 70 stole the spotlight. Smith scored 23 points in Michigan’s 70-58 win over Indiana in Bloomington on Wednesday night, her highest total ever in a Big Ten game. Meanwhile, the Wolverines’ Siera Thompson and the Hoosiers’ Larryn Brooks tallied 14 and nine points, respectively. Both guards fell well short of Smith’s best scoring performance since she put up 23 against Notre Dame on Dec. 14. “(Shot selection) is the biggest thing with Shannon,” said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico, stating that Smith is at her best when she doesn’t view herself as a 3-point shooter. “Her strength is off the bounce and in the open court.” Michigan and Indiana’s first and only regular-season meeting of the season almost didn’t take place after a metal beam fell from the Assembly Hall rafters and into a row of seats Tuesday afternoon, prompting the cancellation of the Indiana men’s basketball game against Iowa on Tuesday night. As a result, the retractable bleachers at both ends of Assembly Hall were folded back during the game, using the floor space behind one baseline to store heavy construction equipment. The precautions, however, didn’t stop a few Indiana fans from poking fun at the situation and showing up to the game in bicycle helmets. The layout change provided a different shooting background from what either team was accustomed to, and to add insult to injury, the Wolverines (8-6 Big Ten, 17-10 overall) didn’t have the
opportunity to practice in the building earlier in the day. But the rapid adjustment didn’t have much of an effect on Michigan. “We didn’t think about that,” Smith said. “There was a basketball court, and we stayed on it.” A 21-8, post-timeout run midway through the first half gave Indiana (4-9, 17-9) a 32-24 lead with less than a minute to go before halftime, but a buzzer-beating putback from senior forward Val Driscoll cut the lead to six. “We did not come out of the gate sharp,” Barnes Arico said. “But once we settled down, we became a lot more effective in the halfcourt.” The Wolverines regained the lead slightly more than three minutes into the second half after capitalizing on backto-back Hoosier turnovers, resulting in buckets from Smith and junior forward Cyesha Goree. Thompson put the nail in the coffin with 3:15 remaining in the game, converting on a 3-pointer after junior forward Nicole Elmblad missed a layup, got her own rebound and found the freshman open from beyond the arc. Michigan extended the lead to double digits with just over 11 minutes to go in the game, and it didn’t look back. A key factor in the run was limiting Indiana’s long-range shooting, and the Wolverines came just 15 seconds away from disallowing the Hoosiers to make a 3-pointer in the second half. “That was definitely the game plan all night long,” Barnes Arico said. Indiana guard Alexis Gassion’s 3-pointer with 15 seconds left was Indiana’s first of the second half, but it came far too late to make any significant difference. The win keeps Michigan in contention to finish with one of the top four spots in the Big Ten standings. That would give the Wolverines a bye in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Sports
8A — Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Stats mask frontcourt’s defensive struggles By NEAL ROTHSCHILD Daily Sports Editor
While the Michigan men’s basketball team has had mixed results defending opposing big men this year, the Wolverines hadn’t been exposed this season quite like they were by Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky on Sunday. Kaminsky scored 25 points on 16 shots along with 11 rebounds in the 75-62 Badgers win. Michigan was criticized for not double-teaming the 6-foot11 forward, but the truth of the matter was that putting an extra man on Kaminsky meant leaving another man open. With Wisconsin’s deadly arsenal of 3-point shooters, that would be just as risky. “He just dominated,” said Michigan coach John Beilein. Kaminsky’s shooting prowess also forced Beilein to distribute minutes unequally among his forwards — he played fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan for 29 minutes, while redshirt junior Jon Horford received just nine. Horford, while taller, lacks lateral quickness and the ability to defend on the perimeter, putting the onus on Morgan to stop the Wisconsin big man for most of the afternoon. “They’re going to keep moving
BY THE NUMBERS Jordan Morgan
4.9
Points per game, coming on 68-percent shooting.
4.2
Rebounds per game.
17:12
Average minutes per game, splitting time with Horford.
PAUL SHERMAN/Daily
Junior forward Jon Horford (left) and fifth-year senior Jordan Morgan (right) have matched Mitch McGary’s numbers, but statistics don’t tell the whole story.
and trying their best,” Beilein said. “But (Kaminsky) made some great moves and finished around the hoop.” Since sophomore forward Mitch McGary exited the picture in late December to have back surgery, Morgan and Horford have been widely praised for replicating the star’s production. In fact, one coach went so far as to say that Michigan is better off the way things are now. “Once McGary was out and they knew he was out, and they could only worry about who they are, not who they could be, I think that helped them,” said Nebraska coach Tim Miles after the Wolverines’ 79-50 win on Feb. 5. “Now that the roles are identified more clearly, they’ve just taken off.” However, the notion that
the Wolverines’ frontcourt production has sufficiently replaced that of their preseason All-American is merely a product of psychological gymnastics. While Morgan and Horford’s combined 12 points and 10 rebounds per game in Big Ten play align closely with McGary’s career averages, those statistics fail to consider the allocation of playing time. McGary has averaged 20.6 minutes over his career, while the aggregate “Morford” numbers since the new year have been over the course of 38.1
minutes per game. That McGary’s numbers over half a game are comparable to Horford and Morgan’s over 38 minutes speaks more to the difficulty of handling McGary’s absence than it does praise the production of his replacements. Making sense of how Michigan has done defensively in McGary’s absence is more difficult. The jury’s still out on how well the Wolverines can defend opposing centers. While no opposing big men had scored more than 16 points against
“Once McGary was out ... I think that helped them.”
Michigan in Big Ten play until Kaminksy’s Bill Walton-esque show Sunday, it’s not as if they’ve had much trouble scoring against the Wolverines. Middling centers like Stanford’s Stefan Nastic, Minnesota’s Elliott Eliason, Northwestern’s Alex Olah, Iowa’s Adam Woodbury and Ohio State’s Amir Williams have gone 5-for-6, 5-for-6, 4-for-5, 3-for-3 and 3-for4, respectively, against Michigan. Most of the responsibility for those performances falls on Morgan and Horford, but opposing teams also like to set screens to force switches so that the center can attack sophomore forward Glenn Robinson III, giving them a more advantageous mismatch. Michigan defended the league’s more capable centers acceptably, but nothing more.
Kaminsky scored 14 points on 50-percent shooting in the teams’ first matchup, Purdue’s AJ Hammons netted 16 on 50-percent shooting in late January and Noah Vonleh of Indiana tallied 10 points on 56-percent shooting along with 12 rebounds a few weeks ago. But the Wolverines haven’t yet had to face perhaps the best big man in the league. That’s Adreian Payne of Michigan State, who was out with an injury for the Spartans’ 80-75 loss to Michigan on Jan. 22. The forward averages 16 points and eight rebounds, and he figures to give Morgan and Horford all they can handle on Sunday. Michigan can try to neutralize him with a double team, a luxury it couldn’t afford against Wisconsin — Michigan State simply doesn’t have the same caliber of 3-point shooting. The Wolverines will also hope the Spartans don’t get Branden Dawson — who reportedly broke his hand after slamming his fist against a table during a film session — back for Sunday’s showdown. If healthy, his 10 points and nine rebounds per game at power forward will make the Michigan frontcourt’s toughest task of the season even tougher.
BY THE NUMBERS Jon Horford
4.9
Points per game, coming on 60-percent shooting.
4.6
Rebounds per game.
14:48
Average minutes per game, splitting time with Morgan.
SOFTBALL
Patient Romero paces offense, best under the most pressure Sophomore star batting .536 with two grand slams By JAKE LOURIM Daily Sports Writer
PATRICK BARRON/Daily
Freshman attackman Ian King scored two goals as the Wolverines earned a win over in-state rival Detroit Wednesday.
Lacrosse makes history Set program record with two wins By MINH DOAN Daily Sports Writer
With the hostile away crowd at the Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac, Mich. cheering against him, sophomore faceoff man Brad Lott won his faceoff with two swipes of the stick. Michigan coach John Paul immediately called a timeout so he could set up a play. “We wanted to move the defense around and get a quick shot off,” recalled freshman attackman Ian King. After the timeout ended, the strategy Paul dialed up worked. King found an open look, but he fired wide. Standing behind the net, sophomore midfielder Mike Hernandez retrieved the ball on the reset and improvised as he found a streaking sophomore midfielder Kyle Jackson, who cocked back his stick and ripped a shot. It threaded the needle between two opposing defenders and past the sprawling hand of the goaltender, into the net. The tally ended the game as the Michigan men’s lacrosse team was victorious over in-state rival Detroit, 14-13, in an overtime thriller Wednesday night.
“All week, our coaches talked about how it was such a big rivalry,” King said. “They expected big things out of us and we delivered.” The win marked a momentous occasion in program history, as it gave the Wolverines more than one win in a season for the first time ever. “It’s a very important step for us,” Paul said. “Everything we do is a process and beating Detroit for the first time, getting our second win, going on a win streak and winning a close game are all important steps for us.” But the win didn’t come easy. After leading 8-6 at halftime, the Wolverines came out of the gate flat in the second half, and it showed. The Titans went on to score five of the next six goals to end the quarter with an 11-9 lead. “It got pretty loud when they made their comeback,” Paul said. “It’s a very loud place to play and it created some communication problems for us.” In years past, Michigan might have wilted and lost the game, but in a season in which it’s trying to prove itself as a Division I contender, the Wolverines showed their resilience by clawing back. Behind two goals each from Jackson and King, the Wolverines went up 13-11 with a little over
four minutes left to play. But attacker Alex Maini and midfielder Mike Birney proved why they’re Detroit’s two leading scorers last year and tied the game. Birney scored with just 33 seconds remaining to send the match to overtime. But Jackson’s heroics gave Michigan the landmark win. While scoring runs finished the game, a big Michigan scoring run also started the game. Of the first nine goals, the Wolverines put away seven to open up a commanding 7-2 lead before Detroit countered with scoring runs of their own. “We just came out fired up to play,” King said. “Obviously, it’s a rivalry and we came out ready to play.” Overall, eight different Wolverines had points, and six tallied goals. King led the scoring with four goals but was quick to give credit to his teammates for setting him up. “It’s a team effort, and I just put the ball in the back of the net,” King said. “Don’t forget about the five other players setting me up.” Before the season, the Wolverines set their sights on the East Coast Athletic Conference championship. With two wins this early in the season, they are well on their way to achieving that goal.
When sophomore shortstop Sierra Romero came to the plate for the first time Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette, her team trailed 1-0. When her team needs her, she usually delivers. Last year, on softball’s biggest stage, she hit a two-run blast for the only runs of the game in Michigan’s lone win of the Women’s College World Series. Last Friday, Romero came up to bat with senior right fielder Nicole Sappingfield on first base, hoping to erase the deficit. But she never got the chance. LouisianaLafayette gave her nothing to hit, and she walked on four pitches. In the third inning, LouisianaLafayette walked Romero again. In the fifth, with the leadoff runner on, the Ragin’ Cajuns gave her another free pass. In those three innings, Michigan scored only once, and it ended up losing, 8-6. When Romero got a chance to hit in the last two innings, she singled, then doubled, and the Wolverines scored five runs and nearly strung together a comeback. “Last weekend, I got walked, but just because I was getting
walked a lot doesn’t mean that I wasn’t going up there looking to hit,” Romero said Wednesday. “Anything I get that I think I can handle, I will take full advantage of it.” The next day, LouisianaLafayette came back with a new strategy: don’t intentionally walk Romero. That didn’t work nearly as well. The Wolverines went on to win in five innings by mercy rule, 15-1. Romero singled and scored in the first inning, giving Michigan an early 2-0 lead. The next frame, she came up with the bases loaded and hammered her second grand slam of the season to break the game open. “She does a good job of letting people pitch around her,” Hutchins said. “She doesn’t go after too many bad pitches. She understands her part is to get on base.” LouisianaLafayette hasn’t been the only casualty of Romero’s slugging. Sunday against Boston College, Michigan had no hits through five innings and trailed 4-0 after five and 4-2 after six. In the top of the seventh, the Wolverines still trailed 4-3 when Romero stepped in. Down to Michigan’s last strike, Romero came through, lacing a go-ahead tworun single into the outfield. Through nine games, the sophomore is hitting a torrid .536 with three home runs and 17 RBI, more than one per at-bat. She also has nine walks and a .649 on-base percentage. “Coming into this year,
“If they’re willing to give us a free base, we need to take it.”
coaches have had a chance to scout me and go through weaknesses or how to pitch to me,” Romero said. “Going into last year, I was new, so they didn’t know. This year, I have to be patient.” When Romero digs in, she is careful to be patient and not lunge for the first pitch — even if it’s a strike. That plate discipline is what puts her on base, even if the opponents won’t throw her anything over the plate. “I’m definitely a lot more picky,” Romero said. “I need to wait for my pitch and be very selective. Even though I might only see one strike, I need to make sure it’s a strike I know I can do something with. If it’s something I’m not going to be able to hit to the best of my ability, I need to be patient enough to let that go.” Romero also gets help from good protection in the lineup. Senior first baseman Caitlin Blanchard and sophomore outfielder Sierra Lawrence, who are both hitting .333, immediately follow her. Lawrence hit first-inning grand slams against Memphis and Central Arkansas last weekend. Both slams scored Romero after the shortstop walked. “If they’re willing to give us a free base, we need to take it,” Hutchins said. “If they pitch around her and she falls for it, swings at it and gets herself out, that workws for them. She does a nice job of making sure people pitch to her, and when they don’t pitch to her, she knows we’ll make them pay.” The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year has a strong supporting cast behind her. But she’ll be the one who continues to pace the offense — at least when she gets the chance.
WE LIKE SPORTS. WE DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS.
the b-side B
The Michigan Daily | michigandaily.com | Thursday, February 20, 2014
MOTIVATION :
NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily
Mike Moeller formed the Motivation streetwear brand after graduating from the Ross School of Business and forming a successful online business selling rap mixtapes.
Ann Arbor’s streetwear giant by John Lynch, Managing Arts Editor
For most people, the words “local boutique” likely conjure an image of an ambitious, somewhat characteristically feminine, entrepreneurial effort — smaller, local, independent fashion shops for women or high-end stores for both sexes. One might, then, be surprised to learn that the store Motivation on South University, with its ominous window mannequins, sleek modern interior and masculine sensibility, is also technically a boutique — an independent fashion company founded and based solely in Ann Arbor. Motivation is owned and operated by University alum Mike Moeller and was opened in 2007 after Moeller graduated from the Ross School of Business. Originally from Pittsburgh, Moeller came to Ann Arbor for undergrad as well, and he met his fiancée, Indra Lachhman, with whom he owns and operates the store,
while working as a card swiper at Stockwell Hall. Over the summer between undergrad and grad school in 2003, Moeller started an online business selling rap mixtapes, and in four years, had made enough money from the website — nearly one million dollars in sales in the last year alone — to purchase the property he currently owns on South U and open Motivation, his envisaged clothing store (and later, fashion brand). Moeller saw the opportunity to capitalize on a largely untouched local market — the sale of fashion lines indigenous to Los Angeles and New York City — so he launched a business selling streetwear apparel. “I just felt like there was nothing like this at the time in Ann Arbor,” Moeller said. “There was Bivouac for guys clothes, but that was
pretty much it. American Apparel wasn’t even around then. … There were only one or two other stores in Michigan selling the brands that we were selling.” Streetwear: Wherefore art thou so dope? The numerous shelves and racks of attire that envelope you upon entering Motivation are pleasantly overwhelming and filled with hightop shoes, eye-catching shirts and designer hats, all of which essentially comprise the fashion mishmash that is streetwear. “Streetwear isn’t urban; people kind of confuse it with that,” Moeller said, “It’s like a mix of hip hop, skate, surf, punk rock, high-end influences, and kind of all of that mixed into one.” See MTVTN, Page 4B
b-side
2B — Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
ARTS KICKER
EPISODE REVIEW
NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily
Despite being nerve-wracking, ComCo auditions are an enjoyable time for all involved.
Real with Rill Ill Matt Hughes talks local hip hop scene By ADAM DEPOLLO Online Arts Editor
As we follow our favorite musicians on Twitter and Instagram, vicariously experiencing the exciting life of stardom, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when Kanye West was locking himself “in a room doing five beats a day for three summers” or when Jay Z was Big Daddy Kane’s hype man, filling up stage time during costume changes. We experienced a collective shock when Beyoncé reminded us that, not too long ago, she lost to a now-defunct rock band from Michigan on “Star Search.” Such a loss seems incomprehensible in light of her present fame, but back then she was just another young musician trying to make her way into the industry. The gap between celebrity and obscurity is vast and unforgiving. But as difficult as it may be to traverse, there are people out there like Beyoncé or Jay Z in the mid ’90s, going to school and working side jobs Monday through Friday so they can have their weekends free to write music and do shows, slowly trudging toward recognition. Ann Arbor is, of course, home to a range of musicians in various stages of this journey. I went to the Blind Pig last winter to see Riff Raff, a rapper who, at the time, was quickly ascending the ladder of celebrity but still not quite at the top. He showed up more than two hours late, which really worked to the detriment of his opening acts — all rappers and producers from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. A duo made up of Ypsilanti-based producers Crackzilla and Milosh had to spend the majority of their set responding to the impatient audience’s boos with middle fingers and “Go fuck yourself”s. But the first opening act, Paper Rockets, got on stage before the audience got tired of waiting for Riff Raff and received an appropriately warm response for some excellent work. Delivering humorous lyricism with retro flows and beats built around an eclectic selection of samples, Paper Rockets made an impression — they got their name on the same playbill as Riff Raff and gained at least one new follower on Soundcloud.
This past week I met for coffee with Paper Rockets’s main producer, Matt Hughes, a.k.a Rill Ill. Hughes came in while I was ordering a coffee and sent me a text to let me know he arrived. He wore a gray North Carolina hat and a blue jacket and didn’t really stand out from the crowd. Hughes is originally from Detroit, but moved to Ypsilanti when he was in middle school and has lived there ever since. He’s currently attending Eastern Michigan University, where he studies illustration. “Yep, I do all of my album covers,” he said, indicating his participation in a common practice among underground musicians. Throughout our talk, Hughes pointed out the many ways in which being a rapper or a hip-hop producer requires you to be selfsufficient. He’s been rapping for nine years and producing for about six, but the need for self-sufficiency is what got him to start producing in the first place. “Really, (I started producing because it was) hard to get beats from people, you know, shady producers. Eventually I was just like ‘Fuck it, I’ll do it myself’, ” he said. Through a whole lot of practice, however, Hughes has begun to churn out an impressive quantity of high-quality beats. Part of his success can be explained by the fact that he doesn’t just draw from the traditional R&B and funk catalogue that the majority of producers use to make their beats. I asked him about his song “Ride Then Die,” which seemed to have a harmonica sample on it. “Yeah, I was listening to the sample yesterday; it was like a prog-rock sample from the ’60s. I don’t remember the band,” he said. “First off, (I pick samples based on) whether or not it’s at the Salvation Army. Then covers, I look for what kind of instruments are being played on each track, things like that, you know.” “Usually I’m kind of a lab rat,” he said. “Just me in the studio, you know, chugging it out.” Like most producers these days, Hughes does all of his work on his laptop. He uses a production software called FL Studio — the same program used by Soulja Boy, Lex Luger and 9th Wonder, among others — in conjunction with a USB turntable to put together his tracks. But there is a downside to being a “lab rat,” Hughes explained.
“People that actually, you know, stop and listen, like, (they give me) a lot of good reception. But it is hard to, you know, reach out to people. Like I said, I’m a recluse, that’s my Achilles Heel, the marketing.” Hughes isn’t just a lonely artist trying to get his music out there, however. He is plugged into a thriving community of underground rappers and producers in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, connected by online music-sharing networks like Soundcloud and Bandcamp. These musicians give encouragements to each other in the comments section of their songs and regularly help each other to land gigs and marketing opportunities — this interview was set up by another Ann Arbor producer, Joonthemonsoon. Paper Rockets’s opportunity to open for Riff Raff last year came out of this community of musicians. “We were just randomly hanging out in the apartment, you know, and Kyle Hunter from (Ann Arbor hip hop trio) Tree City called us up and was like ‘Do you wanna open for Riff Raff?’,” Hughes said. Following one member of the Ann Arbor hip-hop scene on Soundlcoud invariably leads you to the rest of the community. The most famous members are Tree City, but a few of the other big names are Professor Megablown (who Hughes hangs out with on the weekends) and the producers I’ve already mentioned, Joonthemonsoon and Crackzilla. Music is the foundation of this community and, of course, all of these musicians are focused on improving their craft. When I asked Hughes whether Paper Rockets had put out any records, he said “No, we’re the type of people that’ll, like, work on an album for a long-ass time. By the time it’s ready we’ve gotten so much better that we’ve gotta scrap it.” When it comes down to it, though, whether or not Hughes finds success as a professional musician isn’t the real point. “I’m going to try to be a freelance illustrator as soon as I can, but I’ll probably stay in school, go to art school at Eastern,” he explained. But does he see music as a part of his life in the future? “Oh yeah,” he said. “I’m going to do that whether or not anyone’s listening.”
ARE YOU THE BEST? CAN YOU WRITE? PROVE IT.
E-mail John Lynch at jplyn@umich.edu to request an application for Daily Arts.
It’s a sad reality that sometimes even the strongest friendships fade. This week on “Girls,” Marnie makes a A desperate attempt at Girls salvaging the remains “Beach House” of her HBO friendships by planning a sophisticated, luxurious, “healing” trip for the eponymous girls. But when Hannah runs into Elijah and invites him and his group of gay friends over to the house, Marnie’s perfect weekend goes awry. From that point on, tension builds between the friends until Shosh (who is apparently a cruel drunk) finally loses it and rips into everyone, sparking the huge fight at this episode’s core. One of the best things about “Girls” is that it embraces (and mocks) imperfection (see: Hannah’s horribly unflattering American Apparel bikini).
Most friend sitcoms function on the basic premise of loyalty to an exclusive friend group. “Girls” works a little differently. Hannah, Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna have been drifting apart since season one. Hannah and Marnie have been at odds for months, Jessa’s been in and out of rehab, and in this episode we finally get a raw, drunken expression of Shoshanna’s utter discontent with her friends. “Girls” has consistently nailed fight scenes amongst its main characters, and this one in particular solidifies “Beach House” as the best episode of this season so far.
HBO
If this episode is any indication, the writers of “Girls” are just going to keep stretching these relationships and testing each character’s limits (don’t forget that Shoshanna doesn’t even know that Marnie’s been having sex with “old man” Ray yet.) As each girl develops her own life and world independent of the others’, things are getting increasingly complex. With its more realistic treatment of young adult friendships, “Girls” is wandering into uncharted territory for a sitcom, and it’s making for fascinating television. —MADDIE THOMAS
MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW It’s startling to see Nicki Minaj, an artist who’s so associated with a vibrant colorful style, go B black-andwhite for Lookin’ Ass her latest Nigga video, “Lookin Nicki Minaj Ass Young Money Nigga,” in which she forgets her pop hits in favor of a much more straightforward hip-hop sound. We don’t get a full look at Minaj until about 30 seconds into the video. Starkly dressed in all black, she’s emotionless, showing off her body and holding enormous guns, those traditionally masculine toys. Great as it is to see Minaj still demonstrating her top-tier rap skills, the video’s content doesn’t do much to stick with the listener. The huge
YOUNG MONEY
firearms are supposed to be shocking, but really, “scantily clad girl with big guns” has been done before. While it has a fantastic minimalist aesthetic, the video is diminished by a message that’s too muddled. Minaj seems self-conscious about the way she’s perceived, but are the guns
symbolizing anger against leering viewers, or are they simply another means of sexualization? The video is ambiguous about whether Minaj is an empowered woman or is simply a sex symbol, and by consequence loses any potential statement-making power. —ADAM THEISEN
ARTS KICKER
Script database Black List is the future of the TV industry By MADDIE THOMAS TV/New Media Editor
What if I said that you (yes, you!) could become an awardwinning screenwriter for the low, low price of just $25 a month? With The Black List, an online database through which anyone can submit an original script and have it read by hundreds of industry professionals, that dream could become a reality. “The Black List is where filmmakers find great material to make films and great material finds filmmakers to make them,” the official website boasts. And there’s some truth to it — seven of the last twelve screenwriting Oscars were awarded to scripts first featured on The Black List, including hipster icon “Juno” and last year’s Best Picture winner, “Argo.” In November 2013, the site expanded its reach and added a category for episodic content and teleplays — an exciting move in a world where television is becoming increasingly creative and increasingly respected. In some ways, The Black List is “American Idol” for writers — a way for undiscovered talent to get exposed to industry execs and find writing jobs. The film industry has been using the database as a tool for scouting new talent for years, and now the TV industry is hopping on the bandwagon. Cable channels TNT and TBS are the first to take advantage of the expansion, recently announcing plans to make both blind script deals and staffing considerations to promising writers. This could mean anything from funding production on a pilot script, to offering
writing jobs for shows already on TV. To be considered for the opportunity, anyone can upload a teleplay to the site, which will then be evaluated and rated by professional script readers. Then the five top-rated teleplays in each genre (half-hour comedy or hour-long drama) will be sent to TNT and TBS. For any and all aspiring writers trying to break into the industry, this is awesome news. It’s no secret that it’s not easy to procure jobs in creative entertainment fields, especially for those who can’t afford to move out to Los Angeles and hire an agent. At $25 per month, a Black List membership is a more affordable way to pitch scripts and get read. It’s a step in the right direction toward leveling the playing field.
The first step toward leveling the TV playing field. The site’s expansion into the realm of television couldn’t have been a more beneficial move in terms of job creation. The environmental dynamics for writers in film production and television production are totally different. While in film the screenwriter is undoubtedly at the bottom of the totem pole in terms of power (unless they are also directing, starring, executive producing etc.), a television writer has a lot of final say in what actually
makes it to the screen. Not to mention the fact that writers for television have steady jobs with payroll as opposed to the onetime deal of a movie script. There are far more empty seats at writers’ tables than there are empty seats for Best Screenplay nominees at the Oscars. The Black List’s ability to discover and foster young talent is also important. Shows about twentysomethings and thirtysomethings have existed since the inception of television and probably always will. Some of the best shows about millennials on TV today — “Girls” or “The Mindy Project” for example — were created and written by millennials. But not every talented young writer has the connections or resources of a Lena Dunham or Mindy Kaling. The Black List, with its access to opportunities and the feedback it gives its writers, could be a great starting point. The Black List isn’t magic: there’s still a steep upward climb for newbies. Obviously writers with a name or reputation in Hollywood (like Ben Affleck or Bo Burnham) are going to get more attention from those clued into the database. The television side of the site is still far from fully developed, too — it’s not like FX or AMC are scouring the site for the next “Breaking Bad.” For now, The Black List is a work in progress. It’s a great resource that will hopefully become even greater as networks figure out how to best utilize it. One thing’s for sure: the more Black List scripts that succeed, the more reputable it will become. And that’s a win-win for everyone.
the b-side
‘True Detective’ episode five recap: Plot lines weave together By CHLOE GILKE and AKSHAY SETH Daily Arts Writer and Managing Arts Editor
Akshay: Nothing quite like that brilliant 6-minute tracking shot this week, but I think we saw the biggest leaps in terms of actual story development since the pilot. Chloe: I certainly was not expecting Rust and Marty to catch Ledoux so soon. But the scene with Rust and Marty “tracking” with the help of DeWall and the revelation of Ledoux’s headquarters was exhilarating. Marty shooting Ledoux was a shock: until the reveal that he was hiding innocent children in his shed, I wasn’t sure what would have made Marty snap and finally kill him. But it’s tragically ironic that Marty would be so driven by his emotions and concern for kids, considering that in the 2002 scenes he was abusive and cruel to his own daughter. Akshay: I could kind of see it in his eyes as he walked out toward Ledoux that he was probably going to end the suspected killer’s life. I think it’s a tie-in back to those sexually explicit drawings he found his daughter making and also to that general sense of outrage he feels whenever he sees his idea of a “normal” family life being threatened. The tracking scene was really excellently executed, not just because of the action, but because I thought it was a little bit funny how far it veered from the way Rust and Marty were describing it to Gilbough and Papania, the “company men.” Pizzolatto gave us the scene with moments of taut silence interjected with the most stereotypical, exaggerated descriptions you can hear two cops giving. It was masterful. And I think it culminated perfectly with that awfully bloody headshot, which we got through Rust’s eyes. Also, Pink Floyd tees shouldn’t be worn when blowing someone’s brains out. Just saying. Chloe: Yeah, that Pink Floyd shirt was just gorgeous. People who complained the show was too serious definitely got their little moment of humor. And this week we also saw the first real discrepancies between the 1995/2002 narration and what Marty and Rust told Gilbough and Papania. The cover-up of their involvement was brilliant: Even though their friendship had fallen apart years ago (we have a date now, too — 2002), they are evidently still on the same page and protecting each other (awwww). Akshay: FYI, Chloe is having a conversation with (Daily Arts Writer) Alex Intner on Twitter while we do this recap. #MultiTasking. Anyways, I think it’s a testament to the obsessive, meticulous nature of this show how well they’re able to handle the jumps in time. We don’t just jump forward or backward to give the viewer more exposition, like we got about
the set-up for Rust and Marty’s falling out. I think Pizzolatto did it to embody that ideal of repetition and reincarnation we always see Cohle spewing on about. Rust gets romantically involved with another woman (and it inevitably falls apart). Marty gets back with Maggie (I’m pretty sure it’ll fall apart). The investigation reopens. It’s all an ingenious reference to how “time is a flat circle.” Chloe: I may or may not also be watching an episode of Louie at this moment #SuperMultiTasking. But yeah, the recycling was so well done. Marty is nicknamed “Captain America,” and reuses the “captain” name to insult his daughter later in the episode. Reggie mentions the “yellow king,” which is apparently a reference to literature that I didn’t understand because my familiarity with Southern Gothic is woefully lacking. But that just goes to show that even though “True Detective” is only written by one person, it’s not short-sighted. Pizzolatto is evidently pulling out all the stops with this season and using his sole-writer status to create true auteur TV. Uh, oh. I’m moving into film theory territory. Rescue me, Akshay ... Akshay: I can’t. I wrote an 11-page paper about Dorothy Arzner over the course of a horrible, film theory-spiked all-nighter that I don’t want to think about. I wonder what Arzner would make of “True Detective.” (“They’re all secretly gay”). I AM DIGRESSING. I think one of the tiny shortfalls of having just a one-person writing team is that every character other than the main duo has kind of been one-dimensional and forced to the sideline. The most relevant example are “the company men.” Their detective work leading up to the conclusion that Cohle was singularly responsible for all the new deaths — the only explanation being “he blacked out” and didn’t remember doing them — seemed kind of weak. Now that we’re finally moving into the territory of present-day and the fresh murders, I’m hoping we’ll see Papania and Gilbough provide a more active draw to the story other than just being the people that ask the questions. Chloe: I agree. Maggie has also been sort of shoved aside. I was hoping she’d play a bigger part in the series (maybe the resistant Skyler White to Marty’s devolving Walter), but Maggie is mainly around to be a foil for Marty and serve as the object of the audience’s sympathies. That being said, Michelle Monaghan is fantastic with the material she’s given (especially when she tells Maisie off for getting involved in her argument with Marty and Audrey). I just hope we learn more about Maggie in the next few episodes of the show. I just realized that we’re on episode 5, though. Three more to go! But somehow the show just keeps getting more intriguing, and I won’t expect anything but the best from its third act.
On a completely unrelated note, Rust’s practically catatonic 2002 wife was pretty hilarious. She’s a doctor, but apparently not much else. And that is definitely Edward’s mom from “Twilight” and I feel like we need to make a bigger deal about this. Akshay: I feel like Pizzolatto’s mantra whenever he gets to writing dialogue for a character other than Cohle or Marty is “THIS ISN’T ABOUT YOU” *shuts door*. In any case, I’m excited to find out what ends up being the final argument that caused the rift between our two protagonists. I’m thinking it involves Maggie because I’m not certain about the exact number, but I think Marty said “It was right under my nose” around 974 times. I really don’t feel Cohle is responsible for any of the murders, and I think the last scene with him breaking into the religious school to find more devil’s nests is an indication of his innocence, but also a confirmation that he’s being reabsorbed by his obsession with the case. I think that obsession is what kept him going back to the crime scenes once bodies started showing up again. If it all ends with him looking in his eye-mirror and saying, “HOLY LEDOUX IT WAS ME THE WHOLE TIME,” I will lose a lot of faith and throw a lot of things. Chloe: Rust as murderer would be way too obvious. It’s the theory I had the minute the pilot episode ended (seemed like a pretty smart idea at the time, don’t judge). If that’s really all Pizzolatto has in store for us ... well, I am not even going to entertain that. Rust is definitely back and re-investigating the case out of passion, not out of necessity or sloppy criminal work. Let’s be real here. If Rust were really the killer, he would certainly make sure there was not a trace of incriminating evidence. He’s just looking at the case again and searching on his own for the real killer because he’s been brought back to the same place. Events repeat themselves, “time is a flat circle,” you know. And here we are again. Quoting Rust, quoting Ledoux. Akshay: READ THIS PIZZOLATTO. LOOK HOW WE TIED IT ALL BACK TOGETHER. The buildup to the finale is going to be memorable, just because I think more and more people are going to start ostracizing Cohle for his reestablished disrespect for authority and “crazy” theories about it all being tied to the top. Whatever happens, I’m beyond doubting this show at this point. I feel like every episode has been better than the last and I don’t see that streak breaking any time in the next three weeks. CIRCLES.
‘TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET’ SING-ALONG
d
We met Twan — the Twan — in the lobby of the theater because ******* knows him interviewing him, but ******* is wasted now and maybe I’m not just high but also super turnt. “Bump and Grind” dance party commences and I’m pretty into it as the combination of weed & Fireball got me tripping like an infant that’s just learning to walk. Here are hundreds of turnt college kids in a pristine Christine chapel of a theater — Holy shit, I’m so sick with this word shit. Get at me. Here’s a sociologist’s dream case study: A nearly all-white audience giggles as the word “ni**a” appears on-screen for the first time in the singalong, and I’m high enough to spend the subsequent 25 minutes contemplating the state of modern day racial relations. “I’m about to climax!!!” screams an audience of horny millenials in a dark room listening to Kells. “Everyone’s mad, but their all cheating on each other, so none of them really has the right to be mad,” suggests the sage Gillian Jakab to my left. I leave to take a piss while Gillian goes to the counter and haggles her way into free popcorn and when we re-enter, the plot has thickened of course, and a midget and heavy set white trash woman have entered the “Closet” story as I munch the munchies away on this popcorn — thanks Gillie — and candy cigarettes. — DAILY ARTS WRITER
Okay so I’m hoarse already I’ve never been more in love with R. Kelly in my life, getting a little emotional got to talk to Twan and I feel like I’m in Disneyland might’ve just eaten a whole tub of popcorn lol R. Kelly is mayhem. I brought fireball into the theatre sry. I lost my voice I’m catching some Holy Ghost I’m so fucking trapped right now. Serious creative liberty on these subtitles by the way. But actually it’s like chapter 17 now and people are going nuts I feel like I’m on a crazy pirate ship, oh shit Twan was just dreaming! Nobody was shot thank god that crazy Italian Joey, R Kelly has the worst Italian accent ever. They gave us condoms and fake money in the goodie bags but where did mine go? Where?? Made it outside and I’m not sure if anything I just saw was real though I swear I’ve run into Big Man the Midget before somewhere I promise. —DAILY ARTS WRITER
The absurd. The offensive. The incredible. I took my place in Michigan Theatre’s red velvet Theatre — that’s theater with a capital T — complete with a balcony and potential for an orchestra. The perfect operatic sensibility, paired with the intoxicated cult of crazed “Closet” fans around me (most notably the friends I came with and the others I waved to across the theater exchanging “haha isn’t this hilarious?” expressions,) struck me as more than amusing. R. Kelly’s hip-hopera narration began taking us down the twistytwervy road of musical melodramatic violence, sex and lots of betrayal. In order to avoid becoming carsick on the journey, I had to leave behind the analysis that a sober mind provides and try to get on the level of my baked and buzzed friends. No one can enjoy “Trapped in the Closet” through a critical lens – you’ll find the glorification of almost every negative, and you’ll try to put a finger on what all the hype is about. The hype is the hype. The audience is fueled off each other’s absurd enthusiasm. This enthusiasm seeped into my bloodstream during the pre-screening dance party as songs like “Bump and Grind” clouded my thoughts and the imagined nicotine from the candy cigarettes in our goody bags gave me a head rush. Soon, I heard my voice joining the chorus shrieking R Kelly’s lyrics and cheering wildly after every chapter. When we saw Twan after the show — forget it — my excitement was that of a ‘Trapped’ junkie. — GILLIAN JAKAB
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN FLY? FOLLOW US @MICHIGANDAILY SINGLE REVIEW
UNIVERSAL
second live action film, after the moderately successful “Ted”, and the first in which he acts. He stars alongside Charlize Theron and a diverse supporting cast that includes Liam Neeson as the villain, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris and Sarah Silverman. Unfortunately, this trailer makes
In this series, three Daily Arts writers in varying states of mind visit the same place and write about their experiences. this week’s destination:
Chloe: At this point, I can’t even imagine topping this episode. We’ll need a 12 minute tracking shot and Rust killing someone while wearing a Lynyrd Skynyrd tour tank top. Preferably in 2012. I can’t wait to see what the next episode has in store for us. We’ll talk then!
TRAILER REVIEW The first red-band trailer for Seth MacFarlane’s latest feature film opens with a title that reads “AriB zona, 1882” accompaA Million nied by Ways to a shot of Monument Die in the Valley, Utah. West It’s a subtle spoof of Universal genre conventions that bodes well for “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” However, MacFarlane swiftly kicks subtlety out of the saloon with a montage alternating between gruesome deaths and MacFarlane’s horrified sitcom reactions. Seth even gives a strangely anachronistic speech calling the old West “a terrible place in time.” This film takes its title seriously. “A Million Ways to Die in the West” is MacFarlane’s
baked.buzzed.bored.
runk high
FIRST SEEN ON THE FILTER
Thursday, February 20, 2014 — 3B
sober
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MacFarlane’s Western look about as funny as a bathroom stall with a penis drawn on it. Hopefully they saved the best jokes for the actual film, because the success or failure of “A Million Ways” could determine whether MacFarlane continues with live action films. —KARSTEN SMOLINSKI
Mike Gibney, a.k.a. “Gibbz”, is a Brooklyn-based producer who has been one of the most enigmatic figures in B+ electronic Again and soul until now. Later, Again Gibney found a Gibbz niche as a Self Released collaborator with the group “Exmag” — a coalition of likeminded producers, including “Gramatik.” Gibbz was featured prominently on Exmag’s first album, released last month. For many Exmag fans, Gibbz became a subject of curiosity, leaving listeners unsure whether he was purely a contributor of vocal tracks, or a larger creative presence. Gibbz answered those questions on February 13, when he released his first single, “Again and Again.” “Again and Again” is reminiscent of Exmag, while maintaining its own original flavor.
SELF RELEASED
Gibbz allows his voice to take center stage, while layering his own mixes in the back, creating a highly personalized energy that’s easy to groove to. Vocally and instrumentally, it’s a sure sign of good things to come in the future. If there is anything wrong with the song, it is that it gets a bit repetitive. A surprise change-up could’ve
definitely improved the track. However, for those following the choral mantra of the song — “We get fucked up again and again, and again. You fill my cup again, again, and again,” — I doubt they’ll give a shit about the compositional subtleties and enjoy Gibbz’ successful solo debut. —NICK BOYD
the b-side
4B — Thursday, February 20, 2014
MTVTN From Page 1B Streetwear is a conglomerative style for an evolving and hip-hop-fluenced Generation Y, one of outrageously patterned pants and bucket hats with tropical accents and Toucans — basically, the current wardrobe of L.A. rapper Schoolboy Q — as well as more subtly appealing attire such as designer, print t-shirts and crew neck sweaters. In its first years of operation, Motivation solely featured established West Coast and East Coast brands, which were not widely available in local stores at the time. “In general, the brands that we carry kind of limit who they sell to,” Moeller said, “They don’t really sell to the malls — so you can only really find them in boutiques like this.” Though Moeller initially only sold streetwear brands such as L.A.’s The Hundreds and N.Y.C.’s Mishka, in the past five years, he has steadily been cultivating and expanding his own brand. “When we first started the store, we carried about 20 brands, and we didn’t have our own stuff,” Moeller said. “But in 2009 and 2010, we started developing our own Motivation line, and now we’re up to around 40 different brands that we carry, and our own brand is about 40 percent of our sales. We’re always trying to transition into carrying more of our stuff and less of other brands.” From the outset, Moeller was the sole conceptual voice behind the brand, and the Motivation line as it stands today is still almost exclusively his creative brainchild. He is, however, looking to incorporate outside voices from other designers in the future. As with any fashion company, Moeller recognizes that the Motivation must keep up with changing trends: “Since we’ve opened, styles have
definitely changed. Back then it was all about the bright crazy shirts and people were wearing stuff a lot baggier,” Moeller said. “Now, six years later, everyone’s wearing it super tight or their size, and everything’s a lot more subdued.” These days, Moeller explained, people still want animal print clothing, just not the wild neon prints they wanted a few years back. Graphic t-shirts aren’t en vogue anymore, and snapback hats have replaced fitted caps as the preferred piece of headwear. Moeller noted that while he does take trends into consideration when creating his own products, he normally tries to keep with the established Motivation line style — blacks, greys, darker palettes. Still, he does look to other sources for inspiration. “Since we’re in a college town, that’s kind of like our theme,” Moeller said. “Everything here kind of ties back to college in some way.” “We do roses on a lot of stuff,” he said, handing me a black t-shirt with a pattern of red flowers, “You know, a shirt like this that basically looks like it has the Rose Bowl all over it.” The streetwear Mecca Fortunately for Moeller, Motivation was not forced to close as a result of the recent South University Avenue water line break that brought caused devastating damage to businesses and led to the street being closed and excavated. (On the other hand, Blue Leprechan and Pancheros, among other nearby establishments remain closed for repairs.) To a certain extent, it seems like Moeller is comfortable, yet not entirely satisfied, with his store in Ann Arbor; He talks about possibly expanding to a second store in Los Angeles — a streetwear mecca that’s almost never affected by the unholy wrath of God that is a Michigan winter — or possibly somewhere else in Michigan if L.A.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily
Motivation hopes to expand into more cities in Michigan in the next few years.
is out of reach. Recently, Motivation has largely survived on the strength of the sales from its worldwide online store, which account for 30 percent of the store’s business. (Moeller explained how Instagram is a particularly useful tool for the store, as it allows Motivation to visually present new apparel to its followers as soon as it arrives in store.) Another 30 percent of sales are wholesale to other stores that want to carry the Motivation brand — of which there are currently over 80 such establishments across the country — and the final 40 percent comes from the business’s in-store demographics. “I always tell people that we have two types of customers,” Moeller said. “The University kid who’s just walking by that maybe needs a pair of shoes — you know, you might not be into all the streetwear brands, but you like the shoes or something like that. “And then we also have the streetwear consumer who will
seek us out because we have all these brands that they like. We have people driving from Detroit and Toledo just to get here.” It’s probably fair to say that some of the prices at Motivation are prohibitive or excessive for University students. Moeller recognizes this discrepancy: “There are definitely brands we sell like Billionaire Boys Clubs that have t-shirts for 50 dollars,” Moeller said. “And that’s expensive even for me.” “But we always try to bring in pieces that aren’t going to bust people’s budget, and because our consumers are the students, we have to be aware of that. Our particular brand might be a little expensive for the average consumer, but it’s better-quality stuff; it’s not mass produced, and a lot of it’s made in the U.S.” A brand building notoriety To gain traction in any pop culture industry, an enterprise needs
NICHOLAS WILLIAMS/Daily
Many famous rappers have been known to stop and browse at Motivation when they’re in town.
pop culture support. So just as rappers need the backing of a record label and fans — and just as Kanye claims he could change the world with the backing of a major clothing company (Please, for the love of God, someone just give him what he wants so he can stop yelling at Sway for not having the answers) — so too does Motivation need the promotion and credibility it receives when hip-hop stars wear Moeller’s now-famous “MTVTN” emblem. Notable artist and felon Chris Brown has, on numerous occasions, been seen wearing the Motivation brand after finding the line at a store in L.A. Though Brown isn’t necessarily an artist that Moeller would traditionally support as a sponsor of the brand, there are many other hip-hop stars that not only rock MTVTN but also show love by coming to the store on South U when performing in Ann Arbor or Detroit. “Because I had that CD business earlier and my relationships with record labels and with people in the industry,” Moeller said. “we’ve always tried to just use that to our advantage. Our first week here we had Lupe Fiasco in the store for a meet-and-greet.” In the back of the store, behind the black curtain that separates the storefront — where customers are likely greeted with something like Drake’s Nothing Was The Same as background music — from the manager’s office, there is a wall covered in a Jackson Pollock-like splattering of signatures from artists that have visited the store. Among the myriad names are members of A$AP Mob, Big K.R.I.T., Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, and The Clipse. When rappers are performing in Detroit and aren’t able to stop by the store, Moeller makes sure to send them complimentary apparel. The Detroit art and music scene undeniably has respect for Moeller’s store as well, and Motivation feeds off the energy of the city — having local rapper Boldy James, for example, model various MTVTN items in last year’s spring lookbook. Nonetheless, cities like Los Angeles,
THE D’ART BOARD
where about half of Motivation’s manufacturers are based out of, certainly remain more desirable locations for business and music industry connection. The future of MTVTN In 2014, Motivation has already expanded its reach by selling some of its products on web retailer KarmaLoop and in mall retail outlet Zumiez. Moeller explained that the store’s future expansion will, naturally, be largely dependent on the social networking diaspora it can build among the streetwear crowd. Ten years from now, Moeller hopes to have four or five more stores established and a streetwear brand with a more worldwide name, like L.A.’s The Hundreds. Despite his belief that the business’s success will come through its Internet promotion, Moeller admits that the storefront boutique is equally as important to Motivation’s image and local, grassroots appeal. “People want more exclusive stuff, so they come to boutiques like this, not PacSun,” Moeller said, as Drake’s “Successful” played and one of the workers greeted a young couple from L.A. that walked through the door. “And you see that we’re more hands-on with the customers, it’s not just like fashion fast food.” Though he just recently purchased a house in Ann Arbor, and though he and his fiancee Indra are getting married later this year, Moeller still has his eyes set on L.A. Six years after opening the store and building a dedicated fanbase in Ann Arbor, Moeller still burns with the same — here it is … the moment you’ve undoubtedly been waiting for since the opening sentence of this article — motivation. “I came up with the name Motivation because it described my mindset when I started the store, and it still does today,” Moeller said. “I was a young ambitious business owner ready to take a major leap of faith and build a business form the ground up.”
Everything is Wright again. Season two of “House of Cards” premieres on Netflix
Each week we take shots at the biggest developments in the entertainment world. Here’s what hit (and missed) this week.
Nominated Yet Not Nominated Best Original Song contender “Alone Yet Not Alone” disqualified from Oscar race
Heeeeeere’s Jimmy! Jimmy Fallon begins tenure on NBC’s “The Tonight Show”
Surfboardt Kanye West and The Weeknd headling “Drunk in Love” remix week
Chances are, he will rap
Design by Gaby Vasquez
Chance the Rapper set to perform at Hill Auditorium March 22nd