PRESIDENT SMATRESK DETAILS UNT PLANS FOR 2016 AND BEYOND
VOL. 106 No. 2
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
PAGE 2
NTDAILY.COM
ADMINISTRATION
University quiet in wake of McMillan death
By Dalton LaFerney and Tiffany Ditto News Editor and Staff Writer @daltonlaferney and @TiffanyDitto
In the wake of Ryan McMillan’s death after being shot by UNT police, there have been no university-sanctioned candle-lit vigils. The university’s public response came in the form of an email from UNT president Neal Smatresk. Family members said the university and police
are not answering their questions. That will have to wait until authorities release the official police account of what happened the morning of Dec. 13, 2015. The university’s official stance as been to defer questions to the Texas Rangers. School officials said they do not want to interfere with the Ranger investigation. And the university’s legal team is
actively concealing information regarding the police department’s use of force policies. In response to a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act, UNT’s legal counsel appealed to the Texas Attorney General’s Office for permission to withhold those policies, a standard practice for large organizations during an investigation.
The results of an investigation like this could dramatically alter the public’s perception of the event and UNT itself, and responding prematurely has the potential to muddy the already-unclear waters. Authorities did, however, release police camera
SEE ADMINISTRATION ON PAGE 4
DENTON
COMMUNITY
Locals not happy with renewable energy plan
Changes could come to Fry By Julia Falcon Staff Writer @falconpunch_
By Julia Falcon Staff Writer @falconpunch_ Nothing seems to get people debating in Denton quite like the oil and gas industry. On Saturday, 150 residents reminded leaders that Denton’s energy saga is not over, and any plans associated with the city’s proposed Denton Energy Center will be contested until the end. A panel of Denton Municipal Electric employees took questions at the City Council chambers to respond to concerns associated with the city’s plan for its new energy center, which city leaders say will be built in the next three years. The idea is to increase the current use of renewable resources in Denton from 40 to 70 percent. The city hopes the plan will improve the environment, lower the cost of electric bills and save Denton millions of dollars. The nearly five hour panel was an open forum with residents who disagree with the recent overturn of the ban on hydraulic fracturing in Denton and want to do away with the building of the two new gas-fired plants replacing the coal-fired ones. “Not long ago, Denton voted to ban fracking,” manager of external affairs for the City of Denton Brian Daskam said. “It was a short-lived ban, so we tried to provide a plan that would increase renewables, maintain
SEE DENTON ON PAGE 4 WEATHER
Today H: 97°F L: 72°F 7-Day Forecast Friday H: 72°F L: 45°F Saturday Sunday
H: 72°F L: 52°F H: 75°F L: 45°F
Monday H: 75°F L: 45°F Tuesday H: 54°F L: 30°F Wednesday H: 52°F L: 28°F
TRENDING
Casey Cavalier, left, and Tod King, right, wrangle their 2-year-old son, Eddie for a family photo in their backyard. Kristen Watson| Visuals Editor
Couple reflects on a rigorous adoption process By Matt Payne Copy Editor @MattePaper The first legally married gay couple in Denton always makes sure to put family first The beginning of Casey Cavalier’s removal from the accepting California culture he was accustomed to would begin at a pride party, where he made eye contact with a man wearing a cute
sweater vest. “It would take me subtly making conversation with him as I spoke with somebody else,” Cavalier said. “I was very interested in him. I just wasn’t brave enough to speak with him on my own.” Since that fateful encounter, Cavalier and Tod King have been enjoying life together. During the four years the couple lived in Santa Barbara, Cavalier said there are plenty memories of he and King
watching children frolic down congested streets, suppressing the urge to scold them as they wanted a child of their own. But matters would prove complicated when Cavalier and King relocated to Georgetown, Texas for King’s studies toward an MBA in marketing. A gay man transitioning from a familiar life, Cavalier said he never felt the sort of subtle opposition to his orientation in California that he
did in Texas. “It probably took me up to four or five years to get used to living in a state like Texas,” he said. “I felt lost.” In 2009, Cavalier and King began the three-year process of adopting a child. The men considered several different options, such as in vitro fertilization, surrogacy or fostering,
SEE PEOPLE ON PAGE 6
There could be some changes that would affect student parking around the Fry Street area if one developer gets its way. On Wednesday, a panel of city chair people discussed the proposed plan, a living area that would be located above Voertman’s and Subway on Hickory Street. Denton residents and business owners attended the meeting, raising concerns that a new apartment complex could upset the already hectic parking situation near Fry. The Hickory Street Conceptual Housing Plan, proposed by EdR Collegiate Housing, includes 308 rooms, with a parking garage that includes 220 parking spots, being 88 spaces short. Based on studies from other college campuses, the EdR representatives said that there is a probability of a lot of spaces not being used. It is a part of Denton’s 2030 development plan. Mary Anderson, who lives on Oak Street, requested there be an independent traffic study because she sometimes has problems leaving her own house. Brent Erskin, the owner of Voertman’s, said a lot of the students he employs don’t have cars, and doesn’t think the lack of parking spaces in the garage will be a problem. He is in favor of the proposed living area, bringing him more customers. “Sales at Voertman’s continue to rise every year,” Erskin said. “And once the building is complete, Voertman’s will own its own area at the first floor of
SEE COMMUNITY ON PAGE 4
ALUMNI
Alumnus gives back to community, expands fashion brand By Kayleigh Bywater Senior Staff Writer @kayleighbywater For UNT alumnus Michael Faircloth, owning a fashion brand consists of more than just browsing through fabrics, drawing up designs and watching his clothes on the runway. He said he loves being surrounded by clothing and clients daily, but one thing Faircloth enjoys just as much is giving back to the community. Beyond the business Through his Dallas-based studio, Michael Faircloth Designs, Faircloth has
been involved with more than a dozen charities and organizations in Dallas and its surrounding areas during his fashion and design career. Rather than buying advertisements when he first started, Faircloth wanted to put his money and brand name to better use. He began making custom garments for clients to wear to charity events so they could support what they cared about. “I wanted to quietly go about getting my business out there,” Faircloth said. “On the business side, I was able to make the community aware of my presence. On the other hand, I also wanted people to know my desire to help. I feel that finding a balance between business, creativity and
assisting is extremely important.” Because of this, Faircloth began to immerse himself in helping various organizations. He was one of the three people to start up the Dallas branch of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. DIFFA aims to provide fundraising to Dallas organizations that participate in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He also creates custom garments for organizations to auction off and raise money. In addition to designing fashion for various DIFFA fundraisers, Faircloth has created pieces for the Crystal Charity Ball, which benefits children’s charities around Dallas County, as well as the Cattle Barron’s Ball, which raises money to aide
the American Cancer Society. “Since my business has grown, so has my desire to support charities in the area,” Faircloth said. “I have been blessed in my career. I have enjoyed professional success in my work, but it’s personally gratifying to be able to share some of my success with those in need.” Faircloth also holds a position on the advisory board for the College of Visual Arts and Design at UNT. CVAD’s developmental director Susan Sanders is a close friend of Faircloth’s and said together they are trying to improve the fashion design program as much as they can. Faircloth currently has a scholarship
SEE ALUMNI ON PAGE 5
BASKETBALL
#KanyevsWiz
There was another feud between famous rappers this week. Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa turned heads.
#OregonStandoff
The standoff in Oregon ended this week. One person was killed, and others were taken into custody by authorities.
#CircuitCity
A group in North Texas wants to bring back Circuit City to the DallasFort Worth area.
Former top-ranked recruit J-Mychal Reese settling in with Mean Green By Alex Lessard Assoc. Sports Editor @Alexlikechexmix Due to stiff recruiting competition, the chance to grab a former No. 1, nationally ranked prospect doesn’t come often for North Texas. But when junior guard J-Mychal Reese was looking for a new basketball home after spending two
seasons at Texas A&M University, the interest to join the Mean Green was mutual. Like many kids across the country, Reese had a love of basketball from an early age. Once he began to play more often, he and his peers realized his level of talent was something special. “I was taller than everybody else, but at the same time, I could just do more,” Reese said. “I was
good at dribbling and stuff like that, anything. It just didn’t look right at my age.” Reese grew up in Bryan, Texas, often surrounded by the sounds of sneakers squeaking on the hardwood. His father, John Reese, was Bryan High School’s head boys’ basketball coach since J-Mychal was seven years old. As a result, Reese’s everyday life was centered around the sport he would grow to master
very quickly. While his classmates went home after school let out, Reese would go straight to the gym to watch his father run practice. Off to the side, he’d practice his shooting touch and dribbling, envisioning himself out on the court proving he could hang with kids above his age level.
SEE BASKETBALL ON PAGE 7
J-Mychal Reese North Texas Athletics | Courtesy
NEWS Page 2
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
NTDAILY.COM
ADMINISTRATION
Smatresk outlines UNT’s 2016 By Adalberto Toledo Staff Writer @adaltoledo29
UNT president Neal Smatresk recently outlined the university’s plans for 2016. He is entering his third year as the Denton campus leader and said the administration will begin updating and renovating UNT, in addition to breaking in new facilities. Smatresk will, however, face problems in the research area, where fundraising has seen some troubles and in the Student Success Center, which does not yet have its facilities. “We’re continuing to pursue our strategic plans,” Smatresk said. “Proceeding to implement the stuff we said we’d due at the state of the university address.” Fundraising and research Furthering its attempt to become a tier-one institution, Smatresk said UNT continues to bring in a more diverse staff and bring the school more grant money. “What we do is very transparent,” Smatresk said. “So we’re in the process of making improvements to our research programs and have already made research institutes.” The beginning of renovations to the Science Research Building began at the end of 2015 after nearly two years of inactivity. It will open fall 2017, Smatresk said, after $15.5 million in renovations. Fundraising is ahead of last year, though problems with the oil market may put some strain on Smatresk’s fundraising efforts. The recent plunge in oil prices left many of the more wealthy UNT alumni and
donors strapped for cash. “I’m a little worried about the current state of the stock market where people have lost 20-30 percent of their holding, and oil where the price has dropped so much,” Smatresk said.
Money for a new campus here and there Among Smatresk’s plans are visions to build new dorms soon. He is confident the university will be able to meet the demands of student residents with the 500 beds currently on the drawing board. He said $8.6 million would be spent on renovations to extend housing at UNT, $5.5 million for Coliseum renovations, as well as $1.3 million for parking and transportation improvements. Another $2 million is budgeted for anticipated land purchases, as well as $3 million for renovations of 1500 N. Interstate 35, where the Sack ’n Save was located. The College of Visual Arts and Design building, funded through $70 million worth of tuition revenue bonds, will involve Hickory Hall, modifications to the Oak Street Complex, a pop-up restaurant as well as the Collar-Lab — a collaborative work space and creative space modeled after the new facilities opened in Frisco this semester. “Work groups are forming to get fall’s curriculum off the ground,” Smatresk said. “I’m really excited about that.” Renovations will come to Sage Hall as the Student Success Center breaks ground, an initiative to improve graduation and retention rates at UNT. The first floor will be renovated, and student
success initiatives will begin moving into Sage Hall as the renovations are completed. “It is and it isn’t [on schedule],” Smatresk said. “We’re trying to figure out how much money we have to renovate Sage Hall.” Smatresk said by next fall Sage should have its first floor fully functional, and floors two and three will be dealt with at a later date. Programs will begin to be implemented between now and the end of the semester, with core programs in place by next fall. Improving finances and recruitment UNT will implement new accounting software, which will shut down the ability to make transactions for a week some time in March, Smatresk said. The budget does not show how much this new software will cost, nor do previous budgets. “[The software] will launch in February with training, for implementation in March,” Smatresk said. “Given where we were a couple of years ago, this is a big advance.” Smatresk said this new software constitutes a massive changeover. He added that anyone who manages money at UNT would have to learn the new system, an issue Smatresk called problematic. “[Changing over] will create some problems,” Smatresk said. “No real transactions can take place. That’s going to be a sensitive period for us.” Smatresk said the changeover would only allow for three to four years of audits to appear on the new system. He said it would be “wildly expensive” to reconcile more than four years of data, making
previous audits “ancient history.” Another software update, Customer Relations Management, will be implemented through the Division of Enrollment to better recruit, enroll and retain students, Smatresk said. Enrollment management expenses will total $1.47 million of which $730,000 will be spent on the new recruitment software. New tech in old places Along with software updates, hardware updates will continue in older campus buildings. “The tech out there [in Frisco] is distinctly different [and] based more on collaboration,” Smatresk said. “So there’s collaboration tables where students can do things together in teams. We think those are skills that are going to be valuable in the future.” Most of the older buildings on campus will not receive any major technological or aesthetic renovations, but Smatresk said the university is finishing up the standardization of technology in every classroom: Wi-Fi access, projectors and up-todate computers. Smatresk added it takes time to update everything, and that it cannot all be done at once. There are no exact ideas on how to better the classroom experience with these new technologies, though the emphasis on collaborative workspaces will continue. “I won’t tell you we have all the answers yet,” Smatresk said. “But what we have is a new testament.
President Neal Smatresk poses for a portrait in his office. Colin Mitchell | Senior Staff Photographer
GUIDE: THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Chris Christie – Republican, Governor of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is promoting education reform during his campaign. He would reform tenure to allow the firing of underperforming teachers, promote college readiness and expand access to charter schools. Christie also wants to make higher education more accessible as well as providing alternative education models if students do not want to attend a traditional fouryear university.
Jeb Bush – Republican, former Governor of Florida Jeb! Bush has taken a stance for drug control and wants to promote treatment programs and strengthen criminal justice against dealers and manufacturers. He has also expressed the desire to increase border security by closely monitoring the U.S.-Mexico border and more surveillance on immigrants overstaying their visas. Jeb! wants to increase restrictions on sanctuary cities that often have large amounts of illegal immigrants.
Donald Trump – Republican, The Donald Donald Trump is a marketing and entertainment mogul. He is known for his controversial comments, including his stance on immigration, especially Mexican immigrants, calling them rapists and thugs. He has captivated the news media and evangelical voters.
Marco Rubio – Republican, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is a descended from Cuban immigrants and has shown sympathy toward immigration issues. He’s the more traditional Republican candidate. Rubio wants to secure the border, but he also supports amnesty. When it comes to higher education, Rubio wants to reduce the burden of student debt by implementing Automatic Income-Based Repayment, allowing graduates to consolidate existing loans.
John Kasich — Republican, Governor of Ohio He wants decisions pertaining to public schools to be determined by state and local governments. When it comes to higher education, Kasich wants to freeze tuition rates and encourage students to earn college credit while in high school in order to lower college costs. Kasich has taken a strong stance on protecting the Second Amendment. He would also renew our alliances with certain countries, specifically Egypt.
Ted Cruz – Republican, Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s platform aims to rile up the more evangelical voters fearful of progressive teddy-2change who think their country has been “taken over” by immigrants and liberal ideals. He often stumps on the protection of Second Amendment rights and the defense of religious liberties. Cruz is a strong advocate of Second Amendment rights.
Martin O’Malley – Democrat, former Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley said all students should have access to a high-quality and debt-free education. O’Malley also wants to freeze tuition rates to prevent higher education costs. O’Malley has brought up are addiction treatment and the prevention of substance abuse. He wants to reduce overdose deaths by 25 percent by 2020. O’Malley calls for a decrease in deportations.
Bernie Sanders – Democrat, Vermont Senator Sanders’ platform wants to make tuition free at public colleges and universities and cut student loan interest rates. His stump speech calls for a political revolution to alter the balance of power in favor of the people. He also proposes a national $15 per hour minimum wage and to strengthen the role of labor unions. Sanders’ campaign emphasizes heavily on social change.
Ben Carson – Republican, former neurosurgeon Ben Carson was one of America’s top physicians. Carson hasn’t spoken much about education in debates, but his platform supports the empowerment of local school districts, teachers and parents to improve schools. Carson wants to simplify the student loan process for college students and their families. Carson is pro-life.
Rand Paul – Republican, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul wants to set more term limits. Paul believes that career politicians care more about getting elected than what is best for the country. Paul does not support Roe v. Wade and says he will support legislation that prevents courts from hearing cases like Roe v. Wade. Paul would also stop the funding of organizations like Planned Parenthood. He wants to ease sentences on non-violent offenders.
Carly Fiorina — Republican, former CEO of Hewlett Packard She has positioned herself as a defender of traditional GOP values, especially when it comes to gender-related issues. Fiorina believes wants to outlaw abortions after 20 weeks, with the exception of rape, incest or harm to the mother. She does want to lower taxes across the board and close loopholes that benefit wealthy taxpayers. Fiorina also wants to replace Obamacare with another plan that she believes will better serve Americans.
Hillary Clinton – Democrat, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton proposed cuts to the interest rates on student loans and wants to make tuition more affordable. Clinton has emphasized her desire to tighten control on guns by increasing background checks and putting restrictions on who can and cannot purchase firearms. Clinton has touched on women’s rights and LGBT issues, but not very much in recent months. A major issue in the Clinton campaign is the prevention and elimination of campus sexual assault.
Captions by Sarah Lagro | Senior Staff Writer. Illustrations by Jake Bowerman | Staff Illustrator
NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 3
LOCAL
Turmoil takes Denton City Hall as council races begin By Jynn Schubert Staff Writer @JynnWasHere
District 1 councilman Kevin Roden joined District 4 councilman Joey Hawkins in the hot seat Tuesday as some residents of Denton’s energy activist wing filed a recall petition to remove the leaders from their respective offices. The city secretary has one week to review the petition. Many Denton residents are soured about the City Council’s decision to repeal its city-wide ban on hydraulic fracturing,
which was contested in 2015 by Texas lawmakers with House Bill 40, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Hawkins and Roden both voted to repeal the fracking ban - a move some considered a victory for the oil and gas industry - in order to put an end to two lawsuits filed against the city. The fight to remove Hawkins and Roden overlaps a filling period now open for people wanting to run for City Council in the regularly scheduled election Saturday, May 7. Vote early April 25 through May 3. The petitioners faced
CAMPUS
Car catches fire outside Crumley Hall Wednesday afternoon By Jynn Schubert Staff Writer @JynnWasHere Scattered debris littered parking spaces outside of Crumley Hall after a car fire Wednesday. Owner Jessica Venz was on her way downstairs to move the vehicle when she received a call from police saying her car had caught fire.
“They actually called my parents first,” Venz said. “But what were they going to do? After that, they called me.” A bystander close to the situation said the fire may have been caused by a short in the vehicle’s alternator wires, which had recently been replaced by a third party mechanic. UNT freshman and Crumley resident DeAndra Sieck was outside
last fall. The first petition was rejected in November due to technicality. Denton’s city charter requires that officials be in office for at least six months before a recall petition can be filed; the petitioners filed two days early. A second petition was then circulated and recognized the following month, forcing the recall election scheduled to take place this May. “We really thought long and hard about this, because we knew it was going to affect someone in a real and personal way,” Tamez said. “We came up
with our list of grievances and we met with Joey personally at our house. He never answered our grievances, and that’s what prompted us to recall.” Spoon stressed that this is not a personal attack on Hawkins. “It’s not like we think, ‘Oh, Joey’s a bad guy, we don’t like Joey!’ It’s that we deserve better presentation on our council,” Spoon said. “He ran unopposed, so we didn’t really have a choice. It shouldn’t be that big of a deal to think we should get a choice.”
backlash from other council members. Some used a Facebook post from Greg Johnson, the at-large Place 6 councilman, that said he hoped “those who are behind it will become so disenfranchised by it that they will move” as evidence some council members were not hearing the people they represent. “Honestly, the professional thing to do would be either don’t weigh in at all, or run a campaign for Joey,” UNT alumna and petitioner Cindy Spoon said. “[Johnson] is just as entitled to his opinion as
we are. But to demonize recall effort like it’s not perfectly apart of the democratic process is really off-putting.” Hawkins was asked to step down from his position after complaints of not communicating with his constituents and his vote to repeal the ban on fracking since his re-election in May. Hawkins declined to comment for this article. District 4 resident Theron Palmer, an active protester of fracking in Denton, and his wife Elida Tamez circulated a petition for Hawkins’ recall
of the building when smoke started billowing, attracting the attention of a passerby who phoned the police. Sieck said her boyfriend Roig Wilson, who works for Five Star Ford in North Richland Hills, has experience with Ford engines. “The entire engine compartment was combusted by the time [police] got here.” Sieck said. “It was on fire for about five minutes before I heard the sirens coming down the street.” Officer Nicholas Brauchle stayed on the scene with Venz to make sure she was OK. “So much for going to Whataburger later,” Venz said. “Maybe I’ll get a new car now. That would really be awesome.”
The Denton Fire Department extinguishes a car fire outside Crumley Hall. Meagan Sullivan | Visuals Editor
UNION
Gamers want more options, equality from Union Syndicate By Alejandro Medellin Staff Writer @skinnyfats
Safety concerns associated with gamers toting their devices to and from the University Union have mostly fallen by the wayside, students and UNT officials said. Gamers bringing their own devices to the Union raises the potential of theft, though no crimes of this nature have been reported as of publication. “We haven’t had students have any issues bringing their own consoles in, or at least they haven’t come to me about it,” Union director Zane Reif said. He added that administrators haven’t considered consoles being stolen because “it hasn’t been an issue yet.” The idea of the Syndicate feature was that students could come with their own consoles and plug them into the 45-inch TVs provided. The five stations are each equipped with a table and ample seating room and support HDMI for high resolution gaming. When it first opened, the space was frequently used, but things have slowed down. “Early when the Student Union first opened, we had a couple of people come here and we had some Smash setups and we played some games here,” said UNT Brothers in Smash president Jason Erdman. Erdman, a computer science senior, heads the club in its sessions as they play variations of “Super Smash Bros.” Erdman said one of the most difficult things to do as president of the club is to set up the stations because people have to bring their own consoles. The Brothers in Smash club usually plays in the media library at Chilton Hall now because TVs and consoles are provided there. He said when people bring their own consoles they sometimes leave them there so others can play. “We’re a pretty well-knit community,” Erdman said. “The Smash community is very friendly and trusting of each other, so we don’t really concern ourselves, like, ‘Oh, is this going to get stolen?’” He added that he isn’t sure if that same level of trust would be applied at the Syndicate, where areas are more open and members’ consoles are at stake. Not only are consoles expensive to replace, costing upwards of $400 each, but certain consoles like the Xbox One may be too heavy to carry around campus all day. “It’s a risk, but I think most people that bring their consoles kind of realize that,” said computer engineering sophomore Joshua Wentt, a member of Brothers in Smash. He mentioned that if consoles were provided at the Syndicate, students would “definitely” come and play. If more people demanded more gaming consoles, Reif said the university might explore that option, but as of now there are no plans. “It’s something we’ve looked
Sony’s Playstation 4 and Nintendo’s Wii U are two popular consoles that many students play. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer
Students sit at a booth in front of one of five HDTVs on the second floor of the Union Syndicate. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer at,” Reif said. “But the technology in games and what’s hot and new changes so much that I just don’t know if we have the capability to do it right now.” Erdman said students playing pool in the Syndicate were provided with UNT eagle-emblazoned pool tables, cues, chalk and racks. A quick inspection of the room revealed but one HDMI cable for
five TVs because students were expected to bring their own. “It’d be wise to cover all the demographics,” Wentt. In addition, he said students at Discovery Park have a small choice of consoles as well. “I’ve honestly considered hosting a tournament in this area if it were possible to rent out consoles,” Erdman said.
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University quiet in wake of McMillan death ADMIINISTRATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 footage of the shooting to the public. It was done so when the Rangers learned other video footage, taken by witnesses, could have been released ahead of the official investigation’s closure, according to one person close to the investigation. Denton resident Antonio Guiterrez witnessed the shooting of McMillan as he was headed toward Fry Street. He immediately began recording video in the aftermath. When vocal about obtaining footage, Guiterrez said police rushed him and friends off the scene and told him not to post the video online without giving a reason why. “It just happened,” Guiterrez said. “ I kind of wish we never saw it.” UNT police chief Ed Reynolds has been available to individuals asking questions, but maintains that he cannot offer any specifics. He falls in line with UNT administration when he tells people to talk to the Texas Rangers. But place a call to the public information officer for the Rangers, Lonnie Haschel of the Texas Department of Public
Safety, and you’ll find nothing still. Police investigators are notoriously tight-lipped on officerinvolved shooting investigations, and Haschel said to expect the Rangers not to reveal anything until the inquiry, which has no definite timeline, is completed. Members of the McMillan family have many questions regarding the incident. One family member said McMillan’s wallet and keys were missing, but this has not been corroborated. New light could be shed on this case when the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office releases its autopsy results, expected to be available by Friday, Feb. 12, officials said. When asked, UNT and Police Department spokeswoman Margarita Venegas could not offer insights into the university’s plan of action following McMillan’s Dec. 13 shooting death—one day after his 21st birthday. Venegas would not elaborate on who has been involved at the Hurley Administration Building, but said there are private plans in the works. Smatresk said these are unusual
circumstances. “We were called in by the Denton Police Department for a disturbance, so this wasn’t an action on our campus by campus police,” Smatresk said, although the Denton police officially handled the vandalism inside U-Centre; UNT police encountered McMillan None of that is to say university leaders are unaware or avoidant of the issues pertaining to the McMillan case — they just can’t talk about it, officials say. But Smatresk recently spoke about some of the aspects of the shooting and what it means for the university community. He acknowledged how vague the response has been, but nonetheless addressed the tragic nature of McMillan’s death. “It’s sad,” Smatresk said. “It’s sad the people that were around the student didn’t help him to manage what was clearly an acute situation or episode, because by all accounts he was a good kid.” Smatresk raised concerns about the ability of members in the community to stage an intervention when a person needs it, but says there are no specific
plans or programs to educate the community in the near future. “I’m open to suggestions,” Smatresk said. “If someone can say, ‘Here’s really what we need to do to help mitigate this,’ I’m all in, and I think all of us are.” Smatresk said it is routine for UNT staff to deal with interventions and student crises, but questions if everyone really knows how to help or if previous training is sufficient enough. “How do people know [to intervene]?” Smatresk said. “Do they know who to call? We need to get this word out there that we can support them and each other.” Smatresk said he has not explored the university’s options about safety, but said talks could begin soon, though he did not offer specific plans. “Are we doing anything specific?” Smatresk said. “The answer is those incidents were very specific but discussions about safety, on and off campus, will definitely be had.” Director of training at the Denton Police Academy Vernell Dooley said police academies across the state teach the 21-foot rule. This is a rule of thumb for
officers interacting with suspects armed with sharp-edged objects, such as McMillan’s axe. “It’s called a reactionary gap,” Dooley said. “Studies have shown that within a 21-foot distance my action to counteract would not be quick enough if someone was coming at me with a knife.” According to the 21-foot rule, when a threatening person is within 21 feet of an officer with a sharp-edged weapon and is advancing toward the officer, the officer would not have enough time for their brain to signal their hands to fire their weapon before they are injured. “It’s something that’s referenced in the use of force training,” Dooley said. “All officers [in Texas] go through this peace officer training course.” Dooley also said the only officers that can apply to not take the use-of-force class must be officers from another state seeking a job here. These officers can apply for a waiver from the course, but must still be able to pass the peace officer test as mandated by the state of Texas. Dooley described the 21-foot rule as a “tool” to be mindful of,
but said that officers are not taught that force is the only option for every situation. Some students have conveyed their safety concerns—both about Denton crime and police policy in general—following McMillan’s death. Political science senior Hope Myers, who lives at U Centre, is critical of Cpl. Stephen Bean’s decision to shoot 21-yearold McMillan. “I wish police would just disarm them instead of shooting to kill,” Myers said. Communication studies senior Ranae Fithian was critical of UNT’s response, the e-Blast sent by Smatresk. She didn’t like the wording of the email and she noted how the community rallied together after the death of UNT student Sara Mutschlechner over the break. “It seemed like it blamed the cops,” Fithian said. “If someone’s coming at me with an axe, I’m going to shoot them. It’s a selfdefense kind of thing. But then again, [the situation] was sad.” Staff writers Adalberto Toledo and Chelsea Watkins contributed to this report.
Locals not happy with renewable energy plan DENTON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
rates and protect reliability, and the only way we could see to do it was to include natural gas plants which actually use less natural gas.”
But the political implications don’t stop there. People from the city’s energy activist wing have filed recall petitions to oust council members Kevin
Citizens line up by a microphone to voice concerns and ask questions about the new Renewable Energy Plan during a Q&A with experts and employees from the city. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor
Roden and Joey Hawkins from their respective seats in District 1 and District 4 because of their decision to vote to repeal the city’s ban on hydraulic fracturing. When Denton resident Deborah Armintor stepped up to the mic, she said she informed those living nearby the proposed gas plants, letting them know what was happening because she claimed the city had failed to do so. “Raise your hand if you live by either one of the gas plant locations,” Armintor said, and a large part of the crowd raised their hands. “Now, raise your hand if you received notification from Denton Muncipal Electric about the possibility of a gas plant being built by your home,” and no one raised their hand. Stephen Johnson, with DME, said the city went above and beyond any legal or procedural requirements in its attempt to notify the public. “Dozens of news outlets have published stories on this plan,” Johnson said. “We have held multiple meetings with the public. A postcard about the plan was sent to every one of our customers. It was promoted on social media, in the newspaper, on our website and on the project specific website.”
Jennifer Lane hands out stickers that read, “Delay Plant Vote Independent Study Needed” at the Q&A on Saturday. With one proposed site being located south of Jim Christal Road and west of Western Boulevard, and the other north of Shepard Road and east of 2153, residents near these areas are concerned about the noise levels coming from the plants. Mary Howard Davis, who works for Burns & McDonnell engineering company, answered a resident’s question about his concerns regarding how noise levels may affect a community center.
New housing could come to Fry area COMMUNITY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
that as an alumnus, he had problems searching for parking and knows that commuters search the Fry Street area for a free parking spot. “I really like the density but I have a problem with the process,” Taylor said. “Millennials are rushing to get their licenses and getting cars, and the starving commuters are the ones who troll for spots. I vote we deny this application.” Chairwoman Amber Briggle also denied the application, saying that she would rather have it postponed until more information was received. “This need to enhance the neighborhood, and the changes we are making won’t enhance the overlay,” Briggle said. “I am a fan of density, but I would like the developer to show the math, and I see some value in this project, but not to the point where I am ready to approve it.” Chairman Larry Beck agreed as well, saying that this particular proposal is too much for the area. “We do need more student housing,” Beck said. “I would encourage EdR to go back to the drawing board because something like this can’t be on a scale that overwhelms.”
“There will be a slight increase in noise, if none at all,” Davis said. “We tested the maximum noise level at 45 decibels, and the existing noise level is almost 45. A loud air conditioner is 65 to 70 decibels, if that helps explain.” Another local, Sharon Speise, said her biggest concerns are health issues, the tolls these plants will cost the environment and that DME has gone over its budget for everything. “I don’t agree that they
think most of the pollution is coming from the north and the south,” Speise said. “We have pollution here in Denton too, and I think they are using it as an scapegoat. I hope that the independent studies we ask for get done and the city council delays the vote, because there is a lot of one-sided information being given to us.”
Corrections In a story that ran Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, “Campus carry policy under review, restrictions pending,” we incorrectly reported the university’s campus carry policy prohibits people carry weapons from doing so in the University Union. The policy actually states the university would like to prohibit people carry weapons in the University Union meditation room, not the entire Union. In a story that ran Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, “Founding Mayborn dean, residents recuperate after tornado,” the Daily mistakenly named the city of Rowlett “Rockwall.” The city where the story originates is Rowlett, not Rockwall.
North Texas Daily Editorial Board
Editor-In-Chief...................Nicholas Friedman News Editor...............................Dalton LaFerney Arts & Life Editor..........................Erica Wieting Sports Editor......................................Scott Sidway Visuals Editor..............................Kristen Watson Visuals Editor............................Meagan Sullivan Opinion Editor.............................Harrison Long
Production Sophie Huemer presents a draft of the Fry Street Overlay District Amendment to city council. Hannah Ridings | Senior Staff Photographer
Design Editor........................Hannah Lauritzen Copy Editor......................................Linda Kessler Copy Editor..........................................Matt Payne
ARTS & LIFE Page 5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
NTDAILY.COM
Alumnus gives back to community, expands fashion brand ALUMNI CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Faircloth said. “I have been blessed in my career. I have enjoyed professional success in my work, but it’s personally gratifying to be able to share some of my success with those in need.” Faircloth also holds a position on the advisory board for the College of Visual Arts and Design at UNT. CVAD’s developmental director Susan Sanders is a close friend of Faircloth’s and said together they are trying to improve the fashion design program as much as they can. Faircloth currently has a scholarship specifically for fashion design students at UNT. In addition, Sanders said Faircloth is helping CVAD raise $2.5 million to endow the fashion design program. When they reach their goal, CVAD will ask the board of regents for approval to name the fashion design program after Faircloth. “I’ve always appreciated Michael,” Sanders said. “When he has time, he’ll come talk to the students and open their eyes to a variety of possibilities. He’s such a proud alumnus of CVAD and UNT, and his actions show it.” Between consultations and designing new looks, Faircloth said the satisfaction he gets from helping the community makes his packed schedule worth it. “It’s amazing to look back on everything the past 30 years because I do feel very proud, and just a
little older,” Faircloth said. “I’m extremely interested to see what the next 30 have to bring for me.” Building a business Prior to starting his studio in 1984, Faircloth received a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from UNT. Although he originally wanted to become a lawyer, he said his mother pushed him toward something more creative. “It was a little scary at first,” Faircloth said. “I didn’t really know what to expect. When I graduated, I started out with one client that I
designed for, and my business just began slowly building from there.” Faircloth specializes in custom garments. Whether he’s designing a flowing sundress or an intricate bridal gown, he spends time getting to know each of his clients, their individual visions and what they’re looking for in the final product. He also works with interior designers to create custom designs for houses. One of his most memorable pieces was for former First Lady Laura Bush. The red couture inaugural gown he designed in 2001 for her is now on display in the
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Over the past 30 years, he said he has slowly built his clientele so he is able to give each person the time and energy they deserve. “Michael designs with his heart,” longtime client Tiffany Davis said. “He takes the idea you have and tweaks it so it’s perfect all the way from the fit to the embroidery. Now, I just tell him what type of garment I need and then step back to say, ‘I want to wear whatever you think would look best.’”
A hand-embroidered evening coat in silk damask, with Russian golden sable cuffs worn over a French gold metallic lace evening gown. The dress took apMichael Faircloth, left, and his pattern maker, Jennifer Gratton, right, fit cotton muslin on a client. Luis Acevedo | Courtesy proximately 80 hours to complete. Luis Acevedo | Courtesy
REVIEW
The Dose: H. Jon Benjamin classes up comedic act with new jazz album By Kyle Martin Staff Writer @Kyle_Martin35 Comedian and infamous voice actor of both Archer from “Archer” and Bob from “Bob’s Burgers” H. Jon Benjamin recorded and released a jazz album in November 2015. And it sucks (in the best possible way.) To be clear, the album entitled “Well, I Should Have… (Learned How to Play Piano)” features notable jazz musicians Scott Kreitzer on saxophone, David Finck on bass and Jonathan Perez on drums—and they themselves do not suck. They are weathered veterans of the jazz scene and actually know what the hell they’re doing. Benjamin, with no jazz experience (or any musical experience at all, for that matter) decided to pick up piano specifically for this album. This, ladies and gentlemen, is where his 20 years of comedic genius comes out to play. The opening track, “Deal
With the Devil,” is a prologue depicting Benjamin’s initial attempt to sell his soul and obtain boundless piano chops from the Devil, who is voiced by none other than Aziz Ansari. But the Devil is unimpressed with his request and refuses Benjamin’s hairy, second-rate soul. This leaves Benjamin back at square one with absolutely zero musical talent. Then the fun begins. The next three tracks, “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 1” (uptempo bop), “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 2” (mid-tempo swing) and “It Had To Be You” (cool, down-tempo blues), highlight the musical talent of the three featured musicians while equally featuring how terrible and inept Benjamin is at playing his instrument. In “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 1,” he even gets a solo, and if Thelonious Monk himself were alive to hear it, he would have puked. Immediately. The fifth track and second interlude of the album, “Soft Jazzersize,” is a delicate piece that sounds like Benjamin
isn’t even playing piano— mainly because it actually sounds good. In this song, the narrator (Benjamin) attempts to soothe listeners with his creepy, raspy, middle-agedman voice “like an opiated panda.” Try listening to this song while falling asleep and you’ll likely lay awake, eyes wide open, questioning why you feel so weird. It’s great. Give it a spin. The rest of the album includes “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 3,” “I Can’t Play Piano, Pt. 4 (Trill Baby Trill)” and then, surprisingly, “Amy’s Song (The Bum Steer),” which oddly enough seems to be an ode to Rage Against the Machine or The Beastie Boys and isn’t jazz at all. In this conclusion to the album, Benjamin raps to a heavy beat about—well, you’ll just have to check it out (probably without your mom in the room). Jazz is a form of art that takes years to master and countless hours of crafting to understand and perform. One must study the greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane,
Ella Fitzgerald and endless other legends to even begin to master the style and nuance that is jazz music. It truly is one of America’s greatest gifts
to the world. In this album, Benjamin and his knack for satire capture the antithesis of this concept perfectly. It’s hilarious, creative and terrible
all in one package. Way to go, Jon Benjamin. You’re now an official, recorded jazz musician (sort of).
H. Jon Benjamin’s album cover for his jazz album, released in November 2015. Courtsey | H. Jon Benjamin
REHABILITATION
New UNT professor focuses on abuse research and rehabilition By Samantha Sullivan Staff Writer @SamElizabethan
Counseling professor Angie Wilson focuses on sex offender treatment and rehabilitation in her research. Erica Wieting | Features Editor
A prison or halfway house in an inner-city neighborhood in Dallas isn’t where one would expect to find a highly-educated, professionally-trained and smallframed woman on her own. It’s the last place most want to be. Some even avoid walking or living on the same streets as the buildings. This is a place where ex-criminals with chronic mental health disorders and substance abuse issues begin the reintegration process back into society. It’s also where you can find UNT’s assistant professor and counselor, Dr. Angie Wilson. Wilson and her research committee are the brokers between offenders who have been completely rejected by society following their crimes and those who desire to learn more about the psyche of sex offenders. There are many challenges to
sex offender research. It is done mostly in prisons, jails or halfway homes, which can take years to obtain access to. Wilson said community-based research is also difficult, as most offenders aren’t excited about sharing their stories. But Wilson said that doesn’t mean they should remain invisible. “Sexual offenders are a part of our society, and they will continue to be a part of our society,” Wilson said. “Many people would like to send them away never to be seen or heard of again, but that’s unrealistic and irrational.” Dr. Wilson became an assistant professor at UNT’s College of Education in August 2015. She was appointed chair of the sex offender treatment and rehabilitation committee by the president of the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors. Her role is to help educate counselors and those in training about working with sexual offenders. The committee includes
Dr. Enobong Inyang, assistant professor of counseling and psychology at Texas A&M University, and Dr. Paul Carrola, assistant professor of educational psychology and special services at UT-El Paso. This year, Dr. Wilson, along with her colleagues at IAAOC, are researching ways to bridge the gap between offenders and society and tackle the general lack of interest to work with a shunned part of the public. “She is leading an initiative to incorporate increased research efforts on sex offender treatment and correctional counseling through her work in IAAOC,” Carrola said. “This research area is significantly lacking in the counseling profession, yet it is very relevant for mental health practitioners who work in this area.” The committee’s latest project is titled “Best Practices: Working with Incarcerated Male Sexual Offenders.” It will educate counselors on the latest and best practices for working with sexual offenders. Once it is completed, the research will be submitted for publication in an academic journal based on the committee’s own clinical experiences and empirical
research. “As a clinician who provided services to sex offenders in preparation for re-entry into society after a period of incarceration, I was curious to understand from their release sex offenders’ perspectives, what their experiences were, particularly given the ominous stigma of ‘sex offender’ with all the related barriers,” Inyang said. Despite the sensitive subject matter, IAAOC’s goal is to arm people with knowledge. If they can help one offender feel empathy and prevent them from committing another offense, Wilson said, then their work has paid off. “The average person should know that sexual offenses have happened for a very long time, and the Internet has a lot to do with it,” Wilson said. “Over the last two years there has been an increase in sexual offenses, and it’s happening a lot on social media now.” Wilson encourages students interested in working with sex offenders to join the offender counseling research team and sex offender treatment and rehabilitation committee. For more information, visit IAAOC.org.
NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 6
Couple reflects on a rigorous adoption process PEOPLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
but felt traditional adoption was the appropriate course for them to take. The process presented a spectrum of obstacles, at the forefront of which was the amount of money needed. They received $12,000 from taxes to contribute toward their cause, but an additional $13,000 was still necessary to meet the $25,000 requirement. But the biggest hurdle for the couple to overcome was finding an adoption agency that would work with same-sex couples. “We knew gay couples were adopting, so it was possible,” King said. “But that often entailed surrounding yourself with lawyers and hobbling through a series of documents.” Some websites posted notices proclaiming, “samesex couples need not apply.” Others had special protocol necessary exclusively for same-
sex couples, like one agency requiring the two to provide a vaccination record of their pets. Finally King learned of an agency based out of Tucker, Georgia that was supportive of same-sex couples: the Independent Adoption Center. The agency provided Cavalier and King with a hotline number, and they would receive phone calls whenever a child was up for adoption. The process of finding a child was precarious, as calls often included scammers calling asking for money or individuals intent on berating same-sex couples with no intention of discussing adoption. There were even instances when the couple would receive phone calls from expecting parents months before birth, only to have the parents ultimately decide to keep their child. But one phone call from a soon-to-be father at Sam
Houston University—with only a month until his girlfriend gave birth to a baby boy— would change everything. Already used to how tentative their hopes through the IAC have been, Cavalier and King were skeptical. But their hopes were reignited when they met the family. “Adoption is like dating, or a job interview,” King said. “You do the right things, the best things, and sometimes, it doesn’t work out.” But this time, the hope was real. In November of 2013, Eddie Cavalier was born, and Cavalier and King were present for the delivery. Though negative thoughts raced through their minds, like the 48-hour recall policy where a parent could choose to keep the child, Cavalier and King were happy. Within two days, Eddie went home with them. The couple said they haven’t
Casey and Tod react as Eddie grabs the water hose during a family photoshoot in their backyard. Kristen Watson|Visuals Editor faced such targeted opposition since their move to Texas in 2001. As the first couple to apply for a marriage license when the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage constitutional in 2015, the two
faced similar biases. Nevertheless, Cavalier and King are accustomed to overcoming any obstacles that come with being two married fathers with a son. And now, Cavalier remains hopeful as
he looks to the future with his family. “After all we’ve overcome, we never really have an issue anymore,” Cavalier said. “Traveling with Eddie is like traveling like rock stars.”
OSCARS
THE DOSE: 2016 OSCAR PREDICTIONS By The Editorial Board North Texas Daily
Best picture: Spotlight
It has everything an Oscar winner needs: plot twists, intense emotion, startling realism and a spectacular cast of actors. Based on a true story about investigative journalism, “Spotlight” stays loyal to the facts—and who doesn’t love a good detective story?
Actor in a leading role: Michael Fassbender
Fassbender brings the late Apple co-founder to life in the biographical film “Steve Jobs.” Through his startlingly human portrayal, the actor does the impossible by bringing Jobs to life. An Oscar win seems only fitting.
Actress in a leading role: Brie Larson
An up-and-coming actress, Larson slays at her gripping role in “Room.” This is her first Oscar nomination, but the buzz that the 26-year-old has inspired hints that she has more than a fighting chance at winning.
Actor in a supporting role: Tom Hardy
Casey and Tod’s son, Eddie, looks longingly at their wedding cake after the two were the first same-sex couple to be married in TWU’s Little Chapel in the Woods. Kristen Watson|Visuals Editor
Hardy all but disappears into his intense, wide-eyed role in “The Revenant.” As his brutal, badass acting in the film was essentially undisputed by critics, this nomination comes as no surprise.
Actress in a supporting role: Alicia Vikander
As a supporting actress, Vikander outshines the leading roles in “The Danish Girl.” Her tragic and compassionate performance in the film captured the hearts of viewers and elicited this much-deserved nomination.
Animated feature film: Inside Out
Pixar’s latest animation is a veritable emotional rollercoaster. Dynamic, psychedelic and original, “Inside Out” is a powerhouse film well-deserving of an Oscar.
Directing: Mad Max: Fury Road
The fourth film of the Mad Max series is nothing short of spectacular. In what has been called a “revitalization of cinema,” George Miller captivates viewers from start to finish, confidently earning its nomination.
Music (original score): Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Having composed all six of the previous Star Wars films, John Williams returns for the seventh with another legendary score. After more than a decade, the saga is back with a vengeance, and the iconic musical score is no exception.
Visual effects: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
This one is almost a no-brainer. In just over two hours, the seventh Star Wars installment amazed and intrigued viewers with impressive visuals, responding and fulfilling fans’ requests for more realistic effects.
Writing (adapted screenplay): Big Short
Equally terrifying and spectacular, “The Big Short” brags a screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay. It’s no shock that the highly intelligent and expertly crafted writing garnered an Oscar nomination—and almost undoubtedly a win. Writing (original screenplay): Straight Outta Compton Intense. Personal. Revolutionary. The flawless, candid and outspoken writing making up the screenplay for “Straight Outta Compton” will no doubt propel the film to a win at this year’s awards.
Graphic by Erica Wieting| Features Editor
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SPORTS Page 7
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
FINDING HIS NICHE
NTDAILY.COM
North Texas junior point guard JMychal Reese (52) takes a three-point jumper against Jarvis Christian. Colin Mitchell | Senior Staff Photographer
Former top-ranked recuit J-Mychal Reese settling in with Mean Green
BASKETBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“Sometimes it just felt like I wasn’t a regular kid,” Reese said. “I couldn’t just be like all my other friends at times. But at the same time, I really didn’t understand it when I was that young and what it all meant.” The more games he played, the more impressed people were with his natural abilities. By the time he reached the sixth grade, Reese had become the top-ranked player in the country according to Hoop Scoop, a nationally recognized
scouting website. From there, he was featured in a full-length ESPN The Magazine article in July of 2006, where he was compared to a young LeBron James. He even made an appearance in a TV commercial with former NBA star Steve Nash. As the various leagues, camps and tournaments piled up on his resume, Reese met plenty of coaches over the years. In the summer before his first high school season, he went to a camp loaded with future NCAA talent and
played on a team led by current North Texas head coach Tony Benford, who was an assistant at Marquette University at the time. Even though Reese was a mere 4 feet 10 inches back then, his knack for getting anywhere on the floor with ease genuinely impressed Benford. “That’s rare at that age, and that’s why he was head and shoulders above everybody,” Benford said. “He wasn’t a great shooter at the time, but he could get to the basket anytime he wanted to.”
Reese’s skills translated to the high school game seamlessly. Under the tutelage of his father at head coach, the Reese won two district MVP’s, averaged over 28 points per game as a junior and went into college recruiting as the 54th ranked player in the nation. Even after an injury sidelined him for his entire senior year, he still received letters from plenty of big-name schools, including the University of Kansas and the University of Louisville. Ultimately, the southpaw
decided to attend Texas A&M - a thriving program close to home where his father had recently taken an assistant coaching job. Although Reese had lived under the brightest of spotlights for as long as he can remember, it never diminished his desire to play with the best of the best at the collegiate level. “I guess that’s what I wanted,” Reese said. “From being there to being here, I can tell that there’s not too much of a difference with anything. At the end of the day, it’s still basketball.”
Due to what Reese said was a bad schematic fit in College Station, he looked to transfer somewhere with a coach familiar with his skillset. Once Benford reached out to him about coming to Denton, his decision was made. Graduate forward Eric Katenda also transferred to North Texas from a top-tier program at the University of Notre Dame, sharing a similar path as Reese coming from a power conference. After playing a couple pick-up games before the season, Katenda thought Reese was just as talented as any guard he’d seen his entire career. “When you come from a school where you’re in this big pond with a bunch of fish that kind of look just like you, then you come out here and you’re above the competition, it gives him the confidence to just go out there and do what he does,” Katenda said. After announcing his transfer in summer 2014, Reese had to sit out a year because of NCAA rules. But his determination to come back strong caused Benford to name him one of the team’s two captains before even playing a game with the Mean Green. Thus far, Reese is averaging 14.6 points and 4.1 assists per game, both good for top-15 marks in Conference-USA. “Early on, he was putting too much pressure on himself,” Benford said. “But I think right now, he’s understanding that he’s got to get everybody involved, run the team, and set the tone offensively and defensively.” Reese may not have lived up to the sky-high comparisons to LeBron as a middle schooler, but he said he still has his sights set on playing professionally. And while the winding road he’s traveled has had some unexpected twists and turns, the stop in Denton has brought along plenty of positives. “I’m definitely happy to be where I am right now,” Reese said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
TRACK AND FIELD
Track and field gear up for indoor competition
By Reece Waddell Senior Staff Writer @ReeceTapout15
The North Texas track and field team traveled to College Station to compete in the Texas A&M Invitational on Friday, Jan. 15. The women placed fourth out of 14 teams and the men finished fifth. It was the team’s first meet of the season. Overall, the Mean Green had six top-three finishes and two outright victories in the women’s mile and men’s 3,000m. Last weekend, the team improved upon its first performance of the year, as the men and women both placed third at the Kansas State Indoor Invite. The Mean Green had 24 top-five finishes, eight secondplace finishes and one win in the 200 meters. “I was pleased with our showing,” head coach Carl Sheffield said regarding the team’s performance at Texas A&M. “We always have expectations on how we think we will do based on how we train. We competed really hard, and I think people felt good about their accomplishments individually.” During the fall and winter months, the team prepares for the Conference USA Indoor Championships, which begin Feb. 24 in Birmingham, Alabama. Once the indoor season concludes, the team will transition to outdoor in March. The events are the same for indoor and outdoor, but the track varies at every location. These differences can range from the type of surface the track is made of to the angle of the turns – all of which affect how an athlete trains. “It’s just such a different animal,” Sheffield said. “Last week is bank. This week is flat. Next week the radius of the turns will be different. So every week we’re adjusting our race pattern
to accommodate the facility.” With 23 seniors on the team, this is the largest it’s been since Sheffield took over as head coach in 2011. It’s also a strength the team is using to its advantage in competitions. “Right off the bat that was the biggest, most blaring thing we were lacking,” Sheffield said. “They have really grown and matured, and they’ve been the focal point. They are really pulling our freshman and sophomores along. They’ve been here and know how competitive it is.” One of those seniors is graduate student Nadiyah ElAmin, whose 25.12 second time in the women’s 200m was good enough for fourth place in Conference USA at the Texas A&M meet. Along with El-Amin, the team also boasts senior high jumper Eddie Wilcox, who cleared 2.10 meters at the Kansas State Invite. The jump was second best among collegiate participants. Wilcox said the biggest hurdle he has to overcome during
preparation is himself. High jumping is not an event in which athletes directly compete against each other, but participants try to clear a bar set at a certain height. “High jump is a mental and physical game,” Wilcox said. “When you see a high bar, you have to see yourself getting over it. You have to mentally prepare. The rest is just physically being able to.” Along with senior leadership, the team also prides itself on the ability for cross-country runners to help on the track. On the recruiting trail, Sheffield said a crossover between track and cross-country competitions is not uncommon. “So we have to find kids who can develop into good crosscountry runners,” Sheffield said. “We want to have a great track team. And now we want to have a great cross-country team.” For the first time in Sheffield’s tenure as head coach, the Mean Green track team has a plethora of senior leadership who impart knowledge in key situations. Wilcox and El-Amin
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Business sophomore TeVaun Scallion, left, and kinesiology senior Caleb Pryor work on sprints during practice. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer combine for over eight years of collegiate track experience and lay a foundation for not only competitions, but for years ahead.
“Our seniors provide that strong backbone for the team,” El-Amin said. “We provide encouragement. And some of the younger people, they have
everything, but they don’t know how to be a part of the UNT team. [The seniors] provide them with direction.”
NTDAILY.COM | PAGE 8 BASKETBALL
Junior guard Adams embracing new role on and off the court By Clay Massey Staff Writer @Clay_FC Last year when Mean Green women’s basketball guard Candice Adams was a sophomore, she played the role of point guard under former head coach Mike Petersen. Little did she know that a change in coaching staff, and position, was coming her way. First year head coach Jalie Mitchell changed the junior’s role from the one guard to shooting guard, asking her to be one of the team’s primary shooters after averaging just 6.4 points per game last season. Adams has responded to the challenge, bumping her points per game average to 11.1, good for second best on the team. “I have to hold myself to a higher standard,” Adams said. “I’m very hard on myself, sometimes too hard.” Not only did Adams’ schematic role change, but Mitchell also asked the Cedar Hill native to do more as a leader. Senior forward Acheil Tac has noticed a change as well, especially having spent three years at North Texas together.
She said Adams is not afraid to be vocal with her teammates if things are not going well. “She was the point last year, but she was more in the background,” Tac said. “She’s more talkative. She’s encouraging us, motivating us. She didn’t do all the things she’s doing this year. She’s more active this year.” While Adams has been more vocal, her play on the court has backed up her words. With her move to the two-guard position, she has been forced to embrace a new mindset, which includes shooting the ball more. Adams bought into her new position early, and she immediately hit the gym to work on her shot. Her work has paid off, as Adams sits second on the team in shooting percentage this season at 36.8 percent. “That was a big adjustment for her mentally, being used to not having the ball in her hands as much,” Mitchell said. “But when she does, she knows what to do with it. She embraced that pretty early and got in the gym. She’s hit some big shots for us.” While her production on the court has risen, Adams’ teammates and coaches say her
growth as a leader has become equally as valuable. “She has a knack for saying the right things at the right time,” Mitchell said. “I think it’s important for her to have that vocal piece to her action.” With North Texas playing in a lot of close games this season, the number of chances for Adams to step up and make her presence as a leader felt have been plentiful. Adams set a new single-game career high in points at 18, and has reached that total twice now on the season. Any time she and her teammates face an obstacle to overcome on the court, Adams said she’s there to tell her team how to approach it. “When we’re going through adversity or when someone is not performing to the best of their ability, that’s where I’ve been stepping up,” Adams said. “In a very heated situation where we need to calm down and get focused, that’s where I’ve been stepping up.” Her increased role is coming on the heels of a dismal season, which resulted in a 5-24 finish for the Mean Green. One reason for Mitchell getting Adams more involved was what she saw Adams could bring out in
COLUMN
#SoarWithTheMeanGreen? Not so fast By Reece Waddell Senior Staff Writer @ReeceTapout15 The Seth Littrell era at North Texas is in full swing after arguably the most embarrassing football season in recent memory. The Mean Green finished a dismal 1-11, which tied for the worst record in school history. So where does that leave North Texas? Until the Littrell hiring in December, it left the program with a coaching staff in total disarray, which put North Texas behind the eight ball in terms of recruiting. Heck, Littrell just finished hiring his offensive staff last week. However, that’s not to say he hasn’t made effective moves in his short tenure so far. Since being hired, Littrell brought on former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell to serve as the offensive coordinator - the air raid disciple of Mike Leach who led the
Red Raiders to a stunning upset of the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in 2008. He’s the same quarterback who will now call plays for a previously anemic North Texas offense. Perhaps more notably, Littrell also acquired two highly touted transfers in two-time national champion quarterback Alec Morris and defensive tackle Bryce English. These moves are a good start, but there is still a long way to go. Make no mistake about it - the turnaround at North Texas will not be easy. It’s going to take time, finesse and probably a bit of luck. If you watched the Mean Green at all last season, and my condolences if you did, you witnessed the quarterback carousel that took place between Andrew McNulty and DaMarcus Smith. Morris should solve that for the time being by bringing poise to the position. But that doesn’t solve all their offensive woes. In 2015, they had little
to no experience on defense and were abysmal at wide receiver, with the exception of now-graduated Carlos Harris. No, I take that back. He was disappointing too, in his own, special way. Look no further than his targeting ejection, which he celebrated on social media, on North Texas’ final drive against UTEP. But these issues go farther back than last year. Since 2005, North Texas has had just one winning season, and it’s no coincidence. The school hasn’t pieced it together on the recruiting trail for a variety of reasons, including playing in run-down Fouts Field until 2011. But with a state-ofthe-art stadium in plain view off a prominent area interstate, that excuse no longer holds. Littrell seems poised to change that narrative. The former UNC offensive coordinator is bringing a spread offense that was the blueprint for the No. 16 offense in the nation last
Friday Swimming & Diving: vs. TCU (Denton, TX) – 4:00 p.m. Track & Field: Houston Indoor Invitational (Houston, TX) – All Day Saturday Tennis: vs. Kansas State (Pullman, WA) – 12:00 p.m. W Basketball: vs. Rice (Super Pit) – 2:00 p.m. M Basketball: @ Rice (Houston, TX) – 7:00 p.m. Track & Field: Houston Indoor Invitational (Houston, TX) – All Day Sunday Tennis: @ Washington State (Pullman, WA) – 2:00 p.m.
MEAN GREEN QUICK HITS Football lands another QB Locust Grove High School quarterback Mason Fine tweeted Monday he is committing to North Texas. In his four years of high school, Fine threw for over 13,000 yards and 166 touchdowns, 53 of those coming during his senior campaign. He’s also his class valedictorian after posting a 4.0 GPA, but arguably his biggest downside is his small frame, listed at 5’11, 170 lbs.
Junior guard Candice Adams (14) follows through on a shot against SMU. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer
Nor th Texas junior guard Candice Adams (14) takes on two defenders during a game against San Francisco. Dylan Nadwodny | Staff Photographer
UPCOMING GAMES
Combs double-double streak continues Sophomore forward Jeremy Combs extended his streak of games with a double-double to six in the Mean Green’s 78-57 loss to UAB last Saturday. Combs has been on a tear in conference play this season, averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. His totals put him at 12th in the conference in scoring and 2nd in rebounding. More Criner Heroics Junior guard Kelsey Criner once again lifted North Texas women’s basketball with another near buzzer-beating basket. This time, it was a running lay-up with 1.8 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Mean Green a 53-51 win over UAB. She also hit a game-winning three pointer with 43 seconds left against IUPUI and a game-winning lay-up in the team’s upset of No. 16 Oklahoma.
her teammates. She asked Adams early on to help her teammates reach a level that was not reached last season, and Adams was eager to step up. With Adams being one of the few carry-overs from the Petersen era, she said she’s hungry to get the bad taste out of her mouth and to erase it from outsiders’ minds. “We do have something to prove,” Adams said. “A lot of people bring up last year, and it’s definitely something I want to prove people wrong. We have a new mindset. ‘Pride’ is our motto.” With 11 games remaining on the schedule, Adams said she
hopes to be the best teammate possible, and she believes is on the right track of doing so. And when ref lecting on what she was like as a player just over a year ago, Adams believes a younger version of herself would love playing with the current iteration of Candice Adams. “I want to think I would love to be her teammate,” Adams said. “I’ve grown in areas that as a sophomore, I wouldn’t want to take on a role. If I was sophomore Candice Adams going to play with an older Candice Adams, I would definitely want to be her teammate.”
season. In the past, the Mean Green offense was pro-style, especially under Dan McCarney, which does not appeal to most top recruits in Texas, who are used to a high-flying spread system. Now, high schoolers will get the chance to come play for a program that perceivably has more fun by spreading the field with five wide receivers and prioritizing the passing game. Several high school and junior college players who have already committed to North Texas are all preaching the same message – “we love Coach Littrell, cannot wait to play for him.” They are determined to never have a season like the one North Texas had in 2015. It’s easy to see why the recruits like him. In the short time he has been here, Littrell has already rebranded the team on social media. See #SoarWithTheMeanGreen. He has even created a Twitter page, #UNTouchable, which has gained more than 1,200 followers in less than a one-month span. And while that may seem like a drop in the bucket, consider the day and age.
Seth Littrell dances to, “Fly Like An Eagle,” during the meet and greet with students shortly after his hire. Evan McAlister | Staff Writer Social media is extremely important to people, especially those college age or younger. I know I have spent many sleepless nights browsing the web on my phone or tablet, which is exactly what many potential recruits are doing on the days leading up to national signing day next Wednesday. And while these are all positive steps to righting the Mean Green ship, I’m still hesitant. No matter how excellent a coach is, that does not always create talent
Homecoming for ’86 WBB Tournament Team Thirty years removed from its trip to the NCAA Tournament, the 1986 Mean Green women’s basketball team will be honored Saturday during North Texas’ home game vs. Rice at 2 p.m. There is a ceremony planned for gameday to commemorate the only women’s basketball team in North Texas history to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
on the field. Talent wins football games, and victories have not been synonymous with North Texas the past 10 years. Littrell is a good coach, and maybe even a great one. But even good coaches have had trouble winning at North Texas. Only time will tell if they turn into wins on the football field. The Mean Green and its new head coach are trending in the right direction, but are nowhere close to being back yet.
OPINION Page 9
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016
NTDAILY.COM
CAMPUS
PROCESS
Student living is a scam and it’s just not that fun Adopting a child is very hard, and that needs to change Preston Mitchell Staff Writer @Presto_Mitch
It’s no secret that student living sucks on college campuses across the country. Be that as it may, the issue hits home here at North Texas, as the university requires incoming freshmen to live in dorm halls. While the exclusivity of these matters makes the campus more accessible for newcomers, it’s also a heavily flawed system that is, in many ways, more harmful than beneficial. First of all, the expenses of student living cannot be ignored. On UNT’s own admissions site, it deduces that the average annual cost for on-campus students is $22,826 per semester. It is foolish for such a large chunk of change to go toward housing when
many students chose UNT for the supposed “economic sense” that is supposed to come with choosing a public institution. It is especially unfortunate that the run-of-the-mill halls such as Clark, Kerr and Maple are the most convenient and costeffective for two or more people at about $4,900 per year. If one was to set their eyes on more upscale halls such as Victory or Santa Fe, the cost is over $5,400 they’ll have to pay out of pocket. Despite the supposed variety of choices that stem from choosing a more expensive dorm, at the end of the day, it’s still half-baked dorm food and more often than not a clinical cardboard box for a room. Another dilemma the housing system forces upon us is the dreaded meal plan. In theory, such a resource is a great idea,
as it provides campus-based students easy access to food options. Nonetheless, this system adds more money to the college’s pocket as freshmen are left to suffer in long lines, loud environments (they are freshman, after all) and less than enthusiastic workers. My experiences alone with Bruce’s over-salted spaghetti and Kerr’s tasteless pizza will forever be etched into the fabric of my mind. In regard to the living conditions, the common doubleroommate scenario is also offputting. Whether the hall itself is pleasant or unusual, student living often forces two people, their lives and belongings into an uncomfortably small space. Not only does this design invade privacy by default, it also means that freshmen pay regularly for
nights of snoring, farting and deceptively loud “rendezvous.” Freshman must succumb to sharing germs in the shower. It means that music tastes will clash for nine long months. It means walking in at inopportune moments! Horror stories are not legend around these parts: they’re reality. As students we should urge the university to either take action to improve dorm life or remove the policy that requires freshman to live on campus. The older halls should have as much opportunity and zest as their newer counterparts do. The food should be much more pleasant to chew and, most importantly, the living quarters need to start renovations at the square area. Working toward a better beginning starts a better college experience for all parties involved.
GOVERNMENT
Let’s get a little bit more transparency in local government The Editorial Board Denton is undoubtedly a leader in cities that rank as most environmentally conscious around the country, a distinction that requires 40 percent of all energy to be renewable and generated through wind power in the county. It is admirable of our leaders to want to support the area’s green movement even further by adopting a new renewable energy plan. We just wish they had given us all a proper heads-up prior to making the decision. We elect these people to guide us in the direction we feel we need to go. We feel important while we are signing the ballot, but then our focus on local politics and community tends to fall by the wayside as we go back into our routines and forget
about the issues at hand. We cannot complain when our elected officials make decisions we do not like if we do not participate in the political process. That means having to TiVo that new episode of “Shark Tank” and heading to the local city council meeting. It means calling the mayor’s office during your lunch break to ask a question or voice a concern. It means giving a hoot about what’s happening. There are plenty of problems surrounding Denton’s new renewable energy plan. Namely, it was passed without any semblance of transparency. Information on the proposal was circulated to residents only once it had been passed, which could be taken from the fact that this is the first piece drafted by those of us at North Texas Daily on the
subject (aside from the news story in print this week.) A postcard on local doorsteps isn’t all that informative and claims of press mean nothing unless we know about it. In that regard, we are the press, and we had no idea. Secondly, it has come to light that although the initiative would drive Denton toward a whopping 70 percent in terms of renewable energy, new gas plants would be built for use in the “downtime” of the cleaner methods. While being entirely dependent on renewable energy is not possible due to its reliance on permitting weather in a state with a sometimes unpredictable climate, we have to wonder what motivations our leaders had for choosing gas over other forms of stable energy supply. The question of legitimacy
arises from the fact that the council approved the measure once an in-house study was done on the environmental and financial impacts of the plan now through 2019. For obvious reasons it would suit those making the decision to have someone closer to the vest carving out the results as opposed to an independent surveyor whose results might be less-thanoptimistic. We cannot call for the action and responsibility of officials if we do nothing about it. We have to be engaged in our community and demand transparency from those who represent us, just as they would do well to make it easier for their constituents to plug-in politically. They say it’s time for change? We have to do something about it.
Morgan Sullivan Staff Writer @sadsquadch
In theory, the adoption process is a good one. Agencies want to make sure children are being put into homes that are capable and willing to care for a child. You can’t simply walk into an adoption agency and expect to walk out with a baby the same day. It’s not like adopting a puppy. However, these rigorous processes aren’t replicated when two individuals have their own children. There are no assessments to make sure the mother is financially stable. There are no home studies to be sure that the baby will be in a safe environment. No background checks, no minimum age requirement, nothing but nine months and a trip to the hospital. This is not to say that those choosing to have children of their own are not suitable for their job, but just as many adoptive parents are loving and nurturing while many biological parents depart from their responsibilities. If someone is willing to go through the strenuous and stressful process of adoption, agencies should find a way to streamline the process. The average waiting period to adopt a healthy child is two to seven years according to the National Adoption Center, and although paperwork does take time, this seems a bit extreme. Many families look into adoption even though pregnancy is still a viable option. For these families, the waiting period and the monetary impact might sway them to have their own
children. After all, natural conception is free, and the process is usually far quicker than applying to adopt through an agency. The NAC’s website claims that there are over 100,000 children in the United States waiting to be adopted. It would be difficult to determine how many from other countries are trying to do the same. This problem isn’t hard to envision when those willing are often left in limbo for up to seven years. “Shopping” for adoptable children is another partly cruel element of the process that should be re-examined, and not only by agencies, but by those looking to build their family too. Prospective parents can indicate what race or gender of child they would prefer, and if they would be willing to adopt a child with special needs. Just as adoption agencies often practice an over-selective process, so do those looking to bring a child in. Although adopting a child with special needs is not a decision to take lightly, it is an unfair set of specifics parents choosing to adopt have. When children are born, the mother doesn’t get to handpick traits she wishes the child could have. Becoming a parent shouldn’t feel like your high school make-a-baby project. Taking in another child as your own is a selfless act, but picking and choosing between children based on purely physical traits is vindictive. A mother and father would love their child despite everything if it were their own. Shouldn’t the same apply when trying to save an orphan?
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Citizens line up by a microphone to voice concerns and ask questions about the new Renewable Energy Plan during a Q&A with experts and employees from the city. Kristen Watson | Visuals Editor
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Today, anti-Zionism, rejection of the legitimacy of the state of Israel, has three primary sources: the aftereffects of Nazi ideology in the Middle East, the after effects of Communist and radical leftist ideology in the Middle East and around the world, and the tradition of Islamism from the Muslim Brotherhood beginning in the 1930s to the various Islamist organizations (Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, ISIS) and the Islamist Republic of Iran. During World War II and the Holocaust, the Nazis obviously made no distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. Neither have the Islamists, then and since. The Communists and Western radical left insisted that they were not anti-Semites yet the practical effect of the ideas and policy would have led to the destruction of the state of Israel. In this talk, I explore these three primary sources of anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, the difficulty that many European and American political leaders have in directly facing and naming the ideological sources of these hatreds and the willingness of an albeit few exceptional leaders to speak frankly and without euphemism.
Thursday, January 28, 2016, 4:00 p.m. Eagle Student Service Center, Room 255 For more information, contact jewish-studies@unt.edu or 940-369-8926
Jewish Federation
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Spring 2016 8W1 First Day To Drop With Consent of Instructor Spring 2016 Last Day for 80% Refund UNT College of Music Faculty Recital - 8:00 PM @ College of Music, Voertman Hall Study Abroad 101 - 2:30 PM @ Sage Hall, Rm 237 Tuesday, January 26, 2016
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not perfect. Racism and sexism were still very much institutionalized, and just as it does no one any good to glorify a gangster lifestyle, it is wrong to repaint history to demonize those who oppose you politically. It is beneficial to consider the other side’s viewpoint, if only to take a walk in another’s shoes and see things from an alternate perspective. In short, the point should be made that in the age of buzzwords and congressional gridlock, it is unquestionably important to take note of those who view the world differently from oneself. Who knows? Both sides have at least some valid points, and maybe actual progress has just disguised itself all this time as middle ground.
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is leading the charge for the first constitutional convention in almost 230 years. He is attempting to amend the U.S. Constitution, claiming that the federal government has become too powerful and should be restrained. Critics from both parties have come out since Abbott introduced his plan. The nine-part proposal has plenty of noteworthy provisions, such as prohibiting federal intervention in states affairs and overriding Supreme Court decisions, just to name a few. Some may believe Gov. Abbott is going too far but, under Article V of our Constitution, it is his right to do so. It would be understandable to give him the benefit of the doubt, if he didn’t sound so paranoid. “The Supreme Court is a coconspirator in abandoning the Constitution.” It is unclear where this sentiment comes from, but with gems like this, it can only be assumed from the
likes of Alex Jones and the scholars at Infowars or other “news sources” operating out of local storage units. There are two ways to amend our Constitution: by either a two-thirds vote in both chambers of congress, or by two-thirds of state legislators agreeing to the amendment. In either case, the proposed amendment can only become effective if it is then ratified by three-fourths of states, which rounds up to 38. Our Governor has decided to walk the road less traveled by taking the latter. An approved amendment through the route chosen has yet to be done in the U.S.’s near 240-year history, and when proposing giving state’s power to overturn federal law – flipping the constitution on its head – you probably won’t get what you’re asking. But wait. There’s rhyme to this reason. The GOP currently controls 68 out of 98 partisan state legislative chambers, the highest amount in history. Since Abbott only needs a two-thirds vote for the constitutional convention, it’s easy to see why he
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would strike while the iron is hot. This isn’t to say that every Republican legislator will join Abbott’s cause, but it does mean that they are more likely to be swayed if this gains traction and placing pressure on those that may otherwise disagree. In reality, Abbott and the GOP have gone so far right that it has become difficult to understand how anything is agreed upon at any level of government. There is a paranoid suspicion held within the party, and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. If they tank, you have a few reasons stated above as to why, but if they succeed and continue down this path of unfounded distrust, what does that reveal about the core of our nation? Would it be a surprise, or evidence of something many Americans have known for a very long time?
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Maybe Gov. Abbott isn’t completely crazy with his demands
is like beyond the hood. Conversely, it could be prudent for those who point their fingers at conservatives, claiming they are stuck in an era of soda shops and drive-ins that is never to return. In Merle Haggard’s pro-establishment ballad “Okie from Muskogee” he condemns those who subscribe to the hippie lifestyle, as can be taken in “We don’t burn our draft cards down on main street, cause we like livin’ right and being free.” Even if indirectly, this entire song is pining for the days before Vietnam, prevalent drug use, or nowadays, a war-torn middle east, and has become an anthem for those who want life to return to a simpler and more wholesome day. Of course, these times were
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Before we proceed further, it should be clear that in order for the point of this article to resonate with the reader, vast generalizations must first be taken. It is understood by most that just as not all Republicans are backward-thinking bigots stuck in a 1950s mentality, not all Democrats are drugged-up hippies trying to overthrow the system and bring about anarchy. Music is a powerful entity. It can be used to supplement positive feelings and evoke joyful memories of days past and yet to come, and even more, push a gloomy mood and bring tears to those who listen to it.
“Gimme the Loot” and “Juicy” both of which paint a clear picture of what desperation, lack of motivation and squalor can do to an impressionable young man. When Smalls says “this album is dedicated to all the teachers that told me I’d never amount to nothin’, to all the people that lived above the buildings that I was hustlin’ in front of that called the police on me when I was just trying to make some money to feed my daughter,” it provides an insight that more often than not receives a cold shoulder from those who have not experienced as much. His continual bragging is not meant to sound arrogant, but give hope to those who are where he used to be, and to provide a glimpse of what life
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just as Democrats consider Republicans to operate with deficient intelligence or vision. A revelation both would benefit from having is that politics and art, even if inconspicuously, blend with and compliment one another. The underlying messages about perception of society, be it good or bad, can be found in most creative outlets. On Sep. 13, 1994, The Notorious B.I.G., also known as Biggie Smalls, released his now internationally-known album “Ready to Die.” This album catapulted Smalls to stardom and fame that lasts almost 20 years after his death. Despite whatever tastes one might have in music, it would behoove our lawmakers to consider the narrative provided in now-classics such as
Musicians, artists and writers alike all have one thing in common: their devotion to express personal narratives and experiences through an artistic medium. Those who have mastered their craft and become eminent in their field did so not by guessing what was correct or what people wanted - they called upon deep, sometimes dark sentiments within themselves and threw it at the world. The stereotype of the tortured and starving artist exists because it has proven to be true time and time again. Our political system has been gridlocked for some time. Both major parties have for years now looked down their noses at the other side. Republicans believe Democrats have no respect for anything sacred or moral,
By Harrison Long Opinion Editor @HarrisonGLong
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