Senior Night
accelerators don’t stop Toyota drivers NEWS: Faulty Page 3 Teams create structures to compete in food drive ARTS & LIFE: Page 5 The Editorial Board recommends Hutchison, White VIEWS: Page 8
Men’s basketball team hopes to keep winning streak alive Page 6
Thursday, February 25, 2010
News 1,2,3 Arts & Life 4,5 Sports 6,7 Views 8 Classifieds 9 Games 9
Volume 95 | Issue 23
Cloudy 54° / 40°
Crime falls for 3rd straight year BY MORGAN WALKER AND BRIANNE TOLJ Senior Staff Writer and Contributing Writer
Crime rates in Denton have dropped for the third consecutive year despite of rough economic times, the Denton Police Department said. T here a re t wo pr i me reasons why crime rates are down, Denton Police Chief Roy Minter said. “We’re becoming more accurate and timely in terms of where crimes are occurring and when they’re occurring,” he said. The cit y posted information on Feb. 15 using t he FBI’s nat iona l crime tracking process, which separates crime data into seven categories called the Major Index Crimes: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. A cha r t show i ng t he number of each crime is also on the Web site. Minter added t hat t he department is using datadriven information to get officers to the scene of the crime sooner. Another factor contributing to the lower crime rates is the community engagement. “T he c om mu n it y h a s been of great assistance to us in providing information regarding crime activity and even calling us about crimes in progress,” Minter said. The Police Department has encouraged a dialogue with the community, which has helped the department address crime-related issues, he said. “Given the number of people in a relatively small area, crimes are pretty low,” said Ed Reynolds, deputy chief of t he UNT Police Department. On campus, crime rates in dorms have remained low, many housing staff members, said. Di rector of housi ng Elisabeth “Betsy” Warren said most of the thefts in the halls are “crimes of opportunity.” UNT reported 67 t hef t
ntdaily.com
The Student Newspaper of the University of North Texas
Denton Crime Stats 2008:
Aggravated assault - 171 cases reported Robbery - 89 reported Violent crime - 326 reported Vehicle burglary - 824 reported
2009:
Aggravated assault - 137 cases reported Robbery - 81 reported Violent crime - 292 reported Vehicle burglary - 788 reported crimes so far in the school yea r, less t ha n t he 101 reported at this time last year, but still a prevalent problem on campus. “People sometimes forget to lock their doors because they trust each other in a small community,” Warren said. Last semester there were about 20 theft-related events repor ted i n t he dor m s, “which isn’t a lot with 5,500 students,” Warren said. The most common stolen items are laptops but occasionally jewelry and credit cards are stolen. Warren suggested that all students lock their doors, especially bathroom doors between those who share bathrooms. A new line of stickers for students to place on their doors as a reminder to keep them locked will be distributed at the beginning of Ma rch, Stephen Ha r per, assistant hall director at Kerr Hall, said. Harper has worked in Kerr Hall for more than two years and said things remain pretty steady. “There are always times when it gets heated in a game of pool or ping pong but other than that there haven’t been any problems,” Harper said.
PHOTO BY MARTINA TREVINO/PHOTOGRAPHER
Eric Orman, a theatre arts sophomore, and Lindsey Hall, a theatre arts senior, rehearse a scene from “Two Rooms,” a drama by Lee Blessings. The dance and theatre department’s production is directed by student Chris Barr and will run from Friday to Sunday in the Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts Building Studio Theatre.
Play showcases student work BY CHRISTINA MLYNSKI
Play Info
Chris Barr and according to the North Texas Dance and Theater Web site. “I always thought that the government would pay for people to get out and do whatever is necessary, but the play introduces the government using the hostage to manipulate the public,” said Lindsey Hall, a theater arts junior playing the role of Lanie. However, the play is not to be interpreted as the government trying to corrupt hostage intakes. “My focus has never been to bring down the government.” Barr said. “I’ve never been that type of person.” Instead, Barr said he wants the viewers to understand the relationship among the characters. The play brings realization of the subject of war to those who have not experienced it and can only relate to what is available through the media. It is a different approach with a more raw reaction, Barr said. “It’s hard for me to imagine that kind of grief, so it’s made me more aware of the pain of
not knowing where the closest person you are to in the world is,” Hall said. “It has made it more real.” The play is student-directed, acted, designed and stagemanaged. It also balances technique and directorial elements. The show runs on the support of a small budget, said Amanda Breaz, box office and promotions manager. “Generally, our Lab Series Student Productions sell out, so I’m expecting sold-out shows,” Breaz said. “Buy the tickets in advance.” For further questions regarding the show, contact Amanda Breaz at 940-565-2428.
as marijuana in a lower amount, the repercussions aren’t going to be as bad as if you had controlled substances,” McGuinness said. “If you’re dealing drugs on campus, we have expelled people for that.” Reynolds said that criminal charges could range from misdemeanors to felonies. Students don’t understand the consequences of criminal charges related to drug use, said Jim Quinn of the rehabilitation, social work and addictions department said. “Once a person that cannot afford a private attorney gets tied up in the legal system, it really PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT rips their life, and I think that’s Drugs can now be modified to resemble everyday items such as children’s vitamins, fake soda in cans and faux cleaning the one thing that students don’t products. UNT has seen a spike in drug-related problems on campus, including in the dorms. really recognize,” he said. “If they get a felony conviction, they’re “I would say we have an screwed, and the enormity of there has been a noticeable pres- students because they can find increase in everything,” she that and the fact that it never goes them at home, said Reynolds. ence of prescription drugs. away. That’s something that needs “Now it’s in almost everybody’s said. “Here in the last five to 10 A student caught in the dorms to be taken very seriously.” years, we’ve seen more prescrip- medicine cabinet, so we see more Michael, a UNT student who with drugs will be banned from tion drugs then we’ve previously and more of that,” he said. McGuinness says that the living in the dorms and possibly requested that his last name be seen,” Reynolds said. withheld, said that the repercusDrugs such as Vicodin and spike in drug use isn’t limited to expelled from the school. “If it’s a low-level drug, such sions are too severe. Xanax are easily available to prescription drugs.
“I knew that the punishment was going to be a lot more than what my roommate and I deserved,” Michael said. He went through the discipl i na r y system w it h t he Center for Students Rights and Responsibilities when marijuana was found in his dorm room. “It seemed like I had tried to rape somebody or something,” he said. “It was just such a huge deal for something that wasn’t affecting my academic progress at all.” Reynolds, McGuinness and Quinn said that education and counseling were necessary to help students understand the consequences of drug use. Michael said educating the administrators is also necessary. “There were a very select few individuals that decided the rest of your academic career and those individuals are not well informed enough by a variety of resources to really make those decisions,” Michael said.
See UNT on Page 2
Staff Writer
With controversial topics, a determined cast and crew, and the hope that viewers will relate to the themes, Lee Blessing’s production, “Two Rooms,” aspires to bring an infinite range of emotions to the audience, said Chris Barr, the director and theatre arts senior. The theatre and dance department will perform “Two Rooms” on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts Building’s Studio Theatre. The play focuses on obstacles faced by people dealing having someone they know held hostage. “Emotionally, a lot of people have experienced certain things in their life, and if there’s any way that I can help put things into perspective, I will,” said Eric Orman, a theatre arts sophomore. “The character I play, Michael, experiences a lot of pain, but in all the hurt he is able to find light and happiness in the world.” The play will also illustrate the reverse side of the situation,
portraying the obstacles faced by the person who is being held captive, Barr and Orman said. Barr was presented with the task of retelling Blessing’s play in a way that would live up to the meaning it has given to many viewers. “It’s such a powerful play. It’s me holding myself to such high standards,” he said. “I want the audience to go away understanding the relationships and take away the feelings of each character.” “Two Rooms” was written by Lee Blessing in response to the hostage events that took place in Lebanon in 1988. The story takes place over a three-year time span, and the setting is divided between Michael Wells, an American held hostage by Arab terrorists, and Michael’s home office where a reporter is metaphorically holding his wife, Lanie, hostage. The message presented throughout the play is showing people the truths behind what happens in hostage situations regarding the reactions of the government and media, said
Price: $5 General Admission Location: Studio Theatre Purchasing: Tickets will be on sale the day of the show and the box office opens one hour before the show for ticket sales
UNT sees increased drug use, arrests on campus BY TIM MONZINGO Contributing Writer
The Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities and the UNT Police Department have reported an increase in the number of students in possession of illegal substances on campus. Thirty-four students received disciplinary action from the center from August 2008 to May 2009. So far this school year, 43 students have been referred to the center for drug related offenses. The police report similar results, with 54 student arrests for illegal narcotics for the 2007-2008 school year to 67 for the 2008-2009 school year. So far there are 24 for the 2009-2010 school year. “[Drug use] has been on the rise this year,” said Maureen McGuinness, the vice president for Student Development. “A lot of times students come to college to experiment, whether it’s with alcohol or drugs or behavior they really haven’t been involved with before.” Ed Reynolds, deputy chief of the UNT Police Department, said that
News
Page 2
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Scott McBride, Rebecca Hoeffner & Melissa Boughton, News Editors
ntdailynews@gmail.com
Student VP advocates UNT students plan to more access for disabled spend tax refund money BY SHEA YARBOROUGH
Senior Staff Writer
UNT students with disabilities have a new advocate in the Student Government Association. Unsafe curb cut-outs, lack of space on crowded walkways and lack of common courtesy led SGA vice president, Ja maa l Sa nders, to begin research to ensure that students with disabilities feel comfortable on campus, but getting them to talk has been challenging, he said. “A lot of st udent s say they are happy, but I would assume that they don’t want to complain,� Sanders said. Disabled st udent s ca n be seen going to and from class on a daily basis, but common courtesy towards these students is a problem, said Devin Axtman, an SGA freshman intern. Not parking in the opening of a c r o s s w a l k , g i v i n g d i s a ble d st udent s room on the sidewa lks and not blocking curb cut-outs, were a few ideas Axtman fired off the top of his head. “I tipped over in my wheelchair in front of Crumley Hall,� Axtman said. “There wasn’t enough room on the
sidewalks. It’s just common courtesy.� Sanders was adamant in his defense of UNT’s Office of Disability Accommodations, stating that they are doing a “wonderful� job complying with state mandated accommo d at ion s for d i s a ble d students on UNT’s campus. “I don’t want people to think ODA isn’t doing their job,� Sanders said. “But it all boils down to making these st udent s more c om for table.� Tra nsferring f rom high s c ho ol to U N T c a n b e daunting for some disabled st udent s because of t he sheer size of UNT’s campus, Sanders said. “I a m r e c om mend i ng muscle toning and physical training classes as a part of orientation for incoming freshman to help them cope with the size of the campus,� Sanders said. E v e r y s e m e s t e r, t h e members of the SGA ta ke a “sa fet y w a l k � look i ng for a rea s of t he ca mpus t hat cou ld be u nsa fe for students. Last semester’s walk was “u n suc c e s sf u l,� be c au se they didn’t f ind any t hing
t hat needed to be f i xed, Sanders said, meaning all the dark walkways were well lit and good changes had been made. The SGA is the student-led governmental body of UNT. This semester, 10 students will be asked to put themselves in a wheelchair to help further awareness of their fellow disabled students. “It’s going to be a safety roll,� Sanders said. The student volunteers will be going up curbs, trying out elevators and wheeling themselves across campus. The safety roll will also be a way to look for places that prohibit disabled students from getting across campus and going to class in a safe and fast way, Sanders said. “ W h at h a pp en s w hen an automatic door doesn’t work or an elevator is out, causing a student to miss class,� Sanders said. “They want to feel just as normal as any other student, but when [things] like this happen, it takes that ability away from them.� All the information will be fact checked and placed in a file to be presented at the end of the semester, he said.
BY VINCENT GRAZIANO Contributing Writer
Many UNT students have received tax rebates already, and the possible plans vary for what to do with them. The Daily surveyed 100one hundred students on what they plan to do with the extra cash. Their plans for the money were grouped into five categories: paying debt, saving, investing, taking a vacation or making a purchase. Most had concrete plans on how the money would be spent. Only a few had to think about it. A wide variety of purchases were planned, including guitars, an engagement ring, socks, a phone and clothing. One student will be adding the money to a down payment on a house. For the jet-setters of the bunch, destinations like Thailand, Europe, New York and Florida are on the horizon, thanks to Uncle Sam. Michael D. Woods, a certified financial planner in Denton, suggested paying down any debts they may have. “If you have debt, pay it off,� Woods said. For students without debt, he advises that they stash the money in a savings or checking account for future school expenses. “When you’re a student, your
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF AMANDA RAYMOND/MCT
UNT students who have started to receive their tax rebates have made plans to spend the money on paying off debts and normal everyday purchases. primary objective is getting out of there with as little debt as possible,� Woods said. By keeping the money on hand, he said, students could then take out fewer loans and graduate with a minimal amount of debt. Many students are taking this advice, with nearly three-quarters of those surveyed planning on paying debts or boosting savings.
Many message boards around the Web also tout paying off debt as the No. 1 way to use tax return money. Some of the smaller refunds, such as the $4 that hospitality management junior Megan Hardy received, are going toward simpler things. “I just bought some lunch with it,� Hardy said.
UNT police program allows students to label property Continued from Page 1 While playing a racquetball game at the Physical Education Building, Jacob Green, a history junior, and Robert Salinas, a
design communications junior, left their belongings outside the enclosed court. Afterward, while leaving, Salinas discovered that his wallet was missing. “I thought, ‘Yeah right,’ and
then I looked for my wallet and it was gone,� said Green. The two recovered their wallets later, but the cash and credit cards were gone. Jeff Arrington, the crime
prevention officer of the UNT Police Department, started a free program called TAG-IT, which allows police to come to each dorm and engrave students’ names on their personal items
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and register their bicycles. T.J. Zambrano, hall director at Bruce Hall, said the program has had a slow turn-out. “Residents for whatever reason weren’t coming out to
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News
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Page 3
Scott McBride, Rebecca Hoeffner & Melissa Boughton, News Editors
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Toyota copes with recalls, death-related accidents BY K RYSTLE CANTU Staff Writer
Some UNT students who drive their Toyota vehicles to campus everyday still have faith in Toyota and feel that these events will pass while others wonder if their vehicle is next. Toyota has been dealing with recalls on multiple vehicles. Sixteen deaths and 243 injuries have been discovered in more than 2,000 cases involving Toyota sudden acceleration, according to ABC News. “It’s tragic what happened,” said Amber Walker, a doctoral st udent i n cou nsel i ng psychology. Even though her 2006 Rav4 isn’t affected, she still worries about new recall developments at Toyota. “It’s disturbing,” she said. “Kind of makes you wonder, ‘What else are they going to find?’ maybe even in my model.” The company is doubling its efforts to get to the bottom of those issues and fix them, said Cindy Knight, a public affairs manager for Toyota. “Any death is extremely serious and highly regrettable,” she said. “We take the safety of our customers at utmost priority.” She said that Toyota was comply ing w it h Nat iona l Highway Transportation Agency requirements.
“W hat happens is when you find a safety defect is you have five business days to notify the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency of your findings,” she said. “In all cases, Toyota has done that within the five-day period.” Knight said they moved as quickly as possible and notified the public and dealers as soon as they could. “It is not a simple matter to contact 1,500 dealers with all the information they would need to start implementing a recall and then to contact all of our customers to have them bring their vehicles in,” she said. “So, the idea that we moved slowly is simply an unfounded one.” Kevin Wayland, a communication studies senior, said he is not bothered driving his new 2010 Toyota Corolla, which is one of the models on the recall list for a sticking accelerator pedal. He said he just bought the car and has had no problems so far. “My aunt’s been getting Toyotas for 15 years now and never had a problem. I was initially kind of scared, but since I trust the company and I rely on them, and Toyota’s a good car,” he said. “If mistakes happen and as long as it gets fixed we’ll all be OK.” Wayland said this is the first time he had ever seen or heard
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THE CRAZIES (R:I.D. Required) 1:00pm 3:25pm 5:50pm 8:15pm AVATAR - REAL D 3D (PG-13) 1:00pm 4:30pm 8:10pm CRAZY HEART - CinéArts (R:I.D. Required) 11:35am 2:20pm 5:05pm 7:50pm 10:35pm DEAR JOHN (PG-13) 11:40am 2:10pm 4:45pm 7:20pm 9:55pm PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF (PG) 11:55am 1:20pm 2:45pm 4:10pm 5:35pm 7:00pm 8:25pm 9:50pm
PHOTO BY KAITLYN PRICE/PHOTOGRAPHER
Recently Toyota has been forced to recall many of its vehicles because of gas pedal issues. council in the works, composed of outside experts. It will objectively review Toyota’s procedures and practices, as well as make recommendations. “Toyota is bending over backwards to satisfy customers who bring their vehicles in and are doing their utmost to make it as painless as possible,” Knight said. “That is a huge step. We value our reputation for quality durability and reliability. That’s what our brand is known for, and we’ll do our utmost to protect that.”
Joe Tom Cable, a 43-year-old 2009 Tundra owner, said he still thinks that despite the recall, Toyota trucks are the best ever made. He said he has averaged 36,000 miles per year in his truck and has had no problems. He appreciates that the company has contacted him and kept up with his vehicle status throughout the events, Cable said. “They are the most reliable vehicle that I know of,” he said. “I like Toyota vehicles, no doubt.”
Wayland said he’d heard about the crashes and deaths in Toyota vehicles on the radio, but he doesn’t think the fault should be put on Toyota. “It’s the risk in driving a car,” he said. “It’s just as much someone else’s fault as the company’s. You do take a risk in that you’re driving a car and this is a motor vehicle and it is dangerous. People forget that they need to be highly aware of what goes on in making a car and the dangers.”
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of Toyota instituting a recall. He said he hasn’t received a notice about his Corolla. “I think the media is blowing it way out of proportion,” he said “We can’t always place the blame on other people for the things that happen.” Knight said dealerships are fixing as many as 50,000 cars a day. They’ve also hired extra personnel and expanded their hours and are undergoing additional training to provide all repairs as quickly as possible. “Our president has announced a couple of initiatives, including appointing chief safety officers for each region, which would be a new executive position to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to build safety into our vehicles and catch problems sooner and communicate more quickly,” she said. Da ne Minor, a genera l manager for a Toyota dealership in Hurst, agreed. “One thing that Toyota takes very seriously is safety,” he said. Toyota’s recall was voluntarily, which should say a lot to consumers, Minor said. “If they felt like Toyota was moving too slow, the government could have issued a mandated recall on these, but that didn’t happen,” he said. Toyota also has a new safety
SHUTTER ISLAND (R:I.D. Required) 11:25am 12:55pm 2:35pm 4:05pm 5:45pm 7:15pm 8:55pm 10:25pm THE BLIND SIDE (PG-13) 1:15pm 4:25pm 7:25pm 10:30pm THE WOLFMAN (R:I.D. Required) 11:30am 2:10pm 4:50pm 7:30pm 10:10pm 10:20pm TOOTH FAIRY (PG) 11:45am 2:25pm 5:00pm 7:35pm VALENTINE’S DAY (PG-13) 11:35am 1:10pm 2:40pm 4:15pm 5:40pm 7:10pm 8:40pm 10:05pm
THURSDAY RTB2 / Spooky Folk / The Red 100z / The Tellevators @ The Boiler Room Brandon Narrel, Three Star, Postscript, Ailand @ Andy’s Bar Naked Lunch @ Dan’s Silverleaf Reckless Kelly CD Release W/ Sean McConnell @ Rockin Rodeo Tweakbird, Hawk Vs Dove, Maleveller @ Rubber Gloves College Nite w/ B. Bush @ The Garage The Craziest Party In North Texas @ Rbar PHAT Thursdays @ Electric Cowboy FRIDAY The Blue Hit / Jessie Frye / Hats and Statues @ The Boiler Room PVC Street Gang, Megafauna (Austin, TX), No Heroes @ Andy’s Bar The Texas Sapphires/Cricket Taylor @ Dan’s Silverleaf The Timeline Post (CD Release), Dust Congress, Drink To Victory @ Hailey’s Club Girls Night Out! @ Rockin Rodeo Bs Art Fusion: Peligro! (last Show), Live Nude Models!!!/ Free Fuzzys tacos @ Rubber Gloves Vlad & the Impaler’s @ The Garage Matt Boggs Band @ Rbar Courthouse Blues - Fourth Friday @ Hydrant Cafe Girls Night Out! @ Electric Cowboy SATURDAY Celtic Festival @ The Boiler Room Informant, The Dropouts, Scary Cherry and the Bang Bangs @ Andy’s Bar No Words Showcase 12 noon/ Betty Soo @ Dan’s Silverleaf POS, Dessa (of Doomtree), Astronautalis @ Hailey’s Club The Stampede @ Rockin Rodeo Florene, Motion Turns it on, Curvette, Givers @ Rubber Gloves Deric Merrill @ The Garage Sinful Saturday’s @ Rbar Convergent CD Release @ The Garage Biggest party in North Texas! @ Electric Cowboy
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SUNDAY The Allmost Brothers Band @ Dan’s Silverleaf Leslie & The Ly’s, Christopher The Concord @ Hailey’s Club Sing and Swing Night @ Electric Cowboy
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MONDAY Movie Night @ Andy’s Bar Paul Slavens/ Cowboy Celtic @ Dan’s Silverleaf Roboto Art Show @ Hydrant Cafe
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TUESDAY Kick Ass Karaoke! @ Rbar Roboto Art Show, Tim Chernikoff & Rotating musicians @ Hydrant Cafe WEDNESDAY -XS- Too Much Is Never Enough @ Rockin Rodeo Roboto Art Show, Basement Poetry @ Hydrant Cafe Mid Week Madness @ Electric Cowboy
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AVATAR 3D |PG13 12:15AM | 4:15 | 8:15 COP OUT |R 11:00AM | 1:45 | 4:30 | 7:15 10:15 | 12:05AM
SHUTTER ISLAND |R 11:30 | 3:00 | 6:45 | 10:00 VALENTINE’S DAY |PG13 12:00 | 3:15 | 6:30 | 9:30
Page 4 Amber Arnold, Arts & Life Editor
Arts & Life
Thursday, February 25, 2010 ntdailylife@gmail.com
UNT alumna to make fashion show debut BY GRACIELA R AZO Senior Staff Writer
W hen most children are preparing for their first year of school, Shirin Askari was learning how to sew at 4 years old. Then, three years later, she used a sewing machine to piece together her first garment, a small white dress with tiny blue hearts. Now, a f ter g raduat i ng from the UNT fashion design program in 2008 and participating in season six of “Project Runway,� Askari is preparing to debut her fashion show Friday in Dallas. “I feel like I’m ready to show now because I’ve grown as a designer, and my aesthetic is very different than from when I was a student at UNT because of the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve gone through,� Askari said. Now running on two hours of sleep and pure adrenalin, Askari is styling her looks and picking out her models for Friday’s fashion show. She said she is incorporating more color, different textures and sculptural elements into her clothing.
Bri Crum is helping Askari produce her debut show and has seen the number of hours Askari put into making her collection come out just the way she wants. Her perfectionist eye and willingness to keep working until every piece is completed will bring the designer success in the future, Crum said. “Her work ethic is unbelievable,� Crum said. “When you see her collection, it all flows together beautifully. It’s a masterpiece.� Crum said Askari’s ability to make a woman feel beautiful at any age makes her stand out above many other designers. Marian O’Rourke-Kaplan, associate dean of academic and student affairs at the College of Visual Arts and Design, taught Askari at the beginning and end of her time at UNT. As a student, she said, Askari was hard working and creative with every project she had to do. O’Rourke-Kaplan watched her former student compete on Project Runway and said she was impressed with every challenge she completed. “I think her design is very
clean but always has an interesting twist to it and keeps it clean and not outrageous,� O’Rourke-Kaplan said. She said she looks forward to seeing what Askari has been working on so diligently for the past few months at her debut show. “She’s been working like crazy to develop her new looks, so I’m very excited to see what she has to unveil,� O’RourkeKaplan said. Askari said her experience on “Project Runway� strengthened her, not only as a designer but also as a person. “You really begin to critique yourself because you’re around other designers and styles,� Askari said. “It was definitely something I could have never prepared for.� The designer participated in nine design challenges and won one of them for her work in making a maternity outfit, complete with a lined coat and hat. She said no matter how sleep deprived and stressed out she was during her time on the show, she stayed true to her design aesthetic. She takes inspiration from looks of the
1930s and 1940s and tries to have a clean, chic look for her clothing. “I like to bring a modern twist to ladylike clothing,� Askari said. During her time on the show, the designer met celebrities and big names in the fashion industry, such as designers Max Azria and Monique Lhuillier. Working closely with the designers’ mentor Tim Gunn and presenting garments in front of supermodel and the show’s host Heidi Klum was memorable as well, she said. “I don’t think I would trade that experience for anything,� Askari said.
editing the 65-minute feature about civil rights advocate, James Farmer Jr. This week she will show her labors at UNT in hopes of enlightening those in attendance about the civil rights movement. “I’d like general audiences to understand that the civil rights movement was not a selfcontained movement strictly relegated to the 1960s, but that
it occurred along a continuum of struggle and continues to this day,� Schoenbaechler said in an e-mail. Schoenbaechler began her film studies at the University of Texas. Upon her arrival at UNT, she became interested in documentaries because she enjoys the creative storytelling that goes into depicting real stories. She graduated from UNT in 2006
with a master’s in fine arts in documentary production and studies. She fell into the project after becoming interested in Farmer’s story while working with Dallas’ AMS Pictures group on its documentary, “The Real Great Debaters.� The documentary featured the 1934 debate team from Wiley College in Marshall that Farmer was a part of. In the film, which starred Denzel Washington, the team went on to beat an all-white, undefeated debate team from the University of Southern California Now “The Good Fight� has Farmer in the spotlight recounting his fight for equality, as he organized sit-ins and peaceful protests for transportation desegregation 10 years before Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts. “I was personally inspired by the integrationist camara-
Event Information Shirin Askari 2010 Debut Fashion Show 9 p.m. Friday 1409 South Lamar, Dallas Tickets $15 student tickets (standing room only) $25 seating at the runway show $50 VIP Seating, cocktail party and gift bag
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRI CRUM
Shirin Askari, UNT alumna and season six Project Runway contestant, will debut a fashion show at 7 p.m. Friday in Dallas.
Graduate to show documentary film on campus BY JENNIFER FLOYD Contributing Writer
Through her lens, UNT alumna Jess Schoenbaechler brings to focus the portrait of one of the civil rights movement’s unsung heroes in the documentary, “The Good Fight: James Farmer Remembers the Civil Rights Movement.� Schoenbaechler worked for a year, directing, producing and
derie and sense of purpose with which Farmer led his life. From his coworkers to his family, he worked closely with a variety of people, learning from them and teaching them simultaneously, while struggling to propel the civil rights movement forward,� she said. “It is an interesting and important story that had been left out of the history books — a story that deserved to be told to a new generation.� Schoenbaechler’s film features audio lectures, still photos and other graphics that have been collected from an array of archives. “Viewers can expect to feel as though they’ve spent an evening listening to Farmer first hand and perusing his personal memorabilia,� she said. In addition to the film showcase, Schoenbaechler will answer questions after the screening and said she is anxious to see
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UNT students react to the film as well as present it to her former professors. “The RTVF studies that I learned at UNT were instrumental in preparing me to do the research, storytelling, editing and producing that this film required,� she said. Ben Levin of the radio, television and film faculty helped organize the screening of the film. “I think it is important to keep our graduates involved in our program after they graduate,� he said. “The film deals with an important character in the early stages of the civil rights movement, and I believe that the students can benefit from expanding their horizons regarding this important period in the history of our country.� “The Good Fight� is just the beginning for the director, as she is currently working on several reality shows for the HGTV and TruTV networks. She also has another documentary that she calls an “epic survival story� on the way called, “I Am Alive: Nando Parrado’s Story,� about one of the survivors of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes that killed 29 members from a Uruguayan rugby team. Schoenbaechler is also an advocate for women in film and was on the Dallas board for Women in Film. “Women are certainly underrepresented in the film industry and on screen. They also make up too many of the victims seen on screen,� she said. “I’d like to continue to improve the status of and compensation for women’s work in film and across the workforce.� The free screening for “The Good Fight: James Farmer Remembers the Civil Rights Movement� will be at 7 tonight in Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts Building 184. For more information, call the RTVF department at 940565-2537.
Thursday, February 25, 2010 Amber Arnold, Arts & Life Editor
Arts & Life
Page 5 ntdailylife@gmail.com
Cornel West to ‘speak his mind’ at lecture BY JESSICA PAUL Staff Writer
Princeton professor Cornel West has published 19 books and speaks across the U.S. to promote racial justice. He will visit the UNT campus today. West will speak as part of UNT’s Distinguished Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. today in the Main Auditorium of the Auditorium Building. “ W it h h i s b o ok ‘R a c e Matters,’ he takes a look at topic s pe ople somet i mes don’t wa nt to ta lk about,” said Dakota Carter, Student Government Association president and one of the chairmen of the Distinguished Lecture Series. “Of course it’s from his perspective, but he sometimes says things that people think, but they would never say. He really just tries to address the issue.” The civ i l r ig hts act iv ist is someone who the lecture ser ie s cha i r men t houg ht students would want to hear from, Carter said. West has also been inf luent ia l in developing “T he Matrix” trilogy, appearing in the last two films and acting as the official spokesman for the movies. Mercedes Fulbright, a political science sophomore and
student representat ive for the lecture series, said she is excited to meet West and have the opportunity to introduce him at the lecture tonight. “I ad m i re h i m, a nd it’s probably going to be one of the greatest things I’ve experienced at UNT,” Fulbright said. “I feel as though he’s someone who’s not afraid to speak his mind, and at the same time, he can do that and entertain our generation. The fact that he can speak to us in a way that we understand him, and in turn, can be inspired to be just like him is great. He’s a ver y intelligent man and a lot of people should look up to him.” West’s lecture has only been publicized for the past two weeks, but it’s already sold out, she said. “We k new t hat he loves college students, we knew that that would be a great target for the audience we’re targeting,” Fulbright said. “At the same time, it’s Black History Month, he’s a n A f r ica n-A mer ica n professor and he knows what he’s talking about.” Students should attend the lecture because West brings a wide variety of topics to the table, Carter said. “He c a n e d u c a t e t h e
Civil rights activist and author Cornel West will speak at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Auditorium Building. students, he can address a vast majority of the students,” Carter said. “He brings diversity to the whole mix. He has all these topics that people across the broad spectrum are interested in. He’s going
Teams collect canned food for Denton, build structures BY K ATIE GRIVNA Senior Staff Writer
UNT students, faculty and staff on 27 different teams will work to build structures out of canned foods Friday. The CANstruction competition kicks off at 8 a.m. in open areas around the One O’Clock Lounge and is hosted by the Center for Leadership and Service as part of Building Citizens Week. All food collected benefits the Denton Community Food Center. “It’s a fun, competitive way to get people involved, and it builds into cultures and traditions,” said Amy Simon, director of the Center for Leadership and Service. “I think that is why we want to continue. It is a nice tradition that people can have fun and make a difference at the same time.” The most creative and largest structure will win a pizza and wings party, she said. The judges will be a mix of students, staff and representatives from the Denton Community Food Center. It is important for people to realize how easy it is to get involved in the community and make a difference, Simon said. The Denton Community Food Center goes through about 30,000 pounds of food in one month, she said. “We’d love to help fill the food center,” Simon said. In last year’s CANstruction competition, team members collected more than 9,000 pounds of food. This year, faculty and staff teams ranging from the math department to the athletic department will compete with student teams, she said. Jaime Goldstein, a psychology senior and president of Psi Chi, the Intern ational Honor Society in Psychology, said members have collected a lot canned food for them to build with. The best thing about the competition so far is having the opportunity to help people and do volunteer work, which is one of the goals of the organization, she said. “I’m participating in this because to me, donating is important,” Goldstein said. “I try to donate to different organizations that I think are important. I think it’s good to help people.”
PHOTO BY RICHELLE ANTIPOLO/FILE
Julie Gillespie, a health promotion senior, strategically thinks about where to place the next can to build Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace. Their biggest difficulty will be O’Clock Lounge, followed by building the structure because refreshments and judging from the Psi Chi members have never noon to 1 p.m. participated in CANstruction before, and their creation probably won’t be as elaborate as others, she said. Ken net h Og uejiofor, a psychology senior and student coordinator for the VolUNTeer League, said the members of the league have collected around 600 packets of Ramen noodle soup and plan to build a giant Ramen bowl, complete with chopsticks. CANstruction is a good community service event because it helps with the hunger around Denton, he said. “We’re all excited just to be a part of it and help out,” Oguejiofor said. “We’re just ready for Friday.” People are encouraged to come out and view the creations as well as help tear them down and load the cans onto the truck to be taken to the Denton Community Food Center immediately following the judging. CANstruction teams will build from 8 a.m. to noon today in the open areas around the One
to grab people who are interested in civil rights, or are interested in philosophy, or religion, or political science, or jou r na l ism, or education.” West will speak in the Main
Auditorium of the Auditorium Building. “We’ve got a speaker who is a l l about diversit y a nd a ll about rea lly educating students to be proactive in their community, be proac-
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK KENNEDY/MCT
tive w it h t he government, and rea lly just tr y to ta ke interest in what’s going on in our nation and around the world,” Carter said. “I’m really just proud that he could come and do that.”
Unhealthy diets lead to strokes for women SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A moment on the lips, forever on the hips? A bad figure is hardly the worst of it. Eating a lot of fat, especially the kind that’s in cookies and pastries, can significantly raise the risk of stroke for women over 50, a large new study finds. We already know that diets rich in fat, particularly arteryclogging trans fat, are bad for the heart and the waistline. The new study is the largest to look at stroke risk in women and across all types of fat. It showed a clear trend: Those who ate the most fat had a 44 percent higher risk of the most common type of stroke compared to those who ate the least. “It’s a tremendous increase that is potentially avoidable,” said Dr. Emil Matarese, stroke chief at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Penn. “What’s bad for the heart is bad for the brain.” He reviewed but did not help conduct the research, which was presented Wednesday at an American Stroke Association conference. It involved 87,230 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative, a federally funded study best known for revealing health risks from taking hormone pills for meno-
pause symptoms. Before menopause, women traditionally have had less risk of stroke than similarly aged men, although this is changing as women increasingly battle obesity and other health problems. After menopause, the risk rises and the gender advantage disappears, said Dr. Ka He, a nutrition specialist and senior author of the study from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He and another researcher, Sirin Yaemsiri, wanted to see whether dietary fat affected the odds. Participants in the study had filled out detailed surveys on their diets when they enrolled, at ages 50 to 79. Researchers put them into four groups based on how much fat they ate and looked about seven years later to see how many had suffered a stroke caused by clogged blood vessels supplying the brain — the most common kind. There were 288 strokes in the group of women who consumed the most fat each day (95 grams) versus 249 strokes in the group eating the least fat (25 grams), Yaemsiri told the conference. After taking into account other factors that affect stroke
risk — weight, race, smoking, exercise and use of alcohol, aspirin or hormone pills — researchers concluded that women who ate the most fat had a 44 percent greater risk of stroke. They also found a 30 percent greater risk of stroke among women eating the most trans fat, which is common in stick margarine, fried foods, crackers and cookies. “We need to look at the labels on the foods we buy,” because many of these fats are hidden in baked goods and people are not aware of how much they’re consuming, Matarese said. “This is a simple way that any woman, especially postmenopausal women, can improve their health. Simply avoiding fried foods is a big one.” On average, American women in their 50s and 60s eat 63 to 68 grams of fat a day, federal health statistics show. A little context: A 2-ounce Snickers bar contains 14 grams of fat; a 2-ounce bag of Crunchy Cheetos has 20 grams, as does a Haagen-Dazs ice cream bar. T he A mer ic a n He a r t Association recommends limiting fat to less than 25 to 35 percent of total calories, and trans fat to less than 1 percent.
Page 6 Justin Umberson, Sports Editor
Sports
Thursday, February 25, 2010 ntdaily.sports@gmail.com
Seniors to play their final game at Super Pit Mean Green hopes to extend winning streak
Former walk on celebrates final season playing at UNT BY SEAN GORMAN
BY SEAN GORMAN Senior Staff Writer
Winners of six in a row, the UNT men’s basketball team w ill celebrate senior night before its final home game at 7 tonight when it hosts Louisiana Lafayette. The Mean Green (19-8, 11-5) can secure its fourth-straight 20-win season by defeating the Ragin’ Cajuns (13-14, 10-6). UNT currently sits in first place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division. “It takes a while to get better over the course of the season, but our guys have been able to improve during every game,” head coach Johnny Jones said. “I love the way we’re playing right now and the chemistry that has developed all year.” Tied with Troy and Middle Tennessee State for first place in the conference, UNT can clinch the top seed in the conference tournament with wins in its last two games and a MTSU loss. The No. 1 seed would be the first in Mean Green history and grants it an automatic bid to the National Invitational Tou r na ment i f UN T fa i ls to adva nce to t he NC A A Tournament. “We’re play ing our best basketball of the season right now, and t here’s no better time to be feeling good about yourselves than now,” senior forward Eric Tramiel said. Before t he game begins, UNT will hold a ceremony for Tramiel and guard Antwone Matlock, the team’s seniors. “I look back at this whole season and what I’ve been able to do with my teammates, and it’s hard not to get a little sentimental,” Tramiel said. “I will always cherish my time at UNT and will do everything I can to go out with a bang on Thursday night.” Discussions about t iebrea kers bet ween No. 1 seeds have not included the Ragin’ Cajuns, who currently sit in third place in the Sun Belt West. “We’ll get their best shot without question,” Jones said. “Every game is more important and difficult when you lead the division.” Much of the Mean Green’s offense has come from the line, as UNT leads the nation in free throws made per game with 20.2 per game. “Not on ly a re ou r g uy s getting there, they’re shooting at a great percentage,” Jones said. “It’s a point of pride with every player on this team and one of our strengths.” J u n i o r g u a r d Tr i s t a n Thompson has been lighting
Mat lock pla n s to ke ep play i ng ba sketba l l i n t he After playing at the junior f ut u re, hopi ng to fol low college level at Trinidad State, former Mea n Green g ua rd senior guard Antwone Matlock Ca lv i n Wat son’s pat h by was adamant about reaching competing overseas. “It’s important t hat I do his goal of playing Division I basketball and reaching the ever y t h i ng I ca n to keep working out and staying in NCA A Tournament. The Irving native got his shape after the season ends cha nce last yea r when he because that’s something I met Mean Green head coach really want to do,” he said. The criminal justice major’s Johnny Jones, who let Matlock join UNT as a walk on after free time consists of basketseeing his work et hic a nd ball, on a television instead of a court. passion for basketball. “I like to ha ng out w it h “Being able to f ulf ill my goal of playing for a Division friends and play video games,” I school was somet h i ng I he said. “My favorite game is couldn’t pass on, and coach ‘NBA 2K10,’ but like everyone Jones really made an effort to else these days I love ‘Call get to know me as a person,” of Duty: Modern Warfare’ as Matlock said. “W hen I saw well.” Basketball has inf luenced how close the players were to one another, I knew this Matlock all his life, as he has played since wou ld be t he he wa s old r i g ht f it f or enoug h to me.” compete. In a day “It u se d and age where to be just a schola rsh ips game to me, players are the but now it’s a norm and walkway of life,” ons are rarely he sa id. “It accepted, h a s t au g ht Mat lo c k h a d me so much. h i s work c ut I eat, breathe out for h is a nd sleep when trying to basketball.” join the Mean A sel fGreen. procla i me d “A big pa r t of me getting —Antwone Matlock M a v e r i c k s to play on this Senior guard f a n , t h e sen ior sa id tea m was t he he ad m i res time and work the athletes I put in leading w ho a r en’t up to that year,” he said. “I worked harder than afraid to step up and ta ke I ever had before but don’t a big shot when it matters most. regret that at all.” “I love watching guys like Matlock and forward Eric Tramiel are the only seniors Brandon Roy and Kobe Bryant on a young Mean Green team play because they carry their with four freshman, a sopho- teams and are so clutch when the game’s on the line,” he more and eight juniors. “I’m going to miss ever y said. “It’s always fun to see part of playing for this team,” competitors go out there and he said. “These guys are like do ever y t hing t hey ca n to family to me, and I will defi- win.” T he 6-foot-1-inch g ua rd nitely not forget what it was like playing in front of these credits all of his success to his mother, who adopted him at a fans.” While not a player night in young age and has supported and night out, Matlock has his commitment to basketball seen his minutes and points his whole life. “Growing up it was just me tota ls increase this season while and has also played a and mom, I learned so much key role in helping the Mean from her as a child,” he said. “She has always been there Green execute in practice. “T here’s no doubt t hat for me and is the one person A nt wone has made a huge who I t hink is responsible impact on this team from the for helping me get to where practices to the games he has I am now.” Mat lock a nd t he Mea n played in,” Jones said. “I love the approach that he brings to Green look to build upon a the game — he gives it every- six-game winning streak at thing he’s got and makes the 7 tonight when they host the most of ever y opportunit y Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns. presented to him.” Senior Staff Writer
PHOTO BY RYAN BIBB/PHOTOGRAPHER
Guard Antwone Matlock dribbles past freshman guard Alzee Williams in practice. Matlock, who walked onto the team, is one of two seniors who will be honored before tonight’s game.
“It used to be just a game to me, but now it’s my life. I eat, breathe and sleep basketball.”
PHOTO BY RYAN BIBB/PHOTOGRAPHER
Junior guard Collin Mangrum looks for a teammate to pass to during the Mean Green’s 83-65 win against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday. The Mean Green hosts the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at 7 tonight at the Super Pit. up t he Sun Belt competition a ll season, averaging 17.4 poi nt s per ga me on 45 percent shooting f rom three-point range against in conference opponents. “W hen you have a g uy who can play his best during the most important games
like Tristan does, it’s huge,” Tramiel said. “Ever y time Sun Belt play starts, he seems to step his game up to a new level.” Play i ng at home cou ld help t he Mea n Green, as UNT is 11-2 at the Super Pit while Lafayette is 3-10 on
the road. “I hope all of our fans are able to come out and help make it a fun environment to play in like they usually do,” Jones said. “Any time you have the crowd supporting you, it can help the team play its best basketball.”
Thursday, February 25, 2010 Justin Umberson, Sports Editor
Sports
Page 7 ntdaily.sports@gmail.com
Mean Green ends losing streak on senior night BY BEN BABY Staff Writer
In its final home game of the regular season, the Mean Green seniors decided they did not want to leave the Super Pit on a losing note. Behind a balanced scoring attack, t he UNT women’s basketball team (8-20, 5-12) overwhelmed the LouisianaLafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 90-67. “We just executed the game plan,” junior guard Denetra Kellum said. “Like [senior guard Brittany James] said, we just took what the defense gave us.” The win over the Ragin’ Cajuns (10-19, 4-12) was the largest margin of victory of the season. The Mean Green avoided its fourth-consecutive home loss and its third-straight loss overall. With the win, UNT moved ahead of ULL into fourth place in the Sun Belt Conference West Division, as both teams held identical conference records before the game. “I just really wanted to come out and win, especially against them, because they beat us the first time,” James said. “I guess they felt like they can come in here and run over us like the first time.” Kellum had 20 points and 12 rebounds, her first career double-double. Fresh ma n forward Jasmine Godbolt had a solid performance with 16
PHOTO BY RYAN BIBB/PHOTOGRAPHER
Freshman guard Ravven Brown dribbles through Louisiana-Lafayette’s defense. The Mean Green won its last home game this season 90-67 on Wednesday at the Super Pit. Before the game, UNT honored the two seniors on the team. points and 12 boards, her eighth double-double of the season. The Ragin’ Cajuns opened things off with a three-point field goal by senior forward Alexis Green. The Mean Green proceeded to take over for the rest of the half, holding a fourpoint advantage at halftime. The Mean Green put the game away early in the second half, scoring the first 10 points after the break. From there on out, UNT did not give ULL any room to breathe, as it built a lead as large as 25 points. “We had to come out and
play hard and try to stop them from getting excited and take off in the second half,” James said. In its previous performance, the Mean Green had trouble keeping its opponent from picking up easy rebounds. There was no such issue against the Ragin’ Cajuns, who were outrebounded 58-33. Defensively, UNT held ULL to 25 percent shooting in the second half, 31 percent for the game. On the offensive end, the Mean Green shot 53 percent from the field, their second-
highest rate of the season. Before the game, the university honored the two seniors on the roster, James and forward Torrian Timms. James had 14 points and three assists, while Timms scored eight points and pulled down seven boards. “I’m really glad of how [the team] came out for senior night,” head coach Shanice Stephens said. “I think the people around the seniors played hard. I think the seniors played well, and I think that was one of our best team efforts.” The Mean Green will try to put together back-to-back
Senior Torrian Timms drives past a Louisiana-Lafayette defender in Wednesday’s 90-67 win. This was Timms’ last home game of her UNT career. wins for the second time this season Saturday, when they face Louisiana-Monroe in the final regular season. “It’s going to be hard walking into Monroe,” Stephens said. “It’s not going to be impos-
sible. That’s what we’re going to be preparing for these next two days, is to walk in there and really play some tough defense, execute on [offense] and I think we can come away with a victory.”
for the fourth season in a row, and it is in line for the top seed in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. The team currently stands at 19-8 overall and 11-5 in the conference, and it sits atop the Sun Belt West Division. ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has the Mean Green projected to win the conference and enter the tournament as a
No. 15 seed. With the talent level on this team and the momentum it has built up over the past four weeks, I could see them earning an even higher seed than that. The team is loaded with experienced players and will need its upperclassmen leadership to keep the Mean Green focused and on track. Johnny Jones’ squad will need to continue the balance it has had over the last month, and will need to call on the suffocating defense that allowed fewer than 65 points per game this month. After going a mediocre 4-4 in January, the Mean Green has punched the gas with an undefeated February, winning six games. With just two games left on the regular season schedule, one against a struggling LouisianaMonroe team that has lost three
games in a row, UNT should enter the Sun Belt tournament as the conference’s hottest team. The UNT offense has led the charge for the Mean Green all season, and it has been in full force during the six-game-win streak. The Mean Green averaged nearly 80 points through that stretch. The offense is led by juniors Josh White, 15 points per game, and Tristan Thompson, 14.1 points per game, and ranks second in the conference in scoring at nearly 76 points a contest. Junior George Odufuwa leads UNT defensively. The 6-foot8-inch forward dominates the boards, and his 10.4 rebounds per game lead the conference. UNT’s defense has been a liability at times this year, and Odufuwa will
Eric Johnson
ence is get to the free throw line, and the team shoots well when it gets there. UNT has shot 70 more free throws than any other team in the conference and is second with its 73 percent clip at the line. Free throws can be the most important factor in any game, especially in the final moments when a team needs clutch shooters. Thompson and White both shoot more than 81 percent from the line and could be the key assets for UNT come tournament time. If the Mean Green can continue to concentrate on the things it does well, the team should be cutting down the nets on March 9 on its way to a second NCAA tournament berth in the last four years.
PHOTO BY RYAN BIBB/PHOTOGRAPHER
Men’s basketball team poised for a run at tourney Opinion BY ERIC JOHNSON Senior Staff Writer
Three years after the UNT men’s basketball team made its second trip to the NCAA tournament, this team is poised to make another trip to the Big Dance. UNT is on pace to win 20 games
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need to continue his solid play to lead the way defensively. UNT has been careless with the basketball at times, turning it over more than 400 times, which ranks the team last in the conference in turnover margin at minus 2.15 per game. What the Mean Green does better than the rest of the confer-
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Views
Page 8 Josh Pherigo, Views Editor
Thursday, February 25, 2010 ntdailyviews@gmail.com
Pass that Kool-Aid over here
Our picks for the primaries Editorial Tuesday’s statewide primary election will determine the ballot lineup for the final election in November. The field of gubernatorial contenders is strongly diverse with more than 10 Republican and Democratic candidates. The Editorial Board issues endorsements for the two candidates whose platforms represent the best choice for Texas governor as the position’s influence relates to the UNT community.
Republicans The three front-runners for the GOP ticket are Gov. Rick Perry, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and businesswoman Debra Medina. Medina, a registered nurse, said if elected, she would work to eliminate state property taxes and fight the federal government to restore state sovereignty. She is an outspoken advocate of gun rights, and said she often carries a firearm. Medina’s libertarian stance on limited government and marketing campaign that describes her as “just an ordinary citizen” has provided her widespread popularity among fiscal conservatives. However, her inexperience and lack of an actual administrative plan leave the Board doubtful of her ability to accomplish much of anything. Additionally, a questionable interview with talk show host Glenn Beck on Feb. 11 caused many to scratch their heads. Medina refused to directly answer when Beck asked whether she believed the U.S. government was responsible for the 9/11 attacks. If elected, its likely Gov. Perry’s agenda will be to continue business as usual in the Austin office he’s held for the past decade. Perry is turning the governorship into his career and the affects of that personal endeavor are becoming all too apparent in the way the state is being run. While remaining relatively docile in legislative matters, Perry’s authority has been exacted through other means. Currently, every major appointee in the state was given his or her position by Perry. Perry made history when he broke precedent and appointed his former chief of staff as chancellor of the Texas A&M University system. The Eagle, Bryan-College Station’s regional newspaper, blamed Perry’s “meddling” for leaving A&M “wounded and floundering.” Last fall, two regents at Texas Tech were forced by Perry’s office to resign when they announced their support for a political rival. That rival, Sen. Hutchison, has campaigned on a platform of ethics reform, education and transportation. She said she intends to raise the number of students that graduate high school and further emphasize math, science and technology in public schools. She also indicated that she will overhaul the state’s transportation system. Her strong record as a senator indicates she has the political savvy to accomplish those goals. The Board feels she is the best Republican candidate. Democrats There are seven democratic candidates for governor, but the contest is far less heated. The two front-runners are former Houston Mayor Bill White and businessman Farouk Shami. Shami is best known for his line of beauty products that includes the CHI flatiron hair straightener. His campaign focuses on turning the state from its current “wrong direction” in the areas of environment, education and health insurance. He’s made several flubs and missteps in recent interviews and comes across as politically inexperienced, at best. Bill White has experience as chief administrator of the largest city in the state and has experience as a bureaucrat at the federal level. In his mayoral term, he reduced crime and issued cost-saving reforms. The Editorial Board endorses Bill White for the Democratic candidacy.
In an angry rant by Gordon Smith in his letter to the editor earlier this week, he said that the City Council was “spouting a Kool-Aid of lies.” He would go on to say that any person who believes in the budget that the Council wrote was, “welcome to the same Kool-Aid.” So it got me t hin k ing, Kool-Aid is delicious! Anyone who is offering me some free Kool-Aid, I would be happy to consume it. I remember as a little kid coming in from hours of playing outside and chugging down massive amounts of the magical elixir. Kool-Aid was medicine for all that was ailing me, and there was nothing better on a hot summer day than a frosty pitcher of Kool-Aid. Originally created in 1931, the Kool-Aid craze swept the
nation with its six original flavors: orange, cherry, grape, strawberry, lemon-lime and berry. In 1953 the product was sold to General Mills, and the number of flavors swelled to 74. The sugary sensation was extended to Kool-Aid bursts, jammers and singles. With a simple mixture of Kool-Aid’s potent powder, water and a few cups of sugar, you can propel a bad day into a great one in not even a minute. Soda pop has nothing on Kool-Aid. Not only does the Aid dominate soda in taste, it is onethird the price. A saying developed after a mass suicide in which victims ingested grape Kool-Aid laced with potassium cyanide that if someone buys into something that they are drinking the Kool-Aid. This saying has
since carried a negative connotation. However, it can also be used in the opposite manner. For instance, I have been accused many times of drinking the Mean Green Kool-Aid. I want to remind people of the magnificence that is Kool-Aid and what it is really about, refreshment. Kool-Aid quenches the thirst of millions of people, young and old, every day all across the globe. My personal favorite is grape. Even as a 24-year-old husband and father, I still am reduced to a young child with every sip. My thoughts run back to being 8 years old and running around with a Kool-Aid mustache. The saying goes that milk does a body good. Well Kool-Aid puts a smile on my face, so
milk can stick to being in my cereal, only Kool-Aid goes in my glass. OH YEAH!
Eric Johnson is a journalism senior and a sports writer for the North Texas Daily. He can be reached at EricJohnson3@ my.unt.edu.
Feds should control student lending Given a choice, would you use taxpayer money to subsidize banks or to help students pay for college? It’s rare for a public policy quest ion to be t his big a no-brainer. But that’s the right way to describe the Obama administration’s proposal to save an estimated $80 billion over 10 years by making all student loans directly through the government rather than private lenders, and direct that money toward education programs. T he House ha s pa ssed legislation to eliminate the m idd lema n — compa n ies such as Sallie Mae — from the process, but the proposal is stalled in the Senate amid filibuster threats. U.S. Education Secretar y Arne Duncan wants to use the money for programs that help students get to college and succeed there, crucial steps for the country if U.S. companies are to compete globally
long-ter m. The biggest of these programs is a $40 billion increase in Pell Grants, which would improve affordability for students now and reduce indebtedness later. The plan also includes $8 billion for early childhood education, an essential ingredient for success later in life, and more money for communit y colleges, low-interest Perkins loans and collegetuition tax credits. In concept, the proposal isn’t that dramatic. The government already makes the majority of student loans. However, a profitable slice currently goes through private companies that lend out federal money and collect fees and interest, even though taxpayers bear the risk of default. This piece of the market would be eliminated. Lenders, supported by some lawmakers from both parties, are arguing against the plan, trying to protect what Duncan
calls their “free ride.” Perhaps sensing that public opinion isn’t on their side, they’ve suggested an alternative that would limit their profits but also save the government far less. One of the primary arguments aga i nst t he bi l l is that it represents a government takeover. But this argument is purely political, not substantive, as the government provides virtually all the capital for student loans already. The industry also says the bill will cost jobs. Sallie Mae estimates it would be forced to lay off some 2,500 people, t hough it doesn’t account for positions that would be regained because the plan calls for private companies to service the loans. Regardless, saving these jobs isn’t worth $80 billion. The lenders argue they can ser ve students better, and they’re at least partly right,
which is why the government would still contract with them to service the loans. But during the economic collapse, many private lenders stopped offering loans altogether, forcing colleges to turn to the more reliable direct lending programs instead — hardly a shining example of excellent customer support. It’s one thing to lose your car loan when credit markets freeze up. It’s quite another to be unable to attend college. Student lending is too important to be left to market vagaries. This plan eliminates corporate welfare and funds key education programs without adding to t he def icit. The Senate should pass it without delay so that colleges will have time to implement it in time for the next school year. This editorial was published in the San Jose Mercury News on Tuesday.
Campus Chat
What movie should win the Oscar for Best Picture? Why?
{ {
“The Hurt Locker. It’s a realistic depiction of what’s going on over there.”
Ashley Cargile Psychology junior
“Avatar. It’s better than anything they’ve made so far. It’s different.”
NT Daily Editorial Board
Kimmie Stephens
Education freshman
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