Mean Green meets Missouri Softball team hosts charity event Page 3
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
News 1, 2 Arts & Life 4 Sports 3 Views 5 Classifieds 6 Games 6
Volume 97 | Issue 34
Sunny 61° / 44°
ntdaily.com
The Student Newspaper of the University of North Texas
Presidential candidates debate issues Homecoming reform, parking top discussion
BY ISAAC WRIGHT Senior Staff Writer
ARTS & LIFE: Student has lifelong love for Mean Green Page 4
ARTS & LIFE: Jazz pianist’s music echoes throughout the world Page 4
Student candidates squared off to discuss key issues facing UNT students as voting for the Student Government Association presidential election approaches next week. Four presidential candidates and their running mates spoke to a crowd of more than 100 students Tuesday night in the University Union Silver Eagle Suite. Each candidate opened with an explanation of his or her platform and goals. They then responded to four topics posed by the debate’s moderator Brian Lain of the communications faculty and UNT’s debate team director. Lain said the four categories were chosen by gauging st udent opi n ion t h roug h research and feedback from a YouTube channel created prior to the debate. Homecoming reform Pending SGA legislation would create a court of homecoming nobles in which candidates would run as individuals. Lain asked candidates to explain their stance on the issue. Presidential Candidate Sarah Fox, a development and family studies junior, and running mate Sean Smallwood, a political science sophomore, are co-authors of the bill. Fox said she supports the concept of homecoming candi-
PHOTO BY BERENICE QUIRINO/VISUALS EDITOR
Blake Windham, a Student Government Association presidential candidate, talks to students after the debate. The debate took place Tuesday night at the Silver Eagle Suite in the University Union. dates as individuals. “Even completely taking the whole point of GLBTQ out of it, people want to see individuals running, not couples,” Fox said. Candidate Valerie Gonzalez, a journalism junior, said she was also in favor of the proposed reform. She said she would create a homecoming committee to address the issue in the future. “We need to have both sides,
open communication and dialogue,” Gonzalez said. Presidential candidates Blake Windham, a biology senior, and Kellie Hill, a marketing junior, both said they disagree with the current proposal, but for different reasons. Windham said he opposes the homecoming reform because he believes couples should still run as one man and one woman for
homecoming king and queen. “If we want to open the debate again, it shouldn’t be a situation where only 40-plus people decide. We should open it back up to students,” Windham said. Hill said she opposes the idea of individuals running for the homecoming court because she said she wants to remain true to the couples
tradition. Instead, Hill said she is in support of allowing same-sex couples to run for the homecoming court. “Homecoming is a time of cooperation, spirit and pride for our university,” Hill said. “The more we isolate students, the less of a community we promote.”
See SGA on Page 2
Voluntary separation Coaching changes kick off spring ball program trims faculty VIEWS: Student opposes smoking ban Page 5
ONLINE: Watch video from the SGA presidential debate
Follow the North Texas Daily
Program available for senior faculty BY JOSH PHERIGO & M ATTHEW CARDENAS
Managing Editor & Staff Writer More than two dozen UNT faculty members have applied for the voluntar y separation program that began accepting applications March 8, Provost Warren Burggren said. T he prog ra m, mea nt to trim the university’s budget, offers senior faculty members lump sum buyouts equal to a
le c t u r e r s a nd l i br a r i a n s qua lif y for t he prog ra m if they have served 15 consecutive years at UNT. Will McKee of the public service faculty came to UNT in 1978. A f ter a 36-yea r teaching career and with a grandson on the way, McKee said the prog ra m wa s too good to pass up. “For me, it’s t ime,” sa id McKee, 64, who looks forward to a f lex ible schedu le t hat would a llow him to travel. “I want to spend more time with my family.” He sa id t he prog ra m
“We didn’t know what to expect. We were surprised about the enthusiasm in the first few days.”
—Warren Burggren, Provost
year’s base salary if they quit and relinquish their tenure. Burggren said universit y officials are looking to free up money that can be reinvested in UNT’s growth. So far, 28 faculty members have applied for the program, Burggren said. “We didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “We were surprised about the enthusiasm in the first few days.” Tenured faculty, administrators with tenured faculty a p p oi n t m e n t s , p r i n c i p a l
provides an opportunity for facu lt y members to create their own academic paths. “I’m goi ng to c ont i nue being engaged academically,” McKe e s a id . “T he d i f ference is where you show up to work.” The Division of Academic Affairs is accepting applications until April 22. Fac u lt y mem b er s h av e seven days to revoke t hei r appl icat ion a f ter it’s submitted and should receive payment by Sept. 15.
PHOTO BY JAMES COREAS/SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The Mean Green football team’s spring season is under way. For a closer look at how coaching changes are affecting the team’s plans in 2011, see page 3.
News
Page 2 Josh Pherigo & Laura Zamora, News Editors
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 ntdailynews@gmail.com
Art contest raises awareness “Godspell” musical to open Artwork to be placed in hospitals, public areas BY CORRISA JACKSON Staff Writer
Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins on Friday. To c om memor ate a nd publ ici ze t he event, T he Turning Point Rape Crisis Center in Plano is hosting an art contest. Gayle Smith, the executive development director for the center, said the idea came f rom new sta f f members who wanted the North Texas community to become more knowledgeable about sexual assault. “It takes a community to reduce and heal it,” Smith said. A person is four times more likely to be sexual assaulted in college t ha n a ny ot her time in his or her life, she said. The contest Sm it h sa id t he orga n izat ion wa nted somet hing t hat wou ld resonate w it h college students and decided that could be a permanent exhibit. St ud e nt s f r om C ol l i n
Contest Information
College, University of Texas at Dallas and UNT can enter the contest, Smith said. All art media is allowed, and the only criterion is that the entries must be appropriate for all ages and public areas, she said. The deadline to register for the contest is April 5, and the last day to place entries is April 15.
Registration Deadline: April 5 Entry Deadline: April 15 Contact: theturningpoint.org
Art and Awareness Sa ma nt ha Wy ma n, t he community education coord i nator for T he Tu r n i ng Point, said an art contest was a great way to get the North Texas community involved, because art is often used to counsel sexual assault survivors “People from all different t y pes of backgrounds can u ndersta nd whatever t he artist is trying to say,” she said. “It’s helpful to get the message out.” W hen t he contest ends, Turning Point will place the a r t work i n hospita ls a nd other public areas.
She decided to enter it bec au se she work s w it h i mages of women a nd t houg ht it wou ld t ie into gender. She plans to submit a drawing and ceramic piece for the contest. Maria Pizzarello, a visuals arts senior, said she heard about t he contest w h i le looking for scholarships and grants. “It sounded like an interest i ng idea to develop conceptually,” she said. Pizzarello hasn’t decided if she w ill create a watercolor or acr ylic painting. For more i n for mation, contact Gayle Smit h at 972-985- 0951, or v i sit theturningpoint.org.
Entries from UNT Adriana Martinez, a studio arts graduate student, said she heard about the contest t h roug h t he a r t depa r tment.
Thursday in University Theatre BY JENNIFER MCELROY Intern
“G od spel l,” a rel ig iou s musical, will open at 8 p.m. Thursday in the University Theatre. Ba sed on t he G ospel accord i ng to St. Mat t hew, t he musica l is made up of a cast of actors who represent different disciples and characters in the Bible, said Bob Hess, the director of the show. The fresh cast of students acting in the musical will put a different spin on “Godspell,” sa id Dust i n Si m i ng ton, a theater arts sophomore who plays the lead role of Jesus. At first, Hess said he wasn’t ver y excited about working on the show because he felt t he 1970s-dated slapst ick humor and topics wouldn’t relate to 2011. “I k ne w m y c h a l len ge would be to make it funny, fresh and relatable to now. I feel we have succeeded in ma k ing t he musica l brand new and different, especially for people who have already seen it before,” he said. Preconceived notions that the musical’s purpose is to
persuade t he aud ience to convert to Christianity are not true, said Simington. Instead, t he ca st represents humans with real-life problems who students can relate to, he said. “ T he me s s a ge of e a c h parable is forgiveness. It flips back and forth from seriousness to humor,” Hess said.
and lectures are universal… like learning to care about each other,” Ransdell said. Robert Petr y, a freshman a f f i liated w it h t he Bapt ist St udent M i n i st r ie s or g anization and who has seen “Godspell” previously, said the message is to persuade pe ople to be lov i ng a nd c a r i ng a s hu ma n bei ngs,
“We’re showing that these lessons and lectures are universal ... like learning to care about each other.”
—Matt Ransdell, Theatre junior and member of “Godspell”
E a c h c h a r a c t er i n t he play lea rns t heir lesson of forgiving and loving others one by one. Matt Ransdell, a t heatre ju nior a nd member of t he play, said “Godspell” relates to people walking on different paths in life. “[Hess] casted us because we are all so different, but w e w or k toget her. We’re showing that these lessons
which is a lso t he message that BSM sends out to college students. Hess encourages anyone to go see the musical because he is “certain they will laugh a lot, be ex t remely entertained, and at the same time be touched a nd moved by the cast.” Tickets are $10 for students a nd sta f f a nd $15 for t he general public.
POLICE BLOTTER SENIORS! Graduation Announcements & Diploma Frames Packages Starting at
32.99
$
Heavy Linen Card Stock Embossed Foil Stamp Creates a Textured, 3-Dimensional Seal
TheUniversity of North Texas
™
Sorority, Fraternity and Student Group Stationery and Gifts also available.
Enter Coupon Code "NEWSPAPER" at checkout and receive 2 free keepsake announcement covers.
See our Seniors Guide to Graduation Online!
www.SignatureA.com/Grad
Tips for Graduating Students on Job Hunting, Interviewing & Resume Writing Written by a College Recruiter
Our Family is Dedicated to Supporting the Education Community.
Signature Announcements was started by a College Student to bring better prices, quality and service to students across the U.S.
www.SignatureA.com P: 888-830-8305 | F: 888-830-8310
Signature Announcements, Inc. proudly sells officially licensed products for organizations represented by these licensing agencies:
Sunday, March 27 Shortly before 1 a.m., a 23-year-old UNT student was pulled over by a UNT police officer at 200 S. Welch St. The woman was intoxicated. She was arrested and sent to the Denton County Jail. Saturday, March 26 At 2 p.m., a UNT officer saw a fight taking place at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Ave A. The officer arrested a 23-year-old man who was intox icated and physically resisting. A UNT police officer saw a suspicious man at UNT Lot 55, 950 W. Sycamore St. The man f led on foot, but the officer caught him. In an on-scene investigation, officers found that the
19-year-old man had exposed himself to a group of people in the 100 block of Ave A. The man was arrested and transported to the Denton County Jail. Friday, March 25 Someone called the police at 7:30 p.m. about a little girl left alone and unattended for 30 minutes at Clark Hall. A UNT police officer talked to the 4-year-old girl. The child was returned to her custodial parent. The case report was for wa rded to Child Protective Services. Thursday, March 24 At 1:30 a.m., a UNT officer stopped a 26-year-old man in the 1400 block of West Hickor y Street. The man was intoxicated. The officer
a rrested him a nd t ra nsported him to the Denton City Jail. Tuesday, March 22 A UNT off icer stopped a ca r a round 11:30 p.m. at 1011 North Texas Blvd. The passenger in the car, a 47-year-old man, had a methamphetamine pipe on him. He was issued a citation and released from the scene. A U N T pol ic e of f ic er recog ni zed a 51-yea r-old man outside the UNT Willis Library at 1:40 p.m. The man had previously been trespassed from all UNT propert y. The off icer arrested him and transported him to the Denton County Jail.
SGA presidential hopefuls square off Continued from Page 1 organization. Sustainability The second topic of discussion was sustainability. Lain asked candidates how they would strive to make UNT a greener institution. Gonzalez proposed increased communication between environmental student groups and university administrators, as well as greater student involvement with the city’s sustainability projects. Windham proposed three specific solutions. He called for the installation of more waterless toilets on campus, the SGA to become more reliant on electronic resources to reduce paper waste, and an ad campaign stressing power conservation at residence halls. Hill said she has spoken with members of the Beyond Coal campaign, a campus group advocating that UNT should move away from electricity created by coal by 2015, and said she thinks their goal is obtainable. Fox, like Windham, said she would work to reduce the amount of paper used by the SGA. Spending and budgets When asked about budget and spending accountability, all the candidates said they supported greater transparency within the
Windham said he would push for programs such as tax-free textbooks to lessen the financial burden on students. He said he supports the Board of Regents’ recent decision to increase tuition because he feels it’s necessary for UNT to continue making strides toward becoming a Tier One research institution. Hill said she was also in support of UNT reaching Tier One status. She also said, as a marketing major, she wants to look for costeffective ways to promote the SGA in the future. “We want to come up with more innovative ways to promote the organization, and not just T-shirts, which are not sustainable, can be costly and are per use.” Fox said her administration would hold the Board of Regents accountable, using a student advisory board she proposes in her platform. Gonzalez said she would work to inform students about key financial issues, at the university and state levels. She also said her administration would try to work with other organizations, such as the University Program Council, to help fund events.
Parking and transportation The final issue debated by the candidates was transporta-
tion and parking at UNT. All the candidates acknowledged that while students consider the issue a problem, there is little the SGA can actually do to shape UNT’s transportation policies. Hill said UNT students face a better parking situation than other large universities in the state. She said one solution to the parking problem would be to offer more parking at Discovery Park and more shuttles going from there to the main campus. Fox said she spoke to the director of transportation and said there has been talk of raising rates for parking, something her administration would oppose. “Even though we do have some of the lowest rates in Texas, we want to make sure that it stays that way, and that it stays available and accessible to all students,” Fox said. Gonzalez said her administration would advocate for more DCTA shuttles and longer hours for the shuttles because of slow turnaround during certain hours of the day. Windham focused on the high rates of parking in the campus parking garage and said he supports lowering those rates to allow more students to park there. Voting begins Monday and continues through Friday. Students can vote at untsga. com.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Sean Gorman, Sports Editor
Sports
Page 3 sgorman@ntdaily.com
Coaching staff adds attitude to Mean Green BY BEN BABY
offensive changes will benefit him. Dunbar finished last season ranking eighth in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing with 1,553 yards. UNT’s MVP of last season
Senior Staff Writer Coaches a nd players a re s c r e a m i n g , ju mpi n g a nd yel l i ng, a nd it’s not even April. A s t he footba l l tea m conducted its third practice of the spring Monday, it wasn’t difficult to see the intensity head coach Dan McCarney has instilled in his first year in Denton. McCarney called Saturday’s practice a “pillow fight.” On Monday, hard hits were dished out and the team was lively in its preparation for the season opener Sept. 1 against Florida International. “I don’t have to tel l you what’s going on out here,” said senior linebacker Bra ndon Akpunku. “This sounds like Mean Green football. It doesn’t sound like ‘green’ football. It’s Mean Green football now.” Akpunku said he expected a clean slate for a squad that finished last season w ith a 3-9 record. Since the Mean Green was crowned Sun Belt Conference Champions in 2004, UNT has amassed a dismal record of 13-58. “As I’ve said before, there’s not one player on this team that’s been part of a college, winning football team, and we have to teach them how,” McCarney said. McCarney, who was previ-
“Before we put the pads on, we’re competing in everything we do,”
—Lance Dunbar, Senior running back
s a id he enjoy s t he le vel of intensit y so far this offseason. “Before we put t he pads on, we’ve been compet ing in ever y t hing we do — in warm-ups, sprints, and the weight room and all,” Dunbar said. “We come out here and compete. Everybody gives it everything they’ve got.” McCarney said he is having open competition for ever y spot on the roster. PHOTO BY JAMES COREAS/SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER He sa id each player w ill Assistant coach Mike Nelson yells at sophomore defensive tackle Richard Abbe (left) and junior defensive end Ryan Long during Friday’s practice. ea r n t heir spot, a nd he is look ing for productive and McCarney said. “I’m not going last season, has tweaked the consistent players that won’t ou sl y t he defen sive l i ne dinator. McCarney said he knew his to hire mannequins to coach. offense. One change comes at commit mental errors. coach at Florida, has brought “I think [the players] know together a fiery and passionate new coaches and worked with If they’re going to be statues quarterback, as the team will or mannequins, they’re not be spending less time in the it’s a very competitive pracgroup of 11 coaches. Mike most of them. tice field, and may the best shotgun formation. “If you don’t have a lot of going to coach for me.” Canales is the offensive coorSenior running back Lance man win each job,” McCarney Canales, who was interim d i nator a nd Cl i nt Bowen energ y a nd ent husiasm, I now acts as defensive coor- don’t want you on this staff,” head coach for f ive games Dunbar said he believes the said.
UNT to host Wounded Warrior charity game against Missouri Team hosts doubleheader against Big 12 foe
dropped six of seven games since the upset. The Mean Green also has a win over nationally-ranked con ference foe Lou isia naLafayette this year. “If we can come out and have a good day, regardless B Y D ONNIE P IPES of the outcome, it’ll be a good Intern push going into the weekend,” The Mean Green will play said head coach T.J. Hubbard. The Mean Green’s biggest in its second charity doubleheader of t he season when weakness has been its inability it hosts the Missouri Tigers to maintain consistent pitching today at 4 p.m. at Lovelace a n d h i t t i n g t h r o u g h o u t t he season, Hubba rd sa id. Stadium. UNT has given up twice as UNT will face out-of-conference competition after going many runs as it scored during 2-7 in its last nine conference its cu r rent sl ide, a l low ing 46 r uns to only 23 scored. games.
TCU canceled again Brief
BY BRETT MEDEIROS Intern
The UNT tennis match aga i nst Tex a s Ch r ist ia n Universit y was ca nceled because of bad weat her conditions for the second time Tuesday.
UN T led t he match 2-1 before the coaches agreed the conditions were too rainy. T he t wo tea ms w i l l not reschedule the match, but a new match against a different opponent for the Mean Green may be added to replace the game.
“Anything we can do to get us momentum going into the weekend, that’s what we need right now.”
—Mallory Cantler, PHOTO BY STACY POWERS/SENIOR STAFFER Senior first baseman/pitcher Senior outfielder Mariza Martinez hits the ball in a game against Florida Inter-
Wounded Warrior Project T h e Wou nd e d Wa r r ior Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to honor and empower wounded soldiers. The organization provides programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members as wel l as helps The matchup UNT (14-17) will face argu- soldiers aid and assist each ably its stiffest competition of other. T he f i r s t g a me of t he the year when the Tigers (26-3) doubleheader begins at 4 p.m. come to town. M i s s o u r i h a s w o n 2 3 with the second following at stra ight ga mes, a nd hasn’t 6 p.m. Admission will be waived lost in almost a month after a close defeat to the nation’s for those who donate cash to the Wounded Warrior Project top-ranked team, Alabama. The Mean Green has never at the gates. To lea rn more about t he faced Missouri, but is familiar w it h play i ng Big 12 foes. organization, visit woundedUNT defeated 18th-ranked warriorproject.org. Baylor Ma rch 17, but ha s “Our focus is always going to be on conference,” sa id senior first baseman Mallory Cantler. “Anything we can do to get us momentum going into the weekend, that’s what we need right now.”
national Saturday at Lovelace Stadium.
Our NEW Denton location is OPEN!
3455 Quail Creek Drive Denton, TX 76208 940.387.7105 www.biolifeplasma.com New donors or PREVIOUS DONORS who haven’t donated in TWO MONTHS or more, use the bonus coupon and you can receive up to $315 the first month!
$30 ON YOUR 2ND DONATION
FOR NEW DONORS OR PREVIOUS BIOLIFE DONORS WHO HAVE NOT DONATED IN TWO OR MORE MONTHS. Bring this coupon with you to your 2nd plasma donation and receive $30. Bonus redeemable only upon completion of a full donation. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer and must be presented to receive bonus. Expires 3.31.11 UNT
Page 4 Katie Grivna, Editor-in-Chief
Arts & Life
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 kgrivna@ntdaily.com
Senior’s music heard worldwide Jazz studies student’s sound will ‘impress’ others BY M ARLENE GONZALEZ Intern
PHOTO BY JAMES COREAS/SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Matt Furay, a business graduate student, has only missed five UNT home football games in w22 years. Furay said he can remember almost every game he has attended, including scores from the ‘90s.
Student shows support for UNT BY BOBBY LEWIS
Senior Staff Writer Business graduate student Matt Furay does not like to be called a “super fan.” “I don’t consider myself any more special than anyone else,” he said. “But, by other people, I’m usually considered [a super fan].” The 22-year-old has only missed attending five UNT home football games in his entire life. He does not miss UNT basketball games. He said he tries to attend every University of North Texas home sporting event. “I guess I was kind of born with UNT in my blood,” Furay said. “Absolutely.” Furay’s roots to UNT can be traced all the way back to the early 1970s. That’s when his father Robert Furay attended UNT, then known as North Texas State University. “Matt really never had a chance,” Robert Furay said. “My wife and I would go up there for football games and he was in
the womb.” After growing up attending countless football games at Fouts Field, there was never any consideration of attending any other university. Matt Furay said he remembers almost every game he attended, including a 38-27 victory over New Mexico State in 2002 that clinched the Sun Belt Conference championship. “I honestly don’t know [how I remember games so vividly,]” he said. “I can remember scores from, man, the ‘90s.” He hopes to help bring back that same type of enthusiasm for the current football team, which will be aided by the new football stadium, he said. “A lot of that changed when [UNT Athletic Director] Rick Villarreal got here,” he said of the sparse student attendance in the 1990s. “He’s done an unbelievable job. Our program is leaps and bounds above where we’ve ever been before. People before him have tried to get the new stadium, but they couldn’t get
it done. I just wish the students here got excited.” Robert Furay showed similar admiration for Villarreal, citing the changes the university has gone through since he graduated in 1975. “It’s incredible. The difference is amazing,” he said. “The whole atmosphere and climate’s changed. Rick started from scratch and just slowly built the programs up.” Matt Furay said he plans to attend the 2011 Spring Football Game at C.H. Collins Stadium on April 16 and the Mean Green’s first football game in the new stadium on Sept. 10. He’s not doing anything special, just what he’s done his entire life — show up and support UNT. “I was raised in a way that not a whole lot of people are,” Matt Furay said. “I knew a few other people just going to football games and everything, and they’re the same way. You fall in love with this school and you just have to open yourself up to it.”
This is Terrell. API Intensive Language studied in Grenoble, France
China, Europe, Italy and the United States are just a few of t he many count r ies t hat have hea rd Robert Verastegui, a jazz st ud ies sen ior, play t he piano. “He is a very unique and or ig i na l i nd iv idua l. His music is really personal,” said Stefan Karlsson of the jazz studies faculty. Karlsson said Verastegui’s passion and drive for music ca n be seen t hrough his travels to va rious places to play. “I don’t have any other pianist that really sounds the way Roberto does. His music has a lot of classical inf luences in rega rds to ha r mony a nd tex t u res,” Karlsson said. “I have no doubt he will do just fine as a musician. He’s going to impress a lot of people in the scene.” Verastegui, who was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico first laid hands on a piano when he was seven, and began playing at his father’s gigs when he was 10. Musicians like Keith Jared and Prokofiev, and YouTube
PHOTO BY TARYN WALKER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Robert Verastegui, a jazz studies senior, has played the piano since age 7. Verastegui has performed in tours all over the world, including Europe, Japan and Mexico.
a nd i s emot iona l,” s a id Xiaochuan Li, a jazz studies master student. “His music has a presence.” Verastegui said he encourages students to get a head start of their career while they are still in school. He said working at a young age has helped his career, and now venues call him to book shows. When Verastegui isn’t busy juggling school and gigs, he teaches piano lessons an hour a week. A n c a Mo r c o v e s c u , a teacher at K r u m Midd le —Stefan Karlsson, School, takes piano lessons Jazz studies faculty member from him. “Roberto is a great teacher. videos inspired him to write there [Mexico], and I got out his own music, he said. of there at the right time, musi- He’s ver y patient and dediJ a z z f i r s t c a u g h t cally speaking. I came to the cated,” Morcovescu said. “He Verastegui’s attention when States in a really good time for takes time to explain all the he saw Rene Sa ndova l’s my musical development,” he steps to me, and gives me a lot of background information Q u a r t e t p e r f o r m i n said. McAllen. The first time he went to Hong about the history of music.” Jimmy Meredith, the owner “I don’t remember, but Kong was with Xiaochuan’s of Sweetwater Grill & Tavern, my parents say I would just Quartet, a classmate’s group. stare at the guy playing the “He’s one of the most talented said he was excited to have piano,” he said. piano players at school. [His Verastegui play in his restauVe r a s t e g u i s a i d h i s music has] really high energy rant a couple weeks ago. “He’s absolutely amazing. Hopef u l ly, we’l l have him back,” Meredith said. Meredith and his wife first saw Verastegui perform at a concert w ith Law Maz last fall. “He had a small keyboard, but made a big sou nd,” Meredith said. “I was ver y impressed.” Verastegui plans to stay in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a year after he graduates, hoping he can get an artist visa. Daryn P. - South Bend, IN “I’m in the kind of thinking of whatever comes in the moment w i l l happen,” Ver a ste g u i said. parents were skeptical about him playing jazz and wanting to be a musician, but after he was admitted to UNT and left Mexico, their point of view changed. “I learned a lot from being
“I don’t have any other pianist that really sounds the way Roberto does ... He’s going to impress a lot of people ...”
eat at jimmy’s twice a week, soon you’ll be a sandwich freak!
jimmyjohns.com
25 LOCATIONS IN THE DALLAS-FT. WORTH AREA TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM
NSVIHS SLHYUPUN HUK L_WLYPLUJL Study Abroad: .V ^OLYL `V\ ^HU[ [V IL
when was the last time you did something for the the ÄYZ[ [PTL? \U[ LK\ Z[\K`HIYVHK
AMERICA’S FAVorite sandwich delivery guys! ©2011 jimmy john’s franchise, llc all rights reserved.
™
Views
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Abigail Allen, Views Editor
Page 5 views@ntdaily.com
Smoking is a personal decision
Nods and Shakes Editorial Political debates usually provide the public with insight into what candidates believe and know. The Editorial Board wanted to share its thoughts on the high and low points of the Student Government Association Presidential Debate on Tuesday night. Nod: Fox, Smallwood present positive attitude Sarah Fox and Sean Smallwood rocked the debate with their genuine nature and positive presentation. As Fox spoke about loving UNT, a cell phone went off and she said she loved that ringtone, too. She referred to Smallwood as “Smalls” continually, explaining that’s what she calls him in real life. Those characteristics complemented their substantive points based on their platform and the students’ questions. They labeled a clear, three-part plan. Fox also specified talking to the director of parking to establish ideas about parking solutions, and to students to get their opinions on Homecoming reform. Their effortless delivery projects their willingness to be themselves in every situation. Shake: Windham, Hill falter on Homecoming response When asked about their take on the same-sex couple Homecoming issue, two candidates focused on their own views and not those of the students. Blake Windham and Kellie Hill did not mention speaking to constituents about their opinion on the issue, as Fox and Valerie Gonzalez did. Windham said he wanted to maintain the aspect of having one man and one woman as Homecoming king and queen no matter what. Hill opposed the idea of people running as individuals because she said she thought it would ruin the spirit of Homecoming. The Board suggests both candidates focus on the way students feel over their own biases. Nod: Gonzalez did her homework Throughout the debate, Gonzalez responded to all four questions with well-researched answers. Although she occasionally became bogged down with detailed statistics, she provided good insight into the details of how the university works, such as her understanding of what UNT’s plans to reduce by 2013 and how students feel about the Homecoming issue. Shake: Hill downplays parking When the moderator Brian Lain began his final question, he specified that parking and transportation was the most popular issue. Hill’s response left a bit to be desired. She was right in saying that UNT students have a better situation than the students in Austin or Houston for parking and solutions might be difficult to achieve. However, people want the student government leaders to take the stance that something can be done, not that students should just accept the status quo. Nod: Windham articulates his passion for UNT As the seventh member of his family to attend UNT, Windham has deep roots in this university, and the Board thinks that connection makes him more concerned for the university than himself. Windham, a longtime Denton resident, has always had a personal tradition of caring about the university and thus can provide insight into the traditions and legacy of UNT.
Currently, Texas lawmakers are pushing for a statewide ban toward smoking in public places, such as bars and restaurants, because of the increased number of Americans exposed to secondhand smoke. The basis of the State Senate Bill 355 from Sen. Rodney Ellis revolves around health concerns, but they could be subjective. I’m not a fan of smoking, but I’m not in favor of the ban either. There are reasons why certain public places allow smoking and some don’t. It should be up to those businesses to implement a nonsmoking policy because, in any case, admitting smokers to smoke or not in bars and restaurants does affect the number of guests who come and go. Local bar owners are aware of how their businesses operate, not the state government. Smoking can be a habit for some, but it can be a casual time for others who want to enjoy an evening of leisure. I c a n u nder st a nd t he state Legislature is looking
out for the best interest of Texans’ health — 126 million nonsmoking Americans are exposed to secondhand smoke and that is probably an intimidating number to the state Legislature. But placing a smoking ban in public places strips away smokers’ rights. People a ren’t forced to surround themselves in a smoky environment. If you’re at a bar that permits smoking and you’re not a smoker, you’re obviously OK with being around it and putting your own health in jeopardy. That’s the person’s decision and responsibility, not the state government’s. Not to mention, if people are restrained from smoking in public places, that only leaves their home where they do have the freedom to smoke — a home that could be filled with small children and family members or friends who aren’t fans of smoking. At least in a bar, you’re around people who don’t mind the smoke, people who are used to it or people who just deal with it. Their health is prob-
ably the last thing on their minds while hanging out at a bar or restaurant, so why does the state government feel the need to take care of it? Smoking at a public park leaves open space for others to stay away from smokers so they aren’t directly inhaling cigarette smoke. Smoking restrictions such as smoking at least 25 feet away from a building’s entrance on campus helps, because smokers still have their rights and it lessens the chance of people who dislike smoke to encounter it. Whether those rules are followed, it’s an effort in keeping both sides happy and rights aren’t taken away. Any regulation isn’t perfect. And everything costs money, so a law from the state government to prevent smoking in public places is going to need an all-day watchdog. People don’t work for free. There are better things that money could go toward. Yes, smoking can lead to ca ncer a nd bi r t h defect s through direct and indirect
contact. However, as long as it isn’t purposely blown in faces and as long as babies aren’t exposed to the fumes, smoking and being surrounded by smoke at a public place is a decision made by that individual. Those individuals decide to risk their health in a smoky situation, even if they don’t realize it. Stop letting the state government save them.
Emerging from the Business Building a couple of weeks ago, my attention was captured by a relatively large gathering of students. Upon closer inspection, I came across what I would describe as a campus mini-revival (without the tent). At the center of it all was Pastor Tom Short, a traveling evangelist who spouted Bible verses and young-earth creationism. I casually observed both him and the various groups of students engaged in their separate theological discussions. Debates ranged from the messianic nature of Jesus to the validity of prayer to the age of the earth. Then, of course, the cavalry arrived, labeling Short a racist, misogynist, homophobe, etc. All in all, the spectacle was fascinating. The most fascinating aspect, however, was Pastor Tom himself. He was the epitome of Christian fundamentalism: a Christianity reacting to the current secular age that has little
to do with the original Jewish sect of the first century. Ironically, fundamentalist biblical interpretations (particularly of the creation stories) are heavily influenced by the secular paradigms they seem to despise. Ignoring the allegorical interpretations of Genesis by the early Church Fathers, fundamentalists instead embrace a creationism that is spawned from movements of the early 20th century. Presupposing the biblical literalism born out of the Protestant Reformation and the secularized nature of science, fundamentalism was the product of the panicked reactions to Darwinism, the Social Gospel and German higher biblical criticism. Former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute Francis Collins points out that if the claims of YoungEarth Creationists were actually true, “it would lead to a complete and irreversible collapse of the sciences of physics, chemistry, cosmology, geology and biology ... The YEC perspective is the equivalent of insisting two plus
two is not really equal to four.” What then are we to make of the biblical creation story? Old Testament scholar John Walton recognizes that Genesis 1, “as in the rest of the Ancient Near East, ... is understood as an account of functional origins — creation as [the ancients] perceive it is not a material process.” “Existence” was not defined in terms of material ontology, but rather in regards of function and purpose. Chaos and disorder were deemed non-existent, despite potentially being physically present. To lay modern scientific understandings on top of the ancient texts is presentism at its finest. Speaking about biblical imagery, particularly in the creation stories, Methodist scholar Margaret Barker writes, “These [images] are specific to one culture, that of Israel and Judaism, and until they are fully understood in their original setting, little of what is done with the writings and ideas that came from that particular setting can be understood. Once we lose touch with the meaning
of biblical imagery, we lose any way into the real meaning of the Bible. This has already begun to happen and a diluted ‘instant’ Christianity has been offered as junk food for the mass market. The resultant malnutrition, even in churches, is all too obvious.” Our fundamentalist friends seem a bit malnourished.
Ashley-Crystal Firstley is a journalism junior and staff writer at the North Texas Daily. She can be reached at a_firstley72508@yahoo.com.
Christianity vs. Fundamentalism
Walker Wright is an organizational behavior and human resource management senior. He can be reached at WalkerWright@ my.unt.edu.
Shake: Microphone issue caused a problem Three of the candidates had working microphones, but Windham did not. The Board thinks the technical difficulty was distracting and may have prevented some interested students from hearing his points clearly. That shouldn’t happen at UNT. Nod: Hill communicates qualifications Throughout her responses, Hill clearly established what experiences she has had that would help her if she were elected. By describing those experiences in leadership positions, including her work as the director of Internal Relations this year and in a greek life, Hill allowed students to get a stronger sense of what qualifies her to run for office. Shake: VP speeches were too brief Although the primary spotlight should have be on the presidential candidates, the additions by the vice presidential candidates were too short and lacked substance. Smallwood spent the most time on his speech, but it was also short. The vice presidential candidates mainly repeated the presidential candidates’ statements.
NT Daily Editorial Board The Editorial Board includes: Katie Grivna, Abigail Allen, Josh Pherigo, Laura Zamora, Sean Gorman, Nicole Landry, Brianne Tolj, Berenice Quirino, David Williams and Will Sheets.
Want to be heard? The NT Daily is proud to present a variety of ideas and opinions from readers in its Views section. As such, we would like to hear from as many UNT readers as possible. We invite readers of all creeds and backgrounds to write about whichever issue excites them, whether concerning politics, local issues, ethical
questions, philosophy, sports and, of course, anything exciting or controversial. Take this opportunity to make your voice heard in a widely read publication. To inquire about column ideas, submit columns or letters to the editor, send an email to views@ntdaily.com.
Note to Our Readers
The NT Daily does not necessarily endorse, promote or agree with the viewpoints of the columnists on this page. The content of the columns is strictly the opinion of the writers and in no way reflects the belief of the NT Daily.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS ATLANTA
Phone: 940-565-2851 • Fax: 940-565-4659 • Email: dailyads@unt.edu • www.ntdaily.com • GAB Corner of Avenue Phone: 940-565-2851 • Fax: 940-565-4659 • Email: dailyads@unt.edu • www.ntdaily.com • GAB 117, Corner of117, Avenue B and MulberryB and Announcements Help Wanted
Announcements Help Wanted
HelpWanted Wanted Help
Help Wanted For Rent
Publications Guidelines: Please read your ad the first day of publication. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for errors or omissions of copy. We reserve the right to adjust in full an error by publishing a corrected insertion. Liability shall not exceed the cost of that portion occupied by the error on the first insertion only. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. The newspaper reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad, and must approve all copy.
Publications GuideSTUDENTPAYOUTS. lines: COM Please readTakers your ad Paid Survey theNeeded first in day of publiDenton. cation. Thetopublisher 100% FREE Join! assumes no financial Click on Surveys. responsibility for errors or omissions of copy. We reserve the right to adjust in full an error by publishing a corrected insertion. Liability shall not exceed the cost of that portion occupied by the error on the first insertion only. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. The newspaper reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad, and must approve all copy.
$5,000$7,000 PAID EGG DONORS
Preschool/Childcare Lewisville Preschool/ STUDENT Childcare now hiring PAYOUTS.COM teachers. Please call Paid972-436-7708 Survey Takers
!BARTENDING! $489 Two Bedroom $250/day potential. Student Special! No experience 940-565-1375 necessary. Training www.coloradocourt.net available. 1-800965-6520 ext 204. Afraid you Age 18+ OK
GO CLASSIFIEDS
+ Expenses for up to 6 donations. N/smokers, ages 18-27, SAT>1100/ ACT>24/GPA>3.0 reply to info@ eggdonorcenter. com Afraid you Help Wanted won't find a roommate? BARTENDING $300/ Place an ad ... DAY POTENTIAL NO EXPERIENCE In the NECESSARY. classifieds TRAINING AVAILABLE ntdaily.com AGE18+ 1-800-965-6520 EXT204
Needed In Denton. info@ 100%Email FREE To Join! parkviewacademy.com Click On Surveys.
NTDAILY.COM
Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. YouDriveAds.com
won't find a roommate? PlaceNTDAILY.COM an ad ...
In the classifieds ntdaily.com
$$Need Cash$$ WALK TO CAMPUS Find your part4 PLEX BLDG New plank floors Pre-leasing time job today AdoptionLoving, Must See! (940) 382by searching the 2500 You’ll Love’em ntdaily classifieds. bonniegreenapartments.
Help Wanted NT Daily
creative home
awaits your baby NTDAILY.COM
through adoption. All NYC has to offer. Expenses paid. Call or email Ellen toll free: 888868-8778, ellen@ eeadoption.com. eeadoption.com.
Roommate giving you problems? FInd a new one in the ntdaily classifieds.
com
ForDaily Rent NT
ForDaily Rent NT
Feel like you don't have enough space?
ForDaily Rent NT
NTDaily Daily NT
He's been looking for a apartment all-over the city ... He's still looking.
Get Noticed!
Break out by finding a new ... go toplace ntdaily.com and
Fe lik d h en sp
NEWS TO YOU
Announcements
NTDAILY.COM
Place an ad today!
Read the Daily! 6
Brea new
He should have Call2011 a sales FOR RELEASE MARCH 30, Inclick theon classifieds looked at the at representative today and classifi edssell your eds. (940)565-2851. Los Angeles Times Dailyclassifi Crossword Puzzle stuff tomorrow. ntdaily.com
7
3 2 5DALLAS 2 5 3 1 9 9 3 27 1 1 8 3 2 7 6 59 8 3 76 5 4 2 89 www.ntdaily.com
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Beginning for the birds? 4 Shaq on the court 9 Beat __ to one’s door 14 Vietnam Veterans Memorial architect 15 Ramadi resident 16 Local cinemas, colloquially 17 Whip-cracking cowboy of old films 19 Weight room sound 20 Venetian arch shape 21 Ethel, to Lucy 23 Canyon-crossing transport 26 Fridge raider 28 Hong Kong harbor craft 29 Field for theV. foldEASY 31 Remote power By James Sajdak sources? 32 Thing to blow off 5 Gun lobby org. 34 Sign before 6 Ahead of time Scorpio 7 Shade in the 35 Sky blue Caribbean 38 Postgrad hurdle 8 Bank holding 40 “Cosmos” host 9 Saxon start 41 Lotto relative 10 Chute above the 42 Assure, with “up” beach 43 Titan is its largest 11 Persian Gulf moon emirate 48 Most foxy 12 Like some 50 Landmass mortgages encompassing 13 DDE the Urals predecessor 51 Wax-filled 18 Rope fiber illumination 22 Paternity proof, 54 Bombast briefly 55 Artist’s topper 24 Mud nest 56 Victor’s chuckle builders 59 Conductor Previn 25 Naysayer 60 Came up 27 It surrounds 61 Sargasso or Lesotho: Abbr. Coral 29 ’80s-’90s legal 62 Parks and others drama, and this 63 Zellweger of puzzle’s title “Chicago” 30 The Daily Beast, 64 Prince Valiant’s e.g. son 33 To be, to Brutus 34 Like the Islamic DOWN calendar 1 Doles out 35 Refs’ whistle 2 Cialis competitor holders 3 Tailor’s measure 36 Natural burn balm 4 Van Gogh work
4
In cla ntd
8 5 98 6 7 3 4 8 6 9 2 54 4 3 26 1 4 8 6 7LOS A#
3/30/11 V. EASY Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
2
9 3 8 5 5 1 9 7 6 7 9NEW 1 YORK 8 2 CITY 2 2 8 7 8 7 5 9 5 7 2 4 1 6 3 1 1 5 4 6 9 2 4 3 8 4 1 5 7 6 31
V. EASY
37 Pitts of “The Gale Storm Show” 38 Signs off on 39 Chile __: stuffed Mexican dish 42 N.L. team managed by Tony La Russa since 1996 44 Scarlett’s home 45 World Cup chant
6
3/30/11
46 Horseshoes feat 47 Revolutionary Hale 49 Fully fills 50 Hewlett-Packard rival 52 Banned orchard spray 53 Full-grown filly 55 Setting for many a joke 57 Taoist Lao-__ 58 Majors in acting
7
21 #
V. EASY
Swindle’s Jewelry
U N T R I NGS
(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
5 12
2900 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 1357 Stephenville, Texas 76401
est. 1943
For more styles visit www.swindlesjewelry.com
254.968.6110
objective is to fill all The objective of the game Yesterday’s answers 7 6The 3is tosquares 8fillofallthein game 2 6 Yesterday’s 2 5 8the blank 3 4 9with the3 4 9 5 the blank a game squares in a game with the # 49are three 50 5correct 9 There 7 very 47 9 6 228437 8 #8 53331 6 9 2 15# 2 arenumbers. three very 6correct numbers. 92 5There 8 1 44 39 61 7 7 8 simple constraints to follow. In a 9 by 9 simple constraints to follow. In a 9 by 9 6 8 28 5 7 61 3 11 9 4 5 Sudoku 7 7 8 1 7 4 6 7 35 98 57 2 4 3 7 3 square 93 1 game: 49square 1 Sudoku game: 52 in34 1 93 82 4 16 2 47 row inof49 numbers • Every 2 must 8 68 7 3 5 2 92 86 43 1 1 9 5must 1 8 99 row of 93numbers 5• Every clude all digits 1 through 9 in any order clude all digits 1 through 9 in any order 9 6 5 3 14 2 7 2 4 68 3 1 8 5 6 3 9 73 42 25 5 9 4 6 1 3 9 6 2 • Every 4 51column of 9• numbers Every column must must of 9 numbers 4 1 7 8 9 5 2 6 3 7 3 4 9 32 4 57 14 88 6 2 6 include all digits 1 through 9 in any include 17 through 69 in any 5 92 5 requires calculation or arithmetic 4 7 8 5 63 all2digits 9 3 Sudoku requiresSudoku no calculation or no arithmetic order 3 2 8 7 4 6 9 1 5 order 5 4 2 1 6 86 71 99 3 8 5 skills.aItgame is essentially a game skills. It is essentially of placing numbers 8numbers 9 4 3 2 5 9 9 6 1 4 3 6 of placing 4 • Every 5 7 • Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 8 7 6 1 5 9 4 3 2 3 6 1 4 8 28 55 74 9 6 7 squares, simple and in squares, usinginvery simpleusing rulesvery of logic andrulesbyof9logic by 9 square must square all digits 1 include all digits 1 5 must include 7 1 1 3 5 2 5 7 2 8 9 8 1 2 5 3 4 6 7 1 8 9 27 9 9 8 7 5 11 63 36 4 5 2 through 9 deduction. through 9 deduction. 8 6 1 1 9 4 2993 8 85 337 6 4 5 87 59 3 69 27 12 8 3 1 7 6 24 12 V. EASY
V. EASY
2 6 2 67 # 33
# 49V. EASY
71
V. EASY
www.sudoku.com
1
# 34
# 50
www.sudoku.com
an 2 6 5 1 3 7 9 8 4
6