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Utah State University
Today is Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007 Breaking News The search continues for missing BYU student, Camille Cleverley, who hasn’t been seen since Aug. 30.
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Logan, Utah
USU research, new building to receive funds from Congress
Living it up
By LIZ LAWYER assistant news editor
USU is slated to receive $17 million as part of an appropriations bill pending approval by a committee of members of both houses of Congress. The bill, called the Fiscal Year 2008 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, has been passed by both the House and the Senate and must now be sent to a conference of both chambers to hammer out the differences between the two versions of the bill they have passed. Utah Sen. Bob Bennett has been instrumental Two floors of in having the money allocated for USU, said the Art Barn are Noelle Cockett, dean of the College of Agriculture, closed off due to which will receive a large chunk of the money. Most of the money, a little less than $10 million, fire hazards. Page 3 will not go directly to USU, but to federal projects located at the university. USU President Stan Albrecht said in a press release, “This is great news and it is a resounding vote of confidence both for Utah State University’s own research strengths and for the successful collaborative programs we have forged over the years with federal agencies.” Cockett said, “We are really excited about the support of Sen. Bennett and the other Utah representatives and their confidence in USU.” Thirteen projects at USU will receive some of the $17 million. The largest chunk of money will go toward the planning, design and preliminary Are you stages of construction for a superstitious? new Agriculture Research Learn about Center which will stand where the old Merrill the different Library was on the Quad. zodiac signs For that project, $8 million and what they of the proposed approBENNETT priation would be set aside. mean. Page 5 Other projects to receive money include the U.S./ China joint biotechnology research program, an air quality center research program, and the Jack H. Berryman Institute for Wildlife Damage Management. Cockett said once the bill is approved and the money is received, planning and design for the new building will start “very aggressively.” Other projects have been funded “through this Senior forward mechanism” in the past, she said. Many of the projects to receive money have been funded by Dana Peart leads Congress before. Cockett said this money also the USU soccer helps new projects to get on the ground. Once the squad to 1-1 finish university begins showing accomplishments and in Texas. progress, it can receive funding through tradiPage 13 tional sources. Albrecht said as funding for USU is part of an ongoing process, most of the projects the money
Campus News
Features
Sports
- See BILL, page 3
Opinion “You’re likely offended by my taking on so ‘saintly’ a woman, let alone a dead one.” Page 8
Almanac Today in History: On this day in 1972, at the Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, a group of Palestinian terrorists, called Black September, raided the Olympic Village aparment of the Israeli athletes, killing two and taking nine hostage.
Weather High: 78 Low: 46 Skies: Showers and thunderstorms with 10 to 20 mph winds in the morning.
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Stacy Nelson, freshman in aviation, and Marti Bowles, freshman in music therapy, sit and relax in the community living area of their building in the Living and Learning Center. The community kitchen can be seen in the background. All but one of the buildings is full to capacity this year, with one of the buildings empty for use as a recruiting tool. DEBRA HAWKINS photo
Starving students and uncomfortable housing becoming things of the past at USU “Sometimes the university invites high school kids to come in for a campus experience to try to attract them to come to USU,” With a new housing complex he said. “We try to use (the LLC) on the finishing stages of conto promote USU.” struction, improvements to the All buildings in the LLC Marketplace, and a new parking are designated by a letter of terrace, USU Housing is nearthe alphabet, starting with leting completion of a $40-million ter A and going through letter housing improvement project. F. Jenson said these building The new six-building Living names will remain for the time and Learning Center, located being, but will likely one day be just west of the Taggart Student renamed after a contributing Center, was the main thrust of donor. the multimillion Building A dollar campus of the LLC is the housing improvecentral hub of ment project. A closer look at issues activity in the The LLC was affecting USU student commuconstructed to crenity, Jenson said. ate additional onOn the first floor, campus housing that would proresidents can pick up mail, watch vide a nicer housing option for videos in a large showroom students, USU Housing Executive complete with a drop-down proDirector Steve Jenson said. jection screen and commercial “It certainly is the nicest grade kitchen, or rent time in a option we have available,” Jenson conference room for school projsaid. “It’s something we’re ects, Jenson said. very proud of and can offer to Also on the first floor of students. It should be the nicBuilding A is a sample showroom est housing anywhere in the of what suites in the LLC look Intermountain West.” like. The showroom is decorated Occupancy in the LLC is full by Bed, Bath & Beyond to give in all buildings with the exceppotential occupants a feel for tion of Building B, which will the suites in the other buildings, remain empty this year to use for Jenson said. The second floor university recruiting purposes, of Building A looks identical to Jenson said. the floors in buildings B-F, with By SETH R. HAWKINS editor in chief
InDepth
three suites to the floor, which houses 24 students. Besides the three suites per floor, each floor is equipped with a laundry room with a trash shoot to the outside dumpster so students don’t have to haul their trash outside in the cold weather, Jenson said. On the bottom floor of buildings B-F is a communal living room with a fireplace, flat screen television and a community kitchen. Atop the winding staircase leading from the communal living room is a study loft with tables and chairs and private study room off to the side that students can rent out for group projects, Jenson said. A suite in the LLC is comprised of two bathrooms and five bedrooms. The entrance to the suite opens to a living room that is fully furnished, as are all the rest of the rooms in the suite. A wood entertainment center with electrical outlets, Internet access ports and a DVD holder drawer fills one corner of the room, to provide residents with all the necessities they need, Jenson said. On either side of the shared living room are shared doors that lead to the bedrooms and bathrooms. On one side there are two private bedrooms and one shared
- See HOUSING, page 3
Students, professors making switch from WebCT to Blackboard Vista By ALISON BAUGH senior writer
New students at USU may not notice a difference for online class work, but those who have used WebCT in the past notice the change to Blackboard Vista. WebCT was bought out by Blackboard, said Neal Legler of the instructional design department. This is a rebranded and revamped version, he said. While there are many similarities, there are differences which help to make the program more user-friendly and time-saving. This is a statewide program, and colleges all over the state are also switching over. More features are available with Blackboard such as chat and discussions which include a blog and journal tool. Faculty are allowed to preview and test what they put on the program. Legler also said it is easier for faculty to update their sites between semesters. “Like any software, things don’t work as expected,” Legler said, but users are able to report it to the Utah Education Network and get it fixed. The HELP Center manager, Steve Funk, reported that more than 500 Blackboard Vista offers more than WebCT. Students and teachers can chat, participate in forums, and view class materials. Though a students have been helped in the past few bugs still have to be worked out, Neal Legler of the instructional design month with Blackboard problems. department said the switch has been successful. NOELLE BERLAGE photo He said there have been three main
issues students have needed help with: incompatible version of Java script, a need to reset banner pins and instructors telling them to change their pin and password. Students may have encountered difficulty uploading because their Java versions are newer and not compatible with Blackboard. A new version of Java has just been released, according to Funk, and this version will actually close down the browser the students are working in. While tutorials are available to help students fix this, Legler said there is going to be a hot fix done on Sunday to allow all versions to work with the program. Instructors have told some students to go in and change their password or pin through Blackboard, and Funk said this causes more trouble than it’s worth. If students are interested in doing this, they should access their password or pin change through Banner. Problems have also been experienced where the only solution is to change the student’s Banner account. While the problem that causes this isn’t known, Funk said they are working on figuring it out, and for the time they will keep changing Banner pins to correct the issue. “I did try to download some-
- See BLACKBOARD, page 3
Page 2
World&Nation
Wednesday, Sep. 5, 2007
Today’sIssue
Celebs&People
Today is Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. Today’s issue of The Utah Statesman is published especially for Brittany Clark, a sophmore majoring in Journalism and Communications from Sandy, Utah.
ClarifyCorrect
The policy of The Utah Statesman is to correct any error made as soon as possible. If you find something you would like clarified or find unfair, please contact the editor at 797-1762 or TSC 105.
Nat’lBriefs Idaho Senator Craig reconsidering decision BOISE, Idaho (AP)– Sen. Larry Craig is reconsidering his decision to resign after his arrest in a Minnesota airport sex sting and may still fight for his Senate seat, his spokesman said Tuesday evening. “It’s not such a foregone conclusion anymore, that the only thing he could do was resign,” said Sidney Smith, Craig’s spokesman in Idaho’s capital. “We’re still preparing as if Senator Craig will resign Sept. 30, but the outcome of the legal case in Minnesota and the ethics investigation will have an impact on whether we’re able to stay in the fight and stay in the Senate.”
People photo
wade through
a flooded street in La Ceiba, Honduras, Tuesday, Sept. 4, caused by the passing of Hurricane Feliz. AP
Felix tears through Central America
CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico (AP) – Felix walloped Central America’s remote Miskito coastline and Henriette slammed into resorts on the tip of Baja California as a record-setting hurricane season got even wilder Tuesday with twin storms making landfall on the same day. While weakening rapidly, Felix’s rains posed a danger to inland villages lying in flood-prone mountain valleys FAIRVIEW, Utah (AP) –A head-on crash involving pickup trucks killed three people and to urban shantytowns susceptible to mudslides. and closed U.S. 89 for nearly six hours, the Felix roared ashore before dawn as Utah Highway Patrol said. a Category 5 storm along Nicaragua’s Alec Bell, 34, of Mount Pleasant was remote northeast corner _ an isolated, southbound Monday when he veered into swampy jungle where people get around the other lane and collided with another mainly by canoe. pickup driven by Etikeni Samani, 22, of The storm’s 160 mph winds Provo, Sgt. Ted Tingey said. Samani’s wife, Trichelle, 21, was also in slammed the city of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, peeling roofs off shelters the truck. The vehicles caught fire, and the and a police station, knocking down three victims died on impact, Tingey said. U.S. 89 was closed in both directions until electric poles and destroying or damaging some 5,000 homes, according to Lt. about 9 p.m. Col. Samuel Perez, Nicaragua’s deputy “We were hindered with the vehicles burning, so we’ve got a lot of follow-up inves- head of civil defense. “The metal roofs are coming off like tigative work to do,” Tingey said Tuesday.
Head-on collision kills three people on U.S. 89
Fewer high schoolers take placement test
straight razors and flying against the trees and homes,” said local official Lumberto Campbell. Perez said at least three people died: a man drowned when his boat capsized, a woman was killed when a tree fell on her house and a baby died after the storm made it impossible for her to receive medical attention. Felix weakened steadily throughout the day and was downgraded to a tropical storm, with winds of 60 mph, shortly after nightfall. Still, forecasters worried that the tempest would do great damage inland over Honduras and Guatemala. Up to 25 inches of rain was expected to drench the mountain capitals of Tegucigalpa and Guatemala City, where shantytowns cling precariously to hillsides. “The major concern now shifts to the threat of torrential rains over the mountains of Central America,” said senior hurricane specialist Richard Pasch at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. In 1998, Hurricane Mitch parked
over the same region for days, causing deadly flooding and mudslides that killed nearly 11,000 people and left more than 8,000 missing. The Honduran government was draining water from behind dams in an attempt to reduce the flooding danger, and 10,000 people were being evacuated from high-risk areas of the capital, mostly from poor neighborhoods and street markets that ring the city. “If they don’t do it voluntarily, we will force them,” Tegucigalpa Mayor Ricardo Alvarez said. “We have 500 soldiers and 200 police for just that purpose.” At 8 p.m. EDT, Felix’s center was 135 miles west of Puerto Cabezas, moving westward at 13 mph, the U.S. Hurricane Center said. It was expected to move over Honduras Tuesday night and early Wednesday. In the Pacific, Henriette’s top winds increased to 85 mph and it made landfall just after 2 p.m. on the southern tip of Baja, a resort area popular with Hollywood stars and sports fishermen.
Brigham Young student missing
PROVO, Utah (AP) – Brigham Young University opened a new school year Tuesday while police and students SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Fewer Utah high searched for a 22-year-old missing school students took Advanced Placement senior. tests, exams that can lead to college credit Students and staff received an e-mail before graduation. alerting them to the disappearance of Education officials don’t like those Camille Cleverley, who hasn’t been seen since Aug. 30. Her bike is missing. numbers, especially among minorities. “It’s something that becomes a grow- “BYU is obviously very concerned and hopeful,” spokesman Michael ing, more urgent problem as the state Smart said. “We are taking our lead becomes more diverse,” said Mark from Provo police as to how we can supPeterson, spokesman for the Utah State port their search efforts. Students have Office of Education. been involved passing out fliers.” “Literally we do not want to leave More than 20 people who know children behind and certainly not entire Cleverley have been interviewed, and groups of children,” he said. the Provo River bike trail has been About 14,100 Utah students took AP checked many times, police Capt. Cliff Argyle said. exams during the 2006-07 school year, down 3.3 percent from the previous year, He said police learned that her debit The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday, card was used at a store Friday. Provo citing College Board statistics. Across the police Capt. Jerry Harper said Tuesday officers had not determined if the country, the number was up 9.5 percent. that card had been used by Cleverley or
someone else. A group of volunteers with search and rescue dogs on Tuesday combed nearby Rock Canyon, where Cleverley was known to spend time but found no hint of the young woman, Harper said. A Utah County sheriff’s office surveillance plane also flew over the canyon but found nothing, he said. A native of Boise, Idaho, Cleverley lived in an off-campus apartment and had just met her new roommate before she disappeared, brother David Cleverley said. His sister is white, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 110 pounds. “It could be anything from her getting hurt and lost to an abduction. It’s been tough,” said David Cleverley, 24, a student at Utah State University in Logan. “It’s frustrating to try to put it all together because we have nowhere to start,” he said. “We don’t know what she was thinking when she left.”
LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Game was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on three felony charges after he allegedly pulled a gun during a pickup basketball game at an educational center in South Los Angeles. The rapper, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, faces counts of making criminal threats, possession of a firearm in a school zone and exhibiting a firearm on the grounds of a facility for minors. A Superior Court commissioner ordered him arraigned on Sept. 25. The charges stem from an alleged Feb. 24 fight during a basketball game at the learning complex. Police allege Taylor, 27, grabbed a gun from his red Cadillac Escalade after punching a player on the opposing team and threatened to shoot him. Taylor remains free on $50,000 bail. If convicted, he could face more than five years in prison. A call to his attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, was not immediately returned. NEW YORK (AP) – Nicole Kidman says she was engaged to a mystery man in between breaking up with Tom Cruise and marrying Keith Urban. “I didn’t really want a relationship,” the 40-year-old actress says. “I just wanted my kids to have me, and I didn’t feel comfortable having some person in that small hubKidman bub.” “And then I got engaged to somebody ... but it just wasn’t right,” she continues in Vanity Fair magazine’s October issue, on newsstands Sept. 11. “I wasn’t ready. We weren’t ready.” Details, please. “I get engaged and I get married _ that’s my thing,” she says, declining to reveal her former fiance’s identity. “I don’t want to date. I’m interested in a very, very deep connection.” Kidman and Cruise divorced in 2001 after 10 years of marriage. They have two adopted children, Isabella, 14, and Connor, 12; Cruise has a 1-year-old
LateNiteHumor Top 10 Signs You Have A Bad Job from Aug. 31, 2007 10–Some people share an office; you share a chair 9–Each day have to find new way of saying, “29% is a wonderful approval rating, Mr. President” 8–You’re in charge of licking Chinese toys to check for lead paint 7–The name on your uniform is “Devil Rays” 6–At least once a day, you get kicked in the nuts by a goat 5–You get paid in gum 4–You’re Michael Vick’s dog walker– man this Michael Vick story is getting stranger and stranger 3–Question you’re most often asked: “You still work here?”
David Cleverley, and Lyanna Lee post flyers about the disappearance of Cleverley’s sister, Camille Cleverley who has been missing since Aug. 30. AP photo
2–Office policy states you must wear a tie...but no pants 1–Your boss insists on keeping his theater unbearably cold
Open Mon-Thur until 12 am Fri-Sat until 2 am
Buy one entree get one FREE Good until October 31,2007
StatesmanCampus News
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Page 3
Art Barn’s top floors not meeting fire code By DEVIN FELIX staff writer
USU Facilities officials are closing the upper two floors of the Art Barn, the building at the northeast corner of the Taggart Student Center parking lot, because of concerns about fire code. “It’s an old building and it has lots of issues,” said Darrell Hart, associate vice president of Facilities. The top floors of the three-story building do not meet current fire code requirements because the way the rooms are laid out would make evacuating during a fire difficult, Hart said. The building also has other problems, such as not having an elevator, he said. The first floor, which houses an undergraduate psychology lab and graduate student and faculty offices,
THE TOP TWO FLOORS of the Art Barn next to the Taggart Student Center parking lot have been closed because they no longer meet updated fire regulations. The bottom floor continues to be used. There are no plans as to what to do with the top floors. NOELLE BERLAGE photo
will still be in use. Officials do not yet know what will happen to the top two floors, Hart said. They may be renovated someday, but no plans are yet in place. “It’s just one of many projects we’re working on,” Hart said. “We’ll have to wait and see.” The building was built in 1896 and used to house livestock. As USU grew and became a university, it relocated its agricultural programs, and the barn was deserted for many years. In 1959, it was renovated to house the ceramics program and other art departments, which is why it is called the Art Barn. Hart said the building was up to safety code regulations when it was built and renovated, but is no longer in compliance because the regulations are updated frequently. -d.felix@aggiemail.usu.edu
Mining tragedy reverberates Made in the ’80s among the USU community
By WHITNEY KAUFMAN staff writer
The catastrophic loss of nine lives in a small community has been evaluated and debated among the national and local media for weeks. There have been many speculations as to what really happened in the Crandall Canyon Coal mine. Geology professor Anthony Laury said, “Due to the amount of seismic energy, it’s just a function of luck whether the miners would be able to find and survive in an air pocket.” Nick McKee, a junior engineering major, said, “Even though the miners may have retreated into an air pocket, you still have to consider the factor of falling debris and loose gravel, which could be similar to gradually being buried alive.” In a community where the local high school population is just over 500, the effect of a national media has certainly had a factor in the outcome of the coal mine tragedy. Sam Urie, a sophomore agriculture major and former resident of Emery County, said his family has been helping with fund-raisers in the face of the tragedy, such as Hope in the Park, held 10 days after the disaster in the local city park. Lee Moss, USU alumnus and high school Emery County chemistry teacher, said, “I have never seen a common cause that unites a community like this since the Teton Dam broke in Rexburg, Idaho, in 1976. People have given and donated all that they can down to their last spare penny.”
students rocked the night away at the ’80s Dance Party Friday night. The party was put on by ASUSU and was held in the Taggart Student Center. Left: Kylie Ellis, sophomore in liberal arts, Nicole Brown, sophomore in public relations, and Kinzie Raney, sophomore in history jam to some classic rock outside the International Lounge. Students sported their best ’80s gear, including track suits, neon spandex, sloppy tops, Ray-Bans and mini skirts. Below: A Neil Diamond cover band drew fans in the Ballroom. Phil Leffler sang the legend’s songs to an enthusiastic crowd. DEBRA HAWKINS photo
Examples of the generosity and sacrifice of local members were evident when the six families of the miners were housed in the junior high school. Local cafés willingly called up the city to donate meals to feed more than100 people staying in the junior high. The only two furniture stores in Emery County donated four brand-new dinette sets along with multiple couches and chairs. Police officers donated hours of extra time in ensuring the privacy of families from the press. Even the local corn farmer retrieved 750 ears of corn within an hour’s notice to help raise money for donation. The credit cnion in the area was able to give each of the families $10,000 by means of community donations to help pay for the rent and other expenses of the fatherless families. Even traveling news reporters were invited to stay in the homes of local residents, due to lack of rooms in the only hotel of the area. “In all of the tragedy here, there has been a silver lining brought by uniting the community and bringing out stores of service. The miners here are like a brotherhood or fraternity,” Moss said. “They are widely respected and make up a significant part of our community. There isn’t a miner here that wouldn’t go back into that mountain to look for his brother.” Despite the unknown fate of the lost miners, people have been able to expand resiliency and ultimately come together in a humanitarian effort to help the common good. -whitney.kaufman@aggiemail.usu.edu
Housing: New complex has late start, successful opening
-continued from page 1
bedroom. All four residents share one bathroom, which includes two sinks and a vanity, Jenson said. The opposite side of the suite looks similar but has two shared bedrooms and one shared bathroom. Darin Stoker, freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, is a resident in the LLC. He said he started the semester living in Snow Hall in the Student Living Center but recently moved into the Leadership House building, Building F, of the LLC to live in a quieter environment. He said he is glad he made the change. “It’s great,” Stoker said of the LLC. “It’s really nice and comfortable. All the stuff is new. The beds don’t make your back hurt. This is hands down better.” Stoker said the only negative thing he has noticed about living in the LLC is the lack of a kitchen in each suite. He said he doesn’t like having to use the community kitchen. The lack of kitchens in each suite is one of the more notable features of the LLC, Jenson said, but it was planned that way. The Marketplace, located on the second floor of the TSC, is the primary eating location for residents of the LLC. Included in the cost of the room are 10 meals a week at USU dining locations, but the meal plan can be upgraded. Alan Anderson, executive director for USU Dining Services, said the Marketplace was originally built in conjunction with the LLC and was designed with the
idea in mind to be an equally nice facility to what the LLC provided. But, LLC residents are not limited to eating just at the Marketplace. “They do have other options available to them,” Anderson said. “They have the option to use the Junction or the Marketplace. The students who live in central campus can also use the Marketplace.” Anderson said the food at both locations is good and said he tries to ensure students are eating food prepared by top chefs and that students are provided with a variety of eating options. “There’s a challenge to create variety in one location,” he said. “If you eat in a five-star restaurant seven days a week, it will get old.” “This year I have heard nothing but good reports about the quality of the food,” Jenson said. The Marketplace was one critical element to the construction of the LLC, Jenson said. The second crucial piece was the construction of the new parking terrace on the far west side of campus. The new parking terrace cuts into Old Main Hill and sits underneath two of the LLC buildings. The terrace boasts 600 parking stalls that are primarily used by LLC residents but can also be accessed by other students and visitors. Atop the parking terrace are two elevator access points where LLC residents can move between the residence buildings and the parking stalls.
Bill: USU slated to get $17 mil -continued from page 1 would be going to have already been funded. The bill would allow the university to maintain projects that are already going on. “There’s some just dynamite projects,” Cockett said. Albrecht was careful to note that the bill is not a done deal. “Congress hasn’t passed it yet, so we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” he said. However, he said the funding would be “an awfully important part of our research, outreach and facilities construction.” Cockett was optimistic about the probability of the bill’s success. “There will be a lot of celebration around this campus when it is finalized,” she said. “If something odd happened on the national scene and the Senate decided not to approve it, it would be a continuing resolution. But the word on the street is that that’s very unlikely.” Cockett said she hoped the process will be finished as early as next month. -elizabeth.lawyer@aggiemail.usu.edu
All told, Jenson said the total cost of the project was estimated at $40 million, but he is glad the school decided to act on the project when they did because “building costs have shot through the roof.” Jenson said if the school were to start the project over now, it wouldn’t be able to afford it. But was pumping $40 into additional housing, parking and dining services necessary? Jenson said before the plans for the construction of the LLC went through, housing options across campus were not full. “We weren’t full by any means,” Jenson said, “but we certainly had the demand for additional housing.” The university hired educational institution consulting firm Anderson Strickler to evaluate the need for building additional housing. The firm surveyed more than 6,000 USU students, Jenson said, and the results “showed there was sufficient demand for building additional housing.” The final plans for the LLC were approved, and the LLC was brought into existence, providing housing for nearly 400 more students and working as a recruitment tool for future USU students, Jenson said. “It’s filling a niche we haven’t previously met,” Jenson said. “This is going to be a great addition to the university for many years to come.” -seth.h@aggiemail.usu.edu
Blackboard: Online learning tool
-continued from page 1
thing once and it didn’t work,” said Kyle Robertson, a sophomore in international business. “But I don’t really notice a visual difference between the two. I think the teachers need to learn it more.” Students aren’t the only ones learning this new system, as the faculty is also figuring out the program. Faculty training has been available to those interested in learning more about the program, and Legler said most faculty have taken advantage of this. He said those who have been actively involved in WebCT are having a harder time wrapping their minds around the new program and its
changes. The questions usually answered for faculty are refreshers on things learned in the training, Legler said. “This is one, if not the most successful rollovers in the - Research more state and @ utahstatesman.com country,” Legler said. He attributes this to USU attending numerous workshops prior to the switch and talking with many other schools who have already done it. -alison.baugh@aggiemail.usu.edu
Briefs Campus & Community
Business dean to speak on leadership USU students will get a chance to learn more about “lean” leadership at the next Dean’s Convocation at the College of Business Wednesday, Sept. 5. Speaker Jerry Bussell will not be lecturing about obesity, however. Bussell is the chairman of the board for Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence, an organization that promotes a philosophy called “lean.” Bussell will speak at 12:30 p.m. in the Orson A. Christensen Auditorium (room 215) in the George S. Eccles Business Building. The event is free and open to the public. The lean philosophy was originally articulated by Shigeo Shingo, an industrial engineer in Japan whose teachings have been key to Toyota’s success. The approach emphasizes the importance of showing respect for employees, while eliminating waste, saving money, increasing productivity and improving quality. The Shingo Prize is part of USU’s College of Business. Bussell is also the business sector vice president of global operations for Medtronic ENT/NT. He said he will be drawing from his experience to talk about leadership and what he thinks is needed to “drive excellence throughout an organization.” Bussell has 30 years operational experience working with high-growth companies. He is chairman of the Jacksonville Lean Consortium in Florida. Under his leadership, Medtronic ENT/NT was recognized by “IndustryWeek” as one of the Best Plants in North America in 2002, and it was a recipient of the Shingo Prize in 2003. Medtronics manufactures medical equipment used in the treatment of ear-, nose- and throat-related health issues.
Utah Supreme Court justice receives award
WILLIAMSBURG, VA – Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court Christine M. Durham has been named recipient of the 2007 William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence by the National Center for State Courts. One of the most prestigious Durham judicial honors in the country, the Rehnquist Award is presented annually to a state court judge who exemplifies the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness, and professional ethics. Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts will present the award to Chief Justice Durham at a ceremony Nov. 15 in Washington, D.C. “Chief Justice Durham has demonstrated her commitment to public service, judicial education, and the cause of justice throughout her 25 years on the Utah Supreme Court. She reflects those qualities that Chief Justice Rehnquist valued during his distinguished career,” said Chief Justice Roberts. NCSC President Mary C. McQueen said the nominating committee selected Chief Justice Durham because of her “innovative leadership style and her contributions to advancing judicial branch education not only in Utah, but nationally.” She is noted for developing interactive education programs in content areas that until then did not have curriculum, such as domestic violence, child witness testimony, and scientific evidence. In the 1980s judicial education was rare. “There was little interest or understanding about the profession of adult education and how it could benefit the practice of judicial education. Christine Durham was the major force which changed this landscape,” according to a nomination letter written by Utah State Court Administrator Daniel Becker and Director of Utah’s Judicial Institute Diane Cowdrey. The National Center for State Courts is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. The National Center, founded in 1971 with the encouragement of Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, provides leadership, research, consulting, education, and training to the state courts. The National Center headquarters are in Williamsburg, Va., with other offices in Arlington, Va., and Denver, Co.
-Compiled from staff and media reports
Aggie Life
Page 4
Red
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Focus: Personality
Color coded
Motive: Power The ability to get things done and move from point A to point B motivates these people. They are generally responsible and bring gifts of leadership and vision. They are also assertive proactive and decisive.
White
A closer look at personality quizzes and their meanings
Motive: Peace What drives these people is the absence of conflict, or peace. They are tolerant and bring gifts of clarity. They are also adaptable, good listeners and generally kind. These are the peacemakers.
By Courtnie Packer senior writer Life is confusing. People are confusing. And let’s face it, relationships are
confusing. Life is all about dealing with individuals in professional, social and personal environments. So how do people learn to improve their inter personal relations with a roommate or love interest? And how do they main-
Motive: Intimacy These people are driven and motivated by intimacy, connecting, creating quality relationships and having a purpose. They bring gifts of quality and service and are generally sincere, loyal and thoughtful.
tain these healthy relationships?
Many college students turn to personality tests to help them under-
stand who they are, why they behave the way they do, and even why their roommate freaks out at the strangest moments.
Blue
Personality tests range from an assortment of tests: color codes, letter
tests, Keirsey modified, and even the Myer Briggs Type Indicator. Each of these tests help indicate what type of person someone is, what type of people they should associate with, and what motivates them the most.
- See PERSONALITY, page 6
Yellow
Motive: Fun Enthusiasm and optimism are at the top of these peoples agendas. They love having fun, and find joy of doing something just for the sake of doing it. Generally they are charismatic, sociable and spontaneous.
Aromatherapy
Students open up about smells, moods and memories
By Ranae Bangerter staff writer
Whether it be junior high, home or grandparents, students say certain aromas awaken old memories. Noelle Berlage photo
Whenever Ali Drake, an undeclared sophomore, smells a Lip Smackers lip gloss, it takes her back to seventh grade. Whenever Desiree Williams, a freshman in journalism, smells a certain perfume, it reminds her of her kind second grade teacher. And when Becky Danielson, a freshman studying medical assisting, smells cigarette smoke or coffee, she is reminded of airplanes, hotels and traveling. Many smells remind people of events in their past, which is not too unusual considering the sense of smell is closely connected to memories. “Smell is the strongest sensor link to memory,” said Stefani Nelson, USU alumna and a graduate student in psychology at University of Phoenix. A freshman psychology student, Alesha Watkins, said she hates the smell of mothballs because they remind her of her greatgrandma’s basement. “She had a cat down there and it smelled weird,” Watkins said. Jodi Burton, an undeclared junior, also has some memories linked to smells. The
scent of chocolate chip cookies makes her relax, and the smell of cinnamon reminds her of Christmas. But the smell of “sticky sweet” candles in some place other than a home makes her uncomfortable. Dustin Smith, a senior majoring in business and finance, said he loves the smell of popcorn. He said it reminds him of movies and makes him feel more comfortable. But he doesn’t like the smell of cigarettes or pineapple. “I just can’t stand the smell of pineapple,” Smith said. Another student, John Fullmer, was not able to fully comment on the subject because he lost his sense of smell when he was 9 years old. He said he remembers some smells and can sometimes taste things with his tongue. Ashley Struthers, a freshman studying elementary education, said her grandpa always smelled like Starbursts because he always had a bag with him in his house. Struthers recalled playing a game where she guessed which hand the Starburst was in. “We always called him the Starburst grandpa,” Struthers said. These memories can also be linked to aromatherapy, a study involving the smells
of natural oils and their effects on our moods. Bath and Body Works has a user’s guide to its line of aromatherapy oils. According to the user’s guide, many ordinary fruits and plant oils can aid in healing, digestion, refreshment and relaxing. Orange peel is suggested to refresh the mind, invigorate the senses and stimulate circulation. Lavender flower and grapefruit can be used as antidepressants, while tea tree is used to lift the spirit. Spearmint helps refresh and invigorate and was believed to help slow the spread of viruses in the 1900s. Palmarosa leaf is a stress reliever and also aids in digesting. The peel of another citrus fruit, a mandarin orange, can also be used to aid in the digestive system and was once thought to be sent from the gods. Eucalyptus was once thought to cleanse the environment, but now it is used in treating colds. It is also a key factor in aromatherapy “relax” state of mind blend by Bath and Body Works. The oil from the Eucalyptus tree helps relax the mind, relieve congestion and fever and also soothes the senses. -ranae.bang@aggiemail.usu.edu
AggieLife
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Page 5
It’s a sign By JENNA QUINN staff writer
Some may say personality comes from genes or environment, but according to astrologists, it all depends on the day you were born. The Web site spiritualdiscovery.org reports, “Astrology is an ancient tradition which states that the character and destiny of a human being is influenced by the position of the planets at the moment of birth.” It also states that an astrology chart can show a person their strengths and weaknesses. Astrological signs are nothing new. According to thelemapedia. org, they have been in place for more than 2,000 years. And with those signs come certain personality traits. According to nuclear.ucdavis. edu, a Web site for the physics department at the University of California-Davis, depending when a people are born, they will likely display very specific traits. A Taurus is security-loving,
Aries mar 21-apr 20
persistent and greedy while Geminis are known to be intellectual, lively and cunning. Cancers tend to be shrewd, sympathetic and moody while Virgos are commonly practical, shy and worriers. Libras are known to be peaceable, romantic and indecisive, which is almost opposite of Scorpios who tend to be powerful, magnetic and resentful. A Sagittarius is goodhumored, straightforward and superficial, and Capricorns are prudent, disciplined and pessimistic. And an Aquarius is inventive, independent and unpredictable. Sophomore Scott Egbert, who is studying business administration, said even though he doesn’t really believe in astrology, he does think that his sign, Leo, which is known for being warm-hearted, creative and bossy, fits his personality. “Except for being pompous,” Egbert said. Jessica Meyers, a sophomore studying history and secondary education, said she thinks her
- See ZODIAC, page 6
http://www.world-mysteries.com/amr/astrochart1.jpg
Taurus apr 21-may 21
Gemini may 22-june 21
Cancer june 22-july 22
Leo july 23-aug 21
Adventurous and energetic Pioneering and courageous Enthusiastic and confident Dynamic and quick-witted
Patient and reliable Warmhearted and loving Persistent and determined Placid and security loving
Adaptable and versatile Communicative and witty Intellectual and eloquent Youthful and lively
Emotional and loving Intuitive and imaginative Shrewd and cautious Protective and sympathetic
Generous and warmhearted Creative and enthusiastic Broad-minded and expansive Faithful and loving
Selfish and quick-tempered Impulsive and impatient Foolhardy and daredevil
Jealous and possessive Resentful and inflexible Self-indulgent and greedy
Nervous and tense Superficial and inconsistent Cunning and inquisitive
Changeable and moody Overemotional and touchy Clinging and unable to let go
Pompous and patronizing Bossy and interfering Dogmatic and intolerant
Pisces feb 20-mar 20 Imaginative and sensitive Compassionate and kind Selfless and unworldly Intuitive and sympathetic Escapist and idealistic Secretive and vague Weak-willed and easily led
Aquarius jan 21-feb 19 Friendly and humanitarian Honest and loyal Original and inventive Independent and intellectual Intractable and contrary Perverse and unpredictable Unemotional and detached
Zodiac Traits Capricorn dec 23-jan 20
Sagittarius nov 23-dec 22
Scorpio oct 24-nov 22
Virgo aug 22-sep 23 Modest and shy Meticulous and reliable Practical and diligent Intelligent and analytical Fussy and a worrier Overcritical and harsh Perfectionist and conservative
Libra sep 24-oct 23
Practical and prudent Ambitious and disciplined Patient and careful Humorous and reserved
Optimistic and freedom-loving Jovial and good-humored Honest and straightforward Intellectual and philosophical
Determined and forceful Emotional and intuitive Powerful and passionate Exciting and magnetic
Diplomatic and urbane Romantic and charming Easygoing and sociable Idealistic and peaceable
Pessimistic and fatalistic Miserly and grudging
Blindly optimistic and careless Irresponsible and superficial Tactless and restless
Jealous and resentful Compulsive and obsessive Secretive and obstinate
Indecisive and changeable Gullible and easily influenced Flirtatious and self-indulgent
http://nuclear.ucdavis.edu/~rpicha/personal/astrology/index.html
Aromatherapy remedies and blends Muscle Relief
PMS relief
Long considered a sacred herb in ancient civilizations, invigorating rosemary is valued today for it’s ability to help warm and revive aching muscles. When blended with sweet orange, it provides refreshing relief for both body and soul.
In addition to its comforting aroma, rose geranium is traditionally known for its therapeutic ability to help relieve the discomfort associated with PMS. It is blended here with sweet fennel, long known for its pain-relieving properties.
Detox Therapy Loaded with vitamin C, lemon is a natural astringent renowned for its toning properties. It is paired here with refreshing juniper to help clear the mind and rid the body of toxins.
Cold and Sinus Therapy Native to Australia, eucalyptus is renowned for its decongestant properties. It is blended here with peppermint and soothing lavender, to help comfort the mind and body affected by the symptoms associated with colds.
Headache relief
Used as a general tonic worldwide, peppermint is renowned for its soothing abilities. It is blended here with calming chamomile and lavender to help allay the tension and discomfort associated with headaches.
Source: Bath & Body Works
AggieLife
Page 6
Why have one personality when you can have five? I’m not a polygamist, but I’m pretty sure I’m married to five women. At least it feels that way sometimes. When I married my wife, I was thrilled at the prospect of spending the next eternity with her. She was, and still is, the girl of my dreams. One of the first things that attracted me to her, besides her being beautiful, was her exciting personality. I’m not sure what defines a personality or her personality in particular, but all I knew was I completely attracted to her and knew our marriage was going to be perfect. And it was, until our friend, Ms. Hormone, stepped in. The baby-stopper pills my wife was taking started to do weird things to her. Those pills are riddled with more hormones than Barry Bond’s steroids. Which I didn’t think was that big of a deal. Hormones are supposed to be normal right? They worked fairly well for me in the past and helped transform my girlish alto voice into a weak baritone. I still squeak on occasion. No, these hormones are evil, or at least the effects of them are. After a month I started to notice a change in my wife. It was like watching Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde come to life in front of my eyes. One moment my wife would be her typical sweet, bubbly self, and the next moment she would turn into an emotional basket case who wouldn’t be satisfied until my head was securely mounted on a plaque above her Sleeping Beauty doll in the corner of the room. I feared for my life. She would get upset and emotional about me not washing the dishes that day, even though I had done them every day for the past month. Somewhere deep down inside me I kept hoping this was some sick joke, but I was wrong. The hormones had taken over her to the point where she couldn’t see she was no longer the same person. Trying to tell her that was definitely not the right choice. If I tried, she would make another hormonal transition, this time into a female version of Mike Tyson, running around swinging without much effect and trying to bite my ear off. My best choice for survival at this point was to jump
behind the sandbag fort I had erected in our living room and barricade myself down low to wait for the storm to blow over. Or I could feed her ice cream. For some reason, ice cream seems to overcome the effects of dangerous female hormones. I don’t pretend to know why, but I know it works. Chocolate is the key. When these changes first started to happen on a regular basis, I thought my wife had gone off the deep end. But after talking to my father and other married men, I’ve come to discover that my wife isn’t crazy at all – she is a normal woman. “Normal?” you’re thinking. Yes. Let me explain. It turns out women are affected differently by hormones than men are. As near as I can tell, men are controlled by just two hormones that form the base of our existence: one to eat, and the other to, well, you know. As long as at least one of these urges is satisfied, men are content with life. When both are met, men are insanely happy with life. My wife has found when I’m cranky, she merely has to shove a cookie in my mouth and I’m back to my normal self. Women, on the other hand, are controlled by seemingly thousands of hormones that result in mood swings, some on an hourly basis. Some make them happy, some make them giddy, and some make them jump up and down waving their arms faster than a hummingbird when they haven’t seen a friend for more than 10 minutes. Others make them sad, depressed, angry, or confused to the point that they don’t know what’s exactly wrong but are confident something is and will destroy you if you even make so much as an attempt at guessing what’s wrong. Once I understood that women are controlled by hormones, things made a lot more sense. I realize now that it’s not their fault they have these mood swings. It’s just nature’s way of saying to men, “Haha. I’m in charge. I’m going to give you this urge to want to be around women all the time but make them so confusing that you’ll never be able to understand them. Good luck.” I think it’s the good luck part that really gets to me.
So while I’ve come to grips on the whole hormone deal, I’m still working – futile though it may be – on understanding women. I haven’t come up with much, but I do know that women would not be nearly as exciting without these mood swings. Think about it. Men can hang out with their guy friends every day for a week and do nothing but play video games. Talking is reduced to only the most essential topics such as where the bathroom is or how many sodas are left in the fridge. After a week of that, you’ve figured your friend out and you’re satisfied with life. You now need a new challenge. But with women, after a week together, you’re just as confused as you were at the beginning, so in a way it’s like experiencing the Groundhog Day effect all the time. Which in my mind is fun. I like the excitement the mood swings bring, even if they are difficult at times. But I know many men are still on the early stages of understanding these hormonal mood swings, so I have five bits of advice. 1. Stock up on ice cream. If possible, find a way to create an IV ice cream feed from the freezer into her arm. 2. Give her $20 and tell her to not come back until she has spent it all. Trust me, it will be the best investment you’ve ever made. Spending
money releases hormonal pressure somehow. 3. Come to grips that you blew it. Even if you didn’t, admit that you are wrong. Remember, a woman might not always be right, but she is never wrong, especially in her own mind. 4. Learn to accept that moods can change at any moment, and prepare for this by not preparing. This means don’t worry about what mood she’ll switch too. Just be aware that she will and be supportive by following the tips listed above. 5. If all the above fail, try pretending like you’re having a mood swing every now and then. It might not help the situation, but it would be funny to see two people on mood swings interacting. Maybe my advice isn’t fool proof, but at least you can feel confident in uncertainty. Seth Hawkins is a junior majoring in public relations. He will soon compile all his extensive observations on women into a book called “Discovering the XX Chromosome.” Comments and questions can be sent to him at seth.h@ aggiemail. usu.edu.
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Zodiac: Signs with meaning -continued from page 5 sign, Aries, mostly fits her personality. She said her sign described herself as energetic, social, confident and having strength of character. According to nuclear.ucdavisedu, an Aries is enthusiastic, quick-witted and impatient. Meyers said horoscopes can be interpreted to come true if you want them to, but she goes by a different motto. “What defines you are the things you go through,” she said. Sophomore Lindsey Stevens, a Pisces studying biological engineering, said she doesn’t believe in astrology. If Pisces really did define Stevens, that would mean she is selfless, imaginative and secretive. However, Stevens said she does check her horoscope sometimes “for a laugh.” Some people believe that romantic partners should be chosen based on astrological signs. The Web site Astrologycourse.org states, “We are looking for someone who has qualities that we ourselves are lacking.” The site goes on to report that a partner should be chosen that has those elements. A differing view is reported in a news article by Jaya Narain, titled “Looking for the Perfect Match? Then Leave Your Zodiac Sign at Home, Say Scientists. (But Then They Are An Unromantic Bunch).” This article addresses zodiac signs and romantic
relationships. It reports that scientists claim there is little evidence that a relationship will work or fail based on your astrological sign. According to Narain, a study was done on millions of married couples, and the result was that zodiac signs have no impact on relationships. An example used in the article was that even though Scorpios and Pisces are thought to be a perfect love match, famous couple Pisces Bruce Willis and Scorpio Demi Moore divorced after 11 years. Some say that zodiac signs influence how active people are. In the article, “Be a lean Leo or a sleek Scorpio” by Donna Doherty, it discusses just that: “Zodiaction,” an exercise book based on astrological signs. Doherty said the book discusses which parts of the body are vulnerable according to different signs. For example, Libras often have lower back problems because of stress, and “freedom-loving Aries is miserable on a treadmill,” the article stated. Whether or not people agree with astrology, some may be interested in getting a consultation to help them decide. According to the Web site spiritualmarketing.org, professional astrologers are likely to charge around $75 for a one-hour consultation. -jenna.quinn@aggiemail. usu.edu
Personality: Tests for students available on campus
-continued from page 4
“Through my experience, personality tests are great tools that college students can really gain valuable insights with,” ASUSU Director Tiffany Evans said. “They point out your values, preferences, needs, urges and allow people to work on their interpersonal communication. These help you understand others, along with yourself. They help show where your strengths and weaknesses lie.” Each test is unique in displaying each individual’s characteristics. The Color Code test, for example, was founded in 1987 by Taylor Hartman, one of the world’s leading authorities in the study of personality. Hartman, who earned a Ph.D in human behavior and leadership, created this simple test which is widely known for its accuracy in understanding human behavior. The test consists of four colors: red, blue, white and yellow. Each of these colors describes a motive that relates to the specific individual and their goals. This test is designed to help people “speak the language” of others by identifying with their color and to build closer relationships by understanding what drives and pushes them to succeed. “I’ve taken the color code test a couple of times, and with each test you can see the evolution of time,” said Zach Ames, senior majoring in economics and sociology. “You see your maturity levels which help allow you to grow. These tests almost categorize people but also help you to interact with others.” Internationally renowned psychologist, David Keirsey, is another individual who helped create personality indicators. His main objective was to prove that
Students can take personality tests online or at the Career Services. ASUSU Director Tiffany Evans (above left) said the tests help point out a student’s values, preferences and needs. PATRICK ODEN photo
there are four main personality types: guardians, idealists, artisans and rationals. Keirsey believes that each person’s temperament differs with his or her own motives, drives, impulses, needs and urges. His tests are similar to many other personality tests used today. Another very popular test is the Myer Briggs Type Indicator, better known as the MBTI. Evans said she describes the MBTI as “the most accurate temperament test. This type of test has gone as far back as Hippocrates and has evolved down from there. It is the best instrument which most other personality tests are based upon. Most other tests are just the narrowed down version of the MBTI.” The MBTI consists of 16
personality combinations and four sets of indicators. The first set of indicators relates to how people respond to information, and the second set relates to how people judge or make decisions. This test reveals answers to questions about people like, “Which is your most favored perceiving mental process?” and “Which is your most favored judging mental process?” Megan Smith, a senior in history, said, “I’ve taken quite a few personality tests, and after I see my results I think, ‘Oh yeah, that is how I am.’ I enjoy taking them because they show that this is how others work, and this is how I work. They are very productive tools to help avoid tension, confrontation and shock in many settings.”
Register for Institute at our NEW website
wise.ldsces.org
Personality tests can be great sources of information that students may find useful in helping them deal with pressures of relationships and other things. Evans said, “Students have found this to be a very valuable exercise for learning about themselves and others. Organizations have found these to help provide better understanding, dynamics and make-up of clubs. Taking a personality test will only make you more satisfied with yourself.” For more information on personality and temperament tests, go to www.keirsey.com, www.thecolorcode.com, www. personalitypathways.com/MBTI, or to personally take a test, visit Career Services at the University Inn Room 102. -courtnie.packer@aggiemail.usu.edu
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
AggieLife
Many foreign students torn over war views By Stuart Eskenazi The Seattle Times (KRT) SEATTLE – Jelte Harnmeijer’s friends were surprised to learn that the next stage of his scholastic adventure would take him to the United States, a country with policies he has criticized as imperialistic and self-serving. Harnmeijer, who carries a Dutch passport, could barely believe it, either. So before accepting admission to the University of Washington, he made a pact with himself. While studying here, he would try to open the eyes and minds of Americans to what he perceives as damaging effects of U.S. foreign policy. Since arriving in September, Harnmeijer has helped start a UW organization opposing a U.S.-Iraq war and assisted in drafting a campuswide anti-war resolution. He considers it his way of repaying the American people, who finance his education through governmentsponsored grants. “My debt is to the American people, not the government. Americans, like anyone else, are good people. It’s just a matter of them knowing what is going on,” he said. About 2,600 non-U.S. residents from about 100 different countries are enrolled at the UW, more than half from Asia. The majority are on student visas and are graduate students. Their schooling is financed through a variety of means – including personal funds, tuition waivers, student-exchange programs or grants supported by the U.S. or foreign governments. When it comes to politics and the foreign students’ positions on a possible U.S.Iraq war, their views – not surprisingly – vary as much as their countries of origin, contrasting as widely as BosniaHerzegovina and Brazil, Iceland and Israel, Taiwan and Turkey. “It’s quite impossible to generalize about their political views,” said Curt DeVere, director of the UW’s International Services Office. “Basically, the only thing you can say for certain that our international students have in common with each other is that they were not born in the United States.” But the segment of inter-
national students who oppose the war do have something in common – they are struggling over whether to express their views publicly, balancing that urge with a recognition that they are guests in a foreign land. Some, such as Harnmeijer, have elected to speak out. Others, however, are harnessing their impulses out of fear that attaching their names to the anti-war movement could imperil their immigration status – even though student-visa regulations do not prohibit dissent. “There is nothing in the F-1 student-visa regulations to prohibit international students from expressing First Amendment rights,” DeVere said. “But we are living in a strange time right now.” Harnmeijer said professors here and abroad cautioned him about getting publicly involved in the anti-war movement. Initially, he was reticent, but his anxieties subsided. A geologist, he is just starting his five-year course toward a doctorate in astrobiology, the study of extreme ecosystems. At 22, his floppy hair and boyish looks belie a worldliness drawn from living in 10 different countries. He said he formed his views on American foreign policy while growing up in southern Africa among people who suffered because, in his view, the U.S. had more interest in the region’s mineral deposits than in human rights. Like Harnmeijer, British exchange student Chris Peck is involved in University of Washington Against the War, the campus anti-war group. “I’m opposing war here because I would be doing that in the (United Kingdom),” said Peck, 21, who is from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. “I do worry that people might perceive it as arrogant that I press my ideas on others and tell people what they should think about their own government. But that’s sort of the problem, isn’t it? The U.S. is pressing its own values on the rest of the world.” Peck draws his line of protest, however, at civil disobedience – a length he is certain he would go to if still in Britain. “As an exchange student, my immigration status is tenuous,” he said. Sumara Hine, a 20-year-
old UW student from New Zealand, worries that protesting the U.S. position on Iraq could impede her future ability to obtain a tourist visa. “I’ve been studying U.S. history of the 1960s and have learned about the trouble anti-war protesters could get into with the records the government keeps,” said Hine, adding that she believes her concerns are probably unrealistic. She opposes a war but intentionally is sitting out public protests. “It’s not my country and I don’t want to protest as if it is,” Hine said. Dhruba Acharya, a 44year-old forester from Nepal and a fellow in the UW’s Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, said a lack of time has kept him from participating in anti-war events. But he believes this country’s freedom of expression also applies to him. “The U.S. allows and welcomes critical observation,” Acharya said. James Ochieng Okuma, 25, a Kenyan pursuing a master’s degree in public health, marched downtown recently in opposition to the war. He also was among the thousands injured in the August 1998 terrorist bombing at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, that killed more than 200 people. “Americans don’t understand the magnitude of war,” he said. But David Sheppard, a 22-year-old student at the University of Edinburgh who studied American history, literature and politics at the UW during the 2000-2001 academic year, said his Seattle experience gave him an appreciation for the approach the U.S. is taking toward Saddam Hussein. “The main difference between myself and my peers is that I am at no risk of falling into crass, knee-jerk, anti-Americanism after the great year I spent studying in Seattle,” he said. “I don’t think that most people in Europe realize yet how the political climate has changed – not just in the U.S. but in the world – since Sept. 11. Rogue states with ties to terrorism can no longer be appeased.”
Page 7
Coming up...
Celebrate America The Annual dinner and dance show will be at USU from Wednesday until Saturday with students and community members performing. Students who go Wednesday get a discount and can come to the event for $7 (this does not include the dinner). Brenda Anthony, who is in charge of the event, said, “We are convinced (watching this show) enhances the college students’ interaction with fine arts.” The show begins at 8 p.m in the TSC Ballroom. NOELLE BERLAGE photo
TYLER LARSON photo
Sept. 5, 2007 Page 8
Views&Opinion
editor@statesman.usu.edu statesman@cc.usu.edu
OurView
AboutUs
Editor in Chief
New housing options a great addition
Seth R. Hawkins News Editor
Assistant News Editor Liz Lawyer
H
ousing. It is one of the biggest problems students face when beginning a new school year. However, this year the challenge of finding a quality place to live might not be quite as hard. USU has put forth $40 million in an effort to meet student demand and need. With state-ofthe-art living conditions available at the Living and Learning Center, students can rest at ease. Now that the six-building living center is completed, USU has claims to the finest housing in the intermountain west. With commercial grade kitchens, laundry rooms, flat screen televisions, projection screens and fireplaces, the LLC leaves little to be desired. Not only do the apartments, located west of the Taggart Student Center, have everything students might need, the location is ideal, and, if you are lucky enough, there is also a spectacular view of the valley. While there were no pressing circumstances for more student housing, like overcrowding, USU hired a consulting firm to assess living conditions on campus. Their survey of more than 6,000 students proved an ample demand for new and improved housing. And, as proved by the Living and Learning Center, students asked and USU delivered. The student housing complex is only one of the additions made on campus with the multimillion dollar plan. USU has gone to great lengths to also ease parking problems and improve dining facilities as well – a new parking terrace was built, and the Marketplace received a serious upgrade. The terrace has 600 parking stalls used by students, visitors and the center’s residents, decreasing traffic problems and parking shortages. While the LLC may have little kitchen space in the buildings, USU offers a variety of food in the Marketplace. USU Housing should be applauded for their work to provide students with a living center that has all the necessities of student life. They have provided an effective learning environment and also given students ideal places to socialize and relax from the stresses of school. We would like to commend USU for listening to students, taking their desires to heart and making improvements of which Aggies can really be proud.
The sinister side of the saintly life
T
oday marks the 10-year anniversary of Mother Teresa’s death. The media coverage will doubtless sing the praises of a woman unmatched in her compassion and service. In eulogizing her, however, the media commit a sin of omission: Mother Teresa was more myth than matron. A few brave voices, like journalist Christopher Hitchens, author of “The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice,” have broken with the media’s adoring chorus to expose Mother Teresa’s organization, the Missionaries of Charity, as a peddler in human misery and of a radical religious agenda. I pull many of my ideas from this book. You’re likely offended by my taking on so “saintly” a woman, let alone a dead one. But I’m not sorry. This expectation – that her reputation be indefinitely beyond reproach – is troubling evidence of society’s undue reverence for religious figures. Moreover, I need to deflate this fictitious Mother Teresa because I’m tired of religious right bludgeoning atheists with her example to make their case that such selflessness requires religious belief – on its face, an arrogant and fallacious claim. I do appreciate many religions’ attention to the welfare of others, but the Missionaries of Charity was no friend of the poor. It was, instead, a friend of poverty. Don’t take my word for it, take Mother Teresa’s: “The suffering of the poor is something very beautiful, and the world is being very much helped by the nobility of this example of misery and suffering.” Quite a sadistic fetish, but not uncommon in the Christian tradition. Mother Teresa was, after all, only echoing the teachings of Jesus. Notwithstanding the doctrinal importance of charity, Jesus felt that poverty was ultimately insoluble, so he utilized poverty as a tool to humble people and bring them to his message. Jesus expressly sanctified poverty in his Sermon on the Mount. He promised his audiences that the meekest and poorest among them will inherit both the earth and celestial paradise. Poverty was made somewhat of a precondition for salvation. As Jesus saw things, as recorded in Matthew 19:24 of the Bible, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.” It was in this vein that Mother Teresa, too, felt poverty played an integral role in Christianity. And for her personally, being near the “poorest of the poor” buoyed her faith. Remember, she found their suffering and its manifest humility to be inspiring. So while she was entrusted to alleviate their pain, she did, on some
- See SAINT, page 9
Arie Kirk
Features Editor Manette Newbold Assistant Features Editor Brittny Goodsell Jones Sports Editor Samuel Hislop Assistant Sports Editor David Baker Copy Editor Rebekah Bradway
ForumLetters Vote for issues, not lifestyles
To the editor: I am deeply concerned about advice given in a recent opinion letter warning readers to “be careful who you vote for, because it might just be a gay man.” Contrary to this advice, I believe that politicians should be voted for, or not voted for, based on what choices they make on the issues they are running to address, and not on choices they make in their personal
Letters to the editor • A public forum
lives. Who a politician is dating has no bearing whatsoever on their stance on taxes, war, or the economy, and it shouldn’t affect our stance on that candidate. Voting in elections should be a lot like writing letters to the editor, you don’t attack the person, but the issue. If, for example, the candidate is for gay rights legislation and you are against that legislation, then cast your vote because you are against the legislation, not because you are against the fact that they are gay (if that is what they happen to be). The same is true for any issue and any
aspect of a candidate’s life, vote based on the issue, and not on their personal involvement in it. I personally believe in the right of all people, regardless of ancestry, religion, country of origin, personal orientation, or any other characteristic, to be free from discrimination, prejudice, and hatred for just being who they are. My advice to you is to be careful of what advice you take, and to vote on the candidate’s positions on the issues, and not on the candidate. Cody Tramp
The proper role of government
I
n our republic, we are faced with many crucial decisions. There are many candidates and many issues. It is easy to get confused and frustrated unless we base our decisions on the sound principles taught and lived by our nation’s founders. The Declaration of Independence, which established the foundation of our republic, teaches us much about government and its relationship to man. It lays out many fundamental principles that we must understand. Among those principles is the truth that men are “... endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...” Among the rights granted to man by his Creator are those of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (a vital component of which is private property). Men, in order to secure their rights, instituted government. The power of the government comes from the people themselves. Therefore, the government, since its power is derived from the people, cannot do that which the people themselves do not have the right to do. Every time we urge our representatives in our government to do anything, we are in essence urging them to enact laws governing the conduct of ourselves and our fellow citizens. We also authorize them to carry out such measures that will ensure compliance, allowing government agents to use force to deprive those who do not comply of either their lives, their liberty or their property. One temptation all must resist is that of taking property from one individual to give it to another. That is theft, no matter who does it. Most people would not even think of doing this themselves, but there are those who feel justified in asking the government to do so in their behalf. A simple, but essential, principle must be applied when making decisions regarding government on any level – in our cities, our counties, our states or in the federal government. We
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each need to ask ourselves if we have the right to do that which we are requesting our government to do. If, after asking ourselves this question, we still feel justified in requesting the government to carry out a certain action, we must ask ourselves which level of government is best equipped to do so. To do this, we need to determine what the closest level of government is that can handle the issue. That level of government is the one suited to take the requested measure. When voting for a candidate or supporting a certain government action, we must remember that the Constitution explained exactly what the federal government was to do. The 10th Amendment further enforced this by stating, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.” It was understood that this would afford to the citizens of the nation the greatest amount of freedom possible. It is necessary to seek out candidates who will adhere to this principle. Let us not forget the words of George Washington, who said, “The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of ever their own choosing; and whenit is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, the servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled.” Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Questions and comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail. usu.edu.
YourTake What makes a candidate?
Tell us what you think. Submit a letter to the editor at www.utahstatesman.com
As the 2008 presidential election edges ever closer, the plethora of candidates are increasingly in the limelight and under close scrutiny by media and concerned citizens alike. Not only are positions on hot issues like the war in Iraq, education and illegal immigration being taken into consideration, but other aspects of the candidates are becoming popular. For instance, major minority groups are being represented this presidential election. Hillary Clinton is a woman, Barrack Obama is a black man and Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Hey, to save time and votes, maybe Gladys Knight should run and satisfy all three minorities. These characteristics of candidates define them to a point, but are they the features that should be most focused on? Is having a woman in the White House the biggest worry in this election? Will a Mormon in Washington turn the country upside down? What role do these characteristics play in the presidential race? Is it something voters should look for or are political issues more important? What’s your take? Let us know at www.utahstatesman.com.
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Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Views&Opinion
Page 9
You Read the Paper.
Don’t Worry. You’re Not Alone.
Saint: The other side of poverty
-continued from page 8
level, facilitate it. This best explains the systemic squalor throughout her humanitarian projects. Given the crudeness of its hospices and centers, it’s surprising that, at its height, the Missionaries of Charity had hundreds of millions of dollars in its coffers. The organization received a torrent of donations, at times gladly taking money from criminals and dictators who wanted to clear their names or conscience, yet this amassing fortune was hardly touched. What little was spent financed more than 500 convents worldwide, propagating the most dogmatic brand of Catholicism – one which bemoans abortion and contraception as the greatest moral ills today. Consequently, services for the poor and dying were grossly neglected. Sister Shields, a nun who formerly worked for the Missionaries of Charity, claims the neglect was intentional. “Mother Teresa was very concerned that we preserve our spirit of poverty. Spending money would destroy that poverty. She seemed obsessed with using only the simplest of means for our work,” she said. The Missionaries of Charity was to stay a modest enterprise – free of modern medicine and practices. Though this saved the organization money, it cost too many people their lives. Despite there being many patients with infectious and fatal illnesses, hygiene was of little concern. For example, the sisters reused needles until they became blunt. An offer by some volunteers to procure newer needles was refused. Food was prepared with bare hands on
the floor in the corridor. There was no soap or disinfectant, only cold and muddied water with which to wash yourself, your clothes and your bedding. In short, the care was inept and often dangerous. “The sense was that God will provide and if the worst happens, it is God’s will,” admitted one nurse. Yikes! No wonder Mother Teresa opted for state-of-the-art treatment in California when she herself was sick. The horrid conditions at Mother Teresa’s Homes for the Dying were particularly notorious. In the overcrowded and makeshift homes, many patients had to share their death beds (cots, actually) with others. The stench of imminent death and the cries of people having maggots tweezed from their open wounds haunted the air. Worse still, no pain relief was given to these patients – just another cross for them to bear, so far as Mother Teresa’s cult of affliction was concerned. “You are suffering, that means Jesus is kissing you,” was her only consolation to one man wrenching in agony. The man, infuriated, screamed, “Then tell your Jesus to stop kissing me!” And to that I say “Amen.” Jon Adams is a junior majoring in political science. Comments and questions can be sent to him at jonadams@ cc.usu.edu.
StatesmanBack Burner
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Page 12
Check www.utahstatesman.com for complete calendar listings
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
- Army ROTC Rockin’ the Quad, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - AED, WIM and Dental Club Opening Social meeting. 6:30 p.m. - Celebrate America Show: big band entertainment. Student night show in the TSC Ballroom. 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
- Celebrate America Show: big band entertainment. Student night show in the TSC Ballroom. 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
- LOTOJA packet pick-up and prerace festivities. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. - USU women’s soccer @ Northern Arizona Tournament vs. UC Irvine. 4 p.m. - Celebrate America Show: big band entertainment. Student night show in the TSC Ballroom. 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. - USU Big Band Swing Club. 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at the HPER building. - USU women’s volleyball. 8 p.m. @ Berkley.
Sept. 5
Sept. 6
Ballroom tryouts
Sept. 7
USU Ballroom dance tryout Saturday Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. in HPER 102. No experience required, no partner required.
is Sept. 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27. All training sessions are from 5:30 - 9:30 P.M. Volunteers must attend all 40 hours, must be 18 years old and will undergo a background check. Call 753-2500 with questions or to volunteer to help. • Register for Institute! At wise. ldsces.org • The ALPHA orientation class will be held on Wed. Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Faith and Fellowship Center, 1315 E. 700 North (near Frederico’s). Any question e-mail jsambamurthi@ yahoo.com. A light supper will be provided. • Come be a part of a research study designed to understand nutrient differences between groups. This research study is being conducted on the USU campus to fulfill a master’s thesis. If you are interested in participating and are within the ages of 18-65, contact Anne Banks via email at annewilson@cc.usu.edu. The study will be conducted over a two-week period. Those who complete the study will receive a free diet analysis and be entered in one of five drawings for a $20 gift certificate to Borders Bookstore.
Celebrate America
Sip and listen
Poetry and a Beverage, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. in the Skyroom. Free drinks, featured performer and open microphone.
Teeth and a BBQ
Attention all Pre-Dental and PreHealth Students! Come to our opening social BBQ! Wednesday Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams Park. Everybody is welcome.
Science seminar
Chemistry and biochemistry seminar: “BN Nanotubes: Defects and Hydrogen Adsorption.” Presented by Paulo Cesar Piquini, University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. in ESLC 046.
Faculty recital Flying McCoys • G&G Mccoy Brain Waves • B. Streeter
Works by Prokofiev, Beethoven, and Strauss Admission is free.
Yi Ching Fedkenheuer, violin with Aram Arakelyan and Nyle Matsuoka, pianists Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. Performance Hall, Caine School of the Arts, USU
Celebrate America Show returns to the TSC Ballroom for a Student Night show and dance, Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. Tickets for students are an unheard of $7 and include the lavish production of “Fascinating Rhythm” a spectacular Broadwaystyle show, and big band dancing with the Larry Smith Orchestra. You could even win a trophy during the fun dance contest! Tickets at TSC and the USU Ticket Office. www.celebrateamericashow.com
More to remember...
• Free Math and Stats Tutoring provided by the Academic Resource Center. Math: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5 p.m. in TSC 225 and Monday-Thursday 5-7 p.m. at the Lundstrom Student Living Center. Stats: Mon and Fri 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Tue and Thu 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Wed 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. • CAPSA Volunteer Training: CAPSA needs dedicated volunteers. Fall 2007 training schedule
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Sept. 5, 2007
WednesdaySports
Page 13
Soccer splits in Texas road trip TouchBase By SETH R. HAWKINS editor in chief
The state of Texas has not been nice to the Utah State soccer team, but the Aggies came away from a weekend trek to Texas with a 1-1 record, making USU’s all-time record against teams from the Lone Star State 1-8. The lone win came Friday, Aug. 31, against Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where the Aggies took down the Bobcats 1-0. USU’s victory improves its season opener record on the road to 3-8.
Sunday afternoon the Ags USU vs. TCU next took on Texas Christian The Aggies’ meeting with the University in Fort Worth, Texas, Horned Frogs marked a homebut couldn’t keep the momencoming of sorts for USU senior tum from the Texas State game midfielder Shannon Ross, a and fell 3-1 to the native of Fort Horned Frogs. Worth, Texas. “This early Ross took two in this season shots in the game you’re looking but couldn’t land TCU 3 for growth,” either in a tough USU 1 USU Head Coach game that was Heather Cairns largely domisaid of the weekend matches. nated by TCU. “You never like to lose, but it The early moments of the will be good when you learn game went well for the Aggies, from it. This team is good at as they chalked up a point in learning. They want to get back the sixth minute of play. Senior and redeem themselves. forward Dana Peart took a feed
GameOver
from junior midfielder Lacey Christenson about 30 yards out. Charging forward, Peart found an open shot and nailed the ball to the corner for the score, giving the Ags an early 1-0 advantage. “The TCU game we started pretty well,” Cairns said. “We were attacking pretty well. Dana got the ball and turned 30 yards out. She made a nice little dribbling run to make herself open for a shot and then really just ripped. She just hit a great shot.” Peart’s goal marked her 12th career goal, placing her at No. 5 on the USU career goal charts.
The momentum that followed the score was short-lived as TCU received a penalty kick opportunity in the 11th minute of play after junior goalkeeper Ali Griffin committed a foul. The Horned Frogs capitalized on the open shot and evened the score at one. “We were never the same team after that point,” Cairns said. “We really lost our commitment to attack. We lost our commitment to stick to the game plan. We never settled down long enough to create
Ag women holding tryouts USU’s women’s basketball program will be conducting walk-on tryouts on Monday, Sept. 10 in HPER Gym 213 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Only full-time students who are between their freshman and junior years (according to NCAA eligibility time clock) and who have played high school varsity basketball will be allowed to try out.
- See SOCCER, page 14
USU in search of scout team
Ag spikers take one of three matches
Almost there. . .
The USU women’s basketball program is looking for additional male scout team members. Scout team players are a very important and integral part of the program. Scout team members’ responsibilities during the year consist of playing against current student-athletes in most practices both on weekdays and weekends during the season, with practices running from 12-3 p.m. The season
Nielson named to all-tourney team for second-straight time By G. CHRISTOPHER TERRY staff writer
Ali Taylor (881) and April Rowland (878) of the USU cross country team close in on the finish line during Saturday’s Utah State Open at the American West Heritage Center. The Aggie men placed second and the women were fourth. USU’s Seth Wold took first in the eight-kilomenter event. TYLER LARSON photo
Utah State volleyball went 1-2 in Bozeman, Mont., over the weekend, taking third place in the Holiday Inn Classic hosted by Montana State. In the first round Friday, USU lost in three games to Texas A&M, 30-17, 30-23, 30-23. The other Aggies rocked USU hard in the first game, hitting a sizzling .708 while holding USU to .120. In the next two games, Texas A&M was unable to continue its incredible hitting percentage, falling to .278 in the second game and .163 in the third. It hardly mattered as USU was held to .049 hitting percentage in the second game and .077 in the third. “We’re playing against really good teams,” USU Head Coach Grayson DuBose said. “Texas A&M is fourth in their conference, and it’s a good conference. Washington State plays in the PAC-10, probably the best conference. We didn’t expect our hitting percentages to be stellar. We do need to make fewer errors. That’s the biggest thing that stands out in my mind.” Junior outside hitter Melissa Osterloh had 12 kills to lead USU, and sophomore outside hitter Jessalyne Payne led on defense with nine digs. Sarah Ammerman led Texas A&M with 12 kills, hitting .550 on the match. Texas A&M finished with an overall hitting percentage of .330 compared to .076 for Utah State. A&M also dominated the categories of digs, 40-34; aces, 7-2; and blocks, 5-3. In the second match of the tournament, it was USU’s turn to dominate. Osterloh led the way against Montana State with 20 kills, four blocks and 10 digs as Utah State swept the hosts, 30-22, 30-27, 30-28. Senior hitter Amanda Nielson also played well against the Bobcats with 11 kills, two service aces, three digs and two block assists. Commenting on Osterloh and Nielson, DuBose said, “They’re hitting the ball hard and in bounds. That’s what you need from those positions.” USU out-hit Montana State in the match, .141 to .084, and in the third and decisive game, held the Bobcats to .047 hitting percentage. Utah State led in service aces, 5-3, and team blocks, 10-8, while Montana State led in digs with 45 to USU’s 39. The third match, against Washington State, ended in another sweep with USU on the losing end. The Cougars won 30-26, 30-23, 30-23 to drop the Aggies to a 2-4 season record. Hitting errors were the culprit in this loss, as USU committed 23 errors in the second and third games while WSU had only 11 errors in the same period. “We thought we could have come out of (the tournament) 2-1,” DuBose said. “We thought we had a shot against Washington State. At times we were kind of even with them, neck-and-neck, and then we would give up a couple of errors. That’s our inexperience shining through. We need to get better under stress.” Nielson led USU with 18 kills and seven digs against the Cougars,
- See SPIKERS, page 14
‘Life lessons’ have come from walking on for Lesue By DAVID BAKER assistant sports editor
UTAH STATESMAN: Who’s your favorite running back, either past or present? LESUE: My favorite running back would be Barry Sanders. Definitely Barry Sanders. He’s a good runner. I wish he would have stayed in the league for a couple years longer. US: Who do you pattern your game after? LESUE: That’s interesting, since I was a receiver but now I’m running back. To be honest, Terrell Davis is a running back that really read his reads real well and exploded through the
hole. And I think he ran really strong, and I like to be a lot like Terrell Davis. US: What are your strengths as a back? LESUE: Definitely making the reads. I trust my linemen. And laterally, side-to-side quickness, and being able to explode through the hole. US: Weaknesses? LESUE: My weakness has always been – even though I consider myself a pretty strong guy for my size and a fast guy – I would say when I get out in the field and open it up, just not getting shoestring tackled. US: What lessons did you learn from being a walk-on?
AthleteQ&A
LESUE: Life lessons. I learned a lot of them. It was a humbling experience. I learned to do what I was told. I learned how to be part of team, not just to be an individual. I learned to do whatever the team needs first. And that’s how I got where I am now. US: How important is versatility to your game? LESUE: It’s everything. It means everything, especially with my size and speed. Being able to go out of the backfield and catch the ball can spread the defense out a lot. It also helps avoiding big hits. US: Who’s the hardest hitter on the Aggie defense? LESUE: Can there be more than one? To be honest, there’s too many to list one. There
really is. We have a defense that flies around and a lot of people that can hit, and hit hard. I would have to say that one of the very first times in the spring, it was probably one of the first times I ran the ball in the spring, Devon Hall smacked me and gave me a pretty good stinger down the right side of my arm. US: What’s the perfect Aaron Lesue performance? LESUE: The obvious answer would be to win, no matter what the stats are. I’d like to have that game where you have the all-around game – rushing, USU tailback aaron lesue is a starter this year for receiving and returning kicks. the USU football team after walkSince I’m on the kickoff return
- See LESUE, page 14
ing on in 2006. He scored one of USU’s two touchdowns vs UNLV. NOELLE BERLAGE photo
WACStandings
WAC Football WAC Overall
Boise State Fresno State Hawaii Louisiana Tech New Mexico State Idaho Nevada San Jose State Utah State
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-1
Recent Results Saturday September 1
Nebraska 52, Nevada 10. Louisiana Tech 28, Central Arkansas 7. Hawaii 63, Northern Colorado 6. Fresno State 24, Sacramento State 3. Arizona State 45, San Jose State USC 38, Idaho 10
WAC Women’s Volleyball WAC Overall New Mexico State 0-0 San Jose State 0-0 Louisiana Tech 0-0 Boise State 0-0 Hawaii 0-0 Nevada 0-0 Utah State 0-0 Fresno State 0-0 Idaho 0-0
5-1 4-2 4-4 3-3 3-3 2-2 2-4 1-5 1-6
Recent Results Saturday, September 1 Washington State def. Utah State 3-0 (30-26, 30-23, 30-23).
MLBStandings American League East Division Boston New York Toronto Baltimore Tampa Bay
W L Pct GB 83 55 .601 76 62 .551 7 70 67 .511 12 1/2 59 77 .434 23 57 81 .413 26
Central Division Cleveland Detroit Minnesota Kansas City Chicago
79 58 .577 73 64 .533 6 69 69 .500 10 1/2 62 75 .453 17 58 79 .423 21
West Division Los Angeles Seattle Oakland Texas
81 56 .591 74 62 .544 6 1/2 68 71 .489 14 63 74 .460 18
National League New York Philadelphia Atlanta Washington Florida
77 60 .562 72 65 .526 70 68 .507 61 77 .442 60 78 .435
5 7 1/2 16 1/2 17 1/2
70 66 .515 69 68 .504 67 67 .500 62 76 .449 62 76 .449 60 77 .438
1 1/2 2 9 9 10 1/2
76 61 .555 76 63 .547 72 65 .526 71 66 .518 62 76 .449
1 4 5 14 1/2
Central Division Chicago Milwaukee St. Louis Cincinnati Houston Pittsburgh West Division San Diego Arizona Los Angeles Colorado San Francisco
Page 14
StatesmanSports
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
Spikers: Ags now 2-4 on season
-continued from page 13
hitting a strong .271 percentage on the match. Washington State was led by Jackie Albright’s 12 kills and six digs. As a team, WSU had nearly double the amount of team blocks, 12.5 to 6.5. This weekend the Aggies travel to Berkeley, Calif., to play in
another preseason tournament. The Golden Bear invitational will pit USU against 11th-ranked University of California, followed by ninth-ranked Minnesota and Eastern Kentucky. Speaking about the high level of competition USU faces in these preseason tournaments, DuBose
said, “The biggest goal for us is we want to be prepared for the WAC. That’s the reason we schedule these teams, to make sure we get ready for WAC play. We don’t have anything to lose, that’s the nice thing about being us.” -graham.terry@aggiemail.usu. edu
Soccer: Win and loss over weekend
-continued from page 13
another opportunity to score. We were reacting to what they were doing.” TCU employed a forward attack, Cairns said, which penetrated the Aggie defense and allowed 11 shots in the first half alone. In the 34th minute of play, the Horned Frogs scored again, taking the lead. “It always felt like TCU was the aggressor and felt like we were playing not to lose,” Cairns said. “We could not get it going. It was a tough weekend. We have to be better with dealing with that adversity because it will happen during our conference season.” At the half, Cairns said she made a change in the style of play, going to a 4-4-2 formation to prevent the TCU penetration. The formation adjustment reduced TCU to just four shots
Now, Let Others See That Great Photo! p Deadline for submissions: Sept. 15, 5 p.m. pSubmit digital files (.jpg, tiff, PS) to: statesman@cc.usu.edu, subject line “Photo Contest.” pCategories: 1) Landscape/Scenic, 2) People/Activities, 3) Bizzare/Unusual. You pick the category for which you want your photos to be considered. SEND THEM TODAY! Include your name, major, and a bit of info about the photo. Winners will be published. You Took Some Great Photos this Summer! Show Them Off!
in the second half, but the Horned Frogs managed to slip one past, securing their victory at 3-1. “We have to learn what our strengths as a team are and play to those strengths,” Cairns said. “We’ve got to take away a mentality that we are going to attack our opponent. It’s not good enough to out-possess them. “Right now we’re pretty good at beating ourselves up. After today’s game quite frankly we deserved to. That’s OK. What we have to make sure of now is that we build ourselves back up and really go into this next weekend confident and more sure of ourselves.” USU vs. TSU Friday marked the first meeting between the Aggies and Bobcats, and USU proved its dominance with a 1-0 victory, giving the Aggies their first-ever win against a team from Texas. The first half of the game belonged to the Aggies as USU took seven shots on goal and prevented the Bobcats from taking a single shot on junior goaltender Ali Griffin. The winning goal came from Peart in the 28th minute of play after she took control of a bounced ball in the box and took a clear shot at the net, pounding the ball to the back.
Lesue: Walk-on USU tailback -continued from page 13 team, I think to break the USU all-purpose yards record would be a really nice night for me. US: How many people mispronounce your last name? LESUE: Everyone, literally. I’ve never had one person on the first try get it right. I used to move high schools a lot, but I was at a high school for almost a whole year and they were still announcing me over the thing, le-sue. (It’s pronounced lehsway). US: What’s the best part of college football for you? LESUE: There’s a few things. One is the faces of the fans and my family and the people that are there to cheer you on. It’s very motivating. Even more than that, I love what we do as a team. When you work as hard as you do and you go
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“Nobody got a piece of their body on (the ball) and it bounced through to Dana,” Cairns said. “It took great composure by Dana to finish it off. Dana had a spectacular weekend. She showed her leadership and character. She wants to lead this team to the NCAA tournament.” Cairns said her team played well despite the “very rambunctious crowd” and kept their cool, maintaining control of the ball for three-quarters of the game. But the second half proved more challenging for the Aggies. “In the last 15-20 minutes they started taking it to us,” Cairns said. “We started making poor decisions. We started to lose the flow of the game a little bit at the end of Texas State.” While the Bobcats couldn’t take a single shot the first half, they more than made up for it in the second half with four shots, all of which were on goal. Griffin saved all four shots, securing the Aggie win. Utah State takes a week-long break before taking to the road again next weekend for the Northern Arizona Tournament, where they will take on UC Irvine Friday, Sept. 7, at 5 p.m. and Northern Arizona Sunday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. -seth.h@aggiemail.usu.edu
Convergys is an EOE M/F/D/V
out together as a team, you’ve put in the time and effort and then to go out and accomplish something, it’s just that sense of accomplishment. There’s not a lot of people who do what my teammates do, and do what I do. US: What position would you want to try for a day? LESUE: Linebacker. I’ve always wanted to be a bigger guy and play linebacker. I played defense a little, I played safety. I was never the big guy to play linebacker. I’d love to do that. US: If you could play any other sport at the Division I level, what would it be? LESUE: I was a big-time basketball player, but I was just too short, way too short. It wasn’t working out for me with basketball. I would almost call it my first love, as far as sports. But then when I stopped growing and everyone else kept growing, I just kind of realized. -da.bake@aggiemail.usu.edu
Mickleson wins tourney NORTON, Mass. (AP) — As soon as Phil Mickelson shrugged off Tiger Woods and the rest of the field at the Deutsche Bank Championship, he decided to take on golf’s powers-that-be. Complaining that the PGA Tour Playoffs are too much of a commitment for players already tired from a long season, Mickelson decided to skip the BMW Championship this week outside Chicago. He was playing a corporate outing — in Chicago, no less — and was not available for comment. But he offered minuscule insight Monday evening after dispatching of the world’s No. 1 player at the TPC Boston, when he said he was “conflicted” and “torn” about whether to play. “My frustration from this past year came from asking for a couple of things in the FedEx Cup that weren’t done, and not feeling all that bad now if I happen to miss,” he said Monday.
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
StatesmanSports
Page 15
Jackson keeping his word Preseason football hype in Aggie land Two games later in a home game against went something like this: The defense the University of Idaho, Jackson began by would be deeper with all starters back, completing his first seven passes. But later the kicking game would have more leg on, he racked up two more interceptions and distance, and the offense under a new (one of which was taken back 98 yards for coordinator would be making more visits a score). That prompted Guy to replace to the end zone. Jackson with true freshman Riley Nelson But there’s something else to mention for the majority of the remaining season. here on a more personal player level. Now fast-forward to the present. In the Quarterback Leon Jackson III declared we Game 1 loss to UNLV, Jackson completed would all see that the 2007 Aggie cam- 13 of 19 passes for 137 yards and zero paign will be a different one for interceptions. In only one other him — one for the better. game of 2006 did Jackson pass for “Past failures don’t dictate more yardage. future successes,” Jackson said In the second quarter, Jackson Aug. 10. completed a critical 27-yard pass Of all the afore-mentioned to tailback Aaron Lesue that put predictions, Jackson’s statement USU at the UNLV two-yard line, of his own personal effort is the setting up a rushing touchdown only one closest to exactness by Lesue. after one game. Against UNLV, In the final quarter, it was an extra point was missed, big Jackson running for the Aggies’ plays were given up late in the second and final touchdown of game by the defense, and the the game. Remember, last season offense fumbled four times. the Aggie offense didn’t see the What about Jackson? Go Jackson end zone until the fifth game. back with me for a moment to last “We had that emotion. There was September. It’s all pretty plain. no thought we were going to lose The Aggie football team — particularly the game,” Jackson said. the offense — was struggling. Though USU When asked if he thought he played was down only 10-7 until the final sec- well, Jackson did all he could to defer the onds of the third quarter to the Wyoming attention. Cowboys in the season opener, the defense “No. Not really,” he said. “I just play the finally fell apart at the seams in the fourth, game. It’s just me out there. I’m not worand the game was lost 38-7. The Aggies’ rying about what happens or anything. All lone touchdown came from the defense that is the past. The next play is the most — a 45-yard interception return by Antonio important play. I don’t really care about Taylor. thoughts. Who cares about how I play? I That offensive scoring drought would don’t care. We put points on the board and continue for three more games. In that gave ourselves an opportunity to win the four-game span, Jackson threw four inter- game late in the game.” ceptions that were all taken straight into In the grand scheme of things, it’s only the end zone by the other side. one game of course, but a tempo has This thorny stretch perhaps reached its been set. If Jackson peak in Game 3 vs. the University of Utah. can keep this up, the The weather was a perfect reflection of the 2007 season will cerplay on the field — absolutely dismal. Just tainly be a far cry from over a minute into the game, Jackson was last year’s 1-11 nightintercepted the by the Utes’ Eric Shyne, mare. who waltzed 21 yards for a score. Sammy Hislop is a Near the end of the third quarter, Jackson junior majoring in public was picked again by the Ute defense. It was relations. Comments returned 45 yards for another touchdown. can be sent to him at Head Coach Brent Guy had seen enough, samuel.hislop@aggiand for the first time in the season, Jackson email.usu.edu was benched.
Seattle wins over Yankees (AP) — Roger Clemens’ elbow forced him out of the opener of the New York Yankees’ big threegame series against the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro Suzuki had three hits to equal another record, Clemens left early and the Mariners beat the Yankees 7-1 Monday. Clemens (6-6) allowed five runs and eight hits in four innings, then went for an MRI exam. “First three innings it was a manageable situation for him and then it started to tighten up,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said. “Hopefully it’s just something that needs a little rest.” Suzuki homered in the third inning to reach 200 hits for the seventh consecutive season, tying the AL mark held by Wade Boggs (1983-89) and moving within one of the major league record held by Willie Keeler (1894-01). Seattle ended a nine-game losing streak and trimmed New York’s wild-card lead to one game. The Mariners won for the first time since beating Texas 4-2
New York yankees catcher jorge posada (20) tags Seattle Mariners’ Adrian Beltre out at home during fifth inning MLB baseball Tuesday night, Sept. 4 at Yankee Stadium in New York. AP Photo
on Aug. 24. “I can sleep tonight,” manager John McLaren said. “That’s a start.” In other games, it was Boston 13, Toronto 10; Los Angeles 9, Oakland 5; Cleveland 5, Minnesota 0; Tampa Bay 9, Baltimore 7; and Kansas City 8, Texas 1. Felix Hernandez (11-7) allowed five hits over seven innings, improving to 5-1 in his last eight starts. The age difference between Clemens (45) and Hernandez (21) was the largest between opposing starters
since Florida’s Charlie Hough (46) matched up against San Francisco’s Salomon Torres (22) on April 16, 1994. New York’s Mike Mussina pitched 3 2-3 innings in his first relief appearance in 499 regularseason games, setting the major league record for most starts to begin a career before a relief appearance. “I might be pitching Roger’s turn the next time,” Mussina said, “but we’ll wait and see.”
- See MLB, page 16
Justine henin of Belgium pumps her fist after winning a point against Serena Williams of the United States during their match at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 4. AP Photo/Ed Betz
Henin ousts Williams from Open quarterfinals NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe Serena Williams wasn’t as healthy as she said. Maybe she wasn’t as match-tested as she really needed to be. This much is certain: When it comes to playing Justine Henin at Grand Slams this year, Williams has been overmatched every time. Finding all the right angles and hanging tough on long rallies, Henin beat Williams 7-6 (3), 6-1 Tuesday night to reach the U.S. Open semifinals. They have met in the quarterfinals at three consecutive majors, and Henin is 3-0. “Playing Serena is really exciting for me,” Henin said. “I was really happy about the second set: I played much more aggressive.” So while the formerly No. 1-ranked Williams is the active leader among women with eight Grand Slam titles and will stay on that number, current No. 1 Henin will have a chance to get her seventh major. Henin’s next opponent could be another Williams: Serena’s older sister, Venus, faces No. 3 Jelena Jankovic in the quarterfinals Wednesday night. Not much question for whom Henin will be rooting — she’s 1-7 against Venus Williams, 7-0 against Jankovic. Henin beat the younger Williams at the French Open
ing for her smooth backhand or a well-placed forehand. Repeatedly, especially in the second set, Henin wrong-footed Williams to end a point. The first set was much closer and of much higher quality. Henin broke in the opening game by ending a tight net exchange with a forehand volley, and she served for the opening set at 5-4. But Williams buckled down to break back right there with a backhand return winner down the line and a loud, “Come on!” The tiebreaker began with a 23stroke point in which Williams made two great defensive plays before swatting a backhand passing winner down the line. “I really got nervous at that time,” Henin said, “and I knew every point was important.” She showed it, delivering a 105 mph ace to go up 4-2, followed by a forehand winner she punctuated with a yell of “Allez!” Williams seemed deflated and dumped a forehand into the net to end the set. Henin took control right away in the second set, breaking for a 2-0 lead as Williams’ mother and coach, Oracene Price, rested a cheek on a hand, barely able to watch. “It’s kind of like she had no energy. No get-up-and-go,” Price said. “Tennis is a head game, sometimes. Your head tells you
Cubs sale process moving slowly CHICAGO (AP) — Five months after Tribune Co. announced plans to sell the Chicago Cubs, the first-place ballclub is making much more noise on the field than its corporate owners have been about the slow-moving sale process. But whether the Cubs make the playoffs or even manage to capture their first World Series in 99 years, an emerging lineup of deep-pocketed bidders has put Tribune in strong position to net a record sale price for the franchise. Tribune put the team and historic Wrigley Field on the block
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en route to her fourth title in five years there, and again at Wimbledon. “I got a lot of confidence in Paris and London,” Henin said. Their matchup at Wimbledon in July didn’t feature Williams at her absolute best: She could barely hit backhands after spraining her left thumb and hurting her left calf in the previous round. Because of the thumb, Williams withdrew from every event she was scheduled to play in the 1 1/2 months between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. But she arrived at Flushing Meadows full of confidence, as usual, and said she didn’t need tuneup tournaments to get ready. While Williams’ thumb appeared fine, and there were no other obvious injuries, her father said Sunday that she was dealing with other physical problems — and doing a “marvelous job of hiding it.” Regardless, Tuesday’s match featured brilliant play by both past U.S. Open champions, from stinging serves to big groundstrokes to touch volleys. Henin was far better at the net, winning 11 of 14 points when she pressed forward, while Williams was only 5-for-14. Mostly, though, the difference-maker was Henin’s ability to steer Williams this way and that along the baseline until the Belgian could find an open-
in April, saying it would sell the team after the season and intended to do so by the end of the year. But its bankers have yet to send out detailed financial information to prospective bidders and are not expected to do so until mid-September, jeopardizing that timetable. A source familiar with the sale process said there’s no chance of the sale being completed this year, with a more realistic target now baseball’s opening day in spring 2008. The source, who declined to be identified out of concern of disrupting the process, said “five or six legitimate
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groups” have emerged as wouldbe buyers, but declined to give details. Tribune, which is in the process of going private in an $8.2 billion buyout being led by real estate magnate Sam Zell, isn’t talking about dates, names or numbers. A spokesman for the media conglomerate, Gary Weitman, said the company doesn’t want the process to be a distraction to the season. “We’d like to get the sale done as soon as possible after the baseball season ends,” Weitman said. “But I can’t and wouldn’t predict what the timing will be.”
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Wedding Info? Send the Good News to Page 16 MLB: Tuesday office@statesman.usu.edu game recaps -continued from page 15 Red Sox 13, Blue Jays 10 Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-11) nearly gave away a 10-1 lead at Fenway Park, allowing seven runs — which matched his major league high — and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings. Mike Lowell hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs for the Red Sox, who opened a seven-game lead over the secondplace Yankees. Lowell is 10-for-16 with eight RBIs in his last four games. After the Blue Jays scored eight times in the sixth, Boston bounced back with three runs in the bottom half on Jason Varitek’s RBI single, Coco Crisp’s run-scoring sacrifice bunt and Jason Frasor’s balk. Jonathan Papelbon got his 32nd save. Jesse Litsch (5-7) gave up seven runs and seven hits in 3 1-3 innings. Angels 9, Athletics 5 Ervin Santana (6-2) pitched two-hit ball over 6 1-3 scoreless innings for his first win since June 9. He had been 0-6 with an 8.28 ERA in his prior nine starts Gary Matthews Jr., Jeff Mathis and Garret Anderson homered for the Angels, who maintained a 6 1/2-game lead over secondplace Seattle in the AL West. Chad Gaudin (10-10) allowed seven runs — six earned — and eight hits in five innings. The visiting A’s are 14 games out of first, matching their largest deficit this season. Indians 5, Twins 0 C.C. Sabathia (16-7) gave up six hits in eight innings to help visiting Cleveland extend its AL Central lead over the defending division champs to 10 1/2 games. That’s the biggest deficit for third-place Minnesota during this disappointing year in which Johan Santana (14-11) lost all five starts against Cleveland. Ryan Garko homered, and each of the three batters walked by Santana scored. Sabathia, who bested Santana for the second time in a week, gave up six hits and one walk while striking out six. Minnesota has been blanked a big-league high 13 times. Devil Rays 9, Orioles 7 Carlos Pena hit his teamrecord 35th homer, a tiebreaking two-run drive in a three-run seventh that helped Tampa Bay overcome a 4-0 deficit. Pena’s drive off Jim Hoey (1-4) struck an overhanging catwalk and gave Tampa Bay a 6-4 lead. Pena’s total is one more than Jose Canseco (1999) and current Orioles designated hitter Aubrey Huff (2003) hit for the Devil Rays. James Shields (11-8) gave up four runs — one earned — and seven hits in seven innings for the Devil Rays, who have won nine of 11. Visiting Baltimore has lost 12 of 13 — getting outscored 128-56.
StatesmanSports
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
The Blue and the White Sports Debate
Sam Bryner is a senior majoring in business management. Comments can be sent to him sam.
David Baker is a senior majoring in print journalsim. Comments can be sent to him da.bake@aggiemail.usu.edu
1. Most impressive college football team? Cal. They got the biggest win on Saturday and did it in a pretty convincing fashion. With their win over the Tennessee Volunteers, the No. 15 team in the nation at the time, Cal also ran over a pretty good SEC team in the process. Winning the only match-up of Top 25 teams is also a feather in Cal’s cap. While other Top 25 schools were playing overgrown high school teams (I’m sorry USC, but Idaho, really is that the best you could do? You have to beat up on the bottom of the WAC. For shame.) the Golden Bears were beating a very legit opponent.
If anyone watched the Nevada-Nebraska game on Saturday, you saw how big of a difference there is between BCS schools and everyone else. Nevada intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to take a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. That’s when the Cornhuskers flexed their big red muscles and showed why they are in the Big 12. They came back and, instead of trying to pass, they showed their extreme strength, size and sure power, and for the next two quarters pounded the ball right at Nevada, who had absolutely no response.
2. Super Bowl picks? The winner of the Super Bowl will be ... drum roll ... the Denver Broncos. Here’s what I see happening: Jay Cutler grows some serious pedophilic facial hair — a la Jake Plummer’s rapist mustache from the 2004 season — converts to the Church of John Elway of Latter-game Drives and wins the Super Bowl over some second-rate NFC squad — for kicks, we’ll say the Cowboys. Am I completely sold that the Broncos have the best team? Kind of. They have a great secondary, including the best player in the NFL — a champ among mere mortals — Champ Bailey. Travis Henry and Javon Walker will be studs. And if I didn’t pick them, I’d probably get disowned.
With the NFL soon under way, it is never too soon to crown the next Super Bowl champion. In fact, with the NFL it is never too soon to do anything. But that is beside the point. In the AFC you have to go with the Colts to return to the Super Bowl. They return all major players and should run away with the AFC championship. In the NFC, I have the Philadelphia Eagles returning to the Super Bowl behind the arm of Donovan McNabb bringing the title to Philly.
3. Front runner for Heisman Trophy? After one game, I could still be in contention. Back in the real world, I’d say West Virginia running back Steve Slaton is as good a choice as any. Slaton plays in a high-scoring offense, in a conference that isn’t the SEC. He’s going to score a hell of a lot of touchdowns, rack up a ton of yards and his team will probably stay in the Top 10 all year. Slaton scored four touchdowns in WVU’s opener against Western Michigan — last year’s sixth ranked defense against the run. Unless there’s some backfield bickering between Slaton and his quarterback — and fellow Heisman hopeful — Pat White, Slaton has as good a chance as any. I bet I could beat him at Guitar Hero, though. Take that Steve.
No question, this goes to Colt Brennan of Hawaii, out of our very own Western Athletic Conference. All he did in his first game was throw for six touchdowns and 416 yards. Pretty good numbers, but we have seen that before. Well throw in the fact he threw zero interceptions and completed 34-of-40 passes for a 10yard-per-throw average. Yeah, that’s impressive too, but we have seen numbers like that before. So what exactly was so special about his performance? He did all of this in the first half, that is two quarters of play, or in other words 30 minutes. Enough said.
4. Most disappointing college football team? For now, I’m going to forget that Michigan lost to my high school team on Saturday. I’ll get to them later. For me, the most disappointing team was the Texas Longhorns. Arkansas State? You only beat Arkansas State by eight points? You were the No. 4 team in the nation. Texas was out-gained on offense and the game came down to the fourth quarter. If you’re in the Top 10, you better be playing some freshmen in the fourth quarter against Arkansas State. Basically, on Saturday, Texas was like a long-awaited hookup with the hot girl in your Creative Arts class — a lot of build up and anticipation that ultimately ends up in a fit of sobbing.
I don’t know how a team like Notre Dame can continually disappoint everyone. Oh wait, yes I do. Every year the Irish are way over-hyped and certainly overrated. They got rolled by a Georgia Tech team that lost its leading receiver and quarterback. Did I mention the receiver missing was Calvin Johnson? Notre Dame is a great story for the movies. By that I mean one movie, Rudy. They need to stay there because I am sick of every week during football seeing them on T.V. and hearing about them.
5. Who will be the breakout NFL player? Hopefully someone on my fantasy football team. Or someone on the Broncos. But instead of generalities, I’m going to give you a real sleeper, Don Muhlbach. Never heard of him? I hadn’t either, that is until I searched the Internet for a random long snapper. Muhlbach snaps the pigskin for the venerable Detroit Lions. Seems kind of random, but once I found him I liked what I saw. Quoting from the Detroit Lions’ Web site: “His velocity and accuracy places him among the best in the league in his specialty, and he is a critical part of the snap-hold-kick trio that includes punter Nick Harris and kicker Jason Hanson.” Still not convinced? OK. I’m full of @#$%. Travis Henry will have a good season, there.
This is a homer pick, but you’ll all learn to deal with it. I love the San Francisco 49ers, so my breakout player of the year is quarterback Alex Smith. Overlooking the fact that he played for the University of Utah, he has improved each of his first two years as a 49er and had an awesome preseason this year. Don’t be surprised if he and the rest of team make a run at the NFC title.
6. Rant Michigan. Wow. How do you lose to Appalachian State? At home. In front of 109,000 people. As the No. 5 team in the nation. When I first saw that the Wolverines lost to a Division I-AA opponent, I was shocked. I was appalled. I went through the five stages of grieving. I drank a bottle of whiskey. I went through a 12-step program, found God and then, by Sunday morning, I figured it all out. Appalachian State is actually a pretty good team. The Mountaineers — that’s their mascot, I’m sure nobody knew that — won the last two I-AA championships. But still, that’s no excuse. That’s like a state-championship high school football team dropping a game to a good middle school team. At least we already have one team out of National Championship contention.
The NFL is here, and with that comes fantasy football. This year I expect my fortunes to change. Past experience shows that I usually jump out of the gates quick and win the first few weeks, but then I usually stumble. And then I fall. And when I fall, I fall hard. But this year will be different. “Why?” you ask. Two words: Marvin Harrison. Forget the fact I have Stephen Jackson as my running back and forget the fact that my kicker is Jeff Wilkins. Harrison has the best quarterback throwing to him in the NFL, and he is going to have a record-setting season. This year is the year that BrynerNiner rises to the top and brings home the championship. Go Aggies.
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Wednesday, Sep. 5, 2007
World&Nation
President Bush defends troop buildup in Iraq SYDNEY, Australia (AP) – President Bush vigorously defended his troop buildup in Iraq on Wednesday, and got a boost when Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his country’s forces there won’t change for the foreseeable future. “Our commitment to Iraq remains,” pledged Howard, one of Bush’s few remaining staunch war allies. “This is not the time for any proposals of a scaling down of Australian forces.” The two men spoke at a news conference. Bush, his voice rising before he had even been President Bush meets with troops in Iraq. Bush asked a question about the war, spoke forcefully made a suprise visit on Labor Day. AP photo about the 30,000 additional American troops he sent to Iraq this year. His decision raised troop lev- withdrawals if security conditions keep improving. els in Iraq to about 160,000. He reiterated his belief that troop-level decisions “If I didn’t think we could succeed, I wouldn’t should be based on recommendations from milihave our troops there,” he said. tary commanders. Bush said it was important “that we hang in “Whether or not that’s part of the policy I there with the Iraqis and help them.” announce to the nation ... why don’t we see what Australia participated in the U.S.-led invasion of they say and then I’ll let you know,” Bush said, Iraq in 2003 and still has about 1,600 troops in and referring to Petraeus and Crocker. around the country, 550 of them in combat roles. In Iraq on Monday, Bush met with Iraqi governYet the war remains unpopular here, and Howard ment and Sunni tribal leaders, U.S. troops and faces an aggressive challenge in elections expected their commanders at a military base in the heart of to be called within three months. Anbar province, once rife with Sunni insurgents. Bush made a surprise, 8-hour stop in Iraq on Bush was spending much of Wednesday with the way to Australia and filled Howard in on what Howard ahead of a 21-nation Asia-Pacific sumhe learned. Like he does with U.S. lawmakers and mit later in the week. The two leaders exchanged coalition partners around the world, he urged that pleasantries before talks at the Commonwealth decisions about troops be based on conditions on Parliament Offices within sight of Sydney Harbor. the ground rather than internal politics. Later, Bush and Howard took a 20-minute boat “The security situation is changing,” Bush said. ride across the harbor’s choppy waters to Garden “There’s more work to be done. But reconciliation Island, where they had lunch with Australian is taking place.” troops under a tent. Carrying a hearty portion Bush returns to Washington this weekend ahead of prawns, plus corn on the cob and other items, of an expected showdown with war opponents on the president bantered with soldiers as he went Capitol Hill, kicked off next week with testimony through the food line. from the top U.S. commander and diplomat in Iraq Bush’s visit was expected to be accompanied and their expected release of a progress report on by a series of protests by groups unhappy with the the fighting. summit’s pro-business agenda, the Iraq war and the Administration officials said Gen. David Howard government’s support for it. Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and An Australian reporter, beginning a question, Ambassador Ryan Crocker are recommending mentioned how the extraordinary security for that Bush stand by his current war strategy. The Bush’s visit had transformed Sydney. This promptofficials also said the president is unlikely to order ed Bush to break in with an apology. more than a symbolic cut in troops before the end “Look I don’t want to come to a community to of the year. say what a pain it is to have the American presi Bush’s troop increase will end by default in dent. Unfortunately, however, this is what authoriApril or May, when one of the added brigades is ties thought was necessary to protect people,” he slated to leave, unless Bush makes other changes to said. “I apologize to the Australian people if I have hold the number steady. caused this inconvenience.” The president would not elaborate on his com As host of the Pacific Rim forum, Howard has ments at the start of the trip in Iraq and then on put a declaration on climate change and curbing the flight to Australia in which he hinted at troop global warming high on the agenda.
Millionaire Steve Fossett missing since flight takeoff MINDEN, Nev. (AP) –Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, who has cheated death time and again in his successful pursuit of aviation records, was missing Tuesday after taking off in a singleengine plane the day before to scout locations for a land-speed record, officials said. Teams searched a broad swath of rugged terrain in western Nevada near the ranch where he took off, but searchers had little to go on because he apparently didn’t file a flight plan, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said. “They are working on some leads, but they don’t know where he is right now,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said. Fossett, the first person to circle the world solo in a balloon, was seeking places for an upcoming attempt to break the land speed record in a car, said Sir Richard Branson, the U.K. billionaire who has helped finance many of Fossett’s adventures. The 63-year-old took off alone at 8:45 a.m. Monday from an airstrip at hotel magnate Barron Hilton’s Flying M Ranch, about 70 miles southeast of Reno. A friend reported him missing when he didn’t return, authorities said. Fourteen aircraft were searching for Fossett in addition to ground crews, said Maj. Cynthia S. Ryan of the Civil Air Patrol. The teams were conducting grid searches over 7,500 square miles an area larger than Connecticut but were concentrating on an area of 600 square miles. “It is a very large haystack, and an airplane is a very small needle, no doubt about it,” Ryan said during a late afternoon news conference. The terrain of the search area is varied, ranging from high deserts with dry lake beds and sagebrush to rugged mountain peaks. The landscape, combined with gusty winds, complicated Tuesday’s search. It is not uncommon for pilots flying out of a remote, private airstrip to do so without filing a flight plan, Ryan said. Fossett had “full radio capability” but did not make radio contact with anyone at the ranch after his takeoff. The plane Fossett was in carried a locator that sends a satellite signal after a rough landing, but no such signal had been received. Nevada National Guard aircraft planned to continue searching until late Tuesday, with full rescue efforts resuming Wednesday morning. Those aircraft are equipped with infrared and other hightech vision equipment, said Col. Craig Wroblewski, the Guard’s director of operations. With infrared cameras, darkness can make it easier for search and rescue teams to spot a downed pilot if still alive because body heat can make a figure appear to glow against a dark terrain. “We just want to find him alive,” Wroblewski said. In 2002, Fossett became the first person to fly around the world alone in a balloon. In two
Millionaire Steve Fosset waves to the crowd in this file photo. A small plane carrying the aviation adventurer has been missing since Monday night. AP photo
weeks, his balloon flew 19,428.6 miles around the Southern Hemisphere. The record came after five previous attempts some of them spectacular and frightening failures. It is among dozens of firsts claimed by Fossett in his life as an adventurer, which he embarked on after a successful career in securities. He set marks for speed or distance in balloons, airplanes, gliders, sailboats even cross-country skis and an airship, according to his Web site. In March 2005, he became the first person to fly a plane solo around the world without refueling. He and a co-pilot also claim to have set a world glider altitude record of 50,671 feet during a flight in August 2006 over the Andes Mountains. Branson said in a statement that Fossett’s flight Monday was preparation for a shot at yet another mark: He was searching for dry lake beds that might be suitable for an attempt to break the land speed record in a car. Fossett was flying solo and had filled the plane’s two fuel tanks, Branson said. “Steve is a tough old boot. I suspect he is waiting by his plane right now for someone to pick him up,” he said. “Based on his track record, I feel confident we’ll get some good news soon.” Fossett has survived a number of close calls, including a 29,000-foot plunge into the Coral Sea after his balloon ripped during a storm in 1998. He was eventually rescued by a schooner. Fossett has an application pending before the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for a permit to attempt the land-speed record on federal land in north-central Nevada’s Eureka County, BLM officials said.
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