Issue 20 by The A&T Register

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FebRuARy 9, 2010

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Special Valentine’s Day Issue Black love: A closer look at three couples SYLVIA OBELL

News Editor

alentine’s Day is right around the corner and, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, this is the season of love. The concept of “black love” was talked about quite a bit with the emergence of couples like the Obama’s. The country seemed shocked to see such a great, positive, healthy example of black love. The shock made me realize that there are not that many examples of black love in the media. Even here at NC A&T, it saddens me to listen to conversations and see trending topics on twitter on the topic. They all show that a lot of black men and women have negative perceptions of each other. So this Valentine’s Day

I wanted to shed some light on the topic in a positive way by showing examples of black

love right here in Aggieland. I’ve selected a few couples here at A&T whose relationships range from a few months to a couple years, and talked with them about relationships, black love, and each other. The Couples Malcolm Eustache and Angela Allen have been together since January 2009, the longest of any of the couples. He is a JOMC Print major from Charlotte; she is a Political Science major from Greensboro. They are both graduating seniors, and as a result their relationship is about to make the transition. A transition they both feel they are prepared to make. Matthew Diggs is a Junior Civil Engineering Major from Chesapeake, VA. Courtney Jackson is a first semester Junior JOMC Public Relations major from New Jersey. The two dancers are the newest of all the couples. They’ve only been serious for about two months and are excited to see where their new found relationship will take them. Come this Valentines Day, Melanie Patrick and Derrick Overton will have been together for 15 months. The Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering majors, respectively. The two graduating seniors say they are so in sync that they tend to finish each others sentences. I sat down with all three couples, to discuss their relationships, black love, their parents, and the status of rela-

tionships here at NC A&T. Sylvia Obell: Whats your favorite thing to do together? Angela Allen: Eat! Food just makes me so happy. Malcolm Eustache: If I say, ‘hey baby you wanna go somewhere to eat?’ it makes her day. We have some little spots... that we will not share. Sylvia: So its safe to say its not on summit? Malcolm: (laughs) it’s not summit, it’s not Williams cafeteria. Angela: Yea we like watching movies. We like to cook, drink wine. Malcolm: Oh yea we do that all the time. Before I met Angela I could cook but you know only for myself. Had my little go-to ‘man meals’ and what not, but when you have a girlfriend you really have to cook. So now I try to impress her. But yea we cook together a lot. Matthew Diggs: We mostly just chill. We don’t do much, we’ve gone to the movies once. Gone to a few get-togethers. We like to dance. We’re both aspiring dancers, so we watch throwback music videos. Courtney Jackson: We have a lot of fun together. I don’t have a TV in my room so you have to be really entertaining when you don’t have a TV to watch. Derrick Overton: Go out to eat. Melanie Patrick: Kabuto is our favorite, it’s a Japanese steakhouse. Sylvia: What is your favor-

ite thing about each other? Angela: My favorite thing is his ability to communicate and

his ability to force me to communicate, even when I don’t want to. Malcolm: Its so hard to just say one thing. Her smile. I feel like I can talk to her about anything. Theres nobody who knows as much about me as Angela does. There’s nobody I feel as comfortable talking to whether its my highest highs or my lowest lows. She’s the best listener I’ve ever known. I just feel comfortable. Angela: Aww that makes me feel so good. Matt: My favorite thing about Courtney is that she’s spontaneous. I don’t really have to convince her to do many things. I also like how enthusiastic she is. Courtney: My favorite thing about Diggums (laughs) is that he’s very genuine, he’s very caring. You always want somebody whose ‘ride or die till the wheels fall off’ and

that’s him. Melanie: His humor and his style. Derrick: Just her simplicity. She’s so smart but like everything is simple. Her character, and her positive attitude, and her motivation.

Derrick: Well, I love that black women have a history of being strong. I think all of them want to hone in on that quality, but they may not have the direction to put it out in the same manner. I only surround myself with positive people so I only meet positive black women. Melanie: I would say the strength aspect as well, just the need to do better and give a life to your children that you didn’t have for yourself. Also the uniqueness, their just like no other man. Angela: Its the undeniable bond I feel with black men. You see fine men all over from all different races but it’s just this sense of belonging and nurturing I feel towards black men. It’s something I don’t think we can find with anyone else. Malcolm: There was some type of comedic sketch thing

Black Love Courtney and Matthew exchanged a quick pound after her last comment. The pound was quick and instinctive, and not that significant to many. However, it was the same exchange between the Obama’s during the election that caused such a media craze. Most black people were unfazed by it, but other races saw it for the first time. It’s those type of simple exchanges between black couples that hints to something being so instinctive and natural about black love. The Obama’s were just one of the first positive images of it in the media. Matthew: I feel like black women are stronger than most women. Black people as a race have been through more of a struggle. So when it comes to that back bone support, black women definitely. Courtney: I love black men. I think they just have this presence about them. I’ve never dated any other race, but I have a lot of friends who Courtney Jackson and Matthew Diggs(left) Melanie are of other races Patrick and Derrick Overton(center) and Malcolm and black men Eustache and Angela Allen(right). definitely have a presence.  See VDAY on Page 2

College of Arts and Sciences welcomes new dean “I want to see this college as a model,” said Goldie Byrd, new dean for the college of arts and sciences. She’s from Magnolia, NC and she received her undergraduate degree from A&T in professional biology and biology secondary education. Byrd then went to Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN where she received her Ph.D in microbial genetics. Before coming to A&T she was professor of Biology at Tennessee

State University for two years and held the same position at NC Central for 12 years. Byrd came to A&T in 2003 as a biology professor and the first female chair of the biology department. She has directed a number of student research training programs. Byrd is also engaged in professional and community-based service organizations including the Peace College Board of Trustees, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood in Orange and Durham counties. She has received much rec-

ognition for her work. She received the Nathan F. Simms endowed professor of Biology award, the Women in Business award from the Greensboro Business Journal, the Board of Governors award in teaching excellence and she was inducted into the HBCU alumni Hall of Fame. She also received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring from President Barack Obama at the White House. “I want to contribute significantly to the success of students and faculty,” said Byrd. She

also said that the college of arts and sciences is a pivotal college across campus since all students will take classes in it.” We have 30 percent of the majors across campus,” she said. She said her role of dean of the college of arts and sciences is to facilitate the collaborative growth of each individual unit including faculty and staff. When it comes to students she plans to immediately address retention and graduation rates. For faculty she is focused on ensuring excellence in teaching, research and service. The first thing Byrd plans

to do is conduct several good assessments of the college to understand the potential, aspirations and resources it holds. She also plans to work on facilitating and increasing resources for the college, making the college into a much more technological and global society and to work on increasing student success. In the future Byrd wants to see the college as one that recruits and retains students who are capable of graduating in four years and who are able to retrieve a useful degree from A&T.

She said that a research internship or opportunity for all students would be ideal. She also wants to see a faculty that is more mentored, developed, scholarly and entrepreneurial. “Every unit is capable of a high level of research and it’s a part of being a member of the college,” she said. Byrd insists that all faculty should mentor students and remain scholarly because it is a major component of their tenure. Her advice to students: “Stay in school, become a life-long learner, stay motivated, get a mentor and give back.”

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A&T’s radio station hosted an expo to give students relationship advice and tips on how to celebrate the holiday.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

VDAY From page 1 that came out that implied that black women have these super high standards. But I think it’s the opposite, black women have not set their standards high enough. There’s still no one that love black men as unconditionally as black women. To me, black men are in a state of crisis, and with all of our faults black women have still put us up on a pedestal and loved us. Sometimes its been so much so, that It’s been degrading towards themselves because black men haven’t necessarily done that for black women, and that’s just the honest truth. So that unconditional, undying support of black men. No one supports her son like the black mother; no one supports her man like a black woman, and thats a beautiful thing. Malcolm raises the point of black women supporting black men so much it reaches the point where they allow themselves to be degraded and disrespected. The evidence of that exists in rap videos, music lyrics, and the “b*tch” debate. These Aggies don’t seem to think Aggieland is any different. Sylvia: Do you see many examples of black love here on campus? (Laugh) all say no immediately. Courtney: NNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!

The A&T

Matt: Its college, everyones too busy not looking for a relationship. They’re just looking for a party and...yea.

on blast or anything. Courtney: I mean you do have a lot of homework though. Matt: Yea I do, but if you

Courtney: I don’t think that they’re not looking for a relationship, I just think they’re just trying to figure themselves out. These guys are going to be heads of households one day so their focused on getting a degree and finding a job, not finding a girl. You’ve got to let this man do his homework (laughs). Matt: From the guys that I know, homework’s not really an issue. Not trying to put them

really want to find somebody and settle down you could. It’s all about what you want. Melanie: What’s the definition of many (laughs) I feel like their are examples. More so with the older generations than our peers. I’ve meet some teachers and their spouses on campus. Derrick: Whenever we go out it seems to be about one or two other couples there so I don’t think we’re alone. This

editor in chief: Jasmine Johnson Managing editor: Kelcie McCrae news editor: Sylvia Obell opinions editor:Trumaine McCaskill sports editor: Lauren Morgan scene editor: Jonathan Veal copy desk chief: Yulanda Henderson Copy editor: Justine Riddick photo editor: Kenneth Hawkins staff photographers:

is college though, so I know a couple people who have been in and out of relationships. Everybody has a mindset of wanting to... Melanie: ....test the waters. Angela: I think I’ve seen a lot of examples of “potential” black love, but the fact that we’re in college and young has a lot to do with the hindrance of being able to grow into something more serious. And I hate to say it but I don’t see a lot of examples of respect from black men, I don’t see it demanded by the women, and until that changes I don’t think we’ll see a lot of examples of black love on this campus. Malcolm: Yea I totally agree. You have to be willing to make sacrifices for each other, and what I’m getting to is that at this age, you have to be realistic. If you want a serious relationship that could lead to marriage you have to start thinking, you have to start training yourself to think and behave like a married person. For example, you can’t be going to the club and then coming home to your spouse. It’s just not going to work. So you have to make certain sacrifices in order to make it work. But on this campus, I don’t know, I don’t really pay attention to be honest. Angela: There’s a lot of black lust. Malcolm: A Lot of black lust, that’s exactly right! Love and A&T Many aren’t aware of how

few relationships exist here at A&T. It took a while to even find three couples. There is, however, an abundance of causal, non-monogamous, relationships. There are also quite a few couples on campus that people do not know about. Many Aggies seem to have a problem with commitment. Sylvia: What makes this relationship different? Malcolm: For me, this is the first real relationship that I’ve been in where I’ve been in love. At this point, I have to ask myself if this is someone I can see myself being married to and having children with: being with this person for the rest of my life. If not, then I won’t waste my time. In High School you just get into relationships because people are around. This is an adult relationship. Matt: Well, I always look for the best things in a girl. She seemed really genuine when I met her and she speaks well. I don’t like ghetto girls. She’s really intelligent. Courtney: Well, everything kind of made him different. Everything that I thought was my type was not him. And its funny because he shows me that he’s exactly what I wanted. Derrick: Communication, When we’re together we can relate on things, she can finish my sentences. So thats the main thing, the ease of our communication. Melanie: His strength and maturity. We have a lot of things in common. The extreme lack of relationships here at A&T also made it clear that being in one

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has its difficulties. The couples discuss the hardest thing about being in a relationship. Derrick: Temptation. Melanie: Trust. Malcolm: I think the hardest thing is the fear of the unknown. You can plan for everything you want to happen, but you can’t plan for certain things that are unexpected. The unknown definitely, because we’re at a point where things are getting very serious. Angela: I would say vulnerability. Being in college, we’ve all probably been in relationships where the other person hasn’t taken you seriously or broken your heart. So you have that voice that says ‘I don’t know if I should give it my all, 100 percent,’ but you just have to take that leap of faith. Courtney & Matt: All of it! (laughs) Courtney: My last relationship was in high school so I can’t really say, but if I look at other relationships I would have to say trust. That’s the biggest thing. And that’s with any relationship; friends, men,women... Matt: Yea I kind of co-sign that. Courtney: You better cosign. Matt: (laughs) I would also say that men tend to feel tied down now. And you might see one cute girl but then your like, wait, I can’t talk to her. But when you really like somebody, it really doesn’t matter. Read the rest of the interview at www.ncatregister.com

The A&T Register is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters by students at North Carolina A&T State University. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Register’s newsroom (subject to availability). All subscription requests should be directed to the Business department. The A&T Register has a weekly circulation of 5,000 copies on-campus and in the community and is a member of The Associated Press, The Associated Collegiate Press and the Black College Wire.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

WNAA’s Valentine Day Exposition Jessica Grissom Contributor

The

local

radio

station

Wednesday WNAA presented the Valen-

Annual Spring Blood Drive Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Speed Dating NY/NJ Connection Memorial Student Union Stallings Ballroom 7 p.m.

Black History Program SGA Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 7 p.m.

thursday

African American-Latino Unity Symposium Memorial Student Union Stallings Ballroom 5 p.m.

friday

An Elegant Affair Junior Class Memorial Student Union

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 7:30 p.m.

saturday

Memorial Student Union Stallings Ballroom 9 a.m.

Corbett Gymnasium 2 p.m.

Corbett Gymnasium 4 p.m.

Monday

14 Women’s Basketball Game

janae smith

The Hip Hop Caucus was held in Stallings Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 3, to make students mobilized, educated, and engaged on the social, environmental and economic issues that directly impact their lives and communities. Entering the Ballroom with dim lights was 25 to 30 people listening to the DJ, and awaiting the news that was soon to come.

The program began with a video that showcased what the Hip Hop Caucus was really about and the number of supporters. Chrisette Michelle, Lisa Jackson and Drake are just a few big name supporters of the Hip Hop Caucus. The Hip Hop Caucus Education Fund is an award-winning national grassroots organization for the 21st century. Their mission is to organize young people to be active in elections, policymaking and service proj-

ects. Over the past three years the Hip Hop Caucus has been successfully bridging the gap between communities and the green movement. “One Planet. One Voice” is the new global green campaign that will raise awareness about the impact of climate change, fossil fuels, pollutants and toxins on vulnerable communities and aim to uplift the voice of the people able to find real solutions to these environmental and economic challenges?

“I didn’t know people were actually going forward and taking the steps to making a change,” states Lauren Branch, junior, journalism major from Mount Olive, NC. “I am disappointed to see a lot of A&T students were not there, but I guess I’m not surprised. [I] Just hope they get out to the people because it is really important; we are really ruining our world right now.” “The Hip Hop Caucus recognizes that yesterday was the day

to start organizing to find and create solutions to our global problems. Today is of urgency,” states Chris Hill, Coordinator for the Hip Hop Caucus, from Washington, DC. “The Hip Hop Caucus empowers people to create change in their own community,” states Amanda Lewis, a NC Intern for Hip Hop Caucus. “Being a part of the movement starts by reaching out to other people within the community and connecting and becoming one.”

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Aggies Against Aids also had booths and materials for student at the event. “This is our first street team event and I am very excited about it. We’ve gotten a lot of support from local businesses. I’m glad to see a good turnout and I just hope people leave with some great tips to make their Valentine’s Day more memorable,” said Lauren Branch, street team leader and junior JOMC electronic media major. The expo proved to be a successful event with students leaving full of inexpensive ideas on how to spend this year’s Valentine’s Day and free give-a-ways from the various booths.

Hip hop caucas hosted to engage students on issues

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case to help students prepare for this upcoming holiday,” said Murphy. “We have you covered from head to toe just like our radio show. Students will receive tips on how to dress, how to style their hair and where to go for Valentine’s Day.” Several booths promoting organizations and companies were also present at the expo. A local salon, Kotur Kutz, had a booth promoting healthy hair care products. A Mary Kay Cosmetics booth was giving away free makeup samples. Suggestions on upcoming movies were given at the Sony Electronics booth. Influence Hair Care, Hidden Beach Records, and

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about relationships. Following the poem, members of the Verge Modeling Troupe revealed appropriate fashion to wear on a date. That performance was followed up by a ‘What not to Wear’ segment for both men and women when preparing for an evening out. The event concluded with a hair show displaying various hairstyles to try for Valentine’s Day. The models’ hair was styled by Nikki Henry of Influence Hair Care. “It was brought to my attention that A&T had very few events targeted towards Valentine’s Day, one of the most heavily celebrated days of the year. So we wanted to hold a show-

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tine’s Day Expo in the Exhibit Hall on Feb. 7. Ezinma Murphy and Nikki Henry hosted the event and is also the weekend “Head to Toe,” radio show personalities. They are also members of the WNAA Street Team. The expo gave students an opportunity to receive free advice on relationships and tips on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The event began with a presentation by A&T speech professor Ingram Deans. Deans

spoke to the audience about the five ‘love languages’ and how to maintain a healthy relationship. “Once we are able to identify our partner’s love language we can better determine how to maintain a successful relationship,” said Deans. “Valentine’s Day can be made special without spending a great amount of money. Quality time is something money cannot buy and is often all your partner wants.” The presentation was followed by a musical selection, “Angel of Mine,” from A&T student Darius McKiver. The poet Josephus then performed an original spoken word piece

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Romania may get even tougher on witches alison mutler

Associated Press

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — There’s more bad news in the cards for Romania’s beleaguered witches. A month after Romanian authorities began taxing them for their trade, the country’s soothsayers and fortune tellers are cursing a new bill that threatens fines or even prison if their predictions don’t come true. Superstition is a serious matter in the land of Dracula, and officials have turned to witches

to help the recession-hit country collect more money and crack down on tax evasion. Witches argue they shouldn’t be blamed for the failure of their tools. “They can’t condemn witches, they should condemn the cards,” Queen Witch Bratara Buzea told The Associated Press by telephone. Critics say the proposal is a ruse to deflect public attention from the country’s many problems. In 2009, Romania needed a €20 billion ($27.31 billion)

International Monetary Fundled bailout loan to pay salaries and pensions when its economy contracted more than 7 percent. Last year, the economy shrank again. However, this year a slight recovery of 1.5 percent growth is forecast. European Union and Romanian officials say local authorities are hampered by political bickering and bureaucracy. The centrist government is unpopular, the opposition is weak, the press thrives on conspiracy and personal attacks,

and EU officials say the justice system needs to be reformed. Romanians are jaded and mistrustful. “The government doesn’t have real solutions, so it invents problems,” said Stelian Tanase, a well-known Romanian political commentator. “This is the government that this country deserves.” In January, the government changed labor laws to officially recognize the centuries-old practice of witchcraft as a taxable profession, prompting angry witches to dump poisonous

mandrake into the Danube in an attempt to put a hex on them. The latest bill was passed in the Senate last week, but must still be approved by a financial and labor committee and by the Chamber of Deputies, the other house of Romania’s parliament. Bratara called the proposed bill overblown. “I will fight until my last breath for this not to be passed,” she said. Sometimes, she argued, people don’t provide their real identities, dates of birth or other personal details, which could

Freed young leader energizes Egyptian protests hamza hendawi & maggie michae Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — A young leader of Egypt’s anti-government protesters, newly released from detention, joined a massive crowd in Cairo’s Tahrir Square for the first time Tuesday and was greeted with cheers, whistling and thunderous applause when he declared: “We will not abandon our demand and that is the departure of the regime.” Many in the crowd said they were inspired by Wael Ghonim, the 30-year-old Google Inc. marketing manager who was a key organizer of the online campaign that sparked the first protest on Jan. 25 to demand the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak. Straight from his release from 12 days of detention, Ghonim gave an emotionally charged television interview Monday night where he sobbed over those who have been killed in two weeks of clashes and insisted, “We love Egypt ... and we have rights.” Ghonim arrived in the square when it was packed shoulder-toshoulder, a crowd comparable in size to the biggest demonstration so far that drew a quartermillion people. He spoke softly and briefly to the huge crowd from a stage and began by offering his condolences to the families of those killed. “I’m not a hero but those who were martyred are the heroes,” he said and then broke into a chant of “Mubarak, leave, leave.” When he finished, the crowd erupted in cheering, whistling and deafening applause. Ghonim has emerged as a rallying point for protesters, who reject a group of traditional Egyptian opposition groups that have met with the government amid the most sweeping concessions the regime has made in its three decades in power. Vice President Omar Suleiman on Tuesday made a new gesture, declaring a panel of judges and scholars to recommend constitutional changes within a month. The mostly youthful protesters insist that no concessions will do unless Mubarak steps down. But the protests, which began when Ghonim and other activists used the Internet to mobilize people to the streets, have lacked a representative voice. That has raised worries the regime could try to fragment the movement or traditional parties try to hijack it. In his first television interview Monday night on Egypt’s private Dream satellite station, Ghonim said the protests turned from “the revolution of the Internet youth ... to the revolution of all Egypt.” He struck a modest and emotional tone, saying he respected many government officials — even some of those who interrogated him in detention — but the Egyptians wanted their rights. He repeated over and over, “We are not traitors.” When the hostess of the show showed pictures of young men killed in the protests, Ghonim slumped in sobs and left the interview table. About 130,000 people joined a Facebook page titled, “I delegate Wael Ghonim to speak in the name of Egypt’s revolutionaries.”

Tuesday’s huge turnout in Tahrir gave a resounding answer to the question of whether the protesters still have momentum even though two weeks of steadfast pressure have not achieved their goal of ousting Mubarak. Even government employees joined the crowd, including about 5,000 university professors and teachers who were blocked days ago by security forces. A group of over 1,000 protesters broke away from the square and marched on Parliament, several blocks away, chanting, “Illegitimate, illegitimate,” and demanding it be dissolved. Several hundred of them prepared to stay through the night, beating drums and lying on the pavement in front of the building — a first, small expansion of the protest out of Tahrir in days. Some in the massive crowd said they were turning out for the first time, moved by Ghonim’s interview or the photos of those killed in police crackdowns on the protests, which have been little seen on TV in Egypt. “The (Wael) interview showed a face of the truth which the state media tried to cover up for so long,” said a retired army general, Essam Salem. “Many people are coming because they saw the truth.” Fifi Shawqi, a 33-year-old upper-class housewife, said she came to the Tahrir protest for the first time, bringing her three daughters and her sister. “I saw Wael yesterday (in the interview) and I cried. I felt like he is my son and all the youth

here are my sons,” she said. “I think Wael brought many, many more” to join. Ghonim provided a relatable, passionate face for a movement that has been tarred in government media as fueled by foreigners. Some in the broader public have grumbled that the protesters were causing turmoil for nothing now that Mubarak has promised not to run again in September elections. But the protest movement has resisted elevating a sole leader. In fact, many organizers contend its strength lies in its lack of leaders and in its nature as a mass, popular movement. With his release, Ghonim was added to a 10-member coalition of representatives from the various youth organizers to coordinate the protests and push through their demands, said Ziad alOleimi, another activist on the committee. “Ghonim cannot be a leader by himself, unless he is elected by a committee elected and composed of different groups that represent all these people,” said Shayma Ahmed, a 20-yearold student among the Tahrir crowds. There were demonstrations calling for the president’s ouster around the country as well with 18,000 people cramming into the main square of Egypt’s second largest city in Alexandria. Some 3,000 service workers for the Suez Canal also demonstrated in Suez city, while 8,000 people chanted anti Mubarak slogans in the southern city of Assiut.

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Meanwhile, Mubarak’s regime offered more concessions to the protesters in hopes of appeasing them while keeping as firm a grip on power as it possibly can. Vice President Suleiman, who is managing the crisis, announced the creation of committees to propose long-sought constitutional amendments and monitor the implementation of all proposed reforms. The amendments will include presidential term limits and relaxing eligibility rules for who can run. The two committees will start working immediately, he said. The committee will be led by the head of Egypt’s highest appellate court and composed of six senior judges and four constitutional experts, according to a statement issued later by the official news agency MENA. It will make its recommendations to Suleiman by the end of this month. Suleiman said that Mubarak welcomed “this national dialogue, emphasizing that it puts our feet on the right path out of this ongoing crisis” and underlining the need for a “clear roadmap with a specific timetable that will take Egypt to the root of an orderly and peaceful transfer of power with respect for the constitutional legitimacy.” Mubarak has refused the protesters’ central demand that he step down, insisting on serving out his term until elections in September. The Obama administration

is not calling for Mubarak’s immediate departure, saying a precipitous exit could set back the country’s democratic transition. Under Egypt’s constitution, Mubarak’s resignation would trigger an election in 60 days. U.S. officials said that is not enough time to prepare. Mubarak also promised there would be no reprisals against the protesters, Suleiman said. “The youth of Egypt deserve national appreciation,” he quoted the president as saying. “They should not be detained, harassed or denied their freedom of expression.” Mubarak also ordered a probe into last week’s clashes between the protesters and government supporters as well as mass detentions of human rights activists and journalists. The committee will refer its findings to the attorney-general, Suleiman said. The latest government announcement came two days after Suleiman met for the first time with representatives of opposition groups, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood — the country’s largest and best organized opposition group — to debate a way out of the ongoing political crisis. The fundamentalist Islamic group issued a statement earlier Tuesday calling the reforms proposed so far as “partial” and insisting that Mubarak must go to ease what it called the anger felt by Egyptians who face widespread poverty and government repression.

skew a seer’s predictions. “What about when the client gives false details about themselves? We can’t be blamed for that.” The new bill would also require witches to have a permit, to provide their customers with receipts and bar them from practicing near schools and churches. Tanase has a solution. “Maybe they should put a spell on (Prime Minister Emil) Boc and (President Traian) Basescu, so they can find the solutions,” he said.

10 injured in gas blast in Turkey AP

AP Exchange

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A governor in Turkey says a liquified petroleum gas tank exploded at a petrol station, injuring 10 people at an adjacent supermarket in southeastern Turkey. Gov. Mustafa Toprak says Tuesday’s blast occurred in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the country’s Kurdishdominated southeast, where Kurdish rebels have been waging war for autonomy for decades. Toprak has ruled out terrorism and says the explosion was caused by a faulty gas valve. He says one of the 10 injured was in critical condition.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

IRS reduces penalties if tax cheaters come clean stephen ohlemacher Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — International tax evaders who come clean will be able to avoid jail and pay reduced fines under a new voluntary disclosure program announced Tuesday by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax cheats will have until Aug. 31 to settle up with the IRS or face an ongoing crackdown against Americans who hide assets overseas, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. “If we find you, you face harsher penalties and the possibility of jail time,” Shulman said. “If you come in voluntarily, you pay a steep price but avoid going to jail.” The offer is similar to one the

IRS made in 2009 that netted 15,000 tax evaders. Shulman said the IRS has closed 2,000 of those cases, collecting $400 million in additional revenue. Shulman said the new offer isn’t as generous because he doesn’t want to reward tax cheats who waited two years to come forward. Under the new program, tax evaders must pay back taxes, interest and delinquency penalties for the past eight years, if accounts have been held that long. In addition, they will have to pay a penalty of up to 25 percent of the highest annual amount in the overseas account from 2003 through 2010. Shulman said the 2009 disclosure program provided the IRS with many leads on the bankers and financial advisers

who help Americans hide assets. He said the IRS is now investigating “a number of other banks” and is tracking the flow of illicit money. The disclosure programs are part of a larger effort by the Obama administration to crack down on Americans who evade U.S. taxes by hiding assets in overseas accounts. In 2009, Swiss banking giant UBS AG agreed to turn over details on 4,450 accounts suspected of holding undeclared assets from American customers. “We’ve been getting better and better at detecting offshore accounts. Therefore, the risk of being caught is increasing,” Shulman said. “We now have a number of other banks under investiga-

tion based on information we received from our first round of disclosures and from other sources. Tax secrecy continues to erode.” Shulman declined to provide details about any ongoing investigations. Tax lawyers said they expect IRS enforcement efforts to increase after new reporting requirements for foreign financial institutions take effect in 2013. The law, passed last year, will require U.S. entities to withhold a share of payments to foreign financial institutions that don’t provide information to the IRS about American account holders. “People who don’t come in now are going to find themselves in a real problem,” said

Kathryn Keneally, a tax expert and partner at the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski in New York. “We know that there are a lot of people who did not come in under the first program. We know that the IRS has gained a lot of information through the first program, so they have the ability to learn about more and more people.” The IRS long has had a policy that certain tax evaders who come forward before they are contacted by the agency usually can avoid jail time as long as they agree to pay back taxes, interest and hefty penalties. Drug dealers and money launderers need not apply. But if the money was earned legally, tax evaders can usually avoid criminal prosecution. Fewer than 100 people ap-

ply for the program in a typical year, in part because the penalties can far exceed the value of the hidden account, depending on how long the account holder has evaded U.S. taxes. Shulman said the IRS expected about 1,000 people to come forward under the 2009 program that netted 15,000. Since the program ended, an additional 3,000 people with offshore accounts have contacted the IRS, Shulman said. They will be eligible for the new program. “As I’ve said all along, the goal is to get people back into the U.S. tax system,” Shulman said. “This new disclosure initiative is the last, best chance for people to get back into the system.”

Dow closes higher for Electronic flaws not the blame for Toyota recall seventh straight day ken thomas

Associated Press

david k. randall

AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The Dow Jones industrial average closed higher for the seventh consecutive day Tuesday. That’s the longest series of gains for the index since July. McDonald’s Corp. was the biggest gainer of the 30 stocks in the Dow, rising 2.6 percent after reporting January sales that were higher than analysts expected. Investors took in stride a move by China’s central bank to control inflation by raising short-term interest rates. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 71.52 points, or 0.6 percent, to close at 12,233.15. The index has had only one down day in the last 10, on Jan. 28 when the protests in Egypt escalated. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 5.52, or 0.4 percent, to 1,324.57. The Nasdaq composite index rose 13.06, or 0.5 percent, to 2,797.05. China raised interest rates for the third time since October in an effort to keep prices from rising too fast. The country’s economic boom has resulted in higher prices, forcing some poor families to spend up to half of their incomes on food. Many large U.S. companies have counted on spending in

China for growth. Previously, interest rate hikes in China have resulted in stock losses in the U.S. because of fears that spending there would fall. Brain Gendreau, market strategist at Financial Network, said investors are becoming less concerned about slower spending in China because they are more confident that the U.S. economy will grow on its own. “Raising interest rates is what the Chinese need to do when they have such an overheated economy,” he said. Bond prices fell, extending a week of losses and sending their yields higher. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.74 percent from 3.64 percent Monday, its highest rate since last April. The government auctioned $32 billion of three-year notes at a yield of 1.34 percent, the highest borrowing rate the government has had to pay on those notes since last May. Interest from foreign buyers was relatively weak. Better economic news, including a drop in the unemployment rate, has led investors to sell low-yielding government bonds over the past two weeks. Some of that money is going into stocks, especially those of large corporations that pay fat dividends

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Electronic flaws weren’t to blame for the reports of sudden, unintended acceleration that led to the recall of thousands of Toyota vehicles, the government said Tuesday. Some of the acceleration cases could have been caused by mechanical defects — sticking accelerator pedals and gas pedals that can become trapped in floor mats — that have been dealt with in recalls, the government said. And in some cases, investigators suggested, drivers simply hit the gas when they meant to press the brake. “We feel that Toyota vehicles are safe to drive,” declared Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The investigation bolstered Toyota’s contentions that electronic gremlins were not to blame and its series of recalls — involving more than 12 million vehicles globally since fall 2009 — had directly addressed the safety concerns. Transportation officials, assisted by engineers with NASA, said the 10-month study of Toyota vehicles concluded there was no electronic cause of unintended high-speed acceleration. The study, launched at the request of Congress, responded to consumer complaints that flawed electronics could be the culprit behind complaints that led to Toyota’s spate of recalls. Recalls to fix sticking accelerator pedals, gas pedals that became trapped in floor mats, and other safety issues have posed a major challenge for the world’s No. 1 automaker, which has scrambled to protect its reputation for safety and reliability. Toyota paid the U.S. government a record $48.8 million in fines for its handling of three recalls. Toyota said the report should “further reinforce confidence in the safety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles” and “put to rest un-

supported speculation” about the company’s electronic throttle control systems, which are “well-designed and well-tested to ensure that a real world, uncommanded acceleration of the vehicle cannot occur.” Toyota reported a 39 percent slide in quarterly profit earlier Tuesday but raised its full-year forecasts for earnings and car sales. The financial results and government report boosted shares of the automaker on Wall Street by more than 4 percent, to close at $88.57. Analysts said the report would help Toyota’s reputation but the company would still need to work hard to regain its bulletproof image of reliability. Toyota was the only major automaker to see a U.S. sales decline last year at 0.4 percent. “This is really something that is going to take years and years to recover,” said Rebecca Lindland, director of automotive research with consulting firm IHS Automotive. Federal officials said they thoroughly examined the acceleration reports and could not find evidence of an electronic problem. Instead, investigators with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the evidence showed that cases in which owners complained about ineffective brakes were most likely caused by “pedal misapplication,” in which the driver stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes. Many of the complaints involved cases in which the vehicle accelerated after it was stationary or at very low speed. LaHood said NASA engineers “rigorously examined” nine Toyotas driven by consumers who complained of unintended acceleration. NASA reviewed 280,000 lines of software code to look for flaws that could cause the acceleration. Investigators tested mechanical components in Toyotas that could lead to the problem and bombarded vehicles with electro-magnetic radiation to see whether that could make

the electronics cause the cars to speed up. Electronic problems can include buggy software, circuitry influenced by electrical interference and electrical shorts. The problems are often difficult to spot and can surface when combined with environmental factors like a blast from a heater vent or moisture from the road. A preliminary part of the study, released last August, failed to find any electronic flaws based on a review of event data recorders, or vehicle black boxes. Not everyone was convinced. Rhonda Smith, of Sevierville, Tennessee, who last year testified before a congressional committee that her Lexus raced up to 100 miles per hour without her control, said Tuesday there had to be a cause other than floor mats or sticky gas pedals because she said neither happened in her case. “There is a defect in that car whether they want to believe it or not,” Smith said. “They need to keep searching.” NHTSA administrator David Strickland, however, told reporters that the agency conducted extensive tests on Smith’s vehicle and found “no other vulnerabilities” beyond trapped floor mats. Consumer advocates and safety groups have raised concerns that flawed electronics could be causing unwanted acceleration in the Toyotas. They have questioned the reliability of the event data recorders studied by the government, saying they could be faulty or fail to tell the whole story of the individual crashes. Joan Claybrook, a former NHTSA administrator who previously led consumer group Public Citizen, said the government investigation discounted research conducted by plaintiffs’ attorneys. “The facts are still quite substantial that there’s a problem and I think they could have done a lot more in terms of gathering more expertise,”

Claybrook said. To promote safety, LaHood said NHTSA was considering new regulations. They include requiring brake override systems on all vehicles, standardizing keyless ignition systems and requiring event data recorders, or vehicle black boxes, on all new vehicles. Transportation officials said they would also consider conducting more research on electronic control systems and review the placement and design of accelerator and brake pedals. Since the recalls, Toyota has installed brake override systems on new vehicles. The systems automatically cut the throttle when the brake and gas pedals are applied at the same time. The company also created engineering teams to examine vehicles that are the subject of consumer complaints and appointed a chief quality officer for North America amid complaints its U.S. division did not play a large enough role in making safety decisions. Toyota’s safety issues received broad attention from the government after four people were killed in a high-speed crash involving a Lexus near San Diego in August 2009. NHTSA has received about 3,000 reports of sudden acceleration incidents involving Toyota vehicles during the past decade, including allegations of 93 deaths. NHTSA has confirmed five of them. Congress considered sweeping safety legislation last year that would have required brake override systems, raised penalties on auto companies that evade safety recalls and given the government the power to quickly recall vehicles. But the bills failed to win enough support. The National Academy of Sciences is conducting a separate study of unintended acceleration in cars and trucks across the auto industry. The panel is expected to release its findings this fall.

NcATReGISTeR.cOm IS SO FReAKIN’ eASY AN eAGle COULD DO IT. ALSO IN PRINT EVERY WEDNESDAY

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Valentine’s Day: The $15.7 billion holiday I often find myself wondering why do people hate Valentine’s Day? Is it because people truly hate love? Or is it because they are actually bitter about their own miserable love life? Year, after year, AFTER YEAR I hear more and more people becoming more and more depressed about the holiday that is suppose to represent love, togetherness, and companionship. I’ve heard all the excuses. “I don’t support it because it’s a materialistic holiday.” Or “I don’t support it because I don’t have a man who loves me.” And my all time favorite, “I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day because I don’t think it caters to men enough.” The more I hear the more I realize just how selfish and lonely the single population is on this campus. And your negative views upon the Day

of Love are nothing more than a reflection upon your views of love as a whole. If you cannot appreciate love when you are alone, then you will never be able to appreciate it when you have someone. I understand that being single on Valentine’s Day can be hard, but why are there so many hateful hearts on this celebration of love? Stop believing the negative stereotypes you hear about the celebrated day. Why not take the time to actually look up the true history of Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day was not a holiday made up by American card companies. In fact, Valentine’s Day is not even originally an American holiday. It was truly a day formed out of love. Yet as time passes on I find more and more lonely singles on this campus condemning the holiday to hell. Just because you may be a

bitter black woman who cannot find a man, or you’re a no good man who does not know how to treat a lady does not mean the holiday TRUMAINE is stupid. In fact I feel it is MCCASKILL quite the opposite. The holiday is just fine the way it is. Maybe it is time you change your views on it. Love is all around us and we absolutely should take at least one day out of the year to celebrate the power of love and show our significant others (whether it be a girlfriend/boyfriend, wife/husband, or even just your main chick/dude) just how important they are to us. Now, there are a select few people on this campus that are

single yet still have faith in this thing we call love. And I love and support this group of people who know that just because you are single on Valentine’s Day does not mean that there is something wrong with the holiday. It simply means you’re not in a relationship right now. No more, no less. But I show very little support to those who are single on Valentine’s Day and expect someone to feel sorry for them. Spare me! For the women, maybe it’s because your attitude and your views on what a man is “supposed” to do. No man wants to be with a woman they are unhappy with, especially on Valentine’s Day. Stop expecting for a man to come and sweep you off your feet. Either hang out with the girls, or DROP YOUR PRIDE and take a guy out for a

Aggies, do we really know our history? January 28, 1986 is a date that stands out in my mind quickly. It is the day that marks the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. January 28, 1986 was a day when the lives of seven Heroes of Earth were lost in a tragic accident. One of the people lost in this accident was an astronaut-physicist named Ronald Ervin McNair. Many of us know that McNair was an alumnus of North Carolina A&T, that he was a member of The Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and that he graduated from A&T in 1971. However, there are many that attend this University who DO NOT know who Ronald McNair is, despite the fact that our School of Technology is named after him. I was utterly staggered when I attempted to talk to a number of fellow Aggies about the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death. There were those who knew of the date and name, of course, but there were just as many who didn’t. One even responded to

me in a joking fashion that, “It’s not black history month yet.” I am very proud of my v o c a b u l a r y, but the only retort I had for a statement PATRICK like that was ALEXANDER “WTF!?” Bryon Turman, a professor here at A&T, as well as an Alumnus, was not surprised at all when I mentioned some of these responses to him. He replied simply, “That’s part of the unfortunate short term memory that has plagued us [as a people] for centuries. Ask people about Willie Grimes and it is even worse.” How is something like this even possible? How can we as Aggies not know one of our most famous Alumni? At the same time, I am willing to bet that nearly all of us know that Terrance J from BET’s 106 & Park went to our school (for

better, or for worse). In 1978, Ronald McNair was chosen to represent the NASA astronaut program. Out of a pool of over ten thousand extremely qualified people, Ronald McNair was ONE of only thirty five chosen. He accomplished more in a tragically short thirty-five years of life than most accomplish in a lifetime. He was a hero, not only as an A&T alumnus, but as a man in our Planet’s history as well. He walked the very same campus that we all do today. Aggies we all have that same potential! There is no reason for us not to believe that any one of us can be the next Ronald McNair in our respective field. Aggie Pride is not just pride in our school by itself. It is also the pride we have in all of the individuals around us and all of the individuals that came before us. I take pride in the fact that I walk among each and every one of my fellow classmates. I take pride in the fact that I have

walked on the same campus as Jesse Jackson, Ronald McNair, Janice Bryant Howroyd, Ezell A. Blair, Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain. I take pride that I have walked on the same campus as Taraji P. Henson and Terrance J. I take pride that I have walked on the same campus as last year’s valedictorian, Erica Witherspoon. I take pride that I have walked on the same campus as my uncle, my sister, my cousins, and so many of my friends. I am proud to be a part of this school from the professors who have taught me to the people working at the Memorial Student Union, and The Financial Aid Office (after all, they have to put up with all of us crazy students). My only wish is that all of us would take the same pride in one another and those who came before us. We are all a part of a legendary school, and it is time that we all realize it. Aggie Pride!!

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change. Stop waiting on a man to come and take control of your love life. Take control of it yourself. Men, there is nothing wrong with spending time and a few dollars on a female. It’s actually the proper thing to do. If you consider yourself to be a gentleman, then stop being cheap and selfish and dedicate some time and thought to someone other than yourself. The reason women see this holiday as a waste of time is because men rarely put any thought or time into trying to make them feel special. And I’m sure we all know that if a female is unhappy, we’re all going to be unhappy. Actually take the time out to show her that love is too weak of a word to define just how much she means to you. And for those of you who

refuse to enter the dating scene ever again, remember that Valentine’s Day is a day for love. Love for your parents, your family, and your friends. Take the time out to show anyone how much they truly mean to you. A simple phone call, 5-minute visit, or a 99-cent card can all be a representation of how much you care about someone. Love is supposed to be give and take. However, many men and women have become so selfish that they are willing to take before they give up anything. This is more than likely why you will be alone on Valentine’s Day. Time is the most valuable thing you could give because you will never get it back. So even if you don’t give up a dime, realize that time is the best gift you could give anyone.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Aggies North Carolina A&T State University wants your help and feedback. Recently designated freshman and senior students here at NC A&T received an invitational email from (nsse@nssesurvey.org) the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). NSSE is a survey that gives students a chance to evaluate the performance of their university on various types of activities. The subject of the email was entitled ” North Carolina A&T State University wants your feedback”. The email invited students to complete a survey to grade the university on its effectiveness and engagement in various educational activities, such as level of academic challenge, student-faculty interaction, and supportive campus services shared during their collegiate experience. Students chosen to participate in the survey should have received an email on January 27, 2011. Response to the invitational email from our student has been low. In the coming weeks NSSE (nsse@ nssesurvey.org) is schedule to send a follow-up, a reminder, and a final reminder email to selected students at their NCA&T email address.

If you have completed the survey, thank you very much, you will not receive an email. If wish to help us with this endeavor and share your thoughts please check your account often for emails from (nsse@nssesurvey.org). Once you have received the email filling out the NSSE survey should take no more than 15 minutes. Aggies we need your help in identifying areas where NC A&T is doing well, and the areas where we can improve. This important information directly from our students will help us make changes in policies, curriculum, and general campus life. Your participation in NSSE will provide information about your NCA&T experience that we cannot get anywhere else. If you have any questions about NSSE or how we will use the results, please contact Dr. Jenkins (gsjenkin@ncat. edu) or Mr. Rucker (alrucker@ ncat.edu) via email or phone 336-334-7006. Sincerely, Dr. Scott Jenkins Director of Institutional Research Mr. Alton Rucker Senior Research Associate

Ask a Black Girl: The Valentine’s Day special edition For this special edition of The A&T Register, we decided to reverse Ask a Black Guy and shine the spotlight on black women. What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Girl #1 No plans at all. It’s just another day as far as I’m concerned. Girl #2 If I have a Valentine I will probably go out. But if not, I will be at home or hanging out with my girlfriends. Girl #3 I have no plans because I don’t have a Valentine. So I guess I will sit at home and watch love stories and go to sleep. Do you think “black love” is on the decline? Why or why not? Girl #1 Yes. I know a lot of guys don’t want to be in a relationship (regardless of their age). Too many guys just want all the benefits of the relationship, but don’t want the actual title. A lot of guys just want to do what they want to do. It’s based off physical pleasures and not friendship. Girl #2 I think all love is actually. Divorce rates are at an all time high. So to say its just black love is ignorant because it is not just black love. It is all love.

Girl #3 Not really because all love is on decline as far as I’m concerned. All the old people in love are dying and they aren’t passing down the wisdom on how to make it work. So now we are all falling in and out of love every single day.

Girl #2 I love it when men sing to me. Even if he can’t sing, I love it when a guy at least tries. Girl #3 Being a good dresser and having nice hair is perhaps the sexiest thing in the world to me.

In your honest opinion, what goes through your mind when you see a black man and a white woman together?

What does a guy have to do to make you mad?

Girl #1 Doesn’t bother me too much. I would honestly date a white guy, so I see no problem with black guys dating white girls. Girl #2 My first thought is that he must have had a bad experience with black women. And then my second thought is that the sex must be great. Girl #3 Nothing to be honest. To me it is no different than seeing a white man and a black woman. Does nothing to me. I’m from a white town so I’ve seen it all the time.

Girl #1 I don’t like liars. Nothing is worse than a guy who will openly lie to me. And a lack of communication is another thing that can just kill any relationship. Girl #2 All he has to do is be inconsiderate. If I feel that you have no regards for my feelings then we have nothing to talk about. He would be better off slapping me in the face. Girl #3 I HATE bad attitudes! People who just always have a quick temper are so annoying and such a turn off to me.

What’s the most attractive thing a man could do to get your attention?

I know a lot of men feel that women don’t do simple things such as cook and clean like the older generations. Do you think this is true?

Girl #1 The way he approaches me. I hate getting complimented on my breast or my butt. If he says things like “you are attractive, I would like to get to know you,” then that is the guy I will be with.

Girl #1 I agree because I know for sure that I never cook. Personally, my mother never made me do stuff like that so I’m used to not doing stuff like that. I think I could do it if I had to, but I’ve never been forced to

do it so I wouldn’t know. Girl #2 I feel like I am the exception to the rule but I would have to agree. From talking to my friends, I know that a lot of girls don’t do stuff like that. Girls are too independent these days. All the ones who don’t do it are single and unhappy too. Girl #3 Sadly, yes. I tried to cook but I failed. So I try to clean as much as possible to make up for it. How do you feel about there being very little black men in college? Girl #1 It is sad because I think men are a product of bad environments and situations. Living in low-income houses, fighting jail, teenage fathers, etc. are all factors to why we have such a select few in school. And it is sad that they have to battle these issues as opposed to battling each other in the classroom. Girl #2 It really sucks. I want a man who has a degree just like me. However, a lot of men don’t have one. So that makes it harder for a woman to find a good man. Girl #3 I don’t feel like there are very little black men in college to be honest. Since I go to school here, I see them all the time. I know numbers say one thing, but I see something else.

Do you think black women nag a lot? Girl #1 Yes! Because a lot of women complain but are never satisfied. We complain about every little thing and we set our standards way too high. No one is perfect but for whatever reason we expect for our men to come in and become Superman. Girl #2 All the time. They nag about it being too cold outside, or not putting the cap back on toothpaste. Women nag just because they think they are stronger than what they are. So they think if they nag then they are going to change a man but that is completely wrong because a man is going to be a man. Girl #3 I think all women nag a lot. Nobody knows why we do, but we do. I think its common knowledge that women always nag. Men need to get over it. How do you feel about the image of black women in the media? Girl #1 It honestly reminds me of the slave days. They allow people to use us for our bodies and not our minds. It’s kind of sad actually. Girl #2 Not sure how to feel about it. You got your Maya Angelou’s and your Oprah’s, but then again you got the “video hoes” too so black women are

viewed in two different extremes. Both are strong, but you see them in totally different lights. Girl #3 I think it’s negative. They always portray us as being ghetto, having an attitude, being rude and too strong. It gets kind of old. What is one of the main issues black women face on a day-to-day basis, and how do you think black women can overcome that? Girl #1 We are insecure. You can tell from how they carry themselves. Appreciate yourself for who you are and who you want to become. If you know how to treat yourself then when the right man comes he will know how to treat you too. Girl #2 That’s a hard one. I think we need to fix our attitudes. We think everyone is always out to get us and that is not the case. My best advice would be to stop being so overly emotional. Regardless of the situation, everything is not that serious. Girl #3 Women in the work place have it the worse. Anything a man can do, a woman can do as well but she better work twice as hard to get it. My best advice to them is to stay strong and further your education so we can create more positive figures.

Editor’s note:The opinions expressed on The Word are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the staff of The A&T Register. All house editorials are written and revised with input from the editorial board, staff, and is approved by the editor. All submissions must be sent to theatregister@gmail.com to be considered for submission and should be no longer than 250 words. Submissions must be received by the Sunday prior to publication at 5 p.m. to be considered. The A&T Register reserves the right to edit all submission content for clarity and grammar. Submissions become the property of The A&T Register and will not be returned.

theSCORE The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Rodgers leads Packers past Steelers HOWARD FENDRICH

AP Pro Football Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Absolutely no need to bring up Ol’ What’s His Name ever again. Aaron Rodgers is a Super Bowl championship quarterback in his own right. And he’s the game’s MVP, too. That’s an honor Brett Favre, his Green Bay Packers predecessor, never earned. With precise passes and cool under pressure, Rodgers completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions Sunday night to lead the Packers to a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers for Green Bay’s first NFL title since Favre’s in the January 1997 Super Bowl. Rodgers is 27 years old, just as Favre was then. And after biding his time as a backup until the Packers split with Favre, Rodgers has quickly established himself as one of the game’s best. This was his third full season as a starting QB, and he was particularly good throughout the playoffs, leading the No. 6 seed Packers to three NFC road victories before winning the championship Sunday. “I’ve never felt like there’s been a monkey on my back. The organization stood behind me, believed in me,” said Rodgers, general manager Ted Thompson’s first-round draft choice six years ago. “I told Ted back in 2005 he wouldn’t be sorry with this pick. I told him in ‘08 that I was going to repay their trust and get us this opportunity.” Sure did, then made the most of it by throwing two TD passes to Greg Jennings and one to Jordy Nelson. Don’t forget, Rodgers’ strong performance came against Pittsburgh’s defense, the one that limited opponents to a league-

low 14.5 points per game this season, and the one that features NFL Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu and linebacker James Harrison. “He is the reason they won,” Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel said. Added Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin: “He showed his mettle and continued to stand in there and throw the football accurately.” That’s not all Rodgers did. He changed plays at the last moment, reading the defense before the snap and adjusting. He overcame a poor start, a couple of key drops and a third-quarter lapse. “We put everything on his shoulders,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “He did a lot at the line of scrimmage for us against a great defense.” Rodgers was hardly perfect all game. “We kind of struggled at times on offense,” Rodgers said. That’s true. He began the game by overthrowing receivers and generally being off-kilter, completing only one of his first five passes. But he knows a thing or two about slow starts. Just look at Rodgers’ career arc. Despite record-setting years during high school in Chico, Calif., Rodgers was not seriously recruited by major college football programs. That was OK, though. Never let it bother him. Rodgers went to a community college. Then he starred for two seasons at California. Finally, he was on everyone’s radar, although he wound up sliding to when Green Bay picked 24th overall in 2005. How good does that choice look now? Against Pittsburgh, Green Bay’s second drive began with Rodgers overthrowing Jennings. And then? Rodgers couldn’t

miss. He went 5 for 5 for 63 yards, finishing the possession with a 29-yard toss to Nelson. And when they did, Rodgers simply raised both arms in the familiar “Touchdown!” signal, then briefly embraced guard Daryn Colledge. Rodgers is a generally laid-back guy, and he does not engage in any of that wild running around and helmet-slapping Favre was so famous for. Late Sunday, it was clear who’s got their hearts now: Packers fans filled Cowboys Stadium with choruses of “Aaron Rodg-ers!” and “M-V-P!” “I didn’t expect anything less from A-Rod,” Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji said. Rodgers zipped a 21-yard pass down the middle to Jennings to put the Packers ahead 21-3. At that point, Rodgers was 11 for 16 for 137 yards and two TDs — making him 10 for 11 in the stretch that followed his rough start. Early in the second half, though, Rodgers threw five consecutive incompletions. Drives were stalling. But Rodgers led a 55-yard touchdown drive after Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall fumbled. On third-and-10, Rodgers connected with Nelson on a 38-yard catch-and-run, with the receiver eluding would-be tacklers. That set up Green Bay at Pittsburgh’s 3, and on first down, Rodgers showed good judgment, holding onto the ball when he appeared to be looking to throw a jump-pass. Instead of forcing matters, Rodgers took the sack. On second-and-goal from the 8, Rodgers spun a spiral to Jennings in the far corner of the end zone to put the Packers ahead 28-17. After Pittsburgh pulled within three points, Rodgers led Green Bay right back down the

AGGIES RUNDOWN men’s BASKETball TEAM

MEAC

OVR.

Hampton Bethune-Cookman Coppin State Morgan State North Carolina A&T Delaware State Norfolk State Florida A&M MD Eastern Shore Howard South Carolina State

8-2 8-2 6-4 6-4 5-5 5-5 4-6 3-7 3-7 3-7 2-8

18-5 14-10 11-11 10-11 10-14 9-13 7-15 9-14 6-17 5-18 6-17

NEXT WEEK’S GAME: Feb 12 vs Howard Corbett Sports Center 4 p.m. Feb 14 vs Hampton Corbett Sports Center 7 p.m.

Women’s basketball TEAM

MEAC

OVR.

9-1 8-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 5-5 4-6 3-7 2-8 1-9

17-6 14-8 11-10 10-11 10-14 8-13 8-15 11-11 7-15 6-14 8-12

Hampton Morgan State Florida A&M North Carolina A&T Howard Coppin MD Eastern Shore Bethune-Cookman Delware State South Carolina State Norfolk State THIS WEEK’S GAMES: Feb 12 vs Howard Corbett Sports Center 2 p.m.

Photo by RON T ENNIS • MCT CAMPUS GREEN Bay practice squad wide receiver Chastin West holds a newspaper at the end of Super Bowl XLV where the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 at Cowboys Stadium

field for a field goal. On one vital third down, he hit Jennings for 31 yards down the seam. “Outstanding throw,” Jennings said. Rodgers’ work was done. After the Packers stopped the Steelers’ last drive, all he had to was walk on the field and kneel

down to run out the clock. A short while later, Rodgers was clutching the Vince Lombardi Trophy, having joined Favre and Bart Starr as QBs who brought Super Bowl championships to the place they like to call Titletown USA.

Feb 14 vs Hampton Corbett Sports Center 4:30 p.m.

NEws and notes WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UPDATE: The Lady Aggies gained an overtime victory against MD Eastern Shore on Feb 7. Prior to the game against MD Eastern Shore the Lady Aggies fell to Delaware State 67-73 on Feb 5. MEN’S BASKETBALL UPDATE: The Aggies fell to MD Eastern Shore 82-83 on on Feb 7. On Feb 5 they defeated Delaware State 78-73.

336.285.9300 3643 Clifton Road

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Cak’n and Bak’n for Valentine’s Day KELCIE MCCRAE

Managing Editor

This Valentine’s Day, think outside the box for the perfect gift. Instead of getting your sweetie the played out heartshaped chocolate box, get creative and surprise your loved one with the small gift that has huge taste — cupcakes from Cak’n and Bak’n. This boutique sweet shop owned and operated by A&T alumna Charlynn Dawson has the creative edge that many long to have. From the sweet potato cupcake in a jar to the chocolate chunk surprise, Cak’n and Bak’n has the recipe for your sweet tooth’s biggest desire. “I don’t do just your average cupcakes,” said Dawson. “I make cupcakes that most people never heard of like pancake cupcakes, peach cobbler cupcakes, bannana pudding cupcakes, and all these different things set me apart from other cupcake makers.” Before May 2010, this mastermind of creative sweets had never even baked a cake. Fast forward eight months later, Dawson has transformed this buisness run out of home into a household brand name. As a lifelong creative guru, Dawson stressed that ﬁrst and foremost her passion is that of creativity. If she knew how

to create trashbags, she would create the most fashionable and trendy trashbags possible, she claimed. Now eight months after its inception, Cak’n and Bak’n has catapulted into becoming the sweet sensation in not only Greensboro, but also in Los Angeles where Dawson calls home. Last December the company ofﬁcially had its launch party in the city of angles. Intitially Dawson designed her collection of sweets to be a new sensation for couples to be able to have a artistic place to go out on a date. By creating decorative cupcakes together, Cak’n and Bak’n was to be the innovative, cute way for new and old couples to sweetnen up their date life. It was from this idea and the popular phrase, “I’m caking with my boo,” in which Dawson claims Cak’n and Bak’n was born. “It’s trendy, fun, and innovative,” said Dawson. “I’m trying to reach the max, this is something that I don’t want to just do for Greensboro, but for the world.” As Valentine’s Day is next week, Dawson and her staff have been incredibly busy ﬁlling orders of her treats that do not just include cupcakes. She also makes cakes, cookies, browines, and

hotlist

theSCENE

Feb. 9 to 16th The A&T Register’s guide to what’s going on this week in arts and entertainment.

ON SCREEN

PHOTO BY KELCIE MCCRAE •THE A&T REGISTER

NEVER SAY NEVER starring teen pop idol Justin Bieber comes out on Friday. Bieber toplines his own biographical film, which reinacts his rise to stardom alongside real-life concert footage in this 3D Paramount Pictures production.

CAK’N AND BAK’N A&T alumna Charlynn Dawson will have an assortment of diﬀerent Valentine’s Day treats for you and your loved one this Valentine’s Day in the Union.

other sweets. For the 21 and older crowd, she even offers alcoholic cupcakes ranging from the use of Ciroc to Patron. On Feb. 14 if you want to

buy your valentine something new, or you just want to satisfy your own sweet tooth, check out Dawson and her staff as they set up in the Union to sell their Valentine’s

Day treats. For all other orders do not hesitate to view her website www.caknandbakn.com.

-J.V.

BE SCENE

Contributor’s Meetings every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in GCB 328 A

ON SHELVES

Dinner and Movie Outfit It’s the month of love, candy, and sweet nothings; Valentine’s Day is approaching! This day is usually spent with loved ones, whether it’s a crush, a boyfriend/girlfriend, or friends and family. No matter who is around it important to dress to impress for this day, especially since the 14th is supposed to be a little bit more special. There is no telling what the plans are for the day, so I have a few fashion suggestions for each possible scenario for both the lady and the gent. This may be a simple date, but make this simple date a little more special. Ladies: You want to be ﬂirty and sexy but comfortable and natural, (ALWAYS MAKE IT LOOK NATURAL). Gents: You want to be comfortable, chill but make it look like u put in some effort to look nice. -Ashley Vaughn

FOR COLORED GIRLS starring Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine and Tessa Thompson is out on DVD. For Colored Girls brings to the screen Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award-winning play, a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world. - J.V.

A cream color with black stripes bow blouse from TopShop.com. This bow detailed blouse is priced at $38 on the website.

This four button canvas sweater from Banana Republic prices around $89.50.

Ladies

-A.V.

ON CAMPUS SHADE presented by the Sophomore Class Executive Board takes place tonight in Exhibit Hall. This event will be an discussion on the various issue deriving from the division of skin complexion in the African American community.

Every mall has an Aldo Shoes in it and for Valentine’s Day, gents get the Korpela style for $70.

Forget Charlotte Rousee, go to Nordstrom and get these Steve Madden “Caryssa Pump” for $89.95.

-A.V.

- J.V.

Leggings are a ladies best friend. You can go to Nordstrom at your local mall or to Nordstrom.com to get J Brand Leggings Stretch Jeans. These leggings cost around $139.

Gents

Levi’s happen to be the new trend for men as far as pants. 501 Original Jeans-Polished Black from Levi.com cost around $59.50. -A.V.

-A.V.

QUESTIONS

1. Did you hear about our new head football coach? 2. Did you know he used to be an asst. coach at UNC, University of Florida and East Carolina University? 3. With so many coaching changes over the last few seasons, doesn’t feel like the football program is under contract with Verizon Wireless? 4. You know, renew every two years? 5. Do you think Big Ben had two duffel bags full of cash waiting in his trunk after the Super Bowl? 6. Did you see him keep the game under the spread? 7. Did you like the commercials? 8. Was Will.I.Am wearing a clear plastic mold in his hair, on his hair? 9. Can Fergie sing to you? 10. With all the lights in their costumes, did the Black Eye Peas’ halftime performance remind you of the opening ceremonies at the Olympics? 11. Did you know the most dangerous place to walk and play on your phone is in front of the cafe? 12. With the doors that swing out? 13. Did you know there are people who post up at those doors to open them in people’s faces? 14. Did their mommas put a little bit of doche bag in their baby bottles? 15. Have you noticed everyone wearing the A&T Alumni sweatpants? 16. Shouldn’t you graduate before you wear them? 17. Isn’t that like showing up to an interest meeting with the letters you hope to wear, on? 18. Why are the bathrooms in Hodgin’s Hall equipped with kindergarten-sized toilets? 19. Were people that much shorter back when Hodgins was built? 20. Are you going to be the newest member of Not Coming Back To School This August Fraternity, Inc?

ON CAMPUS UNCF HBCU EMPOWER ME TOUR brought to NCAT by the Student University Activities Board takes place February 12. This seminar is to give college students instruction, guidance, and empowerment in academics, focusing on your future goals and etiquette. Hosted by Tatyanna Ali with special guests Malik Yoba, and Craig Stokes and Kim Coles. - J.V.