Issue 26, April 7, 2010 by The A&T Register

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STANDING FOuR STRONG These four students are walking to from Florida to Washington, D.C. for reform.

Walking on the “Trail of Dreams” to fight for reform DExTER R. MuLLINS & STACIE BAILEY The A&T Register

Photo by KENNETH HAWKINS • The A&T RegisTeR

The T.O.T.A.L. Experience

OuT WITH THE OLD As the Jasmin era comes to an end, the Kimball Adminstration prepares to take the helm of student government.

The Kimball Administration comes in with plans to lead campus DExTER R. MuLLINS Editor In Chief

At midnight April 23rd, following the final Board of Trustees meeting of the academic year, Student Government Association PresidentElect Wayne Kimball Jr. will officially take office for the 2010-2011 term. Kimball defeated Darrick Pettiford last Wednesday. The Roanoke Rapids native campaigned about boost-

ing campus unity and campus moral through a platform he calls the T.O.T.A.L. (The Only True Aggie Life) Experience, under which the TOTAL Timeline, Decisions Delivered, and the Talented Tenth Takeover. “This is definitely something that I’m very excited about,” said Kimball, a junior civil and biological engineering major. “When I came in as a freshman I looked at the position of SGA President as something I wanted to do – not

for the name, not for the position, not for the perks – but because I do feel like I’m a leader and I can help move the campus forward.” Helping the SGA presidentelect move the campus forward will be his newly elected executive board consisting of Raymond Beamon as VicePresident of Internal Affairs, Christian Robinson as VicePresident of External Affairs, Christina Garrett as Treasurer, Janae Brown as Secretary,

Todd Porter as Mr. A&T, and Carla Saunders as Miss A&T. Saunders, a junior agricultural education major, found herself on the ballot two Wednesdays in a row before defeating Tiffany Flood in a run-off election on March 31st. “The campaign was very exciting because I had an opportunity to meet a lot of students I didn’t know and expand upon the relationships I already had with some students

Four immigrants students from Florida began walking on January 1 on a trip to Washington D.C. in hopes of improving and changing the conditions of undocumented students and immigrants. Felipe, Gabby, Juan and Carlos are four students who are on a mission for change. Their goal is to give undocumented students a voice in the discussion of immigration reform, and to force people to listen to their story. Along their journey, they have encountered the Klu Klux Klan, and have confronted local authorities about the hate crimes taking place in different communities that are not being reported our acted upon. Everyday, they walk an average of 15 miles, pressing forward despite the risk they face

 See ELECTIONS on Page 2

daily of arrest and deportation. During their stop in Greensboro, they visited A&T ‘s own A&T Four statue as they recalled the Four who created change with just four students just as they are doing now. “Greensboro is a historic city,” Carlos said. “We are standing up and fighting for our rights; the struggle is not over.” They plan to reach D.C. on May 1 in order to get the attention of President Barack Obama and encourage him to make changed instead of waiting on Congress to take action. Gabby, who is the only female walking with the group, began the organization with Felipe, Carlos and Juan joining a year or so after. “I think it’s a great responsibility not just because I’m a woman but because women carry history,” she said. “In our  See DREAMS on Page 2

battle to serve as interim president of Southern Connecticut Just 517 miles north of 1601 East Market Street, people from Greensboro may find a familiar face. Former North Carolina A&T chancellor and current sociology professor Stanley F. Battle will be leaving Greensboro to serve as interim president of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) effective May 31.

Battle left the helm of A&T at the end of 2009, citing “family and personal reasons” for his early departure. At the time, he was granted his full chancellor’s salary of $273,156 and went on paid research leave from the end of May until the beginning of the spring 2010 semester. From there he assumed a full-time tenured teaching position in the sociology department at an adjusted professors salary. Battle is now set to make

around $280,200 for the year in his new position, according Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Bernard Kavaler, or $362,733 based on information from the Connecticut Secretary of State website. Assistant Kavaler said that there hasn’t been any discussion as to his being the permanent president of SCSU, as that question hasn’t been posed, but Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr. says it is a possibility. “I am not sure of Dr. Battle’s

plans for the future, but I would imagine that he may have an interest in the position in the long term,” Martin said. Like many people on campus, Martin did not know about Battle’s appointment until recently. Connecticut State University (CSUS) System Chancellor David G. Carter, Sr. made the appointment after his controversial decision to remove current SCSU President Cheryl J. Norton, the first female presi-

dent in the 114-year history of CSU. After Carter was granted the power to remove a president “without cause or explanation” with the concurrence of the chairman of the board of trustees in the fall, many faculty and community members feel that Norton was forced out. “Dr. Carter was interested in someone who had served as a university president previous-

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Keep up with breaking news on our Web site. Slideshows, videos and more are available online.

Local African American Attorney Ken Lewis stops by The A&T Register ofﬁce to talk with Carlton Brown about his campaign.

Editor in Chief Dexter R. Mullins talks about a trend that is beoming far too popular these days.

The E. Gwynn Dancers will be performing their dance concert this Friday.

PAGe 2

The Lady Aggies dominated S.C. State 3-0 in their season ﬁnale sending their seniors off in impressive fashion.

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DExTER R. MuLLINS Editor In Chief

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 See BATTLE on Page 2

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, April 7, 2010

DREAMS From page 1 wombs, we decide what children may be in the future of tomorrow.” According to Carlos, undocumented immigrants can not legally drive or pursue higher education, which is something that all four of them wish to one day pursue. “All we want to do is contribute to society,” Felipe said. “Carlos wants to be an architect so he can build better structures for and I want to be a high school teacher.” Their next stop was in Cary, NC where there is a secret detention center where immigrants are kept before being deported. “The stories we hear everyday and the people we encounter and get to talk to, that’s what fuels us and empowers us to keep going,” Gabby said. They may only be four students trying to make a difference, but A&T students should all know well the difference just four people can make. And they aren’t just any four students. Felipe is ranked one of the top 20 community college students in the United States. In addition to his educational excellence, Felipe also found time to serve his peers as student government president of Miami Dade College. Felipe has been accepted by many top colleges, but he is barred from getting financial aid. He is currently studying economics in community college, but still hopes that one day he will be able to teach young people, because he believes education is the key to pulling people out of poverty. Gaby was declared a “gifted student” at a very young age and has since excelled at all levels of school. In the process of securing three education degrees at Miami Dade College, she has realized what she wants

to do with her many talents and education: use music therapy as a communication tool to teach autistic children and adults. Carlos was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country: joining the military in a time of war. But like many other undocumented students, Carlos could not realize this or any other dream – a college education, a job as an architect – because of his immigration status. Carlos was brought to the United States by his family when he was only 2 years old. Like many young people in Florida, the home of NASA, Juan grew up dreaming of becoming an aerospace engineer. His family brought him to the U.S. on a tourist visa from Colombia when he was 6 in response to threats to their safety in their homeland. Juan was a top student in school, but got discouraged when he realized that no matter how good his grades were or how many hours of community service he did, he could never realize his dream. Last year, Juan’s step-mother helped him to finally become a U.S. resident. As the only walker that has legal residence and as a formerly undocumented student, he feels a special responsibility to help people understand both the challenges and the opportunities facing students like him. His new dream is to earn a degree in sociology from the University of Chicago so he can go to work improving communities and helping people directly. You can follow and support this group through their website as well as text the word TRAIL (30644) to support their cause. Editor’s note: Information for this story was contributed by trail2010.org. For any more additional information, you may find it at the url above.

Battle to leave his teaching at A&T, headed to Southern Connecticut BATTLE From page 1 ly,” said Kavaler. “The executive committee has already approved the Chancellors decision, and the Board of Trustees will meet on Thursday and vote to confirm the Chancellors decision, but the vote is more of a formality.” “I first learned that Dr. Battle was being appointed the Interim President of Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday, April 3rd, when a colleague sent me a copy of the newspaper announcement,” he said. “I think it is a great opportunity for Dr. Battle, especially to serve an institution he knows well. I am happy for him.” University of North Carolina Vice President for Com-

ELECTIONS From page 1 by having them help me fulfill the vision I have for the university,” said Saunders. “Aggie Pride isn’t the same as it was in 1960. We aren’t going through the same trails and tribulations. However, we still need Aggie Pride, but we don’t have anything to really bring it together. With unity and mentorship people will feel like they have more of a purpose. Receiving mentorship and giving mentorship gives you purpose, which will also, ultimately, give us the Aggie Pride that the campus needs.” Although relatively smooth

munications Joni Worthington said that while there is no uniform system, it isn’t uncommon for this kind of thing to happen. “It will vary from university to university across the country. Some presidents, or chancellors would have a term contracts. In North Carolina they do not. They serve at the pleasure of the Board of Governors and at the President,” Worthington said. “All of our Chancellors are atwill employees at the University in the position of Chancellor, and according to the code of the University, the BOG is the body that has the authority to remove a Chancellor. They can act on the recommendation of the President, or on their own.” Martin said that in situations like these, there is normally a very clear reason for any sysin comparison to last year’s presidential situation, the elections did not come without a level of controversy. Beamon’s incumbent opponent, Valerie Dudley, was originally re-elected to her position of VPIA before being disqualified. “It definitely was a different situation,” said Beamon, a junior physical education major. “I technically lost, but my opponent got disqualified, so I replaced her for the position. I’m ready to work.” According to Porter, the newly-elected Mr. A&T, most of his work will be focused on elevating the standards by which black males on this

tem leader to dismiss a campus chancellor or president. “The President would typically engage in discussions with the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for an institution and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors before removing a chancellor. In such cases, there would normally be a reason for a chancellor’s removal, e.g., lack of performance, unethical behavior, etc.” This will be the third time Battle has served in the capacity of president or chancellor in just seven years. Editor’s note: Numerous phone calls to Battle were not returned, and he was not in his office at several points throughout the day to comment on this story. campus are both perceived and judged. “Being an African-American male is already hard,” said Porter. “We have to do what a Caucasian male has to do times two. My responsibility will be to serve as that example for the males on-campus.” Robinson, the VPEA-elect, plans to focus his attention beyond the campus. “I plan to strengthen the A&T relationship with the community and other colleges and universities,” said Robinson. “VPEA’s in the past have focused on homecoming. I plan to do homecoming to and do a good job at that, but also just more campus outreach.”

inFOCUS

11:45 am Bluford Library Parking LotHit and Run Further Investigation 8:02 pm Bluford Library- Personal Injury Case Closed April 1 12:00 pm Aggie Suites E- Assault, Larceny, Vandalism Further Investigation April 2

Wednesday

Probates

Corbett Gymnasium 6 p.m. -8 p.m.

Fafsa Day

General Classroom Building Room A213 4:30 p.m.

E. Gywnn Dance Concert

Harrison 5 p.m.

Hidden Messages in Hip-Hop

Marteena room 310 7p.m.

thursday

8 Black Enterprise Etiquette

Williams Cafeteria 7:00 p.m.

The Movement (A&T Edition)

Holland Bowl Plaza 5 p.m.

Friday

9 Aggie Guitarist Jam Session

theBLOTTER March 31

events

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Marteena Hall Room 216 5 p.m.

11:55 pm Reagan St.- Drug Violation Case Closed with Arrest

Saturday

April 3

12:40 am Noble Hall PVA- Larceny Motor Vehicle Further Investigation 1:45 am East Market St.- DWI Case Closed with Arrest

Softball Game vs WSSU

Aggie Stadium Softball Field 9:00 a.m.

8:25 pm Barbee Hall- Larceny Case Closed

Blue & White Dove Ball

Exhibit Hall 7:00 p.m.

April 4

2:25 am Bluford St./ Nocho St.- DWI, Vandalism Case Closed with Arrest

12:00 am McConnell Rd./ Franklin Blvd.- Hit and Run Inactive

3:10 am Summit Ave- Off Campus Shooting Further Investigation

8:47 pm Obermeyer Parking Lot-w Arson Further Investigation

monday

12 College All-Star Poetry Slam

Harrison Auditorium 7 p.m.

If you ever see anything suspicious or need assistance call Campus Police

Tuesday

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And -1 Basketball Game

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Etiquette Dinner

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WANT YOUR EVENTS HERE? Photo by Dexter Mullins • The A&T REgister

one step at a time Three of the four students walking from Florida to Washington, D.C. share a hug in front of the A&T Four Statue.

editor in chief: Dexter R. Mullins Managing editor: Malcolm S. Eustache news editor: Jasmine Johnson opinions editor:Kelcie McCrae sports editor: Daniel Henderson ASSISTANT Sports editor: Lauren Morgan scene editor: LaPorsha Lowry copy desk chief: Anjan Basu Copy Editor: Ashley Reid, Chad Roberts photo editor: Kenneth Hawkins staff photographers: Michaela Edwards, Shanté Mathes

editorial cartoonist: Evan Summerville ncatregister.com: Stacie Bailey, (Online Editor) Graphic artist:Cameron Z. Simmons senior reporter: Marcus Thompson reporters: Johnathan Veal, Alessandra Brown, LaRia Land, Sylvia Obell, Ricardo Lawson, Monterius Smith, Kelcie McCrae, Whitney Mack-Obi, Jiril Clemons, Prince Askew PR Director: Kenny Flowers business manager: Jamia Harrison business staff: Carlton Brown faculty adviser: Emily Harris

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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, April 7, 2010

Local Attorney to run for U.S. Senate CARLTON BROWN

programs that can help students from all backgrounds prepare for the real world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to be more innovative in the way we teach kids. Watching them from the crib, to career, and beyond,â&#x20AC;? says Lewis. Focusing on lowering the cost of higher education is a high priority for Lewis for he feels that making things more affordable for the everyday student and their families are vital, and will lead the economy in the right direction. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Were going to have to reduce the cost of higher education, I think a percentage of ďŹ nancial aid packages, should be grants not loans,â&#x20AC;? says Lewis. One platform in particular Lewis wants to address is the changing trends in education, understanding the new ways students are learning and implementing new programs to inform them are key. Helping teachers but making them accountable for low test scores are all ways Lewis feels can create progress. Lewisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overall agenda is to create jobs in industries that are growing such as alternative energy, ďŹ nancial services, as well as manufacturing. He hopes to represent the longterm common interests of the people, promoting more transparency, and reduce the role of ďŹ nancing in regards to politics.

Business Manager

With so many new faces in politics skeptics are becoming rather intrigued by Kenneth Lewis, the prestigious attorney from Durham, NC whose innovative platforms and refreshing ideas could turn things around. Lewis, who graduated from both Duke University and Harvard Law School, emphasizes the importance of job creation and helping communities revitalize themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jobs are the most important issue putting people to work doing the things we need are key,â&#x20AC;? said Lewis. Lewis who has spent over 20 years as a business and ďŹ nance lawyer wants everyone to know that he plans on working for the people, and understands the power of reaching out to those who rarely get heard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a big fan of doing two things at once,â&#x20AC;? said Lewis. Being the grandson of a slave and leaving a comfortable seat at a lofty law ďŹ rm, Lewis has predominately spent the majority of his career helping entrepreneurs create job growth, community development, and has served on the Board of Directors of The Center for Community Self Help. Lewisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans on addressing education retention as well as implement new and refreshing

OFF THE YARD

University of California leaders make strides towards higher diversity on campus LARRY GORDON

Los Angeles Times (MCT)

SAN FRANCISCO _ University of California leaders on Wednesday apologized to black students at the University of California, San Diego for recent racial incidents at the campus and proposed changes in admissions policies aimed at boosting enrollment of minorities across the system. UC President Mark G. Yudof and other UC regents acknowledged that the UC San Diego ep-

isodes, including an off-campus student party that mocked Black History Month, has brought attention to the low enrollment of black students on the campus. About 1.6 percent of UC San Diego undergraduates are black, among the lowest ďŹ gures for any University of California campus. The UC leaders promised to help create campus environments in which minority students feel more comfortable. Speaking during a regents meeting at the University of California, San Francisco, Yudof said he wanted all UC cam-

puses to adopt an admissions process known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;holisticâ&#x20AC;? review, in which applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; test scores and high school grades are considered in the context of their life experiences and personal accomplishments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want a system that is less mechanical and takes a serious look at a range of talents and skills and history, and takes into account poverty,â&#x20AC;? Yudof said. Holistic review is permitted at the university, but Yudof said he would like it to be required at all nine UC undergraduate campuses. The University of California,

Los Angeles and the University of California, Berkeley now use the approach most extensively, while others, including UC San Diego, rely on a more rigid formula that allows less consideration of personal accomplishments and, Yudof said, may unfairly reject otherwise academically eligible low-income and minority students. Such a change would need approval by the system-wide faculty senate, something that will be under discussion within a few months, ofďŹ cials said.

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Mine explosion claims 25 lives Associated Press MONTCOAL, W.Va. (AP) — A huge underground explosion blamed on methane gas killed 25 miners in the worst U.S. coal mining disaster since 1984, and rescuers on Tuesday began a dangerous and possibly futile attempt to rescue four others still missing. Crews were bulldozing an access road so they could drill 1,000 feet into the earth to release gases and make it safe to try to find the missing miners. They were feared dead after the Monday afternoon blast at a mine with a history of violations for not properly ventilating highly combustible methane. Rescuers were being held back by poison gases that accumulated near the blast site, about 1.5 miles from the entrance to Massey Energy Co.’s sprawling Upper Big Branch mine. They had to create an access road above it before they could begin drilling four shafts to release methane and carbon monoxide. Gov. Joe Manchin said at a news briefing Tuesday that it could be Wednesday night before the first hole is drilled, but rescuers had to try. “I don’t want to give anybody any false hope, but by golly if I’m on that side of the table and that’s my father or my brother or my uncle or my cousins, I’m going to have hope,” he said. It had already been a long day for grieving relatives, some angry because they learned their loved ones were among the dead from government officials, not from Massey Energy executives. “They’re supposed to be a big company,” said Michelle McKinney, who found out from a local official at a nearby school

that her 62-year-old father, Benny R. Willingham, died in the blast. He was due to retire in five weeks after 30 years mining, 17 with Massey. “These guys, they took a chance every day to work and make them big. And they couldn’t even call us.” Manchin said a Massey official apologized to family members Tuesday morning in response to complaints that they were not notified of the deaths. U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W. Va., who talked with a widow of a miner who had not heard from the company Monday evening, took a harsher stance at a press briefing. “I think it’s overdue,” he said. “I think this contact is needed.” Three members of the same family were among the dead. Diana Davis said her husband, Timmy Davis, 51, died in the explosion along with his nephews, Josh Napper, 27, and Cory Davis, 20. The elder Davis’ son, Timmy Davis Jr., said his brother, Cody Davis, and an uncle, Tommy Davis, survived the blast. His brother was taking it particularly hard because he and their father were best friends. Timmy Davis Jr. described his dad as passionate about the outdoors and the mines. “He loved to work underground,” the younger Davis said. “He loved that place.” President Barack Obama offered his condolences at an Easter prayer breakfast in Washington on Tuesday and said the federal government is ready to assist with whatever the state needs. He also asked the audience to pray for those still in the mine. Kevin Stricklin, an administrator for the federal Mine Safety and Health Administra-

tion, said the situation looked grim for the missing miners. “All we have left is hope, and we’re going to continue to do what we can,” he said. Officials hoped the four were able to reach airtight chambers stocked with food, water and enough oxygen for them to live for four days, but rescue teams checked one of two such chambers nearby and it was empty. The buildup of gases prevented teams from reaching other chambers. A total of 31 miners were in the area during a shift change when the explosion rocked the mine, about 30 miles south of Charleston. “Before you knew it, it was just like your ears stopped up, you couldn’t hear and the next thing you know, it’s just like you’re just right in the middle of a tornado,” miner Steve Smith, who heard the explosion but was able to escape, told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Massey Chief Executive Officer Don Blankenship told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday that a carbon monoxide warning was the first sign of trouble. Mine crews were checking on the alarm when they discovered an explosion had occurred deep inside the mine. “I don’t know that we know what happened,” he said. Some of those killed may have died in the blast and others when they breathed in the gas-filled air, Stricklin said. Eleven bodies had been recovered and identified, but the other 14 have not. Names weren’t released. Manchin said investigators still don’t know what ignited the blast, but methane likely played a part. The death toll is the highest in

a U.S. mine since 1984, when 27 died in a ﬁre at Emery Mining Corp.’s mine in Orangeville, Utah. If the four missing bring the total to 29, it would be the most killed in a U.S. coal mine since a 1970 explosion killed 38 at Finley Coal Co., in Hyden, Ky. “There’s always danger. There’s so many ways you can get hurt, or your life taken,” said Gary Williams, a miner and pastor of New Life Assembly, a church near the southern West Virginia mine. Though the situation looked bleak, Manchin said miracles can happen and pointed to the 2006 Sago Mine explosion that killed 12. Crews found miner Randal McCloy Jr. alive after he was trapped for more than 40 hours in an atmosphere poisoned with carbon monoxide. In Monday’s blast, nine miners were leaving on a vehicle that takes them in and out of the mine’s long shaft when a crew ahead of them felt a blast of air and went back to investigate, Stricklin said. They found seven workers dead. Others were hurt or missing. Massey Energy, a publicly traded company based in Richmond, Va., has 2.2 billion tons of coal reserves in southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southwest Virginia and Tennessee. It ranks among the nation’s

top five coal producers and is among the industry’s most profitable. It has a spotty safety record. In the past year, federal inspectors fined the company more than $382,000 for repeated serious violations involving its ventilation plan and equipment at Upper Big Branch.

Nuclear strategy prevents terrorism DESMOND BUTLER & ROBERT BURNS

Associated Press Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Tuesday vowed to constrain the use of the nation’s Cold War-era nuclear arsenal. Obama’s plan, a sharp departure from his predecessor’s policy, is a bid to downplay the threat posed by nations like Russia and China while emphasizing the threat posed by terrorists or states believed to encourage terrorism. “To stop the spread of nuclear weapons, prevent nuclear terrorism, and pursue the day when these weapons do not exist, we will work aggressively to advance every element of our comprehensive agenda — to reduce arsenals, to secure vulnerable nuclear materials, and to strengthen” international agreement, Obama said in a statement. Under the new plan, the U.S.

promises not to use nuclear weapons against countries that don’t have them. The policy would not apply to states like North Korea and Iran, however, because of their refusal to cooperate with the international community on nonproliferation standards. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he welcomes the president’s reafﬁrmation of his commitment toward a nuclearfree world and believes the new Nuclear Posture Review “is a timely initiative in that direction.” Congressional Democrats also hailed the decision, while some Republicans said it could weaken the U.S. defense capability. Rep. Buck McKeon of California, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said the policy change could carry “clear consequences” for security and said he was troubled by “some of the

language and perceived signals imbedded” in the policy. At a Pentagon news conference, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the unprecedented limits being placed on the U.S. nuclear arsenal won’t weaken the nation’s defense and will send a “strong message” to Iran and North Korea to “play by the rules.” “All options are on the table when it comes to countries in that category,” Gates said. Obama has stopped short of saying the U.S. will never be the ﬁrst to launch a nuclear attack, as many arms control advocates want. Gates said the administration decided against limiting the nation’s options further because of the danger still being posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons. “This is obviously a weapon of last resort,” Gates told reporters. But “we also recognize the

real world we continue to live in.” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he “wholly endorses” the plan and believes it includes effective deterrents. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the redrawn policy shores up the U.S. commitment to global nonproliferation efforts, including the Nonproliferation Treaty, under which states without nuclear weapons are supposed to refrain from developing them. She said Washington is reinforcing its commitment to a nonproliferation culture “by stating clearly for the ﬁrst time that the United States will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states” that have signed the treaty and abide by it.

Earthquake causes damages and leaves residents in fear ELLIOT SPAGAT

Associated Press Writer

GUADALUPE VICTORIA, Mexico (AP) — After the ground shook violently, small cracks formed on the rich soil and cement floors. They quickly became big cracks, spouting groundwater. That’s how the Briseno family watched all seven of their homes sink to ruin on a single block, forcing them to sleep in their cars indefinitely. The family has one of the more dramatic tales of loss from the epicenter of Easter Sunday’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Mexico that authorities estimate have destroyed hundreds of homes and left thousands without safe living quarters. Many are afraid to go inside, whether at home or at work. “The earth just opened up, like a pencil goes across a sheet of paper, like a stripe goes across the floor,” said Diona Garcia Briseno, the oldest of five siblings, who lost a home that she shared with her husband and their two children, 18 and 10. Garcia Briseno, 38, saw the ground crack and cough up water as she waited out the quake outside her home. After the shaking, she went inside to find that her cement floor was gurgling muddy water from underground. It lasted about six hours. “It didn’t come out with lots of force, but it was constant,” she said. About 25,000 people in the city of Mexicali and its small surrounding farming towns have not returned home, many out of fear their homes may not be safe, Baja California Civil Protection Chief Alfredo Escobedo said Tuesday. He estimated that 200 to 300 homes were destroyed in the quake, primarily in the farming towns, but authorities do not

have a precise count. Many of those homes — like the Briseno family’s — are filled with mud and water that seeped up from the ground, he said.The death count remained at two: a 94-year-old man and an unidentified transient. Asphalt buckled on streets all around the Briseno family’s tiny farming village of Oaxaca, leaving gaps several feet (meters) wide. Dirt crevices that spouted water can be seen almost everywhere, some dry and some now puddles. Raul Lepe, 45, pointed to a 30-foot (9-meter) -long opening that ran across a dirt lot and spewed “small volcanoes of water” behind his clothing store. The floor of his home suffered cracks, forcing him to sleep in his pickup truck until an inspector visits. No one appears to have suffered as much property loss as the Briseno family, whose ancestors were one of the town’s early settlers. Cruz Briseno arrived in Oaxaca as a young man shortly after the 1910 Mexican Revolution. Raquel Briseno, Cruz’s daughter, divided the family plot on Avenida Emiliano Zapata, giving a piece each to four children, keeping one for herself and leaving two for her brothers. The small, cinderblock homes on the dirt road are tightly spaced. Farming has always driven the economy. The men in the Briseno family support their households by working six days a week for the equivalent of about $65 in a region where onions, radishes, asparagus and cucumbers are grown. Residents of neighboring Guadalupe Victoria, the closest town to the epicenter, are accustomed to earthquakes but nothing prepared them for Sunday’s jolt. Some people aren’t sure if they’ll ever feel safe again.

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Apple sells more than 300,000 iPads on first day JESSICA MINTZ

Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP) — Apple Inc. said Monday that it delivered more than 300,000 iPads on its opening day, meeting expectations of some analysts while underscoring the challenges the company still faces marketing the device beyond early adopters. The total seemed modest given the weeks of hype about the revolutionary nature of Apple’s new touch-screen tablet device. Furthermore, the figures included pre-orders that were picked up or delivered Saturday and iPads sent to retail stores such as Best Buy but not necessarily purchased. Apple did not say how many went to such stores. Assuming most of the 300,000 iPads ended up in the hands of consumers Saturday,

though, the figure is in line with the number of iPhones that Apple sold when the smart phone made its debut in June 2007. Apple didn’t publicize firstday sales at the time, but later earnings reports indicated the company sold about 270,000 iPhones during the first two days the gadget was available. Apple sold 1.1 million more iPhones over the next three months. The volume has only increased as Apple has released new versions of the phone in a growing number of countries and software developers have created add-on programs, or “apps,” that do everything from online banking to mapping bike rides using GPS. In the most recent quarter, Apple sold 8.7 million iPhones. Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu wrote in a note to investors

Monday that he believes a similar pattern will unfold for the iPad. “When the iPhone was first launched, it was also somewhat of a disappointment,” Wu wrote. “But as the iPhone got more refined, with more apps, better software, not to mention better prices,” then sales picked up. Wu had estimated the iPad’s sales at 250,000 to 300,000 for the weekend. In the research note, the analyst wrote that manufacturers said Apple was telling them to get ready to ship 10 million iPads in the first 12 months, twice as many as previously expected. With the iPad in its early days, the iPhone will continue as Apple’s star product this year, Broadpoint Amtech analyst Brian Marshall said in a note to investors Monday. Marshall

had predicted Apple would sell 525,000 iPads over the Easter weekend, despite some stores being closed for the holiday. The iPad is “off to a fantastic start,” he wrote, but he still expects iPhone sales to top $20 billion this year, eight times his forecast of $2.5 billion for the iPad. The same hoopla that drew eager shoppers to long lines outside of Apple stores swept away a few analysts, too. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster published a research note early Monday boosting his initial forecast for first-day sales to 600,000 to 700,000 — only to quickly follow with a second note admitting he’d jumped the gun. “We were overly optimistic,” he wrote. Munster’s original forecast was for 200,000

to 300,000 iPads to be sold on Saturday. However, Munster wrote that he still expects Apple to sell 1.3 million iPads in the current quarter. Apple devotees were willing to queue up across the country to be among the first to own an iPad, even if they weren’t exactly sure what they’d end up using it for. The models currently on sale connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi; prices start at $499. A second wave of buyers may emerge when Apple starts selling versions that can also get online using cellular networks; those models start at $629. Once the early excitement settles, Apple needs to convince a broader swath of people to buy if it wants the iPad to follow the iPhone’s successful trajectory.

Many companies have tried to sell tablet computers before, but none has caught on with mainstream consumers. Apple’s iPad comes at a time when people have even more Internet-connected gadgets — smart phones, laptops, e-book readers, set-top boxes and home broadband connections — and it may need to work harder to persuade people to buy yet another device that serves many of the same purposes. Apple also said Monday that new iPad owners downloaded more than a million applications and more than 250,000 electronic books from its iTunes store on Saturday. Shares of Apple, which is based in Cupertino, Calif., rose $2.52 to close at $238.49 Monday.

FCC loses ruling on Internet ‘neutrality’ RNC official steps down amid criticism JOELLE TESSLER

AP Technology Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court threw the future of Internet regulations into doubt Tuesday with a far-reaching decision that went against the Federal Communications Commission and could even hamper the government’s plans to expand broadband access in the United States. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the FCC lacks authority to require broadband providers to give equal treatment to all Internet traffic flowing over their networks. That was a big victory for Comcast Corp., the nation’s largest cable company, which had challenged the FCC’s authority to impose such “network neutrality” obligations on broadband providers. Supporters of network neutrality, including the FCC chairman, have argued that the policy is necessary to prevent broadband providers from favoring or discriminating against certain Web sites and online services, such as Internet phone programs or software that runs in a Web browser. Advocates contend there is precedent: Nondiscrimination rules have traditionally applied to so-called “common carrier” networks that serve the public, from roads and highways to electrical grids and telephone lines. But broadband providers such as Comcast, AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. argue that after spending billions of dollars on their networks, they should be able to sell premium services and manage their systems to prevent certain applications from hogging capacity. Tuesday’s unanimous ruling by the three-judge panel was a setback for the FCC because it questioned the agency’s authority to regulate broadband. That could cause problems beyond the FCC’s effort to adopt official net neutrality regulations. It also has serious implications for the ambitious national broadbandexpansion plan released by the FCC last month. The FCC needs the authority to regulate broadband so that it can push ahead with some of the plan’s key recommendations. Among

other things, the FCC proposes to expand broadband by tapping the federal fund that subsidizes telephone service in poor and rural communities. In a statement, the FCC said it remains “firmly committed to promoting an open Internet and to policies that will bring the enormous benefits of broadband to all Americans” and “will rest these policies ... on a solid legal foundation.” Comcast welcomed the decision, saying “our primary goal was always to clear our name and reputation.” The case centers on Comcast’s actions in 2007 when it interfered with an online filesharing service called BitTorrent, which lets people swap movies and other big files over the Internet. The next year the FCC banned Comcast from blocking subscribers from using BitTorrent. The commission, at the time headed by Republican Kevin Martin, based its order on a set of net neutrality principles it had adopted in 2005. But Comcast argued that the FCC order was illegal because the agency was seeking to enforce mere policy principles, which don’t have the force of regulations or law. That’s one reason that Martin’s successor, Democratic FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, is trying to formalize those rules. The cable company had also argued the FCC lacks authority to mandate net neutrality because it had deregulated broadband under the Bush administration, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court in 2005. The FCC now defines broadband as a lightly regulated information service. That means it is not subject to the “common carrier” obligations that make traditional telecommunications services share their networks with competitors and treat all traffic equally. But the FCC maintains that existing law gives it authority to set rules for information services. Tuesday’s court decision rejected that reasoning, concluding that Congress has not given the FCC “untrammeled freedom” to regulate without explicit legal authority. With so much at stake, the FCC now has several options. It could ask Congress to give

it explicit authority to regulate broadband. Or it could appeal Tuesday’s decision. But both of those steps could take too long because the agency “has too many important things theyhave to do right away,” said Ben Scott, policy director for the public interest group Free Press. Free Press was among the groups that alerted the FCC after The Associated Press ran tests and reported that Comcast was interfering with attempts by some subscribers to share files online. Scott believes that the likeliest step by the FCC is that it will simply reclassify broadband as a more heavily regulated telecommunications service. That, ironically, could be the worstcase outcome from the perspective of the phone and cable companies. “Comcast swung an ax at the FCC to protest the BitTorrent order,” Scott said. “And they sliced right through the FCC’s arm and plunged the ax into their own back.” The battle over the FCC’s legal jurisdiction comes amid a larger policy dispute over the merits of net neutrality. Backed by Internet companies such as Google Inc. and the online calling service Skype, the FCC says rules are needed to prevent phone and cable companies from prioritizing some traffic or degrading or services that compete with their core businesses. Indeed, BitTorrent can be used to transfer large files such as online video, which could threaten Comcast’s cable TV business. But broadband providers point to the fact that applications such as BitTorrent use an outsized amount of network capacity. For its part, the FCC offered no details on its next step, but stressed that it remains committed to the principle of net neutrality. “Today’s court decision invalidated the prior commission’s approach to preserving an open Internet,” the agency’s statement said. “But the court in no way disagreed with the importance of preserving a free and open Internet; nor did it close the door to other methods for achieving this important end.”

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PHILIP ELLIOTT AP Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid unrelenting criticism of how the Republican National Committee has spent donors’ dollars, Chairman Michael Steele on Monday accepted the resignation of his chief of staff and allowed one of his senior advisers to leave as he tried to reassure GOP donors upset about his leadership. The turnover hinted at future changes that some top Republicans hoped would include the chairman himself. “The goal driving this decision has been your ability to do what you do best — going on offense with message, raising money, building relationships with key coalitions, getting out the vote, grooming new donors, and crushing Democrats in November,” Steele said in a statement. “Every minute spent on distractions is an unacceptable missed opportunity to do what you do best — taking back our country for the American people.” The resignation of RNC chief of staff Ken McKay made him the highest-profile official to depart the central committee after the revelation that the committee had picked up a nearly $2,000 tab at a sexthemed California night club. The incident proved embarrassing and a midlevel staffer was dismissed, a move that was not enough to assuage social conservatives urging a fundraising boycott. Steele’s internal memo said he and his staff had “the responsibility to assure our donors, volunteers and voters that it’s nothing but our core mission which drives every dollar we spend, every phone call we make, every e-mail we send and every event we organize. Recent events have called that into question. The buck stops with me. That is why I have made this change in management.” Steele had insisted earlier Monday that he would not resign and defended his stewardship of party affairs. He dismissed criticism — some of it has centered on spending on flights, limousines and highdollar hotels — as the talk of GOP figures uncomfortable with his “streetwise” managerial style. Asked in a nationally broadcast interview if he would step down in the face of criticism of the party’s financial man-

agement, Steele replied, “No.” He said some people had been second-guessing him “since the day that I got the job.” That confidence was not extended to McKay. As the chief of staff, he ran day-to-day operations at RNC headquarters and was the top aide to a chairman who found few defenders. McKay’s resignation also prompted one of Steele’s top advisers, Curt Anderson, to leave the committee’s circle of consultants. “Ken McKay’s departure is a huge loss for the Republican Party. Ken steered the party through very successful elections last fall that have given us tremendous momentum. He’s a great talent,” Anderson said in a statement. “Given our firm’s commitments to campaigns all over the country, we have concluded it is best for us to step away from our advisory role at the RNC. We have high personal regard for the chairman and always have; we wish him well,” he said. Anderson may have seen his ties to Steele and the RNC as a liability for his business. Any of his clients could be tied to sex-themed clubs if Anderson remained linked with Steele. Anderson helped recruit McKay to the RNC from the staff of Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri, where he previously served as his chief of staff and campaign manager. It wasn’t clear if McKay, a wellrespected operative, resigned voluntarily or was forced from his post, one of the most powerful in a party in the minority in both the House and the Senate. Steele replaced McKay with Mike Leavitt, who joined the RNC as deputy chief of staff two months ago. He ran Steele’s losing Senate campaign in 2006 and is close to the chairman. He also helped Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell win election last year. Steele has faced mounting criticism and pressure. Two top congressional Republicans said Sunday the RNC must be held accountable for the way it uses the money it raises in light of much-criticized Hollywood outing. “This kind of thing has got to stop or they won’t get any contributions,” said Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate. Kyl and Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, who is lead-

ing the GOP effort to recruit candidates and elect House members, distanced themselves from Steele when discussing the committee’s controversial spending. Steele was not present at the Voyeur Hollywood West on Jan. 31 when a group of young Republicans ran a tab picked up by the RNC. After reporters noted the bill in a funding report, the RNC fired a staffer it blamed for the outing and said it would be reimbursed by a donor who had attended. Asked on “Fox News Sunday” if Steele should step down, Kyl demurred but said, “The people that contribute to the committees, both Democrat and Republican, want to know that their money is well spent for the cause, and it needs to be that way.” Appearing Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Steele said he had a budget with $8 million left after the 2009 elections, contests which saw the GOP score victories in gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia and in a special Senate race in Massachusetts. “I hear our base out there,” Steele said. “I hear the leadership, and we’re taking steps to make sure that we’re even more, how shall we say, fiscally conservative.” But he also attributed his problem to “unnamed Republicans who don’t like me.” Even as Steele and the national committee are being criticized for lavish spending habits, Steele has hired a special finance assistant who himself was fined by the District of Columbia three years ago for improperly spending money from a political action committee, according to published reports. The special assistant, Neil Alpert, will help with fundraising, The Washington Post reported Monday. The Post, and a report Sunday by AOL’s Politics Daily, said that in 2007, the District’s Office of Campaign Finance found that Alpert improperly spent $37,670 on items not authorized by the D.C. Baseball PAC, which he chaired, or the D.C. Baseball Association, a nonprofit group the PAC created to raise money for youth programs. Alpert was asked to reimburse the groups, which were later dissolved after Major League Baseball authorized a Washington franchise. He was fined $4,000.

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Seriously, what in the Pan-Hell? Disclaimer: This is not an attack on the greek system or greek letter organizations on this campus. Quite the opposite, I would actually like to take this moment to congratulate everyone who was (and will be this evening) initiated into his or her respective organizations. That being said, I do have something I would like to say: people who choose to put themselves in a position of servitude are the first people to sacrifice their personal aspirations for the greater good of the masses. I find myself becoming more and more bothered by the trend of SGA Presidents to show up on someone’s line each spring. You may have aspirations that you have strong ties to, but you were elected an SGA President first. It is impossible to be devoted to two things equally at the same time. How do you think you can give the people 100 percent of what they deserve and give your organization 100 percent of what it needs?

In the last five years, there have been three SGA Presidents to cross during their term, President Street, Bass, and Jasmin. In the past I am sure that have been even more, but this seems to be the new thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad at them for crossing and joining those that make it through the ranks and manage to join these organizations, nor am I knocking their terms as presidents, as each of them have had significant impacts on the campus. I am just disappointed. Disappointed because I feel like a promise was broken. When you choose to take a position of leadership, you also choose to put self last, and everyone else first. Nowhere is that more vital than in the position of SGA president. Can you imagine what we could have had from a president that gave the people 100 percent, instead of just a portion? Think about it. You go

through your day-to-day activities, dealing with your day-today situations. But when you need help with something, or there is an isDEXTER sue that needs MULLINS to be handled, what do you do when your fearless leader is out serving themselves? I have said this over and over, and I will dare to say it again: At the end of the day, that is what it boils down to. Everyone talks about transparency, the “resurgence” of aggie pride, and how the “streets” are watching. But who is watching the watchmen? I see the position as one of solidarity, honor, and protection. In my mind, the one true goal of the SGA President should be to protect and serve the students, to speak out in board meetings for the 10000 of us who can-

not cram into the room, to lead marches and protests, to start the dialogue on finding our voice, and to go forth with the best interests of the people at heart. Tell me how you crossing into a fraternity or sorority is in my best interests? Your friends best interests? The rest of the students best interests? That does more damage for me than good. Mind you, I do not belong to any greek organizations, and I can’t relate to how long a process is, or what you have to go through but whether your process is two days, two weeks, or two months, those days spent away from your duties are days spent not serving the people you are there to serve. We all talk about getting our priorities “together” and how we need to focus on the important things. Why not make your duties a “priority” and stick with it to the end? Are the people your priority?

A G G I E L I F E

By Evan Summerville

Do I have to choose between love and life? CHRISTIN HOPE Contributor

Managing class, group meetings and homework can be tedious for a college student. On top of this long list of tasks, add a relationship too. Being in college and a relationship can be stressful because both require dedication and attention. So where is the handy instruction guide to help us when college and relationships become overwhelming? To tell the truth, I do not know and I am still looking for the book. I finally developed a solution: First, get involved in the organization or club that suites you. The activity that you enjoy doing and do not mind waking

up for will be your stress reliever. Do not worry about the clock because if you enjoy participating in the club you are in, time will not matter. Second, let your significant other know your daily routine. If you participate in activities and go to class, tell your partner your schedule so there will not be any confusion. Third, if you find your relationship still struggling after these options, maybe that is what needs to change. If your partner cannot understand that you are busy trying to make a living when you graduate then it is time to find someone who matches your motivation. I can sympathize with those who are in a relationship while

juggling classes and on campus activities. When I first began a relationship in college, I had to find my main priority. My first priority was to attend class and complete homework assignments. The struggle began when I joined clubs on campus. I fought with a lack of sleep and additional work to my schedule. I turned my attention less to participating in clubs and focused more on my relationship. After changing my focus, my relationship began to have problems. My initial reaction was to fix my relationship first and then return back to the clubs that I was once a part of. My passion for being involved on campus began to disintegrate while I

worked on my relationship. I eventually realized that the best idea was not to forget about the clubs I was in; however, it did add a lot of free time to my agenda. My relationship began to struggle again and I had nowhere to relieve stress from my daily routines and relationship. Now in my last semester of senior year in college, I realized that taking more out of my schedule was not the answer. Not that all relationships in college will end the way mine did. I found that my relationship was a hinder to being involved on campus activities. When your love matches your motivations in life, the time in college will become your best.

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Letters to the Editor Dear All Editors and Staff, First, I would like to apologize for the recent incident surrounding my article titled “Miss A&T showcases soulful artists.” I care deeply about The A&T Register and never had any type of motives or cruel intentions of defacing The A&T Register’s integrity. Again, I am so sorry. On Friday, March 19, 2010, I attended Miss North Carolina A & T Eclectic event. At approximately 10 p.m. a student and good friend of mine asked me if I could walk her to her dorm because she was scared to walk by herself. I told her repeatedly no because I had to cover the story. At any rate, I decided to walk my friend home but before I did that I looked around the room to see if there were other students that I knew personally and since I thought that the event was near the end, I decided to walk her back to her dorm. Noted, that I decided to keep a mental note to give the students noted above a call later to include the final details for my story. Unfortunately, I made a huge mistake and demonstrated poor judgment skills by putting my job second. In the process of writing, I put some fictional information in my story which states that “Granted after the long and anticipated wait for Beautiful Experience, they finally took the stage with their transfer-

rable music, genre of neo-soul, hip-hop, rock, reggae, and gogo.” “As Beautiful Experience performed songs like “Another Again,” and “I’ll Always Love You,” the audience swayed from side to side.” I did not and forgot to touch base with the student. I have repeatedly gone over and over in my mind to why I did this and I have no answer, no great excuse, the only conclusion that I can come to is that I dropped the ball. I did not execute this story as I should have and for that I am very regretful. Honestly, I can say that I was completely wrong on providing fabricated information stating that Beautiful Experience took the stage. I did wrong and I take full responsibility for it. I will not shy away from the consequences that will come before me. After reviewing numerous times what I did, I realize that the biggest mistake was not staying and completing the job that I was assigned to, to the best of my abilities. This has been a lesson learned and will never happen again. In addition, there is no one to blame but me; I made the decision to walk my friend home, not the other way around. Again, I sincerely apologize to The A&T Register and hope that its success continues to rise. -Chelsea King

In an institute that was instrumental in the fight for equal rights, why are veterans who fought for those rights being treated like second-class citizens? I served honorably for 24 years and decided to earn a second Masters in IT. I was overcome with disbelief when I decided to use my 9/11 GI Bill benefits. When I went to the Office of Veterans and Disability Support (OVDS) to turn in my required paperwork, I was told that my professors are required to sign a paper for the first three months of each semester verifying that I am attending class. I told Sarah “Penny” Torrence, Veteran’s Clerk, who is not a veteran, that VA does not require this. She only has to verify student registration. She said veterans were not attending class and taking the money. I am a senior retired military soldier responsible for my own actions. Dropping or failing a class means repayment to the government, which is true for all veteran benefit students. Thousands

of students receiving financial aid are not required to take paperwork to their professors verifying attendance only veterans and student athletes. Why are students, who served their country honorably and children of those who continue to serve for our freedom, being discriminated against by the very department designed to support them? I took a stand this semester and refused to take this paper to my professors. The OVDS sent a letter to the VA’s office in Winston-Salem stating that I withdrew from school, which is untrue. I received a letter from the VA’s Office in WS requiring me to repay between $8,000-13,000 based on untrue information submitted to the federal government. Peggy Oliphant viewed my registration and my 4.0 GPA and said she supported what was submitted and that she was not going to correct the problem. So I ask again, why are veterans discriminated against at NCA&T?

In our state constitution, Article II provides that, biennially or every two years, citizens have the right to choose their representation in the N.C. General Assembly. And for years, most citizens have taken advantage of this most basic democratic right of “choice” through the balloting process. I say most, because for the students of A&T and surrounding communities that make up the state’s 58th House district, the past sixteen years have not offered any choices. For most seniors, there hasn’t been a choice on the ballot since your time in kindergarten. Though many Aggies voted overwhelmingly for “change” in 2008, on the local level the idea has been virtually nonexistent. For almost a generation, Aggies have been locked out of the political process because of their lack of choice. Since

1994, Aggies have not been afforded the chance to decide who understands their struggles and offers the best plan to create jobs. In the News & Record, it was estimated that since 2000, the GreensboroHigh Point metropolitan area has lost over 20,000 jobs. We, of the Ralph Johnson for NC House 58 campaign believe that a choice is well overdue. On May 4, Ralph wants your support to begin to restore the clarity of your voice in Raleigh. He plans to work to create jobs locally, so Aggies won’t have to fear unemployment after graduation. Ralph understands we need new ideas in Raleigh, and he wants your vote to bring the “change” you supported in 2008 to Greensboro in 2010.

-Judith Cannon

-Curtis A. Thomas

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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 are 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 recieved 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.

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, April 7, 2010

SCENE HEARD

Dance concert to highlight history

April 7-13

LAPORSHA LOWRY Scene Editor

Spring 2010 Probates Probates will continue tonight in Corbett Sports Center. Monday was the night for non-Panhellenic probates such as Alpha Phi Omega, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma. Last night in Corbett Sports Center, the constitutionally- bound organizations of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. revealed new members. There were some surprises as people were revealed the past two nights, including when SGA President Syene Jasmin crossed Phi Beta Sigma. Tonight the probates continue with the remaining pan-hellenic organizations including, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Iota Phi Theta, and Sigma Gamma Rho. -J.V & N.V..

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts will be presenting their annual spring dance concert entitled “Shaped By Our Past… Defining Our Future” tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium. It will feature North Carolina A&T’s resident dance company, the E. Gwynn Dancers. Eleanor Gwynn, chair of the Department of Visual & Performing Arts, said that a lot of the pieces have a historical significance. “The concept came from the history and tradition that inspired the pieces. They help to define where we have come from in order to know where we are going”. Some of the students that will be featured in the dance concert include Corey Freeman, a sophomore dance concentration major, and Laneese Ray, a freshman Journalism and Mass Communication/Dance double major. Jordan Waller, a freshman leisure studies major, and Derrick Joyner, a returning CONTRIBUTED PHOTO student who is a dance concentration, will be DEFINING OUR FUTURE Dancers rehearse for the annual spring dance concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium. It will feature North Carolina A&T’s resident dance company, the E. Gwynn Dancers. featured as well. Also, Jack Weaver, a prepared for the concert and hours and encourage our three guest artists who came former E. Gwynn Dance Company member, will be that they worked on bonding as dancers to workout and eat in, Maxwell Rani from South Africa, Edi Gbordzi from healthy”. a company. performing. There will also be pieces Ghana, and Nicholeen Johnson “We rehearsed five days Gwynn explained how the department and company a week for about two to three presented in the concert by from Jamaica.

ALBUM REVIEW: BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Ludacris tackles gender views in hip hop PRINCE GRIMES

Ludacris is back again with his seventh solo album Battle of the Sexes. The rapper has rode the wave of success from his ﬁrst two singles “How Low” and “My Chick Bad” to debut at number one on the Billboard 200. The rest of the album has a mix of club songs with a lot of bass and slow R&B rap songs. Although many of the songs will appeal to women, Luda does just enough to keep the guys interested. You can really see the contrast in what males and females talk about as Ludacris recruits several guest appearances to convey the Battle of the Sexes theme. He has guest appearances from seven different female artists including Monica, Eve, Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim. Male guest appearances include Trey Songz and Ne-Yo. Ludacris uses his classic animated style to appeal to his core fan base on songs like “Everybody Drunk” and “Hey Ho.”

He also attempts to capture the female ears with his Sex Therapy style of ﬂowing on “Sex Room” and “Tell Me A Secret.” Overall, he sticks to the theme and he portrays his own perspective of what both males and females talk about and want to hear. It is a step forward for Ludacris at this point in his career because he has nothing left to prove. All he has to do is make good music and he accomplished that on this record.

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Jackson doctor’s case assigned to LA trial judge LINDA DEUTSCH

AP Special Correspondent

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With Michael Jackson's mother, father and three siblings looking on, Dr. Conrad Murray began a slow process toward trial Monday with the appointment of a judge and the setting of another hearing to handle pending matters in his involuntary manslaughter case. Murray made quick back-to-back appearances in separate courtrooms. First, Supervising Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza assigned the matter to another judge for all further proceedings. Then, spectators, media and fans followed Murray down to a lower floor where he appeared before Judge Michael Pastor. Abiding by ethics requirements, Pastor disclosed he had written a recommendation for Deputy District Attorney David Walgren, the prosecutor in the case who has applied for a judgeship. Pastor said they are not personal friends, and he would not have a conflict in trying the case. Pastor also said that 27 years ago he was appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, who is now California's attorney general. Brown's office is seeking to revoke Murray's medical license pending trial. "This will in no way affect my ability to be a fair and impartial judge in this case," Pastor said. Lawyers have 10 days to file a challenge against Pastor if they choose. A large contingent of Jackson family members had been expected but only five appeared. Jackson's mother, Katherine, his father, Joe, and siblings Janet, Jermaine and Randy sat quietly in the spectator section and made no comments to the press. Trina Saunders, a representative of the attorney general's office, asked that the hearing regarding Murray's medical license be held sooner than June 14, but the judge rejected her request and said all pending matters would be handled on that date. Earlier, about 50 Jackson fans waved signs and chanted outside the courthouse. The fans sang "We Are the World," wore T-shirts emblazoned with Jackson's picture and the slogan, "Justice 4 Michael," and carried placards demanding stronger charges against Murray.

Fans in a courthouse hallway called out "Hi Janet" as Janet Jackson arrived. Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. Normally, such a procedural hearing would draw few spectators. But with Jackson's death as the backdrop, crowds of fans and media were expected, and Jackson family members have committed to attending all court proceedings against Murray. Murray's attorneys contend the license issue is critical to his ability to pay for his defense. The doctor has a history of serious financial problems and his attorneys, Ed Chernoff and Joseph Low, said in a recent court filing that the effect of losing his license would be devastating to Murray. "He is, without fear of overstatement, hanging on by a thread," the attorneys wrote. "His ability to pay for his own defense depends almost entirely on his ability to continue to treat patients." Murray, 57, a cardiologist, has clinics in Las Vegas and Houston and also has a license to practice in California. Should his California license be lifted, his lawyers suggest there would be a "domino effect" with other states moving to do the same. Already, Nevada authorities have filed a formal complaint against Murray saying he twice failed to mention delinquent child support payments on applications to renew his medical license. Miranda Sevcik, spokeswoman for Murray and Chernoff, says Murray's legal team hopes to resolve the complaint in a way that allows the doctor to keep his license. As a condition of his $75,000 bail, Murray has been ordered not to administer any anesthetic. Jackson was 50 and about to launch a series of comeback shows in London when he died last June after being rushed to a hospital from his rented mansion. Murray, who signed on in May at $150,000 a month to keep Jackson healthy through the comeback tour, told police he had been treating him for insomnia. The pop star was found to have died from acute intoxication with the hospital anesthetic propofol and other sedatives as a contributing factor. Chernoff has said that nothing Murray gave the singer should have killed him.

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

ON SCREEN DATE NIGHT starring Tina Fey and Steve Carrell, opens in theaters Friday. The romantic comedy set in New York City follows a case of mistaken identity that turns a bored married couple’s attempt at a glamorous and romantic evening into something more thrilling and dangerous. - J.V.

ON SHELVES KOURTNEY & KHLOE TAKE MIAMI the complete first season released by Lionsgate Entertainment is in stores now. The two-disk set will include the two hour special of Khloe’s wedding and deleted scenes from the special and episodes. It will also feature “Khloe After Dark” bonus interviews. - L.L.

ON STAGE THE GIRL IN THE BLUE JACKET will take place at the Caroina Theatre this Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 for students with ID and $13.50 for reserved. Presented by Heavenly Productions and DRL Toons, it is easy to reinvent yourself as a college student and Danielle was able to do just that.

- J.V.

ON CAMPUS E. GWYNN DANCE CONCERT presented by the Visual & Performing Arts department will continue its run this week in Harrison Auditorium. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. and tickets will be available at the Ticket Office. - J.V.