senior countdown
44 days
WHY THE CENSUS IS IMPORTANT -online
The A&T
Free
RegisteR vOLuMe LXXXIII, nO. 24
SERVING THE AGGIE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 80 YEARS
active shooter drill on campus this Friday
MarCh 24, 2010
nCatreGIster.COM
THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH CAROLINA A&T
★ ★ ★ heaLth Care ★ ★ ★
the register holds the 2nd annual sga Presidential debate
deXter mullins Editor In Chief
This Friday, North Carolina A&T will participate in an active shooter drill on campus. The drill will test A&T’s readiness in the event that there was an actual active shooter event on campus. The main area that the drill will take place will be blocked off and marked clearly for anyone passing by. The area will include the Dudley Memorial Building, Morrow Hall, and some of the buildings in close proximity to that area. While this area is where the drill will take place, the effects will be felt all over campus, as every student will be involved in some way. Anyone who is registered for AggieAlert will receive a series of text messages signifying when the drill will begin, when it has progressed to the mid point, and when it will end. Everyone will also receive e-mails to their ncat.edu email, there will be pop up alerts on the homepage, the Aggie InfoLine will be active, campus fax machines may also be utilized, and there will also be information on the plasma screen TVs across campus. This is not only a university initiative, but a community initiative that will involve the Greensboro police department, university police department, local hospitals such as Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, and many others. Student’s parents should also receive a letter in the mail informing them of this drill. Local businesses in immediate proximity of campus, as well as the larger Greensboro community, have already been notified of this drill. Local news stations have been broadcasting this information to the community as well. Part of the preparation for this drill has already taken place, as A&T has been planning to prepare for this drill for several months. In a larger effort to reach students, A&T also tested the emergency alarm sirens yesterday at approximately 2 p.m., and sent out a test text message on the AggieAlert system. A&T also placed two videos on the homepage entitled “Shots fired on Campus: When Lighting Strikes,” and “Shots fired in the Workplace: When lightning strikes.” Both of the videos detail what people should do if they ever find themselves in a situation involving an active shooter. The University says that even though all students, faculty, and staff will be involved in the classes will not be cancelled and regular business will continue, as this will not affect any normal operations. The only students specifically involved are those that have already volunteered to participate.
Wednesday
marcus thomPson Register Reporter
Photo by oliver douliery • ABACA PRESS/MCT
it’s oFFicial President Barack Obama signs the health insurance reform bill in the East Room in Washington, D.C., March 23, 2010, as Marcelas Owens, 11, of Seattle, Wash., looks on.
signed, sealed & delivered
Everything you need to know about the new health care bill Page 5
It is election season in Aggieland and on Tuesday the A&T Register hosted the 2nd Annual Student Government Association Presidential Debate in the General Classroom Building Auditorium. The two candidates, Wayne Kimball, Jr. and Derrick Pettiford, were asked various questions from a panel of A&T Register staff members and members of the audience. The debate addressed issues on campus security, academic reform, unity of HBCU SGAs and what Aggie Pride means to them individually. “If I should win the candidacy I’m going to continue on my platform,” Pettiford said. “I feel that it’s time for the rejuvenation of Aggie Pride and in my platform I just want to make sure that that happens. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I’m still going to be working towards my platform. “This step has just encouraged me and the day has encouraged me and has made me aware of the issues that are present on campus so I’m just going to continue to move forward. I just want everybody to select the best candidate. Let the work that I’ve done speak for me.” “I would definitely say that throughout the election process, from the application process up until now, there have been many stops and roadblocks in the way, however that’s what a true Aggie does,” said Kimball. “They can overcome, they can keep moving forward, the torch in the hand but also looking back to see what people are following them and how they can continue to move the campus forward. Every morning I wake up, but now even more so and every day I go campaigning, it excites me more and more that I am on the campaign trail and that I have the possibility of leading this campus to greater heights. “I’m very excited about it, I’m very passionate about it and I’m looking forward, whatever the outcome is, to continue being a student and to being a student leader here at North Carolina A&T. Real Aggies vote so make sure you come out on the 24th and the 31st to make your voice heard and make sure that you are informed about the candidates you are voting for and vote for the right reasons.”
Auxiliary services offers students new meal plan options for 2010-11 academic year North Carolina A&T State University auxiliary services has incorporated new meal plan options to in order to satisfy every students needs. Currently, all students residing in University housing, including Aggie suites and Pride, are required to purchase a meal plan. According to auxiliary services, there have only bee seven meal plans since 2001. Freshmen are required to choose meal plan A, regardless of their preference. The University and auxiliary services wanted to ensure each student received enough meals
for their first year experience. “When I was a freshman I felt it was unfair that we were obligated to have plan A, when I barely used it. I also felt that we were not giving enough flex dollars. $75 dollars was not enough to satisfy me, especially since I preferred the union over the café,” said Jasmine Wood, a sophomore JOMC major from Chesapeake, VA. Auxiliary services took surveys and questionnaires from students to gain feedback about what they sought in ideal meal plan choices. Many committees gathered to give input in the new options. Auxiliary services assembled committees such as; Student bodies Affairs, Hous-
ing, Food Advisory board, and Focus groups. There was a committee formulated just for creating the new meal plan options. The new contract rates and plans are as followed: Wood favors the new meal options offered, “I think the new meal plans are better for freshmen, they receive $25 more flex dollars than those given in the past.” Wood plans on purchasing the 25 block plan, which offers 25 meals per semester with $200 flex dollars which totals at $375. “As a commuter I don’t plan on eating on campus a lot, this fits me best because I currently eat less than 25 meals
a semester now while living on campus”. Freshmen have more options under the new plan. They can now choose from Options U-B, for a total of three new dining choices. Plans B through G are offered to Upperclassmen and commuter students, with the 25 and 50 Block plans offered to only commuter students. Kimberly Norman, a sophomore environmental engineer major chose option D: 10 meals per week with $200 flex dollars. Norman often visits the cafe with a group of friends ritually, everyday at least once per day. “I love the variety of the meal plans, but I hate that the
cost of the plans are practically the same,” said Norman. The new flex dollars will go further on campus as well, according to a University Press release. Simply To Go, which opened in January 2010, and Starbucks also offers dining choices for students. When selecting a meal plan, students should select carefully. More information about the new dining plans options can be found at www.ncatdining. com. Signups for the new meal plans began Feb. 22. Students looking to change their meal plan should go to auxiliary services between 8 am. - 5 p.m. The meal plan options are available in the green box. -->
ONLINE
theYARD
theWORD
theSCORE
theSCENE
PICtures FrOM eLeCtIOn day
Green and GOLd JOhn deere day
vOLunteerInG In COsta rICa
Lady aGGIes hOOP In WnIt
MIss a&t hOsts ‘eCLeCtIC’
Keep up with breaking news on our Web site. Slideshows, videos and more are available online.
A&T hosted John Deere Day in the Holland Bowl, giving students internship opportunities.
Managing editor Malcolm Eustache shares his Spring Break experiences where he volunteered in Costa Rica.
The Lady Aggies dominated Wake Forest at Wake and UNCC at Charlotte in hopes of winning the WNIT.
Eclectic hosted by Miss A&T offered a variety of music, body art and photography for students to enjoy.
PaGe 6
PaGe 7
nisha streeter
Register Reporter
www.ncatregister.com
PaGe 3
U: Carte Blanche: Unlimited
meals with $75 flex dollars with five guest passes =$1300 A: 19 meals, $75 flex = $1240 B: 14 meals, $275 flex =$ 1300 C: 12 meals, $150 flex = $ ,152.50 D: 10 meals, $200 flex = $1152.50 E: 8 meals, $250 flex = $1152.50 F: 8 meals, $ 350 flex = $1252.50 25 block: 25/semester$ 200 flex =$ 375 50 block: 50 meals/semester with $225 flex =$ 550 G: Declining balance: $ 800/ semester
WEATHER
PaGe 8
Wednesday
61° Low: 47° High:
thursday: Sunny | High 74° FrIday: Mostly Sunny | High 71°
2
events
theYARD
The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
inFOCUS
Wednesday
24
SGA General Elections Exhibit Hall 9 p.m.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre Harrison Auditorium 7 p.m.
Photo by KElcie mccrae • THE A&T REGISTER
News anchors The NABJ shortcourse allowed students to audition for the anchor position.
JOMC accreditation to be determined by ACEJMC ashley reid Copy Editor
The department of Journalism and Mass Communications is scheduled to meet with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) in May for further discussion of the state of accreditation for the JOMC department at A&T. According to Dr. Humphrey Regis, JOMC department chairperson, the council would like to further investigate the accrediting standards for the department — specifically governance and rules — before making a solid decision on the reaccreditation of the department. “The discussion is to go more in-depth of the report evaluating the good and the bad of the nine standards used to evaluate us,” Regis said. The ACEJMC’s Mission, Governance and Administration standard evaluates the mission and strategic planning of the department’s future, the procedure and policies of faculty governance, leadership in the department and university relations, and the availability of avenues for the faculty, staff and students in the department to voice concerns.
The initial recommendations were determined after the council’s visit to the department in early February, when students and JOMC faculty met with the council members and expressed opinions about the department’s structure. Classroom instruction and overall function of the department were also evaluated. The Mission, Governance and Administration standard affected the results of the department’s report heavily, according to Regis. He said the department was specifically recommended to work on its relationships within the department and also across campus to ensure the department can voice their needs with expected action. The department was also encouraged to redevelop and refine the process for choosing leadership within the department. Regis said the department is not in any danger with reaccreditation; further questioning is required to complete the report. “The council will not make their final decision on accreditation until after further discussion,” Regis said. The meeting in May with the council and any further recommendations will help determine the department’s final accreditation status.
theBLOTTER March 17 3:00 a.m. Pride Hall- Larceny Case Closed by Arrest
March 19 4:00 p.m. Aggie Suites E- Burglary Case Under Further Investigation
12:00 p.m. Williams Cafeteria- Larceny Case Closed
8:30 p.m. Curtis Hall- Larceny Case Under Further Investigation
6:00 p.m. Obermeyer/Laurel St.Vehicle Accident Case Closed
March 20 9:03 a.m. John Mitchell Dr.- Vehicle Accident Case Closed
March 18 10:00 a.m. Obermeyer- Vehicle Accident Case Closed 4:30 p.m. Williams Cafeteria- Larceny Case Under Further Investigation 8:30 p.m. Aggie Village 6- Larceny Case Under Further Investigation
11:20 p.m. Vanstory Hall- Damage to Property Case Closed March 21 2:55 a.m. Aggie Suites F- Trespassing Case Closed 6:36 p.m. Aggie Stadium- Larceny Case Under Further Investigation
Interested in working for The A&T Register in 2010-2011? Stop by the newsroom (GCB 328) for an application. Writers, editors and graphic designers needed.
The A&T
Register Box E-25 1601 E. Market Street Greensboro, NC 27411 Newsroom: NCB 328A (336) 334-7700 www.ncatregister.com
How to Make a Dollar Out of 15 Cents McNair Hall Room 123 6:30 p.m. Photo by Kelcie mccrae • THE A&T REGISTER
Amateur night Winning act Ashdyn Neal, a sophomore professional theatre major sang “God bless the child” for her Apollo performance.
NY/NJ hosts “Apollo Night” chelsea king
Register Reporter
It was not Harlem, but “Apollo Night” at Harrison Auditorium allowed students to experience the vibe of the famous theater. Thursday, Mar. 18 students lined up outside Harrison Auditorium to experience NY/NJ Connection’s Apollo Night. Students paid an admission price of $3. NY/NJ’s Apollo Night was modeled after the Amateur Night at the Harlem’s Apollo Theater, which allows the audience to pick their favorite of competing performers by cheering. The mistress and master of ceremonies for the talent show was Janelle Young, a senior accounting major and Joseph Escobar, a junior journalism/mass communication major. Escobar and Young both kept the crowd excited for each act and provided an entertaining act at the beginning of the show. Escobar and Young sang a
rendition of “The Closer I Get to You,” by Luther Vandross. “I thought it was a diverse talent, they definitely had a little bit of everything from poetry to singers,” said Courtney Studivant, an accounting major. More than a dozen A & T students competed in a live talent show. The acts varied from dancing to singing, to a comedian similar to the likes of comedian Bruce Bruce. One of the performers of the night was rapper Brandon Douglas, a sophomore education major who performed his piece entitled “An Adultery Act.” As the crowd cheered him on, he reminded the audience that his skill is just words that he uses well. Other students performe songs heard on the radio like Chrisette Michele “If I had my way,” and India Arie “I am ready for love.” Other participants performed original songs they created. Although majority of the acts received cheers and applauses, there were some offending acts that were swept off the stage.
Young said, “I like to the fact that everyone had the courage to come out here and do and perform to a crowd that can actually boo you and cheer for you.” The winning act was Ashdyn Neal, a sophomore professional theatre major who performed “God Bless the Child.” “It feels good, I really wasn’t expecting it, it is just the favor of God…I was a little hoarse but it worked out just fine, said Neal. A sound level meter was used to determine the winner based on the audience applause. After each individual or group was called out and the crowd responded with cheers, Neal was named the winner of the night. “Apollo Night has been a tradition for NY/NJ Connection. It was even here before I came to this school, so I felt like it was up to NY/NJ to keep it alive,” said Danielle Howell, President of NY/NJ Connection. “I like for everybody to get a taste of home… everybody does not get a chance to experience Apollo Night, but tonight they did,” said Young.
Students enter A&T Four coffee contest noma vilane
Register Reporter
The Woolworth’s restaurant downtown Greensboro where four A&T students helped to change history by starting a movement was opened as the International Civil Rights Center & Museum on the 50th anniversary of the sit-ins on February 1 of this year. On February 1, 1960, four freshman A&T students, David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), and Joseph McNeil walked to Woolworth’s and sat down at a “whites-only” counter. Their actions were a model that proved the effectiveness of non-violent protest that helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement. This past week A&T students were given an opportunity to make a little history of their own. In an email that was sent out last Tuesday, A&T students were told of a contest that asked them to create an original name for a special blend of coffee that will be sold at the museum.
Although a Starbucks store will not actually be in the museum, the coffee will be sold in the museum’s gift shop. Keeping the events of February 1, 1960 in mind was an important part of the contest, and the email sent out mentioned the significance of the sit-ins. Students were allowed to submit as many coffee flavor names as they wanted via a URL that was included in the email. If a winning name were submitted more than once, the first person to submit the name would be notified as the winner. The contest was only open to students who are enrolled this semester at the campus. A&T sophomore Adrian Ezell Broadcast Journalism major from Durham said, “I don’t feel like that’s a good way to keep it in light of A&T Four. Personally I don’t see how it’s keeping anything memorable. I feel like to understand the history you actually have to learn about it, and not just buy a cup of coffee.” He also said that he would probably buy it to help out. “I feel like their hearts are in the right place.” That was the general feeling of students who an-
swered. “I don’t drink coffee, but I would buy it once just to support,” Nisha Streeter a junior Business Management Major from Harlem, New York stated. However, there were a few that did not agree with the contest. “Not everybody drinks coffee. I do agree with the whole idea that people need to get involved but I personally wouldn’t get involved because I don’t drink coffee,” said freshman Computer Science student Marcus Jeffrey. Starbucks will also be opening soon at A&T. The Office of Food and Auxiliary said that the opening date will be around the second week of April. They are currently constructing the space that used to hold Freshens in preparation for the store. The contest closed at noon on Friday and the winner will be notified before March 31, 2010. The coffee name will only be featured at the museum location and not at all Starbucks branches. Any questions concerning the contest can be answered through the Office of University Relations by calling (336) 2560863.
I.A.M.M Film Festival
General Classroom Building Room A218 6 p.m.
thursday
25
FAFSA Day
General Classroom Building Room A213 Computer Lab 6 p.m.
Couture Productions Open Mic Memorial Student Union Commuter Lounge 8 p.m.
friday
26
Operation Aggie Shield Lunch Dudley Hall Multi Purpose Room 7 a.m.
As Seen On TV
Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 5 p.m.
saturday
Project Fire
27
Proctor Hall Room 203 8 a.m.
Women’s Empowerment Memorial Student Union Stallings Ballroom 8 a.m.
Battle of the Hometowns Fashion Show Corbett Gymnasium 6 p.m.
sunday
28 Academic Empowerment Seminar Memorial Student Union Stallings Ballroom 7 p.m.
monday A.W.E Full Body Meeting Memorial Sudent Union Room 209 5 p.m.
Good News About Injustice Merrick Hall Room 125 7 p.m.
If you ever see anything suspicious or need assistance call Campus Police
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
(336) 334-7675 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, Whitney MackObi, Jiril Clemons, Prince Askew PR Director: Kenny Flowers business manager: Jamia Harrison business staff: Carlton Brown faculty adviser: Emily Harris
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.
theYARD
The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
3
CAMPUS NOTEBOOK
Holland Bowl covered in green and gold for John Deere Day CHARLES O. JOHNSON Contributor
The Holland Bowl was decorated in a sea of green and yellow Mar. 18 for John Deere Day, an event that brought together students and John Deere representatives for food, music, networking and information. John Deere, prominently known for their agricultural tractors and tools, brought along a few of their products as to leave no confusion as to what they do. Students were able to see up close the machines that have
made the company a household name. The people at John Deere set up a tent in the middle of the Holland Bowl and provided Aggies with food and drinks. Picnic tables were also accessible so that attendees could converse among themselves about what they were learning and getting out of the function. There were also informational tables where students could speak to John Deere associates about internship and career opportunities. Fliers and pamphlets were readily available to give gen-
SENIOR SPECIAL only $50.00 Senior special!!!!!!!!!!! April 16th, 17th, and 18th only 45-wallets 6- 5x7’s 2- 8x10’s 1-11x14 for only $50.00 Sign up at www.emageworks.net or call David Spencer at (336) 601-8372 for your appointment
eral information. Students were given a ticket upon entering the tent, giving them a chance to enter a rafe. Throughout the evening numbers were called with winners receiving prizes such cup holders, caps, canisters and water bottles featuring the famous John Deere logo. Aggies may have also recognized the company’s trademark green vehicles, which are widely used on campus. These green vehicles and Aggieland may seem to have nothing in common, however, the relationship between A&T and John Deere goes much deeper
than that of a buyer and seller. The company’s had an ongoing afďŹ liation with the school since 2005. Brian Jolliff, a 2001 graduate of A&T and current employee of John Deere spoke candidly about the event and its purpose. “We want students to have a good time and show our appreciationâ€? he said. By getting students informed and curious about the company now, before the company’s fall recruiting season, they will be more prepared and knowledgeable when the time comes to apply for positions.
Jashaun Carter, a graduate student, will be soon embarking on his marketing internship with the company this summer in Cary. As one of the seven John Deere interns at A&T, Carter was thrilled to see so many students actually talking with the different representatives. Aggies showed interest and a thirst for more knowledge about the company. Freshman Deborah Samuels, a double major in Architectural and Civil Engineering, knew she couldn’t miss this event. “I honestly came looking for possible job opportunities, but
of course the music and free food didn’t hurt,� said Samuels. “Overall, I think the program captured students’ attention and the representatives were very helpful.� The event also featured an exhibition from the school’s Baja SAE team, which showed what its vehicles could do on the terrain of the Holland Bowl. Part of a $60,000 donation from John Deere to the school goes to this team. For more information on internships and full-time employment, students are urged to visit www.JohnDeere.jobs.
A&T’s NABJ hosts 18th annual multimedia shortcourse LARIA LAND
Register Reporter
The 18th annual National Association of Black Journalist Multimedia Short Course was held at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on March 17-20. This three day accelerated seminar brought 18 NABJ members from all over the country to mentor and teach young journalism and communications students how to enhance their skill set, as well as how to navigate the Journalism industry as a business. Anthony Wilson, NABJ short course coordinator and anchor for ABC 11 in Durham, North Carolina, said this program is successful because all the professionals who volunteer are currently active in the ďŹ eld right now. That enables the participants to get the most current advice and updates from individuals who are working in the position they are advising about. This year’s program brought 35 students from 14 different universities, including the University of Western Ontario, which is the ďŹ rst time an international student not attending school in the United States has participated in the short course at NC A&T. Students were responsible for arranging their own transportation to Greensboro. Once here they were housed and fed due to monies raised
by the A&T NABJ short course committee headed by Gail Wiggins. This year’s sponsors included Cox Enterprises, NABJ, Capital Broadcast and A&T’s Institute of Advanced Journalism Studies. During the program, the students were broken into two groups and then alternated between workshops and ďŹ eld time, where smaller groups of students worked under strict deadlines to complete news packages for the newscast that everyone came together to tape on the last day. Each student was selected based on how advanced their current skill set was, which foreshadowed what job they would occupy during the end of the program newscast. After the newscast, there was a critiquing session where each of the professionals reviewed the work of the students. While the newscast was the biggest focus throughout the entire short course, students were also enthusiastic about the personal assistance they received from the professionals. Most of the smaller groups had a mentor with them as they went into the greater Greensboro community to shoot their news packages. Under the mentors’ direction and the information given from the workshops, many of the groups were able to complete their packages signiďŹ cantly earlier than the deadline established.
FREE TAX PREPARATION
“This is the best experience that can happen to a journalist who is serious,â€? said Erika Bazemore, senior Electronic Media concentration here at A&T. As a returning participant, Bazemore said she was excited to attend for a second time because of all the people the short course exposes students to in the industry were speciďŹ cally here to help with the students needs. The short course was universally described as an “intense, pressure ďŹ lled environmentâ€? but very necessary. “Students will gain invaluable hands on experience, tips, and strategies that will help them get into the position [they desire] and maintain it,â€? said Gail Wiggins, A&T’s NABJ short course committee project coordinator. Workshops such as “Politics in the Newsroomâ€? and “Writing the NABJ Wayâ€? helped to reinforce these and the other ideas that make up the short course, which is “providing an eye opening experience where the participants can undrstand all aspects of the business.â€? “This is a very beneďŹ cial [program] because of what we are being taught and at what pace,â€? said Tiffany Edmondson, junior Broadcast Production major at Jackson State University. “It [was] a very professional pace, inspiring us to go back to our home schools and internships and put forth that extra effort [that was demanded
of us here.]â€? Wilson described this year’s group of participants as one of the programs best, which directly correlated with how eager they were to learn. However some A&T students felt the program unjustly excluded students who were studying print journalism, especially given the current plight of the Journalism industry and its transition into convergence. When asked speciďŹ cally about this, Wilson said that newspaper writing and broadcast writing are still very different and due to the time constraints, teaching print students the basic skills necessary to complete the task at hand in addition to the other lessons the course is designed to provide is not currently feasible. He also suggested that those students who were really interested in gaining these skills should look into taking an elective course that taught them because a semester’s worth of time could possibly be better to make sure they do not miss anything. Overall, the NABJ short course was welcomed and highly apprecitated by everyone who was affected by it. “The students here do not need to take for granted the opportunities that are here,â€? said Monique Johnson, student from University of Western Ontairo. “Because where I come from everyone looks out for themselves for the little opportunities we do have.â€?
MY PARTY PLATTERS MAKE CATERING
Federal & State Returns IRS/Vita Site Location: Merrick Hall Room 129 Wednesdays 4-6 pm or By Appointment contact us @ 336 -334- 7218 x 2394 or 336- 334- 7581 x 6006 Email us @ taxprepncat@ gmail.com Sponsored By The School of Business Advanced Income Tax Class In Partnership with “Path to Financial Independence�
Hey Aggies! Monday-Wednesday: 2 LARGE 1-topping pizzas $14 Every day special: LARGE pizza Any way you want it $10! Every day deals: $7.99 1 LARGE 1 topping OR 1 MEDIUM 2 topping
(336) 954-7575
SO EASY, YOU’LL WANT TO CALL THEM
SMARTY PLATTERS!
((
((
8 LOCATIONS IN THE GREENSBORO AND WINSTON-SALEM AREAS TO FIND THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU VISIT JIMMYJOHNS.COM
FREAKY FAST DELIVERY! 3?2.8F 3.@A 1296C2?F Â&#x2022; % 76::F 7<5;´@ 3?.;056@2 990 .99 ?645A@ ?2@2?C21
2010 SGA VOTER GUIDE 4
The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
2010 SGA ELECTION CHEAT SHEET
The Executive Branch RUNNING FOR: SGA PRESIDENT
RUNNING FOR: SGA PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
THE A&T REGISTER Valerie
WAYNE
KIMBALL JR. RUNNING FOR: Miss A&T
DARRICK
PETTIFORD
HAS:
RAYMOND
Dudley BEAMON
RUNNING FOR: Miss A&T
VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE
Carla
Sierra
SauNDERS BUrrell RUNNING FOR: Miss A&T
RUNNING FOR: Miss A&T
WE’RE
flood
EVANS RUNNING FOR: Mr. A&T
TREASURER
N/A
Jeanette
ATTORNEY GENERAL
VACANT
BROWN GARRETT
Best
PATRICK MOSLEY LAUREN TOWNS
Todd
Porter
ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
SGA SENATE
JAZMYNE COSBY
DISTRICT #1 - COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE Jonathan Whidbee Atilah Claiborne Keyana Shyrier Brittany Jones DISTRICT #2 - SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS Stephen Britt DISTRICT #3 - SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Bethany Penn Blayre Penn DISTRICT #4 - COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Medina Huggins
PLACE YOUR VOTE
TODAY
IN MEMORIAL STUDENT UNION
Exhibit Hall 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Editor-in-Chief JASMINE JOHNSON KELCIE McCRAE
CLASS CANDIDATES SENIOR
JUNIOR
SOPHOMORE
President Jamia Harrison
President Chukwuemeka Anazia Jenard Moore
President Allaqian Tate Matthew Hester
Vice President Vacant
Vice President Kenyatta Tynes Antonio Smith, Jr.
Vice President Vacant Secretary Vacant Treasurer Vacant Mr. Senior Adrian Fonville Miss Senior SeQuoya Smith Crista Greenlee
Secretary Ashley Penn Treasurer Dana McClain Mr. Junior Christopher Wade Miss Junior Nicole Reynolds Jasmine Gurley
WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.
BUT BETTER.
JUDICIARY COUNCIL DEnorris
EVERY-
LIKE VISA.
CHRISTINA
janae
RUNNING FOR: Mr. A&T
BRITT
ROBINSON BENSTON SECRETARY
Tiffany
DORIAN
AMANDA
CHRISTIAN
Secretary Stanita Thomas Treasurer Desiree Simmons Toi Jones Mr. Sophomore Joshua Hill Reginald Johnson Keshawn McDaniels Miss Sophomore Jewel Livingston
NCATREGISTER. COM
Interested in working for The A&T Register in 2010-2011? Stop by the newsroom, (GCB 328) for an application. Writers, editors and graphic designers needed.
HEALTH CARE 101 The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
5
WHAT HEALTH CARE MEANS TO YOU Outlining how the recently passed health care bill will impact Americans By Kim Geiger
T
Chicago Tribune
he yearlong push to overhaul the nation’s health care system reached a legislative peak Sunday when the House held its final votes on the issue. Passage of the legislation is considered one of the most historic domestic policy achievements since the creation of Medicare 45 years ago. The votes were cast on a two-bill package containing the Senate bill that passed on Christmas Eve and a separate bill of changes, called a budget reconciliation bill, which was drafted by House Democratic leadership to “improve” the Senate bill. To avoid casting a recorded vote on the Senate bill, which many House Democrats dislike, the members of that chamber had considered voting only on the “fix” bill. If the fix bill had passed, the Senate bill would have been deemed approved by
What starts now nSix months after the bill is signed into law, insurers must allow children up to age 26 to remain covered under their parents’ plans. nEffective in September, insurers will be banned from placing lifetime limits on coverage and from rescinding coverage. nAlso in September, denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions also will be banned. But insurers will not be required to cover adults with pre-existing conditions until 2014.
What will impact everyone nEliminates pre-existing condition exclusions so you can no longer be denied coverage. nEnds lifetime limits on benefits. nBans rescission — when an insurer cancels your coverage even if you’ve kept your policy current.
the House and ready for President Barack Obama’s signature. But Saturday, House Democrats decided to vote directly on the Senate bill, as well as the fix bill. The fix bill will still need Senate approval before it, too, can be
sent to Obama’s desk. A vote in that is expected this week. Here’s a detailed look at what this combined package will mean for you, depending on your income, age, job status and current insurance:
Other changes under the bill
Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY • ABAcA PRESS/MCT HEALTH CARE President Barack Obama greets the guests after signing the health insurance reform bill in the East Room in Washington, D.C., March 23, 2010.
Are you now insured?
Are you now uninsured?
You buy your own insurance or you get it through your employer.
You don’t have insurance because you’re self-employed or unemployed and can’t afford to buy insurance or can’t qualify, or because your employer doesn’t offer it.
If your employer provides insurance, you should be able to keep it, but you should be aware of the …
Your income level Individual
‘Cadillac’ plan tax n Under this Senate proposal, you could see your plan taxed at a rate of 40 percent for every dollar that exceeds $10,200 for a yearly individual premium and $27,500 for a yearly family premium. n The tax would have applied starting in 2013 under previous versions of the bill, but the date was pushed back to 2018 after protest from labor unions. n Taxes would be paid by insurers or plan administrators, but some say the cost will be passed on to consumers.
If your employer offers health insurance but does not pay at least 60 percent of the cost, or if the cost exceeds 9.5 percent of your income, you may qualify to buy subsidized insurance on an exchange, a marketplace where consumers can compare and buy insurance policies. If you currently buy your own insurance, you would likely go to the exchange to buy a policy. Depending on your income, you may qualify for help to pay your premium.
Family of four*
Medicaid
Subsidies
If you are an individual who makes less than $14,404, or if you have a family of four with income less than $29,327, you would qualify for Medicaid by 2014.
If you are an individual who makes between $14,404 and $43,320, or if you have a family of four with income between $29,327 and $88,200, you would qualify for government subsidies to help you buy insurance. Estimated number of people this could affect: 25 million
Estimated number of people who would be newly eligible for Medicaid (including children who would join the Children’s Health Insurance Program): 15 million
Individual Income You pay $444 Ï A. $14,512 B. $21, 660 $1,365 C. $27,075 $2,180 D. $32,490 $2,637-$3,087 E. $37,905 $2,637-$3,601 F. $43,320 $2,637-$4,115
Family income $29,547 $44,100 $55,125 $66,150 $77,175 $88,200
You pay $904 $2,778 $4,438 $6,284 $7,332 $8,379
* Based on a family of four with a 50-year-old head of household
Because of a practice called age rating, individuals who are closer to 19 should expect to pay the lower number listed in the ranges above, while individuals who are closer to 64 should expect to pay the higher number.
If you make more than $43,320/$88,200 and your employer doesn’t offer you health insurance, you can buy a policy on the exchange but will not be eligible for a subsidy. Individuals would likely see yearly premium costs of $2,637 — $7,911 and a family of four would pay $7,108 —$21,325, depending on the age of the policy holders. Estimated number of people this could affect: 5 million
Are you on Medicare? You are a senior citizen on Medicare or are reaching Medicare age and want to make sure your benefits will be there when you need them.
Medicare Advantage These are private insurance alternatives funded through Medicare that typically offer more generous benefits than standard Medicare. The bill would change the payment rates for these plans, which some people say could limit the availability of the plans.
Up to $2,830: Seniors pay 25% of drug costs
Fixing the Medicare ‘doughnut hole’ A coverage gap in the Medicare Part D drug plan forces enrollees to pay 100 percent of the cost of prescriptions after they consume a certain yearly amount but before they reach the catastrophic coverage limit. By 2020, that gap will be closed.
Major funding sources With expected yield totals for 2010-19
2010 20112019 2020
$2,830
Yield
$17 billion
Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45 percent to 2.35 percent for individuals/couples making more than $200,000/$250,000 and a 3.8 percent tax on unearned income for higher-income taxpayers
$210 billion
Large employers (at least 50 full-time employees)
$52 billion
Hospitals that are currently reimbursed for unpaid care they provide to low income patients would have payments reduced as more people become insured
Health care timeline March 5, 2009: President Barack Obama holds health care summit at White House. Spring 2009: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus holds a series of “stakeholder” meetings with groups representing doctors, insurers, hospitals, drug-makers and consumer groups. Nov. 7, 2009: House passes its health care bill. Dec. 24, 2009: Senate passes its health care bill. Jan. 19, 2010: Republican Scott Brown wins election for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s seat, putting Democrats one vote short of a filibuster-proof Senate. Feb. 22: Obama releases his $940 billion blueprint for health care reform.
Sunday: House passes Senate bill and reconciliation bill.
$107 billion $32 billion $14 billion
Cost (over 10 years):
$940 billion Net effect on deficit (over 10 years):
Reduced spending in medicare Savings in Medicare Advantage program $130 billion
5% of drug costs After catastrophic cap
Feb. 25: Obama and congressional leaders hold health care summit to discuss differences.
Industry
Cadillac plan tax (see description above)
$4,550
25% of drug costs Up to catastrophic cap
Yearly penalties of as much as $695 or 2.5 percent of income per adult who doesn’t carry insurance, with some exceptions
Yearly fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurers ($60 billion) and medical device-makers ($20 billion)
After $4,550 (catastrophic cap) Seniors pay 5% of drug costs
Discounts on brand-name and generic drugs within the gap range kick in, lowering costs for seniors. These discounts would rise through 2020, at which time the doughnut hole would disappear.
Individuals
Employers that don’t offer health benefits and that have at least one employee who receives subsidized insurance will be charged a $2,000-per-employee fee. If the employer offers coverage but employee(s) instead purchase subsidized insurance, the fee is $3,000 for each employee receiving a subsidy, or $750 for each employee in the company, whichever amount is smaller.
GAP: Seniors pay 100% (after $250 rebate)
$130 billion
S O U R C E S : K a i ser Fa m i ly F ou n d at i o n , co n g ress i o n a l co m m i t t ees , C o n g ress i o n a l B u d g e t O ff i ce , J o i n t C o m m i t t ee o n Ta x at i o n , Tr i bu n e Ne w s pa p ers re p or t i n g
$138 billion reduction — Tribune Newspapers
theWORD 6
The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
We’re the generation who can’t afford to wait Music. The remedy to stress, anxiety, and sometimes pain. Music. The reason for laughter, good times, and joy. Music. The soundtrack for sadness, sorrow, and misery. Music. The birthplace of change, and the burial song for life. Tuesday marked change for the country when the health care bill was signed by President Barack Obama. As I anxiously watched CNN throughout the day and witnessed history in the making, the first thing that came to my mind as this historic bill was being signed was music. Well over a year ago, as my eyes were glued to the television while I watched the Democratic National Convention in Denver, I remember hearing a song whose meaning really
tugged at me as the fate of the bill was determined late Tuesday morning. “If you hear this message, wherever you stand, I’m calling every woman, calling every man. We’re the generation, we can’t afford to wait. The future started yesterday, and we’re already late,” words sang by John Legend from his song, “If You’re Out There.” What is our generation’s purpose? Where do we stand on issues that have a direct impact on our lives? Time and time again, the older generations cry out that the youth of today have no purpose, or they claim that they have such a short attention span, that if they did, they would not see their cause out to the end. As much as I love to prove people
AggieLife
wrong, I have very little evidence to work with to disprove our elders. Barack Obama is a prime examKELCIE ple of a person who recognizMCCRAE es a need for change, and actually executes a plan to make that change. When he started to talk about health care reform in April 2009, he was inspired by the numerous failed attempts to make a law where health care would be available to the masses. “It’s been easy at times to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are
limits to what we as a people can still achieve,” Obama said after signing the bill. Had Obama turned away at the first sign of protest against this bill, the nation‘s deficit may have continued to balloon out of control. Had Obama given up at the first name he was called, children with pre-existing conditions would still not even qualify for care. Had Obama killed this bill when the GOP refused to support him, the more than 32 million people without health insurance in the nation would still not receive the proper care they need. Had Obama not “fell down, and got back up again,” like Donnie McClurkin’s inspirational gospel song says, health
care may have only been a dream too far to grasp. As the youth of the nation, we have the ability and the knowledge to truly make a difference for the way we live our everyday lives. I do not understand why more of us do not use that ability and knowledge. Yes, there have been situations such as the students from Howard protesting against the administration for delays in financial aid, and the men from Morehouse College who protested against the change in dress code, but what cause has been sparked by the youth that actually affects a larger pool of people? Young people are equated with the most new cases of AIDS and STDs in the nation.
Young people are more prone to commit suicide while in their teenage years, and young people suffer from eating disorders more than any other age group. Teenage pregnancies have reached all time highs, as well as the teen high school dropout rate. As Marvin Gaye would say, “What’s Going On?” Young men and women of my generation, what is important to you? What issue is worth your fight? Where in the history books will your story of change be found? History is not at all just about the past, you have the power to make history yourself today. Like John Legend says, “the future started yesterday, and we’re already late.”
America Binds Us In One Way or Another They often say that when traveling from state to state, region to region or country to country, one may experience culture shock. I, admittedly, did. However, what shocked me were not the differences in language, food, or music. What shocked me instead were the glaring similarities between the two cultures. I experienced a “reverse culture shock” if you will. And the fact that approximately 2,000 miles from Greensboro, in San Jose, Costa Rica, things were eerily similar intrigued me maybe more than anything else. I understood America’s cultural dominance and societal influence as a concept prior to the trip, but, ironically, never felt it as strongly as I did until I was in another country. I took this journey, along with a delegation of four other Aggies (Angela Allen, Yaw Harrison, Tiffany Payton, and Devon Vincent), on the blessings of the university, the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies, Chief Justice Henry Frye, the Journalism and Mass Communications Department, the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department, and the Office of International Programs. But this was a student-sparked, student-led, student-driven initiative to travel abroad for volunteer and research purposes with the intent of presenting our week-long trip to the university in April. The single most significant element of our trip may have come out of what once seemed like the biggest doubt – housing. After months
of searching, Senor Eduardo Wilson, a relative of mine, opened up his door to our cause. And it is through this opportunity that we were blessed to MALCOLM witness the country. Not through EUSTACHE the shielded lens of a tourist, or the sheltered lens of some volunteer agency, but through the lens of the locals. For seven days, we lived as Costa Ricans. And through that lens, Western cultural influence seemed almost palpable. Needless to say, Costa Rica is beautiful. From the beaches, to the rainforests, to the mountains, the natural country seems divinely molded by God with the exclusive intent to inspire the soul. But it’s what’s been molded by the human hand that I put into question. During the initial drive from Juan Santamaria Airport I honestly felt like I had flown to another part of the United States, rather than another part of the world. The interstate was lined with American fast food chains and restaurants, American car dealerships, and American banks. When we arrived at Senor Wilson’s home, I noticed that there were as many television stations based in the United States as there were ones that were based elsewhere. I carried those observations from the first night with me to our volun-
teer and research opportunities at the church, the men’s and women’s shelters, the special needs school, the Catholic private school, the 17 year-old kid with hydrocephalus, the countryside, the University of Costa Rica, the Tico Times newspaper, and even our recreational visits to the Manuel Antonio Beach and the rainforest. It resonated within me while I was aiding the teacher or feeding the 3-year-old girl with down-syndrome her lunch. It forced me to go deeper than our research question of “how where you live affects how you learn” and question how U.S. culture impacts these children’s views of their own nation. It embarrassed me that many people I encountered who were either younger than I, or less educated, could at least hold a brief conversation in English, while I stumbled over anything more than a greeting in Spanish. It made me both prideful and worrisome when the high-school student became so intrigued that I was from the United States. And it served as the foundation for my understanding of why Americans, white, black or otherwise, are often times viewed as arrogant in many parts of the world. As much as I yearned to deny it, I, as a non-Spanish speaking, camera-holding, black American represented just as much American dominance as the Wal-Mart in the heart of San Jose because seeing that Wal-Mart, or that McDonald’s, or that Ford, admittedly made me feel right at home. And no other people on this planet can travel the
world and have that ease of being at home come to them as an American. Call it corporate colonialism – America’s dominant culture binding Americans to everywhere the country’s dominance is expressed all over the world. That same “dominance” is why black Americans are inextricably bound to other blacks in the Americas. I once heard USA Today Columnist and A&T Professor DeWayne Wickham say that the only difference between an AfricanAmerican, a Jamaican, or a Haitian was the destination of the boat. The same holds true for the Afro-Costa Ricans. Finding out their story of being centralized in the city of Limon, not being allowed in San Jose for decades, and having little opportunity to find work or further education reminded me in many ways of the African-American story. As being half-Haitian, it reminded me of the Haitian-American story as well. It bound me to them. So, when I arrived back in the United States at Miami International Airport, I couldn’t help but feel more connected to the rest of the world - through both the complex relationship of American dominance, and through the story of the black Diaspora. Although we were together for most of the trip, each of the group members certainly had their own unique experiences. But what is certain is that we all felt the reality of the human connection at one point or another.
The United States must lead in Haiti’s recovery McClatchy-Tribune News Service MCT Campus
As Haiti faces the immense task of recovery, no foreign country will play a more important role in shaping the nation’s future than the United States. The U.S. reaction has been generous, and the Obama administration has made a major contribution to Haiti’s relief, but it needs to do more. _Security. U.S. forces have been a key factor in helping Haiti to maintain security during a traumatic period. But even as these efforts help Haiti to get back on its feet, U.S. soldiers are starting to pull out of the country. This sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. Instead of declaring mission accomplished, the Pentagon should be raising the profile of Army soldiers and Marines in Haiti to guarantee security and reinforce the U.S. commitment. The 9,000-strong U.N. force known
by the acronym MINUSTAH will remain responsible for peacekeeping. But nothing says security to the Haitian people as surely as the sight of U.S. forces, whose distinctive uniforms are well-recognized in the cities and rural areas. _Immigration. Within days of the January 12 earthquake, the federal government bestowed Temporary Protected Status on Haitian immigrants already here. This was a welcome step, but here, too, there’s room for improvement. The government has approved the visa petitions of 55,000 Haitians whose family members legally reside in this country, but the wait to enter can take years due to limits set by Congress. However, the administration does not need congressional approval to admit these Haitians under hardship exceptions. This move would remove thousands from Haiti’s devastation and add to the force of the diaspora,
Haitians living abroad. The money transfers by Haitians living abroad, including a large community in South Florida, already constitute the biggest source of cash infusions into the Haitian economy. There is no valid argument for failing to move quickly on this front. _Trade. Mr. Obama should get behind efforts to grant Haiti more generous trade preferences. Ultimately, the solution to Haiti’s economic woes is the creation of jobs, and the textile industry offers the best avenue for success. In the 1990s, more than 100,000 Haitians were employed in the textile industry. That workforce had been reduced to between 10,000 and 20,000 by the beginning of this year as the industry struggled for revival. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has proposed a “Plus 1 for Haiti” initiative that would encourage U.S. retailers to import 1 percent of their apparel from Haiti, but
so far it has not been implemented. Mr. Obama has to help Mr. Kirk push this effort through Congress. More important, the president should get behind trade legislation co-sponsored by Florida Sen. Bill Nelson extending the preferential treatment for textiles that Haiti receives under current law. According to Sen. Nelson, it would allow Haiti to bring in textiles from around the world to make garments for the U.S. market. Nothing could do more to attract foreign investors and help Haiti’s garment industry come back to life. The administration must lead the global effort to promote Haiti’s recovery. It should encourage international lending agencies to cancel Haiti’s debt, but moving swiftly in those areas where the government can act unilaterally will send a message to the rest of the world that this country is serious about its commitment to the people of Haiti.
Mad about something? Got a story to tell us? Want somethingelse in the paper?
Well, write for us!
Evan Summerville
Contributor’s Meeting Every Wednesday 5p.m. at GCB Room 328
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 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 grammer. Submissions become the property of The A&T Register and will not be returned.
theSCORE The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A&T softball still searching to snap losing streak LAUREN MORGAN
Register Reporter
On Saturday afternoon, the Lady Aggie Softball team lost to Liberty 12-3 at the Lady Aggies Softball Complex. Hope Fletcher went 2-for4 for the Aggies and scored a single run. Bianca Alsobrook went 2-for-3. The Flames of Liberty were able to grab an early 10-0 lead off of six errors by the Aggies. The Aggies opened the fifth in-
ning with three singles that led to a scored run by Yahamma White. A&T had the bases loaded after a pitch hit from Jessie Larson. With the bases loaded, a double by Alsobrook cut the Flames lead to 10-3. The Aggies would not score any more runs, but in the seventh inning Liberty scored two more runs to defeat the Aggies 12-3. After losing to Liberty on Saturday afternoon the A&T’s softball team came up short once
again in a doubleheader against GardnerWe b b . The Aggies lost 6-1 and 10-6 to the BullHOPE FLETCHER dogs at Va r s i t y Field. A&T only had one RBI in
the first game. In the second game White scored two runs and went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Lillian Bullock had two hits and two RBIs. Early in the second game, White hit a single that was followed by a double by Hope Fletcher. The double by Fletcher put runners on second and third base. A single by Hill scored Fletcher and White giving the Aggies an early 2-0 lead. The Aggies would not hold their lead for long. Going into
the seventh inning GardnerWebb led A&T 10-3. A&T opened the inning with two singles from White and Fletcher, and a groundout by Jessie Larson put the Aggies in scoring position. The Aggies would finally score after an error by Gardner-Webb cutting the lead to 6. A&T would cut the lead to four with two scored runs off a two-run RBI by Bullock. A groundout by Jasmine Parks ended the game.
Jordan being patient in ownership
AGGIES RUNDOWN BASEBALL TEAM Bethune-Cookman Norfolk State North Carolina A&T Coppin State Delware State UMES FAMU
MEAC
OVR.
3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-3
13-9 6-5-1 6-11 5-10 3-12 0-18 3-11
MEAC
OVR.
0-1 0-0 3-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1
11-7 7-5 8-8 3-2 13-16 4-6 12-19 6-11 3-14 2-11 0-7
UPCOMING GAMES: Wednesday @ East Carolina Greenville, N.C. 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday vs. Norfolk State War Memorial 1 p.m. March 30 @ Gsrdner-Webb Boiling Springs, N.C. 3 p.m.
SOFTBALL TEAM Coppin State Delaware State North Carolina A&T FAMU Bethune-Cookman Morgan State Hampton Howard Norfolk State S.C.State UMES
MIKE CRANSTON
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Picture the NBA free agency period beginning and Michael Jordan is on the phone making a recruiting pitch to LeBron James. It’s one the perks for the Charlotte Bobcats now that the Hall of Famer owns the team. Only being a big player in free agency isn’t on Jordan’s agenda — or even possible. Unlike the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets and Chicago Bulls, the Bobcats have no salary-cap space to participate in the summer free agency bonanza that could include James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire. And Jordan doesn’t mind. In moving from a minority investor with the final say on personnel decisions to the first former player be a majority owner of an NBA team, Jordan is preaching patience with his roster. He is vowing not to get into luxury tax territory with his payroll and showing distaste for what he feels is overblown hype for free agency this summer. “That doesn’t guarantee that New York is going to be in the playoffs,” Jordan said shortly after his $275 million purchase of the team was approved last week. Jordan acknowledged he has “little wiggle room right now” with the salary cap. He indicated they have committed between $57-59 million in payroll for next season, and that doesn’t include impending free agents Raymond Felton and Tyrus Thomas. Jordan said the league office has told teams the luxury tax threshold — where teams will have to pay a dollar for dollar tax for going over — could be as low as $61 million next season. “If it’s around $65 (million), we still have roughly $8 million to play with to stay underneath the luxury tax,” Jordan said. “I don’t see a need to go over the luxury tax unless we go deep (in the playoffs) and we’re a player away or we’re close.” At the urging of coach Larry Brown, the Bobcats have made seven trades involving 21 players since the start of last season. It’s Jordan’s preferred way to improve the roster instead of through free agency and the draft, with the Bobcats owing future first-round picks to Minnesota and Chicago because of past deals. Those trades, including Stephen Jackson’s acquisition in November, have put the sixyear-old Bobcats (35-34) one win shy of a franchise season record and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Jordan said he wasn’t going to “box myself into” saying if he felt the current core of players that includes Jackson, All-Star Gerald Wallace, Felton, Thomas and Tyson Chandler could develop into a contending team. “To say what’s the clear cut ingredient to win a championship, I don’t know,” Jordan said. “I really, really don’t know. I think we have the ingredients to compete and surpass a lot of expectations.”
7
UPCOMING GAMES: Saturday & Sunday Winthrop Eagle Bash Rock Hill, S.C. TBA
PHOTO BY KENNETH HAWKINS • THE A&T REGISTER TWEET COOK and the Lady Aggies made MEAC history with their consecutive wins in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament. They will face the Miami Hurricanes Thursday at 7 p.m.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
N.C. A&T hopes to continue postseason run when they travel to Miami DANIEL HENDERSON Sports Editor
When the N.C. A&T lady basketball team lost in the first round of the Middle Eastern Athletic Conference tournament on March 10, on paper the season was to end the following week . There has only been three recent MEAC teams that have won in the postseason of a national tournament, for a total of just three wins (Coppin State Men ’95, Coppin State Women ’06, Hampton Men ’00) – none by A&T. But history wasn’t enough to convince the Lady Aggies (23-10) that they did not have a chance to be playing in the third round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament this Thursday. It’s the longest any HBCU basketball team has lasted in a national postseason and an unfamiliar territory for the blueand-gold with just 16 teams left playing in the WNIT. Despite the newness of the situation, the Lady Aggies remain confident heading into their Thursday road game against
the University of Miami Hurricanes. “I know Miami is probably like ‘who the hell is ‘A&T?’ ” said senior guard Tweet Cook in a phone interview Tuesday. “The team after we beat Miami probably ain’t going to know who we are either.” “It’s like we continue to be the underdog just to make a statement. That’s kind of how we get our name out there, you know. That’s basically our motivation.” And with their current two-game winning streak since the upset loss to South Carolina State in the MEAC tournament, it’s safe to say they may have shocked some women’s basketball fans based on the perennially powerful teams they’ve handled. They dominated a Wake Forest team that finished in the top half of the ACC on Thursday at Reynolds Coliseum 73-49, and then followed that with a victory over a Charlotte 49ers squad that made a trip to the NCAA tournament last season after nearly winning their conference. “We have a lot of confidence right now
because we believe we can go out and play well against any level of competition,’’ said Crystal Murdaugh after Sunday’s victory in Charlotte. Cook was more specific about their first round victory over the Demon Deacons. “We had wanted to play Wake Forest my whole four years but coach (Mike Petersen) never wanted to play us,” Cook said. “I guess he was afraid to play us because we were beating teams. So we had a chance to prove ourselves because they were the only team we hadn’t played yet.” The ladies are well aware that it’s important for them to continue competing with the higher-profile Division I programs to help HBCU schools gain respect and exposure. “People don’t really know about us,” Cook said. “And then Hampton went in –– and they didn’t help make us look any better playing Duke. They just got straight-up blown out. We’re not just representing only our school, but the MEAC.”
Home losses mount for A&T baseball STAFF REPORTS
The A&T Register
BECOMING ARMY STRONG WILL OPEN DOORS, INCLUDING THOSE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES. For more information, contact your local Army Recruiter or visit us on line at www.goarmy.com/info/h580
©2009. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
If the North Carolina A&T baseball team could have the first two innings back from Thursday’s game with Princeton, there would be some edits done. The Tigers scored four runs over the first two innings and held on to win 5-3 at War Memorial Stadium. In the first inning, Nick Rogers walked the first two batters he faced. Sam Mulroy did not let that opportunity go by as he singled through the left side for an RBI single. An error helped the Tigers take a 2-0 lead as Andrew Whitener scored. The second inning didn’t go much better for N.C. A&T. Even though Rogers opened the inning with a strike out of Matt Connor, a passed ball on the third strike allowed Connor to reach first. After a walk to Tom Boggiano, Whitener walked to load the bases.
A groundball off the bat of Mulroy looked like it would turn into a double play. Both the throw to first was wide, allowing two more Tigers to score for a 4-0 lead. It wasn’t until the sixth inning that the Aggies got on the board. A James Howard walk put the winning run at the plate for the Aggies. But Hines flew out to center to end the game. Rogers opened the inning with a double to left. Sophomore Xavier Macklin singled up the middle to score Rogers to put the Aggies down 5-1. In the ninth,A James Howard walk put the winning run at the plate for the Aggies. But Hines flew out to center to end the game. The Aggies dropped to 6-10 on the season. The day before during their home stretch, the Aggies were defeated 9-2 to Radford Univeristy. Kelvin Freeman went 1-3 at the plate and scored on e of t the Aggies only run in the lost.
March 31 vs. Elon Aggie Softball Complex 2:30 p.m.
AROUND SPORTS
NFL ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The NFL changed its overtime rules for playoff games.Starting next season, if a team wins the coin toss and then kicks a field goal, the other team gets the ball. If the game becomes tied again after that next series, play will continue under the current sudden-death rules. If the team winning the toss immediately scores a touchdown, the game is over.Team owners voted 28-4 on Tuesday in favor of the proposal at the NFL meetings. Minnesota, Buffalo, Cincinnati and Baltimore opposed the change. Minnesota lost last season’s NFL championship game in overtime to New Orleans. The Saints won the toss, drove downfield and kicked a field goal to win.“Modified sudden death is an opportunity to make a pretty good rule ... even better,” said Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay, co-chairman of the competition committee. “Statistically, it needed to change. It wasn’t producing the ‘fairest result.’” ______ NASCAR DALLAS (AP) — NASCAR is still on target to move to fuel injection engines in 2011. NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton says teams have been given parameters to use when testing fuel injection.Pemberton says he’s expecting NASCAR to receive more data in the next month.Fuel injection is being explored in an effort to make stock cars more fuel efficient. _____ TENNIS DALLAS (AP) — Ivan Ljubicic had been in big finals before and always lost. All that was forgotten Sunday when the Croatian outlasted Andy Roddick 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) in a battle of big servers to win the BNP Paribas Open, earning his first ATP Masters 1000 title after three runner-up finishes. All that was forgotten Sunday when the Croatian outlasted Andy Roddick 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) in a battle of big servers to win the BNP Paribas Open, earning his first ATP Masters 1000 title after three runner-up finishes. ”I had my problems, like everybody else,” he said.
The Associated Press
8
The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, March 24, 2010
&
SCENE HEARD
Miss A&T showcases soulful artists CHELSEA KING
Register Reporter
Oprah Settles with Head mistress ! Yesterday, Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit with the former head mistress of her school for girls, according to Oprah’s lawyers. Nomvuyo Mzamane had claimed Oprah made defamatory comments about her after the 2007 sex abuse scandal at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. The trial was scheduled to begin Monday in Philadelphia, and Oprah was expected to take the stand. Lawyers for both sides say Winfrey and Mzamane met face to face before the settlement. -J.V.
On Friday, Miss North Carolina A&T and the Cultured Class showcased an array of body art, soulful music, and photography called “Eclectic.” As students made their way into Exhibit Hall, the room was filled with a mixture of pastel colors and soulful music that set the mood as the audience waited for the first performer of the night. Ayinda, 2007 A &T alumni, painted the models’ bodies in front of the students so they could have the opportunity to experience how his artistry comes to life. “I think subconsciously I kind of feed of the energy of a person.” “The paint feels really cold at first, then it becomes sticky, and finally it becomes dry…the colors on my body are portrayed through the energy that I display,” said Courtney Key, a sophomore Liberal Studies major from Raleigh, NC. While students were waiting for the technical difficulties to be resolved, they mingle with familiar faces, danced, and observed the models that were covered in paint. “We always felt that the art lifestyle was needed to balance out work and school because we all need that art aspect to balance everything out,” said Eve Keita, a senior Journalism/Mass
Exhibit gives ‘voice’ to student artists JONATHAN VEAL
Register Reporter
Some of A&T best visual arts students showcased their artwork to friends, family, the student body and faculty Friday evening at the 2010 Art Exhibition, Visual Voice in the Henry Clinton Taylor Gallery in the Dudley Building. Visual Voice, organized by the Art Circle, a visual arts organization here on A&T campus, had great success with this event. “The Art Circle contribute so much for this exhibition,” said junior visual arts major and president of the Art Circle, Rashita Connelly. “We really took all the responsibilities for promoting this event by making the flyers, networking, and marketing around campus,” she said. A lot of hard work and preparation was put into this event for great results in the outcome of supporters for the artists. A&T faculty professor James Huff evaluated the art pieces in the gallery before the reception started. Huff believed that since he
Communication major from Raleigh, NC. In order to incorporate a mixture of music, art, and class, the scenery resembles a club lounge mixed with an art gallery where students were being catered to. Moreover, students were able to hear the musical stylings of A&T alumni. “My inspiration comes from listening to other artist and what I like it them. That resonates through me and through that I found myself creating sounds,” said Raheem McRae, an A&T alumni. Next, McRae took the stage and graced the audience with his soulful originals like “Falling to the Ground,” and “Jupiter.” After McRae left the stage, the audience burst out in cheers and applauses. “I could not wait to see Beautiful Experience because I like how their music uplifts me,” said Natasha Hayer, a senior Finance Major. Beautiful Experience is an A&T alumni group who focuses on building grooves than straying towards popular music. Granted, after the long and PHOTO BY KENNETH HAWKINS •THE A&T REGISTER anticipated wait for Beautiful Experience, they finally ECLECTIC Several body art, soulful music, and photography artists were presented at the “Eclectic” took the stage with their event, brought together by Miss North Carolina A & T and the Cultured Class. transferrable music genre of neo-soul, hip-hop, rock, to side. success and I do hope that reggae, and go-go. After the event was over, students were able to receive As Beautiful Experience students and participants the full experience of what it performed songs like commended the program and means to embrace art, music, “Another Again,” and “I’ll safely exited Exhibit Hall. and each other,” said Miss Always Love You,” the “I think it was a great A&T Ngozi Opara. audience swayed from side
Mr. and Miss A&T Forum
was the students’ teacher, it was only right for their professor to evaluate their work. “The artwork by these students were really good and the quantity of these pieces are really improving,” Huff said. “Keep this up, then A&T will become one of the best in the state as of art.” During the reception, people were allowed to go into the gallery to view the various sculptures, paintings, drawings, and ceramics. “It is an honor to have the student body, faculty, and family come and view our artwork and we can get an outside opinion,” Connelly said. The art exhibition is an annual event that occurs every March of the academic year and is going to carry on for years to come. “At first when I was a freshman, I was not really impressed but as the years went on, I really have admired the visual arts program,” said Connelly. Visual Voice is a student driven event and from the outcome this year, it will only be a better exhibition next year.
hotlist
theSCENE
March 24th-31th The A&T Register’s guide to what’s going on this week in arts and entertainment.
ON SCREEN HOT TUB TIME MACHINE where best friends have become bored with their adult lives and after a crazy night of drinking in a ski resort hot tub, the men wake up, heads pounding, in the year 1986. This is their chance to kick some past habits and change their futures. Starring Craig Robinson and John Cusack. -J.V
ON SHELVES THE BLIND SIDE depicts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a wealthy white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to discoveries of their own. It stars Oscar award winner Sandra Bullock. - J.V.
ON SHELVES STILL STANDING the sixth album by R&B singer Monica is out in stores. It will be the third album released under her contract with J Records following the debut her reality series Monica: Still Standing on the BET in October 2009. The album’s lead single, “Everything to Me”, was produced by Missy Elliot.
20
- J.V.
QUESTIONS 1. If you agree to ride with your date on the bus to the restaurant, does that make you a ride-or-die chick? 2. Do you have a billion dollar pimp hand, but a Red Box budget? 3. Don’t you wish the club took Flex dollars? 4. Can Auxiliary Services work that out? 5. Maybe hook up a HEAT route over to Music City? 6. Is anyone still buying Obama T Shirts? 7. How many seniors have the “itis” right now? 8. Shoot, how many sophomores have the “itis” right now? 9. Why does the campus have to smell like crap? 10. Don’t you think Home Depot sells better smelling mulch? 11. Why is the Wendy’s on Summit Ave. so freaking slow? 12. Did you know texting and walking could be a dangerous combination? 13. Why do people try to hit 60 mph between speed bumps? 14. Why does A&T email system suck so bad? 15. Who really uses IBM anymore? 16. Did you know UNCG uses Gmail? 17. How are we a “technical” school when we can’t even get email to work? 18. Shouldn’t we be named A&TD (technical difficulties)? 19. What if the women’s basketball team wins the WNIT? 20. Wouldn’t that call for Homecoming to be in the winter?
ON CAMPUS
PHOTOS BY KENNETH HAWKINS •THE A&T REGISTER
SOUL SESSION (Above, l-r) Miss A&T candidates Carla Saunders, Tiffany Flood, Sierra Burrell, and Jeanette Evans dance in their evening gowns to “I’m Every Woman” at the end of the forum on Sunday. Below, Todd Porter (left) and Denorris Best speak during their forum on Tuesday.
BE SCENE Contributor’s Meetings every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. on GCB 328A
E. GWYNN DANCE CONCERT presented by the Visual & Performing Arts department is this Saturday in Harrison Auditorium at 9 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Ticket Office.
- J.V.