Issue 15, January 13, 2010 by The A&T Register

WhO’s LaughIng nOW gILBert?

‘arMOred’ WILL Let yOu dOWn

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asg fighting tuition increase LaPoRSha LoWRy Scene Editor

The University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments will be setting up petitions for students to sign in opposition of the tuition increases that were authorized by the state for the 2010-2011 school year. Each campus will have the opportunity to plan events in order to increase interest for the petition and get as many signatures as they can. The petition states that each signee opposes the 8 percent (or $159.52) tuition increase currently included in the 2010-2011 state budget, because the current increase exceeds the tuition increase cap. Furthermore, if the N.C. General Assembly cannot repeal the increase, petitioners request that all money raised through the tuition increase stays within the individual university budget, instead of the State budget. The association is made up of student body presidents and delegations from each of the system schools and represents the students to the state legislature and the UNC-system Board of

Governors. Greg Doucette, president of UNCASG, said that the seventeen campuses just got back from winter break, but each campus is free to run petition drives or any event that they choose to get more signatures. He will be meeting with the ASG Executive Branch and board officers to oversee the petition process. “We are trying now to get the ball rolling and getting our presentation ready for the talk with the General Assembly. We will be begin collecting signatures next month”. Doucette also stated that representatives from the seventeen campuses will meet on January 30 with the University Board of Governors to adopt an alternative recommendation to the increase. An additional meeting will take place on February 12, and the final number of signatures on February 27. Valerie Dudley, Vice President of Internal Affairs, said that she discussed the

January 13, 2010

nCatregIster.COM

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF NORTH CAROLINA A&T

CaMPus nOteBOOk

hoW WiLL you SPenD iT?

students receiving refund checks today will spend them on a range of things from books to rims

 See TuiTion on Page 2

DeXTeR R. muLLinS Editor In Chief

simply to-go opens in the old aggie Late night niSha STReeTeR

Are you hungry, but do not have time to go to the Café in between your classes? Is your schedule to hectic to settle down and enjoy a meal? Do your classes conflict with the Cafeteria’s service hours? Simply To-Go, a new to-go meal option is now available for fellow Aggies. Simply To-Go is a revolutionary dining program that will allow students to use

$90 gas

$1,600.86 booKs

$600 cLothes

Wednesday

their meal cards to receive a full, packaged, nutritious lunch when they are on the go. The grand opening of Simply To-Go was held on Tuesday, January 12. The new dining establishment replaces Aggie late Night, located on the side of Williams Cafeteria. Simply to go will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 10 pm. Aggie late night operated between the hours of 10 p.m. to 1a.m. Aggies were able to take  See To-Go on Page 2

hen students woke up this morning, many of them found themselves a few thousand dollars richer than they were yesterday. Armed with the funds from their second semester refund check, North Carolina A&T students are able to purchase textbooks, pay off old debts, and even pay their leases several months in advance. While this may seem like a great thing, all that glitters isn’t always golden. More often than not, students refund checks are comprised of an additional amount of money they took out in the form of a student loan, and they fail to realize the amount of interest they will have to pay back down the road. Agricultural education graduate student Jaron Jones, from Winterville, N.C., says that students need to remember that it is important to plan out for the long term, and not to just live in the moment. “I believe that students must remember to manage their money with the end in mind,” Jones said. “Think past this weekend because unlike artists like ‘Drake’ we don’t

$1,145.43 rent down with their financial aid counselor if they have questions or concerns about their student accounts, or if they would like to discuss different ways to find funding for school with the minimal amount of loans. Another tempti n g thing for students to spend their refund yoLanDa BRiGGS check senior on is s p r i n g i feel like as an adult, you should be break. able to focus on your priorities, and as Everystudents we need to prioritize.” o n e wants to have a good as he can, making sure that his time, but if you have to go into prioritized expenses are taken debt to enjoy yourself, it may care of first. not be in your best interest to If students would like to gain spend your refund check on it, some advice on the best ways to especially if you have tight fimaximize their refunds, there nancial issues. As tempting as are always resources available the beach may be, think about to them at the local area banks. the long term affects being Many banks offer their exist- broke will have on your bank ing members free advice on account. Also, remember that if different ways to budget out you do want to take a trip somelarge sums of money, or how to where for spring break, plan invest things so that the maxi- early. You can utilize the spring mum amount of return can be break planning center on The achieved. Students can also sit A&T Register’s website underhave money to blow.” Jones, like many other students today, did receive a refund check but he won’t be wasting it on things like rented rims or a brand new wardrobe. Instead, Jones will pay his rent up as far

What they’re saying...

neath the advertise tab. Senior psychology and criminal justice major Yolanda Briggs is also planning to spend her refund check on student expenses, versus taking a splurge to the mall. Briggs says that her primary focus is fiscally responsible. “While in school we (students) have many responsibilities,” Briggs said. “Although our primary focus here is to get an education, many of us do have several financial responsibilities. For some of us, our refunds may primarily consist of loans. So even though they may seem nice and easy to obtain, we do still have to pay them back. My recommendation would be to use it wisely, spending on things we need and not that of which we want.” Briggs says the most discouraging thing about refunds is when she sees students spend their money on things they don’t need and then show up to class with no textbooks. “I feel like as an adult, you should be able to focus on your priorities, and as students we need to prioritize,” Briggs said. “Showing up to class unprepared is disrespectful to not only the faculty and staff, but also to those of us who actually care enough about our education to focus on what’s more important.”

DiD you KnoW... the housing application is already available? the r.a. application process started on monday? if you are a graduating senior you must have your community service finished by the end of February? tickets for the emmitt till play are already available? graduation applications are due soon? ONLINE

theYARD

theWORD

theSCORE

theSCENE

the uPdated CrIMe MaP

rentIng BOOks tO saVe Cash

sOMe aIrPOrt seCurIty

deFendIng the tItLe

MOnuMents OF huManIty

Keep up with campus crime, breaking news and more on our website.

With the prices of things steadily climbing, college students in Dallas have started to rent textbooks to save money.

Editorial Cartoonist Evan Summerville draws our attention towards the state of our nation’s airport security.

The Lady Aggies are undefeated in the conference and they hope to stay that way.

An exhibit coming to the University Galleries honors the renowned civil rights artist John Wilson.

www.ncatregister.com

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WEATHER

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Wednesday

47° Low: 23° High:

thursday: Sunny | High 54° FrIday: Mostly Sunny | High 56°

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

theBLOTTER

To-Go From page 1 out food when the normal cafeteria and union hours were closed. Aggie late night serviced 100 students on average daily, from Monday to Thursday. Jerry Asare Passah, a student manager for Aggie late night said, “Aggie late night was convenient for me as well as other students. It gave me the chance to work a night shift. I had 21 hours of classes, which enabled me to work during the day. As if my credit hours were not enough, I also had to do research. But I still managed to keep a 3.0 GPA despite my hectic schedule.” Williams cafeteria will no longer offer the take out option for students from the hours of 2 to 4 p.m. But, students will be able to grab a meal from Simply- To-Go. Simply-To-Go operates in a three-step process. The steps

allow students to select: one Entrée, one side and one drink. Students also have the choice of adding a complimentary treat, like cookies. Students can get all of this and will be charged for only one meal. Tracie Baker, sophomore accounting major said, “SimplyTo-Go is very convenient especially for me, who has a limited amount of time between classes to stop inside the cafe. The importance of eating before class will increase my concentration and my academic performance.” Students can now grab a meal or snack to go that is “Ready when you are.” Simply-To-Go can be described as a merger between Café Ala Cart and Aggie Late Night. So, if your schedule is too demanding and hectic, remember don’t skip a meal. Visit Simply-To-Go for a meal that is nutritious, delicious, inexpensive and convenient.

ncatregister.com

Safety is important. Check out the crime map online. If it’s gold it’s new, if it’s blue it’s old.

case closed

January 1 3:11 a.m. Dudley Street-DWI case closed

1:45 p.m. Laurel Street Lot Hit &Run Further Investigation

January 5 9:44 p.m. Aggie Village 4-Power Outage case closed

7:45 p.m. Cooper Hall Burglary Further Investigation

January 6 2:04 a.m. East Market Street DWI case closed

3:16 p.m. Ward Hall Lost Property case closed January 8 11:30 a.m. Dudley Street Vehicle Accident case closed

January 7 8:20 a.m. Benbow Hall Lot Vehicle Accident

Tuition From page 1

11:00 p.m. Aggie Suites F Alcohol Violations case closed

ideas for events at the interest meeting last night and will discuss them again at the Senate meeting tonight. “We are planning dorm storms and will encourage Senate members and other students to encourage people in their classes and around campus to sign. We will be putting up flyers and using verbal communication to get the word out.” The UNC Association of Student Governments passed a resolution in October, opposing the tuition increases

January 9 7:26 p.m. Aggie Suites E Fire Alarm case closed January 10 1:04 p. m. Sullivan Street DWI case closed

that were authorized by the state for the 2010-2011 school years in August. They recommended that the UNC system retract the 8 percent increase. If the tuition increase can’t be rescinded, ASG is requesting that funds that come from the increase should go back to the schools, rather than the state’s budget, as planned. Students can come to the tuition petition meetings every Tuesday or go to the SGA Office in room 213 of the Student Union if they want to sign. The next ASG meeting with all 17 colleges and universities will be on January 26.

5:43PM Obermeyer Circle Lost State Property case closed

events

theYARD

Wednesday

Intramural Basketball Moore Gymnasium 6 p.m. Delta Sigma Theta Founder’s Day

General Classroom Building Room A218 Auditorium 7 p.m.

thursday

A.W.E Meet and Greet Memorial Student Union Room 0005

5 p.m.

ASME General Body Meeting McNair Hall Lecture Room 2 6 p.m.

friday

Sneaker Gallery

Memorial Student Union 6 p. m.

Walk Workshop Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 8 p.m.

saturday

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

Basketball vs. Howard Corbett Gymnasium

2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

(336) 334-7675

Football Recruiting Dinner Williams Cafeteria Faculty Dining 6:30 p.m.

inFOCUS

sunday

Verge Try Outs Memorial Student Union Exhibit Hall 5 p.m.

monday

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday Classes are in session Basketball vs. Hampton Corbett Gymnasium 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. SGRho-Golden Men RHOyal Week New School of Education Room 160 Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

M.A.L.E.S. Program Memorial Student Union Room 214 7:30 p.m. UNST 140 Film Series McNair Hall Room 240 Auditorium 7 p.m. Photo by ShantÉ mathes • The A&T REgister

Caution The cold weather had its impact on campus while we were gone. The fountain was drained after water froze, then snow and ice took up residence.

The A&T

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

editorial cartoonist: Evan Summerville Graphic ARtist: Cameron Z. Simmons ncatregister.com: Stacie Bailey, (Online Editor) 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: Brittany Dandy business staff: Carlton Brown, Chad Roberts 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.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Texas college students save cash by renting their textbooks Holly K. Hacker The Dallas Morning News DALLAS — You can rent an apartment, a car or a DVD. Now add college textbooks to the list expensive items that people are renting because they are short on cash or looking for a better deal. Students at the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas can lease some textbooks through their campus bookstore, while others can find deals through a growing number of online rental sites _ think Netflix for English lit and calculus. Meanwhile, a few professors and colleges are experimenting with free online textbooks. There's good reason for the demand. College students can expect to shell out more than $1,000 on textbooks over the academic year, according to the Southern Regional Education Board. While that's still a fraction of tuition and fees, the high cost prompts plenty of gripes. "It comes to a point where you feel like you have to take out a separate loan just for your textbooks," said Branden Scott, a sophomore at UNT. Scott rented a $70 textbook for his English class through UNT's bookstore. The price for a semester-long rental: about $25. "I was in a rush to get my textbooks for the cheapest prices I could," he said. UNT and UTA were among seven colleges nationally to offer textbook rentals this

fall through their bookstores, which are managed by Follett Higher Education Group. This month, the program will expand to 22 colleges across the country. In general, a $100 new textbook rents for $42.50 per semester. Students must be at least 18, provide a credit card and sign a contract agreeing to return the materials on time. Otherwise, they're charged 75 percent of the new book price, plus a 7.5 percent processing fee. Users can highlight and write in the books, but they must be returned in good condition. At UTA, just over 4,000 students rented more than 6,000 books this fall, said Bill Coulter, the campus bookstore manager. "It went well. Everybody's happy with it," he said. Internet startups are jumping on the rental bandwagon, too. A California-based company called Chegg lets students order textbooks online and then ships via UPS. The four-year-old company has rented more than 1.5 million textbooks this year. So many sites have popped up it's hard to keep them straight: bookrenter.com, cam pusbookrentals.com and textbookrentals.com. Not every textbook can be rented. Experts say books need to have a decent shelf life so they can be rented several times. A bookstore won't recoup its costs if the fourth edition of a book is quickly replaced by the fifth. A 2005 federal study reported that publishers revise

textbooks every three or four years. Nor does renting always make sense. Students who need their books beyond one semester class are better off buying. If a student needs a book immediately, waiting for books from Amazon.com and half.com might not be possible. Consumer advocates say textbook rental programs help by offering more choices. But it shouldn't stop there. "We think that open-source textbooks are the ultimate solution," said Nicole Allen, textbook advocate for the Student Public Interest Research Groups, a coalition of student consumer organizations. Allen cited a company called Flat World Knowledge, which publishes about a dozen business e-textbooks, with more titles in the works. Students can read the books online for free or buy a printed version (ranging from about $20 for a print-it-yourself copy to $60 for a soft-cover color copy). At Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas, students taking Introduction to Business all use the same e-text from Flat World. Professor Diane Minger said she likes the book, and not just because it's easy on students' checkbooks. "I found the book to be extremely thorough, covering material in much greater depth and detail than current books on the market," she said. "So far, I'm getting good comments from students." Still, experts say don't ex-

pect e-books to replace printed books any time soon. Even though young people today are more likely to download music rather than buy a CD, or to get their news online, StudentPIRGS found that most would still rather buy a lowcost textbook than read one free online. Texas lawmakers are expected to join the debate, too. The House Committee on Higher Education has been ordered to study ways to lower the cost of instructional materials, including electronic textbooks, open source books and other online resources. Other attempts to lower textbook costs _ such as exempting them from sales tax _ have failed in the Legislature. As for rentals, they're expected to expand rapidly. The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 included $10 million for textbook rental pilot programs, with another $10 million allocated this year. The National Association of College Stores estimates that 200 of its member campus bookstores offer a rental program. Scott, the UNT sophomore, said he'd actually prefer digital textbooks. "I don't think a lot of students in this day really do care whether or not it's physically in print or if you just have to access a Web site," he said. "Both are just as convenient." And while he had a good experience renting, Scott found one major downside. "I'm a little sad I have to return it, because I enjoyed a lot of the stories in it."

Major media groups back students in Northwestern’s Innocence Project Georgia Garvey Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — Journalistic heavy hitters lent support Monday to an effort to toss out a prosecutor's subpoena for notes, grades and other materials from Northwestern University journalism students, an investigator and their professor in connection with the case of a man the students argue was wrongfully convicted. The Cook County state's attorney's office also subpoenaed videos, grading criteria and more from a Medill Innocence Project investigation into the case of Anthony McKinney, convicted of the 1978 shotgun murder of a security guard. Attorneys for the school have fought the subpoena, saying the students, Professor David Protess and private investigator Sergio Serritella were all working as journalists when they gathered affidavits, documents and videotaped interviews. On Monday, an attorney representing the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, the Chicago Sun-Times, CBS News, The Washington Post and the Hearst Corp._in addition to a dozen more newsgathering organizations_filed a brief in Cook County Circuit Court opposing the forced surrender of the material. "I think the point of the (filing) is to explain to the court the importance that a large number of journalism organizations give to the position that Northwestern and Mr. Protess are taking here," said the media group's attorney, David Sanders of the Chicagobased firm of Jenner and Block. "These are important issues."

In November, the state's attorney's office filed documents in the case laying out allegations by various witnesses of bribery and improper influence exerted on the part of the Medill Innocence Project. The students, Protess and Serritella all deny the accusations. In response to that November filing, attorneys for Northwestern University filed on Monday another brief in support of the judge throwing out the subpoena. In that brief, attorneys did not respond to each of the accusations in the state's attorney filing, instead dealing with various legal issues. But the Northwestern filing did reiterate the Innocence Project's previous assertions that a questioned travel payment for a witness was not a bribe, as suggested in the prosecutors' last filing. Protess, the Northwestern professor who created the Medill Innocence Project, said he was pleased to have backing for his argument that reporter shield laws protect his students. "We received support from the national media as well as our friends in the local media for the positions we've taken all along," Protess said after Judge Diane Gordon Cannon ruled that she would accept the amicus, or, friend of the court, briefs. Also filed Monday was a support brief by organizations including the Student Press Law Center and the Society of Professional Journalists. Erin Bolan Hines, of the Chicago-based firm of Baker and Hostetler, represented student groups who also oppose the release of the Medill Innocence Project information.

MLK Commemorative Celebration

Who: Roland Martin What: Keynote Speaker for

annual MLK Commemorative Celebration

When: January 21 at 7 p.m. Where: Harrison Auditorium on the campus of North Carolina A&T

Cost: FREE ticketed program open to the public

For ticket information, contact the University Ticket Office, (336) 334-7449

North Carolina A&T State University presents its annual MLK Commemorative Celebration, January 21, 2010, 7 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium. The program is being sponsored by N.C. A&T’s Martin Luther King Observance Committee in conjunction with the institution’s Lyceum Series. Under this year’s theme, “The Dream - No Longer His, Now Ours,” event coordinators are proud to welcome keynote speaker Roland S. Martin, TV One Cable Network Commentator and CNN Contributor, during the celebration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin, an award-winning journalist, who gained more popularity during the last presidential elections, is a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and author of Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith, and Speak Brother! A Black Man’s View of America. Martin can be heard daily from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. on The Roland S. Martin Show on WVON AM/1690 in Chicago. He has appeared on a variety of shows including Paula Zahn Now, Anderson Cooper 360, and Lou Dobbs Tonight. He is also a contributor for Essence Magazine and posts a daily blog on Essence.com Known mostly for his provocative and insightful analysis in the political arena, Martin has appeared on MSNBC, FOX News, Court TV, BET Nightly News, BBC News, National Public Radio, The Word Network, America’s Black Forum and the Tom Joyner Morning Show, amongst others. Martin served as the executive editor/general manager for the Chicago Defender, the nation’s largest Black daily newspaper and as a news editor for both Savoy Magazine and BlackAmericaWeb.com. This event is a free ticketed program and is open to the public. For ticket information, contact the University Ticket Office at (336) 334-7449.

Please note: MLK Community Service Day, January 18th – Volunteer opportunities available 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., transportation provided, call (336) 334-7792.

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The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Iraqi forces stop insurgent plans katharine houreld AP Writer

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi forces seized a large cache of explosives and arrested suspected insurgents allegedly planning to target government ministries Tuesday, in a crackdown across the capital that brought parts of the city to a standstill. The security measures demonstrated the ever-present fear that insurgents will carry out more bombings, like the ones against government buildings in past months that killed hundreds, ahead of the March elections. The government’s announcement that it had arrested 25 suspects and seized 880 pounds (400 kilograms) of military grade explosives also set off bitter accusations from some Sunni politicians that the government had exaggerated the incident to burnish its security credentials. The charges laid bare once more the stark lack of trust in Iraq between the Shiite-dominated government and the Sunni Muslims who oppose the government. Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi, the capital’s top military spokesman, said security forces had seized 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of TNT, 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of C4 explosive and 66 gallons (250 liters) of ammonium nitrate, an ingredient to make explosives, and 60 mortar shells. Twenty-five suspects who had been planning

an attack that morning were arrested, he said. Legislator Abdul Karim alSamarraie, the deputy head of parliament’s security and defense committee, said the insurgents were planning to target government ministries although he did not have details on which ones. There was no way to independently verify the reports. An explosives expert said if the figures al-Moussawi quoted were true, then the security forces had seized enough explosives to make around 120 suicide vests, or around ten averagesize car bombs, or a giant truck bomb big enough to blast a crater 32 feet (10 meters) deep in a tarred road. The expert spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. “This will not prevent the insurgents from attacking, but it will slow their operations,” said analyst Tim Brown at GlobalSecurity.org. “If the reports prove true, it represents a major success for the Iraqi government.” The sweep followed hours of cordon and search operations across the capital. Such operations have become rare since security in Iraq improved in 2008. However, every couple of months, insurgents still succeed in carrying out horrific bombings. Hundreds were killed when blasts targeted government institutions in central Baghdad in recent months.

The issue of security is becoming increasingly politicized ahead of March 7 polls. Sunni lawmakers were quick to question whether the lockdown ordered by the Shiite-dominated government on Tuesday was really necessary and emphasized the inconvenience it caused ordinary Iraqis who could not get to work or school. “The government is trying to leave the citizens with the impression that there is a battle. They terrified and shocked the people,” said legislator Saleh al-Mutlaq. “We think that these measures are totally unjustifiable.” Iraqi security forces are increasingly taking over duties from the U.S. military, whose combat units are scheduled to leave by the end of August. The stakes are especially high for the prime minister’s Rule of Law coalition, which is campaigning on its ability to protect citizens and its record in reducing violence. In a reminder of the continuing instability, four policemen were killed and another wounded when a bomb exploded near their vehicle in Al-Saadiyah, 90 miles (140 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, a policeman and a morgue official said Tuesday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press. Sunni lawmaker Dhafir alAni said that the government is preying on people’s fears with

the security operations to boost their chances in the polls. “Now (the government) is afraid of losing their authority, they have started to beat the drums of war and making people live in a military atmosphere ... We also noticed how people were greatly annoyed by these measures.” Iraq’s nationwide election will be a crucial test whether Iraqis can vote in a government capable of overcoming deepening ethnic and sectarian rivalries, or whether those divisions will dissolve into violence that threatens the country’s unity and regional stability. Tensions have already arisen after a government committee charged with keeping supporters of the Saddam Hussein regime out of politics recommended that al-Mutlaq’s party and 13 others be banned from the elections over alleged links to the former dictator. “Members of those entities were personnel of the former regime’s repressive security apparatus, or Mukhabarat (secret police) officers, and some of them were collaborators with the former regime,” said Ali al-Lami, the head of the committee. The potential exclusion of al-Mutlaq, who holds the second largest bloc of Sunni seats in parliament, raised fears that Sunnis might boycott the polls again, as they did in a January 2005 election. That boycott was followed by a surge in insurgent attacks.

Where were you when this happened? We were there. You could be too. Contributors meetings are every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the General Classroom Building 328A.

S Korea, US dismiss N Korea’s peace talks proposal hyung-jin Kim

Associated Press Writer

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea and the U.S. rejected North Korea’s proposal to start peace talks to formally end the Korean War, with Seoul saying Tuesday that can happen only after the North rejoins disarmament talks and reports progress in denuclearization. The North said Monday that its return to six-nation negotiations on its nuclear weapons program hinges on building better relations with the United States by starting peace treaty talks. The North also called for the lifting of international sanctions against it. On Tuesday, South Korea’s defense chief said he believes peace treaty talks can take place only after the nuclear talks are resumed and the North takes steps toward disarming its atomic programs. “I think it’s an issue that we can probably move forward with after the six-party talks are reopened and there is progress in North Korea’s denuclearization process,” Defense Minister Kim Tae-young told reporters. He said South Korea will continue to try to find what the North’s true intention is behind

its peace talks proposal. But Kim said his military is ready to deter any possible North Korean aggression, saying the North “many times in the past offered peace gestures with one hand while on the other committed provocations.” U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley also brushed off the North’s call, saying it must first rejoin the six-party negotiations. Crowley, speaking Monday in Washington, urged North Korea to return to the talks “and then we can begin to march down the list of issues that we have.” Washington and Pyongyang have never had diplomatic relations because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, thus leaving the peninsula technically at war. North Korea, the U.S.-led United Nations Command and China signed a cease-fire, but South Korea never did. North Korea, which claims it was forced to develop atomic bombs to cope with U.S. threats, has long demanded a peace treaty. But South Korea has also been suspicious that its rival is using the issue as a distraction, while the U.S. has resisted sign-

THE A&T

ing a treaty while the North possesses nuclear weapons. However, President Barack Obama’s special envoy, Stephen Bosworth, said following a landmark trip to Pyongyang last month that the subject can be discussed as part of the sixnation nuclear talks, which have not been held for more than a year. The North quit those talks with the U.S., South Korea, China, Russia and Japan last year in anger over international condemnation of a long-range rocket launch. The country later conducted its second nuclear test, testlaunched a series of ballistic missiles and restarted its plutonium-producing facility, inviting widespread condemnation and tighter U.N. sanctions. After months of tension, however, the North said last month it understood the need to resume the nuclear talks following Bosworth’s trip to Pyongyang. Still, the country did not make a firm commitment on when it would rejoin the forum. The North’s statement called for a peace treaty to be concluded this year, which it emphasized marks the 60th anniversary since the outbreak of the Korean War.

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Alleged kingpin of Mexican cartels captured elliot spagat

Associated Press

TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — Mexico has captured a kingpin accused of terrorizing his way to the top of a gang fighting for control of key U.S. drug routes — even ordering rivals dissolved in caustic soda. Tuesday’s arrest, announced by U.S. and Mexican officials, capped a series of victories in Mexico’s U.S.-backed war on narcotics. Teodoro Garcia Simental, known as “El Teo,” was arrested before dawn at a home he owned in the city of La Paz on the Baja California peninsula, said Mexican federal police commissioner Ramon Eduardo Pequeno. Mexican authorities had been tracking him for more than six months, with the help of U.S. anti-drug officials, he said. Federal police marched the frowning, heavyset Garcia in front of cameras at a news conference in Mexico City on Tuesday afternoon. Police displayed about a dozen seized handguns, along with several laptop computers and bundles of cash. Garcia — one of Mexico’s most wanted drug traffickers — is the second kingpin to be taken down in less than a month by President Felipe Calderon’s government. Pequeno said Garcia is responsible for the deaths of at least 300 people, including some whose beheaded bodies were dumped in Tijuana. He also ordered hundreds of

bodies to be dissolved in caustic soda, officials said. Officials say Garcia was a cartel lieutenant who broke away from the Arellano Felix gang following the arrest of its leader, Benjamin Arellano Felix, and the death of his brother, Raul. Garcia formed his own gang, which got its drugs from the Sinaloa Cartel run by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and from the La Familia gang in Michoacan state, Pequeno said. Garcia owned three planes that his gang would use to fly drugs from Michoacan, Sinaloa and Jalisco states to the Baja California peninsula, where they were unloaded and then smuggled into the United States by land, Pequeno said. In Tijuana, he ruled by ordering the killings of drug dealers who betrayed him and buying off and intimidating officials. In the last week of December, authorities arrested a former Tijuana policeman who allegedly led at least 10 criminal cells working for Garcia. His arrest comes on the heels of another triumph for Calderon’s drug war. Mexican marines killed reputed kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva on Dec. 16 during a raid on an apartment complex in Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City. Calderon’s government has sent more than 45,000 troops to drug hotspots to confront the cartels. Cartels have responded with a vengeance, unleashing unprecedented killings. More than 15,500 people have died from drug violence since 2006. The government says most of the dead are smugglers.

theBIZ Trade deficit rises to $36.4 billion The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

MARTIN CRUTSINGER Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit jumped to the highest level in 10 months as an improving U.S. economy pushed up demand for imports. However, exports rose as well, boosted by a weaker dollar, supporting the view that American manufacturers will be helped by a rebounding global economy. The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that the trade deficit jumped 9.7 percent to $36.4 billion in November, a bigger imbalance than the $34.5 billion deficit economists had forecast. Exports rose 0.9 percent, the seventh consecutive gain, as

demand was up for Americanmade autos, farm products and industrial machinery. Imports, however, rose a much faster 2.6 percent, led by a 7.3 percent rise in petroleum imports. The politically sensitive deﬁcit with China narrowed by 10.8 percent in November to $20.2 billion as U.S. exports to China hit an all-time high. Through November, the deﬁcit with China is still the largest the United States incurs with any country but it is down 15.9 percent from the same period in 2008. American manufacturers contend China is unfairly manipulating the value of its currency to gain trade advantages, a point President Barack Obama raised with Chinese leaders dur-

ing his November visit to that country. Through the first 11 months of 2009, the overall U.S. trade deficit in 2009 was running at an annual rate of $371.59 billion, down by nearly half from last year’s imbalance of $695.94 billion. That improvement reflected a deep recession in the United States which cut sharply into consumer demand for foreign products. But as the U.S. economy has begun to mount a recovery from the worst downturn since the Great Depression, imports have started to rise. Economists expect that development will continue in 2010 and they are predicting a higher trade deficit as a result. However, they also contend

that the fortunes of American manufacturers will be lifted by a continued rise in demand for U.S. exports as America’s major overseas markets mount a recovery as well. The fall in the dollar against most major currencies since the U.S. currency hit a 2009 high last March is also expected to boost export sales. Economists are looking for strong gains in exports to help manufacturers and the overall economy in 2010. For November, the 0.9 percent rise in exports pushed them to $138.24 billion, the highest level for exports in a year. Shipments of farm products were up $1.28 billion led by a big gain in sales of soybeans. Exports of capital products including semiconductors, in-

Cadbury makes case against Kraft takeover bid ROBERT BARR

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — British candy maker Cadbury PLC on Tuesday stepped up its defense against a hostile takeover bid from Kraft Foods Inc. by announcing that full-year results will beat market expectations and pledging a 10 percent hike in dividend payments. Cadbury said Kraft’s 10.3 billion pound ($16.5 billion) bid was too low and that the share portion of the offer was unappealing because of the U.S. company’s “poor track record of delivery.” “Don’t let Kraft steal your company with its derisory offer,” Cadbury chairman Roger Carr said to shareholders. Kraft responded that Cadbury’s defense was “underwhelming.” “They have said very little that is new and have ducked the issue of their proﬁtability in 2010,” Kraft said in a brief statement. Cadbury shares fell slightly following the announcement, but market analysts remained convinced that Kraft’s bid would fail unless it increases a cash and shares offer which now values Cadbury at 10.8 billion pound ($17.4 billion).

Shares in the British company were down 0.6 percent at 776.5 pence at midday on the London Stock Exchange, compared to Kraft’s offer of 763 pence per share. “We continue to think that Kraft will need to come up with an offer north of (800 pence) and with a significantly enhanced cash component to take out Cadbury,” said Martin Deboo, analyst at Investec Securities. Kraft, based in Northfield, Illinois, is also under pressure from its biggest shareholder, billionaire investor Warren Buffett, not to sweeten its offer with more shares, which he believes are undervalued. Time is running short: Kraft has until Jan. 19 to raise its offer, and the deadline for winning acceptances from a majority of Cadbury shareholders is Feb. 2. Cadbury plans to release a preliminary report of its 2009 earnings on Thursday in hopes of convincing shareholders not to take up Kraft’s current offer. Kraft, whose products include Velveeta cheese and Oreo cookies, is “an unfocused, conglomerate business model with significant exposure to lower growth categories and a track record of missed financial targets,” Cadbury said. The maker of Dairy Milk

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chocolate and Dentyne gum, Cadbury said it would pay dividends totaling 18 pence per share for 2009, a 10 percent increase from 2008. It said it expected to report a 5 percent growth in business revenue for 2009, or 11 percent higher on an actual currency basis. It said it had improved its trading margin by 1.55 percentage points to 13.5 percent. Last week, Kraft sold its North American pizza business to Nestle for $3.7 billion, and used the proceeds to post an alternative offer with a greater cash component, up from 300 pence to 360 pence. It did not, however, raise the total value of its bid. Kraft shares are currently worth 42 percent less than in the initial public offering price in 2001, Cadbury said. Cadbury said Kraft’s offer equals 12 times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, while comparable transactions in the sector have ranges from 14.3 to 18.5 times EBITDA. Analysts at Panmure Gordon said that higher range implied that Cadbury was worth 900 pence or more, but “we suspect that an increased offer in the range of 825 pence-850 pence could well be sufﬁcient to clinch

the deal.” “Kraft’s offer is very significantly below all comparable transactions in the sector; applying any of the comparable multiples would imply a price per share far above Kraft’s offer,” said Carr. Cadbury says it will publish further preliminary details of its 2009 results on Thursday. “Looking forward to 2010, we are targeting revenue growth within our 5-7 percent goal range,” said Cadbury CEO Todd Stitzer. “We expect benefits from our restructuring and reconfiguration actions in 2010 to drive continued progress to achieve our targets of good mid-teens margin by 2011 and 16-18 percent margin by 2013,” he added. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corp., Carr added that Kraft would have to make deep cuts in Cadbury in order to make the takeover work. “For Kraft to make this pay for their shareholders, they have to attract huge synergies. Synergies is a euphemism for heavy cost cuts and invevitably plants and jobs would be lost,” Carr said. “That’s what happens with a takeover.”

dustrial machinery and computers rose by $360 million while sales of U.S.-made autos and auto parts rose by $714 million. The 2.6 percent rise in imports of goods and services pushed them to $174.64 billion, the highest level since December 2008. The increase was led by a 7.3 percent increase in petroleum imports which rose to $24.43 billion. The volume of crude oil imports fell to the lowest level since February 1999 but the price rose to an average of $72.54 per barrel, the highest level since October 2008. Imports of computers, telecommunications equipment and industrial machinery were all up but imports of autos and auto parts fell by $54 million.

The expectation is that while imports will be rising in coming months, the gains in exports will continue as well, reflecting a rebounding global economy and the weaker dollar. The global rebound is being led by China and other Asian nations. Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. is predicting that its sales will rise in 2010, reflecting in part greater demand from China and other Asian markets. For November, the U.S. deficit with Canada dropped 32.1 percent to $1.4 billion while the imbalance with Mexico rose by 12.8 percent to $5.1 billion. The deficit with the European Union was up 30.5 percent to $6.4 billion and the deficit with Japan rose by 22.8 percent to $5.4 billion.

AFTER THE BIG ECONOMIC BAILOUT

Obama considers levy for rescued firms PHILLIP ELLIOTT

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — argeting an industry whose political deafness has vexed his administration, President Barack Obama is weighing a levy aimed at recovering tax dollars from government-rescued financial institutions. The proposed levy could put Obama on the popular side of public opinion that is decidedly against Wall Street and angry over shortfalls in a $700 billion bank bailout fund. PRESIDENT A senior administration official said Monday that Obama would seek modiOBAMA fications to the law that sent billions in bailout money in 2008 and 2009 to a flailing Wall Street that was approaching collapse. The government official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the president’s thinking. “While we have not seen any specific language from the administration, Congress will certainly examine any serious proposals to lower the deficit and recoup even more of the TARP funds for the taxpayers,” said Nadeam Elshami, a spokesman for Pelosi, D-Calif. The 2008 law that created the Troubled Asset Relief Program requires the president to seek a way to recoup unrecovered TARP money from financial institutions, but five years after the law was enacted. It does not specify how the money should be recovered. An industry official said consideration of a levy now would be premature. “Current law doesn’t trigger this tax proposal for another four years,” said Scott Talbott, chief lobbyist for the Financial Services Roundtable, an industry group for

“I don’t know anybody, save for a few that work for those banks, that don’t get visibly angry ... in reading those stories.” some of the largest financial firms. “We look forward to seeing the details of the complexity of the formula, of who it’s applied to and what the assessment is based on and when it is applied,” he said. Government officials have conceded that they don’t expect to recoup billions in TARP money used to rescue insurance conglomerate American International Group Inc. and the auto industry. Banks have been repaying their infusions, in part to get out from under compensation limits imposed on the bailout recipients. Banks have also paid dividends from the government help. The administration is projecting the losses to the government from the bailout program will be about $120 billion, most of it due to auto and AIG assistance. According to the law, the status of the TARP fund must be assessed by late 2013, five years after it passed. “In any case where there is a shortfall,” the statute says, “the President shall submit a legislative proposal that recoups from the financial industry an amount equal to the shortfall in order to ensure that the Troubled Asset Relief Program does not add to the deficit or national debt.” Obama has been strident in his criticism of bankers, calling them “fat cats” last month in an interview that aired on the eve of their visit to the White House. With public anger over the bailout still strong, Obama has embraced populist rhetoric in an effort to shame bank executives into paying back the government more quickly and their executives less lavishly. At the White House on Monday, Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs jabbed at the perceived disconnect between Wall Street executives and their customers. The spokesman said the disparity angered his boss. “I don’t know anybody, save for a few that work for those banks, that don’t get visibly angry ... in reading those stories,” Gibbs said. “I think they’re not listening to the American people.” Funds collected from such a levy would go to pay down the $1.4 trillion deficit amid the Obama-backed stimulus package and aid to Detroit’s automakers. Washington spent about $245 billion to help banks in the Troubled Asset Relief Program, much less than President George W. Bush’s Treasury Department secured to keep financial firms afloat.

theWORD 6

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Top Five Concerns we have with the Attorney General EDITORIAL BOARD

The A&T Register

Don’t get us wrong; we’re not out to get you. There are just a few things that are nagging at us like flies descend on food. There is something to be said about someone doing something wrong, admitting it, and getting away with it. While the senate may not have felt that what happened was serious, we certainly do, and so do the people of North Carolina A&T. To put this into perspective, we have found a “real life” political example of what happens when someone in a position of power embezzles some money. Look at Sheila Dixon, the former Mayor of Baltimore. She was doing great by everyone’s standards, just like you were when we gave you an A. Then she turned around and embezzled money in the form of gift cards for things that money wasn’t for. Sound familiar?

Those fliers had nothing to do with your job. End result; she was convicted of embezzling a little over $600, much like you did with around $60. She didn’t have to do jail time, just like you weren’t kicked out of school, but she did resign. And we think you should do the same. Here are the top five reasons why: Concern #5 You used your position of power for personal gain You certainly weren’t the first, and as much as we hate to admit it, we know you won’t be the last. We’re talking about the strange trend in the Student Government Association where people abuse the power SGA granted to them for their personal benefit. The purpose of SGA is to serve the people, and doing anything with your position of service other than things that would benefit the people is

wrong. Students who choose to serve the people in SGA also choose to sacrifice and put others before themselves. At least, they are supposed to. It appears you used the authority and resources as your disposal as Attorney General to further your greek aspirations. It looks as if you used SGA to propel yourself into greekdom. We’re not saying that people who are in student organizations shouldn’t become part of greek organizations, but when you are a part of SGA, things are different. Our elected officials should have more respect for what governance is, and your actions clearly show that you do not.

ings, but we have reason to believe you haven’t been doing so. People in Murphy Hall have said it, people in the Senate have said it, and people that aren’t in positions of power have said it. If you aren’t going to attend the hearings, or not give them your full focus when you are at the hearings, then why bother going at all? We expected more from you, especially since you campaigned on honesty, integrity, and serving the people. What happened?

Concern #4 It seems to us, and to even more people, that you’re not taking this position seriously

You stood before the Senate and admitted your guilt. You accepted the Senate’s disciplinary decision. It was then later seen on Facebook that you proclaimed your innocence. As Attorney general, the person who

One of your primary roles is to attend student conduct hear-

Concern # 3 You admitted your guilt to the senate, and said “not guilty” on Facebook

is supposed to uphold the legal traditions of A&T, how does that look? How were you not guilty of embezzlement? Also, by proclaiming your innocence, you slap the system of justice that you are supposed to uphold in the face. Concern # 2 How can you uphold the constitution of this institution when you yourself are breaking the code? It just seems wrong to us that the student prosecutor can break the laws of the land and still charge other students with serious offenses. If we ever find ourselves feeling the urge to break a rule, we’ll be sure to look you up and ask how you got away with it, so we can do it too. And if that’s not a positive role model, we don’t know what is. Concern #1

You embezzled money. Do we even need to say anything else here? All of our dusgust is not focused on you and your actions. We are also disgusted with how the Senate handled this whole affair. Senate, we think you really droppe the ball. You guys need to really examine yourselves. When you think about it, stepping down is the only right thing to do. Students were outraged that the Senate didn’t impeach you, and if you don’t believe us you can just ask. We received over 80 phone calls in the first few hours of the story running, individually on our personal phones and through the phones in our office. That doesn’t even begin to talk about the emails, tweets, and Facebook messages we got. Do the right thing and remove yourself from the spotlight. It’s what politicians do.

AggieLife

By Evan Summerville

Arenas’ gun ‘joke’ was not as funny as he initially thought Athletes are beginning to display a behavior that use to be expected from only the village idiot. Whether it be steroid allegations or gun charges; these privileged individuals are showing that they not only take for granted their fortunate circumstances, they have no regard for their consequences. Just as Plaxico Burress used poor judgment in bringing a loaded gun to a nightclub and subsequently shooting himself in the leg, which landed him in jail, another professional athlete has all but ended a promising career over a stupid decision and potentially faces legal charges. When Gilbert Arenas brought unloaded firearms to his locker at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC, he not only violated NBA conduct rules, but also violated D.C. laws as well. Reports said that he and teammate Javaris Crittenton were arguing over a gambling debt when both pulled out guns. Arenas later said that he was trying to play an ill-fated joke on his teammate and was not trying to harm him. First of all, Arenas should have had his story straight. You can’t change your story a million times, especially if you are involved in a criminal case. There was no reason for him to use guns as a prank or draw a weapon on his teammate over a gambling debt. How much money do you make again? Why are you upset about someone owing you money over a card game. That just means that you need to practice whatever game you got dusted in.

LAPORSHA

LOWRY

Arenas must not have realized that d i ff e r e n t states have d i ff e r e n t laws, and the District of Columbia had its own sepa-

rate set of laws. Once he left Virginia or Maryland, he went into an entirely different entity and would be subject to its own form of action. Another excuse that he gave for bringing the guns to the arena was that he wanted to keep them out of the reach of his children at his home. Not only is it stupid to bring his kids into the situation, but it is also his responsibility to take care of it without breaking the rules of his employer. If he wanted to protect his family, then there were other ways to do it than to put your professional career in jeopardy. Some people would say that professional athletes are targeted and they have to protect themselves, but that is what a bodyguard is for. If you want to protect yourself, at least use your second amendment rights and get the gun registered, and then follow the rules of your employer. Being an athlete is still his job, and if you break the rules at a regular job, then you will face the same consequences. As much as you are paid, you should not feel the need to pull a gun on somebody for any reason. These athletes do not appreciate the opportunities that

they are given and Commissioner Stern was justified in his discipline of Arenas. Apparently, the only way for one of these athletes to realize the error in their ways is to take their privileges and their livelihood away. This man can no longer make a living for his family because of the poor choice that he made, and now that spur-of-the-moment “joke” is not so funny is it? The NBA indefinitely suspended Arenas on Jan. 6, coincidently on his 28th birthday, without pay until its investigation is complete. Initially, NBA Commissioner David Stern planned to wait until the investigation took place to give out a lengthy suspension. However, Stern acted immediately when Arenas pretended to shoot his teammates with guns made from his fingers during pregame introductions prior to a game. Another example of how immaturely he handled the situation. If you are under investigation for this type of crime and they are still letting you play, then you need to show some level of remorse and make a better case for yourself. Arenas was a promising player in the NBA, and he had a lot of things going for him. However, athletes have to learn from each other’s mistakes or else they will fall down the same destructive paths and will not ever be able to fulfill their promise. Now he is probably going to face federal charges for having illegal firearms in DC and a suspension from the NBA will be the least of his worries.

How stupid is beginning semesters mid-week oh let me count the ways Society made the work and school week Monday through Friday for a reason. Sunday is supposed to be the day we all dread because it means school/ work starts the next day. Friday is supposed to be the day we look forward to after a long five day work week. Besides tradition, there’s another reason school usually starts on Monday, because it makes sense! This is especially true for college students, especially after a long holiday. Why does every school seem to get this but North Carolina A&T? In the two years I’ve been here, every semester has started mid-week. Is it too much to ask to get one last full week off? They just can’t give us those two days and let us start on Monday like every other school? Starting school midweek is wrong for a few reasons, the first of which is the travel. The cheapest way to get back to school is to drive, that is if you have parents who are able to take to drive you back to school or you have a friend you can carpool with. So unless you have your own car driving is not an option, which forces a lot of people including myself to spend money on train and airline tickets in the middle of a recession. Not everyone has an airport close by, so making travel arrangements to the airport is

quite hectic. Another reason that classes starting on a Thursday are wrong is that most students still do not come, resultSYLVIA ing in absencOBELL es and complications. Putting blame on mixed up schedules; meetings with advisors and wrong locations usually excuse first week absences while some teachers are bold enough to announce that they will not take attendance the first week just to avoid any complications. In the end, those of us who actually went along with the stupidity of coming back to school mid-week feel even more stupid. Missing class is not excusable, but when you think about it can you really blame them? This brings me to my next reason, nothing substantial goes on in class those first two days. We all know that in the first two days all we do is get the syllabus, play a dumb introduction game and leave. Plus all the syllabuses are posted online so you can read and catch up to what was missed. Now I can only speak for my own personal experience, no professor I have had has tried to teach a lesson on the

first day that is not repeated the next week. The only slight advantage is that you get on the professors good side, but I cannot help but question if they really keep in mind throughout the semester who came to class that first day and who did not. Most professors do not even think it is a good idea. Some professors do not even bother showing up, I know one of my professors did not show up to class on Thursday and I know for a fact that I am not the only person that has had that happen. The professors who do show up also complain about the stupidity of classes starting on Thursday right along with us students. Now when students and teachers agree about something you know it must be true. My personal favorite reason why starting the semesters midweek is wrong is because it is stupid. If you still do not question for yourself why, please refer back to reason one and work your way down. All I have heard since I have been back are these complaints and many more. After four semesters of nothing but complaints, I figured this editorial was long over-due. My hope is that the administration finally sees the light, and begins to start future semesters on Mondays.

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The opinions expressed on The Word are those of the writers and do not represent the opinions of the staff of The A&T Register.

theSCORE The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Aggies can’t wait to come home, away games unkind daniel henderson Sports Editor

The Aggie men’s basketball team couldn’t stop their fivegame road losing streak nor sophomore guard C.J. Reed. He hit a runner just outside the lane over senior guard Dwane Joshua scoring the game-winning bucket in the Aggies 66-65 loss at Moore Gymnasium Monday night. The Aggies (5-10, 1-2) have

now lost six out of their last seven games. For a moment it appeared that Joshua had sealed the deal with his 3-pointer that gave the Aggies a 65-64 lead with 28.8 seconds remaining. But Bethunue-Cookman turned to their leading scorer in Reed, which was no surprise to A&T head coach Jerry Eaves, who managed to send the Aggies back to North Carolina winless in their Florida road. “Cliff Reed got the ball to

his best player,’’ said Eaves. “He made a very tough shot.” Joshua led the Aggies in scoing with 15 points while junior forward 10 points six rebounds and five blocks. The Aggies will return to action at Corbett Sports Center against Howard Saturday at 4 p.m.. “We’re a good team, but until we become men and rebound that basketball, we’ll always come up a little short,” Eaves said.

AGGIES RUNDOWN men’s basketball

Photo by kenneth hawkins • the A&T Register

Marc hill and the Aggies hope to avenge their road losses in their upcoming home games.

McGwire admits to steroid use

TEAM

MEAC

OVR.

B-CU Morgan State Howard South Carolina State Delaware State UMES NC A&T Hampton FAMU Coppin State

3-0 3-0 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2

9-6 10-7 3-13 7-5 6-7 3-12 5-10 3-11 3-12 2-12

NEXT WEEK’S GAME: Saturday vs. Howard Corbett Sports Center 4 p.m. Monday vs. Hampton Corbett Sports Center 8 p.m.

women’s basketball TEAM

MEAC

OVR.

3-0 2-0 2-1 2-1 2-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 1-2 0-2 0-3

8-7 4-7 9-4 7-7 5-9 6-8 5-9 5-9 4-9 2-13 2-9

NC A&T UMES FAMU Howard Morgan State South Carolina State B-CU Hampton Coppin State Delaware State Norfolk State

Ronald blum

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Finally willing to talk about the past, Mark McGwire sobbed and sniffled, giving the missing — and unsurprising — answer to the steroids question. Ending more than a decade of denials and evasion, McGwire admitted Monday that steroids and human growth hormone helped make him a home run king. “The toughest thing is my wife, my parents, close friends have had no idea that I hid it from them all this time,” he told The Associated Press in an emotional, 20-minute interview. “I knew this day was going to come. I didn’t know when.” In a quavering voice, McGwire apologized and said he used steroids and human growth hormone on and off for a decade, starting before the 1990 season and including the year he broke Roger Maris’ single-season home run record in 1998. “I wish I had never touched steroids,” McGwire said. “It was foolish and it was a mistake.” Once he was hired by the Cardinals in October to be their hitting coach, however, he knew he had to say something before the start of spring training in mid-February. “He knows he owes the baseball world an explanation,” said former Rep. Tom Davis, the Virginia Republican who chaired the hearing. “I don’t think anybody’s surprised by this. He was one of hundreds of players who used steroids during this time. ... This was so widespread. Had we not held these hearings and put the fear of God into baseball, it would still be going on.” Before a carefully rolled out schedule of statements and interviews, McGwire called commissioner Bud Selig, St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and Maris’ widow, Pat, on Monday to personally break the news. He started by issuing a statement and calling the AP. “It was a wrong thing what I did. I totally regret it. I just wish I was never in that era,” he said. McGwire even understands why the Maris family now believes that Maris’ 61 homers in 1961 should be considered the authentic record. McGwire was a baseball icon — Big Mac, with a Paul Bunyan physique and a home run swing that made fans come out to the ballpark early to watch batting practice. He hit 583 home runs, tied for eighth on the career list, and his average of one every 10.6 atbats is the best ever. His record of 70 home runs in 1998 was surpassed by Barry Bonds’ 73 homers in 2001 — the year of McGwire’s retirement and the apex of the Steroids Era. Bonds himself has denied knowingly using illegal drugs but has been indicted on charges he made false statements to a federal grand jury and obstructed justice. In four appearances on the Hall of Fame ballot, McGwire has hovered at 21-24 percent, well below the 75 percent necessary.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES: Saturday vs. Howard Corbett Sports Center 2 p.m.

Photo by kenneth hawkins • the A&T Register Ta’wuana cook finished with 12 points and six rebounds in the Lady Aggies 88-62 win at Bethune-Cookman Monday night. She is currently leading the team in scoring at 15.6 p.p.g.

DEFENDING THEIR CROWN Lady Aggies off to 3-0 start in conference play Lauren morgan

It’s been a tough road stretch for the Lady Aggies this season but they ended it with a convincing 88-62 victory over Bethune Cookman Monday night a Moore gymnasium. Plagued by injuries this season, the ladies appeared to finally be healing as they used their intensified smothering defense to force the Lady Wildcats into 26 turnovers. Junior Jalessa Sams led A&T (8-7 3-0) with a career high 25 points and added nine rebounds. The blue and gold jumped on BethuneCookman early, opening with an 11-point lead. But the Lady Wildcats managed to cut the deficit to 1-point by the end of the first half. A&T would never turn back. They Lady Aggies went on a 17-6 run in the second half before assuming a 20-point lead off of Sams lead. “We’re playing some really good de-

fense right now,’’ said Bibbs. “I love it. It takes effort to play defense.” On Saturday night the Aggies faced the Rattlers of Florida A&M, beating them 79-72 at the Al Lawson Center. Freshmen guard JaQuayla Berry led the Aggies with 16 points, shooting 3-for4 from 3-point range. Senior guard Tweet Cook, who earned MEAC Player of the Week honors last week, added 13 points for the Aggies. She also aided A&T in shooting 9-for-11 from the free throw line on a night where the Aggies shot 25-for30 from the free throw line. Christian Rateree and Qiana Donald had 19 points a piece for the Rattlers. Donald would also lead the Rattlers with 13 rebounds. LaShonda Gaines recorded 11 points and eight assist for the Rattlers. Odds were stacked against the Aggies facing a Rattler team that recorded wins over several big-name schools and against A&T the Rattlers did not hold back. But neither did A&T. The Rattlers led the Aggies early but after a 17-3 run by the Aggies, FAMU found themselves down at the half 40-32. Freshmen Amber Calvin

and Nikia Gorham made Coach Patricia Cage-Bibbs proud scoring 12 points for the Aggies in their 17-3 run. “I’m proud of my freshmen because they don’t get flustered,’’ said Bibbs. “They didn’t make too many mistakes tonight. I think with the schedule we’ve played, they grew up fast. That’s going to be a good thing for us.” A&T extended their lead to 11 after a three-point play by Jaleesa Sams. The Aggies did not hold on to the lead for long. The Rattlers went on a 15-0 run fueled by Christian Rateree who scored 9 points during the run, which gave the Rattlers a 47-43 lead. With less than five minutes to play A&T regained the lead at 63-60. To seal their lead and the win the Aggies shot 10-of-12 from the free throw line. “I have to give Florida A&M credit; they brought the best out of us tonight. We had to be a focused team tonight. They needed to listen to instructions in order to beat a team like this. And they really listened and focused in tonight.”

Woodson voted NFL’s defensive player of the year Barry Wilner

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — In his own view, Charles Woodson put together his best pro season in 2009. How appropriate, then, that he is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The versatile Woodson tied for the league lead with nine interceptions, returning three for touchdowns, and was a key to the Packers’ turnaround on defense. His role in Green Bay’s ranking second in overall defense, first in interceptions (30), takeaways (40) and turnover margin (plus24) earned Woodson 28 votes Tuesday from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. “It’s a great honor,” Woodson said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “I felt like I put a lot into the game, mentally and physically — your body’s always beat up — and it’s

great to be recognized.” He doubled the number of votes for New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis in becoming the first Green Bay winner since Reggie White in 1998 and just the second Packer in the 36-year history of the award. Woodson, the 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient, is the first cornerback chosen top defensive player since Deion Sanders in 1994. After a disappointing performance by the Packers defense in Sunday’s 51-45 overtime playoff loss at Arizona, Woodson is more motivated than ever to pursue the one honor that has eluded him in his career: a Super Bowl victory. He got the honor in great part because of the way he anchored a defense in transition. Woodson was used in a variety of ways by new defensive coordinator Dom Capers as Green Bay made the switch to a 3-4. At times, the unit was shaky — except for Woodson,

who played the role of cover cornerback, blitzer, run-stuffer and ballhawk. “Any time you go out there on the field, you go out there to win the game, of course,” Woodson said, “but you go out there to be consistent and a reliable player. And that’s what that award is. You go out there, you can make plays and can continue to make them through the season and you’re mentioned as far as being Defensive Player of the Year, you know you’re doing some things right.” The Packers went 11-5 during the season, including taking seven of eight games in the second half of the schedule to secure an NFC wild-card berth. In that span, Green Bay allowed 15.6 points per game. Take away a last-second 3736 loss to Pittsburgh, and the number becomes a minuscule 11.4. Woodson had 63 unassisted tackles and 18 assists, according to the Packers, plus 21 passes defensed, four forced

fumbles and one recovery, two sacks for 18 yards and three quarterback hits. “I’ve said it before, he’s had two or three games that I can’t imagine any defensive player in the league having better games,” said Capers, who also coached Rod Woodson (1993) and Jason Taylor (2006) when they won the award. “I think it speaks volumes when he was player of the month in September and came back and got player of the month again (in November).” In his third season, Revis established himself as the league’s premier cornerback, taking away such prime threats as Steve Smith, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Terrell Owens, Chad Ochocinco and Marques Colston. He had six picks, returning one for a TD. Jets coach Rex Ryan was upset Revis didn’t win. “It’s unfortunate in that you can’t get a higher individual award than that award,” Ryan said.

Monday vs. Hampton Corbett Sports Center 6 p.m.

Bowling TEAM B-CU Coppin State Delaware State FAMU Hampton Howard UMES Morgan State Norfolk State NC A&T South Carolina State

OVR.

18-21 1-29 46-10 29-12 31-35 12-43 45-15 26-13 33-18 12-26 15-13

THIS WEEK’S MEETS: Jan. 23-24 Lady Bulldog Classic Bowie, Md. TBA

AROUND SPORTS DEL RIO REMAINS COACH JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) —After conducting his most extensive review in 15 years, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver decided to stick with coach Jack Del Rio. At least for another year. Weaver held a half-day meeting with Del Rio on Tuesday, then said the two would continue their rebuilding project with the Jaguars. “I believe in Jack, that’s he’s the guy,” Weaver said two days before his 75th birthday. “After going through this process, Jack is the guy that can get us there. The fans have to have enough trust in me to believe that I’m making the right decision for the franchise.” _____ NCAA COACHES PAUSE ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Oregon State coach Mike Riley won’t stop disciplining players because three of his colleagues were recently forced out after allegations of player abuse. Those accusations, however, might give him pause. “If nothing else, it should make you stop and think,” Riley said. “Your style, your habits, your relationships with people. I think you just have to be very, very aware and smart about things.” Other coaches agreed at the American Football Coaches Association convention in Orlando this week. Some said that new technology, more empowered student-athletes and the big business that college football has become are making things more public. Others insisted society is softening its stance on discipline. As a coach now, you always need to be aware that if you think someone’s not watching, someone’s watching. So do the right thing,” Ohio State’s Jim Tressel said. ______ The Associated Press

The A&T Register | ncatregister.com | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

&SCENE HEARD

Exhibit honors Civil Rights artist

January 13th-19th

LaRIA LAND

‘Avatar’ brings claims of racism James Cameron’s “Avatar,” made $429,040,297 in the box office on December 18, 2009. Reviews show that the film was one of the best and would truly be recognized as a money maker for 20th Century Fox. But on the flip side, “Avatar,” had other reviews of its racist image upon the film. According to movie goers and critics, “Avatar” is being criticized by a small but vocal group of people who allege it contains racist themes-the white hero once again saving the primitive natives. The main character is play by a white actor, Sam Worthington, and the main Na’vi characters are played by actors and actresses of color, Dominican, Zoe Saldana, as the princess. James Cameron responds, “the theme of the film is respecting others differences.” - J.E.V.

The University Galleries at North Carolina A&T State University presents “Monuments of Humanity: The Art of John Wilson”, a retrospective collection of works by the artist John Wilson. This exhibition will be on display from January 23 thru March 5 housed in the Henry Clinton Taylor Gallery, located on the first floor of the Dudley Building. The John Wilson exhibition will feature several paintings and prints representing over sixty years of artistry. Wilson said his work “deals with the sociopolitical realities of his figures,” uniquely showcasing examples of “social inequalities, scenes of work and industry, and the mainly personal but at times collective fears and triumphs of individuals from various geographic contexts.” “Choosing [the Monuments of Humanity exhibit] began with wanting to teach students more about the artist and the piece “Head Study” already on display in the H.C. Taylor Collection,” said University Galleries Director Shelia Harris. The galleries administrator also felt this collection would be a great PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE UNIVERSITY GALLERIES contribution on behalf of the UniversityFATHER AND CHILD One of the works by John Wilson depicts a father and son reading a book. His work deals with the sociopolitical realities Galleries in conjunction with theof his figures. Other works by this artist are “Tennis Player #4” and “Passing Scene”. university’s 50th Anniversary celebration of the A&T Four. Each piece was carefully selected and Galleries program said one of his favorite Mattye Reed African Heritage Collection borrowed from the personal collection pieces in the collection is “Tennis Player and the Henry Clinton Taylor Collection. The official mission of the University of John Wilson from the Sragow Gallery #4.” Hatch said he notices how Wilson normally uses a lot of dark shadows in his Galleries is to “display, interpret, collect in New York City and the Paul R. Jones Collection at the University Museum at the works, but admires this one for being “one and preserve the finest examples of artistic of his more colorful pieces.” achievement by artist and craftspeople University of Delaware. The John Wilson exhibition will feature of the African Diaspora,” but ultimately One of Harris’s favorite is Wilson’s original the “Passing Scene,” which she several paintings and prints representing the administrators work to maintain the said, “foreshadows” one of the most over sixty years of artistry. Wilson said his College of Arts and Sciences affiliate as an noteworthy acts in history. The painting work “deals with the sociopolitical realities “educational and teaching collection.” Funded partially by Student Affairs and illustrates an African American sitting of his figures,” uniquely showcasing examples of “social inequalities, scenes of Academic Affairs, the University Galleries at the front of the bus surrounded by other white passengers whispering their work and industry, and the mainly personal exercises a “student’s first” mindset by disapproval. The foreshadow is evident but at times collective fears and triumphs holding several annual events including the because this painting was created during of individuals from various geographic Student, Senior and Guilford Country High School Art exhibitions at the end of every the 1940s, pre-Rosa Parks and the Civil contexts.” In addition to hosting visiting collections, Rights Movement.Bryle Hatch, former intern of the University Galleries and the University Galleries permanently To read entire story, see GALLERIES on ncatregister.com current member of the Friends of the houses two other art collections: The

ALBUM REVIEW: ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

Keys takes a different approach to ‘Freedom’ album CHELSEA KING

Since the dawn of her career, Alicia Keys has been a critically-acclaimed musician who has presented her splendid talents as a fierce piano prodigy, a paradigm of self-empowerment, and an appraised soul singer. With a musical career that includes twelve Grammy Awards and over 30 million records sold worldwide, it appears that Keys is now embarking on a new journey inside her heart. The Element of Freedom, her fourth studio album, proves that by delivering tender bedroom-inclined songs which are book-ended by an intro and outro. As Keys finally addresses her newfound freedom, she also seeks to slowly transition from her streetwise sound and endeavor a new go-to pop sound that we have never heard from Keys before. “Love is a Disease,” exhilarates a raw and brave performance that marks a surprising shift in Keys’ style. She is emotional, vulnerable, and compelling to the point of making you uncomfortably close to her heartache. In addition, there is something rigid yet sturdy about these songs, as though their hard shells are covering a delicate soft spot that Keys is not ready to expose just yet. It also seems that the album is channeling some of the intensity of Kanye West “808s & Heartbreak” especially the thunderous drum loops in “Love is Blind.” The album open with a brief spoken word which guides listeners into the gracious hands of “Love is Blind,” a standout song that discusses a love so deep that sometimes you miss flaws in a person because of the strong feelings that you experience with them.Other standout tracks include

QUESTIONS

MOVIE REVIEW: ARMORED

‘Armored’ does not live up to star power JOSEPH ESCOBAR

“Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” is a little heavier on the production side but is an even more impressive song, allowing Keys’ strong vocals to mesh with the backing track. Showing off his own versatility, Drake delivers some background vocals alongside Keys on “Unthinkable (I’m Ready),” one of the album’s undeniable standout hits which depicts the contemplation of falling in love. Next, soft piano keys opens “Doesn’t Mean Anything,” which resorts to the cliché and remnants of “No One from her 2007 album “As I Am.” With Jay-Z missing in action, Keys goes solo on “Empire State of Mind (Part II),” which opens to strains of the hook she sang on the version they recorded together. While I applaud her willingness to be free with trying new songs with this album, some things just did not work. Note, “Put it In a Love Song,” featuring BeYonce in high-vamping mode is a cheesy song in which it tries to correlate To read entire story, see FREEDOM on ncatregister.com

hotlist

theSCENE

Ty Hackett (Columbus Short), a rookie security guard for the “Armored Truck Company” is pressured into stealing $42 million from one of the company’s trucks during a routine pick up in the action drama, Armored. The robbery setup was a perfect plan in the beginning until the whole thing went wrong as an unexpected witness was murdered by one of the officers in on the robbery. It was really exciting to sit in the middle row at the AMC Theatre on 34th St in New York, NY to view this film that had been anticipated for some time. The anticipation of excitement turned into disappointment after the first 15 minutes of the film. Being a big fan of “Heist” movies, this one was not as much of a thriller as expected. A lot more was expected from a movie that was frequently previewed on television and featured good talent in Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, and Laurence Fishburne. The actors performed extremely well for the resources they were given, but more could have been done to make this movie more of a hit and enjoyable. The most disappointing thing about the movie was that the talent was not used to their best potential. The actors in the movie were restricted to performing at their best because of the lack of resources in the movie. Columbus Short played a great role towards the end of the movie as a hero, but the change of scene locations could have made the movie a lot more interesting. One big issue that all viewers may have were that there were not any small parts that jumped into

the main idea of the movie. The movie pretty much began and focused on this big robbery that the security guards were trying to pull off. The expansion of ideas and multiple “Heists” leading into the main $42 million robbery would have made the movie a lot better. There was lack in the variety of scene usage in the production and you could pretty much say that majority of the major events in the movie were predictable. I have been waiting for years for a movie like this to hit the big screen, but the resources in this movie made it seem like this story could have been told a long time ago. “Armored” ended the exact way I expected it to. The good guy won and the bad guy lost. Although I could predict what was going to happen, it was a decent ﬁlm and did not put me to sleep. There were just improvements that could have possibly made this ﬁlm

Grade

1. Who knew an unloaded gun was a criminal offense? 2. What ever happened to the right to bear arms? 3. You think “Agent 0” is going to be assigned a new number? 4. Have you noticed that Mariah Carey is starting to look like Aretha Franklin? 5. Is MTV’s Jersey Shore evidence of white-on-white crime? 6. Is it like the Italian version of blackface? 7. Are Hooter’s girls like junior varsity strippers? 8. Why does every male Jackson speak so softly? 9. Didn’t you think Joe beat some bass into their voices back in the 60’s? 10. Why are people protesting Obama’s State of the Union Address? 11. Is it because our president is speaking during the season premier of Lost? 12. Have the fans of Lost lost their damn minds? 13. Why are girls still trying to be cute when its -8 outside? 14. Why didn’t James Cameron just make Avatar about the Native Americans? 15. Who doesn’t want to see murder, rape, pillage, and plunder in 3-D IMAX? 16. How many of you are fans of Twilight? 17. Can you explain why a 100+ year-old vampire falling in love with a 17 year-old girl is romantic? 18. Shouldn’t Edward Cullen be on a Dateline Investigation? 19. Is this the funniest 20 questions since last year? 20. Would it have been funnier if we were “light-skinned-negro-dialect” having blacks?

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

ON SCREEN BOOK OF ELI starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman, opens in theaters Friday. In a post-apocalyptic America where the oncepicturesque countryside has become a desolate and violent wasteland, one man (Denzel Washington) fights to protect that sacred tome that could hold the key to the survival of the human race - J.E.V.

ON SHELVES OLLUSION the third solo album from former B2K member Omarion is in stores now. Produced by Gucci Mane, Jay Rock, and King, this album is under his new label, Starworld Entertainment. Ollusion includes Omarion’s hit single, “I Get It In” featuring Gucci Mane and “Kinkos” featuring Fabolous. - J.E.V.

ON T.V. AMERICAN IDOL the 9th season continues in the 2nd of two night-premiere on FOX. The new season features new judge Ellen Degeneres, who was brought on to replace Paula Abdul. The auditions usually show the best (and worst) of the cities, which include Boston and Atlanta. - L.L.

ON CAMPUS ROLAND MARTIN will be the keynote speaker for the university’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration. The event will be held Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium. For ticket information, contact the University Ticket Office at 336-334-7449. - L.L.