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TUESDAY, DEC. 6, 2016 VOLUME 91 ■ ISSUE 55

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By MICHAEL CANTU

T Health Department stresses importance of vaccination

HOW FLU SPREADS 1. Droplets

Most experts believe flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.

News Editor

here is no time more appropriate to get a vaccination shot than National Influenza Vaccination Week, or at least, that is what the people at the Lubbock Health Department say.

Vaccinations like these are recommended for people every six months, but as the weather changes and people become more clustered indoors, getting a shot around this time of the year is recommended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

“We actually receive grants from the Department of State Health Services to promote vaccinations in Lubbock areas,” Katherine Wells, director of public health for the Lubbock Health Department, said.

Though it is recommended that all people get their vaccinations as soon as possible, the offer from the health department benefits those who have trouble affording regular

vaccinations, Wells said. There are many different types of viruses and diseases, and everyone is recommended to get a flu shot.

In many cases of the flu, people may experience different types of upper-respiratory problems, cough and fever, among other things, Dr. Mark Lacy, associate professor of internal medicine at the Health Sciences Center, said during a November interview.

“If people are talking about wanting to avoid illness, people often only want to respond when there is some threat,” Lacy said. “But we don’t know whether influenza will be mild or severe this winter. There’s nobody who can predict that.”

Every year, the CDC has to rearrange the vaccinations for the flu in a way that corresponds with the actual virus, according to its website.

This makes it difficult for doctors to predict the severity of the virus, Lacy said, which means it is important to stay up-to-date on all vaccines.

2. Contagiousness

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick.

SEE VACCINE, PG. 2

3. Symptoms

The time from when a person is exposed to flu virus to when symptoms begin is about one to four days, with an average of about two days.

SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

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Students discuss benefits of undergraduate research Anthony Livingston named

By AKHILA REDDY Big 12 Newcomer of Week Staff Writer

Applying lessons learned in the classroom in the real world is an experience many students at Texas Tech go through while participating in undergraduate research.

Tech is one of only 81 public institutions classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having highest research activity, according to the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching website.

The university offers many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved with research, such as Undergraduate Research Scholars, Center for the Integration of Science and Education and several other programs within the Office of the Vice President for Research, according to the Tech website.

Michael San Francisco, dean of the Honors College, said he encourages all students to seek out these opportunities and pursue undergraduate research.

“Research, on a personal level, is very important because it will help people understand how information is generated, how to analyze data, how to gather information and how to design things,” San Francisco said.

Sara Sorge, a sophomore microbiology major from Wichita Falls, has experienced this firsthand through her current work in San Francisco’s lab. She was inspired to pursue undergraduate research after taking San Francisco’s integrated science class, Sorge said.

SEE RESEARCH, PG. 3

On Monday, the Big 12 Conference announced Texas Tech senior forward Anthony Livingston as the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.

Livingston is the first player to be named Newcomer of the Week since junior center Norense Odiase won the award on Nov. 24, 2014, according to a Tech Athletics news release.

This is Livingston’s first award as a Red Raider.

Livingston has averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game through the Red Raiders’ last two wins, according to the release.

Livingston’s biggest performance in a Red Raider uniform was during Tech’s 85-84 win over the Rice Owls on Saturday, as he scored a career-high 33 points. He also made three consecutive free throws to give the Red Raiders the one-point win.

According to the release, this was the first time a Tech player scored more than 30 points in a game since Mike Singletary’s 33-point showing during a 92-83 win at Iowa State on Jan. 26, 2011.

Livingston is eighth on the Big

FILE PHOTO / THE DAILY TOREADOR

Texas Tech forward Anthony Livingston shoots the ball at the men's holiday basketball game Saturday against Rice in the United Supermarkets Arena. Tech defeated Rice 85-84.

12 leaderboard in points per game with 14.1. He is also in the top 10 in the Big 12 in 3-point field goal percentage and 3-point field goals made per game.

Tech’s next matchup will be against nonconference, in-state opponent UTSA. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the United Supermarkets Arena. @BSoliz_DT

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Learning Center provides resources for finals prep

By REECE NATIONS Staff Writer

With finals week just around the corner, students are feverishly preparing for semester exams.

Few are aware of services made available in The Learning Center, located in room 80 of Holden Hall. The Learning Center provides several services free of charge to undergraduate students, including peer tutoring and academic coaching, said Trilce Ruiz, lead adviser for The Learning Center’s Support Operations for Academic Retention.

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“Students should utilize The Learning Center as it provides assistance, a welcoming environment and an opportunity to ask questions you may be too afraid to ask in class,” Ruiz said. “The Learning Center also offers a few academic workshops during the semester that are open to students.”

The Learning Center offers a variety of academic services at no cost to currently enrolled students, she said. Some of the subjects students can receive help with are mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, accounting and engineering.

The center can also help students with academic planning tailored to their specific needs and with support and coaching from peer tutors, Ruiz said. The peer tutors who assist students have already taken and passed those subjects.

“On any given day, The Learning Center can see a few hundred students between the students using the computer lab, working with tutors and studying in the lounge area,” Patrick Bohn, associate director of The Learning Center, said.

VACCINE

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La Vida Editor David Gay features@dailytoreador.com Sports Editor Brandon Soliz sports@dailytoreador.com Opinions Editor Avery Aiken opinions@dailytoreador.com Multimedia Editor Duncan Stanley photo@dailytoreador.com Creative Editor Anthony Estolano online@dailytoreador.com

Viruses have different ways of spreading, as well.

But, playing safe and taking the proper precautions never hurt anybody, Wells said.

The virus targets those with weaker immune systems, usually the elderly and young children. So, it is especially important for them to not only receive the vaccine but also be

only around people who are vaccinated, Wells said.

This reduces the risks for these people to be affected by the virus.

“The closer we are together, the easier it is to spread that kind of stuff,” Wells said. “So just being around lots of people, you’re able to spread among a large number of people, versus just walking around and passing somebody on the street.”

Viruses can spread easily

if you study for 30 minutes, it would be beneficial to take a 10-minute break. When you begin studying again, you will start back refreshed and with more focus.”

Some tips for effective finals preparation include making a comprehensive schedule, taking breaks during a study session and making sure one does not focus solely on one subject for too long, he said. An important aspect of studying that is often overlooked is making in classrooms, she said. In some cases, there is a period of time before one starts to feel sick, and during that period, he might not even acknowledge the fact that he has the virus.

“The vaccine, yeah, it’s not perfect but it is better than doing nothing. It’s kind of like saying, ‘Seat belts are not perfect. So, don’t wear them,’” Lacy said. “I mean seat belts can help, but they aren’t a guarantee either.” @MichaelCantuDT

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BREAKING NEWS Email dailytoreador@ttu.edu, call (806) 742-3393 or tweet information to @DailyToreador.

CORRECTIONS The DailyToreador strives for accuracy and fairness in the reporting of news.

If a report is wrong or misleading, a request for a correction or clarification may be made by calling (806) 742-3393 or emailing dailytoreador@ttu.edu.

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION © Copyright 2016 Texas Tech University Student Media/The Daily Toreador. All DT articles, photographs and artwork are the property of The DT and Student Media and may not be reproduced or published without permission. The Daily Toreador is a designated public forum. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval.

Texas Republican elector says he will not cast ballot for Trump AUSTIN (AP) — A Republican member of the Electoral College from Texas said Monday that he won’t cast one of his state’s 38 electoral votes for Donald Trump because “I am here to elect a president, not a king.”

Dallas paramedic Chris Suprun previously indicated he would support Trump. But he now says the president-elect’s postelection attacks on the First Amendment and the country’s electoral process, as well as the billionaire businessman’s continued promotion of his brand and

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“While the center does not offer academic advising, we offer academic coaching during the entire semester, and that is also available during finals.”

The paramount goal of The Learning Center is to give students the resources needed to obtain total academic independence and success, Bohn said. Through positive interaction and effective communication, peer tutors are able to provide an educational environment that motivates a student to develop self-determined learning strategies.

The center encourages students to visit their course instructors during their office hours. Being in class is one of the most important commitments a new student can make, according to The Learning Center’s website.

Even though some instructors do not require attendance, going to class anyway is vital to classroom success.

“Students can make a oneon-one appointment to set up a game plan to tackle finals, including setting up a schedule,” Bohn said. “Studying is most effective if you break it up appropriately. In general,

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business interests overseas, changed his mind.

Texas law doesn’t mandate that electors vote according to the results of the state’s presidential election, which Trump won by nine percentage points over Hillary Clinton. Suprun and the GOP’s other electors signed pledges at the state Republican convention in Dallas this summer promising to vote for their party’s nominee, but those aren’t legally binding.

“I’m expecting backlash, but that has been par for the course this campaign.

People are unhappy. They’re angry. But I’m angry, too,” said Suprun, who said that prior to changing his mind he had received hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls urging him not to support Trump.

Suprun said the Electoral College system “is fine as it currently exists.”

His problem is just with its winner.

“I was told if we elected Donald Trump he would transform his personality into being presidential.

He isn’t,” Suprun said. “I wanted him to be presidential, but since the election he hasn’t grown into our institution, he’s attacked them. I am here to elect a president, not a king.”

A n o t h e r Te x a s R e p u b l i c a n e l e c t o r, A r t Sisneros, resigned last week rather than vote for Trump. Electors will vote to replace Sisneros when they convene Dec. 19 in Austin and in state capitals across the country to vote for president.

Suprun said he was not resigning but also won’t be voting for Hillary Clinton.

“I am not sure of who I will vote for, but would have to strongly consider someone like (Ohio Gov. John) Kasich who has both executive and legislative experience bringing people together,” he said.

Suprun said he was waiting to see if other electors will revolt and rally behind a Trump alternative like Kasich.

“I’m looking for someone we can all unify behind,” he said.

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sure one gets adequate food and sleep over the course of the study session.

Using pictures, graphs and diagrams is an effective strategy for visual learners, Bohn said. Underlining, highlighting and writing in different colored inks also works well for visually inclined students, and writing detailed notes in class is a practical tactic for a study session.

“Ideally, you should have been preparing all through

the semester by going to class and keeping up with your assignments,” Alexandria Saulnier, academic specialist for The Learning Center, said. “Learn from your mistakes if you felt like there was something negative you could have prevented this semester.

Also, make sure you go into your final with a positive attitude. The little things make a big difference this time of year.” @ReeceNationsDT

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Trump silent on pipeline plans CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — Industry leaders are urging President-elect Donald Trump to make approval of the disputed Dakota Access oil pipeline a “top priority” when he takes office next month, while opponents who have protested the project for months are vowing to stay put on their sprawling North Dakota encampment despite harsh winter weather and a tribal leaders’ call to leave.

The moves come after the Army declined to issue a permit for the $3.8 billion pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in southern North Dakota near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. While the Army’s decision doesn’t end the debate over the pipeline, industry analysts and the chairman of the Native American tribe that’s led the protests said Monday they don’t expect any developments for months.

Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault lauded the Army’s decision as taking “tremendous courage,” and National Congress of American Indians President Brian Cladoosby said it showed “respect for tribal sovereignty.”

The Standing Rock tribe believes the 1,200-mile pipeline to transport North Dakota oil through the Dakotas and Iowa to a shipping point

in Illinois threatens drinking water and cultural sites. Dallas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners has denied that and said the pipeline will be safe. The segment under Lake Oahe is the only remaining big chunk of construction.

“I am hopeful Presidentelect Trump will reject the Obama administration’s shameful actions to deny this vital energy project,” American Petroleum Institute President and CEO Jack Gerard said in a statement late Sunday. The institute represents the U.S. oil and natural gas industry.

Trump supports construction of the pipeline, spokesman Jason Miller told The Associated Press on Monday, but Miller wouldn’t say whether Trump would reverse the Army’s decision.

“We will review the full situation when we’re in the White House and make the appropriate determination at that time,” Miller said.

The Sunday announcement by Assistant Army Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy does not actually deny an easement for the project, but says additional review is needed. That means the pipeline company cannot file an appeal because the project was not formally rejected.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dallas mayor files lawsuit to stop pension withdrawals DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to stop the Dallas Police and Fire Pension system from allowing retirees to pull their deferred retirement funds from the ailing system.

Rawlings’ attorney wrote in the lawsuit, which the mayor did not file in his official capacity, that he believes the pension board is “willingly failing” to perform its duty. It asks a judge to issue an injunction to stop the withdrawals, which the mayor asked the board to do in a letter last week.

“Because (deferred retirement) Participants do not have any right to a lump-sum withdrawal of (deferred retirement) funds, this method of payment may only be used when the Pension System is solvent, liquid, and actuarially sound,” the lawsuit contends. It also states that the pension system’s staff is close to liquidating assets to pay for the withdrawals.

More than $500 million in deferred retirement funds have been withdrawn since August, worsening the fund’s finances.

A study commissioned by the pension board projected that the fund will be insolvent in less than 15 years if no changes are made to the benefits received by members or to the amount of money the city contributes. The fund was undermined in recent years by overvalued investments and risky real estate deals, as well as the generous benefits for its deferred retirement program.

Rawlings issued a statement through a spokeswoman Monday.

“As a 40 year resident and taxpayer of the City of Dallas, I have chosen to personally file suit in District Court not only to protect the retirement benefits of all our police and fire personnel, but also to protect the pocketbooks of all my fellow citizens and taxpayers. I am funding this suit and at no time will any taxpayer dollars be expended in this effort,” he wrote.

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Study abroad programs provide insight

By KIRBY WARNER Staff Writer

Texas Tech’s Study Abroad Office gives students the option of learning a subject while exploring a foreign country at the same time.

According to the office’s website, its mission statement is to give students academically challenging, personally engaging and professionally relevant international learning experiences.

Ashton Troxel, a study abroad graduate intern, said each college at Tech has its own study abroad opportunities, but faculty-led variants are the most popular study abroad programs.

Different colleges use study abroad opportunities in different capacities, Troxel said. Some colleges use these opportunities more than others.

“The College of Engineering and the College of Busi-

RESEARCH

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 “I think research is really cool because regardless of what comes out of it, we’re finding new in-formation and learning new things,” Sorge said. “Some of those things might lead to a breakthrough that could help people.”

Sorge said her experiences in San Francisco’s lab have allowed her to discover where her true passions lie.

“When I started doing research, I was thinking of medical school,” she said.

“But now, I actually want to go to graduate school and become a professor and do research.”

Undergraduate research has also had a significant influence on Kennady Abbott, a senior biochemistry major from Rockwall. Abbott studies a protein linked to pediatric onset lupus.

As a pre-medicine student, Abbott said what sparked her interest in research was a seminar course in biochemistry.

“One professor was talking about the potential for research to touch more lives than one physician every logistically could in their lifetime,” Abbott said. “That struck a chord within me and eventually led me to pursue a M.D.-Ph.D.” Abbott’s research has led to presentations at national conferences as well as an Honorable Mention by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. There have been many interdisciplinary skills, Abbott said, she has gained through these experiences.

“It’s an opportunity to present publicly and develop those skills,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to network and meet other people who share your passions. It’s way more than just being in the lab. There’s a lot of growth well beyond the strict scientific skill set.”

Oscar Wu, a freshman cell and molecular biology major from Houston, conducted research throughout high school. He is currently performing undergraduate re-

search at the Health Sciences Center, studying genetically modifying cell receptors.

Wu said after shadowing doctors in high school and seeing the limitations of what they could, he was driven toward pursuing academic medicine.

“You can go into more depth, you can help more people, you can actually develop novel cures because medicine is an ever-changing field,” Wu said. “You’re always discovering more and more. That's the job of an M.D.-Ph.D. or a medical scientist.”

If students are interested in pursuing research, San Francisco said he suggests identifying professors whose research interests match their own and contacting those professors.

San Francisco said his own career was shaped by his decision as an undergraduate to contact a professor and ask a question about bacteria, a question that later became the foundation for his future research.

“Don’t be afraid to step out and ask questions,” he said.

“Don’t be afraid to do research.” @DailyToreador

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Tribal leader tells pipeline opponents to go home CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault says it’s time for Dakota Access oil pipeline opponents to leave a camp along the pipeline route in southern North Dakota.

But many of the opponents who’ve been protesting for months are vowing to stay. They believe the

four-state pipeline threatens tribal drinking water and cultural sites.

The Army has denied a permit for the pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in the area. Archambault says the protest camp’s purpose has been served and there’s no need for people to stay in dangerous winter weather.

Pipeline developer Energy

Transfer Partners could still prevail in federal court. Some opponents also fear Presidentelect Donald Trump could reverse the Army’s decision.

But Archambault doesn’t think there will be any developments for months.

Monday was the government’s deadline for the several hundred people to leave the camp that’s on federal land.

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ness, they’re more involved in the study abroad process, and they have advisers in their respective colleges that help students,” Troxel said.

Darla Vasquez, a study abroad graduate intern and a senior public relations major from Baytown, said the primary concern students have about studying abroad is the cost.

“Almost everyone, including myself before I went, thinks that they won’t be able to study abroad because it’s too expensive, and that’s just not true,” Vasquez said.

“I mean, it can be expensive, but a lot of programs are even cheaper than what you’d be paying at Tech.”

There is also a section on the Study Abroad website devoted to financial resources. This includes a step-by-step description on how to apply for financial aid and potential scholarships provided by Tech, such as

the Texas Tech Study Abroad Competitive Scholarship.

One potential advantage to studying abroad is gaining an understanding of industry on the global scale, Vasquez said.

“Studying abroad can kind of help you understand how other people think and why they might act a certain way or what they believe in,” Vasquez said. “It’ll help you adjust and understand the people you are working with, whether that’s internationally or domestically.”

It is important for students to understand how the global economy and industry work, regardless of one’s major, he said.

Studying abroad goes both ways. There are opportunities for foreign students to study abroad in the United States through a program called Reciprocal Exchange, Troxel said.

“We have partner univer-

sities around the world,” she said, “and we would send a Tech student to their university, and then a student would come here to study for a semester, and this semester I believe there are 36 exchange students.”

Another aspect of Reciprocal Exchange is supporting international students and scholars, Troxel said.

Through this program, scholars can come to the United States for their whole degree or for their research.

She said studying abroad can be a very impactful experience, though one has to invest in order to get said experience.

“It’s important to engage with the host culture and not just hang out with all of your American friends,” Troxel said. “So, everyone’s experience is going to be different, and what they get out of the experience is going to be different.” @KirbyWarner_DT

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James Freeborn, a sophomore from Pearland, gives a speech during the first round of the Speak Up! contest on Monday in the Media and Communication building. The final round of the public speaking competition will be hosted at 6 p.m. today in the Allen Theatre of the Student Union Building.

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COLUMN

Trump considers candidates for secretary of state

F

irst, I promise this c o l u m n i s n ’t e n tirely about Donald Trump. You’re welcome.

No, this column isn’t necessarily about our president-elect.

However, it is about his cabinet appointees and, more specifically, his secretary of state. If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know the secretary of state position hasn’t been filled yet, but there are multiple names being tossed around with the title as possible appointees.

So, who are these people? I mean, secretary of state is a pretty big deal.

Haley Britzky is a senior journalism major from Trophy Club.

Directly under the vice president, state secretary is essentially the head of all relations, particularly with foreign governments.

It’s not a job that should be taken lightly.

One of the biggest names you’ll hear in this discussion is Mitt Romney.

The former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican Party presidential nominee was largely

outspoken against Trump in the primaries, which makes this possibility all the more interesting.

Is Trump trying to appease the Republican Party by appointing someone who denounced him?

Or is he just seeing how long he can keep this going as a big middle finger to the establishment and to Romney?

Either way, Romney met with Trump for dinner about a week ago, apparently, to discuss the position and world affairs. Vice President-elect Mike Pence confirmed with CNN that Romney

is under active consideration for the position.

Another name being tossed around is former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. On the opposite side of the Trump Train tracks, Giuliani was an early supporter of the business mogul and was loyal throughout the election.

H o w e v e r, G i u l i a n i ’s ties to foreign businesses is a red flag for some Republicans. Sen. Rand Paul told CNN he’s concerned with these ties and receiving money from foreign governments in the same way he was concerned about Hillary Clinton for

the same reasons.

According to The New York Times, Giuliani said he would make fighting Islamic terrorism the priority of the Trump administration. And finally we come to retired CIA director and general David Patraeus.

Patraeus was brought up more recently in reference to Clinton’s email scandal; as a top general, he admitted in 2015 to mishandling classified inf ormation, w hich he shared with biographer Paul Broadwell, whom he was having an affair with.

Patraeus has the support of influential Repub-

licans John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who claim he is uniquely qualified and would be “an extraordinary pick,” according to The New York Times.

Also among the top contenders are Sen. Bob Corker, former U.S. ambassador to China John Huntsman, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton and Sen. Joe Manchin.

I’m also expecting a call soon that informs me I’m being considered for the position. Because everyone else seems to be, it only makes sense. hbritzky@dailytoreador.com

COLUMN

Online fake news far-reaching, dangerous

I

t is within the dispensation and embrace of falsehoods that I am deeply troubled with the way many people digest their information.

The increase in people’s satisfaction with what makes them comfortable has reached a new extreme. This showcased itself recently in a nearly fatal manner.

It seems when some people get a whiff of some type of juicy gossip about someone they hate, they will pursue this person with all the energy they have.

With the rise of social media, the accountability that used to be associated with writing for the public has been lost. Our sense of ethics has been replaced with a combination of greed and supposition.

This lack of ethics and morals, I believe, will only continue, which is disheartening to think about. This licentious behavior is a prick so deep in the side of journalism it may never be removed.

Michael Cantu is a junior electronic media and communications major from New Deal.

The most damning part of this issue is the number of politicians — or really those in many leadership positions — who take no accountability in both the content they produce and the content they share among their peers.

In the most recent display of this fake news epidemic, a man carrying a shotgun blew off a round in a Washington, D.C. restaurant with the intent of tracking down the owners and giving them a piece of his mind: with a gun.

An Edgar M. Welch of Salisbury, North Carolina, was self-investigating a conspiracy theory he got from the internet that accused the Comet Ping Pong restaurant of harboring a child abuse ring inside of the restaurant.

The New Nationalist and The Vigilant Citizen alleged the restaurant was being led by former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and her campaign chief John Podesta.

The facts were left unchecked, and the result was almost catastrophic.

Fortunately for the restaurant owners, patrons were not harmed, but the chance for something similar to this happening soon is left wide open and could possibly result in a fatality.

Stalking the average citizen is an agenda-ridden populist who wants to gain more readers and followers. It seems either popularity or pure cynicism has vitiated both journalism and social media.

People in power seem to push their campaigns’ talking points and lobbying with fake news articles that rail domineeringly against an issue they hate.

Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller has been insouciantly influenc-

ing his followers on Facebook and Twitter against the perils of liberalism and the Democratic Party with fabricated news articles.

Among Miller’s favorite topics was how an apartment complex forced its residents to take down the United States flag as to not offend Muslims in the area.

Another was about President Barack Obama smiling while holding a Che Guevara shirt. All of these topics were untrue and unfounded in evidence.

There is incentive in sharing these articles: no castigation. This truth becomes increasingly worrisome every day.

There are many people — on both sides of the political spectrum — who continually exploit their fan bases and followers with articles unfounded in sense and bearing an extreme bias.

Gain an opinion, take a side. That is absolutely fine.

However, what is not

fine is gaining traction through a platform that spreads lies. We really need to rethink what information we are digesting when we listen to things like Infowars or read Breitbart or Occupy Democrats.

I feel that this has become a thing of comfort.

Many people stick to ideas that are comfortable and uncontested, seeking out a confirmation bias and ignoring ideas that make them think. That is why this plague of fake news is infecting our country.

When you are on cloud nine, you seldom think of cloud seven, eight and onward.

These are hard times for the modern reader. Now we have to analyze what it is we read and continually play the part of editor or investigator.

It is an abatement in two old-fashioned American institutions, free thinking and journalism.

I do not understand the argument that the media is biased, mostly because

when one uses the term media, they are not really thinking of all the details that are within that term.

The media — to me, at least — is everything from movies and television to news and social media.

Of course, there are many other things that are included in that term, but there is only so much room in this newspaper.

The medium that we have relied so much on has turned into an online monster that is giving way to a polemic river flowing full of libelous statements and untrue statements, all of which continually go unchecked.

Blatant attacks should always get questioned, no matter what.

Even if I see the most interesting headline about a politician, I despise.

I still question the truth behind it, and — for the sake of truth and understanding — you should, too. mcantu@dailytoreador.com

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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Al Gore calls his meeting with Trump ‘extremely interesting’

Sheriff says unlikely to find additional bodies in warehouse

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Al Gore said Monday he had a “productive” meeting with Donald Trump, calling it “an extremely interesting conversation.”

Gore, a leading voice on the dangers of climate change, met with the president-elect at Trump Tower in New York City and spoke briefly to reporters afterward. He categorized the meeting as a “sincere search for common ground.”

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Terry Ewing was among the anxious family and friends who received confirmation Monday of what he already knew in his heart: His girlfriend was among the three dozen killed in the Oakland warehouse fire.

Authorities confirmed the death of Ara Jo as the death toll rose to 36. Prosecutors also said Monday that murder charges could result from their investigation into the fire that

When asked what was discussed, Gore said only, “To be continued.”

Gore said he also met with Ivanka Trump, the presidentelect’s daughter. Transition officials said earlier Monday that the two would discuss climate change. During the campaign, Donald Trump called man-made climate change a hoax, and he has pledged to undo a number of regulations to protect the environment.

Since the election, however,

Trump has sent mixed signals on the topic.

“I think there is some connectivity. Some, something. It depends on how much,” he said of the link between human activity and climate change in a postelection interview with The New York Times.

“I’m looking at it very closely. I have an open mind to it,” he said on the topic of whether he will withdraw from climate change accords.

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broke out during an underground dance party at a building known as the “Ghost Ship.”

Alameda County Sheriff Gregory Ahern told The Associated Press he didn’t believe there would be additional bodies found in what is the most lethal building fire in the U.S. in more than a decade.

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about three-quarters of the building by Monday afternoon.

The laborious job of digging with shovels and buckets through the debris was suspended overnight because of a dangerously unstable wall.

It resumed in the morning, though a rainstorm Tuesday could complicate the effort.

The cluttered warehouse had been converted to artists’ studios and illegal living spaces, and former denizens said it was a death trap of piled wood.

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Page 5 Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016

Dallas Cowboys back in saddle I

f there is one thing I’m tired of hearing, it’s the Dallas Cowboys will ultimately fail at some point this season.

E v e r y w e e k i t ’s t h e same story, “The Cowboys can’t win on the road” or “A rookie quarterback can’t lead a team to the Super Bowl.” Nothing confuses me more than this ignorant rhetoric displayed by anti-Cowboys fans.

I get it. Dallas was 4-12 last season behind an injured Tony Romo and a very unpromising performance

by Matt Cassel, but the past is past. We need to focus on the here and now.

Here are the facts, Cowboys haters.

Alexa Boutwell is a junior journalism major from Iowa Park.

Dallas is currently 11-1 with the best record in the National Football League.

Dak Prescott is the strongest quarterback in the league and should rightfully be named MVP. The only loss this season was to the Giants, and, to be honest, that should have been a win.

If Romo would have ingested a little more milk before the game, his back wouldn’t have snapped like a toothpick and the

Cowboys would have a 12-0 record.

Obviously, his injury is upsetting, seeing as a fourth-round rookie quarterback filled his shoes after so many years as the starting quarterback.

If that’s not enough to quiet the devoted Cowboy haters, I have more.

Rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for 1,285 yards with 12 total touchdowns. Not only does this kid have wheels, he also has the ability to catch the ball.

Elliot has 28 receptions this season for a total of 322 yards and one touchdown, proving he is a dual-threat.

CAUSING A RACQUET

Forget former Cowboy running back and now Tennessee Titan Demarco Murray. I will take Elliott every single time.

Now that the facts are laid out, I have one question: How will this team fail?

I’ve seen zero signs of this team slowing down in any regard. Prescott is a dualthreat quarterback, who is young, composed and, most importantly, healthy.

The Cowboys offensive line is the strongest it’s ever looked and will by all means protect the new face of this franchise.

The running game is the one of best in the league. If there’s a gap in any opposing team’s

defense, you bet Elliot will find it and take off.

In what I believe was the poorest performance of the season against the Vikings on Thursday evening, the Cowboys still managed to pull out the win behind a rookie quarterback and running back.

Some may say, “Well, I bet the Patriots can beat them.” Well, I bet not.

Behind quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski is the Patriots’ most valuable asset. Unfortunately, Gronkowski forgot to drink his milk, as well, seeing as he is out with a season-ending injury, following a surgery. Without the best tight end in the

@ABoutwellDT

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Beltran, Astros finalize 1-year deal

Christian Ammon, a sophomore petroleum engineering major from Trinidad and Tobago, returns a serve from his opponent. The two played tennis Monday night at the tennis courts outside of the Robert H. Ewalt Student Recreation Center.

HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Beltran has been trying to find a way to get back to Houston for years after spending a remarkable few months with the Astros more than a decade ago.

On Monday he finally got his wish when he and the Astros finalized a one-year, $16 million contract.

"It only took 12 years to come back," he said with a smile. "I'm happy to be where I am and looking forward to working with the younger guys like Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, (Alex) Bregman — the young core that's going to be here for a long time."

Beltran is a nine-time All-Star and has hit .323 with 16 homers and 41 RBIs in 55 postseason games.

He spent the last half of the 2004 season with the Astros and hit a postseason record-tying eight home runs. It was his first trip

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league, I think the Cowboys will take that fight.

Yes, this may be a little biased, seeing as I was born and raised to be a Cowboys fan.

Yes, this 11-1 season has me on cloud nine.

Yes, I smile every time the Houston Texans lose. I mean, come on; they’re 6-6.

My opinions and my convictions still do not take away from the undeniable facts.

The fact is, this team is the real deal. Regardless if you are a fan or not, you must realize the Cowboys are fierce, they’re strong and they’re Super Bowl bound.

to the playoffs, and he still revels in the short time he had a chance to play with Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens.

He wanted to stay with the Astros after that, but the team wouldn't offer him a no-trade clause. He's heard plenty of boos in the trips he's made to Houston since then, and had a message for the fans that were unhappy with him.

"They have to blame previous ownership for not making it work," he said.

"In my heart I wanted to be here. Coming from Kansas City and being able to get the opportunity to play with so many good players, this is the place I wanted to be, and unfortunately it didn't work out."

Now he has another chance as the latest piece the Astros added to boost their lineup since missing the playoffs. They traded for

catcher Brian McCann and added free-agent outfielder Josh Reddick before bringing Beltran back. And Houston might not be done yet.

"What we've tried to do is improve this team ... we're going to continue to try and find ways big and small to improve this team," general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

Beltran turns 40 in April.

He hit a combined .295 with 29 home runs and 93 RBIs last season for the New York Yankees and Texas. The switch-hitter split his time as a designated hitter and right fielder, playing 151 games.

He's looking forward to playing with Correa, a fellow Puerto Rican, and said the two of them and Altuve planned to meet for dinner on Monday night to get better acquainted. Beltran and Correa have chatted since he agreed to the deal and Beltran said Correa told him he's eager to learn from him.

Houston focused on making playoffs Villanova back at No. 1 in AP poll HOUSTON (AP) — The playoffs are starting early for the Houston Texans.

At least that's what coach Bill O'Brien and players are telling themselves after three straight losses capped

by Sunday's 21-13 defeat at Green Bay has erased their lead in the AFC South.

"Moving forward, every game is a playoff game, starting next week in Indianapolis," quarterback Brock Osweiler said. "We know how important every single week is."

The Texans (6-6) have led their division all season, but

their first three-game skid since October 2014 has them with the same record as Tennessee.

And a win by Indianapolis on Monday night against the New York Jets would leave the Colts at 6-6, too.

Despite the matching records, Houston holds the tiebreaker with a 3-0 division mark.

Despite that, Houston knows it has to get back on track quickly if it hopes to secure its second consecutive AFC South title.

Three of the Texans' last four games are within the division with their trip to In-

dianapolis followed by games against the Jaguars and Bengals before the regularseason finale at Tennessee.

"We know the type of team that we have in this locker room," receiver DeAndre Hopkins said. "We know our goals are still in front of us and we haven't accomplished our goals, so we have to put these three losses behind us and move forward."

Though the offense stalled at times on Sunday in a game where snow was falling throughout, Osweiler looked better than he did the previous week.

Villanova had to make an adjustment last season after being ranked No. 1 for the first time. Even before losing to Xavier, the Wildcats had trouble with the louder fans, teams playing them harder and higher expectations.

Back at No. 1 this week, the reigning national champions have much better understanding of what to expect.

Villanova moved up a spot from last week in the AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll on Monday, earning 57 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel.

"It's always got to be one

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Villanova (8-0), which was No. 1 for three weeks last season, was playing Saturday afternoon when the Kentucky game ended. During the latter stages of their 82-57 victory over Saint Joseph's, the Villanova students started chanting "No. 1! No. 1!" They have their wish.

"We know it's just another challenge in front of us," Wright said. "It's great for everybody else, the fans. It's a great honor. It's not going to do us any good. Understanding the challenge is what's going to help us."

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game at a time but it's even more so because everybody's on another level when they compete against you," Villanova coach Jay Wright said.

"We talked about that last year. I don't know if any of us really realized what that was like. Hopefully, when we talk about it now, the players have a good understanding."

UCLA (9-0), which beat No. 1 Kentucky 97-92 on Saturday, jumped from 11th to second with two firstplace votes. Kentucky, which dropped to sixth, had been No. 1 for the past two weeks. Duke is the other team to be No. 1

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COLUMN

College Football Playoff needs expansion T he NCAA College Football Playoff started in 2014 and replaced the former BCS system. The BCS system had five bowl games for the 10 top-ranked and the toptwo teams were selected for the BCS National Championship.

The system lasted from 1998-2013. Before that, bowl games strictly decided the top-two games for the national championship.

The list goes on and on into the past of how much the College Football Playoff has changed throughout the years. The main point is the NCAA hasn’t just settled for one playoff system, and over the last two decades, it changed nearly four times.

The current playoff system is a good idea, but as shown by this season, it is also very flawed.

First off, with this system, conference championships mean nothing but a title for teams to say, “Look we won.

Jack Densmore is an undeclared freshman from Cedar Park.

We’re the best!” After all, Penn State defeated Wisconsin to win the Big 10 Conference championship and also looked like a strong team for the CFP, but Ohio State was selected instead, even though Penn State defeated Ohio State earlier in the season.

There’s a simple solution to this problem the CFP faces: have eight teams for the playoffs, and keep it that way. All of the big conference championships get spots in the playoffs no matter what.

This year that would’ve been Clemson (ACC), Oklahoma (Big 12), Penn State (Big 10), Western Michigan (Mid-American, and it was also undefeated), Washington

(Pac-12), Alabama (SEC) and then two wild card teams for the remaining spots, much like how the NFL playoff wild cards work. Odds are these wild card spots would be taken by Ohio State and Michigan, if that system were in place this season.

Then, the committee would use the ranking system to create the playoff bracket, much like how it is now with the fourth-ranked team facing the number one team. However, with an eight-team playoff system, it would just be the lowestranked team against the top-ranked team. They would have to adjust, but it’s very doable, and it creates more opportunities for teams and makes the conference championships relevant.

Western Michigan had a fantastic season, but the best it’ll get is a bowl game instead of a playoff spot, which would have made it interesting.

Plus, instead of winning just one game to get into the national championship, teams would have to win two, which makes the playoffs more competitive and also gives fans more college football.

The problem with the system now is it’s pretty much up to a committee to decide, whereas this would be more straightforward.

If a team wins its conference championship, it’s in.

Done. The only aspect that could be a con of this system is the wild card spots, because they could often be debatable. Thus, the committee won’t completely be thrown away, and it’ll be able to decide wild cards.

It’s the best of both worlds, there’s still a committee, and championships aren’t completely pointless like they are now. Four teams just aren’t enough to account for so many powerful teams and

the talents they have.

People may say the NCAA will then make it to a 16-team system, and so on and so on. No, it should make it just eight teams and then leave it alone. Eight teams are just enough to keep it competitive.

Two wild card spots will be heavily fought for, plus every team in every conference will now have drive to win its championship.

Teams like Western Michigan and Penn State should feel rewarded for successful seasons instead of being shoved off to the side.

Both teams fought hard this season and were basically just given a title, and there will be more teams like these as long as this system is in place.

If the NCAA wants to save itself from dropping ratings and displeased fans, like the NFL is struggling with then it needs to

change its playoff system.

Easiest way is just to make it eight teams and have it set up like I described. It saves the trouble, plus look at the teams that would’ve been in the playoffs with an eight-team system.

That is by no means boring to watch, and there are plenty of exciting matchups with each of those teams.

The NCAA hasn’t kept with one playoff system for too long. So, I don’t believe it’ll keep this one much longer, especially with the public backlash.

I do hope it goes to an eight-team system, because I honestly believe that’ll fix many of the NCAA’s problems.

No system is perfect, but it’s better than what is in place. It’s time NCAA. Let’s make the playoff interesting again. @JackDensmore_DT

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Westbrook leads Thunder past Hawks 102-99 ATLANTA (AP) — Russell Westbrook extended his streak of triple-doubles to six games, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 102-99 victory over the skidding Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

Westbrook scored 32 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and doled out 12 assists, giving him the NBA's longest

streak of triple-doubles since Michael Jordan had seven in a row in 1989.

Westbrook's run has sparked a six-game winning streak by the Thunder. He's now reached double figures in all three categories in half of the Thunder's 22 games.

By contrast, Jordan had 15 triple-doubles for the entire 1988-89 season.

Westbrook kept his streak alive with plenty of time to spare. Despite a poor start shooting, he already had 15 points and 11 rebounds when he picked up his 10th assist with 6:20 left in the third quarter.

Scooping up a loose ball after a turnover by the Hawks, Westbrook led a 2-on-1 that ended with a pass to Victor Oladipo for a layup that gave

the Thunder a 69-59 lead.

Westbrook, who missed eight of his first nine shots, suddenly found his touch in the third quarter. He made five of his next seven shots, three of them beyond the arc, and finished with 16 points in the period as the Thunder stretched a one-point halftime lead to 83-69 heading to the fourth.

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Harden's 37 helps Rockets over Celtics 107-106 HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden scored 37 points and Al Horford missed a shot just before the buzzer to allow the Houston Rockets to hold on for a 107-106 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

The game was tied before Harden scored five straight points to make it 107-102

with less than a minute remaining. Avery Bradley made a jump shot and Harden received a flagrant 1 foul for elbowing Marcus Smart in the face. Smart made both free throws before Isaiah Thomas missed a layup.

But Houston knocked the ball out of bounds with 5.2 seconds left, giving Boston

one last chance. Horford drove into the lane, but his shot rolled off the rim and Harden grabbed it to secure the victory.

Horford had 21 points and Thomas added 20 for the Celtics, who had won two straight.

It was the ninth 30-point game this season for Harden,

who also had eight assists and seven rebounds.

An 8-2 run by Houston, powered by a pair of 3-pointers by Eric Gordon, cut Boston's lead to one with about 8 1/2 minutes left.

Smart made a 3-pointer for the first of seven straight points for the Celtics that made it 96-88.

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