Mar. 2, 2011 by Arkansas Traveler

PAGE 1 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

Vol. 105, NO. 22 UATRAV.COM

Quality, Quantity Found at UA

Freshmen bring high grades, low crime by MATTIE QUINN Staff Writer

GARETH PATTERSON Staff Photographer Quality and quantity have grown together during the 2010-11 school year, as UA officials have adapted to an unexpected spike in enrollment. Though freshmen classes are expected to grow in coming years, officials do not anticipate a decline in academic achievement among students.

With a record number of students entering the university, being promoted to the highest Carnegie Classification and the renovation of several building across campus the UA is seeing significant growth and change. Despite the continued growth of the freshmen class over the past couple of years, the UA doesn’t seem to be sacrificing quality for quantity. “When some universities see growth like we have, they sometimes lose academic achievement. We have only seen increased academic achievement. For example, this fall we saw

both our largest freshman class and our smartest yet,” said Suzanne McCray, vice provost for enrollment. In addition to hosting students with higher academic achievements over the past couple of years, UA staff is also seeing a more diverse student body, thanks to the Arkansas Lottery Scholarship. “We developed a map and mapped out different parts of Arkansas that students were coming from both this past fall and the upcoming fall, and we saw a significant rise in students coming from the Delta, which was typically underrepresented in the past,” McCray said. “We’ve also seen a rise in

Issues Continue for NWACC by DELCIE KINCAID Staff Writer

As an investigation into payroll discrepancies and job misalignment at NorthWest Arkansas Community College continues, more questionable practices at the Bentonville institution have been uncovered. NWACC has been under investigation by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and Office of Personnel Management staff for giving unauthorized raises during a statewide freeze on salary increases for state workers, including college and university employees. The freeze, effective July 1 through Dec. 2, was announced in a May 26 memorandum issued by Richard Weiss, director of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. OPM staff oversee classified state employees and ADHE staff oversee non-classified state employees, which are primarily college administrators and faculty.

Former UA Student Found Guilty of Video

Voyeurism

OPM discovered 32 NWACC employees received raises during the freeze. Seventeen were found to be valid, two were corrected, five were found to be invalid and seven are still under review. OPM personnel administrator Kay Terry did not return phone calls requesting an update. ADHE staff found four stateappropriated positions needed to be realigned to match job duties more appropriately, said Brandi Hinkle, ADHE spokesperson. The realignments moved four project/program managers down to project/program specialists. Documents obtained by The Traveler staff from NWACC through the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act show that several administrators also received raises during the freeze. An Oct. 7 opinion issued by the state attorney general’s office indicates the DFA director does not have the authority to impose salary restrictions on non-classi-

fied employees because the Uniform Classification and Compensation Act and the Higher Education Expenditure Restriction Act direct that oversight to the state legislature. A review of the college’s documents show that many of these raises were given after the Higher Education Subcommittee announced June 17 that the freeze applied to higher education and before the attorney general issued his opinion. One of the administrators who received a raise during the freeze, Gina Miller, saw a salary change that went from $75,000 to $114,048 between March 2009 and June, according to employment memorandum personnel action forms. Miller held the highest supervisory role over the human resources department during the time the raises were given throughout the time of the freeze and during the subsequent investigation, according to organizational charts and other documents obtained from the college.

These memoranda indicate that Miller started March 16, 2009, at the state-appropriated position of counselor and was assigned the NWACC title of associate vice president of human resources and organizational development with a salary of $75,000. Miller was moved into the state position of chief fiscal officer Oct. 26, 2009 with the NWACC title of interim VP for finance and administration with a salary of $92,885. In a February 2010 interview, Miller said she is holding two positions, sometimes three. “Finance is not my area, I don’t want to go deep into finance,” she said, although she added the college does not put someone into interim positions without evidence of qualifications. NWACC officials were actively searching for a vice president for finance and the college was in the final stages of hiring someone, Miller said. However,

see NWACC on page 3

University Hosts First ‘Thank a Donor Day’

by MATTIE QUINN Staff Writer

A a former UA student was found guilty of 10 counts of video voyeurism after he was discovered videotaping several male students in the showers of Pomfret Hall. In December 2009, a student in Pomfret Hall noticed a camera had been stuck under the shower wall while he was showering. The student tried to confront the perpetrator but couldn’t catch up with him. A call was placed to UAPD, where officers were able to identify LeiaBrently Washington using security camera footage. Washington was also a resident of Pomfret Hall. A search warrant was then obtained after speaking with the Washington’s resident assistant. After searching his cell phone and camera, videos were obtained of young men showering and toweling off in the

see GUILTY on page 5

GARETH PATTERSON Staff Photographer Students gathered together last Wednesday, Thank a Donor Day, to sign the oversized ‘thank you’ card for private donors. Thank a Donor Day was designed to bring visibility to the any gifts that may go unnoticed by students. “There can never be too much attention given to the impact of private gifts on our campus,” said Rachel Neeley, director of annual programs.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 VOL. 105, NO. 22 UATRAV.COM

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students eligible for Pell grants coming to school here, which we are pleased with. More students with higher financial need are enrolling than ever before.” The requirements for entering the UA are a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a 20 on the ACT, although applicants that don’t meet both requirements are still encouraged to apply and have their application reviewed by the UA Admissions and Appellate Board. These requirements have been in place for several years, and UA officials don’t expect to change them for Arkansas residents despite the growth. “For Arkansas high school students we will not change admission requirements. We

know that high schools around Arkansas are not even, and not everyone is receiving the same high school education, so it is important to us that we do not change the admission requirements for in-state students,” McCray said. “However, in the coming years we may look to making out-of-state admission requirements a little tougher. We want Arkansas residents to be able to attend the UA first and foremost.” Despite seeing a more diverse campus, there is one student group that hasn’t seen a spike in numbers. “Our numbers of non-tradi-

see GROWTH on page 3

Dalai Lama Tickets Available to UA Students Pre-Reserved Student Tickets Must be Picked Up by 5 p.m. March 10 in the Union

All students must have a Student ID

Public Tickets on Sale March 15 Go to dalailama.uark.edu for full ticket information or call 479-443-5600 by SABA NASEEM Staff Writer

In fewer than two months, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama will deliver one of his worldrenowned addresses on nonviolence at the Bud Walton Arena. “There are millions of people in Tibet who would give their lives just to see a glimpse of the Dalai Lama. They can’t even have a picture of him,” said Geshe Thupten Dorjee, a Tibetan monk and instructor in J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “This is a great gift for the university and for the students.” Ticket reservation to the afternoon address began March 1 and will continue through March 8 for students. After March 8, ticket reservations will be available to faculty and staff and students will be able to purchase extra tickets. As of production time Tuesday, 30 tickets had been reserved online, and 580 total had been reserved. The Dalai Lama’s visit is part of the University’s Distinguished Lecture Series, and was made possible through the efforts of Sidney Burris,

director of the honors program in the Fulbright College, and Geshe Dorjee. In the summer of 2009, the pair met the Dalai Lama on a trip to India, as part of the Tibetans in Exile Today TEXT project. Efforts to bring the Dalai Lama to the university began when Dorjee first came to the UA, Burris said. His Holiness turned down two letters of invitation before he accepted the third one in March 2010. Preparations have been nonstop since then, Burris said. “I’ve never helped organize the Dalai Lama’s visit before, and I’ve discovered it’s like a tsunami,” he said. “There are so many things to do.” Burris and Dorjee have hosted various events throughout the year to prepare the community for the Dalai Lama’s visit. “It is important for stu-

see LAMA on page 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 2

PROFILE FROM THE HILL

A Conversation with Mikala Parton by KRISTEN COPOLLA Staff Writer

Mikala Parton has enough on her plate with the courseload that comes with being a junior biochemistry major, but she takes time out of her busy schedule to help those other than herself. Mikala volunteers with Full Circle, the food bank in Bud Walton Hall that serves UA students and faculty. Q: What do you do with Full Circle? A: We stock shelves and we fill orders. Then when the people who’ve requested the order come, we give it to them. They show their ID and the order is already filled, sitting on the shelf.

don’t have enough money to get food. They go online and fill out a form of what they want and we fill their orders. Q: How did you get involved with Full Circle? A: I was actually on Facebook, and I saw it as a request of ‘People You May Know.’ I looked on there, and I read about what they were all about. I e-mailed, and Julia got back with me. Q: What motivates you to volunteer?

Q: What is Full Circle’s purpose?

A: I’ve been there where you don’t know where your next meal is going to come from, and I think that it’s a great thing to have. That’s why I’m there, because I’ve been there, done that. It’s just something that is close to my heart.

A: It’s for students that are going to school and they

Q: What’s been your most fulfilling moment

thus far? A: It’s just great to fulfill people’s need and see the smile on their face. Q: Where does Full Circle get it’s supplies and food from? A: Donations. I believe that Sam’s Club has donated. I think Walmart has donated, too. Q: Are students able to donate? A: Oh, yes. Yes, anybody. Q: What types of food and supplies do you provide through the program? A: Cereal, rice, crackers, soup, canned veggies, coffee and snack food. But there are also personal things like deodorant, body wash and soap. There are also T-shirts and socks in there, too.

Q: What would you say to encourage people to give or even volunteer with Fullcircle? A: It’s a great thing to know that you’re helping someone in need. Donate, donate, donate because it is going to help the cause. Q: What would you say to encourage people who need the service to take advantage of Full Circle’s mission?

ABOUT THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER The Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper at the University of Arkansas, is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring academic sessions except during exam periods and university holidays. Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Traveler. The editor makes all final content decisions. One copy of The Arkansas Traveler is free to every member of the UA community. Additional copies can be purchased for 50 cents each. Mail subscriptions for delivery within the continental United States can be purchased for $125.00 per semester. Contact the Traveler Business Manager to arrange.

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A: Just come in there. Don’t be afraid. If you need it, you need it. We’re happy to do it. That’s what we’re here for, and everybody feels that way. Q: What is your favorite pastime? A: My daughter Lily and music.

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CORRECTIONS The Arkansas Traveler strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please notify the editor at 575.8455 or at traveler@uark.edu.

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The women and men of the University of Arkansas Police Department, in partnership with the community, are committed to protecting the future of Arkansas by promoting a safe and secure environment.

HAVE A TICKET? CALL 575-7275 TO RESOLVE IT

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NEED A RIDE AT NIGHT? CALL 575 - 7233

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NEED TICKETS? CALL 1-800-982-4647

Don’t forget to call early and reserve your student football tickets for the 2010-2011 season. The ticket office is located on Razorback Road next to Baum Stadium.

PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

GROWTH from page 1

NWACC from page 1

tional students remain steady, and we haven’t seen much growth there. However, our numbers for transfer students had continued to grow over the past couple of years,” McCray said. When universities see remarkable growth, this can sometimes also mean a growth in crime as well, which has not been the case for the UA. “In the past couple of years we really haven’t seen a significant amount of growth in crime. We have seen a spike in students getting alcohol violations and there has been an increase in theft, but that is mainly from scooters left. Scooters on campus have become more and more popular over the past couple of years, and we’ve seen more and more people just picking them up and putting them in trucks and driving away,” said Lt. Gary Crain of the UAPD. Despite the increase in students, Crain doesn’t plan on adding much staff to UAPD anytime soon. “We are in the process of hiring one or two more people, but no more than that. We live in a community, not a metropolis. It takes about six to eight months to train a new officer, and without a significant increase in crime, we don’t really need to spend the time and money training a bunch of new officers,” Crain said. “We are a service-oriented department, one of our biggest jobs is helping out all of the new students, many of which have never been on their own before. So we are busy, but not overwhelmed.” Rest assured that even though the UA is growing, the administration is prepared. “We’ve been preparing for this for some time now, and have taken proactive steps to make sure we can house and teach more and more students,” McCray said.

the position remained vacant for eight months, until October when Marty Parsons was hired, according to board minutes, organizational charts and a statement from NWACC spokesperson Mark Scott. Miller was moved into the state position of dean for institutional technology in January 2010 with a newly created college title of VP for talent management and institutional technology with a salary of $110,000. The employment term for that position ended at the end of the 2010 fiscal year, June 30, at which time Miller’s NWACC title changed to vice president for administration with a salary of $114,048. Employment memoranda are required when an employee is hired or transferred, according NWACC’s Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual. The memorandum calls for signatures of the department head, a cabinet representative, the executive director of human resources and the president or his/her designee. There is also a signature field for the employee. Section 2-4-19 of the manual says the signatures of the director/department head/ dean, a cabinet member, and the president or his/her designee is required to hire full-time employees. The memorandum moving Miller to her $114,048 salary shows two people – not the college’s usual five – signed her memorandum. NWACC’s president, Becky Paneitz, signed as the cabinet representative and president. Miller signed as both the executive director of human resources and as the employee receiving the raise. Both initialed the department head signature block. Paneitz was not available for comment because of a loss in the family. Scott said in an email that Paneitz’ and Miller’s were the only two signatures necessary.

However, the earlier memorandum to give Miller her $110,000 salary was signed only by Miller, who signed as the executive director of human resources. Scott said he wasn’t sure if the college cabinet, which consists of the VPs and president, knew about the memorandum for Miller’s $114,048 salary. “It is my understanding the raise was given to ensure that all VPs were paid on the same scale,” Scott said. The state appropriations act allots different maximum salaries for the various positions to which the NWACC VPs were assigned. Records indicate that the actions taken to equalize the salaries of the VPs have resulted in increasing several of the salaries above the maximum amount appropriated by the state. Dates on the $114,048 Miller memorandum indicate that it was approved 20 days after the state’s freeze was enacted and prior to the attorney general’s opinion being issued. A note in the “comments” field at the bottom of Miller’s employment memorandum gave the instruction to “please retro back to 7/1/10,” meaning Miller would receive the raise inclusive of the day the freeze began. An email sent from Paneitz to all college personnel Nov. 29 indicated Miller was on medical leave. “It is agreed she [Miller] would be out for several more weeks to focus on a few remaining diagnostic tests,” she said. On The Traveler’s staff request for documentation of medical leave forms with medical information redacted as per law, Scott instead provided email exchanges from Miller to Paneitz and Steve Gates, senior VP for advancement. “Miller was on leave related to her medical condition throughout November and December,” Scott said in an email. “It looks like Miller used sick leave, vacation leave and administrative leave during that time,”

Scott said, in a separate email. Scott could not provide that specific documentation or specific dates associated with her absence as requested. Application for sick leave is to be filed within two days after the employee returns to work. The section also states that absences due to sick leave shall be charged in the following order: (1) earned sick leave (2) earned annual leave (3) leave without pay, according to NWACC’s policy Section 2-5-5. The holiday and leave policy in Section 2-5-3 authorizes the president to make rare exceptions to college leave policy under emergency or extenuating circumstances. In Miller’s Oct. 22 email to the college cabinet, she said she had received a request from her doctor and had received permission from Paneitz to begin immediate medical leave. Miller said in the email she hoped to return on Nov. 9. Miller sent an email to Gates and Paneitz Nov. 5, stating she would not be returning on Nov. 9 and she would like to get Gates’ approval of the additional time off. Another job change for Miller was announced Jan. 3 in the Weekly Announcements that are emailed to all college employees. The announcement indicated that Miller “requested a new position with NWACC after returning from extended leave due to health reasons.” According to the email, Paneitz honored that request. The email indicated that Miller had been moved to the Corporate Learning Department as a training specialist in the state position of special instructor. Documents show she is making $71,000. According to the organizational structure at NWACC, associate VP is the third highest-ranking title behind only the president and VPs. Miller is making approximately $3,800 more than the associate VP for Corporate Learning.

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PAGE 4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

EDITOR: Bailey Elise McBride MANAGING EDITOR: Mille Appleton

FROM THE BOARD According to a new survey, 65 percent of your peers can’t resist texting friends in their Thursday night lab to keep track of the Ronnie-Sammi drama happening on “Jersey Shore.” Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but the University of New Hampshire did find that despite 49 percent of students saying they felt guilty for texting during a class that forbid the practice, 65 percent sent about one text message per class anyway. Not surprisingly, the study revealed that women are more likely to text than men, and business students text the most. So what do these results mean? Everyone is guilty of sending the occasional text message in class, whether it’s for legitimate reasons or to in fact receive live updates about the status of Ronnie’s fidelity and Sammi’s emotional state. The obvious problem with in-class texting is that it distracts both students and teachers, and of course opens the floodgates for rampant cheating. Perhaps these reasons are the best case for banning texting in class. However, the underlying issue with texting is far more complex than these results suggest. While being distracted in World Lit is certainly an issue, our generation’s gradual shift toward complete emotional disengagement is the core of the problem. Next time you’re in class, look around the room right before the instructor begins lecturing and again immediately after the class has ended. It would not be off-base to predict that more than half of the class would be texting, checking emails or talking on the phone. Take a stroll around the Union and note how many students are texting as they walk, even when accompanied by friends. There’s a fine line between staying connected and being totally removed from what’s happening around you. We hate to sound like your overprotective mom, but putting away your iPhone for an hour will not kill you. A recent article featured on The Huffington Post was written by a man who made an agreement with his girlfriend that they would not bring their phones into the bedroom at night. While he was checking emails and NFL blogs, she was preoccupied playing Bejeweled. However, since their night-time phone ban, their relationship has taken a drastic turn for the better. Instead of just being physically present, they are now mentally and emotionally present. So take a play from their book and set the phone down, start a conversation with the human being to your right and simply put — don’t let technology get the best of you.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Obama administration estimates that by the end of this year the federal debt will be greater than the size of our entire economy. That amounts to nearly $130,000 of debt per US taxpayer. Yet, oddly, this paper’s February 23rd editorial supported borrowing money to bankroll America’s largest abortion provider. The article outlined Planned Parenthood’s contraceptive products, claiming “it is hard to argue that Planned Parenthood isn’t providing a valuable and much needed service to the women and young people of our country.” Well, let’s take a look at some of their “services.” In 2009 Planned Parenthood performed 332,278 surgical abortions in the US, contrasted against helping a paltry 977 adoptions and providing only 7,021 mothers with prenatal services. So, if you’re a young, frightened, pregnant teenager visiting Planned Parenthood, your chances of being lead to an abortion are roughly 340 times better than adoption. For me, there is a personal side to the data. My 8-yearold little brother was adopted right here in Fayetteville. His mother was a student and only met an adoption attorney in a fluke encounter. Originally, she visited the now-defunct abortion clinic in Northwest Arkansas. What if she had visited a Planned Parenthood? Would she have gleaned all sorts of wisdom about safe sex? More likely, I would have no memories of t-ball games, loose teeth, long road-trips, or big, goofy hugs from Seth. Many families on adoption waiting lists never experience these heart-melting joys. Planned Parenthood helps keep it that way. Sure, they are required to use tax money to fund nonabortion services, which only frees up more of their $1.1 billion budget to coerce young women into elective abortions. Accounting gimmicks don’t alleviate the fact that many Americans oppose the government taking money from their paycheck, borrowing more, and then giving it to an organization they find morally bankrupt. In this era of fiscal responsibility, we cannot even afford to keep all government spending for “good ideas,” so massive sacrifices must be made across the board. Republicans have executed several excellent first steps to reign in the budget. Denying an abortion provider millions of our dollars should be a no-brainer. WILL SIMPSON Freshman, Economics and Finance

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR OPINION EDITOR NEWS EDITOR

Bailey Elise McBride Mille Appleton Samantha Williams

Nick DeMoss The Arkansas Traveler welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be at most 300 words and include your name, student classification and major or title with the university and a day-time telephone number for verification. Letters to the editor can be sent to traveler@uark.edu. Letters are edited for grammar and length, not content.

Marcus Ferreira STAFF CARTOONIST

Higher Education Depends on You FROM WHERE I STAND by Billy Fleming ASG President

We still have 22 months until the next presidential election. It’s probably difficult to realize how far off that really is when a host of potential candidates, current legislators and a variety of advocacy groups have already begun positioning themselves on the “politically correct” side of the spectrum. In Little Rock, members of our General Assembly are looking to score points over undocumented students, gun control and diminished appropriations. A cursory review of the bills already filed demonstrates that there is a growing disconnect between many of their campaigns and their legislative action in the pursuit of social issues and crippling budget cuts. In Washington, the political posturing is even worse. Ideological spats over funding for Planned Parenthood, Pell Grants, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Securities and Exchange

Commission have left our nation on the brink a government shutdown. As a state, and more specifically as a college campus, I wonder how much room we really have to complain. According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website, 46 percent of all registered voters in Arkansas cast a ballot in the 2010 election. Additionally, they estimate that nearly one-third of all Arkansans eligible to vote are not currently registered. This means that about 30 percent of Arkansans eligible to vote actually cast a ballot in 2010. For those of us 18-29 years old, the statistics are even bleaker. According to the Rock the Vote, less than a quarter of all registered voters in Arkansas within that age group went to the polls in 2010, and only half of those eligible to vote actually registered. This isn’t a new trend in the state or the nation. For a variety of reasons, people feel disenfranchised by the political process and have chosen to remove themselves from it. This year as a student government, we’ve taken a number of steps to address this issue on campus. Throughout the fall semester, we conducted student polls (which I’m sure many of you are still mad at me about) and hosted call-in days over issues like the faculty and staff pay freeze.

We returned last week from an advocacy trip to Washington. LaShunta Williams, Amanda Banwarth, Jacob White, Kelsey Kelton, and I spent several days meeting with Arkansas’ delegation about the proposed cuts for Pell Grants. According to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, only 18.1 percent of our population holds a bachelor’s degree and nearly 60 percent of residents qualify for Pell Grants. For this reason, we felt compelled to ask our congressmen and senators to continue investing in our state’s higher education system. Our conversation regarding Pell Grant funding was met warmly by the vast majority of Arkansas’ delegation. They were wonderful hosts and seemed genuinely excited to have student constituents making the trek to the nation’s capitol. In the end, the House still passed their Continuing Resolution that calls for dramatic cuts to the program – nearly $800 per recipient. However, we returned from our trip confident that our students — at least through ASG – have a direct line to our elected officials in Washington. This week, we are gearing up for a similar trip to Little Rock. You may not realize this, but the decision by our governor and general assembly to increase or decrease funding for higher education will dramatically affect

our tuition rates next year. By this I mean that a decrease in state funding will likely equal a sizeable tuition increase, while a modest increase in state appropriations may offset or minimize the spike in tuition for next fall. While there are many other issues facing the UA, we made a conscious decision to leave social and controversial issues such as the DREAM Act and equal rights, out of our conversations with legislators. We feel that it is our duty to advocate for the student body in as broad a manner as possible, and that has come in the form of Pell Grant funding and state appropriations. For at least the next 22 months, I hope you will also find time to commit to a worthy cause. There are about six weeks until the next ASG election, which again means there is plenty of time for you to have a voice in who will represent our student body next year. As I contemplated running for this position last spring, and as I contemplate what I’m going to do when I relinquish it, I’m always reminded of Teddy Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena” speech. While criticism is a healthy and valuable part of the process, Roosevelt is right in asserting that “It is not the critic who counts…the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”

Facebook Threatens Self-Esteem byJody Barbaree Guest Writer

As human beings we crave acceptance. Whether we notice it or not, we are all overcome with this idea that we need to be accepted to feel whole. We seek acceptance in many forms — from a prestigious university, from a high-ranking fraternity or sorority and especially from our peers. We long for acceptance in all aspects of our lives. Nothing quenches this thirst for belonging more than a famous social networking website called Facebook. “Liking” statuses, accepting or denying friend requests, and commenting on walls and photos are among Facebook’s signature features. A new study released by Soraya Mehdizadeh, a York University psychology student, reveals some not-sosurprising results about the

use of Facebook. Mehdizadeh examined the online habits and personalities of 100 Facebook users between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, who attend college at York. She found that narcissists and those with low self-esteem are more drawn to Facebook and tend to be heavier users of the popular site. It makes sense given that Facebook grants us the power to scrutinize, belittle and degrade anyone we want if we choose to (and let’s face it, we have all been guilty of this at some point). How often have you heard comments like, “Did you hear what he said on Facebook?” and “Her profile picture is horrible!”? Facebook users present themselves how they want to be seen, not necessarily as true representations of themselves. We must have the bestlooking profile picture, a lot of comments on our statuses, and a ridiculous number of

“friends” that tops everyone else. All of these insignificant things trickle down to our need for acceptance. We want people to like and accept the things we say or do, and we want people to be our friends. When it doesn’t turn out that way, we are crushed. Friendships are ruined and relationships are no more. Our self-esteem is left in shambles all because of a website that fuels this absurd idea that acceptance is all that matters. The truth is that if we would place “acceptance” at the bottom of our priority list, the negative aftermath of not being accepted would vanish, ultimately bringing people together, as opposed to breaking people apart. Every day there are individuals who choose not to post a picture, voice their opinion or make a comment because it might jeopardize their image. Facebook may not be responsible for the human desire to feel accepted, but it

is certainly doing its part in keeping the insecurities of its users alive and well. We must understand that Facebook and other networking sites do not define us. We are more than just a profile picture or a 100-word “about me.” If social media threatens your self-esteem, it might be the time to click “deactivate.” Otherwise, say what you want to say, dress how you want to dress, post the pictures you want to post and you’re guaranteed to boost your confidence and attract others in the process. You must be true to yourself and by doing so, people will respect and admire the “real” you. Granted, it may not turn out the way you hope or expect, but at least by bumping “acceptance” a few notches down on your priority list, you’ll be showcasing something far more important than a good-looking picture or an insanely large friends list — and that’s yourself.

PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

Earthquake Swarm Felt at UA New Bumpers Associate Dean Named by HAILEY RAY Staff Writer

The magnitude 4.7 earthquake that shook university students 11 p.m. Sunday was felt in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and throughout the state. The earthquake was one of more than 60 earthquakes in central Arkansas in the past two weeks, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Eight earthquakes have been reported since Sunday’s earthquake. The earthquake had a moment magnitude of 4.7, which is a measurement of energy, said Margaret Guccione, a professor of geology. An earthquake with the same moment magnitude would produce different results in different geographi-

LAMA from page 1 dents to research the Dalai Lama and his importance in this world,” Dorjee said. The Dalai Lama is an embodiment of love and compassion, he said. He has a huge responsibility for the future of Tibetans, both culturally and politically. This Dalai Lama is known as the greatest of all 14 Dalai Lamas, Dorjee said. He won the Noble Peace Prize in 1989 and has received countless awards and recognitions around the world. Tibetans generally believe him to be the reincarnation of his predecessors and a manifestation of the Buddha. “During the dying process, the Dalai Lama leaves various signs and messages about the place of rebirth and then after his death, the search for the

cal locations and at different depths. It was ranked as a 5 by the USGS on the Mercalli intensity scale, which the USGS describes as moderate shaking and very light damage. The Mercalli intensity scale measure the earthquake’s effect on the earth, humans and surface structures on a scale from one to 12, where one is not felt, and 12 would describe mass destruction, according to the USGS. These quakes are part of an earthquake swarm that began in August 2010 and has produced hundreds of small earthquakes, many of which were not felt. A similar event has occurred in Arkansas before. The Enola swarm began in January 1982, and about 30,000 earthquakes were felt

in a three to four year stretch of time with no explanation, Guccione said. The largest earthquake during the Enola swarm had a magnitude of 4.5, according to the Arkansas Geological Survey. Some experts are suggesting the earthquakes are influenced by the Fayetteville Shale play, an area in central Arkansas being explored for natural gases, Guccione said. The controversy centers around the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” After holes are drilled in the ground, they are filled with water to exert pressure on the rock and cause fractures. Sand or chemicals are placed in the water to prevent the fractures from closing up after the water drains. Once this process is complete, the water is contami-

nated, so rather than allowing it to flow into the water supply, it is extracted and put into deep injection wells, Guccione said. Injection wells were connected with earthquakes at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Commerce City, Colo. in the early ‘90s. When the use of injection wells was discontinued, the earthquakes stopped. The Arkansas Oil and Gas commission placed a moratorium on injection wells earlier this year, but it is too soon to see if there is a connection between the wells and the earthquakes, Guccione said. There were no injection wells during the Enola swarm, and neither swarm appears to be connected to the New Madrid fault zone, Guccione said.

new Dalai Lama begins,” Dorjee said. This 14th Dalai Lama was born in Takster, Qinghai and was selected as the rebirth of the 13th Dalai Lama at the age of two. However, he was not formally recognized as the Dalai Lama until he was 15 years old. He fled to India during the 1959 Tibetan Uprising and established a government in exile. Ever since his exile, he has traveled around the world for talks and lectures on various issues including compassion and non-violence. His lecture at the UA will be about non-violence in the 21st century. “The Dalai Lama has become the most well known advocate for non-violence,” Burris said. “His message is to this younger generation of students who will face a world where differences will be ap-

parent, and non-violence is something they need to learn to embrace.” The Dalai Lama will also be part of a panel discussion with Sister Helen Prejean and professor Vincent Harding, both advocates of non-violence. “This panel is a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for students,” Burris said. “They will be able to hear three of the greatest advocates of nonviolence talk to each other.” Tickets to the morning panel will be available for $15 March 8 for regular seating and for $18 for floor and prime seating. To learn more about the Dalai Lama, there are books available in the trade section of the campus bookstore. Students can also visit http://www.dalailama.uark. edu for more information on the Dalai Lama.

GUILTY from page 1 showers of Pomfret Hall wing B, third floor, according to police records. After the videos were obtained, Washington admitted to his involvement and was transported to the Washington County Detention Center. He was then suspended and received a ‘no-trespass’ letter from the UA. During his trial, Washington pleaded not guilty to the charges and said he only began taping the young men out of curiosity. He went on further to say he was sorry for what he did and never meant any harm. A jury took about an hour to find Washington guilty and took approximately three more hours of deliberation to recommend eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Video voyeurism is a Class-D felony that is punishable by up to to six years in prison.

by LIBBI STURM Staff Writer

Faculty members are shifting positions in the Dale Bumpers College of Food, Agriculture and Life Sciences as Lona J. Robertson was named the associate dean February 16. An associate professor in the school of human and environmental sciences since 2006, Robertson said she will complete the course load she is teaching this semester while balancing the new meetings and responsibilities added to her schedule. The most recent associate dean, Donna Graham, will return to her previous faculty position as a professor of agriculture and extension education. The new position is “going to be a big change,” Robertson said, but she intends to continue interacting on a personal level with students. “I don’t see myself just sitting in an office, but instead connecting with students through committees and with the college ambassadors,” she said. The personal level of student-faculty relationships in the Bumpers College is a strength Robertson said she wants to continue to improve while she is associate dean. “My philosophy is you always can keep getting better,” she said. At the UA, Robertson has been researching aspects of merchandising, especially is-

sues affecting the local events Bikes, Blues and Barbeque and Bikes, Babes and Bling. In coordination with hospitality professors Jean Turner and Kelly Way, she is studying the shopping and spending behaviors of people who attend motorcycle rallies. There are many new factors to consider with the launch of the rally targeted toward women, Robertson said. Robertson brings more than 10 years of post-doctorate experience from Oklahoma State University to the position. That includes five years as the assistant dean for academic programs and services in the OSU college of Human Environmental Sciences. While at OSU, she led the development of an online master’s degree program for family financial planning. She received her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and her master’s in clothing and textiles from Florida State University. At Indiana State University, Robertson received her doctorate in education and was an assistant professor of textiles, apparel and merchandising. “I’m really excited to be working with faculty and students in the new position,” Robertson said. “I’m looking forward to the transition.” As to the reason for the shift in positions, Robertson said she could not comment for Graham, but personally “likes a little change occasionally” and so applied for the position.

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

You can check out the Traveler online at uatrav.com or by scanning here:

SPORTS EDITOR: Jimmy Carter ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: Zach Turner

PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 COMMENTARY

Pelphrey’s Job Secure 2011 Class On Deck

Extra Points

JIMMY CARTER jicarter@uark.edu

“Certainly, we overachieved last week. “Obviously, I’m very, very excited to have secured another season.” That would be how John Pelphrey would answer a question about how wins over Kentucky and Auburn likely secured him another season at Arkansas. To be clear, that won’t happen. Pelphrey won’t talk about punching a ticket to coach the Razorbacks for a fifth season last week, but I will. Pelphrey is no doubt concentrating on the final two regularseason games against Mississippi State and Ole Miss. The Hogs finish second in the SEC West and earn a first-round bye in the conference tournament if they win those two games. Arkansas will probably break the 20-win barrier and the Razorbacks are a near-lock to host an NIT game. That’s progress and should buy Pelphrey an opportunity to coach the Hogs’ best recruiting class in the last 15 years.

see CARTER on page 8

BASKETBALL

Seniors Shining At End of Careers by ZACH TURNER

Assistant Sports Editor

With two games remaining in the regular season, including the last home game Wednesday against Mississippi State, three Razorback seniors are nearing the end of their collegiate careers. Marcus Britt, Delvon Johnson and Jemal Farmer have had very different roles and Arkansas careers, but the trio will go out together Wednesday on Senior Night against Mississippi State. “With Britt being an in-state guy and then for Delvon and Jemal to win their last game at home, we really want to win for them,” junior guard Rotnei Clarke said. Britt has been here the longest. The starting guard is finishing a productive four-year career for the Razorbacks, after being part of coach John Pelphrey’s first recruiting class. The Madison, Ark., native has played 110 games in a Hog uniform and saved his best season for last. The 6-foot-3, 198-pounder had the game-winning basket in the upset of then-No. 22 Kentucky Wednesday, followed by a 10-point, seven-rebound effort in the win over Auburn. “I have been doing pretty good lately,” Britt said. “I have been getting more shots up before and after practice, so I think that has a lot to do with it.” The seven rebounds against the Tigers were a game-high and he provided clutch scoring. “His last game was maybe his best game,” coach John Pelphrey said. “Certainly as good of a week as he has had last week. He has impacted the game in all areas. I thought his leadership, he was vocal out there and got guys huddled

up.” Britt is averaging a career-high 5.0 points per game this season, while also pulling down two rebounds per game. He’s impacted the last two games, both Arkansas wins. “He is capable of doing this every single game,” Clarke said about Britt. “He has now taken things from practice and put them in the game which we always knew he could do that.” Britt is on pace to graduate in December and said he plans to do so. After collegiate basketball, Britt said that he might go overseas and try his luck at a professional career or look for a highschool coaching job near home in Forrest City, Ark. Johnson has had arguably the biggest turnaround of any Razorback in history. The junior college transfer from Indian Hills in Ottumwa, Iowa, has started all 28 games for Arkansas this season after starting just five the previous season. “He embodies what you want in a player from the standpoint of embracing the coaching and doing what is best for the team,” Pelphrey said about Johnson. In the Hogs’ win over Auburn, Johnson made -- like Britt against Kentucky — the game-winning shot. Johnson received a pass from point guard Julysses Nobles and dunked in the go-ahead basket with five seconds remaining, giving Arkansas a 57-55 win. “Seniors are supposed to make big plays,” Britt said. “So that is what me and Delvon have done for the past two games.” Johnson’s averages from last season — 2.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game — pale in comparison to the 6-foot-9 Chicago native’s produc-

Gareth Patterson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior center Delvon Johnson is a physical presence this season, averaging 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game for Arkansas.

tion this season. He’s averaged 9.4 points and 7.4 rebounds, while playing an average of 28.3 minutes per game. “Since last season ended I told myself I am going to work hard since this is my last chance,” Johnson said before the season started. His hard work paid off, evidenced in multiple big games this season. Johnson had 18 points and 13 rebounds against UAB in Little Rock, both career-highs at the time. Johnson then broke those in

a home game against Troy, registering 20 points and 14 rebounds. “I think these guys (seniors) have gotten better and I think Delvon’s is very evident,” Pelphrey said. No game may have been more impressive than Johnson’s game during the annual SEC-Big East Invitational against Seton Hall. The 220-pounder recorded 10 points and 12 rebounds, while swatting a career-high eight shots. “I feel like Delvon, all his work is showing because of what he

did in the offseason,” Clarke said. “That is a tribute to him. I expected that out of him because he said he was going to do it, and I took his word for it, and he has made a huge improvement.” Johnson is the catalyst behind Arkansas’ shot blocking efforts this season. The Razorbacks rank No. 4 nationally with 6.2 blocked shots per game, while Johnson is

see BASKETBALL on page 7

BASKETBALL

Clarke Wins SEC Player of the Week by JIMMY CARTER Sports Ediotr

Gareth Patterson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Guard Rotnei Clarke was named SEC Player of the Week for the second time this season after his performance in wins against Kentucky and Auburn.

Arkansas junior guard Rotnei Clarke was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Week Monday for his performance in the Razorbacks’ wins against then-No. 22 Kentucky and Auburn. Clarke averaged 21.5 points per game and hit six 3-pointers in the two conference wins. He also won the honor Jan. 31 and has won it three times in his career. “It’s a cool accomplish-

ment,” Clarke said. “Glory to God. It’s first and foremost because of Him. Then my teammates — it doesn’t happen without my teammates. Coach (John Pelphrey) has put me in position to do that.” The 6-foot, 184-pounder’s 26-point effort against Kentucky helped lead the Razorbacks to a 77-76 overtime win. He hit 11-of-12 from the free-throw line in the contest and had a key 4-point play late in the game. “Obviously you don’t get an award or recognition like

that without having played well,” Pelphrey said. “Certainly it’s a team sport. I’m sure Rotnei would be the first to say that and give credit to his teammates.” Clarke scored 17 points in 37 minutes in the Hogs’ 57-55 win Saturday over Auburn. “The reason I get open and score is because of my teammates, because they’re passing to me or screening for me,” Clarke said. “It’s a team thing.” Clarke is averaging 14.4 points per game this season

BASEBALL

and is shooting 43.4 percent from 3-point range. Peterson Questionable, Scott Available for Mississippi State Junior guard Jeff Peterson’s status is uncertain for the Mississippi State game, but freshman Rickey Scott might see his first action in nine games Wednesday, Pelphrey said. Peterson injured his leg

see NOTEBOOK on page 7

TRACK & FIELD

Ficociello Progressing at Plate Lazas Performs Like a Veteran at SECs by PATRICK GRINNAN

by BRANDON HOWARD

Baseball coach Dave Van Horn said before the season started that freshman Dominic Ficociello was a great defender that could play anywhere in the infield. Ficociello has proven his coach right early in the season. The Fullerton, Calif., native has played exceptionally against Delaware State and Utah, playing both third and first base. Ficociello’s 6-foot-4-inch, 185 pound frame makes him a versatile and athletic player in the infield. “He’s a really good defender at both first and third,” Van Horn said. Ficociello regularly fields difficult ground balls, despite totaling two errors in six games. One of those errors, in the Hogs second game against Delaware State, resulted in Ficociello managing to tag the runner out at third despite committing the error that allowed the runner the opportunity to run. “It always feels good to pick somebody up,” Ficociello said. “If (my teammates) come up a little short on a throw, I need to pick

Kevin Lazas is only a freshman, but he’s already getting upperclassmen-like results. In his first Southeastern Conference Championship meet, Lazas played a key role in Arkansas’ second-place finish, finishing second in the men’s heptathlon with 5,674 points, just one point shy of the national automatic qualifier. The 2011 SEC heptathlon included the 60-meter hurdles, 60-meter dash, high jump, long jump, shot put, pole vault and 1,000-meter run. Lazas never finished out of the top 10, finished in the top three of five events and won the high jump. He also set personal bests in the high jump and shot put. He jumped 2.00 meters in the high-jump and 13.21 meters in shot put. “I had awesome people next to me,” Lazas said. “Terry (Prentice) and Matt (Kirbos) kept me up to speed and once my adrenaline hit, I knew to go for it.” Lazas had been bothered by strained muscles in his feet over the past few weeks.

Staff Writer

see BASEBALL on page 8

Staff Writer

Gareth Patterson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Switch-hitter Dominic Ficociello had a double from both sides of the plate in !"#$%#&'#%$($)*+#$,-).*/$*0*')%!$1!*"2

UA MEDIA RELATIONS

Freshman Kevin Lazas placed second at the SEC Indoor Track Championships in the mens heptathlon.

However, the injury seemed to have little effect on his performance. The defiance of his injury was especially apparent when Lazas led the crowd in a cheer before his final high jump attempt. “My foot must be fine because it didn’t hold me back,

but I was worried about it all week,” Lazas said. “During the jump I got so hyped up that clapping with the crowd just added to the fun.”

see TRACK & FIELD on page 8

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 7

Marcus Britt Senior Marcus Britt has been a steady competitor for Arkansas throughout his career. Over the past two seasons Britt will have started over 30 games for the Razorbacks. Recently, Britt has hit the gamewinning layup against Kentucky and recorded a career-high in rebounds with seven against Auburn. The Madison, Ark., native will be playing his last home game Wednesday against Mississippi State. What is it going to be like for the last home game here in Bud Walton Arena? It is my last home game, so it is going to be really emotional. You had a career-high seven rebounds with seven against Auburn. When did you realize this was your new career-high? I think one of the coaches told me that I had seven rebounds. I was just going, since they have been trying to get me to go for the longest, so I needed to rebound more and that is what I did. Coach Pelphrey said that was probably the best week you have had as a Razorback with the games against Kentucky and Auburn. Would you agree? Oh yeah, I agree. I agree because I got seven rebounds, a career-high, so yeah. What is it like to have been here for four years and then have a special week like that week? I think it is a good thing, but it was more of a preparation thing. I kept getting more shots up than I usually do so I think that was a big part of it. What is the difference in you as a player now than when you first got here? I think I have really improved off-the-ball defense and taking good shots. I feel I have always taken good shots, but now just more shots. They tell me everyday I need to shoot the ball more and be ready to shoot the ball, so I have been doing that for the past week.

Ryan Miller STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Arkansas’ SEC West Scenarios

Alabama has clinched the SEC West’s No. 1 seed for the SEC Tournament. Arkansas, Mississippi State and Ole Miss are competing for the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 spots. Below are the standings and scenarios for the Razorbacks.

Arkansas Mississippi State Ole Miss

SEC 7-7 7-7 6-8

Overall 18-10 15-13 18-11

SCENARIO 1 Arkansas beats Mississippi State and Ole Miss Arkansas gets the No. 2 seed SCENARIO 2 Arkansas loses to Mississippi State and Ole Miss Arkansas gets the No. 4 seed. SCENARIO 3 Arkansas loses to Mississippi State, but beats Ole Miss Mississippi State clinches the No. 2 seed. Arkansas clinches the No. 3 seed. SCENARIO 4 Arkansas beats Mississippi State, but loses to Ole Miss IF Mississippi State and Ole Miss beat South Carolina and Auburn, respectively, there is a three-

from BASKETBALL on page 5 Johnson is the catalyst behind Arkansas’ shot blocking efforts this season. The Razorbacks rank No. 4 nationally with 6.2 blocked shots per game, while Johnson is second in the Southeastern Conference, averaging 3.3 blocks per game. “When this season came around, he has taken full advantage of his opportunity,” Pelphrey said. “That is important for players to understand. Everyone wants an opportunity and you always talk about that, but

from NOTEBOOK on page 5 The 6-foot, 192-pounder has struggled in SEC play, but played well against Kentucky last week. “He’s been getting treatment the last couple days,”

Remaining Games Mississippi State, at Ole Miss at Arkansas, South Carolina at Auburn, Arkansas way tie at 8-8. The first tiebreaker is the records of the three teams against each other. Mississippi State would be 3-1, Ole Miss would be 2-2 and Arkansas would be 1-3. Mississippi State would get the No. 2 seed, Ole Miss would get the No. 3 seed and Arkansas would get the No. 4 seed. IF Mississippi State beats South Carolina, but Ole Miss loses to Auburn, Arkansas and Mississippi State would be tied at 8-8. Arkansas wins the third tiebreaker and gets the No. 2 seed because it went 1-1 against Alabama. Mississippi State went 0-2. IF Ole Miss beats Auburn, but Mississippi State loses to South Carolina. Arkansas and Ole Miss are tied at 8-8. Ole Miss wins the tiebreaker because it swept Arkansas 2-0. Ole Miss gets No. 2 seed and Arkansas gets the No. 3 seed. Mississippi State gets the No. 4 seed.

when it comes your way all you are going to be ready to do is seize the moment, and I think he has done that.” The third senior on the squad is Chicago native Jemal Farmer. Farmer started off his Arkansas career with a bang, recording a double-double against Alcorn State last season, scoring 28 points and getting 12 rebounds after transferring from Concordia Community College in Kansas. Farmer played in all 32 games last season for Arkansas, averaging 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds.

This season might have not panned out the way Farmer would have liked. The 6-foot-5 forward has seen time in just 15 games for the Razorbacks and took what the program called a “personal leave” toward the beginning of conference play, missing a home game against Alabama and the road trip to South Carolina. “I like Jemal,” Pelphrey said. “He has had a great attitude and has worked hard.” Farmer has played just an average of 9.8 minutes per game this season. Farmer is on track to graduate in May, Pelphrey said.

Pelphrey said Monday. “We’ll have to wait and see. It is muscular, so we’ll just have to wait and see how it responds.” Scott has struggled to recover from a knee injury suffered in the Razorbacks’ 7364 win over Auburn Jan. 25. He struggled with an ankle

injury earlier in the season and has missed 15 games this year. “He’s back practicing,” Pelphrey said. “Obviously, he’s just been out so much, we’re trying to get him caught up. He’s available from a health standpoint.”

Senior, Guard 6-foot-3 198 pounds 5.0 points per game 18 minutes, 13 starts

PAGE 8

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

from CARTER on page 6 the last 15 years. A coach needs talented players to win. Pelphrey took Stan Heath’s players to the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament his first season. Arkansas has beaten Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky -- all teams more talented than the Hogs-- this season. The Razorbacks will rely on all five freshmen to make an impact next season, but Pelphrey will have talent to work with. The Hogs’ lineup will look drastically different next. Below is how I think the starting lineup and rotation will look in 2011-12. The thing to note is one of the nine players not graduating from this season’s team won’t return next year. There are currently 14 players in 13 spaces for the roster next season. POINT GUARD B.J. Young — 6-foot-3, 170 pounds, freshman Young has a chance to be the best Arkansas’ point guard since Kareem Reid. He’s incredibly quick and can penetrate effortlessly. He can finish at the rim and dish to teammates. He doesn’t have a consistently great outside shot, but

from BASEBALL on page 6 them up. They have to finish out the play, and if they make good plays I need to help them out.” Ficociello has shown that he is a solid defender. He is third on the team with 23 putouts and touts a 93.8 fielding percentage. He was struggling at the plate entering the game Sunday, hitting just .091. “He’s been over swinging,” Van Horn said. “He’s taking the same swing, and that’s a fastballtype swing, even with two strikes he’s taking too big a swing.” Ficociello is a switch-hitter and said he and hitting coach Todd Butler worked on his batting and hitting pitches in the zone. He responded by going 3-for-4 with four RBIs in the Ra-

he can shoot with range. He’s averaging more than 30 points per game, shooting almost 70 percent from the field and better than 40 percent from 3-point range. Young will be the first five-star recruit to make it to campus for the Razorbacks since Olu Famutimi in 2003. He will give the Hogs length at point guard and could have an impact similar to Kentucky star freshmen point guards John Wall and Brandon Knight have had the last two seasons. Backups: Julysses Nobles (6-1, 170, junior) and Jeff Peterson (6-0, 192, senior) Nobles is a great on-ball defender and uses his quickness to penetrate. He’s shown he can knock down 3-pointers and isn’t afraid to make a play at the end of a game. His decision-making is inconsistent, but Young’s arrival won’t keep Nobles playing important minutes. Peterson has struggled at times in his first season as a Hog after transferring from Iowa, but has played better lately. The key for him to get playing time will be to shoot better from the perimeter and limit careless turnovers. He’s probably the smartest player on the team and is a leader. Freshman Rashad Madden will probably see time at point guard, too. zorbacks’ 10-1 win in the series finale against Utah. “I’m starting to feel more and more comfortable (batting righthanded),” Ficociello said. “You have to work hard at both. The goal is to stay comfortable from both sides of the plate.” Ficociello’s practice paid off Sunday. Batting lefty, he hit a booming shot to right field in the second inning that likely would have been a home run had it not been for the 32-mile per hour gusts that plagued the game. “It was good to break out and finally see what I can do,” Ficociello said. “My main problem was I was swinging at pitches out of the zone, being too aggressive.” Ficociello also tight-roped a ball down the left baseline, hitting right-handed, scoring two runners to finish off the rout.

SHOOTING GUARD Rotnei Clarke — 6-foot, 184 pounds, senior Many Arkansas fans thought the incoming recruiting class would mean Clarke came off the bench, but his performance down the stretch of SEC play this season has shown he’s grown from a shooter into a scorer. He will benefit greatly from the influx of freshman guards that can score and take pressure off him. Opposing defenses put their most athletic defender on Clarke. They won’t be able to do that next year and he should have easier opportunities to score. Backups: Mardracus Wade (6-2, 170, sophomore) Wade has impressed this season with his in-your-face defense and energy. He hasn’t shot well from the field, but has good form and is a pure free-throw shooter. His hustle and tenacity will earn him playing time. Freshman Rashad Madden will probably see time at shooting guard, too. GUARD/FORWARD Rashad “Ky” Madden — 6-foot-5, 180 pounds, freshman Madden will play all three While his power was on display, it was his foul-line hit that impressed Van Horn. Ficociello was able to hold back his swing and bide his time, waiting for the perfect pitch. “It was a 1-0 change-up that was down, and he took it,” Van Horn said. “He didn’t come out of his shoes, he just took it and it went ball three.” Because Ficociello displayed the patience at the plate that Van Horn had been waiting for, Van Horn gave him the green-light to swing. “I thought, ‘I’m going to reward him with a swing here,’ and he got a double,” Van Horn said. “It was good to see him get three hits in a game. Hopefully he’ll relax now. You’ve seen what he can do defensively, he’s really good at first and third, so it’s nice to have a switch-hitter that’s doing well.”

backcourt positions for the Razorbacks. He’s long, athletic and still growing. He can penetrate and finish. He’s a decent 3-point shooter and his mid-range jumper is very effective. He and Young give the Hogs athleticism and length in the backcourt. He was almost rated a five-star and will play major minutes early.

with Pelphrey is strained wasn’t a ringing endorsement and many fans fear he will try professional basketball at the end of the season. He’s been inconsistent this year, but a healthy, consistent Powell would make next year’s team dangerous. His coming back would be the most important offseason development for the Razorbacks.

Backups: Aaron Ross (6-8, 230, freshman) and Rickey Scott (6-3, 195, sophomore)

Backups: Hunter Mickelson (6-10, 210, freshman), Glenn Bryant (6-7, 190, junior) and Marvell Waithe (6-9, 216, senior)

Ross gives the Hogs size and skill on the wing and he can also play power forward, if needed. He doesn’t have great athleticism, but is smooth and skilled. He will be Arkansas’ second best shooter, behind Clarke. He could start and will play major minutes. Scott has struggled with injuries in his freshman season, but has athleticism and strength. FORWARD Marshawn Powell — 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, junior Powell has struggled to recover from a broken foot in August and said he came back too soon. He’s shown signs of being close to 100 percent lately, evidenced by his 22-point, 10-rebound effort against Kentucky. His “no comment” response to a question about whether his relationship

Mickelson will be a matchup nightmare for opponents. He needs to gain weight and strength, but has a guard’s skill set in a forward’s body. He can shoot, handle and might see time on the wing. He can defend and rebound. He’ll be a star once he gains weight, but he’ll still play a big role as a freshman. Bryant is incredibly athletic and can be disruptive when he’s focused. He struggles against size, but can be a solid contributor if he can erase bad shot selection and defensive lapses. Waithe has seen his playing time disappear in SEC games. He has the mindset of a wing player and the Hogs need him to play down low. He can contribute if he can make Delvon Johnson-like progress from his junior to senior season.

from TRACK& FIELD on page 6 Coach Bucknam, who foreshadowed Lazas’ performance leading up to the SEC Championships, was even more pleased with the results. “We needed those big guys to come through for us,” Bucknam said. “I talked about if for a week and our guys came up big. Our kids

Kevin Lazas

FORWARD Devonta Abron — 6-foot-8, 233 pounds, freshman Abron is long, athletic and can play physical down low. Arkansas will need him to be a presence immediately. He’s also skilled and can shoot with range. His ability to fill Johnson’s role will be key if the Razorbacks want to contend in the SEC. Backups: Michael Sanchez (68, 236, senior) Sanchez plays like a bull in a china shop at times, but he knows the system and plays with great effort. He will have to play major minutes again and his ability to be more consistent and cut down on turnovers will be key for the Hogs. The Hogs will be much more athletic, skilled and long next season, but how the veterans and newcomers blend will be vital. Pelphrey will have a talented, deep team next season. He’s earned the right to coach the talent he recruited and see if he can make the Razorbacks competitive nationally again. Jimmy Carter is the sports editor for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday. Follow him on Twitter @jicartersports. are aware of what’s going on and they know how to set the tone.” Although Lazas’ score was short of automatically qualifying for the NCAAs, it should still be enough for him to make nationals because it was high enough to place him on the bubble. “God gave me a gift,” Lazas said. “I’m just out there trying to glorify His name.”

GYMNASTICS

Gymnastics Vaults Over Best by BRANDON HOWARD Staff Writer

Arkansas’ gymnastics team had a big weekend. The Razorbacks moved to No. 12 in the nation after upsetting No. 1 Florida 196.7196.1 Friday and won at No. 45 Illinois-Chicago Sunday. Arkansas’ point total against the Gators was a season-high, a mark they almost

Mark Cooke matched Sunday. The Razorbacks clinched a tie with Florida for the all-around title. “Our team has finally figured it out,” Arkansas co-coach Mark Cook said. “They’re no longer uptight and tense. Now they relax as the competition goes on. I think the training and preparation has really paid off.”

Junior Jamie Pisani won the all-around event for the third straight meet against IllinoisChicago and also won the vault and floor events. Her 9.95 and 9.90 scores in floor and vault are tied for the school record. During the individual events, Pisani was accompanied by three outstanding teammates. Freshman Katherine Grable and sophomore Jordan Salsberg tied for the beam title while senior Michelle Stout won bars. “Jamie keeps getting better,” Arkansas co-coach Rene Cook said. “We’re really not quite sure how that is happening. What we do know is that she wants her teammates to get better, and that helps her out even more. “Katherine has matured. She’s turned into what a collegiate gymnast is supposed to be. While Jordan has gained confidence every week, she almost hyperventilated after she got a 9.9 on vault. Just to see someone being that excited about what they’re doing infects all of us. She’s a delight.” The 2011 season has been especially memorable for seniors Michelle Stout and Stacy Bartlett. Along with the recent scoring milestones set against Florida, they helped Arkan-

sas to its first ever win over Georgia and first win against LSU on the road. The meet this weekend against No. 27 West Virginia will be their last home meet. Both coaches credit the girls with helping to build the program up to national prominence. “They’ve really given their heart to this program,” Mark Cook said. “It’s nice because you want to see every student

Rene Cooke athlete come through your program and finish with class and poise like these two girls.” This weekend’s meet will be the last home meet before the season and the second to last before the SEC Championships. The SEC Championships start after Arkansas’ final meet March 19 at No. 18 Denver.

Gareth Patterson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophomore Jordan Salsberg and Arkansas’ gymnastics team jumped to No. 12 in the nation after beating No. 1 Flordia and Illinois-Chicago over the weekend.

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

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Comics, Games, & Much Much More!

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

THEME: NATIONAL PEANUT MONTH E

S G T N V

P W T

B C H R

O A

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U N A

C U

R R H

C B H

V H A T

S U P R N

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Peanut Butter Peanut Brittle Spanish Peanuts

N A

Difficulty:

G.W.Carver Boiled Peanuts Beer Nuts

Difficulty:

THIS WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

LAUGH IT UP Q: Why do Danish firemen have red suspenders? A: To hold their pants up.

Q: What kind of car does Dracula drive? A: A Honda.

THAT MONKEY TUNE Michael A. Kandalaft

WONDERMARK David Malki!

BREWSTER ROCKIT Tim Rickard

CALAMITIES OF NATURE Tony Piro

CROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Pert 6 Top grade, in slang 9 Trees along tropical beaches 14 Aptly named cooler brand 15 Small island 16 Perpendicular to the keel 17 Not-so-humorous humerus spot 19 Tri- plus bi20 Drink from leaves 21 Hockey legend Bobby et al. 22 Sea north of Poland 23 Exam taker’s dread 25 Grubs and maggots 29 Manhattan sch. 30 “Garfield” pooch 31 Fan mag 34 Annual parade celeb 39 Daydreams 42 Joe Cocker’s “You __ Beautiful” 43 Formal coiffure 44 Alan of “The Aviator” 45 Slangy “No reason” 47 “Amen to that!” 49 Devoid of niceties, as some politics 55 Disinclined 56 Works a tough row? 57 “The Amazing Race” airer 60 Prove apt for 61 Racer’s edge, or the ends of 17-, 23-, 39- and 49-Across, unflatteringly 63 Mountain ridge 64 www address 65 Otherworldly 66 IHOP condiment 67 1/30 of abril 68 Seed anew

DOWN

1 Sort through, as for clues 2 Fit of fever 3 It’s near the 17-Across 4 Put one over on 5 Cellist with 16 Grammys 6 Item in a fall stash 7 Art able to 8 Tropical cyclone center 9 41st president, affectionately 10 Clear as __ 11 Slowly, in music 12 “It slices! It dices!” gadget VegO-__ 13 Wallop 18 Zephyr 22 Journalist Nellie 24 What all good things come to 25 Crazy, in a Ricky Martin song 26 Month after Shevat 27 Increase 28 November honorees 32 Liar Joe in old TV car ads 33 Hip flask quickie 35 Greenish blue 36 Sidekicks 37 Verdi opera 38 Projector’s slide holder 40 Rigidly inflexible process 41 Worked arduously 46 Arles article 48 Like the preferable evil 49 Rum-soaked cakes 50 Lincoln Center’s __ Fisher Hall 51 Allude (to) 52 Verdi aria that means “It was you” 53 Strasbourg sweetheart 54 Eucalyptus muncher 57 Jaguar and Impala 58 Verve 59 Hearty entrée 61 1963 Paul Newman film 62 Casual top

SOLUTION

Crossword by MCT Campus

THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

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PAGE 10 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

FEATURES EDITOR: Lindsey Pruitt ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: Erin Robertson

Dickson Street Transforms to Bourbon Street by ANDREW VAN GENDEREN Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

This year Fayetteville will host its 20th annual Mardi Gras celebration, this Saturday, on Dickson Street beginning in the square.

Dickson Street will pay tribute to Bourbon Street next week as madness ensues in the annual 2011 Mardi Gras of Fayetteville. The organizers, who call themselves the “Demented Krewe,” have been hard at work, and they are excited about their twentieth year of nonsense and mayhem. “I am absolutely flabbergasted at the size that this event has become,” said Dixie Rhyne, who also goes by the pseudonym “Demented Duchess.” “It is always a surprise to us how many folks show up and participate,” she said. The Mardi Gras of Fayetteville, which the Krewe claims is the largest such celebration in the state, began in 1992 with only 45 people. It now hosts thousands of flamboyantly garbed party goers who take great pride in parading joyously through the streets each year. A Krewe, by definition, is an organization that puts on a parade or a ball during Carnival season. In Fayetteville, Krewes build floats as well and compete to win different prizes. Those who make up Krewes range from representatives of local businesses and restaurants to highly spirited individuals with lots of streamers and, one would assume, a large garage. The Krewes all have colorful names and traditions. Krewe Des Vineuax used to bring their trademark giant wine bottle, complete with an arrestingly dressed female member straddled atop the cork. Krewe Des Cajuns and Krewe

Garcon De Partie both brought floats for many years. One Krewe, whose float included a (short-lived) fire breathing dragon, was dubbed “Krewe de Flambeau” after it was reduced to ashes shortly following the dragon’s first exhalation. There have also been mechanical sharks and Polynesian dancers, among other oddities, involved in past parades. This year’s party will begin on Fat Saturday, March 5, with the family-friendly Parade of Fools. Beginning in the Fayetteville Square, participants dress in extravagant costumes, some of which are made almost entirely of glitter, beads and feathers. These walkers accompany grandiose floats of all shapes and themes and wind their way to Dickson Street, gathering afterwards in the carnivalesque setting erected outside the Walton Arts Center. “There is some pretty intense competition this year between Krewe Olympia and Krewe Boar Rouge as to the float awards, so it will be great fun to see what they come up with,” Rhyne said. In comparison, however, Saturday is only a teaser for the main event on Fat Tuesday, which falls on March 8. The King and Queen of Mardi Gras will be crowned at José’s as revelers swarm down Dickson Street in merry, disorderly fashion all evening, throwing beads and candy to onlookers – including policemen. Accordions and washboards will be the prominent sounds of the evening, as an expected 10,000 people flood the downtown area in celebration of Car-

nival season. “In the early pictures you can tell that it was basically a private rolling party, nowadays ten thousand people show up,” Rhyne said. “We are always amazed. Had anyone asked us in 1992 whether we thought we’d ever have a parade with floats or any event at all in 20 years, we’d have said ‘well, we hope so,’ but we would have had huge doubts.” Al “Papa Rap” Lopez, host of the bilingual children’s television show “What’s up/Qué pasa?” will be this year’s grand marshal. “We are all very impressed with his work with young people,” said Rhyne. “His level of community involvement inspires us all, the kids love him, and we couldn’t imagine a better or more fun candidate for grand marshal. We’re so proud to have him.” A new event this year is the Funkytown Masquerade Ball, which will take place at 7 p.m. at the East Square Plaza in the Fayetteville Square on Saturday, March 5. There will be a cash bar limited to patrons 21 and up. Entertainment will be provided by the Sarah Hughes Band, as well as Snake Eyes and the Bug Band. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Dark Star Visuals on Block Street, at the door, or from any Mardi Gras krewe member. The ending lines of the Kreed of the Krewe embody this enthusiasm they have devoted to this party for 20 years now. “To act a fool is a fine thing. To act a fool in public is to bring honor on one’s house. To act a fool in public in outrageous garb, ah, that is the stuff of legends!”

UA Students Bring Home-Grown Holy Ground Found in Prison Walls Style to Battle of the Bands by SARAH GUINN Staff Writer

by ANDREW VAN GENDEREN Staff Writer

Musicians from across the Ozarks are set to square off in the Battle of the Bands March 4 in the Union Ballroom. “We have some really good bands this year,” said Jonathan Chesser, University Programs Concerts chair. There will be six groups in competition, their sounds ranging from Austin Collazo’s soft, rhythm guitar driven ballads to the alternative, Hoobastank-esque instrumental rock of Daedalos. What they all have in

common, however, is that they represent talent found on the UA campus. “These are all student bands,” Chesser said. “Our reasoning behind all of this is to promote student talent.” Not all the band members need be UA students or graduates, but there is a home-grown standard for entry. “Bands need to have to have at least one student and submit a demo CD before they can officially apply,” Chesser said. There will be audience giveaways during the concert, including shirts, iTunes gift cards, and other surprises.

The event runs in conjunction with “Hawgi Gras,” the theme of the evening’s Friday Night Live activities. Other performers and artists will be displaying their talents across the evening leading up to the Battle of the Bands. The Battle begins at 10:00p.m. , following guitarist Noah Earle’s acoustic performance in RZ’s and the Comedy Committee’s 8:00 show in the Ballroom. “This is an opportunity to see six really good bands that you would have to pay to see anywhere else -for free,” Chesser said.

Buried Life Creators Visit UA

Gareth Patterson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Cast members of “The Buried Life” sit on stools while telling their story of how “The Buried Life started.” The MTV television cast was in the Union Ballroom Monday night.

The doors clang with a cruel feel. The concrete walls were confining. But amid the prison walls of the Northwest Arkansas Community Corrections Center, Emily Bost said holy ground existed within the space. Bost, a deacon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, with her deep brown eyes, slightly graying hair and skin lightly touched by age, ministers to area inmates. The prison, which houses non-violent female offenders, did not emanate with an inviting feel at the door. But books are not to be judged by their covers. Bost, along with other participating ministers, signed in, was given a blue volunteer badge and then escorted to the downstairs room. A tulip-filled vase and battery operated candles decorated the makeshift altar on a bolted-down picnic table. Tom Browder, the prison’s chaplain, glanced over at Lowell Grisham, who would lead the service. He waited for the signal. Grisham nodded. Browder then held the walkie-talkie to his mouth. “Time to announce church,” he signaled to the staff. And within minutes, the women, dressed in their yellow prison clothes, stepped into the room. The ministers and the inmates greeted each other with smiles and hugs. Bost embraced the women as they gathered into the room. The women, giddy with excitement, hugged her in return and told her about their week. And then they turned and embraced each other, the only opportunity they’re allowed to touch each other while confined to the prison. Where it Began During an initial visit, Bost sat in her office, found down East Avenue, just north of the Fayetteville square, and

Sarah Champagne PHOTO EDITOR

Emily Bost, a deacon at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church ministers to non-violent female offenders at the Northwest Arkansas Community Corrections Center. recounted her first experience at the prison from 3 years ago. Her words painted the scene: It was Christmas Eve. No elaborate decorations were hung in the downstairs prison room. There wasn’t a parish choir to sing Christmas carols. No signs of a traditional Christmas Eve church service were evident. Instead, the ministers, dressed in their vestments, prepared the altar amid the hard steel and concrete space, while they awaited the prisoner’s arrival. Bost didn’t know what to expect once the inmates filed in. The service began. And then every tingling nerve she had was put to rest that night. She watched as prisoners freely exchanged peace among themselves. Bost described the events unfolding around her and lifted her voice, “It was like a miracle that night. Jesus was born and he blessed this space to worship.” She watched an inmate shyly approach the warden to exchange the peace. The inmate stuck her hand out, but was surprisingly received into the arms of the woman who controlled her fate. “You were witness to a miracle,” Bost gleamed. Despite

the hard cinder block walls and steel bars, warmth existed in the prison, she said. “I was going to melt into a puddle on the floor!” And this was just the beginning. The warden asked Bost and the ministers with her to come back. And not just for the next Christmas Eve service. She wanted the ministers to come every Sunday evening. Bonds Created During the Feb. 13 service, Bost’s hand intertwined perfectly with that of Ranee Dane, who will soon finish her sentence and be released from the prison. Grisham blessed her and traced the sign of the cross with oil on her forehead. He did the same for another inmate who will soon leave the prison too. The women gathered around the two, some holding hands, some with arms around each other. Women standing near Dane were overwhelmed with emotion as she was blessed. Dane has spent the last 10 months at the prison because of a prescription drug addic-

see HOLY GROUND on page 11

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011 PAGE 11

Academy Awards Reveal Art Exhibit Reveals Natural Phenomena Fashion Forwards and Flops by ABBY UNRUH Staff Writer

Watching the Academy Awards is a tradition among Americans that has gone on since 1929. The awe that is drawn from the glamorous movie stars brings millions of viewers’ attention. One reason to watch (a main reason in my opinion) is for the fashion. Actors and actresses spend months in preparation for the Oscars and this Sunday night it all paid off. There are always going to be those huge fashion flops that leave us gasping, “What were they thinking!?” but this year there were many more jaw dropping stunners than there were fails. My best-dressed winner goes, hands down, to Cate Blanchett. Her lavender beaded chiffon gown with yellow bead accents was the perfect preview for spring and summer fashions this year. While she opted for Givenchy, looking for trends like this one is a piece of cake in a town so bustling with boutiques. Ways to play up this look in your everyday attire are simple. Pastels, such as lavender, are great layering pieces. Especially when used with just a pop of bright color. Now remember, when using your brightest brights a little goes a long way, so a headband, a belt, bag, or even a striking nail polish can do the trick. Another fashion favorite on the red carpet is RED! Who would have thought? With stars like Anne Hathaway, Penelope Cruz, and Sandra Bullock all donning the saucy color, we can rest assured it is a style to be a part of. And not only is the color red showing up in gowns, but on

lips. Nothing says summer is on the way like an Americana red lip. It works well with every skin type and hair color. While classic black is another awards show go to for celebrities, I am vowing to try and keep this boring staple on the back burner for a little while, at least until spring is in full swing. These winter months are boring enough and it is time to get color out on the town so spring can be reminded it is so very close. Looks to stay away from would include those from stars like Helena Bonham Carter (big surprise), Marissa Tomei, and Melissa Leo. While Leo may have won the award for Best Supporting Actress, her gown was shapeless and uninspired. Bonham Carter and Tomei both entertained looks that were too serious and much too ominously boring for such an exciting night. Another trend the red carpet highlighted was soft neutrals. Now although I love this look, it can only be pulled off by a certain few. While Mandy Moore is not one of them, Halle Berry and Michelle Williams most definitely are. The trick is to pick a shade that is not the exact color of your skin and then wear neutral make up as well. This is definitely not the time to wear a pop of color or red lipstick, but to try a pink or slightly peach shade for lips or blush to give it that extra spring feeling. The red carpet has once again proven to be a fashionista’s fairytale come true this year at the Oscars. With looks to forever forget and new trends to try, we can only continue the tradition of looking forward to awards season fashion.

Courtesy Photos

Leah Young FEATURES DESIGNER

The pheneologies art exhibit by Liz Ward will be on display through March 18 in the UA Fine Arts Gallery. Pheneology is the study of cyclic seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. from HOLY GROUND on page 10 tion and said she has since found redemption because of the ministry and unconditional care that Bost has shown toward her. “I have (come) to every service since I’ve been here,” Dane said. “I just feel peaceful throughout the week after I leave.” She slowly connected her words, searching for the right ones to describe the past 10 months of her life. “They’re just…” Her thoughts trailed. “They’re just amazing,” she said as she spoke about Bost and the ministers who come to the prison every week. “I don’t want to leave them, but I know I’m going to have to,” she said as tears began to well in her eyes. Reflections

“There’s something about them that feeds you,” Bost said, sitting in her office as the sun shined through the wide windows. But other experiences have left her frustrated when on her mission to minister to inmates. She described the county jail and how different that facility was in comparison to the women’s prison. As she sat and spoke of her encounters, she shuddered, tightly closing her eyes as the words came out of her mouth. “In the county facility, it was concrete and steel with no compassion,” she said. She leaned her head back and chose her words slowly as she explained the frustration that came from her first experience at the county jail. Private conversations weren’t easily granted and parting hugs were frowned

upon. It wasn’t the same. It wasn’t like the women’s prison. Bost sat in her chair and put her hand to her face. She wondered what it would be like to be a prisoner for a week; to sit behind the steel bars found there. She said, though, that if she were going to end up in a prison, she would much rather serve her time at the women’s prison. “Anytime you go over there (Northwest Arkansas Community Corrections Center,) the women say, ‘Thank you,’” she said. And the women part her in a state of disbelief, she said; a dumbfounding feeling that there are other people who care enough to come, she said. “It’s a ministry where you can remind these women that at some point, they did something good.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011