50/50
Movie Review Page 7 Vol. 106, NO. 21 UATRAV.COM
PAGE 1 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
Hotz Hall To House Students Again After More Than 15 Years by MEGAN HUCHABY Staff Writer
UA officials will restore Hotz Hall as a co-ed residence hall in the next two years to accommodate the record number of students living on campus, officials said. The $10 million renovation, which is slated for a fall 2013 completion, will save the UA at least $16 million, a university relations official said. “The estimate [to renovate Hotz Hall] is $13.9 million. That is as opposed to $30 to $35 million if they were going to build a new residence hall,” said Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations. The renovated dorm will house “416 beds with flex space for 32 beds, if needed for overflow,” said Florence Johnson, executive director of university housing. Hotz Hall was built as a dorm in 1964, but has instead housed administrative offices for more than 15 years, said Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for Facilities. The office of university relations already has moved into the renovated Davis Hall,
which formerly housed the Law School Annex and, before that, the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Other offices in Hotz, including University Housing, Testing Services, Residents' Interhall Congress and preCollege Programs, will have to find new work spaces, Voorhies said. “They may have to find empty space on campus, although that is becoming a premium,” he said. If space can’t be found on campus, UA officials will look elsewhere. “There are a lot of alternatives that are being looked at,” Voorhies said. “[The UA] may have to rent space for them.” The university housing office will be moved to a new building that will be built behind the Garland Avenue Parking Garage. UA officials haven’t decided what will happen to other offices in Hotz Hall, said Charlie Alison, university relations editor. Hotz will be emptied of offices in late spring or early summer, Mike Johnson said. University housing is still deciding how to deal with the
excess number of students, Johnson said. When complete, the dorm will hold a diverse group of students, Alison said. Both freshmen and sophomores will be allowed to live in the dorm. Changes that have been made in other high-rise dorms, such as Reid Hall, will also be added to Hotz,Johnson said. Some UA students said they fear the new dorm won’t provide enough beds. “I’m not sure if it will ease the expansion problem or not, because they have taken in so many freshmen this year,” said Sean Williams, junior. “I don’t think that one dorm will be enough.”
New Class Scheduling System Premieres Fall 2011 by JACK SUNTRUP Staff Writer
The registrar’s office has developed a new system to schedule classes, said a registrar offical. “What this schedule planner does is allows students to go online, select the classes that they want to take and then the scheduler generates every possible combination for those classes,” said Dave Dawson, registrar official. The system, developed by the company College Scheduler, streamlines and simplifies a process that has had flaws, Dawson said. “This basically automates the whole process,” he said. “For students that took a long time to get the sched-
ule they want, they can really do it in minutes.” In the past, a student logged onto ISIS and scheduled classes. While still logging on to ISIS, this software directs students away from it and allows students to import the schedule when complete. The software generates every possible schedule option for students. “Right now, if you went out there and scheduled, say, 15 hours, you’re very likely to get 1,000 possible options of schedules,” Dawson said. Dawson said many of the variations would be different only by one class, but students will be able to narrow their options down by factoring in breaks.
Staff Writer
The Associated Student Government recently purchased 24,000 scantrons, which will be given out for free to students this year, said the ASG director of academic affairs. They will be made available in the ASG office at the union, said Vince Stanko, the ASG director of academic affairs. Also, ASG will distribute them to the departments so teachers can hand them out with tests. ASG spent $3,000 from the readership committee budget to pay for the scantrons, Stanko said. “We noticed in past years that the budget wasn’t being used to its full extent,” he said. Students are usually responsible for buying scantrons before tests, but now teachers are expected to announce to students whether scantrons will be provided for them. On-campus students generally have access to free scantrons at the front desks of their residence halls, courtesy of Residents’ Interhall Congress. “RIC hasn’t purchased any scantrons yet,” said Tyler Priest, vice president of RIC. “Usually we do, and [we] make them available to students through their residence halls, but we haven’t moved on
by ZESSNA GARCIA Contributing Writer
The Latino based fraternity Phi Iota Alpha is known for its involvement in political and social aspects, and they have decided to branch out and explore the artistic realm. This year the Phiotas Art Exhibition and Silent Auction will be one of many fundraisers for the fraternity. This will be the first art festival for the fraternity. All media is encouraged “any kind of media and kind of style; photography, sculpture, music, video any kind of art,”said Raul Torres senior and apparel studies major and president of Phi Iota Alpha. The idea was borrowed from a friend in Dallas that had run a similar event as a fundraiser, Torres said. The silent auction will function as the fundraiser potion for the event. Twenty percent of the sales will go to the fraternity and the rest of the proceeds will go to the artist, Torres said. The art show will be a week-long event and will have a gallery setting in the Multicultural Center in the Student Union. The event will begin October 24 and end on October 28. It is a week-long event that way people can have enough time to see the art and appreciate it, Torres said. “I'm pretty excited about this silent auction, and to see the artist's works,” said Rocio Bedolla Roldan senior and International business major and president of the University of Arkansas LULAC council. Artists interested in participating must enter their pieces by October 21.
that yet.” Though RIC usually provides scantrons, this is a new initiative for ASG. “ASG has not done this in the past that I know of,” Stanko said. “With other large universities implementing programs for free scantrons, we wanted to use this as a test-run and see if it is feasible for Arkansas to do the same.” Scantrons are available for purchase at Club Red convenience stores, bookstores and school supply vending machines in the union. Some students have had issues buying Scantrons. “I bought them at the bookstore, but they were the wrong kind, so I had to get some from the machine in the union,” Freshman Kyle Hallam said. “Coming out of high school, we’re all used to being provided with them, so it would of course be more convenient for the teacher to pass them out, but whether that’s reasonable or not, I don’t know.” For students who are paying for tuition, the increased cost of living and textbooks, having a 25 cent scantron provided for them may not seem like such a big deal.
In This Issue:
News
see SCANTRONS on page 2
see SCHEDULING on page 3
Phi Iota Alpha Members Fundraise with Art Show
ASG Gives Out Free Scantrons by JANNEE SULLIVAN
“Let’s say you want classes to start at 9:30 and to be done by 2 with a lunch break from 12-12:30,” he said. “Once you put those breaks in it will only generate schedules that fit those breaks.” This would be advantageous to students with jobs or other extra-curriculars, he said. “For people who work or have a set job schedule, they can block that time out and generate schedules that honor that,” Dawson said. “Someone with band and athletes that have practice every day at a certain time, they can go ahead and block
BRITTANY WULF STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Brande Flack-Armstong and Hector Bello talk about where the sculptures will go for the Phiota Art Exhibit in the Multicultural Center at the UA. The exhibit will showcase artwork from local artists on October 24th to the 28th.
News
Features
Features
Sports
see ART SHOW on page 3
Opinion
Palestine’s Bid For UA Officials Offer New Harmon Garage Parking UA Students Fall in Love Loving Choices Spreads Michel Steps Up True freshman cornerback With the New Fall Break Compassion Across Statehood: Why Should Lifestyles Unclear to Students Tevin Mitchel had a career Lifestyles now has classes The garage rules are not As fall break approaches, NWA We Care? day filling in for injured available to participants at the UA.
clearly explained, students say.
students figure out what to do with their free time.
Page 2
Page 2
Page 8
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011 VOL. 106, NO. 21 8 PAGES UATRAV.COM
WEATHER FORECAST
TODAY 80°
Local clinic Loving Choices offers counseling and medical support to women in need.
Page 7 WEDNESDAY 79°
THURSDAY 76°
FRIDAY 76°
starter Darius Winston against Texas A&M.
Page 4
Page 5
SATURDAY 75°
Traveler editor discusses why students should care about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
SUNDAY 71°
Follow us on Twitter at uatrav.com
NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
PAGE 2
UA Offers New Lifestyles by EMILY JONES Contributing Writer
For many students at the UA the focus is on the next world lit paper or math test, but for others the concentration is on learning life skills. The seven students in the first graduating class of the Launch program will be in spring 2012. All the students are from Lifestyles, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with disabilities. Through the Launch program, the students get to “feel what it is like to be a college student,” said Lindsey Broshears, director of the program from Lifestyles. Lifestyles strives to help people with disabilities to find and maintain jobs as well as prepare them for life-long skills. “The Lifestyles students get the social aspects of college through the UA,” said Broshears. They get student ID’s, take classes on campus and attend campus events. Students also tour job sites during Career Expansion classes, according to the Lifestyles website. The Lifestyles students spend Monday through Thursday on the UA campus, and Fridays at the Stensgaard center, where they learn about food, nutrition, and “how to make and cook meals for them-
selves,” said Broshears. The days are scheduled with an hour lunch break to allow students to eat at the campus dining halls. The life skills classes inform the students on community living, safety, employment and communication, said Desma Hurley, a teacher in the Launch program from Lifestyles. The program also focuses on math, budgeting, reading and a special class called “expansion” where students give input on what they want to learn, said Hurley. The program began in
2008 with seven students and has now expanded to 19 in three grades. The students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the three year program, Broshears said. The classes stay small, said Broshears, because of the special needs of the students. The program is tuition based through Lifestyles but next year there will be partial scholarships available to the students, Broshears said. There are two teachers in the program through
Lifestyles and several UA students that are mentors for the students after classes. Many social work students receive volunteer hours for participating in the Launch program, according to an article written by Laura Jacobs. As the program expands, Lifestyles hopes to have graduate students teach classes, and have the option for on campus living, Broshears said.
by TINA PARKER
Graduate student Milkha Miranti was unaware of the rules in the Harmon Avenue Garage until three years ago when she received a ticket for parking backward. When Miranti complained about the ticket to the Parking and Transit department, officials said the rules are posted within the building and it is the students’ responsibility to know the rules. Even though students who purchase a parking permit are given a campus map that outlines the rules for parking on campus, Miranti thinks the rules aren’t clear and they should be posted visibly, she said. “They just need to make it clear for everyone, not just for the ones who purchase permits,” Miranti said. “Everyone can park over here. They need to make it clear and post it somewhere that people can see it.”
The Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper of the University of Arkansas, is published every day 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.
CONTACT
LARPing on the Lawn
119 Kimpel Hall University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701 Main: 479.575.3406 Fax: 479.575.3306 traveler@uark.edu
Scan to call us!
facebook.com/uatrav twitter.com/uatrav
STAFF EDITORIAL SABA NASEEM
SAMANTHA WILLIAMS
Editor -in-Chief 575-8455 traveler@uark.edu
Enterprise Editor 575-3226
BOBBIE FOSTER
MATTIE QUINN
GINA BARGIACHI STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Westmark, a live action role play (LARP) group, led by Tim Remington, practices at the Union Mall from 4-6pm Friday evenings. They hold practices every Friday, but occasionally have full weekends devoted to staying in character as they dress up in medieval costumes and battle with foam swords, arrows, and battle axes.
Harmon Avenue Garage Rules Unclear to Students Contributing Writer
ABOUT THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
“Parked backed into an angled parking space or facing the wrong way in a parallel space is prohibited,” according to the UA Parking and Transit website. Parking in angled parking spaces is a hazard, if you parked backward in a space it can increase the chance for an accident because drivers are not expecting a car coming in their direction, said Director Gary Smith. The parking rules are not clearly stated for all students. “I think they need to make the rules a little more visible in the garage. I know it says “no parking between 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a parking pass,” but there is nothing that says do not back into a spot and park,” said Richard Gathright, junior. Gathright knows that it is against the rules to park backward. He found out from friends that received
a ticket for it, he said. “I really enjoy this garage, it is super convenient for my classes, since I am in the business school. I haven’t had a ticket yet, so I don’t have anything to complain about,” Gathright said. There is another way students can receive a ticket that may not be common knowledge but is posted visibly outside the Harmon deck –parking overnight without a parking pass. Bernard Oliver, senior, received a ticket for parking in Harmon while visiting friends who lived in Duncan Apartments. Oliver parked in the garage after 10:45 p.m. because the gate arms were up. When he left around 3 a.m. he noticed he had a ticket for parking “overnight”,” Oliver said. “I didn’t know about the rules of parking between 1 a.m and 5 a.m., but that is what my ticket said,” he said. “There were a million places I could have parked had I known that.”
There is no paid parking after 10:15 p.m., the gates go up, so it’s free in and out, Smith said. “What we had a problem with was people storing their cars in there, they either come in during paytime and pull a ticket, or come in when the gates are up and just leave their cars in there for days and weeks at a time without paying, and they are taking the space away from a paying customer,” Smith said. “This way if they have a permit, they can stay there 24/7, but if they are hourly they can only be in there during the day,” he said. The rule was implemented spring 2010, and also applies to visitors and members of the UA community. Students who would like a full list of rules and regulations can go to the UA Parking and Transit website and look under Parking and traffic regulations, or can pick up a campus map which outlines the rules for parking.
News Editor 575-3226 travnews@uark.edu
Managing Editor 575-7694 travmgr@uark.edu
CHAD WOODARD
LAUREN LEATHERBY
Asst. News Editor
Features Editor 575-7540 travlife@uark.edu
Asst. Features Editor
JIMMY CARTER
JORDAIN CARNEY
KELSI FORD
Sports Editor 575-7051 travsprt@uark.edu
Opinion Editor
SARAH CHAMPAGNE Photo Editor
ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
BEN FLOWERS Asst. Photo Editor
ADVERTISING & DESIGN CANNON MCNAIR
MICY LIU
Sales Manager 575-3839 travad1@uark.edu
Campus Account Executive 575-7594 travad4@uark.edu
JAIME HOLLAND
AARON TAN
Account Executive 575-3899 travad2@uark.edu
Campus Account Executive 575-7594 travad4@uark.edu
ZACHARY FRY
ANDY KOUCHY
Account Executive 575-8714 travad3@uark.edu
Account Executive 575-8714 travad3@uark.edu
ERIK NORTHFELL
Lead Designer/ Web Developer
CELI BIRKE
SARAH COLPITTS News Designer
LEAH YOUNG
Graphic Designer
Features Designer
DYLAN CRAIG
TAYLOR WHITE Sports Designer
Graphic Designer
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.
CAMPUS NUMBERS NEED EMERGENCY HELP? CALL UAPD 575-2222
SCANTRONS from page 1
“I mean, compared to the hundreds students spend on books, picking up our Scantrons seems fairly minute if the goal is to save students money,” Hallam said. Still, some students appreciate the effort ASG is making to provide these Scantrons for them. “If they have Scantrons for each subject that requires them, that would make it a lot easier,” Freshman Kwesi Tandoh said. The reason many students may not have heard about this initiative is because ASG
hasn’t had a chance to advertise much, Stanko said. “We’re currently working on an advertisement program, so the specifics are still being worked out,” Stanko said. The 24,000 Scantrons are projected to last the rest of the semester. Depending on the success of the program, ASG executives will decide whether or not to buy more when the time comes, he said. “Assuming it is in our budget and the process goes over smoothly, I can definitely see us getting more in the future,” Stanko said.
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
The Transit and Parking office handles parking permits and passes and transit for students, including bus routes and GoLoco Ride Sharing. Students with parking violations can contact the office to appeal their citation.
NEED A RIDE AT NIGHT? CALL 575 - 7233
Otherwise known as 575-SAFE, the mission of the Safe Ride program is to provide students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. Safe Ride brings you home safely.
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
NEWS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
Greek Life Bustin’ It Up
CRIME REPORT: Wednesday, September 28 Assault Third Degree
A student reported an acquaintance took a fighter’s stance during a confrontation on campus grounds at Northwest Quad and she feared he was going to strike her.
Criminal Mischief A staff member reported someone painted graffiti on a wall in a restroom in Mullins Library.
Theft Of Property (Shoplifting) A student was arrested at the Arkansas Union Food Court.
Terroristic Threatening A student was arrested on Stadium Drive at Gate 16 at the football stadium.
Thursday, September 29
Disorderly Conduct; Resisting Arrest A non-affiliated person was arrested on North Garland Avenue north of Maple Street.
Theft Of Property (Shoplifting) A student was arrested on North Garland Avenue at the entrance to the Arkansas Union. LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Criminal Mischief A student reported someone damaged his scooter while it was parked in Lot 50.
Sophomore Katie Pennington holds her own in a tug of war match at the annual Watermelon Bust, hosted by the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. The event gave sororities the opportunity to compete in recreational tournaments and a charitable food drive.
Friday, September 30 Driving While Intoxicated
A student was arrested in Lot 44.
Drinking In Public; Minor In Possession Of Alcohol; Littering; Possession Of Fraudulent Or Altered Personal Identification A student was contacted at North Garland Avenue and Lower Service Drive and was referred to the Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct.
ART SHOW from page 1
Bedolla Roldan said will be in attendance and will be bidding on some art. “There’s no theme for the art, we just want to be a medium for local artists to present their work,” said Frank Berlanga-Medina senior, history and philosophy double major and social chair of Phi Iota Alpha. However because the event will take place shortly after Hispanic Heritage Month, Latin inspired art is encouraged, but it is not exclusive to such. A couple of members from the fraternity will also be presenting some of their art. “We’re going to show a dif-
SCHEDULING from page 1
Lauren Lynch, freshman, who works at the UA’s National Phone Campaign, agrees that this will take some frustration out of the process. “Having an automated scheduling system could definitely benefit people like me who have to figure out how to balance work and school,” she said. “It’s going to relieve a lot of stress, I think.” Dawson also hopes that this will increase students’ ability to schedule more hours than they might have in the past. “We really hope this will be a tool to help students more easily get the number of hours they want,” he said. “Students may get frustrated when trying to build a schedule and stop at 13 hours when they really want more.” “It was hard to get 16 hours and I had to take night classes. I had like a seven hours gap and a class that didn’t end until 9 p.m.,” said Karen Carrillo, junior. “I think this new system will make things a lot easier when I’m trying to get at least 15 hours a semester.” While scheduling for the spring semester starts October 31 for seniors and graduate students, students can try the new system now and save their schedules for then, Dawson said. “It will just sit there until their enrollment time,” he said. “At that time some of the classes may be full but the ones that aren’t, you can just schedule those.”
ferent side of us,” BerlangaMedina said. Part of the money fundraised by this event will go to the fraternity’s philanthropy project which is the Unicef project which helps bring potable water to areas in need. The fraternity was established in the fall of 2007 here at the UA and currently has 22 members. In years past the Alpha Lambda chapter of Phi Iota Alpha has hosted various events for the community including last semesters’ Coming Out of the Shadows informational panel about undocumented students and the DREAM Act in which students affected by the DREAM Act bill stepped from out of the shadows and shared their experiences as undocumented
by JOSEPH HOLLOWAY
Don’t Be Alarmed
Contributing Writer
As classes were changing across the UA campus, students, faculty and staff may have noticed sirens that blared across campus Tuesday, Sept. 27. Alert sirens are not mandated by the government or the National Weather Service. As a service to campus, the UA purchased three sirens in March 2002 from Riddick Engineering Corporation of Little Rock, Ark. The company is in charge of maintaining the system through the UAPD. students in Arkansas. The fraternity hopes to continue the art exhibit as a yearly event. The fraternity will also be hosting the First Annual World Cultural Festival in the city of Lowell. Those interested in participating should contact Raul Torres, Frank Berlanga-Medina or Hector Bello. Art must be submitted by Friday October 21.
Gas Report
Average retail gasoline prices in Arkansas have fallen 5.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.29/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 5.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.46/g, according to gasoline price website ArkansasGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in Arkansas dur-
ing the past week, prices yesterday were 71.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 20.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 20.3 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 73.3 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.
“We test the outdoor warning system on Tuesdays at 12:25 p.m. when the weather is clear,” said Lt. Gary Crain of UAPD. Through the sirens, UA students, faculty, staff and visitors are provided with campus emergency information, special messages and instructions. Some students find the system to be distracting from in-class learning. While most classes on campus are changing at the time, many students are in lab classes that usually exceed the average 80 minute class periods each Tuesday.
“Whenever the siren goes off during my class, it seems like everybody always starts getting chatty,” said sophomore Mariah Taylor. Many students are aware of the alert system but never pay attention to its presence because they are not sure what it is for. “It wasn’t much of a distraction, but I didn’t know what it was for,” said Liz Word, freshman. While many students acknowledge the system, several feel as if they are ill-informed of what to do in the
midst of severe weather or other emergency situations that may occur. “I feel like they’re a great warning system. However, they don’t do much in the way of telling people what to actually do, making them only mildly effective,” said Brad Zeiler, junior. Every building on campus has been assessed by the National Weather Service and each floor of the building has a floor plan and with included evacuation routes and shelter locations, according to the UAPD website.
OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
Scan here to go to the Opinion section on uatrav.com
EDITOR: SABA NASEEM MANAGING EDITOR: MATTIE QUINN
PAGE 4 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
FROM THE BOARD The Day The Music Died Every semester the Headliners Concert Committee puts on a major concert for students, usually held in Barnhill Arena. This semester, however, will be an exception, as we learned during the last week that there will not be a Headliners Committee Concert during the fall semester. Committee members pitched the proposal for the musician Girl Talk at about $50,000, but UA administrators denied the committees request. Even though it’s only the first week of October, committee members are restricted with the dates they can choose for Barnhill Arena, they said , and so unless a good option comes along, there will not be a concert. Instead committee members said that they would likely use the money to plan a bigger concert—with a bigger name artist—during the spring semester. (Usually there is a concert both semesters, last year it was Snoop Dogg and Blake Shelton.) We’re frustrated, as we expect many students will be, that a concert could not be put together for this semester, and the idea of a larger concert next semester doesn’t overcome that frustration. However, students should be excited about the idea of a bigger event for next semester, even if it means missing out this semester. Complaints about musical relevance have been around for at least the last few years, and this could be a good opportunity to bring a big, relevant band to campus. (Surely the funds allotted for this semester combined with next semester’s funds could secure a current mainstream— or at least big in their respective genre— band.) Whether or not this big event will come to fruition remains to be seen, and will certainly be the subject of a future editorial. It will be hard to get a band that everyone will like— it’s hard enough to get 10 people to agree on something, much less a campus of almost 23,000 students. But if the Headliners Committee fails to get a large event planned, or two normal concerts, it would raise serious questions about where our money went this semester, and how much money should be allocated to the Headliners Committee through the Program Allocations Board next spring. (Incase you’re curious, the PAB is made up of various student leaders including Michael Dodd, the ASG president.) It bares noting though, that for students graduating in December, it is a little unfair that they had to pay a fee for the Headliners Committee, but will see nothing in return for their money. We hope that something can be worked out for the spring concert to allow December graduates to attend the concert for free, or at a reduced rate, considering a portion of their tuition and fees went into paying for the event. We understand that things don’t always work out. We just don’t like when it happens with something we’ve already put money into. (And on a related sidenote, we’re still waiting to find out who the Distinguished Lecturer will be this semester.)
Traveler Quote of the Day “What this schedule planner does is allows students to go online, select the classes that they want to take and then the scheduler generates every possible combination for those classes,” - Dave Dawson, UA registrar, “New Class Scheduling System Premieres Fall 2011” page 1
MCT CAMPUS
Palestine’s Bid for Statehood: Why Should We Care? From the Editor
by Saba Naseem
Traveler Editor traveler@uark.edu
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas turned in a bid for statehood at the United Nations Security Council Friday, Sept. 23, calling for the organization to recognize his nation’s right to exist and live in peace. President Barack Obama announced that he would veto the Palestinian’s application for full U.N. membership. In addition to that, the U.S. Congress has frozen $200 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority, threatening projects such as food aid and health care until the statehood issue is sorted out, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said. The Palestine-Israel conflict can be traced back to the 19th century. Countless numbers of people have died in the conflict. Since the beginning of the second intifada in 2000 through July 2007, at least 5,848 people were killed, of which 4,228 were Palestinians, according to U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs report. The distance between the United States and the Israel- Pal-
Fayetteville Spotlight
by Barrett Lewis
EDITOR Saba Naseem MANAGING EDITOR Mattie Quinn OPINION EDITOR Jordain Carney ENTERPRISE EDITOR Samantha Williams CONTACT US The Arkansas Traveler welcomes letters to the editor from all interested readers. Letters should be at most 300 words and should include your name, student classification and major or title with the university and a day-time telephone number for verification. Letters should be sent to traveler@uark.edu. Columns and cartoons do not necessarily express the views of The Arkansas Traveler.
estine.” In a speech he gave to the U.N. National Assembly in September 2010, he said, “When we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that can lead to a new member of the United Nations, an independent, sovereign state of Palestine living in peace with Israel.” So, where is President Obama’s support now, one year later, as Palestine bids for statehood? Are we a nation built on lies and false promises? Obama’s lack of backbone is an embarrassment to America and the principle of self-determination. Sure, he demanded that Israel freeze its settlements. However, when Benjamin Natenyahu, prime minister of Israel, continued to endorse illegal settlements, Obama did nothing. What message does this give to the Arab world, a region where our relations are already weak? Denying Palestinian statehood will only affirm to many in the Arab world what they have always believed—that America is partial to Israel no matter the crimes it commits against the Palestinians. Palestine’s statehood will also benefit Israel. It will no longer have to carry international baggage as a country that illegally occupies a foreign land. It will have better relations with their Arab neighbors, which is very important now in the times of the Arab Spring. Also, this will give Israel
an opportunity to spend vast resources that are now spent on the occupation and lobbying in America for something more useful to them such as providing affordable housing to its own citizens in Israel. Supporting the Palestinian bid would come as a good-will gesture in a world bitter against America after two wars. We need to show the Arab nations and the Muslim world that we do care and respect its fight for democracy. We need to stand up, look past our selfish gains and commit to what is right. As university students, we cannot enclose our minds and limit ourselves to just being students, worrying about our own lives. We have a duty, not only to ourselves, but to our nation. And as the most powerful nation, we have a duty to the world. As George Washington once said, “It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be coextensive with the world.” Saba Naseem is the 2011-2012 Traveler editor. Her column runs bimonthly.
Bikes, Blues & Barbecue Not As Bad As It Seems Traveler Columnist
EDITORIAL BOARD
estine region is more than 6,000 miles. So why should we care? The U.S. was founded on the principle of democracy and the notion of self-determination. Historically, America has been the biggest supporter of self-determination. The idea was promoted by President Woodrow Wilson in his Fourteen Points address to Congress in order to create peace in Europe. He pushed for many European nations, under imperial rule, to follow the doctrine of self-determination. If we supported other countries’ right for self-rule, if our own country was founded on this principle, why aren’t we supporting the Palestinians in their struggle for statehood— their struggle for an identity. They deserve the right to govern themselves, just as much as we do. In denying Palestine this simple request to self-government, we are disgracing our forefathers and building our nation and our foreign policy on hypocrisy. It was only one year ago, when Obama issued a statement that said, “while we work with our partners in the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Egypt and the international community to put such a strategy in place, these projects represent a down payment on the United States’ commitment to Palestinians in Gaza, who deserve a better life and expanded opportunities, and the chance to take part in building a viable, independent state of Pal-
It started off with the low murmurs of engines you’ve heard all year. Monday and Tuesday you notice that is grew frequent. Wednesday it’s a plague of noise, drenching the highway in exploding mufflers and leather covering every inch of skin. It dawned on you—Bikes, Blues & Barbecue is here. People had one of two reactions to this realization. For many, it was a fist pump in the air followed by imagining his or her motorcycle among the swarms of bikes, fitting into a crowd that you love to identify with. Even for those without bikes, it was a time to see Fayetteville come alive to the world. And then there were the others. Attracted by the quiet but not too docile nature of Fayetteville, these people reviled the festival, the noise
and the visitors. What could have been a quiet weekend had turned into a sudden worry of how you best escaped the madness. I would go to say that there are more of these people than most would know. Disliking Bikes, Blues & BBQ can be a bit like saying you don’t like Razorback football. Admit it to yourself, fine, but say it out loud and you’re likely to be given dirty looks and accused of lacking a festive spirit. I can’t say I don’t belong to this group. The first year I was lucky enough to have plans in Chicago, escaping the weekend chaos. The next few years, however, I lived far enough for noise to not be a big concern, but delivered pizzas for a franchise restaurant. Traffic is blocked, stopped up and the entire town seems to halt during the parade. Not such a great thing when tipsy bikers are waiting for a skinny kid to deliver them some sustenance to fuel the rest of their day. This year, as the festival grows closer, I found myself in a strange predicament. I had no hope of escaping, for I live on Dickson street. A block away from most bars
and restaurants on the street, I was in the thick of it. To make matters more involving, I was assigned for a journalism class to experience a day of the festival and tweet the sweets I find. Confessions need to be made; I had never ventured toward Dickson Street during the festival, aside from the aforementioned pizza delivering. I’m somewhat ashamed to say this, what with this being my fourth year in Fayetteville. The lack of a motorcycle and legal age, it just didn’t seem a necessity. Certainly, there are those of you out there who, like me, fear for their sanity. And initially, this was the turn my mind went when I realized what I had gotten myself into. I have not let myself fall into this trap, however. While I can’t say I join the fist-pumping variety who so dreams of the festival all year, I have entered a state of curiosity. People watching, being one of my favorite creeper activities, came into high pitch during the last week. Before this year, it had escaped me that Bikes, Blues & BBQ was a non-profit organization. When Coleson
Burns, assistant director of the festival came by my news writing class just a couple days ago, he dropped the knowledge that somewhere in the vicinity of $160,000 was raised last year, all going to charities such as the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Fayetteville Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of NWA, among many others. All this not even including the enormous amount of money that runs into the Fayetteville government from taxes by the many vendors participating, and you have many good things happening. While for many of us, the festival wasn’t pleasant to endure, it’s something that must be bared for the good of our town, and those in need. For those who feel negatively about the festival, keep in mind these benefits. If all the motorcycle-less naysayers would force ourselves to try and enjoy it, they would have just as much fun next year. Barrett Lewis is a Traveler columnist. His column runs bi-monthly.
SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
PAGE 5 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
Scan here to go to the Sports section on uatrav.com:
SPORTS EDITOR: JIMMY CARTER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: ZACH TURNER FOOTBALL
Mitchel Finding His Way by ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
Arkansas true freshman cornerback Tevin Mitchel has already been forced into action at a key position early in his Razorback career. The Mansfield, Texas, native has played in all five Razorbacks games this season and led the No. 10 Hogs with 13 tackles in getting extensive playing against Texas A&M after starter Darius Winston injured his leg in the first half. “It was kind of shocking that I was thrown out there so early in the game,” Mitchel said. “I went out there with confidence and told myself that I had to step up and do my job.” Mitchel has 23 tackles this season, most among Arkansas cornerbacks. “It was a great feeling to have 13 tackles in one game,” Mitchel said. “I was told to always play physical and fast, and that’s what I did. I stepped up and did what I had to do. It’s a blessing to have that many tackles in one game.” The 6-foot, 175-pound cornerback also recovered a third-quarter fumble that was forced by defensive tackle Zach Stadther on Aggies running back Christine Michael, halting a Texas A&M drive in Razorbacks territory. “I guess I was in the right place at the right time,” Mitchel said. “I didn’t see it coming, but it was a great feeling to have that fumble recovery. When
the ball was in my hands, I was looking to score, but it didn’t work out that way.” Mitchel has relied on the help of the veteran starters at the cornerback position early in his career, he said. “Having Greg Gatson and Isaac Madison and the other corners around, to teach me and help me with the game has been real comfortable,” Mitchel said. “I’ve learned a lot from them.” Texas A&M receiver Jeff Fuller finished with nine catches for 82 yards against Arkansas as opposed to eight catches for 154 yards and a touchdown last season. Mitchel was matched up against the 6-foot4 All-Big 12 receiver most of the game. “ I thought he did a nice job really playing a great receiver (Jeff Fuller). That guys a good player,” coach Bobby Petrino said. “Seems like we’ve been playing against him forever. Tevin did a good job with his technique. He was very focused and had good concentration.” As a four-star recruit, Mitchel was the highest rated defensive prospect Arkansas had in its 2011 recruiting class. With the extent of Winston’s injury unknown, the Texas native is prepared if he gets called on to start Arkansas’ game on Saturday against the Auburn Tigers. “I’m just going to look at it as I have to step up, I have a new job, and I have to continue
to work hard,” Mitchel said. Wilson-Auburn Round 2 Arkansas starting quarterback Ryan Mallett went down against Auburn with a concussion last season, forcing him to leave the game. Tyler Wilson came in and threw for 332 yards and four touchdowns on the road and in front of a national television audience, keeping the Razorbacks close before throwing two fourth-quarter interceptions as the Hogs fell 65-43 to the eventual national champions. “It’s a different year,” Wilson said. “Last year’s behind us, but obviously you have some reflection and having success against Auburn last year. It’s a new ballgame. Come out slinging.” Last season, Arkansas began Southeastern Conference play 1-2 with losses to Alabama and Auburn. The Razorbacks are 0-1 this season with the No. 15 Tigers coming to Reynolds Razorback Stadium Saturday. “Well obviously it didn’t end the way we’d like it,” Wilson said. “We had some success, especially second, third quarter, early fourth quarter. I think it’s good we the lead and we just didn’t finish last year. “I think we’re a year better, though. I am and I know the guys around me are, so I expect us to close in the final minutes as we did last week.” Auburn (4-1, 2-0) will enter Saturday’s game coming off a win at then-No. 10 South Car-
GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas true freshman cornerback Tevin Mitchel got extensive playing time and finished with a team-high 13 tackles against Texas A&M after junior starter Darius Winston injured his knee in the first quarter. Mitchel and the Razorbacks’ defense struggled in the first half, but allowed just three points in the second half.
olina. “They looked a little different last week,” Petrino said. “They kind of came into the game looking like they were going to run the ball and utilize the clock.”
ESPN FILIMING GETS UNDERWAY An ESPN camera crew is in Fayetteville this week to tape Arkansas’ episode for the network’s Depth Chart series, an in-depth look at how quarterbacks prepare, practice and play in game weeks at four schools.
The Razorbacks episode will air on ESPN Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. CT. Wilson has been followed by the camera crew that will document the Hogs quarterbacks through Sunday. “It’s fun, but also you can’t be distracted by it,” Wilson said. “It’s not a distraction at all. Really, I’m going to class, doing the same things I do on a typical week. They’re just capturing it. So it’s really just the same kind of week. Kind of a fun deal.” Arkansas, along with Auburn, Oklahoma State and Wisconsin are the four schools be-
VOLLEYBALL
ing featured in the series. “Obviously it’s a positive. You can only look at it as a positive,” Wilson said about the national recognition. “Coach Petrino is known for developing quarterbacks and having some great ones. It’s nice to have them come in and capture some of the stuff we do and always separate ourselves.” The film crew will get inside access to preparation for Arkansas’ biggest home game yet, a matchup with No. 15 Auburn. “They’re going to do a good job of staying out of my way,” Petrino said with a laugh.
FOOTBALL
Wilson, Wright Torres-Lopez Contributing After Injury Share SEC Accolade by MARTHA SWEARINGEN Staff Writer
Arkansas volleyball junior middle blocker Janeliss Torres-Lopez tore her ACL in the spring, but made a quick recovery and has appeared in every match since her return in September. Unlike most athletes coming back from injury, TorresLopez returned to the game court before returning to practice. She made her first contact with the court in six months during the Arkansas Invitational last month at Barnhill Arena. “It was hard,” Torres-Lopez said. “I feel like it was good. The girls treated me like the correct way, and I feel like it was fun in the end. I just had to practice and keep working and keep getting better.” Torres-Lopez has earned two letters with the Razorbacks and is contributing again this season. She is the Razorbacks’ No. 2
blocker with a total of 42 blocks, but leads the team in blocking percentage with .98 blocks per set. She is also fifth on the team
attack percentage was No. 3 in the SEC. She was also the No. 7 blocker in the SEC, averaging one block per set with 40 total
Janeliss Torres-Lopez Middle Back 6-foot-0 Junior Salinas, Puerto Rico
with 92 points earned, including 67 kills. “Now I feel way better than last year,” Torres-Lopez said. “Like I feel more fit, I trust my knee, and I feel like I’m jumping, and I’m being more focused on the court.” Last week, the 6-foot, Salinas, Puerto Rico, native’s .346
blocks this season. “Talk about a kid that has maybe 15 or 20 practices under her belt,” Arkansas coach Robert Pulliza said. “After six months with the thing she’s doing, cannot ask much more than that. I think she’s doing well. I’m proud of her.” The Razorbacks recorded
two Southeastern Conference losses this weekend, but Torres-Lopez had a team-leading 10 kills Friday against the Kentucky (14-3, 5-1 SEC), the second-place team in the SEC East. “We try to give her the ball,” Pulliza said, “We forced it at times and at times should not have just because she has been doing so well, that we want to get her involved. The other teams know now that she’s a big part of it so they’re committing on her.” Arkansas will end its first month of SEC play on the road as they travel to Gainesville, Fla., Friday to face No. 13 Florida (11-3, 4-1 SEC) at 6 p.m. The Razorbacks then play at South Carolina Sunday at 12:30 p.m. “I feel like we have ups and downs, and this is our down,” Torres-Lopez said. “But I know like next week is going to be way better. We just have to keep working in practice and be who we are and believe in ourselves, and I know we can do that.”
by JIMMY CARTER Sports Editor
Arkansas junior quarterback Tyler Wilson and senior receiver Jarius Wright were named co-Southeastern Conference Offensive Players of the Week for their performances in the Razorbacks’ 42-38 comeback win over then-No. 14 Texas A&M. Wilson threw for a school-record 510 yards and three touchdowns, while Wright caught a school-record-tying 13 passes for 281 yards and two scores. Wilson and Wright are the first teammates to be co-players of the week in SEC history. “They both had great performances,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said. “J Wright catching the ball, running after the catch. Seemed like any crucial play, when we called his number, he made the play. Had some big third-down conversions for us. Tyler did an excellent job of getting better as the game went on, getting more comfortable as the game went on, standing in there and
competing and completing passes.” Wilson’s performance shattered Ryan Mallett’s previous school-record 409-yard performance against Vanderbilt last season. “It’s nice,” Wilson said about the award. “That’s positive for a school and an organization.” Wright’s 13 catches tied the mark set by Wear Schoonover against Baylor in 1929 and equaled by James Shibest against SMU in 1984. His 281 yards broke Mike Reppond’s record, a 204-yard performance against Rice in 1971. “Jarius is very deserving,” Wilson said. “We talked a little bit on Saturday about the chemistry we’ve got together. We were just clicking on Saturday.” Wright has 28 catches for 478 yards and five touchdowns, all teamhighs, in four games this season. His 119.5 receiving yards per game average ranks 10th in the nation. “If (opposing defenses) concentrate on Jarius, I promise there’s three or four other guys that can play,” Wilson said. “I think we’ll be in good shape.”
COMMENTARY
Wilson, Hogs Define the Moment Against Aggies Extra Points
JIMMY CARTER
jicarter@uark.edu Arkansas played awful in the first half, building a double-digit deficit seemingly impossible to recover from. The Razorbacks’ defense looked more overwhelmed than Lebron under pressure, Sarah Palin when asked a question or anyone that comes in contact with Kanye West. Take your pick.
Hog fans were embarrassed and angry at the poor showing on a big stage. Fans in the stadium were subjected to watching their counterparts celebrate a one-sided half. The second half was a different story, though. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t be stopped and the defense stood strong and gave the Razorbacks a chance to fight back. The Hogs had a shot to win in the fourth quarter. They blew it. That was the scene at the Sugar Bowl in January. A similar story unfolded Saturday inside Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Arkansas trailed 35-17, then raced back in the second half. The Razorbacks came through in the clutch this time, though. The Hogs grew up in the sec-
ond half against Texas A&M in the Southwest Classic, refusing to lay down and accept a second consecutive beatdown. Arkansas battled back, much like the Ohio State game. The goat in the 31-26 loss to the Buckeyes? Quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Razorbacks’ record setter with a legendary arm. The hero in the 42-38 comeback win over the Aggies? Quarterback Tyler Wilson, Mallett’s replacement and a quarterback under fire from his coaches after the offense hit rock bottom in a 38-14 loss at Alabama the previous week. Wilson threw for a school-record 510 yards and three touchdowns, leading the comeback win while again taking a beating as the Hogs’ offensive line struggled to pick up blitzes against Texas A&M, the nation’s leader in sacks.
Wilson made all the throws when he needed, standing in the pocket and getting the ball to his playmakers under duress. He even made plays with his feet when called upon, too, accelerating untouched into the end zone for a tying two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. Coach Bobby Petrino and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee weren’t easy on Wilson in the week leading up to the matchup with Aggies after he and the offense took a beating against the Crimson Tide, sputtering to Arkansas’ worst performance since 2008, Petrino’s first season. “I’m proud of Tyler,” McGee said. “I’ve been on him really hard. He had a really tough week and for him to come out fighting like that shows what he has inside of him. There’s no doubt he is a competitor
and it’s important to him.” Wilson led the game-winning 9-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in a game he called a “must win” earlier in the week. Wilson led the comeback win, but there were other heroes for the Razorbacks. Senior receiver Jarius Wright caught a school-record-tying 13 passes for a school-record 281 yards and two touchdowns. Senior running back Broderick Green ran for two touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yarder, in his season debut, just six months after tearing his ACL. The Hogs’ defense allowed just a field goal in the second half and forced Texas A&M to turn the ball over on downs after Green’s goahead score, clinching the win. The coaching staff kept the players from giving up when Ar-
kansas faced an 18-point deficit at halftime, making key adjustments in the must-win game. The scintillating comeback catapulted the Razorbacks to No. 10 in the Associated Press poll, the Hogs’ highest ranking since before the Sugar Bowl. Arkansas grew up Saturday, possibly saving their season while grit and heart. One of Wilson’s favorite movies, Tin Cup, features the quote, “When a defining moment comes along, you define the moment or the moment defines you.” Did Wilson and the Razorbacks define the moment Saturday? “Maybe so,” he said. Jimmy Carter is the sports editor for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @jicartersports.
You can check out the Traveler online at uatrav.com or by scanning here:
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
DOWNTIME
Comics, Games, & Much Much More!
PAGE 6 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
LAUGH IT UP
SUDOKU
Q: What do you call Santa’s helpers? A: Subordinate Clauses. I stole a futon from a shop. I think the police are after me, so I have been lying low.
Q: What lies at the bottom of the ocean and
Difficulty:
twitches?
A: A nervous wreck. Q: What kind of coat does a vampire wear in the
TODAY’S SOLUTION
rain?
A: A wet one.
WELCOME TO FALLING ROCK
Josh Shalek
THAT MONKEY TUNE
Michael A. Kandalaft
BREWSTER ROCKIT
Tim Rickard
BLISS
Harry Bliss
CALAMITIES OF NATURE
CROSSWORD ACROSS
DOWN
1 “Scram!” 10 Orly sight 15 Got very sore, maybe 16 Eva of “57-Across: Miami” 17 If often requires a bedroom set 18 Montana motto word 19 Seventh-century date 20 Cooper’s creation 21 Accepted without question 22 Pines 25 Kung __ chicken 27 Group that “had decayed to a mere beautiful futility”: Wells 28 Features of some hotels 29 Effort 30 King deposed in 1964 31 Go along with 34 Vane reading: Abbr. 35 Sudafed alternative 38 Sight from Marie Byrd Land 40 Took off 41 Singer in the 1954 film “Secret of the Incas” 43 Like the Kalahari 45 Town inland of the IJsselmeer 46 Actress Gershon et al. 50 It may be chased by un perro 51 Lake Thun feeder 52 Studio renamed Paramount Television in 1967 53 1986 N.L. batting champ Tim 55 R&B group __ Hill 57 Show with DNA testing 58 __-garde 59 Team with a flaming ball in its logo 62 Paramecium features 63 All in all 64 Test track challenges 65 Living end
1 Know-it-all’s taunt 2 Long-legged shore bird 3 Body armor fiber 4 Poet’s preposition 5 Things to zap 6 Bumpkins 7 __ fixe 8 Top dog 9 Hiver’s opposite 10 Chop House Originals brand 11 Societal concerns 12 “This American Life” host 13 Rustic place to go? 14 “Very clever!” 21 Duff 23 Inlets 24 Cold and rainy, say 26 Anatomical cavity 29 “Gracias” reply 32 Just like, with “the” 33 Truman Dam river 35 Contest that’s usually over in less than 20 seconds 36 One in a million 37 Approves, in a way 39 Some H.S. courses 42 Certain rush hour commuter, metaphorically 44 “__ Darko”: 2001 sci-fi film 47 Christianity’s __ Creed 48 French region along the Rhine 49 Bach compositions 52 “The Count of Monte Cristo” author 54 LAX postings 56 Broccoli __ 59 Hit-making group? 60 Kind 61 Solo in space
Crossword provided by MCT Campus
SOLUTION
Tony Piro
Scan here to go to the Features section on uatrav.com:
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
FEATURES PAGE 7
FEATURES EDITOR: LAUREN LEATHERBY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: KELSI FORD
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
Bikes, Blues & BBQ Reveals a Softer Side With Area Church Involvement by SHELBY GILL Staff Writer
The mention of Bikes, Blues & BBQ brings a lot of imagery to mind — burly bikers, Harley Davidsons, turkey legs and lots of leather. One image, however, that isn't normally first on the mind is that of church. Church congregations across Fayetteville stood beside the 400,000 bikers in town for the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally, which took place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. The churches sponsored a variety of activities throughout the weekend for the bikers, along with providing additional parking and bottled water. This year was Central United Methodist Church's 10th year to be involved with Bikes, Blues & BBQ, and they handed out more than 1,500 water bottles to bikers, plus opened up their parking lots for free parking on Friday and Saturday. “Central UMC became involved in this BBB outreach because we wanted to let those coming to the festival know that God loved them,” said Clefton Vaughan, pastor of outreach at Central United Methodist Church. “What a wonderful opportunity for the Church to share God's love with the hundred of thousands of guests coming into our community. The festival was coming whether we were
ready or not, and we wanted to be ready to open our doors, our parking lot and our hearts to all who came.” Central UMC had more than 75 volunteers working throughout Friday and Saturday. The church also partnered with Washington Elementary School and ran a fundraiser out of Central UMC’s parking garage to raise money for special needs children, Vaughan said. “We love the bikers,” Vaughn said. “Though the noise level does greatly increase, Central
locked throughout the day for people needing a clean restroom,” Falknor said. All three of Cross Church’s campuses were involved with the rally. The church put on a children’s carnival, which included relay events, carnival games, prizes, a miniature stage for entertainment and even a tricycle race, said Cameron Bowman, children’s minister at Cross Church. “We are involved with Bikes, Blues & BBQ as way to reach out to the community,” Bowman said. “This is one of the
“We wanted to let those coming to the festival know God loved them.” - Clefton Vaughan, Pastor of Outreach UMC loves this time of year. Seeing all of the different bikes and bikers is truly a joy. We believe God made each biker in God's own image, and therefore we are called to offer them God's love and grace through Jesus Christ.” The First Baptist Church hosted their annual free bike wash out on their lawn on Thursday and Friday, but they got even more involved this year by offering a hot breakfast to the bikers on Saturday, said Dr. Douglas Falknor, pastor at the First Baptist Church. “We have made sure our parking lots are available for free— they fill up every year, and we left our doors un-
biggest events in Fayetteville, and this lets us be involved as much as possible. We really just use the rally as a way to hang out and meet new people.” The event is one of the only activities specifically geared toward children, and all donations collected at the event will be given to a children’s home in Arkansas. “We are trying to give the rally a really good family environment,” Bowman said. St. Paul‘s Episcopal church had a picnic on their Dickson Street green space in the heart of the activity and entertained the crowd by having a “flash concert” on Saturday,
said Lowell Grisham, rector at St. Paul. In addition, they provided rally parking for donation throughout the weekend. Different groups of bikers even got involved with helping set up and operating booths. “A group called ABBA, the Arkansas Baptist Bikers Association, attends the rally and they have assisted us with the bike wash, put up their own booth on our corner, and a few of them have camped in our parking lot,” Falknor said. Central UMC also has help from the bikers. The local Christian Motorcyclist Association chapter sets up an information booth on the church’s grounds as a ministry to the visiting bikers, Vaughan said. Because the rally is entirely run by volunteers, the churches play a key element in helping Bikes, Blues & BBQ organizers maintain a familyfriendly environment. “We enjoy being a positive encouragement to all the folks coming into town and we are always looking for an opportunity to show people the love of Christ,” Falknor said. Directors of Bikes, Blues & BBQ value the support and help of the church volunteers, said Coleson Burns, assistant director of Bikes, Blues & BBQ. “Rather than say ‘Oh it’s just a bunch of hellion bikers out there!’ They embrace us. It’s incredibly heartwarming,” Burns said.
Loving Choices Spreads Compassion Across NWA by KATHERINE BARNETT Staff Writer
At the corner of Duncan Avenue and Stone Street, a nondescript building houses a powerful source of comfort for women in crisis. Loving Choices provides free and confidential counseling and medical support to any woman who may be experiencing a reproductive health crisis, whether it is an unplanned pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. Pregnancy testing, STD testing, ultrasounds, pregnancy counseling and a post-delivery care program are some of the primary services offered at Loving Choices. “We provide unconditional love with no judgment or condescension,” said Jan Hixson, director of development at Loving Choices. “Girls come into the clinic in conflict and don’t know what to do. We’re here to help the client figure out the best thing to do for their unborn child.” The Loving Choices clinic in Fayetteville has been open for five years, the extension of a time-tested resource that began with the Loving Choices location in Rogers more than three decades ago. Since its Fayetteville location opened, the clinic has had continuous growth each year and more than 1500 appointments altogether, with clients ranging in age from 12 to 46 years old. More than three quarters of clients at Loving Choices are between the ages of 18 and 24, according to Sarah Autry, client manager at Loving Choices, and 31 percent of those clients are college students, most of whom come in for STD testing - 14 percent of whom test positive, Autry said. “Our mission is to provide an opportunity for information that is pro-woman,” Autry said. “Our main goal is education. We
GRACE GUDE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Loving Choices is a clinic located on Duncan Ave. that offers help with challenges in reproductive health.
want women to know what is out there, what their options are for treatment and how to avoid these situations in the future.” Although all personal stories remained confidential, Hixson said she has seen the impact of the services provided by Loving Choices from countless previous clients. “We’ve had girls come back to us and tell us that we saved their children’s lives,” Autry said. Loving Choices is not a prenatal clinic, nor does it offer medical services beyond pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds. The clinic does offer free testing for the six major STDs, along with free antibiotics for bacterial infections. These ser-
vices are offered both to women and to their exposed partners. “A lot of people come in with no symptoms of STDs, but they have had multiple partners or heard that a partner was infected and wanted to check,” said Sarah Autry, Loving Choices’ client manager. “Many of the major STDs are possible with no symptoms.” Keeping clients’ information private is a fundamental part of Loving Choices’ services. “Our first priorities are discretion and confidentiality,” Autry said. This purpose is expressed through the building’s design, which includes rooms that are located to the side of the main entrance so that clients can
avoid seeing anyone they know. Confidentiality also applies to clients under the age of 18, although any minors are urged to tell their parents if they are pregnant or have an STD. “We encourage all of our clients to be upfront and truthful with their parents,” Hixson said. Loving Choices is a non-profit organization that is funded primarily by grants and donations. The clinic also hosts two fundraisers each year, a banquet in the fall and a change drive each May to maintain the $400,000 needed to support the clinic each year.
LOVING CHOICES on page 8
COURTESY PHOTO
50/50 Finds Humor in the Plight of Cancer by NICK BROTHERS Staff Writer
50/50 4 out of 5 stars There’s a reason the title of the movie isn’t “The Hardships of Cancer.” 50/50 is appropriately named not only for protagonist Adam’s (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) odds of survival, but for its knack for harmonizing saddening drama and real humor. It’s a very well-balanced emotional ride, and it’s a good example of finding the humor in the darkest of areas in life. The plot makes for a great human-interest story, and the script is actually based off of the real life-cancer battle of Will Reiser, who co-wrote the film. The movie has great finesse when it comes to its humor and straight-up dismal parts. None of the humor seems forced; it flows naturally from beat to beat without question. On the positive side, there are no cheap laughs in this movie. The humor is real, and really funny at times. Sure, Seth Rogen is the comic relief in his usually profanity-laced role, but he plays the kind of friend everyone has—the fun-loving, rowdy one that is loyal to the bone. Even Anjelica Huston, who plays Adam’s worrisome mother, does a great job of balancing the emotions a mother would go through. She greatly captures some of the tear-jerking moments, and she even manages to sneak some laughs in. This balance of emotion is the movie’s best feature. The movie generally would need to be described as a drama that features funny parts. It’s a drama first, with some comedy mixed in. Again, the movie does a fantastic job of juggling the two opposing tones throughout the plot though. It isn’t a tear-jerker from start to finish, but there will be times where it is necessary to hold back the eyewatering “allergies.” Another thing that the movie did well was the development of the main character, Adam. From the very beginning of the movie, we watch as Adam is on a jog through scenic Seattle. He comes up to an empty intersection and waits as the red hand at the
other side keeping him from crossing. As he’s waiting, he considers jaywalking, and a runner even passes by and jaywalks without a problem. Still though, Adam waits for the go ahead from the white walking light. Right away, you get the notion that this guy doesn’t step on anyone’s toes. As the film progresses we see he’s a timid but overall good guy who stands up for himself when he needs to. You also learn about his family and personal life situations and the stresses that go along with them. So when the news hits that he has cancer, it’s disheartening, and he even says with disbelief, “…What? I don't drink, I don't smoke, I recycle." So, very quickly, Adam’s character wins viewers over and gets them on his side. It turns into a personal quest as they root for and sympathize with Adam’s journey. The supporting roles by Seth Rogen, Anjelica Huston and Anna Kendrick also do a fine job in winning the audience over with their genuine care and attempts to help. However, the movie could have been more. GordonLevitt doesn’t get to play much more than a state of stoic depression in his role as Adam. True though, he takes learning he has cancer like a real person. He isn’t seen uncontrollably sobbing in the doctor’s office, but he’s shown having an emotionless face of shock; because who really knows how to react to that kind of news? There are only a handful of powerful moving scenes where he shines, and overall, he does well. Also, the movie does a nice job of evoking emotion, but it doesn’t quite tip over the satisfaction scale into true sorrow or hilariousness. The film gets very close, but it just doesn’t take the audience’s breath away. The movie does, however, provide for a real and worthwhile experience. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will try your hardest to empathize with Adam in his tough situation. Cancer is rough— plain and simple—and it affects everyone involved for the ride, not just the patient. This film showcases that, and it makes for a great and entertaining movie about such a dreary topic.
FEATURES LOVING CHOICES from page 7 The clinic employs 11 fulltime staff members and more than 60 volunteers between both Rogers and Fayetteville locations. Many of the clinic’s clients may not even be showing symptoms of pregnancy, but are worried they might be pregnant and want to find out for sure, Hixson said. A free pregnancy test is the first step for each client, and if it returns positive, pregnancy counselors at the clinic are available to guide each woman through their decision. “We are the first step in a process to either abort, make an adoption plan or parent the baby,” Hixson said. Loving Choices encourages pregnant women to choose adoption over abortion, Hixson said, adding that the final decision is always up to the mother. “We believe that adoption is always a better option because we have seen its results in our clients’ children,” Hixson said. “But ultimately it’s her choice. If [a woman] chooses to get an abortion, when it’s over she can always come back and talk to us.” Women who choose to get an abortion can return to Loving Choices afterward to attend free post-abortion counseling or support groups for women who have shared the same experience.
“A lot of women have not gotten closure about [an abortion] and decide to talk to a counselor about it,” Autry said. Each client who comes into Loving Choices receives followup contact from the clinic to make sure they are receiving the support they need, whether that support is for delivery, an abortion or a miscarriage. “Especially in a crisis situation, we want to make sure they are receiving medical attention and support,” Autry said. “Their counselor may have been the only person who knows about the pregnancy.” As women come in for appointments in the clinic, clients of the clinic who are now mothers of young children receive mentoring and support from Loving Choices counselors on the opposite side of the building. Loving Choices’ care program is available for mothers from the time of their child’s birth until he or she is nine months old. Participants attend the program three times per week, receiving guidance on parenting from the clinic’s counselors. Each class also counts for credits that can be used in the center’s Mommy Boutique, which is filled with diapers, clothing, pacifiers and a variety of other items for each mother’s needs. Last year the care program provided more than 5,000 diapers to participating mothers. A large portion of the items in the boutique are provided by donations from the community, Hixson said. Some organizations support the boutique’s supply by hosting diaper drives or baby showers for the clinic, and other times donations are simply left on the building’s doorstep. “We are always amazed [by the response],” she said. The Loving Choices clinic in Fayetteville is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are also available through their website as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011
PAGE 8
UA Students Fall in Love With the New Fall Break by SHELBY GILL Staff Writer
A significant change has been made to the UA calendar. Before roasting turkey, decking the halls and racing to Florida for spring break, there is now a new two-day break, fall break. Not only does this break conveniently coincide with some of the best weather in Northwest Arkansas, but also lets students break free from the confines of Mullins and get a nice refreshing break from classes.
Go Home
Dollar City in Branson, or pick out a pumpkin from the Beggs Family Farm in Sikeston. Students heading south toward Cajun country can get into the Halloween spirit by visiting some real haunted places or even learning some VooDoo in New Orleans. Headed West? There are a multitude of attractions in Oklahoma ranging from Haunt the Zoo at the Oklahoma City Zoo, more pumpkin patches and after-dark tours of Woodward County to meet the Killingers, an infamous family who reportedly preyed on Woodward’s visitors. Those who shoot past Oklahoma and head straight for Texas can find a gourd festival in Fredricksburg, catfish cook offs at Zelder Mill Park in Luling and literally anything in between (dependent on how deep into Texas you are willing to drive). All in all, there is a country full of fall events waiting right off Interstate 540.
Close-to-Campus
Go ahead - make Mom and Dad happy. Students can revel in the fact that this is not a legitimate holiday; therefore there will be no standing in the kitchen for hours preparing holiday dinner, extraneous family members wandering about the house, or present buying. That six-hour drive won’t seem so impossible when there’s an extra two days tacked on to the weekend. A couple days back at home can prove to be extremely therapeutic. There is not a hallway of people to share a bathroom with, and the refrigerator is more than likely filled with snacks. It will be a chance to take some well-deserved “me time.”
Short on gas? The gas prices are high, so many students might be staying close to Fayetteville. No need to lose hope; only twenty minutes away in Rogers, there will be the 57th Annual War Eagle Mill Arts and Crafts Fair, which is free and is host to hundreds of vendors. Eureka Springs will host the annual
days off are school days, you can read or help tutor kids in after school programs. The Boys and Girls Club has one-day group volunteer opportunities, so by getting a group of friends together, students can really make their weekend worthwhile. The farmers’ market is always
looking for volunteers to help, and they will be having their Friday Night Harvest party that uses agriculture to help the under-resourced in the community. If you are still looking for the perfect match, you can look up all the volunteer opportunities in Fayetteville and in the surrounding areas on volunteermatch.org.
Harvest Festival
The annual Yonder Mountain String Band Harvest Festival will be up and running the weekend of fall break. The festival will be held on Mulberry Mountain, and although the festival is a four-day event, students can purchase the “weekender” or just “Saturday” passes online. The festival will host an impressive lineup of more than 50 string bands and an array of vendors and craft tables. There will be different activities ranging from hiking and fishing to float trips and kayaking, as well as a Fid-
Road Trip
The weather is glorious, the leaves are changing colors, the roads aren’t stacked with holiday traffic - it’s the opportune time to road trip with some friends. The key to this activity is thinking beyond the stereotypical beach trip. Students heading north to Missouri can get
Voices from Silent City event, which will include tours at the Eureka Springs Municipal cemetery by costumed guides who will portray the dead Eureka Springs residents and fill you in on their scandalous and entertaining lives. Fayetteville will be host to the 23rd annual Chile Pepper Cross Country festival, which brings in about 4,000 different runners who will be participating in a variety of races. At the very least, get a pumpkin spice latte and take a walk in the gorgeous weather and enjoy the peace and quiet days off bring to the UA.
Volunteer
some culture at the German festival at Luxenhaus Farm in Marthasville, get their thrills at the only fall-themed amusement park, Silver
Gain some massive karma points by spending your days off volunteering Different churches around Fayetteville will be starting up their fall pumpkin patches and are always looking for volunteers to help unload and sell pumpkins. There are an abundance of literary programs in Fayetteville, and since two of the
dlin’ and Pickin Contest in which contestants show off their skills in four different contests: mandolin, banjo, flat-picking and fiddle. This is an outdoors festival that caters to almost anyone and can be a great kick-off to the fall season. Up until now, students at the UA have only seen the inside of classrooms during the fall season. Now everyone has a chance to get out there and experience what fall in Arkansas and beyond feels like. COURTESY PHOTOS