Paul Petrino Back at Arkansas Page 5 PAGE 1
Vol. 106, NO. 57 UATRAV.COM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
Parking Deck on Dickson Still in the Works
New Building, Classrooms in Planning Stage
by NICK OLIVER Staff Writer
City council members approved the sale of $6.5 million in parking revenue bonds, as one of the first necessary steps in the long process of building a parking deck for the entertainment district in Fayetteville, officials said. “You don’t start a design [and] you don’t pick a location unless you have construction money,” said Don Marr, Fayetteville chief of staff. “Once you have the authorization, you can do these other things.” The proposed parking deck has been talked about for years, since Marr was an elected aldermen in the early 2000s, he said.
by MEGAN HUCKABY Staff Writer
UA officials are planning to build a general classroom building to help manage the expected increase in enrollment, officials said. The number of classrooms and their capacities depends on enrollment, said Mike Johnson, vice chancellor for Facilities. Once this information is gathered, floor size and number of floors can be determined. The UA has not yet attained funding for the project, said Don Pederson, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration. “We are trying to look at the next three to five years,” Johnson said. The increase in students has brought on the need for more space. The completion of the new classroom building and the auditoriums will prevent students from having to take classes in the Arkansas Union. The project is still in the planning phase. The UA has yet to hire an architect, but has the option do so at the Feb. 2 Board of Trustees meeting, Johnson said. Locations for the building have already been discussed. Potential sites include the parking lot north of Hotz Hall and Evergreen Hill across from the Engineering Hall, he said. Ideally, the building will be within the 10-minute walking radius of the core campus, Johnson said. The new building’s aesthetic, which could be pre-fabricated, prevents it from being built in the historic district of campus, Johnson said. UA officials are building more classrooms instead of housing because they feel that the freshmen class can be managed, officials said. The freshmen class is estimated to remain between 4,200 and 4,500 in coming years, said Suzanne McCray, vice provost of enrollment. Enrollment is expected to hit 24,000 next year and 25,000 by 2013. UA officials are evaluating housing very closely, McCray said.
“When planning for the future of downtown, we must be sure to plan for an adequate supply of parking to accommodate future growth and development,” according to Fayetteville’s “Downtown Master Plan,” written in winter 2004. “As a part of the ‘Downtown Master Plan,’ we need a parking structure in order to free up the existing space that we have for future developments,” said council member Matthew Petty. When Mayor Lioneld Jordan set up paid parking on Dickson, he said that, in one year, a plan would begin for the proposed parking deck, and August 16th marked one year, Marr said.
“I think it’s time to start,” Petty said, “but we need to be deliberate and not rush.” With the approval of the bonds, the city council has established a project fund for the parking deck and the determination to move forward with the project, said finance director Paul Becker. Although the sale of the bonds is necessary in pushing the project further, with a project fund of this size, there are certain risks, such as the project not being able to be completed or continued, Becker said.
see PARKING on page 2
Snow Brings Seasonal Cheer to Campus
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
see CLASSROOMS on page 3
Freshman Abigail Rose takes a moment to enjoy the first Fayetteville snowfall of the school year.
Residence Hall Officials Spend Sparingly by JANNEE SULLIVAN Staff Writer
In the midst of a still-limping economy, residence hall governments are striving to be more fiscally responsible, officials said. Most residence halls have a “keystone” event which the hall government puts on every year, said Takama StattonBrooks, director of Residence Education. “Each hall’s budget runs a little different,” she said. “Some have large scale budgets in the fall and some don’t until spring.” Although most halls have a set budget that goes to their keystone event, hall senates work with advisers to figure out their budget and decide where they want to spend or save. “Most hall senates are pretty active. Usually the hall executives have to meet with their coordinator for residence educations to discuss their budgets, since it’s a student-run organization,” StattonBrooks said. Futrall Hall’s student interest and activities board is planning its third annual ugly Christmas sweater party Dec. 9. “It’s estimated that the Futrall Hall Christmas party will cost somewhere between $300 and $350,” said freshman Mark Cameron, hall president. “We made all the decisions ourselves.” Coordinating and funding events out of the hall’s annual budget helps teach students fiscal responsibility, Cameron said. “[The Christmas party] is about 17 to 19 percent of our budget, so it’s a big chunk,” he said. Residence hall governments can also apply to the Residents’ Interhall Congress for Program Incentive Grants to be reimbursed for programming and activities, according to the RIC website. These grants, which can win hall governments up to 40 percent of what they spent, provide an incentive for hall governments to incorporate education, campus issue awareness, health and safety and leadership development programming.
More Kids Using Digital Media, Study Finds by LEIGH JACKSON Staff Writer
An increasing number of young children are using digital media, according to a study by Common Sense Media. About 53 percent of all 2- to 4-yearolds and about 90 percent of 5- to 8-year-olds have used a computer, according to a study by the non-profit advocacy organization. About 22 percent of 5- to 8-year-olds use a computer every day. Television use is up, too. About 47 percent of 1-year-olds watch about two hours of television every day, and among 6- to 23-month-olds, 29 percent have a television in their bedrooms, according to the study. The effects of excessive media con-
sumption by children include childhood obesity, aggressive behavior, sexual behavior, tobacco and alcohol use and lower performance in school, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most fundamental mental growth occurs between birth to age six. Because early experiences lay the groundwork for later development, children are particularly vulnerable during these years, according to the study. There was also a debatable correlation between media consumption and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the study. Reports of ADHD in children
see MEDIA on page 2
In This Issue:
News
News
COURTESY PHOTO MCT CAMPUS
Features
Features
Sports
Robinson Out Mullins Library Extends Class Gives Proposals to UA Students Get Away African Students Arkansas defensive coorOrganization Hosts Drum for the Holidays Hours Business Library hours extend for finals.
Apparel Studies students prepare a proposal for a new business.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011 VOL. 106, NO. 57 8 PAGES UATRAV.COM
Students head to nearby destinations to spend winter break.
TODAY 41°
Cultural RSO helps students share their traditions.
Page 8
Page 7
WEATHER FORECAST
and Dance Workshop
THURSDAY 46°
FRIDAY 43°
SATURDAY 44°
dinator Willy Robinson resigned Tuesday. The Razorbacks defense ranked ninth in the Southeastern Conference in both total and scoring defense.
SUNDAY 49°
MONDAY 46°
Opinion
Don’t Let Political Correctness Ruin Christmas
ASG President Michael Dodd discusses why it’s important to remember the religious history behind the holiday season.
Page 4
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NEWS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
PAGE 2
UA Apparel Studies Students to Present Design Proposals for New Business by JOSEPH PORTER Contributing Writer
Each semester advanced fashion merchandising student groups design, develop and present usable store models for small business owners from across the country. This semester, the teams have created concepts for Dovetail Clothing Co., an innovative, faith-based apparel retailer. The curriculum, created by advanced fashion merchandising professor, Kathleen Smith, grew out of a retail store development competition initially held by Fashion Group International. Smith has been teaching this course for the past 12 years, and has further evolved the curriculum into manageable units by breaking down the pieces and guiding student teams through the market development, merchandising and promotional and
financial aspects of the business plan. Since 2006, Smith has added the “real-life” component, by collaborating with the department’s internship contacts and fashion industry partners. “Businesses are always very happy to do the project because they are offered several options to enhance their store or product,” Smith said. Examples of area businesses that have expanded on students’ ideas include Cat Daddys, in Conway, and Ultra Studios, in Fayetteville, which uses the “Live, Love, Shop” slogan, created by students in Smith’s class. Moreover, both Bella Jack’s Children’s Boutique in Fayetteville, and Scarlet in Little Rock were developed by former apparel studies students and based on similar retail development projects. “I used my actual project from the course when I [ap-
plied] for my bank loan,” said Jeanne McNeil-Johansson, owner of Scarlet. “My store is seven years old and having it’s best year yet.” Smith believes that by combining the merchandising material in a way that allows students to create real business plans, she allows a student to leave with a better understanding of the business of fashion. “There are many capstone merchandising courses around, but I don’t believe any other institution has developed this [curriculum] the way we have,” Smith said. “Twenty years ago, students didn’t have this much entrepreneurial interest, but now a third of our students want their own business, which has allowed the focus of the whole program to evolve.” The course is designed to allow students as much real-world work experience as
possible. Student teams are required to research target market data and fashion trends and develop store policies. They must also obtain quotes from realtors in areas they decide their store concept may do best. Additionally, students who slack or miss deadlines can be fired from their group, requiring them to start the project over by themselves. “Working in real time on a real project, I feel, is one of the most important challenges a student must face,” said Mercedes Gonzales, the developer of Dovetail Clothing Co., and senior director of the Global Purchasing Group in New York City. “Theory is one thing, but to put in to practice and execute the project is a complete experience.” Smith’s students will present their business proposals and concepts to Gonzales during finals week in the home economics building.
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from page 1
Inflationary risks threaten the building of the parking deck, and although city officials have not seen inflation in some time, it will eventually, Becker said. If interest rates increase 0.25 percent, the project fund would be reduced by $200,000, Becker said. This risk reinforces reason for the city to approve the sale of the bonds now, so the project will begin as soon as possible. “If it takes you seven months to design, and the interest rate goes up one and a quarter points, you just dropped your construction [funds by] $1 million,” Marr said. The process of building the deck can be separated into preliminary, design and construction phases that will take months, said the utilities director, David Jurgens. The city has already begun advertising for a request for qualifications for design professionals that will assist in formulating preliminary costs and narrowing down the possibilities for location after initial assessments, Jurgens said. City officials hope to receive proposals this month, and a selection committee will interview the candidates and make a decision in January, Jurgens said. The city will then have to wait possibly until late February to receive preliminary assessments and design costs to eliminate any potential sites that would just not work for the city’s needs, Jurgens said. The design professionals will then focus on the remaining sites for three to
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PAGE 3
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
Mullins Library Extends Hours for Students Mullins Library Extended Hours Wednesday, Dec. 7 Open 24 hours
Thursday, Dec. 8 Open until 2 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 9 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, Dec 10 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 Open at noon
Monday, Dec. 12 Open 24 hours
Tuesday, Dec. 13 Open 24 hours
Wednesday, Dec. 14 Open until 2 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Friday, Dec. 16 Mullins Library has begun offering extended hours for students studying during finals.
CLASSROOMS from page 1
“Lots of things are under discussion,� she said. “Finding room for the increasing freshmen classes is the UA’s most important
MEDIA
from page 1 increased by 22 percent between 2003 and 2007, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
CHANDLER CRACRAFT STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
task,� Johnson said. “If we can adequately house the freshmen, then our number one priority is accommodated,� Johnson said. The goal is to make sure that the enrollment growth
is sustainable, McCray said. The historic district of the campus spans from Arkansas Avenue to Garland Avenue and from Dickson Street to Maple Street, Johnson said.
But not everyone is certain that digital media is a factor in the rise in ADHD diagnoses. “I’m just not really sure if kids really do have more trouble focusing now,� said Robert Maranto, endowed chair in leadership for the UA College
of Education and Health Professions. “ADD and ADHD are real, but diagnostic practices vary a great deal, so a kid who in a rich New York suburb would be called ADHD, might in Arkansas just be considered just
Eleven buildings are listed on the UA website as being in the historic district. t t t t t
t t t t t t t
Old Main Chemistry building Peabody Hall Ozark Hall Agriculture building
a little active,� Maranto said. “The labels really do vary a lot based on local practices, and often by funding.� The schools with the most ADHD diagnoses typically
School of Environmental Sciences Memorial Hall Carnall Hall Vol Walker Hall Chi Omega Greek theater Chi Omega Chapter House University Museum
have the most special education funding, too, Maranto said. “There is anecdotal evidence that ADHD kids do better in cyber-schools, since
there are apt to be fewer distractions,� Maranto said. The report was the latest in a Common Sense Media series started by the Kaiser Family Foundation in 2003.
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OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
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EDITOR: SABA NASEEM MANAGING EDITOR: MATTIE QUINN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
Diverse Perspectives Important For Holiday Season From the Traveler Editor
As I walk across campus, the cold wind bites my face and snow flurries dance wildly around me. I pass Starbucks and the urge for a White Chocolate Peppermint Latte becomes irresistible. Inside Starbucks, the relaxed atmosphere, soft music and smell of fall spices warms my soul. It is early in the morning so the usual afby SABA NASEEM ternoon rush hasn’t hit. The Traveler Editor traveler@uark.edu barista smiles at me handing over my red holiday cup filled with deliciousness. The holiday season is here and Starbucks is one of the first places to channel the holiday spirit. Trees glow through windows, houses are lit with Christmas lights, students constantly update Twitter and Facebook statuses counting down the days to Christmas and Spotify notifications on Facebook are littered with people listening to Christmas tunes. Intermingled in the holiday spirit, if not as apparent here as the Christmas lights and trees, are the menorahs of Hanukkah and kinaras of Kwanzaa. Jews begin celebrating Hanukkah this year at sunset Dec. 20 and ending Dec. 29. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek soldiers. The menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum, eight for the eight days of Hanukkah and one used to light the others. Kwanzaa has a similar tradition of lighting candles, known as kinaras. The holiday is a week-long celebration from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, honoring African-American heritage and culture. The seven days represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work, family, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa, like Christmas, is celebrated by a feast and gift giving. While you may be celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah this, or simply enjoying the break from classes, it is important to learn about and respect all religious or secular holidays. As the winter break approaches and students leave for home, the holiday spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other traditions bring happiness, feasting and family gatherings for many. It is important to remember in this spirit we give to those less fortunate and remember the sense of community this season brings. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday vacation.
Uncommon Perspective
MARCUS FERREIRA STAFF CARTOONIST
Don’t Let Political Correctness Ruin Christmas From the ASG President
Saba Naseem is the 2011-2012 Traveler editor.
by MICHAEL DODD ASG President
Traveler Quote of the Day “ADD and ADHD are real, but diagnostic practices vary a great deal, so a kid who in a rich New York suburb would be called ADHD, might in Arkansas just be considered just a little active. The labels really do vary a lot based on local practices, and often by funding.” -Robert Maranto, endowed chair in leadership for the College of Education and Health Professions, “More Kids Using Digital Media, Study Finds” page one
I’m here to tell you why it is that, during this Christmas Season… Err… holiday season, we deserve to have a little less of a politically correct approach as a nation and as a generation. There’s nothing more frustrating than writing about something I truly believe, then having to sit back and erase it because it might offend someone. If you appreciate answers that are straight from the hip, this column will hopefully ease some of the stress that comes from being true to yourself in a time where our culture asks us to be all-inclusive. Recently, Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee decided that the state would have a “holiday tree” rather than a “Christmas tree.” It’s not the first time we’ve had to approach this topic, even at our institution. Usually nonsecular decorations and anything not Christmas-related is well received, but we al-
ways tend to do a double take when Christ is thrown into the mix. Christians, and any Americans who see religious freedom as sacred, need to set up their Christmas tree and embrace it for what it really is: an expression of the Christian religion. Does this act deny other religions? Not at all. For me Jesus is the reason for the season. Without him, this holiday season would be irrelevant, December 25th just another for a bowl game day and retailers wouldn’t be half as successful as they are today. By simply appreciating Jesus’ birth, we have made December 25th the most exciting day of the year, and one that will continue to define family, community and world relations for years to come. The giving spirit and the joy in our hearts that is driven through this day make Christmas such an integral part of world culture. Look at Toys for Tots, Angel Tree or Operation Christmas Child, and tell me that Christmas philanthropy for those in need is not something that is truly special. Across the world, religious citizens are getting martyred because of their faith. They would give anything to obtain the freedom we have in the U.S., yet I feel like there’s often less freedom in modern America because of the consistent qualms with
religion and state ever touching. Our country was founded on religious principles, and we have every right to make Christmas and Christ a part of our daily lives. I appreciate the diversity of other religions, and believe each and every holiday is also important to be able to observe as an American, but I’m just asking for more tolerance and acceptance for those of us who truly believe Christ deserves a spot in our campus life this Christmas season. Across campus many students are afraid to say they don’t support a particular way of life, talk about where they come from or be confident in their views, in fear of being chastised because of it. Everyone has the right to his or her opinion, and my only worry is that we are losing sight of what it means to have freedom of speech, all in the name of political correctness. Peer influence is guiding much of our generation’s progress, and I believe it is that influence that is the source of much fear and doubt. Furthermore, it can be hard to develop the foundation of our beliefs because of the confidence it takes to speak up without fear. Is this a matter of political correctness, or are we all simply terrified of appearing intolerant, even when we don’t care about the politics
of the matter at hand? The Wall Street Journal said in 2008, as “of late we’ve noticed an interpersonal change: People are much more timid in offering seasonal greetings (i.e. ‘Merry Christmas’) as if they’re walking on eggshells for fear of giving offense.” Little did they know, “holiday” comes from the word “holy.” Take that, Scrooge. Sure, “PC” is very important for someone like me, because my job requires me to take in the viewpoints of all students. But I think the primary quality most people appreciate is the ability to trust someone, the freedom to “be real” with someone in situations when it isn’t convenient. I challenge you to take that approach to situations, to have the confidence to be bold. No matter what your beliefs are, a little political incorrectness could never hurt. There’s something about living in a supposedly tolerant age that, rather than foster understanding or civility, continually renders normally intelligent people utterly narrow-minded and thoughtless. When we can share our beliefs openly and without fear, then it will truly be a Merry Christmas. Michael Dodd is the Associated Student Government president.
The Editorial Board’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly The Good
EDITORIAL BOARD
It’s the last week of class before finals.
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FBI advisory board voted to update its defi.. nition of rape, which was last updated in 1921, according to the Huffington Post.
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Rick Perry, Republican presidential candidate, mistakenly said the voting age was 21.
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Finals start Monday.
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Herman Cain suspended his campaign Saturday with continuing rumors about alleged sexual harassment and a alleged 13-year-long affair.
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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.
No. 6 Arkansas will play No. 8 Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl.
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EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Mattie Quinn OPINION EDITOR Jordain Carney ENTERPRISE EDITOR Samantha Williams CONTACT US
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Saba Naseem
The Ugly
The Bad
A woman in Texas shot herself and her two children after being denied food stamps in Texas. Standard & Poor threatened to lower the credit rating of at least 15 euro-zone countries, according to Business Week. At least another dozen bodies were found in Syria Tuesday, according to the New York Times.
SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
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PAGE 5 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
SPORTS EDITOR: JIMMY CARTER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: ZACH TURNER FOOTBALL
Robinson Out Arkansas defensive coordinator resigns after four seasons.
by ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson has resigned, according to an Arkansas press release Tuesday. Robinson has been the Razorbacks defensive coordinator since 2008 and also served as the secondary coach in each season. “I want to thank Willy Robinson for his role in helping our defense, which he leaves in better shape than when he arrived,” coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for Willy Robinson as an individual who wants the best for the young men he coaches. I give Willy credit for his part in the building process the last four years and wish him future success.” Arkansas was 33-17 in the four seasons with Robinson as the defensive coordinator. The Razorbacks defense is ranked 51st in the nation in total de-
fense, but was ninth in the Southeastern Conference in both total and scoring defense. In Arkansas’ two losses this season, the Hogs allowed 79 points combined to Alabama and LSU. In Robinson’s time at Arkansas, the Razorbacks made their first ever appearance in a BCS bowl game, losing last season’s Sugar Bowl to Ohio State 31-26. No. 6 Arkansas is scheduled to face No. 8 Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl January 6 in Arlington, Texas. It is not known if Robinson will coach in the game at this time. Robinson is the third Arkansas coordinator to leave in the last three days. Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee accepted the head coach position at University of AlabamaBirmingham and special teams coordinator John L. Smith was hired as head coach of Weber State.
RYAN MILLER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson has resigned after four seasons. The Razorbacks were 10-2 and the defense was ranked ninth in the Southeastern Conference in both total and scoring defense in 2011.
FOOTBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Razorbacks Outlasts Lumberjacks
Younger Petrino Back at Arkansas
by MONICA CHAPMAN Staff Writer
by ZACH TURNER
Asst. Sports Editor
Paul Petrino is back at a place he is familiar with. The younger brother of Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino, Paul returns as the Razorbacks offensive coordinator after spending the last two seasons with the same title at Illinois. Petrino was the Hogs offensive coordinator during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas sophomore guard Keira Peak had six points and five rebounds, including a buzzer beater basket prior to halftime, in the Razorbacks’ 61-46 win over the previously unbeaten Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks.
Arkansas kept its home streak alive Tuesday, beating previously unbeaten Stephen F. Austin. Led by senior C’iera Ricketts, Arkansas (7-1) took down the Ladyjacks 61-46. It was the Razorbacks seventh consecutive win and fourth win at home this season. “C’iera Rickets kept us in the game offensively first half,” coach Tom Collen said. “It was good to see her motor running hard in that situation. There have been times in the past when it hasn’t run full speed when we get down, but her motor kept running and everyone kept up with her.” Ricketts led all scorers with 14 points and pulled down four rebounds. Senior Ashley Daniels was
second in scoring with 11 points and also had four rebounds. “They took us out of offense and we knew that there was a possibility that they would do that to us,” Collen said. “They left us with a lot of oneon-one opportunities and I think C’iera felt confident enough to go do that. I just think that’s one of the big differences between C’iera last year and this year.” The Razorbacks held the Ladyjacks (7-1) to six points during the first five minutes of the first half. “Yeah, I sensed that the team was kind of struggling and when we struggle sometimes we get down and we stop shooting, but I try to pick the team up by scoring to let them know we’re still in this game and we can hit shots,” Ricketts said. Arkansas went on a 13-4 run to end the first half, including a buzz-
er beater shot by sophomore Keira Peak, to lead 30-20 at halftime. Arkansas began to run up the score, taking a 42-29 lead to start the second half. “We’re not a team that goes in with everything that the media says or we look at their record,” Daniels said. “We just kind of do what we do each and every day and take what we know and go in and do the best we can to compete with great teams.” The Razorbacks took their largest lead with 5:22 remaining in the game, going up by 20 points, 58-38. The Razorbacks also outrebounded the Ladyjacks 40-33. “Our defense has been solid all year,” Collen said. “We’ve played eight games and that’s 16 halves and we’ve probably played one bad half of defense. That’s been pretty consistent for us.”
COMMENTARY
Paul Petrino “Over the last, you know, 5 days, I went and interviewed at a few different places, talked to a lot of different schools, and I was driving down the road back from an interview, it was about a 5 hour drive, and I really started thinking, ‘ you know what, I need to get back to where the head coach believes in everything I believe in,’” Paul said. “Where the head coach starts everything with discipline, where he believes in what I believe in offensively, and that’s really when it kind of came to me that this is probably where I needed to be.” During his first stint as offensive coordinator at Arkansas, Paul didn’t get to call the plays, something he did do at Illinois where the Illini were ninth in the Big 10 conference in scoring and total offense. “I am extremely thrilled to have Paul become a member of our staff again,” Bobby said. “Paul has had several options with high level programs the past few days and I’m excited he made the decision to rejoin our program. His experience the last two seasons, blended with our philosophy will give us continuity with our aggressive scheme. For the full story on Paul Petrino’s hiring, visit uatrav.com.
BCS Needs a Name Change For 2012 Bowls Old Fashioned 3-Point Play
ZACH TURNER
zwturner@uark.edu With the announcement of the BCS bowl games on Sunday I am thinking BCS no longer stands for Bowl Championship Series. The name that appropriately fits this year’s BCS bowls would be Blowout College Sports. Leaving the National Championship and Fiesta Bowl out of the conversation, because nothing is blowout about a rematch of LSU and Alabama from a 9-6 game, or the best offense in Oklahoma State facing the best pro-style quarterback since Peyton Manning (well that’s what NFL draft guru Mel Kiper says so it must be true) in Stanford’s Andrew Luck. The other three BCS bowls is what could be classified as good, old-fashioned college football blowouts. Starting with the 2012 Allstate
Sugar Bowl putting Michigan versus Virginia Tech. The Hokies are coming off their second shellacking of the year, given to them by the hands of the Clemson Tigers. The Wolverines of Michigan are still a bit giddy, similar to Ian Johnson proposing to his girlfriend before Boise States first BCS bowl game, after beating rival Ohio State for the first time in seven years to end their season 10-2. Although Michigan opens with as a narrow 1.5-point favorite, this game screams Virgina Tech blowout. Denard Robinson is a freakishly fast athlete that can throw the ball deep too if need be. If you have watched the guy play, chances are you haven’t been disappointed. Michigan is 10th in the nation in rushing yards, averaging 239.8 yards per game, but Virginia Tech gives up just 107.8 yards per game on the ground. Virginia Tech is led by quarterback Logan Thomas and if you haven’t seen him play yet, dude is a physical specimen. At 6-fot-6, 255 pounds, Thomas has the Hokies in a favorable position to bounce back from losing the ACC Championship to annihilating the Wolverines with that 40-12 blowout lost in last season’s Orange Bowl, at the hands of Stanford, still lingering in their minds. Unless Michigan replicates the Clemson Tigers gameplan 100 per-
cent, look for the Hokies to manage a 38-7 win over the team repping college football’s best helmet. Now onto the Orange Bowl, West Virginia and Clemson. Is anyone going to watch this bowl? I mean honestly because West Virginia just squeezed their way into the BCS picture by knocking off South Florida and having to rely on Cincy to beat UConn in order to go. The Mountaineers showed some fight late in the second half against then No. 2 LSU in their matchup early in the season, but they were the lucky average team out of a bad conference to earn the Big East automatic bid. Clemson lost two consecutive games to end its regular season, but then thrashed Virgina Tech 38-10 to get the ACC automatic BCS bowl bid. The Tigers are athletic and I am sure everyone has heard of freshman sensation Sammy Watkins by now, but quarterback Tahj Boyd is also a tremendous player until he throws an interception then he seems to let it get to him. With their backs against the walls, the Tigers found some way to manage landing a BCS bowl spot after being ranked as high as No. 7 this season. After finding some confidence once again in the ACC Championship, look for the Tigers to throttle the Mountaineers in their last game as a member of the Big
East by the score of 42-13. Last up, the Rose Bowl, which is a great matchup of recent powerhouses in terms of records. Oregon comes into the game after winning the inaugural Pac-12 Championship game over UCLA and having played in the National Championship just a season ago. Wisconsin looked to be a team that could have potentially ended the SEC’s Championship streak early in the season, but then lost on lategame Hail Mary plays in two consecutive weeks to Michigan State and Ohio State. The Ducks and Badgers are a good matchup on paper. Oregon runs an athletic offense that puts up big stats and big scores while Wisconsin puts of big scores relying on a power rushing attack and gritty defense. Oregon, with a similar team to last year, I am sure wants some revenge on losing the National Championship last season and with speedster LaMichael James in the backfield look for them to do just that. Montee Ball and the Badgers lost in this same game last season to Cinderella of the BCS, TCU, and will lose once again in the Grandfather of all the bowl games by the score of 49-16 to the Ducks. These are early predictions giving that the games are still over 25 days away, however don’t be shocked if the BCS sees even more
ridicule from its opposition when their prized bowls discussed above flop. BONUS: The Real BCS Bowl Games Fiesta Bowl This game intrigues me the most. Oklahoma State straight took it to the Sooners in the Bedlam game, probably dropping quarterback Landry Jones NFL draft stock a bit in the process. Stanford lost just one game as well, but didn’t have as strong of finish as the Cowboys. Oklahoma State 35 Stanford 27 BCS National Championship After witnessing Tyrann “Honey Badger” Matheiu live at the Arkansas game return a punt for a touchdown and force a few fumbles, I am a firm believer in how this cat rolls. He is fearless and seems to intimidate the opposing teams that LSU faces. However, Alabama has faced him once and I highly doubt there is anything in this world that coach Nick Saban fears (except the possibility of suffering to Les Miles twice in the same season). LSU did it once, and deep breath, LSU is going to do it again. LSU 24 Alabama 20 Zach Turner is the assistant sports editor for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Wednesday.
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
DOWNTIME Comics, Games, & Much Much More!
PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
LAUGH IT UP
SUDOKU
Another poor soul worked at a company making blankets. He lost his job when the company folded.
Q: What can you sit on, brush your teeth with, and eat soup with?
A: A chair, a toothbrush, and a spoon. Q: What do you say to a vampire when he
Difficulty:
graduates from college?
A: Coagulations!
TODAY’S SOLUTION Q: What can you do if you don’t like the Prelude in C Sharp Minor?
A: What can you do if you don’t like the Prelude in C Sharp Minor?
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 Indian royals 6 Pulitzer-winning columnist Maureen 10 Popular British brew 14 Kuwaiti neighbor 15 Albany-to-Buffalo canal 16 Game point, in tennis 17 Make a case 18 Actor Kilmer et al. 19 Not common 20 33/63-Across, in golf 23 Kirby Puckett and Mickey Mantle, by pos. 26 Tech sch. near Albany 27 Withered with age 28 33/63-Across, in stock car racing 31 See 7-Down 32 Words with a nod 33 With 63-Across, nickname for four immortals in this puzzle 36 Mark replacement 38 Ran into 39 West Indies native 41 Secretly watch, with “on” 42 Holler’s partner 44 2011 Libyan arms embargo enforcement gp. 45 33/63-Across, in swing music 49 Climbed on 52 Imperfect, as mdse. 53 Hog’s home 54 33/63-Across, in rock ‘n’ roll 57 Family group 58 Suffix for the wealthy 59 Protect 63 See 33-Across 64 “Top Chef ” judge Simmons 65 Like mentors vis-à-vis mentees, usually 66 Complete collections 67 Differ ender 68 High-maintenance
1 Estuary 2 LAX touchdown 3 Drinking binge 4 Color similar to turquoise 5 __ Nevada mountain range 6 Bereft (of) 7 With 31-Across, postgraduate test 8 Setting for saloons and shootouts 9 Regardless of 10 Beer grain 11 Rhett Butler’s final words 12 Yes-Bob connection 13 Wooden Mortimer 21 “All Things Considered” airer 22 Templo Mayor worshiper 23 Alberta natives 24 Renovate 25 Frightening 29 Health care gp. 30 Devoutness 33 Mine transports 34 Attempt to strike 35 Black wood 37 Loses, as winter fur 38 Dutch artist Piet 40 Also 43 Résumé length, often 45 Raises, as a subject, with “in” 46 Brazilian supermodel Bündchen 47 The Magic of the NBA 48 Washington rival, in college sports 49 Bremen brew 50 Stan’s sidekick 51 __-garde 55 Old Norse mariner 56 Eggnog season 60 Suffix with Gator 61 Wine choice 62 Wine choice
Crossword provided by MCT Campus
SOLUTION
Tony Piro
Scan here to go to the Features section on uatrav.com:
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
FEATURES
FEATURES EDITOR: LAUREN LEATHERBY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: KELSI FORD
PAGE 7 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
Students Get Away For the Holidays
by EMILY RHODES Staff Writer
While most students are heading home for the holidays to spend time with family, friends and lots of food, others are taking the trip of a lifetime. Instead of driving home for Christmas break, UA marketing and international business student Charlotte Bowsher will begin a trip to Australia that her family has been planning for two years. While other students are unwrapping presents at home, Bowsher and her family will be in the land of surf and sand. “We’re just going for fun,” Bowsher said. “I’m going with my mom, dad and two younger brothers to spend the week of Christmas in Perth and the week of New Year’s in Sydney.” Bowsher and her family plan to barbecue on the beach for Christmas dinner, skydive in Perth, enjoy a Greekthemed dinner at the Dockside on Darling Harbour for New Year’s Eve and then enjoy a fireworks show. The Bowshers plan to stay with the family of a girl who once stayed with them in America.
“Although the flight to Perth is 23 hours, I’m really looking forward to the warm weather, the beach and the sun, as well as the hot Australian surfers,” Bowsher said. “I’m really excited to spend Christmas with both the families, because their daughter and I became extremely close when she stayed with us.‚Äù It is not just about the surf and sand for the Bowsher family though. This will be the first year that they spend Christmas without a close family member. “My brothers and I lost our grandma this summer, and this will be the first Christmas we’ve ever spent without her,” Bowsher said. “I think this will be a good trip for our family, because it will definitely ease the pain from the loss.” Bowsher isn’t the only one traveling out of state to celebrate a non-traditional Christmas. The UA American Institute of Chemical Engineers will spend the first two weeks of January hitting the ski slopes in Crested Butte, Colo. “We wanted to do something different and get the chemical engineer students
together outside of school, so we planned a ski trip that we are all going on at the beginning of January,” said Carianne Reed, chemical engineering student. With a 36-person group heading to the snow in a month, the engineering students plan on skiing from open to close for a full three days before coming back for the semester. “We’re going to drive up to Colorado, which is a 13-hour trip from Tulsa, Okla.,” Reed said. “We have three full days of vacation and four days total, including the travel, so it will be a nice break before going back to class.” Reed and her roommate Anne Ziegler, another UA chemical engineering student, went on a similar trip with their roommates last year, and wanted to plan a break before spring semester classes started. The large number of students attending earned the group a discount. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” Reed said. Ziegler is so excited for the trip that she set a countdown on her phone. “We’re all so excited to have
ing to the Mayo Clinic website. Symptoms of SAD include sadness, emptiness or irritability found in depression, and also heavy arms or legs, increased appetite for foods high in carbohydrates and difficulty concentrating, according to the Mayo Clinic website. SAD has been diagnosed more in women than men. In females of childbearing age, SAD is the most common mood disturbance experienced year after year in the U.S. and Canada, according to a study in 2006 on circadian cycles at Oregon Heath and Science University. “There are several kinds of depression,” Petretic said. Major depression that can last for two months or more and acute depression, which can last for only two weeks are just a couple of examples, Petretic said. “Depression is not just sadness. It can be a feeling of irri-
is to stay positive about oneself,” Petretic said. “It is easy to feel like everybody is having a much better time than we are, but everyone has the same feelings,” Petretic said. Keeping negative thoughts about oneself can magnify depression and make symptoms worse, Petretic said. Common treatments for SAD are phototherapy, or light therapy where a patient is exposed to light that mimics sun-light to affect chemicals in the brain. Psychotherapy or medications like Prozac or Zoloft can be used if symptoms are more severe, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Home treatments would include going outside or exercising regularly, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The website also suggests opening blinds and drawing back curtains or trimming trees and
Holiday Blues Can Bring a Foul Mood
by BOBBIE FOSTER Staff Writer
It’s dark. It’s cold. It’s hurried. It’s the holiday season. Although this is said to be the happiest time of year, the high electric bills, frigid weather and congested traffic can detract from the holiday cheer. The holiday season can bring people down, and it can be a serious condition. Five in every 100 people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months, according to the Human Diseases and Conditions website. SAD falls in the same category as depression, said Patty Petretic, UA professor of psychology and director of the UA psychology clinic. “Some people say it occurs when the circadian rhythm is affected,” she said. There are three basic
“It is easy to feel like everybody is having a much better time than we are, but everyone has the same feelings.” - Patty Petretic, UA Professor of Psychology and Director of UA Psychology Clinic
causes of SAD, according to the Mayo Clinic website. First, when the days are shorter, it can affect a person’s internal clock, which tells them when to sleep. Second, the reduced sunlight can cause serotonin levels in the brain to drop. Serotonin is a mood altering chemical, so low levels in the brain can cause depression. Finally, the change in the days can lower melatonin levels in the brain. This is a hormone that plays a role in both sleep pattern and mood, accord-
tability, emptiness or a loss of pleasure in activities,” she said. The stresses of the holiday season can often trigger depression as well. “There are some biological predispositions to having depression, but external stresses also play a role,” Petretic said. “The impression society gives us is that everything should be wonderful during the holidays, but with the economy and the desire to make things perfect, sometimes we fall short of expectations.” The important thing
bushes that may block light from coming into the home. If you find yourself turning into the Grinch and thinking of setting the tree on fire, as opposed to just stealing it, it may be time to step back and recognize your mood as something more than just a bad day or week. Petretic suggests keeping things in perspective to help get through the holidays. “It is important to note that it is not how much you spend [on gifts],” Petretic said. “It’s about the quality not quantity of the gifts.”
a winter trip, so I started a 90-day countdown,” she said. “We have both members and non-members going, which will be a great mix. As chemical engineers, we have pretty busy schedules year-round, so it will be a much needed break.” ****** For students who aren’t planning a big trip for the break or are staying in or near Fayetteville, there are lots of events going on around Northwest Arkansas and neighboring cities to keep you busy and entertained throughout the month-long break.
1. Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville, Ark.
Stay in town and enjoy the beautiful lights in the Fayetteville Square. Grab dinner on Dickson and then head up the street to spend time with friends, family or your sweetie. There are plenty of attractions in the square, from carriage and pony rides to holiday music. Grab a hot chocolate or a coffee and head down to the Square for a night to re-
member. Even better, the light show is free to the public and is open until Dec. 31.
2. Century of Christmas Nashville, Tenn.
Take a trip to the city of music and visit the Belle Meade Plantation for a Century of Christmas celebration. For anyone who loves history or Christmas, this event takes you through 100 years of Christmas from 1853-1953. See how the Harding family celebrated Christmas, how European traditions came to the U.S. and how the celebrations changed with electricity. For more information on the event and to check out other events going on in the city, visit nowplayingnashville. com. The plantation is open every day, and admission is only $16.
3. Crown Center Kansas City, Mo.
Spend your Christmas money in style this year by visiting the Crown Center in Kansas City. Less than a fourhour drive outside of Fayetteville, the Crown Center offers three levels of shopping, great food choices and fun holiday
events. Head to the Ice Terrace after a bit of shopping for an afternoon of indoor ice skating. Priced at only $6, it’s a deal you just can’t pass up. See the mayor’s Christmas tree, grab some great postChristmas deals and visit Santa for a fun-packed day trip.
4. Winterfest 2011 Tulsa, Okla.
For more winter spirit, head to Tulsa for a morning or afternoon of outdoor ice skating, beautiful Christmas lights and even pay Santa a visit. There are plenty of free events in downtown Tulsa during the holidays, and some great places to grab a bite to eat. The outdoor skating is $8 per person, and the horse and carriage rides are only $10. Winterfest runs throughout Dec. until Jan. 2, and there is even more entertainment with rides and a holiday market, the Parade of Lights ceremony and a holiday pet contest. Check out visittulsa.com for a complete list of holiday events, and take a two-hour drive to a Midwest winter wonderland this year.
by EMILY RHODES Staff Writer The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are always a time of eating wintery comfort foods in my house. Think stuffing, sweet potatoes, apple pie and hot cocoa. While studying for finals and getting ready for the last few days of the semester, try out this succulent dinner recipe that will put you right in the holiday spirit. Roast pork has to be one of my favorite foods. Growing up in England, my family used to visit a bakery in our town called Birds, where every British comfort food was available – Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and the Birds famous roasted pork sandwich. To treat my family to a taste of home over the holidays, I decided to make my rendition of the notorious sandwich, and now it’s time to share it with you. This sandwich is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, mixing juicy, flavorsome meat with sweet and tart applesauce. Add in the savory stuffing, and voila! This recipe makes four sandwiches, but can easily be adjusted by the size of the pork loin you purchase.
Ingredients 1 lbs. pork loin 1 jar plain applesauce 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. thyme 1 tsp. sage 1 tsp. rosemary ½ tsp. garlic salt ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. oregano 2 ciabatta sandwich rolls 1 packet Stove Top stuffing mix, any variety 1 sheet tin foil For stuffing 1 ½ cups hot water ¼ cup margarine To begin, preheat the oven to 400°F, and place the pork loin in a baking dish or roasting pan and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, add the olive oil and the herbs and mix together. Rub the herb and oil mixture into both sides of the pork, add the salt and pepper and place the loin with the fatty side up in the pan. Keeping the fat on the pork will ensure that the pork stays nice and juicy, so don’t cut it off before cooking. Make sure that the oven is up to temperature, as this will brown the loin and give it that perfect color. Then, place the roast in the oven and cook for 50-70 minutes, dependent on the shape of the pork loin. If the loin is long and thin, it will take less time to cook than a shorter, thicker loin, but in any case cook the roast until it registers 145°F or higher. Take the pork out of the oven and place on a heatproof surface to rest, covering the pork with a layer of tin foil. Make the stuffing following the box instructions and bake the rolls in the oven for 10 minutes. When the pork has stood for 5-10 minutes, slice into ½ inch pieces and set aside. Spread the inside of the warm ciabatta roll with applesauce and add the stuffing. Then, place the pork inside of the sandwich and serve. These sandwiches are tangy, juicy and downright delicious, and are the perfect holiday snack or dinner. The herbs make the loin savory and flavorful and the savory stuffing is the perfect contrast to the sweet applesauce. This sandwich is warm, inviting comfort food, perfect for that evening-in of studying for finals and finishing up projects. For a taste of home during the last three weeks of school, try this perfect cold weather classic, and take a break from the cafeteria.
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011
PAGE 8
African Students Organization Hosts Drum and Dance Workshop
YANI KO STAFF WRITER Rwandan students teach fellow students traditional dance at the African Students Organizations Drum and Dance Workshop.
by YANI KO Staff Writer
The staccato chink of an anklet of bells could be heard with every stomp of his dark, bare feet. His headdress was a curious weave of golden straw that flowed over the back of the head, almost resembling a blonde wig. When Denis Rugira dances it is not just a performance. He dances to feel close to his native Rwanda, and to share an aspect of his culture with the UA community. On his top half he sported a grey-and-black Vans T-shirt. And just below the waist, he was covered by a black-and-white sarong of a tribal print, his denim jeans peeking out from beneath. Suddenly, with a booming
stomp, he startled the audience with a deafening battle cry. Rugira’s tranditional Rwandan dance was performed for a packed commons room in Holcombe Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 2, as part of the African Student Organization’s drum-and-dance workshop. “If you came expecting only a presentation,” Rugira said to the audience, “it’s not that. We’re going to teach you how to dance.” The audience, apprehensive at first, rearranged the chairs out of their neat rows and pushed them against the walls. A few bold students stepped on to the dance floor to join Rugira, who moved to the U.S. in 2008. Rugira, a computer science major, taught them the basics of the Intore, a Rwan-
dan warrior dance. It is usually performed only by males and traditionally danced after a victory at battle. At the sight of the fun of learning this number, the floor filled with more people, swaying back and forth with calculated feet, mimicking Rugira’s moves. “Our purpose as an organization is to share the African culture,” said Rugira, president of the ASO, “through the drumming, the dancing and the food.” The evening also included a West African drumming presentation, which encouraged audience participation for anyone interested in learning some of the rhythms. Two more contemporary African dances were performed after Rugira’s.
Iris Monye, secretary of the ASO, said the group also hosts annual Taste of Africa and Sound of Africa events. Taste of Africa was held Nov. 20 in the Union. “[For Taste of Africa] we really emphasize the ‘taste’ part,” Monye said. “We’re going to have a lot of different types of foods from all different countries [of Africa].” “And in the spring semester, we have Sound of Africa,” Monye said. “There will be all types of dancing, all types of drums. It’s really amazing.” Sibraogo Yameogo, a member of the ASO from Burkina Faso, and a junior studying English, is especially keen on sharing the musical aspects of his African culture. Yameogo came to the U.S. through the Fulbright pro-
gram, cultural-exchange being an important facet of the program, Yameogo said. Yameogo hands slid smoothly across the tightskin top of his drum, then moved rhythmically up, down, and around its circumference. Two students of West African drumming attempted to mirror his hand movements, charging the room with syncopated beats. “As kids in a village in Burkina Faso, we entertain[ed] ourselves with what we make on our own,” Yameogo said. “We make our own traditional guitars, drums, and many other things to play with.” Apart from providing an outlet through which he can share pieces of his culture, Yameogo said there is a more personal basis for his membership in the ASO. “ASO is important to me because because it gives me an environment of home.” Yameogo said. “Even though we, ASO members, are from different countries, we have a lot in common as Africans.” Monye described similar reasons for being a member of the organization and putting on events like the drum-and-dance workshop. “I’ve never been to Africa myself, but my dad’s Nigerian and I just want to get closer to my people.” Monye said, “I get to meet more people from the continent that my dad is from.” Monye said her father moved to the U.S. for the “opportunity” and to get his education at the UA. “His name is carved in the sidewalk [at UA],” she said with pride. “He wanted to make his dreams come true in the United States.” Education and opportunity were also calling for Rugira,
who moved from Rwanda to go to school in Seattle, Wash. in 2008. He moved to Fayetteville in 2010, citing a cheaper education as the reason for his relocation from Washington. “I moved here because the American education is a lot better than the education provided back home,” Rugira said. “There are a lot of great resources and facilities [in the U.S.],” he said, “For example, I’m studying computer engineering and we don’t have a lot of software programming back home. We’re a developing country and there is a lot stuff related to computers here that we don’t have.” Just as Rugira wants to share his culture with the NW Arkansas community, he hopes to contribute some of his experience in the U.S. with his native Rwanda. “That’s the main reason I’m here – to gain that knowledge and go home and share that with my people,” Rugira said. Another Rwandan member of the ASO began the drumand-dance workshop with a Power Point presentation. He gave a general overview of the countries and cultures of Africa. The student flipped through images of different tribes, ceremonies, and landscapes in Africa – a colorful array of photographs. “Everybody [from Africa] feels the same way. Home is home,” he said to the audience, his accent thick and lilting. He lingered on a slide showing a picture of a green hillside, with white, elongated buildings staggering from the hill top toward the base. He smiled, a visceral reaction to the presentation coming to a stop on this specific image. “I think Rwanda is the most beautiful place ever,” he said.