VOL. 103, NO. 72 | Single Issue Free
University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark.
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Studentsupported ‘Dream Act’ bill fails in Ark. Senate
DREAM on Page 2
ASG candidates campaign to students this week Bailey McBride
Taniah Tudor
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Senior Staff Writer
Senior Staff Writer Senate Bill 799, Arkansas’ version of the “Dream Act” that would allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they meet the same criteria as other residents, failed to pass through the Senate Monday, even with student support. The bill had been recommended to pass by the Senate Committee on Education, but was voted down in its third reading by the Senate. The bill had been proposed by Sen. Joyce Elliot. As part of a coalition called Arkansas Youth Thinking Ahead, UA students and graduates, including members of the League of United Latin American Citizens Council No. 761, attended Youth Lobby Day in Little Rock March 19 to show support for the passage of SB799 and to express concerns about other issues that affect students’ education in the state, said Raphael Arciga, former president of LULAC. Youth Lobby Day was organized by the Arkansas Citizens First Congress. Bill 799 was made a priority by ACFC after a presentation was given by LULAC during a summit convention last year, Arciga said. Arkansas Youth Thinking Ahead is a statewide group that works closely with legislators on issues that benefit the overall population of the state, Arciga said. The main area of focus is education, he said. “We believe education is the base for having better communities,” Arciga said. Youth Lobby Day was important because students used time during Spring Break to train in lobbying and learn how the legislative branch works when trying
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Voters able to decide state Sunday liquor sales
STATE LEGISLATURE
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Act 294 now allows Arkansas residents to petition to put a measure on an Arkansas ballot that would allow liquor stores to be open on Sunday.
Taniah Tudor
Senior Staff Writer With the passage of Act 294 in early March, Arkansas residents are now able to decide if they want liquor stores in their communities to be open on Sundays. Arkansas state law does not allow off-premise liquor sales on Sundays, which means selling liquor that will be taken off the purchase site by the customer, such as in liquor stores. Other retailers like restaurants can sell on-premise liquor if they have a license and a special Sunday permit, though there are exceptions. City councils and county quorum courts had previously been able to add a referendum to a ballot that would allow residents to vote on the sale of liquor on
Sundays, said Michael Langley, the director for Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. Act 294, however, puts the decision directly in the hands of residents, he said. Now, if a resident can get 15 percent of the voters from the last gubernatorial election to sign a petition, Sunday liquor sales will be added to a ballot to be voted on by the rest of the population, Langley said. “It’s a very important decision for a community, so it will always be put to a vote,” Langley said. Six communities in Arkansas have liquor stores that already sell on Sundays, including Altus, Eureka Springs, Wiederkehr Village, Norfolk and two others, Langley said. Before being signed by Gov. Mike Beebe March 3, Act 294 was
Bill 121, proposed by Sen. Robert Thompson. The bill was brought to Thompson by the ABC Commission, he said. It raised fees on various wholesale and retail sellers of alcohol, he said. Additional fee increases in the bill will generate about $1.2 million in annual revenue for the operations of ABC enforcement, Thompson said. Liquor permit fees had not been raised since Arkansas legalized alcohol in the 1930s, Langley said. The money will be used for more agents, better education for permit holders and law enforcement, and for new technology, Langley said. The bill also extends the hours of operation allowed for the sale of alcohol on Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. to midnight, Langley said. For
on-premise retailers, the requirement that a certain percentage of sales comes from food was removed, he said. The provision allowing expanded hours for the sale of alcohol on Sunday was put in place to allow merchants more time to make up the revenue lost through the fee increases, Thompson said. The longer hours can be shortened by local ordinance, at the option of the local city council or quorum court, he said. Liquor store owners in Fayetteville declined to comment on the changes. “I don’t blame them,” said Svend Svendsen, owner of Alpine Liquor in Eureka Springs. “They don’t want to hurt themselves.” Alpine Liquor has been selling See
LIQUOR on Page 5
Candidates in this year’s Associated Student Government executive election have begun their campaigns in preparation for voting next week. For president and vice president, the candidates are Jacob Holloway and Jon Bame; Mattie Bookhout and Andrew LeNarz; and Jonathan Powell and Robert Sharp. For secretary and treasurer, the candidates are Geoff Storm and David Brophey, and Erica Harmon and Jody Bland. The T ra v e l e r released the list of candidates Monday. Candidates for all positions will engage in a public debate 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Arkansas Union and will field questions both from a mediator and from an audience of faculty, staff and students. The debate, an opportunity for students to hear candidates speak on numerous issues across campus, will air throughout the following week on UATV. A second debate will air on “Campus Crossfire” on UATV 7 p.m. next Wednesday, April 8. Students will have another opportunity to interact with candidates on a one-on-one basis at the “meet-and-greet” cookout hosted by the ASG Monday, April 6, on the Union Mall. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided there for students who have the opportunity to visit with the candidates. Voting will begin on Vote.uark. edu Monday, April 6, and will run through 4 p.m. Thursday, April 9. The ASG Elections Commission plans to announce the winners or, if necessary, the candidates who will enter a run-off by 5 p.m. that Thursday. See
ASG on Page 5
Arkansas steps forward to implement lottery Gambling to fund university scholarships James Baker
Senior Staff Writer Gov. Mike Beebe last week signed into law state lottery legislation that will fund college and university scholarships, setting the stage for the lottery’s implementation within the next few months. The next step for implementing Arkansas’ state lottery will be a lottery commission to form the rules and regulations for the lottery
itself, as well as its structure. There are nine commission appointments: three are made by the governor, three by the Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Johnson and three by House Speaker Robbie Wills. Johnson made his appointments when the legislation was signed into law, and one includes former Congressman and state Attorney General Ray Thornton. Thornton, who also sat on the Arkansas Supreme Court and as president of the University of Arkansas system, voted against t h e ballot measure i n
November, though he accepted the sixyear term appointment. This commission will also craft scholarships, but will have the help of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. “The commission will have the final word on it but ADHE will be at the table because they will need a lot of information from us,” said Dale Ellis, ADHE communications officer. Projections on the amount of money generated by the lottery vary greatly. While chief lottery proponent Arkansas’ Lt. Gov. Bill Halter projected the games would produce up to $100 million in scholarship money, opponents, such as the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council, believe the lottery would raise no more KEN LOVE Akron Beacon Journal/MCT than $50 million. “Projections are just that,” Ellis said. Shannon Werger of Sharon, Penn., buys Mega Millions lottery tickets at the Penn-Ohio Medicine Projections have been made with help Mart in Masury, Ohio, on Tuesday, March 6, 2007. from other states’ lottery officials, but how much the lottery will actually bring for the 2010-2011 school year,” said Rep. UA student Cory Ellis, a senior in in remains to be seen, he said. Lindsley Smith, D-Fayetteville. Middle East studies, was confident in the The state’s goal is to begin lottery The scholarships funded by the lot- lottery’s ability to raise money; he just sales by fall of 2009. For now, tery are set on a sliding scale, depending didn’t think current students would see “it’s way too early to on revenue and whether an award is for much of it. tell,” Ellis said. attendance at a two-year state college “It’s good for the state and the uni“Lawmakers hope or university. At a two-year college, the versity, and over time we’ll see the to set specific amounts amount range is from $1,250 a year results,” Ellis said. However, “the kids in next February during to $3,000, while at four-year schools our budget session, with scholarships would range from $2,500 See LOTTERY on Page 5 the first scholarships good to $6,000 a year.
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BRIEFLY speaking Workshop hosted for students applying for scholarships Students and faculty interested in applying for a Fulbright scholarship may attend one of two workshops hosted on tomorrow. Faculty and professionals may bring their lunch to a presentation of the Fulbright Scholar Grant Program 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Room 312NW of the Arkansas Union. Students interested in a Fulbright scholarship for post-graduate study, research or teaching English may attend a workshop 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Room 103 of Vol Walker Hall. For additional information, contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. Physicist to deliver 2009 Maurer Distinguished Lecture Nobel Laureate Joseph Taylor will speak on “Binary Pulsars and Relativistic Gravity” as the 2009 Robert D. Maurer Distinguished Lecturer 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, in the Donald W. Reynolds Center. A reception will follow. The lecture is free and open to the public. The lecture series, sponsored by the Department of Physics in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, is named after alumnus Robert D. Maurer, co-inventor of the first telecommunications-grade optical fiber. Quarterly business analysis to focus on economic downturn The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chambers of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis breakfast 6:45 a.m. Thursday, April 9. The breakfast event will be at the Clarion Hotel, 211 SE Walton Blvd. in Bentonville. Senior honor citation applications due The Arkansas Alumni Association is seeking applicants for its Senior Honor Citation. The awards are given to an exceptional senior man and woman every spring along with a $500 cash prize and life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association. All application materials must be submitted to the Alumni Association by Friday, April 10. For more information, call Debbie Blume at the Alumni Association at 479-575-6476 or visit the alumni Web site at www.arkansasalumni.org/awards/seniorhonor.php for guideline materials.’’ TEA Party hosted on square An Arkansas TEA (taxed enough already) Party will be hosted 4 to 7 p.m. April 15 on the Fayetteville Square. The event is part of a nationwide, grassroots effort to speak up against the stimulus, bailouts and out-of-control spending. People of all parties and backgrounds are participating in these peaceful protests, which are not run by any political party. Attendees may bring a homemade sign. For more information, visit Taxdayteaparty.com.
CORRECTIONS The Arkansas Traveler strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please notify the editor at 575.8455 or at traveler@uark.edu.
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from Page 1 to pass a bill, Arciga said. More than 30 students from around Arkansas attended Lobby Day, including 15 UA students, 13 of whom were LULAC members, Arciga said. A press conference was called for by Elliot to show student support for the bill, and it was attended by a diverse group of students, including Latinos, African Americans and Caucasians, several of whom spoke at the conference. One student who spoke at the conference was Chris Bucks, a second-year law student who labeled himself an average Arkansas student. “I’m an average student; you know, I drive a pickup truck, I like to fish, I love my state and I try to give back to my community,” Burks said at the conference. Bucks went on to advocate SB799 as an investment in the future of Arkansas. “I’m just an average white guy,” Bucks said in a later interview. “This bill sort of brings out non-traditional allies.” It was good for different students and Registered Student Organizations at the university to work together on something, Bucks said. “I’ve been sort of passionate about immigration education policy for a long time,” Bucks said. The Lobby Day allowed LULAC members and other students to get involved in issues that affect them or their family, through voicing their concerns on these issues and by taking action, Arciga said. Students also visited the Capitol to talk to senators and the Senate Education Committee about the positive aspects of passing the bill, Arciga said. Though the students learned much about talking to legislators and how to lobby, Ana Aguayo, recently appointed president of LULAC, was surprised by remarks made by some of the legislators, she said. One legislator implied that pursuing higher education wasn’t necessary for Hispanic students, as working in a chicken plant was honest work, she said. Aguayo did not disclose the name of the legislator. Now that the “Dream Act” has been re-introduced nationally by Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, Aguayo has hope that it will be supported by Gov. Mike Beebe and Arkansas legislators who did not support SB799 based on what they claimed was a conflict with federal law, she said.
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Robinson selected as UA diversity provost “In selecting Charles Robinson for this redefined, critical responStaff Writer sibility, we are adding an awardwinning instructor and respected In an effort to promote multi- scholar in the area of race relaculturalism on campus, the UA is tions to a key leadership position,� changing its approach and hiring Gearhart said. “He will be a superlative chief diversity officer for the a vice provost of diversity. Charles Robinson, associate university.� Robinson holds a Bachelor professor of history and director of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy of the African American in American history studies program at the from the University UA, has accepted an of Houston and a appointment to fill this Master of Arts from administrative role, Rice University. He effective July 1. He will joined the University serve on the chancelof Arkansas faculty in lor’s executive commit1999, and since that tee and will administer time, he has written all universitywide efforts Charlies Robinson three books that have to enhance diversity, grappled with racial according to a press issues in Arkansas and American release. “The UA has a commitment to history, as well as several scholincrease the diversity of enrollment arly articles and book chapters, on campus,� said Steve Voorhies, according to the press release. The university has also afforded him manager of media relations. The vice provost of diversity at two of its highest teaching honors: the UA is in charge of coordinating the Arkansas Alumni Association’s efforts of different bodies on cam- Distinguished Achievement in pus and coming up with a program Teaching Award in 2004 and induction into the university’s Teaching to promote multiculturalism. “In the past, the UA has tried Academy in 2005, according to the to increase diversity by creating an press release. Robinson was also recognized atmosphere that is more inclusive and is attractive to people with dif- by the Fulbright College with its ferent backgrounds,� Voorhies said. Master Teacher Award in 2003. His After five years of that approach, efforts are reflected in the success the UA is now focusing on enroll- of the African American studies ing and retaining students from program, which under his direcdifferent cultures. The UA is also tion has grown from an enrollment focusing on diversity within the of three students in 2004 to more than 80 students this year, accordfaculty and staff, Voorhies said. “I want our diversity initiative ing to the press release. “I am both humbled and excitto engage in a vibrant and proactive effort to recruit underrepre- ed about being asked by the chansented racial and ethnic minority cellor to join his administrative individuals to our faculty, staff and staff,� Robinson said in the press student body, as well as strength- release. “I feel that with a renewed en retention,� said Chancellor G. sense of commitment and strateDavid Gearhart in the press release. gic planning, we will be successful “In my judgment, the recruitment in creating a campus diversity of and retention of faculty, staff and which we all can be proud.� “My hope is to make the UA a students of color must be the cenmore inclusive campus. It’s importerpiece of our diversity efforts.� The goal is not just to grow the tant as an institution to have divernumbers of minorities at the uni- sity,� Robinson said. To assist Robinson in his efforts, versity, but also to help people to be comfortable with multiculturalism. Gearhart is appointing a chan“I want diversity to be a part of the cellor’s commission on diversity, which will develop accountabilUA’s DNA,� Robinson said.
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ity measures to determine tangible progress being made in the area of campus diversity. Details on this commission will be formulated in the coming weeks, according to the press release. A recent “National Best Practice Report� by the Education Advisory Board in Washington, D.C., on advances in campus diversity suggested that while most institutions have conducted some type of diversity planning, few have seen the process have a noteworthy impact on recruiting. The refocus on minority recruitment as the cornerstone of diversity enhancement at the university is consistent with the approach advised by a working group convened by the Southeastern Conference Academic Consortium, which is housed at the University of Arkansas, according to the press release. “Charles Robinson is a friend and colleague in the history department whose teaching, mentorship and scholarship I admire tremendously,� said Bob McMath, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “He will be a very effective leader of the university’s renewed efforts to recruit outstanding minority students, staff and faculty members and to make this a community which embraces diversity in all its forms.� When people envision UA students, I want them to think of different ethnicities, not just one. “We learn from people who are unlike us. If UA is more inclusive, we can all benefit,� Robinson said. Alec Pedigo, a freshman, said there is not really a lot of cultural diversity on campus. “There’s not as much as there is at other schools,� he said. Senior dietetics major Neal Kellybrew said he agrees that different cultures should be more prevalent on campus. “I think one thing is that the different cultures should interact a little more. Different ethnicities should not only have a presence on campus, they should intermingle and mix together. Diversity takes time, but it just takes students to be aware and see it as an issue that needs to be addressed.�
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009 | Page 3
LOTTERY
from Page 1 junior high will be the ones who benefit from it, more so than anyone on this campus.� The lottery also comes with a cost to Arkansas’ neighbors. In Oklahoma, where scores of lottery ticket purchases have been made in eastern Oklahoma by Arkansas residents since 2005 when Oklahoma’s lottery games started, $12 million might be lost in sales during the first year Arkansas has its games, said Jim Scroggins, executive director of Oklahoma’s lottery, in an article in the Tulsa World. This would result in a loss of nearly $4 million for education, Scroggins said. “Those of us who were opposed said all along that it would be an unstable revenue source, that there would be a novelty effect in the beginning and that eventually it would falter,� said Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, in the Tulsa World.
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OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
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Though not ‘recession-proof,’ lottery is still important Gov. Mike Beebe last week signed into law the new state lottery legislation, which will fund college and university scholarships throughout Arkansas and push forward the state’s goal to have the lottery implemented by the fall of this year. But some Arkansans are still protesting the looming lottery. Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who proposed the legislation, has estimated that the lottery would provide up to $100 million in state scholarships. However, according to today’s front-page article, members of the Arkansas Faith and Ethics Council say that the lottery would raise no more than $50 million for state scholarships. Regardless of the morality of implementing a state lottery, the legislation has been signed into law, and $50 million is still plenty of money to give graduating high school seniors the opportunity to attend a college or university in the state. Opponents do have a point, however, when they cite the numerous reports that claim the lottery industry is hurting during this economic crisis. According to a December article in The Wall Street Journal, for example, ticket sales are down 10 percent in California and more than 4 percent in Texas – not good for an industry once touted as “recession-proof.” Whether the Arkansas lottery brings in $50 million, $100 million or more, though, the net proceeds are still being devoted entirely to student scholarships, and the importance of that can’t be denied.
NOT A DREAM COME TRUE How well we can imagine the heartbreak of UA student activists when they learned Monday the Arkansas Legislature failed to pass Senate Bill 799. These students – members of the coalition Arkansas Youth Thinking Ahead – had advocated tirelessly for increased educational opportunities for illegal immigrant students in Arkansas. As a part of that advocacy, they had pushed particularly hard for the passage of this bill – a bill that would have allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if they attended high school in Arkansas for at least three years and either graduated or received a general education diploma in the state. They’d met with legislators and vocalized their support at a press conference. They’d likely prayed, fretted and crossed their fingers for its passage. And, still, the bill failed. Why? Was it because most of the undocumented students in question have lived in Arkansas for most of their lives and inherited their illegal status through no fault of their own? Was it because many of these immigrants have proved themselves to be conscientious students who would likely complete their degree and contribute to the economic vitality of the state? Was it because the bill pertained strictly to educational access, because it contained no amnesty provisions of any kind? SB 799 has been associated with the DREAM Act, but, in reality, SB 799 is a bill even opponents of the DREAM Act could back. While the national version of the DREAM Act has been called a “stealth amnesty bill,” SB 799 in no way makes it easier for illegal immigrant students to obtain citizenship. The Arkansas bill does require that undocumented students file an affidavit stating that they have the intent to legalize their immigration status – but that doesn’t guarantee them legalization. Under SB 799, then, undocumented students would essentially be international students receiving in-state tuition because their parents have paid property and sales taxes in Arkansas that the parents of their foreign exchange student counterparts haven’t. What’s wrong with that?
Amendment to Sunday liquor laws a welcome change Act 294 was passed by the Arkansas Legislature in early March, putting the decision of whether state liquor stores should be open on Sundays in the hands of Arkansas residents, not local city councils and quorum courts. Finally, Arkansas is joining several other states that have begun to repeal “blue laws” still in place since Prohibition. The incentive to amend such restrictions? According to a 2008 article in U.S. News and World Report, states have repealed laws restricting Sunday liquor sales as a means for more revenue during economic downturns. And if there’s ever been an “economic downturn,” we’re experiencing one now. Every year, millions of tax dollars travel across Arkansas state lines on Sundays when residents go out of state to purchase their favorite alcoholic beverages. Now, thankfully, Arkansas voters have the opportunity to keep that tax money in Arkansas, and liquor store owners can decide for themselves whether to close their doors on Sundays, a much more sensible option than the government deciding for them.
EDITORIAL BOARD KIMBER WENZELBURGER| Editor TINA KORBE | Managing Editor BRIAN WASHBURN | News Editor JACLYN JOHNSON | Assistant News Editor 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. Letters appear in the order they were submitted as space permits. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse letters on the basis of length, accuracy, fairness, liability and sensibility.
POPE-POSTEROUS Condom remark warrants an apology
Science and religion have often had their differences, but when Pope Benedict XVI said that condoms make the African AIDS epidemic even worse, religious politics hit a whole new level. While visiting Africa in March, the pontiff told reporters “you cannot resolve (the spreading of HIV) with distribution of condoms” and “on the contrary, it increases it,” according to The Boston Globe. The bold claim garnered a mass of criticism by medical and health organizations. The Associated Press reported the statement was chastised by France, Germany and an AIDS-fighting United Nations agency as “irresponsible and dangerous.” Also, according to CNN, thousands have pledged to send the Vatican condoms in protest. It is almost understandable why the pope would make such declaration. Condoms cannot be the sole agent in the struggle against HIV. Besides, the man is Catholic. Obviously, Benedict does not approve of any form of contraception, and the Roman Catholic Church certainly does not condone premarital sex. But to state that condom use enlarges the rate of infections is utterly absurd. Regardless, several Catholic figureheads have remained supportive of the pope’s remark. The Vatican felt compelled to step in and say that “Benedict wanted to stress that a reliance on condoms distracted from the need for proper education in
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CLINT FULLEN cfullen@uark.edu
sexual conduct,” according to The Associated Press. Then again, if the pontiff really meant to say something to that effect, why didn’t he? After all, Benedict already knew the questions. According to The Associated Press, the Vatican asks reporters to submit questions in advance and then makes a selection, giving Benedict time to prepare a response. If Benedict wanted to, he could have been as clear and eloquent as possible. The pope could have said, “Abstinence is the best defense against HIV.” The pope could have said, “A reduction of rape and sexual abuse would severely curb transmission.” Benedict could have made note of how widespread polygamy and intergenerational relationships can make containing the virus difficult. Instead, the pontiff took his time with the press to demonize man’s most practical tool for safe sex. The British medical journal, The
Lancet, wrote, “When any influential person, be it a religious or political leader, makes a false scientific statement that could be devastating to the health of millions of people, they should retract or correct the public record.” The pope should repent publicly for his statement. Lord knows he’s had to do it in the past. It isn’t wrong to declare that condoms are not the end-all solution to sexually transmitted diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “It should be noted that condom use cannot provide absolute protection against HIV. The surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested and you know is uninfected.” However, to pronounce that condoms are making transmission increasingly worse is not fair to those who do not know any better. When the most powerful man in religion makes a blunt and erroneous claim on a matter of health and safety, it becomes appropriate to be more critical. Science and religion do not have to pose as adversaries, but when the bishop of Rome makes assertions like this, it makes it hard not to notice the discrepancy. Clint Fullen is a columnist for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every other Wednesday.
This time we mean it...
Obama should have taken ‘tough-love’ approach with automakers GUEST EDITORIAL
The Chicago Tribune Back in December, when General Motors and Chrysler begged Washington for help to avert bankruptcy, the Bush administration agreed to provide $17.4 billion, with a condition: the automakers had three months to come up with cost savings that would make them viable, or they’d get no more help. On Monday, President Barack Obama postponed the day of reckoning. But he insisted that it will come, and soon. The tough-love approach would have been better. Obama should have said, “You had three months to get the concessions you need to restore your financial health, and you failed. Good luck in bankruptcy court.” Instead, he let them off the hook, at least for now. Leaving the companies to Chapter 11 would have made it easier to get the concessions they so desperately need. It would have allowed them to keep operating while waiting for an improvement in the economy and the arrival of new vehicles that could revive their fortunes. It would also have spared taxpayers significant further risk.
But allowing two major employers to take a step that could lead to their demise is more than the administration could stomach during a painful recession. So Obama chose the second-best option: holding out the possibility of more aid at the end of 60 days (GM) or 30 days (Chrysler), while demanding that they “work with creditors, unions and other stakeholders to fundamentally restructure” and thus “give the American people confidence in their long-term prospects for success.” Chrysler would also have to reach an agreement to merge with Fiat to qualify for more help. In the meantime, Washington will assure them both “adequate working capital.” An ultimatum is more believable, of course, if you haven’t just failed to follow through on a previous one. Obama did get everyone’s attention by forcing out GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner, saying in effect, “Somebody has to take the fall, sweetheart.” Better, though, that the president not spend his time choosing scapegoats. There’s a lot of blame to share in Detroit. Obama pledged not to let the auto
industry die, but said bankruptcy or something similar is still an option for the automakers to “quickly clear away old debts that are weighing them down,” even as workers keep building cars. He also committed the federal government to guarantee their warranties, so consumers can buy GM and Chrysler vehicles without fear of being left in the lurch if the worst happens and they go out of business. That resolves the automakers’ key argument against declaring Chapter 11: that customers would flee out of concern that if they bought a car from a company in bankruptcy, they might not be able to get parts or warranty service on it in the future. The federal guarantee suggests that the administration may ultimately decide that bankruptcy is the least awful of its options. Faced with that sobering prospect, the unions, creditors, suppliers and dealers may conclude that they can’t count on a federal bailout and had better get serious about helping the companies survive. By delaying a decision, Obama rejected tough love in favor of semi-tough love. In 60 days, we’ll know if that’s tough enough.
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Seminar to highlight freedom of Islamic expression Saba Naseem
Senior Staff Writer Al-Islam Student Association will host a seminar on Islam and freedom of expression 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, in the Multicultural Center. AISA was formed in the wake of Sept. 11 to help foster peace and harmony among peoples of various religions and cultures through actively promoting programs to improve mutual understanding, according to the program. “Many people only try to find the difference between faiths,� AISA President Beth Ibrahim said. “We try to show the similarities between different religions and between the West and Islam.� In recent years, many events have raised questions about the freedom of expression in Islam with the Danish cartoon controversy, the Van Gogh murder, Salman Rushdie, the pope’s comments and other inflammatory publications that drew violent response from the Muslim world. Imam Azhar Haneef, a guest speaker from St. Louis, will be addressing these questions and more, as well as clearing up any misunderstandings. He is
a second-generation Muslim whose parents converted in the 1940s. He received his theosophical training in Pakistan and is currently Imam of Sadiq Mosque in St. Louis. “This topic is especially important because of the constant media coverage of the Middle East and Islam,� Ibrahim said. “A lot of the media portray the laws in the Middle East as negative. In many cases, the laws are oppressive to freedom of expression, but it is very important to distinguish between the government and what Islam truly teaches.� Many UA students have preconceived notions on the freedom of expression in Islam. “I believe there is freedom of expression in the Middle East to a certain extent, but more often than not, we see the harsher side through the media,� said Cassie Glidewell, a freshman education major. “Everyone should have all rights, including the right to speech, to the press and to choose their own religion,� she said. “It’s important to understand and learn about Islam so we know the difference between what the religion teaches and what the governments say they do.� Gavely Toor, a freshman
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009| Page 5
the clause, and then started opening up on Sunday, he said. In the beginning, it was upsetfrom Page 1 ting to be open every day of the week, Svendsen said. on Sundays for about six years, “It’s our option; we don’t have Svendsen said. Svendsen thinks to, but you don’t want your reguthe store owners in Fayetteville lar customer going somewhere are probably just waiting to see else,� Svendsen said. the community’s reaction, he The extra day of income did said. Also, opening on Sundays help all those who sell liquor, would infringe on many people’s including restaurants that now only day off, he said. no longer need to purchase a In Eureka, the ability to sell special permit, Svendsen said. liquor on Sunday was voted in “I have to say it really did under an emergency clause that improve a lot of (liquor) business had been added during a vote here in Eureka,� he said. on another issue, Svendsen said. Though he doesn’t know why the city decided to add the clause, Svendsen thinks perhaps it was from Page 1 originally part of a plan to add a tax, though that never happened, Students may vote from their he said. “At first, honestly, we thought own computer or visit the polling they should have asked the own- station that the ASG will set up in ers what they wanted to do,� the Union during the week of the election. Svendsen said. Campaigns for ASG executive He and other store owners office must follow rules similar to talked among themselves about
LIQUOR
biology major, said that even though leaders of MiddleEastern countries often say they embrace freedom of expression, from what he has seen, that freedom “is very limited.� According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Every citizen of a member state has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.� Unfortunately, many Muslim nations either have not included these rights into their respective constitutions or have refused to grant them to their citizens on religious pretexts, which begs an explanation as to what freedoms Islam actually offers, according to the program. For this very reason, Haneef will clarify the Islamic teaching regarding freedom of expression for the local community. The seminar will be followed by a question and answer session and reception with the guest speaker.
ASG
those of the senate elections that occurred at the beginning of the school year. To be eligible to run for an ASG executive position, candidates had to write a three-sentence introductory paragraph to appear in the candidate e-newsletter and on the tri-fold kiosks displayed in front of the Union and Brough Commons, as well as fill out an application with an essay question. The candidates also had to report the names and student ID numbers of all people working on their campaign, attend an informational meeting, and turn in 50 valid student signatures to be eligible to run. To win, candidates must receive more than half of all votes. If 50 percent is not reached by any candidate, the two candidates who received the most votes will enter a run-off. New officers will be sworn in at 12:30 p.m. May 1 in the Multicultural Center after a luncheon with Chancellor G. David Gearhart.
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SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
Gymnastics Regional Arkansas hosts NCAA South Central Regional Meet Friday in Sports Page 6 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009 COMMENTARY
What could have been with Anderson I believe that John Pelphrey is a good coach and is putting the pieces together to put Arkansas in position for a return to national respect and competitiveness. But, wow!
Extra Points
JIMMY CARTER jicarter@uark.edu
You would be hard pressed to find an Arkansas fan who did not retire “Woo, Pig Sooie” for the “M-I-Z...Z-O-U” chant over the past two weeks. That’s because former Nolan Richardson-assistant Mike Anderson had Hog fans seeing shades of yester-year as his Tigers captured the Big 12 tournament title and advanced within a game of the Final Four before bowing out in a hard-fought 82-75 loss to topseeded UConn. He did it using the up-tempo, pressing style of play that he and Richardson perfected over the course of 17 years in Fayetteville. During that time, Richardson and his right-hand man won nearly 400 games and reached three Final Fours including the school’s only championship in 1994 and a runner-up finish the following year. As Anderson’s “Fastest 40 Minutes” version of Richardson’s pressure wrought havoc on the Tiger’s opponents, including a thrilling 102-91 victory over No. 2 seed Memphis in the Sweet Sixteen, it left Arkansas fans regretting the fact that Anderson got away. It is a shame that Anderson had no chance of being the 11th Arkansas basketball coach. Not after Richardson was fired after uttering the phrase, “If they go ahead and pay me my money, they can take the job tomorrow,” following a disappointing loss at Kentucky. Until that point, many believed Anderson was the likely successor, but Richardson’s messy firing effectively ended any chances of the pupil carrying on the teacher’s legacy. Anderson was too close to Richardson and there were too many egos involved – Richardson, former athletic director Frank Broyles and former chancellor John White – and too many burnt bridges to allow an AndersonArkansas union. Looking back, it may have been the biggest mistake Arkansas has ever made. Anderson was quickly hired as the head coach at UAB and recently said, “The minute I left (Arkansas), I left it behind.” The cupboard had been left bare for new Razorbacks coach Stan Heath, but things would have been different had Anderson gotten the job. Current Philadelphia 76er’s superstar Andre Igoudala was committed to the Razorbacks when Richardson was fired and asked for his release when Anderson was not hired. It’s safe to say Igoudala would have made a sizeable impact on the program. J.J. Sullinger transferred to Ohio State and was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes after averaging 9.4 points as a freshman for the Hogs. Wen Mukubu never fit in Heath’s system and transferred to play for Anderson at UAB. Mukubu averaged 14 points per game as a senior for the Blazers. Those three players along with Jonathan Modica, Rashard Sullivan, Blake Eddins, Larry Satchell, Alonzo Lane and Dionisio Gomez would have formed the core of Anderson’s first team. See
CARTER on Page 8
Sports Editor: Bart Pohlman | Assistant Sports Editor: Matt Watson
A TALE OF TWO QUARTERBACKS: PART ONE
Living a dream Mallett finally gets his chance at Arkansas Jimmy Carter Staff Writer
Everyone knows the skinny on Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. He’s a 6-foot-7, 250-pound sophomore with a rocket right arm. But, punter? Sure enough, the sophomore signal caller lined up in punt formation on the second day of spring practice. And he wasn’t half bad, consistently booming 35-yard punts with solid hangtime. With no proven punter on campus, Razorback coach Bobby Petrino decided to experiment with Mallett, and the quarterback jumped at the opportunity to help his team. “I punted in high school, and coach asked me if I could punt a little bit in the spring,” Mallett. “If it helps the team, I’ll do whatever.” Mostly, Mallett is just excited that he is finally living out his childhood dream as an Arkansas Razorback, a dream that looked like it would go unfulfilled after he signed with Michigan out of high school in 2007. “I grew up 30 minutes from here, and I always wanted to be a Hog,” Mallett said. “Playing for the Hogs is every kid in Arkansas’ dream growing up. I’m living a dream right now that I’ve had since I was born.” The Texarkana, Texas, native was rated the No. 4 player in the nation by one service, but Gus Malzahn had just been named the new offensive coordinator at Arkansas and the Hogs had just inked Malzahn’s star pupil, quarterback Mitch Mustain. Mallett read the writing on the wall and chose Michigan over Texas. As a true freshman, Mallett played in 11 games, including three starts, while throwing for 892 yards and seven touchdowns for the Wolverines. Mallett’s coach, Lloyd Carr, retired amid pressure following a 9-4 season and Michigan hired Rich Rodriquez, who brought with him a spread-option offense ill-suited for Mallett’s talents.
Petrino was hired as head coach of the Razorbacks, and Mallett saw an opportunity for him to don the cardinal-andwhite, just like he had always imagined. “The situation wasn’t right out of high school so I went up north,” Mallett said. “The situation ended up not being right after a year so I came back where I wanted to go. No regrets.” After being forced to sit out a year due to NCAA regulations regarding transfers, Mallett is locked into a battle for Arkansas’ starting quarterback position. The road hasn’t been without bumps, though. The quarterback was arrested on March 1 for public intoxication and has since taken part in early morning workouts and followed a strict curfew, orders of Petrino. Mallett realizes that he is put on a pedestal and the choices he makes are magnified. “You’re different than a normal student (as a Razorback) so you’ve got to find that out pretty fast,” Mallett said. Despite the arrest, the general consensus among Razorback fans remains that Mallett is not only the leading candidate to line up at quarterback when the Hogs open the season against Missouri State on September 5, but that he is also the kind of quarterback that will lead their team to a championship before his time in Fayetteville comes to an end. Such lofty expectations might be unwelcome to some players, but the ever-confident Mallett said he didn’t feel pressure to perform and added that the competition for the starting position is fostering improvement from everyone involved. Petrino has liked Mallett’s attitude since the quarterback stepped foot on campus, but noted the gunslinger’s play has plenty of room for improvement. “The first thing he’s doing well is he’s leading,” Petrino said. “He does a great job of executing the way a quarterSee
MALLETT on Page 8
Did you know? Kentucky hired Memphis basketball coach John Calipari to replace the fired Billy Gillispie.
Phone: 575.7051 | E-mail: travsprt@uark.edu SEC BASEBALL STANDINGS
1. ARKANSAS (8-1) No. 13 in Baseball America poll
Coach’s take: “It’s always nice to be atop the standings. But we want to be atop the standings at the end of the year. The main thing for us is to play well and be better. When we have a chance to win, we need to do it... I keep telling the guys to keep working hard and everything will work itself out,” Coach Dave Van Horn said.
2. GEORGIA (7-2)
No. 6 in Baseball America poll
Big hitter: Junior first baseman Rich Poythress was named National Hitter of the Week yesterday after hitting five home runs in four games last week. For the season, Poythress is leading the SEC with a .447 batting average and has 13 home runs and 47 RBIs.
3. LSU (6-3)
No. 2 in Baseball America poll
Solid rotation: The Tigers have three pitchers in the top three in ERA in the conference, Louis Coleman (1.23), Austin Ross (2.48) and Chris Matulis (2.51). A fourth LSU pitcher, Anthony Ranaudo, leads the league in strikeouts (60).
4. FLORIDA (6-3)
No. 20 in Baseball America poll
Hot streak: The Gators have won six straight conference games, against Alabama and Tennessee, since being swept by Arkansas in the conference opener. Florida has won nine of its last 10 overall.
5. OLE MISS (5-4)
No. 15 in Baseball America poll
Home warriors: The Rebels are 12-3 at the recently renovated Oxford-University Stadium. But they have missed some opportunities on the road, losing four one-run games away from home.
6. AUBURN (4-5) All offense: Auburn leads the SEC in home runs with 58, but the Tigers allow opposing hitters to bat .320 against them and they’ve given up the most runs in the SEC, including an average of 8.8 runs yielded in their five conference losses.
7. SOUTH CAROLINA (4-5) Diamond defense: The Gamecocks lead the SEC in fielding percentage (.977) and have committed the fewest errors (22) of any team. But South Carolina is prone to giving up big innings, allowing double-digit runs to opponents in six of its seven losses overall.
8. KENTUCKY (4-5) Kentucky workhorse: Senior pitcher Chris Rusin has already compiled a league-high 42 innings this season, including 2 complete games. Rusin (4-1, 3.21 ERA) has struck out 55 batters against just eight walks. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ Detroit Free Press/MCT JONATHAN GIBSON Staff Photographer
Texarkana, Texas-native Ryan Mallett spent one year at the University of Michigan before transferring to Arkansas to play for coach Bobby Petrino.
SOFTBALL
Razorbacks head to Tulsa for Border War Derex Oxford
Senior Staff Writer The Border War is on. Arkansas looks to take the confidence it earned in Sunday’s 6-0 win over Ole Miss into today’s games in Tulsa, Okla., with neighboring Oklahoma State and Tulsa. “Today was huge for us to salvage a win in this series,” Arkansas head coach Jamie Pinkerton said after Sunday’s game. “I also thought it was a good way for us to pick up a little momentum heading into the Border War games and then hosting Auburn next weekend.” Miranda Dixon is coming off a 10-strikeout performance along with hitting a two-run shot in Sunday’s game against the Rebels.
“Miranda pitched well today as she did (on Saturday),” Pinkerton said. “The difference is we scored more runs for her today and she got the win.” It was Dixon’s second completegame shutout of the Southeastern Conference season as she walked only a single Ole Miss batter. “She deserved the win Saturday, too,” Pinkerton said. “I was proud of the way she came out and worked ahead of hitters. It was a gutsy performance for her, which is what you want from your ace when your team is on a losing streak.” The Razorbacks (19-13, 8-4) will take time out of their SEC slate to battle the Cowgirls and Golden Hurricane. Arkansas has already played OSU once this season, losing 7-6 on the fi-
nal day of the Oklahoma State Mizuno Classic. Oklahoma State jumped ahead 6-0 in that game, but Arkansas responded and tied things up, then gave up a run late and went down in defeat. That game against the Cowgirls prepared Arkansas for conference play, where the Razorbacks have compiled an 8-4 record, with a majority of those games coming on the road. “We started conference play with eight of 11 games on the road, and to come out of that with a 5-3 record in those road games is great,” Pinkerton said. Tulsa is an opponent Arkansas has not faced this season, but the Golden Hurricane are no slouch, either. See
BORDER WAR on Page 8
9. ALABAMA (3-6) Offense aplenty: The Crimson Tide lead the SEC in team batting average (.338), hits (317), doubles (66) and RBIs (227). Kent Matthes has hit a conferencebest 16 home runs and boasts a 1.000 slugging percentage.
10. VANDERBILT (3-6) Power outage: The Commodores have only hit 18 home runs as a team. Vanderbilt hitters have also grounded into a league-worst 29 double plays, more than one per game.
11. MISSISSIPPI STATE (3-6) Speed demon: Bulldog speedster Grant Hogue is a perfect 16-for-16 at swiping bases this season. Mississippi State is 41-for-54 (76 percent) as team.
12. TENNESSEE (1-8) Slumping Vols: Tennessee has the worst of both worlds, recording the worst team ERA in the league (5.88) while scoring the least amount of runs (169).
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DOWNTIME Before you do business with a company you don’t know, check them out with the Better Business Bureau by calling the BBB at 501-664-7274 or online at www. bbb.org. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Zac Brown Band tickets needed. Please contact me if you would like to sell. jlc011@uark.edu
Chi Alpha and the Catfish Farmers of AR will have their 4th annual Free Fish FRYday, April 3 at 6p.m. at the Chi Alpha house at 612 N. Leverett. Come get some free catfish! See you there!
ROOMMATE WANTED
Roommate needed ASAP for retro house on blue bus route. Rent $210 per month plus utilities. Call 479-8839377
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009 | Page 7
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WONDERMARK | David Malki
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BLISS | Harry Bliss
HOROSCOPES | Linda Black ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) TODAY IS AN 8. Hanging out at home is a good place for you to come up with new inspirations. It frees your subconscious mind. Comfort snacks help, too. Chocolate is recommended.
CROSSWORD
TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) TODAY IS A 5. You’re under pressure, but you’ve got good support.Your basics are sound.You can resist and survive just about any calamity that comes your way.You’re a rock, with an imagination. GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 21) TODAY IS AN 8. Get serious about your career, make some radical moves. Don’t do it just for the fun of it; do it to make more money. If you also have more fun, so much the better. CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) TODAY IS A 6. Others have been bossing you around, and you’ve been holding back.This is good. Keep doing it. You can get your point across in more subtle ways. No need to raise your voice. LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) TODAY IS AN 8. Others rely on you to help them make sound decisions. If you keep doing that, they’ll give you even more authority.You might as well know this ahead of time. It’s about to happen again.
SUDOKU
VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) TODAY IS A 5. Your work should be very interesting now.There’s certainly plenty of it. Don’t discuss it with anyone but the people involved. Strict confidentiality is required. LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) TODAY IS A 9. There seems to be a very attractive person in your life right now. Don’t toss your responsibilities and run away to a life of romance. Make time in your busy schedule for a little more romance now. SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) TODAY IS A 6. If you can spend just a little more time and fine-tune your plans somewhat, you’ll find they flow effortlessly.You will be able to tell when it’s time to act.Trust your intuition. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) TODAY IS AN 8. You’d rather be playing.That won’t pay the rent. Do you have enough stashed away to take a vacation? If not, better get back to the office, or wherever you ply your trade
LEVEL: HARD COMPLETE THIS GRID SO EVERY ROW, COLUMN, AND 3X3 BOX CONTAINS EVERY DIGIT FROM 1 TO 9 INCLUSIVELY
MONDAY’S SOLUTION
CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) TODAY IS A 5. You’re growing impatient and can’t understand the hassles you encounter.Your method is practical. Why don’t they agree? Maybe you need to spend more time educating them. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) TODAY IS A 7. Stay busy with a new assignment. You think you already know how this is going to turn out, but you don’t.You can increase income markedly if you’re quick. Pay attention. PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) TODAY IS A 6. You’d like to get going, but where? Don’t make a move until you decide. Ask an older person who has a better view of the whole situation. No need to go down a dead end.
MONDAY’S SOLUTION
1/6/09 10:26:49 AM
Page 8 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009
FLOWERS from Page 9
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks opened in May 2008 with the help of grants and donations, and is the result of a volunteer-led, grass-
LIFESTYLES
roots effort, according to the BGO Web site. The “I-540 Flowers: Cultivating the Northwest Arkansas Neighborhood” project was originally supported by the Jim and Diane Blair Charitable Foundation, according to the Web site.
WORKOUT from Page 9
JOELLE STORET Staff Artist
BORDER WAR from Page 6
LARRY ASH Staff Photographer
SCARVES from Page 9
Horlick, adding that her only background in fashion is her former habit of dressing up in her grandmother’s clothes as a child. Horlick’s vintage collection comes in a wide range of styles, including animal prints and solid colors. As her business continues to grow, Horlick now works
with two people from Australia, two from Arkansas and one in California. She hopes her business will grow and expand even further. Horlick said her prices are affordable for the great quality of the merchandise. Scarves can be purchased online at Thevintagescarf.com or by telephone at 1-888-364-9749. The Vintage Scarf also offers free next-day shipping.
THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER | www.thetraveleronline.com
They have a 21-9 overall mark, including a 6-2 record in Conference USA play, and beat Oklahoma State 5-3 last Wednesday. “That was a good win,” Tulsa head coach John Bargfeldt said after the win over Oklahoma State. “That’s a good ballclub, and they’ve been hot. For most of this year, they have been scoring a lot of runs and having great pitching.” Nebraska split with Oklahoma State over the weekend, handing the Cowgirls their first conference loss of the season, which currently leaves them at 26-8 overall. Whitney Cloer recorded her 25th RBI of the season in Sunday’s win over Ole Miss, while Kayla Johnson had a monster outing the
day before in a doubleheader. The senior from Bartlesville, Okla., had four hits and three RBIs in the twin bill on Saturday, although the Razorbacks lost a pair of one-run decisions. Dixon pitched in the second game and gave up only three runs, but they all came at an inopportune time in the sixth inning and Arkansas didn’t have an answer.
CARTER
from Page 6 But none of that ever came to fruition. Since Richardson was fired, Arkansas has been to three NCAA tournaments and won one tournament game. Meanwhile, Anderson has been to four NCAAs and one NIT while at UAB and Missouri. An-
cause it helps stimulate adrenaline flow and it rejuvenates the body. Adrenaline-pumping music is very popular because it motivates students to work harder and longer by keeping up with the beat and finish the workout stronger. “I like to listen to stuff that has a deep bass beat, something like Fort Minor,” said sophomore Biz Klessig. “I also like stuff that is fun, like Panic! At the Disco’s first CD.” Klessig also likes to listen to music that puts her in a good mood or music that makes her think, “Yeah, I can do this!”, which makes her work harder, she said. Students’ music preferences
also reflect the type of workouts they perform Sophomore Justin Phillips prefers to listen to placid music when he bikes. “I listen to mellow music while biking because biking puts me at ease and relaxes me,” Phillips said. “But when I’m at the gym, (I listen to) punk music.” The HPER also plays music to keep the rigorous energy flowing. If students don’t take their iPods with them to the gym, they resort to listening to the music selection, where top rap hits are played. After the workout, many students like to listen to mellow, chill music, such as Enya and Josh Groban, while stretching. Calming music helps bring the heart rate down and promotes relaxation, according to the article on Thesportjournal.org.
derson has won six NCAA tournament games and advanced to both the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight. Anderson took over a UAB program that was 44-45 in three seasons prior to his hiring and a Missouri program riddled by an NCAA investigation from previous coach Quinn Snyder’s tenure. Despite less-than-stellar circumstances, Anderson managed to rebuild both programs in remarkable time. Since Anderson’s Blazers defeated Memphis in his final season in Birmingham the Tigers have run off 61 consecutive Conference USA victories. This season, Anderson recorded the first 30-win season in Missouri basketball history. Over the past seven years, Anderson has gone 153-76 with
his patented in-your-face style of pressure basketball, captivating fans. Arkansas is 119-98 over the same period of time and has fallen from the ranks of elite programs as fan interest has waned. Who knows, maybe it worked out for the best that Anderson was able to get out from under his mentor’s shadow and imprint his own legacy on his own program. Like the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. One thing has become painfully obvious, though. It looks like Arkansas needed Mike Anderson a lot more than Mike Anderson needed Arkansas.
MALLETT
successful with Mallett’s NFLcaliber arm capable of throwing a 60-yard strike with the flick of his wrist. “With Mallett, the deep ball is a lot more in our offense,” offensive coordinator/receivers coach Paul Petrino said. “I think it’s just a matter of repping it, repping it and then understanding that ball is going to get there and then going to make the play.” The prospect of heavy doses of deep routes has Arkansas’ receivers licking their lips in anticipation. “It’s real exciting,” sophomore receiver Jarius Wright said. “I’m pretty fast, I run a lot of deep routes and we’ve got a quarterback with a real strong arm that can put the ball on the money. Say you run a go route – he can throw it deep to you.” Bobby Petrino tells recruits that the Razorbacks’ goal is nothing less than to win a national championship. And as unimaginable as it seemed back in 2007, Ryan Mallett has a chance to be an integral piece of the puzzle. Such storybook endings are normally reserved for Hollywood, but Mallett’s just living his dream.
from Page 6 -back needs to from the huddle to the line-of-scrimmage, getting the ball snapped. He understands what we’re doing. “He still has a long way to go, but I do like the way he’s been working at it.” Mallett agreed with his coach’s assessment. “I’m getting better every day,” Mallett said. “There’s too many things (to improve on) to pick just one. Working on knowledge of the offense, protection calls and all that kind of stuff. Learning the playbook in and out.” Although the competition is intense between Mallett, Tyler Wilson and Jim Youngblood, the three quarterbacks are all friends outside the lines. “I think we’re pretty close,” Mallett said. “We hang out in just the meetings, just helping each other, just joking around sometimes. All in all, we all got a good relationship with each other.” The downfield passing game figures to be more prevalent and
Jimmy Carter is a staff writer for The Arkansas Traveler.
LIFESTYLES
Sleeping patterns and pills THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER How do caffeine and sleeping pills affect students’ sleeping patterns? Friday in Lifestyles Page 9 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009
Lifestyles Editor: Anna Nguyen | Assistant Lifestyles Editor: Lindsey Pruitt
FEATURE
Fanciful art flowers now at Botanical Garden
LARRY ASH Staff Photographer
Houston-based artist Lee Littlefield’s whimsical flower sculptures are displayed at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks.
Taniah Tudor
Senior Staff Writer A group of sculptures formerly installed along Interstate 540 will now be on display in the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. The sculptures, which look
like exotic flowers, were originally part of an outdoor public art installation called “I540 Flowers: Cultivating the Northwest Arkansas Neighborhood” by sculptor Lee Littlefield, according to the Walton Arts Center Web site. The flowers were set up in
clusters on private land along I-540 between Fayetteville and Bella Vista, said Terri Trotter, the interim president and CEO of the center. The center’s administration commissioned Littlefield to create the colorful and whimsical installation because they wanted to do a public arts display that drew attention to art in Northwest Arkansas, Trotter said. The installation was set along I-540 because it unites the whole region of NWA. The center thought commissioning a work that united the region would be a fun thing to do, she said. Littlefield is a painter and sculptor who installed his first freeway site sculpture, called “Pop-Up,” on I-10 East in Houston in 1998. His fascination with bayous influences the fantastical floral and vegetal quality of his work, he said, according to his Web site. The flowers appeared along I-540 for almost two years. Recently, because the flowers are made from a natural medium, such as vines and wood, some have had begun to come down, Trotter said. “We had lost many of the flowers,” Trotter said. “We began moving the clusters around.” The WAC decided to take the installation down while some flowers remained to be saved and they could go on to have another life and creative
opportunity in NWA, Trotter said. Workers at the center came up with the idea to display the flowers at the Botanical Garden, and started working with the garden to see how it might use the flowers, she said. The flowers are on view in the “pinetum,” a display of varieties of conifers along Highway 265, said Sarah King, the director of community programs for the Botanical Garden. “The flowers look quite at home there,” King said. Although the flowers are abstract sculptures, they are also “fanciful, funky botanicals” that make sense in the garden. The garden now has 37,000 tulips blooming, which look beautiful with the brilliant colors of the art flowers, she said. The flowers have a new life at the garden, and people now have a chance to see them up close, King said. The flowers will be displayed at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks through October, when several of the flowers will be auctioned off at the “Chef’s in the Garden” event, said Katherine Barnhart, the garden’s plant collections specialist. Residents are encouraged to view the “flowers” while they are being displayed, King said. See
FLOWERS on Page 8
The Vintage Scarf offers exclusive authentic selection Brittany Arroyos
working full-time. I received a vintage scarf in the mail from my mom and just looked at it, and the history of it was playing in my mind.” Horlick deems herself as a “solopreneur” meaning that she is the sole being in charge of her business. She purchases her own scarves, runs the Web site and takes photos of her products. The Vintage Scarf was created to provide the most fashionable, comfortable and quality scarves at an affordable price, according to Horlick’s Web site, T h e v i n t a g e s c a r f. com. In Horlick’s collection, the scarves date back to the 1930s and 1980s, each one a unique sample of a particular style. “I inspect every single scarf before I sell it,” Horlick said. “I will not sell anything with the slightest flaw.” Her ambition is evident when she discusses her love for her work. “This is something I have always wanted to do, and you have to at least try or you will always regret it,” said
Staff Writer
Since fall, scarves have experienced a comeback in fashion and are even popular with men. Scarves can be worn multiple ways. Light enough to wear in the summer, thick enough to keep people warm in the winter, scarves are the ultimate accessory with any outfit. When it comes to fashion, who doesn’t enjoy versatile accessories that can be worn in more than one way? And when they can be purchased from someone who is as passionate about her product as purchasers are with finding quality fashion for great prices, they’re a no-brainer. The Vintage Scarf is the right place for fashionistas for all ages. Paula Horlick of Bella Vista envisioned starting her own business specializing in vintage scarves and scarf accessories, including scarf clips and buckles. “I wanted something unique and different from everybody else,” Horlick said. “I actually started my business on the side when I was
FITNESS
COURTESY PHOTO
See
SCARVES on Page 8
Phone: 575.7540 | E-mail: travlife@uark.edu
COMMENTARY
Sex trafficking: be aware Life with Lindsey
LINDSEY PRUITT lpruitt@uark.edu
Sex trafficking. Ever heard of it? Thought about it? Wondered what it was? It’s most likely a safe bet that most of us don’t think about sex trafficking on a regular basis. Plus, that stuff just happens in dirty foreign countries to drugged-up, stupid girls dripping in poverty. Right? Wrong! I recently ventured to the movies one night hoping for the usual two hours of scheduled entertainment. After a whole day of classes, I was really hoping to relax, sit back and enjoy a good film. My friend and I decided to see “Taken,” an interesting title, which looked like a good thriller but nothing too heavy. Within the first 30 minutes of the film, I was anything but relaxed. The movie is about a teenage girl and her friend visiting Europe to stay in an upscale flat in Paris. Her naive friend, who had her tell her parents they would be staying with the friend’s family, fooled the main character. When they arrive, she realizes the flat is empty and they are on their own. Having told a “cute” European guy where their flat was, within the first few minutes of stepping inside, the girls were both “taken.” Keep in mind that these girls were American, straight out of decent and wealthy families, went to school, had dreams about college, and led pretty normal lives. Normal lives like you and I. After having been kidnapped, they spiral into a world of drugs, sex and violence. The scenes are brutal, disgusting, and awful and definitely reflect the sickness and evil of mankind. But the lesson to be learned here is that these girls were not stupid foreign girls dripping in poverty; they were the girls sitting next to you in psychology class or the ones you saw at a party Friday night. These were girls you might have known. These were girls that could have been you. I encourage everyone to watch the movie. I think it’s a real eye-opener. So now you’re thinking, “Phew, I’m glad that doesn’t happen in the United States!” Well, I hate to burst your oh, so innocent bubble, but it does happen very year to more than 100,000 girls between the ages of 9 and 19. And many victims are not just runaways or kids who’ve been abandoned. Many of them are from what would be considered “good” families, experts say. Predators hang out at any place that girls in this age group could be, and they are trained to read children and know what their vulnerabilities are. They don’t necessarily have a foreign accent or dark demeanor. They, most likely, look normal and harmless. A common way girls are tricked into sex trafficking is being approached, called beautiful and offered a modeling job. The ones promoting the business don’t mention the gang raping during the offer. Disturbing fact: most men who traffic are married. I wonder if the wife knows? Sex businesses thrive in all areas – urban, suburban and rural, as well as in areas surrounding U.S. military bases. The whole deal is, of course, very shady. The actual sex takes place in a variety of places including the backs of well-known businesses or venues, and in makeshift brothels in trailer parks or abandoned warehouses. The location is always changing, and the girls are constantly on the move, depending on the demand of their age, body type, hair color, etc., and because they are on the move, they are less likely to be caught. Just like in the movie, these girls are forced to take drugs, and they quickly become addicted, making it difficult for them to escape or resist at all. If they do try to resist, they are severely beaten and may be raped even more viciously than normal. Recovered victims have been reported as having broken bones, open cuts in need of stitches, head injuries and diseases. HIV is common among victims because condoms cost money. Victims of sex trafficking are stripped of all dignity and pride, and the traffickers literally force them to sell their soul. The Central Intelligence Agency reports that human trafficking is the third largest criminal industry in the world, right behind drugs and gun smuggling. Being that high on the list, it’s a wonder that we aren’t more informed on the issue. I guess the image of the American Dream has shoved issues like this one behind Lady Liberty’s flame, and those behind it just continue to burn. It’s important that girls know about issues like this one and are aware of the dangers. I know that not all of us travel to foreign countries on a regular basis, but the United States has its share of trafficking making us at risk, too. Knowledge is protection and the word is out, so next time a well-dressed man calls you pretty, think twice. Lindsey Pruitt is the assistant lifestyles editor for The Arkansas Traveler. Her column appears every other Wednesday.
What music pumps you up for a workout?
Kelsey McQueary Staff Writer
Music genres with a constant, strong beat – like techno – are popular with students who enjoy listening to music while they work out, they said.
“I like to listen to jam (music) or rap,” said UA junior Kalee Beason. “Both are peppy (and) it helps to keep the same rhythm. Keeping with the same rhythm helps with the adrenaline because it feels like the workout goes by fast and gives the feeling
of resting even though the body is still working hard.” Techno and hard rock seem to be popular workout music because of their steady, repetitive beats. Often when people work out, they want their music to accommodate their hard work, and
techno and hard rock music are best suited to accomplish that goal. Music can impact exercise performance in several different ways, according to a July 2008 article published by the United States Sports Academy. Music
is distracting and can take the mind off of fatigue. Upbeat music often stimulates longer, more intense workouts. The rhythm and flow of the music can help exercisers move through their routines more effectively and efficiently, according to the article.
“I like to listen to Disturbed (and) Limp Bizkit,” said senior Carter Calico. “The hard rock helps with keeping the adrenaline going.” Upbeat music is preferred beSee
WORKOUT on Page 8
Page 10 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009
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