University Club
ks Out
Vol. 106, NO. 22 UATRAV.COM
PAGE 1 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
University Programs Concerts May Move to the AMP
Housing Officials Consider Air Conditioning for Humphreys by LANDON REEVES Staff Writer
see HUMPHREYS on page 2
by SARAH DEROUEN Staff Writer
CHANDLER CRACRAFT STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University Housing officials are investigating the cost of putting air-conditioning in Humphreys Hall, but they have not given any dates for when the project will start or finish, officials said. Construction crews started preparing the residence hall for air-conditioning during the $2 million of upgrades that began this summer, said Florence Johnson, interim executive director for University Housing. This work allows housing to upgrade to air-conditioning with little impact to student life, Johnson said. The cost of finishing the project was estimated to be $850,000 to $900,000 by UA Housing and Facilities Management. But the installation is in limbo because the department hasn’t raised the funds, Johnson said. “For the next phase, we have only put together what is called a blue budget form,” she said. “A blue budget is a form Facilities Management uses to get all the cost of a project together.” The funding method for all UA housing programs and projects comes from revenue generated by student contracts and conference housing during the summer. Housing still needs money for installation and upkeep, Johnson said. “There will probably be some type of increase to the rate of Humphreys,” Johnson said. “Because of the increased use of chilled water, that is how buildings are air-conditioned. There is still more work that has to be done in the mechanical room and there is also the connection to the main chilled line.” The UA has kicked around the idea of installing air-conditioning in Humphreys for years, but nothing has been done until this summer, said Reggie Houser, assistant director for facilities administration. “I have been in my current position at Housing for over 20 years,” Houser said. “[Air-conditioning] has never gone two years without being discussed.” Residents move into Humphreys in August, about a month before the weather cools, so air-conditioning has never been a high priority, Houser said. But that’s changed in recent years. “More and more over the
UA Transit Installs Bus Security Cameras by BAILEY KESTNER Contributing Writer
The Department of Parking and Transit recently installed cameras on nearly all of the UA buses, a transit official said. “Most better transit systems have security cameras installed in them,” said Mike Seither, associate director of transit. The Federal Transit Authority administration requested that the department install the cameras, which are meant to keep students safe and keep drivers accountable in case of an accident, Seither said “With the security cameras, we are better able to review customer courtesy put forth from the driver in conflict, but even more importantly, adjudicate vehicular accidents,” he said. In the event of an accident, the cameras allow the transit department to discern the speed at which the bus was going, where the incident took place, and what actually caused it to happen, Seither said. “While we do not have many problems on the UA campus buses concerning poor behavior of riders,
In This Issue:
News
New Mentoring Program
UA has new mentoring program for Hispanic students.
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News
Advising Will Not Change
it is helpful to have a record of what happened in any conflicts without all the ‘he said, she said,’” Seither said. The security cameras also discourage bad behavior, he said. When passengers know they are being recorded, they are less inclined to act up. “When riders recognize the fact that they will not be able to lie about their actions when later confronted, they are more likely to cooperate,” he said. Students said they weren’t bothered by the cameras. “I’m used to security cameras everywhere, so it personally doesn’t bother me to see one on the bus I ride,” said Suzanne Murphy, freshman anthropology major. Sophomore geography major Aaron Mills said the cameras make him feel safer. “Based on the fact that it is a public transit opened to people off the campus along with UA students, I think it is a good idea,” Mills said. “I have had a few issues in the past with other people on the bus. If it was just the UA students riding the bus, I would be more lenient in saying we do not need them.”
Features
The Rapture’s” In The Grace of Your Love” Good Dance Rock
Fulbright advising will not change operations to accom- Album is a fun listen, but modate the record-breaking not a legendary hit number of students.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 VOL. 106, NO. 22 8 PAGES UATRAV.COM
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Many of the buses recently purchased by the UA already had security cameras, Seither said. “Since 2007, the UA has been buying buses already containing the cameras. We used a $60,000 federal grant to pay for these buses, which in actuality cost $75,000, leaving the UA to spend only $15,000,” Seither said. All the buses now contain security cameras and many of the older cameras have been recently replaced with a newer version, Seither said. “They are for our protection as well as the students,” said David Robinson, UA transit bus driver. “The video cameras catch everything that happens on the bus and in front of the bus so the account of what happened is not just our word.” Robinson said he hopes one camera, the one positioned right behind the driver, won’t be used to spy on the driver. “The SafeRide vans on campus feature the video cameras as well,” said Josh Hilton, UA bus driver. “I think they are a good addition to this campus, they protect both the drivers and students of the UA.”
Features
Sports
The Arkansas Music Pavilion could become a future venue for University Programs’ concerts once renovations are completed to the AMP, a university official said. On Sept. 14, University Programs provided a free concert for students. Eli Young Band was originally set to perform at the Chi Omega Greek theater, but because of rain and construction the venue was change to the AMP, said Trisha Blau, program coordinator for the office of student activities. This was the first event provided by University Programs in the AMP. At least 4,500 people attended the concert, Blau said. “That’s one of our biggest concerts that we’ve had for University Programs, and it went over pretty smoothly and everything, so I would consider it a success,” Blau said. With renovations set to begin on the AMP in October, University Programs is contemplating using the AMP as a future venue, Blau said. In February, the Walton Arts Center bought the AMP from Crowne, said Beth Goodwin, public relations manager for the Walton Arts Center. The Walton Arts Center does cooperate with the UA by providing venues and tickets for certain events, but booking events for the AMP would be determined by University officials and Crowne, Goodwin said. “[Crowne] has been in discussions with the university about what shows potentially could be go to the AMP. Especially with the increased capacity, I think there is a significant opportunity, but we don’t quite know what that will look like yet,” Goodwin said. Crowne did not respond for comment about future endeavors between the University of Arkansas and the AMP. The Walton Arts Center is committed to expand arts and entertainment in the region and the demand for bigger artists fueled the expansion of the AMP, Goodwin said. “Increasing the capacity and creating a better artist and patron experience is going to significantly increase our ability to book big acts,” Goodwin said. Potential artists include James Taylor, Toby Keith and Maroon 5, Goodwin said. If renovations are completed
see AMP on page 3
Opinion
Artist Brings Inspiration Searching for Answers You Never Know What Home to Fayetteville Arkansas’ offense had its You’re Gonna Get worst game in recent hisUnderground A Traveler columnist urges tory in the 38-14 loss at Megan Chapman displays organic style at Fayetteville art gallery
Alabama.
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students to experience new things and to make the most of their opportunities.
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NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
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ABOUT THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER The Arkansas Traveler, the student newspaper of the University of Arkansas, is published every day during the fall and spring academic sessions except during exam periods and university holidays. Opinions expressed in signed columns are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Traveler. The editor makes all final content decisions. One copy of The Arkansas Traveler is free to every member of the UA community. Additional copies can be purchased for 50 cents each. Mail subscriptions for delivery within the continental United States can be purchased for $125.00 per semester. Contact the Traveler Business Manager to arrange.
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JACKI FROST STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Carlos Guzman (right) and Luis Inarra (left) take part in the Hispanic Mentor Program which provides vital assistance to incoming Hispanic freshman to become more acquainted with college life on every level. The program not only helps with school related guidance but also a network of friends for the Hispanic students.
UA Faculty and Students Organize New Mentoring Program by MATILDE BONIFAZ Staff Writer
The Latino student population is the fastest growing at the UA, with a 24 percent increase from last year, according to the 11th day enrollment report. With the growing numbers, the UA has started a new mentoring program for Hispanic students. Conexiones Latinas mentoring program is a foundation created by the Office of Diversity Affairs and the Multicultural Center. The process for researching and benchmarking began last year, but they did not solidify the goals and initiatives for the program until this year. After receiving some information on the Latino mentoring programs at George Mason University, Cedric Kenner, director of the Multicultural Center, started discussing the concept with Rafael Garcia, ad-
missions counselor. “Rafael gathered additional information and discussed the concept with the Latino faculty, staff and students,” Kenner said. The Multicultural Center and the office of diversity affairs already offered a mentoring program in which participants were mostly African American students. This year, however, they wanted to provide one for the Hispanic diversity as well, Kenner said. “We are extremely excited about the future and how it will have an impact on the retention of our Latino students,” Kenner said. Alejandra Gonzalez, president of Conexiones Latinas, has a goal to create a strong foundation for and would like to have a positive, welcoming image for incoming freshmen as well as transfer students, he said. Part of the mission of the mentoring program is to retain freshmen by pairing them with upperclassmen
that have been successful at the UA, Kenner said. “We want to help students have a successful transition into the UA by providing a strong academic and professional support network, and by promoting academic excellence and leadership through various programs and services,” Garcia said. Upperclassmen and students familiar with campus and involved with organization will serve as mentors. “Conexiones Latinas Mentoring Program is beneficial to the Hispanic community because it creates a support system for them,” Gonzalez said. “Transitioning can be such a hard process, but by having this program, we are helping students be strong in their academics and hopefully helping them develop a professional network.” The Multicultural Center and the Office of Latino Academic Advancement and Community Relations are
currently financially assisting the program. “Students who join will be volunteering as mentors and mentees,” Garcia said. “However, we are looking for incentives to offer to those that participate.” “Because this is such a new program, the events that we are planning to do are still being brainstormed,” Gonzalez said. “However, our main focus right now is to have the mentors build a good support system with our mentees.” Mentors need to meet with their mentees at least twice a month and keep in contact through email, Facebook, text messaging and other communication conduits, according to the application. The first meeting was Sept. 14th and Conexiones Latinas members are in the process of electing officers and seeking a date for their next meeting.
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from page 1
years it has become an issue to students, our weather seems to have gone bizarre on us, and that is another factor,” Houser said. “Due to the summer we just went through, it was one of the major things we have been considering. If we find out next June or July that it will be an unseasonably hot summer, we can’t get it air-conditioned that fast.” As of now, Humphrey’s has air-conditioning in study rooms and social rooms, but not in students’ rooms. Some students wondered if air-conditioning would change the sense of community in Humphreys Hall, Houser said. “It would be good, but it would change how everyone is here. We would be like all the other buildings,” said Arika Rhodes, freshman kinesiology major and Humphrey’s resident. Students often meet in the large Humphrey’s lobby, called “the Great Room,” because of its airconditioning. “Everyone normally meets each other down here because it is the coldest room in the whole building,” Rhodes said. “But air conditioning in rooms would also be good.”
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CORRECTIONS The Arkansas Traveler strives for accuracy in its reporting and will correct all matters of fact. If you believe the paper has printed an error, please notify the editor at 575.8455 or at traveler@uark.edu.
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HAVE A TICKET? CALL 575-7275 TO RESOLVE IT
The Transit and Parking office handles parking permits and passes and transit for students, including bus routes and GoLoco Ride Sharing. Students with parking violations can contact the office to appeal their citation.
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Otherwise known as 575-SAFE, the mission of the Safe Ride program is to provide students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. Safe Ride brings you home safely.
NEED TICKETS? CALL 1-800-982-4647 SAMANTHA TUCKER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Alyssa Samp, freshman, sleeps with her trusty fan close by in Humphreys Hall. The lack of air conditioning has become more of an issue for residents in recent years.
Don’t forget to call early and reserve your student football tickets for the 2010-2011 season. The ticket office is located on Razorback Road next to Baum Stadium.
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NEWS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
Vol Walker Growing Pains
Fulbright Advising Will Not Change With Large Student Body by BRITTANY NIMS Staff Writer
KRIS JOHNSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Construction workers remove a tree during the renovation and expansion of Vol Walker Hall. The tree will be turned into a sculpture for the new addition.
AMP
from page 1 as scheduled, in May 2012, the AMP will be a permanent amphitheater. Improvements will include 2,400 permanent seats, a VIP section, drainage and backstage amenities, a concession stand and air conditioned restroom, Goodwin said. The AMP’s current capacity is 3,500 people including the lawn, but that capacity will be increased to 6,400 people. The AMP will also be turned 90 degrees and moved completely off the blacktop. To increase visibility, the tent will be raised 12 feet and a sloped lawn will be added. “I don’t know if you have ever gone to Shogun or seen that view; it’s really beautiful. You can see Old Main; you can see the mountains and kind of like this lush hillside, so it will create a really different experience for people, and it will be more of a premier midsize venue,” Goodwin said. Other amphitheaters around the country were used as a model for designing the AMP. One such theater was Chastain Park in Atlanta, Goodwin said. The 6,000-seat amphitheater is located on a 268-acre park. Chastain Park is home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and brings in audiences of more than 100,000 every summer, according to the Delta Classic Chastain Park Amphitheater, Goodwin said. The renovation will cost an estimated $4.5 million. The money will come from fundraising, construction loans and a cash reserve. On Sept. 20, the Walton Arts Center board approved a construction loan of up to $1.5 million depending on how much is raised through private funders or sponsors, Goodwin said.
CRIME REPORT: Thursday, Sept. 15 Breaking Or Entering; Theft Of Property A staff member reported someone stole the parking permit from her vehicle while the vehicle was parked in the Harmon Avenue Parking.
Friday, Sept. 16 Possession Of A Controlled Substance (Marijuana) A student reported seeing drug paraphernalia on a table in a room in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity House. Responding officers referred the incident to the Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct.
Saturday, Sept. 17 Theft Of Property A student reported someone stole a television while it was unattended in a tailgating area in Lot 44 during the football game.
Monday, Sept. 19 Criminal Mischief A staff member reported someone painted graffiti on a wall in a restroom in Mullins Library.
Thursday, Sept. 22 Theft Of Property An employee of Chartwells Campus Dining Services reported an unidentified person picked up sushi in the Union Food Court and ran out without paying for it.
One donor is the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission. The commission is donating $500,000, said Marilyn Heifner, advertising and promotion commission spokesman. “The AMP new venue will allow for a bigger audience and a different type of entertainment with bigger acts,” Heifner said. “It will bring in more people than just people in northwest Arkansas. They will be eating here and staying in hotels,” she said.
Someone from Northwest Arkansas attending a nonprofit arts and cultural event spends an average of $23.34, not including the cost of admission, and someone not from Northwest Arkansas spends more than $40 not including the ticket price, according to a Walton Arts Center economic impact study. Last season, 80 percent of people that attended performances at the AMP were from outside of Washington County, according to the Walton Arts Center.
Undergraduate enrollment in UA colleges ranges from under 600 students to more than 7,500 students, making advising for each college unique. Even with more than 4,400 freshmen on campus this fall and with 653 more undergraduate students than last fall, Fulbright advisers say not much within their advising program has changed. “[Advising] is about the same time [of year] it’s been in the past,” said Trevor Francis, director of advising for Fulbright College. “Its just freshmen need to be proactive this year and be sure they get in.” In Fulbright, first and second-year students are advised through the Fulbright College Advising Center, where they are given an academic adviser to help them manage core classes and future course planning. Third and fourthyear Fulbright students are given a departmental faculty adviser. “Each department usually manages [advising] in a different way,” Francis said. Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences topped enrollment charts this fall with 7,504 undergraduate students, according to preliminary reports from the UA Office of Institutional Research. Fay Jones School of Architecture finished last in enrollment, excluding the UA graduate and laws schools, with 560 undergraduate students. To compare, Southern Arkansas University of Magnolia reported record enrollment during fall 2010, with total university undergraduate enrollment
topping 2,941 students. The University of Central Arkansas also reported record freshmen enrollment for fall 2011, bringing the freshman class to 1,961 students, according to preliminary enrollment data. Despite the university’s upsurge in enrollment, Fay Jones advisers also say their department remains relatively unchanged. “[Enrollment] has affected us slightly, but it hasn’t overwhelmed us yet,” said Sheri Tuck, academic adviser for Fay Jones School of Architecture. “We’re getting there.” First and second-year architecture students are advised in the Fay Jones Advising Center and during their third to fifth years, they are assigned a faculty adviser. Interior design students are given a faculty adviser their second year, while landscape-architecture students are advised in the advising center each year. Despite their numbers, being the smallest college on campus has its benefits, Tuck said. “Our students aren’t just numbers,” she said. “We know our students, our students know us.” Fay Jones’ enrollment makes up nearly 2.5 percent of total UA enrollment while Fulbright’s undergraduate program makes up more than 30 percent, according to the UA OIR. Even with a nearly 10 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment between last fall and this fall, Francis said the arts and sciences college and his administration have been prepared. “Even this summer during orientation, things got tight,” he said. “But they always get
that way and the administration responds by hiring additional instructors and faculty to teach additional sections.” “Things always fill up but departments have been very responsive in making sure, and our administration has been very responsive in making sure, that there are enough courses for Fulbright freshmen and for other freshmen on campus,” he said. “The stress and concern about getting into classes and too-few classes is unnecessary,” Francis said. “We would have felt that during orientation,” he said. “I think orientation really gives people a snapshot of how to prepare better for the spring, and so the departments have been very responsive and they’re very prepared for the spring semester.” The Fulbright Advising Center has eight full-time professional advisers, two academic counselors, two graduate assistants, one student employee, three assistant directors, two associate directors and a director. The Fay Jones Advising Center has one academic adviser, a recruiter and a director of student affairs. “I am the academic adviser,” Tuck said. “I am the only academic adviser.” Tuck advises all first and second-year architecture students, all first-year interior design students and all landscape-architecture students. “It’s a lot of fun to see them start and finish,” she said. “The group I started with is in their fourth year. They’ve grown up so much. It’s hard not to feel like their mother at times. It’s nice to know who they are.”
OPINION THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
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EDITOR: SABA NASEEM MANAGING EDITOR: MATTIE QUINN
PAGE 4 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
FROM THE BOARD Bikes, Blues and BBQ: A Survival Guide October is already almost here and the roaring of bikes can once again be heard across Fayetteville, which can only mean one thing— it’s almost time for Bikes, Blues & BBQ. Love it or hate it—and it always seems to be one or the other—the festival which brings bikers and an influx of money into Northwest Arkansas starts tomorrow. Luckily if you’re still buried beneath a pile of textbooks in the basement of Mullins you might be safe until this weekend, but eventually you’ll have to embrace or actively avoid our temporary guests. While avoiding Dickson Street, and generally the downtime area, for the weekend might spare you the brunt of the event, if you’re an off-campus student we suggest that you hide in your apartment until Monday morning. Or you could throw off the Bikes, Blues &BBQ annoyance that some students and Fayetteville residents have and explore a subculture that takes over Fayetteville for less than a week a year.
Study Room Living Can’t Be All That Bad While we understand that an increase in student housing may force students into off-campus apartments, temporary hotels or even, for some on-campus students, study rooms, we find it awkward that about 14 students are still living in residence hall study rooms more than a month into the school year. But while living in a study room may be awkward for those students involved, it is nothing more than a passing joke, a let-me-tell-you-about-this-crazy-place-I-lived-inmy-freshman-year line that someone will tell five years from now, compared to the fact that students will have to pay the difference between the residence hall the live in currently, if the residence hall they move into —once space opens up— is more expensive. We understand the UA administration and it’s various sections are doing what they can to cope with the largest student population in UA history. We appreciate that, and we can only hope that students in future years will appreciate and not have to deal with a similar frustration. In the mean time, students shouldn’t have to pay for the UA’s miscalculations.
Campus Campaign Videos Take Over YouTube As we enter the presidential campaign season we are reminded of the outlandish commercials that are as common as funnel cakes at a county fair. (Though not part of the presidential election cycle, Carly Fiorina “Demon Sheep” commercial from her U.S. Senate campaign is a classic.) As the Huffington Post likes to remind us, even videos made for student government campaigns can bet a little ridiculous. We don’t want to give too much away, except to say that you should check out “Nine Awesome Student Campaign Videos.” (And perhaps in an increasingly digital age not everything is made for YouTube.) And we hope someone will try to top these videos in silliness during ASG’s vacancy elections. (Perhaps something similar —but shorter— than last year’s staff office video.)
Traveler Quote of the Day “I have been in my current position at housing for over 20 years. Air-conditioning [in Humphreys] has never gone two years without being discussed.”
-Reggie Houser, assistant director for facilities administration, “Housing Officials Consider Air Conditioning for Humphreys”, pg.1
JARET SITES STAFF CARTOONIST
“You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get” Uncommon Sense
by Chris Sonntag
Traveler Columnist
There have been a few events recently that have really made me stop and think about how life can sometimes randomly take a downturn, reminding me of the fact that life itself is a fragile and precious thing. At the Razorback home game against Troy, a friend of mine was in attendance when she received a phone call, saying she needed to come home immediately. She drove back, where she found out that her mother had been taken to the hospital and wasn’t breathing, dying that night. I visited her and the rest of her family with my little brother, bringing her food, and talked to her for a bit. I realized that I actually understood everything she was saying about her emotions and state of mind—about how nothing had really hit her just yet, about how it seemed like a bad dream and
she kept hoping she’d wake up, and about how it all just seemed so sudden. It was a bit of a realization for me that I could actually completely empathize with her, because even though I’ve felt bad for people going through a hard time before, it never entirely seemed connected to me. But the summer before I started college, my brother had an aneurysm rupture, causing a stroke. He was two days away from graduating with a biomedical engineering degree from the UA and was going on to start medical school. Though he almost died, he survived and is working hard in therapy and has made great strides towards recovery. Maybe it’s that connection I had to this girl who lost so much recently that made me write this column. It seems that life will occasionally pick someone at random and throw a huge curve-ball like that, and because humans in general are social creatures, I’m absolutely certain that we can all relate to some degree or another—that we have all known or even been the person that was at bat when life threw that curve-ball. And maybe it’s because I’ve recently been reminded about how crazy life can be that I feel as if it’s a shame that not everyone makes the most of the time they have here on this campus and here on this earth.
This weekend, I spoke to an elderly catholic lady who came to my Lutheran church often. Because my family immigrated to the U.S. back in 1997 and my extended family is on a different continent, this woman has almost come to fill a sort of grandmotherly role for me. She has had a remarkable life, meeting the Pope when her husband played the piano for him, surviving cancer, raising several kids, and what she told me really made me think. As she looked back on her life so far, her observation was that the true measure of a good life is that at the end of it, you can smile about most of your memories and experiences. Perhaps that kind of outlook is precisely what lets her say that she has lived a great life. I think that’s a good message to take to heart, especially at the time of life most of those reading this column are in. The college experience can be and usually is unforgettable, and is filled with opportunities to make memories. The only way to really find them is to start throwing yourself at new experiences and trying your hand at things you may have never thought of doing before. Maybe you’ll realize you like something new, find a new hobby, meet a new friend, discover a new future career path or sometimes—truth be told—find nothing worthwhile at all. The whole point, to quote
Forrest Gump, is that you never know what you’re gonna get. So why not get involved? There are more than 350 registered student organizations on campus, including service, professional, religious, and cultural groups. There are several classes at the HPER, such as dancing, capoeira and fencing. There are events hosted all around the campus and people just down the hall from you who would probably go if you asked. So push yourself out of your comfort zone—that’s a big part of what college is all about. Once you’re finished with your college life, you shouldn’t look back with any regrets and wish you had done more, especially with as many opportunities to do so available to you now. And let’s face it—time is a valuable commodity for a college student, and the years only keep speeding up as you move along in life. Things can happen that will throw you off balance for a while, but this life is short. The best way to make that short life worth living is to seek out as many memorable activities and people as you can, and on this campus, both amazing people and amazing events and opportunities really abound. Chris Sonntag is a Traveler columnist. His column runs bimonthly.
Letter to the Editor Re: ‘Debate Policy, Ideas Distanced from Reality’ EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR Saba Naseem MANAGING EDITOR Mattie Quinn OPINION EDITOR Jordain Carney ENTERPRISE EDITOR Samantha Williams CONTACT US The Arkansas Traveler welcomes letters to the editor from all interested readers. Letters should be at most 300 words and should include your name, student classification and major or title with the university and a day-time telephone number for verification. Letters should be sent to traveler@uark.edu.
On Thursday, Mr. Kieklak wrote an op-ed about the debate Students for Sensible Drug Policy hosted about the war on drugs. He concluded that SSDP and Ethan Nadelmann provided little substance behind their claims that the war on drugs has failed, while also providing no credible alternatives. My question for him: Were you at the same debate as everyone else? Mr. Nadelmann not only provided his views on marijuana (which is to legalize, tax, and strictly regulate it), but also discussed the concepts of
harm-reduction, decriminalization and medicalization. First and foremost: the prohibition of marijuana has been an absolute failure. Young people say they can find marijuana easier than alcohol these days, because drug dealers don’t ID. Drug cartels are profiting greatly from illegally distributing marijuana throughout the U.S. The solution to diminishing the illegal sales and stopping young people from obtaining marijuana is to legalize, tax and strictly regulate it. As far as other substances,
we need to at least shift our policy to treat drug use and abuse as a medical issue. Throwing drug addicts in a jail cell doesn’t rehabilitate them; it just makes them better criminals. We should take page from Europe, who has done a number of things to promote harm reduction, like the heroin maintenance program in Switzerland, which has been a wild success in decreasing heroin use in the population. We agree that selling heroin in a convenience store isn’t a good idea, but why not put it in the hands of a med-
ical professional to promote safe and responsible use? These are all possible alternatives to the current system of incarceration, many of which have been successfully implemented in other countries. To say our policy options lack substance or credibility is simply uninformed; we’re providing real alternatives to a failed war. -Stephen Duke President of Students for Sensible Drug Policy Senior, Political Science
SPORTS THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
PAGE 5
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
SPORTS EDITOR: JIMMY CARTER ASST. SPORTS EDITOR: ZACH TURNER FOOTBALL
Hogs Searching for Direction Wright to Miss Time Quarterback Tyler Wilson calls meeting after blowout loss
Junior defensive end out 4-6 weeks by ZACH TURNER
Asst.Sports Editor
by JIMMY CARTER Sports Editor
Senior receiver Jarius Wright got a phone call from Tyler Wilson after Arkansas’ 38-14 loss at No. 3 Alabama. “After we get done running, we’re going to meet as an offense,” Wilson told Wright. Wright spread the word to the other offensive players and the unit met in the offensive linemen’s meeting room following the usual Sunday night team run. “We talked about our direction and what we’re going to do to head down that direction,” Wright said. “I felt like it was real productive.” Wilson and Wright arranged the meeting after the Razorbacks managed just 226 yards of offense against the Crimson Tide, far short of their 517.3 average entering the game. “There was no finger pointing,” Wright said. “It was everybody’s fault. We watched film yesterday. We watched film of the offense yesterday and everybody played their part in that loss, so we’ve just got to come out each and every day this week and get better.” The game was billed as a matchup between the top offense and defense in the Southeastern Conference. The Hogs defense entered the game ranked No. 8 in the nation, while Alabama ranked in the top three nationally in scoring and total defense. The Crimson Tide held Arkansas to its lowest yardage output since the Razorbacks totaled just 191 yards in a 52-10 loss at Texas in 2008, coach Bobby Petrino’s first season. The loss was the largest margin of defeat since the Hogs’ last trip
Arkansas junior defensive end Tenarius Wright is expected to be out four to six weeks after breaking his left arm on the opening drive of the Alabama game, Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino said Monday. Wright was a third-team preseason All-Southeastern Conference selection by league coaches and has started all four of the Hogs games this season, accumulating 10 tackles, one tackle-forloss and a forced fumble. “He had surgery yesterday morning,” Petrino said. “I am encouraged that everybody else will be available to play.” Senior first-team All-SEC defensive end Jake Bequette, who has missed the Hogs last two games against Troy and Alabama, has improved and is expected to return to action Saturday against Texas A&M. “Jake Bequette ran last night and he is much improved, but as the week goes on we will know
more,” Petrino said. Sophomore defensive end Chris Smith started his second consecutive game in Bequette’s place and has registered 10 tackles and two-tackles for-loss, including one sack, in those two starts. True freshman Trey Flowers replaced Wright after his injury in Saturday’s game and made a tackle on his first play. The Huntsville, Ala., native finished the game with two tackles. “We felt like if we could get eight, ten or 12 good plays out of him to keep others guys fresh then that would be a good game,” Petrino said. “He was in there 30-plus snaps and played extremely hard. He didn’t do everything right but his strength and effort helped us.” Senior cornerback Issac Madison and senior All-SEC safety Tramain Thomas also missed time against the Crimson Tide. Madison is healthy and is expected to play against the Aggies on Saturday, Petrino said, while Thomas was replaced by senior Elton Ford. “We just made a change at the position,” Petrino said of Thomas. “He didn’t get injured.”
GARETH PATTERSON STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino and the Razorbacks’ offense are searching for answers after getting shutdown in 38-14 loss at Alabama. Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson called an offensive meeting Sunday night to go over the direction of the offense. to Bryant-Denny Stadium, a 35-7 loss in 2009. “You can either go two places,” Wright said. “You can go down or you can get better from the loss.” Wilson completed 22 of 35 passes for 185 yards against Alabama, but 14 of his completions were for less than 10 yards. He also threw an interception returned for a second-quarter touchdown. Arkansas managed just 17 yards rushing against the Crimson Tide. The lack of a running game al-
lowed Alabama to concentrate on rushing the passer. Wilson didn’t get sacked, but was hit 11 times after releasing a pass. “I still don’t feel good about what it is we do after four weeks into the season,” Petrino said. “What’s our identity? What are we going to hang our hat on offensively? How are we going to find a way to run the ball to take some pressure off the passing game?” The Hogs face Texas A&M Saturday in the third Southwest Classic.
The Aggies lead the nation in sacks, averaging 4.67 per game. Texas A&M also is also ranked No. 23 in the nation in scoring defense. “I expect it to be a great game,” Wright said. “I know both teams are going to come out and both teams are going to fight hard. It’s going to be a close game, but we’ve just got to come out this week and practice hard. Just play Arkansas football like we know how and we’ll be fine.”
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Junior defensive end Tenarius Wright will miss four to six weeks with a broken left arm suffered on the opening drive of the Alabama game.
SOCCER
Freshman Goalie Proving Herself Emily Lillard improving as season progresses
by LIZ BEADLE Staff Writer
LOGAN WEBSTER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER True freshman goalkeeper Emily Lillard allowed just one goal in Arkansas’ SEC-opening wins over Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
Arkansas true freshman goalkeeper Emily Lillard has had her ups and downs this season, but her impressive start to Southeastern Conference play has played a large role in the Razorbacks’ 2-0 start. The 18-year-old Overland Park, Ks., native was tasked with replacing Britni Williams, Arkansas’ career leader in goalie wins, shutouts and goal averages. She allowed just one goal in the Razorbacks’ SEC-opening wins over Ole Miss and Mississippi State Friday and Sunday, respectively. “We have complete confidence in Emily,” Arkansas coach Erin Aubry said. “She is young, but that is this team. She is learning from the best and she is only going to
continue to improve each and every week.” She was named SEC freshman of the week for her performances. Lillard has accounted for 47 saves this season and is averaging 5.2 saves per game, while playing 767 of 812 minutes this year. She has allowed 21 goals on the season, an average of 2.46 per game. Lillard was a highly-recruited high school prospect out of Overland Park High School, where she led her team to the school’s first Class 6A state title. In high school, Lillard earned NSCAA All-American and first-team all-state honors as a senior. She struggled at times prior to SEC play, giving up four goals in losses to Kansas and Oklahoma State, five against Colorado College. She stepped up in
the opening weekend of conference play, though, recording three saves against the Rebels and eight against the Bulldogs. “We definitely need to focus on how good we can be on defense,” Aubry said. “The talent is there in our defense, and our goal keeper especially.” Lillard was crucial in the Razorbacks’ (4-6, 2-0) ability to start conference play unbeaten. “Emily’s play was huge this weekend,” Aubry said. “She’s been making some great saves and this is really something she’s been working towards.” The Razorbacks had lost five of six games before starting conference play. “This is our changing point in the season,” Lillard said. “We know we have the talent and the ability
to win.” Lillard earned the starting role, beating out senior Kendal Winston. The competition hasn’t affected the relationship between the goalies, Lillard said. “My role model on the team is probably Kendal Winston who is another keeper,” Lillard said. “She always has me going during practice, she never gives up on her team, and she is a leader all over the field—even when she’s on the sideline.” Lillard had to adjust to college quickly after being put in one of the most critical positions on the team. “This season is very different from high school,” Lillard said. “You have to play your best at all times and fight for every win.”
COMMENTARY
Don’t Jump Off the Deep End, Hog Fans Extra Points
JIMMY CARTER
jicarter@uark.edu Bobby Petrino got outcoached by Nick Saban for the fourth consecutive year. Arkansas’ highly-touted receiving corps again struggled to get open, make catches and get yards after the catch in a big game. The offensive line was awful,
unable to open a hole for the Razorbacks’ running backs, while allowing quarterback Tyler Wilson to take a beating. Special teams became average once the Hogs faced quality competition. Willy Robinson’s defense again struggled to play with the big boys, failing to wrap up and limit big plays. Those are all complaints I’ve heard or read since Arkansas got blown out 38-14 by Alabama. They’re all true to a degree, too. Bottom line, though, the Crimson Tide are way too good for the Razorbacks this season. The Hogs would have had to play a perfect game to win Saturday. They didn’t come close,
giving up a touchdowns on a punt return, fake field goal and interception return. The Alabama game has become an annual September reminder that the program isn’t where players, coaches and fans want it to be, hope it to be. Saturday was just the latest. Arkansas had its best team in recent history last season, but couldn’t seal the deal in Fayetteville. Saturday, the Razorbacks faced a Crimson Tide team with one of the top running backs in the nation and what looked like one of the best defenses in the last decade. Alabama just has more talent. The Crimson Tide started four players that were five star recruits, 11 4-stars, six 3-stars
and one unrated player, according to Scout.com. Arkansas started one 5-star, four 4-stars, 13 3-stars and three 2-stars, also according to Scout. Advantage Alabama. I’ll be the first to admit recruiting rankings aren’t the endall, be-all. The Crimson Tide have their pick of highly-rated recruits every season, then Saban gets to develop them. The Hogs’ receivers, arguably the best in the nation, were cancelled out by a fast, physical Alabama secondary. Even if a receiver broke open, Wilson had already had to settle for a dump-off while getting drilled. The Hogs just aren’t elite yet. Good? Yes. Championship good? No.
That was evident. How Arkansas responds to its latest loss to the Crimson Tide will define the season. Last year, the Razorbacks had a bye week after the Alabama game, allowing them to regroup from a heartbreaking loss before playing Texas A&M. The Hogs still came out flat against the Aggies, holding on for a close win late. This season, Arkansas has to turn around and face A&M the following week. The Aggies are reeling, too, blowing a doubledigit halftime lead in a loss to Oklahoma State. Win Saturday and the Razorbacks have a favorable schedule before the Nov. 25 date at No. 1 LSU. The Hogs get Auburn, South Carolina and
Mississippi State at home. The Crimson Tide will easily be the best team Arkansas plays until heading to Death Valley There’s still an opportunity for another double-digit win season if Arkansas can figure out its offensive line issues and limit big plays on defense. The Razorbacks got a dose of reality against Alabama. They’re not an elite program. Not yet. They are still a good team, though. There are still eight games left, none against the Crimson Tide. Back away from the edge. Jimmy Carter is the sports editor for The Arkansas Traveler. His column appears every Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter @jicartersports.
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THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER
FEATURES PAGE 7
FEATURES EDITOR: LAUREN LEATHERBY ASST. FEATURES EDITOR: KELSI FORD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
COURTESY PHOTO
by ZACH WILSON Contributing Writer
Everyday people walk through campus and see a variety of students—engineers, business majors or anthropologists. What many don’t see is that for some students there lies a hidden fascination beneath those passions and interests: the love of music. These people can now be found together right here on campus, in the university’s very own glee club, the Razorgleeks. “The purpose of the Razorgleeks is to bring the joy of all aspects of music to anyone who is interested, whether they are musically trained or not,” said Jessica
Nichols, president of the club. The Razorgleeks were formed last semester, when Nichols’ sister, Sarah, was approached with the idea for it. She started the club, but left after graduation; however, she laid all of the ground work for this year and passed the responsibility on to her sister. Though the club is based around singing, Nichols stressed that it includes any students who want to be a part of it, regardless of musical talent or background. “The benefit of joining the Razorgleeks is the chance for musical involvement that doesn't require tuition, or auditions. We take anyone who is interested and find a way for them to be an im-
portant part to the group, whether it is choreographing songs once we get them, writing mashups or harmonies, or even just helping us get the word out about the club,” Nichols said. Though some may have heard of the club, it is not the first glee club to enter the university campus. “The glee club is actually not new to the university. We had a show choir here before the TV show made it cool, one that competed and everything,” Nichols said. The Razorgleeks started with about 30 interested members last year, but the club quickly dwindled to about six consistent mem-
bers. With the help of the popular show, Glee, attendance for the club has bounced back. As of the last count, there are more than 40 people who have attended one or more meeting or expressed interest in the club. “Our focus this year was getting the word out. I learned that many people were interested, but they just didn't know it existed,” Nichols said. “Before the first meeting this year, we sidewalk-chalked the entire campus. Many of the members said they came because they saw our messages.” Students around campus have found the Razorgleeks as an outlet for their musical creativity, especially those who have not found
one readily available in other places on campus. “I love music and have wanted to be involved with it for awhile now, but it seemed like unless someone was in the choir or band or a music major there wasn’t really a place for them,” said Eric Carter, a junior. “Being in the Razorgleeks has changed that and given me a great place to express my musical interests.” Members of the Razorgleeks have connected with each other through the musical passion that brought them all together, providing a community in which to share the joy and excitement of music. “I really enjoy interacting with
the other members of the group, who are there sharing their love for glee club and singing just like I am,” said Rachel George, a junior. Because of the large increase in members this year, the Razorgleeks also aspire to become more involved on and off campus during the school year. “We hope to have at least a few performances this year when the offers come in and perhaps even a flash mob or two,” Nichols said. “We have a lot of ideas for charity events such as dressing up as Disney characters and singing to the children in one of the local
GLEE on page 8
The Rapture’s “In the “Magic: The Gathering” More than Just Grace of Your Love” a Card Game to Local YouTube Celebrity Good Dance Rock by YANI KO
Contributing Writer
by NICK BROTHERS Staff Writer
“In The Grace of Your Love” by The Rapture 7 out of 10 Coming off the eclectic New York City dance-punk music scene with high energy and a lot of synthesizers is “In the Grace of Your Love”, the fourth album by The Rapture. The band The Rapture has been around for a while. This is their fourth album - their first, Echoes, was released in 2003. After a lot of band member changes, the current group consists of Luke Jenner (vocals, guitar), Vito Roccoforte (percussion) and Gabriel Andruzzi (keyboards, saxophone, bass, vocals). The band has had, for the most part, an underground following with a few breaks here and there when their music has been featured in TV shows and even on Grand Theft Auto IV’s soundtrack. They’ve mainly been an underground band that has toured with and opened for bands such as The Killers and Daft Punk. The Rapture’s sound is very similar to that of Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun or MGMT, a kind of electronic fusion of indie rock and disco. The eclectic music is defined by big lead synthesizers, emphasized dance rhythms on the drums, guitars with an array of effects pedals, and tenor — sometimes falsetto—male lead vocals. “Children,” with its happy synth-pop sound, is a nice example of The Rapture’s sound. While this is a unique album, it doesn’t bring anything new or exciting to the genre. That’s okay, though, because the album sounds just fine. The music of “In The Grace Of Your Love” is pretty cool. There
are several different featured instruments on the tracks, and they really help the songs with their fills and riffs. It’s all danceable, too. The music fits the formula for dance indie rock, maybe all too well. Generally, it’s likable stuff, but nothing about it screams amazing. The album as a whole isn’t much of a landmark, but it’s enough. A few of the tracks come off as tedious where it’s hard to want to keep listening, as a lot of tracks go on too long with nothing musically new brought in to allow for its length. “Never Die Again” and its overly repetitive chorus is definitely one of those tracks that almost get annoying. The drum parts aren’t anything that impressive, whereas most songs are just a kick-snare pattern. The music is easy to dance to if you’re willing, but all together, it won’t have much mass appeal. One thing that potentially makes this album worthwhile though are the high-energy dance songs. A couple of songs definitely fit the alt-club scene, and most songs are fun enough to get a floor going. Really, The Rapture proves they can make a good dancerock album with “In The Grace Of Your Love.” There just isn’t anything spectacular about the album except for a few musical moments that briefly shine but are forgotten easily. Standout Tracks: “It Takes Time To Be A Man” is a great song, with its groovy piano and guitar riffs. The song is laidback too — a nice change of pace from the other speedy tracks. The song seems like something a producer would throw in for a TV show’s
THE RAPTURE on page 8
COURTESY PHOTO
“Four Goblin Guides, four Freaky Metamorphs, four Phantasmal Images, four of that new clone, four regular clones – I don’t know if math-magically this adds up or not. This is probably a mistake, but let’s do it. Three in.” Boogie Williams is methodically and obsessively shuffling through his deck of Magic: The Gathering playing cards, his glasses slightly askew. He is contemplating his next move in this five-
round tournament held at Castle House Hobbies and Games. Magic: The Gathering is a collectible trading-card game that hit the market in the mid-90s. Players are role-playing as wizards, or “planeswalkers,” casting spells and summoning creatures, using decks of cards that they handpick, or “build” from other decks. For most, this popular trading card game is just a hobby. But in Boogie Williams’ case, it’s a card game that saved his life. After a particularly difficult breakup during college at the
University of Virginia at Wise, Williams moved to Arkansas in 1996, as his brother was teaching at the UA. Williams became a staple in the Northwest Arkansas Magic community. Williams, whose real name is Steven, said he got his nickname “Boogie” through a miscommunication during his first Magic tournament in Fayetteville and has gone by his new name ever since. Williams is not on the pay roll at Castle House Hobbies and Games, a square, brick building jutting from a corner between a
taco joint and barber shop, in the Oak Plaza Shopping Center on Garland Avenue, which sells trading cards and memorabilia and provides a place for hobbyists to engage in their favorite card or role-playing games. While Williams is not officially employed at Castle House, he volunteers almost daily and is devoted to the manager of the store, Chris Curlee. Curlee dubbs him a “community organizer,” but
MAGIC on page 8
Artist Brings Inspiration Home at Fayetteville Underground
COURTESY PHOTOS
by HAILEY RAY Staff Writer
One of Fayetteville’s greatest hidden gems is literally just that - a hidden art gallery beneath the Fayetteville square. The Fayetteville Underground is a nonprofit collection of artists’ studios in the basement and vaults of a former bank. As people milled about First Thursday, a monthly art event on the Fayetteville square, many wandered down the stairs of the ultra-modern One East Square Plaza and into the hallways and old safes that make up the Fayetteville Underground. It is here that artists can rent one of many studios for $100 or less each month, and visitors can watch the artists work, admire their craft or purchase a new piece for their home. One such artist is Megan Chapman, a former UA student. Chapman walked confidently through the groups of people visiting her gallery during September’s First Thursday. She smiled warmly as family friends and visitors stepped up to congrat-
ulate her on the new collection, Sometimes I Love You and Other Stories. Small groups of viewers slowly worked their way through the 22 paintings adorning the white walls of the Fayetteville Underground. Women teetered on high heels as they crossed the unfinished concrete floors. An older man stepped up to Chapman as she finished talking to a group. “Did you make these paintings?” he asked. He grabbed her hand, and pulled her across the gallery. The man pointed his hand at one of the paintings. Tears welled up in his eyes. He shook his hand at the painting. He tried to speak. The words nestled on a smallyellowed page on the right side of the canvas, underscored by graphite lines and floating in streaks of grays and whites. “Not of the past but of the future You sing in my ear I am alone and you are asleep But Still your voice is so close And I am no longer alone.” “That’s my wife,” he said softly.
She had recently passed away. Chapman has become a staple of the local art community. She had considered leaving Fayetteville for artistic opportunities in other cities when the Fayetteville Underground opened in April 2009. Within the first month, Chapman rented a studio and has remained there ever since. “I wanted to do (this) because as artists, our work is done so completely alone, and you can get really wrapped up in your own head,” Chapman said. Chapman’s passion for promoting her own art also extends to the work of other artists. “I like selling everyone’s work,” Chapman said. “If it’s something I truly believe in, and I believe in the person doing it, then I want to help them succeed.” Chapman operates a studio blog to encourage and inform other artists and help them in their careers. For Chapman, her drive to produce art was as organic as her “organic”, as she refers to it, style of painting and creating. “I knew from the moment
you’re old enough to know something like that, that I wanted to do something in the arts,” Chapman said. Growing up in Fayetteville, Chapman was not always exposed to a large variety of art. Her mother, an art and English teacher, always had art in their home, even if the Van Gogh or Modigliani prints came from yard sales. Music played a large role in the family’s life as well —her father always had music playing, and he understood Chapman’s need to create. Chapman tried studying art at the UA but it took her some time to find her way. “I left in 1993 because I felt kind of aimless,” Chapman said. “I just headed out west.” She ended up in Eugene, Ore., and after six years spent in and out of art classes, Chapman earned her bachelor of fine arts in painting and drawing from the University of Oregon. She experimented with different forms of art, including “heart pods.” The organic shapes were painted with strange dark-oil backgrounds, to represent the part of a person that holds their deepest emotions, she said. Chapman then returned to Fayetteville to continue her art. Her work has since been displayed in galleries across the country, with more than 20 individual shows. Something that sets the Fayetteville Underground apart is the fact that the gallery does not merely display an artist’s work for a few weeks, then take it down. Instead, the organization strives to keep its artists as members of the Underground. The community can observe the artists working, become attached to their work and watch them grow. Having consistent artists at the Underground allows the community to stay connected to
UNDERGROUND on page 8
FEATURES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
THE RAPTURE from page 7 soundtrack. “Sail Away� has heavy dance rock vibes and some anthem type melodies. It’s a good start to the album. “Blue Bird� is a fun, very rock-driven track that really helps carry the album. The outro is also pretty cool with the resounding lyrics, “I’ll see you on the other side.� Musicianship: 7 Generally, the musicianship is just good. Nothing bravely stands out, but overall it’s catchy enough and nice to listen to. There are a lot of instruments used, and they layer nicely. If listening for them, there are a lot of channels that come together well, giving the band a big sound. The musicianship is the best thing going for the album, and there are nu- Boogie Williams plays “Magic: The Gathering� at Castle House Hobbies and Games. merous occasions where some of MAGIC partially because he’s responsible the musical parts shine for a secfrom page 7 for Williams’s official means of inond and make things interesting. They aren’t anything crazy, but Williams jokingly refers to himself come – as a YouTube celebrity. as the store’s “nerd liaison.� Five years ago, Williams posted they’re satisfying. “Everyone enjoys talking to Boo- a video on the popular video-shargie,� said Curlee. “He’s a really good ing site, YouTube, which quickly Originality: 7 The album kind of sounds just politician where I’m not. He does garnered millions of views. In the like any other indie dance-rock really well with getting involved video, Williams complains about band like MGMT or Empire of with the players and making sure his account with the online-role the Sun, but it’s original enough. everyone is still excited about the playing game, World of Warcraft, being hacked. There are a few tracks like “Come game.� Williams’s loyalty to Curlee is Playing a character known as Back To Me� with its Latin influenced tone, and “It Takes Time To Be A Man� with its jazzy chillUNDERGROUND GLEEK ness, where The Rapture’s origifrom page 7 from page 7 nality shines. Plus, the versatility of Andruzzi’s musical ability keeps things fresh and interest- the art scene and follow an artist’s hospitals, and even Christmas work, said Greg Mack, treasurer caroling in the winter.� ing. of the Fayetteville Underground The Razorgleeks have brought board. students from all areas and maLyricism: 6.5 “[Chapman’s] work has turned jors together under a common The lyrics could be romanceor religion-themed, as the to a mature direction,� said Cindy banner of musical expression, themes go back and forth quite a Wiseman, an art instructor at the forming new bonds between bit. “In The Grace of Your Love� UA and an abstract painter. When those who might not otherwise is definitely talking about God, Wiseman began observing Chap- have much in common. “This club has helped me meet but then there are songs like man’s work in 2008, it was more “Miss You� where it isn’t clear if decorative and focused on the new people and create friendships it’s a longing for God or an old division of spaces and decorative with people I probably would nevflame. The lyrics are pretty ba- forms. Now it is more organic and er have met. I’m an English major but feel so passionately about music, with a lot of repetition in the minimalist, Wiseman said. The Fayetteville Underground sic, George said. “For two hours songs. Most songs seem a little shallow, but they aren’t bad by is open for visitors from noon un- on Monday and Tuesdays, I get any means. The lyrics give off the til 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, to sing and have fun with people impression that the band focused and is open on Saturday from 10 who can be from completely different backgrounds but still share more on danceable music rather a.m. until 5 p.m. that similar passion.� than deeply interpretable lyrics.
COURTESY PHOTO
“Francis,� Williams acts out with over-the-top antics, raging about the game, putting on a fake lisp and feigning a “nerdy voice,� a Princess Leia poster gleaming in the background. While the hacking actually happened to Williams’s roommate, he fooled millions into believing his act. “Since I look the part already, being a big guy, people were easily
duped,� he said. Williams was offered a YouTube sponsorship after receiving millions of views, and he now gets cut a small check at the end of the month from YouTube, depending on how many people click on the ads linked alongside his videos. Since his debut as Francis the frustrated World of Warcraft player, he claims his videos have taken on a more serious note. “There are a lot of people on the internet trolling and being rude,� Williams said. “They see a guy like me and they see some fat loser, but then I talk about real life stuff – one of my friends committing suicide, or the way my depression affected me, or being from an abusive home. I think I’m breaking perceptions when it comes to ‘nerdism’, or ‘geekism’ or being overweight.� Williams uses his YouTube celebrity to help people, and it’s even how he hooked his girlfriend, Dez, who has been the biggest factor in helping him overcome his own depression. But Magic: The Gathering has played an important role in Williams’s battle with depression, too. Williams, who is now 37 years old, was still reeling from his rocky breakup in Virginia when he moved to Arkansas, and moving did not, at first, provide solace from his depression. The move
PAGE 8
initially inflated it, and with every downfall and shortcoming, Williams’s depression deepened. “When I first moved to Arkansas, I didn’t really land on my feet,â€? Williams said. He had a falling out with his support system, faced paperwork issues with his student loans, and was left homeless for about three weeks, sleeping on dorm room floors and various couches. So, Williams was forced to do something very difficult for any avid collector. “I sold my Magic collection piece by piece at the local gaming stores to get enough money to feed myself, ‌ then to get my first apartment. So, literally this game saved my life.â€? At Castle House, Williams has taken out his opponent in a matter of minutes in the first round of the tournament. His subdued opponent rolls up his foam mat, used as the playing-card surface. The two players shake hands. It is close to 9 o’clock and Williams’s girlfriend, Dez, has brought him some chicken from KFC. A gangly player stands up and asks all of the 50-minute round’s winners to circle their names on a sheet of paper at the front of the room. Dez looks up at Williams and in a voice of quiet frustration says, “It’s only round one?â€?
Fall Friday Frisbee Fun
CONTESSA SHEW STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students play frisbee on the Union lawn Friday afternoon. Many students on campus took part in outdoor activities to celebrate the fall weather.
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