University News // February 3 // Issue Eighteen by University News

UNIVERSITY NEWS UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper

Volume 81, Issue 18

Monday February 3, 2014

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful in Kansas City

Whether it’s to beef up a resume, knock-out some volunteer hours or just lend a helping hand, Kansas City has plenty of organizations where students can donate their time. Thea Voutiritsas

Harvesters Community Food Network is a great place to get started. Harvesters is the area’s only food bank. They partner with growers, processors, manufacturers and restaurants and encourage them to donate instead of dump their food. “We always need volunteers in our outreach center, sorting and packaging different items,” said Kelley Wyman, volunteer specialist. “We get things like huge bulk deliveries of produce items. Once we got 30 pallets full of loose potatoes, so we’ll have volunteers put those in produce bags and make them more manageable for people.” Harvesters may be most known for the large orange food receptacles that can be seen at grocery stores and other public places. On the side of each bin is a list of high priority items the food bank is always looking for. There are two primary forms of group volunteer work that can be done at the Harvesters location. One activity is packaging snackbags for children who receive free or discounted breakfast and lunch at their schools, but are not guaranteed food after they leave campus. Another activity includes sorting the donated goods Harvesters receives into giant bins. This is a good opportunity for student organizations to volunteer together. To volunteer with Harvesters, visit www.harvesters.org/givetime or call (816) 929 3000.

Staff Writer

Reach Out and Read Kansas City is the perfect place for local bookworms to get involved. The not-for-profit organization partners with doctors across Kansas City to give parents books and reading activities that support their child’s healthy development. Trained volunteers read aloud in pediatric waiting rooms and engage children in activities involving books and reading. Through Reach Out and Read Kansas City, children receive free books at each check-up from birth to five years old. “We specifically go into clinics with a large population living in poverty. A lot of times these kids don’t have books at home. The reader can also hand out gently used books to the kids that are there,” said the program’s volunteer coordinator, Natasha Kirsch. To volunteer with Reach out and Read Kansas City, visit www. reachoutandreadkc.org

Habitat for Humanity is another worthy not-for-profit organization offering volunteer opportunities. Thomas Richman, volunteer coordinator, said there are two main volunteer options for those interested in lending a hand. The first is through a build site. “At the build site, volunteers do anything towards building a house,” he says, “like putting up drywall, painting, roof work, siding… It’s really interesting for volunteers to work on the build site. They can learn a lot of new things.” The second opportunity is through KC ReStore, which operates much like a thrift store, but takes donations of building materials, appliances and furniture. This keeps quality, usable materials out of landfills and helps pay their overhead costs. Volunteers there can do things like assist on the sales floor in the donation center or at the cash register. For more information, visit www. habitatkc.org/volunteer.

Volunteering in the United States 26.5% OF AMERICANS

23.2 % MEN 29.5% WOMEN

VOLUNTEERED A MEDIAN OF 50 HOURS between September 2011 and September 2012

WAS SPENT ANNUALY ON VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES BY VOLUNTEERS

For the artistic folks, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is an excellent fit. With a growing collection of modern and contemporary art, the museum is able to provide people of all ages with interesting and rewarding experiences. They are recruiting volunteers for visitor services, desk workers, administrative aides and day-to-day office helpers, as well as volunteers for special events. Their volunteer opportunities are flexible, so working around a school schedule shouldn’t be a problem. Visit www. kemperart.org/involved and fill out an application, or contact Tara Andris at tandris@kemperart.org to find out more.

The StoneLion Puppet Theater could be enjoyable for the young-atheart looking for a volunteer opportunity. StoneLion uses puppetry to convey complex messages and ideas to area youth. “We run a series of festivals in the spring and we need volunteers to run hands-on activities with children,” said Artistic Director Heather Lowenstein. Their community outreach program involves many creative events and festivals, which provide fun and artistic volunteer opportunities including setting up, recycling, working a craft table, leading games and serving refreshments. Those interested in volunteering with StoneLion can email heather@ stonelionpuppets.org or call (816) 221 5351. tvoutiritsas@unews.com

Infographic // Ashley Lane

In the year ending Sept.2012, the volunteer rate declined by 0.3 percentage point to 26.5 percent according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between Sept. 2011 and Sept. 2012, about 64.5 million people volunteered through or for an organization at least once. The following data was collected through a supplement to the Sept. 2012 Current Population Survey. The supplement was sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.nr0.htm

MARRIED PERSONS VOLUNTEERED

AT A HIGHER RATE

31.9%

THAN DID THOSE WHO HAD NEVER MARRIED (20.7 %) AND THOSE WITH OTHER MARITAL STATUSES (21.3 %). PARENTS WITH CHILDREN UNDER AGE 18 VOLUNTEERED AT A RATE OF

33.5%

WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE RATE FOR PERSONS WITHOUT CHILDREN (23.8 PERCENT).

70.5 % OF VOLUNTEERS WERE INVOLVED WITH ONLY ONE ORGANIZATION

. 19.1% WERE INVOLVED IN TWO, MAKING MOST OF THE POPULATION INVOLVED IN ONE OR TWO ORGANIZATIONS. ACTIVITIES VOLUNTEERS PERFORMED MOST FREQUENTLY FOR THEIR MAIN ORGANIZATION: 10.9% COLLECTING, PREPARING, DISTRIBUTING, OR SERVING FOOD 10.7% FUNDRAISING 9.5% TUTOR OR TEACH 8.1% ENGAGE IN GENERAL LABOR; SUPPLY OR TRANSPORTATION TO PEOPLE

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION FOR WHICH VOLUNTEERS CONSIDERED THEIR ‘MAIN ORGANIZATION’, OR THE ORGANIZATION THEY GAVE THE MOST HOURS TO:

33.1% RELIGOUS

25.5% EDUCATIONAL OR YOUTH SERVICE 14.2% SOCIAL OR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

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Melissa Harris-Perry remembers ‘a different King’

Hope Austin

Staff Writer

People of all races gathered to hear the sixth annual Martin Luther King Keynote address given by Melissa V. Harris-Perry, professor of political science at Tulane University and host of MSNBC’s “Melissa HarrisPerry.” In her lecture entitled “Remembering A Different King,” Harris-Perry called the audience to see Dr. King from a new perspective. Harris-Perry described Dr. King as “the collective effort of what we remember him, of how we convey meaning onto him.” She encouraged the audience to see past Dr. King the mythical figure and consider Dr. King as one man who was part of a much larger movement. “The man we know as King didn’t emerge from a rock … he was influenced by the works of the people who supported, challenged, critiqued and ultimately carried on his work after he was assassinated.” Harris-Perry pointed to the lesserknown key players in the Civil Rights Movement: Ella Baker, who organized behind the scenes; Fannie Lou Hamer, who encouraged King to think about economic justice; James Bevel, who encouraged King to keep a consistent nonviolent stance and protest the war in Vietnam; and Bayard Rustin, who convinced King to relinquish his guns despite attempts on his life. “We remember King as a solitary figure, but he was fundamentally collaborative,” Harris-Perry said. According to HarrisPerry, remembering King as a “fundamentally collaborative” figure is important because, “King is our collective rhetorical tool to understand and address inequality.” She invoked the acronym WWMLKD, as in, “What Would Martin Luther King Do?” Instead of trying to emulate King, who embraced nonviolence to the point that he relinquished his weapons despite death threats and attempts on his life, HarrisPerry encouraged people to seek an unlikely role model – George Romney. Harris-Perry told the story of George Romney, the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development who threatened to withhold federal funds for sewage and highways if people did not comply with the Fair Housing Act. The action effectively ended his political career. She then asked the audience: “What would George Romney Do?” Her point was that George Romney was willing to “do what is right even if [his] own professional goals [were] challenged

Melissa Harris - Perry by the result.” “I am not going to ask you if you are as courageous as Martin Luther King Jr. … I am not going to ask you, if, while they are firebombing your house, you are willing to put down your guns,” Harris-Perry said. “I am not going to ask you to put your body in front of the dogs and the fire hoses. I am not going to ask you if the Angel of God comes to you, and shows you the Promised Land, and basically tells you that you are going to die, that you nonetheless show up at the mass meeting and not only speak, but actually reveal your vision, giving the people a sense of hope so when you are gone they have something to hold to … I’m going to ask you if you are as courageous as Governor George Romney.” In addition to teaching at Tulane and hosting her political commentary program on MSNBC, Harris-Perry is the author of “Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America.” She also writes a monthly column for The Nation journal, also titled “Sister Citizen.”

Photo // Vishnu Chander

haustin@unews.com

UM Board of Curators has change of heart, halts tuition spike Roze Brooks Editor-in-Chief

In response to a recommendation from UM system President Tim Wolfe, the University of Missouri Board of Curators voted unanimously to approve a tuition freeze. This halt on tuition spikes will impact undergraduate students in the 20142015 academic year. Gov. Jay Nixon supported Wolfe’s recommendation. The politician vouched in his State of the State address that more than $80 million would be funneled into higher education through his recent budget proposal. Through this vision, approximately $21.3 million would be brought into the UM system. “With an initial investment of $22 million, this initiative will help our universities purchase state-of-theart equipment, expand lab space and—most importantly—produce more graduates in … fast-growing fields,” Nixon said. In November 2013, the curators had approved a 1.5 percent tuition increase that would bring in $9.7 million of revenue. In comparison,

the curators acknowledged that there would be a net increase of $11 million if the General Assembly approves Nixon’s recommendation. This aided in the unanimous decision to halt a tuition spike. As a result of the tuition freeze, the cost of attending UMKC will remain at $270.10 per credit hour, or $8,103 per academic year, based on 15 credit hours per semester. UMKC currently has the lowest yearly tuition of all four UM schools. “The University of Missouri continues to set the page nationally in keeping education affordable for our students while also providing the resources necessary for the university to remain a quality, academic institution,” said Don Downing, chairman of the board of curators. “We are proud that we are able to make our mark with tuition rates below the national average compared to similar institutions, combined with our high-quality education, groundbreaking research and service to the state.” rbrooks@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Marriage equality lecture touches on Constitutional law and famous trials Sujitha Onteru Staff Writer

Jim Breckenridge, co-president of Outlaws, gave his lecture on Marriage Equality: Constitutional Law and Famous Trials January 30 at the Fine Arts Building. The lecture was part of the UMKC Graduate Art history Association’s exhibition “We Now Pronounce You: Redefining Marriage in the 21st Century. Outlaws is a student group formed in the School of Law to provide support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender students and their supporters.

The event focused on various transformational ideas on what a marriage means. Breckenridge spoke about how the term “marriage” kept changing throughout the decades followed by the three famous marriage cases. The session ended with conclusions drawn from the three cases. Breckenridge spoke about the early idea of marriage as bondage between a male and female of the same race, class and religion. This remained the same for many years, denying every other definition of marriage.

Sculpture from “We Now Pronounce You: Redefining Marriage in the 21st Century.”

Study Abroad in Senegal Hope Austin

Staff Writer

In early January, several UMKC faculty members travelled to Senegal, West Africa, to establish a study abroad program. “UMKC doesn’t have a study abroad program in West Africa, so that’s why we looked [at Senegal],” said Dr. Brenda Bethman, director of the women’s and gender studies program. “A lot of NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] have their headquarters there. It’s a good location.” Bethman and her colleagues visited Dakar and Toubacouta. “We met with a group called the West Africa Research Center and they do a lot of on-the-ground logistics, so we’ll be partnering with them on the program,” Bethman said. “We also met with some of the nonprofit volunteer organizations some of the students will be able work with.” Dr. Larson Powell, associate professor of German, said that Senegal “revised some of [his] ideas of what developing countries are like... That’s encouraging to see.” Powell also hoped the program would help “bridge some of the division between the U.S. and the

rest of the world.” Bethman said that the two-week study abroad program will be a good opportunity for students who want experience with humanitarian work. Powell hopes the program enriches life in the United States as well as overseas. “Maybe some of these skills can be transferred back here in the Kansas City community,” Powell said. The program is set for the first two weeks of January 2015. Bethman is not opposed to seeing the program expanded in the future. “We’ve talked about the possibility of extending the program to also work with the WASH project in Mali,” Bethman said. “Right now, Mali has some unrest, so that needs to settle down before we can do it.” Other U.S. universities currently working with the West Africa Research Center are the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, Mount Holyoke College, Wells College and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. To learn more about the program, students can visit http://info.umkc. edu/senegal/. haustin@unews.com

Breckenridge said he could not abstain himself from recollecting the three famous marriage cases. “Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man, fundamentals to our very existence and survival,” Justice Earl Warren said. In Loving v. Virginia (1967), the state of Virginia considered intermarriage of a white man with a colored or black woman a felony as a notion of preserving its “racial Integrity,” which was later called into serious question. All of this happened when Richard, a white man, married Mildred, a black woman. Marriage was then redefined as a word of justification for love between two people of the opposite sex irrespective of race. In Varnum v. Brien (2009), the State of Iowa declaredthe state’s limitation of same-sex marriage was a violation of Iowa’s equal protection clause. Six same-sex couples went to court and raised their voices forequal rights. The case has paved theway for same-sex marriage in the United States, and helped redefine the word “marriage.” In United States v. Windsor (2013) took the issue of same-sex marriage from a state level to a federal level. In 2007 Edith Windsor and Thea Spyer, got married lawfully in Ontario, Canada, although they were residents of New York. Two years later Spyer passed away, leaving her estate to Windsor. Windsor then went to the federal government for tax exemption for surviving spouses. The federal government was subjected to deny the claim of Windsor as they could not locate any spouse-related rules for a same-sex marriage and hence forced her to pay $635,053 for her estate taxes. The case underwent many circulations and the final documentation was produced in 2013. The lecture ended with an analysis of each court case, a screening of related videos and a series of questions from participants.

Stuart Hinds and Jim Breckenridge.

Gallery for “We Now Pronounce You: Redefining Marriage in the 21st Century.”

sonteru@unews.com

Jim Breckenridge gives a lecture on Marriage Equality. Photos // Sujitha Onteru

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Bar-Nadav shares poetry Famed literary critic and writer comes to Kansas City Library at The Writers Place Sam Littlefield Staff Writer

on to poetry for the first time in their lives,” Bar-Nadav said. “That keeps me coming back again, again, and UMKC Associate Professor again.” of English Hadara Bar-Nadav The exchange that took place at captivated listeners while reading Wednesday’s poetry reading was her poetry at The Writers Place on beneficial for both the audience and Jan. 29. the authors. Audience members got The award-winning poet drew to experience the poems through the applause after sharing eight of her authors’ intended voices, while the poems, many of which were from her authors got to witness the reactions manuscript in progress, “The New from their audience. Nudity,” which focuses on objects “I think the reason to go to a and the inner life of those objects. reading is that we have a sense that Her set also included works from poems are hard to read,” Miller said, her latest book, “Lullaby (With “but when you hear the reading in Exit Sign),” which was awarded the the author’s voice, something snaps Saturnalia Books Poetry Prize, and into place. The poetry because “A Frame Called Ruin,” the runner demystified and that’s when you get up for the Green Rose Prize. it.” Bar-Nadav’s goal for the event was As a child, Bar-Nadav to connect with people and have experimented with visual arts and them connect with poetry. took piano lessons before she began “Being an author is fairly isolated writing poetry at the age of six. work,” Bar-Nadav said. “My work “I think my impulse to write, as far goes out into the world in book form as I recall, was innate,” she said. and I never really know whom it Bar-Nadav’s desire to teach came touches unless someone contacts me later in life after she began college. in some way.” Once she started teaching, she felt Bar-Nadav shared the stage with at home and she greatly enjoyed two other poets, Wayne Miller the community she experienced from the University of Central between students and teachers. Missouri and Corey Marks from the “For me being a teacher is an University of North Texas; both of extension of being a student,” Barwhom she has ties to through her Nadav said. “I want to be a part of work in poetry. this community.” The event came about after Marks For students who experience that was invited by Miller to speak at community with Bar-Nadav, there is UCM. Miller then reached out to much to gain. Bar-Nadav, whom he met when they “She pushed us to be creative,” said were published under the same press Ann Greenwood, a former student of in 2012. After the readings at UCM, Bar-Nadav’s. “We created our own the idea arose that there would be poetry.” interest in having UMKC sponsor slittlefield@unews.com Marks, and Bar-Nadav invited Miller to join in for the reading. “I feel really fortunate to have attended Bar-Nadav’s reading tonight,” said UMKC senior Riley Kurtenbach. “I thought her poetry was both personal and moving.” Her ability to approach subjects such as inanimate objects is extremely interesting to me.” Bar-Nadav has the chance to introduce students to poetry as well as see those students continue with poetry studies. She teaches both introductory classes as well as advanced classes in poetry at UMKC. “It’s really exciting to turn people

Marlee Newman Staff Writer

John Freeman, book critic and author of “How to Read a Novelist,” will be speaking at the Kansas City Library on Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. as a part of the Writers at Work series. “It feels like 1998 was not long ago,” Freeman said, “I can remember sitting down on my girlfriend’s bed in her apartment in Greenwich Village. She asked me what I wanted to do with my life. I had been sitting on the thought of wanting to write but hid from it for so long, but the thought was very clear.” Freeman said if his girlfriend at the time had not urged him to quit his job and pursue writing that he does not know where he would be now. His newest book, “How to Read a Novelist,” is a testament to the decision he made in the small, New York apartment years ago. It is a compilation of interviews he has conducted over the past 10 years with some of the world’s most respected authors. The book will be the topic of discussion when Freeman presents at the Kansas City Public Library. “I’ve always been drawn to people who appear to feel an almost physical need to write,” Freeman said. His decision to handpick the interviews that contained the most urgency and inspiration from his subjects makes “How to Read a Novelist” a book brimming with

John Freeman encouragement for aspiring writers and young adults wrestling with the uncertainty of a successful future. The event will turn the tables on Freeman, placing him in the seat of the interviewee while he answers questions posed by author and UMKC graduate professor Whitney Terrell and author Frank Bill. “To talk about how or what I do

Photo // John Freeman doesn’t make me feel self-conscious,” Freeman said. The discussion will focus on Freeman’s interviewing techniques and will be held in the downtown branch of the Kansas City Public Library. mnewman@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Tips for providing great customer service is one thing a customer expects. Suma Raganaboina One bad customer experience can Staff Writer ruin 10 good customer experiences. “I’ve been to a restaurant which Lakshmi Swetha Valiveru I used to like a lot. I wanted to Staff Writer compliment the chef regarding Customer service is all about how the food I liked. When I tried to you treat your customers, the top compliment him, he just left without priority of any company. A customer uttering a word. I felt so offended chooses to come back to the same and decided not to go there again. company only if they are satisfied by I would rather go somewhere else the product and the service that the where I’m treated the way I deserve,” said Prudhvi Reddy. company offers. Knowing the basic difference Many consumers make their choice by word-of-mouth. So the between sympathy and empathy is best customer service is an ability to important as well. Sympathy implies attract new customers through the there is nothing that can be done to remedy the situation. Addressing satisfaction of current customers. One of the key qualities for a customer’s concern and assuring to delivering good customer something can be done to alleviate service is being a good listener. the situation it is what empathy Asking questions in between and means. Being knowledgeable about the summarizing customer’s answers will always imply that one is paying product or service also matters. After attention to the customer. Being a all, this is why the customer comes in good listener includes waiting for the search of the service. “If you are not aware of what the other person to finish speaking. “E=mc2— that means we are customer is speaking about, let the the earth’s most customer centric customer know that you’ll check company. We try to deliver the with the consult person and get back. best customer experience. We take Assure him that you are here to help that extra step and effort to make him with his concern. That is what the customer happy. We respond they expect from us,” said Charan to complaints immediately. We try Madugula, senior customer care to be available all the time and we representative for Dell International keep our promises and this makes us Services. Customer service these days has so successful, “said Dinesh Thakur, team lead of customer support team become a career. More jobs are expecting customer services skills as at the Amazon development center. Being a good communicator a general requirement. Many training is another important aspect of programs are being conducted all delivering good customer service. across the world to provide the best Knowing when to speak and what customer experience. to say is as important as listening sraganaboina@unews.com patiently. It may be very frustrating to the customer when the other lvaliveru@unews.com person does not speak. It may also imply that the other person hasn’t heard them speak at all. Being polite

Supermoon returns Anuraag Paramkusham Staff Writer

The second supermoon of the year occurred on Jan. 30. The term supermoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, but only recently became popular. Supermoons occur when the moon is closer to the Earth than usual but only slightly closer. Since it is closer, it sometimes appears bigger. On this day Earth, the moon and the sun are all in a line, with the moon nearest to Earth. According to NASA, these moons can appear 14 percent larger in the sky and 30 percent brighter. Some associate this supermoon phenomenon with increased risks in natural calamities such as

earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, there is evidence to prove this perception. The supermoon affects ocean tides, similar to gravity. The tides will only be 5 percent stronger than usual for the duration of the moon’s orbit due to its proximity. Like other supermoons, the Jan. 30 supermoon will impact oceans of the Earth. Supermoons are not visible during the daytime since they are too close to the sun. The other three supermoons occurring this year – one already happened on Jan. 1 – are slated for July 12, Aug. 10 and Sept. 9. Earth is not expected to experience two supermoons in one calendar year again until 2018. aparamkusham@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

SigEp hosts 2nd annual chili cook-off

Sigma Phi Epsilon Kate Baxendale Managing Editor

a can of Rotel tomatoes, ground beef, ground beef, bacon, some spices and sausage, onion and assorted spices.” I let it simmer. Everything good has Kent was confident that her chili bacon in it.” Sigma Phi Epsilon hosted its chili was going to win the competition, After tasting the Chi Omega’s chili, cook-off at President Kris Webb’s especially with only one other recipe Rutledge was doubtful that his chili home on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event in the running. was a continuation of the fraternity’s The third pot of chili competition last year, which chili, a Texasthey hosted to celebrate the end of style chicken recruitment. version, arrived “This year we wanted to make it late but was bigger,” Webb said. “We decided to still considered open the event to the sororities.” in the contest. Despite the big plans, the event was T.J. Rutledge, small and casual. Just three different a sophomore recipes were in the competition. in SigEp, made Forrest Kent of Chi Omega crafted a batch of chili the winning chili with help from her with bacon. sorority sister Amanda Morgan. “It’s my “It’s my friend Amanda’s recipe own personal and we went and bought the stuff r e c i p e , ” for it,” Kent said. “It’s two cans of R u t l e d g e black beans, two cans of chili beans, said. “There’s Quinn’s Texas-style chicken chili.

Left: Chi Omegas taste the chili. Right: Winners of the chili cook-off, Amanda Morgan and Forrest Kent of Chi Omega.

Photos // Vishnu Chander would win. Nick Quinn arrived with the final addition to the competition, a combination of a few recipes that he combined to make his own. “The recipe is top secret, but I’ll give you little hints,” Quinn said. “It’s mainly chicken. It’s got an entire roast chicken and a pound of ground chicken. The second main ingredient is vegetables. It doesn’t have any beans so it’s Texas chili. Carrots, celery, onion and peppers.” Kent provided

various toppings such as freshly grated cheese, Saltine crackers and Fritos. Her chili was spicy and smoky, reminiscent of Steak ‘n’ Shake’s recipe. Rutledge’s packed a little heat with an unexpected bacon treat. Quinn’s was the most distinct chili, having a more souplike consistency without beans or ground beef. After the guests tasted each pot of chili, they voted for their favorite and placed it in a cup. Webb tallied up the votes and announced Kent as the winner. Her crock pot of chili was scraped clean by the end of the afternoon, a clear indication that guests preferred her recipe. kbaxendale@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Hope Austin

Staff Writer

Several students gathered at the Student Union on Jan. 22 to participate in the first weekly session of Luke18. According to its Facebook page, Luke 18 is a college campus ministry that exalts Jesus by establishing a community and lifestyle of prayer, fasting, evangelism, Bible study, discipleship and fellowship. Newcomer Jacob Meyers said he felt the affair was “very personal and intimate.” “We love meeting people,” says member Annie Peterson. “Our mission is to establish a culture of prayer and worship and a lifestyle of mission and discipleships,” said Luke18 advisor Thai Lam. Lam hopes that Luke18 sparks some new interest in college students, much like the experience he had at Berkley. “When you’re growing up, you didn’t choose to go to church,” Lam said. “I always thought if you go to Bible study, you had to be really into it.” When Lam did go he “was blown away by what the Bible had to say.” Although UMKC may seem like an ill-fitting campus for Luke18,Lam

said he does not the feel that his organization is unwelcome. “We don’t feel that we’re unwanted, per se … it’s more that [the campus in general] is more ambivalent,” Lam said. “We feel loved in the community we’re in. We have some dear friends in the ministries on campus.” According to Luke18’s website, college campuses are also full of young people who “are accosted with the prevailing secular humanism that is propagated throughout the institutes of higher education in our nation ... ultimately leaving an entire generation unengaged with the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Because college is where “the next generation of leaders is shaped,” it is important that Luke18 gets its message out in the open. In addition to its Wednesday worship sessions, Luke18 offers many other events. The biggest event is the Week of Prayer, in which Luke18 partners with other campus ministries and puts a prayer tent in the quad so members can pray for students and faculty. To learn more about Luke18, contact them by e-mail at luke18@ ihopkc.org. haustin@unews.com

Benefit breakfast sends students around the world

Eppie O’Neal

Staff Writer

Distinguished Professor Allan Katz, former U.S. ambassador to Portugal, will be the keynote speaker at Breakfast Around the World Feb. 12. The Study Abroad Scholarship Fundraiser 2014 will be at 7:30 a.m. in Pierson Auditorium at the Atterbury Student Success Center. Studying abroad can cost thousands after factoring in flights, room and board, tuition, meals and spending money. These expenses could prevent eligible students from participating in a study abroad program. “The fundraiser goal is to make studying abroad financially feasible for more students,” said Emma Spong, executive staff assistant from the Center for International Academic Affairs. “For some students studying abroad wasn’t a possibility until they received a scholarship. We are hoping the funds will free up that opportunity for them.” The proceeds will benefit the UMKC general study abroad scholarship fund and the Harris Mirkin and Kathleen Finegan study abroad Scholarship Endowment Fund. “We would like to have more visibility on campus and students of all majors to know that studying abroad is a possibility.” Spong said. “We hope to raise more funds to keep the scholarships going.” There will be campus departments and community supporters along with former and future study abroad students in attendance. Communication studies student Taylor Stoddard, a recipient of last year’s scholarship, will be the student speaker. Stoddard used the funds to study in London during the fall 2013 semester. “The city of London has taught me to be more observant and respectful of the struggle and history of the people and cities I visit,” Stoddard said. During her speech she plans to reflect on her experience.

Scholarship winner Taylor Stoddard in London. “I might talk about Oktoberfest in Munich, visiting Neuschwanstein castle in Fussen and Hampton Court Palace, the famous home of Henry VIII,” Stoddard said. “I’ll share my gratitude for my scholarship and my parents who helped me financially and always supported my desire to study abroad.” Stoddard studied abroad during her final semester at UMKC but would study abroad again if she chooses to pursue a graduate degree. “My number one priority for my future is to find a way to keep traveling, writing, learning and reading every day,” Stoddard said. Estella Hux, who graduated from UMKC in 2008, traveled to Europe to complete her undergraduate degree in business. She went to Asia in 2011 to complete her master’s in business administration from Park University. “It was a fun way of completing three college credits,” Hux said. “I experienced something new and learned from instructors who were knowledgeable about the area.” The experience also changed her perspective. “I visited businesses and realized that after college I don’t have to work

January 24 4:02 p.m Reported that clothes stolen from dorm room. Sometime between 08/01/13 3:00 p.m. and 01/24/14 4:00 p.m. ST

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eoneal@unews.com

January 28 08:34 a.m. Pry marks were found on an office door.

January 27 12:31 p.m. Victim reported multiple phone calls that may be a scamEoccuring between 50 ST 01/02/14 and 01/23/14.

January 29 7:57 p.m. Credit card and driver license taken from his wallet in his locked office. Between 01/27/14 5:00 p.m. and 01/29/14 5:00 p.m.

January 24 5:20 p.m. Victim reported their vehicle was “keyed,” between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.January 24 5:20 p.m. / Oak Place Garage Victim reported their vehicle was “keyed,” between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

in Kansas City and that I could work in a foreign country for companies located in Kansas City,” Hux said. Hux said studying abroad is an invaluable experience for students. “I highly recommend studying abroad to everyone.” Hux said. “It should be required. It helps you become more cultured.” The fundraiser breakfast attendees will be able to learn more about the study abroad process. “Studying abroad can give a student more confidence in knowing that they can take on a challenge,” Spong said. “Jobs are often looking for skills you gain abroad like interacting with people from another culture. It can add to a student’s academics. They often return more fluent in the local language.” The second annual fundraiser is hosted by the International Academic Programs and the Department of Foreign Language and Literature. Donations can also be made online at https://ecommerce.umkc.edu/ donate/non-alumni.aspx.

January 24 11:13 a.m. Officers responded to a disturbance at 4825 Troost.

January 30 10:54 p.m. Officers responded to the reported smell of marijuana.

Courtesy // Christina Harrod

FOREST AVE

Luke18 offers prayer and community

January 30 9:32 p.m. Pry marks were found on an office door. Between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

January 24 11:18 a.m. Reported theft of parking hang tag from vehicle on 01/23/14 sometime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

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January 29 9:27 p.m. Damage done to a University van. Between 12:00 p.m. and 9:27 p.m.

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Monday February, 2014 | Issue 18

Disclaimer: The views of individual writers expressed below in this section do not represent the official stance of U-News. U-News welcomes participation from all UMKC students. Letters to the editor may be submitted to Editor-in-Chief Roze Brooks, editor@unews.com.

Letter to the Editor:

Response to ‘To study or not to study’ On the front page of the December 2, 2013 issue of University News, you posed the question “To study or not to study.” I know the question was intended to be rhetorical, poetic even, as students were preparing for final exams and would most assuredly be studying in one form or another. (At least, we would hope they would be studying in one form or another). As the Associate Director for Academic Support and Mentoring - the department that is responsible for the Math and Science Tutoring Center, Academic Success Workshops, Individualized Academic Strategy Sessions and our flagship program, Supplemental Instruction, I could not help but

respond to many of the comments provided by both students and professionals alike. One student advised fellow students to create practice quizzes and ask teachers for specific study tips, which is great advice. One of the central tenets of SI involves brainstorming future course topics or a prediction of upcoming lectures and/or possible test questions. Another student advised fellow students to allot the proper amount of time to study and to study with a buddy or buddies. Again, this student provides excellent advice here. A number of studies have shown that many students fall short of academic excellence simply because

they do not manage their time well, specifically their study time. Additional studies have convincingly stated that cooperative learning categorically improves student achievement. These studies have taken a look at student achievement across a variety of institution types and sizes (i.e. private, public, 4-year or 2-year, etc.) and have concluded that students who find a core group of classmates or colleagues to trek through their studies with, fare far better not only in the classroom, but also with time management skills and organizational abilities. Disconcertingly, however, one student advised fellow students to study alone while listening to techno

music. While I do understand that one-size does not fit all when it comes to studying habits, studying alone has not historically proven to be a worthwhile practice, though research has had mixed conclusions with regard to enjoying music when studying or reading. In fact, a recent cooperative learning study posited that students who study in groups learn two and half times more than those who study alone, if the groups stay on task. Often, collaborative learning leads to long-term accountability systems in addition to building a sense of community among students. Collaborative work also, in many regards, mirrors workforce

environments, which provide students a snapshot into their future. All and all, I believe corporate studying leads to successful outcomes for our students. I believe it also helps to eradicate a long-standing yet subtle societal myth that accepts the notion that individuals are either born smart or not, which insinuates that acheivement, too, is built-in at birth or not. To the contrary, I believe achievement is inextricably linked to energy and effort. Group work can serve as the energy and effort that leads to achievement. Group work is smart work.

From,

Rodney D. Smith, Ed. D.

Stop blaming the ‘system’ Lindsay Adams Senior Staff Writer

private health information. Sasha Menu Courey could have told every single medical worker at MU. It still The case of University of Missouri wouldn’t change the fact that they swimmer Sasha Menu Courey, who cannot share a patient’s information committed suicide after an alleged without their consent. The article sexual assault, has blown up across then qualifies the previous statement, the news since ESPN’s “Outside the but still uses shady rhetoric saying, Lines” coverage. “That’s how confidentiality is The problem is much of the supposed to work, of course, but it’s reporting of the case is misleading also part of the depressing haze that and/or biased. Unless one actually lingers over Sasha’s death.” digs deeper than the ESPN report There is a lot of insinuation and looks at the letters that MU that MU should have investigated sent ESPN, it would be easy to just before it was reported to them— assume that it is all the university’s that they should have the ability to fault. Much of the debate and uproar know what the campus nurses and around the case is directed in the doctors are told. For example, CNN wrong places and much of the talk cited Menu Courey’s conversations has fundamentally ignored or shown with the rape crisis counselor a misunderstanding of Missouri law. and the medical personnel, and Most people would rather blame then followed with the statement, some faceless, nameless “system” for “The school never launched an the tragic death. investigation.” While factually true, In a Jan. 27 article written by this is insinuating that the school Vahe Gregorian in the Kansas City would have had information with Star, this finger pointing at the which to investigate, which they did system was at its worst. The article not because the medical personnel was clearly designed to create a and the counselor didn’t and couldn’t mystery around Menu Courey’s provide them with any information. death in order to capitalize on the The reporters making these claims tragedy, implicating MU by saying, don’t seem to realize the reasons that “This system accounts for why the this patient-doctor confidentiality parents say they had no knowledge exists. of the alleged sexual assault on their Sexual assault is one of the most daughter until after her death … even underreported crimes. According to though a handful of MU health care the most recent data from the Justice workers came to learn of it.” Department’s National Crime Like many other articles, this Victimization Survey: 2008-2012, an one mentions how many medical average of 60 percent of assaults are workers knew, as if that affects still unreported. If we want people to whether they are allowed to share report these crimes, we have to offer

them confidentiality. The “system,” when it comes to the alleged sexual assault, didn’t fail Menu Courey. Instead, because of the Absolute Privilege laws in Missouri, she was able to get rape crisis aid and medical services without fearing that they would pressure her into reporting the crime. Do we really want the victims of a crime that is already one of the most underreported to not feel safe sharing their rape with counselors for fear that without their consent the decision will be taken out of their hands? Do we want sexual assault and rape victims to not get medical care because they are afraid someone will make the decision to report without their consent? That’s what we are faced with if we start saying that Missouri should have acted sooner. I feel the utmost sympathy for the parents in this situation. However, I do not agree with their actions in the case or their misplaced blame on the “system.” In an interview with ESPN, Lynn Courey, the mother of the victim, said that the sexual assault was the inciting incident that caused her daughter’s mental decline, “And nothing was done about it.” There is no evidence to prove she isn’t right about her daughter’s decline. However, the fact that nothing was done about it, based on the public evidence we have now, does not seem to be the University of Missouri’s fault. According to Menu Courey’s diary, in May 2011 she told Meghan

Anderson, then an MU academic adviser to swimming, about the attack. “I told her I’d been raped and then I moved on to telling her how I’m doing well now, talking to therapists and figure out the next steps. I was pleased that she didn’t mention the rape again and simply told me she was happy I was at McLean [Hospital] getting better,” Courey’s diary said. Anderson denies that Menu Courey discussed the attack with her. If Menu Courey’s journal is true, there is no evidence to prove that Anderson ever reported it to the university, or that they had any knowledge of the attack before her death. Once the university uncovered her chat transcripts discussing the assault, they sent her parents a letter to see if they wanted to press charges. In an interview with CNN, Menu Courey’s father, Mike Menu, admitted that they did not respond to the letter, saying, “This letter was a check-the-boxes letter and, really to be honest, it did not deserve a response.” Title IX does require a school to investigate harassment and assault claims, but it also says the school should get the consent from the victim first and the school should respect the victim’s request to not pursue an allegation. The university attempted to get permission from the parents due to the victim being deceased but did not receive any response. “An important consideration in

Lindsay Adams deciding how to address a report of a sexual incident is to determine what the alleged victim wants,” MU’s athletic department spokesman Chad Moller wrote in an email to ESPN. “In this situation, it is clear that Sasha chose not to report this incident to anyone at MU other than mentioning it to healthcare providers who were bound to respect her privacy.” Sasha Menu Courey didn’t choose to press charges. You may not agree with that decision, her parents may not agree with that decision, but it was her decision. The university, in waiting to investigate, was trying to respect her wishes. Just because we wish something could have been done to prevent Menu Courey’s death doesn’t mean that an entire institution should be blamed. ladams@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Section B

Women’s Tennis:

Wichita State interrupts ‘Roos winning streak

Roze Brooks Editor-in-Chief

The UMKC women’s tennis team failed to hang onto its seasonopening winning streak Saturday, losing 4-0 against the Wichita State Shockers. Wichita State secured wins in all three double matches. The Shockers also took out the Roos in straights sets and went home with the win. This is the first major hiccup in the season for women’s tennis. In its spring season opener, the Roos swept Baker with a 7-0 win. The Roos defeated Baker in each singles and doubles match. Returning athletes Dimitra Stavrianakou, Amelie Amsallem, Maddie Schulte and Gaby Pintos each walked away with wins in the opener. The energy was contagious as newcomers Raquel Argenal, Mariam Kurasbediani and Linda Ammar Mouhoub contributed to the sweep as well. The Roos finished a strong opening weekend with a 6-1 win over the William Jewel Cardinals. Facing its first Division I opponent, they came out on top of a tiebreaker against the Creighton Bluejays. Taking the final team point, the Roos took a 4-3 win and helped the team start a perfect 3-0 record for the first time in school history. The momentum kept steady until the anticipated match against Wichita, a tough opponent. The Roos now stand with a 3-1 overall record. Women’s tennis takes on Drake on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Kansas City Country Club. rbrooks@unews.com

Left: Junior Maddie Schulte Right: Senior Gaby Pintos

Courtesy // UMKC Athletics

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Photos // UMKC Athletics

HARRISON

PLAYER

CHATMON

PTS

FG-FGA REB

O’CONNOR

HALL

PLAYER

O’CONNOR

PTS

FG-FGA REB

Nelson Kirksey 11 5-8 3 0 0

Kim Nezianya 18 8-15 10 0 2

Trinity Hall 5 2-7 6 0 3

Grace Mitchell 0 0-1 1 0 0

Fred Chatmon 6 2-5 6 1 1

Taylor Leathers 4 2-3 1 1 0

Martez Harrison 17 6-9 4 1 4

Eilise O’Connor 8 2-7 1 1 3

Frank Williams 5 2-6 2 1 1

Calli White 3 1-1 2 2 1

John Burke 0 0-0 0 0 0

Kelsey Barnwell 2 1-1 0 0 0

Jacoby Bledsoe 2 1-4 3 2 3

Lauren Dudding 0 0-2 1 0 0

Caleb Johnson

Taylor Strickland 0 0-0 0 0 0

Kirk Korver 0 0-1 0 1 1

Hailey Houser 0 02 1 0 0

Isaac Kreuer 2 1-2 0 0 0

Jordan Evans 4 2-2 0 0 0

TOTAL 53 21-45 14 7 14

TOTAL 63 26-69 40 6 12

PLAYER

PTS

2-3

FG-FGA REB

PTS

FG-FGA REB

Daniel Alexander 17 6-12 8 5 2

Johnna Brown 6 3-3 3 3 1

Blake Davis 12 4-7 3 2 0

Jenna Pearson 10 2-3 1 1 0

Killian Larson 6 3-7 5 0 3

Deanna Daniels 9 3-5 3 1 3

Sam Daly 4 2-4 3 4 2

August Touchard 0 0-3 1 3 1

Jerome Garrison 20 7-13 3 5 4

Kaitlyn Petersen 4 1-5 0 2 0

Justin Foreman 0 10 3-5 1 0 1

Justine Johnson 3 1-3 2 1 1

Akachi Okugo 0 0-1 0 0 0

Madison Craig 0 0-1 0 0 0

Jeremy Adams 3 1-5 4 0 1

Erica Paskell

TOTAL 72 26-54 31 16 13

Jasmine Grayson 2 1-2 3 1 1

0-0

Asha McDonnell 2 1-1 0 0 0 TOTAL

16 8 2

POINTS INT HE PAINT POINTS OFF TURNOVERS FAST BREAK POINTS

10 8 2

27-59 37

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS SECOND CHANCE POINTS FAST BREAK POINTS

Graphic and Statistics // Ashley Lane

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Health Recipe: WAC Bars

Illustration // Joey Hill stored in an airtight container. Lindsay Adams Senior Beat Writer Short for walnut apricot chocolate bars, these treats are quite quick to make and are perfect for a rushed morning or a day on-the-go. Making snack bars at home is much easier than most people think it is. The bars only require about 10 minutes of prep time. The recipe makes six bars, which stay fresh about five days if

Ingredients

1 1/2 C dried apricots 1/2 C walnuts, toasted 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted1/4 tsp ginger Kosher salt 1/2 oz. dark chocolate, melted

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread walnuts out on a baking sheet, then spread the shredded coconut on a different baking sheet in a very thin layer. Place both sheets in the preheated oven and bake. Keep an eye on the coconut – it can burn quickly. Stir coconut after three minutes. Remove from oven in 5-10 minutes or when light golden brown.

Health Journal:

Smartphones can lead to a smarter workout used to scan the bar codes of items Lindsay Adams at grocery stores to find out just how Senior Beat Writer healthy they are and get immediate Having trouble getting in better ratings of their health benefits. shape? One problem may be new When it scans an item that isn’t very high-tech cellphones. Anyone who healthy, it will actually suggest better, has ever owned a smartphone knows healthier alternatives. Fooducate they can be a distraction. It doesn’t finds many things that are hard to see take a brain surgeon to figure out or hidden in nutrition and ingredient that spending time playing games on labels: MSG, colorings, additives, a smartphone can sidetrack workout bad trans fats, high fructose corn plans, but there are many things that syrup and aspartame, among many can distract people from working out, others. For the socially conscious right? However, there is a correlation there are different premium versions between people spending more time that identify Genetically Modified on their smartphones and being less Organisms (GMOs) used in the physically fit. A study done at Kent food and are designed for vegan and State University found that people gluten-free diets. The app has won spending more time on smartphones iTunes Best of the iPhone Health & were not as physically fit as their Fitness category and first prize in the counterparts who spent less time US Surgeon General Healthy App on their phones. Many feel that it is Challenge. the immediacy of the phone, being Compatibility: iPhone and always nearby, that makes it such a Android time waster. However, don’t despair. Cost: Free Instead of letting smartphones distract from getting in shape, let 2. Zombies, Run! 2 them help! Here is a list of three cool The current obsession with apps that can give an extra boost to zombies really is everywhere, even getting healthy. in fitness apps. For people who really need an incentive to work 1. Fooducate out, this is a great app. Keeping up This practical and educational app the willpower to work out is one of helps track calorie intake, but with the hardest things to do. This app the huge bonus of having anytime will keep even the slothful person grocery information. It teaches not moving with its fun, interactive set only good eating, but also good up. It does the perfect job of keeping shopping, which is half the battle. people motivated. Zombies, Run! 2 This is just like having a dietitian on is like playing a game and working hand at all times. With the touch of out at the same time. It works for a button users have the answers for running sessions and gym workouts. diet questions. The app can even be The app is an immersive workout

adventure with audio elements, but any personal workout playlist can be used while running the app. This second version added on more storylines and escapades, so there are now more than 100 possible missions. It does cost money, but it is completely worth it. So go ahead, download the app and run like there are hungry zombies about to catch up. Compatibility: iPhone and Android Cost: $2.99 1. Hot5 Many trainers and health experts are suggesting people focus on more high -interval training. Hot5 is the app for doing just that. This easy-to-use app has videos with actual trainers, each with a different focus. There is a variety of possible workouts from yoga to weightlifting. Want to lose weight or tone up? Either way, there will be a video that works. They are all short in duration, which means they are easy to fit in to even the busiest of schedules. Hot5 helps to organize exercises into short bursts with short recovery time inbetween sets, which will optimize the workout. They are also great for capping off a workout session. Give it a shot – it is free. There is nothing to lose, other than those unwanted extra holiday pounds. Compatibility: iPhone Cost: Free ladams@unews.com

Toasting the walnuts will take about 10-11 minutes, sometimes slightly more. Use a food processor to pulse the apricots, walnuts, one tablespoon of the coconut, ginger and a pinch of salt until all are finely ground. Line a small 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Make sure the paper goes all the way up the sides of the loaf pan. Transfer the mixture to pan and press it into the

pan firmly. Use the parchment paper to remove from pan and drizzle with the melted chocolate and sprinkle with the remaining coconut. Move the mixture to the refrigerator and leave there until firm, which will take about 15 minutes. Slice into six bars and wrap bars individually in parchment paper. ladams@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Documentary exposes inequality in New York schools Special Jury Award. Suma Raganaboina This film follows two AfricanStaff Writer American boys: Idris, son of Brewster and Stephenson, and his classmate Lakshmi Swetha Valiveru Seun. The story begins in 1999 Staff Writer when Brewster and Stephenson UMKC’s Urban Education decide to observe their son at The Research Center and Black Studies Dalton School on the East Side of Program has teamed up with Kansas Manhattan. This school has students City Public Television to promote who scored within the top five the documentary film “American percent on the SAT and 31 percent of Promise.” A screening of the film the students from this school head to with a panel discussion was held Jan. Stanford University. The problems faced by these 30 at the Atterbury Student Success boys during schooling are both Center. “American Promise” took 14 years educational and cultural. Idris was to complete as it followed two pushed by his parents to achieve boys on their educational paths, in areas in which he did not have beginning in kindergarten through much interest. He also had to deal high school graduation in 2012. The with cultural differences between film focused mainly on education, his school life and neighborhood life race and family. Produced by Joe when the way he was accustomed to Brewster and Michèle Stephenson, speaking was deemed too white by “American Promise” was first shown his neighborhood friends. Seun’s challenges included the at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 where it won the US Documentary accidental death of his brother, Jalubani, and his diagnosis of dyslexia. He was determined to do homework, but was frustrated and his learning disability took a toll on his math grade. He began as an excellent math student, but gradually his grades slipped not only because of his personal problems but also because he is treated differently than his white peers. By the time the boys reached middle school their obstacles multiplied, and their parents became frustrated. Sean’s parents decided to remove him from Dalton and transferred him to Benjamin Banneker Academy, a recognized Brooklyn Public School with a predominantly black student population. Panelist “African-American girls do okay but there seems to be a cultural Photo // Lakshmi Triveni Kavuru

KCPT promotes ‘American Promise.’ disconnect between independent schools and African-American boys, and we see a high rate of boys not being successful,” a Dalton administrator said. “And the question is why and what are we doing as a school that is not supporting these guys?” A teacher from Benjamin Academy suggests that diversity may be a misguided goal and boys are feeling isolated compared to more privileged classmates.

The panelists were Lynette SparksBowen, a clinical psychologist and the associate director of UMKC Counseling, Health and Testing Center, Dr. Etta Hollins, the Ewing Marion Kauffman endowed chair for Urban Teacher Education and Kevin Morris, a freelance writer and business consultant. They said 95 percent of African-American males face problems in schools. The suggestions for discussion topics were taken from the post-screening

Photo // Lakshmi Triveni Kavuru audience survey. The documentary is being shown by PBS POV as a part of Black Male Achievement Week from Feb. 3 to Feb. 9. sraganaboina@unews.com lvaliveru@unews.com

Coen brothers’ latest film covers new ground Alex Dapp

Staff Writer

The Coen brothers’ most recent film “Inside Llewyn Davis” follows 1960s folk singer Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) on his despairing journey to make it in the music industry. With Davis’ former duo partner having just committed suicide, Davis finds himself struggling to shine on his own. And that’s just what the film focuses on - his lonely passage.

Ethan and Joel Coen

Due to his lack of income, most nights Davis finds himself on the couches of fellow folk singers. Despite his poverty stricken lifestyle, Davis is reluctant to make any commercial career agreements in order to stay true to himself, creating a façade of sorts that leads one to believe that failure means integrity. In one scene in particular, Davis is recruited by his fellow folk singer friend Jim (Justin Timberlake) to record a song titled “Please Mr.

Photo // IMDB

Kennedy.” The track is a hilarious medley of guttural sound effects and ridiculous lyrics. The quirky tune is signature of a Coen brothers masterpiece. Regardless of the almost guaranteed success of the single, Davis opts out of the royalties and takes the check for instantaneous wealth as opposed to awaiting the possible fortune in the near future. His solo album is ironically titled ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ however the audience is never truly exposed to the inside workings of Davis. His previous album, recorded with his former partner, was titled “If I Had Wings.” The film seems to follow Davis as he tries to discover if he can fly after his “wings” have been cut. In scenes where Davis is opposite his ex-girlfriend Jean (Carey Mulligan), her hostility is almost brutally painful to watch. One scene in particular shows the two in a dark and quaint coffee shop where Jean asks Davis if he ever thinks of the future. Upon answering, Davis reveals that looking to the future would make him a careerist, only using music to plan his life for him. This brief look into Davis’ innerworkings is quickly interrupted by Davis bolting out the door to catch the cat he lost earlier in the film. The Coen brothers developed Davis’ character to have a lack of connectivity with those around him. Known for their dark sense of humor and different approaches to film, the Davis acts as a metaphor for the overall theme of the film. Davis is a self-destructing artist who refuses to let anyone in, which in fact leads to his failure in reaching his dream and goal in life. The entire film is set to the

Photo // IMDB soundtrack of melancholic tunes sung by Oscar Isaac, Marcus Mumford and even Justin Timberlake. However, even these talented voices can’t seem to mask the hovering question of when artists should cut their losses. Despite the snub from the Academy Awards, this film stands out as one of the Coen brothers’ best yet. The forlorn attitude and setting of the entire film completely

encapsulates the feeling of the time period. Isaac shines just as brightly as his big-name co-stars and makes the desire to achieve your dreams relatable to each member of the audience. adapp@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Romeo and Juliet is beautiful but uneven

Left to right: Michael Pauley (Tybalt); Vincent Wagner (Paris); Jamie Dufault (Romeo). Back: Katie Hall (Ensemble); Shanna Jones (Balthazar). Courtesy // Don Ipock Lindsay Adams Senior Beat Writer The cutting of the show is certainly one of its best attributes. It requires “Romeo and Juliet,” running Jan. a deft hand to cut Shakespeare. 17 through Feb. 9 at the Kansas From the plethora of famous lines City Repertory Theatre, is filled that have become almost sacred, with many fantastic elements to the integrity of the verse, it is a that just didn’t work cohesively. minefield where any wrong steps The production is not particularly can easily destroy the production. adventurous in its themes of first The cuts make the play move at a love as an enchantment, but it does gallop, a description not often given manage to make the show seem to Shakespeare’s works. The cutting like a sepia-toned dream. The entire of the show is daring and includes production has an air of fantasy, decisions like juxtaposing two which works fine in the first half separate scenes and having them of the show, but starts to crumble under the dramatic weight of the play out onstage simultaneously. It all works beautifully, but the edge ending.

Foreground: Courtney Salvage (Juliet); Jamie Dufault (Romeo); Vincent Wagner (Paris, on the ground). Background: David Fritz (Montague); Theodore Swetz (Friar Lawrence); Shanna Jones (Balthazar); Rusty Sneary (Benvolio). Courtesy // Don Ipock

created by the cuts also does not quite fit with the production’s traditional theme of love as enchantment. The characters all start in white clothing, making it a bit difficult to discern one character from the next, which causes some confusion as many of them are introduced in quick succession. When Romeo and Juliet meet at a party, the characters change into costumes with color. This design choice was a statement about a life without love being colorless, which seems a rather simplistic and perhaps cliché metaphor to use as a basis for the design. However, Lauren Gaston and Lindsay W. Davis’ costumes match the other design elements, as the production is unabashedly romantic from the soft, golden hues of Victor En Yu Tan’s lighting design to the Italian tiling and arches of Jack Magaw’s set. It is a perfectly fine production, but leaves a little to be desired when it comes to the director’s vision for the show. The acting and quick pace manage to distract from some of the show’s problems, but ultimately the lack of decisive directorial choices is still clear. For example, in certain scenes the blocking is too presentational. If not for the strength of the leads, the balcony scene would be completely static because of the lack of movement. The blocking and pacing choices made during Mercutio’s death scene undercut the dramatic impact it should have. Furthermore, the way the ghosts of the characters are depicted is interesting, but it pulls the focus at the end when actors who play important characters who had died during the show are clearly present at its denouement. John Wilson’s fight direction is quite strong. All the fight sequences are phenomenal, but the two-sworded duel that takes place deserves a special mention. Unfortunately, the excitement of those scenes inadvertently ends up making some of the later scenes without strong blocking seem even more stagnant. Almost all of the acting was top notch, but it often employs very different stylistic choices. Courtney Salvage as Juliet gives a very fresh interpretation of the character. Her ease with the dialogue is commendable and she lends a

Jamie Dufault (Romeo); Courtney Salvage (Juliet). Courtesy // Don Ipock modern edge to the production. She completely sells Juliet’s youth and interpretations of their characters. naiveté. Jamie Dufault as Romeo is Theodore Swetz steals his scenes properly passionate and expressive. as Friar Lawrence, and Vincent He depicts his character’s immaturity Wagner doesn’t turn Paris into a while keeping Romeo from ever shallow villain, instead portraying veering too far into fickleness or him as a nice guy in love with the wrong girl. petulance. While the show doesn’t take any Zachary Andrews as Mercutio is charismatic and enthralling, lending huge risks, it does have a few nice a great physical energy to the role and moments of discovery. Underneath the production. Rusty Sneary gives a the beautiful dream-like world more tongue-in-cheek performance Rosen and his designers have crafted as Benvolio. Truly his reactions and lies a darker reality that occasionally presence can do more for a scene peeks through. The harsh moments than some actors’ dialogue. His of period-accurate brutality really jar theatrically bored reaction to the the audience out of the romance of Queen Mab speech is hilarious and the rest of the show, in a good way. well chosen, but not necessarily in However, all-in-all, there are not tune with some of the other acting enough of these moments. and directing choices. ladams@unews.com Many of the players in the supporting cast also give very nuanced and intelligent

Sherlock, international luminary and his new girlfriend—and his Lindsay Nelson new, horrible mustache. Then, in Staff Writer some underground room in Serbia, BBC’s “Sherlock” is the most Mycroft (Gattis) found his brother. enthralling series on television. Mark The next reunion was between Gattis, Steven Moffat, Benedict Watson and Mrs. Hudson (Una Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman Stubbs), followed by an introduction transcend the writings of Sir Arthur to Watson’s soon-to-be fiancée Conan Doyle into episodes paralleled Mary (Amanda Abbington), and by no other show in production. topped off with Sherlock’s definition In January 2014, after two years of of a good-natured surprise. Watson excruciating anticipation, the third responded inclined. season aired and more than 10 million The plot of the episode revolved people tuned in for more deductions. around preventing an imminent “The Empty Hearse” terrorist attack somehow linked to At the close of “The Reichenbach the subway systems. The “Empty Fall,” the second season finale, Hearse” actually stands for a group audiences stared in agony as Watson Anderson formed. They got together (Freeman) stood before the grave and came up with theories about of his one and only friend, Sherlock how Sherlock survived. One shaved Holmes (Cumberbatch). As it mustache, a kidnapped Watson and panned out to queue the credits, the a diffused bomb later, London was camera paused on Sherlock standing saved. The big question, however, behind a tree. still remained unanswered—until The number-one question leading the last minute. up to the premiere of season three: Sherlock went to Anderson and “How did he do it?” Fans came revealed the truth, but Anderson was up many theories to explain how perplexed. He did not know whether Sherlock lived. They tweeted to believe Sherlock or not. Why relentlessly in attempts to attain any would Sherlock tell him? Would he clues to the secret of his survival. tell him the truth or nothing more They wrote the creators, Mark than an elaborate story? Sherlock Gattis and Steven Moffat. Some even left, Anderson had a crazy spell and offered bribes, but the secret was once again audiences were left in the kept safe. same quandary as before. Season three opened with the “The Sign of Three” grand reveal—or what viewers Despite exhausting extensive thought was the reveal. It turned efforts to stop a clan of masked out to be merely a scenario forensics bank robbers, D.I. Lestrade (Rupert detective Anderson (Jonathan Graves) halted everything when he Aris) thought up. The audience received a text from Sherlock that was briefly reunited with Watson said, “Help. Baker St. Now.” He

needed help with writing his best man speech for Watson’s wedding. The first bit of the episode took place at John’s and Mary’s wedding. The audience is cut back and forth between Sherlock’s speech and how Watson asked him to be the best man. It took an absurd length of time for Sherlock to comprehend that John deemed him his best friend. In return, Sherlock’s toast expressed a friendship so profound that the entire wedding party was moved to tears. The next chunk of the episode flashed back to a series of events that the dynamic duo took part in prior to the wedding. One involved a case in which Watson saved the life of a Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace. Another was the rare occasion where

Photo // IMDB they got drunk together…so very drunk. The final flashback was to the case of the “Mayfly” then back to the wedding where those three events come together in a way only Moffat and Gattis can understand. As for the “sign of three,” John and Mary are expecting that deduction sometime within the next nine months. The season finale, “His Last Vow” aired Sunday, Feb. 2 on PBS. With the introduction of a new nemesis, audiences can only begin to imagine what season four will bring. Then again, avid viewers are all too familiar with that sort of blind anticipation. lnelson@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

Sonic Posse & K-Roo present the New Moon Show

The ‘New Moon Show’ featured three musical acts. Courtesy // Taylor Gamlin Britt Ernst Staff Writer from each show at the closing of the UMKC student music school year. The “New Moon Show,” featuring organizations Sonic Posse and K-ROO held their first event of three acts and a raffle for Midland the semester Friday night at Art concert tickets, was held in the back Closet Studios. K-ROO is UMKC’s of Open Fire Pizza near 39th Street student radio station. Sonic Posse and Broadway. Opening act Patrick Kelly played formed at UMKC in October 2013 and hopes to have four shows each various cover songs from the 80s semester, offering copulation albums & 90s. Crowd favorites included “Zombie” by the Cranberries and

“Put the Lights On” by Santana. A one-man alternative rock band, Kelly managed to please the audience for an emotionally driven full length set. To close, Kelly played his own rendition of “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. Next up was the newly formed band Captiva. The boyish looks of Captiva didn’t let on to their surfpunk sound littered with raps. Catchy lyrics and dance beats drew the audience in quickly. Captiva brought not only the residing audience to its feet, but also seemed to draw in a crowd so large the room could hardly contain it. Even more unexpectedly, a few reggae rhythms found their way into Captiva’s funky but fun performance. The four-piece Connor Leimer Band closed the show. With a sound reminiscent of Hanson or Yellowcard, a feeling of nostalgia was clearly sweeping through the audience. Swoony lyrics about past loves had heads bobbing throughout the room until the night was finished. “Considering the weather and everything we had a good turn out,” said Hannah Copeland, Sonic Posse president. “This is only our second show ever.” Catch the next K-ROO and Sonic Posse showcase March 8 at Harling’s Upstairs Bar & Grill, 3941 Main Street.

A raffle was held to give away concert tickets to the Midland Theater. Courtesy // Taylor Gamlin

The next showcase will be March 8 at Harling’s.

bermst@unews.com

Courtesy // Taylor Gamlin

‘It’s Good to Jiggle’: Students Strip Down during Burlesque Dance Lesson

Students learn to work their hips. Cherry began the lesson with Kate Baxendale some stretching to warm up the Managing Editor participants. She then showed The Union Programming Board Lada Redstar’s winning burlesque sponsored a burlesque dance lesson performance from the 23rd Annual at the Student Union on Jan. 28. Miss Exotic World Competition. The instructor, Annie Cherry, is a A few participants said they were seasoned burlesque performer, go-go interested in burlesque because of dancer, producer, teacher and pinup the 2010 movie “Burlesque” featuring model. Cherry teaches burlesque at Christina Aguilera and Cher. Cherry City in Motion. said she had a few problems with the “Do any of you have a secret fantasy movie. stage name? Candy? Oh, we have a “Burlesque almost always involves problem,” Cherry said. “Names to removing some article of clothing,” stay away from are Candy, Kitty, Cherry said. “That was one element Cherry, Lola, Coco, Deville, because that was missing. I think they they’ve all been done. So something wanted to keep the PG-13 rating.” that’s important to think about is After stretching, Cherry taught what makes you unique and what’s the dancers how to move their different about you.” hips, demonstrating how to make hip circles. She showed them how to move their arms and to follow through with each motion. Participants were instructed to bring a pair of

Students take instruction from Cherry.

Photos // Vishnu Chander

Cherry teaches students the basics of burlesque. high heels and a jacket to strip off in used to,” Wright said. “I recently brought a hip-hop class, I brought a routine. Brittney Wright, the social justice a belly dancing class and I was just coordinator for UPB, coordinated really inspired. I wanted to see what burlesque was all about.” the event. Wright has been working with “I usually do different creative events, usually dance lessons, every City in Motion for the past semester, month so students get a new feel where she found Cherry to instruct of not just the usual that they’re the lesson at UMKC.

Students enjoyed an evening filled with exotic dancing, burlesque music and light refreshments. kbaxendale@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

An evening with a master: World-renowned composer John Corigliano

Photo // Joey Hill

John Corigliano while the trumpets provided slow, Joey Hill Valkyrie-like shrieks in some of the Senior Staff Writer piece’s faster moments. White Recital Hall housed a The next portion of the performance of selected works by performance included three works composer John Corigliano on Jan. 29 by Corigliano, each accompanied Entitled “Generations,” the by a brief explanation of the piece’s performance was a chronological creation by the composer himself. series of stages in Corigliano’s The first was a dramatic fury of a career. It began with “Divertimento duet entitled “Sonata for Violin and for Brass Quintet” by Otto Luening, Piano.” Corigliano commented on the a haunting and billowing work piece as being his first major work, created in 1988. Luening was one of created in his mid-20s while starting the earliest composers to incorporate off his career as a composer. The the usage of synthesizers and was concept of the piece came from his also Corigliano’s teacher in the parents his father an accomplished 1950s. Performed by five musicians, concert violinist and his mother a each using brass instruments, piano teacher who had no interest to the antique and regal feeling that play on stage - and their son’s vision was created was obvious from the of them performing together. beginning. However, there were When he originally finished the hints of Luening reaching for a more work, Corigliano gave it to his father modern sound in the quivering wails to look over, who promptly filed it and muffled blurts from the tuba

away in his closet, disapproving of his son’s dreams of being a composer which in the 50s, as Corigliano put it, “was the worst thing you could say about a person.” When the piece won him the prestigious Spoleto Festival chamber music competition in Italy and went on to be performed across Europe, Corigliano’s father couldn’t help but take notice and went on to perform the piece at nearly every one of his performances for the rest of his life. The work is a relatively short collection of four movements, each utilizing the foundation of the piano’s range with the violin’s emotional power to create a truly beautiful performance. Performed by Joseph Genualdi and Robert Weirich, the true power of the work comes in the final movement. After the slow and compassionate second movement

and the aching, brooding pitch of the third, the forth movement employs an extremely fast perpetual motion rhythm in which the violist plays at exceptional speeds while simultaneously shifting different pitches. The most incredible work of the concert was the third performance, “Snapshot: Circa 1909 for String Quartet”. Composed in 2003, the name comes from a photo portrait that hangs in Corigliano’s father’s studio. The photo, which the composer brought on stage with him, was a faded sepia photograph of Corigliano’s father as an eight-yearold childwith his violin and next to him, his slightly older brother with a guitar. In his remarks before the performance Corigliano commented on the idea of the work coming from the dreams he saw in his father’s

photograph. The piece was an amazing example of audible symbolism in the way that Corigliano blended the two violins accompanied by the cello and viola. Near the end of the song he made one of the violins play softly and appear far away, while the second created a more grounded sound. In his remarks about the work Corigliano explained that the ethereal violin was his father’s early dreams of concert violin, appearing far away at first and as the song continues it combines with the second violin, representing his father’s progress as a violinist. In the end, both instruments are working together in a fury of beauty, making the best part of a rewarding and glorious performance. jhill@unews.com

Monday February 3, 2014 | Issue 18

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