Sep. 10, 2010 | The Miami Student

The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

VOLUME 138 NO. 6

Friday, September 10, 2010

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

In 1991, The Miami Student reported the Oxford Police Department debuted its bicycle patrol at the beginning of September. In the first three hours of the patrol, one officer wrote 16 tickets for various violations.

Underage drinking grabs city’s attention

By Erin Fischesser News Editor

On the heels of recent national headlines, Miami University students are gaining attention once again for their drinking behavior.

According to Oxford Police Department (OPD) Sgt. Jim Squance, the number of underage drinking arrests has greatly increased in the 2010-2011 school year.

Since the beginning of August, Squance said there have been 102 reports of underage drinking in Oxford. During the same time period in 2009, that number was approximately 57 and in 2008 it totaled approximately 89.

Oxford Mayor Richard Keebler has also noticed the increase in underage drinking reports.

“It appears that there have been a lot of arrests and a lot of citations and I hope they keep that up,” Keebler said during a Sept. 7 city council meeting. “It continues to be disappointing to me to see the behavior that is coming from underage drinkers in this town.”

Squance attributes the significant number of reports to nice weather and an increase in alcohol enforcement measures taken by OPD. “We’ve stepped up our alcohol

wSee DRINKING, page 5 SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

CAMPUS

CAMPUS

Dalai Lama tickets Student committee positions remain vacant sell out, university looks for more space

By Courtney Day Campus Editor

By Amanda Seitz Campus Editor

Members of the public looking for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Miami University tickets this past We d n e s day didn’t find any.

After two days of open sale to Miami Dalai Lama f a c u l t y, staff, alumni and students, tickets for the Dalai Lama’s Oct. 21 lecture were gone, five days ahead of schedule.

Over 10,000 seats were quickly ordered up by Miamians in anticipation of seeing His Holiness, according

to Claire Wagner, associate director of public information.

Wagner said over 5,100 tickets were sold from 10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. Sept. 1, the first day of sale.

“This is an extraordinary situation,” David Keitges, director of international education, said. “Except for a pop music group, we don’t sell out Millet Hall very often …

People thought it would be very popular. I don’t think we were aware how very exciting this was for so many people on campus.”

But for those who are not part of Miami, chances of attending the Dalai Lama’s lecture are bleak.

“There is a dramatic level of interest off campus to attend

wSee TICKETS, page 5

Vacancies are continuing in 30 of the 51 student positions on subcommittees of University Senate and Student Affairs Council (SAC).

Only 28 percent of the available SAC committee seats designated for students are filled and only 54 percent of the spots are filled for University Senate committees.

“This is a difficulty we face at the beginning of each year,” University Senate Executive Committee Chair Steve Wright said. “I don’t think we have a good system.”

Wright said he was responsible for finding faculty and staff to sit on senate committees, and those positions are all filled. He filled these positions through active recruitment including word of mouth and e-mail announcements.

While the system works for staff and faculty, Wright said the student recruitment system is not as effective.

“We don’t have a good mechanism for getting students involved,” he said.

Associated Student Government

THE

INSIDESCOOP

“NOT WITHOUT COUPS, BABY”

Kroger offers online coupons that can be loaded on your Kroger Plus card.

COMMUNITY, page 4

(ASG) is charged with the responsibility to help find and recommend students for appointment to these committees.

“We are actively searching for students to serve on committees,” Student Body President Heath Ingram said.

Ingram said ASG has sent e-mails over departmental listservs to advertise the positions, but there were fewer responses than he would like to see.

The lack of student interest is not new this year. Several committees have expressed frustration with both lack of student appointments to committees and lack of commitment on the part of some appointed students.

Ingram said some students who accept committee positions fail to come to meetings and fulfill their duties.

Wright said some of the absences are because of schedule conflicts and there is absenteeism among faculty and staff as well. He said students who are unable to fulfill their commitments because of schedule conflicts or other reasons should notify the senate so the position can be filled by another student.

“It’s hard for us to build incentives

WHITEOUT

Miami football prepares for its first home game of the season.

SPORTS, page 12

HIT THE DANCEFLOOR

DJ Sona opens up about his expeiences.

FEATURES, page 6

Specials on dog adoption won’t affect any Miami undergraduates.

COMMUNITY, page 4

FLYIN’ HIGH

AMUSEMENT, page 7

THUMBS UP?

Sat

Sun

78 q 51 p

WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET SPORTS: SOCCER PREVIEW

Spots are still available for students interested in parking in the North Campus Garage.

COMMUNITY: METER INCREASE?

EDITORIAL, page 8

77 q 59

ONLY

u

CAMPUS: OPEN PARKING SPOTS

Check out our latest feature - Thumbs - that allows you to submit whatever you might see around Oxford.

p

wSee VACANCIES, page 5

Miami’s soccer team will visit Tennessee for the Marshall Invitational this weekend.

Know the ins and outs of studying in a foreign country.

WOOF WOOF

and accountability,” Ingram said.

He said both recruitment efforts and accountability need to be improved.

“Recruiting students has to be a collaborative effort,” Ingram said.

He said he has charged the ASG executive cabinet with the responsibility of seeking students to fill these positions, but the responsibility should not solely lie on one person or on a small group. He said the various committees could do more to help find students and committee members could tell others about the position to help recruit their own replacements.

George MacDonald, assistant director of parking services, said he would like to see more students on the Student Traffic Appeals Committee.

“I hope there’s a big list of people that want to be on it,” he said.

The committee has 10 spots for students, but none of these spots are filled. Most of the other committees that have student spots only have positions for two students.

“Experience has shown me that

Mon

83 q 53 p

City council will vote on a parking meter price increase at their next meeting. What do you think about a possible increase?

2

Campus

Friday

September 10, 2010

Editors Courtney Day Amanda Seitz campus@miamistudent.net

MU urges administrators to teach NEWS BRIEFS

By Kristen Grace Senior Staff Writer

EVENTS P&G offers information session for students Proctor & Gamble (P&G) is holding an informational night at 7 p.m.

Sept. 15 in FSB 1000.

Sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in internships or full-time positions at the company are encouraged to attend the event.

Representatives from P&G Finance, Consumer & Market Knowledge, Research & Development, Sales, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Purchasing and IT will be present.

The event will give students information about the company and possible job positions as well as tips for applying online. Online applications are required for P&G positions.

Students may bring resumes to the information night. Dress for the event is business casual.

Students can find more information at www.facebook.com/PGMiamiRecruiting.

The question was recently brought up by a professor in the Miami University senate that in light of pending budget cuts, the university should consider a policy of administrators teaching in addition to their administrative work in order to help alleviate the burden on faculty and students, according to Student Body President Heath Ingram.

According to Michael Dantley, associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs, it is not likely that any policy will be put in place forcing administrators to teach, although they are encouraged to do so.

“I do believe it will help some, but I don’t think it will totally alleviate the workload issue the faculty faces on a regular basis,” Dantley said.

Dantley, an administrator and professor himself, said some administrators already teach.

Dantley currently teaches a class on ethics in education for doctoral students as part of the

Educational Leadership Department. Almost all administrators who teach do so voluntarily and none are compensated for it.

According to Dantley, many administrators have “home departments” and can choose to teach a class in their department simply by talking to the chair.

The expectation of administrators to teach varies based on their position. Jeff Ruder, assistant director of academics and co-curricular support, said there are different kinds of administrators who teach for different reasons.

Some administrators teach classes that are essentially a part of their job descriptions, such as specifically listed honors courses taught by honors academic advisers, said Ruder.

A number of high-level administrators such as the interim provost, assistant provost and school deans, on the other hand, also maintain a “faculty status” in addition to their administrative title, said Ruder.

President Hodge is also listed as a professor and in the past taught geography courses.

Ingram said although there is not currently

Reports publish findings on MU rankings U.S. News & World Report ranking declines over time

Students hold 9/11 ceremony at King Library A 9/11 remembrance ceremony will be hosted at King Library from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the plaza at King Library.

Miami University students in American Studies 301 organized the event with the help of a national organization called September Project.

The local community as well as Miami students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the commemoration.

All will be invited to share their own experiences and feelings about America following the life-altering and tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Miami has collaborated with the September Project before — this will be the third year. The purpose of the national project is to create events geared toward the public at libraries across the country.

FYI Time Warner refunds Oxford for cable outage Oxford residents who subscribe to Time Warner Cable can receive $3 back for lost connection on Saturday, Sept. 4 during the Miami University vs. University of Florida football game.

In order to receive the rebate, call Time Warner Cable at (513) 4242408. Subscribers must call in order to receive money back.

an official recommendation in the Strategic Priorities Task Force for more administratortaught classes, he would like to see more of it.

He said he’d like to see upper-level administrators who are able take on at least one class per year.

“We’re talking about in the future losing course offering and having larger class sizes,” Ingram said. “Help share the burden that everybody has to bear.”

According to Dantley, it is not always realistic for administrators to add teaching a course to their workload.

“Most administrators have such a full administrative load that it would be impossible for them to teach more than one course a semester or even a year,” Dantley said.

Bur for those who can, he said it is a good way to keep in touch with the students and to understand what the faculty members go through on a regular basis.

“I would encourage administrators who have time in their schedules to teach,” Dantley said.

By Adam Giffi Senior Staff Writer

THOMAS CALDWELL The Miami Student

Drumline professor Ted Leith teaches senior Nathan Duncan a warmup beat.

College guide commends music, architecture

By Courtney Day Campus Editor

Miami University’s music and architecture programs have recently been recognized in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2011 for being among the top programs in their fields.

In the guide, Miami is listed as one of 20 “Public Universities Strong in Architecture” and one of 25 “Major Universities Strong in Music.” Miami was also ranked one of 36 “Public Universities Strong in Business.”

John Wiegand, chair and professor of architecture and interior design, said Miami is one of only four National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited universities in Ohio. The

other three are The Ohio State University, Kent State University and University of Cincinnati.

As opposed to a five-year bachelor of architecture program, Miami offers a four-year bachelor of art in architecture pre-professional program as well as a master of architecture graduate program. Wiegand said this is one of the strengths of the undergraduate program.

“One of the things we talk about as being unique is our emphasis in broad-based education,” Wiegand said.

Wiegand said the liberal arts undergraduate education Miami offers is important in his field because architecture is very interdisciplinary. He said students need a broad base of understanding in art, science, human

ALLISON BACKOVSKI The Miami Student

First-year Dianna Ng works on an architecture assignment.

behavior and business to succeed in architecture.

Wiegand said off-campus study, from Over-the-Rhine to Ghana, Africa, is another unique aspect of the program.

He said more than half of the department’s students participate in off-campus study before graduation.

The department also partners with other university departments, Wiegand said.

Collaboration with the business, education and engineering schools, as well as other programs, give students interdisciplinary experience.

The program is also competitive. According to Wiegand, of the 400 to 500 undergraduate applicants the department receives, only 75 are accepted. The high caliber of students and the small class size allows for successful collaboration even in the students’ first-year studio classes, Wiegand said.

Miami’s music department is also proud of their ranking in the Fiske guide.

The list of 25 “Major Universities Strong in Music” includes both public and private universities, but it does not include conservatories.

According to Judy Delzell, music department chair and professor, the department actively recruits high school students and even students as young as eighth grade.

“Recruiting for talented music students is like recruiting honors students and athletes,” Delzell said.

She said the department communicates with 1,000 to 1,200 high school students and only brings in about 50.

“Of the students who

wSee FISKE, page 3

According to studies done by U.S. News & World Report, Miami University has been on an extended decline in quality in terms of overall national university rank and public university rank.

Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases a ranking of “Best Colleges.” The universities studied for this ranking are divided into several different categories.

In 2007, Miami received some of its highest marks ever from this report. The university was ranked 21 among public universities and 60 among national universities. In the 2011 report, Miami has fallen 13 spots to 34 among public universities and 19 spots to 79 among national universities.

Though some have expressed concern about these numbers, University President David Hodge said these numbers are not necessarily cause for alarm. He said Miami has not seen a need to do a major assessment into these negative trends.

“The change is almost noise at this level because of the way things are measured,” Hodge said. “I’d much rather have it go the other way, make no doubt about that, but it’s not a significant drop.”

Hodge said because of the way the ranking system is designed and calculated, it often does not always fit Miami’s own unique qualities.

“Every measure has its pluses and minuses,” Hodge said. “The confusion here is that you have a measurement that is imperfect that is measuring variables that don’t line up well with what Miami does.”

Miami is not completely resigned to letting the university slip in standing.

Hodge said there are several programs in motion that could result in higher future rankings.

“We would hope with the Strategic Priorities Task Force and with the kind of aggressive planning that we’re doing to continue to improve education at Miami, that we’re going to reverse that and start to move in the other direction,” Hodge said.

“We don’t do things to change the ranking, per se, just some of the things that we’re doing we think are going to help us in the rankings.”

First-year Megan Sharrett said the ranking decline is not a positive sign for the university. She said that, had she better looked into the history of Miami’s rank, she may have had some doubts about her decision to attend Miami.

“I definitely think that the academic performance and rank of the university should affect a student’s decision of where to go,” Sharrett said. “It definitely would have affected mine.”

First-year Alex Mumma took a different stance.

wSee U.S. NEWS, page 3

Campus

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER ,10, 2010 ♦ 3

FSB, Yager Stadium open doors to Talwanada community

By Hope Holmberg For The Miami Student

Collaborating with the Farmer School of Business (FSB), Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Talawanda School District, In-Step with the ComMUnity will take place for Miami University students and their families as well as members of the community Saturday, Oct. 2.

While the first In-Step with the ComMUnity event took place last fall, this year’s event is expected to be bigger, said senior Brittney O’Connor, a member of the committee organizing the event.

O’Connor said they will be accepting donations from Miami students and their parents for both school supplies and tickets to the football game Oct. 2 for underprivileged kids in the Talawanda School District.

“The goal of it is to try to form a stronger relationship between the Talawanda School District, FSB, and intercollegiate athletes,” O’Connor said.

During the week leading up to the event, O’Connor said baskets filled with school supplies will be displayed around campus in order to show students what their donations will buy.

“The idea is that this is completely student-run and

initiated,” said Mike Curme, associate dean of undergraduate beautiful,” Curme said. “So we thought, ‘why don’t we get toprograms in FSB. “It’s really a program with a lot of things going gether as a community and watch a football game together?’” on in it, but really, ultimately it’s about celebrating partnerships Curme said since they have partnerships with other organiand community.” zations on campus and a relationship with both the community Curme said the event has been planned and the local credit union, the goal was by a committee of eight students. to work toward something that both “The goal of it is to try to Curme said Miami students who benefits the community and brings the form a stronger relationwant to get involved can either make community together. donations that go toward items includ- ship between the Talawanda “(The event) shows how prestigious ing mittens, hats and school supplies or our business school is, how involved School District, FSB and toward football tickets for kids in the the athletes are and how involved the intercollegiate athletes.”

Talawanda School District. community is,” said senior Carly Ma“(This year) we are trying to incorjor, a member of the committee.

BRITTNEY O’CONNOR porate more of the women’s athletThe event will include tours of COMMUNITY ORGANIZER ics teams and trying to reach more the business school for members of people, especially freshman,” said the community, students and their senior Whitney Renner, a member of parents. Afterward, everyone is welthe committee. come to walk to Yager Stadium for a tailgate followed by the Both Miami Cares and various business fraternities are do- football game. nating tickets, Renner said. Students who wish to donate mon“We are lucky to live in a town where its residents are so ey for tickets can contact D’Angelo Solomon, assistant director proud and supportive of Miami,” O’Connor said. “The need of sales and services for the Athletic Department. for more positive interaction between these three entities is “During every football weekend in October, the weather is essential for further growth in our relationship.”

‘Fireside chat’

Residents of Dorsey Hall were evacuated after a small fire broke out in the hall Sunday.

IT tents provide Internet assistance for students

By Natalie McKerjee Senior Staff Writer

With every new school year come the burdens of settling into student life.

One of these burdens that is constantly an issue at Miami University is the simple task of connecting to the Internet. This year, Miami has

decided to set up Information Technology (IT) tent around campus in hopes of providing assistance to students who are struggling to access Websites.

According to Cathy McVey, director of strategic communication for Information Technology Services, the plan to have the tent arose before this year’s Internet complications and was

HILARY DANIELS The Miami Student

First-year Max Tongtae visits the IT Services Tent Wednesday afternoon.

established to accommodate the large amount of students who have issues connecting to Miami’s MU-WIRELESS network.

“At the beginning of every year there are always issues with students trying to connect to the Internet, so we thought we would set up tents around the residence halls and allow students to ask questions,” McVey said.

McVey said while the tent is geared more toward the wireless realm, it is also available for students with other questions.

“There are people from the networking and from the support staff,” McVey said.

Miami senior Jessica Stringfield said because this service is centered on the residence halls and underclassmen, there could be issues with younger students receiving too much assistance from the university.

“Parents literally do everything for their kids now, which can be a very bad thing when they get into the real world and life requires them to do simple things,” Stringfield said. “It’s like the ancient saying, ‘If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, he will eat for the rest of his life.’”

According to McVey, while the tent is located around residence halls, all students are invited to utilize the services.

Students are also welcome to register in a drawing for one of two Flip cameras that will be given away.

The IT tent is visiting each quad, and a schedule of the hours and locations is available as a BlackBoard announcement.

THOMAS CALDWELL The Miami Student

FISKE

U.S. NEWS

pass the audition, roughly 40 percent will choose Miami,” Delzell said.

That’s a great number, she said, because students often audition at three to five schools.

Delzell attributes the success of the program to both its ability to bring in talented and driven students and training throughout the program.

She said Miami’s relatively smaller department allows for a closer-knit community of musicians, greater faculty interaction and more opportunities for students. She said the strength of Miami’s various ensembles is also a draw.

“I think our reputation as a strong program is based on the quality of our performing ensembles,” Delzell said.

“Regardless of ranking, I would still choose to go here,” Mumma said. “I know that this isn’t a bad school. It might not be as prestigious as it once was, but I know it is a good school.”

Sophomore Mary Holstein echoed Mumma’s sentiments. She also expressed confidence that Miami is doing whatever it can to maintain its prestigious reputation.

“I think that I’m confident in Miami,” Holstein said. “Even if they are slipping, I would assume they are doing what they think is necessary to boost us up again.”

Hodge said Miami is still being renowned in all of the right places, which is evident in Miami’s No. 2 ranking in undergraduate teaching according to U.S. News & World Report.

“We are being recognized for what we feel is the most important: our commitment to undergraduate education,” Hodge said. “Above all, regardless of university ranking, when you graduate from Miami University we want you to be prepared for wherever life takes you next.”

continued from page 2

continued from page 2

ESSAYISTS WANTED.

The Miami Student is looking for essayists.

Email news@miamistudent.net for more information.

4

Community

Friday

September 10, 2010

Editors Stephen Bell Kelsey Bishop community@miamistudent.net

Kroger uses digital coupons

By Leslie Scott Staff Writer

Male attempts to steal sign at construction site At around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, an Oxford police officer sitting at the intersection of Poplar and High streets heard a banging noise nearby.

The officer later reportedly saw a male at the construction site of DuBois Bookstore trying to jerk the banner off the fence. The sign was reportedly torn off except for one corner still attached to the fence.As the officer pulled up, the male reportedly walked away. He was later stopped by the officer and identified as Matthew Ede, 18.

Ede reportedly told the officer he was only looking at the banner, but a couple sitting on the picnic tables at Bagel & Deli Shop reportedly told the officer he had been pulling on the sign, allegedly trying to steal it.

Ede reportedly had the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and had a fake ID belonging to his brother in his wallet. Ede reportedly told the officer he would be a first-year at The Ohio State University in a few weeks and was in town to visit friends and attend a concert at Brick Street Bar. Ede was cited for underage intoxication and criminal mischief.

Officers catch underage student holding beer

By Melissa Tacchi

according to Stephenson.

Miami University senior Colin Ostasiewski and junior Drew McDonell went to the shelAs competitors in a nationwide animal cruter in hopes of adopting a dog, but were elty prevention competition, Butler Counturned away immediately after revealing ty’s Animal Friends Humane Society has themselves as students. discounted the price on dog adoptions “We went to the humane society through the end of October. shelter with the intention of adoptThe shelter is offering a drawing ing a dog that was cheaper than a in which potential dog adoptees puppy and hopefully trained,” can select discounts between McDonell said. “But after 5 and 100 percent, according to we found a dog that we really Meg Stephenson, executive direcliked, we were told that the sheltor of the Animal Friends Humane ter does not allow college students Society (AFHS). to adopt pets.”

“We are competing in the American According to McDonell, shelter ofSociety for the Prevention of Cruelty to ficials said at the end of the academic Animals (ASPCA) challenge against 49 year, they witness a spike in the number other shelters this year,” Stephenson said. of strays and believe it is due to college “The prize for being the shelter with the students’ lack of stability in their lives. most saves is $1,000, so we hope to get as “At the end of the year, when the colmany people involved as possible.” lege is on summer break, we find animals Miami University senior Seth Hillenmyer has owned Ben, a According to Stephenson, in order dumped all over the city,” Stephenson Burnese Mountain dog, since the start of 2009. Ben lives to consider a pet’s life saved, it must said. “Oftentimes students find themwith Hillenmyer at his home on Campus Avenue. be either adopted or reunited with its selves moving around to try and find a previous owner. job and may have difficulty leasing an Last month, 213 animals were adopted and 68 were reunited with apartment that allows pets.” their owners, an all around increase compared to this time last year, Sgt. Jim Squance of the Oxford Police Department supports the AFHS in according to Stephenson. their decision not to adopt pets to college students.

Although the competition accounts for dogs and cats, the AFHS adoption “College students have a lot of distraction in their lives,” Squance said. rate for cats remains the same throughout the year. The shelter charge is $40 “They don’t have that extra time to devote to their pets, especially cats and for kittens until they reach five months old, at which time the rate begins dogs, which require a lot of attention.” to decrease.

For Miami students, adopting or purchasing a pet may be only half the “We are great contenders for this competition because we are really in- battle. According to local real estate company College Property Managenovative in trying to find new ways to get the community to adopt pets,” ment, a student pet owner is responsible to find a house or apartment that the Stephenson said. “Hopefully we will get as many people involved so we can owner has deemed “pet friendly” and pay a fee typically ranging between win this competition because it is definitely possible.” $250 and $500.

Although active community involvement is encouraged by AFHS “We just wanted to give a dog a home,” McDonell said. “We had no idea officials, college students are excluded from such an opportunity, that it entailed so much effort to save a dog’s life.”

Staff Writer

HA

NT

ON GT

DIN

LU

ent

tud

iS

iam

eM

Th

At 12:15 a.m. Monday, officers observed several people standing in the breezeway at Hawks Landing apartments. One of the males in the group was reportedly young-looking and holding a red plastic cup. When he saw the officer, the male reportedly turned his back and tried to hide behind someone else before putting the cup on a chair. He was identified as Miami University junior William Price Jr., 19. Price reportedly admitted to the officer he was 19.

Price was cited for underage possession of alcohol.

Humane society grants discount for dog adoptions

MA

Police cite male with red cup at Hawks Landing

time to load the coupons onto (their) card, (they) will save a lot of money in the long run.”

For now, Kroger is only planning to use the Kroger Plus card as a means for loading the coupons and has not started mobile coupons.

“We started this program over a year ago,” Betzler said. “However, the most recent information in regards to digital coupons is a full launch offering more coupons to be loaded and working with various vendor partners. I personally use this all the time.”

After a customer checks out with their purchases, they can look at their receipt to see how much money they saved under “ecpn,” or electronic coupons. It will say the total coupon amount that was deducted, Betzler said.

Anyone can apply for a Kroger Plus card for free online or in the store.

SA

At 12:05 a.m. Monday, officers reportedly observed a male holding an open can of Keystone Light beer standing on the sidewalk in front of 119 E. Sycamore St. He was identified as Miami University first-year Willis Davenport, 18. Davenport reportedly told the officer, “I’m a freshman and I’m just out trying to get to know people.” Davenport was cited for underage possession of alcohol.

Kroger has started a new digital coupon system in order for shoppers to save even more money with their Kroger Plus cards.

According to Rachael Betzler, Kroger public affairs manager, digital coupons started at Kroger about a year ago.

Customers can log on to the Kroger website, register their Kroger Plus card and start adding any coupons offered directly to their card.

“Coupons are loaded within an hour and ready to be redeemed when you shop,” Betzler said. “It’s that simple and you can load up to 150 offers.”

Miami University junior Jessie Rains had never heard of digital coupons before this; but, she thinks it’s a great idea.

“As a student, I don’t get a

newspaper and I’m not going to take Switching to digital is very conthe time to clip coupons,” Rains said. venient for those who really em“Also, as a student, it is awesome brace technology, Betzler said. that it saves me money because I “Some people would rather load feel like students are coupons elecalways looking for tronically instead “Coupons are good ways to save.” of cutting them loaded within an out,” she said.

Betzler said customers can print out Miami junior hour and ready a list of coupons they Brooke Perellis to be redeemed added to their card in takes full advanwhen you shop. It’s tage of using her case they forget.

She said the popu- simple and you can phone number lar grocery chain will to access her load up to not be doing away personal Kroger 150 offers.” with paper coupons Plus card inanytime soon. formation and RACHAEL BETZLER “As long as there agrees the new KROGER are paper coupons technology will PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER being circulated, benefit Kroger.

Kroger will continue “I think this is a to accept them,” Betzler said. “Also, great idea because digital media is I have no indication that newspapers the way to go,” Perellis said. “It is so will stop offering (paper coupons) in common for people to forget their the Sunday papers.” coupons at home. If people take the

Sunny day in the park

Jails look to ease overcrowding

By Bethany Bruner Senior Staff Writer

CAROLINE BUCK The Miami Student

Miami University alumnus Anne Hardi and her son, Jacob, enjoy the nice weather Wednesday at Uptown Park.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office knows that jail inmate numbers rise and fall, but this year, the numbers are rising too high.

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones took to his Twitter account Friday, Sept. 3 to inform his followers about a potential problem for Labor Day weekend. Jones tweeted, “Both jails are almost at capacity going into holiday weekend, may have to put prisoners on the floor.”

The jails, located on Hamilton’s Hanover and Court streets, have a combined capacity of approximately 1,100 inmates according to Lt. Nick Fisher, Butler County jail warden.

Fisher said the current inmate population is at 1,004, but there are no specific reasons why inmate populations go up and down, but it does tend to be cyclical.

“Maybe it’s the weather,” Fisher said. “We tend to have the inmate population go up in the summer and go down in the winter.”

Butler County Common Pleas Court Administrator Gary Yates said local judges understand peaks and valleys happen with inmate population, and they are doing what they can to help ease the jail’s burden.

“The judges are doing what they’ve always done in working with the Sheriff’s Office,” Yates said. “They’re trying to use pre-trial services to ease overcrowding and trying to get paperwork done quickly.”

Yates said inmates who come before the Common Pleas Court come from six other local courts, and

getting the paperwork done quickly is a necessity.

“Most Common Pleas Court cases are felonies and are typically sentenced to prison, so if we get the paperwork done quickly after sentencing, they can be transferred out of jail and to prison,” Yates said.

Fisher said communication between the Sheriff’s Office, the jail and the courts is crucial so each group knows where the other stands.

“We’re just trying to let people know what’s going on,” Fisher said. “We have to let the judges know where we’re at.”

Fisher also said the judges are attempting to find alternatives to jail or prison time for inmates with lesser crimes. One solution is giving lesser sentences to non-violent offenders to free up bed space in the jails, according to Fisher.

“They’re looking at ankle monitoring, probation, parole, other solutions besides incarceration,” Fisher said. “The ways are all being researched as alternatives.”

This kind of research is something the county looks at any time the jail begins to reach capacity, according to Fisher.

However, not everyone is happy about prisoners receiving lesser sentences.

Miami University sophomore Katie Bird said judges should look to other alternatives before shortening jail time.

“I don’t think lesser sentences or other forms of punishment should be an option, “ Bird said. “Maybe once the jail gets to capacity, they could look at alternatives like volunteering or other ways of punishment, but only as a last resort.”

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 ♦ 5

TICKETS

continued from page 1 this event,” Keitges said. “It’s a delicate issue, we have a wider community — we have alumni, donors. We have a responsibility to this wider community.”

Despite the public interest, Wagner said if more tickets do become available, students will be the first ones to know.

“Our first priority will be for students that are in classes in which faculty said, ‘I want you to go to this,’” Wagner said.

One of the options the university is looking into is opening up a small section behind where the Dalai Lama will speak.

The university is still evaluating whether they can make more tickets available, Wagner said. Decisions concerning whether the university will add additional tickets and how many will be reached sometime in mid-September.

The university has not made any decisions as to the proposed cost of additional tickets.

The university will be unable to open a second lecture later in the evening to the public or those who were unable to purchase tickets, according to Keitges.

“He has a very strict contract that he can-

VACANCIES

DRINKING

students just aren’t as interested in that committee,” Ingram said.

Of the 21 senate and SAC committees that take student members, only five committees have reached their student capacity. The others are still looking to fill vacancies.

Ingram said his experiences as a student trustee and student body president have been “nothing short of transformative.”

He said he believes any student who dedicates time to any of the committees will develop personally and professionally.

“It’s not about the position,” Ingram said. “It’s about what you do.

The value is incalculable.”

Wright said committees provide students the opportunity to see behind the scenes of the university. He said students who serve on committees learn about a variety of issues and come to appreciate Miami more. He said the committees that have student spots deal with areas that directly impact student life.

Wright said some of the committees meet every two weeks, while others meet two or three times each semester or less. He encourages students to find a committee that interests them and to contact ASG to volunteer.

enforcement at the beginning of the school year,” Squance said. “Our goal is to set the tone for the rest of the year for alcohol and all of the things that go along with it.”

Squance said the majority of the violations have been committed by 18 and 19-year-old students, which concerns him.

“They’ve come to school with their fake IDs,” Squance said. “This tells me a lot of kids may have come here with a culture conducive to drinking large amounts of alcohol.”

Keebler expressed concern about this issue and has seen the consequences that stem from it.

“I’m very disappointed in what appears to be the number of 18 and 19-year-olds who are underage drinking,” Keebler said. “I think people need to read these reports. We had two police officers injured recently in attempting to stop an underage drinker.”

According to Squance, OPD is cracking

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

not work beyond 3:30 in the afternoon,” Keitges said. “He’s a practicing monk and does meditate on a daily basis.”

Keitges said although the university was unable to sell any of the pricier, $25 public tickets, this will not impact the Dalai Lama’s visit.

“He gets nothing, no pay whatsoever,” Keitges said, adding the university will pay for the Dalai Lama’s lodging, food and some of his travel costs. “ The university will not be making money on this, the university was not going to make any money on this event anyway.”

For those who were lucky enough to get one of the 10,000 golden tickets, Keitges

said they will have an opportunity to ask the Dalai Lama questions at the lecture.

Doors for the lecture, Ethics in A Modern World, will open at noon and the event will begin at 2 p.m.

The Dalai Lama will speak for approximately 40 minutes and then allow for those attending to step up on the question stations around the hall until the conclusion at 3:30 p.m.

Keitges hopes students will be able to walk away from the lecture with a new understanding of something very untraditional.

“This is an educational opportunity to learn about this,” Keitges said. “Americans

down on alcohol consumption in order to de- their disciplinary board to make this a more crease instances of other crimes it may cause, serious thing.”

According to Squance, Miami has a huge including assault and disorderly conduct. role in cutting down underage drinking in Squance said the enforcement, however, is Oxford because it poses a more real threat not significantly more than OPD has used in to students. previous years. However, the department has “The university position been using an increased numon how they deal with alcober of both plain clothes and Squance said the hol-related violations and uniformed officers to aggresmajority of the honesty violations (having a sively search bars for underfake ID) has a bigger deterage and overly intoxicated inviolations have dividuals on Thursday through been committed by rent on Miami students than Saturday nights. what the court system does,” According to Squance, a fur- 18 and 19-year-old Squance said. students, which ther crackdown on underage Susan Vaughn, director of Miami’s Office of Ethics and drinking could only be achieved concerns him.

Student Conflict Resolution, with more officers on duty dursaid her office as actually seen ing busy times uptown. a decrease in alcohol-related reports since the “The more manpower we throw at the issue, beginning of the school year, but agrees that the better the results,” Squance said. “UnfortuMiami’s disciplinary actions can have a larger nately, we don’t have the personnel to do that effect on student behavior. right now.”

According to Vaughn, students have a precKeebler agreed.

“I wish there were more things we could do edent to look to.

“Students know what’s going to happen to about it,” Keebler said. “I think unfortunately it’s a problem that is beyond Oxford and I them at a minimum because of what is written hope that Miami University works through in the Code of Conduct,” Vaughn said.

The Miami Student is looking for an online assistant.

E-mail online@miamistudent.net for more information.

SUDOKU, page 10.

“THE ORIGINAL MULTI-SITE SUMMER BUSINESS IN EUROPE PROGRAM – NOW IN ITS SIXTEENTH YEAR” SUMMER 2011 MULTI-SITE BUSINESS IN EUROPE PROGRAM May 10 - June 4 Offered and taught by Professors Thomas M. Porcano (529-6221) and Wayne Staton (5237722) through the University of Louisville Base Cities: London, Paris, Munich, Lauterbrunnen, Athens, and Poros Field Trips: Numerous Courses: ACCT 490 – International Accounting - Equivalent to MU’s ACC 383 CLAW 490 – International Law - Equivalent to MU’s BLS 464 Six credit hours

“In this program, it’s the journey and the destination!”

Informational Meetings (attend one of the September meetings): Tuesday, September 14, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sigma Nu House (300 N. Tallawanda) Monday, September 20, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sigma Nu House (300 N. Tallawanda) Thursday, September 30, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Sigma Nu House (300 N. Tallawanda)

Saturday, October 2, Family Weekend, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Sigma Nu House (300 N. Tallawanda)

ALL MAJORS WELCOME!

6

Friday

September 10, 2010

Features

Editor Amelia Carpenter features@miamistudent.net

By Jen Gault

For The Miami Student

His first two mix tapes, Into the Dark I and II, were downloaded more than 20,000 times in the first two weeks of release. With more than 10,000 songs on his computer, his undying passion for music has landed him one of the top spots in the Miami University music scene.

Su Dong, also known as DJ Sona, has established himself as a serious disc jockey at Miami. The Miami sophomore has produced three mix tapes since he arrived on campus and he DJs every weekend at various clubs uptown. Sona also DJed at well-known Pacha NYC in New York City and was the opening act at Oxfest.

Sona isn’t your typical Miami sophomore, although sporting the red Miami hoodie and obsessing about the latest men’s hockey score contradicts that. Tall and dark-haired, quietly engrossed in his accounting book in the basement of Wells Hall, you wouldn’t recognize him as a DJ. In his free time, he obsesses over the thrill of driving, especially Audis and Volkswagens.

The most important thing of all is that he lives and breathes music. Music brings out the best in him.

As Sona began to tell his story, he let his guard down, enthusiastically repeating, “Let’s do this.”

When he isn’t acing accounting exams, you can find him updating his iTunes with the latest ear-catching tunes or mixing tracks on his Dell laptop.

But his closest friends didn’t find out he was a DJ until The Miami Student ran a story on him. Sona loves to take chances and he illustrates that by his love for electronic music.

“I can be having the worst day ever and just listening to electronic music gets me pumped up and puts me in a better mood,” he grinned.

It isn’t easy to get recognition as a DJ, but Sona has been defying the odds. He said he never would have imagined his life to turn out the way it has.

Ironically, during his childhood Sona had no idea what mainstream music was. He was consumed in classical music due to his father’s love for the genre.

As his father sat him next to the radio playing Mozart, Sona began to appreciate the complexities of the melodies and would replay them over and over in his head.

“I guess listening to classical music really helped me understand the basic music structure and concepts,” Sona laughed.

Classical music is still a big part of his life today, as he sits against the wall in his room listening to Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, getting inspiration for his communication speech.

Add to his list of obsessions the Vienna New Year’s Concert, which features classical music from the likes of Mozart to Beethoven. Thanking his father, he sits religiously with his eyes glued to the television.

“I have to watch it every year,” he said.

Moving around during his childhood benefited Sona as he became exposed to diverse lifestyles. Born in China, he then moved to New York and Chicago. These big cities exposed him to a style of music that would forever change his life — electronic music.

“I wanted to DJ when I got my first copy of Tiesto’s Club Life DVD,” he said.

After seeing Tiesto in concert when he was younger, Sona knew he wanted to DJ. Talking about Tiesto made his eyes light up.

“I loved how Tiesto kept everyone pumped up and how everyone had a good time at the club. That’s when I realized I wanted to do the same thing,” he said.

During his first year at Miami, he met then-fellow Miami student Dan Albert, his current agent. Albert’s presence took Sona’s DJing skills to a new level.

In 2008, Albert was DJing at the Grand Prix for Program Board, an organization that entertains and plans diverse and interesting events for Miami University’s students, faculty and staff.

Sona approached Albert and told him of his interest in becoming a DJ. Albert had just started a DJ production company called Knuckle Up Productions and he thought Sona would be a perfect match for his vision.

“A lot of the DJs I came across I was searching for, and honestly they weren’t that great,” Albert said. “In Su’s case, he came to me. He’s skilled in a different level than most people here.”

Being a good DJ means to be versatile, according to Albert, and that is exactly what DJ Sona is. He can adapt to any situation and put his own twist on it.

Albert and Sona have a unique relationship with one another; it’s as if they could finish each other’s sentences. They work well together because they have similar personalities.

“We are on the same page — he wants to be a DJ, I want to be a DJ,” Sona said smiling at Albert. “My strengths counter his strengths. Managing artists is his specialty.”

Sona recalls his first DJing experience. The day was going the same as any other. On the 10-minute walk home from Benton Hall, all that was running through his mind was his first real show.

Around 4 p.m., he double-checked his computer to see if he had all of the songs that he was sure would get requested, only once if he was lucky.

At 5 p.m., he checked his songs one more time as he indulged in his pre-show snack of apple juice and Teddy Grahams.

A power nap was necessary around 7 p.m. to calm his nerves and to make sure he had enough energy to last him through the night.

He headed to the club and began to set up around 10 p.m. After fiddling with his equipment for nearly 20 minutes, all he could do was wait.

Sona started the show around 11 p.m. and a few people began to trickle in around midnight. He had no idea what to expect.

Consumed in the music, bobbing his head to the beat, Sona looked up and saw the club was getting full. The club filled up with 200 to 300 satisfied Miamians and he felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “(It was) the greatest feeling as well as the scariest,” Sona said.

As Sona dove head first into DJing, he was discovered in early 2009 by AJ Harris, the president of MIOX Records at Miami University. Harris now manages Sona and features him on MIOX Records, Miami’s studentrun record label.

Harris also has nothing but good things to say about Sona. He raves that Sona is a master at what he does. He takes his job very seriously and does it not for the fame or the money, but for the love he has for the music.

“When students here at Miami listen to DJ Sona, they fall in love with his authentic touch,” Harris said. “He takes the original song and puts that Sona flair on it and makes the song a club hit. What thrills the students more than anything is that Sona is one of them, a student among students.”

Junior Jessie Sussen agreed. She has attended many of Sona’s shows and gushes that Sona has amazing skills with the turntable. Sussen loves how Sona can remix a song right off the bat and make it better.

As Sona spins his magic, the saying, “Think before you act” doesn’t apply to him. DJing comes so naturally to him that he doesn’t have to think.

“All thumbs up for DJ Sona, I look forward to see what he spins up next,” Sussen said.

Aside from knowing what the people want, Sona knows his equipment like the back of his hand, which is one of his great strengths. He knows how to work his equipment and other people’s as well.

He can easily do a simple or big-time setup. A big-time setup uses all of the equipment such as turntables and speakers featured in a club. Doing a show for a house party and only bringing his laptop is a simple setup.

The simple setup doesn’t look so simple. Sona uses a program on his laptop called Virtual DJ to mix songs. To the untrained eye, these programs can be compared to the inside of an airplane’s cockpit.

Sona works actively to promote himself by DJing as much as he can.

For bands and musicians, it is a lot easier to get noticed.

“You go out and play at a bar if you are a musician, but people have a misconception that DJs just play songs,” Albert said. “Some of the more well-known DJs like Tiesto and David Guetta are big because they play in clubs around the world and get themselves out there.”

DJing is difficult to stand out in because there are so many people doing it, but Sona couldn’t imagine himself doing anything else.

“Think of all the clubs across the country, that’s how many DJs there are and they’re all trying to make it,” Sona said.

Needless to say DJing is a tough category to become successful in.

“It takes more than just musical talent to make it, it takes personality and hard work, Sona has all three,” Harris said.

Sona releases mix tapes to appeal to Miami students as well as people outside Miami. Creating mix tapes allows him to get his name out there to other places where people are looking for DJs. It is the resume of a DJ. Electronic music is Sona’s niche. If there were a techno night, he would make it his own.

“A lot of people are afraid to try different types of music,” Albert said.

“If you ask students who have studied abroad, the night life is completely different than what it is here. It’s just exciting.”

As DJ Sona continues on his journey to become a professional DJ, he has nothing but positive thoughts. Wherever he ends up, he wants it to be with music.

“Ultimately I want to work as a composer, producer, DJ and travel around the world to different clubs,” Sona said. “I want to perform different styles of music and work with big artists such as Tiesto, Armin van Buuren.”

HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student

Amusement

Editor Anna Turner amusement@miamistudent.net

Friday, September 10, 2010

7

feature

SafetySuit sings a new song

By Julie Roche and Anna Turner Senior Staff Writer

Miami Program Board is hosting its 16th annual Party on The Patio at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 featuring Tyrone Wells, Needmore and headliner SafetySuit.

An alternative rock band from Tulsa, Okla., SafetySuit came out with their debut album Life Left to Go in 2008. The quartet had two immediate hits in “Someone Like You” and “Anywhere But Here,” with the former featured on popular ABC show Kyle XY. According to singer/guitarist Doug Brown, the band name SafetySuit comes from how “safe” the band members feel with one another, which has allowed them to feel comfortable enough to be themselves and write meaningful, inspiring songs that people can relate to.

Although it has taken some time for the band to gain momentum, faithful fans have kept them going from day one.

Take sophomore Ian Kelly. He first started liking SafetySuit three summers ago when he heard “Someone Like You” on one of his favorite alternative rock radio stations.

“It’s too bad that it’s been so long since they came out with music,” Kelly said.

And while that may be true, with their debut album in 2008 being their only CD release, the Nashville-based band is finally starting to thrust itself onto fans’ iPods and stereos across the nation, as well they should be.

“I am really into alternative rock that really strays away from the more mainstream bands like Nickelback and Daughtry,” Kelly said. “I just feel that SafetySuit is great at providing great musical backgrounds to their catchy lyrics, something plenty of

www.myspace.com/safetysuit

other bands have trouble doing.”

After a 10-day hiatus, (their last show was in Michigan Sept. 1), SafetySuit is more than ready to get back onstage to show off those great musical backgrounds and catchy lyrics Kelly mentioned. According to SafetySuit bassist Jeremy Henshaw, the band is psyched about trying out their new material.

“There’s an excitement for us in experimenting with new music and seeing what people like and what people don’t like,” Henshaw said. “It’s great to have the audience and whoever is there be a part of the process of creating new stuff.”

The band is currently recording their second album, filling up any free time in between shows with studio hours. This sporadic

recording process is a stark contrast to their experience recording their first EP, which involved eight straight months in the studio.

“Our touring schedule doesn’t allow for us to spend months on end recording,” Henshaw said. “It’s been really cool because it’s allowed us to sit with the music a little bit more and hopefully at the end of the process come out with the best material we possibly can.”

For SafetySuit, the best material communicates something genuine, real, hopeful and inspiring. “Hopefully people are able to listen to the music we’re making and think ‘that’s exactly how I feel’ or ‘that helps me in some way,’” Henshaw said. “It’s really cool that music can do that.”

other amusing shiz

music

MTV Music Awards Broaden your study abroad experience missing the music

By Anna Turner Amusement Editor

By Chris DeNicola Staff Writer

On Sept. 12, music fans of all ages get a chance to see their favorite artists on the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). MTV of course stands for Music Television. You know, the network that got started in the 1980s as a chance for budding musicians to broadcast their music and show music videos all across the nation, attracting new fans and helping people to get excited for their new albums.

It’s the same MTV that brought us TRL (Total Request Live) with Carson Daly, allowing fans to vote for their favorite new music videos every afternoon. Yes, it’s the very MTV that still allows its fans to turn on the tube and veg out watching all the new videos they have up for awards this weekend.

Wait a second, who the heck am I kidding? The only way you can turn on MTV and see a music video is if you wake up at 6 a.m.

Let’s face it, MTV is no longer a channel devoted to music. It sold out to a collection of slightly interesting “reality” programs. The only reason to turn on MTV is to watch and see if any other members of the Jersey Shore are going to get arrested, contract a sexually transmitted disease or figure out a new way to make people hate them more.

But don’t you worry! I’m pretty positive they’ll be up on the stage for the VMAs. I perused the website for MTV, which is actually the most legitimate part of the network. If you go on there you’ll have a chance to see the nominees and the videos that actually did air on some ran-

dom version of the network (you might get it if you have satellite or digital cable). But, to be honest, the only way you probably saw any of the videos (if you’ve even seen any of them) is if you creeped on Facebook walls long enough to really disturb yourself, surfed YouTube while you were supposed to be studying or if Perez Hilton told you what his thoughts were on the video.

Even without the videos being watched on their network, MTV’s award show will still allow you to see all the hard work that each artist put into their video and watch them clutch their special Moonman (the trophy given to the winners) while making great and articulate speeches. Maybe they’ll even have a special “greatest video of all time/ should have won last year because Kanye West said so” category as a surprise.

With performances by B.O.B., Justin Beiber, Eminem, Drake, Paramore, Linkin Park and Usher, the live performances are the real reason to tune in. Or maybe Chelsea Handler, who is hosting the event, will steal the whole show with her obnoxious and inappropriate comments she’s known for.

So, who will win big? Is Ke$ha meant to be the best new artist? Or will prepubescent Justin Beiber take home the prize? Will Lady Gaga get video of the year for her song “Bad Romance” or for “Telephone?”

If I had to take a guess though, it will probably come down to people who aren’t involved in the music world at all. That’s how MTV likes it anyway. Unless a Teen Mom comes up and gives birth on stage, I’d say Handler’s going to win big.

7 the

I N FA M O U S

list

top

Thursday, Sept. 2, Miami University held its Study Abroad Fair, a four-hour open house showcasing the university’s myriad study abroad opportunities.

Hosted by the Office of International Education, the Study Abroad Fair is an effort to educate students about escaping the Oxford bubble and actually doing something with their lives, making them less useless and boring.

While students can choose programs ranging from Ireland to Ghana to Belize, the study abroad selection is sorely lacking.

Several countries are not represented, meaning that if someone wanted to study in, say, Palestine, they couldn’t.

According to the Office of International Education website, “Study abroad programs are offered almost anywhere in the world that is politically and economically secure.” As judged by risk assessments and travel warning visas, the Office of International Education and the Office of Lifelong Learning approve secure countries.

“If a student chooses to go to an unapproved country, he or she takes all liability,” study abroad adviser Richard Menard said. “They take the risk upon themselves.”

Since the university only approves about 2 percent of the world’s countries, 98 percent (I may have made up that statistic, but it’s probably really close to being true and that’s what counts) of the world is still unavailable to students interested in study abroad.

As a favor to the university, this reporter has taken it

upon herself to prove just how many study abroad opportunities are being missed because a country isn’t “politically and economically secure.”

North Korea - Don’t let the minefields and travel visa warnings stop you from experiencing this oppressive, yet beautiful country. This study abroad program is ideal for students who enjoy being brainwashed and reduced to mindless clones with no opinions or thoughts of their own (perfect for Miami girls). At the same point in time, this is a great firsthand learning experience for students interested in becoming a sadistic and tyrannical dictator (again, perfect for Miami girls).

This program is not recommended for students who want to stay in contact with their family or for students who are Jimmy Carter.

Greenland - Ever wanted to get away from all those annoying classmates of yours? Let’s be honest: this campus of 15,000 students has 14,999 students too many. Study abroad in Greenland, and you won’t have to deal with crowded dining halls — in fact, you won’t have dining halls at all! This Viking-intensive program allows you to hunt your own wooly mammoths and gather your own berries. You’ll be pillaging villages and sleeping with Eskimos’ daughters in no time, thanks to classes like How To Be A Barbarian, Slaughtering Your Way To Success and, most importantly, Viking Helmet Safety. So hop in that dragon boat and get ready for the loneliest, hairiest, Thor-iest semester of your life!

Amish Country - I know what you’re thinking: Amish Country isn’t a country … Well, guess what? YOU’RE NOT A COUN-

TRY. And, by the way, 50 percent of this land’s name is country, so yeah … It’s a freaking country. Suck on that. This beautiful country is a perfect destination for those who love making furniture and wearing bonnets because, apart from churning butter, that is all this study abroad program offers. Since the only textbook required is the Bible, you can save your hard-earned money to buy a new bucket for those early morning cow-milking runs.

Please note: students are required to grow a beard before beginning the program.

Colombia - Viva Colombia!!!

Arrrrriba!!! Give three ole’s and a Feliz Navidad for this South American adventure. The focus of Colombia’s study abroad curriculum is the manufacturing and distribution of cocaine. Students learn how to be a successful drug dealer, drug addict or family member affected by a drug addiction. The goal of this program is for students to form their own drug cartel and begin the lifelong journey of cocaine frivolity.

Courses in arms dealing are also offered for the overachievers who really want to shine. Prerequisite classes include Cocaine-onomics and How To Not Get Shot.

Slovenia - Travel to this littleknown (unknown, really. Who has ever heard of Slovenia?) European country to discover absolutely nothing. The vowel-challenged capital city of Ljubljana is about as exciting as it gets, and to give you an idea how exciting it is, Ljubljana’s original name meant “a standing water causing floods.”

So … yeah. Standing water.

Floods. No vowels.

That’s Slovenia.

Go there. Take classes about …

I don’t know, stuff.

Ways to say hello while studying abroad ...

7. How about a Guten Tag on meine bratwurst?

6. My clothes are falling off because I’ve had a Hola-tta Tequila 5. Konichiwa-nna see my Hello Kitty thong?

4. Ciao down on this Mediterranean salad 3. Bonjour looking at my oui baguette, aren’t you?

2. You can play hard to get, but it’s gonna happen aNi Hao 1. Bust out the Kama Sutra Namaste the night

8

Friday September 10, 2010

Opinion

Editors Thomasina Johnson Jessica Sink editorial@miamistudent.net

➤ EDITORIAL

The following pieces, written by the editorial editors, reflect the majority opinion of the editorial board.

Irresponsible drinking behavior must stop M

iami University students are on the radar again for bad drinking behavior. According to the Oxford Police Department, there has been a large increase in the number of underage drinking arrests.

There have been 102 arrests made since the beginning of August, compared to 57 arrests made during the same time frame last year.

The students committing the violations are primarily 18 and 19 years old.

The editorial board of The Miami Student finds these statistics upsetting. Miami University should represent a place of high standards with students making responsible decisions about alcohol consumption.

The excessive drinking habits of underage students are irresponsible and could negatively impact both the image of the university and the individual student.

Employers pay attention to how universities are perceived, and the activities students engage

in while in school could affect future opportunities.

The overwhelming increase in negligent and reckless behavior is disturbing and disrespectful to the university and community, especially in addition to the events at sorority formals that took place in the spring.

Students must understand their limit and recognize the value of attending a school with a highly regarded reputation.

Underage students consuming alcohol and acting offensively tarnish this reputation.

It is also important that upperclassmen serve as good examples by making responsible decisions.

The editorial board does not want to see students get suspended or ruin potential opportunities because of foolish behavior.

Ultimately, Miami University students represent the school at all times. It is important that this representation is one of respect and shows responsibility.

The overwhelming increase in negligent and reckless behavior is disturbing and disrespectful to the university and community.

Students must participate in SPT meetings T

he Strategic Priorities Task Force (SPT) headed by President David Hodge was created to help Miami adjust to budget restraints. The task force is comprised of 18 professors and administrators, as well as the president of Associated Student Government.

In a March 25 editorial, the board recommended a strong student voice in the task force because students will be greatly affected by the decisions made by the SPT. The board believes it is critical the SPT keep students informed of the importance of attending the SPT meetings and having their voices heard.

The SPT must understand having as many students present as possible will not only let students have their opinions heard, but will enhance student understanding of the reasons behind budget cuts.

The level of student involvement in the SPT meetings is very low, partially due to poor communication and advertising by the SPT. As of printing, the SPT blog has no student comments, which proves the committee is not doing enough to include students. The board recommends the SPT create and post on BlackBoard short video

clips highlighting the importance of student involvement at the SPT meetings. With clips summarizing meetings and explaining what is at stake for the future of Miami, the SPT and Hodge would create yet another method of reaching out to the students.

Students, especially upperclassmen who feel these potential university changes will be implemented only after they are gone from Miami, must be aware they will still be affected by any major changes. If programs are cut, students must understand the value of their degree may be in jeopardy. The value of a Miami diploma depends on the future stability and prosperity of the university.

To further promote the SPT and educate students, the board recommends professors encourage students to attend the meetings. Professors could assign extra credit to those who attend the meeting and then the class could have a discussion on the proposed changes in the university.

The board believes student-instructor discussion is extremely important and can be utilized to promote conversation and change in the future of Miami.

It is critical the SPT keep students informed of the importance of SPT meetings and having their voices heard.

The Miami Student Oldest university newspaper in the United States, established 1826

EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief Erin Fischesser News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor Thomasina Johnson Editorial Editor Jessica Sink Editorial Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor Hope Holmberg Campus Editor

Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Stephen Bell Community Editor Kelsey Bishop Community Editor Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director

www.miamistudent.net

NOAH CARL The Miami Student

➤ LETTERS

Article strays from issue

Miami alumni deserve easy ticket access Students, you might think that Miami University (MU) will be nice to you after you graduate. Here is one case that demonstrates this assumption is invalid.

I earned a bachelor of science and masters in education from Miami, and I am now retired in Florida. I wanted to support our football team at the big Florida game. I called the MU ticket office and was informed that for me to have the “honor” of buying the tickets, I could either donate $500 to the Red and White Club or I could purchase MU season tickets. Since I would not be coming to any home games, they suggested that I could donate the tickets right back to MU. Bottom line was that I could buy tickets through Miami only if I gave them hundreds of dollars.

I then called the University of Florida (UF) ticket office. They sold me game tickets in the MU section at about $50 each. The UF people said Miami would not be selling all the tickets they had been allotted.

A couple weeks later, a Miami student called me to ask how much I would be contributing this year to the college. My son, wife and I each received letters from our separate deans asking for money. MU has gotten all of my money that they will be getting.

P.S. The game was great. The fine effort that the team put out really impressed the 90,000-plus people in attendance.

I would like to draw attention to the article “Teen unemployment rate rises,” published Sept. 7.

The author places special emphasis on the increase in minimum wage as a cause for the rise in teenage unemployment. However, this fails to take into account the general decrease in employment over the last several years, which was not caused by an increase in the federal minimum wage, but rather the financial crisis that began in Sept. 2008.

As high-skilled older adults lost their jobs, they sought employment in sectors which teenagers and lower-skilled workers typically occupy.

These employers in service and similar industries hired the highest-skilled workers they could find, leaving lower- skilled, and especially inexperienced teenagers out in the cold.

Thisgetsacursorytreatmentinyourarticle;however, many would consider it the driving cause of teenage unemployment, rather than the rise in the minimum wage.

Ben Knueven

Graduate Student knueveba@muohio.edu

➤ Write us All letters must be signed in order to be printed.

Please send letters via e-mail to:

Jim Leffue

editorial@miamistudent.net

BS ‘70, MEd ‘73 jleffue@cox.net

We reserve the right to edit for length, content and clarity.

Your rule of thumb Submitted online by our readers

Extreme multi-tasking to people riding bikes and smoking at the same time. Wtf?!

Double yum to making time for lunch with good friends!

Not a party in the U.S.A. noisy neighbors who keep you up all night.

Defying gravity to the guy on campus with the huge mohawk.

Thumb and Thumber

Submit your Thumbs online at www.miamistudent.net/thumbs.

We’ll print our favorites!

Opinion

THE MIAMI STUDENT

➤ LiberTY AND JUSTICE

Human rights violations inexcusable On Tuesday, CNN and many other major media groups reported Sakineh Mohammadi Ashiani, the Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, had received 99 lashes in prison. The Iranian government has a moratorium on the death penalty during the holy month Ty of Ramadan and huGilligan man rights activists fear Ashiani may be killed when Ramadan ends Sept. 9.

Ashiani’s case has received worldwide attention because Ashiani has become the poster-child for increased disapproval with barbaric human rights violations such as stoning and lashing. Yet some groups, including Iranians themselves, defend the sentence, labeling it a clashing of different ideas and traditions regarding justice.

If a religion, cultural tradition or government disagrees with this basic viewpoint that all citizens of a nation are created equally, they should be justly condemned by the international community. Cultural and religious tradition or law should not be a tolerable excuse for human rights violations against women, religious, ethnic and sexual minorities.

Amnesty International claims that six stonings have taken place in Iran since 2006 and the only crime in Iran punishable by stoning is adultery. Iran masks this practice behind religious law. However, many scholars agree that stoning is nowhere encouraged in the Quran.

On a similar note, many countries have death penalties in place as punishment for homosexuality, which religious clerics claim is permissible under Sharia law (depending on the country). State-sponsored homophobia is another example of an alleged religious practice that should not be accepted. This topic recently made the news when Uganda was trying to pass a bill to legalize the death penalty as a punishment for homosexuality. The proponents cited their Christian beliefs as reasoning for the bill. This is unacceptable, whether it’s supported by religion or not. That argument itself could be an entire article.

A good example of public opposition to a religiously-inspired policy is the downfall of the caste system in India. The caste system, based on Hindu practices, trapped people into social classes and was horribly socioeconomically discriminatory. Luckily, the Indian government recognized this and is trying to counteract the effects of the caste system. This is an example of how a government revised a religiously-supported policy because of its blatant human rights violations.

Their example should be followed.

As a global citizen, I do not accept alleged religious ideals or traditions as reason for human rights violations, and I hope that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashiani’s case will be a catalyst for change in regard to revisions of barbaric “religious” laws. In cases like these, religion and tradition must take a back seat to human equality.

WANTED: ESSAYISTS CARTOONISTS COLUMNISTS

Contact The Miami Student at:

editorial@miamistudent.net for more information.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 ♦ 9

➤ PERSPECTIVE

Sept. 11 remembrance requires clear mind AMANDA SEITZ

Saturday will be a day students flock around in their “drinking” jerseys or lazily prepare for an upcoming finance exam. It will most likely be a beautiful, typical Saturday in Oxford.

But most students won’t be reflecting on the horrifying images that all of us witnessed on that day nine years ago. And it seems that students aren’t the only ones who will be flustered by their own prerogatives instead of honoring the thousands who faced events we barely speak of anymore with uncommon bravery. This week has been spent with arguments instead of prayers, love, support and remembrance. Who has been splattered across your televisions, newspapers and magazines this week?

Those who oppose a mosque and those who don’t, those who want to hold a Quran burning and those who find it repulsive. But it is all in memory of those who gave their life that day, right? It seems television sets have been missing a vital component in preparing for a week that will mark the anniversary of a few hours that shook the core of American values and tore apart families and friends for a lifetime.

Where are the faces of those who ran into burning buildings while their structures fell onto the cement streets of New York into ashes? Where are the stories of the wives, the husbands, the mothers, the fathers, who we uneasily watched choose to jump to their death rather than burn alive in a building that must have gone deeper than the nine levels of Dante’s Inferno?

Do you even remember it now? Or have you been too clouted by talk of mosque building?

Let’s argue a little more about that, in honor of those who died. But in fact, we have left no honor at that site. We have left it even emptier nine years later than weeks after the fact.

Remember how everything stopped that day and for the weeks that followed? For some people, the world is still on hold, halted by the loss of a loved one they will never touch, hold or kiss. And for others, the outcome was even worse. Yet, here we are, nine years later and we do not halt the

screaming, we do not cease the political debates - we continue on, as if the site and religions we argue over will not be there tomorrow - like the people we lost. We have been clinging to the idea of “remembrance” and “honor” for those who passed on the day the buildings fell in order to further perpetuate our own beliefs.

But who do we honor if we only act in vain?

The last thing we have done in any of those arguments is actually remember the physical presence, impact and lives of those who did give up everything: vacations with their wives on the California coast, a biking trip in New Jersey, Saturday nights spent dancing, tending to the small but proud vegetable patch or holding the baby girl they’d never meet. All of it and so much more-just gone.

While many institutions threaten our basic rights and freedoms this imperfect country grants us, we cannot let ourselves forget what those, whose last day on earth was a fiery hell, gave up forever.

SEITZ is campus editor for The Miami Student

➤ ESSAY

Lennon killer must not have parole option It has been nearly 30 years since Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon in front of his apartment building. This event was one of the most infamous tragedies in the music world. Tuesday, Sept. 7, Chapman was up for parole for the sixth time since he became eligible in 2000, about 20 years after he killed Lennon in front of his wife, Yoko Ono. He was denied for parole and won’t be up again until 2012. At that point, and every parole date forward, he should be denied and remain behind bars for the rest of his life.

Anyone who doesn’t know the story of Mark David Chapman might not know that the man is crazy and the reason he should stay in prison. Chapman was a young man who was troubled from very early on in his life.

From fear of his father, experimentation with drugs and a born-again Christian relationship with God, it wasn’t until his reading of the novel The Catcher in the Rye that he truly started to lose his mind and become a danger to society. He attempted suicide, moved to Hawaii and did a number of other things before he started believing that the book’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, was calling him to kill all the phonies, mainly John Lennon. What? That is clearly the mindset of a crazy person.

Chapman began his plot to kill Lennon after the obsession with J.D. Salinger’s book took complete control of him. He went to New York and killed the music legend, who was a former member of the Beatles and a man who spent the later years of his life calling for world peace. The world was in shock as one of its great icons was killed for no reason.

When asked if he had anything to say at his sentencing, Chapman read a passage from the book. This to me shows no sign of remorse.

There was no apology from Chapman to Yoko Ono. It was a coldblooded murder from someone who is a threat to society, taking on the

personality of Holden Caulfield.

The statement from the parole board says it best: “The disregard you displayed for the norms of our society and the sanctity of human life when, after careful planning, you traveled to New York for the sole purpose of killing John Lennon.”

The fact that this man is up for parole is absolutely mind-blowing. I believe in forgiveness, yet people should be held accountable for their crimes. This man gunned down an innocent man because he believed his victim was a phony.

People say the justice system is all sorts of screwed up. I can see where they are coming from. To me, the fact Mark David Chapman was even given the chance for parole shows there is a chance for injustice toward Yoko Ono and all of Lennon’s remaining family, as well as anyone Chapman might just decide Holden is telling him to kill.

Some people may be remorseful the second after they kill someone in a crime of passion or in an altercation. Maybe those people deserve second chances.

However, a person whose sole driving force in life became to kill a human being does not deserve a second chance at freedom, a second chance to kill. Each person is born with the ability to make their own decisions and each person should have to own up to and pay for these choices.

One might be able to forgive Chapman. It is not my job to dish out any type of judgment on the soul of a person (if you are inclined to believe in people having souls). Maybe Chapman is truly sorry for what he did. However, it isn’t worth the risk of turning a man who let a book control his life back out into society, even after 30 years behind bars.

I believe in forgiveness, yet people should be held accountable for their crimes.

Chris DeNicola

denicocj@MUOHIO.EDU

➤ ESSAY

Meaningless controversies distract from vital issues I never thought I would say this, but here it goes: I’m glad August is over. Not because I’m a student, for the end of the eighth month means a return to classes, homework, papers and all kinds of other fun stuff. Not because I’m a human being, for the end of August means the end of summer, the coming of fall and the end of nice warm weather.

As a political science major and avowed politics junkie, however, August is easily the worst month of the year. A slow news day or two is understandable, but the political world manages to rack up at least 31 in a row between July and September.

Granted, there are other slow months on the calendar — June and December come to mind, for example. But in these months, there is at least a tacit understanding that nothing important is happening, and claiming otherwise would be disingenuous. Politicians, political operatives and journalists go on vacation, celebrate holidays and occasionally spend some quality time with their families and mistresses. Both parties tamp down the attacks for a little while, if only because they realize no one is paying attention anyway.

But August is not peak vacation season and contains no major holidays, so the political establishment (especially the media) has to pretend earth-shattering events are transpiring. As the latest of the primaries wrap up, campaigns start getting into high gear in

preparation for November, and the mud starts flying as every candidate tries to define his or her opponent before their opponent can define themselves.

However, Congress is out of session, so there is no major legislation on the docket to debate or discuss. And despite the best efforts of polished consultants, no normal people really tune in to political races until after Labor Day at the earliest, if they bother to vote in a midterm election at all.

So, in these tedious doldrums, we get piddling distractions like last August’s “town hall” meetings, where pissed-off retirees packed into musty churches and community centers to scream at members of Congress to keep the government out of Medicare.

This August is no better. Instead of the media parading the craziest tea partiers they can find in front of cameras and calling it news, we get nonsense like the Park 51/Cordoba House controversy, insipidly called the “Ground Zero Mosque” by people who are apparently unfamiliar with where Ground Zero is actually located.

Regardless of how one feels about the proposed mosque/community center, there is no disputing the fact that consenting adults in the United States have the right to purchase property and use it however they please within the bounds of the law.

Why the president of the United States, among other national politicians who surely

have better things to do, are expected to comment on what is essentially a matter for the New York Department of City Planning continues to mystify me.

Brilliantly, if predictably, Republicans have managed to turn anti-Islamic sentiment into a winning electoral issue and forced Democrats like President Obama to squirm when forced to choose between liberal ideals like freedom of religion and political convenience. And it works because there is nothing else to talk about in August.

To show just how meaningless this controversy is, let’s look at some numbers. According to a recent CNN poll, 68 percent of respondents are against building the mosque.

Impressive, but 99 percent of people could be against it and the mosque will still be built.

Meanwhile, 85 percent of Americans say the economy is their most important issue this election, while unemployment is at a skyhigh 9.6 percent. Yet neither party wants to talk about their economic plans — Democrats don’t like to admit their stimulus ideas require deficit spending, while Republicans would rather not discuss their lack of any plan at all.

And so, the August carousel continues. Or, should I say, continued. I never thought I would say it, but I’m so glad it’s September.

BEN LOCKSHIN

lockshbp@MUOHIO.EDU

FYI Page

Friday

10

September 10, 2010

The Miami Student Oldest university paper in the United States, established in 1826

Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

Erin Fischesser News Editor

Katie Neltner Business Manager

Erin Maher Managing Editor

Joe Gioffre Asst. Business Manager

Scott Allison Online Editor

Carly Huang Finance Director

Courtney Day, Amanda Seitz Campus Editors

Joe Gioffre Advertising Layout Director

Stephen Bell, Kelsey Bishop Community Editor

Lance Armstrong National Advertising Director Classified Advertising Director

Thomasina Johnson, Jessica Sink Editorial Editors Katie Giovinale Sports Editor Amelia Carpenter Features Editor Anna Turner Amusement Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director Nicole Crandall, Shuwei Jiao, Abigail Offenbaker, Colleen Yates Page Designers

Marisa Grindle Advertising Representative Nina Polson Advertising Representative Anna Romano Advertising Representative Cox Ohio Publishing Printer WDJ Inc. - Bill Dedden Distributor Sacha DeVroomen Bellman Adviser

Erin Killinger Graphic Designer

Senior Staff Writers Noelle Bernard Taylor Dolven Kristen Grace Hunter Stenback

Staff Writers

Bethany Bruner Mandi Cardosi Matt Levy Natalie McKerjee Leslie Scott Jenni Weiner

Editorial Columnists Chloe Esposito Ty Gilligan Jensen Henry Karli Kloss John Luckoski

Sports Staff Writers Alex Butler Melissa Maykut Drew McDonell Hannah R. Miller J.M. Reiger Michael Soloman

Photography Staff Scott Allison Michael Griggs

Web site: www.miamistudent.net

For Rent

Houses

Schmates Rentals MUOH.net Now renting for the 2011/12 school year.

The best homes are the first to rent!

Organize your group now. Call today 513-505-4918 or 847-274-6600 Go to: www.muoh.net

NEWER CONDO TRENDY 4 BEDROOM~2 FULL BATH~EQUIPPED KITCHEN~LAUNDRY~OFF STREET PARKING~GARAGE~CAN HELP WITH FURNISHING Call Mike 513 266-1685 m2deuce21@hotmail.com

Finest Rental!! Aug 2011 thru May 2012, $2350; 1027 Arrowhead, 5 bedroom house, 2 baths, like new with Luxury accommodations, Completely Furnished, all the extras students want; Guarantee one of oxfords finest rentals, washer, dryer, dishwasher, parking, patio, 40 inch wall mount TV; free Hi-def cable TV and free hi-speed Internet, game table, lawn service, wooden yard with access to Miami common trails, tool shed and lots of storage, New central air, gas heat & hot water, newly insulated extremely energy efficient; call 740-407-4114 cell, 614-692-0510 work.

Email Alan.barone@dla.mil or eva.j7bar1@gmail.com Great locations! 2011-2012 rentals in Mile Square. 4 bedroom house with permit for 4, E. Withrow. 2 bedroom duplex with permit for 4, Bishop & Withrow. Email kkp@kkpenterprises.com or call for details 812-350-4357 Oxford & Miami commons Subleasing available-4 Bedroom Units-Contact office for details 513-523-7571

during the school year by the students of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

NOW LEASING FOR 2ND SEMESTER! 2010/2011 ALL FLOOR PLANS AVAILABLE AT OXFORD & MIAMI COMMONS 513-523-7571

The content of The Miami Student and Amusement is the sole responsibility of The Miami Student staff. Opinions expressed in The Miami Student are not necessarily those of Miami University, its students or staff.

Apartments

E-mail for advertising information: miamistudent@gmail.com

The Miami Student (Tuesday/Friday) and Amusement (Friday) are published

CORRECTIONS POLICY

The Miami Student is committed to providing the Miami University community with the most accurate information possible. Corrections may be submitted up to seven calendar days after publication.

CAMPUS COMMONS COMING THIS FALL - LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE REC CENTER. EXPERIENCE MODERN LIVING IN SOUTH CAMPUS QUARTER. FOR MORE INFO CALL (513) 523-1647 OR (513) 867-5522.

RENT NOW FOR 2011-12 Kkmstudentrent.com get a look at some of the best houses and best prices in town. great locations LOCATION GREAT FOR ATHLETES 8 bedrooms, 5 baths big deck in back. All the amenities and only $2,900.00/sem 513-532-7565 A Four Bedroom House Great 4 bedroom house with off street parking. All appliances including washer dryer. Live with a yard and a place to park your car. Short walk to uptown. We are already booking 2011-2012 school year. mustudentrentals.com or 513-756-1800

Roommate Needed One bedroom left Looking for fun, nice, female housemate; individual bedroom. TWO BATHROOM, four bedroom, laundry, recently built, house. SUPER CLOSE to campus, three other females, cheap utilities.

2010-11 school year. Call Margaret 616.283.1621.

Room Available Spring SemesterLooking for male housemate for the 2011 Spring semester. Would have own bedroom and live with three other males. House has four spacious bedrooms with two bathrooms, laundry, large backyard, and off street parking.

Close to Uptown and Sushi Nara.

Call 901-359-4366 for more information.

News 513-529-2257 Editorial 513-529-2259 Advertising 513-529-2210 Fax 513-529-1893

Looking for a way to expand your business?

Advertise in The Miami Student!

Contact Katie Neltner at neltekj@muohio.edu for more information.

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

PUT YOUR SKILLS TO USE AT THE MIAMI STUDENT! Email Sam at photo@miami student.net for more info.

Studio apartments near campus, available for immediate occupancy, starting at $399/mo. 523-2440 or manager@oxfordrents.com

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

THE COURTYARDS OF MIAMI Located on Central and Main, our residents enjoy living so close to the REC and the bus stop. Only students live at the courtyards. Most utilities are included in the rent as well as off street parking, yard space and laundry. 2 bedrooms $2300, one bedrooms $3300. Also see the coupon in the campus special. To see an apartment, contact Carolyn at 513-659-5671 or thecourtyardsofmiami@yahoo.com

WRITERS WANTED Looking for the answer?

We’ll print it next Monday!

The MiamiStudent is looking for beat reporters and staff writers.

Email news@miamistudent.net for more information.

Sports

THE MIAMI STUDENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010 ♦ 11

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The women’s cross country team begins their race at the Pre-NCAA Invitational Oct. 17, 2009.

CROSS COUNTRY

NEXT HOME MEET: 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Runners lace up for first home meet in five years

By Melissa Maykut Staff Writer

For the first time in five years, the Miami University men’s and women’s cross country teams will be racing on their own home course. After winning the Dayton Flyer 5K Invitational last weekend to open up the season, both teams are excited to finally be hosting their own invitational.

The last Miami Invitational was held five years ago, in 2005.

That year, the men’s cross country team had been looking for a tenth consecutive victory at home. In the end, the men’s team placed runner up, while the women’s team finished in fourth.

Before 2005, though, the Miami Invitational had been an annual race for the cross country teams.

Since 2005, construction around the running course deterred the teams from hosting an invitational. Another obstacle was

VOLLEYBALL continued from page 12

didn’t hit as well as them, but we did a few other things right that really helped us. Our serving was pretty good tonight and it helped us out a lot.”

The RedHawks moved to 2-5 on

the change that had been taking place on the coaching staff for the women’s team. In 2008, Head Coach Rita Arndt-Mollis resigned, and Head Coach Kelly Phillips took over in 2009.

However, with construction no longer an issue and the coaching staff in place and organized, the teams are excited to host the Miami Invitational again Saturday, Sept. 11.

“We’re pretty familiar with the course, so it’ll be fun to compete on it,” senior Robbie Fisher said. “Our team doesn’t have one guy that is ahead of the rest of us. We’re really going to work as a team and focus on getting everyone together.”

The men’s cross country team will be running an 8K at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, while the women’s cross country team will start the morning off at 10 a.m. with a 6K run.

“Girls that didn’t get to race last weekend will get to race here and see where they are at,” senior Rachel Patterson said.

“Coach recruited a lot of girls from the track team who beat

the season with the win. They now focus their attention to this weekend’s Michigan/Adidas Invitational, where they will face off against Chicago State, Youngstown State and host Michigan. While it will be a difficult test, the young ’Hawks believe the win will give the confidence they need to play well this weekend.

“It’s going to be tough this weekend,” Kendall, who led the

RedHawks with a career-high 49 assists in the win over Wright State, said. “The teams we play this weekend will be challenging because they all pose different threats, but I think this win will give us the confidence to come out strong and play well.”

Miami will take on Chicago State Sept. 10 in Ann Arbor, and will finish the invitational with Youngstown State and Michigan Sept. 11.

www.miamistudent.net

the Dayton Invitational course record and came in first overall last weekend and will not be racing this Saturday in preparation for the Spartan Invitational Sept. 17.”

The atmosphere surrounding the Miami Invitational is nothing short of exciting. Both teams are thrilled to be racing in front of a home crowd, and can not wait to race on a course that they practice on every week.

“They will know the ins and outs of the course,” Patterson said. “We ran our hearts out at Dayton, so we’re all excited to see the girls race this weekend.”

The RedHawks are looking to keep the Miami Invitational title at Miami this Saturday.

The course starts behind Bachelor Hall.

“It’s bittersweet,” Fisher said. “This meet is a good way to go out as a senior. There’s just something about being at home.”

’Hawks march to Marshall Invitational

By Hannah R. Miller

week, every day to practice, being ready to go — we started doing that a lot better last year, and The Miami University men’s we’ve done it well so far this year, golf team is back in full swing so hopefully it will continue.” this weekend, competing in the At the beginning of this year, Purdue/Midwest Shootout Sept. three freshmen were added to 11 and the Marshall Invitational the roster. Both Lubahn and Sept. 13 and 14. This is the Red- Sutherland have high hopes for Hawks’ first tournament since the their success. summer break, and Head Coach “My expectations for them Casey Lubahn is hoping the off- are to compete for a spot in the season training will pay off. lineup every week and to give “One thing we’re going to see is us more depth in our lineup,” how well our guys Lubahn said. prepared over the Sutherland summer,” Lubahn agreed, but cut “We got more said. “It will be a consistent as a team the freshmen a great gage for how slack. last year and I think little productive our “If they play that’s a big key summer was.” like they’re caBuilding on pable of, they can in college ” increased consisdefinitely help tency from last us,” Sutherland NATHAN SUTHERLAND year, the golfers said. “I’m sure SENIOR CAPTAIN hope to start their they’re trying season off the to contribute as way they finished the last. much as possible. They are just “Getting off to a good start adjusting to college life, so you is crucial to getting a spot in the can’t expect too much from someNCAA tournament,” Lubahn one who’s only been here two or said. “Now it’s time to see all their three weeks.” hard work pay off and get off to a The RedHawks are counting on hot start.” the leadership of Sutherland along Senior captain Nathan Suther- with senior Michael Drobnick and land emphasized the need for each Blake English to help the team member of the team to make con- compete right from the start of the tributions and be prepared in addi- season, putting them in contention tion to developing consistency. on a more regular basis.

“We got more consistent as a The men’s golf team will be team last year and I think that’s a hitting the links in West Lafayette, big key in college golf,” Suther- Ind. Sept. 11 and in Huntington, land said. “Showing up every W. Va. Sept. 13 and 14.

Staff Writer

PREMIER PARTY SUPPLIES HALLOWEEN COSTUMES &

DECORATIONS 23 W. UNION STREET LIBERTY, INDIANA

47353

765-458-7900 HURRY THEY WONT LAST LONG!!!!

12

Sports

Friday, September 10, 2010

Modern pitchers boys among men

Editor Katie Giovinale sports@miamistudent.net

Rob Johnson

Under Review

P

itching just ain’t what it used to be. The evolution of pitching in Major League Baseball (MLB) has led to pampered pitchers who are treated similar to kittens as opposed to the workhorses they once were. They are sent to the mound once about every five days to oust as many batters as they can before their pitch count nears 100 and they are pulled from the game. If the average pitcher is treated like a kitten, Stephen Strasberg would be a bubble boy with germaphobic parents who haven’t stepped outside in years.

But who is to blame for babying pitchers of this era? Can you blame a manager for limiting innings and watching pitch counts when it seems the leagues’ best are all undergoing Tommy John’s surgery? Surely pitchers’ arms are not genetically weakening over time, are they? One thing is for certain — being a pitcher in the MLB has significantly changed since the days when my Cubs had only gone 20 or so years without winning the World Series.

Walter Johnson, arguably one of the greatest pitchers of all time, would scoff at the petty outings and pitch count scouring of today’s players. Johnson had a career record of 417-279 with an earned run average of 2.17, while pitching 5,914.1 innings over 21 seasons. He also threw 531 complete games. Ball clubs expected pitchers to throw late into the game instead of being conditioned to only throw six or seven. Ah, the days where injuries were healed with the phrases “rub some dirt on it” or “walk it off” and pitchers were not afraid their arms were going to combust if they threw 100 pitches.

So how does Walter Johnson stack up against pitchers of today? Let’s put him up against a pitcher known to any child that grew up playing Backyard Baseball on their PC, people looking to save 15 percent on car insurance without having a snowball fight or that any baseball fan knows quite well: Randy Johnson. The big unit has a record of 306-166 with a 3.29 era during his seemingly endless 22-year career. However, in those 22 seasons, he has thrown 4,135.1 innings and pitched 100 complete games. Though a large sum by today’s standards, Walter Johnson in nearly the same time span pitched nearly 2,000 more innings resulting in 431 more complete games.

The legendary Cy Young threw 7,356 innings while completing 749 games in 22 years. Christy Mathewson of the New York Giants tossed 4,780 innings and 434 complete games in 17 years. Stephen Strasburg threw 68 innings before he needed Tommy John’s surgery.

One might argue pitchers need to be limited to avoid season-ending injuries that we have seen in John Smoltz, Kenny Rogers or Tommy John himself. With the immense salaries riding on each pitcher, it may be a wise decision in the long run to save their health, but diapers are getting more expensive and good babysitters are hard to come by.

Young and Walter Johnson are legendary for their incredible pitching feats, something that can never be recreated with the limits placed on the hurlers of today. Just make sure Strasburg is in bed by nine.

MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

Freshman Tracy Woods tries to dodge redshirt sophomore Jaytee Swanson at the Pigskin Preview Aug. 21.

FOOTBALL

NEXT HOME GAME: 2 p.m. Saturday vs. Eastern Michigan

’Hawks prepare to claw Eagles in home opener

By JM Rieger Staff Writer

Coming off of a 34-12 loss to Florida last week, the Miami University football team will look to bounce back this week against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (EMU), a team that did not win a single game last season. However, Miami has not won a conference opener since 2007, and will look to break that trend Sept. 11.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are coming off of a 31-27 loss against Army, a game where they only threw the ball nine times while racking up 285 yards on the ground. However, the Red and White is preparing for a more balanced attack this week when EMU comes to Oxford.

“We are preparing for a little of both (running and passing),” senior safety Jordan Gafford said.

“Every game we have to play fast and play hard, and this week is no different.”

Miami’s defense stepped up big against Florida last week, holding the Gators to 212 yards of total offense for the game, including only allowing 41 total yards through the first three quarters. This is something the Red and White will have to continue this week, especially

VOLLEYBALL

if they hope to contain the Eagles’ rushing attack, led by senior running back Dwayne Priest and sophomore quarterback Alex Gillett, each of whom had over 100 yards rushing last week.

“They just run it and run it,” Head Coach Michael Haywood said. “We just need to make sure we can handle whatever they give us and we need to be able to stop the run on defense. I think they will throw it at least 15 times though.”

On the other side of the ball, the ’Hawks’ offense struggled to get in the endzone last week, settling for a field goal each time they were in the redzone, a trend that must change this week. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert threw four interceptions last week, a career-high for him, and something that he is working on improving this week.

The RedHawks will be without senior tailback Thomas Merriweather until the 8:51 mark in the second quarter this Saturday due to his ejection in the game last week against Florida. Therefore, look for redshirt sophomore running back Danny Green and freshman running back Tracy Woods to get the majority of the playing time this week, at least in the first half.

“I am looking forward to seeing some of the other guys run the football,” Haywood said. “In the passing game, we need to make sure that we are able to attack whatever coverages they show (on defense) and be ready for any blitzes as well.”

Miami’s offensive line performed well last week against Florida, only allowing two sacks all game to a defense that had been in the top 10 in total defense the previous two seasons. Redshirt junior tackle Brandon Brooks will be back this week, but will not necessarily start for the RedHawks.

Brooks worked with the first and second string teams this week and is expected to get playing time, but is not expected to start.

“Brooks will be playing (this week), but everyone has to earn the right to play,” Offensive Line Coach Bill Mottola said. “We have five to six guys returning up front and it is good for us that we have that much depth on the offensive line.”

Another question for the ’Hawks this week is whether or not they will continue to run trick plays against EMU. The Red and White ran a few trick plays last week against Florida, but only were able

to capitalize on about half of them.

“We are going to run some fakes,” Haywood said. “We will not take unnecessary risks, but we will take risks. (EMU) is a well-coached team, and we are looking forward to playing them this week.”

This week’s game will also have some added significance since it is being played on the nine-year anniversary of Sept. 11. The day will be dedicated to military appreciation, and the RedHawks will recognize Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton and will also have an in-game recognition for a wounded warrior with the help of the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, a “white-out” is scheduled for the game, and fans are encouraged to show up wearing white.

“There is not necessarily more hype this week, but the added support definitely helps,” Mottola said. “We are going to play with the same relentless intensity that we try to play with each week and we are going to try to stay focused on the task at hand.”

Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at Yager Stadium. Fans can listen to the broadcast on Miami’s ISP Sports Network or on WMSR at redhawkradio.com.

NEXT GAME: 5 p.m. Friday vs. Chicago State at Ann Arbor

Red and White defeat Wright State

By Michael Solomon Staff Writer

For the Miami University volleyball team, there’s no place like home. After playing the first six matches of their season on the road, the

Red and White returned home Sept. 8 to host in-state foe Wright State University. The result was the one they wanted, as they defeated the visiting Raiders in a thrilling five set match to earn their second win of the season.

“It feels good to get back on the winning

Check out www.MURedHawks.com for schedule and ticket information MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

The team encourages freshman Madison Dodd before their match Sept. 8.

track, especially after last weekend,” sophomore setter Amy Kendall said. “It was good to win our first home game in front of a big crowd that supported us from start to finish.”

Miami started off the match in the right fashion, taking the first game 25-18 over Wright State. Set two was tight at the beginning, but with the score tied at 12, the Raiders went on a 9-2 run that broke the game open. After two Colleen Loftus kills, the score was 21-17, but Wright State held on for a 25-19 win to get them even.

Set three was another tight one, as neither team was able to take control. The turning point came when Miami led 18-17. Kills from junior Cassie Farrell and Loftus put the Red and White ahead by three, and then redshirt freshman Jackie Lang took over, earning three service aces in a row to give the RedHawks a 25-21 win.

Wright State took the fourth set 25-18, taking advantage of a slow start for the ’Hawks. The decisive fifth set went Miami’s way, though, as the RedHawks jumped out to an 8-3 lead.

Wright State got within one point at 8-9, but Miami scored the next five points and took the set 15-9 and the match 3-2.

“It feels really good to get a win,” Miami Head Coach Carolyn Condit said. “We

wSee VOLLEYBALL, page 11