Nov. 12, 2010 | The Miami Student

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

VOLUME 138 NO. 22

Friday, November 12, 2010

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

In 1965, The Miami Student reported that Miami University became the first school in the U.S. to offer a “systems and procedures engineering” program. The courses focused on work measurement and time and motion studies.

RedHawks become bowl eligible

BY THE NUMBERS

“We are going to come to work and go get a MAC championship.”

Consecutive road wins for Miami this season:

3 32

Miami’s rank among D-I schools in passing yards per game:

By JM Rieger Staff Writer

Tackles by linebacker Jerrell Wedge in 10 games:

70

Percentage of field goals by kicker Trevor Cook this year:

84.6

Receiving yards in the last five games for Nick Harwell:

600

Last year the RedHawks won a bowl game:

2003

Yards quarterback Zac Dysert has passed for in 10 games:

2,406

MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

Senior running back Thomas Merriweather celebrates one of his touchdowns Sept. 11 against Eastern Michigan University.

CAMPUS

Senior Staff Writer

Reserving a study room at King Library might soon be just a click away.

Miami University Associated Student Government (ASG) hopes to put forth a bill recommending university libraries switch to electronic registration for study rooms.

If passed, the bill would encourage all campus libraries to allow

students to reserve study tables from the comfort of their homes.

“Sometimes students don’t have the time or energy to walk all the way to the library to reserve a room,” ASG Student Senator and Miami sophomore Brian Breitsch said.

The bill recommends the use of the WConline system used by the Howe Writing Center, or a

wSee ASG, page 3

Verbal harassment uptown sparks city investigation

By Erin Fischesser Editor in Chief

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

Sophomores Taylor DuPont and Hadley Green study with junior Chelsea Countryman Thursday night.

THE

INSIDESCOOP

GETTING INVOLVED

Miami students discuss and engage in social activism.

LOCK IT UP

CAMPUS, page 2

Burglaries increase at offcampus residences.

COMMUNITY, page 4

wSee FOOTBALL, page 9

COMMUNITY

ASG outlines online study room reservations

By Kristen Grace

Senior kicker Trevor Cook booted the Miami University RedHawks past the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Falcons Wednesday with a score of 24-21, hitting a 33-yard field goal as time expired to make Miami bowl eligible for the first time since 2005.

On a fog-ridden night in Bowling Green, Ky., the RedHawks once again failed to put their opponent away after giving up a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, allowing the Falcons to tie the game with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation.

In his first game back since being injured Oct. 16 at Central Michigan University, Cook missed a 41-yard field goal at the start of the fourth quarter, but bounced back in a big way at the end for the Red and White.

“The fog was absolutely terrible,” Cook said. “It was like something out of a horror film.

I could barely see the players on the other sideline and I could barely see the uprights. The lights made it even worse.”

The win marks Miami’s third straight road victory, the most since 2005, and puts the RedHawks into a threeway tie atop the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East

CLOSING TIME

Maid-Rite leaves Oxford after nine months on High Street.

COMMUNITY, page 4

After three African-American Miami University female students were verbally harassed when leaving an uptown restaurant, city officials are reviewing the occurrence of hate crimes in Oxford.

The harassment, which occurred Sept. 16, involved a Caucasian male who reportedly followed the three females down the street, repeatedly calling them insulting names based on their gender and ethnicity. “This is a white person’s street!” the male

OHIO OPPOSITION

The Red and White take on in-state competitors in the pool.

SPORTS, page 10

BOUNCING BACK

The RedHawk men’s basketball team hits the hardwood for another season.

SPORTS, page 10

COP OUT

Meet Miami University Police Department Chief John McCandless.

FEATURES, page 5

reportedly said. “Don’t you know this is a white person’s town?”

The females reported the incident to Miami Dean of Students Susan Mosley-Howard the next day.

According to Oxford City Manager Doug Elliott, the city was only recently made aware of the incident and the Community Relations Commission (CRC) is reviewing the report.

The CRC is also working closely with university officials to coordinate a plan of response to these types of issues, Elliott said.

wSee INVESTIGATION, page 9

ONLY

u

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BLOG: GOBBLE! GOBBLE! Learn how to cook a delicious turkey with McKenzie Graham.

SPORTS: LIVE UPDATES Catherine Couretas reports live from Goggin with the latest hockey news.

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Campus

Friday

November 12, 2010

Editors Stephen Bell Amelia Carpenter Amanda Seitz campus@miamistudent.net

NEWS MU students talk activism BRIEFS EVENTS Talawanda art teacher presents work Talawanda School District Art Teacher Marie Huseman-Lindsey and Miami Univesity Art Museum will team up to present PeaceWorks: Teaching Art for Social Change. The presentation will consist of a 30-minute documentary at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Miami Art Museum.

The documentary will share Huseman-Lindsey’s dream to create peace throughout the world by teaching the arts.After the documentary presentation, Huseman-Lindsey will explain how her kindergarten through sixth-grade art curriculum at Talawanda has helped children during her 12 years of teaching. A question and answer session will follow. The event is part of the Human Rights and Social Justice Program Center for American and World Cultures at Miami.

Anderson Hall students practice sustainability Students living in residence halls have the opportunity to win iTunes gift cards, free pizza parties and other prizes in a competition to reduce electrical and water usage in their hall.

Anderson Hall proved to be most sustainable for the first week of the Unplugged, Untapped … Game On! sustainability competition for the week ending Nov. 12. The competition, sponsored by Housing, Dining and Guest Services, was started to make students more aware of their electricity and water use. Anderson reduced its electricity usage by nearly 36 percent, translating to $8,695 in annual savings if the minimal usage continue.

Minnich and McBride halls followed close behind the winners with more than 24 and 25 percent reductions respectively.

Eligibility depends on students who pledge their names on the Facebook page. Those students will be entered to win prizes and hall-wide pizza parties.

The grand prize of a hall-wide pizza party and aluminum water bottles will be awarded to the hall that demonstrates the greatest electricity and water use reduction over a three-week period.

President David Hodge will announce the winners throughout the month of November at various athletic events.

FYI Professor accepts award for research John Kiss, professor and chair of the Miami University’s Department of Botany, accepted the Orr E. Reynolds Distinguished Service Award at the annual meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology (ASGSB) Nov. 4 to 7 in Washington, D.C. Kiss served as a member of the Board of Governors, president and as a program chair for the ASGSB and is currently a member of the editorial board of the society’s journal, Gravitational and Space Biology.

Kiss was honored for his efforts in education, outreach and support of undergraduates and graduate students in independent research.

Kiss was famously awarded more than $1 million by NASA for Tropi, an experiment that researched the effects of gravity on planets.

TMS ONLINE www.miamistudent.net

Panel discusses social involvement

By Taylor Dolven Senior Staff Writer

Comparative Religion Students Association (CRSA) held a panel Tuesday to discuss the presence and lack of activism on Miami University’s campus.

“How many of you are registered to vote?” Professor Rick Momeyer asked.

Of the 15 people in the room, nearly everyone raised their hand.

“How many of you voted?”

Momeyer asked.

Only two people raised their hand.

“There’s the answer about if activism is dead at Miami,” he said.

“Participating in the democratic process is not an option. Otherwise, democracy dies.”

Momeyer said he grew up in an era of protest. He had friends who died registering people to vote to vote. Now his generation is not giving youth the

opportunities for activism, he said.

“Young people are idealistic and hopeful, and then we scare the hell out of you about if anyone is going to pay you to do anything,” he said.

The panel focused on the difference between social involvement and social change.

While the group said charity work is always good, the panel discussed the importance of a deeper connection.

Miami’s Hanna House has reported a rise in community service participation among students, according to Professor Thomas Dutton.

“Most people do community service sporadically and feel good about it,” Dutton said. “How do we get people more involved?”

He said people need to work together to address the systemic issues that have

wSee ACTIVISM, page 3

EMILY ESPOSITO The Miami Student

Professors and students discussed activism and awareness at Miami, in an open forum Tuesday evening.

Students hold protest vigil

By Chelsea Naughton Staff Writer

A group of Miami University students will attend the School of Americas (SOA) Watch Vigil at Fort Benning near Columbus, Ga. The peaceful protest is a national event being held Nov. 19 to 21. It is aimed at closing the SOA, according to senior Lauren Lancaster, community activist coordinator for the Miami Social Action Center.

The SOA, now called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), is a U.S. Department of Defense facility that trains Latin American soldiers in counterinsurgency and human rights.

According to the SOA Watch website, those who attend the vigil believe human rights taught at WHINSEC are not up to par, referencing several war crimes and human rights violations committed by SOA graduates.

“Graduates have committed human rights crimes ranging from drug trafficking to torture,” Lancaster said.

While most of the students attending the vigil oppose the SOA, others say the event is “un-American,” said Lancaster, who experienced negative reactions from peers regarding the trip.

“People view it as if you’re anti-SOA, you’re anti-military, which I’m definitely not, my family is in the military,” Lancaster said. “I think you can be patriotic while criticizing your country.”

Lancaster attended the

vigil last year and said it was a particularly moving experience. The last time Lancaster visited Fort Benning was for her brother’s graduation from the military.

“I think there are negative sides to this (because) it is a contentious issue to be on a military base,” Lancaster said. “It’s hard to separate in a person’s mind that they are on a military base protesting an action of the military.”

For those who attended the event in the past, the experience was life changing.

Miami junior Ben Rodabaugh said the SOA Watch Vigil was eye opening.

“It brought to light issues with the United States and Latin America that I hadn’t really learned about before,” Rodabaugh said.

This year marks the third time the Social Action Center has participated in the vigil, but there will be a smaller group than in the past, with around 12 students signed up thus far, Lancaster said.

The SOA Watch Vigil brings together several social justice groups, providing many educational events throughout the weekend, Rodabaugh said.

The trip will cost students no more than $50 and is joint funded by several programs, including the Women’s Center, the Wilkes Leadership Institute, the Western Program and the Hanna House, Lancaster said.

For more information about the trip or SOA Watch, visit www.soaw.org or the Social Action Center located in the Hanna House.

Association to extend Diwali celebration

By Lauren Ceronie Staff Writer

Miami University’s largest multicultural event is doubling the fun this year.

In the past, Diwali has been held for one day, but due to increasing student interest in the event, two shows will be held this year, said Aman Goyal, president of the Indian Students Association (ISA).

Miami University will be hosting its 18th Diwali show Nov. 19 and 20.

Diwali features Indian dancing and cultural guests. It celebrates “The Festival of Lights,” the most important holiday celebrated by Indians, Goyal said. This year, the Diwali theme is Broadway. This theme is meant to tell the story of Diwali in a new and modern way,

Goyal said.

Diwali has sold out for the past 10 years, a fact ISA took into consideration when making the event two days, Goyal said. The Saturday show will be available with dinner as in past years, while the Friday show will not include dinner, Goyal said.

“Aman thought we could do something new and push ISA to another level with two shows,” said Diwali choreographer and dancer Shivali Viswanath.

Goyal said he thinks student interest in Diwali is so high because the show is a fun cultural event.

“Diwali is a fun way to experience the culture of India and find out about the biggest holiday Indians celebrate,” Goyal said.

“Audience members can expect to see lots of colorful dances that blend cultures.”

Diwali will feature special guests, including the Association of Latin American Students, the Asian American Association, the Mergers, the Hip Hop Dance Team and Dance Theater, according to Goyal. The special guests will make Diwali a multicultural Miami event as well as a celebration of Indian culture, Goyal said.

Diwali will feature five different Indian dances, according to Viswanath. These dances include classical, Bollywood, South Indian, Bhangra and Raas, Viswanath said.

Viswanath said she is choreographing this year’s classical dance, a dance that focuses on celebrating Hindu religion.

Miami sophomore Vasantha Koppera will be performing the classical dance, as well as the

South Indian and Raas dances at Diwali. Koppera said she danced in Diwali last year and is excited to see how the event will be different with two shows.

“We put half our lives into this,” she said. “At some point it’s dance now, study for the exam later, that’s how much we care about putting on a good show. It’s hectic and chaotic, but it’s totally worth doing.”

ISA is encouraging Greek organizations and student organizations to attend Diwali, Viswanath said.

“We want to reach out and teach a greater amount of people about our culture,” Viswanath said.

The Friday Diwali show will start at 7 p.m., and the Saturday show will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the Shriver Center Box Office.

Miami senior to present research at international meeting

By Amelia Carpenter Campus Editor

Miami University senior Tom Hurst has worked in a Pearson Hall laboratory for three years studying rats and mice’s reactions to stress.

Now Hurst has a chance to show off his (college) life’s work at the Society of Neuroscience annual meeting Nov. 15 in San Diego, Calif. with his partner, Meera Seshadri, a graduate student. “(I’ve been) working in this lab for three years and I finally get to present it internationally,” he said.

The Society of Neuroscience is a nonprofit membership organization of basic scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous systems, according to the society’s website.

Hurst studies the lactation and hormone release during stress. In the experiments, Hurst and his two colleagues — a Miami alumnus who graduated in fall 2009, Katie McEwen, and Seshadri — caused rats stress by placing them in a container where they cannot move for five minutes. They would then check stress through hormone samples and compare them before and after the rats experienced stress.

The process has made Hurst realize he found his niche. Hurst applied to 10 medical schools and has been accepted to several. He hopes to become a research physician.

“It really showed me how much I enjoyed research,” Hurst said. “It didn’t occur to me how much I want a career in research.”

Phyllis Callahan, senior associate dean in the College of Arts and Science and professor in the zoology department, is one of

the professors accompanying students to the meeting.

“It’s a really wonderful opportunity for undergraduates particularly,” Callahan said.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic opportunity to see the impact of their work in the field.”

Callahan said the students would have the chance to interact with colleagues in the field from other institutions who are presenting the most recent research. “(There are) results that haven’t been published yet,” Callahan said. “(The students will be) right at the brink of current research.

It’s extremely exciting.”

Hurst was meeting with his adviser for Honors and Scholars Advisory Board, who suggested he apply for funding through the Honors Program. The Honors Program and the Department of Zoology is helping to fund Hurst’s trip.

Campus

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Activism

continued from page 2

created the problem in the first place.

“Instead of serving at the soup kitchen, we need to ask why we have homeless people all together,” Dutton said.

A group of students involved in efforts to help Haiti attended the panel.

They said they feel strongly about their issue because they share a connection with the people of Haiti. “(In) today’s culture we are so focused on ourselves,” first-year Corey Mollette said. “People are only focused on America, but there are people who have it a lot worse than us.”

Senior Kelissa Hieber has participated in the Over-the-Rhine residency program. This program involves 12 students living and working in Overthe-Rhine in Cincinnati, a neighborhood that struggles with homelessness and poverty.

Heiber said people often do not ask why a country is struggling, but instead throw money at the problem.

“There is consistent apathy,” she said.

“We think someone else will fix it.”

Junior Leah Scheucher focused on how attention on activism has turned outward.

“A lot of focus has shifted to international activism,” she said.

“We push international injustices but have forgone the domestic issues like race, women’s rights and sexuality education.”

The discussion also focused on how to stimulate involvement.

“What are the concerns that are going to provoke people enough to act?” Assistant Professor Jim Hanges asked. “Have we really solved all the issues?”

Momeyer assured the students their education is important.

“Don’t be discouraged that you are not out there changing the world instantly,” he said. “You can’t make effective change until you understand.”

Dutton’s two words of advice for students were “join something.”

He focused on a Chinese proverb: “A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step,” Momeyer said. “Find the step that you can take.”

The next CRSA meeting will be held Nov. 30.

ASG

continued from page 1 similar system, according to Breitsch.

“I just think it will be more efficient for everybody,” Student Senator first-year David Scott said.

The current process for reserving a study room requires students to physically go to the library and talk to a librarian to request a room later that day, the next day or up to two weeks in the future. The online system would allow students to reserve study rooms up until the end of the semester, Scott said. Students would be limited to two study rooms a week and one study room during finals week.

The bill also included the possibility of a fine for

All about art

ALLISON BACKOVSKI The Miami Student

Graphic design students talk about their latest collaboration project at the opening of their exhibit Thursday.

students who arrive late or not at all for their scheduled study room.

“We’ve seen a lot of cancellations for the systems currently in place for reserving rooms,” Breitsch said.

Currently, students who do not show up to claim their study rooms are not penalized and the room simply goes to another person, Secretary for Academic Affairs Narmar Doyle said.

“We want students to come to the reservations on time and only reserve a room when they know they are going to use and when they know they can be there,” Breitsch said.

The bill proposes a fine up to $20, but Doyle said fines will not be that high.

“It’s going to be somewhere between the $3 and $5 range,” he said.

Breitsch said the fee is not the focus of the legislation.

“We’re just trying to give the library flexibility,” Breitsch

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 ♦ 3

said. “They might not even implement the fine.”

If implemented, the bill urges the fine, which would be charged to the student’s bursar bill, not be applied until roughly an hour after the beginning of the reservation.

“We’re trying to compel responsible behavior from the students,” Beitsch said.

Other senators were concerned about not being able to reserve rooms at the library after the electronic system began.

According to Doyle, the Academic Affairs Coalition will meet to redraft the bill based on these concerns, after which it will go to the dean of University Libraries.

Doyle said the bill needs more work, so voting may be put on hold for another week.

If passed, the bill must be approved by either Student Affairs Council or university senate. Then, the University Libraries would develop a timeline for the new system’s introduction, Doyle said.

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Friday

November 12, 2010

Community

Editor Bethany Bruner community@miamistudent.net

Burglaries spike in Oxford

By Amanda Seitz Campus Editor

Rock breaks window at off-campus house At around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, residents of 224 E. Church St. reported a rock was thrown through a window of the house sometime between 4 and 8 a.m.

The rock reportedly broke the double pane glass of the window and damaged a small glass pane on a door inside the house.

There are no suspects in the case.

Female pulls fire alarm at hospital At around 5 p.m. Wednesday, a fire alarm pull station was activated at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital for the fourth time that day.

According to police reports, hospital employees identified a female suspect who had exited the hospital and crossed the street.

The suspect, later identified as Leasa Ludy, 49, was reportedly found across the street from the hospital.

Ludy reportedly admitted to pulling the alarm twice and told officers she was upset the hospital staff refused to allow her to visit a patient in the emergency room.

According to police reports, the fire alarm caused the fire department to send an ambulance and a fire truck to the scene.

The alarm also inconvenienced staff and patients of the hospital.

Ludy was cited with inducing panic and making false alarms before she was taken to Butler County Jail.

Students living off campus may need to think twice about locking up before leaving the house.

Oxford Police Department (OPD) confirmed that they have seen an increase in burglaries this fall compared to past years.

“I think we have a little more burglaries this year than we’ve had in the past,” OPD Sgt. Jim Squance said.

From Aug. 1 to Nov. 11, 38 burglaries have been reported to OPD. According to Squance, the majority of these burglaries have been at unlocked residences. He said some of the burglaries have been at unexpected times.

“We’re seeing them, which is kind of unusual, we’re seeing them during the day and some at night,” Squance

THE MIAMI STUDENT

ONLINE www.miamistudent.net

burglaries. Her residence, which sits on a block of Walnut Street, was burglarized. A laptop sitting on the kitchen table was stolen in the unlocked home when the burglary occurred in October.

“We have a door by the kitchen, so we think that guy opened the door, saw the computer and left,” Giovinale said.

Police told Giovinale and her housemates the burglaries, although sporadic in nature, were occurring in the general area where they reside.

“The OPD said that there have been a lot in our area and they think it’s the same person and he watches the houses during the day,” Giovinale said.

Squance said OPD is working on busting the burglars.

“We’re working on several different leads,” Squance said. “I don’t

think it’s students stealing from students … in my opinion I think it’s just random.”

Squance said many of the crimes have involved electronics and offcampus students should take steps to prevent their valuables from being stolen. Squance said the suspects are most likely selling the electronics.

“The few that have been forced entry, all I can say is that you lock up your computers, lock up your electronics in your room and put some type of identifier on it,” Squance said. “You have to say that it’s positively yours.”

Squance said the best prevention is keeping doors and windows locked.

“Burglars don’t have to work too hard to steal from the students in town here just because their doors and windows are unlocked,” Squance said.

Honoring local heroes

Officers find male with head injury At around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Oxford Police Department (OPD) officers were dispatched to 102 S. Elm St. in response to a male trying to enter the residence.

When officers arrived, they reportedly noticed a male with his face and shirt bloodied staggering toward them.

According to police reports, blood was oozing out the right side of his face and spurting from his temple.

Officers reportedly performed first aid on the male, who was later identified as a Miami University junior.

The male reportedly could not tell officers what had happened.

According to police, there was no indication the male’s injuries had been sustained at the residence.

Residents of the house reportedly told officers they were woken by the male banging on the door and they did not know him.

Around the same time, a Miami University Police Department officer reportedly noticed that the glass door to Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop had been broken.

According to police reports, officers found blood, hair and a pair of glasses at Maid-Rite.

It also reportedly appeared as though a head had gone through the glass door.

The male reportedly told officers he wore glasses and had them with him earlier in the night.

Officers also reportedly noticed a blood trail heading west from Maid-Rite, which ended at 102 S. Elm St. The life squad reportedly transported the male to McCulloughHyde Memorial Hospital.

OPD officers are continuing to investigate this incident.

said. “I think it’s more of a random thing. I think whoever’s doing these things is randomly picking out targets. They’re just trying windows and doors.”

Because of the abundance of electronic devices available, student housing has been a target, Squance said.

“They’ve got good stuff — good computers, good electronics,” Squance said. “Students are kind of easy pickings.”

Squance said he has also seen some forced entry break-ins resulting in stolen possessions.

In the case of two October burglaries reported to the Miami University community, both were due to forced entry occurred during daytime hours and involved stolen electronics.

Senior Katie Giovinale has been a victim of the recent spike in

ALLISON BACKOVSKI The Miami Student

Oxford Mayor Richard Keebler, a veteran, speaks at a Veteran’s Day ceremony Thursday in Uptown Park.

Uptown business landscape changes

By Ron Albritton For The Miami Student

Recently, numerous rumors have been circulating in the Oxford and Miami University communities about businesses uptown.

These rumors are about the closing of Stadium Sports Bar and Grille, a well-known nightclub, and Maid-Rite, a sandwich and shake shop.

Rumors regarding Stadium’s closure are false. According to Alan Kyger, Oxford’s economic development director, the rumor could have stemmed from the recent for rent status associated with Stadium’s address.

“It’s not Stadium that is for rent,” Kyger said. “It is actually the property connected to Stadium with the same address that is for rent.”

However, the rumors regarding Maid-Rite are

true. Tuesday, Nov. 9, the restaurant closed.

The restaurant opened in February, giving it a nine-month life span uptown.

“It sucks that it’s closing, it was a good place to work,” said senior Katie Mey, a former Maid-Rite employee. “The managers are good people and I will miss working there.”

Maid-Rite’s closing was very abrupt and not many people knew about it.

“A co-worker told me that this was our last week and then went and checked the schedule for me, I never saw it,” Mey said.

No one is really sure why the restaurant closed. Employees speculate that business wasn’t good enough for the restaurant to renew its one-year lease and managers were not available for comment.

Many students are on the fence about the closing of Maid-Rite.

“It’s a bummer that they are closing,”

junior Sarah Josyln said. “It’s one of the few dining places that were open late enough on weekends for students. Personally, I have never eaten there, but many of my friends rely on it for food because it was cheap and available many hours of the day.”

While some students mourn the closure of another uptown restaurant, some are excited about the possibilities for the space now that Maid-Rite is gone.

“I’m not upset about Maid-Rite closing because the burgers were sub par, the atmosphere was undesirable and overall the establishment was Maid-Wrong,” sophomore Abby Moskalik said.

Students are antsy to find out what will go in next.

While nothing can be sure, Kyger said he has spoken to the property managers and they have spoken with several people who are interested in the location.

Student Community Relations Commission fills vacancies

By Gabriel Grollmus For The Miami Student

Three previously vacant spots have been filled on the Student Community Relations Commission (SCRC) for the City of Oxford.

“The three vacancies were filled by citizens of Oxford,” City Council Representative Bob Blackburn said. “One is a past administrator for a hospital, one is a former engineer and one represents property owners for the City of Oxford. With a variety of backgrounds, everyone brings something different to the commission.”

According to The History of the Student Community Relations Commission, a document provided

by Bobbe Burke, the coordinator of off-campus affairs, the goal of the commission is to relieve

tension between students and Oxford residents, allowing them to live together peacefully.

The many responsibilities of the SCRC include the enforcement of laws and monitoring of trash, noise, safety and parking. The history of the SCRC said the monitoring of trash includes observing events such as parties that occur on campus and what is left after those parties.

“We’ve looked at beer pong parties and what kind of residue is left in yards after beer pong,” Burke said.

Problems stem from differing attitudes of what responsible behavior means, according to the history document. The document says students don’t understand the value that Oxford residents place on safety, privacy, peace and quiet.

Differing opinions have been

known to previously cause tension.

“There was so much tension between students and non-students, they needed a task force to relieve that tension,” Burke said. “The main thing I think the committee does is it looks for issues between students and non-students and finds ways to solve these issues.”

Students see the value in the SCRC’s mission.

“I think having such a committee is a great thing,” junior Andy Farquis said. “It’s important that as students we respect the local community. They were here first, we’re just visiting. It’s important to fill any vacancies quickly to keep peace in the community.”

According to Blackburn, the vacancies on the committee could have occurred for a number of different reasons.

“The reason for some vacancies is that people just come and go,” Blackburn said. “Someone may move away or may have other reasons for leaving that could create vacancies in the committee, but many can fill vacant spots. Townspeople, people at large in the community, representatives from Talawanda or Miami University and others can fill any vacancies.”

According to Burke, the SCRC keeps students involved.

“This is, I believe, the only commission that is really geared to the students,” Burke said. “The commission is really about students and community interaction.”

The SCRC generally meets no less than once a month during the academic year. The next meeting for the SCRC will be Dec. 3 at Lane Public Library.

Editor Hunter Stenback features@miamistudent.net

Features

Friday

November 12, 2010

5

By Ethan Carey For The Miami Student

It’s a career kids dream about and college students fear, but for John McCandless, Miami University Police Department (MUPD) chief, it’s just another day on the job.

“I typically get in every morning between 6:30 and 7 a.m. and I read all the reports,” McCandless said. “The weekend is obviously a little busier, but (on) Monday I go through the reports and if there is something that I think is going on, I pull the reports.”

According to McCandless, if a specific incident catches his eye, he must report the occurrence to other administrators within the university.

“I’ll usually call my boss, the vice president, the dean of students and Claire Wagner of communications,” McCandless said. “(I contact) this core group of people just to make sure everyone is aware of what’s going on.”

A typical day for McCandless involves reviewing police reports and meeting with students and organizations, but the chief is never really off duty.

“When the weekends roll around, I joke that I am always on call,” McCandless said. “On Thursday, Friday or Saturday night it’s not unusual for me to get a call anywhere from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., which is fine because that’s what my job is. It’s kind of a 24/7 job, but there is some down time on spring and summer breaks when I can take some time off if I wanted to.”

For McCandless, the busy schedule is not always overbearing.

“I have always loved the job, but you have to go into it knowing that you can’t always have the personal life that you want outside,” McCandless said. “I have wonderful people that work for me that I can call and take care of things.”

Early career McCandless has been in law enforcement for 28 years and has been the MUPD chief for the last six.

“I worked for 22 years up in Michigan before I got here (to Miami),” McCandless said. “I chose to become a police officer probably because I have an older brother who is in the field and it kind of looked like it was something different. It wasn’t just a desk job.”

McCandless received his undergraduate degree from Ferris State University and his master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University.

More than anything else, McCandless looked up to his brother James and what he did. James is no longer in law enforcement, but he first got McCandless interested in the field.

“I think for me, watching my brother helped to prepare for my policing career,” the chief said. “I knew there were goofy hours and midnight shifts, so I already knew what to expect. I think the secret for me was knowing what it was going to be like before I got into it, and there was no disappointment.”

Coming to Miami The entire process of finding a chief position took McCandless about 18 months total. He was a finalist for six different areas, including the University of Utah, Shippensburg University and University of North Florida.

“When you search for this type of job, it’s kind of a lengthy process and they narrow it down to two or three people,” McCandless said.

“They will typically fly you out or get you out to where they’re at and you have to take a look and see if it is a good fit for you.”

For the positions in which McCandless thought he would have been a good fit, he was not one of the successful candidates. There were also some job offers he turned down because he didn’t believe it would be a good fit, whether it was the organization or geographically it wasn’t going to be a good place to live.

“When Miami came up, I was also the finalist for the University of Utah, which is a gorgeous place,” McCandless said. “I was actually offered the chief position at both campuses at the same time.

Because I have some family up in Michigan, I just thought that this was better.”

McCandless said while moving from Michigan to southern Ohio was a long distance, he decided Utah was much too far.

“I really liked the university, the people and I’m only about five hours from where I grew up,” McCandless said. “I’m only about a half a day’s drive to my relatives because my family is mostly located in the midwest.”

McCandless said the fact that each day is different is what he loves most about his job.

“I really do enjoy helping people, (and) we can impact people in a positive way,” McCandless said. “I think that Miami is a unique place for students to come and our officers want to make it the best experience.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sacrifices According to McCandless, every time there is movement up a notch on a career ladder there has to be some kind of a tradeoff. The chief admitted there were tradeoffs with his own family life.

“For me and most people, higher positions will cause you to miss stuff,” McCandless said. “If you ask my kids, they will tell you I wasn’t always there to see their soccer or football games. I think the time that you have to put into your job is the hardest thing, but I am not the only one who experiences that.”

His son agrees that it was sometimes hard for his dad to make it to events.

“My dad was very good at attending my senior soccer games, but there were many times when he couldn’t come on family vacations because of nightshifts or other work obligations,” Miami junior Matt McCandless said.

Chief McCandless said family is not the only aspect of life that is impacted in the line of duty. The hardest part of any police position is delivering bad news because it can affect the officer personally, he said.

“Sadly, I’ve had to tell some parents about the loss of their sons or daughters. It’s never any fun talking to roommates or friends, but I have experienced that through all policing, not just here on campus,” McCandless said. “It’s the worst part of the job because I can’t imagine losing a child. Life will never be the same.”

Teaching through experience Chief McCandless has also been teaching classes at Miami’s Hamilton campus for the past four years. Criminal Justice 211 is an A-to-Z organized policing course that talks about all of the embassies of the federal government and how they came into the United States.

“The class has evolved from business students to criminal justice students because they have built the criminal justice program to the point where I only have a few students who are not criminal justice majors,” McCandless said. “There is a different level of interest because I expose them to different speakers and what the field entails.”

A fair percentage of the Hamilton program consists of working adults. McCandless likes the fact that there is a mix of traditional students and non-traditional students in his class.

McCandless taught a class at the police academy in Michigan before he came to Miami. He enjoyed teaching and liked interacting with students at Michigan State University.

“I now get to expose the students to what happens at MUPD, and many people don’t always know what goes on around here,” McCandless said. “I’ve got the material that you are expected to cover from the book, but then I also can talk about real life experiences from the programs that I am involved in or bring in individuals from the field to speak that can further explain their profession because I don’t know everything.”

McCandless said his class is different because the students are able to interact to see what they do and don’t like.

“It isn’t really him standing up and lecturing to the students, which is what I really like about the class,” sophomore Paige Saurber said.

When looking back at his professional career, McCandless is amazed because he wasn’t a great student. He received average grades but was never afraid of hard work and always did what was asked of him.

“I think when you do those things, good things will happen for you,” junior Kelly Spurlock said. “If you have had a good professional life, you should have nothing to complain about.”

With a fulfilling career path, McCandless believes law enforcement has been a good choice and continues to be a good choice for him.

“I think that all Miami students really are a cut above,” McCandless said. “I like interacting with them because they are very polite and very courteous with a good upbringing. For me, coming to a quality place like Miami has been very fortunate.”

HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student

6

Friday November 12, 2010

Opinion

Editors John Luckoski Jessica Sink editorial@miamistudent.net

www.lde-online.com

➤ EDITORIAL

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

Removal of rail funding unfortunate A

t his first news conference after If provided the option of simply purbeing elected to office, Ohio Gov- chasing a ticket and hopping on, many ernor-elect John Kasich announced halt- people would find it more appealing ing the project to create a statewide pas- to ride a train for an afternoon trip to senger railway was one Columbus than having of his top priorities.

Rail lines should to sit behind the wheel The project, a $400 for hours. A train also be evaluated as million federally funded has the potential to a transportation initiative, was intended decrease the number option and it is a of car accidents, as to establish freight transportation between shame that Ohio’s fewer drivers mean Cincinnati, Columbus less congestion and project may and Cleveland. Kasich road hazards. be halted. believes the cost would Ultimately, although far exceed the benefit it may be expensive and citizens would not utilize a train. now, the rail project would be an investThe editorial board of The Miami Stu- ment for the future. dent is disappointed in the dissolution It is plausible that, if a success, other of the railway project. While it certainly cities would adopt rail systems to conwould be costly to construct a rail sys- nect with Ohio’s main system, and tem, there would be many benefits to America would be on its way to creating implementing such a transportation op- more efficient routes of transportation. tion and the board believes Ohio citizens Europe’s rail system is a prime example would utilize its services. of effective mass transportation and With a railway installment and its po- should be considered. tential success, Ohio would demonstrate While it may not be possible in the its quest and commitment to offering current financial state of the country, rail more efficient options for its citizens lines should be evaluated as a transportaand visitors. The state would not only at- tion option and it is a shame that Ohio’s tract new people and business, but also project may be halted.

The board hopes Kasich and the state provide much-needed jobs for those curof Ohio will continue to look for costrently unemployed. saving initiatives and work for the benWith a railroad, travel and tourism to efit of citizens in the coming year. Evthe major cities in Ohio would increase. ery option must be considered to keep Not only would taking a train be less Ohio strong and healthy, especially in expensive than driving or flying, but it difficult times. would be more enjoyable.

Online reservations would be helpful for students A

ssociated Student Government allows students to view, from the comis working on a proposal to cre- fort of their rooms, the availability of ate an online system for reserving washers and dryers. From the library study rooms at King Library. Cur- perspective, a system like this would rently, rooms must allow students to rebe reserved in person quest specific rooms Especially for at the front desk at and be able to view King. The new bill, if room availability. group meetings, passed, would allow Not only would it being able to students to go online save time, but it might arrange for at any time to request a make the process easa designated study area. ier and more manageAlthough the bill is able for library staff. study area in still in its preliminary As with any new advance would stages, the editorial program, there will make the process board of The Miami be concerns and a much more Student endorses learning curve if the the idea of an online bill is passed. The convenient. system. Students are idea of having a fine busy and often don’t for students who have the opportunity to make the trip fail to claim a reserved study room to King to reserve a room. Especially is understandable.

However, there must also be confor group meetings, being able to arsideration for the cost of the penalty, range for a designated study area in which should be reasonable. advance would make the process much Any opportunity to offer students more convenient. more convenient options should cerThe board offers the idea of creating tainly be considered, and this bill is a a system similar to the E-Suds model in place in residence halls, which viable prospect for the library’s future.

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Erin Fischesser Editor in Chief Thomasina Johnson News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor John Luckoski Editorial Editor Jessica Sink Editorial Editor Stephen Bell Campus Editor

Amelia Carpenter Campus Editor Amanda Seitz Campus Editor Bethany Bruner Community Editor Michael Solomon Sports Editor Hunter Stenback Features Editor Samantha Ludington Photo Editor Hannah Miller Art Director

➤ LETTER

Faculty cuts compromise Miami education

Skunk tips for students under siege

At Miami University, one can expect to receive an excellent education and unwavering support from the faculty. I have found this to be the strength of the university. When I think of the exceptional professors that are here, I can’t help but feel disgruntled when the university announces faculty job cuts.

After all, aren’t these the people that make Miami great?

Listen, we know that the university is $40 million underwater. We know that much of the university’s bill every year is faculty salaries. We know Miami has a more diverse array of majors than many colleges. So, the Strategic Priorities Task Force recommends closing up the leaks in the system. Faculty will have to be let go. Some of our liberal arts education will have to be compromised. It’s all for the good of the university, no?

But wait a second here. What about the human toll? These are jobs that people depend on. Besides, it wasn’t their decision to hire themselves, was it?

The Miami bureaucracy loves to point out that one thing that will never be compromised is the undergraduate education of Miami, but cutting faculty jobs does just that.

Why are there no consequences for the people who overloaded the budget in the first place? Faculty didn’t hire themselves, and they weren’t the ones who made the mistake.

Maybe there are other job cuts that would make more sense.

In regards to the article about the skunk problem in the Mile Square, here are a couple of important things to remember and some updates: 1) As funny as it may be, refrain from dumping cat food and other edible treats in your neighbor’s yards. The cat food attracts skunks.

2) Make sure to close the lids on your garbage cans and dumpsters. Don’t place trash bags on the ground.

3) Be careful about feeding feral cats intentionally. That food draws skunks, and skunks upset your neighbors.

4) If you know a skunk lives under your home or on your property, call your rental company. They should help you get the problem fixed.

The city is setting up its first skunk traps soon in the alley that runs between the 200 blocks of South Poplar and South Main streets.

The city may not have the resources to extend the effort to other areas of the Mile Square, so do not be afraid to contact your landlord about what he or she can do if you know a skunk is living on your property.

Matthew Ciccone Secretary for Off-Campus Affairs cicconmr@muohio.edu

David Small

smallde@muohio.edu

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

Please send letters via e-mail to: editorial@miamistudent.net

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

Appreciation for university support To Miami University administration, staff, faculty, students and especially friends living at Symmes Hall: As an aunt who is mourning the loss of my precious, amazing nephew Stephen Fenstemaker and on behalf of Stephen’s family, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you who expressed in so many ways your sympathy and love toward Stephen.

Needless to say, these past days have been so painful and shocking, yet through the actions and comforting words communicated by so many of you we have been able to celebrate those wonderful qualities that Stephen possessed, qualities that all of you obviously were able to recognize.

The poster that hung in Stephen’s room at Symmes Hall signed by his college friends was a wonderful tribute to him.

The caring way members of your administration greeted and helped my sister

Marilyn (Stephen’s mom), his dad, brother and sister on the sad day when they visited to pack up his room was truly comforting for all of them. The fact that the Miami University student body presented a proclamation honoring Stephen’s life and seeing so many of his college friends make the trip to attend the viewing and funeral was quite simply wonderful.

I had actually spoken with Stephen just hours before the tragic accident that took his life. We talked about school, his classes and his new friends. He was so happy and really enjoying college life. I will always cherish that conversation and we will all cherish his wonderful time spent at Miami University.

Thank you, and God bless all of you.

Laurie Wolfe (Stephen’s Aunt Laurie) lwolfe28@gmail.com

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

Opinion

THE MIAMI STUDENT

➤ A GRAIN OF SALT

Searching for optimism In the wake of the past few weeks, it seems much of our political future is going to play out because of the decisions that were made. Between rallies for sanity and/or fear, mid-term elections, suspensions of news commentators, the resurgence of President George W. Bush in the media and stillJohn hushed rumors of Luckoski a Clinton-style attempt at the impeachment of Obama, it seems to be a precarious political time for the country. In making sense of our struggle, our position is most distinctly defined by what people are searching for.

Clearly, to some degree, the GOP found what it was looking for-control over the House of Representatives-as well as a message of a “mandate from the American people” and a “referendum on Obama.” Meanwhile, Democrats haven’t managed to find any clear message in fighting for the political positions even after they’ve lost them.

Now, as the right moves energetically forward, it seems to be starting its new quest to repeal and stop any attempt at what Obama would call progress and, if possible, create subcommittees to begin investigations on such issues as the bank bailout, the economic stimulus and potentially health care reform.

This gives a sense of what conservatives are looking for as the elections quickly become a distant memory. Meanwhile, the left just wants to keep things within its control, at least until the next election in two years.

Whether or not a clear message can be born from that remains unknown.

Throughout all of this partisan searching for how to win and who to blame, the most important thing to ask is what the American people are looking for. Approximately 27 million people in our country are still looking for employment. Approximately 50,000 American families are looking for their loved ones to come home from Iraq, and 100,000 from Afghanistan. Approximately 59 million Americans are in need of health insurance, something they would certainly seek if they could afford it.

Some people were looking to win elections. Others were looking to restore sanity. One was looking to donate money to politicians without disclosing it, and still another simply wants to regain some sense of dignity in a world still hostile to him. Still others quietly entertain means of disenfranchising the current president.

There has been a lot of searching over these last few weeks, and certainly some found what they were looking for. The victory they discovered shouldn’t have any impact upon the direction our country needs to take.

In the end, the Rally to Restore Sanity didn’t really help to reshape our public discourse. I don’t think Keith Olbermann really felt any consequence from an entire two-day suspension. After seeing George W. Bush on television for the first time in almost two years, I really don’t think he’ll ever find that redemption through history he is hoping for. Most of all, I don’t see how another desperate inquisition into determining whether someone “(did or) did not have sexual relations” with a woman will benefit our country. In the end, that seems to be what we will always concern ourselves with, rather than what we should be actually looking for.

I too am looking for something. I am simply looking for some sense of peace and catharsis through all of this turmoil. All I want to find is the small glimmer of hope that reminds us that members of our military will one day be home, our unemployed will eventually have jobs, our sick will be taken care of and our system still at its core is functional.

There are probably those who would say that’s too much to ask.

Perhaps it’s a hope only an idealist would maintain. But even in the face of building political tension as the gap between rich and poor widens while the middle class slowly fades away, I am going to keep looking. It’s the only way forward.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 ♦ 7

➤ PERSPECTIVE

BCS reign ends MICHAEL SOLOMON

There’s something that’s very obvious in the top five teams in the Week 11 Bowl Championship Series standings in college football.

Yes, the scarlet and grey of The Ohio State University are nowhere to be seen (Go Blue) and preseason favorite Alabama is struggling mightily to stay in the top 10, but there is a bigger picture here.

Where on earth are the “powerhouses” that we are used to seeing at the top of the rankings? Where is Florida? Texas? How about those Sooners from Oklahoma?

Here are your top five teams this week in the BCS: Oregon, Auburn, Texas Christian University (TCU), Boise State and Louisiana State University (LSU). You could argue LSU is a powerhouse, but what about Oregon, Auburn, TCU and Boise State?

These teams have emerged over the last couple of years as contenders — or in Auburn’s case, this year — but they are not powerhouses like the Michigan or Ohio State programs.

A powerhouse program has history and tradition and is near the top of the standings every season. No disrespect to the Ducks, Broncos, Horned Frogs or Tigers, but these programs are not considered powerhouses.

There are many different

scenarios as to who can potentially play in the national title game in Glendale, Ariz., but one thing looks to be almost certain: There will be a new team in the national title game. Unless the end of the season takes a very, and I mean very unlikely turn, we are finally going to see different schools playing for the title.

It surely has been the year of the underdog for sports fans (Thank you, San Francisco Giants and Butler Bulldogs).

Think about the teams that have made an appearance in the BCS standings so far this year. Baylor, which has never won a Big 12 championship in football, made its first appearance in the BCS standings earlier this year after a win over Texas. Yep, that’s right, Texas, to hold a shortlived lead in the conference’s south division. Mississippi State, which is always overshadowed by conference foes such as Alabama and Arkansas, is 7-2 this year and ranked 19th in the BCS standings this week. For all of you Big Ten fans, Michigan State is 9-1 and contending for a conference title. The level of talent among college football teams is beginning to become spread

out across the country, which is closing the performance gap between teams like Alabama and pistol formationhappy Nevada (ranked 21st in the BCS standings). For all of you playoff-wanting college football fans, this “closing of the gap” is really good news.

With all of this being said, it’s time for a playoff system to be put in place. This is the only true way to see which team is the best in the country. We are most likely going to have an undefeated team sitting at home and looking in on the national championship game in January. They are unbeaten, and they deserve a chance to play in the championship game just as much as any other team in college football. We saw this last year with Boise State and TCU. Both were undefeated after the regular season. Sure, Texas and Alabama had a harder schedule and may have been the better teams, but why let a computer judge that? In a time when college football is seeing a lot of new teams enter the BCS standings week in and week out, it’s time for a playoff system to be put in place.

Move over powerhouses, there’s a new sheriff in town.

SOLOMON is sports editor for The Miami Student

➤ ESSAY

Challenging the continuation of legalized discrimination There is no doubt that, as Bob Dy- reasons of personal religious belief and lan so aptly put it, “the times, they morality associated with the religion of those are a-changing.” making the laws, the government supports This is especially true in terms of the po- discrimination and inequality. litical and social atmosphere of the United In his ruling in the overturning of PropoStates in the last few years. sition 8 in California in July, Judge Vaughn By looking at the cases that have been Walker said, “Proposition 8 places the force working their way of law behind stigmas through the court sysagainst gays and lestems in the last few bians, including: gays While things have years, one can see a and lesbians do not shift is occurring in the have intimate relationchanged for the better in way certain sociopolitiships similar to heteromany respects, it is still cal issues are viewed couples; gays true that inequality exists sexual among the general popand lesbians are not as and is a very real part ulation — for example, good as heterosexuals; sexuality and the acand gay and lesbian of the lives of everyone cepted gender roles relationships do not dewho is not white, male, within society. serve the full recogniand increasingly more Traditionally in tion of society.” important, straight.

American society men Yes, people are work and women stay in entitled to their inthe home. dividual beliefs, but Men and women are they are also ensupposed to get married and have children titled to “life, liberty and the pursuit and strive to live the American dream. of happiness.”

Throughout the past century, these things No one could argue that laws like Proposihave constantly been challenged and broken tion 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act proapart, as women gained the right to vote, mote these foundational values. pursue careers outside of those expected of However, the sentiment behind these them and gained pay equal to that of their laws is not the most important aspect of male co-workers. this struggle.

The same is true for people of races that Whatever the feelings behind a law and are identified as non-white. no matter how vehemently a group of people While things have changed for the better believes something like gay marriage is right in many respects, it is still true that inequal- or wrong, it is the job of our legislators and ity exists and is a very real part of the lives judges to uphold the laws and guidelines set of everyone who is not white, male, and in- forward in the Constitution and protect the creasingly more importantly, straight. rights and livelihood of the nation’s citizens.

Society is moving toward the acceptance This means all citizens, regardless of sexof members of the LBGTQ community, but ual orientation, race, religion or any other of fear and hate maintain a place in the hearts of these factors that are so frequently divisive. many of our nation’s citizens.

Facing challenges like finding solutions to This has led to the establishment of leg- our issues with health care, global warming, islation such as Proposition 8 in California, the increasingly evident need for alternative energy sources, an unstable economy and which was rightfully overturned in August.

Laws like this and official policies like fluctuating global tensions, we continue to Don’t Ask Don’t Tell institutionalize hate focus on discriminating people and hating and discrimination in a way not unlike the that which is different.

The court system can help put an end to Jim Crow laws of years past.

These laws and policies do nothing but this. Yes, there will always be hatred and seek to deny people the rights granted to fear in the world, but the possibility is real that, at least in terms of legislation regarding them in the Constitution.

The United States was founded on the idea the rights of people often labeled as outsidthat all men were created equal and the first ers and minorities, the government could end settlers on the continent were, for the most the legal perpetuation of that hate and fear. part, people fleeing religious persecution.

In passing laws that essentially reAlice Ladrick ladricae@muohio.edu voke the rights of U.S. citizens due to

➤ PERCEIVING REALITY

The death of leisure reading If you are perusing this column right now and therefore holding a newspaper in your hands, you are among a population of this campus that cares enough about reading to at least browse the 500 to 700 word articles provided. Though newspapers are designed to inform, Karli they also provide a Kloss means of entertainment and often distraction. When I want a break from pretending to take notes in class, I usually glance through The New York Times Global or BBC online (after checking Facebook first, let’s be honest) because reading for me is a pleasant diversion. Though many of us read newspapers, how many of you can remember the last time you read an actual book simply for your own enjoyment?

As college students, it sometimes feels as though we are surrounded by words. Between all of my classes (assuming I actually complete all of my assigned readings) I’m looking at tackling an average of 300 pages weekly. There are most likely students out there whose reading load quite exceeds mine. I am also in the middle of two other fiction books just for funsies. Why on earth would I want to do any reading that isn’t mandatory? Because analytical reading is one of the most valuable skill sets a person can carry throughout the course of his or her life.

Sure, we all read for class, but how many of us actually enjoy what we’re reading?

The fact is, by the time our work is done for the day or the week, pretty much the least enticing activity (right after scrubbing the bathroom tiles with a toothbrush) is more reading. When we have free time, we turn on the TV, fire up the Xbox or just crash for a few hours, but we do not pick up a book. This is just one more bad habit we pick up during our collegiate years bouncing between intensive studies and selfindulgence. Most do not think about the multitude of benefits to be gained from consistent reading habits.

Though this may come off as a public service announcement (or perhaps a Reading Rainbow commercial), the importance of reading cannot be stressed enough. It expands your vocabulary, knowledge base, conceptual abilities and even writing abilities. The books don’t have to be impressive or award winning (i.e. dull and obscure) either. I am not ashamed to admit that I have picked up some of my favorite $5 words from the occasional chick lit book or trashy romance novel. With every book you read, you gain a new perspective, a different take on an old story and a jolt of creative energy right to your cranium.

In June 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor published its 2009 survey of American time use through the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Television was the highest ranked leisure activity practiced by Americans, with an average of 2.8 hours a day. Other leisure activities like sports and socializing were included, but the last on the list was, unsurprisingly, reading. Americans age 15 to19 spend an average of five minutes per weekend day reading. This is appalling.

Every tour guide who goes through King Library points out all three shelves of our leisure reading section and then makes a point to mention that as a Miami University student you will never touch a single book on that shelf, a sad but true fact that we can fix. Pick a topic that intrigues you, a mystery that confounds you or even a story that will just make you feel good with its cheesy ending.

Even Oprah, who might be scary in a lot of aspects, still does pick some good books and inspires millions to read them.

So, even if you only have time to make it through a few extracurricular books a semester, make the effort to pick out a novel or two and set aside a little time each day to read. Only good things can come of it.

FYI Page

Friday

8

November 12, 2010

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

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INVESTIGATION continued from page 1

“We’re working with them to find out ways that we can prevent similar instances of hatred and intolerance in our community,” Elliott said.

Most importantly, Elliott said the city is trying to encourage students

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010 ♦ 9 who experience similar threats to call 911 immediately rather than waiting to report them.

“If you feel threatened in any way, call,” Elliott said. “We certainly don’t want things to result in a physical assault.”

While there haven’t been any definite programs put in place yet, Elliott said the necessary actions will be taken to prevent future hate crimes.

“It’s more of an educational

SUDOKU, page 8.

process,” Elliott said.

Oxford Police Department Sgt. Jim Squance said officers are trained in dealing with hate crimes and diversity issues and it is a topic they constantly revisit.

“We’re constantly updating our training,” Squance said. “One of the things our training includes is diversity … It’s a never-ending process when it comes to police work.”

An incident that occurred in April

2010 that involved an attack on a gay student uptown is also being considered in this process, Elliott said.

According to Elliott, the CRC has been meeting for two years and has been considering similar issues for some time. Elliott said he was unaware, however, if hate-stemmed crimes have been a problem in Oxford in the past.

“Unless it’s brought to our attention, we wouldn’t know,” he said.

When you’re finished reading

The Miami Student, please recycle!

FOOTBALL continued from page 1

Division alongside Temple and Ohio universities. The other two contenders will face off Nov. 16 in Philadelphia on ESPN2.

“This was a huge win, especially when you are trying to turn a program around,” Cook said. “(The team) bought into Coach Haywood’s program and this game personified that.

This was the icing on the cake for this season. Now we need to make sure that we keep our mind focused on winning the MAC East.”

The ’Hawks did not allow the Falcons to get a first down in the first quarter and took a 14-7 lead into the half after a bad punt snap toward the end of the second quarter led to a Miami touchdown.

Miami extended its lead when redshirt sophomore quarterback Zac Dysert hit freshman wide out Nick Harwell for a 22-yard touchdown pass with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter. Poor execution by the Miami defense in the fourth quarter led to two Falcon scores, tying the game at 21.

The Miami offense was also unable to capitalize on an interception by freshman cornerback Dayonne Nunley when Cook missed a 41-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter.

The interception was Nunley’s team-high fourth pick of the year and adds to his stellar season.

After two punts, a fumble and a missed field goal in their first four drives of the fourth, the RedHawks stole the momentum from the Falcons with just more than two minutes remaining in the game. Redshirt sophomore cornerback D.J. Brown intercepted a pass from Falcon freshman quarterback Matt Schilz at the Bowling Green 37-yardline, eventually setting up Cook’s game-winning field goal.

Senior running back Thomas Merriweather ran very effectively, racking up 91 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while Dysert had his first rushing touchdown of the season along with one through the air.

Harwell had another solid game, finishing with 10 receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown.

The freshman sensation has been on fire his last five games, catching 43 balls for 600 yards to go with four touchdowns.

“The blocking schemes and plays (we run) have given me more time to run my routes and get open,” Harwell said. “It was a big game, but we treated it like all of the other games. We know how to finish, at least in pressure situations, but we need to learn how to put teams down in the fourth quarter.”

Defensively, sophomore linebacker Evan Harris led Miami with nine tackles, including two for a loss, while redshirt junior linebacker Jerrell Wedge had eight tackles.

The defensive line played a decisive role in this game as well, pressuring Schilz throughout the game, including two consecutive sacks late in the fourth quarter by redshirt junior defensive lineman Jordain Brown and redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Jason Semmes.

The two sacks forced BGSU to punt after recovering a fumble deep in Miami territory.

Despite the big win, the RedHawks still have things to work on going into their last two games of the season.

“We have a lot to improve on,” Cook said. “We are already in position to win the MAC East and we have so much to work on. We are going to come to work and go get a MAC championship.”

THE MIAMI STUDENT www.miamistudent.net

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10

That’s Mr. Irrelevant to you Rob Johnson

Under Review

D

Sports

Friday November 12, 2010

reams hang in the balance.

Players wait to hear their name announced on national television and for a shot to play in the big league. Hundreds of prospects will go undrafted, but only one can barely miss those ranks and be crowned Mr. Irrelevant.

The title of Mr. Irrelevant is given each year to the last player drafted into the NFL, a tradition that began in 1976.

The “winner” and his family are invited to spend a week in Newport Beach, Calif., where they can enjoy a golf tournament and a special ceremony dedicated to the afterthought of almost every NFL team.

The ceremony consists of a roast, where the player receives the Lowsman Trophy (a blatant rip off of the equally coveted Heisman Trophy) and ceremony goers give the player advice.

Unfortunately, for most of the Irrelevants, the fun ends there.

The typical Mr. Irrelevant usually spends his short-lived NFL career bouncing around from team to team, playing on practice squads and falling off the depth chart before being cut and becoming even more irrelevant than before. Some don’t even make it that far.

Surprisingly, the seemingly household names of Tevita Ofahengaue and Ramzee Robinson are lost on the average person who doesn’t know every draft pick ever.

Two of the past 10 last round picks are still active on NFL rosters, and only 2009’s Ryan Succop, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, is starting. Sept. 4, the Detroit Lions released Mr. Irrelevant 2010 edition, Tim Toone, only to add him back onto their practice squad the next day.

Ryan Hoag proved irrelevant not only to the Oakland Raiders, but again in the fourth season of The Bachelorette when DeAnna Pappas denied him a rose in the second episode.

Despite the long list of last picks in the NFL draft, the honor was first bestowed on Kelvin Kirk in 1976, when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him with the 487th pick.

The lack of statistics available online suggests he took his namesake to heart.

Not all players selected with the last pick have proved to be irrelevant.

In 1978, quarterback Bill Kenney was drafted second to last by the Miami Dolphins.

However, he was sworn into irrelevancy when Lee Washburn, the actual last pick, suffered from back problems and never reported to training camp.

After the Dolphins cut him from their training camp in 1982, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Kenney as a back-up quarterback. In 1983, Kenney rewrote the Chiefs’ record books with 4,348 passing yards and 346 completions. He capped off the season with a Mr. Irrelevant first: a Pro Bowl selection.

Jim Finn is the only member of the Irrelevant club to possess a Super Bowl ring, after his New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in 2008.

Irrelevance is in the eye of the beholder. Some players provide their teams with a much needed roster fill or practice squad member.

Some last picks might even see some playing time and a starting job. Some players are as relevant as this column five months before the NFL draft or LeBron James’ public relations manager.

For the player’s sake, hopefully it’s not the latter of the two.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Editor Michael Solomon sports@miamistudent.net

NEXT HOME GAME: 6 p.m. Friday vs. Towson University

Tigers are first test for ’Hawks

By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer

Déjà vu. A year ago at this time, the Miami University RedHawk basketball team was preparing to play the Towson University Tigers. As they peered on Tiger tape, everyone knew another cat was on the prowl.

Three days later, they would travel to Lexington and battle the No. 4 University of Kentucky Wildcats.

The RedHawks’ defense flattened the Tigers that November, Friday the 13th, 82-71, spurring a three-game losing skid.

Friday, the Red and White open up the season slate with those same Tigers. This time, they want to keep their eyes focused on a good start at Millett Hall, even if the next team on the schedule is the 2010 national champion Duke University Blue Devils.

A Durham diversion won’t keep Head Coach Charlie Coles’ team from being focused this time.

“We can’t worry about going to Durham,” Coles said. “A lot of people are excited not because they think we can beat Duke, but just because we are going down there … We have to make sure that we know who we are and that we are solid defensively.”

The Red and White were anything but solid in Maryland last year, allowing the Tigers to shoot more than 50 percent from the field and see their star Calvin Lee score 25 points.

“We are definitely going to have to redeem ourselves,” Coles said. “First of all, the same thing that bothered us last year when we played Towson is the same thing we face again this year. They are a very confident group of guys despite their record

HOCKEY

last year. This may be the most confident team that I’ve seen in a while and they didn’t have a great record the last two or three years, but this year they have a chance to be really good. They are very good athletes.

Their athleticism is as good as ours or better.”

Towson brings “tough East Coast kids” to the court, according to Coles.

The ’Hawks’ muscle will flex this season without their former leader, Kenny Hayes, who walked to a diploma. Three seniors, Nick Winbush, Antonio Ballard and Sean Mock, have to fill that void and vocalize headship. Ballard will start out doing it from the bench, as he is at least two weeks away from action with an injury.

Winbush led by example in Saturday’s exhibition with 19 points. The arc ace was 5-6 from three-point land and wants netting nylon Friday.

“Kenny was a great player and we are definitely going to miss him this year,” Winbush said. “I think we have some pieces where we can definitely fill in for him. We have some good guards and good players all around. I think we are going to make the adjustment just fine.”

Coles said freshman Quinten Rollins and big men Vince Legarza and Drew McGhee look promising heading into the season. Rollins is one of the “best defenders that the program has had in a while,” Coles said.

“I think we’ve got the potential to be really, really good on defense,” Winbush said. “Everybody sees that as really important to our team.”

Tiger forward Robert Nwankwo could clog the paint. Nwankwo is the best returning starter,

MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

Sophomore guard Orlando Williams looks for two points against Ohio Northern University Nov. 6.

averaging 9.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in 2009.

“We definitely have to make some adjustments,” Winbush said. “Looking back to last year, we let them penetrate too much. We have to do a better job in the middle as well as the post play. I think we are scouting them pretty good, so hopefully we come out with a ‘W’ on Friday.”

Tip off is set for 6 p.m Nov. 12 at Millett Hall.

Coles knows his players are aware of what they have to do.

“I’ve always said it to them, so I don’t need to say it no more,” Coles said. “They know what we need to do. We have to come out of that game 1-0. We have to go out there and win it. That’s as simple as it gets.”

NEXT HOME GAME: 8:05 p.m. Friday vs. Univerisity of Alaska Fairbanks

RedHawks host Nanooks in key series

By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer

Boston University is on top again.

This time it’s the USA Today college hockey poll that headlines, as the Miami University

MICHAEL GRIGGS The Miami Student

Sophomore winger Curtis McKenzie has two goals this season.

SWIMMING AND DIVING

RedHawks dropped to No. 3 and No. 4 according to USCHO.com. The Red and White had its worst weekend woes yet with a loss, tie and a shootout loss to the Ferris State University Bulldogs, resulting in a fall from media glory.

“We want to redeem ourselves,” senior Pat Cannone said. “It puts a chip on our shoulder to get back to winning.”

Standing nose to nose at center ice will be the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Nanooks (6-3-1, 3-2-1 Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA)) come to Oxford Friday after a steady faceoff with the Maize and Blue of the University of Michigan.

“They are a hot team this year,” senior Andy Miele said. “They are coming off of a win and loss against Michigan. If we stick to our game plan and play like we did Saturday night, put the puck in the net, we will be fine.”

Miele and The Brotherhood (5-2-3, 3-1-2-1 CCHA) have had a habit of “putting the biscuit in the basket this season.” The RedHawks’ 40 scores average out to four per game, which is tops in the country. Senior Carter Camper, sophomore Reilly Smith and Miele are one, two and three in the country with nine, seven and six goals respectively, while the MieleCamper combo has defrosted the ice for 43 points.

“Friday we were very disappointed,” Miele said. “We couldn’t blame anybody but ourselves because we just didn’t compete like we should. Saturday night we had a lot of character. We really took it to them. We only gave them five scoring chances the whole game.

We were happy with Saturday even though we didn’t get the win in the shootout.”

To come out with wins, the Red and White defense must push around the senior-freshman duo of Kevin Petovello and Cody Kunyk.

Both have netted five goals this season for the Nanooks.

“I know they block a lot of shots,” Miele said. “They are very good defensively. They aren’t very big, so we have to play physical and just battle from there.”

Head Coach Enrico Blasi’s team must find the net early and often against a defense that has allowed just 19 goals, the fewest in the CCHA. “Coach was upset we weren’t ready to compete and wanted us to work harder last weekend,” Cannone said. “We didn’t play our best game and we will make it a priority to come out well.”

The puck drops at 8:05 p.m. Nov. 12 and the clash will air on ONN. The two teams will then play again at 7:05 p.m. Nov. 13.

NEXT MEET: 2 p.m. Saturday at Kenyon College

Red and White battle in-state foes

By Drew McDonell Staff Writer

The Miami University men’s swimming and diving team will continue its season Nov. 12 as it heads to Columbus, Ohio to take on The Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes.

Assistant Coach Scott Usher sees the OSU match as a good opportunity for the team to gain more experience.

“It is early in the season and we have a really young team,” Usher said. “As we compete in matches we really need to learn how to dig deep and win.”

The RedHawks face tough competition as they take on the Big Ten powerhouse. The Buckeyes won the 2009-10 Big Ten championship and the team is already off to an undefeated season with two wins under its belt.

After Miami takes on OSU, the men’s team will join the women’s swimming and diving team in Gambier, Ohio. The RedHawks will swim against the Kenyon College Lords Nov. 13.

The Kenyon College men’s team currently has a 1-1 season with a loss to OSU and win against Denison University. The Lords are one of the top NCAA Division III

teams, winning the past 31 Division III championships.

The women’s team will also take to the pool against the Lords. The upcoming opponent lost its first two matches against OSU and Denison University, but the RedHawks do not underestimate the Lords. The Kenyon College women’s team is nationally known for its success in Division III swimming, winning 23 of the last 27 Division III titles.

Miami will be swimming in a meet style unlike the ones the teams typically swim, and sophomore Bekka Westrick sees this as the team’s biggest feat.

“The biggest challenge will be

adapting to a different meet format,” Westrick said. “We are not swimming in any 100’s this weekend besides the 100-free, so we are preparing to swim a little more middistance than we normally do.”

The team has been working hard at practice preparing for its meet and hopes it pays off.

“A big goal this weekend for me and the team is to make sure that we are nailing our starts, turns and finishes,” Westrick said.

The men’s team will compete against OSU at 3 p.m. Nov. 12, while both the men’s and women’s teams will take on Kenyon College at 2 p.m. Nov. 13.