Apr 2, 2010 | The Miami Student

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

VOLUME 137 NO. 49

Friday, April 2, 2010

MIAMI UNIVERSITY OXFORD, OHIO

In 1982, The Miami Student reported 30 graduate assistantships might be eliminated due to budget constraints. Cuts would be made to the school of education and allied professions and the school of business administration, among others. However, the college of arts and science gained two assistantships.

CAMPUS

Attendance policy affects athletes

By Andrew B. Nilsen For the Miami Student

Even though it may have been assumed in the past that Miami University’s student athletes were given special privelages when it came to class attendance, it is now time to assume differently.

The Athletic Policy Committee (APC) — a university senate subcommittee comprised of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students — has worked hard to redefine a policy made many years ago to minimize class absences due to athletic competitions.

There will now be a limit of four missed classes for a course that meets twice per week and six for a course that meets three times per week.

“Miami athletics has always emphasized the intellectual development of our students,” Brad Bates, director of Miami athletics, said. “The APC reviews each team’s schedule prior to every semester to ensure compliance.”

Bates said the reason for the policy’s redefinition is due to the large increase of Monday/Wednesday and Wednesday/Friday classes being offered by the university.

With the initial policy in place, the day of the week did not matter in regards to a sports team missing a class. Student athlete absences would be calculated as the day of the week in which the class had been missed.

However, with the reformation, class absences will be treated based upon the number of days that the class meets each week.

In a meeting hosted by Intercollegiate Athletics Wednesday, March 31, Robert Applebaum, chair of the APC, and David Sauter, university registrar, among others discussed the class absence topic.

“The main concern is how to minimize absences,” Sauter said.

One of the greater challenges the committees are facing is Miami athletic teams reside in leagues that control class scheduling for the university, thus there is not complete autonomy on the number of absences.

“Our coaches do an exceptional job of offsetting conference travel days and minimizing class absences,” Bates said.

A recent tactic by coaches that has developed over the years is

wSee ATHLETES, page 7

Fall break may lengthen

By Dylan Tussel Senior Staff Writer

Fall break is a time for students to mentally collect themselves after enduring the stresses of midterms but for many students, especially those from out of state, one day is not enough time to go home and relax.

Discussions about extending fall break have gone on for years, according to Matt Hoffman, secretary for academic affairs, but no action has been taken –– until now.

Sean Jacobson, off-campus senator, partnered with Hoffman to write a bill recommending the extension of fall break

by one day.

Jacobson said the bill was written with out-of-state students in mind.

“We want to attract (out-ofstate students), and if this is something that makes them feel more comfortable at Miami University during the first semester, that’s a good reason to have the extension,” Jacobson said.

Hoffman said many students have approached him with concerns about the current one-day fall break being too short.

“As an RA, I’ve seen it with my own guys,” Hoffman said.

“Before fall break, you could tell tension was building. People were cranky and just wanted

CAMPUS, page 3

JUST FOR KICKS

Phi Mu and Sig Ep host “Kicks for a Cause,” a soccer philanthropy, April 24.

wSee BREAK, page 7

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

COMMUNITY

Ohio House encourages Senate to pass texting ban

By Kelsey Bishop Community Editor

Ohio lawmakers are pushing to make a statewide ban on texting while driving to improve road safety.

The Ohio House passed the bill March 24 with a majority vote of 85-12. The bill prohibits reading, writing or sending text messages while driving.

“It’s really about trying to stop people from texting because we don’t want people dying because they’re texting,” Rep. Nancy Garland (D-OH), who co-sponsored the bill, said. “It’s really the other people on the road who we’re trying to protect.”

The bill is currently up for approval in the Senate but will not be approved until after the Senate comes out of recess after the

THE

Architecture and interior design students have been recognized for stellar work.

Student Counseling Service and the Rinella Learning Center. This dramatic increase signifies the high levels of stress students feel around the time of first-semester midterms; and Hoffman and Jacobson argue that it suggests that an extension of fall break would be helpful in mitigating student anxiety.

Hoffman and Jacobson were welcomed by applause when they presented their bill to Associated Student Government (ASG) Tuesday, March 30. Student senate will vote on the legislation Tuesday, April 6.

If student senate approves the

If the law passes, drivers who text could be fined up to $150 for a violation. Senate will vote when they come out of recess in May.

INSIDESCOOP

DEVOTED DESIGNS

to go home and see friends because, except for Memorial Day, this is the first chance most of the students have to go home.”

Research by Susan MosleyHoward, dean of students and associate professor of educational psychology, suggests that fall break is a vital time for students to de-stress.

“The data that I used were from our Student Counseling Service,” Mosley-Howard said.

“It suggests that that time of year can be stressful for students.”

Mosley-Howard said the weeks surrounding fall break are one of the times during the year that a peak number of students seek support from Miami’s

primaries in May. According to Garland, the bill includes a six month grace period in which law enforcement officers could pick up drivers for texting while driving, but drivers would be given a warning rather than a citation.

“It (the grace period) would give law enforcement personality an opportunity to educate people that we do have this law and that it’s dangerous to text while driving,” she said.

Once the grace period is over, drivers could be issued up to $150 for violating this law.

Garland said the bill classifies texting while driving as a primary offense, meaning law enforcement officers can pull over drivers

wSee TEXTING, page 7

FACE THE MUSIC

Rock Band for 24 hours?! Yes please!

And it’s for charity too!

COMMUNITY, page 4

REFINING KNOWLEDGE A forum to discuss the facets of liberal education is being held April 6.

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WWW.MIAMISTUDENT.NET HOCKEY INSIGHTS Read a sports feature about one of Miami’s hockey goalies.

CAMPUS, page 2

GREEN FEVER

College Suites implements a recycling system.

ELECTION CENTER

COMMUNITY, page 4

CAMPUS, page 3

DIGGING UP HISTORY

Check out your one stop shop for student body election information.

A Mississippi journalist helped incarcerate murderers in the Freedom Summer case.

FEATURES, page 6

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BOOTYLICIOUS DOCUMENTARY A student film accompanies the Amusement story on the St. Clair Motel.

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Campus

Friday

April 2, 2010

News BRIEFS events Professor to speak on Muslims of Bosnia John Fine, professor emeritus of history at the University of Michigan, will speak about the Islamic community in the Balkans Monday, April 5.

The presentation, titled “Bosnia’s Muslims: From Dominant Religious Community to Leadership of a Secular State,” is organized by European area studies with support from the Office of the Provost and the departments of German, Russian and East Asian languages, French and Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, English, history and comparative religion.

Fine received his doctorate from Harvard University and began teaching at Michigan in 1969.

His published works include When Ethnicity Did Not Matter in the Balkans (2006) and Bosnia and Hercegovina: A Tradition Betrayed (1995), which he coauthored with former student Bob Donia.

The lecture will be at 5 p.m. in 1 Alumni Hall and is free and open to the public.

The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) will bring two speakers, Tammy Roberts Myers and Charles Bakaly, III, to campus to speak to students at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 5 in 322 McGuffey Hall.

As vice president of external communications for Limited Brands, Inc, Myers is responsible for establishing and building relationships with local and national media and non-government organizations, providing the company with guidance on important issues and developing and coordinating the company’s external communications.

Bakaly is a lawyer, government official and communications counselor. He is also a senior counselor and director at the National Litigation Communications Program in Washington, D.C. Previously, Bakaly served as staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan as well as an authorized White House spokesman.

For more information visit http://www.orgs.muohio.edu/ muprssa/speakers.htm. Contact Lauren Sandelin at sandellm@ muohio.edu with questions.

fyi Capstone project earns honors for reporting A Miami University capstone class project will be given a Mark of Excellence award by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

The journalism class will be honored for the work in the category of “Best In-Depth Online Reporting” Category. Their project was entitled the “Learning Curve” which was produced in the fall of 2008 and published in 2009.

Eleven students took part in the project. The award-winning project explored the public school systems in Middletown, Ohio and Liberty/College Corner, Ind. The impact of the school system on the community was also examined.

The SPJ Mark of Excellence awards recognizes student work in journalism and awards will be presented April 10 in Cleveland.

The honored project can be found at http://jrn421thelearningcurve.com.

Courtney Day dayce2@muohio.edu Hope Holmberg holmbehh@muohio.edu Amanda Seitz seitzam2@muohio.edu

Legislation changes aid Health care, proposed Ohio bills to revise Pell Grant, Federal loans

By Amanda Seitz Campus Editor

Although many paid attention to the controversial health care legislation signed into effect by President Barack Obama March 29, few know it contains legislation impacting student financial aid. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) was passed with the reconciliation bill this past Monday.

Under the act, Pell Grant funding, will increase by $36 billion over the next 10 years.

The amount awarded to Pell Grant recipients will increase from $5,500 in 2010 to $5,7975 in 2017, according to Randi Thomas, director of institutional relations.

“That’s the part we’re more excited about,” Thomas said. “The Pell Grants are all dependent on

the need of the student.”

To qualify for Pell Grants students must file a Free Application for Student Aid (FASFA).

Thomas said it is important for students to file the FASFA in order to obtain money from the government.

“If they don’t fill out the paperwork, they won’t ever get the grants,” Thomas said. “You have to tell the government in order to get (the aid).”

Chuck Knepfle, director of student financial assistance, played a role in lobbying for one aspect of the SAFRA legislation that passed.

Under the legislation, schools will be required to obtain federal loans directly through the federal government.

“The government will no longer subsidize private lenders to do student loans,” Knepfle said. “It

saves $60 billion.”

Miami University has used the direct lending program for 14 years, but Knepfle felt it important to advocate on subsidizing other banks to administer the college loan program.

“About three years ago it became obvious to the public the government was giving so much money to the banks,” Knepfle said.

The direct lending program will be mandated for all public and private schools that administer federal student loans by July 1, according to Knepfle.

The reconciliation bill is not the only legislation that is soon to greatly impact college students, according to Thomas.

“Now the state is doing something that would be, in addition to that (the new federal legislation), even more

far-reaching,” Thomas said.

According Knepfle, students who receive grant and scholarship money exceeding the costs of tuition and books must pay an income tax on those financial aids.

House bill 419, introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives would change that concept, Knepfle said.

“What the bill does is currently, a student gift, grant money and scholarship money that accedes tuition and book charges is income taxable it taxes scholarships that don’t pay room and board,” Knepfle said. “For state income tax, if a student’s Pell Grant is being taxed, the Pell Grant becomes non-taxable.”

According to Thomas, the income taxable grants and aid money applies to all residents from Ohio, even those attending outof-state universities or colleges.

Liberal education forum to evaluate Miami Plan

By Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief

Lecturers present on public relation careers

Editors

With registration looming and familiar complaints by students about what they see as “unnecessary” classes, a few have set out to get the Miami University community more engaged in discussion over the Miami Plan.

At 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6, a forum will be held for Miami students, staff and faculty in 218 Pearson Hall to answer questions about the Miami Plan.

The idea for this forum came about fall 2009 when sophomore Karli Kloss wrote an opinion piece for The Miami Student about the Miami Plan and ended up with quite a few responses.

“Karli’s article was a call to action,” John Tassoni, director of liberal education, said.

Tassoni was one of many who got in contact with Kloss and wanted to create more open dialogue about what the Miami Plan means for the university.

Tassoni said students have been involved in the dialogue since 1986 when the liberal education policy was adopted but he wanted to revitalize conversation.

“I’m hoping just to see it (the forum) as the start to making the broader ends of a liberal education apparent again,” Tassoni said.

On the student side, Kloss approached senior Matt Hoffman, Associate Student Government secretary for academic affairs and sophomore Ryan Horvath, now a student member of the liberal education council, in attempt to create this larger discussion within the university.

“We’ve been talking about this for a while now,” Hoffman said.

“We’re figuring out where we are and seeing how students understand the reasoning and rationale behind it (the Miami Plan).”

Horvath said the Miami Plan is a crucial part of students’ time

at Miami.

“It’s arguably one of the most important things facing students at this university,” Horvath said. “It’s extremely important in the sense that it’s our life here. That’s why we’re at Miami.”

Kloss said, however, some students do not realize the extent of the Miami Plan before they begin signing up for classes.

“Students come here not realizing exactly what a liberal education entails,” Kloss, currently studying in Luxembourg, said via e-mail.

Kloss said teachers then outline the structure of the Miami Plan in the syllabi for their classes but many do not keep up with explaining how class material is vital to a liberal education.

“Every teacher outlines it in the syllabus, but after the first day few continue to teach in this four pillar structured method,” Kloss said.

Hoffman finds great value in the Miami Plan Foundation (MPF) courses he has taken but said other students might not understand the approach the university takes toward a liberal education.

“People want to jump right into their major,” Hoffman said.

“That’s not necessarily the best thing.”

Horvath agrees the Miami Plan is something students might not understand fully.

“The Miami Plan is something that’s almost just accepted here and there really isn’t much discussion about it,” Horvath said. “A lot of students complain about, ‘Why do I have to take this class when it’s not in my major?’ These are the kind of questions students will be able to get the answer to (at the forum).”

Hoffman said employers look to hire Miami students because of their ability to write well and communicate well, both of which are skills learned in MPF courses.

“I don’t think the Miami Plan is going anywhere,” Hoffman said.

Business, communication fraternities form on campus

By Natalie McKerjee Staff Writer

Thanks to the help of Miami University students, those looking to get involved in extracurricular opportunities now have more choices.

Two new fraternity organizations have been started at Miami. Phi Gamma Nu, a business fraternity and Lamda Pi Eta, a communication honors fraternity will join the array of academic organizations offered at the university.

Miami students were responsible for initiating both groups. Miami sophomore and Phi Gamma Nu president Edward Rossi said his motivation to bring the business fraternity to Miami was due to the large amount of interest students had in joining the existing business fraternities.

“Going to an information night for business fraternities where a room like FSB 1000 was filled with students eager to enhance their business skills and knowledge was very exciting,” Rossi said. “It had eventually brought up questions to why there were only a few of these organizations around.

According to Rossi, he and a group of Miami students decided to explore the possibility of instilling another business fraternity on Miami’s campus that had national recognition.

“The first step in getting (the fraternity) started was talking to the national chapter of Phi Gamma Nu,” Rossi said. “I had e-mailed

them expressing interest in starting up a chapter and began talking to Shachar Golan, the Phi Gamma Nu national president.”

Miami junior and Lamda Pi Eta president Joanna Spencer decided to reactivate Lamda Pi Eta, a chapter that has been inactive since 2006.

“I was looking for an organization to join that would provide me with resources within the communications major that would help me not only while at Miami, but in finding a job and applying my major in the workplace as well,” Spencer said.

Both organizations are required to have a group adviser affiliated with the university.

According to Rossi, finding an adviser was a challenge.

“The hardest part of the process seemed to be finding the right adviser,” Rossi said. “We started asking around to professors who we felt were well qualified, but it seemed as if everyone was either an adviser for another organization already or in some sort of research which caused time constraints. After asking numerous individuals, we had received a recommendation to talk to Dr. (Chi Chung David) Yen.” According to Rossi, Yen, a Raymond E. Glos professor of decision sciences and management information systems, is affiliated with the China Business Program which is ideal for the organization’s global perspective.

A challenge that Lamda Pi Eta encountered

involved funding that existed due to the organizations deactivation.

“I had some trouble accessing the funds leftover from several years ago, and was making dozens of trips all over campus to get forms signed and get everything organized and ready for recruitment,” Spencer said.

As for the recruitment process, both presidents said their organizations have received ample amounts of interest.

According to Spencer, a difficulty in the recruitment process has been finding interested students who meet the criteria of the honor fraternity.

Phi Gamma Nu received recommendations from their national headquarters on how to conduct their recruitment, and had interviews for potential members.

“I had the opportunity to be in almost every interview and saw the potential of this organization grow with each new person and idea,” Rossi said. “Being inside the interviews on the other side gave me great insight what real businesses or institutions would be looking for if they were to interview me.”

Because both of these organizations are just getting started on Miami’s campus, they are able to cater the member’s needs and be more reliant to their feedback.

“At this point, the sky is the limit and we ultimately would like Lambda Pi to serve those in the communications major,” Spencer said.

“If members want something in particular, we will do whatever we can to provide that.”

Campus

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Local school offers Master’s program

By Mandi Cardosi Staff Writer

A partnership between Miami University’s department of educational leadership and Dublin City School District is currently in the making.

Kate Rousmaniere, professor and department chair of educational leadership, said they have offered a master’s program for about 20 years now, but they are in the process of tweaking it. The revised program will offer an opportunity for teachers in the Dublin City School District to earn a Principal’s Master’s Degree.

David Axner, superintendent of Dublin City Schools, said a year ago a notice was sent to five or six universities around the country regarding the interest of a program like this one.

Prior to that notice, Miami President David Hodge paid the district a visit, with talk of creating some type of partnership.

After Miami responded to the idea, conversations to take it to the next level were underway.

According to Rousmaniere, the participants of the program will have the opportunity to earn a state license for becoming a principal. Members of Miami’s staff will be teaching on-site.

Rousmaniere also said two graduate students are working on further developing the program through a community survey.

The two students are surveying the Dublin area and finding out how to create the best possible program for the city.

Rousmaniere said the department is excited about the fact that the program offers a hybrid online portion. Rousmaniere said these types of programs usually require face-to-face interaction, but with the new advances in technology, they are able to offer a certain portion of the class online.

“Less than 25 percent of courses will be online,” Rousmaniere said, “It’s a new way for students to think of course work.”

Axner said Dublin City Schools are also excited about this partnership for

many reasons.

“It’s an opportunity for our staff to receive a principal’s license right here on site,” Anxer said. “It’s a quality program, and the participants will be well trained.”

Axner said initial interest in the program was outstanding, and the 20 spots for the first cohort were more than filled.

“More than 50 staff members attended the meeting, and there were 26 or 27 people who applied for the first cohort,” Axner said.

Axner also said the connections with Miami are entwined throughout Dublin City School staff. A few of the applicants are previous Miami undergraduates.

Junior Emily Heist, an early childhood education major, said the program would definitely be something she would consider in the future.

“Eventually, almost all teachers have to go back to get a masters,” Heist said, “Any kind of person that helps you get it done would be good.”

Soccer tournament philanthropy launches

By Mary Kate Linehan

both Greek organizations.

“I got the idea to make this event a soccer tournament because I was looking at the other Greek Miami University sorority Phi Mu and fraternity organizations’ philanthropy events and there was a Sigma Phi Epsilon will help kick off this spring. dance competition, swimming, volleyball, and runs, The two social fraternities will hold a philan- but there was nothing with soccer,” Roberts said. thropic soccer event, Kicks for a Cause April 17.

The soccer tournament will allow all participants This will be the first time the event has ever been to make teams of five players. The teams will be organized on Miami’s campus. single-sex. The tournament will be split into two The soccer tournament is open to both Greek brackets, one bracket tournament for male teams and and Non-Greek students, on Cook Field from 12 one bracket tournament for female teams and it is to 5 p.m. single elimination.

According to Will Hoyt, philanthropy chair for Hoyt and Roberts said the cost per team particiSigma Phi Epsilon and Hannah Roberts, philan- pating in the event will be $25, five dollars per perthropy chair for Phi Mu, the two organizations will son in every team. The deadline to register for the team up to host the event tournament is April 14. and split the cost in order “I will be collectto benefit their respective “I was looking at the other Greek ing the money, cash or philanthropies. check, from each of the organizations’ philanthropy “I was approached registered teams and then events and there was a dance about it about halfway I will split the money competition, swimming, through this year by Hanwe collect equally benah and basically, it’s a tween both foundations volleyball, and runs, but there soccer tournament, Hoyt of Phi Mu and Sig Ep,” was nothing with soccer.” said. We thought it would Roberts said. be a good idea especially According to Hoyt, HANNAH ROBERTS being the World Cup is registration is still in the PHILANTHROPY CHAIR about to start, we thought preliminary stage.

PHI MU it would be a good way to “We are trying to get help both of our causes most of the registrations and it is kind of unique because it isn’t just helping in within the next few weeks,” Hoyt said. “It’s not one philanthropy or cause.” really about the numbers right now, its mainly just According to Roberts, the two causes the ben- getting the word out. We just want to encourage efits from the tournament teams will go to are the people to register.”

Ali Kemp Foundation, Sigma Phi Epsilon’s phiIn promoting the event, Roberts explained that lanthropy and the Children’s Miracle Network, Phi there will be a DJ providing music to the socMu’s philanthropy. cer teams and their fans. Hoyt stated there would Hoyt said Roberts had become Phi Mu’s philan- be prizes for the winning teams, both female thropy chair last semester and wished to do some- and male.

“The winners will probably get some tacky trophy thing with Sigma Phi Epsilon and then decided on creating the idea of the soccer tournament to benefit I find at some thrift store,” Hoyt said comically.

Senior Staff Writer

Art department to hold open house

By Gabbriel Madden

said it is different because this open house will host work from all art students, representing every art Art students who put large program, rather than just one. amounts of time into their projects “We do not want a departwill now have ment that is the opportunity “We work hard all year dead,” jegede to display their said. “We want but we don’t really pieces to the a place that’s have anything as of campus. The energized and department of yet to really showcase full of vigor.” art will be hostHe believes what we’ve been ing their first this can help working on.” annual open them achieve house from just that.

MOLLY ALTHAUS 6 to 9 p.m.

According to JUNIOR Friday, April jegede, a great 23 in honor deal of credit of the work completed during the for the event can go to three Miami 2009-10 school year. art students: Brian Hone, Molly According to Dr. dele jegede, Althaus and Carly Swindell. With chair of the department of art, stu- the help of jegede, these three have dent artwork will be featured as made the event possible. well as events in both the Art BuildHone, a junior, said the three ing and Hiestand Hall. At 7 p.m. of them came up with the idea afthere will be an award ceremony ter going to an architecture open for scholarships. Directly follow- house. He said they looked at that ing the ceremony refreshments and event as a model for their own. live music will be enjoyed.

“We liked what we saw and jegede said the department has thought it was a cool experience,” never hosted such an event. He Hone said.

For The Miami Student

Althaus, who is also a junior, said they had been brainstorming the idea since the start of the school year.

“We work hard all year but we don’t really have anything as of yet to really showcase what we’ve been working on,” Althaus said. jegede said they hope this event will bring the department closer together, help get students more involved and show off the hard work everyone has done.

“We want to let students know their work is appreciated and we want them to appreciate themselves also,” jegede said.

Senior Sarah Kenrich, an art education major, thinks this may even help undecided majors.

“The more they put out there, the more people may say ‘hey, I’m going to do an art major,’” Kenrich said.

Kenrich is looking forward to the event and believes it will be a great experience for anyone and everyone.

“I think this open house is going to be a great source of information as well as fun,” Kenrich said.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010 ♦ 3

Strum my uke

SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student

Sophomore Daniel Carr plays his ukelele for passerbys.

Competitions honor architecture, design students

By David Evans For The Miami Student

Miami University’s architecture and interior design students are recognized in the 2010 Evolo Skyscraper and Design Quest annual furniture design competitions.

Six students have been distinguished internationally for their outstanding ideas and exceptional work in designing intricate furniture pieces and skyscrapers.

The 2010 Skyscraper competition began in 2006 and acknowledges an outstanding idea that delineates skyscraper design through the use of innovative technologies, materials, programs, aesthetics and spatial organization. Two Miami architecture seniors, Coolie Calihan and Chad Johnson, received a special mention in the competition. Calihan and Johnson suggested a structure, titled “Suspended City,” to be located in Rio de Janeiro in time for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“We looked at a lot of concept art from video games when designing our skyscraper,” Calihan said. “We both wanted the project to capture the audience’s attention.

Their massive suspension system lifts an intricate and dense city-like infrastructure off the planet’s surface that minimizes the footprint of the structure on the ground.

Calihan said the project was fun but challenging.

“We were able to pick the format, resolution and any location in the world for the project,” Calihan said. “It really allowed us to be able to design outside of the box.”

Calihan and Johnson spent two months sketching the design of their skyscraper before putting it together. They started during their junior year.

“We even worked on it all through Christmas break and January,” Calihan said. “Putting the idea together and refining it was the hardest part.”

Their work was done under the direction of Murali Paranandi, associate professor of architecture, during the fall 2009 capstone design studio.

Parnandi said it was interesting and nostalgic to work with both Calihan and Johnson.

“Their journey was rough at times, but their motivation and energy kept them on their path,” Parnandi said.

Parnandi said the competition was a great opportunity for him to work on, giving him an opportunity to utilize emerging technologies.

“Any time one gets to frame these directions, it is an exciting opportunity,” Parnandi said.

Parnandi believes this international competition is a search

to discover young talents whose ideas will change the way we understand architecture.

“Most winners are professional architects and larger teams,” Parnandi said. “It is quite an accomplishment for an undergraduate duo to compete at this level and be recognized.”

This competition means an immense amount to Calihan and Johnson, who had been inspired by earlier entries in previous competitions.

“At first we thought it was a crazy idea entering in the competition but once we got started we both really pushed each other,” Calihan said. “It showed us that setting a goal and working hard to achieve it pays off in the end.”

The competition’s jury, made up of leaders in architecture and design, selected three winners and 27 special mentions out of 430 entries from 42 countries. Calihan and Johnson’s skyscraper design will be published in Evolo magazine’s spring 2010 issue.

Four interior design students, seniors Dina Campolito, Hayley Porst, Lauren Hucek and Rebecca Lee, have also been recognized for designs. Their furniture pieces were accepted into Design Quest’s annual furniture design competition.

Design Quest is a high-end furnishings supplier in Grand Rapids, Mich. This competition allows students at Miami to explore detailing and constructing furniture and millwork in a third-year studio called Furniture Design and Construction.

The competition is open to both design professionals and students.

It is an international contest held all over the world.

Senior Hayley Porst was excited about being recognized in this international competition.

“I was really excited about my piece at the end,” she said. “I was flattered when I heard my piece was selected for the competition. It is something I can keep forever.”

Hayley describes her work as contemporary while using traditional materials. She said the project was a challenge.

“Finding a way to get it to Michigan was the hardest part about the project,” Porst said. “The hardest part was calculating the different angles for the furniture piece. But in the end my piece was accepted in the competition and it confirmed a job well done.”

The students who were recognized in both competitions believe new doors have opened for them.

In addition to potentially aiding their future careers, the experience and acknowledgements are something these students will remember forever.

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Friday

April 2, 2010

Community

Editors Kelsey Bishop bishopka@muohio.edu Erin Fischesser fischeee@muohio.edu

Students rock out for charity

By Ben Swofford For The Miami Student

Females hide container from police in purse At 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, officers reportedly observed three female Miami University students stumbling toward Millett Hall.

The three were identified as Miami University first-years Kristina Kucera, Kathleen Lojacono and Samantha Dibella. According to police, they were passing an unknown container and drinking from it.

After two officers approached the females, Kucera reportedly shoved the container into her purse after she made eye contact with them.

Then, the three females allegedly began walking at a jog pace towards the building.

Officers reportedly intercepted the females, who were slurring their speech as they spoke to police. Kucera reportedly told police the object in her purse was a water bottle.

When asked how much she had had to drink, Kucera reportedly replied she had no idea what the officer was talking about. According to police, she then only responded to the officers’ questions with incoherent replies.

Kucera was taken into custody and her container was filled with a clear liquid smelling strongly of alcohol.

Police asked the other two females to identify themselves, but they did not have identification and refused to provide them with information.

Before being taken to the Oxford Police Department, officers reportedly witnessed Kucera throw an item outside before entering the vehicle.

The item was identified as an Ohio driver’s license that was not her own.

All three females were cited for underage intoxication and Kucera was also cited for possession of a fake ID.

Student reports missing debit card, false charges At 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, a Miami University female reported that between midnight and 2:30 a.m. March 25 she had lost her debit card while at 45 East Bar. She then reportedly received information about her debit card being used at different bars and restaurants throughout the night including 45 East Bar, Brick Street, Bagel and Deli Shop and Pita Pit. The victim reportedly brought in documentation of the charges, totaling $108.85.

She also told police a friend has an idea who is responsible for using the card.

Fraternity member reports damage to fence At 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a call from a fraternity house that was allegedly a victim of property damage.

A Miami University male was reportedly in his bedroom when he heard the sound of wood breaking outside.

The victim reportedly saw a man pulling apart the fence. The male told police he yelled for the man to stop and the subject looked up and ran away.

Upon arrival, police said a third of the fence was dismembered.

Males report stolen flat screen television At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, two Miami University males reported their flat screen television was stolen between 2 a.m. and when the time of the report. The victims reportedly said someone had entered the unlocked house and taken the flat screen television from the front room.

A large luggage type duffel bag that was next to the door was emptied out and was suspected to conceal the theft of the television.

No other items were reported missing, according to police.

Four Miami University students will be awake and in the spotlight for a full 24 hours Saturday, April 24. Wielding musical game controllers and a charitable cause, they hope that students and community members alike will pay attention. And money.

Miami junior Paul Levitt and two of his friends are organizing a 24-hour Rock Band marathon that will raise money for disaster relief and global warming prevention.

Starting at 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 23, they will be playing non-stop Rock Band under the Memorial Park Pavilion in uptown Oxford, getting attention and soliciting money for their cause.

The idea for the event came when Levitt found out about a group of people on the Internet who were playing 1,000 songs on Rock Band to benefit children. Levitt said he thought, “Hey, I like Rock Band,” and so began to do research and to conceptualize his own charity event. He then enlisted the help of four other students and has been working to make the event happen ever since.

“As cliché as it sounds, I kind of developed that mentality that I wanted to do something good and bigger than myself,” Levitt said.

In order to play music uptown at literally all hours, Levitt went to Oxford City Council to get a noise permit.

According to Levitt, civil workers as well as uptown businesspeople have been helpful in making the event possible, and several uptown shops and restaurants have donated either money or items for a silent auction to take place during the marathon.

“It’s definitely ambitious,” Levitt said. “But everyone has been excited and made it easy.”

While fundraising will be going on in the time leading up to the event, students of both the Friday and Saturday night crowds as well as families uptown during the day will be targeted for donations. Anyone who gives $2 has the chance to sing a song of their choice to their accompaniment karaoke style.

“I have over 245 songs between Rock Band 1 and 2 that people would be really

SAMANTHA LUDINGTON The Miami Student

Juniors Bob Marlowe, Paul Levitt and Will McNally (pictured left to right) are planning to play Rock Band in Uptown Park for 24 hours April 23 to 24 to raise money for Music for Relief. excited to sing,” Levitt says. “I feel like sorority girls will be psyched to come up and sing Lady Gaga.”

In addition to playing and singing the songs, organizers will be seeking donations from students and businesses in the lead up to the big day. The goal, according to Levitt, is to raise between $1,000 and $1,500 and to perhaps find a large body to match whatever they make.

All of the money will go directly to a group called Music for Relief, created by the band Linkin Park in 2005 after the tsunami in South Asia.

Through donations and music sales, Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morissette, Slash, Weezer, Lupe Fiasco, Jack Johnson and many others have contributed to all kinds of disaster aid and environmental work.

By reaching out to other bands and people in the music industry, Music for Relief reports that they have directed over 95 percent of over $3 million fundraised since their beginnings directly to relief efforts, according to MusicForRelief.org.

Levitt said once he gives them the money, Music for Relief will have control over how they use it, but the organization’s website appears to be concentrating all current efforts toward relief in Haiti.

While the first priority is raising money, the organizers also hope that people come out and enjoy themselves.

Junior Will McNally will be playing instruments as well as singing, which he says will help when they get “severely tired.” He and the others will also be listening to certain songs constantly in the days before the event in order to take away some of the nervousness.

McNally’s bigger concern, however, is that people actually come out to participate.

“I want people to enjoy it and understand what’s going on,” he said. “I hope they appreciate what we’re doing and that they actually enjoy the music.”

Junior Bob Marlowe, who is also playing in the marathon, said there isn’t much to do to prepare.

“Try to sleep enough the night before,” he said. “And we’ll have a lot of energy drinks.”

Professor’s killer receives increased freedom

By Dylan Tussel Senior Staff Writer

Tonda Ansley, a woman who shot and killed Miami University professor Sherry Corbett in 2002, gained a new level of freedom Wednesday, March 24.

Ansley, 44, was found not guilty of the crime for reason of insanity in 2003 and, since then, has been slowly regaining her freedom.

Ansley was initially sent to Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare, Ohio’s maximum-security mental health facility in Columbus, after killing Corbett and

being found mentally incompetent. She was transferred to Summit Behavioral Healthcare (SBH) a couple years later, according to Melynda Cook, Ansley’s attorney.

Cook said Ansley has now been granted level V privileges at SBH. “(Ansley) can go off-grounds unsupervised as her treatment staff finds appropriate,” Cook said. “She files a request of where she wants to go, what she wants to do and then (her treatment staff) approves it and checks in later to make sure she went where she said she would.”

Cook said before Wednesday, Ansley had level IV privileges, which allowed her to go offgrounds while accompanied by a supervisor.

Cook said it is left up to the treatment staff at SBH to request a change to Ansley’s privilege level.

“The facility files a report when they believe a change in her status is necessary,” Cook said.

The facility’s report is accompanied by a doctor’s evaluation of Ansley. Then, a second doctor –– from Butler County Center for Forensic and Mental Health –– does an evaluation to determine

the least restrictive environment in which Ansley would not be at risk of doing harm to herself or others, according to Cook.

“She earned this change in status,” Cook said. “She has had no incidents, no write-ups at Summit Behavioral or during her prior stay at Twin Valley.”

Cook said Ansley has been cooperative since the beginning.

“The distinction in Tonda’s case is that the doctor was able to convince her to try the medication that would help her illness,” Cook said. “A lot of times,

wSee SHOOTER, page 5

College Suites implements recycling program

By Scott Allison Online Editor

This time of year, many students may be worried about graduating and internships for the summer.

However, for members of Green Oxford and Miami University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences, this is a time for celebration.

Over the past year and a half, these groups have been working alongside the management at College Suites apartment complex to implement a recycling initiative.

As well as working with Rumpke, a waste and recycling company, Green Oxford and College Suites applied for and were awarded a $540 grant through Butler County’s Recycling Initiative program.

The program was officially implemented March 25, and six of the nine buildings in the complex received recycling bins in each of the trash bays.

Miami senior Kay Reichenbach, treasurer of Green Oxford, has been working hard to start the initiative.

“A year and a half ago Nicole (Adams), myself and other members started to ask why there wasn’t recycling, and we thought it would make a big impact,” Reichenbach said.

Senior Nicole Adams, a member of Green Oxford, said they have noticed many apartment complexes around Oxford do not offer recycling services.

Adams said while Miami does a good job with recycling, the community does not.

“We want this to be a success story other groups can look at as well,” Adams said.

Bryan Hofmann, a graduate student in the Institute of Environmental

Sciences master’s program, has been gathering data for the project and conducting a cost-benefit analysis.

“It’s going to save them money, there’s no question,” Hofmann said.

One of the most convincing factors of Hofmann’s presentation was the tonnage of garbage collected each month from College Suites.

He said each time Rumpke collects the garbage, usually once a month, they charge an additional penalty fee if it weighs over five tons.

Over the past two years, every collection has weighed over six tons.

In 2008, the average tonnage per pickup was 9.18 tons, and in 2009 the average was 9.12 tons.

By allowing residents to recycle, the weight of garbage will decrease, and therefore College Suites should start to see a reduction in the penalty they pay.

Through this process, the management changed at College Suites and the initiative stalled.

“The old management wasn’t enthusiastic about (the program), but new management was very enthusiastic,” Adams said.

In July 2009, Tina Edwards took over as property manager of College Suites and interests in the project were renewed.

“I think our residents are so excited about having it,” Edwards said.

“Now that it has been implemented, it has been extremely successful in the first week … (the bins) were overflowing the day after it started.”

Reichenback was also enthusiastic about the success of the program.

“Tina (Edwards) emailed me a few days ago and said ‘I’m so thrilled, this is all working out really well. I think we need to start ordering more recycling bins sooner than expected because they’re overflowing.”

Reichenbach said.

THE MIAMI STUDENT

Community

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010 ♦ 5

Butler County applies to become high speed Internet testing site

By Jillian Dickman Staff Writer

Butler County officials are hoping to exceed expectations set by Google to become the area’s testing site for a new product.

Google is planning to “build and test ultra-high speed broadband networks in trial locations across the country,” according to the company’s project overview on its Web site.

Interested communities who meet the criteria will experience Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today.

According to Google’s project Web site, the goal of the program is to experiment with

SHOOTER continued from page 4

doctors at the mental health facility will have to receive a court order to medicate them because the patients will refuse the medication.”

Julia King, the psychologist from Butler County Center for Forensic and Mental Health who evaluated Ansley, recommended Ansley be granted unsupervised excursions from the mental health facility during the day and that she return at night.

“I testified in court that she had been diagnosed with delusional disorder,” King said.

“It’s a disorder characterized by the presence of delusions. That is, false beliefs that persist despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.”

King said Ansley was unaware of her mental illness at the time she shot and killed Corbett, but she now recognizes and understands

making Internet access better and faster.

Butler County is one community of many communities that has filled out a Request for Information (RFI) to apply for the broadband initiative.

“We filed our own RFI and are hoping to separate ourselves from the counties that have done so as well,” said Butler County Information Technology Director Greg Sullivan.

“We are hoping to bring technology to Butler County and its residents while creating leverage throughout the county, providing a fiber optic backbone.”

Due to the fact Butler County has a lot to offer, Sullivan feels it is a great location for this initiative.

“We are very diverse,” Sullivan said. “With

the cities and townships as well as Miami University and its three branches, there is a lot of opportunity here. Miami is already connected to the fiber system, which could open the door for innovation as well.”

Sullivan said the whole process and definition of what Google is exactly looking for is quite vague.

There is one standard Oxford cannot meet, however, that other areas can.

“One of the requirements Google has mentioned includes the fact that the area must have a population of 50,000 or higher,” Oxford Economic Development Director Alan Kyger said. “Oxford doesn’t qualify in that way.”

Though this is just one requirement Oxford

cannot reach, there are others that do exist as well.

“Our department is too small and we do not have industry inside the community that would benefit from the bandwidth,” Kyger said. “Also, other communities have more manpower with publicity. Places are going crazy to lure Google in and we realize they have done so much more than us. Looking at this aspect, if we were to start, we would just be spinning our wheels.”

Despite the fact that Miami will not be applying for the initiative, students are excited for Butler County and the benefits it will reap if it is chosen for this project.

“This is really good for Butler County,” firstyear Monica Fischer said. “It is a good opportunity for them.”

my conclusions.” that she was delusional.

Judge Keith Spaeth, who made the rul“She honestly believed Dr. Corbett intended ing which granted Ansley more freedom, to harm her, which is why she committed the refused to comment because the case is offense,” King said. “At present, she realizes still pending. she was mentally ill at Robert Seufert, asthe time that she com“Because she now has sociate professor in the mitted the offense and department of sociology she now realizes Dr. Corinsight into her mental and gerontology, knew bett did not intend to do illness, she’s in remisCorbett before the inciher harm.” sion... she has not had dent in 2002.

King said Ansley symptoms of her illness will probably not harm “She was one of my colanyone else, since her in more than six years.” leagues in the department mental illness is now of sociology and gerontolunder control based on ogy,” Seufert said. “She JULIA KING and I worked together her evaluation.

PSYCHOLOGIST BUTLER COUNTY CENTER FOR FORENSIC as colleagues for about “Because she now has AND MENTAL HEALTH insight into her mental 27 years.” illness, she’s in remisSeufert said Corbett’s colleagues regarded her sion … she has not had symptoms of her illness in more than six highly and mourned her loss.

“I thought very highly of her … I think evyears,” King said. “She is currently at low risk for violence or risk for future violence erybody in the department thought very highly based on her risk assessment, which was of her because she was really an excellent inpart of the evaluation I conducted to render structor,” Seufert said. “It was a real tragedy,

so let’s hope for the best.”

Seufert did not have an opinion about Wednesday’s ruling.

First-year Julia Pizzuti feels slightly uncomfortable with Ansley’s freedom, but understands why it’s necessary she receives it.

“If she’s making that much progress, it kind of seems like she’s on the right track to get out in society,” Pizzuti said. “But it’s still kind of nerve-racking to know there’s someone who committed such a horrible crime out there.”

Cook said there is no reason to believe this ruling will be overturned or that Ansley’s freedom will be restricted again.

“Technically I suppose the state could appeal it, but they would have to have a basis on which to appeal it,” Cook said. “It could only be changed by another request from her facility indicating she needs a change in her restrictions … if they observe a problem with her, or have a concern, or if there is an incident, then they can immediately restrict her more before going to the court to make the restriction official.”

When you’re finished reading

The Miami Student, please recycle!

6

Friday

April 2, 2010

Features

Editor Amelia Carpenter carpenab@muohio.edu

By Amelia Carpenter Features Editor

During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, murder was sometimes greeted with a wink and a nod.

One such murder happened during Freedom Summer in 1964, a campaign to register black voters in Mississippi.

Training for Freedom Summer was stationed at the Western College for Women, now Miami University’s Western Campus.

After one training session, three workers left to investigate the burning of a black church near Philadelphia, Miss. Then they disappeared.

Jerry Mitchell, 50, of the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss. has helped incarcerate “the ones that got away” through more than 20 years of investigative reporting.

Soft-spoken but fearless, Mitchell recalls the ongoing journey.

Mississippi Burning Mitchell’s interest was spurred after seeing the 1988 film, Mississippi Burning. The movie examines the murders of Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner. The three left Oxford, Ohio, from a Congress of Racial Equality seminar the day before they were abducted, and killed June 21, 1964. Their bodies were buried in an earthen dam on local farmer’s property in Mississippi. Their bodies were found Aug. 4 the same year.

“I saw the movie and kind of was surprised that nobody’s been prosecuted in the case,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t know anything about the civil rights movement at that point. I knew some, but I didn’t know much. I didn’t know anything about the killings.”

Mitchell’s first Mississippi Burning Case story appeared in the Clarion-Ledger in September 1989.

“My story was about how the state had spied on Michael Schwerner and his wife,” Mitchell said.

Then, in October 1989, Mitchell dug deeper into the 1963 assassination of a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People field secretary, Medgar Evers. His reporting led to a third trial, and Ku Klux Klan member Byron de la Beckwith was sentenced to life in prison in 1994.

“I take one case at a time and devote my energies to it,” Mitchell said. “That’s how it all it began.”

Mitchell continues to sift through 40,000 pages of files about the four remaining suspects in the Mississippi Burning Case.

Jackson, Miss. FBI spokeswoman Deborah Madden confirmed the reopening of the case.

“While that was not one of the cases that was listed in the original cold case initiative, upon further review it was decided that that was a matter that needed to be reinvestigated and it has been reopened,” Madden said.

Mitchell visited Miami in March 2006 as a guest of the journalism program. Mitchell spoke about righting the wrongs of the civil rights hate crimes cold cases.

Richard Campbell, director of journalism and interim chair of the department of communication, talked about Mitchell’s ability to get the stories.

“One of the things that’s remarkable about him is how he got these Klansmen to talk to him,” Campbell said. “He’s white, he’s southern, he’s part of that culture (and) that makes them feel comfortable. He’s a great interviewer and he listens, and they told him stuff. It’s almost amazing they told him stuff because he was a reporter.”

Campbell said how important Mitchell’s work — delayed justice reporting — has been.

“The other thing that’s unusual about him most daily reporting you cover what happened yesterday,” Campbell said.

“There are very few reporters that are working on these cases. He’s very unusual in that he’s dedicated a lot of his time in these cases that are very old and important.”

Mitchell doesn’t think of

himself as a hero, or as special, but as persistent.

“I don’t think I’m a better writer, reporter … I don’t think I’m any of those things,” Mitchell said. “The attribute I have is to be persistent. I learned that lesson pretty early in my journalism career.”

In one of his first investigative reporting experiences Mitchell wrote about a failing theme park in Hot Springs, Ark. The park was losing $1 million a year. Bonds specifically given to purchase new rides for the park were not being spent in a certain way. Mitchell wrote several stories, and then finally one man sued. There was no money in it for the man, so Mitchell called him to ask why.

“I called him up and wanted to know what made him decide to sue,” Mitchell said.

The man said, “I got tired of reading about it in the paper.”

“I guess this stuff works,” Mitchell said, laughing.

The MacArthur Fellow “Are you alone?”

“No. I’m in the middle of the newsroom,” Mitchell said.

“I need to talk to you alone.”

The man on the other line was the president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, an independent organization. Mitchell was named a MacArthur Fellow.

“It was terrific,” Mitchell said. “It’s one of those life changers — it’s hard to believe. When they called I was just kind of stunned.”

The foundation supports unique people doing projects that promote peace around the world, according to the Web site. The Foundation also works to defend human rights, advance global conservation and security, better city environments and learn how technology affects children and society.

Each year, the Foundation awards fellows half a million dollars over five years to pursue their unique projects.

“Obviously some of my stories have led to reopening of cases and stuff like that,” Mitchell said. “As a reporter if you write about something and something happens, it’s pretty rare. I feel really fortunate because I’ve had things happen repeatedly.”

Mitchell’s intent was neither to reopen cold cases nor to incarcerate people but he has been rewarded for doing so.

“I’ve been fortunate and blessed in my career to do what I was able to do,” Mitchell said. “Getting them incarcerated was never on my list of things I thought I’d ever get, it was nothing I ever aspired to.”

The Reluctant Blogger Last year, Mitchell was asked to start blogging for the Clarion-Ledger and obliged, starting in January.

In his first blog post, Mitchell groaned about becoming a blogger, as it was not something he planned to do. Despite his reluctance, his blog has drawn readers.

“I don’t know,” Mitchell said. “Actually I’m kind of enjoying (having a blog). It has really had a lot of traffic. It kind of surprised me.”

Mitchell said the downside of his new blog is the ability for users to post anonymously at their will, which gets wearing.

“I don’t like to deal with crap, for lack of a better term,” Mitchell said. “I have a horrible confession to make … I generally don’t read the comments.

They get so bad (and) it’s not a moderated forum and so people are going in there and (they) say horrible racist stuff and all sorts of terrible stuff … It kind of ruins my day.”

Mitchell is not unfamiliar with animosity toward his reporting, however.

“Some people like it, some people don’t. That’s probably no surprise,” Mitchell said. “That just kind of goes with the territory. I think what I’ve been doing is more accepted now than when I first started 20 years ago.”

People have cancelled subscriptions to the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., citing Mitchell’s articles as the reason.

“Oh yeah we’ve had people do that,” Mitchell said. “My bosses have stood by me.”

Over time, Mitchell has become accustomed to deflecting racist comments all the time for his work.

“Pick out bad racist things people can say about you, and I’ve pretty much been called them all,” Mitchell said. “That’s fine, — It doesn’t bother me personally.”

There is a man who’s been calling Mitchell with threats since 2007 that the FBI is working on. It’s been months since he’s heard from him.

“I always prefer not to hear from him,” he said.

What to look for Mitchell is currently on leave from the Clarion-Ledger. He spends more than his allotted hour a day on his blog, and is crafting a memoir-type book about his experiences. “(I am) detailing what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years,” Mitchell said.

“I’m setting up characters … Some people know characters like Medgar Evers and some of the others and then telling my personal story. It’s kind of like, I guess what you’d call a memoir. It’ll be about these cases and reopening and how it came to be.”

Mitchell said the first half of the book will be more historical, dealing with research and interviews and harder to write, with the second would be more like a memoir.

“I don’t have to interview anybody for the most part … I lived it,” he said.

Despite troubles in the news business, Mitchell considers journalism “one of the best professions in the world.”

“I know what’s happening in the profession right now probably may make some people nervous, I would hope people would still be interested in doing that. There’s always going to be a place for good journalism.”

HANNAH MILLER The Miami Student

THE MIAMI STUDENT

ATHLETES

FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2010 ♦ 7

TEXTING

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

deliberately scheduling most nonconference games on weekends.

“It really doesn’t seem like an issue that will impact me too much,” junior Chris Gutschenritter, a RedHawk baseball player, said. “I have complete faith the coaches won’t let me miss any classes a whole lot.”

The overall feeling held

by Miami student athletes is that a heavy class load early in the week makes for a more distinguished schedule.

“It will be in the back of my mind when I schedule my classes next, but I already try to avoid them,” Kelly Critchfield, a member of the senior synchronized skating team, said regarding Friday classes to avoid those absences.

Each member of the APC strongly emphasizes the importance of academic success among its student athletes and the committee predicts that as a whole, this new policy will be relatively stricter but will also be much more successful in furthering the academic prowess of Miami’s athletic department.

specifically for texting while driving. However, some representatives argued the law should be a secondary offense, meaning drivers could not be pulled over specifically for texting while driving.

“That doesn’t save lives,” Garland said. “I think it’s critical it be a primary offense rather than a secondary offense.”

Rep. Tim Derickson (R-OH) represents 53rd House District, which includes parts of Butler County.

Though he supported the bill, he said opponents of it argue the legislation should be stricter, because other distractions such as eating, shaving and putting on makeup also present safety hazards for drivers.

“I’ve talked to a lot of folks in Butler County who think this legislation is definitely a step in the right direction in terms of road

BREAK

continued from page 1 legislation, the recommendation would then be presented to university senate’s calendar committee, Jacobson said.

“We would have to present it to (the calendar committee) and try to sell them on it,” Jacobson said.

Hoffman hopes the calendar committee would be receptive to ASG’s recommendation, should it pass. He said the calendar committee’s recommendation would then be expressed to Provost Jeffrey Herbst who has the final say about whether or not fall break would be extended.

“The provost will take into consideration what the calendar committee has to say,” Hoffman said.

“But it’s basically left up to the provost … it’s his call.”

The Ohio Board of Regents recommends that Ohio public universities have 75 days of class each semester. This year, Miami had 75 days of class in the fall and 74 in the spring. Hoffman and Jacobson’s proposal recommends that Miami have 74 class days in the fall –– decreasing fall semester by one day, by increasing fall break by one day.

safety,” Derickson said.

According to Derickson, the statewide ban would eradicate all similar jurisdictions on texting while driving in individual counties of Ohio, so the rules would be the same for the entire state.

Garland said emergency vehicles in the line of duty would be exempt from the law and the law does not prohibit the use of wireless navigation systems.

Miami University junior Hayden Jewett hopes the bill will pass.

“The law would definitely improve road safety because texting while driving presents a huge distraction, and it’s dangerous for the driver and others on the road,” he said. “Any legislation to make the roads safer is a good thing.”

As a co-sponsor of the bill, Garland said she is confident the legislation is necessary to decrease distractions for drivers.

“The bottom line is, until you actually have a law that prohibits people from doing it (texting), they’re not going to stop,” Garland said.

“The provosts of different universities are given some leeway to decide if they want to have more or fewer class days per semester,” Hoffman said, explaining how the number of class days per semester is determined.

Hoffman said if the provost decides to extend fall break the change would come into effect during the 2011-12 academic year.

First-year Allison Rubin said even though she lives only two hours away from Miami, she would like more than just one day to relax after midterms.

“ASG should definitely pass this bill because only one day of school off is not enough time to go home and relax,” Rubin said. “It’s also a lot of driving in three days, especially if your parents have to pick you up … I can’t imagine people living out of state benefit at all from fall break as it currently is.”

Sophomore Parker Walton said it takes him about seven hours to drive back to his home in Wisconsin and he absolutely supports the extension of fall break.

“The three-day weekend doesn’t feel like a break … I virtually only get a day and a half at home if I leave Thursday night,” Walton said. “It’s a long enough time for me to want to go home, but when I get home it literally feels like I drop my stuff and just pick it up and leave again.”

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8

Opinion

Friday, April 2, 2010

Editors Thomasina Johnson johnsota@muohio.edu Sam Kay kaysj@muohio.edu

➤ EDITORIALS

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

T

Fall break should be lengthened

wo Associated Student especially beneficial for first-year Government (ASG) sena- students who may be experiencing tors have proposed a bill to homesickness and the challenges of lengthen fall break by one day. The adjusting to college life. Although, Senators’ cite research showing fall if implemented, the bill would not break is an important time to show take effect until the 2011-12 school for students to de-stress and the ap- year, the board encourages both peal of a longer ASG and Provost break for out-ofJeffrey Herbst to state students.

The board believes an expedite the ratiThe editorial extra day will not only fication process, board of The Miin order for the give students more ami Student supmaximum numtime to relax but may ber of students ports lengthening fall break. The create a more inclusive can take advanboard believes an atmosphere for more tage of a longer extra day will not break. out-of-state students. fallThe only give students board recmore time to reommends both lax but may creASG and Herbst ate a more inclusive atmosphere for to recognize the health, happiness more out-of-state to students. With and cost-saving perks of lengthenthe extra day off, more out-of-state ing fall break. Miami would save students will be able to catch flights thousands of dollars by closing the or dive home. International students campus for an extra day. will have more time to travel and The board reminds students that explore the United States. just because there may be four The board also supports the days for fall break, they should not lengthening of fall break for the well leave a day early just because they being of the students. The weeks may have always left a day early surrounding fall break are some of when break was three days. If the the more stressful of the first se- bill passes, students must accept mester, and an extra day off would that fall break is only four days, improve student focus for the rest and both the policies of profesof the semester. The board believes sors and the administration must an extra day of break would be be respected.

Rule of thumb Frozen fortune We haven’t felt this emotional about ice skating since Evan Lsacek won the Olympic gold!

That other hockey team Also any combination of the words “Boston,” “college,” “university” or anything else associated with higher education in Boston or the surrounding area.

Recycling at College Suites Another way to make Miami students less trashy ... or at least reduce the amount of trash they dispose of.

Mid-terms They’re supposed to be over. The “mid” means they were supposed to be in the middle of the semester. It’s enough already!

Jerry Mitchell Proving that journalism makes a difference.

Bell Tower’s pasta hours We love your pasta! We want more, at all hours of the day. Carbs, carbs, carbs!

Connor Knapp, wall between the pipes Block that shot! Block that shot! Block that shot! Now block another 52!

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

EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Couretas Editor in Chief Hannah Poturalski News Editor Erin Maher Managing Editor Scott Allison Online Editor Thomasina Johnson Editorial Editor Sam Kay Editorial Editor Courtney Day Campus Editor Hope Holmberg Campus Editor

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

CHAD STEBBINS The Miami Student

➤ LETTERS

Kroger puts ignorance on display At our Kroger in Oxford, not only was the Passover section rather sparse but the location of the food was downright insulting. The section was placed as part of the pet aisle, right next to cat litter (yes, a product used to collect feces). While some may react and feel that such a placement was clearly not on purpose (and I am not insinuating it was by any means), the fact that no one thought such a placement would create an issue is shocking and disheartening. Historically, there is a practice of equating many marginalized groups with animals. My own grandparents, who were looking for housing in the south after my grandfather had patriotically enlisted before WWII, experienced such degradation.

One renter, not knowing my grandparents were Jewish, told my grandmother that at his apartment building, of course, there were no Jews or dogs allowed.

I recognize that Kroger’s placement was not done on purpose, but their lack of foresight, having a dismal Passover section to begin with when they are the main food provider in this community (most Jews have to drive all the way to Cincinnati), and then placing that section, not in a celebratory spot in the front as they have done with Easter, but all the way to the side in the same aisle next to cat litter is offensive. It makes me feel inferior and clearly relegates my religion and holiday as “not mattering.” There were no Peeps or colored eggs next to the dog food. What further upsets me is that even if no employees at Kroger were Jewish, why didn’t somebody say something?

Why didn’t somebody think, “Hey, why don’t we put the Passover section, which is for a holiday, in the front near the other religious holiday going on right now? Having a box of matza near the Peeps? What a novel idea.

If we are to create an inclusive community in Oxford and at Miami, we all need to begin to reflect on the ways in which we are privileged. Once we have done that, we need to be actively engaged in the world around us as allies. As someone who is white, I realize my skin color is a source of unearned advantages.

When I see active racism or even passive racism or even (as similar to the case of Kroger) simple neglect or ignorance, I make sure to respond unequivocally in defense of those being marginalized. My personal experiences with discrimination lead me to such responses and while Miami University has made such leaps and bounds towards creating an inclusive community here since my arrival, I think that privilege and ally-ism are two areas where we need the most work.

Take the time at Miami to learn (that’s why we are here after all) about something or some group you know nothing about. Do not be afraid to ask (yes, it gets frustrating sometimes, but I would prefer you ask to not knowing!) questions about things you do not understand about other groups. And above all, pay attention and engage in the world around

you with the knowledge you have gained.

Make sure you think critically outside of class and recognize the implications of your actions usually echo farther than you will at first realize; make sure you are sending the message you want to be sending.

Marissa Sims

simsmr@muohio.edu

Students with financial issues should seek help I read with interest the article titled “Laid Off” in the March 30 edition of The Miami Student. Although the situation these students and parents find themselves in is very disheartening, I am glad these stories made it into the paper.

The counselors and other staff in the Office of Student Financial Assistance have been working with families in similar predicaments for years, but the number of students we’ve seen has doubled since the 2008 school year, and accompanying national financial crisis, began.

I hope students reading your article who find themselves in a similar financial situation will come see us. We of course cannot solve every financial problem students may have, but usually we can offer at least some assistance. You don’t need an appointment to come by, and especially this time of year, there is seldom a line.

We are here to help. All students, regardless of income, are eligible for federal student loans ranging from $5,500 per year for firstyear students, up to $7,500 per year for juniors and seniors. The only application is the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) and there is no cosignor required or credit check performed. In fact, there is still time this semester to file the FAFSA, and we can retroactively apply loans to the entire 2009-10 academic year.

For students who have already filed a FAFSA but find themselves in a financial situation (job loss, reduction of wages, parental divorce or severe illness) that came upon them suddenly, we have a Special Circumstance process we use to potentially re-evaluate students for aid. We also help students and parents file for Parent Loans, where, if parents are turned down, the student is eligible for an additional $4,000 or $5,000 in student loan funds.

We don’t always have the resources to help everyone, but we’ll explore every avenue with each student. We can be found in 121 CAB (Campus Avenue Building) and we take walk-in traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the summer). For more information, feel free to call us at (513) 529-8734 or email us at financialaid@muohio.edu.

Chuck Knepfle

KNEPFLCR@MUOHIO.EDU Director of Student Financial Assistance

OpEd Page

THE MIAMI STUDENT

➤ ESSAY

Rudeness is a learning experience Most Miami University students know “that kid,” the one who only thinks of him or herself in class or at the library, without regard to the other people around.

Many students seem to be irritated of “that kid’s” lack of respect for others. What most don’t know is it’s the majority of us that are wrong; we can learn from the actions of “that kid.” Here are some situations that can be turned from a negative experience to a lesson on social etiquette.

Situation One: “that kid” in class who answers all the questions. Every class has one of these characters, and usually he or she is annoying, but can end up benefiting everyone. This kid can talk all he or she wants about Voltaire or the Ottoman Empire, and other students can nod their heads in agreement, pretending like they’ve done the reading, too. This situation seems like a win-win, right? Sure, but that kid also always ends up asking questions or droning on about a particular point with one minute left in class. He or she may loose track of time and forget that it’s spring in Oxford and the patio at Brick Street Bar is already packed. In his or her eyes, the rest of us should just accept that class would now run five minutes over. What do we expect? He or she just has to know why van Gogh cut off his ear.

Situation Two: “that kid” holds a conversation in the middle of the cubicles at King Library. Most days or nights the cubicles fill up quite quickly, giving the illusion that many students have work and studying that they need to focus on.

But not this kid; you can find him or her talking loudly (from up to four cube sections away!) about how he or she wishes he or she was uptown.

Note to everyone: this person’s conversation is far more important than anything you might be trying to study for. Instead of discussing a test or a project, he or she needs to know right now what happened last night because they were too blacked out. Usually this kid is still walking around with X’s inked on his or her hands. In this situation, keep in mind some students treat the cubicles as spaces to speak loudly for 20 minuets about anecdotes from the weekend. It’s even more acceptable if they are wearing sorority or fraternity letters.

Situation Three: “that kid” never arrives to class on time. Shouldn’t the professor just be grateful this kids shows up? He or she is obviously too important to be bothered with things like an alarm clock or a watch. He or she finds no need to enter quietly or discreetly, and often makes a commotion when he or she steps over bags and people to get to his or her favorite seat, ignoring the one open by the door. The rest of us should show respect to this kid, because remember, it’s a gift we get to be in class with him at all.

Situation Four: “that kid” takes up a whole table in the library. King is an aggressive place; people circle the tables and cubicles like vultures for hours waiting for that moment to attack an opening like it’s road kill in the desert. But this approach does not faze the kid who uses a table for him or herself. He or she is far too superior to be bothered with finding a cubicle. He or she likes his arm space and the ability to sprawl his or her books out. His or her comfort is priority number one and the rest of us should just understand that. He or she is often the same kid who talks on his or her phone while at the library, too busy to bother taking it outside.

Let’s all respect this kid because his or her wants are more important than others’ needs.

These situations may make you annoyed each time one of these situations arises. However, Miami is full of “that kid” creatures, so the rest of us should learn to be courteous to their actions and tendencies. “That kid” teaches many a valuable lesson in common courtesy, so let’s show him or her some appreciation.

Emily Barriball

barribec@muohio.edu

FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2010 ♦ 9

A look at liberal education: Part VI

LibEd creates enthusiasm Cheryl Gibbs

CLINICAL FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM GIBBSCJ@muohio.edu

Liberal education means a lot of things to a lot of people. To some, the Miami Plan is a burden – to others, it is the embodiment of a good education. In an exploration of what liberal education means to those who teach and learn by its precepts, The Miami Student will be printing a series of essays on the subject by students, staff and faculty culminating in an open forum at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6 in Pearson 218. Liberal Education Council members will be on hand to consider ways the university can improve the substance and implementation of the Miami Plan. We encourage our readers to join in the discourse by sending letters to the editor and attending the forum.

When I was asked to write about the value of a liberal education, I knew I had to do that, even at this busy time in the semester, because my own liberal education has enriched my life, my thinking and my imagination in ways I never could have anticipated when I was grumbling about those d&!#!@ general education (read: Miami Plan) requirements during registration.

Here’s why I say that: I’ve always been a decent writer. But if you ask, I can sing a couple of American Indian songs I learned in a college class called “Native American Music.”

I know a little bit about psychology — enough that, as I watched my young nieces and nephews, I marveled their development mirrored what I’d learned in a class about Jean Piaget and early childhood development.

I also know about failure and the unexpected gifts it can bring.

Yes, I failed a class in college — astronomy, taught by revered professor Karlis Kaufmanis, whose annual lecture explaining the star of Bethlehem as an astronomical phenomenon drew throngs of people to the University of Minnesota campus each December.

But, strange as it may seem, I LOVED that class. Couldn’t have passed those tests if my life depended on it, but Kaufmanis was a brilliant teacher whose reverence for the beauty of the universe was contagious.

And during one of his lectures, there was a moment — a flash of insight still vivid in my memory — when I came to my own personal (and, as it turned out, enduring) understanding of God, after years of searching.

I’m one of those people who majored in something that did not become my career — but led me there. I was a theater major who worked part-time doing publicity for a community theater group and processing payments for small publishing company when I wasn’t involved in plays or waiting tables. Through a succession of post-college “Ineeda” jobs (the ones you take because you need them, not because they’re what you planned to do), I found my way to journalism.

It didn’t take long for me in that profession to realize how valuable it was to have learned a little about a lot of different subjects. When I was assigned to write stories about the arts, I could do that. When I covered the courts, those science classes helped me understand the testimony of expert witnesses. And when I was asked to cover a meeting of the California Horse Racing, I knew I could do that too if I just did a little research — and I thought it would be interesting in an odd sort of way.

My liberal education, then, made me much more curious and gave me enthusiasm for learning that continues even now, as I learn about the

technological changes that are transforming journalism. It also taught me HOW to learn and gave me confidence in my ability to do that, so I can approach new experiences and challenges with a sense of adventure rather than trepidation.

It introduced me to subjects, theories and practices I never would have learned about on my own, which broadened my thinking and enhanced my creativity. I am surprised, even now, at how often I draw on some obscure piece of knowledge from my now long-ago college experience, or apply an idea from another discipline as I grapple with challenges associated with my own.

Now that I teach in a college setting, I know lots of sophisticated rhetoric about liberal education and how to achieve it. It’s all stuff I believe in and incorporate in my classes, but I don’t do that because the college requires it. I do it because my own experience has proven its worth.

I don’t think I had even a glimmer of that as I was leaving the university. I felt like I knew more stuff than when I arrived there, but I honestly wondered what value some of that random knowledge would have.

But you know what? I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything. Because someday, what I know about Russian icons and William Blake will come in handy, I just know it. And won’t it be cool when it does?

➤ THINKING OUTSIDE THE (b)OX

Creationism hurts science learning It’s been a busy news week: the tragedy in Moscow, the sexual molestation hellfire surrounding the Catholic Church, the Republican National Committee’s sex club expenses and the passage of health care reform. However, if you have been keeping up with your science headlines, you will also know that the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has successfully collided particles in its Jensen Hadron accelerator, releasing Henry bursts of energy that mimic the Big Bang. My intent, though, is not to rave about the awesomeness of the Hadron collider. Instead, I would like to use the controversy surrounding such research to highlight some of the fundamental differences between science and math education in the United States and other industrialized nations. Confused? I’ll start at the beginning.

The implications of this particle acceleration are immense, and add to the growing quantity of research on the Big Bang and the true origins of the cosmos. However, such findings are likely to incite the discontent of groups who believe there is no way the universe — and everything in it — could have begun without the guiding hand of a creator or deity. These groups are often the same people who advocate the teaching of Creationism and/or intelligent design, which describe faith-based approaches to the origin of biological life on Earth.

The legality of whether such teleological arguments even belong in the science classroom is still being disputed. But whatever your stance, there is no denying that, especially in the United States, the people who fuse religious dogma with science still have a remarkable amount of power. President George Bush was just one political leader to voice his support for the teaching of intelligent design in schools as an alternative to evolution.

In one of the 2007 GOP presidential debates, when asked who did not believe in evolution, three of the 10 candidates (Huckabee, Brownback and Tancredo) candidly raised their hands.

This uncertainty seen among our political leaders is mimicked in our constituency: only 39 percent of Americans believe in evolution, according to a

2009 Gallup poll.

How does this relate to education? First, it is necessary to look at the 2009 British Council survey of international opinions of evolution. When respondents with some knowledge of Charles Darwin were asked if they believed there was enough evidence to support the theory of evolution, 77 percent of Indians agreed, followed by China with 72 percent. Out of the 10 nations surveyed, the United States was second to last (41 percent), only ahead of Egypt.

Even more striking are the numbers for those who don’t believe there is significant scientific support for evolution: 24 percent of Americans, but only 5 percent and 2 percent for China and India, respectively.

These statistics offer valuable clues into the current gap in science (and to some extent, math) performance in the United States and countries like India and China. Certainly, there are other factors — like the cultural value of education and the intense schedules that are mandated in many Asian school systems — at play. However, there is obviously a correlation between understanding of evolution and success in science. In the United States, by letting our religious convictions cloud our teaching of natural selection and the Big Bang, we are depriving our students of important concepts, like the scientific method and proper experimental evidence. When politicians and parents allow Creationism — which has absolutely no tangible proof behind it — to be taught in the classroom, they take away credibility from real empiricism and independent inquiry. And it is these skills that are propelling Indian and Chinese students ahead of other nations in scientific research and discovery.

The recent breakthroughs of the Hadron collider will undoubtedly be discussed by science classes and families around the world. But while Indian and Chinese schoolteachers are using the concepts of subatomic particle collision to further describe the model of universe expansion, many Americans will be stuck trying to delicately discuss such concepts while still leaving the forum open for baseless pseudoscience. Of course, in such a scenario, everyone gets to experience the warm and fuzzy feeling of being right. But in the realm of science, we’ll have to get used to the idea of being third-best.

➤ ESSAY

Success must be redefined A very good friend of mine recently invited me to attend a Shabbat service and dinner at the Miami University Hillel. I will be honest with you in the fact that I have spent the past 20 years of my life at the same church. I love my church, but 20 years of attending the same church does not give me a diverse religious experience.

Naturally in college one must embrace the diversity of life and experience new things and different cultures, so I was really excited about going to the service and trying to understand a new belief that I have never heard, seen or witnessed before.

I found the service to be really fascinating, but what I loved was the derasha, or sermon, the Rabbi gave.

I have never been entranced by a 10-minute discussion before but she delivered an absolutely beautiful homily. It might have been the fact that my mind had been on the topic in recent weeks, but I found the subject matter she was discussing to be enthralling.

The rabbi went into a discussion about the definition of success and how that translates into our every day lives. I have been struggling with the definition of success in recent months. Do I define myself by my grade point average (GPA)? What about my extra-curricular activities? Do I define myself by my resume or how amazingly good I look in a suit? (And just so you are aware I didn’t just write that for my own sake, several friends of mine agree so I am not totally egocentric!) The truth is I honestly don’t know how I am supposed to measure my success.

I was once talking with an anthropology professor and he told me he thought Miami students had an identity crisis, because I was asking him about the difference between an A and an A-. I feel society requires me to want an A not an A- because, like it or not, there is a difference. I want to go to law school. Not a good law school but a great law school. In order for me to get into a great law school I have to have a top GPA and phenomenal extracurriculars and everything else. It is a serious amount of pressure we place on students today.

The reason I loved the derasha was because she reminded me of what success should mean to me. Why on earth should I let my success be interpreted and defined by another person or even society? When did they get to control my happiness and my purpose or meaning of life? The rabbi reminded me that success is how I define it; my success represents what I deem to be valuable or important in my life.

So, what is success? The American Heritage College Dictionary defines it as, “the achievement of something desired, planned or attempted.” However, that barely scratches the surface of what it really is. I can only tell you Matt Chacey’s definition of success is not going to be yours. For example, one component of my success is to be in the company of people I love and enjoy every minute of our time together. I want to laugh more then I pout and I want to experience life and all its possibility. So the question that comes from this is, what does success mean to you?

Matthew Chacey

chaceyme@muohio.edu

The Miami Student is looking for essayists.

E-mail Thomasina at johnsota@muohio.edu.

Friday

10

April 2, 2010

Amusement

Editor Anna Turner turnera6@muohio.edu Assistant Editor Liz Caskey caskeyem@muohio.edu

ANNA TURNER The Miami Student

spring romance

Myth Busters: The Saint Clair Motel

By Liz Caskey

Amusement Assistant Editor

For the past decade there has been a rumor circulating throughout Miami University. Some say it’s an urban myth. Some say a friend of a cousin’s friend knows someone who’s been there. It’s a rumor that’s been passed down from senior to first-year, year after year …

So, in the essence of spring romance — you’ll understand soon — it’s time to tackle this myth. Discover the truth. Find out what really goes on behind the doors of … the St. Clair Motel.

The Subject

The myth is about the St. Clair Motel in Eaton. Most Miami students drive by the decrepit motel every time they head home from winter break. Anyone driving along U.S. 127 passes it as they go north to Dayton, Chicago, Michigan or Cleveland. The motel is an old twostory building that sits just off of the road. All of the windows are always shut tight. Blinds down. No light peeks through.

Random dirty chairs and cigarette butts cover the stone porch. ‘No loitering’ signs are posted outside of the building. One old sign sits outside of the tall motel. It clearly used to light up — but doesn’t anymore, like it hasn’t worked in years. The sign reads “St. Clair Motel,” the words “No Vacancy” appear right above the name.

The Myth

It’s a brothel … or at least that is the story that has made its way around Miami. Most people say it’s the old sign that sparked most of the rumors. Miami students say it is the florescent sign’s constant claim of “No Vacancy” that spurred an interest in the St. Clair.

It seems bizarre that in a town as small as Eaton — population 8,000 — that one dinky motel could

consistently produce no rooms available? Who are in these rooms? What could they be doing?

And with that, the brothel conclusion was born. For those of you unfamiliar with the term brothel, it more or less equates to a whorehouse.

Rumors that prostitutes resided in the rooms began to circulate. People claimed a pimp ran the motel and that “customers” were assigned to particular rooms, where they encountered the awaiting woman’s services and then would leave.

It’s believed asking for “change for a penny” at the front desk is the secret code to receive the services of a prostitute.

While some of these varying rumors are more than outlandish, one can’t help but believe there’s a strand of truth somewhere in them.

Maybe it is a brothel? Maybe the people of Eaton enjoy having this particular service at their constant disposal?

That’s just enough “maybes” to try and seek out the truth, if you ask me.

Nothing But The Truth

Camcorder in hand, two girls from my media class and I headed out to Eaton on a hunt to debunk the St. Clair Myth.

Before knocking on the door of the motel itself, we figured we’d first try our hand talking to a few people in Eaton.

One young man, around age 30, wearing a black suit and tie stopped to chat with us as we were surveying the outside of the motel. He wore a nametag that read, “Zachery Sites, Jesus Saves Us.” Yeah.

He wanted to know what we were doing in the area. We told him a bit about the St. Clair Motel rumors and how we wanted to uncover the truth about its happenings.

He was intrigued.“I’m new to town and don’t know anything about it,” he said.

We asked him if the motel was condemned — another rumor that’s been circulating the streets.

“No, I’m pretty sure there’s people living in it, there’s one guy who always comes onto the porch to smoke,” he said. “But, I’m not really sure what goes on, if you know what I mean.”

Oh, we know.

Officially intrigued, we decided to seek out another Eaton resident. Sure enough, a 50-year-old woman in a baby blue tracksuit strolled by us.

We stopped her and began explaining why we were here and what we were investigating.

“What’s a brothel?” she said. She asked to remain anonymous.

A whorehouse, we replied.

The woman’s face instantly turned from friendly to stern.

“That is false information,” she said. “I don’t know where you heard it from, but that is definitely false.”

And with that she stomped away from us, shaking her head.

We decided going on the words of either Mr. Sites or Miami students who “swear” it’s the truth wouldn’t be enough. It was time to enter the motel.

Overcoming our nerves, we walked up the dirty, old steps. We knocked on the door. No one answered. Again, we knocked.

Finally, an old man came to the door, cigarette in hand.

He said he’s lived in the motel for the past five months.

However, he, along with the owner of the motel and the Eaton police, declined to comment on the St. Clair’s status as a brothel.

So, the rumor will have to maintain its position as a rumor. There are conflicting opinions on both sides, both of which can neither be confirmed nor denied.

We’ll just have to leave it up to you.

Do you have change for a penny?

roma julie

Croatia Spring Break: Don’t be ‘that guy’

By Julianna Roche For The Miami Student

Between 1991 and 1995, Croatia fought in a really gnarly war against Serbian forces after finally declaring itself independent from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The war’s over now, but read any trip advising article about the country of Croatia, and they’ll warn you about the safety precautions you should take before visiting.

I’m only telling you this because two weeks after I booked my spring break flight there, I remember reading this very comforting phrase online: “Since the hostilities ended in 1995, there remain an estimated 110,000 landmines in Croatia; do not stray from marked roads or known safe areas” and thinking, “Oh crap, what did I just get myself into?”

7 the

I N FA M O U S

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Fortunately, I never had to use WikiTravel’s tips of how to disarm a landmine, even after hiking up the island of Lokrum, white water rafting in Dubrovnik and exploring Marjan Mountain in Split.

I couldn’t stop thinking, however, that my trip could have been much better had I been warned about what to do if I got stuck traveling with someone who I wished would accidentally wander off one of those unmarked hiking paths.

Just kidding, but really, what are you supposed to do when one of your travel buddies almost makes you feel like walking straight on to a land mine yourself?

I know I am by no means perfect and I have my annoying habits. We all do, but just for the sake of everybody else involved, if YOU are ever planning on traveling to another country

with a group of people, please follow my advice.

No. 1: Avoid overusing Urban Dictionary phrases such as “these rum and cokes are bomb!” and “that place looks poppin’.”

Actually, just omit words like that from your vocabulary if you want to even stand a chance at being liked, otherwise you risk sounding like a complete idiot.

No. 2: If you are hacking up yellow mucus in the hostel shower and blowing phlegm out of your nose so loudly it starts to become a distraction from the beautiful landscape, for god’s sake, take some cold medicine.

It might also make you stop breathing like Darth Vader in your sleep.

No. 3: Most importantly though, do not travel to a foreign country if you plan on being that complaining, pessimistic “Negative Nancy.”

It might not be tourist season when you are visiting.

The restaurant Rick Steve’s book recommended might not be open.

The ferry you wanted to take might not be running.

That bar you wanted to try might be closed until the summer.

Do not let those ruin your trip, but more importantly do not let your complaining about them ruin it for everyone else.

Obnoxious travel companions aside, Croatia was better than I could have ever expected.

The local fishermen were so friendly, the fresh food was delicious and the views were some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

I left with it in mind that I plan on going back someday but this time probably with one less travel companion.

Things Miami looks for on Easter morning ...

7. More than 2 pages of Amusement 6. Rich alum 5. Boston College hockey team’s manhood 4. Dignity lost on Green Beer Day 3. Valid reason to build a new student center

2. Ben Roethlisberger’s senior year 1. Equal rights for Greeks

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April 2, 2010

11

Don’t Be Fooled

By Andrew Reynolds

Across

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Kelsey Bishop, Erin Fischesser Community Editors

Friday

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LIVE ABOVE CHIPOTLE! The Lofts at 1 W High have a recent opening for next year. 4 person unit.

Be a part of Oxford’s most desirable building. Contact our office today for a tour 513-524-9340. www.redbrickoxford.com Hurry! One Room Left!

1 W High Three female students looking for a fourth. Only one more roommate opening for Fall 2010/ Spring 2011 at the new 1 West High Street Apartments.

The best location Uptown.

Call Mary for a tour! 815-274-0059

1) Snowman accessory 6) High school black-tie event 10) Jazzy singing style 14) Dispute 15) Serf’s submission, “yes, _____” 16) Yao Ming and small lattes?

17) Sierra ______ 18) Enthusiasm 19) The Iliad, for one 20) Gas station promotion this week?

23) College campus big-wig 24) Peculiar 25) Sore joint for Andy Murray 28) Compass pt.

29) Cosmo Kramer’s invention 30) It can be up your sleeve or in the hole 32) Middle Eastern garment 33) Ethiopian Air Force (abbr.)

34) Changed a baby 36) Day this week that you have to be careful not to slip up?

39) Embrace 40) Role for Keanu Reeves 41) It’s just a number, some say 42) Irish saint 43) Monotonous routine 44) Not feeling well 47) Minister’s abode 49) Word with “field” or “paint” 50) Dwarf buffalo 51) Horse breeder’s promotion this week?

55) Ruth in Cooperstown 57) Small clump (of grass) 58) Lines spoken to the audience and not fellow actors 59) Look at greedily 60) Algonquian-speaking Canadian 61) Scorer 62) Three-_____ sloth

For Rent House for rent Great opportunity for Grad students.

Ten minute drive to campus. Peaceful setting. 4bd.2 bth. 1200.mthly.

513-770-1053

for rent 2010-2011 Great Properties available for the 2010-2011 school year.

Contact OXRE at 513-523-4532

Great 4-Bedroom Includes all appliances including Washer/Dryer. 2 Full Baths Off Street Parking for 4 vehicles. Priced right!

513-756-0780 www.mustudentrentals.com Furnished Rooms!!! Rooms for rent $675, $750 and $900 for the summer. occ. Groups of 1 to 5.

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2 baths, Washer/dryer, dish washer, central air, on-site parking. COMPLETELY FURNISHED WITH 40” LCD TV, Free hi speed internet and hi def.cable TV; very low utility cost, wooded yard with access to hiking trails, and lots more. Contact me and I will send pictures.

Call 740-862-2043, 740-407-4114 cell, 614-692-0510 work.

Email Alan.barone@dla.mil

Storage - Mile Square Large storage units located in Mile Square. Room to fit a full size SUV and boxes. Cheapest rate in Oxford, $65/mo. w/ 24/7 access!

CardinalProps.com Available Uptown Apartment 2010-2011 School Year, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, all utilities paid. 22-A South Beech St., Next to Stella’s, Very Clean. 513-523-3735

House for Rent 2010-11

LIVE UPTOWN THIS SUMMER: $1000 Per Person. Contact 524.9340 for more info

114 E. Chestnut; 3 bedrooms; washer & dryer; central air; nice yard; great location near Rec.; rent is negotiable 937-548-0249 after 5:00

2010/2011 - 6 bedroom house with 2 baths, washer/dryer hookup, private yard and off street parking for 8 to 10 cars. Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

Available 2010-11 Two Northridge condos. Two and 3 bedroom w/2 full baths each. Large living room, fully equipped kitchen, and laundry w/washer/dryer. Clean and nice! $2200. per student per semester or $800. month total.

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2010/2011 - 4 bedroom house with 2 baths, basement, washer/dryer and off street parking.

Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

2010/2011 - Uptown apartment with permit for 2 or 4.

Call Corso Realty at 523-3520 or 868-9700.

63) “Mr.” in Munich 64) Some textiles workers

Down

1) Dieters’ dishes 2) French foods with various fillings 3) Greek marketplaces 4) Unplanned meeting 5) Sense 6) “False” prefix 7) Agitated, with “up” 8) Like some exams 9) Clothing retailer, _____ Warehouse 10) Take (illegally) 11) Largest rodent on earth 12) Boxing legend 13) “Jon & Kate Plus 8” channel 21) Mercy Rule result, on the field 22) Lowest voice in a choir, literally 26) Conform 27) Bunch of bills 29) Word with “language” or “sound” 30) MacBook model

For Rent 324 W Church 5-bedrooms Great house with large patio, 2 baths, laundry, pet considered, free summer rent 513-255-2022 UPTOWN HOUSE FOR RENT for the 2010-2011 school year Great location! Right uptown next to Will’s Pizza on Church Street. Up to 8 people, 4 1/2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, great kitchen and massive porch Email Chelsea for more information and a tour lindauce@muohio.edu

Apartments apartments available FOR 2010-2011. 108 South Main St. (behind “Pour House”). Permit for 3. $2000/person/semester. Large kitchen & living room. Really close to Uptown & Campus. Off-street Parking. Call Daniel 513-543-4470 www.miamiuniversityrentals.com 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.

Roberts Apartments 2010/11. Great Location! Close to Uptown/Campus. Laundry Facilities.

Off-Street Parking. Well-Maintained.

Pet Friendly Units! www.roberts-apts. com 513-839-1426 or 513-839-0400 Village Green Apartments 2 bedroom Apartments with 2 baths, & dishwasher. Rent includes Heat, water, sewer and trash. 513-523-4532

THE COURTYARDS OF MIAMI RENOVATED 1bedroom with study $3300. per seme, 2 bedrooms (2 students) $2300. per semester Located on Central Ave, between S. Main and E. Campus Ave., across from the REC Center., group rates, one pet friendly building, off street parking, bus stops, and laundry.

Stop by and look around, or Call Carolyn at 513-659-5671. Also thecourtyardsofmiami@yahoo.com

31) Hospital fluid-delivery tube 33) RPG pts.

34) Date for a pregnant woman?

35) Tokyo, formerly 36) Outfit for some frat parties 37) Willing 38) Some LAX workers 39) Former NFL coach Cameron 43) Protester, when things get out of control 44) Put down in writing 45) One artilleryman’s job 46) There are seven in some dips 48) 1994 Sandra Bullock action flick 49) Seller’s request, “make me an _______” 50) Chemistry lab test 52) Scratch-inducing sensation 53) Anglers’ aid 54) Pig fat 55) Automated machine 56) In the past

Houses NEWER CONDO TRENDY 4 BEDRM~2 FULL BATH~ EQUIPPED KITCHEN~LAUNDRY~ OFF STREET PARKING~GARAGE~ CAN HELP WITH FURNISHING Mike 513 266-1685 m2deuce21@hotmail.com HOUSING 2010-11 GIRLS: Need housing for Spring semester of 2011 or for entire year? If so email at winchelm@muohio.edu.

Roommate Needed AVAILABLE PROPERTIES LOOKING FOR ROOMMATES 2010-2011: You will have your own bedroom...

17 East Spring Street: Looking for 2 Female for 10-11 1 W High; Loft #201: Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 112.5 S Main Street: Looking for 1 or 2 Males for 10-11 109 Ardmore: Looking for 1 Female for Spring Sem 2011 219 N College: Looking for 1 Female to share Brand new house for 10-11 330 W Church: Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 112 S Main- All Bed No Breakfast: Looking for 1 or 2 Females for 10-11 119 N College - Looking for 1 Female for 10-11 We also have SINGLES available. **FOR MORE INFO CALL 513-524-9340**

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 Katie 616-502-3315.

12

Sports

Friday

April 2, 2010

baseball

’Hawks send Flyers back to Dayton in defeat

By Alex Butler Senior Staff Writer

April showers were held back for one more day Wednesday and the Miami University RedHawk baseball team (11-12,1-2 Mid-American Conference (MAC)) enjoyed temperatures in the mid 70s on the last day of March.

After the sun went down, Head Coach Dan Simonds’ men managed to stay searing and send the University of Dayton Flyers (9-15) back to the buses with the bad taste of a 16-3 loss to a diamond rival fresh on their palates.

“We like to win every game but it’s better to beat all the teams we play in Ohio,” senior Zak Hatfield said. “Dayton was picked to win the Atlantic-10 conference this year so that is a big win for us. Getting big wins like that in the middle of the week are confidence boosters for us going into conference play this weekend. It’s a big win.”

Redshirt sophomore Ryan Meyers handled the hill for the RedHawks for the first two innings and kept the Flyers off the scoreboard. The Red and White plated two runs in the first frame via long ball when junior Adam Eaton sent a pitch over the left field fence and the visiting bullpen was stuck looking for answers for the rest of the game.

In the third inning, sophomore Jordan Jankowski knocked the threads off of the ball with a stinger through the left infield and knocked in a RedHawk run to advance the lead to 3-0.

But Hatfield stole the show when he walloped a three-run blast over the left field fence, just short of the Marcum Conference Center, distancing the Red and White 6-0.

“Personally, it went well,” Hatfield said. “Last week I kind of struggled at the plate.

Tonight I started to feel a little more comfortable out there.

After anybody gets a big hit like that it kind of sparks everybody. Everybody gets fired up and we all get a little bit more swagger to us. We start attacking.”

A fielding fault was responsible for the first Flyer run in the fourth inning but a swift swipe of second and a toss to first got the Red and White out of the inning with minimal mischief made.

“My pitchers are getting their work in, staying sharp and not letting the score dictate their level of focus,” Simonds said. “That was great to see.

We even had some situations tonight with the bases loaded or men in scoring position and we minimized the damage.

We don’t hit the panic button and start walking guys or give up big innings.”

The Red and White added some insurance runs in the fourth inning but it was the big bat of Hatfield that was heard around Oxford. Hatfield kicked his cleats in the clay and clobbered a pitch over the 400 marker in dead centerfield, giving his RedHawks an 11-1 lead.

“We needed to get the bats going and we certainly did it tonight,” Simonds said. “Right now we either hit the ball all

Don’t Mess

A

SCOTT ALLISON The Miami Student

Sophomore Matt Rosinski pitches in the home opener March 17. over the place or teams hold us to very few hits. We need to get that happy medium. It’s great to see us come out and see Zak Hatfield do what he did. He’s that type of hitter. He’s capable of doing those types of things and getting Adam Eaton rolling. We are going to need those guys in the middle of the lineup to be able to produce.”

Senior reliever Brandon Meister kept the Flyers at bay before the RedHawks headed to the plate in the bottom of the fifth frame. The home team spoiled the crowd with more runs and advanced the lead to 13-1.

A few Flyer fans emitted humble howls when their team knocked in a run in the sixth stanza but the elation was short lived when center fielder Ryan Curl lunged to his left side for a web gem, taking away a Flyer hit and ending the inning.

Coach Simonds’ team

knocked in a couple more runs in the sixth for a 15-2 lead.

Both squads added runs in the seventh inning and Jankowski jogged to the mound and shutdown the Flyers in the eighth and ninth to give the RedHawks a victory.

The ’Hawks raked 20 hits in the contest and are now 97-34-1 all-time against the Flyers.

“We are on a mission in the MAC,” Simonds said.

“We were disappointed in this last weekend. We needed a game where we could come out today and get ready for Ball State. We are looking to play hard this weekend and really get after it. Each and every MAC weekend, that is our intention.”

Muncie, Ind. will be the stage for the RedHawks’ next challenge. The Red and White will take on the Ball State University Cardinals at 3 p.m. Friday.

RedHawks prepare to face Cardinals Staff Writer

Coming off a disappointing loss against Purdue University last Wednesday, the Red and White are looking forward to bouncing back when they open conference play against the Ball State University (BSU) Cardinals this Saturday.

Up to this point in the season, Miami University has gotten solid performances out of numerous players, but recently two players — sophomore infielder Daniela Torres and sophomore designated hitter Casey Drees — have made a major impact on the offense.

“We have received a spark from Casey Dress in the last two weeks,” Head Coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly said. “She has come into the lineup as our (designated hitter) and ran with her opportunity. It is great to see someone put in the preparation to get better and it pay off for her and the team.”

Torres has recently been moved into the leadoff role in the batting order and has risen to the challenge.

Schedule

“Daniela Torres has stepped up her game this year,” Schoenly said. “It is nice to have (her) power to start the game. We hope she stays hot and with her work ethic, I have no doubt she will.”

The Cardinals enter this weekend with a 20-6 record. They are the defending regular season Mid-American Conference (MAC) Champions and were picked to repeat as MAC West Champs, while the RedHawks were picked to win the MAC East Division.

Senior third baseman Jessie Ware who was named the MAC West Division Player of the Week this past week and senior pitcher Elizabeth Milian lead BSU. Milian led BSU to a 2-1 victory over No. 3 Missouri March 19, and boasts a 14-1 record and a 0.70 earned run average (ERA), and prior to giving up three runs on Tuesday she had the best ERA in the country with a 0.51.

“We are anxious to get started (with conference play),” senior shortstop Sarah Billstrom said. “Ball State won the regular season last year and it is going to be a battle. We are approaching them as we

would any other team, and we want to make sure our focus and drive is there.”

Billstrom has stepped up numerous times for the Red and White this season, including a 2-3, three RBI performances against Purdue. Miami will be looking for strong games from her as well this weekend.

As a whole, the RedHawks have put a lot of emphasis on playing good defense and taking advantage of offensive opportunities. Junior catcher Jenna McGivney, who is one of the top catchers in the nation and who has thrown out 16 of 24 runners this season, along with three pickoffs, leads Miami’s defense. The fact that only 24 runners have attempted to steal in 25 games is impressive enough, not to mention her 67 percent success rate.

“We are focusing on defensive and offensive strategies to win games,” Billstrom said. “We want to make sure our defense is crisp and that we are on top of our game this weekend.”

The RedHawks will face the Cardinals at 2 p.m. Saturday and at 1 p.m. Sunday in Muncie, Ind.

women’s track

women’s tennis

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY - AWAY

SATURDAY - AWAY

Tiger Track Classic all day

Weather is ideal for spring sports Josh Messerly

softball

By JM Rieger

Editor Katie Giovinale giovinkl@muohio.edu

Northern Illinois 2 p.m.

men’s track

SATURDAY - AWAY

Oliver Nikoloff Invitational 7 p.m.

s the calendar turns to April and the temps creep into the 70s, spring is here! With the college basketball season wrapping up this weekend and the Frozen Four one week away, winter sports are all but over for this year. The change in the weather causes a change in activities and attitudes. Pastimes like sunbathing, disc golf, corn hole and barbecuing become popular. During this period of change sports can get lost in the shuffle.

When I think of spring, it’s hard for me not to think of baseball. That excitement peaks with the Major League Baseball (MLB) season officially beginning Sunday night (Cincinnatians argue it doesn’t open until Monday). But even if you are not excited by the start of the MLB season, there are many things here in Oxford to get excited about.

While we are on the subject of baseball let us not forget that Miami University has a team. So far the season has not been too bad. Although the club is hovering around 0.500, it could be worse when you consider they have only played a handful of home games. Junior catcher Adam Weisenburger and junior outfielder Adam Eaton are both off to a good start hitting 0.321 and 0.313 respectively. Eaton also leads the team in home runs with four and RBI’s with 22. The RedHawks are averaging around seven runs per game, so run support will not be an issue. The question will be how well the pitching staff holds up.

On a warm spring afternoon McKie Field is one of the best places to take a study break.

In fact, it may be one of the best kept secrets on this campus. The facility is magnificent with grass areas that are great places to sit with friends and watch a game. What makes the experience even more tempting is the smell of hamburgers and hot dogs wafting from the grill. Anyone who walks though North quad knows that smell well.

The softball team is also a relative unknown on this campus. With a beautiful facility located between Millett Hall and Yager Stadium, it too is a secret. It is a team full of youth.

With talented players like seniors Sarah Billstrom (2009 First-Team All-MAC) and Alicia Hogl, the RedHawks will look to rebound from a slow start to the season with better play in the MAC. Track and Field also is something not to be overlooked. Some may be surprised to learn that yes indeed there is a track facility is located behind Yager Stadium — the George L. Rider Track. The women’s track and field team had a good showing at the Vanderbilt Black and Gold meet last weekend. Kelly Miller and Amanda Mirochna captured the top two spots in the 1500 meter run. Miller broke the previous school record set by Mirochna with a time of 4:26:27. In addition to success on the track, the ’Hawks fared well in the field events as well. Sophomores Alexandra Roberts and Samantha Gable placed first and second in the shot put and discus.

On the men’s side, Miami was also represented very well in Nashville winning 10 out of 18 events. Junior Justin Eddie won the 200 meter dash and placed second in the 100 meter.

Junior Josh Rees and freshman John Cantwell took the top two places in long jump. The Red and White also finished first in the 4x400 meter relay. With all of this happening in just the first outdoor meet of the season, the men’s track and field team looks to be off to a promising start.

Both the men’s and women’s track and field teams will be in action next weekend in Oxford. The Miami Invitational will take place April 9 and 10 and the teams will also compete in the RedHawk Invitational April 23 and 24, both at the Rider track facility.

Finally, let us not forget about the football team and their annual spring game April 10.

It has been a challenge to watch the football team over the past few seasons. Despite that, this is the first look at a team looking for a rebound season. You never know who may have a breakout spring that could lead to good fall.

Besides, at least you are guaranteed Miami will win this one.

The month of April can be very hectic with everyone finishing up projects and final papers and seniors gearing up for graduation. Just remember to take some time out for a break from all of the craziness of the final weeks of the semester. You have been cooped up for far too long, get out and take in some fresh air.

And there’s no better way to do that then by supporting your RedHawks.