T C U est. 1902

DAdailyskiff.comIL ∙ Ywednesday, january S 28, 2009 KIFF∙ vol. 106 issue 64

Brite Divinity School appoints a new Students aren’t seeing an increase in director for the Black Church Studies insomnia despite a national trend. program. Tomorrow in News Tomorrow in News

Campus surveillance Police aim to update camera technology By Madison Morgan ment that are more consistent in the way But cameras do not prevent car break- to park.” Staff Reporter they operate and have updated technol- ins; students do, McGee said. McGee said he continues to use alterna- ogy. “Students cannot leave valuables such as tive methods to catch thieves by placing Campus police are working to improve “Before if someone had their laptop sto- iPods or GPS systems in plain sight,” McGee officers in unmarked tinted cars around security around campus due to an increase len in the library we would have to watch said. “There have been instances in which campus. in campus parking lot break-ins, a campus hours of video,” McGee said. “With this new thieves have busted in windows just to see “We’re not Big Brother,” McGee said. “We police official said. equipment we can isolate the area where the what was in a backpack or gym bag.” are simply trying to deter the bad guy and Steven McGee, chief of TCU Police, said student was sitting and the program itself McGee said campus police use the cam- if a potential thief sees someone waiting he attended a technology show put on by will only show footage where there was any eras that are operating now to monitor sus- in their car they are less likely to attempt The American Society for Information Sci- sort of movement or activity.” picious activity in parking lots. a break-in.” ence & Technology in order to preview the The cameras currently being used have “If we see a car pass up several open McGee said officers have detained people most productive surveillance cameras to different operating systems and were put parking spots we immediately send out an in the process of breaking in and charged place on campus. in by different departments, McGee said. officer to investigate the activity,” McGee them with criminal trespassing. McGee said he is looking at a system of This has kept the force from using them said. “If someone doesn’t take a front row surveillance cameras for the Police Depart- most effectively, he said. parking spot, they’re probably not there See police · Page 2 The women’s basketball team prepares to move on without its injured top grants and loans contributor. Sports, page 6 mixIng it up Bill could top itunes downloads 1 My Life Would Suck Without You benefit Kelly Clarkson 2 Gives You Hell The All-American Rejects thousands 3 You Found Me The Fray 4 Just Dance on campus Lady GaGa & Colby O’Donis By Mark Bell 5 Heartless Staff Reporter Kanye West 6 Single Ladies (Put A Ring The proposed federal American Re- On It) covery and Reinvestment Bill could give Beyonce students additional help in paying for col- 7 I Hate This Part lege, a university official said. The Pussycat Dolls Increasing the annual limit on Pell 8 Love Story Grants and Stafford loans will allow stu- Taylor Swift dents to borrow less from the more ex- pensive private student loan programs, 9 Circus Britney Spears said Mike Scott, director of scholarships and student financial aid. 10 I’m Yours The Jan. 15 stimulus package proposal Jason Mraz would increase the maximum Pell Grant —iTunes by $500, increase the limit on unsubsi- dized Stafford loans by $2,000 and provide $490 million to support college “In a worst work-study case scenario programs, ac- cording to the for a student press summary at least the of the bill. Senior finan- increase in cial aid advisor student loan Kathryn Black- ham said cur- money will rently 847 stu- cover the dents receive Pell Grants increase in at TCU and tuition.” 3,134 students receive funds Mike Scott from Stafford director of loans. scholarships and According student financial aid to the U.S. De- Amanda Ringel / Staff Designer partment of Education Web site, the Pell Grant is a The Mountain West Conference is leading an effort to make changes to the current format need-based grant for low-income stu- of the Bowl Championship Series. The proposed changes to the system, which is filled with dents while the Stafford loan is not a controversy nearly every college football season, will make it easier for conferences like the needs-based loan. Organic produce is great —­ Scott said the increase in the Stafford if it’s local. Mountain West to gain automatic bowl bids and easier access to the big-time bowl games. loan is greater than the increase in tuition Opinion, page 3 Will the Horned Frogs and the rest of the Mountain West Conference be able to make the for next year. Tuition will be raised from changes to college football that fans so desperately want? See page 8 $26,900 to $28,250, he said. “In a worst case scenario for a stu- Peculiar Fact dent at least the increase in student loan TOKYO — Seven diners in money will cover the increase in tuition,” northern Japan fell ill and University drive Scott said. “This will have an immediate three remained hospitalized Tuesday after eating blowfish numbers testicles prepared in a restaurant not authorized to serve the Development on hold due to recession The proposed federal American poisonous delicacy. By Annie Cooper things “scab over” in the market and that an emphasis in real estate and leadership Recovery and Reinvestment Bill: — Associated Press Staff Reporter construction will begin again by the end of and an intern for Trademark Property Co., the year for a spring 2011 opening, Miller said he makes it his job to be aware of the WestBend, a new mixed-use commercial said. economic climate. today’s weather real estate development on University Drive “We have a lot of prospective retailers that “In today’s market we can only expect a $500 across from University Park Village, halted we are in negotiation with and we are confi- handful of new stores,” Kym said. “Stores The maximum Pell Grant increase 41 29 construction due to the bad economy, the dent that the lineup is strong,” Miller said. have to be healthy themselves to go around high low project’s developer said. Retailers Anthropologie and J. Crew signing leases.” WestBend is the first large commercial agreed that delaying construction would Kym said he enjoys working on projects Partly Sunny development in Fort Worth to halt construc- be in the project’s best interest, Miller said. that will in turn cater to the university but tion, according to a Fort Worth Business Heather Cohen , vice president of J.Crew that approval for funding by equity finan- $2,000 The increase of the limit on Tomorrow: Mostly Sunny Press article. real estate, said no one is immune to the ciers is incremental. unsubsidized Stafford loans 51 / 30 Tommy Miller, senior partner of the proj- economic environment. A commercial developer has to find re- Friday: Mostly Sunny ect’s developer, Trademark Property Co., “We are delaying our opening and will tailers to lease spaces to be able to deliver a 57 / 36 said the project’s initial goal was to open continue to assess the leasing progress that plan to the financiers, Kym said. a 32,000 square-foot development in the the developer has,” Cohen said. “You are approved as long as you deliver,” spring of 2010. However, the capital markets According to the company’s Web site, J. he said. “That is how the system works.” $490 million to support college work-study Please became volatile and the retail economy be- Crew sales increased after the first family Miller said it might be a while before new remember to came especially fragile, delaying the project- appeared at the inauguration dressed in cus- developments get underway. programs recycle this ed opening one or two seasons, he said. tom J.Crew designs. “Opening any new project in 2009 or newspaper. Trademark Properties is hopeful that Brian Kym, a senior finance major with early 2010 is not smart business.” See funding · Page 2 2

page 2 · wednesday, january 28, 2009 dailyskiff.com news

Weather National security language initiative Arabic ignored despite incentives By Kathleen Carroll Indeed, Passaic County Techni- and instructor Dina Kataw-Aid- The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) cal Institute decided to offer the abole reviewed vocabulary and class after repeated requests by stu- shared insights into Arab culture. HACKENSACK, N.J. — Ara- dents, 7 percent of whom speak A word for “sandal” also can re- bic language classes are still few Arabic at home. Forty-one are en- fer to wooden shoes worn in the and far between, despite cash in- rolled this year, said spokeswoman shower, which originated in Turk- centives from the federal govern- Sandy Woods. ish baths, she told students. ment. It could be a savvy choice: Ara- “Yes, even in a house you have A new class at Passaic County’s bic language skills are keenly need- to take off your shoes,” added stu- vocational high school in Wayne, dent Ferdi Abedinoski, 17. “The N.J., may be the only public school “One of the carpet has to be clean.” class in the state, while classes in “Yes, that’s another cultur- Mandarin Chinese have mush- concerns is money. al thing we should know,” said roomed in recent years and are I agree (Arabic) Kataw-Aidabole. now offered in more than a dozen Abedinoski said he wanted to North Jersey districts. is a critical need, study Arabic to enhance his reli- Both are considered “critical but we’re trying gious education and because “it’s a need” languages by the federal big language in the world ... it has government, which set aside $114 to meet a lot of a lot of influence.” million to kick-start new classes critical needs in Such classes are unique na- under the 2006 National Security tionwide. Less than 1 percent of Language Initiative. a very difficult schools that offer world languages Across the nation, 90 percent fiscal situation.” teach Arabic, according to a 2008 of the grants have funded Chinese study by the Center for Applied classes, federal education officials Jan Furman Linguistics. Three percent of those said, with the rest split among Ara- Northern Valley schools offer Chinese, compared bic, Hindi, Farsi, Russian, Japanese regional school district with less than 1 percent a decade and Korean. superintendent ago. “What you’re seeing in New Jer- The Northern Valley regional sey is a little microcosm of what’s school district, which runs two going on around the country,” said ed by the federal government, and competitive high schools in De- Nancy Rhodes, director of foreign- fluent speakers are often propelled marest and Old Tappan, received a language education at the Center into top jobs. This month, Presi- National Security Language Initia- for Applied Linguistics. dent Barack Obama tapped North tive grant to start a Chinese class That’s due in part to a well- Bergen native John Brennan, who three years ago. The district also funded initiative by the Chinese studied Arabic and embarked on has offered Japanese classes for Ministry of Education to send a 25-year career in the CIA, as his nearly a decade, said Superinten- trained teachers to U.S. schools. homeland security and counterter- dent Jan Furman. Instructional materials for Chinese rorism adviser. But for now, Arabic is not on Jason Fochtman / Multimedia Editor lessons are readily available, and Most of the students in the Pas- the table. Ana Carolina Quintanar, freshman biologoy major, walks to the Brown-Lupton Student Union for lunch Tuesday. Campus was closed the government offers technical saic County tech class have a per- “One of the concerns is mon- due to ice. The Dallas/Fort Worth area is still under an ice storm warning through noon today. support for American teachers. sonal connection to the language ey,” Furman said. “We’re trying to Arabic has had no such support through their family or faith. It is hold on to everything we can. ... I — in part because it is spoken in taught by a William Paterson Uni- agree (Arabic) is a critical need, Ice closes 251 area schools 21 countries, with no one nation versity professor and paid for by but we’re trying to meet a lot of taking the lead in promoting the grants for the school’s “college con- critical needs in a very difficult fis- As of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the area to close, including TCU, ac- day, but only the Corner Store and language overseas, said Moham- nections” program, which brings cal situation.” recorded high temperature was cording to nbcdfw.com. Market Square remained open. med Abdul Aleem, chief executive university instructors on campus The district picked Chinese 41 F and the low was 26 F, and An ice storm warning remained Today’s weather will feel a bit of Human Assistance and Devel- and allows students to earn col- because “it’s spoken by the larg- the accumulation of ice totaled in effect until 6 a.m. today, ac- warmer, with a forecasted high of opment International, which ad- lege credit. While state education est group of people in the world 0.4 inches, according to Accu- cording to the National Weather 45 F and a low of 25 F, according to vances Arabic language and cul- officials don’t officially keep count, right now,” she said. “The more weather.com. Service. the Weather Channel’s Web site. ture in the United States. it’s the only public school course our kids can be fluent in this lan- Tuesday’s weather caused 251 The Brown-Lupton University “Our growth has been more or- they know of. guage, the more opportunities schools in the Dallas/Fort Worth Union was open until 9 p.m. Tues- — Staff reporter Maricruz Salinas ganic,” he said. During a recent class, students they will have.”

actively protect oneself.” police Boschini said he believes funding continued from page 1 the university is safe place, es- continued from page 1 “We can’t arrest them on pecially considering its size, impact on the cost for students theft unless they actually break primarily because of good next year.” the window and we would awareness among members of The increase in work-study rather save the student the the campus community. funds is important because with cost of replacing a window,” Alyssa Dolny, sophomore the federal minimum wage slat- McGee said. education major, said the off- ed to increase in July, addition- McGee said another preven- campus crime alerts that stu- al funds will be needed to pay tive measure taken by campus dents receive via e-mail from work-study students, Scott said. police is closing all but one Detective Vicki Lawson pro- The money will help the univer- entrance into the parking lots vide students with the knowl- sity keep at least the same level of in hopes to trap a potential edge they need to maintain work-study students and proba- thief. that awareness. bly enable hiring more, he said. McGee said he also posted “I really appreciate the fact According to the U.S. Depart- new officers at certain loca- that TCU takes the time to pro- ment of Labor Web site, The fed- tions on campus including the vide its students with informa- eral minimum wage will increase Mary Couts Burnett Library tion that ensures their safety,” to $7.25 per hour effective July and Brown-Lupton Universi- Dolny said. “When the occur- 24. ty Union because of their late rences happen close to where The entire higher education hours. I live on campus it impacts me component of the bill is a step Chancellor Victor Boschini greatly and makes me more in the right direction and is hap- said funding will never be an conscious of my surround- pening quickly enough to help issue when it comes to ensur- ings.” students when they need it, Scott ing student’s safety. McGee said that the camer- said. “I will do pretty much any- as should be on campus soon, “I think this is a great thing,” thing — regardless of cost — and until the TCU Police De- Scott said. “It’s a good effort to if I am convinced it will en- partment finalizes how many keep students in the educational hance our safety,” Boschini cameras will be purchased, the system, and it’s probably some- said. “However, I believe that price of the new system is un- thing that will be done in time to awareness is the best way to determined. actually make a difference.”

Circulation: 6,000 Web site: www.dailyskiff.com Editor-in-Chief: Max Landman Sports Editor: Michael Carroll Advertising Manager: Tiffany Raymer The TCU Daily Skiff is an official student publication of Texas Christian University, produced Subscriptions: Call 257-6274. Rates are $30 per semester. Copyright: All rights for the entire contents of this newspaper DAILY SKIFF Managing Editor: Saerom Yoo Features Editor: Chance Welch Student Publications Director: Robert Bohler by students of TCU and sponsored by the Schieffer School of Journalism. It operates under Location: Moudy Building South, Room 291, shall be the property of the TCU Daily Skiff. No part thereof may TCU Box 298050, Fort Worth, TX 76129 Web Editor: Julieta Chiquillo Opinion Editor: Katie Martinez Business Manager: Bitsy Faulk the policies of the Student Publications Committee, composed of representatives from the 2805 S. University Drive Fort Worth, TX 76109 be reproduced or aired without prior consent of the Student Phone: (817) 257-7428 Fax: (817) 257-7133 Associate Editor: David Hall Design Editor: Paige McArdle Production Manager: Vicki Whistler student body, staff, faculty and administration. The Skiff is published Tuesday through On-campus distribution: Newspapers are available free on Publications Director. The Skiff does not assume liability for any E-mail: [email protected] News Editors: Rose Baca, Logan Wilson Multimedia Editor: Jason Fochtman Director, Schieffer School: John Tisdale Friday during fall and spring semesters except finals week and holidays. campus, limit one per person. Additional copies are $.50 and products and services advertised herein. The Skiff’s liability for are available at the Skiff office. misprints due to our error is limited to the cost of the advertising. dailyskiff.com wednesday, january 28, 2009 · page 3

DAILY SKIFF Editorial Board Max Landman, Editor-in-Chief Saerom Yoo, Managing Editor Julieta Chiquillo, Web Editor David Hall, Associate Editor Rose Baca, News Editor Logan Wilson, News Editor Michael Carroll, Sports Editor Jason Fochtman, Multimedia Editor opinion Chance Welch, Features Editor Katie Martinez, Opinion Editor The Skiff View Proactive students key to campus safety he recent rash of crimes against the TCU community has been disconcerting. Considering the smash and grab parking lot break- ins and the knife-point robbery against a couple coming out of TThe Aardvark last semester, it can be scary to walk to your car at night. It is a comfort though, to know that the campus Police Department is exploring different methods and better technology to keep us safe. There are some who might protest the “Big Brother”-type eye in the sky, but if a robber were to knock them down on the sidewalk and take their wallet, those same people would probably be grateful the cameras were there since that technology could be instrumental in bringing their attacker to justice. But as Steven McGee, chief of TCU police, reminded us, cameras don’t always prevent crimes; people do. The cameras may serve as a deterrent if they are mounted in plain sight and constantly monitored, but the key to not becoming a victim is for students to be aware of their surroundings and be responsible for their own personal safety. This can be as simple as scanning the parking lot before they head to their car or not leaving valuable items in cars. Attending the campus crime-watch meetings and becoming more involved with and educated about what’s going on in the neighborhood would also be helpful. Women on campus have access to the Froggie Five-0 program at night where student workers act as escorts to anywhere on campus. Jacob Brahce is a sophomore criminal justice major from Cedar Park. There are self-defense and rape prevention courses offered on campus free of charge. The sophisticated cameras are a good thing, but they can’t take the place of personal responsibility. Sometimes there is nothing that can be done to prevent a crime from happening, but it’s not that difficult to be Buy local, not organic produce proactive in your own defense. You can’t always count on there being a cop in the bushes. to support community businesses Opinion editor Katie Martinez for the editorial board. The Skiff View represents the collective opinion of the editorial board. region, amount of travel (within a from taste to environmental health. day’s distance) and local cuisine. The United States Department of While Texas is a large state, I try my Agriculture list of restricted pesti- hardest to buy within its boundaries. cides is gigantic, but certain chemi- If faced with two items, one organic cals can still be used to treat plants. from California or one from north- While harmful chemicals aren’t often Government can’t solve ern Mexico, I pick the product with used, if we don’t know about adverse favorable proximity. “Localvores,” as affects, they could be out on the gretchen wilbrandt we commonly can be classified, have fields now! The last revision of the the abortion dilemma their own definition that helps them restricted pesticides added eight new As much as I am a passionate sci- support their community, whatever banned chemicals that had been in AGI research shows that America entist, enthusiastic about the restora- the boundaries. production under the organic label has successfully managed to “not want” tion and preservation of the Earth, I Now when it comes down to the until 2006. Though most organic 50,000,000 children. think about more than just figures, impact of local purchasing, it is vast. products have been closely scruti- The topic of abortion is not about graphs and insects. With a strong Many small or private farms rely on nized for the sake of public health, choice and privacy, and it is not in and community foundation, I believe their local sales to stay in production it is important to read the label and of itself the real problem. It is merely a that local interests and values within and save their land from develop- look for adequate organic certifica- symptom of a greater issue at stake: the the community become extremely ment. Other people find the freshness tion. declining moral fiber of man and his important. of closer produce more favorable. The qualms that I often file with Andrew Weatherford attempt to put a Band-Aid on an open A shift from globalization to local- One of the most significant impacts organic produce is the locality. Is wound. ization occurs and voila, a self-sus- is the reduction of fossil fuels. I buy buying organic melons from Chile This month marks the 36th anniver- I don’t want government to control taining society is formed! These ideal as close to home as I can to help out more environmentally friendly than sary of Roe v. Wade, and keeping with me any more than the next person, but groups of people would recognize the Earth while simultaneously build- purchasing local melons from Mis- that momentum, one of the first things why can’t we take this freedom to choose and fulfill meaningful relationships ing up a strong local economy. When sion, Texas? It all comes down to President Barack Obama has promised and choose life? with each other as well harmoniously you support a local farmer, it builds what you value now. As time pro- to do in his first term is implement the A sharp, hard line divides churches residing with the Earth. OK, so I am them a larger profit to then turn over gresses and we watch the further Freedom of Choice Act. concerning the Bible’s alleged silence on being highly idealistic here, but my to organic farming upon demand. global development, perhaps your FOCA will supersede all existing laws the topic, but nine of the early church point is that we need to support local Because of local buyers supporting mind will change, but for now, get regulating abortion, even state laws re- Fathers, from Cyprian to Tertullian, produce rather than organic for the farms, requests can be made me to the local Cowtown Farmers’ quiring parental consent for minors. spoke out against abortion. It was de- benefit of our community and sup- for more organic Market. Many have said this new “freedom clared a sin in the Apostolic Constitu- port of the local economy. and sustainable of choice” is an epic landmark in the tions in the year 390. Local produce has a great deal of farming practices. Gretchen Wilbrandt is a junior progress of this great nation, but it is Abortion is a highly sensitive topic variation in definition. Some Overall, people sup- environmental science major evidence of a depraved and selfish gen- and there is healing for those who have define locality by city, state, port a myriad of ideas from Woodstock, Ill. eration that can be more concerned with gone through it. the inconvenience of having children It is no one’s place but God’s to judge, than taking responsibility for their own but denying life to the “least of these” is flesh and blood. wrong and not from God. We all have compassion for those who As the prophet Isaiah states in 5:20, are victims of rape or incest, and rightly “Woe to those who call evil good, and so, but statistics gathered by social sci- good evil.” ence research group the Alan Guttmach- The government will never be able to er Institute show this is the case in less fix the hardened heart of man; only God than 1 percent of abortions in the U.S. in his great mercy can. “Every Child a Wanted Child” is the proudly boasted Planned Parenthood Andrew Weatherford is a junior religion slogan we so often hear, but in truth the major and pastor of Deliverance figures speak for themselves. Bible Church in Fort Worth. SXC.HU Many factors contribute to university’s falling application numbers to study and more. and the “Think Purple, Live Green” Every semester there is a new, cool theme semester, but besides the Purple building to explore. The campus is well- Bike Program and the mandated print- patrolled and most students feel safe. ing restrictions for professors, there has The university offers top-notch facili- not been a substantial change. ties and services, but the areas where the It seems as though TCU is simply school falls short might be the difference perpetuating the illusion of caring. between a student attending Southern Perhaps we should refine the approval John Andrew Willis Methodist University, Vanderbilt Uni- process in the Physical Plant, which re- versity, University of Texas at Austin or quires a 99-step process to change any- The university’s application numbers the University of Oklahoma. thing larger than a light bulb, and then are lower than in previous years. John D. Simmons / Charlotte Observer via MCT My theory of why TCU fails to im- I might actually see the installation of Ray Brown, dean of admissions, and press in some areas is that the school is solar panels on the Rickel Building while others said the decline is likely due to already outrageously expensive tuition great Greek life and used to have a good eager to impress but sometimes forgets I’m still an undergraduate. the elimination of the FastApp, a more continues to rise during an economic student tailgate to prove it. to cater to the actual student. I find it I hope TCU begins a trend of turn- concise application option. But, whether recession. What makes TCU desirable beyond disheartening, but I can’t come up with ing talk about potential into tangible that is the case, we should continue to TCU was founded on Christian val- its superior education are the amenities any other explanation for the gross neg- improvement. In doing so, as with strive to be a place where qualified indi- ues and has a conservative atmosphere. it’s able to offer as a private school. The ligence of forethought in the meal plan. regulatory operations, the school must viduals seek education. We have great on-campus ministry, and student-teacher ratio is low. The Cam- But at least we’re doing all this stuff to recognize the need to put the interests of I firmly believe that TCU offers the there are more churches than liquor pus Recreation Center has the newest be more green, right? I can’t wait to see the students first. best overall university experience in stores within walking distance to cam- technology and offers everything found some evidence. I applaud the initiative Texas. However, it’s hard to sell that pus. The university has little tolerance in most top-quality workout facilities. in signing the American College & Uni- John Andrew Willis is a sophomore belief to potential students when our for drugs, even marijuana. We have The library has everything students need versity Presidents Climate Commitment environmental science major from Dallas.

Letters to the editor: The Skiff welcomes letters to the editor for publication. To submit a letter, e-mail it to [email protected]. Letters must Editorial Policy: The content of the Opinion page does not necessarily represent the views of Texas Christian University. Signed include the author’s classification, major and phone number. Skiff reserves the right to edit or reject letters for style, taste and size restrictions. letters, columns and cartoons represent the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board. 46

page 4 · wednesday, january 28, 2009 dailyskiff.com news & sports Stalin still a hometown hero major league baseball By Tom Lasseter More wins than losses McClatchy Newspapers mark arbitrator’s career GORI, Georgia — After their short, brutal war last summer, Russians and By Jim Salisbury Georgians bitterly disagree about a lot The Philadelphia Inquirer of things. When it comes to the legacy of the blood-soaked Soviet tyrant who PHILADELPHIA — Sometimes you just was born here, however, some of them get the feeling that things aren’t going your see eye to eye. way in a salary arbitration hearing. At the J. Stalin State Museum erected Tal Smith had a good chuckle recalling in his hometown, the tour guide didn’t such an event the other day. hesitate for a moment when she was In 1986, he was representing the Kansas asked recently: What do you think City Royals in an arbitration case against about Joseph Stalin? pitcher Bret Saberhagen. “He was a hero,” said Tamuna, a After both sides made their arguments, young woman with dark hair, who the arbitrator slid a piece of paper over to didn’t give her last name. Saberhagen and requested an autograph. Before he was the ruthless strong- “That sort of distressed us,” Smith said man whose paranoid reign led to the in a telephone interview from his office in deaths of millions, Stalin was born Jo- Houston, where he runs a consulting busi- sef Vissarionovich Djugashvili in this ness and serves as president of baseball op- Georgian town not far from the white erations for the Astros. “Needless to say, we snows of the Caucasus mountains. lost that one.” Steven M. Falk / Philadelphia Daily News via MCT Despite the fact that Russia’s military When it comes to salary arbitration in Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard holds up the trophy in October after the Phillies bombed Gori and then occupied its Tom Lasseter via MCT baseball, Smith has seen it all. He argued his won the World Series in Philadelphia. Howard streets last August, some in Gori have A worker at the gift shop in the Stalin museum in Gori, Georgia, wears a Soviet-era uniform Jan. 11. first cases in 1974, the year baseball adopted received the largest salary ever for a first-time kept a soft spot for Stalin, a name he the process, when he was an executive vice arbitration-eligible player, marking arbitrator Tal took meaning “man of steel.” A McClatchy Newspapers reporter boy was a bastard. A local merchant, president with the New York Yankees. Smith’s last lost case. The affection, ironically, mirrors the who chatted with a handful of people policeman and priest were mentioned Over the years, Smith and his staff have resurgence of Stalin’s popularity in Rus- in Gori one afternoon couldn’t find a as possibly being his real father, accord- prepared more than 900 arbitration cases, specifics of Howard’s case, has a long his- sia, a country that’s battered Georgia single person who disagreed. ing to a recent biography. with more than 160 going to a hearing. tory of representing the Phillies. He has ar- not only with tanks but also trade and “Of course, people have bad feelings Nothing is said, either, about the Smith said he doesn’t know what his re- gued seven of the eight cases the club has visa sanctions. about Russia,” said Bichiko Chechelash- countless people who later died by cord is, though it is over .500. had during the arbitration era, winning all During a poll of millions of Russians vili, a security guard. “But for me, he firing squads, starvation, savage beat- “I know we lost our last one,” he said. “Be- but Howard’s. conducted by a state TV channel last was a good man.” ings in dim interrogation rooms or fore that, we won six in a row.” Smith was the Astros’ general manager year, Stalin was in first place in early Chechelashvili was standing close to just crumpling to the ground for the The last one took place 11 months ago. from 1975 to 1980. He built a club that won voting for the country’s greatest his- a giant statue of Stalin that still looms last time after years of forced labor in Smith represented the Phillies in a historic 93 games in 1980 and was named Sporting torical figure before finishing third. over Stalin Square in downtown Gori. gulags. showdown against slugger Ryan Howard. News executive of the year. But Smith was He bested names such as Dostoyevsky The museum celebrating Stalin was There is a souvenir shop, where a The Phillies contended that Howard should fired after the Astros lost the National League and Lenin. dedicated in 1957, about four years af- woman dressed in a Soviet-era military be paid $7 million, a figure commensurate Championship Series to the Phillies. Tina Khakhriashvili, who was walk- ter his death. uniform will sell you a bottle of spar- with what elite players in his service class Before the 1981 season, the Oakland ing past the Gori museum earlier this Befitting a man whose government kling Stalin wine — with the old man made. Howard’s advisers, led by agent Casey Athletics asked Smith to help them prepare month with her daughter, would vote frequently removed people’s images himself on the label — for 30 Georgian Close, argued that their man’s special accom- arbitration cases against two players. With for him. from photographs after they’d been laris, about $18. Or a thin volume of plishments made him worth $10 million. Smith’s help, the A’s prevailed in both. His “We haven’t changed our opin- purged, effectively denying that they’d the poetry Stalin wrote as a young man Howard won the largest salary ever for a company, Tal Smith Enterprises, was born. ion of Stalin. He was a great person,” ever existed, the museum makes little for three laris. first-time arbitration-eligible player. Since 1994, the company has handled only Khakhriashvili said. “Because of him, deviation from the narrative of Stalin’s Sitting in his office, with a piece of He added to his legend by leading the ma- arbitration cases for teams. everyone knows about Georgia.” life that he preferred. shrapnel from a Russian bomb resting jors in homers and RBIs in 2008. Barring a Rex Gary, a Philadelphia-based player Khakhriashvili’s family used to live in Museum officials said it was only on the desk, museum director Robert settlement, Howard will head back to the agent who has argued more than 30 arbi- the separatist province of South Ossetia, last year that they allowed a picture of Maglakelidze tried to avoid discussion arbitration table next month (the date has tration cases, has found himself across the but they fled after Russia’s invasion and Leon Trotsky, a rival for power who was about Stalin’s legacy. not been made public). Howard is seeking table from Smith several times. the torching of ethnic Georgian villages stabbed in the skull with an ice pick “He was an important figure, and of $18 million for 2009. The Phillies have once “I don’t see it as a conflict of interest,” Gary by local militias that followed. She waved on Stalin’s order. The photograph is a course we are proud that he is from again hired Smith to argue; they contend said. “There’s no way Houston’s interests di- off the suggestion that such an experi- small one. Georgia and went on to rule such a big that Howard is worth $14 million. If there’s verge from another club’s when Tal argues ence would sour her on the memory of There’s no mention of Stalin’s mother country,” Maglakelidze said. “But I can’t a hearing, an arbitration panel will pick one a case.” Stalin and his rule from Moscow. “This beating him as a child or of his drunken say he’s the greatest person in Georgian salary or the other. Gary added that Smith is “very good at was another time,” she said. cobbler father screaming that the young h i s t or y.” Smith, who could not comment on the what he does.” 5

dailyskiff.com Wednesday, January 28, 2009 · page 5

Today in History Joke of the Day The space shuttle Challenger Q: How do they drink water in explodes 73 seconds after lifting the South? off from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on A: From Dixie cups. this day in 1986. etc. — History Channel Bliss by Harry Bliss SUDOKU PUZZLE Today’s Crossword Sponsored by: Sponsored by: tonight

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See a quick recap of the men’s road game against San Diego State University. sports Tomorrow men’s basketball Football bowl busters

Paige McArdle / Design Editor Freshman guard Kevin Butler attempts to hold on to the ball during the game against New Mexico on Saturday night. Short break to follow game against SDSU By Michael Carroll Freshman guard Ronnie Moss Skiff Archives Sports Editor should return to the lineup for to- Sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Kerley returns the ball during a game against Stephen F. Austin on Sept. 6. night’s game in San Diego after miss- Following Saturday’s 69-52 loss ing last weekend’s game because of a against the University of New violation of team policy, Joe Monaco, Conference wants changes to BCS format Mexico, head coach Jim Christian assistant director of sports informa- was almost as disappointed for the tion, wrote in an e-mail. By Billy Wessels breakdown, the Longhorns conferences can be eligible for and Brigham Young University fans in attendance at Daniel-Meyer Senior forward Kevin Langford Staff Writer earned approximately $1.8 mil- automatic BCS bids. was No. 16. Coliseum as he was of his team’s will look to continue his recent hot lion and the Frogs earned ap- The MWC was the seventh- According to the BCS Web performance on the court. streak on offense. Langford has post- It’s a million-dollar question: proximately $955,555. rated conference after the last site, there is a chance the MWC “I’m just disappointed for our ed back-to-back scoring outputs of Will the Mountain West Con- According to the BCS media examination period, leaving can get an automatic BCS bid team,” Christian said. “We had a 36 and 21 points and leads the team ference get an automatic bid to them just shy of an automatic beginning after the 2012 regu- great crowd here tonight. They with 14.4 points per game. a Bowl Championship Series “Right now, if bid, he said. lar season. came out to see a team that plays Junior forward Edvinas Ruz- game? it was only a The BCS uses three criteria “The 2008-2011 regular sea- with heart — a team that fights to gas needs to bounce back from According to a USA Today to determine which conference sons will be evaluated under the the end — and unfortunately we Saturday’s game in which he con- article released Monday, MWC one-year review get automatic bowl bids, ac- same standards to determine if didn’t give them that tonight and I’ll nected on one of five shots and officials are seeking an automat- cycle we would cording to the BCS Web site. other conferences will have an- take full responsibility for that.” finished the game with a total of ic berth into a BCS bowl. These include “the ranking of nual automatic qualification for The offensive and defensive er- four points. Attaining automatic BCS have automatic the highest-ranked team in the the games after the 2012 and rors that plagued the team against Both the Horned Frogs and the qualification is quite a lucrative qualification, but final BCS standings each year, 2013 regular seasons,” accord- New Mexico will need to be cor- Aztecs are coming off conference endeavor. the final regular-season rank- ing to the site. “The champions rected for the team to add to the losses. SDSU fell to Brigham Young The Big 12 Conference re- unfortunately ings of all conference teams in of no more than seven confer- win column against Mountain University on Saturday but has won ceived approximately $22.5 mil- it is a four-year the computer rankings used by ences will have annual automat- West Conference opponent San six of its last eight games overall. lion this season because of its in- the BCS each year and the num- ic berths.” Diego State University (13-5, 3-2 The Horned Frogs have their volvement with the BCS, thanks review window.” ber of teams in the top 25 of the Hedlund said the BCS’ sched- MWC) tonight. first extended break of the semester to the University of Oklahoma’s final BCS standings each year.” ule wouldn’t immediately ben- The Horned Frogs (13-7, 4-2 following tonight’s game. A six-day berth in the national champion- Javan Hedlund One MWC official said the efit the MWC. MWC) are currently in a first-place rest will end when the team battles ship game and the University of football contact for the conference was deserving of an “Right now, if it was only a tie with the University of Nevada, the University of Utah Feb. 4 at 6:30 Texas’ appearance in the Fiesta Mountain West Conference automatic bid. one-year review cycle, we would Las Vegas in the Mountain West. p.m. in Daniel-Meyer Coliseum. Bowl. “Right now, the Mountain have automatic qualification, but Under the current BCS guide, if no team from a non- West is sitting pretty,” said Ja- unfortunately it is a four-year re- system, each conference that BCS conference were to get into van Hedlund, football contact view window,” Hedlund said. doesn’t have an automatic BCS a BCS game, those five confer- for the Mountain West Con- Hedlund said another issue carroll’s corner berth gets a portion of $9.5 ences would share 9 percent ference. “We have the highest- about the BCS is the effect it has million, said Danny Morrison, of the BCS’ net revenue, ap- ranked (non-BCS conference) on recruiting for the conferences athletics director. If a team from proximately $9.5 million. That team at No. 6. We had three that don’t automatically qualify Men’s soccer needs one of these conferences appears money would then be broken teams in the top 25, all in the because of the amount of money in a BCS game, the conferences down with the highest-rated top 16 team which makes that granted to teams every year. share an additional $9.5 million, conference getting the bulk of stronger.” “If you are in a (automatical- to make a comeback of which $6 million is awarded that amount. Hedlund said the BCS would ly qualifying) conference, when But something is clearly miss- to the conference the team be- Morrison said MWC officials look at the conference different- you go to a recruit’s home you ing from the local soccer scene — longs to, he said. are attempting to adjust the cur- ly because it has nine teams, as can say that if you go undefeat- a men’s team at TCU. In other words, the MWC rent timeframe the BCS uses to opposed to the Big East’s eight ed and win your conference you Yes, we have a women’s team received $6 million because of decide conferences that get au- and the Big 12 and SEC, which have the opportunity to play for that draws a lot of support and Utah’s appearance in the Sugar tomatic BCS bids. each have 12. a national title,” Hedlund said. has had recent success under Bowl plus a one-fifth share of Morrison said this past sea- In the final BCS standings, “Our coaches say if you go un- head coach Dan Abdalla, but the the remaining $13 million, Mor- son was the first year of a four- released before the national defeated and win the Mountain absence of a men’s team is both rison said. year examination period used championship game, Utah was West, you have the opportunity Michael carroll inexcusable and unexplainable. After the team-by-team by the BCS to determine which ranked No. 6, TCU was No. 11 to play in a BCS game.” Our neighbor to the east, You probably hear it all the Southern Methodist University, time from avid players and fol- has a men’s team and a women’s lowers of soccer: “Just give it a try. team. SMU’s men’s team has It’s the most popular sport in the consistently been one of the top women’s basketball world. I promise you’ll like it.” soccer programs in the nation. But being in a part of the world Sixteen players on their current Team adjusts to playing without injured guard where American football, baseball roster are from places around and basketball reign supreme, North Texas. By Katie Ruppel eas — defense and driving the there’s little chance you’ll take The Final Four of the NCAA Staff Reporter ball — and he hopes they will your soccer-loving friend up on Men’s Soccer Championship were step it up today in the game his or her offer. held in Frisco last month. Each of After a loss last weekend against San Diego State Uni- “It’s too boring, there isn’t the four remaining teams had two against the University of New versity. enough scoring and everybody players from the North Texas area. Mexico, the Lady Frogs prepare “I think this game is about on the field flops trying to draw As I said before, not only is our for yet another game today with- us getting mentally tougher a penalty,” you say to your friend, area thriving with soccer activity, out one of their key players. and physically tougher,” Mittie who scoffs at your response. it is overflowing with talent ­— tal- Junior guard Eboni Mangum said. “For us to have success we Athletic officials ent just waiting to be put to use at said she has decided to sit out for have to be the aggressors in this the college level. the rest of the season after play- g am e .” at our university Athletic officials at our univer- ing 12 games with a torn ACL in Sophomore guard Helena should seriously sity should seriously consider tak- her right knee. Sverrisdottir said the team has ing the appropriate measures to “I’m just rehabbing right been preparing for SDSU’s quick consider taking bring back a men’s soccer team. now,” Mangum said. “The recov- guards and intense defensive the appropriate Funding was apparently the ery just didn’t go like it usually pressure, much like that from problem when the last men’s soc- does. I’m still in pain.” Texas A&M University. measures to bring cer team at TCU was forced to fold Jeff Mittie, the women’s head She said SDSU is one of the back a men’s after the 2002 season, but now that basketball coach, said Mangum best teams in the Mountain West our school is firmly entrenched in was the team’s best defender Conference, and the Lady Frogs soccer team. the Mountain West Conference I and a competitive player when are hoping for a win after two believe an attempt should be made it came to getting to the rim, home losses this season. Despite some beliefs concern- to resurrect the team. There is far even with her injury. “Maybe we’re losing, but we ing the sport, there is little doubt too much untapped local soccer “Very few people have the feel like we’re not playing as that it is in fact the most popu- talent near TCU for officials not to toughness to fight through and good as we can,” Sverrisdottir lar sport in the world, and it will consider getting a team started up play,” Mittie said. “Very few peo- said. reach the level of popularity it de- once again. ple have the structure in the leg And as far as filling in for serves in the United States in the Only four of the nine schools in and the strength to allow you to Mangum, Sverrisdottir said the near future. The billions of other the Mountain West have a men’s even try it.” team has to “find other ways to people that enjoy the sport can’t soccer team. It’s time to add a fifth. Junior guard TK LaFleur find the spark in the defense.” Chance Welch / Features Editor be wrong, can they? The likeliness of this happening also commended Mangum’s Mangum said she will have Junior guard Eboni Mangum plays defense during a 62 to 46 loss to BYU. Mangum North Texas is a hotbed for anytime soon is undoubtedly low. will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL in her right knee. strengths. surgery for her torn ACL on Feb. soccer activity. Youth leagues, But I’m begging you, university “She would hustle, grab some 6, and will then go through a six- the court, Mangum said you can club teams, high school squads officials, just give it a try — I loose balls and get tips,” LaFleur or seven-month rehab. Mittie count on her to be on the side- TCU vs. SDSU and teams at the college level are promise you’ll like it. said. “Her defensive presence said he hopes Mangum will be line with support. numerous. Some children, like Where: Daniel-Meyer Coliseum made a huge impact on us.” ready to play again by late sum- “I gotta support my girls,” she me, spend the entirety of their Sports editor Michael Carroll When: 6:30 p.m. tonight Mittie said the team has been mer or early fall. said. “I’m like the biggest cheer- youths playing and loving the is a senior news-editorial slacking in Mangum’s strong ar- And though she won’t be on leader there is.” sport of soccer. journalism major from Coppell.