January 21, 2013 Volume 50 Issue 1 ateline owntown D“Student Run Since Volume One” Provost Chapman Steps Down Amidst Rumors of Controversy Tianna Thomas universities in the past few years, with rumors of a Copy Editor staunch “anti-faculty” demeanor running rampant years past his departure at West Texas A&M University On January 15, 2013, UHD President William Flores and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. announced that Dr. Brian Chapman has “stepped Provost Chapman resigned from his position as down” from his duties as Provost and Senior Vice Provost and Vice Chancellor at University of North President for Academic Affairs. Chapman’s tenure Carolina Wilmington in 2009 after less than a year­ had been rocky, with reservations from some faculty long tenure. The UNCW resignation came on the heels members about his temperament and the direction in of uproar over the Provost censoring an art exhibit, the which he wanted to steer the university’s curriculum Century Project, on the basis that he felt it to be changes. This is not Provost Chapman’s first brush with Provost Chapman shakes hands with a graduating student controversy; he has made waves at multiple (yourhoustonnews.com) (continued on page 2) Smoke Alarm Alerts Students Texas Core Curriculum Changes: of Bigger Issue at Hand Is This the End of English?

Curran Kelly the hallways. Gates came down over the Angelica Leicht be implemented in the fall 2014. News Editor offices on the third floor of the main build- Editor The revisions stipulated by the state ing and doors began to close. The Public are set to meet a variety of core ob­ Monday January 14, 2013 signaled the Address system began to sound, mutter­ The Texas Higher Education Coordi­ jectives that include critical thinking start of Welcome Week, UHD’s first week ing directions in Spanish that seemed un­ nating Board has mandated that the skills, communication, and team back from winter break. The corridors intelligible. core curriculum for colleges across buzzed with excitement as free handouts “What’s going on?” asked one student. No the state be revised to meet a new were given to students passing by tables one seemed to have the answers. set of guidelines, with the changes to (continued on page 9) crammed against the walls. Friends greet­ Some students were told to quickly evacu­ ed one another, and chatted about class­ ate, as an unknown danger es. Despite what seemed to be a smooth start to a new semester, the early after­ noon found its way into a mix of chaos and confusion. (continued on page 5) Around 11:15 am lights began flashing in UHD Graduation Rate Sinks as Enrollment Grows

tion rate of 29%, our uni­ versity is trailing with only The Return of the Food Trucks 11.8% of students gradu­ ating in a six-year time frame. We are graduating students at one-third of fortune cookie. While there, you the pace of other universi­ Joseph Williams can also enjoy beholding the Chinese ties. This is down from the StafStaff f Writer trinkets up for display, including a below average 15.4% in re­ Chinese Lucky Cat. Get on his good cent years. Prepare yourselves: food trucks are side and maybe you will have some It seems that the transfer here to stay at UHD. After a trial run good luck this semester! graduation rate has de­ in the late months of last week, 7 Happy Endings serves 100% beef hot clined as well. According difdifferent ferent eateries will be rotating on dogs with a Japanese twist. Unique Angelica Leicht dents attending the Univer­ to the UHD Progress Card camcampuspus throughout the spring se- toppings like kimchi, seaweed, teri- Editor sity of Houston-Downtown, for the 2011-2012 school mestmester.er. yaki, and katsu sauce make these our graduation rate is drop­ year, the The Rice BoBoxx provides traditional Chi- hot dogs worth a try. If UHD graduation rates are ping, and the numbers are nese takeout dishes. You can enjoy not following the trends of staggering. chickchickenen cooked several ways, served our “record” enrollment. With our peer universities (continued on page 4) with rice and vegetables, in addition (continued on page 8) Despite the increase in stu­ seeing a six-year gradua- ttoo a complementary egg roll and

editor.dateline@gmail. com 713.221.8192 @dateline:downtown twit to: _dateline In This Issue: SGA Constitution Change UHD Grads/Superheroes STP Still Confusing Critics Windows Cafe Opens Editorial January 21, 2013 Page 2 University Should Focus on Retention Editorial Staff Angelica Leicht It’s not enough to attract students. Once they’re here, there Editor needs to be a reason to stay. I can’t give you those reasons; Angelica Leicht they are way beyond my knowledge base. But whatever those Editor As you glanced across the factors are - they’re missing. 713-221-8192 front page of this issue of Students should not be so dissatisfied with a university that the Dateline, you may have they leave in droves. We lose HALF of our students. That num­ [email protected] overlooked the small blurb ber is so below other institutions that it has to signify an issue. on the sinking graduation Be it the inability to park or the lack of school pride, or the Tianna Thomas rate at UHD. general feeling of apathy amongst those employed by the uni­ Copy Editor If you happen to be one of versity, something is driving students away. 713-221-8275 the article-skipping offend­ It is great that our enrollment numbers are growing…but it ers, I don’t blame you. Sto­ seems to simply be offsetting the students that are getting assistanteditor.dateline@ ries full of statistics can look lost in the wind. gmail.com boring and tedious, and they are often misleading. This one’s not. Curran Kelly I am not writing about this to promote my article (although you News Editor should read it; it’s not that boring). I am addressing the topic because it is a topic that has been skirted for far too long. newseditor.dateline@gmail. Aside from the growing enrollment, our numbers are terrible. com We graduate students at an abhorrent rate, we can’t keep freshman around (even if they enroll a semester to raise our Business Offi ce enrollment numbers), and people are transferring out, not in. It needs to change. We all know that UHD can be a fir st choice institution if the Daniel Almanza stars (and administration) align right. There are marketing Business Manager gurus and campaigns at work to create key combination to [email protected] attract high school seniors, and if the numbers are telling, the 713-221-8569 strategies are working. What’s not working is the strategy (or lack thereof) put in Advisor place to retain students.

Anthony Chiaviello [email protected] India Protests Intensify as More Victims Come Forward 713.221.8520 Tianna Thomas on charges of negligence after it was reported that she Copy Editor and other teachers at the school saw the man loitering Letter Policy and did not take appropriate measure to remove the Dateline: Downtown welcomes The women’s rights demonstrations reached a fever man from the premises or alert local authorities. letters to the editor from any pitch recently after the rape of a seven year old girl in the The case emerges merely a month after the brutal gang member of the UH system. Indian state of Goa. Demonstrators are lobbying swift rape of a 23 year old medical student on a bus in New Letters should be no more than justice for the victims, as well as reform in the penal Delhi. The victim later died of wounds sustained from 250 words, include the author’s code for rape prosecution. the attack, including significant brain damage and lung full name, phone number or The seven year old was sexually assaulted in the and abdominal infections. After public outcry of police email address, and affiliation bathroom of her school in Vasco, one of the largest cities inactivity, six men were later arrested and charged for with the University, including in Goa. The assault was discovered when the victim murder. classification and major. began to complain of pain and was given a medical More recently, a teenager who was raped during the Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to examination shortly after. Hindu festival of Diwali committed suicide. A formal Room S-260, email them to There is only one suspect in the case thus far, and case was not registered with police until 14 days after [email protected], or Goa police have officially released a sketch of the the incident. fax them to (713) 221-8119. accused. Eyewitnesses are reported to have seen the Protesters took to the streets of Goa and New Delhi, Letters to the editor may be man loitering on the school premises shortly before the edited for space. They will be incident occurred. edited for spelling, grammar (continued on page 4) The school’s headmistress is currently in police custody and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be (Provost continued) President Flores addressed the Provost issue, but no direct signed. All submissions become reason was given for the change of administration. property of Dateline:Downtown President Flores also expressed his intention to have and may not be returned. “pornographic”. 18,000 students enrolled at UHD. This fall, UHD increased The UNCW Faculty Senate passed a motion admonishing enrollment by 8% over the previous year, enrolling nearly Dateline:Downtown is the the administration for not consulting with the Women’s 14,000 students, which shows record enrollment at a time official student-produced Resource Center, Faculty Senate Steering Committee and when other universities are seeing a stagnation in enrollment newspaper of The University of other interested parties before requesting the censorship of numbers. Houston Downtown. Editorials, a large part of the Century Project, an exhibition that features However according to the National Center for Educational cartoons, columns and letters nude women and girls while giving information on their life Statistics, UHD’S 6 year graduation is at a dangerously low are the opinions of individual stories. Hundreds of letters were also sent to the university 11%. This is not only the lowest in the state of Texas, but the students and do not necessarily calling for Chapman’s resignation over the censorship issues. lowest of any university of its size. President Flores has vowed reflect the opinions of other An interim Provost has been named from the UH system. to work at improving UHD’s abysmal retention and graduation individual student writers, Ed Hugetz will be acting as Interim Provost beginning this rates. editors, advisors the University semester. There is currently no word on how the recent administrative of Houston-Downtown, its At the Faculty Senate meeting on January 15, 2013, changes will affect the student body. administration or students. Sports January 21, 2013 Page 3 Texans Lose to the Patriots, Devastating Houston Fans hearts of Houstonians all over, most of which was lost as the Patriots danced about in taunting celebration. As the game progressed, the cursing of Texans’ fans became louder as we held back tears, screaming advice at our televisions while praying to the god of the pig skin ball that somehow, some way, it would all be okay. “Nobody was set,” said linebacker Bradie James, as evidenced by the fumbling of the Texans as Patriots sprinted up to the line of scrimmage with ease, all while scoring drives averaging less than four minutes each. The Texans, described as “a good team still far from being great”, were never predicted to win this game. Ev­ ery question of “Do you think they’ll win?” was followed Arian Foster waiting for the media in the locker room by, “No, not a chance”, while quickly qualified by “But (photo by David J. Phillip) Roc Carmichael cleans out his locker at Reliant Stadium maybe they will!” out of loyalty and fear of jinxing our (photo by Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle) Curran Kelly home team. News Editor Ending with a score of 28-41, the Texans played hard in the last 1:15 minutes of the game in hopes of redeem­ Sunday afternoon, January 13, 2013 was a cold, gray ing themselves. During that crucial minute they man- day in a number of ways. At 3:30 pm the city of Houston aged to score ten points. Hearts broke, and great fans fell silent as we all sat down to our tables full of Cheetos, were lost. beer, chips and queso to eagerly await our boys in white “There’s no good landing in this business unless as they faced off against the Patriots, a team that is now you’re playing a few weeks from now. Other than that, more hated by Houstonians than even the Cowboys (or the landing’s a crash”, said Texans’ head coach, Gary as some of us affectionately refer to them: the Cowgirls). Kubiak. With each new play, The Patriots gained more momen- Even through the crash landing, the team gracefully tum, and screams across the city of Houston rang loud accepted their loss and thanked fans, while rallying be- and true; “Are you SERIOUS?” “Aw, NO!” “He’s not even hind QB Matt Schaub. There is always a light out on the on the right side!”. horizon with the coming of a new season. With the promise of a straight path to the super bowl, “Just wait ‘till next year” – J.J. (S)Watt. Fan routing for the Houston Texans at the game against this game held higher stakes than money. It held the New England (google.com) Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal A Race for Forgiveness Curran Kelly Blood doping, Corticosteroids, and Testosterone, as He now awaits quietly awaits his fate, leaving many News Editor released in a report by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. wondering if the once successful athlete will be able In an interview taped on the Oprah Winfrey to win back the support of the public in light of the We know his story well. Once a heroic Amer- show, sources have reported to news outlets that scandal. ican athlete, native Texan Lance Armstrong was the Armstrong has finally admitted to his steroid use and ideal role model for all young competitors, despite is seeking forgiveness from the public. Due to air their sport of choice. He was the good guy of sports; Thursday, January 17, 2013, Armstrong responded known for his strong core values and family friendly to the reports only by cryptic text message, stating exterior, he was a favorite of the young and old alike. that he “[...] left it all on the table with her, and when He now stands in the shadow of controversy, finally it airs the people can decide.” admitting to the long suspected use of steroids to en- It is believed Lance had a team dedicated entirely hance his athletic capabilities. the concealment of his doping. When taking drug tests (24 in total), all turned up negative for sub­ stance abuse. Broken and defeated, Lance has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, and has been banned from all competitions. Armstrong is expected to not only admit his steroid abuse, but to release information about those who helped him conceal it, which may allow him to enter Lance Armstrong addresses the media (CBS news) back into competition sooner. By age eighteen, Armstrong was a national triathlon champion, rocketing to fame after many triumphant wins. Just a short time later, with international fame at his finger tips, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with In October of 2012 the U.S. Ant-Doping stage three testicular cancer at the age of 25. The Agency accused Armstrong and his team of using il- disease quickly spread to his brain and lungs. legal substances to enhance their performance; seri- He fought hard; by undergoing extensive treatment, ous allegations for such a well-known athlete. As the a mere four months later Lance was cancer-free and face of many endorsements, Lance stood to lose not raising money for awareness and research through only financial gain, but credibility as well. Questioned his Livestrong foundation to assist others in fighting repeatedly, Lance denied the use of performance en- the disease that almost took his life. With such an hancing drugs time and time again. inspirational story, it seemed Armstrong could do no Armstrong is currently accused of using wrong. Lance Armstrong in brighter days (fitnews.com ) Headlines January 21, 2013 Page 4 UHD Graduates Play Superheroes to Protect the Dream Jacqueline Reyes had the chance. I figured that through Staff Writer Protectors of the Dream I would have a good chance to start getting involved,” It is every new graduate’s dream, he said. “[This] is an organization that finding a job in their field of study and has the potential to help those with a being the favored one out of the other similar background to mine. Protectors individuals being interviewed. Matthew of the Dream motivates the youth of Ojeda was able to nail his interview for immigrant families and communities to an entry-level position at a biotechnology pursue their dreams, higher education, industry lab shortly after graduating and help members of their communities magna cum laude last May from UHD progress and lead better lives.” with a degree in Bachelors of Science in He, along with a few other individuals, Microbiology with minors in Chemistry were able to recruit volunteers to start and Biology. building up the Protectors of the Dream Although Ojeda was the most qualified organization. Ojeda was able to recruit candidate, he lacked something crucial a friend, also a graduate of UHD, and is to take the job he was offered: a social now one of the main volunteers. security number. “Matthew told me about it, (and He emigrated from Peru at 12 years of explained that) it was an organization age to the United States. Since then, he that would help dreamers, not just with was not able to change his legal status, deferred action but in many other ways as and therefore was unable work legally in well. I was also one of the grant winners the States. As much as the employers so that motivated me even more to help sought Ojeda out to work for them, a out,” said Victor Martinez, graduating job could not be offered because of he magna cum laude in May 2011 with lacked proper work authorization. a 3.73 GPA with a Bachelor of Science However, thanks to the Deferred Action degree in Computer Science and named for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) granted by ‘outstanding senior’. the Obama Administration on June 15, With the direction of some the 2012 to young immigrants (better yet founders, the Protectors of the Dream known as Dreamers), Ojeda will now be volunteer team has been successful able to work. in giving presentations on financial aid Since the passing of the DACA act, to Dreamers, as well as presentations Ojeda has become much more involved on the college application process, and with the community, and was one of also informing other Dreamers about the the founding volunteers for a non-profit grant. UHD Graduates Matthew Ojeda and Victor Martinez, Protectors of the Dream (photos by Jacqueline organization called “Protectors of the Ojeda also stated that they are looking Reyes) Dream”. to lead an effective campaign for the T h i s passage of fair organization, comprehensive dent satisfaction according to U.S. founded by immigration (UHD Graduation Rates continued) News, is at 59.5%. Schools such as business reform, and the Alvin Community College and InterCon­ leaders, DREAM Act. transfer graduation rate has dropped tinental University are seeing numbers lawyers, and “I see us from -3.45% to -5.60%. in the high 60% range. Large state activists in being state Despite having extremely universities like the University of Texas the Houston and nationally low tuition for a four-year institution, and smaller private institutions such as community recognized,” nearly 48% of students transfer from Rice have numbers in the 90th percen­ following the said Martinez. UHD to other universities according to tile. Ours is well below most. passing of “Shaking the American School Search. We lose As the final state university DACA, aims to Obama’s nearly half of our students to other uni­ in Texas to abolish open admissions, help Dreamers hand,” added versities. Low tuition is not keeping these numbers indicate a need for ac­ by providing Ojeda. students at UHD. tion from both administration and stu­ funding for the At the The average freshman reten­ dents. $465 filing moment, Ojeda tion rate, which is an indicator of stu­ fee for DACA. is currently Protectors of looking into a the Dream better paying grants awards in the amount of $465 job. His ultimate goal is to attend medical (India Rapes continued) to those eligible once they apply via an school and become a physician. application. Martinez is planning to earn his donning clay and scales to emulate the scales of justice, while others The Protectors of the Dream have Master’s in Software Engineer with tied gags across their mouths or held posters. Many social groups have already awarded two rounds of grants, Business Applications and open his own called for swift justice and reform in the laws for rape prosecution. each round awarding grants to 20 company in programming and video The parents of the seven year old rape victim claim that the school Dreamers. game development. attempted to cover up the incident. The girl’s mother said that the school Ojeda learned about this organization Protectors of the Dream is now teachers gave the child a bath and cleaned the toilet where the assault through a presentation given at Houston accepting applications for the third took place. This is a highly inhibitive practice in rape cases, as it destroys Baptist University. He not only saw round of grants. Only those eligible for vital evidence such as DNA. The school officials also attempted to destroy opportunity for himself, but also the DACA are able to apply for the grant and opportunity to make a difference in the must complete the application, which the victim’s clothing. immigrant community. can be downloaded from the website Authorities are still investigating the case. The victim was lauded for “I have wanted to become more protectorsofthedream.org. her courage and bravery throughout the incident, and was reported to be involved in the DREAM Act/Immigration For further inquiries please email info@ attempting to return to normalcy. Reform Movement [for a while] but hadn’t protectorsofthedream.org. Headlines January 21, 2013 Page 5 UHD’s SGA Constitution Changes Bring Joy and Apprehension

Jacqueline Reyes litical science major, signed it just three Staff Writer days after its approval. As stated in the old constitution, dated For six years, the UHD SGA constitution in 2006, “a 2/3 affirmative vote in the and bylaws remained untouched. How­ Senate is necessary,” and if approved ever, in November of 2012, the SGA by the Senate, there needs to be at student leaders deemed it necessary to least “a fifty-one percent affirmative make major modifications to the docu­ vote of those members of the student ment. government.” The old constitution stated that all four However, not all SGA student leaders positions, President, Vice President, agree with this change. LaTrina Carter, Secretary and Treasurer, were to run a business major, who was SGA’s Chief individually for election. Now, the Presi­ of Staff last semester and currently dent and Vice President will run on a serves as a Representative this semes­ single ticket, and after election will ap­ ter, stated her stance on the new elec­ point a Secretary and Treasurer. tion codes and her opinion on the high President Sanchez stated that the rea­ semester. the constitution itself went from four to levels of internal discord in the past. son for this key change is that in the “There were changes all over, for ex­ seven pages and the bylaws itself went Carter explained to that she under­ past, candidates with varying political ample the impeachment clause was from 24 to 35 pages. Aside from the re­ stands the president and vice president viewpoints were paired together as a changed, there are more checks and visions throughout the document, a to­ running on a single ticket, but she does result of the elections, resulting in resig­ balances between all the three branch­ tal of 14 additional pages were written not agree with the appointment of the nations, impeachments, and abandon­ es [legislation, executive, and judicial] by a handful of student leaders that in­ treasurer and secretary. She believes it ment of office. and all the committees were revised to cluded Ivan Sanchez, Andro Charbine, can easily become “very biased and too Under article four of the new constitu­ make them more efficient,” said stu­ Isaac Valdez, John Locke and Emman­ personal,” and that students should be tion, “the Executive Council,” section dent body President Sanchez. uel Castillo. the ones to vote for the secretary and five states that the President and Vice “Some of the biggest changes were SGA student leaders must comply with treasurer, since the new constitution President must be elected by majority in the election codes,” said Sanchez. the current constitution and bylaws un­ takes away the opportunity for them to vote as a running ticket. He went on to explain that there were til all proposed amendments and revi­ select the president and vice president Section seven, under the same article gray areas in the old constitution which sions have passed the existing stipula­ individually. states that the President and Vice leaves some leeway for unfair practices tions. president must appoint the Secretary, in elections. SGA student leaders were so ecstatic Treasurer, and an optional Chief of The revised constitution and bylaws about the adoption of the new constitu­ (continued on page 11) Staff before the start of the upcoming combined went from 28 to 42 pages, tion that President, Ivan Sanchez, a po-

danger. (Fire Alarm continued) Students were not alerted to the Advertise with cause of the alarm, nor were other floors aware of the trigger- the Dateline. threatened their wellbeing, but ing of the alarm. In the event very few followed the orders. of a true emergency, students Weʼll Let You Lining up near the elevators should be alerted immediately. rather than going outside, they In the event of a false alarm, stu­ Pick Three. waited the “threat” out, while dents should be given answers others remained in class, blind as to the cause of the alarm. editor.date- to what went on below them. With a search of the UHD’s web­ [email protected] What started out as a normal site, there was not a fire evacu- Monday quickly revealed UHD’s ation plan easily accessible to emergency planning weak­ the public. Texas State Code nesses. requires “All facilities, except When the Dateline staff in­ small, one-story facilities, must quired about the cause for post an emergency evacuation the alarm, we were informed floor plan”. by UHD police that the alarm Without a known fire plan in was not cause for an evacua­ case of emergency, what will tion, and students simply mis­ happen when the smoke detec­ understood, as it was a smoke tor goes off in event of a real detector that sounded. When fire? Will UHD notify us then? pressing further, we were told to call the city in order to find out why the alarm went off in the first place. In the event of an alarm sound­ ing, it presumably sounds to alert students of the possible danger in the building. If Mon­ day’s event was not an evacu­ ation, it leaves questions as to why. When an alarm sounds, the school should be evacuat­ ed. There is no time for pause; an alarm signals an immediate Arts & Entertainment January 21, 2013 Page 6 Longboarding on the Texas Long Haul Skateboarding’s Fearless Riders Trek from Austin to Houston for a Cause

Curran Kelly is an intense sport involving that pushes athletes to Staff Writer speeds that can reach as high as sixty miles per hour. In an interview the Texas Long Haul, creater Michael After fading in popularity in the 80’s (in part due to Kosmoski says, “I want the Texas Long Haul to help get skateboarders receiving a bad reputation), a group the skate scene noticed, and on the map. I want people of skaters are now fighting to resurrect with an event to see that just because we skate does not mean we are known as the “Texas Long Haul”, a three day event that bad people. It’s a sport that we participate in because challenges skateboarders to a longboard trek from we love it, and we put our bodies through mental and Austin to Houston that encompasses a total of 165 physical hell to show it.” miles. What began as a method for surfers to practice their When asked what inspired him to create it, Kosmoski skills when tides were too low birthed a sport known says, “I wanted to do something no one in Texas has as longboarding that revolutionized the history of done before: skate from Carve Skate Shop in Austin, skateboarding. Longboarding, similar to skateboarding, to Southside Skateshop in Sugarland--a 165 mile trip across the hill country and flatlands of our great state.” This year will be the second year for the event, and will welcome about twenty riders and twelve sponsors. Participants will begin “at the crack of dawn”, and skate around sixty miles a day. “We have a follow car that meets us every few miles for stretch breaks and water breaks. Last year we had only our younger members have issues, so they rode in the car for a while”, said Kosmoski. Requirements are that participants must be at least chance to go live and be happy.” Kosmoski says. “I’m age eighteen or older, with trials to be held for any proud that I made it. As of right now with the millions of younger participants wishing to take part. people living in this state, I know that I am one of eleven While the initial goal is to reach Houston from Austin, people who have skated halfway across the state.” there is another force driving the event. With high aspirations, Michael hopes the Long Haul “All profits, if any made after skate expenses, go will “become a truly annual event, and [to] one day to MD Anderson Cancer Center downtown. I chose expand it to possibly across the entire state, or further.” this organization because they are the reason I am Anyone wishing to participate in or donate to the still standing here today, doing what I love to do. As a Texas Long Haul can visit their facebook page, “Texas child, I had what is known in short as a JNA tumor in Long Haul 2013”, or contact Michael Kosmoski at my sinuses and was getting close to a lethal size. They [email protected]. found it, and with the help of the world’s best doctor for such a specialty and rare tumor, they gave me another Hollywood May Have Overstepped Boudaries with Zero Dark Thirty Nicole Theodore might become a catalyst for hatred The Miami Student via UWire and further violence involving racism on both the American side and the As I sat in the dark, crowded the­ Middle East. ater watching the new film Zero Dark My thoughts raced as I remem­ Thirty play before me this past Fri­ bered how the Middle East reacted day, I felt uneasy and unsure about to the anti-Islam film in September. something. The controversial film Zero Dark Thirty could upset the depicts the “true” story of how the in­ Middle East with its graphic scenes famous Osama Bin Laden was found of their men and women being killed and killed by American forces back by U.S. soldiers. We are often so in May of 2011. As my fellow mov­ quick to buy into the hype of movies iegoers cheered when the screen that are “based on a true story” that showed U.S. forces raiding the com­ we don’t often question the conse­ pound at which Osama Bin Laden quences of their wide spread popu­ was hiding, I could not help but think larity unless it directly affects us. to myself, is this actually benefiting To Americans, seeing people being our country? view of what life is like in Pakistan rather just accept this view even murdered or killed is quite the norm The scenes of the CIA water-board­ and Afghanistan when U.S. forces though it may not be accurate. Origi­ in Hollywood movies, but to more ing prisoners were hard enough to and the CIA were present. Most peo­ nal phone calls from the Sept. 11 conservative countries this may not watch, but what was harder to watch ple sat there complacent, accepting attacks were played, and a wave of was the way the movie was filmed this view face value. Many people, sadness and unrest hit me and the including myself, do not know what rest of the room suddenly. This is and told. It was filmed documentary (continued on page 9) style, showing the director’s point of life is really like there. Some would when I realized that Zero Dark Thirty Arts & Entertainment January 21, 2013 Page 7 Stone Temple Pilots Reunion Still Selling Out Venues; Critics Cautiously Optomistic

and start play­ his own bus with an assistant. But DeLeo explains that ing some songs the behavior isn’t anything out of the ordinary. we’re used to “That’s the way we operate; it’s nothing really new. and that kind of It’s just the way we prefer to do things,” DeLeo said. brings you back “We’ve been elbow-to-elbow, shoulder-to-shoulder for because there’s many, many years. I think we’re all entitled to that and a long-enough you know that’s everybody’s preference to do that and history there if that’s what makes it work and keeps it together then now.” so be it, man.” While the new To this day, the band’s fate still seems tied to Wei­ album is cer­ land’s tumultuous battle with addiction. Earlier this tainly a step up year Weiland — appearing lost — prompted the rest of from STP’s more the band to leave in the middle of their set after slur­ recent efforts, ring and forgetting lyrics to their 1992 hit “Dead and it does little to Bloated.” catapult the In a recent cover story published by Spin Magazine, Weiland performing with STP band back to su­ DeLeo was quoted suggesting that, while Weiland had perstar status. kicked heroin years ago, he suspected him of resorting Clocking in at 40 to prescription pills as a substitute. minutes, the end result is rife with over-polished medi­ Cynics might have scoffed at the mere mention of a ocrity and sounds more like a diluted, half-baked cash- STP reunion, but even after almost two decades the grab than a sincere comeback album. band retains a large following, playing sold-out arenas Perhaps it’s the band’s lack of cohesion that ac­ across the country. While they might never be ushered counts for the album’s shortcomings. into the pantheon of rock ’n’ roll, they’re a band who Weiland, who wrote the lyrics and recorded the vocals had greatness within arm’s reach and — in the end separately, seems utterly detached and exhausted as — stuck together, despite their frayed relationships. he sings, “You always were my favorite drug / Even That’s much more than many of their grunge counter­ Stone Temple Pilots band members (above) The infamous Scott Weiland (below) when we used to take drugs.” parts could attest to. Even on the road Weiland operates solo, touring on

Raghav Mehta Minnesota Daily via UWire

Ever since their chart-topping debut “Core,” Stone Temple Pilots have born the brunt of an avalanche of criticism. But despite being dismissed by critics as blatant mimics of their grunge peers, STP was met with unprecedented amounts of commercial success early on in their career. The sound was still mean and massive, but what set STP apart was their boisterous demeanor. They lacked all the dull theatrics of Pearl Jam, the angsty brilliance of Kurt Cobain and the her- oin-fueled murk of Alice in Chains. Even if their music was never as consistent qualitatively, STP never suc­ cumbed to outright imitation. It had its own voice — it was like grunge for the alpha-male except, you know, good. But mid-way through the ’90s, front man Scott Wei­ land’s devastating and well-publicized spiral into hero­ in addiction derailed the band’s commercial success and acted as a catalyst for an endless string of near- break-ups until eventually leading to the group’s offi - cial dissolution in 2003. The members veered off, toiling in their own respec­ tive projects that included Weiland’s short-lived role in the not-so-super supergroup Velvet Revolver. But by 2008 the band announced a reunion and set their emotional baggage aside to record a new self-titled al­ bum that was released in May 2012. “What brought us back together was actually going out and doing other things,” bassist Robert DeLeo said. “I think it was just getting reacquainted with each other and the best way to do that was to get in a room

Advertise with the Dateline [email protected] College Life January 21, 2014 Page 8 Why So Serious, Sore Throat? This time of year is More serious symptoms (Food Trucks continued) when the common cold should be seen by a health viruses, influenza virus, care provider such as you’re fortunate enough to visit during their whimsical and bacterial infections enlarged glands in the jaw holidays such as national tempura day, you can get a can cause symptoms or neck, fever, chills, or free specialty hot dog. Mark your calendars! of fever, chills, malaise, inability to swallow. A health Kurbside Eatz is a fusion restaurant that sells burg­ runny nose, and a sore care provider can perform ers, fries, eggrolls, and tacos with a combination of throat. The throat is a a test to check for the Asian and American southwestern influence. sensitive part of the body, presence of Streptococcus As you may imagine, the Waffle Bus specializes in with numerous nerve bacteria or Strep with a test making waffles. However, the folks at the Waffle Bus endings that help the known as a rapid Strep test. put an unfamiliar but delicious spins on a breakfast body to safely maintain If the rapid Strep test is favorite. If waffle cheeseburgers and waffle smores normal breathing and positive for Streptococcus, aren’t creative enough, how about waffle crème bru- swallowing activities. In this manner, secretions or then the provider will prescribe antibiotic treatment. lee or salmon on a waffle? Who says breakfast food food not meant to be in the respiratory system are The health care provider can also check for other has to be bland? kept out of the lungs. However, due to this sensitive disease that can cause sore throat and discuss Coreanos is a Mexican-Korean fusion. Tacos, burritos, nature, when the throat is irritated, it can produce treatment plans with the patient. and quesadillas with toppings like el scorch sauce, quite an uncomfortable sensation. If you have a sore throat, consider stopping by Korean slaw, caramelized kimchi, and Korean bar­ Since there are many irritants that can cause UHD Student Health Services in 320N to schedule an becue sauce sounds too appetizing to pass up. This sore throat, including viruses and bacteria, it is a appointment (or cal 713-221-8137) to have one our is not your run of the mill food truck. Coreanos was good idea to have a sore throat evaluated by a health Nurse Practitioners check your throat and suggest a recently named the #1 food truck in Austin and is rap­ care professional. A viral infection is normally self- treatment. idly gaining legions of devoted foodie fans. Why? As limited and is treated by symptom management such one customer put is “Kimchi fries. Enough said”. as lozenges, salt water gargles, or over the counter Dr. Robert Hanks, PhD, FNP-C, RNC Stick It serves up Southern food with a creative twist. topical anesthetics. Viral infections that cause sore Assistant Professor Fried chicken, beer-battered fish, marinated skirt throat cannot be treated with antibiotics as the UT Houston School of Nursing steak and funnel cake are sure to be a hit among Tex­ antibiotics are not effective against viruses. ans. There’s no better way to pay homage to the eats down south. Bernie’s Burger Bus currently holds the title of Best Academic Support UHD Burger by the Houston Press and My Table Magazine. That’s because they have been known to serve up the best Angus beef patties topped with a variety of fresh Center Offers Re­ Food Court Finds condiments. It’s a southern classic that never fails to impress. sources Few Know Of (itʼs not ALL gross...) The food truck schedule can be found at skyline.uhd. edu, as well as posted in the Student Activities Cen­ Wendy Williams There’s also a ter on the 2nd floor of the Main Building. Food trucks Staff Writer variety of learning tools will be parked outside the Shea Street building Mon­ available, and they range day through Thursday from 11 am to 2pm, so come Having difficulty with from videos and study get some! It’s never been easier to travel around the one of your classes, guides to your old trusty world in one bite. or just need someone textbooks. to help keep you on To enter, all you have to track? UHD has just the do is show your GatorCard (Zero Dark Thirty continued) assistance you need. to the front desk, and The Academic Support you’re good to go. You be the case. Center, located in N925, can work solo on one of Many Americans who will watch this movie will works in conjunction with the computers available possibly feel hatred towards those who attacked the English, Math, and or you can take advantage us as they listen to the frantic 911 calls from Mentoring Center and of the help available. the Writing and Reading If you opt to take those trapped in the towers on 9/11. I did; it was Center to offer resources advantage of the tutoring impossible not to. Is it actually healthy for our to students. available, you’re in country to essentially rehash what happened in The Academic Support good hands with the a graphic, documentary style movie? We should Center is a multifaceted peer tutors. They are always remember what happened and honor center where students in hired after a through a Wendy Williams the victims and families of 9/11 and those who need of a little push can screening and evaluation Staff Writer fought in the Iraq war, but Hollywood should be receive assistance from process to ensure that careful not to cross a fine line. Where I just felt faculty and peer tutors meet the requirements From sandwiches to salads, to sushi and fountain angry and sad during the movie, another normal on the subjects of math, for the job. drinks, the UHD food court, managed by a partner­ citizen may act upon their perpetuated hatred statistics, reading, or The director of the ship of Aramark and UHD, offers full service dining for writing. center is Dr. Isidro Grau breakfast, lunch, and dinner. and take it out on innocent people, as events and the With such a diverse student body, the UHD food have shown quite recently in the United States. academic court strives to appeal to every individual by allowing Hollywood is not the reason violence occurs, but support feedback on their website, sent directly to Food Ser­ we cannot deny it may be a catalyst. When some­ coordination vice Director, Chris Conti. thing as delicate as the relationship, or lack of, is Diana In a survey set out last semester, students and between Americans and people of the Middle Lorenzana. faculty listed the food court as their first choice for East is depicted in Hollywood, there is of course Check out places to eat simply due to convenience, while others going to be discussion on either side or possibly the website focused more on prices and service, stating the costs violence. for hours of were too high. I have consistently heard those around me call operation at For more information on the food court visit cam­ uhd.edu/asc. pusdish.com people who may look or act like they (continued on page 9) College Life January 21, 2013 Page 9

Semester Tips for Lazy Students Vanessa Ramirez and you may Entertainment Editor be unable to (Core Curriculum contin- With no specific English or catch up. If ued) Composition requirement, Welcome back Gators! The new you get an there are questions about semester is a fresh start. If your early start on work, as well as social the feasibility of students GPA is currently lackluster, there projects and and personal responsibil- gaining the basic skills nec­ are a few tips to help you achieve papers, you ity rather than a set core essary to take higher-level your goals this semester. may find that curriculum that consists of courses with writing inten­ For starters – Get an Early you have more specific courses. sive components. Start. Rushing around is a time to be The changes also reduce With the changes to take recipe for disaster, and you will social during the number of core hours effect in the fall of 2014, it not be alert enough to process the semester required, lowering the 46 remains to be seen what, if information when you make it to since the work hours required to a 42-hour any, pitfalls come with the class. A late start can also lead will be less requirement. removal of the current core to forgetting things like the report likely to pile Under the new require- curriculum. you stayed up to finish. You are up. ments, students are also also more likely to just skip the Don’t than lying about or stealing your no longer required to take class altogether, since late starts Leave Class Early or Skip Just work. Plagiarism in college is no 6 hours of writing-intensive seem to breed apathy for the “Because”. The information joke. Plagiarism can be grounds Composition. It its place, day. If you decide to show up, that your prof is giving you is for expulsion, and let’s face it, universities may opt to re­ your face will speak volumes and important; learning is the reason getting a D is better than losing quire 6 hours of “Communi­ your professor may take note. Try you enrolled in the first place. You your college career. cations” courses that meet instead to wake up at least two may miss more than the lecture, One of the most important the oral, aural, written, and hours before your class begins so too. Announcements about test tips is to Ask Questions. If you’re visual literacy skills that that you will be past the bleary- or project dates are often made in struggling, visit your professor “enable people to exchange eyed state and mentally alert class rather than on Blackboard, during office hours, ask questions messages to the appropri­ when class begins. Your notes will so you may find yourself without a in class (no matter how dumb ate subject, occasion, and thank you for it, as will your cram clue on what’s due when.. they may seem), and find a tutor. audience”. sessions. Professors have experience Classes and textbooks aren’t Several college profes­ It seems to be common sense, with every excuse in the book, cheap, so take advantage of what sors have spoken about but Don’t Procrastinate! so Don’t Lie to Your Professors. the university has to offer for your their discontent with the As a tip from some seasoned The dog eating your homework success. No one wants to be a new core curriculum re- college students, we would like or a sick uncle are poor reasons senior by years but sophomore by quirements, and many to tell you that procrastination for the lack of time you put in, hours! worry about the effect that in college is a much more so just do the work. Also, accept Gator pride! the new guidelines will have dangerous cliff than it was in high the letter grade difference if you on the advancement of stu­ school. The stress will compound, have to turn a paper in late rather dents. (Zero Dark Thirty continued) There is also a clear differ­ ence between a documentary, Student Loans: Avoid Making them Your are from the Middle East de­ and a movie filmed like it is rogatory names or worse, say a documentary. Though the Financial Crisis they are probably “terrorists”. filmmakers were in contact Zero Dark Thirty may possibly with the CIA, it doesn’t neces­ Troy M. Hawkins reinforce this racism, because sarily mean it is completely The Independent Collegian via UWire it is in fact racism. Some will accurate. Mike Morell, acting Student loans are near and dear to all our hearts. You like them a lot more than I do at this leave the movie feeling hope­ director of the CIA, released point, I promise. Making payments is not nearly as fun as receiving refunds. Refunds end up ful for the future and others a statement on the agency’s as new laptops or tablets, nights out with friends, and a spring break trip we never forget. Re­ will be leaving with more ha­ website stating that the “CIA payment means box wine at home instead of bar tabs, Netflix instead of cable, and stay-cation tred for the Middle East and Al interacted with the filmmakers instead of vacation. Qaeda than ever before. through our Office of Public Af­ The student loan debt tally is soaring higher and higher and seemingly has no end in sight. To fix the perception of aver­ fairs but, as is true with any en­ Colleges and universities have little incentive to truly control prices because there are so many age Americans from a Middle tertainment project with which people willing to finance enormous amounts of money to get a degree. East standpoint, and to fix the we interact, we do not control We have been socialized to believe and think that everyone should get a college degree. Stu­ perception of the Middle East the final product,” according to dent loans exist to make that real­ from an American standpoint a TIME Magazine article. ity. We thought the same about own­ since 9/11 may be impossible. Movies like Zero Dark Thirty ing a home and sub-prime lending However, movies, literature will not stop being produced, made that a possibility. The end and television can educate but what Americans can do is result was and still is a huge di­ both sides and stop reinforcing research and educate them­ saster. Borrowers could borrow far biases. Not every person from selves on such topics before­ more money than their home was the Middle East is in Al Qaeda hand to decrease discrimina­ worth with little correlation to their and agrees with terrorism, tion and realize what is true ability to repay. Financing a college which many Americans do not and what isn’t. As citizens, it is education is no different. understand. Imagine someone our responsibility what we do Federal student loans are not with this ideology being essen­ with the media that is present­ based on your ability to repay. You can borrow the same amount of tially armed with a Hollywood ed to us. By asking questions movie like Zero Dark Thirty; it and doing formative research is a recipe for further discrimi­ this may help eliminate bias­ (continued on page 11) nation and hatred. es and discrimination. College Life January 21, 2013 Page 10 UHD Resources for Mind and Body David Slaughter so many of the students here at UHD just really do not Staff Writer understand that so much help is so easily available if they ask for it from these experts.” The time has come for us to make good on your New Be Respectful and Be Productive Year’s resolutions! It is your library to spend time in. Whether you want As I spoke to my fellow students many relayed their to read quietly, escape the noise of the UHD hallways, resolutions. I was told that one wanted to make better or simply learn about new subject matter, it is your grades this year, another to stop procrastinating, and resource to benefit from, so treat it as such, and utilize several said they are striving to get in better physical it. It is important to spend the time you need in the shape. I was even told that one would like to train for library in advance of the due date of your assignment. next year’s marathon, to which I said, “No thanks!” The earlier you start and the more familiar you are No matter what your commitment is to turn over a with the tools in the library, the better your grade will new leaf in 2013, the good news is the facilities and be. The library is not a place for cell phone use (other resources are right at your fi ngertips, here at UHD. than texting, which is allowed) or loud socialization. The Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center - For Your Respect others and let the facility serve as a great Body! resource. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, the The UHD Athletic Facility is well prepared for will find space to ask the librarian a question, with UHD library offers one of the best resources for you to you to start those fitness resolutions. I recently visited a resolution to your inquiry by the following morning. maximize your education. the facility and found out so much about the amenities With more complex questions, you may choose to offered. Just a short walk from the main building, all schedule an in-person appointment. the tools for fi tness are at your disposal. The library home page offers a tool box and an FAQ The Department of Sports & Fitness was created to section. Built with a user-friendly interface, the site offer physical fitness and recreation opportunities that helps students decipher rules and procedures. Books enhance the UHD student’s collegiate experience. The can be checked out via the website with your UHD ID Tips to Make the Most of Your facility includes 30,000 square feet equipped with two for up to six weeks, while those intended for leisure Library Experience gymnasiums for basketball, volleyball and badminton, reading can be kept for three weeks, and DVDs for up along with a multipurpose studio, fitness center with to one week. state of the art weight equipment and cardiovascular Take Advantage of Library Staff’s Knowledge units. The center also includes a horseshoe pit, The motto for this section can be easily summarized > Familiarize yourself with the lockers, showers, and a personal training offi ce. with, “All you have to do is ask”. Asking a librarian library website So, just take that short walk over to the Center and for help is not interrupting them. As one library staff member relayed, “The librarians at UHD are all here get started on your New Year’s resolution. The Student > Get to know your librarians Life Center is there as your resource for success. to help you; it is what we do. When we are at the The UHD Library Feeds Your Mind information desk, our first priority is to answer your After three semesters here at UHD, I have finally questions. You are not interrupting us, I promise. All > Be respectful and productive found my way around the library, although it was quite you have to do is ask for help.” a learning process. Covering two floor s, the library When interviewing UHD students in the fall, several is a major part of the Academic building, making it words were used to describe the library staff, such easy to find yourself intimidated by the complexity, as highly educated, well trained, helpful, patient, and especially considering the vast amount of information good listeners. This to sift through. It is one of UHD’s most underutilized is the picture that resources, with study rooms that students can sign up should be drawn of “The Windows Cafe” Now Open! to use. There are also many unlocked rooms available UHD librarians. A UHD when study rooms are full. senior summarized So how does the typical UHD student decide how to this well by saying, “The Windows Café”, a UHD coffee bar, is library already provides, they now serve utilize the library? “The first three years now open for business! that caffeine jolt to keep your eyes open I could spend the rest of this article explaining the I was here I really did As stated previously, the UHD Library of­ on those long study jaunts. The Windows best operational way to dig down to the core of each not take advantage fers a place to escape, relax, and concen­ Café is operated by the UHD Food ser­ of the library’s resources, or the technical route to of the library or the trate . Now, in addition to the benefits the vices in a partnership with Java City and library staff like I dig into the heart of the database, but it makes more UHD, and recently opened its doors for could have, and I sense to instead, share some insight and tips about service on the fourth floor of the main the ways I’ve found to take advantage of the library’s regret that. Recently, building. Hours of operation are 9 am amenities. while completing a 20 As I visited with the library staff over the last few page research paper – 9 pm, Monday through Thursday, and months, I have not only realized that there are some last semester, being the menu includes a range of beverages tricks to taking advantage of the library’s resources, completely stumped, I from hot or iced espresso to blended but that the library staff themselves are perhaps finally asked for some non-coffee refreshments such as sugar- the greatest resource in the library. For a guide to help from one of the free, non-dairy smoothies, in four flavors. maximizing use of the library, read on. librarians. I did not In addition, they offer assorted pastries, The fir st step is simple: familiarize yourself with the just get help. I got fruit cups, soft drinks and cold sandwich­ library website, which can be accessed easily from assistance for over two es for those who develop an appetite. both your home and the university--it is there you hours. Honestly, I think

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(SGA Constitution continued) The Tech Files “That’s belittling the students. It’s like Warnings about Java’s Software for Web Users saying ‘We’re not smart enough to know who we would like to want us to represent us.’ Why would we want to take that worry away from them, so [the students] don’t have to not worry about it? But, yes [the students] do need to worry about it; this is the peo­ ple that are representing us. “ Carter thinks that the officers should use chance to work with those with op­ posing viewpoints as an opportunity to gain real-world experience. President Sanchez, however, main­ tains that the members of the ex­ ecutive branch need to be able to communicate effectively in order to accomplish more. He believes that students benefit more from the orga­ nization if the executive board is more Michael Avila efficient and cooperative. Tech Guru/Staff Writer (Student Loans continued) The new constitution can be viewed on orgsync.com under the UHD SGA orga­ A critical flaw in the Java software used in nization page. However, only represen­ many web browsers is causing industry watch­ tatives of UHD SGA are allowed to pres­ money for a degree that could land you a job mak­ ent amendments to the constitution. If dogs to warn users to abandon the use of Java, or ing $35,000 as you could for one that could allow you believe you are a student leader risk being hacked by cyber criminals. you to earn $75,000. and would like to become a represen­ The bug that has watchdog groups worried is a We should put the blame on the university for tative, please contact SGA at sga@uhd. nasty one; it allows cyber criminals the capability charging the same price for those two degrees be­ edu or 713.221.8551 or by visiting the of hacking into the user’s PC to infect it with mal­ cause they don’t have the same economic value. website at uhd.edu/sga. The SGA of­ ware via a Java applet when they visit an infected We all decide what we want to study and I’m not fice is located at N210 in the academic web site. suggesting that one is better or more important building. The bug isn’t a new discovery, however. In Au­ than the other; I mention that only because we gust a flaw was discovered in the software, which need to make smart financial decisions about our was reported by Security Explorations. Java was future. According to the university, the cost of attending exploited by hackers installing malware that U. Toledo with no grants or scholarships with living included the notorious Poison Ivy Trojan that was on campus is $23,108 per year. That is $93,432 used to target the p.c.’s of those unlucky enough for a four year degree. That is an enormous month­ to visit infected websites. Oracle quickly released ly payment to make after graduation, whether you a patch for the software, leading consumers to are working or not. And that debt isn’t like other believe Java was safe for use. debts you have or will incur later – you own it for­ However, shortly after the release of the patch, ever. Security Explorations discovered yet another criti­ It is almost impossible to discharge a student cal bug in the program that can allow attackers to loan in bankruptcy and the lenders don’t play by bypass restrictions and access the p.c.’s full hard the same rules as other creditors. They can gar­ nish your wages, take your tax refunds, take a por­ disk. tion of your social security or the social security of After many months of inaction and warning your cosigner, and the list goes on. from the Department of Homeland Security, The good news is that federal student loans have Oracle has finally released a fix to the new issue. far more options for help than their private coun­ Despite this patch, users have been told of a terparts, so please avoid private loans if at all pos­ better solution for the security vulnerability that sible. One of the biggest advantages is loan for­ comes with Java: disable the software from their giveness (not for private loans) if you work in public web browsers altogether. service. This option allows for graduates to take Although Java has released this patch as a jobs in the public sector that typically don’t pay as “fix” for the buggy software, it comes at a far too well as private sector jobs, and have the balance of their loans forgiven after meeting certain re­ late time, and there is little faith in the capability quirements. You can read all the details at http:// of the patch. If Java wants to maintain their hold www.finaid.org/loans/publicservice.phtml . on their consumer’s browsers, they had better As a bankruptcy attorney, the number of people find a solution to fix the problem, and perhaps I see with unmanageable student loan debt is borrow responsibly. Don’t borrow more than you this time they should do so at a quicker pace. staggering and frightening. In almost every case, have to. Work part time and use that money for they have borrowed far more money than they rent and spring break, not student loan money. could ever possibly repay given the field they have You have options; do some research before you chosen. I’m not talking just about artists, film, or sign any loan documents. Talk to someone in the liberal arts majors. I am talking about teachers, financial aid office. Talk with your parents or some- attorneys, accountants and even doctors and en­ one you trust that understands finance and money gineers. Even if they are lucky enough to get a job to help you understand what you are getting your­ with a high salary, the student loan payment is self into. Your education is the door to a bright and equally as high. And filing bankruptcy isn’t as easy successful futur as it used to be, so now they may not qualify even if student loans were dischargeable. Do yourself and your family a huge favor and The Back Page January 21, 2013 Page 12 Thatʼs Right, Nerds... A Gun Control Article and Some Super Heroes. Youʼre Welcome. Boston Free Press via UWire these measures being taken so late? Obamaʼs bill is hardly revolutionary. Gun control has been There appears to be progress on the gun con- an issue for years — it took the death of 20 kin- trol front. Amidst increasing amounts of mass dergartners for the federal government to take shootings across the nation, Congress is tiptoeing steps of action. around the Second Amendment, which guaran- The bill does address another looming Sandy tees American individuals the right to bear arms. Hook question: what do we do with our nationʼs Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama final - sick? Obama aims to make sure that students and ly issued a bill of 23 executive orders that aim to young adults get treatment for mental health is- keep guns out of the hands of criminals. “Reduc- sues. It should be noted that our current mental ing violent crime,” he said, “is a top priority of health system may be failing in this respect — of- my administration.” ten times, a county jail is purportedly a disturbed His plan of action? Obama first called for Con- individualʼs only mental asylum, and jail time can gress to require a universal background check for only be achieved by committing a crime. This as- anyone trying to buy a gun. Secondly, he asked pect of the bill is crucial — were Lanza provided that Congress restore a ban on military-style as- with appropriate care, he may not have acted as sault weapons, as well as a 10-round bullet limit he did. for magazines. (Such weapons, of course, are typically what allow for large-scale massacres, whereas the additional seconds that would be needed for bullet replenishment are vital.) These measures, of course, will not be easy to implement. In most instances, background checks are already required of individuals wishing to purchase firearms, and despite this, oversight er- rors and mass shootings, thusly, persist. Forty per- cent of all gun purchases are conducted without a background check. Moreover, acquiring a gun illegally may not be as hard as we like to imagine. When people want something, they will get it. Consider mari- juana. And consider how prior to last December, Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza was not a fel- on. He was autistic and unhappy, and used his motherʼs guns to kill her and twenty-six innocent others. Bad people will still get the gun. True, background checks, waiting peri- ods and bans on large weapons will aid the problem. But why are

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