k e Vandy Feminists remember Is Tennessee the best state for The Hustler remembers vin win te r TODAY’s Weather Roe v. Wade with several college basketball? Heath Ledger with a See ‘Good Call, Bad Call,’ page 6 / G special Verdict. etty events this week.
I mages See News, page 3 See Opinion, page 5 Sunny, 40/21 Extended forecast, page 2
THE VOICE OF VANDERBILT SINCE 1888 Wednesday, january 23, 2008 • 120TH YEAR, NO. 7
THE WALL election update compiled by sara gast Thompson withdrawal This week leaves question mark for Feminists on the Wall MLK honored in some GOP conservatives The Vanderbilt NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fred Thompson’s Feminists and Gender decision to drop out of the presidential Matters of the Margaret race fuels speculation about which of Cuninggim Women’s past, present connection the remaining Republican presidential Center are collaborating candidates will attract his supporters, on a week of Vanderbilt News Service reported. The issue has the most significance for empowering students states expected to draw high numbers with information of conservative voters in the upcoming about gender and presidential primaries, such as Tennessee, sex. Members of the according to political scientist professor Feminists will be on John Geer. “Some political observers had speculated the wall every day that Thompson might stay in the race through to create awareness the Feb. 5 primaries to help his longtime and empower the friend Sen. John McCain by siphoning campus through factual evangelical votes from Mike Huckabee,” Geer information. said. “If Thompson does not endorse any of his opponents, that could potentially open more doors for Huckabee, who apparently is Today having financial challenges as the campaign ‘Standing on My moves into its next phase.” Sister’s Shoulders’ Geer said Tennessee is back in play on the The Bishop Joseph Republican side now that Thompson has withdrawn. Johnson Black Cultural “We might see some of the candidates Center is sponsoring include stops in Tennessee on their campaign a viewing of the schedules, or, at the least, buy advertising documentary film time here.” featuring civil rights attorney and activist Constance Slaughter- Harvey at 11:30 a.m. She will speak following Bill Clinton the screening. Lunch will be served. STEVE GREEN / VU Media Relations Students remembered Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday with a candlelight vigil at Benton Chapel. A talk by BET correspondent and cultural critic Toure and a charms, Today performance by Voices of Praise preceded the vigil, a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series. ‘A Recipe for Equal Justice in Today’s Toure looks to Obama for future. chuckles with Society’ Constance Slaughter- by adam weinstein a real national figure who has continued that idea, speaking Harvey will give a Asst News Editor made such an impact on all on Sen. Barack Obama and the Nashville lecture entitled “A walks of life,” Shelby said. future. Recipe for Equal Justice Members of the campus The evening was punctuated by While Toure made no explicit by danielle gantt in Today’s Society” community gathered in Benton a video, a musical performance connection between Obama Staff Reporter at 3:30 p.m. in Flynn Chapel Monday to remember by Jeremiah Generation and and King, the way he described Auditorium in the Martin Luther King Jr. — but in a candlelight vigil, which both of them as proponents of “Okay, you guys can sit down and relax,” Bill Clinton Vanderbilt Law School. the context of the present. completed the tribute to the civil compromise and appeasement told the standing-room-only crowd Monday night at Grace Shelby, president of the rights leader. brought the celebrated civil Fisk University. “Y’all are making me nervous,” Organization of Black Graduate “It was a very moving rights leader into a present-day Clinton, who donned Today —To listen to a podcast of and Professional Students, said experience just to be here and context. a hot-pink tie and a Hear at Vandy the story behind the story, she believes the events were watch this video come up and “Dr. King believed that the Fisk University button, The organization go to: for deaf and hard of necessary to raise awareness at a remind us of things past and whole world would be watching stressed, “Young people hearing undergraduates campus not known for its racial where we would like to be,” Please see mlk, page 3 have the biggest stake in diversity. Shelby said. “For me, it meant this election.” and graduate students —To see a video and hear a podcast of “We engage in this candlelight a lot personally thinking about “Hillary has the right will have a meeting at this event, go to: 8 p.m. in Wilson Hall, vigil annually for the purpose of history and how does that vision, a vision that will give the future back to young Room 112. bringing awareness to the fact connect to today and what I can people,” Clinton said. that this is a day that is meant d o.” John Edwards supporter Ashish Patel, a junior, Thursday, Jan. 24 for us to recognize and celebrate BET correspondent Toure thought the event was important for Vanderbilt Study abroad fair students to attend. Learn about various “Bill presented what’s at stake for our generation,” study abroad Patel said. programs from 1 to Junior and Hillary Clinton supporter Whitney 4 p.m. in the Student Hubbard also felt the event was important but for a Life Center Ballroom. VSG candidates discuss platforms very different reason. “I feel the location was important,” Hubbard said. “A Thursday, Jan. 24 lot of Vanderbilt students are disconnected with the Greening Vanderbilt by glenna deroy idea that there are two historically black universities Five speakers will talk Editor Emeritus located right here in Nashville. Fisk University is for 15 minutes each important to American history, especially on a day about the university’s The Vanderbilt Student Government Please see clinton, page 3 green efforts, followed presidential candidates see eye-to- by a discussion and a eye on at least one issue. kiosk display where They all appear —To listen to the green groups and to agree on the three candidates individuals on campus need for strong discuss why they can share information advocacy for decided to run for with others. The event students’ needs, VSG president, will be at 5:30 p.m. in even if it creates go to: Wilson Hall, Room 103. conflict with the administration. Thursday, Jan. 24 This idea has McTyeire been reflected in the campaign information session slogan Jared Anderson and Courtney Learn about the Holliday favor — “Standing Up for lauren fondriest / The Vanderbilt Hustler McTyeire International Students,” in the aim of Reid Simon Vanderbilt Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates listen to attorney general Andrew House living community and Randall Norman to bring the Gossett explain the rules for campaigning at their first meeting last week in Furman Hall. at 6:30 p.m. in the voice of student organizations into and kick off the campaign season, connecting The Commons to the rest McTyeire Fireside VSG and in the focus Joseph Williams which began officially at 7:30 p.m. of campus, bringing technological Lounge. Applications are and Wyatt Smith place on the Anderson said student government advancement to academics and using judy wang / The Vanderbilt Hustler due Feb. 8. upperclassman experience. must bring issues students want internal VSG reforms to improve its Former President Bill Clinton visits Fisk University on Monday to The three tickets gathered Tuesday addressed to the administration and ability to respond to students. campaign for his wife, Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary See http://calendar.vanderbilt.edu Clinton. He emphasize the importance of young voter participation. for more events. to turn in their completed petitions created a platform that emphasizes Please see vsg platforms, page 3
Ask about our affordable online advertising opportunities Call George Fischer at at InsideVandy.com 615-322-1884 2 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com what’s new on in s i d e va n d y .c o m
weATher compiled by sara gast THE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
thursday starting • Listen to a podcast of Danielle Gantt’s “Backstory” about compiled by sara gast her coverage of Bill Clinton’s appearance at Fisk University. Emergency Fed rate cut stabilizes stocks; Bush, 1Congress pledge urgent action to stem slide • Watch Adam Weinstein’s video coverage of Monday’s Mar- WASHINGTON — Jolted by global recession fears, the Federal tin Luther King Jr. lecture and candlelight vigil. Reserve slashed interest rates Tuesday, The Associated Press reported, and President Bush and leaders of Congress • Read Sports Editor Andrew Hard’s blog “Four Down Terri- joined in a rare show of cooperation in promising urgent Partly Cloudy, 25/14 action to pump up the economy with upwards of $150 tory,” where he gives a run-down of what’s hot in college billion in tax cuts and government spending. basketball. Market meltdowns overnight around the globe and growing anxiety at home stirred lawmakers and the friday administration toward swift action, possibly within a few • Listen to the Vanderbilt Student Government presidential candi- weeks. Wall Street plummeted as the day began, following Asian stocks, then warily eased its sell-off after the Fed dates discuss the reasons why they chose to run. ordered the biggest cut on record in a key interest rate. —Check InsideVandy.com often for more Web-exclusive content. Heath Ledger found dead in NYC building; 2 authorities say drugs may have been a factor Mostly Cloudy, 39/35 NEW YORK — Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan apartment, The Associated Press reported, and police said drugs may have been a factor. The Australian-born actor was 28. snapshot saturday Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the residence in the tony SoHo neighborhood, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said. A housekeeper who went to let him know the Taking a stand massage therapist had arrived found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
Clinton, Obama trade accusations after 3 rancorous debate WASHINGTON — Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton argued Few Showers, 45/44 Tuesday that Barack Obama’s frustration with losing prompted him to look for a fight in their latest debate, The Associated Press reported. Obama said his rival and her husband, former President Clinton, were distorting his record. VUPD CRIME LOG “I think it’s very clear that Senator Clinton ... and the compiled by sara gast president have been spending the last month attacking me in ways that are not accurate,” Obama told reporters. Friday, Jan. 18, 10:13 p.m.: Speaking to reporters in Washington, Hillary Clinton A subject was jumping in front of belittled Obama’s line of debate criticism against her as passing cars at Broadway and Lyle “rehearsed points.” Avenue. He was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2:20 a.m.: U.S. soldier in Iraq first to die in bomb attack A subject was unsteady on his feet at 25th Avenue near Vanderbilt Place. 4 on new, heavily armored MRAP vehicle WASHINGTON — A soldier killed over the weekend south of Monday, Jan. 21, 3:54 a.m.: Baghdad was the first American death in a roadside bomb A man with a black ski mask came attack on a newly introduced, heavily armored vehicle, military inside and showed an employee a officials said Tuesday in a report by The Associated Press. hand gun at the Courtyard Café in the The death, however, has not changed the Pentagon’s medical center. mind about its plans to spend more than $22 billion to sam kim / The Vanderbilt Hustler buy thousands of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected Toure, an American novelist, cultural critic and BET correspondent, spoke Monday in Benton Chapel on “Connecting Generations: Take A Check out http://police.vanderbilt.edu/ vehicles, known by the acronym MRAP, for the Army and Stand!” The talk, part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series, was accompanied by a candlelight vigil. crimelog.htm for complete listings. Marine Corps to use in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell. SERVICE GUIDE The Vanderbilt Hustler (ISSN 0042-2517), the student newspa- Onetime ‘dirty bomb’ suspect gets 17 per of Vanderbilt University, is pub- years-plus in unrelated case; judge lished every Monday, Wednesday 5 and Friday during the academic doubts terror ties year except for during exam peri- MIAMI — Jose Padilla, an American once accused of plotting ods and vacations. The paper is not with al-Qaida to detonate a radioactive “dirty bomb,” was printed during summer break. sentenced Tuesday to a relatively lenient 17-year prison The Vanderbilt Hustler allocates term on unrelated terror support charges, according to The one issue of the newspaper to Associated Press. each student and is available at Prosecutors, who long ago dropped the “dirty bomb” claim various points on campus for free. that made Padilla infamous, had sought life sentences for Additional copies are $.50 each. Padilla and two co-defendants, but a federal judge said The Vanderbilt Hustler is a authorities never even proved Padilla was a terrorist. division of Vanderbilt Student Communications, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Vanderbilt Student Com- munications. Clinton headquarters opens in Nashville Location NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Hillary Clinton campaign The Hustler offices are in 130 6 opened its new Nashville headquarters Tuesday evening, Sarratt Student Center on the The Tennessean reported. Vanderbilt University Campus. Located at 223 8th Ave. North, 2nd floor, the new Address postal mail to VU Station headquarters shares a downtown address with the B 351504, Nashville, Tenn. 37235- Tennessee Democratic Party. 1504. The campaign is also planning a press conference for this Affiliations morning to unveil its new Tennessee television advertising The Hustler is a member of the As- campaign. sociated Collegiate Press, Colum- bia Scholastic Press Association, College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers, Southern University Newspapers and the Study: Obesity surgery to reduce stomach Southeastern Journalism Confer- 7 size can cure diabetes ence and is an associate member CHICAGO — A new study gives the strongest evidence yet of the Associated Press. that obesity surgery can cure diabetes, according to The To Advertise Associated Press. Display ads: (615) 322-4237 or Patients who had surgery to reduce the size of their stomachs e-mail advertising@vanderbilthu were five times more likely to see their diabetes disappear stler.com over the next two years than were patients who had standard Display fax: (615) 322-3762 diabetes care, according to Australian researchers. Office hours are 10 a.m. — 5 p.m., Most of the surgery patients were able to stop taking Monday — Friday diabetes drugs and achieve normal blood tests. Visit us online at http://www. vscmedia.org/advertising.html To Report a News Item Campus news: Call 322-2424 or e- Vanderbilt poll explains why Romney’s mail [email protected] Entertainment news: Call 343-0967 8 flip-flopper label sticks or e-mail vibe@vanderbilthustler. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bias against Mitt Romney’s religion is com one of the reasons that the tag “flip-flopper” sticks with Sports results: Call 343-0967 or e- the former Massachusetts governor but not his Republican mail [email protected] opponents, according to political scientist professor John Corrections Geer, the Vanderbilt News Service reported. The Hustler strives for accuracy “There is no question that Romney has changed his and fairness and will correct errors positions on some issues, but so have some of the other of substance. See our correction candidates,” Geer said. “Why does the label stick to Romney policy on the Opinion page for but not his opponents? At least some of the answer lies in information about notifying us. Romney’s Mormon beliefs.” Printer The Hustler is printed at Franklin Web Printing Company in Franklin, Tenn. Qdoba, Mediterranean Cuisine added to Subscription Rates Commodore Card Call (615) 343-3064 9 a.m. — 5 9 VANDERBILT — Students now have two more options on the p.m., Monday — Friday. card in Qdoba and Mediterranean Cuisine. One semester’s delivery via U.S. The two restaurants will begin accepting the card this Postal Service is available for $125 week, to the delight of students. or $200 per year. Checks should be “Students were thrilled to learn about the additions,” said made payable to The Vanderbilt Hustler. junior Tyler Armstrong, co-chair of Vanderbilt Student Government Campus Services committee with junior Jena Back Issues Carpenter. “And they can expect even more restaurants to Back issues are available in Sarratt be on the Card in the near future.” 130 during business hours. Best Wok was added to the Card two weeks ago. www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Wednesday, January 23, 2008 3 Roe v. Wade turns 35 clinton: Students, by samantha orovitz community brave Contributing Reporter
Roe v. Wade, the controversial weather for former Supreme Court case that legalized most cases of abortion, celebrated its 35th anniversary President Tuesday. However, the Vandy Feminists From clinton, page 1 felt that few students recognize celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.” the far-reaching effects of this Clinton said he was proud to speak in the exact place King had in landmark court case, so they 1963. have decided to put on a series He emphasized that, if elected, Hillary Clinton would return of events this week. America to its former high standing in the world, rebuild the middle “(The point is) to raise class, provide universal and affordable healthcare, and make college awareness about issues that we education available and affordable to all Americans. thought would be of interest to Clinton also spent time talking about energy efficiency and global the student body and women in warming. particular,” said Amy Roebuck, “We gone burn up the planet,” said Clinton, who promised that fixing internal communications chair global warming and Americans’ dependency on gasoline would not for the Feminists and copy editor only help the planet but create more jobs, helping boost the economy. for The Vanderbilt Hustler. “The The line for the event began forming at 3 p.m., and by the time the events are dealing especially doors opened at 6, it stretched around Henderson Gymnasium and with issues of sexual health and lauren fondriest / The Vanderbilt Hustler across the street. Nashvillians braved the rain Tuesday to rally in support of the Roe vs. Wade decision to keep abortion legal. reproductive choice.” “I absolutely love Bill Clinton. I admire him and his presidency,” As Feminist co-president Hubbard said. “I had seen him three times before, and I wanted to see Erica Santiago said, “Roe v. ‘feminist’ is a term that is taken with a 3-year-old child and a Vandy Feminists events him again.” Wade is not just an abortion on by the self, and then defined representative from Planned Even non-Hillary supporters braved the freezing temperatures to see issue; it’s a rights-for-women by what issues people identify Parenthood. The Vandy this week and hear what her husband had to say. issue.” themselves with.” Feminists are also organizing “Let’s Talk About Sex: “I’m not a Hillary supporter,” said sophomore Kenyon Glenn, “but Some of these basic rights To engage students in relating a benefit called Cocktails for a Empowering Women to have I came to the event because I feel that this upcoming election is very involve socioeconomic Roe v. Wade and feminism to Cause to gather donations for Pleasurable Sex” important.” freedom, pregnancy, their lives, the Feminists will Planned Parenthood. ■ Although the issues were the most important feature of the event, no Today, 12-1 p.m. on the Wall contraception, marriage and sponsor a weeklong series, one could deny Clinton’s charm. sex, Santiago said. “Let’s Talk about Sex,” and a — Samantha Orovitz can be “Let’s Talk About Sex: How to “I’m a hardcore John Edwards supporter, but I liked Bill. I felt he And she explained that panel forum and discussion on reached at samantha.k.orovitz@ Have Safer Sex” was genuine, and I felt his realness,” Patel said. “His optimism and feminism has a more modern sex and pregnancy. vanderbilt.edu. Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on reassurance made me feel good.” concept than most students “If (the students) have —To watch an audio slideshow the Wall Clinton also enjoyed a few laughs with the crowd. realize. questions and dare to ask them, “It doesn’t matter. I’ve been called just about everything,” Clinton “Right now we are in the then we are more than happy to with photos from Tuesday’s “Let’s Talk About Sex: Pregnancy said when asked what he’d like to be called instead of first lady, should third wave of feminism, and try and answer them,” Santiago events, go to: Resource Panel Discussion” Hillary Clinton win. “I’m more interested in what I’ll be called to do.” ■ the definition of a ‘feminist’ said. Friday, 3-4:30 p.m. is ongoing and changing,” The panel will include Sarratt 114 — Danielle Gantt can be reached at [email protected] Santiago said. “Ultimately a Divinity School student Vanderbilt MLK: Obama, Powell models for future From mlk, page 1 “Barack and Colin are blacks and eventually (America) who make white people feel would be shamed into change,” that progress has been made, said Toure. “Barack is never so that academia and the military aggressively black as to make are avenues to success for launches white people scared. He is a everyone, that racism is ending, sort of post-black smooth as and that equality (is coming).” opposed to the pro-black pride, Toure made mention of diction and manner of Jesse racism’s possible effect on the Jackson and Al Sharpton.” success of Obama, but not in China Toure disagreed with some a way commonly heard on the analysts’ criticisms that the mainstream news. Illinois Democrat does not “Let’s be honest, it’s helpful have the experience to run in that he is very light-skinned,” the first place, recounting the Toure said. “He’s a high-yellow program political career of Colin Powell, brother, and many of the most sam kim / The Vanderbilt Hustler who had the opportunity to successful, black, elected Voices of Praise, part of Jeremiah Generation, perform during the events commemorat- become America’s first black politicians over the last 20 years ing Martin Luther King Jr. Monday night. by nikki bogopolskaya Study abroad fair president in 1996 but refused are high-yellow.” Toure said. “If white Americans But King, in comparison to Staff Reporter to run because “he didn’t have While Toure said he believes suspect they’re voting for a many modern black political Thursday, Jan. 22 the fire in his belly.” the country will eventually elect black president, instead of a figures, “was embracing the The growing interest in 1-4 p.m. in the Student Life “Years ago it seemed that a black president, he worries president, the candidate won’t undeniable humanity of white Chinese culture and language Center Ballroom the White House was Powell’s it may not be the symbolic stand a chance.” people,” Toure said, which was at Vanderbilt has spawned to lose, and now he’s got no moment for which black And Toure said he fears something that allowed him to another program. chance,” Toure said. “Barack America has been waiting. if Obama makes this sort of break racial boundaries and Experiencing China: speaking,” Johnston said. knew the moment could be “Convincing millions of “social contract” with white connect to all people. ■ Chinese Language, Culture But Liu was hopeful for fleeting and that four, eight white people, especially red- America, it will leave black and Economics is a three- increased interest in the years from now he could be state, white Americans, will Americans feeling conflicted — Adam Weinstein can be credit program that runs from China program. nowhere.” require that he, or perhaps — they may be proud of his reached at adam.w.weinstein@ May 19 to June 16, 2008, and “Going to China is a new He believed Obama and Powell she, can convince voters that achievements but not the vanderbilt.edu the first official Vanderbilt idea. Interest (in visiting are models for the present, they’re not going to give special politics he employed to reach program in China. Students China) has grown, perhaps similar to King in the ’60s. attention to black people,” them. will travel to Shanghai, due in part to the upcoming Beijing and Xi’an over the Olympics,” Liu said. four weeks. While participation in the In recent years, interest in program requires a prior Chinese language and travel study of Chinese, students vsg platforms: Candidate teams has increased significantly at will take intensive language Vanderbilt. practicum classes upon Over 100 students are arriving in Shanghai. enrolled in Chinese language Other than language, present ideas, focus on goals with students classes, making it the second students will learn most studied language at about China’s economic From vsg platforms, page 1 can pool a variety of skills to ELECTION TIMELINE than anyone else in student Vanderbilt after Spanish, development, take trips “I think the best predictor present a unified front.” government and said no one said Xianmin Liu, Chinese to local businesses, listen for which ticket would be the Simon also added that he Candidates’ platforms published has pushed them yet to improve language program director to speakers from other best to handle these issues and Norman represent “the in The Vanderbilt Hustler Jan. 28 life for upperclassmen. and head of the Vanderbilt in universities and study the and take a strong stance with only true Greek ticket.” Primary election Jan. 29 from “Neither of us are the type China program. emerging Chinese market. the administration is our past “I’m in an IFC fraternity and that just sit there in meetings “There has been an upper They will also take part record,” Anderson said. she’s in a Panhel sorority,” he 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or don’t talk very much with trajectory of interest for all in cultural experiences VSG could be more effective said. Debate sponsored by The Hustler our hands folded,” Williams study abroad programs,” said such as martial arts classes, in its communication with Williams and Smith also Jan. 30 6 p.m. Board of Trust said. “We’re the ones talking Gary Johnston, director of traditional Chinese cuisine, students, Simon said, as cited their involvement with all the time, making sure the the Global Education Office. various shows, trips to Beijing student groups do not feel they several campus organizations General election Feb. 5 from administration knows the “However, we have found that before the Olympics begin can accomplish their goals as an asset to their campaign, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. student voice on these issues.” interest in China is increasing and Xi’an, the site of the through VSG. and Williams added that he Smith agreed, adding, “One with particularly significant famous terracotta soldiers. “The one thing we do the will not “get wrapped up in the forgotten about,” as well as of the toughest balances to speed.” “The program will teach worst is tell people what we world of student government.” making capital improvements strike in student government Last semester, only a few students how to understand do and kind of brag about “We understand what to campus residences and is being a strong advocate for students chose to study China socially, economically ourselves,” Simon said. the Vanderbilt voice is. We connecting Peabody to main students and building trust abroad in China. This and politically and try to Norman said the variety of understand what all Vanderbilt campus. with administrators. It’s critical, semester, the number has interest them in the Chinese experiences each have had students want, not just the “The Commons is great for though, in student government risen to 12. experience,” Liu said. “I within VSG make them a more typical VSG platform, not just recruitment and getting our that you never lose focus that The Experiencing China recommend it to all students, effective ticket. the list of things that people application rates up, but at the the reason you’re there is to be program is one of the few whether or not they have “(Simon) spent multiple put down because they think end of the day, once we get an advocate for the students’ Maymesters not yet closed. studied Chinese in the past.” ■ years doing back end stuff, and that’s what people want to them here, we want them to side.” ■ Programs in London, Berlin I spent two years as a house hear,” he said. “That’s not what feel like they’ve had a four-year and Australia have been —Nikki Bogopolskaya can president really having contact we’re about.” experience, not just a first-year — Glenna DeRoy can be filled — Shanghai, Egypt and be reached at veronika. with students,” she said. “We Williams said they will focus experience.” reached at glenna.h.deroy@ Montreal remain open. bogopolskaya@vanderbilt. really have the experience on the improvement of the Williams said he and vanderbilt.edu “People know London and edu at both ends, and when we upperclassman experience, Smith have more experience are familiar with it. It is English- pull that together, we feel we “the one thing Vanderbilt has working with administrators 4 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com opinionopinion The OUR VIEW Letter Vanderbilt Hustler Thompson serves larger purpose Grade Editorial Board From the belated entry into the friend and a nod to the GOP establishment. the idea of the “inevitable candidate” — presidential race, to the sense of apathy Regardless of intent, however, he has an anomaly among typically experience- Jarred Amato that permeated on his candidacy, Fred rendered Huckabee’s campaign near driven Republican presidential politics. Editor in Chief Thompson never capitalized on the death, barring a surprise win in Florida — Despite many labeling McCain’s deflation conservative fervor surrounding him the critical battleground state where John candidacy dead this past summer, he elizabeth before his candidacy. McCain is polling strongly. Huckabee has regained frontrunner status; Mitt middlebrooks He has, perhaps, inexorably changed has pulled his advertising in Florida and Romney, too, with his incredible wealth Managing Editor the Republican landscape with his third seemingly begun to position himself as a and sterling campaign organization has not so place finish in South Carolina, though. running mate for McCain. won two primaries in the past five days. Essentially, he denied Mike Huckabee the Thus, in a broader sense, Thompson Though Super Tuesday looms large, sara gast win in South Carolina and, in doing so, may have done something rather unique: and the nomination is still incredibly News Editor effectively halted the lingering remnants quietly guide the oscillating, chaotic state undecided, McCain and Romney appear mythical of Huckabee’s momentum from winning of the Republican nomination back to the to be pulling away from the field. katherine miller the Iowa caucuses. party establishment and more traditional Though Thompson’s potential as a Opinion Editor To the Editor: This calls into question whether Republican politics. candidate was never fully realized in When I read the headline of Jane Zhao’s article, Thompson’s push through South Carolina The past year’s fluctuating national practice, his candidacy may the one “Grade deflation a myth,” I thought The Hustler andrew hard was a genuine effort to salvage his polls and the astounding number of viable that decided the fate of the Republican had decided to print a bit of satire; I was sadly Sports Editor candidacy, or an assist to an old Senate candidates cast significant ambiguity on nomination. mistaken. I can forgive Zhao’s naivete — she has only resided on this campus for five months — STAFF but Dean Richard McCarty and Associate Dean Background checks need reform Practical gun laws necessary Russell McIntire ought to know better. News Editor Justin Poythress, Columnist Thomas Shattuck, Columnist Sara Gast In McCarty’s opinion, the College of Arts and A background check of some variety should always The second amendment brings up many questions Science is “… encountering a slight problem with Asst. News Editors be required before someone purchases or really even with U.S. government policy. I mean, it implies that grade inflation.” I, personally, seem to be immune David Brown handles a gun. Before going any further, I want to every American has a right to bear arms (normally interpreted to this sweeping epidemic. If a student infected Lakendra Scott make one thing clear: I think guns are great. Everybody should as firearms), but in itself there are no restrictions placed for any Adam Weinstein with this tragic grade-boosting disease would like hold a gun at some point — just watch Superbad. They’re great situations. With this mentioned, I do not see a problem with to transfer the affliction to yours truly, feel free to Opinion Editor to shoot, they’re fun to play with and, let’s face it, you just look a restrictions on the purchase of weapons. Does that 12-year-old cough in my face as we pass in Sarratt. Katherine Miller whole lot cooler if you’re carrying one, even if it’s just an airsoft really need an assault rifle? The answer to most people would be If grades are, as most members of the gun where you’ve spray painted the orange safety valve. Guns a resounding “no.” administration would likely claim, a reflection of Asst. Opinion Editor should be available to everyone, but criminal background checks Background checks, as I see it, are just an extension of a practical Spencer Montalvo a student’s performance on the tasks of learning, for gun safety are essential. It’s like checking a mall Santa Claus for approach to safety. Just like a little kid doesn’t need a shotgun, retaining and reproducing academic material, Sports Editor a history of child molestation. Of course neither does someone with a record then it logically follows that more academically Andrew Hard I’ve heard the stories of that ex-Navy Seal of violent criminal actions. While these talented and better-motivated students would who has been denied firearm purchase background checks do restrict a person’s garner higher GPAs. According to the Vanderbilt Asst. Sports Editors 40 years after a juvenile jaywalking ability to purchase weapons in some Institutional Research Group, over the last four David Namm violation, but this is why background cases, and slow down the consumerist David Rutz years this university’s undergraduate admission Eric Silver checks should be modified. Such laws process in all cases, I personally think the rate has decreased from 40 to 33 percent, and need to only focus on those with a history benefits outweigh the cost. Everyone in the mean SAT has increased by 50 points. Assistant Photo Directors of criminal activity or violence, but such theory has a right to buy a gun, but in Each subsequent entering class has been more Lauren Fondriest laws are still needed. the real world it shouldn’t always work Brett Kaminsky academically talented and competitive than its SHOTSOne Issue, that way. predecessors, yet the university continually tries Francis Simpson Four Responses to keep the average GPA of its undergraduate Lead Photographers schools constant. I fail to understand how Sam Kim Background checks Second Amendment increasing student talent and its associated Chris Phare should be mandatory Should background damages society Oliver Wolfe increase in grade-performance is a “problem.” Amy Sobhani, Columnist Sean Tierney, Columnist Furthermore, McIntire claims Ivy League Multimedia Editor Buying firearms is a tricky checks be required for The Second Amendment schools do a disservice to their students by Ben Gotow business. The process needs has probably done more harm distributing copious good grades, “A lot of to be made as difficult as possible to the purchase of fire to Americans than any other schools tell students that if they go to their Supervising Copy Editors prevent dangerous weapons from getting amendment, save perhaps the 18th school, they will get As throughout their years Medora Brown arms? (Prohibition). As long as we still have it, Hannah Twillman into the wrong hands. In other words, there, but later, when they go find jobs, (the background checks should become an though, there really isn’t much of a point employers) won’t know if the grades are actually Copy Editors integral part of the firearms industry. having criminal background checks for gun purchasers. There’s a credible.” And yet, the School of Medicine lists Taylor Davis Honestly, there’s no reason why a law-abiding citizen with firearms black market for a reason. Those with criminal records can GPA, MCAT scores, leadership qualities and Madeleine Evans nothing to hide should object to a background check. The intent still get guns relatively easily by going through illegal means. And, extracurricular experience, but nowhere can Spencer Montalvo if a criminal plans on using a gun for devious purposes, it would be Amy Roebuck of background checks is not to invade privacy or inconvenience “source of undergraduate degree” be found. Aimee Sobhani common citizens in any way. It’s a precaution that can prevent pretty stupid of them to buy it through the legal, traceable route. If Vanderbilt’s own medical school fails to Avery Spofford a variety of unsavory characters from gaining access to deadly Meanwhile, the biggest problem with the Second Amendment recognize a difference between colleges and lists weapons. — well-meaning citizens who have accidents or go crazy — isn’t GPA as a crucially important selection factor, Senior Reporter True, the smarter criminals and terrorists will probably still fixed by background checks. Accidental gunshots can’t be foreseen Will Gibbons why should McIntire expect graduate schools manage to gain access to firearms even if background checks by looking at past records of any kind. at other universities or employers to prefer a Web Director become mandatory. However, these people are not really the Background checks do very little, if anything to solve the Second Vanderbilt student over a student with a higher Chris Thompson ones we need to fear. Who we should really be afraid of is our scary Amendment’s problems and only manages to divert resources GPA from a higher-ranking university? next-door neighbor with violent tendencies, and background away from more promising programs. I reacted with equal levels of amusement and Marketing Director checks can prevent common criminals with questionable pasts George Fischer —Interested in writing a Quick Shot? To suggest an issue or question, disgust when I read McIntire’s assertion, “We try to from purchasing firearms. e-mail [email protected] give students what they earn.” I do not feel that over Advertising Manager the last four years I have “earned” the opportunity Madeleine Pulman to be a less competitive graduate school applicant Letter due to my choice to attend this university. Asst. Advertising Manager Angela Booker Even more egregiously incorrect was McCarty’s claim concerning the administration’s Advertising Staff Vols beat Commodores but involvement in GPA maintenance, “We don’t Ashley Banks try to give students bad grades.” According Carolyn Fisher to several unnamed members of the faculty, David Gaffney Killian Lamkin the Vanderbilt administration sent e-mails to fans commit flagrant foul Peabody’s professors during the 2006-07 school Art Director year mandating the average grade be decreased Matt Radford To the Editor: “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, supremacy). Do we chant were 2.5 million international from a 3.7 to a 3.4. Those e-mails clearly constitute The Tennessee Volunteers Oy, Oy, Oy.” The packed “African” when a black students worldwide. We a concerted effort to give students lower grades. Designers Cassie Edwards beat the Vanderbilt Thompson-Boling Arena was player steps on the court? live in a global society. The Unless they recently started putting lead in the Madeleine Evans Commodores on Thursday surging with xenophobia. No. Do NBA fans stigmatize American South of today is water on Peabody, those students are just as Jose Garza night, but their hostile fans I understand that Chinese basketball stars Yi not the American South of the intelligent and motivated as they were before Emily Green committed a flagrant foul: passionate Southeastern Jianlian and Yao Ming as 20th century. A large portion that artificial grade point drop. What exactly did Hunter Kinsella ethnocentrism. Welcome Conference fans, no matter “Chinamen”? No. Ogilvy is a of the country still thinks of they do to “earn” that kind of treatment? Katie Quille Courtney Rogers to the prejudiced American the school, will say or do foreign student who should the South as regressive, its It is offensive enough Vanderbilt Avery Spofford South, the Vols fans said to anything for their teams. To be treated just the same as citizens racist and ignorant. undergraduates are put at a disadvantage Morgan Webb Australian Commodore A.J. them, neither moral codes any of his peers, regardless In some ways, unfortunately, compared to both Ivy League and state school Ogilvy. While the Tennessee nor governmental rules of race, ethnicity, culture and this stereotype might still be students when it comes time to apply for jobs VSC Director defense held the freshman oversee their language and religion. true. The behavior by Vols or graduate school due to our arbitrarily lower Chris Carroll phenom to 12 points (his actions. But to me, a line According to the fans last Thursday certain grades, but being lied to about it is absolutely Asst. VSC Director second-lowest total of the should be drawn between American Council on wasn’t exactly welcoming of disgusting. Deans McCarty and McIntire, stop Jeff Breaux season), the Knoxville fans chanting “air ball” and Education, there are over “ethnic others.” trying to “help” me by deflating my grades; I went on the “offensive,” mocking another nation’s half a million international I’ve lived in the South for screw up enough on my own as it is. Asst. VSC Director taunting him with chants expressions (while also students currently pursuing over half of my life, and in Paige Clancy such as the nationalistic “patriotically” boasting postsecondary degrees in the this time I’ve watched the Daniel Israel “USA, USA” and the mocking of their own nation’s United States. In 2004, there Please see HEARN, page 5 Senior, A&S
opinion POLICY correction POLICY The Vanderbilt Hustler opinion section aims to stimulate discussion in the from a Vanderbilt e-mail address where the identity of the sender is clear or be Accuracy is our profession. As the “Voice of Vanderbilt,” we are committed Vanderbilt community. In that spirit, columnists, guest columnists and authors of accompanied with a phone call to the editor-in-chief. With rare exception, all to ensuring our work is fair and accurate. Errors of substance will be cor- letters to the editor are expected to provide logical argument to back their views. letters must be received by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. The editor rected. With very rare exception, these corrections will be listed on Page 2. Unreasonable arguments, arguments in bad faith or arguments in vain between reserves the right to edit and condense submissions for length as well as clarity. Bring corrections to the Hustler office in Sarratt 130 or e-mail us at editor@ columnists have no place in The Hustler and will not be published. The Hustler Lengthy letters that focus on an issue affecting students might be considered vanderbilthustler.com. You may also report them by telephone to the news line welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three methods of expression: letters to the for a guest column at the editor’s discretion. at (615) 322-2424 or the editor-in-chief at (615) 322-3757. editor, guest columns and feedback on our Web site. All submissions become the property of The Hustler and must conform to the Letters must be submitted either in person by the author to the Hustler office or legal standards of Vanderbilt Student Communications, of which The Hustler is a via e-mail to [email protected]. Letters via e-mail must either come division. additional contacts Your voice doesn’t stop here. President Cara Bilotta U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander U.S. Sen. Bob Corker Rep. Jim Cooper Rep. Brenda Gilmore Sen. Douglas Henry Jr. Councilor Ginger Hausser The Vanderbilt Hustler encourages Vanderbilt Student Government United States Senate United States Senate U.S. House of Rep. Tenn. District 54 Tenn. District 21 Metro District 18 its readers to voice their opinions on 1542 Station B Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515 35 Legislative Plaza 11 Legislative Plaza 521 Chesterfield Avenue legislative issues. The following stu- [email protected] (202) 224-4944 (202) 224-4944 (202) 225-4311 Nashville, TN 37243-0154 Nashville, TN 37243-0021 Nashville, TN 37212 dents and legislators represent Sarratt 355 (615) 736-5129 (615) 250-8160 (615) 736-5295 (615) 741-1997 (615) 741-3291 (615) 783-0106 the Vanderbilt community. (615) 322-8742 www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5 column Stand and be judged by the Hustler opinion staff! The Verdict Compiled by Katherine Miller King’s vision of equality Fred Thompson’s You mean … it’s tough to win the campaign Republican nomination if you don’t want to be president? would not exclude gays Olsen twins’ real Mary-Kate’s apartment extremely relieved estate Heath Ledger did not die in its bedroom. Soo Yang supported the same-sex unions. as sinful in nature. Conversely, corruption and integrity, and Columnist However, the truth is no however, King’s own blatant hate and love. In light of this, I one truly knows whether King skepticism towards the feel King would have used his Taste of Nashville Adding dining options left and right, As we commemorate the would have supported equality inerrancy of the Bible may religion as his moral foundation Vanderbilt Dining has stepped their game life and the work of the Rev. for homosexuals because he imply he would have fought for to fight against homophobia, up. Martin Luther King Jr., it is has never clearly articulated his gay rights. which, like racism, is a product imperative to reflect upon views as he so eloquently did However, these extreme social conditioning, scientific the remarkable progress of for other social issues. In some views ignore the fact that both misunderstanding and Turkmenistan Country ends national ban on circus and tolerance in America and also ways, his actions do somewhat his religious faith and his irrational fear. opera after seven years. Millions of children the lingering injustice that must vocalize his acceptance of secular humanism inspired King derived his fundamental weep in fear. be confronted unconditionally. homosexuals as fellow human him to fight injustice. His philosophy of equality from In doing so, we all agree beings. For example, King emphasis on compassion the Bible’s indisputable Associated Press The AP got a jump on the inevitable tolling that King’s fearless, visionary worked with Bayard Rustin, an and nonviolence from the morals of love, salvation and of Britney’s bell. No, that was not a dirty spirit continues to inspire us openly gay man who taught Bible was too progressive justice. He once declared, reference. They’ve already written her to fight for equality, justice, King the notion of nonviolence for many of his religious “Injustice anywhere is injustice obit. and freedom. However, our and who helped him organize contemporaries, who attacked everywhere,” promising to momentary sense of unity the landmark 1963 March on him not only for his views on work tirelessly for full tolerance Larry Brown Says Madison Square Garden had “spies” dissolves quickly under the Washington, the revolutionary racial equality but also on his until all Americans would be watching his every move. Spies have since heated disagreements regarding Montgomery Bus Boycott and liberal interpretation of the judged beyond the external been fired; no need to spy on Isiah Thomas the connection (or the lack even the Southern Christian Bible. King used the Bible to labels and according to the to know how bad he is. thereof) between the civil rights Leadership Conference. defend the methods of peace, content of their true internal Oscar nominations For once, they get most things right. Well, movement of the 1960s and the Despite Rustin’s status as a forgiveness and nonviolence character. Although King’s except for two Cate Blanchett nods. gay rights movement of today. potential political liability, King that he employed in work was specific to explicitly Essentially, the controversy boils continued to collaborate with confronting racism, while his ending racism and segregation, down to the question of whether him not because he was gay or opponents used the same text in today’s climate, he would King, a Baptist reverend, would black, but because he shared to defend institutional racism. not have excluded the gay ‘10 Things I Hate Heath Ledger’s untimely death completely have supported the rights of the vision of a more equal This ironic reality shows the community from his vision About You’ ruins movie forever. sexual minorities if he were still America. Bible can be easily exploited of a more equal and tolerant alive. This hypothetical question or embraced to defend varying America. His survivors, from his becomes even more conceptions of justice. Vietnam Airlines More than a ton of snakes were seized by daughter to the late Coretta controversial as religion is In essence, the Bible is — Soo Yang is a junior in authorities aboard flight from Bangkok. Scott King, have expressed invoked. Seemingly, his deep a powerful text that can be the College of the Arts and For the second time this year. Ew. widely divergent opinions Christian faith suggests King used to for oppression and Science. He can be contacted at about whether King would have would have seen homosexuality liberation, war and peace, [email protected]. HEARN: Volunteer fans’ ethnocentrism should not be tolerated
From HEARN, page 4 partnership with the University of many ways the game’s growing global language or expressions of foreign stubborn nationalism is something region grow more progressive, tolerant Memphis. As I saw Tigers coach John popularity — from China to Australia cultures? I certainly hope not. nobler than mere ignorance and and diverse. For example, I live in Calipari and his cross-cultural peers to America — is a larger metaphor of Last Thursday night, Tennessee disillusionment. Stop living in the Memphis, and one night my friends drink sweet tea and eat fried chicken, how countries can, to put it bluntly, fans revealed their “U.S.”-against-the- intolerant past, Vols fans, because the and I were dining in one of the city’s they presumably discussed basketball get along. In fact, Calipari hopes the world mentality, in which they believe basketball is being dribbled all over most famous restaurants, Gus’ Fried wisdom — offenses, plays and theory. partnership will help recruit more that “we” (zealously patriotic, and the world. Chicken, and in walks a large group of Secrets of the game are being passed Chinese basketball players to the therefore militaristic, U.S. citizens) Chinese basketball coaches dressed in across the seas every minute. University of Memphis. When Chinese are “better” and more “moral” than all Bryan Hearn blue jump suits. Odd, right? Not in the Calipari is not unusually progressive student-athletes start attending foreigners (“others”). President Bush Junior, Rhodes College American South of the 21st century. The among American coaches. He is one of Memphis and other American smirks over Volunteer nation, I’m sure. coaches were visiting America as part many who believe basketball is one of universities in larger numbers, will In my opinion, we do not live in an age — Bryan Hearn is a former Vanderbilt of the Chinese Basketball Association’s the world’s fastest growing sports. In fans chant “USA” and ridicule the in which blind ethnocentrism and University summer student. 6 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com SPORTSSPORTSSPORTS
THE DOWN RUN State of Tennessee Former Vandy W2W4 Tonight best in college basketball kicker finds Men’s Basketball Florida @ South Carolina success as 7 p.m. Raycom Sports (Channel 16) Vanderbilt basketball sports agent fans will get an early preview of the Commodores’ next Bazant represents NBA, opponent as the surprising Gators NFL and PGA Tour stars. travel to Columbia to take on the struggling by eric silver Gamecocks. South Asst Sports Editor Carolina is playing their first game since the With the 2008 NFL draft quickly approaching, announcement of head some Vanderbilt football players such as Jonathan coach Dave Odom’s Goff and Chris Williams will hear their name called, retirement following possibly in the first round. Millions of dollars in the end of the season. contracts and endorsements await them, not to Last season, South mention a shot at eternal glory. Carolina was blown out AP Photo photo provided by unc athletics However, this is the case for only a tiny portion twice by Florida, but Freshman phenom Derrick Rose is one of the big reasons why Memphis Sophomore sensation Ty Lawson is one of the big reasons why most of athletes on the Commodore football team. The the 2007 version of the finds itself ranked No. 1 in the land. expect North Carolina to be playing deep into March. rest will take their degrees to the real world and put Gators had a completely their football history behind them. different makeup. Jordan Bazant, a former place-kicker on the Vanderbilt football team who graduated in 1993, Thursday didn’t quite have the talent to make it to the NFL. Men’s Basketball by Aleksey Dubrovensky by David Rutz In fact, he never even played a snap in his entire No. 4 Duke @ Sports Reporter Asst Sports Editor career. Virginia Tech 6 p.m. ESPN However, Bazant utilized his Vanderbilt All hail the best state for college basketball! Who holds that An undefeated Memphis team stands at the top of the education to the fullest and is now a major player This should be an princely title this season, might you ask? Is it one of the usual rankings and could very well make a New England Patriots- in the sporting world as a marketer and agent, interesting match-up suspects, like North Carolina or Kentucky? Nope, but that’s a style run to perfection. No. 3 Tennessee hasn’t lost in two representing big-time athletes and coaches such between these ACC foes. good guess. Surprisingly enough, Tennessee is tops this year. months and is a clear favorite to win the Southeastern as Stephon Marbury, Jeremy Shockey and Troy Thanks to Duke’s bitter To start off, Memphis is one of only two remaining Conference championship. No. 14 Vanderbilt won its first Aikman. rival, North Carolina, undefeated teams in college basketball with a 17-0 record 16 games. The land of Tennessee has to be the best college Bazant arrived in Nashville from New Jersey losing, Duke moved into and a shiny new No. 1 ranking. basketball state in the country, right? without a football scholarship, but walked onto the top five in ESPN’s The Tigers have played a tough non-conference schedule, Before we get too hasty in crowning the Volunteer State as the team as a kicker. Though he never saw playing rankings. Led by senior with wins over Oklahoma, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Arizona king of college hoops, let’s not forget about two other states time, Bazant thoroughly enjoyed his time with the captain DeMarcus and Georgetown. They have a legitimate shot to go into that also house multiple juggernaut programs: California squad. Nelson (14.3 points per the NCAA tournament with a perfect record, a la the New and North Carolina. “The atmosphere was unbelieveable,” said game) and freshman England Patriots. Oddly enough, the only one of the Tigers’ California houses not only perennial power No. 7 UCLA, Bazant. “The administration did a great job when standout Kyle Singler remaining opponents with a reasonable shot of beating them but also No. 20 Stanford, Southern California and California. I was there.” (13.1 points per game), also resides in the Volunteer State. All of them play in the tough Pac-10 conference, arguably Bazant cites the “big time” coaches as a major Duke sports a gaudy On Feb. 23 in Memphis, the Tigers will tussle with the the country’s best college basketball conference. The Golden testament to the football program’s strength at the 15-1 record. But they Tennessee Volunteers in a game that could feature more State also has some of the best players at every position. time. cannot underestimate future NBA stars than any other contest this season. The UCLA’s Darren Collison, despite coming off an injury, “There was a lot of excitement,” Bazant said. “We the Hokies, who are Volunteers, as painful as it might be to admit it, have remains a top-notch point guard, and USC freshman O.J. were there, about to take that turn. Coach [Gerry] better than their 11-7 established themselves as a premier program in college Mayo is a definite NBA prospect. Bruin center Kevin Love DiNardo really had them on the brink of some great record and boast wins basketball. The Vols are ranked third in the AP poll, fifth in is having a monster freshman campaign, and California’s stuff.” against St. John’s and the Coaches poll and first in the RPI ranking, used by the DeVon Hardin and Ryan Anderson, as well as Stanford’s After graduating in 1993, Bazant enrolled in law in-state foe Virginia. NCAA Selection Committee to determine seeding in the Brook Lopez, are all outstanding big men. For sheer depth, school at the University of Miami, where he began Tournament. With wins over West Virginia, Xavier, Gonzaga, the state of California is a college hoops powerhouse. to lay the foundation for his future career. Tonight Ole Miss and dear old Vanderbilt, the Vols have clearly proven And you can’t forget Tobacco Road. No. 4 Duke and No. In the summer of 1994, he interned at ISI, then NBA themselves. 5 North Carolina are constantly contenders for a national a major player in the sports marketing business. L.A. Lakers @ San But how do those two squads, as good as they are, make championship, and this year looks to be no different. North ISI was impressed with Bazant’s work, and enticed Antonio Spurs Tennessee the best state for college basketball? North Carolina’s reign at the top of the rankings ended recently him to stay with the company instead of returning 8 p.m., ESPN Carolina and Duke are both ranked in the top five and give with their first loss of the season to Maryland but make no to school. He credits his entire time at Vanderbilt Kobe Bryant and the the Tar Heel State a legitimate claim to the same title. The mistake, the Tar Heels are for real. With Player of the Year with teaching him the skills needed to succeed in Lakers have one of the answer, in a word, is depth. candidate Tyler Hansbrough at the helm, North Carolina is a his ultra-competitive field. biggest surprises thus No. 14 Vanderbilt is 17-2 and is the only thing standing near-lock for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. “I loved the whole Vanderbilt experience,” Bazant far, while the defending between the aforementioned Volunteers and a walk- Duke, meanwhile, is doing what it normally does: said. “Vanderbilt, besides being academic, prepares champs have struggled through to the Southeastern Conference East crown. The winning. The Blue Devils are the only team undefeated so far you socially. It stresses socialization, which is the some in the first half. Commodores give the state the highest number of ranked in Atlantic Coast Conference play, and they are a guarantee most important trait anyone can have in the world Still, with Andrew teams in the country. But it doesn’t stop there. to make the NCAA tournament for an amazing 25th time in of business.” Bynum sidelined for at Austin Peay, located in Clarksville, Tenn., is leading the Ohio the last 26 years. And Bazant would know about succeeding in the least eight weeks with a Valley Conference by a growing margin. UT-Chattanooga Historically, Tennessee doesn’t come close to measuring world of business. After just six years of working knee injury, it won’t be is on top of the North division in the Southern Conference. up to the standards of California and North Carolina. For at ISI (which was bought out twice in his tenure), easy for the Lakers to Nashville’s own Belmont University has already defeated the moment, Tennessee undoubtedly has some of the finest Bazant and a partner left the company, in his take down Tim Duncan Cincinnati and Alabama this season and sits second in the teams in America. But it will take deep tournament runs by words, “overnight” to head their own agency. What and company in San Atlantic Sun standings. Memphis, Tennessee and Vanderbilt if it wants to jump over resulted was Goal Marketing, LLC, which primarily Antonio. Add it all up, and the Volunteer State takes the title of Best California and North Carolina for the title of best college represented golfers. State for College Basketball. ■ hoops state. ■ Goal Marketing started out small. In the beginning, Bazant’s company represented a grand they said it... —Aleksey Dubrovensky can be reached at aleksey. —David Rutz can be reached at david.c.rutz@vanderbilt. total of two clients. “This was a critical game [email protected] edu However, Bazant was representing top-notch for us, without question. personalities in golfer Jim Furyk and Hall of Fame By and large, I thought our players played like —To listen to Aleksey Dubrovensky and David See bazant, page 7 it.” Rutz debate this week’s “Good Call, Bad Call,” go to: kevin stallings Vandy Basketball Coach on the team’s 92-76 victory over LSU Saturday McClellan willing to do whatever it takes by andrew hard proving more valuable finishing games than starting them. daily # Sports Editor “My job is to put the best five players on the floor,” Stallings said. “He’s been one of the best five overall in a bunch of games, 3 Call him the next Corey Smith. Call him A.J. Ogilvy’s sidekick. and my job is to get him out there when that’s the case.” Ranking of the Call him energetic, versatile, aggressive and unselfish. McClellan has seen the bulk of his time at power forward Vanderbilt baseball Whatever you call Darshawn McClellan these days, make sure spotting Ross Neltner down low team in Baseball you keep your eye on him whenever he’s on the floor. And even His rebounding ability, especially on the offensive glass, makes America’s preseason top if you don’t notice him, that won’t change the effort he brings to him ideal for the position, but he also has the ability to extend 25 released on Tuesday. the Commodores (17-2, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) each and floor, knocking down 3-pointers at critical times in each of the every night. last two games. “I just come out and try to play hard every possession, go out “I possess range to the 3-point line,” McClellan said. “I just and do the stuff that I see as not being done,” McClellan said. “I don’t really take it that often.” 5 give 110 percent and a lot of energy. I’m the energy guy.” Whether he will be a prolific scorer like Smith, who graduated Number of teams in the While many of Vanderbilt’s players have had up and down in 2005, or more the all-around energy guy he is today remains state of Tennessee that starts to open SEC play, one of its unheralded freshmen has to be seen. have a chance to play in appeared rather unfazed, perhaps even more relaxed. In four “I don’t want to put any expectations on him,” Stallings said. the NCAA tournament league games, McClellan has scored 27 points to go with 19 “The thing I like about him is … he’s not caught up in shots taken in March. Aside from rebounds and nine assists. or anything like that. He wants to do what he’s supposed to do to Vanderbilt, Memphis “He’s rebounded more effectively, he’s shot the ball more help the team win.” and Tennessee, the OVC effectively; he’s just played better,” said coach Kevin Stallings. With McClellan, Ogilvy and other freshmen such as Keegan and Atlantic Sun titles “When conference play starts, you generally expect guys to go Bell and Andre Walker, the future of Vanderbilt basketball looks could easily go to Austin down a little bit, but he’s gone up.” promising, and so does the present. ■ Peay and Belmont. chris phare / The Vanderbilt Hustler Stallings has responded accordingly, as McClellan has been Darshawn McClellan may be a high flyer, but it’s his on the floor for 20-plus minutes in each of the last three games. —Andrew Hard can be reached at andrew.h.hard@vanderbilt. energy and rebounding ability that make him most valu- Compiled by Eric Silver His energy off the bench being so consistent, McClellan may be edu able to the Commodores. www.insidevandy.com The Vanderbilt Hustler Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7
The Vanderbilt Hustler presents What is this? We’re running a 32-athlete, single-elimination tournament to find Jay Cutler Vanderbilt’s biggest star. You can check out the voting criteria, bracket and WHO’S voting schedule below. REGIONAL how do i Vote? NOW Go to www.InsideVandy.com to cast your vote. Voting for the second Second Rorouundnd round of the Jay Cutler Regional ends Thursday at 5 p.M. Results will be ? posted in the following issue. Earl Bennett, Junior schedule voting CRITERIA Football, Wide Receiver First Round • Individual accolades • Southeastern Conference’s all-time leader in receptions (236) 1/11: Derrick Byars Regional The Hustler’s 1/14: Jay Cutler Regional How big is your trophy room? Have you broken any school records, • Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist, first team All-SEC 1/16: David Price Regional earned All-SEC honors or taken home any big-time awards? • Recently declared for NFL Draft Take: 1/18: Dee Davis Regional • Team success The multi-talented Dennis • No. 10 football jersey most popular among students Second Round You may be talented, but remember the name on the front of the jersey is 1 excelled on the pitch and 1/21: Byars Regional 1/23: Cutler Regional more important than the one on the back. Have you led your team to the in the art studio, but she’ll 1/25: Price Regional Sarah Dennis, Senior be a major underdog 1/28: Davis Regional Big Dance or won an SEC title? 5 Soccer, Forward against Bennett, the most Quarterfinals • National exposure prolific wide receiver in 1/30: Byars and Cutler Regionals You may be a hero in Nashville, but do people around the country even • Scored four goals and added two assists in ’07 2/1: Price and Davis Regionals Southeastern Conference know you exist? Have you earned All-American status or appeared on Mel • Four-year starter on a successful team history who’s on his way Semifinals Kiper’s Draft Board? • Also an accomplished artist: paints murals around Nashville to the NFL. 2/4: Byars Winner vs. Davis Winner • Fan appeal 2/6: Cutler Winner vs. Price Winner You may be big-time, but when you walk around campus, can fans even Finals recognize you? Do they wear your jersey, cheer for you at games and 2/8: Byars/Davis Winner vs. friend (maybe even poke) you on Facebook? Cutler/Price Winner • “It” factor Reveal Champion 2/11 It’s hard to quantify, but do you have the intangibles every star needs? A.J. Ogilvy, Freshman Basketball, Center bracket • Australian sensation averaging 19.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game The Hustler’s Jay Cutler Regional • Potential SEC Freshman of the Year and future NBA draft pick 1. Shan Foster 1. Earl Bennett Take: 8. Josie Earnest Shan Foster Earl Bennett 8. Leigh-Ann Axt • Australian flag seen in student section for every game 4. Mikie Minor Mikie Minor Sarah Dennis 4. Ross Neltner • One of Vandy’s most recognizable athletes There’s a good chance we’ll 2 be watching Concolino, one 5. Chris Williams 5. Sarah Dennis of the nation’s top golfers, 2. Ryan Flaherty 2. A.J. Ogilvy on the LPGA Tour sometime 7. Rita Jorgensen Ryan Flaherty A.J. Ogilvy 7. Margie Curran Jacqui Concolino, Junior soon, but it’ll be tough for 3. Mackenzi Adams Mackenzi Adams Jacqui Concolino 3. Jacqui Concolino 3 Golf 6. Jen Risper 6. Ryan Preston her to upset the Awesome Derrick Byars Regional Derrick Byars
• All-American recorded 10 top-10 finishes in 12 events in ’07 Aussie, who will most David Price Regional • Won the NCAA Central Regional certainly move onto the 1. Liz Sherwood 1. Pedro Alvarez • Named Team USA’s MVP in U.S.A. vs. Japan Collegiate Golf Championship NBA (although hopefully 8. Austin Williamson Liz Sherwood Pedro Alvarez 8. Jon Curran • Good chance we’ll see her on the LPGA Tour sometime soon not too soon). 4. Dominic de la Osa Christina Wirth Mr. C 4. Mr. C 5. Christina Wirth 5. Big C 2. Jonathan Goff 2. Alex Gordon 7. Karen Grygiel Jonathan Goff Alex Gordon 7. Vijay Paul 3. Jermaine Beal Jermaine Beal D.J. Moore 3. D.J. Moore
Dee Davis Regional Dee Davis 6. Catherine Newman 6. Katie Schulz
Derrick Bbyarsyars 1 Shan Foster Shan Foster. . . . 58% 51%. . . . ryan flaherty ryan flaherty 2 JOSIE EARNEST rita jorgensen REGIONAL 8 Shan Foster ryan flaherty 7 Second Rorouundnd 4 MIKIE MINOR Derrick Byars mackenzi adams 3 Results Regional Champ results 5 CHRIS WILLIAMS mikie minor . . . . 42% (Named Feb. 1) 49%. . . mackenzi adams jen risper 6
SEC Power Rankings Compiled by Eric Silver 1. Tennessee 16-2 (4-1) BAZANT: From kicker to agent After stomping Vandy and avenging last season’s NCAA From bazant, page 6 “You just start to know the network. Your clients start Tournament loss to Ohio State, the Vols were upset at basketball player Isiah Thomas. These two cornerstones were referring people back from you,” Bazant said. “People find out Kentucky, which proves maybe they’re not invincible critical to helping the company grow and branch out. about your success, relationships that you build.” after all. With Bazant at the helm, Goal Marketing began to expand Today Bazant, once a college student merely hoping for a snap 2. Vanderbilt 17-2 (2-2) exponentially, networking within the industry and broadening as a Vanderbilt kicker, is all over the sports pages. Recently, he its base of clients. found himself in the middle of the Stephon Marbury scandal, You’d think the Dores would have dropped down in the The rapid success resulted in Goal Marketing becoming The as he represents both Marbury and his boss, Thomas, now the polls after their stinker against UT. But after Ole Miss’ Agency Sports Marketing a year later, the current name of the general manager of the New York Knicks. Bazant was the topic horrible loss to Auburn and Vandy’s destruction of LSU, company. of discussion from households in New York to ESPN radio. coach Kevin Stallings’ squad now finds itself even higher Today, The Agency represents about 40 A-list athletes and And who knows? Currently, Bazant doesn’t represent any in the rankings. coaches in a multitude of sports. Though he doesn’t deal former Vanderbilt athletes, but that could always change. with athlete contracts, Bazant does everything else, such When April rolls around and NFL commissioner Roger 3. Mississippi State 13-5 (4-0) as endorsements, appearances, coaching contracts and Goodell announces the selection of Goff or Williams, enormous Though they’re not ranked nationally, that soon may broadcasting contracts. sums of money will become available to them in endorsements change. The Bulldogs have won eight games in a row He has negotiated thousands of deals, many of them worth and appearances. and are one of two undefeated teams in Southeastern millions of dollars, for his clients with companies from And when they need somebody to represent them, they may Conference play. Samsung to Miller Light. Ever heard of Stephon Marbury’s just choose the former backup kicker who went further in the “Starbury” Collection? Bazant had a hand in that too. athletic world than anybody would have ever thought. ■ 4. Ole Miss 15-2 (2-2) Bazant has found success through shrewd business strategy That loss to Auburn isn’t going to help the team’s psyche and developing a strong network within the sports industry. —Eric Silver can be reached at [email protected] heading into its showdown with rival Mississippi State.
5. Florida 16-3 (3-1) The Gators are young, inexperienced and underrated. Freshman Nick Calathes leads a potent offense that is averaging 81.3 points per game.
6. Kentucky 8-9 (2-2) Don’t count the Wildcats out just yet. With home wins over Vandy and now Tennessee, it’s clear that no team is looking forward to playing Patrick Patterson and company, especially at Rupp. 7. Georgia 11-5 (2-1) The Bulldogs got back on track this week, beating Alabama and Arkansas by a combined 20 points. Let’s see if they can do that at Tennessee on Saturday.
8. Arkansas 13-5 (2-2) Perhaps the best name in the SEC, Sonny Weems leads the Hogs in scoring, but he’s going to have to do more of that if he wants his team to be playing in March.
9. Auburn 11-5 (2-2) The Tigers’ short bench isn’t hurting them right now, but it’s going to kill them once SEC play heats up.
10. South Carolina 9-8 (1-2) We’ll see if the announcement of coach Dave Odom’s retirement at the end of the season will affect the Gamecocks. But at least there is nowhere to go but up for South Carolina. 11. Alabama 11-8 (0-4) Oh, how things have changed. Entering SEC play, the Tide were 11-4 and a dark horse candidate to win the conference. Now, they’re in a freefall as they’ve lost their first four conference games. Want to work for The Hustler? 12. LSU 7-11 (0-4) Their best player is out for the season, they average more turnovers than assists, they’ve lost seven games in a row email us at [email protected] and their coach is on the hot seat. But other than that, the Tigers are doing just fine. 8 Wednesday, January 23, 2008 The Vanderbilt Hustler www.insidevandy.com FUNFUN && GAMESGAMES
Ask about two elle our affordable A L B W , M , H online advertising Bring in today’s completed puzzle for a % discount! opportunities Call George Fischer at ŌōŊœŋŌUI"WFOVF4PVUIrŐŋŏŌŐœœœŏŎrXXXUXPFMMFDPN at InsideVandy.com 615-322-1884 SUDOKU: To solve, fill in the blanks so the numbers 1-9 appear just once in each horizontal row, vertical column and 3x3 box.
1/21/08 Solutions
GO DORES
Seniors! Yearbook portrait appointments are filling up fast. Make an appointment today for your Senior Portrait at: www.VanderbiltCommodore.com
Portrait photographers will be here for their final visit for the 2008 Commodore yearbook the week of Feb. 4 in Sarratt 112.
Appointments are required for seniors only. Non-seniors, please stop by Sarratt 112 between 9am-1pm or 2-6pm, Feb. 4-8 to have your portrait taken.
Details at www.VanderbiltCommodore.com