"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph." -Shirley Temple Volume XVI, Issue IV December 17th 2008 Manchester, NH DECEMBER IS: The Tribune Company Goes Bankrupt AIDS AWARENESS MONTH Timothy Callahan bankruptcy. Such a drop-off Staff Writer in profits on a company-wide scale made it impossible for the Tribune to maintain the The Tribune Company, which owns the company status-quo. “Los Angeles Times” and the “Chicago Tri- Before filing for bank- bune,” filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on ruptcy, the Tribune attempted December 8th after amassing a $13 billion to sell off various assets in debt. order to pay down its debts, According to National Public Radio and it continues to do so. Tri- (NPR), the Tribune, created in 1847, “took bune sold one of its media on massive debt when it went private last assets, “Newsday,” as well as year under a deal led by [Sam] Zell, a Chicago a 10 percent stake in Career- real estate mogul.” In fact, the amount of Builder, according to NPR. resources needed to privatize the company The latter of the two assets effectively tripled the Tribune’s debts. was sold for $135 million to With circulation rates declining due to Gannett Co. Mediabistro.com Tribune’s Chairman and CEO, Sam Zell internet publications, the current financial The Chicago Cubs, which is also owned market lying in shambles, and banks refus- by the Tribune, will not be affected by the ing 80 editorial positions at the “Los Ange- What's Inside? ing to negotiate loans, it was unrealistic for bankruptcy. However, the company has les Times.” Pages the Tribune to pay off its debts, according to made a concerted effort to sell the team in Operations for the “Los Angeles News 1-9 CNN. The Los Angeles Times, one of the order to allay some of the financial pressure Times,” “Chicago Tribune,” and other Business 10-11 media outlets for the Tribune, reported that the Tribune is facing, reported CNN. Also, affected companies of the Tribune Com- Clubs 12-15 the $240 million in profits it made two years NPR reports that the Tribune was forced to Please turn to page 04 Entertainment 16-21 ago declined to a projected $100 million this cut many jobs at its Creative 22-23 year, before its controlling company filed for Opinion 24-26 newspapers, includ- Sports 26-31 Burton Banned Voices & Faces 32 Ashley Manley News Editor Happy Holidays- from everyone at The Mixed opinions have been for someone who’s looking to Observer voiced in the state of Vermont score serious action, no matter as well as throughout the United where they like to stick it. I enjoy States regarding the recent laps through the park; long, hard launch of the controversial grinds on my meaty Park Edges “Primo” and “Love” lines of followed by a good, hot waxing.” Burton snowboards. The description continues by The “Love” snowboard line stating “… whether you’re hit- features snowboards of vintage ting it from the front or the back, nude Playboy girls. The “Love” my mid wide shape, supple flex, snowboard line also features a and twin tips like it kinky.” risqué description that makes Although some parts of the various sexual references. description have double mean- The description of the line ings, being both sexual but relat- Blogimg.goo.ne.jp Burton’s “Love” snowboard line -- altered for publication purposes begins with “...I’m on the market Please turn to page 04 2 News the OBSERVER STAFF Letter From Minutes of the Southern New Hampshire University the Editor FACULTY ADVISOR Student Government Association Judy Timney [email protected] Meeting Date: December 2, 2008 Libby Parent Editor in Chief EDITOR IN CHIEF Members in Attendance: 22 Libby Parent Awww. As the semester comes to an end it is finally [email protected] Special Guest: Dr. Patty Lynott, Vice President of Academic Affairs was invited time to exhale. Oh wait, after we complete all of our to meet with the senate. She discussed about the “Excellence in Teaching Awards” finals. And after “the Observer” staff finishes the paper. MANAGING EDITOR which is held every year. Two professors (one full-time and one-part time) are nomi- Whose brilliant idea was it to have layout the weekend Daniel Smith nated and given the awards for their excellence in teaching. She advised that students before finals? Ugh. Unfortunately the blame is placed on [email protected] should be actively involved in the nomination of faculty members for this award, me for that one. Sorry guys. because the awards come from students. She also asked students to meet with her to Thankfully I have an amazing staff of writers and LAYOUT EDITOR discuss about this. Four senators volunteered to meet with Dr. Lynott. editors who worked their tails off getting out a 32-page Carter Meyers December issue. I have no idea what the paper would [email protected] Unfinished Business: look like without all of their dedication. Well, of course Subject: Penmen Cash we would have no paper, but you catch my drift. ADVERTISING EDITOR • A Senator was curious about the status of Penmen cash off campus. Advisor Oddly enough, the paper was sent out by 11 pm this Gina Arnone Scott Tierno informed the senate that by the end of January, there will be solutions in past Sunday; this is easily a new record for this year’s staff. Although I was somewhat tyrannical this weekend about [email protected] place, and that Copies Plus will accept Penmen cash. getting the paper done, I must say that I am very pleased New Business: with the work and effort that was put forth. Thank you PHOTO EDITOR Officer Reports: Dan and Carter for putting up with my shenanigans. Cyan Cyan Suzanne Lentell President Deloria In the pages to follow, you will find our usual mix [email protected] of articles; sports, entertainment, and political coverage. Magenta Subject: Office Hours for senators: Every senator will spend at least an hour a Also, a rather saucy front page may have caught your NEWS EDITOR week in the SGA office, so that they can answer students’ questions. There will be sign- attention; Ashley Manley, our News Editor delved into the Burton controversy present not only in Vermont, but Ashley Manley up sheets for all senators to sign-up. Yellow Yellow nationwide. Be sure to check out our SNHU sports cov- [email protected] • Soccer Club: discussions were held. erage as well! • Motion not to approve funds for soccer club. Soccer Club is not approved. Unfortunately, no one wrote me a letter this month, Black OPINION EDITOR Vice President Alex Pillsbury just like every other month. Very devastating. Let me Laura Rotolo o PR/Elections Committee: Advertising elections know what you think...good or bad (although I prefer the [email protected] o Committee Responsibility: Advised senators to attend all the meetings of good, I am open to suggestions)! their respective committees. Side note: anyone know of job openings in Vermont CLUBS & ORGS Subject: recognition of the International Business Association (IBA) for winter break? Unfortunately my summer job (work- EDITOR o Discussion about IBA was held. They have 20 members and their mission is ing construction with my dad) is no longer available due Mike Capalbo to develop an environment that students can interact with international trade centers. to inclement weather and the unfortunate economic crisis [email protected] o Motion to recognize IBA was approved. affecting new projects. Either way, if you know of any, let me know because I am on the lookout! ENTERTAINMENT Treasurer Robert Breault I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. I also must tell you, we are planning a website unveiling party for Febru- EDITOR Subject- Allocation process- needs to be finalized. Motion to approve $600 T-shirts ary of 2009. Yes that is right, you will soon be able to Caitlin Murphy was proposed and passed. Subject- Additional Allocation read all of our juicy news online. Aren’t we becoming so [email protected] o Motion for sending the proposal to give CAPE more money back to Budget/ environmentally friendly? And you KNOW that makes Finance Committee was not passed. me happy. From everyone at “the Observer” I wish you SPORTS EDITOR o Motion to give CAPE $49,920 for concert passes. a safe and happy holiday and winter break. Be safe. Rock Nicholas Tasso o Motion to allocate Senior Week $19,050 in additional funds for programming on. [email protected] was proposed and passed. o Motion to give IGC $4928 to reimburse them for their NACA trip was pro- COPY EDITOR posed and passed. Ever Tried to Reach the Observer? Holly Bundy o Motion to allow Phi Delta Psi to use more than $200 for food was proposed Heres how: [email protected] [email protected] and passed. or 603-645-9669 BUSINESS EDITOR Holly Bundy The Southern New Hampshire University Observer is a news publication produced by Southern New Hamp- [email protected] shire University students and funded largely by the Student Government Association of the University. It is our CREATIVE EDITOR responsiblity to inform the SNHU community about events on and around campus. The Observer will print any Dillon St. Jean material found to be factual and in good taste by the editorial staff of the paper. The views published do not nec- [email protected] cessarily reflect the views of Southern New Hampshire University.