October 19, 2009 www.unews.com Vol. 77, Issue 9 Radio dreams could be reality

Photo illustration by NATHAN LANG

The University of Kansas has KJHK 90.1 FM. The University of Missouri has KCOU 88.1 FM. Putting a grade UMKC may soon have KROO. on higher learning Tyler Allen more ideas and her stance on the exactly where it’s going because Alexia Stout-Lang personal interest in the process. Assistant News Editor student-run radio station,” Greer everybody on campus is trying News Editor “It has some very significant im- “ y goal is said. “She offered quite a bit of to get into the new Student Union Each year, thousands of tests are plications for those who are going to have the help.” and there’s only so much space.” administered by the university. This here,” he said. “It is also a way that student-run He also toured KJHK 90.1 to Greer plans to talk with Stu- year, it’s the university’s turn to un- the North Central Association of the radio station see what a long-standing student dent Life and the Student Gov- dergo evaluation. Higher Learning Commission [shows within the radio station was like. ernment Association about fund- Officials from the Higher Learn- it] is very concerned about the quality nextM year,” said Derek Greer, “They gave me a lot of valu- ing the station. ing Commission (HLC) of the North of learning you receive.” construction liaison for the new able information on exactly what He also plans to start the sta- Central Association, an accrediting He added the HLC understands Student Union and UMKC se- is needed and how to keep a radio tion online instead of on FM air- agency, spent last week at UMKC to students have a lot on their plates, nior. station going because theirs has waves to cut costs. determine if the university is eligible which is why the accreditation pro- Though nothing is finalized, been going for like 75 years,” he “It’s a lot cheaper and it’s eas- for reaccreditation. cess is important. Greer has been working hard said. ier to start with internet broad- Jim Larson, a representative from “It is also an indication the train- since last semester to create a casting and step up to airwave the HLC, said the accreditation pro- ing you receive here will enable you student radio station on campus. “My goal is to have the broadcasting,” he said. “It’s just a cess is important for everyone con- to develop your skills so that you can The idea was formed last year student-run radio station lot cheaper overall starting from nected to the university. go forth in a comprehensive way, al- with a group of students in a ra- within the next year.” scratch doing internet broadcast- “We have a charge that is quite though most of you are just saying, ‘I dio class taught by the director ing.” comprehensive in the sense that it just want a job,’” Larson said. and manager of KCUR, Patty Greer would also like to in- DEREK GREER looks at all the ingredients that go Students were given about an hour Cahill. tegrate the radio station into the into whether the University of Mis- to express concerns about the univer- “A team of students wrote up Construction liaison for the new Communications department’s Student Union and UMKC senior souri – Kansas City can deliver the sity as well as things done right. a report and this is the report that curriculum. programs for learning to you that it They praised the Bloch School I’ve been using for the project,” “It can be worked into the says it will deliver,” Larson said. of Business and Administration, the Greer said. “I’ve discussed it Communications department Universities go through the re- Conservatory of Music and Dance, further with Patty Cahill and it’s The two hurdles Greer has so students can work with radio gional accreditation process every 10 Roo Camp, dorm life and some pro- actually something that could be left to clear are the location and broadcasting and hopefully open years if they receive full accredita- fessors. done and utilized.” funding for the radio station. some doors for UMKC students,” tion. Only in cases where the accred- Concerns included parking, the Using the report as a back- The original idea was to put he said. iting agency has some concerns about advising departments, the Finan- bone for the project, Greer the station in the new Student Greer envisions the station as an educational institution, short-term cial Aid office and the number of tapped into additional resources Union, but that has not been fi- student run and hopes it can be- accreditation is granted. professors who are only available to to further research the project. nalized. come a staple of campus life. Last week, officials from the HLC students during class, among other To begin, he talked to faculty “I’m not sure how feasible “It’s something that should toured campus and met with adminis- issues. and numerous student organiza- that is at the moment because, become permanent, not some- trators, faculty and students. Larson said he would record all of tions to get an idea of how they from discussions and stuff going thing that dies off after a few In one of two meetings held ex- the students’ comments and include might help. on in the meetings, they wanted years,” Greer said. “I think it clusively with students, Larson ex- “From there, I took a tour of to do more retail in (the new Stu- should become part of UMKC’s plained why students should take a See ACCREDITATION page 16 the KCUR radio station where dent Union),” Greer said. “So it’s daily life.” I Patty Cahill gave me a couple still up in the air at the moment of [email protected] INSIDE BASKETBALL page 12 GUN DEBATE page 4 KATRINA page 5 2 News October 19, 2009 www.unews.com

International talent convenes in Pierson

Photo KEVIN BRYCE Performers in the Culture Night talent show wait for the winner to be announced.

Kevin Bryce the Culture Night,” Brenne said. performance by Yihong Huang, Photo Editor The event began with students who sang a pop song from China. More than 300 international getting the chance to enjoy foods The winner of the talent show students gathered Saturday night from several countries. was Huanxian Liu who played a in Pierson Auditorium for talent, After students had their share of Chinese Koto, a traditional Chi- fashion and food. food, the talent show started. nese stringed instrument. The 10th annual Culture Night Performers were from a num- “I’ve been playing since I was represents a long-standing tradi- ber of countries including dancers 10,” Lui said, “and now I’m 25.” tion of celebrating cultures from from Mexico and Saudi Arabia, and Throughout the night, a raffle around the world at UMKC. singers and musicians from China, was held and the revenues were do- This is the second year the In- India and Taiwan. nated to the United Nations’ Chil- ternational Student Council (ISC) Then a fashion show was held, dren’s Fund. has hosted the event. letting students show off tradition- Many students said they look Student Coordinator Gina al garb from their home countries. forward to Culture Night each year Brenne said the ISC worked to Highlights from the night in- because it is a good way to bring make the event something for all cluded a dance by Mexico’s Veron- the various cultures on campus to- students. ica and Amalia Pizano, who danced gether for fun and entertainment. “We’re really looking to revive in traditional dresses, and also a [email protected] Photo KEVIN BRYCE Huanxian Lui, talent show winner, plays the Koto. Make clean energy work for Missouri Kelley Kates are available. Savings Store, discussed how pho- ergy usage. lion per year. The state depends on that Staff Writer For example, Kansas City Power tovoltaic solar power can be a great Therefore, it is Renew Missouri’s coal for 83 percent of its electricity. A clean energy forum co-spon- & Light offers a number of incen- alternative energy. mission to educate people about re- Unfortunately, the excessive use sored by several non-profits under tives including the Cool Homes Brown explained how solar pow- newable and efficient energy poli- of coal harms air quality, the envi- Clean Energy Works for Missouri Residential Rebate, which offers an er can be used to heat air and water cies. ronment and climate and can cause set up shop last Tuesday evening at incentive to those who replace inef- and make electricity. Wilson already feels that Missou- mercury contamination, Wilson the Discovery Center. ficient furnaces and air conditioning Brown also said Missouri is a rians have taken an interest in clean said. The purpose of the forum was to units. good region for solar power since the and renewable energy by passing Renew Missouri is pushing for spread the word about different ways State and federal incentives were state receives, on average, five sun Proposition C in 2008, which requires a statewide energy code which re- Missouri can become less dependent discussed as well. hours per day. utility companies to receive 15 percent quires new construction to meet a on oil and focus more on the usage of Ken Riead, a certified energy Solar power can replace approxi- of their electricity from clean energy minimum of energy efficiency. alternative methods for energy. and environment instructor with mately 50 percent of household wa- sources by 2021. Two percent must be This code, if adopted, would save The night began with four sepa- Hathmore, presented tips for energy ter heating costs. from solar. Missourians $108 billion on energy rate presentations. efficiency such as doing an energy PJ Wilson, of Renew Missouri, That bill is predicted to save Mis- bills by 2020, Wilson said. Hathmore Technologies, LLC audit to find out where a home may spoke on how to move Missouri for- sourians $331 million in the next 20 Other non-profits who presented and Accurate Rater Network began be losing energy and how adding ward. Wilson said although Missouri years. It will also develop thousands of at the event included the Sierra Club, by discussing how Missourians can insulation and sealing air leaks can has plenty of sunlight, biomass, wind new “green” jobs for Missourians. Kansas City Regional Clean Cities be more energy efficient, and what reduce that loss. and other alternative energy sources, Wilson said Missouri currently im- Coalition and Repower America. kinds of energy efficient incentives Susan Brown, from the Energy we still rank 48th in renewable en- ports all of its coal at a cost of $9 bil- [email protected] 3 News www.unews.com October 19, 2009 Students get direction for life after college

Tyler Allen other career inquiries. Assistant News Editor “We wanted to get on campus and do a career Not everyone knows what they want to be screening to find out if students could benefit when they grow up. from an individual career counseling session,” Many students come to college with no ma- Nicholas Debernard, representative for CS, said. jor in mind and are labeled “undecided.” Debernard said student situations vary. That’s why some students took advantage “Some people come in who have difficulty of the Career Screening of- getting past the interview,” fered by Career Services (CS) he said. “Some people don’t Friday afternoon in Scofield “We wanted to get on have a good enough resume Hall. campus and do a career to get to the interview.” “I need a little more direc- screening to find out if After students filled out tion as far as what to do after the questionnaire, a CS repre- college and I got an e-mail students could benefit sentative assessed their needs about the career screening,” from an individual career and offered advice. student Elizabeth Mowry Many times, the next step said. “So I thought it couldn’t counseling session.” for a student was to schedule hurt to drop by and see what an individual counseling ses- NICHOLAS DEBERNARD sion. they were doing.” Representative for Career Services Mowry, a junior major- Mowry said she was plan- ing in Communications with ning to schedule an appoint- a minor in History, decided ment with CS after having her she needed more direction toward a career after questionnaire assessed. college. For students interested in utilizing CS, con- Mowry was among a number of students tact 816-235-1636 or visit www.career.umkc. who filled out questionnaires pertaining to work edu. Photo TYLER ALLEN experience, resume experience and a number of [email protected] Career Services manager Sandi Dale (left) advises student Elizabeth Mowry on possible career paths. Community celebrates Standing against oppression 25 but had a lasting impact on Community activist the residents of Oaxaca, Mexico. Hispanic Heritage Month discusses militarism Growing up, Sedillo wit- nessed police brutality and be- and paramilitarism came involved in crime, but Nila Hall Lopez discussed his life and pressures from students. Nila Hall made the decision to turn away Staff Writer why he decided to pursue this ca- He was one of the few students Staff Writer from crime. Members from the UMKC reer. in his class to graduate from high Filmmaker and community “I’ve always been political,” community came together last “I’d always thought I’d be a school and attend college. activist Simon Sedillo visited he said. Thursday to celebrate Hispanic CEO, where I would make lots of After the discussion about his UMKC on Oct. 14 to present his After seeing a news report Heritage Month. money and have a secretary,” Lo- life, he gave a presentation titled film, “La Familia Races.” about the uprisings taking place The Cultural Celebration pez said. “Putting the Accent on UMKC The UMKC chapter of ME- in Oaxaca, he decided to become Committee hosted the event. Lopez was born in the United Student Recruitment.” CHA (Movimiento Estudiantil involved by making films. Over pastries and coffee, a States, but he spent nine years in The presentation focused on Chicano de Aztlán) hosted the He believes putting cameras group of students, staff and facul- Mexico. the schools in the Kansas City, event. It was co-sponsored by the in the hands of regular people is ty gathered around a table and dis- Upon his return to the United Kan. and Kansas City, Mo. School Office of Diversity, Access and the best way to document unjust cussed the efforts being made to States, he described facing cul- Districts, where he recruits. Equity and the Economics club. situations. encourage more Latino students tural barriers. Lopez visits each of the schools The main focus was the issue During the second half of to attend UMKC. Although he is fluent in both four times a year. The standard is of militarism to paramilitarism, the workshop, he discussed the The guest speaker invited to English and Spanish, because he twice a year. and how it specifically impacts the role of the North American Free the event was recruiter Alex Lo- encountered barriers his fellow Lopez highlighted some sta- people in southern Mexico. Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and pez. He is the first to hold the title classmates weren’t interested in tistics about the graduation rates Paramilitarism is the commu- its impact on Mexico’s constitu- of Coordinator of Multicultural school. within the school districts, but nity fighting back against injus- tion. Recruitment at UMKC. He also described facing peer also discussed the discrepancies tice. Sidello criticized NAFTA as in them. “Paramilitarism can be defined well as the economic policies “We mostly want to target in many ways,” Sedillo said. that are supposed to help Mex- sophomores,” he said. Paramilitarism influences ico, but ended up causing more A student’s sophomore year is aspects of life in Mexico, such harm than good. when they’re most likely to drop as college campuses and labor He also discussed the role of out. unions. the Zapatista, a guerilla army “One of the biggest obstacles The workshop also focused that has played a significant role are undocumented students,” Lo- on neoliberalism, which is for in the uprisings. pez said. economic growth and against big During the last part of the Lopez indicated a law passed business, and its effects on indig- workshop he presented his latest in Kansas called the DREAM enous populations. film, which showed a family who (Development Relief and Educa- Sedillo shattered myths about used their music talent to express tion for Alien Minors) Act, which United States military interven- their political views. allows undocumented students to tion indigenous communities of The family filmed also par- go to college. A similar law does Mexico, past and present. ticipated in the uprising along not exist in Missouri. Sedillo began by telling his with other protestors. Lopez said he will continue to life story and why he became a “La Familia Races” is differ- strive for all kids to have a chance filmmaker and community ac- ent from the films he normally to go to college. tivist. makes, which focus on torture “Education is the solution to He also gave a brief overview and murder. most of the problems we have,” he of the history of the uprisings. By the end of the workshop, said. The events began in May participants had the opportunity Hispanic Heritage Month was 2006 when police responded to to purchase the film, and were celebrated from Sept. 15 through a teacher strike and opened fired left with an understanding of Oct. 15. on a non-violent protest. militarism and paramilitarism. Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG [email protected] The conflict lasted until Nov. [email protected] Max Pacina enjoys a pastry and coffee. 4 News October 19, 2009 www.unews.com

CAPTURING THE LIFE Gun talks OF CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER by ALEXIA STOUT-LANG unravel issues Guns were the center of solely provide a right to bear arms for Some men and women are history fice. In 1964, Jordan won a seat in the the militia,” Levy responded. “It ex- makers. Leon M. Jordan and his wife Missouri House of Representatives. attention at the School isted as a right for the purpose of de- certainly fall into that category. On July 15, 1970, Jordan was shot fense against tyrannical government.” Jordan was born in Kansas City in and killed in the early morning hours as of Law Tuesday Having defined the Second Amend- 1905, attended Lincoln High School he left the Green Duck Tavern, a busi- ment’s purpose, Levy explained, in the words of Alexander Hamilton in and graduated from Wilberforce Uni- ness operated at 2548 Prospect Ave. At Matthew Hicks Contributing Writer versity in Ohio in 1933. the time, he was seeking his fourth term Federalist Paper Number 78, “The The free food and open seats went Five years later, he joined the Kan- in the Missouri General Assembly. judicial branch must bind the execu- fast in the packed Law School student sas City Police Department. He served His wife took up the campaign, won tive and legislature in the chains of the lounge during a gun control debat 16 years and became the first African- the seat and served 16 years in the state Constitution.” hosted by the Federalist Society and American to become a Lieutenant. legislature. Thus, repealing the Second UMKC School of Law. In 1947, he was granted a leave of The LaBudde Special Collections Amendment was the only Constitu- Robert Levy, chairman of the Cato absence and lived eight years in Li- Department at the Miller Nichols Li- tional way to put a ban on guns. Institute, Libertarian think-tank, and beria, training its police force while brary houses the Leon M. Jordan Col- Rostron, now with his first oppor- coauthor of “The Dirty Dozen,” de- his wife, Orchid, played a vital role in lection, which is comprised of photos, tunity to speak, identified himself as bated gun control with Allen Rostron, establishing the records bureau of the documents and other items belonging a moderate. UMKC professor of Law. Liberian police department. to the couple. Although he did not advocate gun Levy is known for being the co- The couple was frequently invited The content ranges in date from the rights, he agreed with Levy’s argu- counsel of Dick Heller in the land- as guests of Liberian President William 1910s to the 1980s. ment for the Constitutional applica- mark Second Amendment Supreme V. S. Tubman. A large portion of the collection is tion of the Second Amendment. Court case last year, District of Co- In the mid-1950s, Jordan and his photos from Liberia like the one fea- Rostron went on to criticize Sca- lumbia v. Heller. wife returned to the states and he de- tured here of Africans in native cos- lia’s opinion and judicial ideology, Levy was given the opportunity cided to pursue a political career. tume. saying it was “hypocritical.” to first introduce the In 1962, Jordan and political col- For more information about the col- Scalia is a poster- facts of the case and league Bruce Watkins founded Free- lection, visit the LaBudde Special Col- boy for originalism, a how it was present- “The Second dom, Inc., a local organization that lections Department or go online to method of interpreting ed to the Supreme promoted voter awareness in the black http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col-collections/ Amendment didn’t the Constitution strict- Court. community and groomed African- jordan. solely provide a right ly as it was written and

Treasures archived for discovery He began by say- American candidates for political of- [email protected] intended by the origi- ing the Supreme to bear arms for the nal writers. Court had not heard militia. It existed as a Rostron also got a case concerning the crowd laughing at the Second Amend- right for the purpose some of Scalia’s side- ment since 1939 dur- of defense against bar commentary on the ing United States v. tyrannical government.” Heller case, which Ros- Miller. tron said might have With the growing ROBERT LEVY been appropriate in an concerns of many Chairman of the Cato Institute article of some type but Americans about not in a Supreme Court their Constitutional opinion. right to bear arms, Levy and his fel- The next question was, “What is a low litigants decided to proactively fundamental right?” deal with the issue. Levy’s response was “nobody They filed a suit in Washington, knows.” D.C. and interviewed several potential He mentioned the Lawrence v. Tex- plaintiffs. as case in which the Supreme Court Eventually, they settled on six. ruled one has a reasonable right to pri- Three of them were men; three were vacy for consensual gay sex in one’s women; two of them were African- home. American; the other four were white By contrast, an elderly woman pre- and their ages ranged from 20-60 scribed medical marijuana and arrest- years. ed by the Drug Enforcement Admin- Several years later after dealing istration for possession of an illegal with complications with the National substance (which Levy said the fed- Rifle Association, Heller, the sole re- eral government has no Constitutional maining plaintiff, finally made it to authority to regulate), does not have the Supreme Court and won in a 5-4 the right to live a less painful life. decision given by Justice Antonin Thus, from reading the cases, there Scalia. is no consistent principle in deciding The ruling affirmed Heller’s Sec- what is or is not a fundamental right. ond Amendment right to possess a Roston added to the dialogue, but firearm. there was little debate. Photo courtesy LABUDDE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS The first question asked by the He even conceded in his final re- moderator, Ben McMillen, president marks that he had learned a few things of the UMKC Federalist Society, was and would “have to change his lecture if the case was decided correctly. notes.” “The Second Amendment didn’t [email protected] Get turned on ... Follow us on Become a fan on Visit Twitter! Facebook! www.unews.com @UNewsScoop to the U-News! 5 News www.unews.com October 19, 2009

New Orleans brings hope for Kansas City

Photo KEVIN BRYCE An expert panel discusses how the effort to rebuild New Orleans applies to Kansas City.

Kevin Bryce are practiced and waste sites end up the community, demolishing homes sues east of Troost Avenue are less racial divide. Photo Editor in the poorest areas of town. and causing noise pollution. important. But the problems Kansas City Raymond Rast, professor at Cal- By 1970, the population of Mex- “There is an attitude that if you faces with its urban development Hurricane Katrina brought a ifornia State University, is begin- ican-Americans in the areas of Ar- are east of Troost, anything goes, are still many, she said. clean slate to New Orleans for plan- ning to study the history of Kansas gentine and Southwest Trafficway that is until you meet me,” said Carol Jacob Wagner, assistant profes- ners, politicians and the public City. dropped from 22,000 to 7,000. Grimaldi, executive director of the sor of Architecture, Urban Planning alike. He talked about the flood of By 1972, these areas were Brush Creek Community Partners. & Design at UMKC, talked about The 2005 hurricane, though a 1951 and how it broke through the deemed as dead and no loans could Grimaldi talked about neglect in the Kansas City sprawl and how it tragedy, gave the city a chance to levees of the lower west side, deeply be given to those social welfare. is unique from that of New Orleans. rebuild itself, eliminating social impacting Kansas City’s Mexican- looking to buy Even in re- Where New Orleans is sur- divides such as race and class. But American community. homes. “How can we, as a nation, cent years, the rounded by a river and the ocean, this great task is ongoing. “Within minutes, a torrent of “How can allow someone to suffer not failed Kansas Kansas City just has land. Last Wednesday, experts from water broke through, destroying we, as a nation, C i t y s e w a g e Wagner said when a city is as across the country gathered in a 3,000 homes,” Rast said. allow someone just of the storm but also at system contrib- sprawled as Kansas City it has a great panel discussion of how this effort Though the flood caused $840 to suffer not just the hands of other human uted to the flash amount of vulnerability due to its de- can be applied to Kansas City. million in damages, it brought the of the storm but beings?” flood at East pendency on highways and transit. Leading the discussion in a Mexican-American community to- also at the hands Brush Creek Also, when everyone is so packed lecture hall was Director of gether. Many more Mexican-Amer- of other human in 1998, which spread out, limitations are placed Black Studies Clovis Semmes, who PELLOM MCDANIELS icans moved back into flooded ar- beings?” Pel- UMKC professor of History killed 11 people. on dialogue when considering fu- spoke about the problems faced in eas than were originally there. lom McDaniels, “ P s y c h i c ture development plans. rebuilding New Orleans. But at that time, Kansas City UMKC professor walls are just as “Sprawl shapes our ability and “Neglect is most easily applied saw urban development as more of History, asked. hard to break down as brick walls,” our inability to talk to one another,” to the least powerful,” Semmes important than this strong, thriving Neglect is a driving theme in Grimaldi said. Wagner said. said. community. Kansas City’s history and with influ- Grimaldi was excited about the But with the evidence of New He talked about how easily the “Where the flood pulled the ence from the reconstruction of New Green Zone development in the Orleans, Wagner said change and increase in consumption can cause Mexican-American community to- Orleans, this issue ought to now be Ivanhoe district of Kansas City. improvement is possible. the neglect of public welfare. gether, the freeways pulled them addressed, according to the panel. Weatherizing homes and im- “If you love your city and want If planners are reckless, then apart,” Rast said. When it comes to urban planning proving the transit system in the to rebuild it, you can,” he said. environmental racism and classism Highway 31 drove right through and construction, lately it seems is- area are good starts to breaking this [email protected] Katrina revealed racial divides Kelley Kates areas of racial inequality throughout gotten anyway,” he said. ed. He said they weren’t “stubborn or ple would not have been affected so Staff Writer the discussion. “White middle class are being stupid,” they just didn’t want to lose harshly had they not been residing in The vision of racial contention Dyson noted a large problem in manipulated by deep-pocket conser- what little they did have. more vulnerable areas due to racial in America became all too clear last America is slavery and its lasting vatives … that’s why poor white folk Dyson spoke about “racial institu- inequality. Monday night at Swinney Recreation impressions have been profoundly in- need to join with poor black folk and tionalism,” the notion of the built-in Regarding the statements made by Center. serted into America. poor red folk need to join forces and belief one race deserves more than some that Katrina happened because “Come Hell or High Water: Hur- He said it largely has to do with we can turn this thing out,” Dyson others. He said this is what happened God wanted to wipe out all the black ricane Katrina and the Color of Disas- land ownership. Dyson stated land- said. in the disaster. people in New Orleans because of all ter,” a book by Michael Eric Dyson, owning white men have always had Dyson said when Hurricane Ka- “They didn’t consciously decide of the crime and as well as all of the was the subject of the presentation for the upper hand and that position has trina hit, it hit everybody in that re- not to help,” Dyson stated. gays, Dyson responded by asking if the evening. not changed because land is passed on gion, but not everyone was hit the He said it was a built-in reaction. anyone had ever seen Detroit or San Dyson, a professor at the Univer- from generation to generation. same. For example, he said, if you’ve Dyson referred to and addressed some Francisco. sity of Pennsylvania, attempts to ad- He said the inequalities are not just got another ‘crib’ up on the hill, you of the random statements that reflect Dyson said the racial separation dress racial inequalities and pretense among race but gender and class as can go to your other ‘crib.’ the built-in notion made by Ameri- and economic bigotry was revealed throughout history and during the well. Dyson often urged all races in- Dyson added that if you were the cans, mainly conservative whites and during Hurricane Katrina. The peo- Katrina disaster in his book. cluding middle class and “poor white people living in poverty, in the Ninth Bill Cosby, after the hurricane struck. ple who rested in those communities, His visit to UMKC was for the trash” to join in the fight against the Ward for instance, you may not even For example, statements made that he said, “were victimized twice, once same purpose. inequalities. have a car, a ride, gas or a credit card insisted those who could not leave by the storm itself.” His main focus for the evening He also urged white women to to be able to leave. should have been working harder so “The historic legacy of inequal- was the disaster in New Orleans dur- speak up on Affirmative Action. Dyson said those people living in they weren’t so impoverished could ity has to be acknowledged and ad- ing and after Katrina made landfall. “Affirmative Action ain’t taken the impoverished areas were stuck look only to their selves to blame. dressed,” Dyson said. However, he did stray into various nothing that white people would have and were the most profoundly affect- Dyson reiterated that those peo- [email protected] 6 News October 19, 2009 www.unews.com Day in the life: NBA reporter Tyler Allen Assistant News Editor Some people who get up in the morning may tweet about the contents of their breakfast. Michael Wallace tweets the lat- est news about the Miami Heat. As journalism heads into the era of social media, Wallace’s career is much different than when he started 12 years ago. “I’m such a traditionalist when it comes to journalism,” Wallace said. “I either had one of two choices: you could evolve with the times or you are out of a job.” As the NBA beat reporter for The Miami Herald, his work revolves around the Miami Heat during the season. “It’s non-stop basketball from basically late September through June,” he said. “You’re really always on the clock for nine months.” Wallace begins his work day by reading various newspapers Photo TYLER ALLEN online to get an idea of the days NBA reporter Michael Wallace discusses journalism with UMKC students. biggest sports stories. After that, he’s off to the During the game, Wallace was write your story, try to be read something that they weren’t Heat’s practice to conduct inter- has to juggle writing his game as accurate as you can, try to be able to get immediately after the views and generate stories. story and actually watching the entertaining and then you push game.” If it’s game day, there’s much action. send,” he said. “Now, your story Wallace always gives aspir- more involved. “The whole time I’m work- is just one component of every- ing journalists two pieces of After submitting his pre- ing,” he said. “And it’s amazing thing else you have to do.” advice. game story, Wallace gets a because it’s hard to watch a game Wallace emphasized the im- First is be able to listen. chance to talk with the team. as you’re actually working. But pact social media has had on his “The first thing is soak up, “There’s a period called you sort of learn how to look up profession. be a sponge, listen to every piece the pregame media availability every few minutes and watch a “The day where you think of information, every piece of where, about an hour and a half few minutes and then peep down you have a scoop all to yourself advice that you can get,” he said. before the start of each game, and write during time outs and — that’s long gone,” he said. “In The second is be flexible. the head coach makes himself things like that.” this day and age with all the me- “You’re going to have to be available for the media,” he said. After he sends his story in, dia and all the ways to get access versatile, your going to have to “After we talk to the head coach Wallace hits his blog. to what happens instantly, you be able to go anywhere,” Wal- for about five to 10 minutes, the Wallace said a lot has want to be able to put your paper lace said. “It’s not necessarily as locker rooms are opened, so we changed since his early days as in a position where somebody important where you start off; go in and talk to the players as a journalist. can pick up that paper the next it’s where you end up.” they get prepared for the game.” “Ten years ago, all you did morning and see something and [email protected] Mock Trial aims for nationals Kelley Kates zation. Downs noted the key to surviving all Staff Writer Downs said the team is working to- of it is organization. The UMKC College Mock Trial team ward nationals but must do well at re- “We all carry planners,” she said. is competing under new leadership and gionals in the spring first. “We try to coordinate our schedules and striving to reach the national competition. “The goal absolutely is to make it to keep them as best as we can.” After a lengthy reign as Pre-Law ad- nationals,” Downs said. This year, Downs said, competitors in visor, Derek Moorehead resigned from The Mock Trial team receives plenty the mock trial competition get to argue a the position last year to seek other career of practice for the tournaments they at- criminal case. aspirations. tend one or two times every month. The case alternates every year be- Since his departure, Sybil (Briann) “A lot of time, a lot of dedication is tween civil and criminal. Wyatt, the new Pre-Law advisor, has put into time to practice with your team,” The American Mock Trial Associa- taken over the reins and is leading the Downs said. tion sets the rules for the teams and com- UMKC Mock Trial team. She said they generally practice on petitions but the coach assigns what role “It’s a big transition for us,” team Tuesdays and Sundays for three hours each team member plays, whether it be member Irene Downs said. each night, and about five additional attorney or witness. Downs said the guidance on the team hours during the week within their in- Each squad member gets a chance to seems to be working. dividual squads, which are made up of play both the role of the attorney and the Recently, the team had two of their 6-10 students. witness. competing squads at the Fifth Annual Downs said it can be challenging to She said it’s a good experience, but Billiken Barrister Tournament in St. practice so often because everyone on most of all, it is fun. Louis, Mo. and one received 10th place the team is a full-time student and try- Downs said they all have a great time recognition. ing to maintain scholarships as well as traveling and staying in hotels together Helping to guide the team is Jessica the team. like some huge, fun, dysfunctional fam- Visit Bernard, a Blue Springs, Mo. lawyer, Many of the teammates are studying ily. That’s what makes mock trial so www.unews.com Washington University graduate and for their Law School Admissions Test great, Downs said. seven-year mock trial coach who recent- (LSAT), which takes up quite a bit of “We really are family.” ly joined the UMKC Mock Trial organi- their time too. [email protected] 7 News www.unews.com October 19, 2009 briefly mentioned by TYLER ALLEN Police Blotter by ALEXIA STOUT-LANG Oct. 9 Education parking lot to find New Letters awards writers her window broken and items s pu m a C 10:27 a.m. Injury – missing. UMKC’s quarterly literary and art maga- Robin Hemley said. “And the humor of this A piece of countertop fell in zine New Letters announced the winners its piece is certainly hard-won.” the Oak Street Residence Hall 3:50 p.m. Larceny – 24th annual literary awards. Siobhán Fallon, of California, received the and hit the victim in the leg. A student returned to his vehi- Heather Bell, of New York, received the $1,500 Alexander Cappon Award for Fiction cle in the Oak Street Parking $1,500 New Letters Award for Poetry for for “Inside the Break.” 2:36 p.m. Vehicular – Structure and found a window “Aunt Marjorie” and other selected poems. “[This story] impressed me with the beau- While backing out of a park- broken and property missing. “The poems I chose spoke to me because ty of its craft, yes, but also its timeliness, its ing space, a student’s car was they contained some combination of passion, emotional and technical authenticity and the surprise, sensibility and structure,” poetry way it bruised my heart,” fiction judge Benja- struck by a car already in the 4:25 p.m. Larceny – lane. judge Kim Addonizio said. min Percy said. A student parked in the Oak Rose Bunch, of Florida, received the All of the winner’s works will be pub- Street Parking Structure was $1,500 Dorthy C. Cappon Award for her es- lished in the winter 2010 issue of New Letters. Oct. 10 notified by police that her car say “Norman Mailer is Coming to Dinner.” The next literary awards deadline is May window was broken and items “Humor is so hard to pull off in an essay, 18, 2010. Visit www.newletters.org for de- 2:08 a.m. Disturbance – were missing. especially hard-won humor,” essay judge tails. A group of people yelling in the hallway at Oak Place 7:22 p.m. Information – Apartments were asked to A student left a vehicle that UMKC 14th in ‘Best Neighbor’ survey keep the noise down and com- wasn’t his parked at the Univer- plied. sity Center with the keys in it The university’s contributions to the com- as well as the region,” UMKC Chancellor and returned to find it missing. munity received recognition Monday when it Leo E. Morton said. “As a university, we are Oct. 11 was named the 14th “Best Neighbor,” accord- committed to engaging our community in Oct 14 ing to “Savior of Our Cities: A Survey of Best making this a great urban university – one of 7:58 p.m. Injury – College and University Civic Partnerships.” which the administration, faculty, students, A staff member was taking 8:03 a.m. Property Damage – According to a press release, the top 25 staff and the community can be proud.” apart a set in the Performing A CCTV camera was dam- colleges and universities were selected based The survey was authored by Dr. Ewan Arts Center when a piece fell aged on the side of the Medi- “on their positive impact on their urban com- Dobelle, president of Westfield College in on his foot. cal School building. munities – both commercial and residential Westfield, Mass. activities – such as revitalization, cultural Among the top 25 are the University of Oct. 12 renewal, economics and community service Southern California, University of Pennsyl- 3:57 p.m. Larceny – and development.” vania and University of Missouri – St. Louis, A student left her backpack “An important part of the University’s vi- another member of the University of Mis- 1:37 p.m. Harassment – unattended and returned to sion is its active engagement with the city, souri system. A staff member in Haag Hall find items missing from it. reported threats from a sus- pect to get her fired. Oct. 15 Provost appoints interim vice chancellor of Research 8:13 p.m. Vehicular – A driver not paying attention 11:32 a.m. Assist Other Agency – Dr. Lynda Bonewald, Lee M. and Wil- She has received numerous awards and at 50th and Oak streets struck An officer assisted the Kansas liam Lefkowitz professor of Oral Biology honors. In 2005 she was named a University another vehicle. City Police Department in the and director of UMKC’s Bone Biology re- of Missouri Curator’s Professor. She also apprehension of a car prowler. search program, was appointed interim vice received the Distinguished Scientist Award chancellor of Research. in Mineralized Tissue from both the Inter- Bonewald began her new role of oversee- national Association of Dental Research and Oct. 13 2:50 p.m. Larceny – A student returned to his ve- ing UMKC’s Office of Research on Thursday. American Association for Dental Research hicle in the Oak Place parking Bonewald worked at the University of in 2006. 6:09 a.m. Larceny – Texas Health Science Center for 15 years be- For more information on the Office of Re- An unknown party stole sev- lot and discovered property missing. fore joining the UMKC School of Dentistry search, visit www.med.umkc.edu/research/ eral pieces of computer equip- in 2001. default1.html. ment from a room in Haag Hall. 5:48 p.m. Larceny – A student returned to her ve- hicle in the Oak Place parking Celebrate Love Your Body Day with the Women’s Center 2:44 p.m. Larceny – lot and found a window bro- A staff member returned to ken and her GPS missing. her vehicle in the School of The Women’s Center (WC) will fight in Pierson Auditorium. against unrealistic beauty standards and gender From noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday will be stereotypes all week. a workshop in room 161 of the University Cen- Campus Crimes as of Oct. 16 During various events Tuesday and ter. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., WC will have infor- CRIMES 2008 YTD 2009 YTD Wednesday, WC will teach women and girls to mational tables at the Health Sciences building. BURGLARY* 17 20 love their bodies. Informational tables will also be available 4-6 At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, a “Love Your Body p.m. at Oak Street Residence Hall. ROBBERY 1 3 Day Fashion Show” will kick off the week. The For more information about the events, visit MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT* 4 3 show will feature all different types of women www.umkc.edu/womenc/. LARCENY 113 101 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 1 0 COMMON ASSAULT 4 7 FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSES 0 2 DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS 8 3 Police tip of the week * MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS AND BURGLARIES INCLUDE ATTEMPTS From Michelle Taylor, UMKC Crime Prevention When driving, keep doors locked and windows await assistance inside your locked vehicle. rolled up. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and If a stranger stops, speak to them through a partially Correction keep your vehicle in good repair. rolled-down window. Ask them to go to a phone and ‘Continuing campus crime poses threat’ (10/12/09) If you experience a breakdown, pull as far onto the call police or a tow service. Do not exit your vehicle Due to an editor’s error, the article said, “Contrary to common practice, UMKC shoulder as possible and turn your emergency flash- until a law enforcement officer or tow operator is on- Police did not send a safety alert to students pertaining to Clark’s robbery.” ers on. scene. However, UMKC Police Chief Mike Bongartz confirmed the crime was not If you have a cellular phone, summon as- On longer trips, be sure you have wa- sistance from a reputable source or call for law ter, food and blankets in the vehicle. something that would normally be sent out campus-wide through e-mail. enforcement response. Otherwise, raise your If a crime occurs, contact the UMKC Police Depart- The robber took property from an empty office and happened to cross paths hood or tie a streamer to your antenna and ment immediately at 816-235-1515, or dial 911. with Clark on the way out. 8

October 19, 2009 Culture www.unews.com ‘Palomino’ exposes human nature

Photo courtesy DON IPOCK PHOTOGRAPHY David Cale provides a one-man show in “Palomino,” running through Nov. 15 at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Alexia Stout-Lang “Are you pimping me?” McGrath asks. plays the three women he becomes romantic plexity of the relationships to shine through. News Editor But without much more coercing, he ac- with (Ruby, Trish and Vallie), Edward, a book A projection screen, two stools and a hat t’s raw. It’s real. It’s emotional. It’s cepts the business deal. publisher, and Peter, another Irish carriage stand are the lone items seen on stage. “Palomino.” One evening turns into many more with driver. In all honesty, I did not quite know what to Making its world premier at the several other women. Whether playing men or woman, Cale think of the play in the beginning. It’s a slow Kansas City Repertory Theatre, He attends plays, gets whisked off to Cali- flows seamlessly from asserting masculinity start. “Palomino” was written, performed fornia and eventually to Malta with the cougars to gushing with femininity. Cale has to set the stage for the entire story. and self-directed by award-winning author and (mostly women whose husbands have passed) It is a difficult task for one man to introduce I who are paying for his company. “He shows us the vulgarity of human the audience to so many characters. performer David Cale. Cale completely rewrites the dictionary To the vulnerable women, the tall, dark and nature while letting us know it’s OK But he gets the job done. definition of “one-man show” with his perfor- handsome McGrath is flawless – almost per- By the end of the 90 minutes, the tale all mance. I can tell you right now, you have never fect. He is smart, he is gorgeous, he is great because, deep down, we are all the comes together in a medley of emotions. experienced anything like “Palomino.” in bed. same.” Laughter, tears, hate, love – they all have It is the story of an Irish carriage driver The problem comes when one woman falls a place. in Manhattan, New York named Kieren Mc- for him and it is revealed that he refuses to fall Everyone who goes to see this play will Grath, a book worm with dreams of becoming in love because he can’t stand the way it feels. It is a provocative story and Cale gets the walk away with a deep understanding of raw a writer. Through Cale, the audience experiences the audience emotionally invested in the charac- human nature. It’s ugly, vulgar, beautiful, eter- One fateful day, a woman named Marsha emotions of love and love lost right along with ters. nal, temporary and ever-changing. takes a ride in his carriage and presents an in- the men and women in the play. He shows us the vulgarity of human nature “Palomino” runs through Nov. 15 on the teresting proposal. In some cases, we see the same scene from while letting us know it’s OK because, deep Copaken Stage. Visit www.kcrep.org for tick- She will give him $1,000 to spend an eve- different perspectives. down, we are all the same. ets. ning with one of her friends. In addition to Marsha and McGrath, Cale The simplicity of the set allows for the com- [email protected] 9 www.unews.com Culture October 19, 2009 movie review Pat Green gets back to his roots by CASEY OSBURN

Hilary Saskin words. Culture Editor ‘Where the Wild The opening credits contained Many musicians say they have wanted to be a mu- Max’s doodles of the wild things over sician their whole life. Things Are’ the Warner Bros. logo, which sent me Pat Green, however, is not one of them. In a theatre full of kids dressed in back to fourth grade. “I guess I started my freshman year in college,” pajamas, everybody wanted to escape to Jonze successfully added his own Green said. “That’s when I picked up a guitar and the adventurous world of Max and his view of Max’s family background, said, ‘I’m gonna learn how to play guitar.’” imaginary wild things. which helped extend the short story into Though he was already a legal adult before dip- Hopefully they weren’t as disap- a feature film. ping his feet in the music pool, Green, now one of the pointed as I was. It is apparent from the start of the biggest names in country music, took to it instantly. The book, by Maurice Sendak, is a film that Max struggles with anger and “It was really very exciting for me,” he said. “I masterpiece but the movie adaptation lack of attention. couldn’t get enough of it. It was an addiction imme- does not deserve the same designation. After Max builds a big igloo, his diately.” “Where the Wild Things Are” is the older sister and her friends smash it and After his first hit, “Wave on Wave,” released in story of Max, a young boy who caused do nothing to make him feel better. Max 2003, the success has been a nonstop road for Green. all sorts of mischief one night and was then goes to her room, throws things But there was a significant moment when he knew sent to bed without supper. around and breaks some of her stuff. he had “made it big.” That night, Max’s vivid imagination Raised in a single-parent home, Max “Hearing my voice on the radio was a huge thing,” brought him to a faraway place, where does not get as much attention as he he said. “And then realizing (with ‘Wave on Wave’) he found the wild things. would like. we had a huge, chart-topping hit that stayed on top Director Spike Jonze spent more This is ultimately what causes him of the charts for a month. That was the defining mo- than eight years working to adapt this to act crazy one night, jumping on the ment.” book into a film with the help of writer counter and yelling at his mom. Although the single never went to number one, Dave Eggers. Sadly, these scenes are the best in Green said it stayed in the top five for well over a Unfortunately, the movie didn’t ex- the film. The beginning captures you, month. press the same intensity as Sendak’s and takes you to another place. Then it “That was the biggest thing ever for me,” he said. drops you off wondering what actually Now, more than six years later, Green still enjoys Photo courtesy MELANIE WAGES happened. hearing his voice on the radio. But it’s for different Pat Green will be at Kemper Arena Oct. 23. In Jonze’s adaptation, Max runs reasons. away after he throws his fit at home. “I don’t think it’s as weird now as much as it was With two song names in mind, Green had to make This transitions into him sailing away then,” he said. “Now I’m just kind of glad because that some major considerations. to the land where the wild things are. means I’ve still got a job.” “I felt like the song ‘Footsteps of our Father’ was This part is confusing. It is difficult With the release of his latest album, What I’m For, probably my favorite song on the album,” he said. to determine if the occurrences are a which came out at the beginning of this year, Green “But the song ‘What I’m For’ – that song said more dream. hopes to continue making music (and have a job) for in three words than ‘Footsteps of our Father’ said in Not once during the movie does it a while. four.” point out that Max was sent to bed with- What I’m For marks a milestone in Green’s career While he is comfortable with co-writing, Green out dinner, as it does in the book, nor because it’s “a little bit more back to my roots,” he still enjoys writing songs on his own. that he was dreaming. said. Although he chooses not to put too many songs he I couldn’t help but continue to ques- The album also holds a lot of importance to his didn’t write on any album, he is especially proud of tion it throughout the entire film. family – his wife and two kids. his most recent one for the number of songs he wrote. The costumes, however, were very “I think this one is a little more based in what “The last album out before this one, I guess I only well done. The wild things looked like it is I’ve done in the past,” he said. “But more than wrote about six or seven of the songs,” he said. “But they jumped straight out of the book and anything this is a lot about my family, a lot about my this one I wrote all but two.” onto the movie screen. feelings for my kids and my wife and just the whole Green has also done co-writing with other singers, The visual aspects were great, and family thing.” including Rob Thomas and Jewel, which is something brought the viewer into the world of the Over the course of his career, Green’s music has he holds close to his heart. wild things. slowly changed. He believes this is something that, for “To have the kind of career that will afford you But the excitement and fear just most people, happens naturally. the opportunity to write with those people is what I’m weren’t there. The movie doesn’t move “That’s the only way to make it sound real,” he most proud of,” he said. you like it should. It borders on dull and said. “If I was trying to force the issue it would sound Now on tour for his latest album, Green will stop like I was faking it.” in Kansas City. He will perform Oct. 23 at Kemper See MOVIE page 16 Arena. Photo courtesy GOOGLE IMAGES I A lot of the songs came naturally, but choosing the album title was not an easy feat. [email protected] dating 101 by Christian Rose they’re not actually whores. no holiday and it certainly had no 99 cents without so much as a stom- cast as a teen heart-throb, his dark Halloween needs C’mon ladies (and I use that term appeal until mass marketing made it ach gurgle or the need to swallow a cape replaced by a pair of True Reli- theme music loosely), maids never wear skirts what it is today!” bottle of Pepto. gion jeans and a tight Abercrombie that short and rarely wear fishnets. To me, Halloween is like Taco Halloween is a popcorn ball of t-shirt. Unquestionably, Halloween is In all honesty, Halloween has Bell. fun and, though some would argue While Halloween has steadily my favorite time of the year. essentially become a month-long Taco Bell is not really what Mex- things got lost once Disney took morphed into commercialism, for It is not just about the costumes, celebration of debauchery and de- icans would think of as authentic, or control of the marketing campaign, me it is better to be held close while parties and mini corn kernels of ceitfulness under the good old-fash- for that matter even food. one thing not lost is that creepy feel- clutching the neck of someone I love sweet yummy-ness that suddenly ioned guise of a Hallmark-orches- It’s more like America’s defini- ing you get when you walk past a and pretending to be scared versus flood the free market system ev- trated holiday, but this fact does not tion of what Mexican food should cemetery at night. clutching a smelly bulb of garlic in Your spine shivers when a black an effort to keep demons from in- ery October (which, thanks to the lessen my enthusiasm one iota. taste like — glued together with processed cheese substitutes assem- cat runs past you in the moonlight vading my soul and dragging me to modern miracle of preservatives, I love watching cheaply made, last well into February when I can bled by under-achieving high school or you catch your breath and scream hell. gratuitously bloody B-movies in students, neatly packaged and sold when someone suddenly jumps out So, my most trusted friends, en- get my fix on cheap chocolate and the daytime, and shopping for over- candy hearts). by a Chihuahua. from behind a leafless tree and yells joy this season with all the wonder- priced plastic party gear to wear at “Boo!” ment it has become. Cuddle close to It has evolved to iconic status This is not necessarily a bad night. thing. I concede that the original fes- your crush and hold on tight during celebrated by children, their par- Some would argue it has lost its For me and my weak stomach, I tivities of Samhain or the terrors those terrible scary movies. ents and the girls who feel they can original appeal, but to those who can’t digest real Mexican fare with- of All Souls Days may have been Legend be damned, for me the dress as slutty as they want and use parade around in all black with out ending up strapped to a toilet tempered by hayrides under warm only thing missing from Halloween the excuse, “It’s just my costume,” spiky metal necklaces wearing too seat. blankets snuggled close to someone is a catchy theme song … maybe by and actually think they have some- much black eyeliner and praying to I can (and do), however, consume important. David Archuleta? how fooled everyone into thinking the devil, I would say, “There was the cheesy bean and rice burrito for Even Count Dracula has been re- [email protected] 10 Culture October 19, 2009 www.unews.com The Used heats up the Beaumont

Hilary Saskin Culture Editor Concerts can easily be life-changing — sometimes in a good way, sometimes not. The Used was neither. Their performance on Oct. 13 at the Beaumont Club held some surprises and disappointments. But it did not have a life-altering effect. Not on me, at least. The crowd lined outside the Beaumont was full of eager faces and in complete dis- regard to the pouring rain. Nothing was going to get in the way of these fans. Drive A opened the show, and they were not much to write home about. They were followed by The Almost, a side project for Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie. Gillespie does lead vocals for The Al- most. Unfortunately, he excels more on the drums than with his voice. Photo courtesy GOOGLE IMAGES They ended their set with “Say This From left: Jeph Howard, Bert McCracken, Quinn Allman and Dan Whitesides. Sooner,” which is probably the only song they are actually known for. opinions of others, I had low expectations played with the clarity and crispness of a And it became apparent immediately – but I was pleasantly surprised. studio recording and the energy and cha- that this was the only song the crowd was The intensity was consistent through- risma of a live punk show. familiar with. out their entire set and all the band mem- The Used ended their set with “Maybe Overall, I was not extremely impressed bers were equally involved. Memories,” the first track from their self- with either of the opening bands. It was very obvious the band has played titled, debut album. The Used, however, came out with together for several years. It was a very appropriate way to end the some heat. Even Dan Whitesides, their new drum- show. They opened their set with “Blood on mer, blended in comfortably, although it There were a lot of people, but I was My Hands,” the driving new single from would have been great to see the original surprised to find the show had not sold out. drummer, Branden Steineckert. their latest album, Artwork. And according to the mosh pit that took Then they moved seamlessly into Regardless of the drummer, the show up a majority of the floor throughout the “Empty With You,” another track from was quite impressive. Artwork. They played a variety of their tradition- entire show, the fans seemed to enjoy the The sound quality was excellent and al, well-known songs, including “Buried show and themselves. lead singer Bert McCracken, haggard- Myself Alive,” “A Box Full of Sharp Ob- All in all, the show was a success. And looking as always, sang marvelously. jects,” “Noise and Kisses” and “The Taste I would definitely see The Used again. But As a side note, this was the first time I of Ink.” I would probably skip the opening bands. had seen The Used live. And based on the Each was performed to perfection, [email protected]

Play it by Ear by TYLER ALLEN

provide some positives. Artwork by The Used The Used has always had a knack After seven years and four studio for delivering catchy, anthemic cho- albums, The Used is still the same ruses, such as on their break through band — not for better, but for worse. single “The Taste Of Ink.” They This Utah quartet’s take on the emo achieve the same with Artwork on genre seemed fresh when they released songs like “Empty Without You” and their self-titled debut in 2002. But in “Watered Down.” Even if their music the latter part of the decade, their seems old-hat, you might catch your- brand of rock only seems tired. self singing along. Guitarist Quinn Allman recently But even a well-constructed chorus told U-News “we’ve changed as people can’t save lines like “this spider web of and as artists.” dreams, I’m stuck here as it seems to I can’t speak for them as people, but be breaking.” their evolution as artists is not evident What made The Used stand out on their newest album Artwork. against the wave of emo groups that You’d think after all the success the the pain” in “Sold My Soul.” descended upon the music scene years band has seen over the years, lead sing- The painfully cheesy “Kissing You ago were honest lyrics and a unique er and lyricist Bert McCracken would Goodbye” is reminiscent of hair-band sound. On Artwork, honest lyrics are lighten up a bit. Such is not the case on ballads past. The track starts with Mc- replaced with ambiguous metaphors Artwork. Cracken whining about losing his lady and their unique sound has become McCracken is still an angry little over a soft piano riff. commonplace. emo kid on songs like the opening When a reverb-laden 80s guitar If you’re missing the rock music track, “Blood On My Hands.” He sings solo explodes during the bridge, I of yesteryear, Artwork could seem “feel the pain that I never show, and I can’t help but picture Allman burst- nostalgic. But if you’re searching for hope you know it’s never healing.” ing through fog-machine smoke with something different, I suggest looking Follow us on The self-loathing doesn’t stop when teased hair to deliver it. elsewhere. McCracken sings, “sold my life to Through the dark imagery and re- C Twitter! bring the rain … sold my soul to stop gurgitated rock riffs, the album does [email protected] @UNewsScoop 11 www.unews.com Culture October 19, 2009

Recipe – Chocolate Chip Cookie Barsby CHELSEA SOETAERT save the date Grab a little taste of home with each bite of these delicious, made-from-scratch, Compiled by HILARY SASKIN chocolate chip cookies!

Say Anything: The pop- Monday, Oct. 19 punk band is performing with Ingredients: Eisley, Moneen and Moving The Humor of W.S. Gil- Mountains. Doors open at 7 2 1/4 cups flour bert: Richard Byrum, Lyric p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. 1 teaspoon baking soda Opera Guild speaker, will at the Beaumont Club. All ages, 1/2 teaspoon salt discuss the career of British tickets are $15. 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened humorist W.S. Gilbert. Event takes place at 7 p.m. at the Kan- 3/4 cup granulated sugar sas City Public Library Plaza 3/4 cup light brown sugar Branch (4801 Main St.). Friday, Oct. 23 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Sissy Wish: Norway na- 2 eggs Last day for 60 percent re- tive Siri Walberg (Sissy Wish) fund for fall 2009 second eight- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips is celebrating her first U.S. re- week session. lease, Beauties Never Die. She will perform at 10:45 p.m. at the Study Abroad: Applica- Record Bar. Tickets are $7, must tions for Study Abroad Travel be 21. Award due at midnight. Turn Directions: mixture. Gradually add flour and beat well. them in at 5325 Rockhill Road. Stir in chocolate chips. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick cooking Date Auction: Take part Beat together butter, both sugars and vanilla in a spray and spread mixture into pan, making sure to Tuesday, Oct. 20 in a student charity event and large bowl with a mixer until creamy. Add eggs and fill to the corners. The mixture in the pan should be possibly get a date out of it. beat well. about 1-inch thick. Fashion Show: The UMKC UMKC is hosting a date auction Combine baking soda and salt with sugar and egg Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Women’s Center is hosting a and silent auction at 7 p.m. at fashion show to help kick off Pierson Auditorium in the Uni- Love Your Body Day. Co- versity Center. All proceeds go sponsored by the Revisioning to the Children’s Miracle Net- Women Project and the Coun- work. Door prizes, snacks and seling Center, the show will refreshments will be provided. feature models of all ages, sizes Event is open to all people as- PopWreck(oning) celebrates and colors. There will also be sociated with the university. refreshments and door prizes. Event goes from 7-9 p.m. at Drive Safe Drive Smart: Pierson Auditorium in the Uni- Learn about the effects of drunk second birthday versity Center. driving and have a chance to win prizes. The “Drive Safe David Garrett: Violinist Drive Smart” event will take Melissa Cowan his grandparents, he realized making and love them” as much as everyone David Garrett unites the world place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Staff Writer music was no longer an option. from the site does. of classical and pop music. Per- in the UMKC Quad. Enjoy Creating PopWreckoning.com in “Basically, [the site] was formed to “I really think we’ll see big things formance begins at 8 p.m. at the pizza while being educated on 2007 turned out to be “a happy acci- relieve that empty feeling I had in my from these kids once the ball starts Midland Theater. Show is all topics such as driving while dent” for the site’s Managing Editor stomach I was getting from missing rolling,” he said. ages, tickets are $25-$35. intoxicated and distracted driv- Joshua Hammond. being on stage,” Hammond said. Having Life in Jersey play as the ing. Try on some “beer goggles” PopWreck(oning), an online music The site has really taken off since headliner “was a no brainer” since the to simulate what it’s like to its formation two years ago. drive under the influence. Also magazine with reviews, contests, in- band already has a large local follow- terviews and more, celebrated its sec- They went from ranting about TV Wednesday, Oct. 21 compete in tricycle and remote shows to reviewing major music festi- ing. control car races. And if you ond birthday Oct. 12 with a concert at He also wants to separate Davey’s Uptown Rambler’s Club, fea- vals and interviewing musicians such Last day for 100 percent re- complete a safe driving pledge PopWreck(oning) from other music turing both local and national bands. as Tegan and Sarah, Tori Amos and fund for fall 2009 second eight- form, you will be entered to win The Epilogues and The Photo At- The Flaming Lips, Hammond said. journalism sites that only focus on the week session. one of two $25 gift cards to the las (both from Denver and touring negative aspects of music. Country Club Plaza. together) opened the show for The “Basically, [the site] was “You don’t have to get your Web David Sedaris: Don’t miss Yellow Walrus and headliner, Life In site traffic through shocking and an- author David Sedaris, perform- Jersey (both from Kansas City). formed to relieve that empty gering people,” Hammond said. ing at 8 p.m. at the Midland Saturday, Oct. 24 PopWreck(oning) began as a blog feeling I had in my stomach “I personally think that most (mu- Theatre. Tickets start at $37.50, that made fun of TV shows. Jessica I was getting from missing sic) journalists just get a CD on their show is all ages. Food Drive: Enjoy trick- McGinley and Hammond created the desk, listen to it and tear it apart. or-treating, magic tricks, hay site. being on stage.” They never really stop to think about rides, face painting and more “The co-owner, Jessica and I … for the admission price of a few the fact that someone made that CD we’d just rip on things and post our JOSHUA HAMMOND Thursday, Oct. 22 donated cans of food. Event text conversations back and forth,” Managing Editor, PopWreckoning.com – they put hours and money into cre- takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. in ating it.” Hammond said. “It was really started Midwest Poets Series: Old Shawnee Town (11501 W. Hammond is currently working on just for our friends to read and laugh.” But one of Hammond’s main goals Former U.S. Poet Laureate and 57th St., Merriam, Kan.). For But Hammond wanted more out of setting up a free, all-ages Christmas is to help local bands get exposure. “The Simpsons” star Robert more information, call 913-248- the site. show. “We have a lot of pretty talented Pinsky will join Midwest Po- 2360 or visit www.jocolibrary. “I got the idea to start asking for “Instead of a ticket, you’d just do- com. bands here that are often overlooked,” ets Series for the 27th year of stuff to review,” Hammond said. “To nate a toy to us, which we’d take to America’s Premier Reading Se- our surprise, CDs started coming. We Hammond said. “They’re never going a charity group for underprivileged to have a draw if someone doesn’t give ries. Sponsored by the Center also started getting tickets to shows. kids,” Hammond said. for Arts and Letters at Rock- Sunday, Oct. 25 … We never thought anyone would them a start. I’ve seen way too many There are roughly 25 writers for talented bands quit because they were hurst University, the reading read it.” the site from different cities. But begins at 7 p.m. (with a recep- stuck in first gear by no fault of their The Pogues: As part of the Hammond played in the Kansas they’re always looking for more. tion at 6 p.m.) at Rockhurst’s Coors Light Live Concert Se- City music scene for a few years. own.” Those interested in writing or tak- Mabee Theater in Sedwick Hall. Hammond chose The Yellow Wal- ries, The Pogues will take the He was the drummer and pianist ing photos for PopWreckoning.com, Admission is $3. Books will be stage with The Detroit Cobras. for The Waiting List. rus to play the birthday show for ex- may send samples to Hammond at available for purchase, and a actly that reason. Show begins at 8 p.m. at the But after moving to “the middle of [email protected]. book signing will follow the Midland Theatre. All ages, tick- He hopes “people will notice them nowhere” (Iola, Kan.) to be close to [email protected] reading. ets are $45. 12

Sports www.unews.com October 19, 2009

Basketball season kicks off

Kevin Bryce This year we’re actually close Photo Editor to 600 RSVPs.” t was a show for the The event is not only held to whole family Friday raise support for the teams but night at the College also to give fans a chance to be Basketball Experi- introduced to the team mem- ence (CBE) inside bers, not only corporately, but Kansas City’s Sprint Center. at a personal level. I “At the end of the program The UMKC men’s and wom- en’s basketball seasons kicked [the teams] interact and playthe off with introductions, compe- games with our fans,” Dickson titions and no shortage of ac- said. tivities. The program itself consisted Assistant Athletics Director of introductions, a skills com- for External Relations Jessica petition, a three-point contest Dickson had nothing but good and a dunk competition, allow- things to say about having the ing teams to showcase some of event at the CBE. their skills. “The whole facility is open,” Both the men’s and women’s Dickson said. “I believe it’s an head coaches, Matt Brown and over 1,400 square foot facility Candace Whitaker, are entering that has numerous interactive their third season of play. games: Three-point shooting Both coaches were very en- contests, free throw shooting thusiastic for what this season contests, beat the clock, dunk had to offer to fans. The men exhibits and just tons of differ- have 14 home games and the ent activities for all ages.” first four will be played on Jay Fabing, a long-time fan, campus. brought his three children the Despite being able to meet past two years. the players and do all the ac- “We’ve been upstairs and tivities, the event is really held downstairs, shooting baskets to get fans ready for UMKC’s with the kids,” Fabing said. basketball season. “They love it here.” “It’s to kick off the basket- The annual event was the ball season,” Dickson said. first to ever take place at the “This is really the showcase, CBE. This is the third year it and to get everybody excited was held and it continues to for basketball. This is it, we’re grow each year. ready to go, it’s basketball sea- “The first year the facility son, let’s turn it on.” wasn’t open and so we were lim- The men’s first tip off is ited on the number of fans that Nov. 6 and the women’s is Nov. we could have attend,” Dickson 7. Both games will be at Swin- said. “Last year, we had a little ney Recreation Center. over 300 fans attend and RSVP. [email protected]

Photo KEVIN BRYCE Quinn Harper settles in back home

Melissa Cowan Harper was an athlete in high school. be an athletic trainer.’” Staff Writer She played basketball, tennis and soccer. She is also certified in CPR. She re- She was also on the track team. news this certification annually. There’s no place like home. “I always wanted to do something with “It’s a good refresher,” Harper said. And Quinn Harper, a Kansas native sports,” Harper said. “I don’t know what “You never know when you’re going to and new Assistant Athletics Trainer at else I would do.” use it, unfortunately. (But) I’ve never had UMKC, is happy to be back. Harper considered medical school, but to use it.” She works mostly with the men’s bas- she really wanted to stick with what she She received her Masters degree at ketball team and the track and cross-coun- loves – sports. the Arizona School of Health Sciences in try teams, treating injuries and illnesses 2001. under the team physicians. “My day-to-day job is to take care After graduating, Harper moved to “My day-to-day job is to take care of Rhode Island and was an athletic trainer at (athletes), evaluate them, do treatment, re- of (athletes), evaluate them, do Providence College for eight years. hab and return them to play,” Harper said. treatment, rehab and return them Five of those years, she treated men’s Fortunately, there haven’t been any se- hockey players. rious injuries since she started in August. to play.” But she wanted to come home. Harper received her Bachelor’s degree “All my family lives out here,” Harper in Athletic Training from the University QUINN HARPER said. “I’ve been living out East the last of Kansas (KU) in 1999. She started as a Assistant Athletics Trainer at UMKC eight years.” journalism major, but that quickly changed And when the opportunity became after her first semester. She became a certified athletic trainer available at UMKC, Harper accepted. “I wasn’t really loving [journalism],” after graduating from KU, then moved to “I really like it here,” Harper said. “The Harper said. “I obviously didn’t give it Arizona to treat student athletes at Tempe Athletics Department is pretty small, but much time, but I knew.” High School. it’s really close knit, very supportive. Our Then she toured the Athletic Training “It’s a three-part exam, and you have to Athletics Director, Tim Hall, is great. He Facility at KU for a class. pass everything,” Harper said. “You can’t lends a ton of support. And it’s good to be “I was like, ‘this is what I want to do,’” practice without being certified. ... Some- back home.” Photo courtesy UMKC ATHLETICS Harper said. one can’t just come in and say, ‘I want to [email protected] Quinn Harper. 13 www.unews.com Sports October 19, 2009 Extra Points: Pull it together Chiefs John Pfortmiller to Dwayne Bowe on fourth down. all four field goal attempts in the game Staff Writer sports shorts The Chiefs were working well in against the Redskins, including a pair by CASEY OSBURN The 0-5 record, the horrible mis- their no huddle, hurry up setting. But, of 46-yarders. To put it simply, with- takes on the field and the 26-20 loss to when the game slowed down, the Cow- out Succop’s leg and athletic ability the the Dallas Cowboys started to put a dent boys took advantage and played things Chiefs, would have lost. Cross Country in the thick skin of Kansas City Chiefs out strategically. Even with a win under their belts, fans. The Chiefs took great advantage the Chiefs have their work cut out for UMKC cross country teams traveled to Fayetteville The game against the Cowboys of the mistakes the Cowboys made, them during the rest of the season. Per- this weekend for the Chile Pepper Cross Country Fes- was one huge failure on the part of the including a fumble, a muffed punt, 13 haps a fast, no huddle offense will help tival. Chiefs pass defense. penalties, a missed field goal and sever- late in games, especially in the last five Sophomore Brett Guemmer finished 152nd out of Head coach Todd Haley was prob- al receivers who missed catches or just minutes of the fourth quarter. But sev- 242 runners. He was the only men’s runner to com- ably screaming, “Don’t let the other stared into la-la land as they watched the eral problems need to be taken care of pete for UMKC. He ran his personal best with a time team’s receivers run past you for a 60- ball pass by. Unfortunately for anyone before anyone can think of the Chiefs of 33:18.01. yard catch to win the game!” hoping for a Chiefs win, Austin was not having a successful offense. The women’s team finished with 550 points, plac- Miles Austin caught the 60-yard, included with the space cadet receivers. These include, but are not limited to: ing them 19th out of 34 teams. Four runners finished in game-winning pass in overtime against Thankfully, on Oct. 18 the Chiefs poor pass defense on long plays, an of- the top 150, with Aubrey Frederking leading. She ran a the Chiefs. He had 10 catches for 250 won against the Washington Redskins, fensive line that crumbles when merely personal best time of 22:59.91. yards in that game. 14-6. The sad part was the win was not touched and a large injured roster. Ironically, the Chiefs’ pass defense because of the Chiefs pulling together They do have one positive thing was one of the few things praised by their offensive and defensive issues. It going for them this season, which may Women’s Soccer sports announcers and commentators was because of a player they picked in hopefully prevent them from being before the game. Austin singlehandedly the last round of the 2009 NFL draft, shut-out the entire season. Friday night, the women’s soccer team shutout shot that notion down. kicker Ryan Succop. They have heart and, of course, Suc- Southern Utah at Durwood Soccer Stadium and Rec- Still, they are making progress – He was jokingly referred to as “Mr. cop’s kicking ability. However, they reational Field. The Roos recorded their first program slow, painful and dreary progress. Irrelevant” because of how little sports will need more than those three things win. They managed to drive 74 yards in commentators thought he could change to win against the San Diego Chargers During the first half, sophomore Ariel Rank sent a 10 plays and tie the game in the final the fate of the Chiefs. on Oct. 25. free kick into the upper right-hand side of the net and seconds with Matt Cassel’s 16-yard pass They were wrong. Succop made [email protected] put the Roos ahead, 1-0. Freshman Zaina Mayer scored her fourth goal of the season in the 74th minute. UMKC is now 1-13-1 for the season and 1-4 in Roos win two Summit League play. John Pfortmiller close set point. in the first set. The Roos’ offense and Staff Writer The second set was point-for-point defense were flat and led to a 25-22 Men’s Soccer Coming off back-to-back wins, the with the Leathernecks scoring first. loss in the first set to the Jaguars. UMKC women’s volleyball team played However, a few minutes in the Roos The second set was dominated by The Kangaroos came home with a loss to the United the Western Illinois Leathernecks on took off on a scoring spree. the Jaguars who gained an early lead States Air Force Academy last Monday. They fell 6-3. Oct. 15. They won the match, 3-0. The Leathernecks managed to and held it for a 25-16 win. Senior Bryan Perez tallied one goal and one assist The Roos won their two previous slow the playing speed down and The score was 2-0 during the break for the game, with sophomore Deigo Rojas tallying one games, both with the score 3-1, against started a comeback, but the Roos won the Roos used to put themselves back goal as well. Oral Roberts University (ORU) and the set, 25-22. into a strong rhythm. The Roos tied Saturday night in Tulsa, Okla. against Centenary College. The final set of the match was The third set saw the Roos return Oral Roberts University (ORU). Perez scored in the first The Roos lost the second set of the completely dominated by the Roos. offensively and defensively. They half during the 26th minute. Perez now leads the team ORU game and lost the first set of the Their offense was quick and almost came back into the match and took al- with a total of six goals for the season. Centenary game, but managed to win flawless. most total control, winning 25-8. ORU Golden Eagles answered back in the 74th min- overall. They managed to keep the Leath- The Roos were fired up coming ute to tie up the game. On Oct. 15, the Roos faced off ernecks on almost constant defense, out for the fourth set, but the Jaguars Keeper Ken Cooper fought hard and had a total of against the Leathernecks with hopes of but they were not about to give up. wouldn’t back down without a fight. eight saves for the match. continuing their winning streak. They They began a slow comeback that The fourth set was a close one for the After two overtimes and no goals, the match con- not only continued it, but gave up no ended in a tense match point, but the Roos, but they managed to win, 25-23. cluded in a draw. The Roos are now 4-6-2 on the season. sets. Roos managed to win, 25-22. The fifth set was close as well, In the first set, the Roos quickly On Oct. 17, the Roos played the with the Roos managing to tie up the gained the lead. Minor mistakes, in- Indiana University-Purdue University game 16-16 after a close 16-15 match cluding an instance of poor communi- Indianapolis (IUPUI) Jaguars. The point in the Jaguars’ favor. The Roos cation, led to a close set. Roos won the match, 3-2. then scored two points in a row, win- The Roos pulled it together and The Jaguars came out strong and ning the game over, 3-2. managed to win the set, 25-23, after a quickly put the Roos on the defensive [email protected] Sporting Events Volleyball Date Event Place Time 10/24 Southern Utah SRC 7 p.m. Men’s Soccer 10/19 Central Arkansas Conway, Ark. 2 p.m. 10/24 Centenary DSSRF 1 p.m. Women’s Soccer 10/23 South Dakota State Brookings, S.D. 6 p.m. Men’s Golf 10/19-20 Bill Ross Intercollegiate Blue Hills Country Club Women’s Golf 10/19-20 Shocker Invitational Newton, Kan. All day Men’s Tennis 10/23-25 ITA/Wilson Cent. Reg. Championships Tulsa, Okla. All day Women’s Tennis Photo KEVIN BRYCE 10/23-25 KU Invitational Lawrence, Kan. All day Jamie Hagerman spikes the ball over the net. She had a total of 20 kills against IUPUI. 14

Forum www.unews.com October 19, 2009 Don’t pay taxes, get away with it

Evan Helmuth cuts. not until he gets a lot of bad press for skip- claimed as many as three addresses as his Contributing Writer This action would have the effect of rais- ping out on the check. primary residence at the same time to get tax Every year, thousands of Americans ing the amount paid by every single income Members of Congress are required to dis- breaks and cheaper loans. cheat on their taxes. tax payer. close their incomes and assets every year. Given all of this, it would seem obvious What makes this particular tax cheat It would also cut in half the tax break par- Rangel fudged his original filings and such a person should probably not still be the significant is he is also largely in charge of ents get for dependent children and it would amended them last month, revealing he had chairman of the tax writing committee. writing America’s tax laws. raise taxes on investments. lied to everyone and actually has about twice But common sense is in very short supply Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-NY, is the chair- It’s definitely not a bright idea now, when the assets he reported. in Washington, D.C. man of the Ways and Means investments are most Don’t bother asking how he accumulated Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has Committee – which is re- “Given all of this, it would needed to sustain an nearly $2 million on a stood by Rangel so far, refusing to remove sponsible for changes to the seem obvious such a person economic recovery. congressman’s salary him from his job as tax code – in the House of Rangel has also of $175,000 a year. the chief tax writer or Representatives. should probably not still voiced support for to cut him out of high- He didn’t marry He is about the fourth be the chairman of the tax taxing the health in- level negotiations over most powerful person in surance of more than into money, he wasn’t health care reform or Congress’ lower house. writing committee.” half of all Americans. a wealthy man before other bills. In his position as the Now you know he was elected to Con- This can be partial- “tax-writer-in-chief,” Rangel has not been how he feels about your taxes, let’s review gress way back in 1970 ly explained by the fact shy about wanting to raise taxes. He has how he feels about his own. and he didn’t inherit Rep. Pete Stark, D-Ca- voiced support for repealing the Bush tax Yeah, he just doesn’t pay them – at least his fortune. lif., is next in line to In any case, the take over as chairman amended financial dis- of Ways and Means. closures have prompt- Stark is the only ed many people to look member of Congress a little more closely into Rangel’s finances. to admit to being an atheist. What they have found is a man who wants Fearing this might provoke uproar from to raise your taxes but repeatedly blows off the religious right or some other part of “fly- paying his own. over country” Middle-America, Pelosi is re- Among other ethical problems (Rangel is luctant to replace an old political ally in Ran- the subject of two separate and ongoing eth- gel with Stark, who might give her an even ics investigations), it appears Rangel did not bigger political headache than the ethical pay federal income taxes on at least $75,000 problems of his potential predecessor. in income from a rental property he owns in It looks like, for the time being, we will be LISTEN TO ALEXIA’S WEEKLY PODCAST, WIRETAP, AND CHRISTIAN’S PODCAST, the Dominican Republic. stuck with a tax cheat writing our tax laws, DATING 101, ONLINE AT WWW.UNEWS.COM/PODCASTS. He also didn’t report two properties he unless, of course, Stark gets religion (liter- owns in New Jersey on his disclosure forms. ally) or Pelosi gets religion (figuratively) SUBSCRIBE TO ALEXIA’S CAST AT By the way, he didn’t pay property taxes on and drops Rangel from the Ways and Means HTTP://FEEDS.FEEDBURNER.COM/UNEWSWIRETAP those either. Committee. Finally, Rangel has, over the years, [email protected]

A GRANT SNIDER ILLUSTRATION 15 www.unews.com Forum October 19, 2009

Long goodbyes don’t delay sorrow Word on CampusInterviews by MELISSA ORIBHABOR Alexia Stout-Lang three months, the doctors were in a daily ritual of telling News Editor us that “tonight is the night he will most likely go.” But It’s a slow fade. he held on for a long time. Would you listen to And we all dim with each passing day. Each day became more of a struggle. With his condi- First, it was the memory. Then, it was the tremors. tion worsening, he was moved to a nursing home, where a UMKC radio station? Lastly came the sick cells – the cancer cells – that sucked he routinely woke up in the middle of the night, lost and away life and left behind pain and suffering. frightened because he couldn’t remember where he was. It’s happened a million times before and it will hap- And each evening became more heart-wrenching for pen again. There are no answers, but there are billions Grandma Mary as she was forced to say goodbye to the of causes. grown man while he cried for her to stay. We are victims of our environments. We are victims We all hear the words echoing in our heads, “You of ourselves. We are victims of others. are leaving me alone? Why would you We are families living with cancer, leave me alone? I want to go home with with Alzheimer’s disease, with Parkin- you.” son’s disease, with any other illness Even in the fragile state, Grandpa that slowly robs a human being of life did not forget the importance of loved while loved ones stand by helplessly ones. I can’t tell you how many times watching. he looked at Grandma and told us about For the last six months, I stood by the night they met 60 years ago on New while my grandfather suffered with Year’s Eve. cancer. “She fell in love with me,” he re- In recent years, we dealt with the peated. “Can you believe it? She fell in memory loss attributed to Alzheimer’s. love with me.” “I would, but only if I were on it.” “Probably not. I’m not very And the slight shake of his hands was I have experienced two avenues of involved with UMKC. It does easily overlooked. loss in my lifetime. I felt the sudden depend what the content is, though.” But the news our family received in pain of a loved one taken in the night May was a devastating blow. without warning. And now I know how KIP RYAN ZACK EL-SHERIF You see, we were told Grandpa Al it feels to watch someone slowly fade before my eyes. Senior Senior had cancer and he would only live three Spanish/Communication Studies Economics months, unless he underwent treatment that would only At one time, I thought there was nothing worse than temporarily delay the inevitable or would kill him in the not having a chance to say goodbye. But now I know ex- process. tended goodbyes are just extensions of the heartache. Hours were spent around the dinner table explaining It’s a conversation with a loved one as he/she drives to Grandpa the diagnosis and his options. swiftly away and you run frantically to catch up. Eventu- Unfortunately, with his short-term memory gone, ally, the car will disappear from sight and you will realize none of us were able to relay all of the information he it’s not coming back. needed to make a decision about his own health before It’s long and painful. And it leaves deeper scars. his memory would reset. Tonight, I will say a prayer for all of the families In the end, his children and wife decided it would be across the world experiencing this devastating type of better for him to live the rest of his life in peace and with loss. You are not alone. some level of health than to spend the rest of his days sick Grandpa passed away early in the morning last Fri- from the treatment. day. We will miss him. He was a good man. He surpassed the doctor’s expectations. For the last [email protected]

What do you think?

What is your favorite part of Halloween? “No, I don’t have the time to. I “Depends what’s on it. I’d listen listen to NPR sometimes, but to it if it had talk about UMKC only if it’s an assignment.” sports events. I would listen to it if it had rugby games.” A. Costumes C. Parties JOHN L. LEWIS DAVID GARCIA B. Candy D. I don’t like Halloween Senior Junior Theater Biology

Go to www.unews.com and tell us your answer!

Your answers to last week’s question:

Did Barack Obama deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize? A. Yes B. No C. I’m not sure

C. 11% A. 29%

“Probably not, I have other radio “Yes. [I would listen] to know stations I listen to. I only have what’s happening on campus.” time to listen to radio stations in the car.”

DREW CALVERT DARRELL POLLICK Sophomore Senior Spanish B. 60% Secondary Education

A B C ACCREDITATION from page 1 dent outcomes, assessment, evaluation, etc; criterion four with such things as research and contribution to knowledge them in the final report issued by the and criterion five with external engage- HLC. ment, community involvement, etc.” Max Skidmore, Curators Professor of To launch the accreditation process, Political Science, has played an integral UMKC produced a full self-study, avail- role in preparing UMKC for the reac- able at www.umkc.edu/accreditation/ creditation process. introduction_ss.cfm. He took the reins of the HLC/North Skidmore said accreditation is a vital Central Association of Colleges and process for UMKC. Schools coordinating committee in De- “Accreditation is one of the most cember 2007. important things for a university to Skidmore explained the HLC uses achieve,” he said. “Without it, degrees numerous criteria designed to measure would be far less valuable, and in many the overall quality of the university in- circumstances would be useless (a doc- cluding the performance of students, tor couldn’t practice if her degree were qualifications of faculty, efficiency of from an unaccredited medical school, a administration, etc. The organization has lawyer couldn’t practice, it might be hard five formal criteria. to transfer credits or get into a respected “Criterion one deals with the institu- grad school …).” tion’s mission,” Skidmore said, “crite- A formal report from the HLC will be rion two, with the future, and planning available by the end of the year. for the future; criterion three with stu- [email protected]

MOVIE from page 9 Monday’s puzzle solved bland. The camera angles and execution were also bothersome. This is not the movie to see if you get even the slightest case of motion sickness. It was as if a nine-year-old was operating the camera, which became annoying after the first five minutes of the wild things romping around. Halfway through the movie, I was ready to leave. I kept telling my- self, “maybe it will get better toward the end,” but it didn’t. It was the same disappointment as if waking up from a great dream and realizing it was just that – a dream. I pictured little kids staring at their parents in disbelief, asking, “What happened?” I have to admit the visual aspects and overall adaptation of the book were very well executed, but ulti- mately it was confusing and plain. Overall, I give this movie a C+. [email protected]

Become a fan on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter! @UNewsScoop University News Editor-in-Chief Hilary Hedges Advertising Manager Stefanie Crabtree Business Manager BJ Allen Production Manager Hilary Hedges Asst. Production Manager Leanna Lippert News Editor Alexia Stout-Lang Asst. News Editor Tyler Allen 5327 Holmes Culture Editor Hilary Saskin Kansas City, MO 64110 Sports Editor Casey Osburn Editor’s desk: (816) 235-5402 Copy Editor Sabrina Osborn Newsroom: (816) 235-1393 Photo Editor Kevin Bryce Advertising: (816) 235-1386 Podcast Editor Ethan Parker Online Editor Ethan Parker Business: (816) 235-6366 Distribution B J Allen Fax: (816) 235-6514 Faculty Advisor Fred Wickman Tips Hotline: (816) 235-NEWS Printer Cass County Publishing

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