November 2, 2009 www.unews.com Vol. 77, Issue 11 INSIDE COMBAT page 3 Former student president CAMERON page 5 faces accusations WOMEN’S BASKETBALL page 12 of forgery

Alexia Stout-Lang about how much I am owed for the work News Editor that I did,” said Nate Jones, the UMKC Tyler Allen Superior Court Chief Justice who pre- Dance and sing to health Assistant News Editor sided over the hearing. ultiple sources have ac- In the end, Jones said Collins pre- cused former Student sented a good case on her behalf. So, Gover n ment Asso- the UMKC Superior Court awarded her ciation (SGA) President $500 in a decision released Feb. 25, 2008. BridgettM Johnson of forgery. Eight days after the decision was an- Students and former SGA members al- nounced, Collins contacted Johnson by lege Johnson presented a forged document e-mail regarding his payment. as evidence in a lawsuit brought against “I represented her successfully and her in Jackson County Small Claims we had an agreement that she would pay Court by law student Tim Collins. me a percentage of whatever she won,” Collins represented Johnson in a 2008 Collins said. “She won $500, so I told her UMKC Superior Court case in exchange I was owed $100.” for 20 percent of any money awarded. He She responded via e-mail that she had then sued Johnson in April 2009 in Small not received the money. Collins advised Claims Court after she her that his compensation failed to pay him 20 per- “She [Bridgett was not based on John- cent of the $500 she was Johnson] just kind son’s receipt of the funds, granted. Collins lost the but rather the award. case based upon a docu- of looked at me and According to the pay- ment allegedly signed by I knew. I confronted ment voucher made when the funds were allocated, Vice Chancellor for Stu- her and she dent Affairs and Enroll- Johnson received the $500 ment Management Mel admitted it. ” on March 12, 2008. Tyler. However, by April “Bridgett Johnson Shannon Blood 2, 2008, Collins still had Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG stole Student Life station- Former SGA president not received his part, so UMKC medical and dental students danced and played with third, fourth and fifth ary, created a letter stating and administrative vice he filed suit in Jackson president County. Over one year graders at Longfellow Elementary School Saturday to teach them all about health. that UMKC never paid her and forged Vice Chancel- later, April 17, 2009, the Full story on page 4. lor Mel Tyler’s signature and presented it case was heard by a judge. in court as a true document,” said Shan- “I got to [small claims] court, intro- non Blood, former SGA president and duced all of my evidence and she intro- administrative vice president. “She con- duced some evidence, a document she fessed that to me in the SGA office.” claimed to be a second ruling from the U-News made numerous attempts Superior Court and she introduced a doc- Balancing the [text]books over the past month to contact Johnson ument from Mel Tyler where he claims in regard to the allegations. She has not she did not receive any money,” Collins Melissa Oribhabor extra money goes to the university to pay for student responded. said. “That basically made the judge rule Staff Writer groups and other activities. Jeffrey Traiger, assistant dean of Stu- in her favor.” Every semester, it’s the same misery and shock. “Even used books are expensive,” Karasapan said. dents, commented on behalf of Tyler. The document allegedly from Tyler, You take a stack of required books for the semester to “Over the course of several semesters, I spend thou- Through Traiger, Tyler neither confirmed a letter dated April 14 (a month after the bookstore register and watch in agony as the sales sands [of dollars] on books. You have to look at the big nor denied the allegations his signature the funds were issued), states: “Bridgett associate rings them up one-by-one. picture.” was forged. Johnson did file a petition with the Uni- Because of the high cost, some students go else- “This division takes its role very seri- versity of Missouri-Kansas City Superior The benefits and setbacks of buyback ously, especially in maintaining student Court, and originally the court did find in where to buy textbooks for school. One pull the bookstore does have is the book buy- “[I buy my books at] half.com because I [get] a bet- information, essentially what is provided her favor in the amount of $500. However back during the last two weeks of the semester. under federal law by FERPA [Fam- after further review of her responsibilities ter deal,” sophomore Cenk Karasapan said. “I saved “If [the professor plans on] using the book again, about 60 percent and, instead of paying $300, I pay ily Educational Rights and Privacy Act],” by the office of Student Affairs, the Supe- students get back 50 percent of the original, new, post- Traiger said. “Part of rior Court’s original rul- $120 dollars.” markup price – even if it’s a used book,” said Chris Although some students are displeased with the that, we don’t really ing was overturned and Wolff, general merchandise manager for UMKC want to verify or dis- Bridgett L. Johnson did prices of books at the bookstore, Pete Eisentrager, as- Bookstores. ALL DOCUMENTS sistant director of UMKC Bookstores, said things are cuss the specifics of an not receive the recom- However, there are many factors that go into the MENTIONED mendation made by the not as bad as they seem. individual student’s be- ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE book buyback process that, in the end, can hurt the stu- havior in regard to the court.” “[The bookstore] is extremely competitive with dents’ pocketbooks. AT WWW.UNEWS.COM Amazon.com and Half.com,” he said. “Eighty to 85 per- situation you described.” U-News found no For one, if a professor is teaching a class the fol- SGA hired Johnson record of the Superior cent of our books are within $5 of the online [retailers]. lowing semester with only 20 students and requests the There’s not that much of a discrepancy as the common in 2006 for a one-year Court’s original ruling same book, the bookstore will only take back 20 books term as election director for $800. In being overturned. myth would lead people to believe.” during buyback, leaving the rest of the students to ei- According to the U.S. Government Accountability spring 2007, she was paid in full and giv- Blood said Bridgett told her she had ther wait until next semester to try and return it or try en an additional $200 bonus for elections been trying before the Small Claims Office (GAO), the average college textbook markup is to find another way to get some of their money back. 30 percent, but the UMKC bookstore only has a 25 per- she had already organized. That $1,000 is Court trial to get a letter from Account- Sites such as Half.com take back books, and, in not in dispute. ing stating she had not been paid. But, the cent markup on books. some instances, give back more than 50 percent of the The bookstore orders used books from wholesalers Bylaws put into place in 2007 after office would not give it to her, Blood said. purchase price. she became election director gave her the “When she got back from [Small and purchases new books from the publishers, which Another issue with book buybacks starts with pro- tend to be more pricy. additional duties of organizing 17 council Claims] court she said the letter made all fessors. elections to nominate representatives to the difference, so that’s when I knew,” “We try to avoid buying from publishers when we Traditionally, professors are late turning in their can,” Eisentrager said. “They control the pricing.” serve on the Student Activity Fees Coun- Blood said. “Because I looked at her book requests for the fall and spring semesters, which cil. According to the new bylaws, the and I said, ‘Bonita [Baxter, manager of But when the bookstore does have to buy the more is what is needed for the bookstore to know what books expensive books from the publisher, and then add the election director “should receive $1,000.” Business Fiscal Operations] gave you they can take back and how many. On those grounds, Johnson filed suit the letter?’ And she just kind of looked extra 25 percent onto the cover price, it really starts to “The two big [deadlines] are Oct. 31 and April 15,” add up for students. in the UMKC Superior Court in Novem- at me and I knew. I confronted her and Eisentrager said. “One of our biggest hurdles is getting ber 2007 against the SGA to collect the she admitted it.” But why mark up the books at all? Management for orders on time and early enough to get used books from the bookstore said the profit made from the markups additional $1,000. Blood gave Johnson two days to call the wholesalers.” “The claim was kind of a back pay/ and tell Tyler about the letter. Then Blood goes to running the business. By May of this year, only 75-76 percent of fall or That is, paying the employees, paying utilities and breech of agreement/we both really don’t See SGA page16 all other things that go into running a business. The See BOOKS I page 16 like each other and we just can’t agree I 2 News November 2, 2009 www.unews.com

Reporting from behind the ‘iron curtain’ Evan Helmuth false charges of espionage. Staff Writer The Martons were released from prison in More than 50 people gathered last Tuesday 1956 in connection with the Hungarian revo- to hear one family’s story of life behind the lution after nearly two years. “iron curtain.” During imprisonment, Marton’s father Kati Marton, bestselling author and wife eventually signed a false, torture-induced of top diplomat Richard Holbrooke, spoke confession about being a CIA agent. Sens- at the Kansas City Public Library – Plaza ing they would be re-arrested after the Soviet Branch about her latest book, “Enemies of the invasion crushed the revolution, the Martons People,” which reveals her family’s experi- eventually fled Hungary and settled in the ences during the Nazi and Soviet occupations United States. of her native country, Hungary. During her presentation, Marton described Marton’s parents were both journalists for the elaborate scheme of a play date used to western media outlets. Her father was an As- distract her during her mother’s arrest and sociated Press reporter and her mother was a the feeling of being a six-year-old completely correspondent for the United Press. Both of alone in a house with her eight-year-old sister the Martons won numerous awards for their after the arrests. coverage of Soviet Hungary, particularly dur- She also told about the revelations in the ing the Hungarian Revolution. Ávo file that just about everyone her parents When the last free western media left Hun- knew was informing on them to the Soviets, gary – and everywhere else behind the “iron including at least one blackmailed U.S. mili- curtain” – her parents remained a huge thorn tary officer and embassy official. in the side of the Soviet regime, Marton said. Marton, whose Jewish grandparents were The two were the last people left reporting murdered at Auschwitz, touched briefly on actual events and not just Soviet propaganda her father’s involvement in the covert resis- about what was taking place behind the “iron tance to Nazi occupation during World War curtain” in the early 1950s. II and even had one or two fond things to say As such, their family was the subject of about the secret police. constant surveillance by the Hungarian secret After reading an excerpt from the daily police, the Ávo. intelligence logs in the Ávo files that detailed Marton recently applied for and obtained a day Marton’s father took her and her sister a copy of the file the Ávo kept on her fam- shopping and out for ice cream, Marton found ily, which she described as “one of the biggest a kind word to say about the Ávo. files they had on anyone.” “In some ways, I must be grateful to the The book is largely based on the reams of Ávo for helping me to relive some very fond documents found in the file and Marton’s own childhood memories through their files of Photo courtesy GOOGLE IMAGES memories of a childhood torn by the abduc- days such as this one.” Kati Marton and Hungarian Minister Istvan Hiller stand together as she is named [email protected] Global Ambassador of Hungarian Culture. tion and imprisonment of both parents under High school debaters get mentored

Kelley Kates and area law firms. rently participate in the program. Cook said this worked out well ticipating because not everyone can Staff Writer “The program benefits kids so Cook said the way the program because the main thing the debate make it to every meeting, and the Debate Kansas City (DKC) and they have some role models and works is the lawyers and students coaches wanted was consistency. schools needed to be close to ensure UMKC have entered a new era with people to help them with college as- The debate teams enter tourna- the lawyers would not have a prob- a new program that helps local high pirations,” Cook said. “It is the first ments usually once every week or lem getting to the location. school debaters. year of the program and I have re- “The program benefits every other week so it’s important to Cook said they hope the experi- The new program, “Lawyers in ceived very positive results from the kids so they have some have consistent mentors, Cook said. ence is a positive one for the law- the Classroom,” teams area lawyers volunteers, students and coaches.” role models and people Five urban schools in Kansas yers as well. with UMKC law students to assist Cook said the Law School has City participate in the program, He said it gives kids the hope, urban students who are active in de- been active in DKC for many years, to help them with college including Lincoln College Prepara- support and the drive they need to bate at local DKC high schools. but the idea of teaming area lawyers aspirations.” tory Academy, Sumner Academy, know they can accomplish their Debate coach, Gabe Cook, said with law students would give the Central High School, University goals and dreams. the program helps the teens be- program the extra boost it needed. GABE COOK Academy and the African Centered Cook said the program hopes to come better debaters through feed- Cook said a few debate coaches Debate coach Education College Colloquium accomplish several things. back on their presentations and and several law students on cam- (ACE). One, he said, “is to give our through help with structuring their pus discussed how they could in- Cook said the schools were se- schools extra support and give the arguments and it provides them volve lawyers with the debate team break into teams, combining both lected based on location and conve- kids just someone to listen to them.” with a mentor. which led to the start of the “Law- the students and lawyers, and they nience to the volunteers. That’s probably the most sig- The program partners DKC, the yers in the Classroom” program. make either weekly or bi-weekly Lawyers’ schedules are hectic, nificant aspect to all of this, Cook Kansas City Metropolitan Bar As- Approximately 10 UMKC law visits to the active schools to work Cook said, therefore it was benefi- said. sociation, UMKC School of Law students along with 10 lawyers cur- with the competitive debaters. cial to have so many lawyers par- [email protected] Get turned on ... Follow us on Become a fan on Visit Twitter! Facebook! www.unews.com @UNewsScoop to the U-News! 3 News www.unews.com November 2, 2009 COMBAT goes to a vote

Lydia Strong Sanders said. “They want to know whether Contributing Writer these funds are going to be there.” A special election will decide the fate of the COMBAT gives 15 percent of its funds to controversial COMBAT (Community Backed drug treatment agencies, 15 percent to correc- Anti-Drug Tax). tions programs, 9.5 percent to the Kansas City Jackson County residents will head to the Police Department, 9.5 percent to the Eastern polls Nov. 3 to decide if COMBAT, a 1/4 cent Jackson County Drug Task Force and 9.5 per- sales tax, should be renewed. cent to the county prosecutor’s office. “Every seven years the community gets to “A third of my budget comes from this tax,” say up or down (on this tax),” Stacey Daniels- Jackson County Prosecutor Jim Kanatzar said. Young, director of COMBAT, said. Drug prevention agencies get 7.5 percent of The debate over the special elections and the funds, D.A.R.E. gets 6 percent, the Circuit the tax itself came to UMKC earlier this month. Court gets 12 percent and 6 percent goes to Officials described the tax and its uses dur- drug courts. ing an Oct. 13 forum in the UMKC School of “We (the drug courts) have 94 percent success Law Courtroom. Opponents of rates,” Kanatzar said. the tax also attended. “This election is going Kanatzar said other drug “It was first passed in 1989,” to cost $800,000 more courts across the state envy the Mike Sanders, county execu- success rate in Jackson County. tive, said. “It was re-passed in than it would cost next “(We have) 84 percent suc- 1996, in 2003 and, ultimately, November.” cess rates for folks that don’t is up for re-election next year.” even end up with any sort of con- But rather than waiting, the STEVE KRASKE tacts with the criminal justice county legislature decided to Political reporter for the system at all, even misdemeanor hold a special election this No- Kansas City Star offenses or city violations,” vember. Some voters have said Kanatzar said. The remaining 10 percent of Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG they are uncomfortable with COMBAT yard signs and billboards can be seen on many streets in Kansas City. the decision. COMBAT funds help meet the match require- “It deeply concerns me that they are trying ments for local, federal or state grants. to do special elections when there aren’t other In 2009, COMBAT matched $1 for every $3 ty, they attached this DART (label) to it,” Helken- who owns it. So that to me is an incredibly frustrat- issues on the ballot that would attract more vot- of grant funding. berg said. ing thing.” ers,” resident Jeff Helkenberg said. Kanatzer sees COMBAT as extremely suc- When DART finds a property linked to drug Helkenberg said he is not happy with the treat- Some members of the press also question cessful. activity, it labels the location and puts it on a ment he is receiving from DART. He said he cares the logic behind the election. But Helkenberg is outraged with the Drug DART list. about the neighborhood and its public safety. “This election is going to cost $800,000 Abatement Response Team (DART), which is No one can live on a property while it is on the “I am out there driving the prostitute off of more than it would cost next November,” said funded by COMBAT. DART list. the corner,” he said. “I am out there actually Steve Kraske, political reporter for the Kansas Helkenberg owns a house in one of Kansas So, Helkenberg was shocked when a DART of- calling police about the drug activity (in the City Star. “Why not wait?” City’s poorest zip codes, 64127. When he bought ficer ordered him off of his land. neighborhood).” Sanders replied that waiting another year the house, he had no idea the house was on a “They wouldn’t give you a list of where they For more information on COMBAT, visit would be irresponsible. DART list. (DART houses) are,” Helkenberg said. “They www.jacksongov.org/combat/. “We responded to the people we serve,” “Sometime, two owners ago of this proper- wouldn’t tell you what the final disposition was or [email protected]

Saving children from armed conflict

Alexia Stout-Lang “Every year, we prepare a list for the establishes the children with their families, children from armed conflict situations. News Editor Council on the parties that are sure to have helps them get an education and continues “The Security Council is seen as dead- The engagement of children in armed used child soldiers,” Coomaraswamy said. to monitor them throughout childhood. locked on many issues, but on this issue, we conflict is a worldwide problem. “We name them and list them. The possibil- So other children in the city or village are making progress,” she said. Radhika Coomaraswamy, the United Na- ity of targeted measures against these par- don’t get the idea that being a child soldier “The United Nations, Children and tions’ Special Representative of the Secre- ties exists.” gets them better treatment, all of the children Armed Conflict” was co-sponsored by the tary-General for Children and Armed Con- UN representatives travel around the in the same schools or neighborhoods as for- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, the flict, is responsible for locating children world visiting all of the groups on the list mer child soldiers are mentored by the UN. Greater Kansas City chapter of the United around the world who are involved in armed and relay to them that steps will be taken, Coomaraswamy said this approach has Nations Association and the League of conflict and removing them from the situ- including announcing to the international proved to be very effective and the UN is Women Voters. ation. community that their children are being ex- successfully rescuing a large number of [email protected] To commemorate United Nations Day, ploited, if the situation is not remedied. So Coomaraswamy visited Kansas City Thurs- far, Coomaraswamy said it has worked most day and delivered a presentation titled “The of the time. United Nations, Children and Armed Con- “Not Al Qaeda or many others because flict” at the Kansas City Public Library – they don’t care what the international com- Plaza Branch. munity says,” she said. “But there are a large The University News is teaming up with Harvesters! Because children in countries around number of parties that really do care what the world are actively engaged in conflict the international community says. It is them as child soldiers, Coomaraswamy said the who we are targeting. To them we are saying, UN Security Council has begun getting ‘If you release your children, you will not be involved with the issue when it formerly listed on the Secretary-General’s list, you Please bring your non-perishable donations to the U-News office, did not. A monitoring system has been put will not have UN sanctions against you.’” in place and the Council receives a report The three pillars the UN uses to deal 5327 Holmes, between now and Nov. 20. based upon the “six great violations.” with child soldiers are prevention, deter- Thank you for helping Kansas City families have a happier and healthier “The six great violations are the killing rence and reintegration. holiday season. and maiming of children, sexual violence Contrary to what was once believed, against children, abduction of children, re- Coomaraswamy said they are now finding cruitment and use of child soldiers, denial many children are volunteering to be part of of humanitarian access and a tax on schools the militant groups as a way of escape from and hospitals,” she explained. their lives of poverty. The only violation on which the Coun- She said the three pillars are key to reha- cil has considered placing sanctions and bilitating the children. preventative measures is the recruitment of Rather than just going in and removing child soldiers. the children from the conflict, the UN re- 4 News November 2, 2009 www.unews.com

PHOTOS CAPTURE UPTOWN SPIRIT by ALEXIA STOUT-LANG

Back in the day, the happening, hip place was the Uptown Theater. Joseph K. Redmond was the go-to man for all things pertaining to theater. As the theater manager for the Uptown and Tower theaters, Redmond collected materials about movie and stage theaters, primarily in Kansas City. His extensive collection, dating from 1900 to 1982, now lives in the LaBudde Special Collections Department of the Miller Nichols Library. This black and white image of a crowd lined up in front of the Uptown Theater to see the film “The Egg and I” is just one of 148 images in the Red- mond Collection. In addition to the photos, the collection in- cludes sheet music, sound recordings, movie ad- vertisements, promotional material, newspaper and magazine clippings, theater programs, maps, payroll and other theater expense logs. It is divided into seven groups including Kan- sas City theater images, Fox Theater Group figures and staff, celebrities visiting Kansas City, Kansas City personalities, Kansas City images, film stills and promotional images and miscellaneous photo- graphs. For more information, visit the LaBudde Spe- cial Collections or go online at http://library.umkc. Treasures archived for discoveryedu/spec-col-home, select Digital Projects, Photos and then the Joseph K. Redmond, Jr. Photo Collec- tion. [email protected] Photo courtesy LABUDDE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Blacklist is a forgotten R.E.C.E.S.S. piece of history teaches a lesson or two Tyler Allen listed six criteria for determining an Alexia Stout-Lang Assistant News Editor employee’s loyalty. The list quickly News Editor Before the Red Scare or Mc- evolved into AGLOSO. UMKC medical and dental stu- Carthyism, there was the Attorney The government began listing dents love R.E.C.E.S.S. – at least General’s List of Subversive Orga- organizations associated with com- that’s what their shirts say. nizations (AGLOSO). munist or subversive organizations. Approximately 70 students from Though the list fueled the post- “Most critically, most of the the UMKC Schools of Medicine World War II Red Scare, it has be- organizations that were listed were and Dentistry donned shirts that come a forgotten piece of American listed without any hearings, any said “I love R.E.C.E.S.S.” and set history. process of any kind, any evidence up shop at Longfellow Elementary “My argument is that, although as to exactly what they had done or School last Saturday, declaring re- for reasons I think are essentially re- any indication of when they were cess all day for 200 third, fourth lated to the fact that documentation subversive,” Goldstein said. and fifth graders. about it was classified, AGLOSO He went on to argue that any or- “Project R.E.C.E.S.S. stands for has been relatively ignored,” said ganization on the list was effective- Restoring Exercise, Cutting Calo- Robert Goldstein, professor emeri- ly blacklisted throughout the nation. ries, Emphasizing Hygiene, Stop- tus of Political Science at Oakland “In the context of the growing ping Substance Abuse,” student University. domestic Red Scare, to have the At- organizer Soniya Mehra said. “The Goldstein looks to inform the torney General of the United States goal of the project is to promote public about AGLOSO in his new announce the following organiza- life-long healthy habits, specifi- book “American Blacklist: The At- tions fit one of these categories was cally physical activity, good nutri- torney General’s List of Subversive effectively to set the execution with- tion, oral hygiene and avoiding sub- out trial,” he said. Photo ALEXIS STOUT-LANG Organizations.” stance abuse.” First-time face painter Himanshu Banda, year four medical student, draws a grey bat Goldstein was at the Kansas The list virtually ruined any or- To teach these healthy habits, on third grader Rachel Williams. City Public Library – Plaza Branch ganization on it and made its mem- the UMKC students set up a num- Wednesday to promote and discuss bers targets of communist witch ber of areas the elementary-aged lege students sang their own words brushing and handed out tooth- his book. hunts, Goldstein said. kids could visit to learn about spe- about avoiding junk food and dra- brushes, while medical students “Most of these organizations, the He said one reason the Truman cific topics. matically threw out the candy bars conducted science experiments to only thing subversive they had done administration created the list was In the school’s cafeteria, medi- they once loved. show the transfer of germs when was to pass resolutions that were to fend off critics from the right who cal students provided face painting, Over in the gym, kids learned you don’t wash your hands and the critical of American foreign policy,” said they were too soft on commu- healthy snacks, games and a goofy about being active by getting self dangers of smoking. Goldstein said of the organizations nism. skit to teach about nutrition. defense tips from Millennium Mar- Overall, the kids were all smiles on AGLOSO. Much of Goldstein’s research The skit featured Bamana (a tial Arts, running a relay race and and many parents said they were The list originated in 1947 when was conducted at the Dwight D. banana), Country Carrot, Big Red jumping in a moon bounce play pleased with the event. the Truman administration an- Eisenhower Presidential Library in (an apple), Mr. Milk and Peter Peter area. “We are excited,” parent Imani nounced a federal employee screen- Abilene, Kan. Pumpkin Eater. Dancing to the mu- In various classrooms, dental Williams said. “This is fun.” ing program. The executive order [email protected] sic of a Miley Cyrus song, the col- students taught the importance of [email protected] 5 News www.unews.com November 2, 2009 Residents of northwest Missouri find a new ally More than 70 brain tumors have been reported in the last year and a half in the four-county region surrounding Cameron, Mo. and residents want answers. Alexia Stout-Lang and DeKalb counties. News Editor The agencies tested soil and water samples Marcus Iszard, expert toxicologist and as- and discovered lead, arsenic, formaldehyde sociate professor of Pharmacology at UMKC, and other carcinogenic chemicals at these wants to help find answers. sites, but they have reported there is no caus- He believes UMKC, as a research and ative link between the presence of the chemi- community-minded institution, can provide cals and the brain tumors. the tools and manpower. With the support of the School of Phar- “We have scientists here on campus who macy Dean Robert Piepho and fellow faculty, can directly involve themselves in analyz- Iszard is drafting a research proposal for a ing the data that has already been collected,” grant that would fund a five-year comprehen- Iszard said. “We have a law sive investigation into the school that can provide legal cause of the tumors. assistance and counseling “The question is just Recognizing UMKC to those who are wondering how many tumors have does not have the manpower what their legal options are or resources to conduct an to be recorded before investigation covering all Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG in regard to contamination. The Esteps had the sludge containing chromium VI spread on their pasture. Sue Estep (pictured holding her We have a medical school something gets done?” four counties, Iszard wants to focus on a specific area of grandson) said the grass stayed very lush, but she had a feeling the chemicals could be harmful. She refused to here that can certainly look allow the sludge to be spread near the house. into the physical aspects of MARCUS ISZARD concern. the contamination. We are Expert toxicologist and associate “We are going to take find that to be very troubling. … Toxic in their Iszard believes students, professors and one of the few schools that professor of Pharmacology at UMKC a look at it from a four- own right, when combined, they produce an other expert scientists in the field can play a have such a wide variety of pronged angle,” he said. additive or a synergistic multiple type of ef- role in finding answers for the residents. colleges.” “We will provide a compre- fect, which is something that you don’t see in “What we are doing is nothing more than The Environmental Protection Agency hensive toxicology health assessment, survey the government literature when they explain taking a simplistic, common sense approach,” (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Nat- monitoring of the residents in and around the the test results.” he said. “We are doing nothing more than sit- ural Resources (MDNR) have been investi- Cameron area where they are in close proxim- Although the research proposal is not due ting back and saying, ‘You know, there are gating potential causes of the tumors since ity to the Rockwool plant.” until January, Iszard has begun the process of a lot of individuals coming down with brain concerns first arose. Along with conducting their own research, speaking to colleagues about being involved tumors and there is a plant nearby that uses Sites investigated by the agencies include Iszard’s team will look at archival soil, air, in the investigation. toxic chemicals.’” the former Rockwool Industries plant where water and data analysis, including all testing He spoke to a colleague in Texas who Iszard said his main goal is to help the citi- black slag, a by-product of manufacturing conducted by the EPA and MDNR. worked with Iszard on a similar case in New zens in northwest Missouri. fiberglass insulation, was dumped; the Iszard and other scientists who have Orleans, La. “The question is just how many tumors city-owned rock quarry; Grindstone Reser- looked at the case are concerned about the “When I relayed to him the situation with have to be recorded before something gets voir, which is the city’s water supply; the approach to analysis used by the agencies, so regard to Cameron and the brain tumor in- done?” he asked. “How many deaths have to city-owned landfill and, most recently, the they prefer to use the raw data rather than the cidences, it was not funny for us to come to occur before something gets done?” St. Joseph-based Prime Tanning Company statements released after the test results have the same conclusion that we did not trust the He said he thinks the residents will appre- (formerly National Beef Leathers), a plant been reviewed. United States EPA with their results,” Iszard ciate honest answers about the situation. that distributed the by-product of the leather “They are focusing on one particular said. “And that’s not a real good feeling to “They clearly have an insight or fear that tanning process containing the highly toxic compound in exposure at a time,” Iszard ex- have about the very agency that’s supposed to something is wrong. I think someone needs to hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) to 116 plained. “They don’t do full screens on com- be responsible for the welfare of the commu- address those fears.” farms across Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton bination exposures like lead and arsenic. We nity from chemical exposure.” [email protected]

Local business furthers research

When Bernard Hurley heard ervoir, the city’s water source. about the chemicals discovered in Lastly, a soil sample was col- various locations across northwest lected from the farmland of Sue Missouri, he knew his company Estep-Steinman, a resident of could be of some help. Union Star, Mo. Hurley is the founder and For the last three years, Estep- president of Family Environmen- Steinman has allowed the fertil- tal, a local environmental testing izer from Prime Tanning, which agency. turned out to be sludge containing He spoke with U-News report- chromium VI, to be applied to her er Kelley Kates, a pre-Law student pasture. at UMKC who has a bachelor’s de- Once the test results return gree in Environmental Studies and from the lab, U-News will provide has done environmental consult- the findings to the city of Cam- ing for his company, about offering eron, Estep-Steinman and Marcus Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG the company’s services pro-bono. Iszard, toxicologist and UMKC Photo ALEXIA STOUT-LANG Bernard Hurley, founder and president of Family Hurley visited Cameron Oct. 8 professor of Pharmacology, who Bernard Hurley, founder and president of Family Environmental, collects soil samples from the old landfill to collect water and soil samples to will analyze the data and use it Environmental, collects a water sample from a creek that within the city limits of Cameron, Mo. test for toxic chemicals. when drafting his research pro- runs through an area possibly contaminated with toxic With the city’s permission, posal for a grant that would fund chemicals. two soil samples and one water a comprehensive investigation of sample were taken from the city- the cause of more than 70 tumors owned landfill. One water sample reported in the area of Cameron. was taken from Grindstone Res- — Alexia Lang 6 News November 2, 2009 www.unews.com briefly mentioned by TYLER ALLEN Police Blotter by ALEXIA STOUT-LANG Donation creates scholarship fund Oct. 23 gled with police after officers attempted to place him under Alumna Lucille Armacost donated $1 scholarships are to UMKC students today.” 12:51 a.m. Larceny – arrest for outstanding warrants. million to UMKC, creating the Don and Lu- The scholarship will be awarded to stu- A student left his property un- cille Scholarship Fund for the College of Lib- dents who demonstrate a financial need attended in Oak Street Resi- Oct. 26 eral Arts and Sciences. based on the Free Application for Federal dence Hall and returned to find it missing. C a m pu s The fund will initially provide 10 full- Student Aid or determined by the Office of Information – time undergraduate students with $5,000 Financial Aid and Scholarships. 12:02 a.m. scholarships. The fund is named for Armacost and her 4:58 p.m. Injury – Officers took information in re- “This is really a gift from both Don and late husband Don, both graduates of the Uni- A student fell and hurt his gard to an ongoing KCPD inves- me,” Armacost said in a press release. “If he versity of Kansas City, now UMKC. ankle at Swinney Recreation tigation. were here today, Don and I would be creat- Lucille Armacost graduated in 1938 and Center. He was transported to ing this gift together. We loved going to the Don Armacost graduated in 1940, both with the hospital. Oct. 27 university, and I understand how important bachelor’s degrees in English. 5:36 p.m. Larceny – 11:37 p.m. Larceny – A student returned to his ve- A student returned to his vehicle hicle parked at the Katz Phar- in the School of Education park- Two speakers embody Division of Diversity initiatives macy Building to find the win- ing lot to find a window broken dow broken and his GPS device and a GPS device missing. The mission of the UMKC Division of UMKC Pride keynote address at 6 p.m. Nov. missing. Diversity, Access and Equality (DDAE) is to 11 in Pierson Auditorium. 2:46 p.m. Injury – Larceny – support diversity and social justice. Gingrich, sister of former House Speaker 9:39 p.m. A staff member fell and hurt her “One way is through programming — ex- Newt Gingrich, R-GA, has been involved A student returned to his resi- ankle while trying to cross the posing our campus and our community to dif- with the gay rights movement since 1995. dence at 55th and Charlotte street. ferent perspectives and life experiences and For the Second Annual Rosa Parks Lec- streets and discovered his bike was missing. challenging the privileges afforded to select ture on Social Justice and Activism, author 4:30 p.m. Illness – groups at the exclusion of others,” Kristi Ryu- Jonathan Kozol will deliver the keynote A victim at the School of Den- jin, director of Diversity Initiatives, said. speech. Kozol, known as an advocate for Oct. 24 tistry had a severe asthma attack DDAE will present two speakers next educational equality, will speak at 6 p.m. and was transported to the hos- month who support the group’s initiatives. Nov. 19. in Pierson Auditorium 4:08 p.m. Larceny – pital. Candace Gingrich, author and advocate Both events are free and open to the A student returned to his vehicle for gay rights, will present the Third Annual public. in the Health Sciences Building parking lot to find his window 10:16 p.m. Information – broken and GPS cradle missing. A party at Oak Place Apart- Influenza Vaccine clinics rescheduled ments was running a fog ma- chine in the room and it set off The Influenza Vaccine clinic originally Other clinics will be held Nov. 4 in the Oct. 25 the fire alarm. scheduled for Nov. 3 has been rescheduled University Center and Nov. 5 at the Health for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 due to supply. Sciences Building. 1:08 a.m. Disturbance – Flu shots will be distributed in the Hyde There is a limited supply and vaccines Officers responded to reports Oct. 28 Park Room at the Administrative Center and will be given on a first-come-first-served of people talking loudly after are free for UMKC employees and depen- basis. hours at 54th Street and Rockh- 2:40 p.m. Information – dents covered under the University of Mis- Children, nine to 18 years old, must be ac- ill Road. A visitor at Johnson Hall re- souri Choice medical plan. companied by an adult. moved the smoke alarm in a 8:35 p.m. Assault – room to smoke a cigarette. A student was grabbed when an- other person became angry with 4:52 p.m. Vehicular Hit & Run – her and her arm was bruised. A student returned to his vehicle parked in the Health Sciences 9:11 p.m. Information – Building parking lot to find Green team Police tip A suspect at Johnson Hall strug- damage to the rear bumper. of the week Campus Crimes as of Oct. 30 celebrates From Michele Taylor, CRIMES 2008 YTD 2009 YTD UMKC Crime Prevention BURGLARY* 19 22 ROBBERY 2 3 There are plans to expand the re- Nila Hall While out and about, MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT* 4 3 Staff Writer cycling program infrastructure next present an alert appearance. Excitement is in the air at UMKC year to include the entire campus. Be aware of your LARCENY 123 117 about going green. “We started in 2005 with 10 surroundings and scan the AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 1 0 The Sustainability Team met buildings and have grown incre- area COMMON ASSAULT 4 8 mentally each year,” Johnston said. Oct. 28 to discuss the environmen- from time-to-time. tally-centered projects currently un- Her personal goal is to have a FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSES 0 2 zero waste campus by the year 2015. Avoid concentrating so hard DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS 8 3 derway and goals for the future. on shopping that you fail One key accomplishment this Johnston said she is pleased with to keep track year is the amount of materials that the progress made during the last * MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS AND BURGLARIES INCLUDE ATTEMPTS have been recycled. year. of your surroundings, “The overall total of materials “I do believe UMKC is doing others near you recycled on campus for 2009 is 880 a good job of being more environ- or your personal property. tons,” said Kaye Johnston, coordina- mentally conscious,” she said. Wear conservative, tor for Campus Facilities Manage- Johnston reminded the group comfortable clothing. ment and head of the Sustainabil- that sustainability is a process and Grip carried items firmly Classifieds ity Team. “This includes recycling not a destination. and avoid leaving from Johnson Hall construction. We “We are contributing to a more them unattended. are recycling at 50 percent recycling sustainable campus, community Carry minimal cash Gorgeous 1 bd condo for lease! ADOPT: A loving married couple on campus and we had a rise of 10 and planet,” she said. and valuables and wear See links below for pictures. wishes to adopt newborn percent just in paper, plastic and alu- “It’s about doing the right thing minimal jewelry. Available now. into a home filled with happiness, 913.961.7641 security and love. minum from 2008.” because it makes good business If a crime occurs, contact http://www.postlets.com/rts/2479139 Expenses paid. The recycling program has ex- sense and conserves natural re- the UMKC Police Department panded to 25 houses, plus the School sources.” [email protected] Call Diane & Craig toll-free immediately at 816-235-1515, laurasterchi.chartwellkc.net @ 877-871-8063 of Dentistry. [email protected] or dial 911. 7 www.unews.com Culture November 2, 2009 New faculty presents ‘Danse Macabre’ for holiday treat

Photo courtesy MIKE STRONG Photo courtesy MIKE STRONG Photo courtesy MIKE STRONG Alyssa Gold performs an arabesque. Ashley Zimmerman performs an extention. Kelanie Murphy prepares for a leap.

lenging ballet suite that literally keeps the (“Percussion Suite”). “Choreofest” is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday- For those still students “on their toes” with complicated Dressed in burgundy and green leo- Saturday (Nov. 5-7) in White Recital Hall partnering and athletic choreography. tards, the choreography is sharp, crisp and (4949 Cherry St.) in the Performing Arts in a Halloween mood, The choreography is demanding, but angular, which complements the abstract Center, and is open to the public. be sure to take in UMKC’s gives students a taste of professional en- percussive music. Tickets will be available to the gen- semble work. “This is music I always wanted to cho- eral public for $8, $6 for seniors. Fall Dance Concert, “It is a fun piece … but it is a very hard reograph,” Henry said. “Russell composed Free admission for UMKC faculty, piece to do,” sophomore Kelanie Murphy the music in 1932, but he was ridiculed for staff and students with UMKC or student ‘Choreofest.’ said. “For the entire time that I am on stage, his ideas … he was way ahead of his time. ID. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Nicole English I am constantly running and jumping at full … He was later rediscovered at age 70, and Central Ticket Office at 816-235-6222. Staff Writer speed … and it is all good … it is just very finally got the recognition he deserved.” [email protected] The concert will reflect the Hallow- demanding. … I really have to hustle to een holiday season by including ghosts keep up with the music.” and spooky spirits in an original work by Other faculty members will also pres- new faculty member Ronald Tice. ent their original works for this annual Looking ahead: Tice’s featured piece is a gothic tale of showcase of choreography, including Sa- ghostly encounters. brina Madison-Cannon (“The Widows”), The Conservatory’s Dance Divi- participate in the upcoming annual Tice is a welcome addition to the Dance Rodni Williams (“Utmost”) and DeeAnna sion will present its annual Senior Spring Dance Concert, at 7:30 p.m. Division, bringing his 30 years of profes- Hiett (“Bound to ...”). Dance Recitals, Feb. 10, 13 and 18, at April 15, 16 and 17, in White Hall, sional dance experience in Europe and Paula Weber, Dance Division Chair, White Recital Hall in the Performing (with an additonal 2:30 p.m. matinee North America to the Conservatory. will present a modern ballet piece (“Be- Arts Center. performance on April 17). His choreography is energetic and en- tween Impulse and Action”) set to the mu- The recitals are offered free of Tickets will be available to the gaging, stretching students’ talents in new sic of Mozart, featuring advanced toe-shoe charge and open to the public. general public for $8, $6 for seniors. directions. skills dressed in holiday colors. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., except Free admission for UMKC fac- “For this concert, I wanted to do a Hal- “It is a fun and action-packed piece that on Sunday, Feb. 18, which will be ulty, staff and students with UMKC loween piece,” Tice said. “It is about the highlights each dancer in a short solo spot,” held at 2 p.m. or student ID. spirits coming to grips with death, strug- Weber said. “It gives the students a chance Tickets will be available to the Tickets can be obtained by calling gling with their transition into the afterlife to show off their advanced pointe-work.” general public. the Central Ticket Office at 816-235- and going into the light.” Mary Pat Henry, associate dean of Con- The dance students will also 6222. Set to Saint-Saens’ popular work, servatory Faculty Affairs, is presenting a “Danse Macabre,” Tice presents a chal- modern ballet to music by William Russell 8 Culture November 2, 2009 www.unews.com Forever The Sickest Kids outshined by openers Casey Osburn last weeks concert at the Beaumont Club. Sports Editor The Rocket Summer, along with Sing it To be completely honest, I am not a fan of Loud, My Favorite Highway and Vita opened Forever the Sickest Kids (FTSK). I never really the show, drawing larger crowds than the head- listen to their music, and it is definitely not my liner. first choice on a playlist. It’s not often you see so many people leave Live, however, the band is a different story. after only seeing the opening bands. They do know how to entertain a crowd, With a floor full of underage girls, I couldn’t unfortunately, they were not the highlight of help but feel out of place. If it weren’t for all the parents chaperoning their middle-schoolers, I would have raised the average age of the venue by several years. And I’m not even 21 yet. Aside from the crowd, however, the show was still a good time. FTSK has a lot of energy and knows how to get the crowd on their feet. Jonathan Cook, the lead singer, interacted with the crowd well. After getting up on the monitors, he held the microphone out to entice the young girls to sing along with him. While I couldn’t help sing the lyrics, I did catch myself dancing throughout their set. With their catchy beats and outgoing per- sonalities, it would be hard for anyone not to Photo CHELSEA SOETAERT enjoy a FTSK show. Jonathan Cook, lead singer for Forever the Sickest Kids. The strangest thing was the number of people taking part in the set. There were six Between the bands’ brightly colored outfits, interesting experience, to say the least. And it on stage – two guitarists, a lead singer, a key- the fans’ neon clothes and the vibrant lighting, made for a great night of dancing. boardist, a bassist and a drummer (one of the I felt like I needed my sunglasses. Overall, I give the concert a C because I en- guitarists also helped with vocals). It is not likely I will attend another FTSK joyed the atmosphere but not the music. It was like a party up there. concert. [email protected] Photo CHELSEA SOETAERT The venue was also extremely colorful. Austin Bello, bass and vocals. However, I am glad I was there. It was an

Maul of the Dead puts a new twist on zombie stories Zacc Lawton we were rushed into the theater, left without Staff Writer any indication this occurrence was actually Zombie movies are predictable, often supposed to take place. based around a group of people fighting to Once the play began, the audience real- survive. ized the two men being chased were the two “Maul of the Dead” was similar – but main characters, Frank and Lewis. with a comical twist. Having been chased by zombies, they Written by Mitch Brian, “Maul of the take refuge in a mall, where four other sur- Dead” played during the second half of Oc- vivors join them. tober at the Coterie Theatre in Crown Cen- The two men are members of a SWAT ter. team, so you could say they’re better pro- The story takes place in 1978 and was in- tected than others. spired by the legendary zombie film “Dawn Among the other survivors were a local of the Dead.” TV weather reporter, a punk-rock chick who The action began before the show even claims she is from Great Britain, a bubbly started. It happened while I was standing in perfume clerk and a hot-headed helicopter line. pilot. All of a sudden, two guys with guns With a combination of so many different came running into the lobby. Chasing af- personalities, it is almost guaranteed there ter them was a swarm of bloody zombies. will be some problems. The ushers quickly closed the doors and “Maul of the Dead” was full of comedy and off-the-wall special effects. Live gunshots and blood squirting off the stage made the audience really feel like they were part of the action. The make-up for the zombies was spec- tacular; it was extremely realistic consider- ing all the knock-off zombies you would see at a Worlds of Fun haunted house. Like any other zombie movie, there is always that one person who gets infected. Everyone around that person knows the infected character could hurt them. But they constantly insist on taking care of them. That’s just what happened in “Maul of the Dead.” From that point on, things pretty much went downhill.

Photo courtesy J. ROBERT SCHRALDER In zombie movies, however, there is usu- Frank (Tosin Morohunfola) with Wendy (Kimberly ally at least one survivor in the end. But in McQueen) in the world premiere of “Maul of the “Maul of the Dead,” there were none. Dead.” [email protected] 9 Culture www.unews.com November 2, 2009 Austen Malone pays tribute to the past Melissa Cowan Staff Writer Austen Malone probably should have played in the Allman Brothers Band in the 1970s. But he was born in the wrong de- cade. However, he is a musician and junior at UMKC, majoring in Urban Design and Development. Malone first picked up a guitar when he was 13. His step-dad was a musician. “He’d always be jammin’ out on the acoustic guitar, playing some blues,” Malone said. “And I just always loved to listen to it.” Malone said it was the “emotional vibe and energy” that re- ally drew him into music. Since then, he has been in various bands. He’s currently the guitarist and singer for The Yellow Walrus, “a nonsense name” of random combinations. Photo courtesy CALEY VENTURELLA “It has turned into this mysterious kind of creature,” Malone Alex Chapman, Evan Stein, Daniel Bowersox and Austen Malone of The said. “It kind of represents the elephant in the room – if you ever Yellow Walrus. see a yellow walrus walking down the street, you can’t ignore that.” get such a more soulful feeling when you record albums live. Malone was born and raised in Kansas. He moved to Seattle … Listen to albums made in the ’60s and ’70s – that’s how they after graduating high school, but continued band practice via did it. And you get that feel, because there is some impurity and the Internet with Alex Chapman (bass), who was still living in almost raw or vulnerable, real organic sound to it.” Kansas. At the time, their band name was In Motion. Evan Stein Malone believes they achieved that with the album “to a de- (drums) joined In Motion two weeks before they recorded their gree.” album, Chasing Thoughts. “Our writing has come such a long way since then, especially “I was in Seattle, playing songs, recording them on You- now since Danny (Bowersox) has been writing with us,” Malone Tube, sending them to [the others], and that’s how we practiced,” said. “We’re in love with it (the album), but we’ve found another Malone said. “It was amazing.” lover.” They are currently writing songs for their next live album, In Motion became The Yellow Walrus, and the three mem- The Lynnwood Family Revival and Friends Along the Way, a bers met Daniel Bowersox (keys and guitar) in March 2009 fantasy-like story with personified objects Malone created lyri- while they were recording Sunflowers. Bowersox was an audio cally. technician. An EP will come out before the full length. They plan to start “I heard him just doodling on the piano, just playing random recording in the spring. Fans can expect a different feel to this stuff,” Malone said. album, more grass roots and “pure rock ‘n’ roll” like some of Malone then asked him to join (Bowersox is not on Sunflow- Malone’s current influences: The Carpenters, Simon and Gar- ers; the keyboard parts were already recorded). Malone also funkel, Elton John, The Beatles and more. moved back to Kansas. “We feel like that time period really got it right when it came The band has developed a strong pride for their home state, to the soul of music,” Malone said. “We want people to feel like displaying the Kansas Flag at their shows, in the last track on the they’ve revisited something in the past, almost honoring the past album (“Kansas Sky”) and, of course, the album title. … (but) we’ll have our own twist to it.” Sunflowers was recorded live in four sessions, over about Sunflowers is available at their online store (www.myspace. four days of recording. com/theyellowwalrus) or on iTunes. “We really wanted to do it live,” Malone said. “I think you [email protected]

Play it by Ear by MELISSA COWAN The Yellow Walrus Aside from being the first track on Closed Again”) and mellower songs. the album, “Old Hickory Blvd” was But I would not consider any slow. the first song I heard by The Yellow Despite the occasional understated Walrus on www.popfreeradio.com. guitars and easygoing piano, Evan That’s when I fell in love – and the rest Stein (drums) rarely slows down, and of the album only added to that. Alex Chapman (bass) is constantly Sunflowers is so perfect, I’m al- moving up and down the fret. It’s never most afraid to try to describe it. I feel like my words will detract from its conventional or predictable, but all the brilliance. pieces always fit together. It’s definitely one you need to expe- Even the most slow-paced song on rience yourself. the album, “Let the Sounds of the Ste- The first two tracks are really up- reo Play Out,” doesn’t stay that way for beat and catchy without being poppy. long. About a minute in, things pick The harmonies between Austen Malo- up. ne and Jessica Cork (featured on a few Photo courtesy GOOGLE IMAGES The album ends with “Kansas songs) are seamless. Sky,” and these proud Kansas natives But one of my favorites from the honestly one of the best I’ve heard. really know how to leave on a high album is the third track, “Talking to It just so happens he’s a talented note – plus leave you wanting more. God.” It’s difficult to dissect each indi- lyricist, too. I’ve heard people compare The vidual instrument because everything “Dear Mr. Wormwood” is another Yellow Walrus to Death Cab for Cutie, flows together so well. Every sound great example of this (again, it’s dif- which is an understandable opinion stands out at once. ficult to choose because there are so from a first listen. But they definite- Malone’s lyrics are flawlessly de- many of these moments): “Nicotine is ly have their own sound and style if scriptive, keeping metaphors simple addicting/But not as much as you/And you really sit down and listen closely and sweet: “It’s hopeless to look at alcohol could make me fall/But not as – which you should. It’s completely you/It’s like my glasses in a dark fast as you.” genuine, personal and moving. room/Never knowing which board is The album continues to get better. This album is great, and their next loose.” There’s an ideal balance of bright album is sure to be even greater. Visit Though, he could probably sing guitars, fast-paced rhythm (like an- A++ about anything with that voice – it’s other favorite, “The Fremont Bridge is [email protected] www.unews.com 10 Culture November 2, 2009 www.unews.com Bouncing Souls to play at Riot Room Casey Osburn Sports Editor It’s been 20 years, and the Bouncing Souls are still bouncing. “I don’t think there’s any real secret,” bassist Bryan Kienlen said. “I think it’s just a matter of doing what you love. … If we didn’t have fun we wouldn’t do this.” The Bouncing Souls have been on tour all year with Bayside to celebrate their 20th anniversary. In 2009 alone, they’ve played more than 180 shows. Being on the road that long may get tiring to others, but not these guys. “We’ve done it our entire adult lives,” Kienlen said. “It’s probably really weird when you sit down and think about it, but we don’t. It’s just sort of natural I guess.” Along with the tour, the band has released a new song at the

beginning of every month. Later this year, they’ll release the Photo courtesy RICHARD BALLARD album Ghosts on the Boardwalk with all 12 songs on it. There’s The Bouncing Souls are on tour celebrating 20 years together. no official release date yet, but it will be out in time for their third annual Home for the Holidays show. Every year between the music. That’s when they get out their notebooks and start Christmas and New Year’s, they perform four nights in a row in piecing together lyrics. their home state – New Jersey. Kienlen said one person may have a great chorus while an- Releasing songs one at a time was a way to keep the celebra- other will have the verse. tion going and get fans excited to see what will be next. “These songs are a fraction of each person, making one “We just wanted to shake things up, shake up the routine a song,” he said. little bit,” Kienlen said. “It sort of extends the celebration.” Over the summer, the band traveled with the Vans Warped The Bouncing Souls started out with the help of the Ra- Tour for their eighth year on the bill. Living most of their lives on mones’ easy-to-learn songs. the road, the Bouncing Souls consider the summer-long concert “Ramones are actually not only a huge influence, but I think to be their favorite all-around tour. They’ve known the people they were like a door opener,” Kienlen said. “Because they who run Warped for years and grew up with them, so they’re wrote these songs that made you want to pick up an instrument like a big family. and play because they were so easy.” “There’s that element to it and there’s this camping element Other influences include 7 Seconds, Youth Brigade, Agnos- to it which I personally love,” Kienlen said. “I like waking up in tic Front, The Cure and many other bands around during the a field and having to go find a place where there’s water so I can ’80s. shower. I love everything about it. I like playing short sets like Kienlen, guitarist Pete Steinkopf, vocalist Greg Attonito that – I think it’s good for punk rock.” and drummer Michael McDermott make up the band. All but The band has a pretty intense and loyal fan base. On their McDermott are original members; he joined in 1999 after their Myspace page, www.myspace.com/bouncingsouls, there is a release of Hopeless Romantic. photo album dedicated to fans who have Bouncing Souls tattoos. After two decades of playing music together, the Bouncing “It’s pretty damn cool … makes me really proud,” Kienlen Souls haven’t really changed their sound. said. “It’s one of those things I’m really proud about – the inten- “I guess in 20 years we’ve gotten a tiny bit better at playing sity of fans that we’ve reached out and got. The tattoo thing is our instruments,” Kienlen joked. “It kind of evolves.” incredible. There’s like hundreds of pages in that gallery. Amaz- Writing music is a group effort for the band. And with 120 ing.” songs recorded, making up new ones gets tough. Kienlen designs all the artwork for the band, including their “Pete, Greg and myself all carry notebooks around in life,” albums, t-shirts and other merchandise. Kienlen said, “and whenever some inspiration hits we’ll write The Anniversary Tour stops Nov. 4 at the Riot Room in Kan- it down.” sas City. Steinkopf and Kienlen get together with McDermott to write [email protected]

How to: make a difference in your spare time Melissa Oribhabor high school shoved in the back of your Go green(ish): “Going Green” may Staff Writer closet might be perfect for a teenager who be all the rage right now, but it’s often With the fall semester in full swing, wants something vintage. Your CD col- easier said than done. If you can’t go all it’s easy to get caught up in the hectic life- lection from the 1990s that you’ve already out and buy solar panels and a Prius, try style of a college student. uploaded to iTunes is just taking up room taking baby steps instead. Switch to en- Focusing on midterm tests and papers in your car and it could be just the thing ergy saving bulbs and unplug your appli- while also getting ready for the holidays someone else will treasure. If you don’t ances when they are not in use. can make it seem like there is not a lot of need it and are not using it, donate it to a Conserve water by cutting back on time for much else, especially to help out. thrift store. your shower time. You don’t need to lin- But there are a few, simple things you You could also sell some of your old ger and enjoy the warm water, at least not can do to make a big difference. clothing to a consignment store like Pla- every day. Remember the Golden Rule: Do to’s Closet and make a few extra bucks. It Also, when possible, pay your bills on- unto others as you would have done to will clean out your storage space and pos- line and opt out of paper bills. If Ameri- you. If you find a wallet or student ID on sibly help someone else who can’t afford cans only paid bills online, it would save the ground, attempt to contact the owner to buy new things. more than 16 million trees. or turn it in to lost and found. Volunteer: There are several places A little bit can go a long way, so take Hold the door for the person walking around Kansas City just waiting for help. a lazy Saturday and make it productive. behind you. Leave a note if you bump With the recession, volunteer organiza- Clean your closet or spend a few hours someone’s car in the parking garage. tions have seen a large decline in helpful helping at a non-profit organization. It Remember to pick up after yourself hands. will make you feel better about yourself, – don’t make other people clean up your Volunteering is not only good for the help other people and have a positive im- Subscribe @ messes. community, but it looks great on applica- pact on the world. Remember what goes around comes tions for graduate school and résumés. One person can make a difference, so www.unews.com around, so make sure what’s coming Visit www.volunteerkc.org to find places let that person be you. around is something good. around Kansas City that could use your [email protected] Donate: That old Ramones shirt from help. 11 Culture www.unews.com November 2, 2009

dating 101 save the date by CHRISTIAN ROSE Compiled by HILARY SASKIN

Sugar Neubauer Craft Festival: The Great Craft Fes- My column is a weekly diary of what is going on in my Monday, Nov. 2 Wednesday, Nov. 4 tival returns to Kansas and offers a life. variety of arts and crafts on display. Generally, it consists of bad dates and the lessons I learn Festival takes place through Nov. 7 at from them, which I then attempt to pass along. Film Festival: UMKC Pride Film Fes- WEPT: The Written English Proficien- tival presents the 40th Anniversary of cy Test (WEPT) will take place at 2:30 the Overland Park Convention Center This week, however, is a little different. It is not about (6000 College Blvd.). a lesson learned from a bad date; it is a lesson learned from the Stonewall Rebellion. Event takes and 6:30 p.m. in Royall Hall, room 111. a person’s life. place from 4-9 p.m. at the University My grandmother would say everyone we encounter Paramore: With a new show date set, Center, room 106. Admission is free Paramore is ready to rock Kansas City. drifts into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. and open to the public. My childhood friend Maya’s mother, Sugar Neubauer, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and concert Saturday, Nov. 7 starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown The- did not drift. Rather, she exploded into my life like a can- Conservatory: The UMKC Conser- nonball, inextricably altering the path my life would take. atre. Local act The Beautiful Bodies vatory presents the Jazz Combos Con- will play at 6:30 p.m. in the front bar St. Lawrence String Quartet: The Recently lost, she will be sorely missed. Friends of Chamber Music presents the Sugar was born Delores Victoria Neubauer to a very cert. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. (Nowhere Lounge). Tickets are $29.50; St. Lawrence String Quartet. Perfor- wealthy family. at Grant Recital Hall (5227 Holmes). those purchased for the original show The Neubauers were “old money,” and I would hear my Show will feature the 12:30 Combo, will be honored at the door. All ages mance begins at 8 p.m. at the Folly The- mother and her friends as they gossiped over their weekly 5:00 Combo and 2:00 Combo. Tickets welcome. ater (300 W. 12th St.). Also enjoy a pre- game of bridge about the most recent Neubauer scandal, are free for students with valid UMKC concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. with Tim Book Discussion: Los Angeles Times usually involving the youngest daughter, Delores. ID. Westergren, co-founder of Pandora.com, Apparently, she was the result of a minor indiscretion columnist Steve Lopez joins UMKC’s discussing the online Music Genome Angela Elam (of KCUR’s “New Letters Project and his founding of Pandora. between her mother and the sometimes handy man who did Best of Fest Shorts: The Kansas City on the Air”) for a public conversation Ticket prices vary. For more informa- minor repairs around the neighborhood. Filmmakers Jubilee presents the Best Rather than instantly divorce his wife, Mr. Neubauer did about his book “The Soloist,” which tion, visit www.chambermusic.org. the honorable thing and just held the mistake over Mrs. Neu- of Fest Shorts Screening from the 2009 became the basis for the 2009 motion bauer’s head for the remainder of her life (which, as it turned Kansas City Film Fest. Event takes picture. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Beatles Tribute: American English out, wasn’t that long). place from 7-9 p.m. at the AMC Main- the Kansas City Public Library – Plaza performs the entire Beatles catalogue While driving home from a party right before Christmas, street Theater (1400 Main St.). Admis- Branch (4801 Main St.). from 1963-1970. Concert starts at 8 p.m. her brakes failed around a sharp curve and she plummeted sion is $10. at the Midland Theater. Tickets start at to her death over the side of what is now known as Neubauer Thursday, Nov. 5 $19.75. Show is all ages. For more infor- Hill. Tuesday, Nov. 3 mation, visit www.midlandkc.com. Delores was three years old at the time of her mother’s untimely death. Day of the Dead: MEChA presents Fall Dance Concert: The UMKC Con- When I would visit Maya, I remember seeing photo- the Dia de los Muertos celebration at 6 servatory’s Fall Dance Concert will take graphs scattered around her house. place at 7:30 p.m. through Nov. 7. Per- Sunday, Nov. 8 p.m. at Pierson Auditorium in the Uni- In them, you could always point out Delores. She never formances held in White Recital Hall versity Center. Event will feature Bal- smiled and, with her long, dark unruly hair, she never re- inside the James C. Olsen Performing Jazz Brunch: Give back while you sembled any of her siblings. let Folklorico Mexico de los Hermanos Arts Center (4949 Cherry St.). Tickets cure your hangover. The Hangover She appeared to have a distant look that was ever-pres- Avila and poetry from Latino Writers are free for students (with UMKC ID), Jazz Brunch is a charity event from ent, regardless of her surroundings. Collective. Hot cocoa and bread will be $8 for adults and $6 for seniors. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Phoe- Years later, while I was growing up, I remember she served. nix Jazz Club (302 W. Eighth St.). $15 seemed to have only two moods: deliriously happy or pro- tickets can be purchased at the door foundly sad. Author Discussion: UMKC PhD stu- Friday, Nov. 6 and include brunch buffet, a drink When she laughed, it filled her lungs and blew through dent Patrick Dobson presents his trav- (choice of bloody Mary, tequila sun- the house like a gale force wind. Then there were those other elogue “Seldom Seen,” a chronicle of rise or mimosa) and live jazz music. times when Sugar never left her room. his walking journey from Kansas City AFI: Don’t miss AFI in concert. Doors Proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sis- Maya and I would tip-toe past Sugar’s room and I would to Helena, Mont. Event begins at 6:30 open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. at ters of Greater Kansas City. see jars of urine placed outside her door. p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library the Uptown Theatre. Tickets are $26 for The entire house seemed to change during those periods. – Plaza Branch (4801 Main St.). general admission, all ages welcome. With the curtain drawn to block out any sunlight, it seemed almost menacing. The air was stale and thick and it smelled like booze and cigarettes. We came home from school early one day and I saw Sug- ar painting on a ladder in the kitchen. Her dark hair was matted and uncombed. Her naked breast was poking out from her tattered robe. She was paint- ing furiously on the walls while muttering something under her breath. Maya and I continued to be friends throughout our child- hood, but I saw Sugar only rarely after that episode. Once, I went with Maya to the hospital to see her mother. She looked so small and frail. I don’t think she knew we were there. There were all sorts of tubes in her arms and people were coming and going in and out of her room. I didn’t understand the meaning of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They tossed around phrases such as neurosis and psy- chosis. All I knew for certain was my friend was frightened. We couldn’t comprehend the seriousness of this illness and we were too young to do anything about the situation. I learned this week that Sugar passed after a lifetime of suffering with a mental disorder. I didn’t realize the impact a near-stranger would have on my life. Often we never do. My grandmother would say we entertain angels unaware. My most loyal friends, we are the healers of tomorrow. Be diligent in your studies and be kind to strangers – they are lessons … they are angels. [email protected] 12

Sports www.unews.com November 2, 2009 Women’s basketball has high hopes

David Jordan better and not be satisfied and I’m really ex- Staff Writer cited for her to have a great senior year … and hopefully make her team better around her. I ast season, the UMKC women’s think that’s going to be the challenge, it’s not basketball team had a record of just Chaz having a good year, but making sure 13-18. They also had five games the people around her have a great year.” under .500 shooting average. This year the Lady Roos have seven return- But the Lady Roos can’t wait to ers and five new faces, including three trans- hopL back on the court and pounce on Summit fers and two freshmen. League opponents. Transfer Dayon Hall-Jones is a player to Senior guard Chazny Morris was selected keep on the radar. to the Pre-Season Summit League first team She came from South Plains Junior College, and was picked to be player of the year. where she averaged 8.9 points-per-game and Morris enters the 2009-10 season with the 2.6 assists per game, helping her team achieve second most points scored in UMKC women’s a 24-7 record last season. basketball history with 1,285 points. She trails At the junior college level, she led the na- Penny Waggener, who played for UMKC from tion in free throws, shooting .827. She brings 1981-1985 and had a total of 1,475 points. great experience to the team at the point This is a record that’s been waiting to be guard position. broken by Morris. But she said there are bigger “She is going to help,” Morris said. “She’s fish to fry, and one of them smells like making a point guard, she’s real quick, she’ll get by it to the NCAA Tournament. people and she’ll create things.” “I want to go further than we ever gone Hall-Jones will be a great asset to the team since I’ve been here, which would mean go- because she will penetrate the defense. Photo courtesy UMKC ATHLETICS ing to the tournament,” Morris said. “So that She can cause them to collapse and provide The 2009-10 women’s basketball team’s season starts Nov. 7. means getting first place in the league.” the opportunity to kick it out to shooters like Head Coach Candace Whitaker and her ball Morris and sophomore guard Heather Davis. Another player to keep an eye out for is Morris is truly an exceptional player. A ca- club worked hard during the summer for this Last year, Davis finished fifth in UMKC’s sophomore guard LeAndrea Thomas – she was reer playing professionally, whether overseas season and definitely want to see more victo- top 10 most three-point field goals made for the third leading scorer for UMKC last year. or the WNBA, is definitely in her reach. ries. freshmen. She made 36 of 109 she attempted. She averaged 6.3 points-per-game and led the Whitaker has no predictions on this season, “We worked extremely hard, I’m really ex- Davis is not someone to leave open behind team in assists with 2.2 per game. but has faith in her team’s work ethic. cited,” Whitaker said. “I’m very proud of the the three-point arch – all she needs is a second The two freshmen, Kim Nezianya and Kay- “You just work every day to try to get better players that we have on our team and who they to get her shot off. cie Boyles, are both post players who look to and you hope that the wins take care of them- are as individuals and who they are as basket- Sophomore forward Jade Tinner looks to have a great impact and dominate in the post selves,” Whitaker said. ball players.” dominate the post after a few good outings last Establishing a winning tradition at UMKC For her star senior guard (Morris), Whita- along with Tinner. year. “Both don’t look or act like freshmen,” is Whitaker’s ultimate goal. The journey began ker expressed much appreciation and wants the She recorded career highs in points (18) and for her March 19, 2007 when she was named best for her and the team. Morris said. “They’re very strong players, they rebounds (10) against Centenary College last understand the game, they have great basket- head coach and will continue Nov. 7 in Swin- “Chaz has a great career here and she’s re- season. ball minds and their both very versatile, they ney Recreation Center for an exhibition game ally worked hard and developed herself and her “She’s going to do big things this year,” can play inside and out … I expect them to against Missouri Western State University. game,” Whitaker said. “She continues to get Morris said. come on and contribute right away.” [email protected]

Chazny Morris prepares for the season sports shorts by CASEY OSBURN John Pfortmiller She started playing basketball at an ear- “The team has gotten better over the Staff Writer ly age since her father played in high school years I’ve been here and everyone is stoked Volleyball For the UMKC women’s basketball and with the Air Force Academy team. One for this season and into it,” Morris said. The Kangaroos dropped two Summit League team, another season of basketball is quick- of her younger sisters also plays college “All of our players want to work hard and matches, both 3-0, on the road this weekend. ly approaching. For Chazny Morris, it is her basketball at Texas Tech. get better.” Friday night they took on North Dakota State last basketball season. Morris has high expectations for the There is a part of Morris that few get University (NDSU). “I’m really excited for this year because season and even higher expectations for her a chance to see because she is constantly The victory improved NDSU’s winning streak it’s my senior year,” Morris said. “I want to career in the sport. She wants to eventually working on her three-pointer, free throws to 33 and broke UMKC’s five-match streak. go out on top, but the team has to move one get into the WNBA. She realizes, however, and lay-ups. This part is that of an average The next night, the Roos were shutout by goal at a time.” to achieve that goal she must help lead her college-aged woman who enjoys shopping South Dakota State University. Sophomore Kelsey Morris is the only senior on any of the team to victory this season. and hanging out with her friends. Knoche led the team with eight kills and 10 digs. UMKC basketball teams, men and wom- “I’m really working on being a leader,” The native of Fairfield, Calif. also re- The losses put the Roos’ record at 6-8 in the en’s. Morris said. “Leadership is a big thing and cently participated in the three-point shoot- league. Coach and I talk about it a lot.” “Our team ing contest at The College Basketball Ex- needs leadership this season and I’m try- perience. Cross Country ing, as a senior, to help out with it.” “It was a fun experience and the place Morris was recruited by UMKC as a was packed, it really got the adrenaline go- The UMKC cross country team traveled this freshman. ing,” Morris said. “Even though I lost the weekend to Cedar City, Utah for the Summit “Two friends of mine were playing bas- three-point contest, I’m not going to slump League Championships. ketball with me at Piedmont High School over and let anyone beat me anymore like Freshman Cosmas Ayabei took third place with and an assistant coach from OU moved that.” a time of 25.09:50. He received first team all-league to UMKC and recruited me pretty hard,” Morris stressed her hopes about going honors for the first time since the end of the 2002 Morris said, smiling as she recounted the to the NCAA tournament and winning, season. tale. “I had this choice between UMKC and but maintained her realistic attitude and Ayabei also received the Newcomer of the University of Hawaii, but I felt that I would stressed the team’s need to start the season Championship award – the only Kangaroo to get be too distracted at Hawaii so I came here.” off with wins and get into a rhythm. the award since the 1999 season. The Roos are glad to have her too. Dur- “This conference is pretty crazy, every- Both cross country squads finished eighth place ing the 2008-2009 season, Morris was the one has the ability to beat everyone else,” at the championships — the men with 189 points leading scorer, averaging 17.5 points-per- Morris said. “I just hope the Roos will go as and the women with 163. game. She was also selected as the Pre- far as the NCAA tournament, we definitely The teams will meet Nov. 14 in Springfield, Mo. Photo courtesy UMKC ATHLETICS season First Team all-League honoree and have the ability to.” at the NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Chazny Morris. the League’s Preseason Player of the Year. [email protected] Championships. 13 Sports www.unews.com November 2, 2009 extra points by JOHN PFORTMILLER Two games, two

Controversy the judges all had slightly different an- gles of the fight, but still had the best overtimes, two 2-1 losses seats in the house. over UFC: 104 Regardless, the judges performed Since the light heavyweight title Kevin Bryce their jobs to the best of their abilities. Photo Editor fight between Lyoto Machida and They followed the Unified Rules Mauricio Rua, UFC scoring judges of Mixed Martial Arts and scored the Both UMKC’s men’s and women’s soccer teams have been criticized as unprofessional, bout without bias. fell short of wins in overtime Saturday afternoon lazy and inept. The whole controversy aspect at Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field. However, none of it is true. seems like a bunch of folks who are The teams put a great effort forward but couldn’t The bout on Oct. 24 was composed mad about losing bets. commit the wins. The final tally in both matches of the typical five rounds (five minutes The fight was extremely close and was 2-1. each) in the UFC octagon. was scored 48-47, in favor of the light The men started the day with a match against The fight went all five rounds, even the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The Roos came out though both fighters are considered heavyweight title holder, Machida. ESPN odds estimated the same score, strong with a great chance at scoring within the sec- two of the best strikers in the UFC to- ond minute. Unfortunately, junior John Bayron So- with the challenger, Rua, winning. day. sa’s shot went high, hitting the crossbar. The Roos What created the controversy for The fighters were extremely pro- had plenty of opportunities to score in the first half the judges was the high volume of in- fessional in their handling of the deci- with nine shot attempts (Oakland only had five). ternet squabble after the fight ended. sion and shook hands. Early in the second half, freshman David Sara- Photo KEVIN BRYCE Viewers finished watching the While this seems just peachy, Rua bia headed a ball into Oakland’s net, putting the first David Sarabia scored the first goal of the game giving fight, turned around and went right to decided with UFC President Dana score on the board and taking a 1-0 lead. UMKC a temporary 1-0 lead. White that a rematch was in order. work spreading rumors on sites such as UMKC managed to hold the lead for almost 40 net in the sixth minute of overtime, ending the game Twitter. Sometime in the near future, the minutes of play before Oakland responded with a two Brazilian power houses will come and securing the win for Oakland. What followed was yet another day header and sent the ball past UMKC keeper Ken The women followed the men with their final in rumorville. to blows again, but in Las Vegas in- Cooper to tie the match. During the closing minutes stead of Los Angeles. inaugural season game against Centenary College. Bloggers said the judges were not of regular play, neither team managed to get a good The game saw even play throughout the first scoring the bout correctly, were not White said the rematch in Vegas look, sending the game into a 10-minute sudden will not use the same judges or the half, but Centenary managed to put the first point paying attention or were poorly seated death overtime. on the scoreboard with a free kick into the top left and this obstructed their view of the same referee. After making four saves during the match, Coo- This only added more fuel to the corner of the net. fight. per couldn’t manage to stop an attack shot into the The game looked to be heading in Centenary’s None of these accusations could be controversy fire. However, the UFC is known to use completely new judges favor before UMKC put on a push in the closing further from the truth. minutes of the match. Freshman Alyssa D’Egidio These judges know a lot more about and referees for every rematch purely on principle. then found a rebound off Centenary’s crossbar, scoring a UFC title fight than most. dropped the ball with a header into the goal and put They are required to take courses This principle is the reason the UFC has not had bias issues with the game in overtime. designed to teach them how to score In the last minute of overtime, UMKC keeper close fights, such as this one. judges or investigations by the Ne- vada State Athletic Commission. Jami Finnell didn’t manage to get in front of a shot The rumors spread about the judg- by Centenary, ending the game with a 2-1 finish. es’ lack of attention are also unfound- With all of the Internet rumors and unfounded accusations put aside, the Finnell ended the game with eight saves and UMKC ed. The judges are trained to watch had four shots on Centenary’s box. fight was scored fairly. each 5-minute round without taking The women closed out their first season of play White’s decision for a rematch did their eyes off the action. with an overall record of 1-17-1, and a 1-8 record in alleviate some concerns, as Rua de- They are also not sitting with any- Summit League play. serves another shot at the title. one who would have an affect on their The men will play their last regular-season Sum- The rematch is already confirmed, scoring. mit League game this Saturday at Fort Wayne, Ind. all UFC fans have to do is wait for the The obstructed view point, brought versus Indiana University - Purdue University Fort time announcement. Photo KEVIN BRYCE up by bloggers, is slightly debatable. Wayne. [email protected] Jami Finnell nabbed eight saves on Saturday against Cen- The way a judge sees a fight depends [email protected] on where he/she is sitting. In this case, tenary. Crown Center opens Ice Terrace

Melissa Cowan and under. It costs $3 to rent skates. people.” Sporting Events Staff Writer Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. But once they get the hang of Sunday through Thursday, and 10 it (after falling down a few times), The Crown Center Ice Terrace a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday it’s smooth skating. Volleyball has been a seasonal Kansas City from November to January. But the Up to 500 people can skate at Date Event Place Time staple since Nov. 26, 1973. rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 once, but Crown Center only has 11/5 Centenary SRC 7 p.m. Opening day this season is Fri- p.m. in February and March. 300 pairs of rental skates, so they 11/7 Oral Roberts SRC 7 p.m. day, Nov. 6. Ronan said more than 65,000 rarely (if ever) reach capacity, There will be free skating from people attend over the entire sea- Ronan said. 6-9 a.m. with free coffee and ba- son, which runs until March 14. However, you can bring your Men’s Soccer gels from Panera Bread. The busiest time is typically dur- own skates. “There’s something about be- 11/7 IPFW Fort Wayne, Ind. 12 p.m. ing winter break when kids are out You’d think with that many ing outside during the holidays,” of school. But it’s also weather de- people, there would be accidents said Christ Ronan, communica- pendent. all the time. But Ronan said it’s tions manager for Crown Center. “There’s a sweet spot as far mostly people falling. Women’s Soccer “It’s just a popular family activity.” as weather,” Ronan said. “You “I know I’ve taken a tumble 11/6 Summit League Championships (Semi-finals) Brookings, S.D. TBA Ronan explained many people don’t want it to be too cold, and here and there,” he said. “But gen- 11/8 Summit League Championships (Final) Brookings, S.D. TBA who have grown up in Kansas City you don’t want it to be too warm erally, it’s a safe place to be. … It’s and went ice-skating when they either.” really ideal for somebody who may were younger are now bringing There is no age limit to skate, not have skated a whole lot.” their own kids. and Ronan sees almost every age There are Crown Center em- Men’s Basketball “It’s still the only public out- 11/6 Bethel College (Exhibition) SRC 7:05 p.m. group on the ice sometime during ployees on the ice monitoring skat- door rink in Kansas City,” Ronan the season. ers’ speeds. But skaters should said. “It’s a very different environ- “This is an activity that’s ac- also use common sense and con- ment if you go to an outdoor rink. cessible to people of all ages,” sideration, Ronan said. Women’s Basketball … There’s something a little more Ronan said. “Some people get on “Just be prepared to have a 11/7 Missouri Western (Exhibition) SRC 2 p.m. nostalgic (about it).” the ice and are really apprehen- good time,” he said. “And give it a Regular admission is $6 or free sive because they’ve never done shot if you haven’t done it before.” for adults over 60 and children 4 it before, especially the younger [email protected] 14

Forum www.unews.com November 2, 2009 Give peace a chance The young and the Alexia Stout-Lang Obama was awarded the 2009 climate change, and to lay the News Editor Nobel Peace Prize when one of foundations for the measures that not-so-restless love words. the first things he did once in of- are needed to counteract such Melissa Oribhabor I am 23 years old and, much to the I love the vast ways fice was order more change,” consider- Staff Writer shock and horror of my mother, her I can express myself troops overseas. ing his accomplish- When I was in high school, having a friends and everyone over the age of or describe the world He became one ment had nothing to boyfriend was a big deal. 40, I am not married. What bothers of 97 individuals to do with peace, de- If you didn’t have a boyfriend, it was them more is that I don’t want to be. around me, even with a Don’t get me wrong, I want to get small vocabulary. receive the Peace spite how beneficial because there was something about you I Prize between 1901 his movie was. boys didn’t like and you needed to fix married. I have no desire to be like Sa- Becoming an avid reader at a mantha Jones from “Sex and 2009. The honor be- it so you could have a young age, I have a rather unusu- boyfriend. and the City” and just live al appreciation for the building Despite the fact stowed on Obama like a 20-year-old forever. this is old news, will bring all eyes Unfor tunately, blocks of human communication. I had a scary older I’m just not ready now. While many people dislike people keep buzz- onto the United It seems like some peo- ing about it to the States and, hopeful- brother who, early long words and often peg them as on in middle school, ple, in their desire to get the discourse of the elite or stuck- point of annoyance. ly, hold us account- put the word out that married, forget how per- up, I, by far, prefer “big words” The fact is, each able for our actions. I was off-limits until manent marriage is. (as they are called). year thousands of Stout’s Shouts Perhaps, the world graduation. It’s not like a high Think about it. invitations are sent will think twice I was happy when school boyfriend. Encouraging, conciliatory, out to men and women meeting next time troops are dispatched if high school was over You can’t get rid of him affectionate, propitiation and so one of seven categories qualify- the man giving orders is interna- and the pressure to just by deleting his num- ber from your cell phone. on don’t scare me. ing them to nominate a candi- tionally acclaimed for peace acts. be paired-up went away – or at least I date. Those who receive invita- Look, all I am saying is it’s thought it did. You’ll need a lawyer and a judge. War, kill, die, lie, cry, but, if, Marriage is a big deal and it is not how, why – these are short words. tions are government officials, time for the American people to Turns out, once a girl turns 21, the members of international courts, stop nitpicking and start worry- pressure switches from “get a boy- something that should be entered into But they are nothing if they are lightly. not loaded, my friends. university professors and admin- ing about important things like friend” to “get married.” At least boyfriends were dispos- And, maybe, the divorce rate in this Another relatively small word istrators, previous Nobel Peace peace, truth, freedom and justice. Prize winners and others. Let me put it in the words of able. country wouldn’t be so high if people is so complex few of us have slowed down. The nominators chose Obama John Lennon: I graduated from the University of any real idea of what it means – So, I have decided to wait. I’m go- “for his extraordinary efforts to “Everybody’s talkin’ ‘bout Missouri in May 2008, and most of my peace. ing to wait until I find someone who I strengthen international diplo- revolution, evolution, mastur- friends, although in relationships, were Peace is a five letter word that am compatible with and has the same macy and cooperation between bation, flagellation, regulation, unmarried. But during the past year has vexed humankind for ages. goals as me. peoples.” integrations, mediations, United and a half, this has changed. The United States does not Slowly, my friends’ Facebook sta- I’m going to wait until I have the ca- Since information about the Nations, congratulations,” he often experience national con- tuses started to change from “in a rela- reer I want and live in the town I want, nominators and the details of crudely put it. “All we are saying tionship” to “engaged” and then, inevi- so I won’t have to move. flict on our shores. However, that the nominations are not released is give peace a chance.” does not mean we are the world’s tably, to “married.” I’m going to wait until I can afford until 50 years after the prize is It doesn’t get any better or Their profile pictures were of them to get married and until I am ready. leading experts on peace. awarded, everyone is just going more straightforward than that. In fact, we have proven our- in their wedding dresses or just a clo- Even if this means there is some- to have to live with the decision. Let’s get our heads on straight seup of the rings on their hands. selves quite talented at creating thing “wrong” with me, I’m OK with However, I don’t think it’s and figure out what we can do to But it didn’t bother me too much, I that. Marriage is more than just a wed- conflicts with other countries, such a bad thing. It’s certainly make the world a better place. guess. ding, it’s a life-long commitment to an- only adding to the horror of not as ridiculous as former Vice The future is in our hands. It was their choice, and if they were other person. violence, death and destruction President Al Gore receiving the It only takes one person to actually marrying the right person for Remember that the next time you around the globe. Nobel Peace Prize for “efforts to start a revolution. the right reasons, then I was more than start picking out a ring after the second A number of people are out- build up and disseminate greater [email protected] happy for them because that’s the way date. raged that President Barack knowledge about man-made it should be. [email protected]

A GRANT SNIDER ILLUSTRATION 15 Forum www.unews.com November 2, 2009 Allow me to introduce myself Evan Helmuth true today, as anyone who has ever required to buy health insurance or Word on CampusInterviewed by MELISSA ORIBHABOR Staff Writer done polling of the general public facing stiff fines. By way of introduction and de- can attest. Admittedly, there will be issues spite this being my third column, I am convinced, though, when discussed in “Common Sense” that I’d like to discuss my reasons for young people are shown how an is- are also dealt with at-length else- Where do you usually buy your offering my opinions every week sue will affect them, they will perk where, but this column will exam- textbooks? and, more broadly, what my readers up, listen and maybe even take ac- ine these issues in a way specifi- can expect from “Common Sense.” tion. cally applicable to my readers. Unlike Thomas Paine’s iconic This is not to say I am also con- pamphlet by the same name, this there are not very vinced it is pos- column – which will appear in these well-informed and sible to be serious, pages on a weekly basis – will not opinionated politi- informative and en- seek to convince the UMKC com- cos at UMKC. tertaining all at the munity to secede from Great Brit- There certainly same time when ain. are, and I hope they discussing these is- Instead, since most UMKC stu- will find “Common Common Sense sues, especially if dents are not nearly as interested as Sense” to be a valu- it is done in a way I am in politics, “Common Sense” able contribution that applies com- will deal only with issues that affect to a discussion they were already mon sense and steers clear of policy the UMKC community. tuned in to. But they are not the ma- wonk political jargon. The column will deal with na- jority. I am extremely grateful for the tional and local issues, as well as Most UMKC students probably opportunity to offer my opinions traditionally non-political issues. don’t know or care who Rep. Char- every week and my goal, above all The underlying goal will be to lie Rangel is, but they care if he is else, is to give my readers a column expose my readers to subjects they raising their taxes and not paying that is enjoyable to read. would not have known about other- his own. My hope is that readers look “I usually buy them here, mostly “I wasn’t familiar with any other wise and to tell them about aspects Similarly, few UMKC students forward to every Monday for the because I forget to look other places to go, so I just bought [my of familiar issues they don’t com- are likely to care a great deal about chance to read about a new and lit- places and it’s convenient.” textbooks] at the bookstore.” monly hear about in other media. economic policy, but they care tle-discussed issue that affects their Winston Churchill once said, about 18.5 percent youth unem- lives in a big way and they are, at SEAN DONOVAN ELLAROSE ROGERS “The best argument against democ- ployment. least sometimes, prompted to ac- First year Masters Freshman racy is a five-minute conversation Young people might not get tion by what they read in “Common Musical Performance Elementary Education with the average citizen.” into the minutia of the health care Sense.” Unfortunately, this remains debate, but they care about being [email protected]

What do you think?

Do you regularly use your text books? A. Yes B. No Go to www.unews.com and tell us your answer!

Your answers to last week’s question:

“Here [at the bookstore]. “I buy on campus. We [bookstore At what age is it It’s convenient and being a employees] get a 30 percent inappropriate to go freshman, I don’t know where to discount on all the clothing [and] D. 30% A. 23% trick-or-treating? go besides here.” a 75 percent discount on the textbooks.”

LINNAIA MCKENZIE SHALINI DASOJU A. 13 Freshman First year PhD Elementary Education Electrical Engineering C. 15% B. 31% B. 16 C. 18

D. Never

A B C D The University News is teaming up with Harvesters!

Please bring your non-perishable donations to the U-News office, 5327 Holmes, between now and Nov. 20. “Usually online because they’re “This is my first semester. I’m Thank you for helping Kansas City families have a happier and healthier cheaper. [I] usually [buy them] at going to start shopping online, holiday season. Amazon.com.” now I just don’t have time to shop online.”

MATT CROSSLEY SAMMI ALHARASTANI First year Masters Medical student Musical Performance BLA SGA from page 1 14 days of the original trial, so Collins was not able to take Johnson back to called Tyler’s office to ensure the of- court. fice had been notified. Despite the situation, Collins said he “I never told any of my officers, I took is not upset with the university, but he is it to the vice chancellor and trusted that disappointed with the way the situation he’d deal with it,” Blood said. was handled. Other SGA senators allegedly heard “It’s very disappointing to me that about the situation from Johnson and someone with so much authority at the word began to circulate. Eventually, university would let something like this Klassie Alcine, who served as adminis- happen,” he said. “... I was actually not trative vice president during Johnson’s going to come to the UMKC Law School term as president, heard about it. because of it. But I have my priorities and “What happened was Bridgett was I have a family and I know law school has so happy she won that she told one per- nothing to do with Mel Tyler.” son that was on the [SGA],” Alcine said. Collins noted Johnson did face some “I was talking to her [Johnson] and said, disciplinary action, but he does not feel it ‘Hey is this true that you forged this let- was what she deserved. ter?’ She said, ‘Yes, but I want to keep “From my understanding, Mel had a things quiet.’” conversation with Bridgett, he took away When Collins heard about the possi- her scholarship award and he let her grad- bility of the letter being forged, he took uate,” he said. a closer look at it, noticing the letter was Alcine said it is unfortunate the situa- written on Student Life letterhead, when tion had to happen. normally letters sent by Tyler are drafted “Why would you risk everything?” on letterhead from the Office of Student Alcine said. “To me, the saddest part is Affairs and Enrollment Management, she did not get the punishment she de- Collins said. served. They pretty much just swept it Collins then looked into the possibil- under the carpet. That’s sad because if Mondays’ puzzle solved ity of filing for a retrial in Small Claims she was a regular student she would have Court. got a way bigger penalty.” “Before I filed suit, I called Mel and I Jones said he observed during the asked him his version of what happened UMKC Superior Court trial that John- and I told him I was going to file,” Collins son took the situation very seriously and said. “He told me he had a conversation it was important to her that she received with Bridgett and, as far as the university what she thought she earned. is concerned, the matter is closed.” “It was a big issue for her,” he said. “A Small Claims Court requires any re- big issue for her.” quest for a new hearing to be filed within [email protected], [email protected]

BOOKS from page 1 there was an increase in orders by 9 percent, the next semester it went up 12 ders had been submitted by professors, percent,” Eisentrager said. which is actually higher than it was in Most students still buy their text- previous semesters. books from the University Bookstore. One reason for this is there is not But even with the steps the univer- an institutionally supported initiative sity is taking to keep prices down, the requiring professors to submit their or- way things are heading, more students ders once they know what classes they will be going online for cheaper alter- will be teaching the following semester. natives. The bookstore administrator sends “We still, at some point, gotta buy reminder e-mails to professors every those books,” Eisentrager said. “There semester telling them when orders are is still an upfront cost. We can’t lose due, but many professors simply don’t money selling a product. It’s not good read or respond to the e-mails. for the university.” Therefore, in an effort to combat However, there are things the book- this, three semesters ago the bookstore store management said they have over began sending the e-mail requests to the online retailers, such as customer Executive Vice Chancellor and Pro- service, no shipping costs and a guar- vost Gail Hackett. Hackett’s office then antee students are getting the correct sends out the e-mails. books for their classes. As it turned out, professors were Students have many options when more willing to open an e-mail and re- deciding where to buy their textbooks, spond if it came from their boss, even and, in the end, they will undoubtedly though, in reality, she was simply rout- go where their money is worth the ing an e-mail from the bookstore. most. University News “The first semester [we did this], [email protected] 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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