Issue 24 // 3.18.13 www.unews.com UNIVERSITY UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper NEWS ‘’ At UMKC, film inspiration Aron Ralston recalls, ‘You’re going to have to cut your arm off, dude.’

Bradley Hoffman Staff Writer

becomes a very relative term after cutting off your own arm with a dull pocket knife. PainAron Ralston did exactly that, and on Wednesday night at the Student Union Theatre, as part this year’ Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Symposium, he detailed the whole event for some 100 students. “It was the most glorious, ecstatic, euphoric experience of my life,” Ralston said. In April 2003, Ralston was hiking alone in Blue John Canyon, located in southeastern , when he decided to take a short cut through a narrow passage. It didn’t take long before a boulder was jarred free, ensnaring his right arm. “[My arm] disappears into this impossibly black shadow,” Ralston said. He quickly devised several ways to free himself. The first was by rigging a pulley system using climbing rope. He managed to wrap the boulder and attach the rope’s other end to another rock above. Pulling and pulling, he tried to budge the boulder but soon realized that was a hapless endeavor. His next effort was chipping at the rock with a discount pocket knife. He managed to chip about a golf ball’s worth of rock in several hours and, after doing some calculations, factored it would take him several months to chip enough rock to free himself. Again, he was defeated. “I remember saying to myself out loud, which I never do, you’re going to have to cut your arm off, dude,” Ralston said. He detailed the difficulty of doing this. He had to begin by forcing the dull knife through his skin, then muscle. ABOVE: Aron Ralston as portrayed by in ‘127 Hours.’ PHOTO // Google “The chaos of that moment…and then the pain hit,” he said. LEFT: Aron Ralston delivers the Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy Throughout the evening he repeated his message, Symposium address at the Student Union Theatre on alluding to life’s boulders. Wednesday, March 13. PHOTO // Bradley Hoffman “Consider the boulders in your life,” he asked. “Smile at your boulder,” and, “I think our boulders are a blessing.” Even with the loss of his right arm in such a uniquely everyone that, “it’s not what you do, it’s who you are.” tragic event, Ralston continued to pursue his love of Ralston’s story is personal, but it serves as an example wilderness. others should strive to follow. By 2005, he had summited all of Colorado’s “” “Whatever your boulder is, I wish you that it might be mountains. He has gone rafting and rock climbing as well. your greatest lesson,” he said. Despite his audacity to continue, he wants to reminds [email protected]

3 News // Downtown streetcar on track to open in 2015 9 Sports // Student competes in Paralympics INSIDE: 11 OpEd // Kenyan elections, sports and the Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 2 News March 18, 2013 Vol. 80, Issue 24 News 3 Culture, music and leadership highlight Kansas City streetcar second annual ALAS conference Main Street corridor route

Johanna Poppel Staff Writer executive for CoolSpeak, is a youth various Latin American rituals, set to open in early 2015 motivational speaker and program dances and music. In 90 minutes, one could have facilitator. Badros’s most important Along with local bands and witnessed the romance of Tango lesson is, “Life is to live.” dance academies, UMKC students 2-mile starter line could be extended in , the art of Capoeira He spoke of pursuing his second performed in the cultural show. in the jungles of Brazil and chance at life in the UMKC professor Xanath Caraza south to UMKC’s Volker campus experienced Mexican folklore in after living a disease-stricken life introduced the cultural show by Veracruz. in Africa. His focus was to live sharing poems that reflected on her These events occurred as part of with a purpose and to utilize the experience of immigrating to the Nathan Zoschke Editor-in-Chief the Association of Latin American opportunities America has to United States from Mexico. Students’ second annual leadership offer. The night ended with a fiesta She emphasized that Latin planned $102 million downtown streetcar line is on track to conference, held March 15 and 16 hosted by a local Latin club D.J. American culture is integrated open in early 2015 after a lawsuit challenging the proposal was in the Student Union. Saturday morning, participants in many aspects of American derailed last Friday by a Jackson County circuit judge. College and high school students attended workshops focused culture and is thriving in our local The suit, filed by two downtown property owners, claimed a special were invited to the conference. on leadership, teamwork and community. A taxing district to fund the streetcar system was unconstitutional. Hispanic student organizations professional etiquette. ALAS Idaima Calderon and Martice Last fall, downtown residents overwhelmingly favored a 1-cent sales from regional colleges such as officers Ivan Figueroa, Brittany Baskerville danced bachata, and Members of the Brazil Academy demonstrate various dances, music and tax increase in addition to several new property tax assessments to build costumes unique to Brazil. PHOTO // Johanna Poppel University of Missouri - Columbia Murphy and Angelica Beltran held junior Andres Chaurand, and the streetcar system. Its route will follow the Main Street corridor from and Emporia State University a workshop that helped inform seniors Aniseto Herrera and Anna 3rd and Grand Avenue in the River Market to Union Station. attended as well. high school attendees about college. Jobe danced Mexican folklore. Advocates of the downtown streetcar—including Mayor Sly James, The conference opened Friday Saturday afternoon at the cultural Afterwards, Adrienne Foster, of a large hispanic family to go to inspiration to motivate them to the Downtown Council, Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance, Transit evening with nationally recognized show, students and community Mayor of Roeland Park, Kan., college. reach their true potential. Action Network and Streetcar Neighbors—believe it will usher in a speaker Mena Badros. Badros, an members took a journey through shared her story of being the first The conference provided [email protected] new era of construction and development. students with the skills and Since 2000, downtown Kansas City has experienced an influx of new residents and entertainment venues. Once-vacant buildings in areas like Faculty Profile the Crossroads Arts District now boast restaurants, clubs, art galleries As co-chair of Kansas City Health Commission, and trendy loft-style condominiums. The new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Power and Light District and Sprint Center have bolstered Kansas City’s civic profile. Lora Lacey-Haun takes on obesity and junk food However, residents and community leaders cite the need for continued investment. While downtown’s population has nearly doubled since the turn of Kate Baxendale Staff Writer Hospital Hill Economic Development She said about 30 percent of Kansas the millennium, its 20,000 residents are a fraction of the same area’s pre- Corporation to build a grocery store near City’s population is overweight and World War II peak of more than 100,000. Lora Lacey-Haun, Dean of the 27th and Troost Avenue. The site will be another 30 percent is obese. Then, Kansas City had a streetcar system that encompassed most of UMKC School of Nursing and Health home to a 35,000-square-foot grocery “I cited this statistic from the Kansas the urban core, extending to areas such as Waldo, the Historic Northeast, Studies, has been appointed co-chair of store, which is expected to open within City Health Department annual Swope Park and Kansas City, Kan. the Kansas City Health Commission by 14 to 18 months. report,” she said. “The Food and Drug That streetcar system was decommissioned in 1957, when the nascent Mayor Sly James. She will serve a three- The $11.5 million project will make Administration regulates sodium and interstate highway system heralded a new era of suburban development. year term as co-chair of the commission. fresh produce available to surrounding fat intake, but there is still no regulation Historic buildings were demolished and replaced with parking. Its mission is to achieve a citywide communities living in a food desert, about sugar intake. High intakes of sugar Streetcar at the intersection of 19th and Main. Restaurants, department stores and residents left the city for the collaboration and partnership of an area in which there are few grocery negatively impact health.” PHOTO // Courtesy of Mid-America Regional Council suburbs. Office jobs were soon to follow. organizations and individuals to work stores and even fewer that have healthy Without FDA sugar intake regulation, After years of decline, downtown has seen a turnaround over the past together to build a healthier community. food options. The only nearby options for health educators’ warnings about the decade with more than $6 billion in new investment, according to the “My first initiative is to see the Kansas residents, many of whom lack cars, are negative effects of high sugar intakes will Downtown Council. City Health Improvement Project drive-thru restaurants and convenience not be taken seriously. Mass transit has been an ongoing discussion since the late ’90s. implemented,” she said. “This program stores. “In order to support healthy eating, we Various proposals have proven to be unworkable or lost at the polls. looks at reducing health disparities in our “Truman Medical Center also has a need the FDA’s approval in order to do Five of the six Kansas City light rail proposals to fail at the polls were city’s most vulnerable populations.” Mobile Market,” she said. “They use a a more effective job in health education,” spearheaded by Clay Chastain, a former Kansas City resident who lives As co-chair, Lacey-Haun’s donated bus turned into a refrigerated she said. in Virginia. responsibility is to track legislation and food container to deliver fresh produce to The Kansas City Health Commission A 2006 Chastain proposal to build a 22-mile light rail line passed health policies that affect Kansas City. certain drop points in the downtown and will be working diligently these next few with 53 percent of the vote. The $2.5 billion plan was rejected by the “My job is to see that our citizens east Kansas City areas.” years to keep pace with the Affordable city council because its only funding mechanism—a ¼-cent sales tax— understand what is going on health- The Healthy Harvest Mobile Market Care Act and changes made in Medicare. would only generate $1 billion. wise,” she said. “I need to make my stance visits nine different locations, on Tuesday Among many initiatives, one of the The current streetcar plan is modest by comparison. known on our city’s health policies, and Thursday afternoons. The service commission’s goals for 2013 is to add “I don’t think [the Chastain proposal] would have worked,” said Dr. especially with the new health levee offers reasonable prices. Cash, credit, vending machines with healthier options Peter Eaton, director of the UMKC Center for Economic Information. approaching.” debit and SNAP are all accepted. throughout the city. “It was put forth without a lot of research.” Lacey-Haun discussed a proposal Truman Medical Center also has a Lacey-Haun was recently selected as Lora Lacey-Haun. PHOTO // Courtesy of UMKC The streetcar proposal, Eaton said, is a low-risk investment. by Truman Medical Center and the farmer’s market on Hospital Hill every one of nine “2013 Icons of Education” in David Johnson, co-founder of Streetcar Neighbors, said a light rail Wednesday from April to October. the January issue of Ingram’s magazine. The Food and Drug Administration regulates sodium and fat Recently, Lacey-Haun was quoted in She will retire from UMKC this year, CONTINUED // Page 4 intake, but there is still no regulation about sugar intake. High The New York Times for having signed where she has been dean of the School of intakes of sugar negatively impact health. a petition to regulate the amount of Nursing and Health Studies since 2004. “ sweeteners in sodas and other beverages. [email protected] -Lora Lacey-Haun Streetcar map. ” MAP // Streetcar Neighbors 4 News March 18, 2013 Vol. 80, Issue 24 News 5 Soul Food Friday offers food for thought Engineer’s Week

Joseph Salazar Staff Writer around and made them delicious foods that we would be able to enjoy.” Hushpuppies are more than Wood discussed how prime cuts delicious—they’re a part of African- of meat, like ribs, were not always American history. considered to be quality meat. Police Blotter “The hush puppy was created during Her comments underscored how a time of bondage,” explained Tiffany influential African-American cuisine Williams, Director of Multi-Cultural has been—ribs are the most expensive March 9 Student Affairs. dish today at classic Kansas City When slaves, trying to escape to restaurants like Gates and Fiorella’s 6:50 p.m. freedom, “heard the slave master’s dog, Jack Stack. Assault they took that deep-fried, battered “Oftentimes our students of color Suitemates assaulted one another over the cleanliness treat, threw it out the window and have challenges identifying, ‘What of the kitchen in Oak Place Apartments. said, ‘hush puppy,’” in an effort to quiet makes me relevant? What about my the dog’s barking, said Williams. Hushpuppies, like other soul foods, history makes me relevant?’” Williams IBM engineer Dr. Pradeep Natarajan talks to students at UMKC. Engineering student hard at work on an electrical circuit. March 10 Students, faculty, and staff learned provided slaves with comfort and said, in discussing the rationale behind PHOTO // Sai Srikar Kadiyam PHOTO // Sai Srikar Kadiyam 4:05 p.m. about hushpuppies and more at Soul protection. CREDIT // Google the program. Threat Food Friday, part of this year’s Black Learning about how soul food A student overheard her suitemate and her suitemate’s History Month events sponsored by has shaped both American history mother threaten to shoot her and hide her body in Multicultural Student Affairs and the according to Williams, is more than and cuisine creates an opportunity Oak Place Apartments. African American Student Union. comfort food. It provided slaves for students to be more confident The goal of the event was to provide protection and safety. that they are an integral part of the March 12 students with a greater appreciation of “When you learn that, you eat American story. an integral part of African-American a hushpuppy in a totally different Students of all racial backgrounds 9:00 a.m. culture: soul food. mindset than you did before,” she said. turned out for the event, which takes Property Damage Attendees were served buffet-style Dr. Jacqueline Wood, director of place annually. Several students University residents at 53rd and Holmes noticed the from a menu that included mashed the Black Studies program said soul commented on how delicious the food Geeking out screen on the sun porch had been cut. potatoes and gravy, fried fish, chicken food is “a perfect example of African was. legs, greens, sweet potatoes and corn American appropriation—they all The spicy greens were a favorite Learning and fun unite STEM students at UMKC 3:20 p.m. bread. While participants ate, they come out of a period of history in among many, second only to the food Civil engineering students used concrete bowling balls Property Damage listened and took part in a discussion slavery when African-Americans were for thought. they designed to knock down pins outside of Flarheim Sai Srikar Kadiyam Staff Writer The soldering tutorial taught students to interact with the employers and gain Hall on March 6. PHOTO // Sai Srikar Kadiyam A student returned to his vehicle in the School of about what makes soul food what it is. given the worst aspects of any animal. [email protected] how to put together a small LED (light industry exposure. Education parking lot to find his driver’s side mirror Soul food, like the hushpuppy, We took those and turned them oncrete bowling balls, a two-story emitting diode) circuit that alternately A Mr. Engineer Contest, organized had been broken. egg drop and a lecture from an emits flashing light. by Student Council/Society of Women IBM engineer marked this year’s In contrast with the Tesla 500, another Engineers (SWE), was held at Californos 10:32 p.m. Streetcar: Continued from Page 3 Engineer’s Week at UMKC. race employed mechanical energy through in Westport. Seven students from different Burglary C engineering departments dressed like While E-Week was celebrated human-powered vehicles (HPVs). The student returned to find electronics and women’s makes infrequent stops and is geared property.” nationwide Feb. 17-23, several events were In this event, students competed with nerds to compete for the Mr. Engineer title, underwear missing from a house at 5300 and towards commuters. A streetcar, he A $300,000 condo would pay about postponed until the week of March 4 due a human-powered vehicle designed by which was claimed by Justin Daugherty, Charlotte. said, functions as a neighborhood $400 in new taxes. to inclement weather. the UMKC HPV team. Human-powered senior Civil Engineering major. circulator that makes more frequent However, many downtown The events focused on promoting vehicles, like conventional bicycles, run the “We’ve had a pretty good response March 14 stops. properties are covered by tax STEM — the fields of science, technology, power generated by the human muscle. considering that several of our activities engineering and mathematics. In each race, students took turns racing had to be rescheduled due to snow,” said Streetcars also share the road with abatements that cover 50-to-100 2:05 p.m. E-week brought out a new way the HPV. Whitney Molloy, Director of Student Violation of Rules and Regulations automobile traffic, and thus, move percent of the property’s true value. of learning and interacting among The concrete bowling event was Affairs for the school of Computing and Officers confiscated a parking pass that had been slower. With light rail, the right of way Eaton said many downtown engineering students at UMKC. conducted by several engineering Engineering reported lost in the Biological Sciences parking lot. is restricted. residents will still pay lower taxes than Streetcar Neighbors logo. E-week kicked off on Feb. 17 with organizations on campus. In this event, Eric Gonzalez, senior Computer “There’s a much greater impact other parts of the city. A streetcar could CREDIT // Streetcar Neighbors [with a streetcar], even though it help boost demand for multi-unit a lecture by Dr. Pradeep Natarajan, an concrete bowling balls designed by civil Science major, said he enjoyed E-Week 4:54 p.m. carries fewer people,” Johnson said. “It housing and entertainment venues. IBM engineer who specializes in database engineering students were used to knock because “it gives the students a chance to Violation of Rules and Regulations would have taken a long time to see “There’s no question that it is also a benefit for large downtown management software. down pins outside Flarsheim Hall. take a quick break from studies and do Officers confiscated a parking pass that had been a significant impact [with light rail].” connects things and spurs commercial employers.” He explained how IBM’s Informix In the egg drop competition, organized something fun with an engineering twist.” reported lost in the Rockhill Parking Garage. Debate persists about the economic development,” he said. “The people Johnson stressed the potential to Timeseries software benefits utilities by the (HKN) Eta Kappa Nu Honor Grant Meyer, a senior mechanical impact of a streetcar. Return on who live there [downtown] see this as expand the streetcar line to other areas. companies, which use the centralized society, students designed a small engineering major and president of the 7:05 p.m. investment can be difficult to measure. a boon.” The city has already issued a request to database to track utility consumption over protective case to insulate their eggs, SCE Student Council, said he enjoyed Traffic Arrest Statistics cited by streetcar “The way to look at this is as an study extensions. time. which were dropped from the third floor the collaboration between several student A traffic stop resulted in the driver being arrested for advocates show a 7,500 percent return amenity for people who are interested “The biggest bang for the buck is Two events were organized by the of Flarsheim Hall. organizations. driving on a suspended license at 53rd and Charlotte. on investment in Portland and 2,000 in walking,” said Dr. Jared Carr, connecting a business district with a UMKC Robotics team: the Tesla 500 The students were judged based on the “Everyone is always creative, and the percent in Tampa. director of the Bloch School’s L. university campus,” he said. Race and a soldering tutorial. safety, accuracy and size the packaging participants win prizes so some events can “I don’t think those are realistic,” P. Cookingham Institute of Urban The streetcar line is included on Named after Nikola Tesla, who design. Students received bonus points if get really competitive, which is really fun Eaton said. “They’re taking all of the Affairs. “I live downtown, and I don’t site analysis maps for the proposed A parachute is designed to prevent an egg from breaking pioneered the use of alternating electrical their egg could be dropped from higher to watch,” he said. UMKC Downtown Arts Campus. as it is dropped two stories from the third floor of Corrections development that has occurred and think about taking the bus to go four- Flarsheim Hall by Audrey Barnard. current, students who participated in floors. Meyer said he particularly enjoyed the attributing it to the streetcar.” to-six blocks, but I would take the “There is an air of inevitability of PHOTO // Sai Srikar Kadiyam the race developed electric cars running Most of the nearly 20 participants’ eggs Mr. Engineer contest. Issue 23 Riddhiman Das Student Profile “In other cities, there have been streetcar.” expanding the streetcar south to the on the power created by hand-cranked survived the drop, but several could not “We get a group of engineering guys to Galleon Labs was founded in 2012, not 2011. changes, but the question is whether Carr agreed the primary objective is main campus,” Johnson said. “I have generators. withstand the initial two-story fall. dress up as nerds, play trivia and perform you can directly attribute these to bolster entertainment districts and talked to people from the Northeast Everyone is always creative, and the participants win prizes so Other events focused on career a talent,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for changes to the streetcar,” Eaton said. housing development. and West Bottoms, and they all say, some events can get really competitive. development and socialization. them to embarrass themselves and make “There has been a buildup recently in This could have a spillover effect for ‘That would be great, but why don’t A STEM career fair held Feb. 20 in everyone laugh. It’s a really fun event, and condo-type housing downtown. There other businesses. you go to UMKC first?’” “ -Grant Meyer Pierson Auditorium gave students looking everyone had a good time.” is no question that [the streetcar] “It creates a buzz,” he said. “On [email protected] ” for internships and full time opportunities [email protected] will contribute to the value of that some level, what benefits downtown 6 Arts & Entertainment March 18, 2013 Vol. 80, Issue 24 Arts & Entertainment 7 Art Sounds Performance provides poetic reflection on Occupy Wall Street Movement Students shine in their performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Joey Hill Staff Writer at times, their power is intensified Joey Hill Staff Writer the idea of the poetic journey through the park. by the shift from speech to song. During her days walking through the park, Zweck The UMKC Conservatory The dancers were a hallmark of the performance. Acting as The Kansas City Art Institute. in collaboration took a number of photos which were to be presented opened a rendition of Benjamin purveyors of the world, a group with UMKC, hosted the fifth operatic reading of in a slideshow with the performance, through her Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s of fairy dancers appeared after poet of late Dina Von Zweck’s “A Day In The Park,” passing prevented the photos from being shown. Dream,” an operatic adaptation each scene to silently announce with musical accompaniment of the season on Even without the addition of the photographs, of William Shakespeare’s classic the transition. Their movements Tuesday March 12. Zweck’s poetic descriptions of the park still resonate comedy, on Thursday, March 14. are profound and speak to their Before passing away last December, Zweck wrote powerfully, working with the music to paint a furious The story’s overlapping plotlines identities as forest fairies, both the poem during the wake of the Occupy Wall and surreal New York. The usage of cello with clarinet finally connect in the conclusion. graceful and beautiful. They move Street protests in New York, primarily writing on created a sorrowful, weighted feeling, bringing to The play centers around three weightlessly as they float over the the experience of walking through Zuccotti Park. mind a tragic visage of squalor. Simultaneously, the parties: four young lovers, a troupe stage and dance in unison. They In the poem she describes the park, neighborhood listener can feel a sense of happiness. At times Zweck of six actors and the mystical fairies exude a pure feeling of the nature’s and protestors with meticulous detail, while employs descriptions of the beauty of the protest, of the forest. bounty and beauty, swaying like tall simultaneously falling into moments of extreme and stands as a reminder of the very gorgeousness of The plot revolves largely around blades of grass being gently pushed literary surrealism and symbolic writing. the efforts made by the protesters. the four young lovers, Hermia, by the winds Her descriptions are physical as well as emotional, Sosa’s composition may appear ambient though Demetrius, Lysander, and Helena, The Queen of the Fairies, since she also described the feeling that the walk it aids in the communication of the poems’ themes, who are manipulated with a love Titania’s subjects especially exudes exuded. She addressed the CBS newsbreaks that were both uplifting and otherwise. The poem is read in potion by the fairies. Most of this classical elation. Garbed in being presented during the protest and concluded an elegant style, like an opera using a soprano and the play takes place in a mystical loose dresses with vined greenery with the eventual moment of police intervention. a baritone singer. In certain moments the singing forest. The setting is accented by a Students dance to a Shakespeare classic. PHOTO // Joey Hill wrapped around them, they The poem was performed with musical is abandoned for cold, monotone readings of minimalistic set, which consists of flirtatiously channel the happiness accompaniment composed by Jorge Sosa, a friend statements from occupiers as well as excerpts from a large tree and a sheet backdrop of an eternal youth and beauty. The of Zweck who arranged a fascinating and off-kilter The Occupy Wall Street Journal. with the image of a forest projection fairies are mystical and visually beset upon them. alive as it softly breathes. The rising Night’s Dream” feels impossibly soundtrack consisting of a clarinet, a cello and a What this collaboration between Sosa and Zweck onto it, making a large amount decadent in both their movements What solidifies the dream- and falling volume intensifies beautiful and infinitely incredible. trumpet. Also included were ambient noise and is a literary and musical portrait of a radical moment of attention directed toward the Performers recite the words of poet Dina Von Dweck. PHOTO // Joey Hill and appearance. The human actors like atmosphere is the orchestra. extreme feelings of fantasy. It is subtle, quiet, jungle-like beats from a computer. This in history. performers. [email protected] expertly play off comedy and, at Expertly conducted by UMKC’s with all these elements working inclusion of sound helped envelop the audience in “A Day In The Park” is considered a “multimedia Shakespeare’s lines were not times, frailty, amid the confusion Robert Bode, the soundtrack is together that “A Midsummer CONTINUED // Page 12 altered for Britten’s rendition, and

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW! April 18-19 May 1-5 middleofthemapfest.com 8 Arts & Entertainment March 18, 2013 Vol. 80, Issue 24 Sports 9

Movie Review Men’s Basketball ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ delves into loss, mental anguish and healing

Elizabeth Golden Movie Review (Robert De Niro and Jacki Weaver) and is obvious she is having a blast in the role. She forced to stay away from his wife. When Pat brings an unusual sarcastic humor that is sure Yes, “Silver Linings Playbook” is meets widowed Tiffany ( Jennifer Lawrence), to make cynics smile. phenomenal by every definition of the who has her own set of problems, his life Cooper’s character can be annoying at word. With an all-star cast, hilarious-yet- begins to change. times, but that is intentional. He does an serious moments and a touching storyline, Tiffany promises to help Pat reconnect excellent job playing such a harsh but realistic this undersold film is the year’s top Oscar- with his wife in exchange for an odd request. personality, proving that despite his mental nominated films still playing in theatres. An unexpected bond begins to form and health, he is not the dictionary definition of Although it was released several months silver linings appear in both of their lives. insane. ago, this film still hasn’t received the The chemistry between Cooper and Every aspect of the film is multi-faceted recognition it deserves. The only buzz it Lawrence is very unlikely, but it is undeniable. with realistic characters, uncomfortable received was during Oscar season, and They play up each other’s craziness as they moments and a harsh realism. David Brown and UMKC student Sean Ewing in the 2011 still, the moviegoers have overlooked this delve deep into their own character. Rarely Director David Russell does a wonderful Guadalajara Paralympics. PHOTO // Courtesy of Sean Ewing phenomenal film. do two insane personalities equal a perfect job of bringing dysfunction to life. Unlike Men’s basketball head coach Matt Brown was dismissed last week with one year Life has rough moments, some worse than combination of sanity. many directors, he does not shy away left on his contract. PHOTO // Courtesy of UMKC Athletics others, and Pat (Bradley Cooper) is dealing The performances in “Silver Linings from painful conversations and awkward ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. CREDIT // Google Sean Ewing’s passion for with the worst of it. He lost everything Playbook” are all outstanding and all deserved characters. including his house, his job and his wife after to be Oscar nominated. Unfortunately, “Silver Linings Playbook” cannot be and Tiffany forms character and the story New coach, new court, running leads to fourth- nearly beating her lover to death. He is forced Lawrence was the only one to win due to summed into a single genre. It is a romantic truly comes to life. to spend eight months in a mental institution harsh competition, but she definitely had the comedy, a family drama and a heart-warming The story is adorable and awkward. No place Paralympics finish Sean Ewing. PHOTO // Courtesy of Sean Ewing where he is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. best performance of her career. dramedy all in one. other words could truly sum up this unusual new conference After striking a plea bargain, he is able to Her character reeks of quirkiness with It would be impossible to not smile at least quasi love story. live with his dysfunctional mother and father a little bit of insanity thrown in, and it’s occasionally while the dynamic duo of Pat Kate Baxendale Staff Writer [email protected] before he completely lost his sight.” Team looks to rebound after Senior Sean Ewing went for the gold at the The Paralympics has a classification process, Fashion 2012 Paralympics in London. which ensures that winning is determined by conference tournament loss Ewing is a guide runner for track and field skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability athlete David Brown, whom he met through his and mental focus, the same factors that account church in St. Louis. for success in sport for able bodied athletes, Decked out apartments Dan Moreno Staff Writer with dignity” and contended that Brown attended the Missouri School for according to the organization’s website. student-athlete welfare and academics the Blind in St. Louis, where Ewing said he Brown is in sport class T11, meaning he Students talk style The UMKC basketball season were on of Brown’s priorities. developed his athleticism. competes in track events and he is in class 11 ended last week after a 69-58 As the championship dream “He has always been a tough competitor,” he of 13, the class that has athletes with the lowest conference tournament loss to North ended, UMKC also said goodbye to vision. Andreina Byrne Staff Writer said. Dakota State on March 10. the Summit League as it prepares to Ewing started doing track and field for St. Athletes in this sport class are required to be Trinity Hall led the team with 14 join the Western Athletic Conference Louis Express when he was eight years old. He tethered to a guide runner with a non-stretch Adding a personal decorative flair to any apartment is points, and Brad Reid led with seven (WAC) next fall.The main purpose of ran track for Hazelwood Central High School, band attached to their wrists. Because each possible with as little as $10. rebounds. this change is to “improve community and he continued to run at Highland Community athlete in this class requires a guide runner, only Style, fads and decorative themes may change, but four The ’Roos also suffered a 71-34 engagement and financial strength,” College in St. Joseph, Mo. four athletes can compete in a track event at one UMKC students are living proof that while trends change, away game loss to North Dakota Morton said. At first, Ewing was unable to accept time. they will always be a step ahead of common societal interest. State on Jan. 31 and a 63-44 home Television is thought to be one of scholarships from Division One universities “In London, the lanes were really tight so it Where do you get most of your items? loss on Jan. 5. the advantages UMKC will enjoy, as because of his low ACT score, so he decided to was a challenge to stay inside the lines,” he said. The Bison lost against conference networks like ESPN will broadcast run at the junior college level. Ewing is a two- Brown got fourth overall at the London Junior Psychology major Mimi Haddix: “I usually get champion South Dakota State on most of the games. time All Jayhawk Conference champion in the 60 Paralympic Games, just missing the podium. most of my items from my parents’ house or from my March 12. In order to have a larger seating meter dash, a two-time National Junior College “The Parade of Nations was the number one friends. I like to collect bones, childhood photos and other For the ’Roos, a new era awaits the capacity and better coverage, the Athletic Association qualifier in the 4x100 meter experience of my life,” he said. “When we entered things that have sentimental value.” men’s basketball team in the 2014 team’s home games will be played relay and an All-Jayhawk Conference champion the stadium, I immediately started crying from Lorraine Sands and McKayla Smith with their cats, Roosevelt and season. The team will play on a new downtown at Municipal Auditorium, in the 4x100 meter dash. excitement. It is the ultimate goal in any sport [to Henry. PHOTO // Andreina Byrne What is your favorite item? court with a new coach in a new instead of Swinney Recreation After earning his associate’s degree in 2009, represent your country]. conference. Center. Ewing and the other Team USA athletes wore Freshman Spanish major Lorraine Sands: “My favorite Ewing transferred to UMKC. However, Ewing Tim Hall, UMKC Athletics The “Muni” has a capacity of 7,316 $1,200 worth of Ralph Lauren clothes. item is probably the photo of my past cat, Patrick.” said he is ineligible to run track and field for Director, announced last Tuesday seats available and has hosted the “An athlete from another country kept pointing Haddix: “My roommate’s framed photo of Stamos is one UMKC because he is a paid member of the that Head Coach Matt Brown, who Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic to my beret,” he said. “I couldn’t understand what of my favorite items. I also really like the pictures that I Paralympics. “At that point, I had already led the ’Roos for six seasons, was Association tournament since 2003. he was saying, but I just gave it [the beret] to have of my brothers and me.” achieved everything I wanted to achieve as an dismissed with a year remaining in It also hosts the women’s games of him.” Junior Nursing major Joey Waldenmeyer: “I love all of athlete,” he said. “I wanted to help with the his contract. the “Big 12” when Kansas City hosts Ewing commented on Oscar Pistorius, the my street signs, flags, jerseys, old license plates, and posters. success of others. I really want to coach someday.” Despite his losing record, Hall said this tournament. South African Paralympic sprinter whose legs Pretty much anything that can be thumb-tacked to the Ewing decided he would help others in the Brown “ran the men’s basketball team [email protected] were amputated below the knee. Pistorius wears wall.” sport instead of furthering his personal career. In 2010, Ewing partnered with Brown at the 2011 lightweight fiber prosthetics when he competes. How would you describe your style? World Youth Games in Colorado. “I don’t think it’s unfair for him to compete Cathy Sellers, the track and field high- with able-bodied athletes,” he said. “It takes him Waldenmeyer: “My roommate and I have a lot of team performance director for the Paralympics, a long time to build up speed on those things. support for Sporting KC and the [Kansas] Jayhawks, so we Advertise with U-News. scouted Brown and Ewing and invited them His form is everything of an able-bodied athlete. like displaying their flags and jerseys around our place.” to compete in the 2011 Paralympics World He is not at any advantage.” McKayla Smith, junior Philosophy major: “Roosevelt Reach 4,000 student readers each week! Championship in Guadalajara, Mexico. Brown The Paralympic Games began in Rome in and Henry [her cats] kind of dictate how we decorate our placed fifth overall at the age of 18. 1960. The first games included just 10 countries apartment because if we leave anything too close to the [email protected] “David was so young then, and he was already and 31 athletes, with 25 medal events. At ground, they will tear it to shreds.” Joey Waldenmeyer shows off his favorite items. doing so well,” he said. “I could see his potential CONTINUED // Page 12 Mimi Haddix with her prized possessions. PHOTO // Andreina Byrne [email protected] PHOTO // Andreina Byrne to do even better. He was a world class wrestler 10 Arts & Entertainment March 18, 2013 Vol. 80, Issue 24 Opinion 11

Disclaimer: The views of individual writers expressed below in this section do not represent the official stance of U-News. U-News welcomes participation Death in Spandex from all UMKC students. Letters to the editor may be submitted to Editor-in-Chief Nathan Zoschke, [email protected]. Death dances the streets of 1980s Kansas City in ‘Slashdance’ Joey Hill Staff Writer “Slashdance” is not simply “Flashdance” lighthearted though rather mature in with zombies. When one walks into the some moments. The moments of violent Kenyan elections underscore the importance of voting It’s easy to say the walking un-dead theater and searches for a seat, they are eradication of hoards of cannibals rushing have infested almost every corner of the greeted with a smoky set illuminated with the stage help make it clear why audience Peter Makori Kenya recently concluded the carry machetes or bows and arrows to an arena of grandstanding and present culture. bright fluorescent blue, red, yellow and members much be at least 13. Contributing Writer election of the country’s president to kill each other, partly because of extremism. Good men and women Zombies are proving to appear as a green lights. There’s a large towering wall The choreography is fantastic not and, just like in 2007, when a fear and the trust in the judiciary. should take part in elections and full blown cultural force, finding a place of debris covered with scaffolding and deviating from the source material and The day preceding America’s dispute over a questionable vote The aggrieved sought to reverse chose level-headed leaders, in order for themselves in any setting, any genre hazard signs all the while loud ’80s pop expertly incorporating the hack and presidential elections last fall, tally led to bloodletting, the country the election results through the to end the gridlock that has become and any decade. Thus, it’s no surprise music blares form every corner. slash moments of cannibal killing with Communication Studies instructor is again tottering on the brink of Supreme Court under a brutally the epitome of U.S. Congress. they would find a comfortable spot in the This is the barricade, a wall made to pulsating lighting and the unforgettable Peter Morello asked students in yet another round of instability. independent-minded, Canadian- Americans should thank their 1980s. keep the cannibals, as they are referred ‘80s-based soundtrack. The action never his Media Ethics class to raise The Prime Minister, Raila educated Chief Justice Dr. Willy Founding Fathers for formulating Peter Makori “Slashdance” which premiered on to in the play, from the few remaining lets up and even if it appears as though their hands if they were interested Odinga, has refused to concede. He Mutunga. firm constitutional policies and March 7, is a musical horror-comedy survivors. The barricade is kept up by it has, the blood-curdling screams of the in participating in the electoral believes the elections were rigged Perhaps there is a lot UMKC institutions, which have guaranteed crook. performed at the Coterie Theatre. It a group of welders, one of which is the cannibal hoards are not far behind. process. A handful did. in favor of his opponent, Deputy students can learn from the the country long-lasting peace and The same situation is playing out meets ‘80s dance classic “Flashdance” beautiful Alexis Bowens, a fighter who “Slashdance” feels like a campy ’80s Morello then asked why students Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta. uncertainty that grips transitioning stability in election years. in Zimbabwe, where 89-year-old with a hostile, zombie-infested Kansas dreams of one day going to the prestigious horror film when it needs to, and it can were not keen on participating in Kenyatta and his deputy democracies every time elections However, the situation in Kenya tyrant Robert Mugabe, in power City as survivors struggle to make their Kansas City School of Classical Ballet and also be absolutely hilarious. It’s a triumph the election of their president. William Ruto are facing come calling. is worrying. The sultans of status since 1980, has refused to fade dreams come true. Pole Dancing. The road to fame is hard, of musical comedy theater never taking One student said, “I’ll consult international crimes and crimes- We should never take for granted quo have in the recent past targeted away from the political scene. The original “Flashdance” was released and as the body count rises, she beings to itself too seriously and an all-around with my girlfriend to see if there against-humanity charges at the the peace and stability prevailing in the popular Chief Justice with Of course, I am aware of the in 1983 and starred actress Jennifer understand what really drives her passion. fantastic show. is any need to go and vote. At the International Criminal Court in this country. People should take threats of extra-judicial execution 2000 election fiasco in which Al Beals as Alexandra Owens, a welder who The play is performed so expertly, it can “Slashdance” will run through March moment, I do not think this is a The Hague, . They are part in elections, and choose leaders if his court ruled against the ruling Gore was widely believed to have dreams of becoming a professional dancer. actually stand on its own as a fantastic 24. priority.” accused of sponsoring the 2007- who will effectively represent them. elite. been cheated of the presidency, The film has since gained a cult story without any real knowledge of the [email protected] ‘Slashdance’ at the Coterie Theatre. PHOTO // Joey Hill As a native of Kenya, a country 2008 ethnic violence in which close During last year’s U.S. National security has become the thanks to alleged manipulation of following. It should be noted that original film. Much of the comedy is on the East Coast of Africa, where to 1,200 people died and about presidential elections, no business justification to suppress freedom of votes in Florida. The 2000 debacle elections for the president are a life- 700,000 were displaced. closed down because of fear of expression, and the country’s media tainted America’s image as a beacon and-death event, this ambivalent The international community, violence. There were few claims of has joined hands with the forces of of hope and democracy. attitude by an American student led by America, warned Kenyans ballot stuffing and manipulation of evil to perpetuate injustice. Yet, the nation moved on toward participating in electing his not to elect people facing such numbers to disadvantage the other No one is sure if the Supreme peacefully. It is hoped Kenya can avila.edu country’s president was baffling to serious international crimes. candidate. Court ruling would be honored do the same. Although there is again a For the past several years, the because the ruling class wants me. [email protected] dispute, this time Kenyans did not U.S. Congress has been reduced to keep power by hook or by Advance Your Career with a Graduate Degree Sports unite us all ‘Bent’ tells untold love Gain a competitive edge with a graduate story of the Holocaust degree from Avila University. Dan Moreno Staff Writer love for the Chiefs and Royals really surprised me, mainly Riley Mortensen Staff Writer • Highly Respected Academic Excellence There is no such feeling as because of the terrible seasons the one experienced with a they have had. game-winning goal in the last On the other hand, Sporting Talk of the Holocaust has been • Scheduling Flexibility accommodating minute, a three-pointer basket KC, our professional soccer team prominent in my family from the time I was old enough to read a with seconds on the clock or has put Kansas City on the map Dan Moreno your busy schedule an interception that led to a by winning the MLS Open Cup book of substance to the present day. touchdown. last year and being conference My grandparents were young adults Sports can paralyze a whole champions two years in a row. national identity comes from growing up in Denmark during • Classroom Learning elevating your town, state or even country. But But they still don’t seem to get sports. Some people may agree World War II. why? When two teams clash in a enough coverage and support. with me and some might think My grandfather fought first with professional success pitch, field or court, thousands, That was not all, though. I I am crazy. the Danish Army and later worked and sometimes millions, of also encountered something that Can you remember the time with the underground to help Riley Mortensen • Engaging Professors empowering your career people are involved. really caught my eye: college your father taught you how to smuggle Jews into Sweden. He was This is probably is the reason sports. I believe this is one of the throw a football, or that time caught twice by the Nazis and put advancement why the World Cup, Super few countries - if not the only when your mom wouldn’t let you into a POW camp both times. certain. He always spoke modestly of Bowl and World Series find one - that believes college sports play soccer with your neighbors He never spoke of what they did his actions saying he was just doing themselves at the very top of are as important as professional until you finished eating? Sports to him, I think because he didn’t what needed to be done but, for the television ratings. sports. are an intrinsic part of our lives, want to bring the pain and suffering rest of my family and me, he breathes MBA Project When I moved to this Personally, I’d rather see whether we play them, view onto anyone else, especially my new life into the word courage. country less than two years ago, talented athletes playing them or are simply surrounded grandma. The inhumanity of it all I’m familiar with WWII up-close, Management by them on a daily basis. is just unreal. No one knows exactly but it’s hard to be familiar when Education I encountered many things that with passion for their schools made me like America even than players in it only for the [email protected] how he escaped, but he risked his life there were so many sides to this avila.edu/graduatestudies more, especially the love of millions of dollars they make. because he knew what was going on unbelievably tragic event in history. Organizational was wrong. Tragic doesn’t even begin to describe Psychology 816-942-8400 sports. Nevertheless, I believe that, Kansas City’s passion and in part, the greatness of our He was lucky not to have been it. Development 11901 Wornall Road, KCMO 64145 killed on more than one occasion, and Miller Nichols Library is currently showcasing the United States Fundraising Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet after being caught the second time, he went off to Jutland to safely await Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Visit us online at www.unews.com the arrival of the war’s end. My grandpa did his part, that’s for CONTINUED // Page 12 Vol. 80, Issue 24 Cover 12

Hiring now for 2013-2014 letter and resume. Applications must Sports U-News Editor-in-Chief, Advertising be received by April 8. Manager, Business Manager A search committee will review Ewing: Continued from Page 9 General qualifications: All applications and choose finalists for applicants must be full-time UMKC interviews, which will be conducted London’s games in 2012, more than 120 Ewing and Brown are training to compete undergraduate or graduate students during early April. Thirty-minute countries and 1,100 athletes competed, and in Rio de Janiero for the 2016 Paralympics. and maintain a minimum 2.0 interviews will be scheduled. there were 170 medal events. Ewing trains three hours per day, five days per cumulative GPA. All report to the Applications may be mailed to 5327 Ewing attributed the exponential growth week. He works with Brown to ensure they Publication Board, which is the board Holmes St., Kansas City, MO 64110, of the program to Paralympic athletes are in sync, particularly at the start-off. of directors for the U-News. or emailed to [email protected] or like Pistorius, April Holmes and Jerome “We work a lot on the drive phase and we Now Hiring Applications must include a cover [email protected] . Singleton. make sure we finish strong,” he said. “Singleton is the only man ever to defeat Brown was ranked fifth in the world in Pistorius,” he said. “These athletes are 2012 for the 100 meter dash in his sport class. sponsored by Nike. They are huge names for “Never think that first [place] is enough,” the sport. They have made the stage bigger he said. “Always train like you’re in second than ever.” [place] and the results will come.” A&E Art Sounds: Continued from Page 6 musical drama,” and it fits the description. real account. It pulls the listener in and only tightens its [email protected] grip as it descends down into a feverish and shrieking masterwork of a piece. Zweck went closer to the frontlines of the protests than any journalist ever did, and in her words, coupled with Sosa’s music, this is the most Opinion ‘Bent’: Continued from Page 11 traveling exhibit on Nazi Persecution of to wrap my mind around how something like Homosexuals. this could happen. I had never thought specifically about the Although the credibility of the film in treatment of homosexuals during the war, certain parts is questionable, the abuse shown but it’s truly horrifying, as is the treatment is realistic. For example, Max receives a letter of all living beings who were held in the from a family containing money, and I find concentration camps. it hard to believe the Nazis would allow such On March 6, the library had a showing of a thing. But for the most part, the film is the film, “Bent,” a 1997 film about the impact credible. of the war on homosexual prisoners. Max and The film begins with a set up of wild Horst, the film’s main characters try their parties night after night and friends sharing hardest not to let the physical and emotional cigarettes, laughs, drinks and a good night in trauma of being prisoners weigh them down. the sack, but in the finale of it all, all audience Deprived of all love, compassion and free members will find themselves with a broken will, the two become friends and ultimately heart. The emotional connection Max and fall in love as they do their best to tread Horst share is undeniable, and all they have is through the blatant torture and mistreatment to try and make it through to the next bland all inhabitants of the camp received. and torturous idea of a day. This movie is not easy to watch. I sat mostly [email protected] in shock for the greater part of the film, trying UNIVERSITY NEWS Mission: UMKC’s Independent Student Newspaper U-News Senior Staff: To provide relevant, timely coverage of the UMKC community by seeking Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor truth, fairness and accuracy in reporting while preserving the integrity of Contact: Nathan Zoschke Kate Baxendale U-News as an independent student-run publication. About us: 5327 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64110 Advertising Manager Production Joseph Salazar Elizabeth Golden The U-News is the official independent student newspaper of UMKC, Editor’s desk: 816-235-5402 Nathan Zoschke produced each week by a staff consisting entirely of students. Advertising: 816-235-1386 Business Manager We publish 4,000 copies each week, and distribute to the Volker and Fax: 816-235-6514 Xuan Cai Photo Editor Hospital Hill campuses and surrounding neighborhood businesses. Sai Srikar Kadiyam Letters to the Editor can be submitted by mail or to [email protected]. Board of Publishers: Managing Editor Letters should be 350 words or less and are subject to edits for clarity. Stephen Dilks (chair) Patty Wolverton Elizabeth Golden Distribution U-News is printed by The Kansas City Star. U-News is an equal opportunity Robin Hamilton Andrew Kraft Andrew Graff employer. Allen Rostron Joseph Salazar Social Media Editor Jon Rand Shannon Jackson David Kim Faculty Adviser Nathan Zoschke Catherine Saylor Jon Rand Patrick Hilburn Michael McDonald Online Editor Visit us online at www.unews.com Rhonda Cooksey Yu Xu Sai Srikar Kadiyam