CELEBRATING OUR ONE-HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF EDITORIAL FREEDOM Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Voting guide: CSG party platforms explained
AMANDA ALLEN AND RUBY WALLAU/Daily
RIGHT: LSA sophomores Nicole Khamis and Tahany Alsabahi, LSA junior Laith Hasan and LSA junior Devin Ross, authors of the Divestment Resolution, answer questions from Central Student Government members about the resolution at the CSG meeting in the Rogel Ballroom on Tuesday. TOP LEFT: LSA seniors Taylor Ryan, Daniel Hurwitz-Goodman and Alyssa Tender hold signs in support of Divestment. BOTTOM LEFT: Students raise their hands in support of BDS.
SAFE presents revamped divest resolution to CSG Vote expected next week following review by resolution committee By LEA GIOTTO Daily Staff Reporter
After failing to secure the passage of a similar proposal last year, Students Allied for Freedom and Equality proposed a
new divestment resolution at Tuesday night’s Central Student Government meeting. SAFE is the University’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, an international organization that stands for Palestinian solidarity on college campuses. One of the group’s primary goals is to advocate for the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions movement, which in part asks institutions to divest from companies that allegedly facilitate the violation of Pal-
estinian human rights. Divestment movements are typically group proposals made to a city or university board, requesting suspension of investments in companies that support unethical or immoral actions. The proposed resolution asks CSG to support the creation of a committee through the University’s Board of Regents to evaluate the University’s investments in four companies. In the resolution, SAFE specifically accused The Boeing Company, Cater-
Polls now open as three parties vye for assembly seats, offices By ALYSSA BRANDON Daily Staff Reporter
pillar Inc., G4S and the United Technologies Corporation of profiting from alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The meeting began with nine speakers voicing their position during the community concerns portion of the meeting. Eight of the speakers, including seven University students and an Ann Arbor resident, spoke in favor of divestment. LSA sophomore Benjamin See DIVEST, Page 3A
Central Student Government executive elections have arrived, and the University community has a host of candidates and platforms to consider. The Team Running on The Team’s executive ticket are LSA junior Will Royster and LSA sophomore Matt Fidel, who will vie for CSG president and vice president, respectively. Royster is currently the Black Student Union’s academic concerns chair; Fidel previously served on the Social Responsibility Committee for the now-disbanded Sigma Alpha Mu. The Team is CSG’s newest party, and its platform focuses on inclusiveness and uniting the student body. One of its priorities is
RESEARCH
CAMPUS LIFE
Vietnam War protestors talk 1965 teach-in Organizers recount historic event during 50th anniversary celebration By ALYSSA BRANDON Daily Staff Reporter
Fifty years since the historic “Teach-In Against the Vietnam War,” a dozen retired University faculty members and activists took the stage in Angell Hall Auditorium to reflect on their experiences with activism Tuesday. In 1965, approximately 50 University faculty members organized what they called a “Teach-In” — a protest and that would consist of University faculty discussing the negative aspects of war continuously for a night. Frithjof Bergmann, a philosophy and romantic studies professor in 1965, was a main organizer of the protest. During the event, he said he and other University professors conceptualized the original teach-in after participat-
ing in an anti-war protest outside the White House. “We thought, there has got to be something more we professors can do other than walking around until we had holes in our shoes,” Frithjof said during the event. “For me that was the beginning, and the idea that professors can do more than march in circles.” Frithjof said more than 3,000 individuals attended the 1965 teach-in. The night consisted of debates, lectures and musical performances — all aimed at educating the University community about peace. “It became obvious in that night, that actually one could make a difference in one night, and that was something that very few knew,” Bergmann said. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Thomas Mayer, who was an assistant professor of sociology during the teach-in, said participating in the protests propelled him forward in activism throughout his teaching career. “It really convinced me that explaining an issue and giving See TEACH-IN, Page 3A
on-campus diversity, which The Team plans to target by advocating moving the Trotter Multicultural Center to a more accessible location, among other initiatives. The Team has also announced plans to increase CSG transparency by creating a text-message hotline, interactive newsletter and CSG-staffed coffee cart in Mason Hall. In a prior interview with The Michigan Daily, Royster said The Team wants to focus on empowering other students. “What we really care about is empowering the campus through cross-campus collaboration,” Royster said. “Even our motto, ‘Our Campus, Our Community, Our Commitment, Your CSG,’ we really mean that.” Fidel said he and Royster want to focus more on change and less on politics. “We aren’t worried about the credit; we’re worried about seeing change,” he said. Make Michigan Make Michigan is returning to See PLATFORMS, Page 3
‘U’ awards grants for study of lake levels Research to address local impacts of fluctuating Great Lakes water levels WILLIAM LYNCH/Daily
By IRENE PARK
Members of the North Campus community attend a town hall meeting to discuss future renovations in a racquetball court on Tuesday.
Architecture firm joins forum on NCRB project Town hall centers on construction plans approved by Board of Regents By COLLEEN HARRISON Daily Staff Reporter
Big changes are ahead for the North Campus Recreation Building. Last week, the University’s Board of Regents approved
a $13 million renovation to the NCRB. The project will also include the construction of an 18,000 square foot addition. In 2013, the regents enacted a $65-per-term student fee to fund renovations for the University’s unions and recreation facilities. About 30 members of the North Campus community gathered Tuesday night to participate in a town hall with the firm contracted to complete the project.
Charles Lewis, the senior vice president of Integrated Design Solutions, led the meeting and presented attendees with mock-up renovation designs. Mike Widen, the director of Recreational Sports, co-facilitated the meeting and helped field attendees’ questions. “We wanted to take you through where we’re at in general with the planning,” Lewis said. See NCRB, Page 3A
Daily Staff Reporter
University grants are aiming to explore the impacts of the historically high rate of water level fluctuation in the Great Lakes. The University’s Graham Sustainability Institute awarded seven grants, totaling $70,000, to American and Canadian researchers studying how Michigan residents are adjusting to the fluctuations. John Callewaert, director of the Integrated Assessment Center at the Graham Sustainability Institute, said changes in the lakes’ water levels could have a significant impact on regional habitats, recreation and shorefront management. To study those impacts, the University will award $10,000 over a six-month period to each See GREAT LAKES, Page 3A
the statement How do students spend money? Results from a Daily survey
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NEWS......................... 2A OPINION.....................4A S P O R T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7A
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2A — Wednesday, March 25, 2015
MONDAY: This Week in History
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ONLINE DEBATE OVER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Harvard Law prof. sparks dispute
BRIAN BECKWITH/Daily
Emily “Punky” Lickman and her older sister and “buddy” Sophia attend the Greek Week Kickoff at Rackham Auditorium on Tuesday. Punky has spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy and is a member of the Miracle League of Michigan, a beneficiary of Greek Week .
Freeman began trading responses with Tribe over the past week on the Harvard Law Today website. While the subject matter is controversial, Tribe described the arguments as within “the sphere of collegiality.” University of Texas panel discusses student athletes A panel discussion at the University of Texas, Austin tackled the contentious topic of compensating student athletes for their participation in sporting events, the Daily Texan reported. In October, national media outlets reported that Texas Athletic Director Steve Patterson expressed the possibility of
Resident Evil
Major minor expo
Voiceover workshop
Environmental law lecture
By KIM BATCHELOR Batchelor explains the features of Capcom’s newest addition to its third-person shooter franchise, “Resident Evil.” The company released “Resident Evil: Revelations 2 - Episode 3: Judgement” on Mar. 10, after having released Episode 2 Mar. 3 and Episode 1 Feb. 24.
WHAT: All the LSA departments will be present to answer student questions about different majors and minors. WHO: Newman Academic Advising Center WHEN: Today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Michigan Union, Ballroom
WHAT: This workshop will teach attendees to utilize Final Cut Pro and iMovie to create high quality voiceovers. WHO: Modern Languages Building, Room 2001-B WHEN: Today at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Teaching and Technology Collaborative
WHAT: University alum William Brighton will speak about civil enforcement of environmental law. WHO: Michigan Law Environmental Law and Policy Program WHEN: Today at 11:55 a.m. WHERE: South Hall, Room 1020
THE WIRE
THE FILTER
Rolling Stones By MICHAEL FLYNN
Flynn writes on the potential of a summer tour for the British rock band, pointing to a series of short videos released through the Stones’ Twitter profile as the buildup to a formal announcement. The videos have been given the hashtag #SatisfactionThursday
paying the university’s studentathletes in every sport. The suggested payment was reportedly $10,000 per athlete annually, totaling $6 million each year. Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Texas), a panelist, described the various sources of revenue provided to coaches and schools, and how student-athletes are closed off from the benefits. “In 2015, college sports teams have the television contracts, merchandising, EA sports video games and much more,” he said. “A whole lot of people are making money because of a bunch of kids putting on a jersey with a particular school’s colors on it.”
CAMPUS EVENTS & NOTES
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A debate ignited online after Harvard University Prof. Laurence Tribe criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” while testifying to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and Power, the Harvard Crimson reported. Tribe said the plan — which centers on the regulation of coal and greenhouse gases from coalpower plants — is unconstitutional. In an article in the Wall Street Journal last year, Tribe advocates for environmentally safe practices, but condemns the EPA for asserting power beyond its authority. Harvard Law School professors Richard J. Lazarus and Jody
Writing seminar
Film screening African artists
WHAT: A film screening and discussion of “We Are WHAT: Art & Design Prof. Here,” a movie about the Phoebe Gloeckner will talk revival of Jewish life in Poland. The film documents about her writing career. Gloeckner teaches courses five subjects which represent the greater Polish at the University in comic arts and interactive books. society. WHO: Judaic Studies WHO: Sweetland Center WHEN: Today from 5:30 for Writing p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHEN: Today at 6 p.m. WHERE: Museum of Art, WHERE: Literati Stern Auditorium Bookstore
WHAT: A round table that will discuss what the role of the African artist through the lens of the archive and its images. WHO: Department for Afroamerican and African Studies WHEN: Today at 4 p.m. WHERE: Haven Hall, Room 4701 Please report any error in the Daily to corrections@ michigandaily.com.
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THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW TODAY
1
BBC will drop “Top Gear” presenter Jeremy Clarkson after an investigation found that he physically attacked one of the show’s producers, The Telegraph reported. The show will continue to air on BBC2.
2
How much does it really cost to be a student at the University? Once tuition, housing and other necessary expenses are accounted for, students have a variety of perspectives on spending money around campus. >> FOR MORE, SEE STATEMENT
3
President Obama announced that the United States will keep 9,800 troops in Afghanistan through the end of the year, CNN reported. Obama had planned to reduce the number of troops to 5,500.
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The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $110. Winter term (January through April) is $115, yearlong (September through April) is $195. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall term are $35. Subscriptions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press.
After TEDxUM event, ‘U’ students talk smell Around 6.2 million people are affected by congenital anosmia disorder By EMMA KINERY Daily Staff Reporter
Imagine never smelling chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven, flowers in the spring or, in a potentially dangerous situation, natural gas. During last week’s TEDxUM conference, Michelle Krell Kydd, a flavor and fragrance expert, discussed congenital anosmia, a little-known disorder. Engineering senior Eric Riedel and Art & Design freshman Sarah Jomaa both have congenital anosmia — which means they have not had a sense of
smell since they were born. “It hasn’t affected me too much,” Riedel said. “As I always say, it’s better than losing any of my other senses.” Jomaa said she used to harbor concerns about her hygiene because she could not smell body odor. “There was this time I went through this really obsessive phase of brushing my teeth, because I didn’t know when my breath smelled,” Jomaa said. Kydd, a communications specialist at Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities, also lectures about olfaction, or the sense of smell. She spent much of her career working for companies focused on fragrance and flavor like Ciao Bella Gelato Company and the Estée Lauder Companies. “6.2 million people can’t smell,” Kydd said in her TED talk Friday. “And being nose
blind stinks.” She said one of the greatest dangers of being unable to smell is the inability to detect natural gas. While there are currently reliable mechanisms for carbon monoxide detection, there are none to detect natural gas. Instead, a chemical compounds called mercaptans are added to natural gas to give it a distinct smell. For those who cannot smell, however, this addition makes no difference. “Luckily it hasn’t affected me, but natural gas leaks, most people can smell those because of the rotten egg smell in the air, but I am not able to detect those so hopefully that never affects me,” Riedel said. “It’s just another thing that I’m aware of and I have to be careful about.” Jomaa added that she worries about her inability to detect potential fires — if something was burning, she would not be able to smell it. Another issue that both Kydd and Riedel addressed was that people with anosmia cannot smell rotting food. “The main way it affects me day to day is with spoiled food,” Riedel said. “Sometimes I have to get my roommate to check to see if my leftovers have gone bad, because I can’t smell.” Riedel and Jomaa each noted that a common question that people ask once it is about the condition is whether or not they can taste. Both said they think they can taste, but probably not in the same way people who can smell do. “I think I can (taste), because I don’t know any different,” Riedel said. “I have foods that I like, I have foods that I don’t like, just like everyone else. So I think I have the ability to taste, but I’m assuming that it’s obviously somewhat different from someone who can smell. Like I’ve said, I’ve never known any See SMELL, Page 3A
MARTIN MEISSNER/AP
People light candles on a table tennis in front of the Joseph-Koenig Gymnasium in Haltern, western Germany Tuesday, March 24, 2015.
High school students among German plane crash victims The Germanwings Flight 9525 went down while returning from Spain HALTERN, Germany (AP) — A stunned German town mourned 16 students who went down aboard Germanwings Flight 9525 on their way home Tuesday from a Spanish exchange, while the opera world grieved for two singers who were returning from performing in Barcelona — one of them with her baby. “This is surely the blackest day in the history of our town,” a visibly shaken Mayor Bodo Klimpel said after the western town of Haltern was shocked by news that 16 students from the local high school and two teachers had been on the plane. They had just spent a week in Spain. Some hugged, cried and laid flowers in front of the Joseph Koenig High School, where the 10th graders had studied, and lit candles on its steps. “This is pretty much the worst
thing you can imagine,” Klimpel said at a hastily called news conference. An announcement was made to students Tuesday lunchtime that “that we were all free now but we shouldn’t be happy,” said Christopher Schweigmann, 16, a 10th-grade student who said he lost two good friends. Students went to a service Tuesday evening, and “everyone was in tears in the church,” he said. “It’s impossible to believe that they all won’t be there anymore in the coming days,” he said. Crisis counselors were at the school soon after the crash. “I think many haven’t really grasped what happened, and I think the grief will come a bit later for many,” counselor Ingo Janzen said. “The town is totally silent, nothing is happening anymore in town, everyone is like petrified,” said resident Gerd Schwarz, 64. The town of 38,000 lies about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of the plane’s destination, Duesseldorf. Officials confirmed that the school group was among the 150
people on board the plane. Among the victims were also two opera singers, business travelers en route to a trade fair in Cologne and two babies. A total of 67 Germans, many Spaniards, two Australians, and one person each from the Netherlands, Turkey, and Denmark were among the victims, according to their respective governments. Spanish authorities were still trying to determine how many of their citizens were on board. The Mexican government said there were indications that one Mexican national was also among the victims. The German students and their teachers spent a week in Llinars del Valles and were seen off at the town’s train station early Tuesday by their Spanish host families, said Pere Grive, the deputy mayor of the town of 9,000, about a 45-minute drive from Barcelona. German and Spanish students from the two towns have been doing such exchanges for at least 15 years. The Spanish students had spent time in Germany in December.
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 — 3A
GREAT LAKES From Page 1A
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Activist Alan Haber and Frithjof Bergmann, professor of philosophy, discuss the culture of politics during the Vietnam War for the opening session of “Teach-In for Peace: 50th Anniversary of the First Anti-War Teach-In” in Angell Hall on Tuesday.
TEACH-IN From Page 1A people information about it can be very helpful,” he said. “I subsequently participated in about 20 different teach-ins on several different subjects.”
NCRB From Page 1A Though not all of the building will be renovated, the focus will be on improving the flow of the facility, as well as changing its front entrance to make it more aesthetically pleasing. “You drive by it today … it could be a warehouse, could be a computer science lab, could be a Costco without a sign,” Lewis said, explaining that the redesign will help passersby easily identify the NCRB. The changes will include the addition of 18,000 square feet, as well as a gymnasium with multipurpose activity courts, a 16-person whirlpool, a table tennis room, locker room enhancements, flooring upgrades, air-conditioning and large multipurpose group space. There are also plans to convert what are now five racquetball courts into four squash courts. “I want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing by having this building scream ‘come workout, come recreate,’ ” Lewis said. During the initial phases of construction, Lewis said,
PLATFORMS From Page 1A the CSG elections for a second year, after its ticket successfully earned Public Policy senior Bobby Dishell the presidency and secured several legislative seats. This year, LSA junior Cooper Charlton and LSA sophomore Steven Halperin are running for president and vice president, respectively. Charlton is currently the president of the StudentAthlete Advisory Committee, and Halperin sits on the CSG assembly as an LSA representative. LSA senior Annie Pidgeon, Make Michigan campaign chair, said in a February interview with the Daily that the party aims to heavily involve the campus community in CSG affairs. “We’re trying to hear as many different voices as possible in order to continue to be able to create such positive change on campus as we’ve done in the past,” Pidgeon said. A major part of the Make
SMELL From Page 2A otherwise.” Jomaa said Kydd helped her to understand the difference between how people with anosmia and those without taste. “Michelle Kydd said that people with anosmia can taste
Mayer also said that revisiting the teach-in and other similar protests is important in inspiring students to engage in activism now. “I’d like to see more student engagement with more issues of our time,” he said. “I think that the sense that one has an obligation to society as a whole
is weaker today. We have an obligation to help society deal with the problems it has.” Tuesday’s event kicked off a weeklong celebration of the first teach-in. On Friday, a Diag rally will feature a speech by activist Tom Hayden, a former editor at the Daily, and a march to Angell Hall.
the building will remain open. However, it is set to close for a year during later stages of the renovations, starting in the summer of 2016. The NCRB’s closing will coincide with the Intramural Sports Building’s reopening, which closes the summer of 2015 for renovations. Those in attendance at the event discussed the concerns of students who live on North Campus during the reconstruction, and those of individuals who pay for membership and workout at NCRB. For LSA junior Katelyn Gaither, renovating the NCRB is a top priority. “Right now with the NCRB, we don’t have the space necessary to fulfill all the needs that are obviously addressed here,” she said. She added that even though students and those paying for a membership can currently use the facilities, the NCRB struggles to accommodate at the North Campus population. “Once you get here, when everyone’s trying to come in here, in rush hour, in the hot hours, there is no room. It’s stuffy. It’s suffocating, and it’s something they’re trying to address with these renova-
tions,” Gaither said. Despite living on North Campus, Gaither still believes that inconveniencing users for a year would only be a small price to pay in order to gain more modern facilities. “We’re willing to go through the change process in order to make something better because we know it’s going to make it better in the long run,” said Gaither. Business junior Ian Savas — an executive board member for Building a Better Michigan, a student advisory group with a voice in University development projects — said students often find themselves underrepresented at this type of meeting. “A trend I tend to notice in these meetings is that students are not as interested in attending a meeting that they get an e-mail for, because they get 100 e-mails about 100 things to go to,” he said. Savas said the renovations will ultimately help students living on North Campus enjoy using the NCRB facilities. “No one likes working out in a racquetball room where it’s hot and sweaty,” he said.
Michigan platform is improving campus safety by launching a new safety mobile application. Make Michigan also wants to address diversity by revamping the current Race and Ethnicity Course Certification requirements. To further unify the student body, Make Michigan aims to expand the Wolverine Support Network and further connect alumni with students abroad. In the recent vice presidential debate, Halperin discussed how his experiences with the Summer Bridge Program — a program designed to give students from various backgrounds an earlier start on campus — inspired his drive for a unified campus. “Our classroom was so united, and so passionate that it really felt like family,” he said. “I want to bring a family sense to the campus. I believe that we can do this.” Defend Affirmative Action Party DAAP — the political branch of the affirmative action advocacy group BAMN — will run LSA junior Keysha Wall and
LSA sophomore Katie Kennedy as its presidential and vice presidential candidates, respectively. The party aims to improve campus diversity by providing onsite admissions within Ann Arbor and Detroit. Wall said DAAP will provide a space for students to speak openly about issues they have faced on campus. “DAAP has provided a platform for students like me and other students who want to mobilize to be able make real positive change on campus,” she said during the presidential debate. During last week’s debate, Kennedy added that it is vital for the University to improve campus diversity. “We have the responsibility to provide an opportunity for students to thrive socially and academically,” she said. “Affirmative Action has clearly put the minority enrollment rate severely at risk and the lack of diversity on campus is taking away from the value of our education.”
sweet and sour and bitter and all of that kind of stuff,” Jomaa said. “But they can’t get the combination that the smell gives them, which is flavor. She compares it to eating food while having a cold.” Both said they wished that congenital anosmia was a better-known condition, and that people who had it knew there
were more people affected by it as well. “A blind person, or a deaf person, you can usually tell when you interact with them that they have this,” Riedel said. “But a lot of my friends don’t even know that I don’t have a sense of smell.”
Students can vote today at vote.umich.edu.
of seven teams of researchers to consider policy and management options for shoreline residents, businesses and government officials to adapt to the water level instability. Later this year, four or five of the seven teams will be selected as part of the University’s Great Lakes Water Levels Integrated Assessment to participate in a more detailed project to help communities determine options to minimize the negative impacts of the water level fluctuations. According a report by The Nature Conservancy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Great Lakes satisfy the needs of more than 45 million people and “serve as the backbone for a $4 trillion regional U.S. economy.” The report noted that the lakes’ water levels can serve as indicators of climate change. Water levels rise and fall naturally; however, the rate of this fluctuation has been historically high. In 2013, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in particular reached
DIVEST From Page 1A Gottschalk, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, an organization promoting education about alleged human rights violations against Palestinians, said divestment is not an anti-Semitic movement. “I assure you, supporting this organization is not anti-Semitic because it does not target the Jewish people,” Gottschalk said. “It targets multi-national corporations that target human rights and Palestinians.” LSA junior Inbar Lev, a member of Wolverines for Peace, a group of University students working to promote peace and mutual understanding about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict, spoke against the resolution. “We invite CSG and all interested students to participate in dialogue opportunities,” Lev said. “We desire to be part of a solution towards peace. Our responsibil-
historically low water levels. NOAA has also noted the historic speed at which Great Lakes water levels rose from January 2013 to December 2014. Because water level changes impact many different communities, the funded projects will focus on different aspects of water level fluctuations. Paul Drevnick, an assistant research scientist at the University’s Biological Station and the School of Natural Resources and Environment, is researching land damages caused by water level fluctuation in Emmet County, which is located in the northwest tip of the Lower Peninsula. The county is one of the oldest coastal settlements of the Great Lakes region, and includes populated communities such as Mackinaw City and Petoskey. “Much of the shoreline of Emmet County has low slopes, resulting in major changes in shoreline configuration between low and high water,” he said. Drevnick said his team’s goal is to identify land that is vulnerable to the water level fluctuations and develop plans to monitor and reduce damage. Land damage can change local
land planning and zoning policy decisions. Richard Norton, chair and associate professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Program at Taubman College, said predicting how much water levels change would be important for residents who want to live near the lakeshore. “The real challenge is when lake levels are low for an extended periods of time, people tend to want to build houses and cottages closer to the water,” Norton said. Frank Marsik, an associate research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Science who was also a grant recipient, wrote in an e-mail interview that his project will focus on forces that drive water level fluctuation and how this might affect fisheries in the area. Additionally, Marsik’s team is aiming to help indigenous people in the region, including federally recognized Native American tribes, adapt to the changing water levels. “For the indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes, these issues are not simply related to economics, but also to tribal traditions and spirituality,” he wrote.
ity can only be assumed through mutual understanding, constructive dialogue and the recognition of the rights of all people.” LSA senior Marianna Yamamoto is a member of Human Rights Through Education, a student group dedicated to promoting awareness of human rights violations. “When our University invests in these companies, we, as students and members of the University, are saying yes, these human rights abuses are okay; yes, these lives do not matter; and yes, profit is more important than human rights and human lives,” she said. The resolution was sent to be approved by the resolutions committee. The assembly will vote on its ultimate approval at CSG’s meeting next Tuesday evening in the Michigan Union’s Rogel Ballroom. SAFE proposed a similar resolution to CSG last March, asking the University to divest from companies that the same set of companies. After the resolution was first proposed to CSG, the assembly
voted that a vote on the proposal be suspended indefinitely. The decision resulted in a sit-in in the CSG chambers. The next week, however, former CSG President Michael Proppe, who is a Business graduate student, motioned for the assembly to reconsider the proposal. CSG ultimately voted not to pass the resolution in a 25-9 vote with five abstentions. The University has only complied with divestment requests on two accounts in its history. The first case occurred in 1978 per request by the University’s Board of Regents that a committee look into the “serious moral or ethical questions” of the investments being made in South Africa during the era of apartheid. In 1999, a request to divest from tobacco companies was made because of their immoral execution of advertising, producing and presenting health information. The proposal ultimately received approval. Daily Staff Reporter Allana Akhtar contributed reporting.
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Opinion
4A — Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@michigandaily.com JENNIFER CALFAS EDITOR IN CHIEF
AARICA MARSH and DEREK WOLFE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITORS
LEV FACHER MANAGING EDITOR
Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily’s editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors.
T
Holding onto love
echnology has gotten in the way of many of our opportunities to create stronger relationships with people in our lives. We look at our phones rather than at eyes, we e-mail rather than call, we search Instagram rather than asking about a friend’s vacation. Yes, maybe technology and social media are playing a hand in destroying the art of conversation, maintained attention and MARIS genuine interaction. HARMON But technology also supplies a forum for relationships to continue despite physical distance. Maybe this causes more pain and elongates relationships that could have ended sooner, or maybe it provides real opportunities in ways that weren’t possible before. The truth is that it’s damn hard to find a partner in this world who is truly compatible with your personal vibe. The main message behind many works of art, books and movies is that love is incredibly difficult to find and maintain, and it’s also one of the best feelings in the world. While there are many fish in the sea, not that many fish seem to swim in your current. Finding love is often a matter of sheer dumb luck (five points for Gryffindor). The increased possibility of long-distance relationships by means of technology gives us the power to explore more connections in our
lives and stay linked to the people we find who really work, rather than settling for what is in our general proximity. Of course, it would be better and less painful to find someone who lives next door, but life doesn’t always work so seamlessly. If you find someone who fits in your puzzle, hang onto him or her. It’s not as common as it may seem. If things work after months or even years of distance, you will find a way to bridge the gap and make the distance disappear. Sometimes what we need is time to figure out how to be with someone when they’re miles away. Love is damn hard to find. Tinder can help, but only so much. It’s a mix of effort and sheer dumb luck. The luck is so dumb you better hold onto that person you love even if that means communicating only through Skype, texts and calls. The technology age may have created a flakey hookup culture and an eye-contactfree texting community, but it has also made great strides in the ways of love. Texts and Snapchats are not nearly as romantic as handwritten letters delivered by horseback courier every other week like in “Pride and Prejudice,” but they can help maintain a relationship pretty effectively. Keep writing letters, but also take a Snapchat or two. Send a couple texts a day. Skype when you can. When dumb luck knocks on your door, use what you can to hold onto it.
Love is damn hard to find. It’s a mix of effort and sheer dumb luck.
— Maris Harmon can be reached at marhar@umich.edu.
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
Claire Bryan, Regan Detwiler, Ben Keller, Payton Luokkala, Aarica Marsh, Victoria Noble, Michael Paul, Anna Polumbo-Levy, Allison Raeck, Melissa Scholke, Michael Schramm, Matthew Seligman, Linh Vu, Mary Kate Winn, Jenny Wang, Derek Wolfe
“D
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The joys of trailblazing
o not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson “We’re going to go around the room and introduce ourselves now. Please tell us your name, major, year, where you’re ERIC from and your KUKIELKA favorite .” So begins approximately every class on campus. Let’s face it, the introduction class is brutal. How many people actually remember what their peers say at this time? I mean, I know I’m not the first to sarcastically think, will this be on the test? and then fade off into space as the introductions start. Sometimes I perk up when I hear the exotic locations rattled off: Istanbul, Seoul, Hong Kong. The familiar twinge of wanderlust pulls me out of my thoughts even while it simultaneously sends me back down the rabbit hole. For as long as I can remember, I have nearly always chosen the road less traveled. In fact, I’m rather sure I am a secret part of some “Road Less Traveled Adopt-A-Highway” program that was unwittingly assigned to me from some long forgotten suburban research program. At 35 years old, I have seen and done a lot. But when I’m asked, “Where are you from?” my first thought isn’t Taylor, Michigan (which is technically the first city I was brought home to). Nor is it Redford, where I lived through my K-12 years. In fact, it’s not even in any of the first three states I lived in. No, the answer to that question is Clinton, Connecticut, a place I never stepped foot in until I was already well into my 20s. Clinton. For some, the name evokes scorn, blue dresses or even NAFTA. Yet for me, it evokes StopN-Shop. More specifically, it makes me recall my horrible job stocking shelves on the night crew at that specific grocery store. You want to talk about effective interrogation techniques, put someone that loves
RACHEL DAWSON
to travel and see new places into that environment for three years, sit back and reach for the tape recorder. The crazy comes out fast. Overnights at a grocery store are the land where dreams go to die. According to Bill, dreams died during the day there, too. Bill was the seafood manager at Stop-NShop, and one of the most miserable people I have ever met. He was a mixture of the character Andy from “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” Walt Whitman and Darth Vader, all rolled into one big, depressed, basement-dwelling 20-something. Bill is also the reason I have direction in my life, and so this story is for him. Bill loved to hike. If you have never been to Connecticut, here’s a quick run-down of what it’s like (at least along Route 1): cozy, old architecture, snooty people and trees. The “servant” class (i.e. those of us working the non-finance jobs) is looked down upon. As such, there is a stark class divide among the populace. Bill and I belonged firmly on the “poor” side — he lived with his mom; I lived in a motel. Being poor, we found a lot of ways to stretch our entertainment dollar. One of our favorite activities was hiking in the parks around the area (there are a lot of parks to hike in Connecticut). In particular, Bill enjoyed leaving the marked paths and finding places we could smoke. Being the “follow the rules” type, at first I balked at this. Bill was persistent, though, and so off we went. Usually, we ended up at some outcrop of rock overlooking a small valley, or the bank of a river where we could watch the osprey hunt. Bill called it “blazing a path” (he was into ironic subtleties), and while it was frowned upon, the dozens of geocaches we found were more than enough proof that we weren’t alone in our endeavors. If that grocery store was where dreams went to die, then those forests are where dreams cruelly returned. During these sojourns, Bill would always take the lead, blazing a path
to our next smoke stop. This gave me a unique perspective, something that stuck with me without even knowing: ahead of us lay nothing but untouched woods, with no sense of direction, no road, no guidance. Behind us, you could clearly see where we had come from — the clump of wild flowers we walked around, the river we jumped, the place we stopped to enjoy a quick break. While the individual steps, the “drudgery,” were imperceptible, the path itself was distinct. And that’s how I find myself here, the unofficial “Second-Oldest Undergrad” on campus, on my second or third attempt at a degree. Looking forward, I have no idea what’s going on — I see nothing but trees and fog. Behind me, you can see the camp Bill and I made when we moved to Hawaii. You can clearly see the puddle I jumped to get back to Michigan, stranding Bill on that rock. Before that, you can see where I got married, and just over this last hill is where I had my son. Over there, you can see how obvious the path from karaoke host to astrophysicist to political scientist seamlessly flows. Even though you can’t always see it, that trail exists for all of us. The next time you encounter that “Stay on the Path!” sign, do a quick check for poison ivy and guards, and then confidently take that hard left directly into the unknown. In life, there’s only one path that matters, and that’s the one you make for yourself. Own it and enjoy it, because it will all make sense later, when you turn around to catch your breath. It doesn’t matter if your parents, your professors or even your best friend don’t understand why switching majors from civil engineering to art history is obviously the right move. It’s your trail to blaze, not theirs. And seriously, even though you can’t stand being around me anymore, thanks Bill.
There’s only one path that matters, and that’s the one you make for yourself.
— Eric Kukielka can be reached at ekuk@umich.edu.
E-mail Rachel at rdawson@umich.edu
JAY FORESTER | VIEWPOINT
A retraction 10 years in the making In the winter of 2005, I was a 20-year-old undergraduate at the University. At that time, there was frustration fizzling on campus with regards to the relations between the University and the Coca-Cola Company. At that time, I was a member of the Daily’s Editorial Board and, as its token Coke-loving southerner, advocated the minority view on behalf of the corporation. I write this letter in retraction of 20-year-old me. Then, I was engrossed in courses on topics such as the political economy and game theory. I participated in libertarian summer programs in both Washington D.C. and Hong Kong, which spilled over into graduate studies that emphasized economics. Now, I litigate cases nationwide on behalf of aggrieved employees, primarily under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Go figure. This retraction is made not only so that Ican clear the air on a personal matter of substance but because I hope it will help you see that the learning and self-exploration that you currently experience needs to continue once you graduate. Among my 20-self’s claims, I wrote: “(H)earing first-hand accounts from the people of Colombia and India has compelled me to believe that at some level, the Coca-Cola company is in violation of the University’s labor standards condition. Nonetheless, the University should renew the company’s contract when the issue comes up in June.” And: “If the University actually followed through with its labor standards policy, it would have a very difficult time doing business with anyone.” For reasons many of you may explore during LSAT preparations, these statements are flawed because they rely on glaring assumptions. First, they assume that if Coke and Pepsi’s labor standards suck, (most) everyone else’s do too. Even if this first assumption were true, they also assume that if the University has a “difficult time doing business with anyone,” it should ignore violations of its rules and regulations. Historically, the Department of Labor has found that, at any given time, just 40 percent of employers are fully compliant with the FLSA. Some estimates suggest this number is much, much lower. Nonetheless, there are many other compliant employers. And, even if the number was one percent — in terms of labor-sensitive beverage companies or employers — I would still
retract my statements. Enforcement, whether it be from an active academic community or a governmental body like the Department of Labor, is important to check harms that cannot be resolved by “market forces.” Additionally, I wrote: “At some level, exploitation needs to occur in other countries. If U.S. companies are not able to take advantage of cheaper costs in other countries, the United States would have no incentive to provide its goods to the rest of the world, and many countries — India, China, Japan, etc. — would lack the American capital that has allowed their economies to grow during the last decades. This is not to say that companies shouldn’t be held accountable. This is to say though that the University’s business should not be conditioned on labor practices.” Prior to Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle,” the thought that we needed sanitation laws to deter companies from exposing our stomachs to spoiled meat was somewhere between radical and unpopular. While certain meat packers could have voluntarily chosen to adopt better practices, it took Sinclair’s story to humanize the issue such that top-down change had to occur. I commend my peers for at least attempting to humanize the harms that it seemed Coke was, at a minimum, tolerating. Following graduation, my closest group of friends went on a backpacking trip to Europe where they set off for three weeks and hit up most of the hot spots courtesy of Ryanair. Perceiving that I was too cool or, really just wanting to put off graduate school, I sold my car and travelled throughout South America with a buddy who had also grown up among privilege. It was amid these immediate post-graduation months of sleeping on buses and passing through dollara-day communities that I began to consider the other side of certain arguments. Most germane, were these communities to evolve into, say, $2-a-day communities, local lives would be tangibly better and the incentive to rely on the communities for exports would likely persist. Perhaps most significantly, it was on these trips that I committed myself to retain the interest in learning and exploration that I developed in Ann Arbor. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to change. And, wherever you go, Go Blue! Jay Forester is a 2007 alumnus.
GRANT STROBL | VIEWPOINT
We deserve better I believe in the University of Michigan. I have confidence in the fresh leadership of University President Mark Schlissel and the administration of the University, and — most of all — Jim Harbaugh. I believe in the 19 exceptional schools and colleges this University houses and the diverse perspectives from professors who work daily to create a better generation of Michigan Wolverines. I believe in each and every one of my fellow Wolverines; 43,625 students call Ann Arbor their home, and I’m proud to call them my Michigan family. I believe in the passion of leaders in the 1,375 clubs this University offers. I believe in the abilities of the governing bodies of each University school and college. I believe in the power of the student’s voice on this campus, and the idea of tangible changes being made by passionate, dedicated student representatives. I believe in the freedom to discuss the ideas that flourish with intellectual diversity. I am Greek. I firmly believe in Greek life and the benefits it provides to the University and the community.
The University of Michigan is truly a prodigious and nonpareil institution, and the students who work to represent this University at the level it deserves are truly unbelievable in regards to their service, leadership and exceptional work ethic. The students in the University’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu did not represent the reputation of this University and Greek life at the level it deserves: they tarnished it. We deserve better. The University is moving past that ski trip weekend, Sigma Alpha Mu’s International Headquarters is moving past that weekend, and now the Central Student Government should move past that weekend. It’s concerning that a potemtial bystander of this incident may become elected as the vice president of CSG. We deserve better. I have difficulty believing in the leadership of a person, who would be representing 43,625 students of this campus, when he was present at the disastrous Treetops Resort ski weekend. As this damaging news spread across thousands of televisions, smartphones and computers around the country, it tarnished the brand of
the University and caused parents to call their students with questions as to whether or not they knew the individuals responsible for this destruction. We deserve better. I have difficulty believing in the leadership of a person who inconsistently says he cannot be judged on the actions of his fraternity brothers, while also boasting about his position as rush chair of his fraternity for two semesters, thus potentially recruiting the members who destroyed the ski resort. We deserve better. I’m not here to judge whether or not CSG vice presidential candidate Matt Fidel participated in these events, to shed him in a negative light or dispute his qualifications: he is a fellow Wolverine. I’m writing because the University community needs to move past the issues arising from the ski trip fiasco. We deserve better. The CSG vice president should exemplify the high University standard and reputation of being the leaders and best. The University needs to move forward. If “The Team” is more important than the University, count me out, because we deserve better. Grant Strobl is an LSA freshman.
Arts
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 — 5A
TV REVIEW
Trendy undead show By MATT BARNAUSKAS Daily Arts Writer
HBO
“Cheers to better fashion choices #2k15.”
‘Girls’ bares all in season finale Season four closes flawed characters’ shenanigans By SOPHIA KAUFMAN Daily Arts Writer
Even after four seasons, it’s not easy to pinpoint why “Girls” has become such a cultural A phenomenon. It isn’t the only show to ‘Girls’ feature female Season 4 protagonists Finale or young 20-someHBO things figuring out how to be adults. It’s not even the only combination of the two (though it may be the most intelligent). What “Girls” understands and portrays – despite the occasional haphazard character arcs and the unrealistically decadent beauty of New York City – is that when people grow and learn from their mistakes, they don’t know that they are doing so, even if they believe they are fully self-aware. “Home Birth,” the season four finale, encapsulates this point. The episode is the perfect ending to a witty, lovable, if at times faulty season. It leaves each of our four girls on the edge of something new, having learned from some mistakes and stubbornly holding onto others — but finding they’re all capable of womaning up and taking charge of their own lives. The episode’s literal title comes from Adam’s (Adam Driver, “What If”) sister’s decision to home-birth her baby. Hannah (Lena Dunham, “Happy Christmas”), trying not to stare at Caroline’s naked swollen body floating in the bathtub, attempts to gently convince her that one cannot “selfdoula.” She is joined by Adam, spectacularly inarticulate in his disbelief, and Jessa (Jemima Kirke, “Tiny Furniture”), who takes one look at the situation, another look underwater at Caroline’s vagina and then instructs everyone to grow up and get Caroline to a hospital. Though this is the only time Jessa has been the voice of reason, it’s enough for her to decide by the end of the episode she’s
going to be a therapist. (Whether this is appropriately Jessalike behavior or just hastily written character development, viewers will have to decide for themselves). Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet, “The Kids Are Alright”) is also on the brink of a career change as she holds a job offer in Japan. As always, Shosh brings out the protective side of her audience — we can’t help but grit our teeth as the guy she’s seeing urges her not to take the job because, “(he’s) going to be in love with (her) real soon.” The choice in front of her reflects the same struggle emphasized by numerous Sheryl Sandberg references in the episode: lean in. Japan is far. New jobs are scary. The prospect of love is tempting and everyone knows it sometimes requires sacrifices, so we hold our breath as we wait for Shosh to decide if she’ll make this one. However, when she accepts the job, she reminds us she doesn’t need our protection or anyone else’s. Shoshanna is solidifying; she’s learning to take up her own space, and it’s about time. Marnie (Allison Williams, “Peter Pan Live”) is learning, too, though she has admittedly always behaved as if the space she occupies were inherently better for it. Williams gives a nuanced performance in a scene where Marnie is crying, as she tilts her head up all the way back and lightly presses her manicured fingertips to the insides of her eyes. It’s a trick to keep tears from messing up make-up, which of course Marnie would have perfected. Even when she’s losing it, she has to keep herself together. Williams evokes enough realistic vulnerability amidst the eye-roll-worthy drama to make it impossible to dislike the delicate yet defiant Marnie completely. As it must, the finale finishes with its tragicomically flawed heroine. We aren’t unused to seeing Hannah choosing to do the right thing for herself; we see her do it all the time. She’s very, very good at unabashedly putting herself first when she needs to do so. But the simple, subtle scene wherein Adam and Hannah are facing each other in the NICU over Adam’s new niece — Jessa-Hannah Bluebell Poem Schlesinger Sackler — is
the first time we see her doing so without needing to justify it to everyone she knows. When Adam hints to Hannah that they should get back together, Dunham conveys how it’s difficult for Hannah to turn him down, but also how it was the only responsible decision she could make. For the first time, Hannah makes a mature decision without feeling the need to proclaim it. The general vivacity of “Girls” is poignantly expressed throughout all 32 minutes of “Home Birth,” except the last one, featuring a six-month flashforward in which Hannah and Fran (Jake Lacy, “Obvious Child”) are shown together as a happy couple. Throughout the season, there wasn’t enough positive development in that relationship for us to believe that the two would actually work together (or maybe we just want to see Hannah end up with someone who has at least the potential for a personality). But the rest of the episode is truthful enough for us to forgive a suspiciously “happily ever after” ending that doesn’t fit in with the overall tone. Jessa, Shoshanna, Marnie and Hannah may not all be where they want to be, but they’ve proven — to themselves and to us — that they are capable of making choices that they don’t feel the need to explain or defend, and that they’re ready to do it again. Sure, “Girls” has its problems, just like its characters and just like its writers. But they do not detract from the worth of the show; if anything, their imperfections make it that much more authentic. Dunham, unlike Hannah, is all too aware of what many people think of her branding herself as the voice of this generation, but she knows her own talent doesn’t shy away from using it. She’s using her voice, whether it’s the voice of this generation or simply one of many, to create something nuanced, something witty — something good. Hannah’s final words of the episode seem to be coming not from a character but Dunham herself, a nod to all the young 20-somethings who are watching, desperately trying to glean whatever useful worldly wisdom they possibly can: “Life, man. I can’t guarantee perfection, but I can guarantee intrigue.”
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It’s pretty clear to any casual observer that TV has an obsession with zombies. In recent years the fascination with the shuffling, B+ decaying corpses has exploded ‘iZombie’ with shows like AMC’s CW “The Walking Tuesdays Dead,” SyFy’s “Z Nation” and at 9 p.m. BBC’s “In the Series Pilot Flesh,” bringing the fleshdevouring monsters to viewers each week. There are multiple reasons why viewers have remained fascinated with the creatures initially made popular years ago by the likes of George Romero. There’s obviously the primal love for blood and gore that tempts people but also the ability to imbue the show with social and moral commentary. With their new dramedy, “iZombie,” creators Rob Thomas and Diana Ruggiero (the creator and a writer, respectively, for “Veronica Mars”), look to extend the undead metaphor to finding one’s identity after tragedy. The show’s protagonist, Olivia “Liv” Moore (Rose McIver, “Masters of Sex”) is a hardworking go-getter pursuing her residency at the local hospital with a seemingly perfect life and fiancé, Major (Robert Buckley, “One Tree Hill”). However, after a boating party zombie attack (an entertaining and absurd set piece), Liv finds herself a newly dead zombie. Her brunette hair gives way to stark white locks and her skin turns ghostly pale. But unlike most zombies, Liv keeps her memories and self-control intact. To her family, she’s just a person who is going through a phase – a self-destructive one at that. It’s not only the physical changes that have caused Liv the most trouble, but the psychological and emotional crises that follow. After the boating party, Liv has lost all
CW
Undead? I saw this chick at Espresso 15 minutes ago.
semblance of who she once was. Who she is has been radically changed, and dealing with that change isn’t easy. Liv has lost all ambition – giving up her prime residency and now working in a morgue, she’s broken up with Major and struggles to sleep. Liv is dead to the world in more ways than one now. She struggles with depression, unable to adjust fully to the ironic life of being dead. Having Liv as a zombie allows Thomas and Ruggiero to explore the directionless and trapping nature of trauma and depression in a somewhat literal form as Liv says, “I have no idea who I am anymore.” However, an over-reliance on voiceover is overly expository even while it helps develop Liv’s character. It’s uncovering a purpose that allows Liv to find life – figuratively speaking. This purpose lies in helping Detective Clive Babineaux (Malcolm Goodwin, “Breakout Kings”) and the Jane Doe that happens to come into the morgue Olivia works in with Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti (Rahul Kohli, “EastEnders”). Liv’s need to eat brains allows her to get a peek into the memories of her latest meal along with acquiring the occasional skill and personality trait. Liv finds sup-
port in Ravi who geeks at helping a zombie, but he also provides a necessary confidante for Liv’s struggles. While Babineaux presents Liv a chance to find her place in the world by allowing her to help the detective solve his case under the guise of a psychic (a clever dig at the numerous fake psychic shows). McIver works well with both of her costars, creating an initially strong rapport especially with Goodwin. After Babineaux discusses his overly pragmatic zombie apocalypse survival strategy, Liv comments, “Chivalry is dead,” and he retorts, “But Clive is alive.” With new support and purpose, Liv is ready for life in death. She discovers herself possessing abilities and strengths that she never knew existed while finding “a reason for being not alive.” It’s in this well-developed sentiment that “iZombie” presents its greatest promise. There are some missteps with over-narration and cell-shaded transitions that try too hard to remind the viewer that the series is based off a comic book. However, the clever comparison of Liv’s undead struggles with real-life issues forms a core concept with plenty of opportunity for the future.
Arts
6A — Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
MUSIC NOTEBOOK
TV COLUMN
Classical music From ‘Boyhood’ to ‘CSI: Cyber’ can rock out, too Underrated genre deserves closer listening By CLAIRE WOOD
classical music so off the radar? How does Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” music video rake in over 455 million views while the online recording of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony barely reaches the 2 million marker?
Daily Arts Writer
Bernstein is a rockstar. It’s no lie. His rhythms, arguably, jam harder than Zeppelin. Despite this, Bernstein’s groundbreaking works, along with the rest of classical music in general, goes largely unnoticed by the collegiate community. As choruses of “I Don’t Fuck With You” and “0 to 100” bump out of the stereos of every bar, all things classical slip under the radar like paper clips on a messy desk. Classical works of decades past are some of the most intricate, captivating overlaps of sound in existence. The drum claps of Mahler’s “The Titan” beat more bass than any R&B hit, and the singing cello of Saint Saen’s “Swan” gives everybody shivers. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major beckons us with the intersection of passionate violin and orchestral accompaniment, and Bernstein’s “West Side Story” captivates audiences in a jazzy ensemble of snaps and thunderous brass. But nobody jams out to classical. We don’t stride into bars demanding four shots of whiskey and a swig of Gershwin. We dance to the unending arpeggiated saxophone of “GDFR” and drink to cheers of “my anaconda don’t.” Now here’s the question: why the obsession with pop? Why is
Rock-out visuals can captivate just as much as the music itself Let’s take a look at one of my personal favorite music groups: 2Cellos. Two strapping men, complete with leather jackets and an Abercrombie gaze, gripping two glimmering black instruments. It’s Luca Sulic and Stejpan Hauser, posed on their album cover in a sharp combination of intellect and audacity that has girls checking out more than just the title. The 2Cellos duo boasts more than undeniable pulchritude: the two men are brilliant cellists. Combining classical and contemporary, the duo records covers of bigtime pop hits — “With or Without You,” for example, or my personal favorite, a killer arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” To cut to the chase: they rock. In their music video “Thunderstruck,” it’s Angus Young-gonecello as the two stars redefine wild in a string-ripping, head-banging, bow-flying spree of classical-hard
rock goodness. Their music video doesn’t quite hit Katy Perry’s 455 million, but it rakes in a great deal more than YouTube’s Beethoven’s 5th. The duo enthralls us not only with sound, but with a passionate, impressive visual energy that attracts viewers and keeps them there. Enthusiasm is sexy, and they’ve got it. Traditional classical performances, on the other hand, take a 180 degree turn from the riveting swagger of 2Cellos. It’s formal to say the least: black tuxedos and shiny shoes, all summed up in austere elegance. The music is beautiful (indeed, the passion of Tchaikovsky is undeniable), albeit the presentation of such classical pieces is, ironically enough, quite dispassionate. In the face of break-dancing Jason Derulo and string-flinging Stejpan Hauser, it’s no real surprise that dark-clothed, little-movement symphonic performances plateau at a low viewer count. The fact is, music isn’t all ears. Enthusiastic, rock-out visuals can be just as captivating as what we hear, and — performance-wise, at least — classical music is a little stiff. Beyoncé wouldn’t rake in as many fans without irresistible stage presence and Michael Jackson wouldn’t be as renowned without brilliant choreography. We have to wonder how vast a fan base classical artists like Bernstein and Tchaikovsky would collect if their works were performed with the vibrant spunk of 2Cellos. Sound may be what we dance to at frats and drink to in bars, but it isn’t the only aspect of music that sells.
On Feb. 22, Patricia Arquette won an Academy Award for her supporting role in “Boyhood.” On March 4, her new series “CSI: Cyber” premiered on CBS. She may not be the first actor with Oscar credit to topline a crime procedural franchise ALEC — Forest STERN Whitaker in “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” Terrence Howard in “Law & Order: Los Angeles” and Elizabeth Shue in the “CSI” mothership, to name a few — but Arquette’s journey from Academy-darling to Jerry Bruckheimer’s leading lady is certainly the most intriguing. When the news broke that Arquette would star in the latest “CSI” spinoff on March 5 of last year, “Boyhood” was still a largely untested, 12-years-inthe-making experiment. And with no way to predict that the film would become her breakout film role at the age of 46, Arquette’s potential return to network television seemed like exactly the right move. Let’s just say, a lot can change in a year. As we all know, “Boyhood” became one of the year’s biggest success stories, Arquette especially singled out for her role as Olivia Evans. TIME Magazine even declared:
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“Forget The Boy” — “With just a few alterations, Richard Linklater’s ‘Boyhood’ could just as easily have been called ‘Motherhood.’ ” In the end, Arquette not only won the Academy Award, but also the Golden Globe, the SAG Award and countless others. But unlike most awards season victors, for whom their next project is a source of much intrigue and chatter among the press, Arquette had already wrapped filming on her latest series. Less than two weeks after her groundbreaking and controversial acceptance speech calling for equal pay, the actress made her debut as Special Agent Avery Ryan, officially trading in Sundance for CBS. Ethan Hawke for James Van Der Beek. An Oscarwinning role for cyber sex with a chat-bot named Kitty.
It’s sad to see ‘CSI: Cyber’ fail in such a spectacular way. If a “CSI” spinoff is already the lowest rung of the network television ladder, consider “CSI: Cyber” ’s feet planted firmly on the ground — an offensively terrible entry into the lucrative franchise, one that could only
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feasibly satisfy snarky bloggers or dozing grandparents. In the two episodes since its debut, Arquette and her team — also consisting of Shad “Bow Wow” Moss — have investigated online baby auctions and gore porn forums, twice-initiated online sex (“The more you pet me, the more I purr”), swabbed an infant’s dirty diaper for fingerprints and used a ham sandwich to explain computer technology. Even more so than the many “CSI” ’s or “NCIS” ’s that came before it, “Cyber” ’s character development is thin (Ryan was a victim of cyber crimes herself!). Its dialogue is laughable (“You work dark alleys, I work the dark web.”) and its be safe online mantra typed with quite the heavy hand. (It can, and most likely will, happen to you.) It’s sad to see “CSI: Cyber” fail so spectacularly, not only given Arquette’s recent success, but also her history with this particular genre. As Allison Dubois on “Medium,” one of the greatest procedurals of all time, Arquette played a family woman with a supernatural gift, one that she used to solve crimes for the Phoenix District Attorney’s Office. Whereas “Cyber” is decidedly all crime, no character, “Medium” was a delicate balancing act — there was more to the NBC series than chasing clues and catching bad guys. At its center was the Dubois family, Allison and Joe (Jake Weber, “The Following”) — a strong, equal partnership reminiscent of (dare I say) Eric and Tami Taylor and their three daughters. The crimes were always of a secondary concern; they were important, of course, but informed a larger narrative goal that brought all of “Medium” ’s pieces together. They weren’t random or meaningless or entirely forgotten week-to-week. Their consequences — on Allison, on her family, on her colleagues — lingered. As a result, “Medium” was multi-dimensional and fully realized, intended for a more loyal audience than the late-night “CSI” rerun crowd.
The stories span little time, emotions or growth. “Medium” and “CSI: Cyber” represent opposite ends of the procedural spectrum — one original, thoughtful and sincere, the other a franchise cash cow. In fact, “Medium” is almost impossible to define in so few words, at once a master of the family drama, the crime procedural and the supernatural thriller. Ultimately, it’s not the jump-in-anywhere kind of crime series that any “CSI” thrives on, but rather one that demands its audience’s dedication. And at its core, Arquette’s Emmy-winning performance guides “Medium” ’s beauty, a narrative that accomplishes so much without spreading itself too thin. “CSI: Cyber” is both “Boyhood” and “Medium” ’s foil. It’s experimental in no way. The stories span little time, emotions or growth. Character development is sacrificed for another trail that runs dry. And even with just one storyline, one angle and one goal, it always feels as though the wheels are spinning too fast. But worst of all, Arquette is wasted and interchangeable. Avery Ryan could be anybody and be played by anybody. And for a newly minted Oscar winner with an accomplished history within the genre, that is “CSI: Cyber” ’s most egregious downfall. Even worse than cyber sex with Kitty. The more you pet Stern, the more he purrs. For a good time, email alecs@umich.edu.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
Sports
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 — 7A
Wolverines defeat Bowling Growth evident in WNIT Green to win home opener
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
By JACOB GASE Daily Sports Writer
The Michigan women’s basketball team’s tumultuous 2014-15 season, which saw NCAA Tournament hopes fizzle after a disappointing finish in conference play, is finally nearing its conclusion. And despite falling short of their preseason goals, the Wolverines have committed themselves to a new cause: sending their trio of seniors — guard Shannon Smith and forwards Cyesha Goree and Nicole Elmblad — out on a high note with the program’s firstever WNIT championship. After double-digit victories over Cleveland State and Toledo in the tournament’s first two rounds, Michigan seems determined to hang the first women’s basketball banner at Crisler Center. But its strong WNIT run — which resumes when the Wolverines face Missouri on Thursday in Ann Arbor — is just as important for the program’s future as it is for its beloved senior class. “It’s great for our seniors to finish on a great note, but it’s also really important that our five freshmen continue to work and continue to improve,” said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico after the victory over Cleveland State. Guard Katelynn Flaherty has
been the only major freshman contributor all season, moving in and out of the starting lineup and working to overcome her inconsistencies. Now, in the postseason, lesser-used freshmen like forwards Jillian Dunston and Emoni Jackson have been given chances to display the results of their hard work in practice. Before the postseason, both Dunston and Jackson only saw the floor for short periods when Barnes Arico wanted a short burst of energy. Both showed flashes of talent — especially when it came to playing off the glass — but both also let their high motors and inexperience get the best of them by committing fouls at a high rate. But now, in the WNIT, the two have combined for nine points and nine rebounds in 38 total minutes. The Wolverines’ recent opponents haven’t quite met the lofty standard of competition set by Big Ten teams, but the freshmen have shown signs of hope for the future of the Michigan frontcourt without Elmblad and Goree. “Our younger kids have stepped up,” Barnes Arico told WTKA Radio on Tuesday. “Practices have been tremendous, and we’re continuing to improve.” It’s not just the younger players who are displaying signs of growth as the season draws to a close. The team as a whole is starting to right its past mistakes.
When Toledo cut a 19-point deficit to just 10 with 6:44 remaining, and when Goree ended up on the bench in foul trouble, the game suddenly felt eerily similar to the Wolverines’ losses to Ohio State, Nebraska and Northwestern, in which the team held significant leads before inexplicably falling apart without Goree in the game. Only this time, Michigan answered every Rocket run and held on for a 74-58 victory. “It was pretty impressive, especially at (Toledo’s) place,” Barnes Arico said. “It was such a great environment, and they were making runs at us, and we knew they were going to make a run. And every time they did, our kids were able to make big plays. It was so great to see our growth and different people stepping up at different times.” Playing in the WNIT, win or lose, was not the ending the Wolverines were hoping for when their season began in November. But for players like Dunston, Jackson and junior guard Madison Ristovski — who stands to be a team leader next season and has caught fire down the stretch — the tournament has been a golden opportunity to step up and prove themselves. And for Michigan, it’s one last chance to atone for this season’s failures and work toward a brighter future.
SOFTBALL
‘M’ prepares for Western By TED JANES Daily Sports Writer
Facing off against inferior opponents happens fairly often when you’re the Michigan softball team. After a commanding series to open Western up Big Ten Michigan at conference play, the Michigan fourth-ranked Matchup: Wolverines WMU 6-13; return home to Michigan 28-4 meet Western When: Michigan. Wednesday The game, 4 P.M. originally Where: scheduled Alumni Field for Tuesday afternoon, was delayed until Wednesday due to a cold-weather forecast. In the pitcher’s circle, Western Michigan boasts a high earned-run average of 4.76, whereas Michigan’s pitchers have combined for a 1.51 ERA, the fifth best in the nation. Though the starting pitcher will not be announced until game time, it will likely be either senior left-hander Haylie Wagner or sophomore right-hander Megan Betsa. Both pitchers were unforgiving against Ohio State last weekend.
Against the Buckeyes, Michigan won its first two games 13-1, and followed it up Sunday with a powerful 20-0 victory. The third pitcher for the Wolverines, senior Sara Driesenga, is still dealing with an injury. If the team pulls ahead, freshman right-hander Tera Blanco may also see time in the circle. Like Driesenga, senior catcher Lauren Sweet awaits her return after an awkward slide against Kent State. Sweet is known to be a power hitter for Michigan, but her replacement has been stellar as well. Freshman Aidan Falk stepped behind the plate and is proving why she got so much time as the designated hitter before Sweet’s injury. Last weekend, Falk hit two home runs and recorded six RBI, contributing immensely to the team’s offensive power. Michigan and Western Michigan have seen one common foe. The Broncos began their season against then-No. 16 Arizona State, losing by a score of 6-0. The Wolverines have also seen the Sun Devils, matching up three times and getting the best of them twice. Though the Wolverines will be a large favorite Wednesday afternoon, Michigan coach Carol Hutchins still expects
her team to come out the gate flying. But letdowns against inferior opponents have not been an issue this season. This past weekend against Ohio State, a far weaker team, Michigan continued to hammer in runs, dominating by a total score of 46-2 over the three games. If the Wolverines (3-0 Big Ten, 28-4 overall) continue to play the way they have recently, the Broncos (6-13) won’t present the biggest challenge. “The game is the game,” Hutchins said. “It’s just like playing softball. The game never changes.” The weekend series against Ohio State was also significant as Hutchins recorded her 1,400th win, but the team knows that there are more important things than records. “We are just playing like we usually do,” said junior infielder Sierra Romero. “Hutchins is a great coach, and she deserves it all, but we don’t get caught up in anything like that.” When it comes to playing lesser quality teams, Michigan has done it all. Before the Wolverines return to their Big Ten schedule, the theme of mercy rules, 1-2-3 defensive innings and endless home runs will likely continue on Wednesday.
By BEN FIDELMAN Daily Sports Writer
The Michigan baseball team came out firing on all cylinders in its home opener on Tuesday night, cruising 3 BGSU 8 MICHIGAN to an easy 8-3 victory over Bowling Green. It was an important shift in momentum for the Wolverines, who struggled mightily last weekend in a threegame sweep at Nebraska. Right-hander Matt Ogden took the mound first for Michigan (0-3 Big Ten, 12-11 overall) and got the afternoon off to a hot start. The redshirt junior retired the Falcons (0-3 MAC, 5-14 overall) in order through the first two innings, giving his team an opportunity to jump ahead early. Bowling Green was the first to put a run on the scoreboard, with Kory Brown slugging home a leadoff single in the third inning with a double down the left-field line. Ogden ended the inning with a strikeout and a check-swing groundout to third base. Junior third baseman Jacob Cronenworth led off the bottom of the third with a single and a stolen base, eventually putting himself on second base with one out. Next up was Glines, who brought a .556 on-base percentage into the game and reached base on a walk. The two moved up on a wild pitch, which was followed by a run-scoring groundout from sophomore right fielder Carmen Benedetti. Junior left fielder Cody Bruder added another with a runscoring single to left field, giving Michigan the 2-1 advantage heading to the fourth. The Falcons bounced back
with a run their next time up to tie the game, but Wolverine right fielder Kevin White put the home team back on top, 3-2, with a solo home run to right field. “Being able to fire on all cylinders is huge,” White said. “We’re a dangerous team when we’re doing that. I was just really relaxed up there today and just trying to have fun.” In the top of the fifth inning, Michigan replaced Ogden with sophomore left-hander Brett Adcock, who has struggled early this season. The team’s opening day starter, Adcock is carrying a bloated 5.47 earnedrun average, which recently shot up after allowing six runs in 1.2 innings against Nebraska last weekend. Adcock struck out the first Bowling Green hitter before allowing the next three to reach base, at which point Michigan coach Erik Bakich strolled to the mound and replaced him with right-hander Mac Lozer. The sophomore got the Falcons
batter to line out to left field, where Bruder caught the ball and gunned it home to beat the runner tagging from third base — ending the bases-loaded threat. It was quite the combined effort by the pitching staff in the game, with five Michigan arms taking the mound. Ogden got the win for his four innings of work, which was complemented by Adcock and Lozer, along with freshmen left-handers Oliver Jaskie and Michael Hendrickson. “It’s good to see those guys compete, attack the strike zone and just show some toughness on the mound while responding well after a tough weekend where we gave up a bunch of runs,” Bakich said. Getting many arms to work against a sub-.500 team could prove to be key, as the Wolverines look to continue their rebound this weekend against another tough opponent in No. 20 Maryland.
JAMES COLLER/Daily
Matt Ogden earned a win for his four innings of work Tuesday afternoon.
Sports
8A — Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Berenson plans to return next season By ZACH SHAW Daily Sports Writer
When the Michigan hockey team takes the ice for its home opener next October, the fans at Yost Ice Arena will see a familiar face following the team to the bench. Michigan coach Red Berenson announced Tuesday afternoon that he plans to return for the 2015-16 season, as long as the Athletic Department will have him. “Right now that’s the plan,” Berenson said. “I haven’t talked to our athletic director (Jim Hackett) and reevaluated our progress of the team or where we’re going, but that’s the plan.” The decision comes three days after the Wolverines (12-8 Big Ten, 22-15 overall) fell to Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament championship game, 4-2. With the loss, Michigan failed to make the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season after qualifying for the previous 22 years. The season proved to be a lopsided one for Michigan, which was the nation’s top offense in goals per game, but ranked just 38th out of 59 teams in defense. Just three days removed from the season-ending loss in Detroit, Berenson already sees the potential for next year. “Offensively, the name of the game is to score goals, and we were one of the best teams in the country,” Berenson said. “On the defensive side, we were improved over last year, but not enough. “I didn’t think our defense was as good as it should have been. We were inconsistent, I think we can do a better job as coaches, there’s lots of room or improvement. Maybe I’m a slow learner, but I still think we can
do a better job with this team.” A former All-American and NCAA scoring leader as a player for the Wolverines from 1960 to 1962, Berenson, now 75 years old, became the first collegiate hockey player to go straight to the National Hockey League after scoring 43 goals in his senior season — still a Michigan record. After a 17-year playing career in which he tallied 658 points in 987 games, Berenson immediately became the coach of the St. Louis Blues in 1979. He won the Jack Adams award as the NHL’s best coach in 1981, but took the Michigan head coach position in 1984, citing a love for Michigan as the reason for leaving the NHL. In addition to 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Berenson has coached Michigan to 11 Frozen Fours, national titles in 1996 and 1998, and turned a dormant
fan base into one of the most respected in the nation. This season, Berenson became just the fourth coach in NCAA history to win 800 games, and kept his team within one game of both the Big Ten regularseason and tournament titles. Regardless, fans and analysts have speculated that, with the recent lack of tournament appearances, if it might be time for Berenson to retire. Unsurprisingly, those on the team find such talk ridiculous. “I mean, you see all the trophies he’s won, and what he’s done for this program is unbelievable,” said sophomore forward JT Compher. “A lot of this stuff, and the reason why we’re talking (about job security) today, is on the players and because we left games out there that we should have won. Everyone in the locker room respects Red, and any talk is from the outside.”
JAMES COLLER/Daily
Red Berenson will return to his familiar spot on the bench next season.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
ICE HOCKEY
Players mull their futures By JASON RUBINSTEIN Daily Sports Editor
Red Berenson hates this time of year. Specifically, he dislikes when the season ends and there is a period of time when he doesn’t know who, aside from the graduating seniors, will be gone next year. At a program like Michigan, which brings in elite recruiting classes full of NHL draft picks every year, it’s expected that some players may not stay all four years. “That’s the worst part of the end of the season,” Berenson said. “Players get all excited about it, and their families get all excited about it, and then sometimes they jump at it. Sometimes, common sense kicks in and they realize there is no rush.” Last year, both Alex Guptill and Phil Di Giuseppe decided to forgo their senior years to join their respective NHL organizations. Two years ago, Jacob Trouba left after his freshman season to join the Winnipeg Jets. This year, three Wolverines will have to make that same tough decision: freshman forward Dylan Larkin, freshman defenseman Zach Werenski and junior forward Andrew Copp. Larkin, the Detroit Red Wings’ first-round draft pick in 2014, just finished an impressive freshman campaign that earned him the Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor. He led all conference freshmen with 47 points (15 goals and 32 assists)
and finished second on the team in points, trailing only senior Zach Hyman. Larkin could feasibly play games for the Red Wings this season, but would most likely join the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League should he choose that route. “The Red Wings have already opened the door for him to know that it’s up to him to stay in school or if he wants to play in Grand Rapids,” Berenson said. Copp, the Wolverines’ captain and Winnipeg Jets draft pick, remained noncommittal on a return for next season. The junior finished third on the team points, registering 31 on 14 goals and 17 assists. It didn’t seem likely that he’d bolt after this season, but Berenson noted Winnipeg loves signing its players after their junior seasons, and it wouldn’t be any different for Copp. “When you’re a junior and a good player like he is, they try to sign their juniors, whether they think you’re ready or not,” Berenson said. “They’ll tell you what you want to hear, and that’s the reality of it.” Copp added that he “took a step this year” and feels “decent” about where he currently stands. “I’m trying to figure out what is my best option for next year,” Copp said. “I’ll probably take another week to figure that out. “It’s definitely a decision I have to make. I don’t think I’ll be getting any outside opinion. The people who matter to me most, I’ve already talked to.” Werenski, though, is in a
“That’s the worst part of the end of the season.”
completely different situation. The 17-year old freshman is just now draft eligible, and many predict that he will be a top-10 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. The freshman was arguably the Wolverines’ top defenseman, contributing nine goals and 16 assists, earning him a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team. Unfortunately for Michigan, NHL organizations often want their top draft choice to enter their system as soon as possible. That means Werenski wouldn’t be wearing the maize and blue next season if the professional team that drafts him has its way. “I think he will be in a bit of a tug of war with whoever drafts him,” Berenson said. “They might want him out. If I were him, I would just stay put for at least another year, keep growing my game, and I think he’s fine with that. But let’s see who drafts him and how aggressive they come after him.” It’s feasible that Copp, Larkin and Werenski could all leave. It’s also possible that all of them could stay. But according to Berenson, the decision is simple and can be boiled down to an analogy. “It’s just like having a driver’s license,” Berenson said. “You know you’re going to get a license when you’re 16. But how about when you’re 14? Are you ready to take a Corvette to Chicago when you’re 14? I don’t think so. Now when you’re 16, you might think you are and you might be OK. But you’ll probably be better off when you’re 18 or 19 or 20 to be trusted and confident and so on. “It’s not that much different when all these people watch pro hockey on TV and think, ‘Well yeah, I can play there, I’m as good as that guy.’ They have no idea.”
Cole makes strides at center
RUBY WALLAU/Daily
Mason Cole has been working at center after starting every game of his freshman year at left tackle.
By MAX BULTMAN Daily Sports Editor
After starting 12 games at left tackle last season, sophomore Mason Cole has spent the last two weeks learning to play center. With incumbent center Jack Miller leaving the team at the beginning of spring practice, and fifth-year senior Graham Glasgow suspended for a probation violation, Cole has been thrust into action in the middle of the offensive line. And despite having no prior experience at center, a notoriously tricky position to perfect, Cole said Tuesday that he is enjoying the opportunity to learn its nuances. “It’s different, but it’s good to learn something else,” Cole said. “It’s just a whole different game in the middle.” During a practice last Thursday, Cole anchored a line that included redshirt juniors Ben Braden, Erik Magnuson and Kyle Kalis along with redshirt sophomore Logan TuleyTillman. He told reporters Tuesday that while there is a noticeable difference between playing on the outside and playing at center, offensive line coach Tim Drevno
has helped make his immersion as smooth as possible. Cole is still taking reps at left tackle as well, but with limited depth at center outside of redshirt sophomore Patrick Kugler, his growth in the middle could be a key for the Wolverines. “The staff does a good job of making sure everyone knows everything, at least on the offensive line with Coach Drevno,” Cole said. “It’s a little different making center calls and stuff, but you’ve gotta know your stuff everywhere. “It’s just a lot quicker. The guys are a lot bigger inside and everything is a lot closer. … Usually I play with leverage and do fine.” One player who has gotten perhaps the best feel of Cole’s transition is sophomore defensive tackle Bryan Mone, who now weighs in at 330 pounds after putting on weight this offseason. Mone is a lot to handle at the nose tackle position, even for an experienced center. But he says that Cole has already impressed the defensive line with his ability to transition. “He’s doing a really good job. When we found out he was moving to center, me and (junior defensive tackle) Ryan Glasgow were just licking our lips.
“At first I thought he was going to slow up, but you can tell what kind of football player he is. Wherever you want him to play, he’s gonna play it with everything he has. He’s never going to quit. If he does mess up … he’s just going 100 miles (per hour).” Cole was the first ever true freshman to start a season opener on the offensive line, and coaches repeatedly touted his intelligence. That helps to explain why Drevno and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh thought of Cole when the center position became a question mark. But if they have to move him to the inside full time, a new starter will have to emerge elsewhere on the line. Whether that comes in the form of Tuley-Tillman, redshirt sophomore guard David Dawson or someone else, the line could see its fair share of shuffling between now and the season opener September 3 at Utah. Still, Cole said he had full confidence in Drevno and the coaching staff to find the right fit. “They don’t know all of us yet as much as the other staff did, so they’re trying different things and experimenting a little bit,” Cole said. “That’s what spring is about — just changing things up and competing.”
statement THE MICHIGAN DAILY
M ARCH 25 , 2015
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
My Cultural Currency: Upon Arrival
READ ONLINE: GENETIC RESEARCH
Scientists at the forefront of biomedical research have requested a moratorium on the use of a contentious genetic technology to allow time for greater public discourse on its ethical considerations.
B Y TA N YA M A D H A N I
I
t’s easy to spot students from the University at any airport. Our flights to different locations awaken a need to let everyone know where exactly we go to school and where we belong. So there I was, on the Wednesday evening of Spring Break, camped out at gate 42B tugging at my University sweatshirt, which students are wont to do, and gripping my passport so tightly that my nails were beginning to make indents into the scratchy black cover. The flight to India had been booked that day: my great-grandmother was sick. Really sick. I’ll spare you the details, but it had reached the point where if I didn’t see her soon, I might never see her again. Listen, she is 92. Her passing, should it occur, wouldn’t be tragic. The woman had lived through colonialism, a world war and three generations of her family — she’d seen more things and lived more life than anyone I’ve yet to know. The problem — really, the reason for my constant foot tapping and overall discomfort — was that this was my first time flying to India in four years and it would be
my shortest trip yet. Two days of flying to stay for three days, I remember thinking on both the flights there and back. I would be spending 40 percent of the rest of my Spring Break 30,000 feet above the ground — both nowhere and everywhere.
The last time I was there I hated it. I was young and bored and ignorant, unwilling to understand why things and people were so different and extremely stubborn about changing my perspective on the issue. As far as I was concerned, I didn’t fit in there, which was ironic, really, considering I was born in India. I’d been making excuses for years to make sure I wouldn’t go back: “I have summer school.” “I can’t take time off of work.” “I have to make sure I’m ready for college.” But this trip was different, mainly because I was different. I’m in a perpetual limbo, and the spontaneity of my trip back to India came at exactly the right time. A large chunk of my life right now is unplanned. I have no major, no deadset career plan, no clue what I’ll be doing tomorrow, today, or even five minutes from now. Many people have a tunnel vision on where they want to go and what they want to do, but … I have nothing. While I didn’t have any sort of bullshit spiritual awakening Hollywood movies will try to convince you you’ll have when you travel to a new country, I thought more about the conjunction between identification and
More of the story at michigandaily.com
T H E L I S T B U Z Z F E E D, B U T B E T T E R YOUR SCHEDULE , FALL 2015
options. Stephen Hawking has stated time and time again, in basically every interview I’ve watched, that there exists the concept of an infinite number of parallel universes. There exists a universe where I know what I want, what my major would be, and where my life would be headed. On the Friday of Spring Break, I remember driving through a roadway near a college district. I was looking out the car window at packs of girls huddled around flower stalls and sitting in coffee shops and I wondered if I would be the same person I am right now if my parents had decided to stay in India. I’d see a group of college girls headed home, walking home and joking with each other, and get nostalgic about a life I’ve never led. Would I still prefer strawberries sliced over my cereal? Would my caffeine dependency still exist? Would I still love writing as much as I do right now? Would I have the same doubts and fears I do now? I’d like to think that only fragments of my personality would be different and that I, at my core, would remain the same no matter what country I grew up in. Maybe I would still be as lost and insecure as I am right now. Or maybe I’d have it all figured out.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MEGAN MULHOLLAND
With thousands of classes in the LSA course guide alone, picking out a fulfilling class schedule can be daunting. Here are a few classes you may not have considered taking, re-approved by the Michigan Daily sounding board.
1
WOMENS T D 270 - “Gender and the L aw”
2
P S YC H 4 8 8 - “ S e x u a l D e v i a n c e”
Dive deep into the societal implications of gender-based laws, from slavery to voting rights to equal pay.
The class is as intriguing as the name, clinically examining behaviors usually considered perverse. Kinky...
A M C U LT 2 0 9 - “ H i s to r y o f A m e r i c a n
3 P o p u l a r M u s i c”
One of the most popular classes at the University, Bruce Conforth’s class is enjoyable and engaging.
4 ETrNuGt hL I, SFaH c42t , 5a n- d“ IAmr tm” e r s i v e Wr i t i n g :
Jeremiah Chamberlin’s class is a favorite at the Daily, combining immersive writing with reflective class dialogue.
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P S YC H 1 2 2 - “ I n te r g r o u p D i a l o g u e s”
These student-led dialogues foster conversations about a multitude of identities from sexual orientation to race.
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Magazine Editor: Ian DIllingham Deputy Editor: Natalie Gadbois
Editor in Chief:
Photo Editor: Luna Anna Archey
Jennifer Calfas Copy Editors:
Illustrator: Megan Mulholland
Hannah Bates
Design Editor:
Maggie Miller
Laura Schinagle
Jake Wellins
Managing Editor:
Emma Sutherland
Lev Facher COVER BY LUNA ANNA ARCHEY
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement 3B
ON THE RECORD
JOINING THE TEAM
From the Pews: Listening to TEDx sermons B Y C L A I R E B R YA N
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“Authenticity: that’s been our campaign strategy. Just at this rally we talked about creating a platform and empowering people, but we’re not waiting until we get elected; we’re doing that now, and that’s something that we have a track record of.” -CSG presidential candidate and ENGINEERING JUNIOR WILL ROYSTER at Tuesday’s rally for The Team on his party’s campaign initiatives
B E AV E R C R E E K , CO
ZACH MOORE/DAILY
“The Hotel de Paris exists in the heart of downtown, and represents the once prosperous town of Georgetown.” Find the rest of this photo story on Page 4.
riday morning I woke early, walked to the Power Center and sat down in the large auditorium staring up at a black, daunting stage. I waited with so many others to be enlightened by the speakers of the TEDxUofM “Constructive Interference” annual conference. Maybe it was the masses of people following each other blindly into the building, the tone in the voice of each TEDx staff member as they encouraged us to interact with our surrounding community members, or the expectations each of us held that we were about to listen to something — no matter how small — that would alter our life. I couldn’t help but consistently compare this experience to my early experiences of waking to sit and listen to a sermon from the pastor at our Methodist church. Forgetting about my tiredness, I sat, eyes glued, to the well-versed, engaging speakers, holding the same expectations I have when I sit in church: expecting to learn
something new, expecting to be challenged, expecting to be skeptical. The speakers repeatedly shared an experience, acknowledged their mistakes (taking those mistakes as learning experiences and not failures), and offered some small piece of advice, constructive criticism of our society, or perspective on how to look at life. TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan foundation that is dedicated to spreading ideas and information across the world through short, 18-minute or less, talks. Beginning in 1984, Richard Saul Wurman discovered that mixing technology, entertainment, and design into one conversation could produce innovative ideas. TED’s mission is to generate ideas that will impact the attitudes and lives of the people in the world; “building a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world’s most inspired thinkers.” Seeing as I took TEDx to be my own form of religion for the day, I only feel it fitting I share some of
these insights. Aditi Hardikar, the White House’s primary liaison to LGBT and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, told me to reframe my disadvantages as advantages. That suffering from too many feelings of inadequacy can be a physiological disorder and something that we must combat — can combat — by identifying what we know from what we don’t know. Jill Halpern, a teacher at the University’s Comprehensive Studies Program, told me about how to nurture every part of my brain, even parts I’m not fully aware of. That love and human connection are the most important skills to learn in any classroom, even among a group of calculus students. And Dory Gannes, founder of the nonprofit Olevolos Project, a nonprofit that funds scholarships for children in Tanzania, told me not to change the world. That spending money in the right places can be challenging, that making sustainable change in a place like East Africa is almost impossible, that trusting people who later betray you can be one of the biggest mistakes. So instead of trying to move big rocks in the world, I should reconsider this dream and instead focus on bettering the world in small ways, in ways that better myself. In an age where the number of people who affiliate with any religion is declining, I’m inspired by our society’s dedication to organizations like TED. I can’t say I’m surprised though; listening to TED talks bettered me as an individual more than any sermon ever has. ILLUSTRATION BY MAGGIE MILLER
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
VISUAL STATEMENT: HIDDEN GEMS OF COLOR ADO’S PA ST Photo Essay by Zach Moore
Cost of the Experience: A Students’ spending habits at the ‘U’ By Will Greenberg, Daily News Editor
$6,406. On top of tuition, books, and everyday living
expenses, an average student will spend this amount on social expenses during their four years here. $6,406. That’s the amount it costs to truly experience social life at the University.
Leadville’s homes revel in uniqueness. The town thrived in the 60’s and this is evident in the architecture.
Just outside of Leadville, Rancho Escondido has since been abandoned but still maintains its John Wayne feeling of the Old West.
This spring break, my family and I traveled to Beaver Creek, Colorado to take advantage of the fifty-five inch base of snow and the varied terrain that make Beaver Creek and its surrounding mountain resorts sought after by amateur and professional skiers and snowboarders alike. Yet not even twenty minutes outside of the lavish environment of Beaver Creek exists a different Colorado, one that exists in its own pocket of time. Colorado has still held on to its quaint mining towns that were once the primary allure in the region, before the winter sports industry. On one of the less than optimal skiing days, I took a drive through three of these historic towns: Red Cliff, Leadville, and Georgetown. Accessed by a slim service road off of Highway-24, Red Cliff — with a population of 289 as of the 2000 census — is a town reminiscent of Twin Peaks. It embodies a different kind of culture, one which is separated from the bustling world and probably likes to keep it that way. At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville
is a bit more “modern” than Red Cliff but still a far cry from its winter resort neighbors. Leadville is the kind of town where its most popular restaurant is “The Golden Burro,” with a sister location called “The Brass Ass.” Leadville’s historic neighborhood is an art piece itself. It’s buildings revel in the unique, from fences made of pre-1970 skis to homes painted in four different shades of purple and a sign that reads, “hippies use side door.” Lastly, Georgetown exists off of the freeway that takes you to the Denver airport. Because of this, many of its shops have turned into quaint touristy gift shops, but its historical charm can still be seen in places like Hotel de Paris and the original public school house. Beaver Creek will always be one of my favorite vacation spots. For a skier, the kind of experience it offers is something that few other mountains can compare to. But Colorado is so much more than that. Colorado is filled with a rich history that can be found tucked away in the shadows of its Rocky Mountains.
Past the public school and Hotel de Paris, the Buckley Garage represents the vintage feel of Georgetown.
Red Cliff Bridge is a very popular photo for drivers on Highway-24, and is one piece of Red Cliff’s historic atmosphere.
Buildings aren’t the only vintage icons of Georgetown.
recent survey conducted by The Michigan Daily examined the social spending habits of undergraduate students, looking at what people do for fun and how much they’re paying for it. Whether going to the football or basketball games, taking a road trip with friends over a break, or scheduling a weekly meeting at a favorite bar, a variety of experiences were shown to shape a student’s love of their college experience. As found in previous Daily surveys about the school, the University is largely comprised of students who come from more affluent socioeconomic backgrounds. Over half of respondents come from households earning at least $100,000. Despite high family incomes, only 20 percent receive their primary money for “fun” from their parents. A large majority, 73 percent, earn their spending money themselves — with 37 percent making the money at an on or off-campus job and 36 percent saving money from previous jobs. The data show a wide range of favorite activities and spending habits, but in the end, one thing is clear: a large majority of students are happy with their social lives at the University. Out on the town Drinking is a major social outlet for many students. Over a quarter of students go to a party at least once a week, with 12 percent of students going out to parties two to three times a week and 17 percent reporting just once a week. Around a fifth of campus, 21 percent, goes to parties just two-to-three times a month. Twenty percent responded that they never go to parties. Bars are less popular than parties, with 15 percent going out once a week and only 7 percent going out two to three times a week. About half of students responded that they never go out to bars. However, among upper-classmen, who are more likely to be of age to go out to bars, 21 percent go once a week and 13 percent go two-to-three times a week. Public Policy senior Bobby Dishell, president of Central Student Government, said he and his friends enjoy going out to bars and restaurants. Dishell has spent a great deal of his four years working with CSG but has also enjoyed the campus social life. He said what he most enjoys is having a large friendship circle, most of whom are fraternity brothers of his. Dishell said he is fortunate enough to not have to worry much about being able to afford going out and that his friends tend to trade-off covering each other’s bills. While he said he and his friends were a “fiscally responsible” group, he added that he was a bit surprised by how quickly the expenses added up as he estimated his weekly spending. “If people are going out two-to-three nights a week, you’re usually paying cover twice so that’s $10,” he said, counting the cost of bringing along a friend or significant other. “Cabbing to-and-from is about two bucks a person. You call it two bucks a person each way, three nights — that’s $22.
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I mean, it’s warmer out, people are walking more, but call it twenty bucks a week before you even walk in the door.” On average, students spend about $39 per week on smaller social expenses. Going out to eat is the largest cost, with people spending about $18 per week. On average, alcohol costs students about $5.77 per week on campus; cover for bars and clubs costs $2.59 on average. Another $3.43 per week goes toward ingredients for homemade meals and baked goods while another $3.33 per week is spent on gas to drive places. Dishell said his circle tends to go out to the bars more often than most, and, while he can’t speak for everyone, the group is generally able to keep up with their habits. Still, he recognizes that many in his group come from a “place of privilege” and noted that many also have jobs lined up already for next year that could make up the costs later. “Something my parents always taught me was everyone spends their money differently,” he said. “There’s some people who may choose to go out way more frequently but when it comes to going to formal, which costs more money, or going to the bigger ticket items they might not do that.” Pay to play LSA sophomore Martha McKinnon joined Delta Gamma sorority early in her freshman year. McKinnon already feels connected with the women in her sorority, saying these are the best friends she’s ever had. Along with a love for Michigan football and going out to eat, McKinnon and her sisters share something else in common: paying around $890 in dues for their sorority. Sorority dues, which go toward a chapter’s social events and activities, are widely acknowledged as one of the most burdensome fees for joining an organization on campus. According to the University’s Greek life website, the median dues owed for the first semester after joining a sorority is $370, with costs ranging for subsequent semesters and additional payments often required for larger events. Fraternities have comparable dues, though the numbers were not listed on the Greek Life website. While non-Greek life organizations often also have dues, the University’s Office for Student Life, which oversees student activities including clubs, does not track the amounts each group charges. According to the survey, a majority of students participate in clubs — 63 percent at least once a week and only 21 percent participate less than once a month to never. Additionally, students spend an average of $220.96 on larger expenses per semester. Of that, about $77 goes towards dues or fees for clubs. Other large expenses include about $62 for Michigan sporting events and about $37 for overnight trips. For McKinnon, the money to pay her dues freshman year came out of her own pocket — though this year her parents covered the costs when they paid housing fees for her to live in the Delta Gamma house. See EXPENSES, Page 7B
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
ILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN MULHOLLAND
Personal Statement: Why I run by Mayank Mathur, Daily Arts Writer
E
arly on this semester, my friends and I were hit by the sudden urge to work out and get in shape. It wasn’t surprising, given that Spring Break was just around the corner. It was interesting and sometimes funny to see the varying degrees of enthusiasm with which different people hit the gym. Some seemed to be genuinely motivated and others just went because, well, everyone else was going. I was somewhere in between; it had always been my plan to start on a healthier lifestyle this semester, and seeing my closest friends go regularly sometimes pushed me when I would have normally stayed in bed watching Netflix. Most of us didn’t really know what to do at the gym once we got there, so we’d kind of do our own thing and keep an eye on each other at the same time. The fitter and more experienced among the herd would pass on their wisdom and guide us in our efforts, but even so, few of us really knew what was going on. Still, it was better than sitting at home and ordering in No Thai, and, besides, healthy competitiveness between friends is never a bad thing. We kept an eye on each other, more than we’d care to admit. It was hard not to when you work out with four other people. I usually did my work on the running track and never stepped with my friends into the weights room. Some of them teased me for “running around like a dog” on the tracks instead of doing something less mundane
than running in circles. It was funny, and sort of true — running in circles can get a little boring. But, I always did it; I can’t recall a time when I went to the gym and didn’t step onto the track. I’ve always wanted to be a good runner, ever since I saw the training sequence from the first “Rocky” movie. Seeing Rocky sprint on the docks against the backdrop of a massive ship as “Gonna Fly Now” built up still gives me goosebumps. This is why, in high school, the annual 2.4-mile race was so important to me. As a perennial overweight underachiever in school, winning the race in front of a massive crowd was literally the stuff of my dreams. One day senior year, I declared my ambition to win the race. Amused, my friends decided to set $100 at stake and give me eight months to undergo whatever preparation I needed to finish in the top three. The conviction with which they told me that I was going to fail hurt me and purely out of spite, I backed myself to prove them wrong. On the day of the race, I was more fit than before but in no condition to compete for a spot on the podium. At some stage, the passion to run had been replaced by the obligation to, and I had lost motivation. I realized that ambition cannot be fueled solely by the desire to prove others wrong. Since I was expecting my friends to mock me as I sat on the sidelines, the ordeal was brief and painless. However, once they knew I wasn’t participating, the effect of
peer pressure waned. I realized that this shouldn’t have been about their doubts of my ability. This was about my insecurities and now, I had the chance to run that race and conquer them. Ecstatic, I told my friends I was going to run. One of them looked me in the eye and said, “Don’t be stupid, sit down.” Doubt, insecurity, and fear took over once again and I was brought down to size. The whistle blew, and I was left wondering instead of realizing a dream. It was then I realized that regret isn’t the sadness of making a wrong decision. It’s the agony of realizing how easy it was to make the right one. I felt it as I watched each contestant run past me. I could’ve easily stepped onto the track to run the race, but I did what people expected of me. I didn’t even try; I just stood there watching as others lived my dream. I wouldn’t have even come close to winning, but that really wasn’t the point anymore. It was about winning self-respect so I could look at myself and be proud of something I did. The underachiever in me needed a heroic act and that was my chance to prove to myself that I was more than what I thought. Three years on, I’m no longer obese. I look and feel different. However, that twinge of regret still remains. Although it inspires me to live freely, I know that I would much rather have the memory of completing the race motivate me rather than the regret of being a coward.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
EXPENSES From Page 5B Her money is saved from a combination of earnings from previous jobs as well as a current on-campus job. While she wouldn’t categorize her group of friends as having expensive habits, McKinnon estimates she herself spends around $50 per week on dining and going out. McKinnon said money isn’t terribly influential on what her friend group does but said many of her friends are judicious about where they spend their disposable cash, as most of them work for their spending money. “Michigan’s an expensive school,” she said. “They talk about Michigan, at least when you hear about it when you’re touring, it’s sort of, ‘Oh, this amenity is included; this amenity is included; this amenity is included.’ And then you come here and you realize what’s not included.” While Greek life fees can pile up, there are other organizations on campus that require a notable starting cost. The University has 31 club sports teams, which are organized leagues that compete with teams at other schools. Club teams are largely organized by students, but often have coaches, and compete in playoffs for national championships. The average cost of a club sport is roughly $434, though the prices range from just $30 for the club running team to around $2,750 for the rowing team. LSA sophomore Sara Lin is the treasurer of the women’s club gymnastics team. While the team does receive funding from the club sports organization, members are also required to pay $100 per semester. Additional costs are added when the team travels for meets and must pay for food, lodging, and travel. Yet organized sports are less common than other activities, with only about one-quarter of students participating at least two-to-three times a month. Exercising, however, is very popular: about 66 percent reported going to a gym once a week or more frequently, with about 21 percent going daily. While 43 percent of students never play sports, 22 percent play sports at least once a week. Lin said a large portion of her time and money goes into her gymnastics team. She has been a gymnast all her life and said participating at the University — getting to spend her time in the gym with her friends — has been some of her favorite time on campus. “It’s nice to go (to the gym) after classes or something and not necessarily have to work hard and you just have two friends you can talk to or a private gym almost,” she said. The price may be steep, but for both Lin and McKinnon, the experience of joining a close-knit community makes it worth the money. “It’s been a really good way for me to build friendships, as well as find a community,” McKinnon said. “I always kind of equate it to joining any other club. I mean, there is sort of an idea that Greek life is kind of different than any other extracurricular but it’s similar in the same way that everybody finds their group through it.” Go Broke! At any given home basketball game, students pack the lower bowl, drape themselves in as much maize clothing as they can find, and jump up and down from tip-off to game’s end. Conducting the crowd is the leader of the student section, Maize Rage President Christian Tallarico. Tallarico is an Engineering junior and a seriously devout Michigan fan. Since his freshman year, Tallarico has bought both football and men’s basketball tickets every year. On top of that, he also takes several road trips to away basketball games each year, typically with fellow Maize Rage members. “I love the away games more than the home games, to be honest,” he said. “It was more fun freshman, sophomore year where we walk into an away game thinking we’re going to win and we’re confident and we’re not really taking crap from people talking to us.”
Each year, Tallarico has taken around four to five trips for away basketball and football games. He estimates the cost per trip is about $200 per person, $300 for the trip to Chicago for the basketball Big Ten tournament. Last year, the combination of football tickets, basketball tickets and an at-Notre Dame ticket cost him $700. This year, the University’s Athletic Department worked to accommodate the requests of students to make athletic events more accessible. Former Athletic Director Dave Brandon collaborated with the Central Student Government and in October 2014 agreed to reduce ticket prices for student football tickets down to $175 from $280. In February of this year, the Athletic
Whatever a student choses to spend their money on, the hope is that it goes to good use and helps create an experience that a proud Wolverine can remember for years to come. And, for the most part, it appears University students feel good about the money they spend. Department implemented need-based ticketing, offering federal Pell Grant eligible students the chance to buy significantly cheaper tickets for football, basketball and hockey. As CSG President, Dishell was instrumental in this latest deal and said the number of Pell Grant-eligible students buying tickets has already increased 20 percent. Additionally, Tallarico said the department has been helpful to the Maize Rage as well, particularly for Big Ten tournament tickets, which are offered at a discount from regular season tickets. Apart from these larger purchases, Tallarico said he and his friends rarely have any other social expenses. Tallarico saves
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his money from jobs and internships over the summer then budgets his sports year ahead of time, rarely going out to eat or to other events. For him, putting his money into tickets and his time into the Maize Rage is the only way to go. “For most of us it’s a big reason why we’re here and if you want to get together with us I can assure you you’re going to be at the front of all the basketball games, you’re going to have the opportunity to get all the away tickets,” he said. What are you really paying for? Whatever a student choses to spend their money on, the hope is that it goes to good use and helps create an experience that a proud Wolverine can remember for years to come. And, for the most part, it appears University students feel good about the money they spend. When asked whether they felt money played a significant role in their social lives, 38 percent of students agreed and 20 percent strongly agreed. A majority of students feel they are able to “keep up” financially with their friends, with 43 percent agreeing and 16 percent strongly agreeing. A majority also disagree that “money has inhibited their social life” at the University — though 18 percent agreed and 4 percent strongly agreed with that statement. There were still variances in response. Students coming from homes making less than $100,000 annually were less likely to agree that they can keep up with their friends financially than those coming from houses making $150,000 or over. Of students from the higher socioeconomic bracket, 38.86 percent strongly agreed that they have a great social life, compared to the 16.42 percent of lower-income students who strongly agreed. Engineering junior Joe Spurlin handles all his money personally, socially, or otherwise. Spurlin classifies himself as middle class and receives financial aid through federal grants, as well as money for the University. He supplements this with a part-time on-campus job. Spurlin spends roughly close to the average per-week amount, estimating at around $30. He also participates in a local hockey league and has football and hockey tickets. However, Spurlin said he has to spend extra effort managing his money, because his money for housing, food, and social activities all come from the same place. For him, keeping up with his friend group can become difficult at times. “I do have friends who their parents pay for everything in terms of tuition and housing so that all the money they make, all the money they have is stuff that they put towards lunch and dinner and stuff like that,” he said. “It always feels like they can spend more freely than I can.” While Spurlin is undoubtedly not alone in this experience, University students aren’t exclusively spending money to have fun. A large portion of students are having fun for cheap, frequently hanging out with their friends with no specific activity. A resounding 72 percent of students “chill” two-to-three times a week, or more frequently. Watching TV and movies are also popular activities, with 56 percent watching at least two-to-three times a week, if not daily. Video games are less popular: only about one-quarter of students play at least once a week. The University also provides a considerable amount of free or reduced-price activities. The Michigan Union’s Umix offers a free meal on Friday nights, a variety of programs provide accessible tickets to on-campus shows, and, though many clubs do require dues of some sort, there are still plenty of free organizations for students to get involved in. In the end, 70 percent of campus believe they have a great social life that they will look back on fondly. Though the University might have expensive taste, at the very least it appears a good portion are able to find their social niche, wherever it may be. “Spending time in lounges, we all watch ‘The Bachelor’ on Mondays together, that’s just like a social event that we do without spending money,” Spurlin said. “You can have a good college experience regardless of the amount of money you have.”
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 // The Statement
VISUAL STATEMENT: SURVIVING APPAL ACHIA
Danny said “being out here is all I need” of his mountain home. Companies are currently fighting for the ability to conduct mountaintop removal on some peaks in Danny’s backyard. This practice would pose multiple environmental problems like stopping regional rainfall.
Photo Essay by
Luna Anna Archey
The Lankfords were caring for their daughter’s dogs, Bobo and Duchess, after her move out of her ex-husband’s houswe. The couple was taking care of seven dogs in addition to a new litter of a dozen puppies.
Brad Paisley warbles that you’ll never leave Harlan alive. At the beginning of this March, my Alternative Spring Break service trip traveled to the area depicted on FX’s popular series, “Justified,” where jaw-dropping mountains, hard-nosed Southern charm, and rusted remains of a formerly dominant coal-mining industry meet in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. We spent the school year learning about rural poverty in Appalachia, but it wasn’t until we got there that we realized the realities behind the rust. In our short stay, we had the privilege to be welcomed by families living in the area. The Lankfords were one such family. Danny Lankford and his wife, Rita, have been fighting cancer and bankruptcy in Harlan County, Kentucky. Ever since Danny was laid off from the coal mines, they have had a continuing string of troubles. Nine years ago a mining company bought out the couple’s previous home and they were forced to relocate their residence. A diagnosis of prostate cancer forced Danny into retirement from city
The last day we visited, all of the puppies that had shared a room with Danny and Rita were adopted except for the runt, Minnie.
Danny and Rita traded home cookied meals and conversation for our work repainting and sprucing up the interior of their home.
work. Just two years later Rita was diagnosed with colon cancer, adding to their financial strain. Danny lists these calamities nonchalantly, as if they are just a part of life in Harlan. Danny and Rita’s story is complex. Many members in the community share their struggles, where the remnants of a once-booming industry remain destructive to the environment and the lives of residents living in the valleys. “The industrial revolution in America of manufacturing is over with,” Lankford said. “It’s been over with here for a long time. We’ve basically been left out, left behind. We don’t really count no more. “We can survive. That’s what the people in Appalachia been doing before coal came, they survived.” Despite the circumstances, Danny is perfectly content doing just that; surviving. As he looked off his deck into his own mountain ‘paradise,’ he explained that he has no desire to ever leave Harlan, alive or dead. “At this age, you can’t make no dreams come true, just live out the ones you made,” he said.
The Lankfords daughter recently underwent a divorce from her abusive husband. He was a nurse, and Danny claims the desensitization to violence might have been a factor in his actions.